《Finest Servant》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1


    Chapter 1 Young Master, Young Master (Part 1)


    The spring breeze was gentle and the willows swayed. The vast and smooth Xuanwu Lake shimmered with golden light in the sunset. The surface of the spaciouske sparkled with ripples, and boats shuttle back and forth. Laughter could be heard from the boats, but it was unclear which youngdies were on board, making the scene lively.


    Countless schrs and officials stood sternly at the bow of the boat, gazing at the flower boats on which the wealthy youngdies were seated, revealing a wolf-like look of desire. As they approached the flower boats, they suddenly put on a righteous and aloof demeanor, not looking askance, gently swaying their folding fans, reciting poems andposing essays, disying their romantic charm.


    Several official boats glided across theke, their curtains drawn. The youngdies hiding behind the curtains secretly nced at the handsome and talented mening and going, selecting those they favored.


    Standing by Xuanwu Lake, if there was a word to describe Lin Wanrong''s mood at this moment, it would be "unlucky," truly unlucky. He had been here for a month, and his bad luck had not left him. Perhaps his bad luck had apanied him since the moment he decided to join thepany''s tour group to Mount Tai. Especially when he saw that girl''s name on the travel list, he felt uneasy.


    And the fact proved his spection correct.


    Lin Wanrong spat fiercely into theke, feeling slightly better, with a sense of satisfaction. It felt so good to spit like this. It had been a long time since he felt so relieved. Damn, in this day and age, there shouldn''t be an olddy with a red armband skipping over to fine me fifty bucks, right?


    Lin Wanrong looked at his reflection in the clear water, with sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, a straight nose, and a friendly smile. If he were dressed in official robes, he would probably be more charming than those foolish literati who liked to recite broken poems in theke.


    Unfortunately, his shabby green cloth robe and the broken shoes on his feet were somewhat shabbypared to the attire of those talented men. Coupled with his short hair that was different from the pedestrians on the road, he could not even tie a kerchief on his head, making him look out of ce in this environment.


    As the girls passed by the roadside, they took one look at Lin Wanrong''s attire andpletely disregarded his face, passing him by and directing their gaze towards the so-called talented gentlemen standing shivering at the bow of the ship, braving the icy winds.


    Suddenly, the beauties by the roadside rushed towards theke, frantically staring at the distant horizon. Their sweet cries of amazement filled the air.


    "Wow, look, it''s the number one talented gentleman of Jinling, Hou Yuebai!"


    "Wow, he''s so handsome!"


    "Wow, he''s so devoted!"


    "Who is the luckydy who has captured his heart?"


    Following the girls'' gaze, Lin Wanrong looked ahead and saw three painted boats floating downstream. Each boat was two stories tall, measuring about six or seven meters in height. Lanterns hung high while the roofs of the boats were adorned with flying eaves and towers, exuding a magnificent aura.


    On each of the three painted boats, gs were flying high, while a huge banner hung from the roof of both the left and right boats. On the right, the banner read "The Spring Breeze Touches My Heart," while the one on the left read "Only for You, My Heart Leans."


    In the middle boat, a young gentleman stood at the bow, holding a fan and wearing a gentle smile on his face. He had a refined air and was dressed in flowing robes, emitting an irresistible charm.


    Across from the three boats was an even bigger and more exquisite painted boat than the one belonging to Hou Yuebai. It had flying eaves and towers, exuding an aura of grandeur that was hard to put into words. Unfortunately, the curtains were drawn tightly, making it impossible to see the people inside. On the bow of the boat, a giantntern danced in the wind, bearing a golden word: "Luo."


    "Oh, it''s Miss Luo, the number one beauty and talenteddy in Jinling," a woman standing beside Lin Wanrong eximed loudly, her face full of excitement. It was clear that she was a fan of Miss Luo.


    What is the Jinling''s number one talent? Lin Wanrong doesn''t care about that. And this Jinling''s number one beauty, who is also a talented woman, makes him somewhat disdainful. These days, any woman who knows how to y with words ims to be a beauty. In his time, there were more female writers who relied on their bodies than fleas on a cow''s head, so he''s not surprised at all.


    "I heard that Hou Gongzi has been pursuing Miss Luo for two years now. As the son of the Jinling magistrate, and a renowned talent in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, with his family background and literary talent, ah, if I were Miss Luo, I would have died of happiness a long time ago," a lovestruck woman said.


    "Hmph, Miss Luo is known as the number one talent and beauty in Jinling. In terms of literary talent, she''s not inferior to Hou Gongzi. She''s also the daughter of the governor of Jiangsu, so her family background is even higher than Hou Gongzi''s. Therefore, Miss Luo may not necessarily be interested in Hou Gongzi," another woman, who was obviously a die-hard fan of Miss Luo, analyzed.


    "In my opinion, Jinling''s number one talent and number one beauty are a perfect match, naturally meant for each other. Not just in Jinling, but in the entire Jiangsu and Zhejiang region, it would be difficult to find another pair aspatible as them," the lovestruck woman added.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly. Women are naturally gossipers, it''s the same in any era.


    The romantic Hou Gongzi had already stopped his painted boat next to Miss Luo''s boat on theke. He was bowing with sped hands, obviously saying something to Miss Luo in her boat.


    After a long time, a pretty maidservant finally emerged from Miss Luo''s boat and said a few words to Hou Gongzi on the bow of his boat. Hou Gongzi''s face went through a wave of disappointment, followed by a wave of joy.


    Lin Wanrong was too far away to hear what they were saying, but he could tell that Hou Gongzi''s facial expressions were strange. Did Miss Luo ept or reject him? Why was this monkey-like Hou Gongzi constantly changing his emotions?


    The lovestruck woman and the fan were obviously equally confused. As they watched Miss Luo''s boat slowly move towards the center of theke, Miss Luo''s fan said happily, "See, I told you, Hou Gongzi may not be able to win Miss Luo''s heart."


    The lovestruck woman snorted and said, "I''m not so sure about that. Look at how happy Hou Gongzi is right now. Maybe he has a secret date with Miss Luo under the moonlight tonight." That could be possible. ording to the customs of this world, after all, men and women are different, and talking about love naturally requires finding a ce without anyone around. It''s easier to do things when the moon is dark and the wind is high.


    Hou Gongzi watched as Miss Luo''s boat gradually drifted away, still waving his feather fan lightly, with a smile on his face and his gaze fixed on her. The so-called charming and romantic demeanor of Hou Gongzi made Lin Wanrong feel a bit ufortable.


    "What are you so proud of? When ites to picking up girls, your grandfather''s methods are a thousand times better than yours. Look at your infatuated appearance." Lin Wanrong thought indignantly.


    It was alreadyte autumn and winter was approaching. The cold wind blew over theke, and Hou Gongzi seemed unable to bear the cold, shivering slightly.


    Lin Wanrong saw his actions clearly and couldn''t help but sneer. "Ha! You only care about your style and not your temperature. No wonder spring came so early. It turns out that you and these girls are in heat."


    Lin Wanrong''s coldughter caught the attention of several nearby women, who looked at him and saw his shabby dress and short hair. They all covered their mouths andughed softly. When they saw his face, they blushed and dared not look at him anymore.


    At 1.77 meters tall, with a straight and muscr body due to years of unwavering physical exercise, and a handsome appearance with healthy wheat-colored skin, Lin Wanrong had a charm that was more appealing than the white-faced schrs of this era.


    It''s no wonder that those women were afraid to look at him. This man had a great impact on their hearts.


    When he was studying at Peking University, Lin Wanrong was also a famous dark horse prince, and there were many female students who had a crush on him.


    "Where did this country bumpkine from..."


    "Look at his shabby appearance..."


    "Huang Xiong, standing with him would ruin your reputation. Let''s stay away from him..."


    After witnessing Hou Gongzi''s spectacle, the nearby group of schrs, whose confidence was already shattered, werepletely ignored by the women, who instead focused their attention on Lin Wanrong. How could the schrs not feel angry?

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2


    Chapter 2 Young Master, Young Master (Part 2)


    As soon as the literati saw Lin Wanrong''s shabby appearance, their arrogance returned, and they immediately disregarded his looks. Instead, they found immense confidence in his shabbiness and began to mock him with their words.


    Beforeing to this world, Lin Wanrong had been a marketing department manager in a medium-sizedpany, and having graduated from university at the age of twenty-one, he had worked hard for four years to be the youngest department manager at the age of twenty-five. He had encountered various kinds of people and had seen through many things.


    Seeing the looks of those around him, Lin Wanrong naturally knew what they were thinking. He couldn''t help but sneer in his heart. He realized that this bias towards the poor and admiration of the rich had a long history, and it was the same in every era, not just something unique to his world.


    Young Master Hou''s three painted boats slowly departed, and the crowd watching gradually dispersed. The women beside Lin Wanrong stole a nce at him and blushed before leaving.


    Lin Wanrong saw that the scenery on theke remained the same, as if nothing had happened, and couldn''t help but smile. He had seen countless scenes of boys pursuing girls during his college years, sopared to that, Young Master Hou''s confession was child''s y.


    Lin Wanrong felt a faint sense of nostalgia and thought of his former dormitory brothers, his first girlfriend, and the night they broke up, with her pained and desperate look.


    Although she had gone to the United States, Lin Wanrong knew that she had deep feelings for him. She had asked him to go out with her numerous times, and had even prepared his visa and ne tickets for him, but he had mercilessly rejected her.


    At Peking University and Tsinghua University, going abroad was a trend, but Lin Wanrong was different from them. When he graduated, he hadn''t even chosen those bigpanies. Instead, he had opted for a medium-sizedpany.


    He had a deep attachment to his hometown. Lin Wanrong believed that one sentence from him would make his girlfriend remember it for the rest of her life: "I don''t want to see the world through my ck eyes, which in their eyes is blue."


    When she boarded the ne, Lin Wanrong didn''t go to the airport to see her off. This was not because he was heartless, but because he didn''t know what to say. This was her own choice, and she couldn''t me anyone else. Everyone must take responsibility for their actions.


    It was said that she cried uncontrobly and almost couldn''t board the ne. Apart from feeling heartbroken, Lin Wanrong also had a sense of revengeful satisfaction. Who said men couldn''t be petty?


    In the four years that followed, Lin Wanrong worked hard and chased after girls. His career flourished, but he had many girlfriends. "I was never a sentimental person by nature," Lin Wanrong would often reply with a smile to his concerned friends.


    He was livingfortably by himself until that girl came to thepany and everything changed. The girl had the title of deputy general manager, but she was Lin Wanrong''s superior. He didn''t know why she had a problem with him, but she seemed to target him at every turn and never gave him a good face.


    If it weren''t for her father''s status as the chairman of thepany, Lin Wanrong would have killed and vited her a long time ago.


    By the way, the girl''s father was the chairman of thepany.


    Whenever he thought of that hateful girl, Lin Wanrong would feel itchy with hatred. If it weren''t for her, he wouldn''t havee to this miserable ce. When he recalled the moment he fell from the top of Mount Tai, the girl''s expression seemed off. She looked like she was in pain, and Lin Wanrong vaguely remembered her pulling him up or him pulling her up, and then it seemed like she followed him and jumped down.


    Of course, these memories were uncertain. At the time, Lin Wanrong was already disoriented and couldn''t tell which way was north, south, east, or west. These hazy memories couldn''t confirm what had happened at that time.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t believe that the girl would jump down by herself. He had fallen off Tai Mountain and that girl was probably too happy to even care.


    Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth in anger towards the girl for a moment, but then decided not to think about her anymore. He was naturally optimistic, even a bit arrogant, but in this new and unknown world, who wouldn''t be arrogant?


    His thoughts returned to the present situation. Xuanwu Lake was shimmering and countless talented men and women were gathered here, exchanging witty banter. The beautiful scenery of Jinling was truly worthy of its reputation as a ce of flowers, fragrance, and snow by the Qinhuai River.


    However, rumors of war in the north were spreading, yet these so-called talented men and women seemed oblivious to it all, indulging in their frivolous pursuits. This only proved the saying, "Northern wolves, southern literati."


    Having been here for some time now, Lin Wanrong began to view things from a local''s perspective. "The warm breeze intoxicates the traveler, mistaking Hangzhou for Bianzhou," he softly recited a poem. In this ce, any poem recited by Lin Wanrong belonged to him and him alone.


    As someone who worked as a market manager on the front lines for years, Lin Wanrong had seen all sorts of shameless things. Compared to the dirty and shameless underground dealings, reciting a poem made him feel as pure as a virgin in kindergarten.


    Watching another talented man being invited onto a rich girl''s official boat for a "sincere conversation" on Xuanwu Lake, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help feeling a bit envious and resentful of his own situation. He spat into theke, fiercely and disdainfully, wishing that these reckless guys who only cared about picking up girls would drown in his saliva.


    "The warm breeze intoxicates the traveler, mistaking Hangzhou for Bianzhou. Brother, this line is truly exquisite, exquisitely so," a crisp voice sounded behind Lin Wanrong, apanied by the sound of a small fan tapping against a palm, as if apuding him.


    The clear voice slowly repeated the poem he had just recited, with a hint of appreciation in its tone.


    Finally, someone appreciated me, Lin Wanrong smirked, feeling a bit pleased. Although he didn''t write the poem, he could recite it, which was quite impressive. His father, a Chinesenguage teacher at a rural elementary school, had made him memorize many Tang and Song poems since he was young, to improve his memory.


    Lin Wanrong turned around slowly and saw a handsome young man with a face as white as powder, smiling at him.


    The reason why he used the term "handsome young man" was because this young man truly deserved it. With willow-shaped eyebrows, phoenix-like eyes, vermilion lips, starry eyes, and holding a small white fan in his hand, he was dressed in a light yellow long robe, standing there like a willow swaying in the wind, exuding an indescribable charm.


    Lin Wanrong had never seen Song Yu or Pan An, but he estimated that those two guys couldn''tpare to the handsome young man in front of him.


    Although Lin Wanrong also considered himself to be handsome, charming and elegant, he had only been here for a little over a month, and still strongly rejected this kind of environment. Another reason was that this guy had a feminine air about him, clearly a rich young master who liked to y around in the inner chambers all day long,pletely different from Lin Wanrong''s dark horse prince style.


    Therefore, when it came to being handsome and charming, Lin Wanrong couldn''tpete with him. Out of all the youngdies and gentlemen he had met in the past month, there was not a single one who couldpare to the handsome young man in front of him.


    Besides the handsome young man stood a delicate young servant, who was also incredibly good-looking.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3


    Chapter 3 Young Master, Young Master (Part 3)


    The master and servant duo looked at Lin Wanrong and smiled together. The young servant stared at Lin Wanrong''s short hair, as if he wanted tough but didn''t dare to. His face turned red with suppressedughter.


    Lin Wanrong naturally knew that the boy was mocking his short hair, but seeing the boy''s small and cute appearance, he didn''t want to make him feel ufortable. So, he generously waved his hand and said, "Little brother, if you want tough, go ahead. Don''t make yourself ufortable."


    Hearing Lin Wanrong not calling himself a young master or a brother, the stunning young man was somewhat surprised. The handsome young servant, on the other hand, looked at Lin Wanrong andughed without restraint.


    The voice was crisp, and Lin Wanrong thought he sounded like a woman. He had read many novels about women dressing as men, but when he studied the chests of the two individuals closely, they were t and smooth, perfectly suitable fornding a Boeing 777 or an Airbus 380. If they were women, did they cut off those two lumps? Lin Wanrong naturally didn''t believe this kind of thing, so he decided to treat them as men for now.


    However, these two individuals were so pretty that Lin Wanrong still felt uneasy. Could it be that they were imported goods from Thand? Although he didn''t know if Thand existed in this era, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but feel a chill down his spine and unconsciously moved closer to the edge of Xuanwu Lake.


    The stunning young man noticed that Lin Wanrong hadn''t spoken for a while and had been ncing at the pair master and servant. He felt somewhat annoyed.


    When he saw the look of disgust on Lin Wanrong''s face, the stunning young man was stunned for a moment before urgently calling out, "Young Master, Young Master--"


    After calling out a few times, Lin Wanrong finally came to his senses and hastily asked, "Brother, what''s wrong?" However, his gaze still involuntarily fell on the stunning young man''s chest.


    The stunning young man was obviously not used to being called that way. Just as he was about to speak, he noticed that Lin Wanrong''s gaze was still fixed on his chest, as if he was examining something.


    The stunning young man became extremely angry, but couldn''tsh out. He could only re fiercely at Lin Wanrong, as if he wanted to eat him alive.


    Lin Wanrong had thick skin and was naturally unafraid. He didn''t avert his gaze and looked directly at the young man''s chest, making the young man''s face turn white and red alternately, but he dared not speak.


    "What are you looking at, you brat?" The stunning young man had not yet spoken, but the young servant next to him could not bear it any longer.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment and couldn''t help but chuckle inwardly. What was he studying on the chests of two men? After pondering for a while, he came up with no result and decided to treat them as Thai goods. Fortunately, Lin Wanrong had been to Bangkok and Yangon several times before and was not particrly averse to these matters. He lifted his head and looked straight at the handsome young man, saying, "Brother, did you call me for something just now?"


    At this moment, the two of them stood side by side by the Xuanwu Lake, appearing to outsiders like two literati discussing poetry and art. Only Lin Wanrong knew the truth about himself: a literatus? More like a wolf in sheep''s clothing.


    The handsome young man''s face improved slightly when he heard Lin Wanrong''s normal address. Nodding, he asked, "May I know where you are from, Brother?"


    Lin Wanrong''s gaze fell on the handsome young man''s face. White and delicate, as if it could be broken with a single blow, it was like a piece of crystal clear jade that could evoke endless reverie.


    Lin Wanrong secretly swallowed his saliva, feeling amazed. It turned out that not only did the South of the Yangtze River produce beautiful women, it also produced such exquisite male beings.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong staring at him intently, the handsome young man blushed and said nothing, giving him an angry re.


    Lin Wanrong quickly turned his head away, not daring to look at him anymore. Now he believed that Thand must exist. Otherwise, where would such "beauty"e from?


    "From your ent, it seems that you are not a local person. And Brother, your title is also quite interesting," said the handsome young man, finding something to say to Lin Wanrong as his face returned to normal.


    "Oh, yes, I am indeed not a local," Lin Wanrong smiled falsely, "Ie from thend of Jingchu, a person from the Two Lakes region."


    Lin Wanrong did not lie. His hometown was in Hubei Province. The reason why he was standing in front of this handsome young man today was just because he happened to take the wrong path.


    "Only Chu had talent since ancient times. I didn''t quite believe it before, but after hearing the beautiful verses Brother just recited, I have no doubts anymore," said the handsome young man sincerely.


    "Alright, alright," Lin Wanrong coughed twice and smiled, "This Brother, please tell me what brings you to me."


    "I heard Brother recite such beautiful poetry just now, but it seems to be just thest part of a poem. I know it is extraordinary and it has boosted my spirit. But I wonder if there is an upper part to this poem? Can you let me indulge my ears?" The handsome young man asked hopefully.


    So he was a poetry fanatic, Lin Wanrong realized. With a deep smile, he replied lightly, "Beautiful verses are heaven-sent, and a gifted hand may sometimes receive them by chance. With these two sentences, I have already expressed my innermost thoughts. I am satisfied with that. Why bother talking about upper and lower parts? It''s better not to force it."


    Lin Wanrong was a master at ying games in the business world. He intentionally teased this young man to get some benefits. After all, who would do something for free?


    Indeed, the handsome young man wore an expression of admiration on his face as he bowed to Lin Wanrong, saying, "Brother, you truly possess a refined and superior bearing. I have learned much from you."


    In this era, it wasmon for people topose poetry and couplets, with the upper part of the verse always corresponding to the lower part. There were also stories of people paying a fortune for a single verse. However, someone like Lin Wanrong, who only focused on the lower part of the verse and paid little attention to the upper part, was not unheard of but definitely rare.


    Seeing the expression of admiration on the handsome young man''s face, Lin Wanrong felt a sense of pride and modestly replied, "How can I ept such praise? I am truly ashamed."


    The young servant boy in the green clothes next to him chuckled, finding Lin Wanrong''s unusual manner of speaking somewhat awkward.


    "The likes of Brother, who possess such pride and talent without arrogance, are far superior to those so-called literary talents who show off their skills in the world," said the handsome young man, his gaze fixed on those gentlemen who were showing off their literary talent in boats on theke, his face revealing a hint of contempt.


    "Oh?" Lin Wanrong was surprised to hear this. Although he had only been here for a little over a month, from what he had seen, people in this world valued literary talent over martial prowess. Those who excelled in writing were highly esteemed, and in the imperial examinations, one''s literary talent was the key to sess. As long as one wrote well, there was a bright future in this world.


    But how could this handsome young man, who seemed to possess extraordinary literary talent, hold such a bias against his fellow gentlemen?


    Nevertheless, the young man''s words were very well-spoken, and he ttered Lin Wanrong very effectively. Lin Wanrong felt very pleased and thought to himself, "If this kid had been in my formerpany, he would have made an excellent salesman."


    "Young talents and beauties from Jiangnan have been famous since ancient times, and their reputation has spread throughout the world. Although there are also talents in Jingchu, both in terms of quality and quantity, they are slightly inferior to those of Jiangnan," Lin Wanrong said, pretending to be modest.


    "Quality? Quantity?" The handsome young man frowned, finding it difficult to understand the "new terms" Lin Wanrong had introduced.


    "Oh, in simple terms, it means good or bad and the number of something," Lin Wanrong exined, sweating profusely from trying to exin these concepts to someone unfamiliar with this world.


    The handsome young man nodded, nced at him, and smiled, "Brother, your exnation is truly unique. This is the first time I have heard of such terms."


    When the handsome young man smiled, two small dimples appeared on his face, and Lin Wanrong''s heart couldn''t help but tremble at his handsome appearance.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4


    Chapter 4 So, You''re a Little Girl (Part 1)


    "After hearing the couplet that you recited just now, I know that you are a person of great ambition," the stunning youth stoppedughing and looked at theke, pondering. "As you said, the south of the Yangtze River is abundant with talented individuals and beauties, with many literati and poets. Their couplets are famous throughout the world. These are their strengths, but also their weaknesses."


    "Oh?" In this era, there are still people who think about these things. Lin Wanrong became interested. "Thisdyb- oh, my friend, what does this mean?"


    He almost slipped and almost said the word dyboy". Although he estimated that this youth did not know the meaning of that word, exining it would only embarrass him greatly.


    The handsome youth nodded and said, "Since the founding of our dynasty by Emperor Taizu, we have had the habit of valuing literature over martial arts, especially in the south. Talented men and women are proud of their literary talents and charm. During times of peace, this is not wrong, but in times of national crisis when the enemy is invading from the north, they still remaincent and ce the country in peril. A country, a home- only with a country can there be a home. If everyone is like them, ''the warm breeze intoxicates the traveler, mistaking Hangzhou for Bianzhou'', then what hope is there for our Great Hua Dynasty?" The more he spoke, the angrier the monster youth became, with rage filling his face.


    Lin Wanrong had been in this world for a month now and knew that this era was called the Hua Dynasty. The emperor''s surname was Zhao, and the capital was in Shuntian.


    He heard that the foreign tribes were invading the northern border, and the Great Hua army was losing ground and retreating step by step. Fortunately, although the barbarian army was fierce, they did not expect the Great Hua army to copse so quickly. The barbarian army''s food and preparations were insufficient, and it happened to bete autumn and early winter. They had to temporarily suspend their attack and retreat to the grasnds while reorganizing and preparing for the next year''s full-scale invasion of the central ins.


    During the previous Song Dynasty, Bianzhou was the capital city. When the external enemies invaded, threatening the safety of Bianzhou, the Song court had no choice but to relocate to Hangzhou, making Bianzhou a subordinate capital. When the Hua Dynasty''s ancestors established the dynasty and drove out the barbarians, they could never forget the shame of Bianzhou''s subordinate capital status. Therefore, when Lin Wanrong said "mistaking Hangzhou for Bianzhou," this handsome youth could understand and sympathize with his feelings. (Note: This book is set in apletely unfamiliar world, and this Song Dynasty is not the Song Dynasty we are familiar with, but just happens to have the same name. There will be an exnationter in the book.)


    Although Lin Wanrong felt somewhat out of ce in this world, he knew that since he had arrived here, he had to immerse himself in it. Regardless of anything else, these were his fellow countrymen, and he could not allow outsiders to bully them.


    "A country must be strong both culturally and militarily, and one cannot do without the other. It''s better to have less of this kind of peace achieved through superficial disys of harmony." The stunning young man finally made a concluding statement with a look of concern for the country and the people.


    At first, Lin Wanrong thought this damndyboy only looked so beautiful because he was always hanging out in the powder pile. He didn''t expect him to have some ambition. His impression of the young man changed significantly.


    However, for Lin Wanrong at the moment, the temporary responsibility of making the country prosperous and the people strong was not his, so he did not show much interest.


    The stunning young man was dissatisfied with the literati on theke and his words seemed to make some sense. But Lin Wanrong''s professional experience told him that this matter was not as simple as it seemed on the surface, so he could notpletely agree with the stunning young man''s words.


    Lin Wanrong snorted, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, nor paying attention to the stunning young man. He just looked at theke, not saying a word.


    The stunning young man saw Lin Wanrong''s expression and thought he was also an official. He furrowed his eyebrows and asked, "Brother, do you have any aplishments?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "I have not even taken the imperial examinations." Damn, you only know how to drop your brush, I can do that too. But this kid''s eyesight is really bad. Have you ever seen a schr with exposed toes in coarse cloth?


    The stunning young man asked again, "Have you ever passed the county level examinations?"


    Lin Wanrong continued shaking his head and said, "I don''t even know which direction the examination hall is in."


    The stunning young man was surprised and said, "If that''s the case, brother, you can''t even be considered a schol--" He stopped halfway through his sentence, realizing his mistake and hastily took back the rest of his words.


    Lin Wanrong understood his meaning, and was furious. Damndyboy, what kind of eyesight is that? If I wasn''t an educated person, could I havee up with that timely and appropriate poem? As a graduate of Peking University, to put it in modern terms, he was a student of the National University, and in a few years, he might even be able to be a sacrificial official at the National University. How dare you disrespect me like that.


    However, speaking of this era''s literature, Lin Wanrong had indeed not read many books. The androgynous young master was right to say that he could not be considered a man of letters, but it was not entirely without reason.


    Lin Wanrong felt extremely unhappy in his heart and let out a light snort. He recited slowly, "Beyond the mountains, beside the towers, when will the songs and dances by the West Lake end? The warm breeze intoxicates the travelers, mistaking Hangzhou for Bianzhou."


    The androgynous young master''s eyes brightened, and he pped repeatedly, eximing, "Excellent, excellent! What a beautiful poem! Brother, you are truly remarkable. With this one line, no one under the heavens canpare to you."


    Even the servant who had been coldly looking at Lin Wanrong showed a look of reverence.


    Lin Wanrong found it amusing that the androgynous young master''s ttery philosophy was despicable, but he seemed to have caught onto his pulse, and this ttery made him feelfortable.


    However, the androgynous young master always talked down on literary men and officials, yet he couldn''t praise Lin Wanrong''s poem enough. It was truly ridiculous.


    The androgynous young master was a very shrewd person, and when he saw the expression in Lin Wanrong''s eyes, he seemed to understand his meaning. He quickly said, "Sir, please forgive me. I absolutely do not mean to look down on men of letters. It''s just that the country is in a difficult situation right now, and I can''t bear to see the schrs of Jiangnan acting like ''when the country is in danger, no one cares about me.'' That''s why I spoke out of turn. Sir, you are a man of great virtue and talent. Please forgive me."


    As he spoke, he actually lowered himself and bowed to Lin Wanrong to show his apology.


    Seeing that this guy had a very good attitude towards his apology and was extremely skilled in ttery, Lin Wanrong didn''t bother with him anymore. He pretended to be kind and helped him up, saying, "May I ask for your name, Brother?"


    "I dare not, I dare not. My surname is Xiao, Xiao Qingxuan." The androgynous young master quickly bowed respectfully.


    "Oh, so you''re Brother Xiao. My surname is Lin, and I am Lin Wanrong." Lin Wanrong said with a smiling face, without any hint of respect.


    "I see, it was Brother Lin. Please forgive me for my rudeness earlier." Xiao Qingxuan looked at Lin Wanrong and revealed two dimples on his white face, apanied by a blush. There was an indescribable coquettishness in his eyebrows and eyes.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5


    Chapter 5 So, You''re a Little Girl (Part 2)


    "Brother Xiao, let''s talk, let''s talk." Lin Wanrong sneered coldly, "As you said, I am indeed not a schr." Seeing the embarrassment in Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes and sensing he wanted to say something, Lin Wanrong waved his hand to interrupt him mercilessly.


    Xiao Qingxuan could only bite his lip lightly, and give Lin Wanrong a slight smile, revealing a set of white teeth. His handsome appearance made Lin Wanrong''s heart skip a beat, but he quickly turned his head away, feeling irritated.


    Damn, this deaddyboy is actually flirting with me. Lin Wanrong was extremely annoyed, but he couldn''t do anything about it.


    After finally adjusting his mood from being nauseated, Lin Wanrong continued, "Although I am not a schr, I do not agree with theircency. But I do not me them, because the root of the problem is not with them."


    "Not with them?" Xiao Qingxuan, thisdyboy prince, furrowed his eyebrows and asked, "I wonder what Brother Lin means by this?"


    "It''s simple," Lin Wanrong said slowly, "what we see now is a reflection of the people''s livelihood in this country. And the people''s livelihood is a barometer of a country''s governance. Oh, do you understand what a barometer is?"


    Xiao Qingxuan showed a forced smile, and Lin Wanrong was toozy to exin it to him. He continued, "The scene you see now on Xuanwu Lake, with the abundance of officials anddies shuttling back and forth, is the result of the country''s public opinion."


    Lin Wanrong was still not used to this unfamiliar ce, so he directly referred to it as "this country."


    "Public opinion?" Xiao Qingxuan clearly encountered another noun obstacle. He frowned cutely, which reminded Lin Wanrong of the story of Xi Shi holding her heart.


    Damn, why did I think of such a nauseating metaphor? Lin Wanrong shook his head quickly, trying to get rid of the terrible thought.


    Xiao Qingxuan looked at him and shyly asked, "Mr. Lin, can you exin to me what public opinion means?"


    This kid really had a passion for learning. Now he called Lin Wanrong "Mr.," which reminded him of another meaning of that title. Lin Wanrong suddenly felt a chill down his spine. He would rather ask God to castrate him than be thisdyboy''s teacher.


    "Brother Xiong, can you please not call me ''Mr.'' in the future? Honestly, I am a little allergic to this title," Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but frown.


    Xiao Qingxuan paused for a moment, then agreed, "Okay, Mr. Lin."


    Lin Wanrong rolled his eyes helplessly. This damn creature was truly incorrigible.


    Xiao Qingxuan apparently realized his mistake and blushed on his fair, jade-like face. He smiled apologetically at Lin.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t bother arguing with him. This was the first time he had spoken so much to anyone since arriving here a month ago, and he was almost suffocating. Anyway, he had plenty of time. It was difficult to find someone to listen to him ramble on about these things in this run-down ce.


    "As for the so-called public opinion orientation, or propaganda, as long as you grasp the direction of the propaganda, it''s not a problem to create any kind of public opinion. If you want these officials to be happy and carefree, they will be. If you want them to be generous and patriotic, they will be. It all depends on the flexible use of means," Lin Wanrong said indifferently.


    Xiao Qingxuan was indeed clever and immediately understood what he meant. He became excited and said, "Mr. Lin, you mean we control the pub--" He stopped halfway through his sentence, obviously having realized what Lin meant.


    This kid was a talent, quick to react and understood the principle that words should be measured.


    Lin Wanrong smiled coldly and said, "Whether it''s happy and carefree or a national crisis, it depends on the ruling power''s level. Although we''re currently facing a national crisis, these officials are still happy and carefree, not feeling any tension. This is undoubtedly the fault of the ruling power."


    Lin Wanrong had only been here by chance for a month and didn''t belong here. He didn''t have the mindset that the emperor was superior and wouldn''t even kowtow to him. He was naturally a bit arrogant, so he didn''t bother to consider his words.


    In fact, only this t-headed boy who feared nothing dared to speak his mind. Others, even if they had thoughts, wouldn''t dare to express them directly.


    Xiao Qingxuan, a loyal royalist, obviously didn''t like Lin Wanrong''s sneer. His face darkened and he coldly said, "Mr. Lin...Brother Lin, I think the current situation is not as you imagine it. The current emperor is at the peak of his power, working hard to govern the country. Although the northern enemy is invading, it''s not necessarily a bad thing. As I understand it, the current emperor has great ambitions and is reforming the government, purging the bureaucracy, umting strength, and seeking to win the war without fighting, to boost our national spirit."


    This boy actually knows to seek opportunities in a crisis, with a keen eye for it. Though he speaks in lofty terms, his words about the current emperor''s glory and prosperity are nothing more than deceiving children.


    Although Lin Wanrong has only been here for a month, he already knows that the current emperor is over sixty years old and has no children due to his wild youth. He only has two princesses, so talk of glory and prosperity is pure deception. That old man is probably impotent by now.


    As for whether he is working hard to govern, that is not up to the emperor alone to decide. The people''s livelihood is the best evidence. Compared with the sharp contrast between the elegance and beauty of Jinling and the northern war, the four words "working hard to govern" are probably just for show in the emperor''s court.


    Seeing the confident look on this Young Master Xiao''s face, Lin Wanrong couldn''t be bothered to argue with him. He sneered and said, "Good and bad deeds are judged by posterity. Xiao Xiao, since you have such extraordinary confidence in the emperor, I hope your feelings are correct and that he can benefit the people."


    When the androgynous young man heard Lin Wanrong call him Xiao Xiao, he clearly had never heard such a name before and blushed. He red fiercely at Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong''s thick skin was impervious to his contempt, but his cute little servant''s face turned red and he clenched his fists as if he wanted to fight him.


    "Are you saying you have no confidence in the current emperor?" The Young Master Xiao''s face grew even uglier as he spoke slowly and deliberately. He seemed to have an imposing aura that ordinary people could not possess.


    Unfortunately, Lin Wanrong was immune to such bullshit aura of nobility and power. In his eyes, the young man''s petty thoughts were like a child''s squabble. However, the red color that appeared on his face made him look more handsome.


    If I were a lover of men, I would keep him. This sudden thought frightened Lin Wanrong. Who the hell is this androgynous person? He almost changed his sexual orientation.


    "Confidence?" Lin Wanrong looked at him and smiled. "Xiao Xiao, don''t ce your hopes on that old emperor. People can only rely on themselves."


    "You...!" The Young Master Xiao was so angry that his whole face turned red. He pointed at Lin Wanrong and said, "How dare you speak such sphemous words against the emperor?"


    His anger made his earlobes look like two shiny pearls with tiny red dots on them.


    "Oh, so you''re a little girl," Lin Wanrong blurted out.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6


    Chapter 6 Pushing the Beauty into the River (Part 1)


    This world was vastly different from the time of Lin Wanrong. In Lin Wanrong''s world, it wasmon for men to wear earrings, nose rings, and ear cuffs. However, in this world, the customs were simple and conservative, and such practices were considered bizarre and anyone who dared to do so would be deemed a monster and punished ordingly.


    Therefore, no man dared to wear earrings in this world, not even the transvestites.


    The girl, Xiao Qingxuan, had red ears from anxiety earlier, and Lin Wanrong only just noticed the two delicate ear piercings. No wonder she looked so beautiful and elegant; she was truly a stunning young woman.


    Lin Wanrong silently congratted himself, realizing that his sexual orientation was still very normal. However, the girl was not afraid of his shabby appearance and engaged him in conversation, disying her intelligence.


    When Lin Wanrong exposed the identity of Xiao Qingxuan, the arrogant phrase "little girl" touched a nerve and instantly destroyed the good impression she had of him.


    Xiao Qingxuan red at Lin Wanrong with rage in her eyes, her face turning red with anger. "You shameless liar!" she shouted.


    Lin Wanrong did not like Young Master Xiao earlier because he suspected him to be a Thai good. Now, he could see that Xiao Qingxuan was slender and had tight, toned legs. Without even touching her, he could feel the heat emanating from her body. Her delicate features were enhanced by her angry expression, making her even more charming.


    In terms of looks and physique, she was the most beautiful woman Lin Wanrong had ever seen. Unfortunately, based on the tness of her chess, she had some sort of binding around her chest, concealing part of her curves. He couldn''t see her true appearance and felt a bit regretful.


    Lin Wanrong stared at her chest, nodding and shaking his head, lost in thought. His expression was that of a typical pervert in the eyes of an outsider.


    Xiao Qingxuan turned pale and suddenly shouted, "I will kill you, you shameless liar!"


    She threw her fan aside, and her slender hand emitted a faint blue glow. With a powerful force, she struck Lin Wanrong''s chest like a lightning bolt.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. What was this mess? Martial arts? Magic?


    He didn''t have time to think. Xiao Qingxuan''s movements were too fast. Although he considered himself to be agile, even when fighting against two people in university, he waspletely unable to dodge her attack.


    As he watched that hand about to imprint on his chest in the blink of an eye, Lin Wanrong had only one thought: I''m a goner, and I''m going to die in the hands of an incredibly beautiful girl.


    Suddenly, he thought of his parents far away at home. If it weren''t for the unit''s organized trip to climb Mount Tai over a month ago, he wouldn''t havee here. If it weren''t for that annoying girl who forced him to carry almost everyone''s luggage, he wouldn''t have slipped and fallen into the valley. He wouldn''t have inexplicably been transported to this ghostly ce, let alone be hanging in this girl''s hands.


    Lin Wanrong suddenly became resentful. Since he was brought here, why did they have to kill him so quickly? This was clearly God ying a trick on him, and he wasn''t willing to ept it.


    In a struggle, Lin Wanrong fiercely grabbed the girl''s waist with both arms, even as her palm touched his chest. Whether it was an illusion or not, the moment Lin Wanrong touched her waist, her eyes seemed to show a hint of reluctance, and the strength in her hand correspondingly decreased.


    Even so, Lin Wanrong felt a sharp pain in his chest, and blood sprayed from his mouth like a fountain. With bloodshot eyes, he tightly sped the girl''s waist with his hands like iron pincers. The delicate and smooth feeling made Lin Wanrong''s mind sway, but his life was in someone else''s hands, and the sense of beauty quickly vanished. Lin Wanrong fiercely held her, preventing her from exerting any force with the second palm, while his feet suddenly stepped back.


    The two of them were already close to theke shore, and Xiao Qingxuan, caught off guard, never expected Lin Wanrong to suddenly erupt. He grabbed her waist, and she angrily scolded him, her face red with rage, "You shameless person, I''ll kill you!"


    This was the second time she had called Lin Wanrong shameless, and this time she really had murderous intent. The palm wind was even stronger than before, leaving no room for mercy.


    Even in severe pain, Lin Wanrong still had some rity in his mind, having anticipated that this girl would not let him off easily. He tightly hugged her waist, not giving her any room to exert force.


    Their bodies were close together, and Lin Wanrong lightly stroked her underarm with his hand. With his experience, this method of tickling had never failed, whether it was a skilled martial artist or a wealthy emperor, they would all sumb to it.


    Sure enough, the formidable girl shook all over, her arms tightening, and quickly suppressing herughter. The force gathering in her palmpletely dissipated.


    If he couldn''t seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Lin Wanrong would be a fool. "Lin Wanrong" could be written upside down three times over.


    Lin Wanrong held onto her body with all his might, not allowing her to struggle in the slightest. With a sudden kick, the two of them fell from the shore into the water, creating a spray of water as theynded.


    As Xiao Qingxuan let out a scream of shock, the handsome servant on the shore was taken aback by the sudden kidnapping of his mistress. He could only watch in despair as Lin Wanrong and Xiao Qingxuan plunged into the water together.


    Knowing well the cunning nature of this young woman, Lin Wanrong did not let go of her but instead held onto her slender waist with all his strength, squeezing her tightly against his body. He was not taking any chances - this woman was dangerous and had nearly killed him moments before. "Damn it," he thought, "I won''t let you get the best of me now."


    As they sank to the bottom of theke, the woman struggled fiercely against Lin Wanrong''s grip, leaving bruises all over his body. But he held on, ignoring the pain and refusing to release her.


    In Lin Wanrong''s current time, it was rare for women to be skilled swimmers, especially during an era where the importance of following proper etiquette was emphasized above all else. Thus, it came as no surprise that Xiao Qingxuan, who had grown up in luxury and privilege, waspletely helpless in the water while Lin Wanrong, who had grown up in a small vige by the Han River, was like a fish in the water.


    Lin Wanrong held her close, not allowing her to move an inch. At first, her struggles were strong, but soon she grew weaker and weaker, gulping down water in the process.


    Feeling triumphant, Lin Wanrong opened his eyes to see Xiao Qingxuan''s hair and clothes floating in the water. Her shoes and stockings were nowhere to be seen, and her delicate feet kicked and struggled against the water. Her long dress had be undone, revealing a gray-white undergarment.


    Despite the pain all over his body, Lin Wanrong felt anger boiling inside of him. He had suffered greatly at this woman''s hand and nearly lost his life. Without hesitation, he grabbed the waistband of her undergarment and pulled it forcefully.


    Xiao Qingxuan realized what was happening and tried to scream, but she only managed to swallow more water. As theke''s crystal clear water settled, Lin Wanrong saw her breasts freed from their bindings. Two soft, luscious mounds trembled in the water, their pert nipples teasingly visible. In Lin Wanrong''s eyes, they were at least a D-cup, and her figure was on par with that of a beauty pageant contestant.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7


    Chapter 7 Pushing the Beauty into the River (Part 2)


    Lin Wanrong was no stranger to women, so when he saw the woman''s ample bosom, he couldn''t help but swallow hard. "Damn, this girl has wrapped herself up so tightly that her breasts look like they could be an airport. If it were me, I definitely wouldn''t have the heart to do it."


    Xiao Qingxuan drank a few sips of water and, with her chest exposed by Lin Wanrong, became even more anxious. Under the panic and confusion, she struggled incessantly, her face turning pale as the water flowed into her throat. Her beautiful eyes were filled with fear as she desperately looked at Lin Wanrong.


    Although this woman was a stunning beauty, she didn''t act like one. They had just been having a pleasant conversation, but she suddenly became so vicious when she fought back. Lin Wanrong was not about to fall for her beauty trap.


    To be honest, Lin Wanrong had been feeling quite miserable since he arrived in this world. Compared to his previous life as a well-mannered white-cor worker, he had be more indulgent. He had always been a bit wild at heart, and knowing that he might never be able to go back to his old life, he didn''t want to restrain himself. He lived life on his own terms, wild and free.


    However, he still had his own principles and would never take advantage of someone, especially a woman in distress.


    He only wanted to tease this woman a little, but he would never allow such a beautiful thing to be destroyed by his own hands. Seeing the woman''s eyes grow weaker and her struggles grow weaker, Lin Wanrong raised his fist in front of her, pretending to be fierce.


    The woman twisted her body and looked terrified. She understood that in the water, Lin Wanrong was her master.


    Lin Wanrong used his ferocious gaze to signal her not to move, then slowly wrapped the undergarment around her chest, concealing her beauty. Feeling protected, the woman rxed slightly, but then felt a lightness beneath her. It turned out that Lin Wanrong had slipped under her and lifted her small buttocks with his shoulders.


    Even in the water, Lin Wanrong could still feel the smoothness and warmth of her buttocks, but unfortunately, this was not the time to enjoy it. He had to lift her out of the water and then escape underwater.


    This woman was like a hot potato that Lin Wanrong couldn''t handle at the moment, so he had to flee. Xiao Qingxuan seemed to misunderstand Lin Wanrong''s intentions and thought he was about to take advantage of her again. She couldn''t help but be anxious and kept twisting and resisting Lin Wanrong''s actions.


    Ignoring her struggles, Lin Wanrong pushed her up forcefully by stomping on the water with his feet.


    As soon as Xiao Qingxuan''s head surfaced, Lin Wanrong felt a sharp pain in his shoulder, as if a sharp object had sliced through his skin and blood gushed out.


    Just as Xiao Qingxuan took a breath of fresh air and looked around in confusion, she heard a desperate cry in the distance, "Miss--"


    A close maid dressed in men''s clothing was paddling a small boat in the distance and rushing towards them.


    Lin Wanrong and Xiao Qingxuan fell into the water together with lightning speed. Before Xiao Qingxuan''s personal maid had a chance to realize what was happening, the two figures had disappeared from sight. It was easy to imagine the terror that the beautiful maid must have felt upon seeing her mistress and the young man fall into the water in an instant.


    Xiao Qingxuan gasped for several breaths in a row and then realized that she was now more than ten feet away from the shore due to her struggle just now.


    Suddenly, Xiao Qingxuan thought of something, and her face changed. She looked around on the water and said through gritted teeth, "You,e out quickly."


    The water surface remained calm, and no one responded.


    Xiao Qingxuan snorted coldly, her face even colder, and shouted loudly at the water, "Lin Wanrong, you,e out quickly. I, I didn''t know you were trying to save me just now. Youe out quickly. My arrow was poisoned, if you don''te out now, you will die."


    Theke was still silent, and there was no movement to be seen.


    Xiao Qingxuan felt a little uneasy, but forced herself to calm down and shouted, "Lin Wanrong,e out quickly. I...I didn''t know you were trying to save me just now. My arrow was poisoned. If you don''te out now, you will die."


    Theke surface was still silent, and a few startled water birds flew over pping their wings.


    Xiao Qingxuan searched the water surface carefully but didn''t find the despicable figure. However, there were a few faint red marks scattered on the water surface. Xiao Qingxuan gritted her teeth tightly, didn''t say a word, and didn''t know what she was thinking.


    "Miss, miss, are you okay!" The close maid approached Xiao Qingxuan and pulled her onto the small boat, covering her with a clean garment. She cried and asked anxiously.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s wet hair stuck to her body, and her clothes were soaked by theke water, revealing her infinitely beautiful figure. Even her breasts, which were normally held in check, were towering majestically due to the hasty binding. Her face was that of an angel, while her figure was that of a devil.


    Xiao Qingxuan bit her bright red lips and gave a stern order, "Xiuhe, pass on my orders. Send skilled swimmers to find Young Mast - this young man. No matter how much time and effort it takes, he must be found. I want to see him alive or dead!"


    Xiuhe looked at her, puzzled as to why he would still save this detestable shameless person. Xiao Qingxuan''s face shed with a hint ofplex emotion, then she tightly clenched her fists and angrily said, "I cannot let him off so easily. Once I find him, I will personally kill him."


    After saying these words, she took a few quick breaths, turned her head without a word, and her gaze wandered aimlessly, not knowing where it fell.


    Lin Wanrong held his breath underwater and asionally surfaced near the water grass to catch his breath. He did not hear Xiao Qingxuan''s shouts at all. Even if he had heard them, he would not have gone out. Are you kidding me? You''ve already yed me like this, and you think I''ll let you have your way with me again?


    The pain in his chest came and went in waves, and the weapon in his shoulder dug deep into his flesh, causing an excruciating pain.


    "This little vixen is ruthless. I did her a favor, but got nothing in return." Lin Wanrong cursed angrily.


    Lin Wanrong knew that Xiao Qingxuan''sst attack on him waspletely instinctual. She must have thought that he was taking advantage of her again, so she gave him this painful blow. After all, a proud and conceited girl like her would not allow anyone to touch her precious butt, which was more valuable than gold.


    Damn it, it turns out this girl was always leaving herself a way out, holding a weapon in her hand. It seems that she really didn''t want to kill me, otherwise, with this hidden weapon in her wrist, she could have taken my life at any time. Lin Wanrong felt lucky.


    But why did she have to attack me again in the end? Was it because my final move was too much like a pervert, and this girl gave me a harsh blow? Lin Wanrong wondered to himself.


    Thinking of this, Lin Wanrong felt bitter in his heart. Did this little vixen think he looked like a pervert? He always thought he was very trustworthy.


    His whole body was almost numb, and Lin Wanrong didn''t even know how he managed to climb ashore. He was gasping for breath in a secluded thicket.


    A long golden arrow had prated his left shoulder, and the wound had stopped bleeding. The skin around it had turned dark, and although Lin Wanrong was not well-versed in medicine, he could tell that it was poisoned.


    This little vixen had actually smeared poison on the arrow. Lin Wanrong was furious. He didn''t know if this poison would take his life.


    At this time, more and more boats appeared on theke, most of them filled with strong men in military attire, jumping into theke to search for something.


    Lin Wanrong knew that these must be the people Xiao Qingxuan sent to find him. He didn''t expect this girl to be so vengeful. If he had known earlier, he wouldn''t have let her go in theke.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8


    Although Lin Wanrong was somewhat annoyed, he did not regret what he had done earlier. Killing a beautiful woman was obviously not a pleasant thing, but if it was just a quicky, he might have considered it. Lin Wanrong fully indulged in his fantasies about Xiao Qingxuan,forting his injured soul with his vivid imagination.


    However, his body was now damp and feverish, and he was both seriously injured and poisoned. Even if he wanted to do her, he was afraid he only had the desire but not the strength to do so.


    Fortunately, the ce where he came ashore was not far from his temporary residence, and it was getting dark, so he didn''t have to worry about anyone discovering his whereabouts.


    After observing his surroundings and finding nothing unusual, Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth and continued to avoid others as he made his way to his residence. No one paid attention to him along the way, and that girl named Xiao seemed to have no intention of searching for him in the city. Only then did Lin Wanrong let out a sigh of relief.


    Just as he arrived at his doorstep, he copsed on the ground, unable to hold on any longer, gasping for breath.


    An old ck figure slowly approached Lin Wanrong and said hoarsely, "You''re back."


    His pupils were empty, as if they had been gouged out, revealing two empty holes, which looked somewhat terrifying.


    Lin Wanrong had been with him for nearly a month, and he was no longer as afraid of him as he was at first. He nodded and said, "Yes, Uncle Wei, I just went out for a walk and almost lost my life."


    He and Uncle Wei had always spoken frankly to each other, except for his true identity, which was too difficult to ept or imagine.


    Uncle Wei didn''t say anything and slowly squatted down, cing two fingers on Lin Wanrong''s pulse. After a moment of frowning, he withdrew his hand and said, "You''ve been poisoned by a chronic soft-tendon powder. Although it won''t kill you, you''ll turn purple all over and be weak and powerless for two hours. It will take twelve hours to recover."


    Upon hearing that the poison was not fatal, Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh of relief, thinking that the girl hadn''t gone too far. But thinking back to the situation in the water just now, if the poison had taken effect then, he might have died. Thinking of this, he felt a little scared.


    "As for your internal and external injuries, you just need to rest for a few days to recover," Uncle Wei continued. Although he couldn''t see, he touched Lin Wanrong a few times and knew about his external injuries.


    Hearing that he could keep his life, Lin Wanrong''s mood improved a lot, and the pain seemed to decrease slightly. Of course, this was likely a psychological effect.


    Uncle Wei held Lin Wanrong down and said, "Bear with me, I''ll pull out the little arrows from your body."


    Lin Wanrong paused for a moment, frowning as he said, "Uncle Wei, don''t you have any anesthesia? This rough method doesn''t suit us civilized people."


    Uncle Wei was taken aback and asked, "What is anesthesia?"


    Lin Wanrong was surprised at how backward the technology was in this world. Had the great masters like Li Shizhen and Hua Tuo not appeared yet? It seemed that he was going to have to endure this pain. He reluctantly asked, "It''s a drug that temporarily numbs the area around my shoulder, so that you can remove the arrow without me feeling any pain."


    Uncle Wei shook his head and said, "I''ve never heard of such a drug. We do have knockout drugs though. Do you want to try that?"


    Lin Wanrong quickly shook his head. "No, thank you. I don''t want to take knockout drugs. Who knows what kind of side effects they might have."


    Uncle Wei then handed him his stinky shoe and said, "Bite down on this."


    Lin Wanrong quickly refused. He looked around and found two paperback books to bite on instead. He mumbled, "Alright, go ahead."


    Uncle Wei was about to proceed when Lin Wanrong suddenly eximed, "Wait a minute!" He saw the look of confusion on Uncle Wei''s face and sheepishly said, "Please be gentle when you remove the arrow. It''s my flesh and blood after all."


    Uncle Wei nodded in agreement. Lin Wanrong thought of the little girl who had caused him this trouble and felt a surge of anger. He had already cursed her ancestors eighteen generations in his heart.


    At this point, there was no point in being afraid. Lin Wanrong''s face showed a resolute expression. Uncle Wei gently grasped the golden arrow with both hands and with a slight pull, the arrow came out. Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth and bit down on the books, his face turning pale and sweat pouring down, but he didn''t make a sound.


    Uncle Wei nodded in approval, his face full of admiration. He hadn''t expected Lin Wanrong to have such a strong willpower.


    Lin Wanrong grew up in a mountain vige on the banks of the Han River, and his character had some of the toughness and perseverance of a rural child. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have been able to enter Peking University as the top scorer in the city. He couldn''t endure the pain of bone scraping, but he was able to grit his teeth and endure the pain of removing an arrow.


    Uncle Wei handed the golden arrow over to Lin Wanrong, who examined it carefully. This small arrow was made of pure gold, beautifully crafted, and engraved with the elegant seal script character "Xuan".


    Thinking of the girl who had called herself Xiao Qingxuan earlier, Lin Wanrong understood. Her name was Qingxuan, and Qingxuan was just a homophone for Qingxuan (Different characters but with simr pronunciation). "Xiao Qingxuan, Xiao Qingxuan..." Lin Wanrong murmured the name softly. It was indeed a very elegant name, and just hearing it gave him a glimpse of the person.


    The girl made me see blood, so I must make her see blood too. An eye for an eye, and being meticulous in revenge, that''s how it has to be with this girl. A cold smile appeared on Lin Wanrong''s lips.


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong mention this name, Uncle Wei''s face showed a hint of surprise. "Xiao Qingxuan? Are you sure that''s her surname?"


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t confirm what her surname was, but Qingxuan was definitely her name and it shouldn''t be fake.


    Uncle Wei asked, "Wanrong, tell me about your encounter with her today, from beginning to end."


    Uncle Wei was the first person Lin Wanrong met in this world. He had rescued Lin Wanrong from Xuanwu Lake himself, and Lin Wanrong was extremely grateful. So he recounted the events of the day and his conversation with Xiao Qingxuan to Uncle Wei in detail.


    As Uncle Wei listened, he looked increasingly surprised and impressed by Lin Wanrong''s ideas.


    When Lin Wanrong recited his poem, Uncle Wei''s face showed even greater astonishment. "Wanrong, did you really write this poem?"


    That day, during his annual vacation, Lin Wanrong had climbed Mount Tai with his colleagues. The annoying girl had forced him to carry the luggage of three or four people. It was raining and Lin Wanrong slipped, fell into the clouds, and was inexplicably sent to thispletely different world,nding in Xuanwu Lake. If it weren''t for Uncle Wei happening to pass by and save him, Lin Wanrong would probably have already died. Therefore, Lin Wanrong had deep gratitude and respect for Uncle Wei, and it was not right to deceive him about this matter.


    However, Lin Wanrong knew that the people in this ce were almost crazily obsessed with ancient poetry and literature. In order to avoid any unwanted trouble, Lin Wanrong had to brace himself and say, "Yes, Uncle Wei. This is something I happened toe across while taking a stroll around theke. It''s nothing worth mentioning."


    Uncle Wei let out a sigh and said, "Wanrong, I''ve been with you for a month now. During this time, all you talk about are things like traveling and thepany, and I''ve never seen you read a book of poetry until just recently. I thought you didn''t like poetry, but it turns out that you have a deep understanding of it. With just these few lines, none of the so-called talented schrs and beautifuldies in the world today canpare to you."


    Lin Wanrong''s face turned red, as Xiao Qingxuan had mentioned something simr to him before. At the time, he had epted it calmly, but now facing the praise from his benefactor, he felt a bit embarrassed.


    However, Lin Wanrong did not feel ashamed at all. After all, he had been mysteriously transported to this ce and needed to have something to rely on. He saw it aspensation from God.


    If anyone was truly shameless, it was that wretched daughter of the chairman who had caused Lin Wanrong so much misery.


    Thinking of that hateful girl, Lin Wanrong felt a surge of anger. He quickly controlled his emotions, tightened his abdomen and buttocks, and calmed down. Compared to that despicable girl, Xiao Qingxuan seemed quite lovely.

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9


    Chapter 9 "The Three No''s Products" (Part 2)


    Uncle Wei suddenly said, "Wanrong, what do you think about the thing I mentioned to you a few days ago?"


    "Are you talking about the thing where you wanted me to pretend to be someone else''s son?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment, but soon understood and asked.


    A few days ago, Uncle Wei had mentioned this to Lin Wanrong. The gist was that he wanted Lin Wanrong to pretend to be the son of a wealthy family. Lin Wanrong had firmly refused, and he didn''t know what Uncle Wei meant by bringing it up again today.


    Uncle Wei apparently thought Lin Wanrong was hesitating and hastily said, "Wanrong, this family is not an ordinary wealthy family. Their power is beyond your imagination. If you really go that far, you will understand what I mean."


    "Beyond my imagination? Is he the emperor or something?" Lin Wanrong coldlyughed.


    Uncle Wei "swept" Lin Wanrong with his empty eye sockets and said nothing, but his expression was unclear to Lin Wanrong.


    "Pretending to be someone else''s son, do you think people wouldn''t be able to tell? Don''t treat others like idiots." Lin Wanrong advised Uncle Wei, hoping he would give up on this idea.


    "You''re right, no one is an idiot. I can tell you that this old master will never have a son. He knows it himself, but he must find a son." Uncle Wei said.


    "Oh?" This was somewhat interesting. Knowing that the child was not his own, but still pretending to recognize him as his flesh and blood, that was indeed intriguing.


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but gossip, "Why? Are there really people who like to be someone else''s cheap dad?"


    Uncle Wei looked at Lin Wanrong meaningfully and said, "In the vast world, how many things can be achieved ording to one''s own wishes? Even members of the royal family have their own unspoken difficulties, let alone ordinary people."


    "Then why did he choose me?" Lin Wanrong smiled and discovered that he had the potential to work for a gossip magazine.


    "Because you are bold, meticulous, have unique insights, thick-skinned, and," Uncle Wei gave Lin Wanrong a mysterious smile, "because you are shameless enough!"


    Damn, I take back the question I just asked. This old Wei is totally setting me up. Lin Wanrong was annoyed, but could only shake his head and smile bitterly. The heavens yed with him like this, being shameless was not his fault.


    Not wanting to gossip anymore, Lin Wanrong spoke firmly, "Filial piety is the foundation of all virtues. Our bodies, hair and skin, are all gifts from our parents. This blood rtionship is innate and cannot be changed by anything. If Lin Wanrong were to recognize someone else as his parents, where would that leave my biological parents who raised and cared for me? Such behavior is no different from that of a beast."


    Uncle Wei pondered for a moment, then nodded and said, "I can tell, you also have a proud spirit. Well, let''s not talk about this for now. Wanrong, I will be leaving tomorrow. It''s been good to meet you today, and who knows when we will meet again."


    "What?" Lin Wanrong was shocked. Uncle Wei was the first person he had met in this world, and he could even be considered Lin Wanrong''s only rtive in this world. How could he just leave like that?


    "If you leave, who will I eat and drink with?" Lin Wanrong thought to himself.


    Uncle Wei smiled and said, "I''m almost eighty years old this year and I''ve been in Jinling City for ten years. It''s time to go somewhere else."


    Almost eighty years old? Howe he doesn''t look it at all? This old man really knows how to take care of himself.


    "Uncle Wei, where are you going?" Lin Wanrong had spent so much time with this old man that he really felt a little reluctant to see him go. Although he had been demanding that Lin Wanrong cook and clean for him all month long under the guise of being a disabled person, it couldn''t be denied that there was still some affection between them. Imagine, in this vast world, only one person you know, this kind of scene is so tragic.


    Uncle Wei did not answer Lin Wanrong''s question, but just smiled and said, "Maybe I have to go back to my hometown first. After all, I''m old and the leaves must return to their roots."


    He gave Lin Wanrong a meaningful nce and said, "Wanrong, the world is changing like white clouds and grey dogs. Maybe when we meet again, you might have the urge to kill me." Although Uncle Wei was smiling, there was a hint of mncholy in his expression that was hard to conceal.


    Lin Wanrong naturally thought that this old man was just being strange and didn''t bother to pay attention to his words.


    "Uncle Wei, where is your hometown? Do you have any family there? Are your children and grandchildren all in your hometown?" During the month that they had spent together, Uncle Wei rarely talked about his family with Lin Wanrong. Apart from knowing that he was a senior housekeeper for the wealthy Xiao family in Jinling, Lin Wanrong knew nothing about him.


    "Children and grandchildren?" Uncle Wei gave a bitter smile and looked at Lin Wanrong. "Wanrong, maybe you wille to understand my situationter. Let''s not talk about this for now. Since we have met, I''ll give you a little gift."


    He furtively pulled out an ancient, thin, colored sketchbook from his pocket and handed it to Lin Wanrong. Lin Wanrong casually flipped through a few pages and saw intricate depictions of various sexual positions: dragons wrestling, tigers leaping, leopards pouncing, cicadas hiding, and many other poses, totaling over a hundred. The characters were realistic, the actions clear, and the expressions of pleasure on the faces of both men and women were vividly captured on paper.


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes lit up. This was much better than anything he had seen before, such as yboys, men''s clubs, or even animal erotica. He had watched countless Japanese AV and Western films and had practiced with numerous girlfriends in the past. He believed he had already mastered the aesthetics of sex from ancient to modern times. But now, upon seeing this sketchbook, he realized he was only a frog at the bottom of a well. Our ancestors had already explored the boundless sea of debauchery, andpared to the diligent predecessors who had studied these subjects, Lin Wanrong felt a bit ashamed of hisck of knowledge.


    Wei, the old man, grinned at Lin Wanrong and said, "So, have you figured out what it is?"


    Lin Wanrong flipped through a few more pages, carefully feeling the aura of each sketch and reflecting on his own shorings in previous experiences. Heughed and said, "Hehe, Uncle Wei, do you have any other good stuff? Show me what you''ve got. By the way, do you have the illustrated versions of ''Jin Ping Mei'', ''The Plum in the Golden Vase'', or ''The Carnal Prayer Mat''?"


    "What are ''Jin Ping Mei'', ''The Plum in the Golden Vase'', or ''The Carnal Prayer Mat''?" Uncle Wei looked at Lin Wanrong in confusion.


    Only then did Lin Wanrong realize that such great books did not exist in this world. He couldn''t help but feel a little sorry for Uncle Wei, but he just chuckled a few times and didn''t answer. Although Uncle Wei did not understand what those books were, he could guess from Lin Wanrong''s lecherous expression.


    He ''nced'' at Lin Wanrong, gave a dryugh, and a strange andplex emotion appeared on his face. After a while, he said, ''Sigh, being a man is really great!''"


    "What? Did this 80-year-old man just make a pass at me?" Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but shudder.


    The thought made Lin Wanrong break out in a cold sweat. Although people in his time were very open-minded, if he really had to share a room with an old man like Uncle Wei for a month, how could he face others in the future?


    Uncle Wei let out another sigh and said slowly, "Don''t let those seductive techniques blind you. Take a closer look at the red lines on their bodies."


    With Uncle Wei''s reminder, Lin Wanrong noticed that the little people on the colorful pages all had thin red lines that looked like blood vessels on their bodies. Could this be the legendary map of meridians?


    "I discovered this when I was yet blind many years ago. I sneaked into the pce library and found it in a remote corner. Its origins are unknown due to its age, and no one has verified its effectiveness. But I thought this booklet was still interesting, so I''ve kept it until now," Uncle Wei said simply.


    Damn, it''s a useless product. No wonder he''s so willing to sell it to me. Lin Wanrong smirked and was about to ask why the old man didn''t try it himself.


    Uncle Wei seemed to see through his thoughts and hesitated before saying, "Due to personal health reasons, I can''t practice it myself, but I believe no one is more suitable for this technique than you."


    Is he praising me or insulting me? Lin Wanrong wondered.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10


    Chapter 10 Initiation or Enema? (Part 1)


    Since that was the case, Lin Wanrong didn''t bother to be polite with him and put the album away.


    "Although this skill is superior to the art of gathering and supplementing, if practiced improperly, it can easily fall into vulgarity. When having intercourse with a woman, remember to exchange yin and yang, especially with a virgin," Uncle Wei advised.


    What superiority to the art of gathering and supplementing? That wasplete nonsense. This technique was specifically designed for lewd thieves to practice. Uncle Wei''s words were vague, perhaps because he had not personally experimented with it, which was understandable.


    However, Lin Wanrong had only been in this world for a month and hadn''t had the chance to fall in love yet. Where would he find a woman to exchange yin and yang with? First of all, let it be known that with his standards, he would never look at a streetwalker.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s perplexed expression, Uncle Wei shook his head helplessly. "Well, I''ll give you another helping hand," he said.


    He lightly ced his palm on Lin Wanrong''s crown, and a hot stream flowed into his body, from his head to his toes, making him feelfortably warm all over. The sensation was like roasted meat in a microwave.


    It was unclear how much time had passed, but Uncle Wei finally withdrew his palm. His forehead was covered in sweat, and his face was pale as if he had aged twenty years.


    He finally looked like an eighty-year-old man. Lin Wanrong thought to himself that even if he applied cucumber slices to his face, it would be useless.


    Lin Wanrong moved his arms around, feeling a power flow through his limbs and joints, which was much stronger than before.


    After a long period of adjustment, Uncle Wei opened his eyes and said, "Although your bones are good, because you are over eighteen years old, your body parts have already settled. The initiation technique I used on you had a poor effect. I inputted seventy percent of my power into your body, but you absorbed less than ten percent."


    He shook his head while speaking, and it was unclear whether he wasmenting Lin Wanrong''s missed opportunities or his own loss of power.


    Only absorbing less than ten percent of what was inputted? That efficiency was too low. Lin Wanrong felt a bit embarrassed.


    To be honest, Lin Wanrong was twenty-four or twenty-five years old, having graduated from university with a bachelor''s degree. He had worked hard in a medium-sizedpany for four years and had been promoted to the position of department manager. In reality, he was not the eighteen-year-old that Uncle Wei had spoken of, but rather twenty-four or twenty-five.


    When Lin Wanrong fell from Mount Tai, not only did space distort, but time distorted as well. Upon arriving in this world, Lin Wanrong''s body unexpectedly reverted to its state when he was eighteen or neen years old. Therefore, Lin Wanrong now has the appearance of an eighteen or neen year old, but the heart of a twenty-five year old.


    Naturally, Lin Wanrong did not exin any of this to Uncle We, the selfless elder who had saved his life. Lin Wanrong was grateful beyond words for him.


    Looking at Uncle Wei''s pale cheeks, Lin Wanrong thought seriously for the first time that even if he was made of ss, Uncle We would still be his Uncle We.


    "Uncle We, thank you. Everything is beyond my control, and with the progress I''ve made now, I am very satisfied," said Lin Wanrong calmly. He already knew this was the case. After all, his body had been distorted by time and space, but he had still managed to survive and arrive here. That was already a great gift. What more could he ask for?


    Uncle Wei gave Lin Wanrong a thumbs up and said, "You can pick things up and let them go. That''s the mark of a true hero. Well done, Lin Wanrong. You can rest assured that even though the initiation failed, if you study the mental technique in the painting, you will surely be powerful."


    The name "Initiation" sounded strange to Lin Wanrong. He only knew of "Enema" as a technique.


    Since the initiation failed, Lin Wanrong''s interest in martial arts gradually waned. As for the painting, he might as well treat it as a pornographic book to enhancemunication and intimacy with his wife. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself, and his mood became even more cheerful.


    "Lin Wanrong, since we met, how do you feel about me?" Uncle Wei suddenly asked.


    "It goes without saying, you saved my life, and I owe you a great debt," Lin Wanrong replied without hesitation.


    Uncle Wei''s face showed a strange smile. "If I asked you to do me a favor, would you be willing to help?" he asked.


    Lin Wanrong worried that he would be asked to impersonate someone''s son again, so he quickly replied, "As long as it''s not impersonating someone and within my abilities, I will definitely do it."


    Uncle Wei nodded and said, "That''s good. Actually, it''s a simple task. I want you to go to the Xiao family and be a servant."


    "A ser-vant?" Lin Wanrong almost bit his tongue in surprise.


    He knew about the Xiao family. They were one of the wealthiest households in Jinling City, and Uncle Wei was even working for them as a senior servant. Of course, Lin Wanrong knew that this was just a way for Uncle We to conceal his true identity.


    "This old man wants me to be a servant? To serve others?" Lin Wanrong stared fiercely at Uncle Wei. If he hadn''t already spoken big words earlier, he would have already beaten Uncle Wei half to death.


    Seeing the smug smile on Uncle Wei''s face, Lin Wanrong understood that he had fallen into Uncle Wei''s trap. This old bastard not only wanted himself to be a servant, but also wanted to drag him down with him. His conscience was truly rotten.


    Lin Wanrong could almost see himself dressed in a small blue shirt and a small hat on his head, being ordered around by his master. He had always loved a carefree life since he was a child, but now he had fallen into the trap of this old man. He had to be someone else''s servant. The hatred in his heart was like the continuous flow of the Yangtze River.


    Uncle Wei didn''t even need to look at his face to know what expression he had on now. He pretended to sigh and said, "Forget it, since you''re not interested, I won''t--"


    "Hold on--" Lin Wanrong interrupted him. He knew that this old man was deliberately trying to provoke him, but he had already spoken big words earlier, so he had to bite the bullet and say, "Fine, I promise you. I''ll go to the Xiao family and be a...servant!"


    "However," Lin Wanrong''s tone changed, "it''s only for a year. That means I''ll only be a servant for a year at the Xiao family. After a year, we''ll be even."


    "A year?" Uncle Wei nodded, "A year should be enough time. Wanrong, I hope you can enter the Xiao family and make something of yourself. This is not only for the Xiao family, but also for yourself."


    A servant? Make something of himself? For the Xiao family? For himself? This old man was really good at sweet-talking. Lin Wanrong was itching to hate him. How could a servant make something of himself? This old man really had some nerve.


    Uncle Wei naturally understood what was on Lin Wanrong''s mind. A mysterious smile appeared on his face as he said, "Remember, heaven only favors those who work hard. Opportunities onlye once, and it''s up to you to seize them. Perhaps what you''ll get is something you never dared to imagine before."


    Lin Wanrong had a feeling that Uncle Wei was leading him back to the troublesome issue he had before. He wanted to ask more, but he saw that Uncle Wei had already crossed his knees on the bed and started to meditate. Obviously, he didn''t want to talk anymore.


    Lin Wanrong had to swallow his words. He was injured and extremely tired today. He cursed the cunning old man in his heart for a while and then fell asleep.


    A rustling sound woke Lin Wanrong up. When he opened his eyes, it was already dawn. Uncle Wei was packing up his things, preparing to leave.


    Seeing that he was awake, Uncle Wei leaped up from the bed and stood in front of Lin Wanrong, shouting loudly, "All good things muste to an end. Take care, Wanrong."


    Lin Wanrong quickly got up, ignoring the pain in his shoulder, and respectfully kowtowed to Uncle Wei three times.


    Although Uncle Wei had betrayed him and made him a servant for someone else, he had saved Lin Wanrong''s life. That was the truth, and nothing could change that. As a man, he had to repay his debts. Three kowtows were nothing.


    Uncle Wei quickly stopped Lin Wanrong and suddenly remembered something. "Oh, I almost forgot. Wanrong, tomorrow is the selection contest for the Xiao family''s servants. I have already registered you as my distant nephew named Lin San. Remember, if anyone calls Lin San, it''s you. Be sure to go on time."

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11


    Chapter 11 Initiation or Enema? (2)


    Lin San? The selection of house servants? Lin Wanrong almost fainted. He couldn''t even use his real name and had to go by Lin San? What kind ofpetition was this for selecting house servants? They had topete for a position just to be a servant?


    Uncle Wei saw through Lin Wanrong''s thoughts and chuckled, "A name is just a symbol. I''m sure you don''t want your real name, Lin Wanrong, to appear on the list of Xiao Family''s servants, right? Lin San is a moremon name. As for the house servant selection, don''t worry about what it is. Just remember my words: you need to be a servant in Xiao''s household. However, there will be many peoplepeting for this position, so you need to work hard and not let others take away your meal ticket."


    It was then that Lin Wanrong remembered that once Uncle Wei left, he would be left to fend for himself. Uncle Wei was actually helping him find a job by suggesting he be a servant. Unfortunately, even though Lin Wanrong didn''t care about being a servant, there were many peoplepeting for the same position. If he didn''t work hard, he might not even be able to be a servant, which would be embarrassing.


    It was just ridiculous that they had to hold a recruitment event just to select a few house servants. Who came up with this terrible idea?


    As Lin Wanrong pondered, Uncle Wei had already left and he couldn''t even see his shadow anymore. That old blind man had fast feet.


    Lin Wanrong had to face reality. If he still wanted to be a man of his word, he had to go to Xiao''s household and be a servant for a year. At least it was only for a year. He could endure it, and it would be like spending a year in a pigsty. As for the old man''s talk about making a name for himself, it was pure nonsense. If he went to Xiao''s household and said he wanted to make a name for himself, he would probably be beaten with a stick.


    Once Lin Wanrong realized this, he felt much more at ease. He only needed to pass the selection process and be a servant, then he could loaf around for a year and be done with it.


    The so-called house servant selection was just like a job fair. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself, feeling embarrassed that he had to start making money again.


    On this day, despite sustaining serious injuries, Lin Wanrong did not act on his impulses and instead stayed home to rest. Uncle Wei had left him a small thatched hut, which was sparsely furnished except for two beds and some ssical books. Lin Wanrong casually flipped through the pages and was surprised to find that many of the books were from the imperial library. He wondered where Uncle Wei had stolen them from.


    Now that his emotions had settled, Lin Wanrong was curious about this world he had been transported to and began reading the books. Although the archaguage and traditional characters were difficult to decipher, and he had to read them vertically, Lin Wanrong persevered so as not to be illiterate in this era.


    In Lin Wanrong''s original timeline, the Chu-Han Contention at the end of the Qin Dynasty ended with Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King,mitting suicide in the Wu River. However, in this world, Xiang Yu emerged victorious and beheaded Liu Bang, establishing the powerful state of Da Chu with Xiang Yu and his lover Yu Ji as its first emperor and empress.


    History had diverged in this world, and Lin Wanrong had truly arrived in a different space-time. It was like a great river branching out into different streams. In this timeline, due to the annihtion of Liu Bang, the course of history had taken a vastly different path from that of Lin Wanrong''s original timeline. There had been more than a dozen dynasties after Da Chu, until the Zhao dynasty, which established the powerful Da Hua empire a hundred years ago. Coincidentally, the corruption and ipetence of the Da Hua imperial court mirrored that of the Song dynasty Lin Wanrong was familiar with.


    During his transport through space-time, there had also been a time reversal, causing Lin Wanrong to return to the age of eighteen or neen, although his thoughts and knowledge remained that of a twenty-five-year-old. In summary, Lin Wanrong had not only gone back in time, but also found himself in a strange new world.


    Lin Wanrong had a faint feeling that the magical events that had befallen him were a cross-dimensional and cross-temporal transition. This might be an important piece of evidence for deciphering this multi-dimensional world, but unfortunately, he could not go back to his original timeline. Such frivolous concerns were best left for more brilliant minds to ponder, like Einstein''s.


    After some contemtion, Lin Wanrong continued studying history instead of dwelling on his thoughts. He spent the day diligently reading amidst a sea of books, so engrossed that he hardly noticed the pain from his shoulder wound.


    A restful night''s sleep helped soothe the ache in his injured internal organs caused by Xiao Qingxuan''s attack. The purplish-blue bruising on his shoulder had also faded away. As Uncle Wei had predicted, the poison wasn''t deadly.


    Lin Wanrong marveled at the efficacy of the golden medicine that Uncle Wei had given him. The wound on his shoulder had already scabbed over, and it was much stronger than the surgical stitches he had seen in his own time. He made a mental note to ask Uncle Wei for more of the medicine for future use.


    After tidying himself up, Lin Wanrong was pleased with his handsome reflection in the bronze mirror. Although his cloth shoes were still frayed, he didn''t care. He was not one to judge people based on their appearance, and his own looks were not too shabby, despite his modest attire.


    As he stepped out onto the street, Lin Wanrong wandered aimlessly for a while. To be honest, he was not very familiar with this city of Jinling, except for the nearby Xuanwu Lake that he had visited a few times. He had never even seen which direction the entrance of the Xiao family''s gate faced.


    He ate two fried dough sticks and drank arge bowl of soy milk on the street. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help patting his now full stomach. In this world, there was no such thing as gutter oil or moldy soybeans. Everything was fresh and healthy. He tossed three copper coins and shouted that there was no need for change before walking away with his tattered shoes.


    After walking for a while, Lin Wanrong realized that he didn''t know where the Xiao family was, so he stopped a middle-aged man and asked, "Excuse me, sir, do you know where the Xiao family is located?"


    The man interrupted Lin Wanrong and handed him something, saying, "You''re here for the Xiao family servant selection exam, right? Here''s a map, five copper coins each. What? You only want one coin for one map? You''re too harsh, little brother. It doesn''t even cover the cost. At least three copper coins. Alright, alright, small profits but quick turnover. I''ll give you two maps for two copper coins."


    Lin Wanrong gave him two copper coins, took the two thin guide maps, and asked, "Sir, does the servant job at the Xiao family really require such arge-scale selection and seem to be in high demand? Is the job really that good?"


    The man opened up and spoke because of the two copper coins, "Little brother, you just came from out of town, right? Ah, you know, it''s not easy to find a job these days. The Xiao family is a famous wealthy family in Jinling City. Although their situation is not as good as before these past two years, a starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Their servants are treated very well, even the lowest-ranking servants receive a monthly sry of one or two silver coins, not to mention the middle and high-ranking servants. And on holidays and festivals, they also receive red envelopes and bonuses. So the number of applicants is endless. Let me tell you, from this morning until now, I have received no less than a hundred people like you, young men, and there are also many talented and handsome men like you who want to apply."

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12


    Chapter 12 Plotting Against the Young Miss (Part 1)


    "Even schrs want to sign up?" Lin Wanrong frowned.


    Nowadays, the term "schr" was a highly coveted title. Anyone who held this title, regardless of their abilities, possessed a haughty disposition. They studied the Analects and moral philosophy, but spoke of the pleasures of the Qinhuai River. Schrs pursued a certain lifestyle, and even if they were offered a hundred taels of silver per month, they would not stoop to bing a servant. But what was happening today? Had these people gone mad? Why were they so eager to be lowly household servants?


    The middle-aged man, obviously a natural busybody, grabbed Lin Wanrong from all sides and cautiously whispered in his ear, "Young man, you don''t know the inside story. I heard that the young miss of the Xiao family is about toe of age and choose a husband. All these schrs are going for her. Think about it, since the death of the master of the Xiao family, there are no more male heirs except for the three women, the wife and her two daughters. The whole estate of the Xiao family relies on the young miss to manage. Whoever marries her will inherit the entire wealth of the Xiao family."


    Lin Wanrong let out a long "oh," realizing that was the case. The family''s young miss was young, beautiful, wealthy and elegant, like the fragrant nectar in a flower, and naturally, all the schrs were like crazed bees rushing over. It was not surprising. Just as green flies were drawn to rotting eggs, the same was true for these schrs.


    In the television dramas and novels that Lin Wanrong had seen, the so-called youngdies were all stunningly beautiful, like heavenly fairies. To be honest, Lin Wanrong did not believe it. Beautiful women were scarce, how could they be wholesale, as some authors fantasized?


    "Excuse me, sir, how does the young miss Xiao look like?" Lin Wanrong asked quietly.


    "This...no one has seen her before," the middle-aged man hesitated before answering, "Since the death of Master Xiao, this young miss has been managing the Xiao family''s business, she keeps a low profile and never shows herself easily, so very few people have seen her. However, judging from the appearance of Mrs. Xiao, the young miss''s looks should not be bad."


    The middle-aged man''s eyes glinted with a man''s understanding, and Lin Wanrong smiled inwardly. It seemed that Mrs. Xiao must be very beautiful. ording to what the man said, these schrs had not yet seen the young miss of the Xiao family. Lin Wanrong''s mind turned, and an idea came to him. Old man Wei had forced him to be a servant, but he naturally did not want to lose out. He would take advantage of the Xiao family to make some money, which would also be fair for the grievances he had suffered.


    Lin Wanrong nced at the old man and smiled sincerely, "Although you are diligent, Uncle, your business methods are not diverse enough."


    The old man eximed, "Please enlighten me, young man."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and looked around before grabbing a young man dressed simrly to himself and saying, "Friend, I have a guide to the selection of Xiao Family servants in my hand. I was too hasty earlier and identally bought an extra one. I am now selling it at the lowest price of four wen. As you know, this item is in high demand today, and I just bought it from this old man for five wen."


    The young man''s eyes lit up and he shrewdly replied, "You''re just reselling second-hand goods. I''ll give you three wen for it."


    Lin Wanrong looked hesitant but finally sighed and said, "Alright, I''ll take the loss today. Let''s make the deal, my friend."


    With a grin, Lin Wanrong handed over the guide to the "shrewd" young man and took the three wen that he offered.


    The old man watched with amazement as Lin Wanrong, in the blink of an eye, gained a guide map and a copper coin through his clever tactics.


    "Do you understand now, Uncle?" Lin Wanrong asked, smiling.


    The old man looked up to him in admiration and said, "You''re a master, young sir!"


    "This is called marketing strategy - spreading the cost and gaining profit," Lin Wanrong exined simply.


    As the marketing department manager in hispany, Lin Wanrong had a team of dozens of people under him, making these simple theories easy for him to exin.


    The old man pondered for a moment before nodding and saying, "I understand now, young sir."


    Perhaps due to their shared profession, Lin Wanrong felt a connection with the old man and asked, "Uncle, may I ask your name?"


    "I am Dong Rende," the old man replied with respect, not looking down on Lin Wanrong despite his tattered appearance.


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, "Dong Rende, what a great name!"


    "Uncle Dong, hello, my name is Lin Wanrong," Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled.


    "So you''re Young Master Lin, this old man truly has failed to recognize a great talent," Dong Rende hurriedly saluted.


    Lin Wanrong returned the salute with a smile and said, "No need to be so polite. Uncle Dong, I just had an idea and I wanted to propose a business partnership with you."


    "A business partnership? Well, well, this old man doesn''t have that much capital," Dong Rende stuttered.


    Lin Wanrong realized that Dong Rende was suspicious of him because they had just met. In those days, if someone was too eager to propose a business partnership, people would suspect that they were up to no good. Additionally, looking at Dong Rende''s attire, it was clear that he was not very wealthy.


    "Uncle Dong, don''t worry. This is a risk-free business venture, and I will provide all the capital. You just need to help me with a small favor, and we will split the profits equally," Lin Wanrong nodded.


    Dong Rende looked at Lin Wanrong suspiciously, which was understandable considering Lin Wanrong''s appearance didn''t give off the impression of a wealthy businessman. Lin Wanrong understood his thoughts and said, "Uncle Dong, you are always out on this busy street every day, so I believe that you have a sharp eye. As they say, don''t judge a book by its cover, and if you judge people solely by their appearance, how can you ever seed in business?"


    Uncle Dong pondered for a moment while Lin Wanrong seized the opportunity to say, "Heaven is fair. It gives everyone a chance. Some people have vision, they take a step forward and the sky is the limit. Others shrink back and miss the opportunity."


    Thinking of Lin Wanrong''s persuasive methods just now, Uncle Dong admitted that he had some skills. He finally made up his mind and nodded to Lin Wanrong, saying, "Alright, young master Lin, I''ll listen to you. What do you suggest we do?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Firstly, Uncle Dong, I need to confirm if few people have seen the Xiao family''s young miss."


    Uncle Dong nodded and said, "That''s true. My daughter often makes clothes for the Xiao family''sdy, and she says even Madame Xiao rarely sees the young miss."


    "Oh, a friend of the daughter of the affluent family?" Lin Wanrong smiled. "It turns out she used to have frequent contact with Madame Xiao and the youngdies of the Xiao family. I didn''t realize it."


    Uncle Dong proudly said, "My daughter is clever with her hands and has a good appearance. She is famous far and wide. The youngdies and madame of the Xiao family all like her." It was clear that his daughter was his treasure, and Uncle Dong beamed with pride when speaking about her.


    Lin Wanrong wanted to share his thoughts with Uncle Dong, so the two of them looked for a quiet ce to talk. Then, Uncle Dong looked at Lin Wanrong and said, "If young master doesn''t mind visiting the home of a poor old man like me, let''s talk there."


    Uncle Dong was a practical person who devoted himself fully to what he had decided to do. He trusted people and had no worries about Lin Wanrong. He had some sense of heroism, indicating that Lin Wanrong had good judgment.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13


    Chapter 13 Plotting against the Young Miss (Part 2)


    Following Old Dong to his home, Lin Wanrong found that his residence was just as shabby as his. Inside the house, there was a young girl, about seventeen or eighteen years old, carefully mending clothes by the window. Another boy, dressed in a short outfit and about fifteen or sixteen years old, with curious eyes, was staring at Lin Wanrong.


    "Qiao Qiao, pour some tea quickly. We have an honored guest at home," Old Dong shouted as soon as he entered the house.


    The girl sitting by the window raised her head. With her arched eyebrows, willow-like eyes, delicate nose, and rosy lips, she was truly a stunning beauty - a rare find. If she were ced in Peking University, she would at least be a campus belle.


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t believe that such a lewd person like Old Dong could have such a beautiful daughter. It was really like a good piece of bamboo shooting up from a rotten stem.


    Laughing, Lin Wanrong said to Old Dong, "Uncle Dong, you''re truly blessed."


    Old Dong raised his head andughed, "Girl, this is Young Master Lin. Come and greet him."


    Perhaps because she had never encountered a strange young man before, Qiao Qiao blushed slightly and walked up to Lin Wanrong, bowing respectfully. "Greetings, Young Master Lin."


    Lin Wanrong pointed at his bare toes and smiled, "Miss Dong, please forgive my shabby appearance. How can I be called a young master?"


    Qiao Qiao saw the exposed toes on Lin Wanrong''s feet and couldn''t help but smile. Her face turned even redder.


    Old Dong then pointed to the fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy and said, "Qing Shan,e and meet Young Master Lin."


    Qing Shan looked at Lin Wanrong curiously and walked up to him to bow. "Greetings, Young Master Lin."


    Lin Wanrong smiled and pulled Qing Shan over. "Uncle Dong, is he your son?"


    Old Dong smiled and replied, "Yes, he is. This kid is always idle and likes to cause trouble. He''s not worthy of being called a young master."


    Although Qing Shan was only fifteen or sixteen years old, his eyes were agile, his demeanor was fierce, and he was not afraid of strangers. He had a few bruises on his body, as if he had been in a fight. However, he looked natural and didn''t seem to care at all.


    Lin Wanrong was impressed with Qing Shan and asked him, "Little brother Dong, have you studied before?"


    Qing Shan shook his head and said, "I studied in a private school for two years, but then the teacher kicked me out."


    Old Dong was furious and said, "Who told you to fight with that Zhang kid?"


    Dong Qingshan retorted, "If he bullies others, I can''t just stand by and watch. Of course, I have to intervene. If he dares to do it again, I''ll definitely beat him up."


    Seeing Dong Rende''s anger causing his beard to lift, Dong Qiaoqiao quickly advised, "Father, it''s all in the past. Please don''t scold your younger child anymore."


    Dong Rende seemed to listen to his daughter''s words and only gave Dong Qingshan a stern nce before remaining silent.


    Lin Wanrong found it amusing and said to Dong Qingshan, "In the future, if you want to fight,e find me. I''ll find a way to help you and make sure no one bullies you."


    "Really?" Dong Qingshan had never had anyone speak to him like this, especially not a well-educated young gentleman like Lin Wanrong. He was naturally overjoyed.


    Dong Rende and Dong Qiaoqiao both looked at Lin Wanrong. Dong Rende didn''t understand what Lin Wanrong meant, but Dong Qiaoqiao''s eyes carried some me, although with her delicate appearance, it had a different meaning.


    Lin Wanrong smiled at the father and daughter of the Dong family and said, "If you continue to prevent Qingshan from fighting on the streets, it probably won''t be effective. Am I right?"


    Dong Qiaoqiao looked at the bruises on her brother''s body and a hint of heartache shed in her eyes. She nced at Lin Wanrong and nodded lightly.


    Lin Wanrong continued, "Prevention is better than cure. Instead of letting Qingshan fight recklessly and cause trouble, it''s better to tell him what to do and what not to do, and how to minimize his losses and prevent harm to his loved ones."


    Dong Qingshan''s face brightened and said, "Yes, that''s what I want. Big brother Lin, please teach me."


    Dong Qingshan was quite clever and immediately stopped calling "young master Lin" and began calling him "big brother".


    Dong Rende couldn''t understand the meaning behind his words, but Dong Qiaoqiao showed a thoughtful expression and seemed to understand something.


    Lin Wanrong nodded to Dong Rende and said, "Uncle Dong, don''t worry. From now on, Qingshan will only fight less and less."


    Dong Qiaoqiao looked at Lin Wanrong and said, "The fights may decrease, but the scale may berger."


    "Miss Qiaoqiao is truly clever," Lin Wanrongughed and said. Although surprised, he could see that Dong Qiaoqiao was exceptionally intelligent and could even guess his thoughts.


    Dong Qiaoqiao blushed and quickly said in a soft voice, "Young Master Lin, please don''t praise me too much. I just hope you can teach Qingshan well so he won''t learn bad habits."


    Haha, this little girl is quite interesting. Although she''s warning Lin Wanrong not to corrupt Dong Qingshan, she says it so delicately that it makes Lin Wanrong unable to hold back hisughter.


    "Certainly, certainly," Lin Wanrong replied with a knowing look, winking at Dong Qiaoqiao.


    Dong Qiaoqiao blushed furiously, realizing that Lin Wanrong hadpletely caught onto her underlying message. She felt that her little bit of cleverness was useless in front of Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong was not there to flirt with the girl. He stopped talking to her and asked Old Dong for a piece of paper, which he carefully cut into four parts, saying: "Uncle Dong, find someone with good handwriting to write down everything you know about Miss Xiao in detail. Leave no detail unmentioned and divide it into different sections. For example, if Miss Xiao likes to eat something, you can list it as a separate section titled ''Miss Xiao and Food.'' If she likes a certain type of clothing, you can list it in a section called ''Miss Xiao''s Aesthetic Preferences,'' and so on. If these four pieces of paper are not enough, you can cut them into smaller pieces and continue adding on. Then, find someone with nimble hands to bind them into a book."


    Dong Rende asked in confusion, "Master Lin, why is this necessary? You don''t need to find someone else for handwriting and binding. Little Qiaoqiao is more than capable of doing it."


    "Oh?" Lin Wanrong looked at Dong Qiaoqiao in surprise, not expecting her to have such a skill.


    Dong Qiaoqiao blushed, not knowing what Lin Wanrong and her father were up to, but didn''t object.


    "I have my eyes on Miss Xiao," Lin Wanrong said with a smile, shocking everyone.


    Dong Qiaoqiao blushed and thought to herself, "How could he be so frivolous? How can he say such things so easily?"


    Dong Qingshan, on the other hand, was straightforward, "Brother Lin, you want to pursue Miss Xiao? Great, bring her back and let me see what she looks like."


    Old Dong had seen Lin Wanrong''s methods before and knew he had ulterior motives. However, this Lin guy was a bit of a wild card, and he might actually be interested in Miss Xiao.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Qingshan, where did you get that idea? I haven''t even seen her in person, how could I pursue her? You''re underestimating your Brother Lin."


    He had some negative feelings towards the Xiao family because Uncle Wei had asked him to be a servant in their household. Before he went to serve those youngdies and madam, he wanted to make a little money off Miss Xiao and soothe his wounded heart.


    Dong Qiaoqiao chuckled and looked at him. This Lin guy was different from those literary gentlemen, his skin seemed to have thickened quite a bit.


    She heard that Lin Wanrong knew how to read and write, which was good news. It would be easier to work with someone who was on their side. Lin Wanrong instructed Dong Rende to leave some nk space on each page, of varying sizes and positions, so they wouldn''t need to write everything down.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14


    Chapter 14 Instigation


    Dong Rende didn''t know why Lin Wanrong left this nk part, and Lin Wanrong didn''t exin it either.


    Before Uncle Wei left, he left fifty taels of silver for Lin Wanrong as his living expenses. Lin Wanrong took out every penny and handed it all to Dong Rende. "To gain others'' trust, one must first trust others," this was Lin Wanrong''s principle in doing business.


    Seeing how much Lin Wanrong trusted him, Dong Rende was excited and had Dong Qiaoqiao take out a handful of broken silver from the corner, which amounted to ten taels. "Could this be Miss Qiaoqiao''s dowry money?" Lin Wanrong asked with a smile.


    Dong Qiaoqiao blushed and Dong Rende awkwardlyughed. "You are mocking me, Young Master Lin."


    Lin Wanrong said seriously, "There is nothing tough about. Uncle Dong, Miss Qiaoqiao, we are doing business. The capital we invest must return tenfold. If we lose, it is my fault to you and Miss Qiaoqiao."


    Dong Qiaoqiao looked at him and quickly shook her head. "Young Master Lin, we trust you."


    "Uncle Dong, Miss Qiaoqiao, since you trust me, I promise you that when the business is sessful, I will give you fifty percent of the profits, including the capital investment. At that time, we will give Miss Qiaoqiao a generous dowry." Lin Wanrong smiled.


    This was a big move. Even if they just broke even, giving fifty percent to Dong Rende was worth twenty taels. This would definitely shock the Dong family.


    To be honest, Lin Wanrong didn''t care much about money. Before he came to this world, even though he worked for others, his annual sry was over 400,000. Apart from using some money to support his parents and sister''s college education, he also supported over ten poor orphans in mountain viges. He spent the rest of his money on dating girls because spending more money made men more motivated to earn more money. This was Lin Wanrong''s view.


    He wanted to use this opportunity to earn his first pot of gold in this world. Money was only a small reason. The most important thing was that he wanted to prove that he could also be sessful in this new world.


    Lin Wanrong was so enthusiastic that the Dong family was scared. Dong Rende quickly waved his hand and said, "No, no, I can only earn money by following Young Master Lin. How can I be so greedy? We only need some wages."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Uncle Dong, we haven''t made any money yet. Maybe this time, you won''t even get your capital back. Let''s not discuss these matters for now. Let''s just do what I said."


    "No, I believe that young master is fully capable of achieving it." Dong Rende was a discerning person and hadplete faith in Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong smiled but didn''t say anything. He instructed Old Dong and his daughter to write various scandalous stories about Miss Xiao while he took Dong Qingshan out and headed straight toward the Xiao family.


    Dong Qingshan followed Lin Wanrong, excitedly asking, "Brother Lin, teach me. When I fight with others, how can I protect my dad and sister while also beating down those guys?"


    Lin Wanrong didn''t answer his question but instead asked, "Qingshan, do you always go alone when you fight with others?"


    Dong Qingshan paused before answering, "Sometimes I go with Li Beidou and a couple of others, but most of the time, I go alone." It was clear that Li Beidou was one of Dong Qingshan''s fighting buddies.


    "Are there any friends around you who also can''t stand people bullying others?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "Why, of course? In our area, there are several groups of three or four people, and I have good rtions with them," Dong Qingshan replied.


    "Why?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "Because I am better at fighting," Dong Qingshan said with a sheepish grin.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly. Such scattered individuals would be hard to organize. He needed to organize them into an "organized crime" group.


    "Qingshan, do you know the saying ''strength in numbers''?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Dong Qingshan''s eyes lit up. "Brother Lin, are you saying that we should fight together?"


    Lin Wanrong patted him on the shoulder and said, "Qingshan, as long as you unite these people, be their leader, and you will have tremendous power. Many things can be solved without you having to take action, and fights will naturally be less frequent."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t say thest sentence about fights growing in scale, but Dong Qiaoqiao, the youngdy, understood it. "Be their leader?" Dong Qingshan''s eyes sparkled. "But what if some people don''t ept me as their leader?"


    Lin Wanrong coldly smiled and said, "Don''t ept? What do you have fists for?"


    "I understand now. If they don''t ept me, I''ll just beat them until they do," Dong Qingshan yelled and jumped up.


    The underworld was formed in this way. "Am I too bad?" Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but smile and touch his nose after hearing Dong Qingshan''s words. Dong Qingshan was clearly still a child.


    "Let''s solve the problem in the south of the city first, and then the west, east, and north, one by one. When you be the leader of this Jinling city, no one will dare to bully you again," Lin Wanrong wickedly instigated, as if countless ck-d gangsters were shing before his eyes, hacking and killing in the city of Jinling.


    This is how the underworld works. If Lin Wanrong didn''t teach Dong Qingshan to do it today, someone else would someday.


    "The leader of Jinling?" Dong Qingshan seemed to see a glimmer of light in the darkness, and a look of excitement shed in his eyes as he looked at Lin Wanrong with infinite admiration. "Brother Lin, your teachings today will be unforgettable for me for a lifetime. Yes, I want to be the leader of Jinling, but Brother Lin, you are my leader, the leader of the leader in Jinling."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "You brat--"


    Dong Qingshan rubbed his head awkwardly. Seeing his expression, Lin Wanrong knew that the boy''s heart had beenpletely inspired by him, and couldn''t help but sigh, "Qingshan, it''s easy to talk about this, but it will be difficult and dangerous to do it. You must remember that the best weapon is your brain. If you encounter any difficulties,e to me and I will help you solve them."


    Aftering to this world, Lin Wanrong felt that he had changed a lot. There was always a kind of impulsive force in his heart. Perhaps he had been suppressed for too long in that regted world. Coming here, he had no burden at all, and his evil side waspletely released.


    Lin Wanrong''s small hint made Dong Qingshan understand many things. He looked at Lin Wanrong and said, "Brother Lin, don''t worry, I know what to do now. If I encounter any problems that I can''t solve, I wille to you. You are my big brother." This time he directly called him "big brother" and omitted the name "Lin."


    The underworld was finally taking shape. Lin Wanrong sighed in his heart. With Dong Qingshan''s temperament, he would sooner orter take this step. He was just taking advantage of the situation and guiding him to mature as soon as possible, so that he could suffer less harm. Hopefully, Dong Qiaoqiao, that girl, wouldn''t me him.


    Dong Qingshan was an impatient person. After receiving Lin Wanrong''s guidance, he became even more impatient and went directly to find Li Beidou and others to discuss. Lin Wanrong went to Xiao''s mansion alone.


    Xiao family was one of thergest households in Jinling city, and with the road index that Old Dong had given Lin Wanrong, it was easy to find the ce.


    Before he even arrived at the Xiao mansion, he saw a crowd of people in the distance, noisy and chaotic. There was a tall gatehouse with a wall that was over three meters high and a meter wide. Two heavy stone lions stood at the gate, and two thick vermilioncquered doors were tightly closed. A huge gold-ted sign was hung on the door, and the words "Xiao Mansion" shone brightly in the sunlight.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15


    Chapter 15 Madam Xiao


    On both sides were tworge tables and two grand chairs. The participants who came to apply were divided into two teams and were registered one by one by two men who looked like teachers at the tables. In the middle stood a tall sign that read, "Registration for Xiao Mansion''s Household Servants."


    Lin Wanrong took a look around and saw that the people in front of him were divided equally between those who were true applicants for the position of a household servant, dressed like Lin Wanrong himself, and those who were literary men with ulterior motives. There were probably more than a thousand people in total. Everyone waspeting to sign up, afraid of having their chance stolen by someone else.


    It seemed that even for a lowly position as a household servant, there were still many people vying for it. It was a universal problem that existed in every era - employment difficulties.


    Thinking about how all these people were going to be hispetitors, Lin Wanrong felt a bit overwhelmed. This damn Old man Wei was clearly trying to kill him. He walked around in the crowd a few times and knew that today and tomorrow were just a simple registration procedure. Since Uncle Wei had already registered him, Lin Wanrong didn''t have to endure the hassle of lining up and decided to take a stroll around.


    Most of the household servant applicants had worried expressions on their faces, obviously concerned about whether or not they would be epted. It was the same psychological state as the applicants in Lin Wanrong''s era.


    The literary men who fancied themselves as refined gentlemen obviously looked down upon the uneducatedborers. They gathered in groups of three or five, chatting with each other. Theirmonality was that they all had fans in their hands, which they would unconsciously shake while reciting poetry.


    It was already deep autumn, and these guys were waving their fans a few times. Were they trying to keep themselves warm? Lin Wanrong found it funny.


    When literary men gathered, it was inevitable that they would show off their skills. The guy next to Lin Wanrong saw three others and greeted them with augh, "Oh, Brother Wang, Brother Zhao, Brother Li, you guys are here too."


    The four guys greeted each other with bows and exchanged pleasantries.


    "We haven''t signed up yet, and instead of sitting here bored, why don''t wepose a poem together?" The guy who made the first suggestion spoke up again, and the other three agreed in unison. In this era, reciting poetry in public was fashionable, just like how in Lin Wanrong''s world, public disys of affection were trendy behavior.


    The guy who made the first suggestion was unanimously chosen as the leader and took on the responsibility of starting off with a good poem.


    The man contemted for a long time, his eyes shining brightly upon the fallen leaves on the ground. Finally, he shook his head and recited, "One piece, two pieces, three or four pieces--"


    "Five pieces, six pieces, seven or eight pieces--" Brother Wang recited.


    "Nine pieces, ten pieces, eleven pieces--" Brother Zhao continued.


    As the leaves were all counted, Brother Li, thest of the group, turned his eyes and recited loudly, "Fallen in the thicket, all unseen."


    "Great poem, great poem!" The four of them eximed in unison.


    Standing helplessly on the side, Lin Wanrong sighed in admiration. He thought he was shameless enough, butpared to these four young men, his skin was still not thick enough. He felt ashamed.


    Suddenly, there was amotion ahead, with someone loudly eximing, "Madam Xiao ising out, Madam Xiao ising out!" Lin Wanrong was thrilled. It''s about time you showed up.


    The crowd ahead was already in chaos, everyone rushing forward. Even those who were conceited about their literary talent and elegance forgot their status and jostled with themoners. It seemed that if they arrived a moment earlier, they would be the first to win the favor of their future mother-inw.


    The shameless four who were reciting poetry next to Lin Wanrong had already rushed ahead. After hesitating for a moment, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, "Strike while the iron is hot. He who hesitates is lost. There''s no room for gentlemanly manners at a time like this."


    Lin Wanrong pushed the four aside and eximed, "Excuse me, excuse me!"


    Wei the old man had given Lin Wanrong an enema - no, wait, an initiation - and as a result, Lin Wanrong''s strength had increased tenfold. He easily pushed aside the four men.


    The four young men looked at Lin Wanrong''s torn clothes and saw that they couldn''t push past him. They looked at each other helplessly and shook their heads, "It''s purely a matter of character. We won''t even bother with you."


    Standing among the crowd was a beautiful middle-aged woman, dressed in a pce-style gown. She had delicate eyebrows, phoenix-like eyes, and her skin was smooth and translucent. She didn''t look like a mother, but rather like a young woman in her thirties. She had a dignified and elegant demeanor as she greeted her subordinates and future housekeepers.


    From the way others addressed her, Lin Wanrong knew she was Madam Xiao, the head of the Xiao family. She had married into the Xiao family at the age of sixteen, had two daughters, and had been teaching and guiding them ever since. She was a virtuous and wise wife to Mr. Xiao.


    Unfortunately, Mr. Xiao had passed away at a young age, leaving them to fend for themselves. Thankfully, their eldest daughter had great business sense and had worked hard in recent years to maintain the prosperity of the Xiao family. This youngdy was truly admirable.


    Lin Wanrong suddenly thought of a very serious issue. What if a bad guy infiltrated the Xiao family and became interested in the younger sister because the eldest daughter was already out of reach? They say a younger sister is like a brother-inw''s little cotton jacket. This guy might take advantage of both sisters and even set his sights on the mother-inw. Such scandalous and thrilling affairs, what man wouldn''t dream of them?


    Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat, and this was definitely a huge stimtion for him. When he was a sales manager in his previous world, he was not a good person in order toplete his sales tasks. He used every trick in the book, paid a lot of money to deflower virgins, and yed a threesome with two foreign girls. Although he was mostly forced to do so, these things were unavoidable when he was out there.


    He never thought he would encounter such things in this world. If a certain talented man just chose one of the two sisters, Lin Wanrong could still ept it in his heart, but if he indulged in both and enjoyed the happiness of all, Lin Wanrong felt ufortable. He believed that he had already suffered enough, so he was jealous of other people''s happiness.


    He would never allow a man who was happier than himself to appear in this world. "I''m so shameless, what can you do to me?" Lin Wanrong arrogantly thought to himself. There was no one he was afraid of in this world.


    Thinking about it, heughed at himself. What did it have to do with him if someone married the sisters or yed with the mother and daughters? He was just trying to survive in this world.


    Speaking of survival, Lin Wanrong had some ideas in his mind. The Xiao family was a wealthy family in Jinling City. Although it was not as prosperous as before, it was still a big tree that did not die. In the current situation where he had no power, no money, and no one, the Xiao family was a big tree that he could rely on. Although he couldn''t get the sweet dates, he could enjoy the shade of the big tree, and Lin Wanrong understood this.


    From this perspective, it was understandable that Old man Wei had asked him to go to the Xiao family. Lin Wanrong had originally held a somewhat indifferent attitude towards the servantpetition, but with this idea in mind, he began to take it seriously. As a former sales manager who apanied guests to eat, drink, gamble, and visit brothels, he knew the emptiness and loneliness in his heart. If it weren''t for supporting his parents and paying for his sister''s education, he would have quit long ago.


    Now, he hade to this strange world by ident, and no one knew him. He was a lonely person, and he didn''t need to set any goals. In this case, it seemed good to be a carefree servant.


    Madam Xiao slowly walked up to arge tform and said solemnly, "Thank you for your attention to the Xiao family. Please believe that we will adhere to the principles of openness, fairness, and impartiality in the recruitment of servants. Please line up in order and don''t crowd. Everyone has a chance." Her voice was soft and pleasant, although it was not loud, but everyone listened attentively and could hear it clearly.

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16


    Chapter 16 The Birth of the Third Page Tabloid (Part One)


    Miss Xiao was low-key, and Miss Xiao Er was too young, so it was only natural that Mrs. Xiao had to step forward and make an appearance. It was quite a feat for a woman of her station.


    After hearing Mrs. Xiao''s words, everyone lined up in an orderly fashion, even the shameless four brothers had restored their refined demeanor.


    Realizing that there was nothing interesting going on today, Lin Wanrong took a nce at Mrs. Xiao and remembered her appearance before quietly slipping away.


    Returning to the Dong family, he saw Mr. Dong Rende and his daughter carefully transcribing something.


    Lin Wanrong took a quick look and saw that the writing was elegant and beautiful, making it clear that this was the gossip Mr. Dong Rende had gathered about Miss Xiao, dictated by him and recorded by Dong Qiaoqiao.


    Dong Qiaoqiao''s handwriting was really beautiful, Lin Wanrong nodded repeatedly after reading it a few times.


    The father and daughter finally noticed Lin Wanrong standing next to them. Seeing that Lin Wanrong kept nodding, Dong Qiaoqiao couldn''t help but blush, but also excited. It seemed that Lin Wanrong''s appreciative expression had made her happy.


    "Young, Young Master Lin, you''re back," Dong Qiaoqiao''s cute nose was covered in a thinyer of glistening sweat, making her even more beautiful, reminding Lin Wanrong of his sister who was still in college.


    Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "Yes, I went out for a walk and did some market research."


    They certainly hadn''t heard of the term "market research," and Lin Wanrong was toozy to exin it to them. He took the small booklet they were transcribing and said, "Let me take a look."


    To his surprise, they had not only detailed the functional modules of the booklet, but also designed variousyouts,ying the foundation for a magnificent hand-copied book. These talented individuals were wasting their skills by not working for the Sun Newspaper.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s surprised expression, Dong Qiaoqiao became anxious and said, "Young Master Lin, did I do something wrong? Oh dear, what should I do? I''ve ruined everything for you."


    She was so nervous she was about to cry. It was understandable, as in this era, it was believed that a woman''s virtue was in her talent. She had finally found an opportunity to showcase her abilities, only to mess it up. How could she not be nervous?


    Lin Wanrong didn''t have the heart to tease her anymore. He put on a smile and said, "Miss Qiaoqiao, you didn''t do anything wrong, you did too well."


    Dong Qiaoqiao was first surprised, then overjoyed. She eagerly asked, "Is that true, Young Master Lin?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled and nodded. Dong Qiaoqiao was overjoyed and said, "I did it ording to your instructions. Before you left, I had some questions that I didn''t understand, but I didn''t want to ask you, so I added my own understanding."


    This girl was not only dexterous but also had ideas and was daring. She was quite a talented person, and the father and daughter were both good. Dong Rende, who had been listening to them talk, finally interjected, "Oh, as long as Young Master Lin is satisfied. Qiaoqiao and I have been worried that you would not like our rough hands and feet."


    Seeing the pure and simple appearance of the father and daughter, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but sigh and said seriously, "Uncle Dong, Miss Qiaoqiao, I hope you remember that a person can have no power, no money, but you must have confidence. If you don''t even respect yourself, then no one in this world will respect you. Your face is given by others, but your dignity is earned by yourself."


    Dong Qiaoqiao''s eyes showed a kind of admiration, and she nodded gently, "Young Master Lin, I understand."


    Lin Wanrong looked at Dong Rende and said, "She understands, do you?"


    Dong Rendeughed and said, "Our Qiaoqiao understands, so I understand. I listen to everything Qiaoqiao says."


    Looking at the sincere father and daughter, Lin Wanrong suddenly thought of his parents who he would never see again, and his heart was sore. He quickly turned his head and continued to look at the booklet, "Have you all finished copying?"


    Dong Qiaoqiao said, "We have all finished. Please take a look, Young Master."


    Lin Wanrong picked up the booklet and casually smiled, "Qiaoqiao, not only are you good at needlework, but you are also a female schr. I don''t know who taught you all this."


    Dong Qiaoqiao said, "It was Miss Luo who favored me and let me learn with her. Otherwise, how would I have had the chance?"


    "Miss Luo?" That name sounded so familiar.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s furrowed brow, Dong Qiaoqiao was surprised, "Don''t you know Miss Luo? She is the number one talented woman in Jinling."


    The number one talented woman in Jinling? Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered the performance of Phoenix Seeks Phoenix that he witnessed with Hou Yuebai, the young master of the Hou family, on Xuanwu Lake that afternoon. Wasn''t the target of that y this number one talented woman in Jinling, Miss Luo?


    Seeing Dong Qiaoqiao''s surprised expression, Lin Wanrong found it funny and said, "I have no interest in talented men and women."


    "That''s because you, Young Master, are a great talent," Dong Qiaoqiaoughed. "But you''re not interested in talented women, are you? You should be interested in beautiful women. Miss Luo is the number one beauty in Jinling, you know."


    She had be close with Lin Wanrong and now addressed him directly as "Young Master," even dropping the "Lin" from his name and speaking with greater warmth.


    "I''m interested in beautiful women, especially someone like you," Lin Wanrong joked shamelessly now that they were on familiar terms.


    Dong Qiaoqiao blushed deeply and could not speak.


    Dong Rende coughed lightly a few times, causing Lin Wanrong to turn red with embarrassment. The old man had caught him in the act.


    Lin Wanrong had a thick skin, however, and quickly regained hisposure. "Miss Qiaoqiao, why did Miss Luo ask you to apany her?" he asked nonchntly.


    After his earlier flirtations, Dong Qiaoqiao had be shy again. "The first time I went to make clothes for Miss Luo, she saw that we were about the same age and talked to me a little more. She''s really a good person, but she doesn''t seem to have many friends, so she asked me toe and keep herpany. After spending time with her, she asked me to study with her and Master."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. "Miss Luo really is a good person. I hope she finds the best husband in the world. Hmm, I suppose I''m a passable candidate for that title," he joked.


    Dong Qiaoqiaoughed lightly. "You talk too much. If Miss Luo knew what you said, even if she has a good temper, she wouldn''t let you off."


    Although she thought this, she couldn''t help feeling happy when she heard Lin Wanrong speak so freely and unconstrained. Dong Rende pretended not to hear anything. He was starting to worry that he had let a wolf into the house. Lin Wanrong''s smooth tongue could easily deceive someone as innocent as Dong Qiaoqiao, and he might run off with her at any moment.


    Lin Wanrong stopped talking to Dong Qiaoqiao and focused on reading the booklet. In addition to the two sections he had mentioned earlier, there were several other sections, such as "Miss Xiao talks about life," "Quotes from Miss Xiao," and "Miss Xiao''s views on choosing a spouse." If illustrations were added, it would make for an excellent page three tabloid.


    Lin Wanrong was especially interested in thest section, "Miss Xiao''s views on choosing a spouse." This was definitely not Dong Rende''s idea, but rather Dong Qiaoqiao''s brilliant talent.

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17


    Chapter 17 The Birth of the Third Page Tabloid (Part 2)


    Lin Wanrong was overjoyed and wished he could hug Dong Qiaoqiao and give her a kiss. This girl was truly a gem. Choosing this father-daughter duo, his eye for talent was truly outstanding.


    Although Dong Qiaoqiao did not understand what Lin Wanrong was thinking, she could tell from his excited expression that he was extremely satisfied.


    Seeing the happy look on Dong Qiaoqiao''s face, Lin Wanrong suddenlyughed and said, "Miss Qiaoqiao, aren''t you good friends with Miss Xiao? Why are you helping us to deceive her?"


    Dong Qiaoqiao knew that the contents of these sections were based on hearsay and spection, and had no real basis. She smiled and said, "Young Master, as you said, we are in business and what matters is profit. The stories recorded in this booklet are just some small things that are heard on the streets, but we have organized them and added slightly exaggerated titles. It doesn''t harm anyone, but benefits ourselves. In addition, I am not really acquainted with Miss Xiao, we have not even met each other."


    This is really wonderful, Lin Wanrong sighed in his heart. What I am doing is just creating a third page of a tabloid, what does it matter if it is not entirely true? However, Dong Qiaoqiao''s words made him feel strange. Wasn''t this Miss Xiao going to make clothes? Why didn''t she let the tailor take her measurements?


    Dong Qiaoqiao saw through Lin Wanrong''s doubts and smiled, "Miss Xiao is extremely busy, so every time I bring an old dress of hers to use as a sample."


    To be able to create clothes that satisfied Miss Xiao using an old dress as a sample, Dong Qiaoqiao was indeed a skilled girl.


    After so much talk, there was still one important thing missing for the birth of this third page tabloid.


    Dong Qiaoqiao looked at the nk spaces left by Lin Wanrong, and asked curiously, "Young Master, what are these remaining spaces for?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a mysterious smile and did not answer her question. Instead, he ordered her, "Qiaoqiao, do you have any charcoal?"


    Dong Qiaoqiao obediently replied and went to the kitchen to find a burned wooden stick for Lin Wanrong. In this era, no one knew what a pencil was, let alone graphite, and Lin Wanrong couldn''t use a brush, so he had to use charcoal instead.


    Lin Wanrong had not drawn for four or five years, and his hand was very rusty. He began to practice on the ground in a haphazard manner.


    Dong Qiaoqiao saw Lin Wanrong sketching quickly and suddenly a beautiful woman''s face appeared on the ground. The woman looked alive, graceful, and beautiful, with extremely realistic features and expressions.


    Both father and daughter had seen others use ink to paint before, but they had never seen someone sketch as fast as Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong looked at the sketch and couldn''t help but sigh. He hadn''t drawn for years, and his hand was very rusty, but he used to be much better than this.


    Lin Wanrong learned sketching in middle school. Later, in order to pursue his first girlfriend, he practiced for four years and drew enough sketches for her to fill two boxes. Unfortunately, after graduating from college, she went to the United States and Lin Wanrong had more opportunities to pursue other girls.


    Lin Wanrong was lost in thought until Dong Qiaoqiao called him a few times before he snapped out of it and smiled, "Miss Qiaoqiao, what''s up?"


    Dong Qiaoqiao asked softly, "Young Master, what kind of painting is this? It looks so simple, but you drew it so beautifully."


    Lin Wanrong was patient with the beautiful and gentle Dong Qiaoqiao and smiled, "This is called a sketch, it''s a simple painting method from my hometown. I haven''t drawn in many years, so my hand is rusty now."


    Dong Qiaoqiao shook her head and said, "No, I think Young Master''s strokes are simple but masterful, prating to the essence. What''s more wonderful is that you can use just a piece of discarded wood to create such a painting. One day, Young Master will surely be a master."


    Although Lin Wanrong had a thick skin, he blushed a little when she praised him like that. He quickly shook his head and said with a smile, "Miss Qiaoqiao, if you keep saying things like that, I''ll be arrogant."


    Dong Qiaoqiao covered her lips and smiled. Her beautiful eyes turned into a seductive crescent moon as she softly asked, "But I wonder, where is Young Master''s hometown?"


    Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned. His expression dimmed as he softly replied, "My hometown? It''s very far, very far away."


    Dong Qiaoqiao thought that Lin Wanrong didn''t want to tell her, and a hint of mncholy crossed her face. She bit her red lips and watched Lin Wanrong paint, no longer speaking to him.


    Dong Rende, who had been staring at the portrait, suddenly whispered, "This woman looks a lot like Madam Xiao, but--"


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Take another look. Is she really Madam Xiao?"


    Dong Rende looked carefully for a moment before saying, "She seems to be a little younger and more beautiful than Madam Xiao. Could it be, could it be..." Father and daughter exchanged a nce, their faces filled with astonishment, then they turned to look at Lin Wanrong together. "It''s Miss Xiao," they said.


    Lin Wanrong smiled but said nothing. Dong Rende quickly asked, "Young Master Lin, have you met Miss Xiao before?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head andughed, "If you haven''t even seen her, how could I have? I just happened to have seen Madam Xiao earlier, and I drew this picture based on her appearance and my imagination. I think it should be somewhat simr."


    At this point, the look of surprise and admiration on the faces of Dong''s father and daughter left them with no further thoughts. After all, to paint the image of a woman in her twenties based on the appearance of a woman in her thirties, most painters would not have such skill. Now, in their eyes, Lin Wanrong seemed to be capable of anything.


    Seeing their expressions, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but smile to himself. He deliberately made Miss Xiao in the painting resemble Madam Xiao to some extent, but even more young and beautiful. His goal was to make those literati believe that the woman in the painting was the Miss Xiao of their fantasies.


    After practicing with the stick for a while and feeling proficient, Lin Wanrong asked Dong Qiaoqiao to fetch a small knife. He carefully carved the charcoal into the shape of a pencil, although his hands were covered in dust, it felt even morefortable to use.


    Dong Qiaoqiao''s curiosity was aroused again. "Gongzi, is this a brush? Why is it so strange? What is it called?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "I need something called a pencil to draw, but we don''t have any here, so I had to carve the charcoal into that shape instead. When I finish drawingter, you must help me put it away. Who knows, maybe I''ll need to use it again someday." Dong Qiaoqiao obediently nodded.


    With this pencil in his hand, Lin Wanrong seemed to be back at the scene of drawing for his girlfriend by the Wuming Lake. His brushwork was divine, and in no time, a beautiful image of a woman with more delicate and natural expressions appeared on the paper. With his skilled tools and his mind in the right state, this painting was at least two levels above the invisible painting he had done before.


    The woman in the painting had flowing skirt, like a fairy stepping on water, with a beautiful face, a slight smile on her lips, and a noble aura, as if she were standing in front of them in real life. However, her eyebrows were slightly furrowed at the center, as if there were some hidden worries. This was something Lin Wanrong had deliberately added based on Dong Rende''s description of the recent situation of the Xiao family, in order to make it more realistic.


    "Is this really Miss Xiao? She''s so beautiful," Dong Qiaoqiao couldn''t help but whisper beside Lin Wanrong, "If I had a painting like this, it would be great."


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Sure, no problem. I will personally sketch one for you someday."

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18


    Chapter 18 Raising the Price (Part 1)


    Dong Qiaoqiao spoke without thinking, but to her surprise, Lin Wanrong heard her and agreed. She felt shy but also a bit happy. After all, women loved beauty and being able to preserve their youth on canvas was their dream.


    "Thank you, Young Master," Dong Qiaoqiao said shyly.


    Lin Wanrong grinned and wiped his face with the back of his hand. He asked Dong Rende, "Uncle Dong, what do you think?"


    Uncle Dong gave Lin Wanrong a thumbs-up. "I have nothing but admiration for you, Young Master."


    Lin Wanrong confidently finished the remaining illustrations of the fake Xiao family daughter. Each portrait had a different expression, but all were beautiful and enchanting. He guaranteed that these talented schrs would be bewitched.


    After he finished thest stroke, Lin Wanrong wiped his face again and stood up, smiling. "Done, let''s call it a day."


    Dong Qiaoqiao looked at the portraits of the same woman with different poses and expressions in the small booklet, feeling envious. She nced at Lin Wanrong and suddenly covered her mouth, giggling.


    "What''s so funny?" Lin Wanrong was stunned by herughter, but this girl looked pretty when she smiled.


    Dong Qiaoqiao took out a handkerchief from her pocket, blushing, and looked at Lin Wanrong. She bit her lip and leaned in close to him, using the handkerchief with a faint scent to touch his face.


    Lin Wanrong suddenly realized that he must have smudged his face with charcoal. That was the only reason she would do such a thing. However, her gesture startled him. In this era, men and women were strictly guarded against each other, even if Dong Qiaoqiao was born into an ordinary family. This action was too intimate, and even during Lin Wanrong''s time, only couples would do this.


    "Is she having impure thoughts about me? Damn, I''m in danger. I''m a born womanizer." Lin Wanrong shamelessly thought to himself. To be honest, he was not ready to start a romantic rtionship at this time.


    Lin Wanrong quickly stepped back, refusing her offer without thinking. He took the handkerchief naturally, smiling and saying, "I can do it myself."


    Dong Qiaoqiao was taken aback and realized that she had acted inappropriately. She blushed and Lin Wanrong immediately smelled the handkerchief and said frivolously, "It smells good!"


    Dong Qiaoqiao knew that he was trying to ease her embarrassment and smiled gratefully at him.


    However, frivolousness was Lin Wanrong''s nature, and he didn''t need to pretend to be otherwise.


    Dong Qiaoqiao''s face was as red as rouge, and she nodded lightly without saying a word.


    Lin Wanrong gestured at Old Dong, but he remained unmoved, lost in thought.


    Lin Wanrong was somewhat annoyed, thinking to himself, "This little girl is ignorant. You''re still so clueless at your age. If you provoke me, I''ll eat your precious daughter, and you can''t me me."


    This wasn''t Lin Wanrong being melodramatic, he was actually quite unfamiliar with this world and wasn''t mentally prepared for love. He would have to take it slow.


    The father and daughter remained silent, like they were acting in a silent movie. Lin Wanrong wiped the dust off his face and prepared to return the handkerchief to Dong Qiaoqiao. However, it had been stained ck by the dust and he felt somewhat embarrassed giving it back to her like that.


    Dong Qiaoqiao smiled faintly and took the handkerchief from Lin Wanrong''s hand, saying, "Young master, let me do the heavy lifting."


    Seeing her natural demeanor, Lin Wanrong rxed. He thought to himself, "Am I being too full of myself? Is it really that easy for a girl to fall for me? But as a handsome and talented young man, it''s abnormal if girls don''t throw themselves at me."


    After finishing the sketch with the charcoal, Lin Wanrong had Dong Qiaoqiao use a brush to trace over the charcoal ck lines to prevent them from being smudged.


    It was a meticulous job, and even a slight mistake could ruin the entire painting.


    Before Lin Wanrong could tell Dong Qiaoqiao that he was only a half-assed artist and couldn''t use a brush, she had already started working. However, she was clever and obedient, and didn''t ask why Lin Wanrong wasn''t using the brush.


    She carefully traced the lines, her face covered in sweat from nervousness, afraid she might identally ruin Lin Wanrong''s original sketch.


    Lin Wanrong felt a faint sense of gratitude towards the father and daughter''s unconditional trust in him. He couldn''t understand why those scammers who tricked olddies into giving them money existed in his time. Were they raised eating shit?


    Dong Qiaoqiao finally finished copying the entire picture. Her deft hands left Lin Wanrong speechless, and even the curves of her lines were identical to his own.


    Shaking his head, Lin Wanrong eximed, "Qiaoqiao, you can''t marry someone else as a wife. Otherwise, where will I find someone with such skilled hands like you?"


    Once they became familiar with each other, Lin Wanrong stopped calling her "Miss" and directly called her Qiaoqiao. After all, she was just a youngdy, there was no need to address her formally.


    After Lin Wanrong finished speaking, heughed arrogantly a few times. Dong Qiaoqiao''s face turned red and she ran out, not understanding how the charming and talented Lin Wanrong suddenly became so vulgar.


    "Hey hey, the little girl surprised me with a handkerchief, so I''ll surprise you too. I''m shameless like that, what can you do about it?" Lin Wanrongughed proudly.


    By the time the manuscript was organized, it was already noon. Lin Wanrong handed it over to Old Dong and hurried to the printing house to make copies.


    Knowing that the printing technology was outdated, Lin Wanrong was grateful that the booklet was not very long. With overtime work that afternoon and evening, he would be lucky to make 500 copies.


    Old Dong had lived in the city for many years and had a quick mind and widework. That was precisely why Lin Wanrong valued him.


    Just as Old Dong was about to leave to make copies, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered something and hastily stopped him. "Uncle Dong, you have to remind the printing house to keep this confidential. Especially this manuscript, it''s extremely valuable. If it falls into the wrong hands, it''s easy to counterfeit, so you must be careful. And make sure to return the manuscript promptly."


    Lin Wanrong had already promised Old Dong a huge profit. In this era, there was no intellectual property protection, and if the work was giarized, he would truly lose everything. Even with intellectual property protection, piracy was rampant. So he had to remind Old Dong about the importance of confidentiality.


    They had dinner at Old Dong''s house. Lin Wanrong was a lonely man with only a cold stove to go back to, so he might as well chat with the father and daughter. Dong Qingshan had also returned, his face full of excitement. Apparently, he had seen some results.


    Dong Qiaoqiao truly lived up to her name. Although it was a simple meal, it was incredibly delicious. Seeing Lin Wanrong almost swallow his tongue, Dong Qiaoqiao covered her mouth andughed lightly. Her beautiful and simple appearance had a faint feeling of warmth.


    After dinner, they went to the printing house. It was true that money could make the devil push the mill. With the promise of double the original price, more than 20 skilled workers worked overnight to produce 500 books. The boss guaranteed that they would finish before dawn.


    The printing technology here was very ancient. They first transferred the original manuscript onto parchment paper, and then transferred the ink from the parchment paper onto the paper. The effect was not as good, but the images and text were still clear.


    It was truly the limit to produce 500 copies in an afternoon and night in such a manual workshop.

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19


    Chapter 19 Raising the Price (2)


    After a long and tiring day, Lin Wanrong went straight to bed when he got home. In this era, the sky was a brilliant blue, the water was a clear green, the air was fresh, and the vegetables were all free from toxins. In such a rare and pleasant environment, it was only natural that sleeping wasfortable.


    As for the lustful thoughts that often apany satiation, it wasn''t that Lin Wanrong didn''t have them, it was just that he hadn''t decided who he wanted to share them with yet.


    The next morning, Lin Wanrong woke up early and rushed to join the first wave of people on the street. He had two oil cakes and a bowl of freshly made tofu pudding for breakfast. Green food was truly the best. Feeling invigorated, he made his way confidently to Old Dong''s house.


    When he arrived, Old Dong was eating porridge and had only taken a bite of his freshly steamed white bun.


    "Big Brother Lin, have you had breakfast yet? Try some of my freshly steamed white buns," Dong Qiaoqiao offered Lin Wanrong a bowl of porridge and handed him two of the biggest white buns.


    Since learning that Lin Wanrong was an orphan and didn''t seem like a gentleman at dinner the night before, Dong Qiaoqiao had directly downgraded him from ''Young Master'' to ''Big Brother Lin.'' She even warmly invited him toe eat all three meals at their house every day.


    Lin Wanrong felt a bit embarrassed. How could he ept such a generous offer? He was a shy person and could only eat ten meals in five days.


    Looking at the two white buns in front of him, he suddenly remembered a joke he had heard before.


    A man in love had touched his girlfriend''s breasts for the first time and eximed, "Wow, they feel like buns!"


    The girl shyly replied, "No, they don''t. How can theypare to buns?"


    The man said, "I mean Wang Zai (a brand of mini buns) mini buns."


    Unfortunately, if Lin Wanrong were to tell this joke to Old Dong and his daughter, he would probably be chased out with a broom.


    The white buns aroused Lin Wanrong''s appetite, and since he was naturally shameless, he yelled out, "Perfect timing, Qiaoqiao. I''m still hungry. Thank you!"


    Old Dong''s eyes were bloodshot, clearly indicating that he had stayed up all night. While Lin Wanrong slept soundly, he had disrespected the old man. Lin Wanrong felt a bit ashamed, but doing his job well was still his duty.


    "Uncle Dong, how did the printing turn out?" Lin Wanrong asked quickly, seeing Old Dong only focused on eating porridge.


    Old Dong wiped his mouth and pointed behind him. "Hey, there are 500 copies back there, all neatly stacked and still smelling of oil."


    Lin Wanrong jumped up, half a white steamed bun swallowed into his stomach. He turned around and saw that indeed, 500 small booklets were neatly stacked, with the portrait of Miss Xiao clear and visible. This girl probably had never heard of the concept of portrait rights. I''ve made a fortune from this. Anyway, I''ll soon be serving her, so I''ll consider itpensation.


    Looking at the 500 booklets, Lin Wanrong felt secretly pleased. As the owner of a third page tabloid, this feeling was really quite nice.


    "Young Master Lin, how much should we price these booklets at?" Since learning of Lin Wanrong''s identity as a half-hearted talent, Old Dong''s respect for him had not changed one bit. However, when he called him Young Master, it didn''t quite feel right anymore to Lin Wanrong.


    "Five taels of silver each," Lin Wanrong said, caressing the booklet in his hand, unwilling to let it go, without even turning his head.


    "Click." The half-steamed bun in Dong Uncle''s mouth fell straight down.


    Lin Wanrong turned around and saw the father and daughter still in disbelief. Feeling amused, he said, "What, don''t you believe it?"


    Dong Qiaoqiao hesitated for a moment and said, "Big Brother Lin, are you really selling them for five taels of silver each? Isn''t that too expensive?" Five taels of silver was half a year''s living expenses for an ordinary family, and this price was indeed not cheap. It was no wonder that the father and daughter were tongue-tied.


    "Don''t doubt it. Five taels of silver without bargaining. Do you know the phrase ''Rare goods can fetch a high price''?" Lin Wanrong smiled mysteriously and unabashedly said.


    Although Lin Wanrong couldn''t see his own expression now, he knew that his current look must be very much like that of aplete viin, and the most shameless kind at that. Shamelessness was his nature, and he didn''t need to hide it.


    "You have to grasp the psychology of those talents. The people who are willing to pay for these booklets don''t care whether it''s one tael or ten taels per booklet. What they want is information, first-hand information. To them, one or ten taels is no different. Their principle is not to seek the best, but to seek the most expensive. It''s a wonderful psychology."


    Lin Wanrong''s words left Dong Qiaoqiao and her father stunned. Obviously, their understanding of human nature was not deep enough, and they still needed Lin Wanrong''s continued guidance.


    "Think about it, as long as one person buys it, who wants to fall behind others? Who doesn''t want to get first-hand information about Miss Xiao? This is the bandwagon effect, just like dominoes. Once one falls, the rest will copse." Lin Wanrong slipped and mentioned dominoes, quickly exining, "In short, no one should have the mentality of letting others be more beautiful than themselves, which will cause our little booklet to sell well. You see, once it rises to the top, like a phoenix, what is this little money worth?"


    Dong Qiaoqiao was quick-witted and immediately saw the problem: "But even if Miss Xiao chooses a husband, she can only choose one. And we have four or five hundred booklets."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Only one person can be the top scorer in the imperial examinations, but aren''t The Analects of Confucius, The Book of Songs, The Tao Te Ching, and The Mencius just as popr? Until the resultse out, anything is possible."


    Dong Qiaoqiao was obviously a kind-hearted girl who cared for Miss Xiao''s well-being. "But I heard that talented schrs oftene from poor families. They can''t afford our little booklets. Wouldn''t that dy Miss Xiao''s beautiful marriage?"


    Lin Wanrong was immediately dumbfounded. This girl really thought they were the most important people in Miss Xiao''s life. If a booklet could affect Miss Xiao''s marriage, then the Xiao family was just a bunch of fools.


    Faced with Dong Qiaoqiao''s eager gaze, Lin Wanrong reluctantly yed the role of a teacher again. He coldlyughed, "If talented schrs from humble backgroundse, they should be prepared. If they really have the ability, they should marry Miss Xiao based on their own merits. What does buying our little booklets have to do with it? If they want to climb the socialdder, I can only feel sorry for them. There is a cost to attaching themselves to the dragon and phoenix, and that is the price they must pay. So, they must consider carefully. I am not forcing them to buy; they have a guilty conscience. Real talented schrs will never buy our books, but how many of these so-called noble and righteous schrs are there in the world? We are businessmen who value profit. We sell to whoever pays. As for the marriage matter, that is something Miss Xiao should consider. We cannot influence it."


    Dong Qiaoqiao secretly nodded in agreement with Lin Wanrong''s theory. Although she still had doubts about the high price he set, she had clearly begun to ept it.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20


    Chapter 20 Making Money


    After getting ready and dressing up, Lin Wanrong and Old Dong each carried dozens of booklets and arrived at the examination site to observe the situation. Lin Wanrong gave his new strategy a fancy name: "Exploratory Marketing". Of course, he had to exin the concept of marketing to the eager-to-learn Qiaoqiao.


    Today was thest day for the Xiao family''s servants to register, and tomorrow would be the official start of the recruitment. Therefore, talented people from all over the ce, regardless of their literacy, rushed over.


    Not only were there locals from Jinling, but also talented people from Hangzhou, Suzhou, Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, and other ces who came one after another, surrounding the registration site inside and out, making it very crowded.


    Just like yesterday, the servants and the talented people were divided into two teams and registered separately, with clear boundaries between them. The order was maintained, and there were no line cutters. Perhaps this was because everyone was a civilized person.


    With so many talented people attracted toe, the charm of the Xiao family''s youngdy was extraordinary. However, what was even more attractive was the huge industry behind her.


    The Xiao family must have noticed so many talented peopleing, but they neither supported nor opposed it. It was unclear whether they wanted talented people or servants, or both.


    But the moremotion they made, the more Lin Wanrong liked it. He was determined to take advantage of the chaos and make a fortune.


    Lin Wanrong''s target was these handsome and talented men. Seeing them dressed in bright clothes and looking like something out of a magazine, he felt that five taels of silver was too low a price.


    As for the servants-to-be, brothers, it''s not that I look down on you, but that''s just the reality of society. If you want to date girls, you have to earn more money first.


    Lin Wanrong spotted a fair-skinned handsome man and approached him, whispering softly, "Brother, do you want a good book?"


    He took out the booklet from his arms and quickly shed it in front of the man, letting him see the beautiful face of Miss Xiao on the cover, and then swiftly put it back into his arms.


    Sure enough, the fair-skinned man''s eyes lit up. He looked around cautiously before lowering his head and asking Lin Wanrong, "Brother, do you have a colored version?"


    A colored version? Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment, then immediately understood that this guy thought he was selling yboy magazine..


    Lin Wanrong was instantly furious. "Your grandma! I am handsome and charming like a jade tree in the wind, how could I possibly sell those things? Even though I have collected a fair share of stuff like flower boys and yboys, I wouldn''t rely on selling those for a living. This pale-faced turtle has no eye for things, seems like he is not a good guy either."


    But to be honest, what Lin Wanrong had in his hands right now was really simr to those illegal disc sellers at Zhongguancunputer market.


    Lin Wanrong was feeling extremely depressed and only wanted to punch this pale-faced guy. However, he remembered that Old Dong was watching him from a distance, learning how to market. He had to make the first move, no matter what.


    Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth and said, "Brother, we can talk about the things you mentionedter. Not only do I have color treasures passed down from the pce, but also precious imported collections from Japan. Father-daughter, mother-son, threesome, the poses, the expressions, tsk tsk, I guarantee you''ve never seen them before."


    The pale-faced guy immediately blushed and rubbed his hands together. The light in his eyes showed that he was definitely a pervert.


    "But, the most important thing now is, I want to rmend to you this rare book that has been passed down from the Xiao family''s internal collection. Please take a look," Lin Wanrong took out the small booklet again. The portrait of Miss Xiao immediately caught the pervert''s attention. "This is..." he eximed with excitement. He looked around and immediately shut his mouth, but the surprise in his eyes was obvious even to a blind person.


    "Correct, this is Miss Xiao. One of my intermediate servants spent a lot of money to get this for me. Look," Lin Wanrong shook the cover, and the rustling sound caught the pervert''s attention. He finally shifted his gaze from Miss Xiao to the words on the cover.


    "The Secret History of Miss Xiao," five simple words, with two lines below: "Organized by the Xiao family''s servantmittee, printed by XX Printing House, top secret" in the upper right corner.


    Seeing the light in the guy''s eyes, Lin Wanrong knew he had a chance. He quickly struck while the iron was hot, "Look at this portrait, how delicate it is. I can tell you with great responsibility that this is the first time Miss Xiao''s portrait has been released. You are the first person, besides me, to see this portrait. And the content inside is definitely genuine, no deception. We are destined to meet today, brother. I need money urgently, and I am willing to transfer this rare book to you at the lowest price."


    The pervert hastily nced at it, and seeing "Miss Xiao''s View on Marriage" made his eyes shine even brighter. Lin Wanrong quickly closed the booklet before he could read more.


    The pervert had no choice but to say, "What''s your price?"


    "Ten taels of silver, I can''t sell it for a penny less," Lin Wanrong said. He knew he had hooked his fish, so he sat on the ground and doubled the price.


    Without the expected shock, the man simply frowned and said, "It''s a bit expensive. Can you lower the price?"


    Lin Wanrong was overjoyed, it was indeed a rare treasure and he had the upper hand. He firmly shook his head and said, "Friend, this is a valuable item that has been passed down within the Xiao family. It''s priceless. I paid arge sum of money to obtain it, and ten taels of silver is already the lowest price. As you know, once this item is sold to someone else, everyone will fight for it."


    The man hesitated a bit, but Lin Wanrong acted helpless and turned to leave without saying anything.


    "Friend, please wait a moment," Dong Qiaoqiao, disguised as a talented schr, called out to Lin Wanrong. She stared at the small booklet in his hand with a gleam in her eye, clearly a person who knew the value of things.


    The pale-faced schr had no idea that this was a trap. When he saw someone else trying to snatch it from him, he panicked and hurriedly chased after Lin Wanrong, shouting, "I was here first, I was here first. Friend, I''ll take that booklet. Here''s ten taels of silver, please ept it."


    Lin Wanrong and Dong Qiaoqiao exchanged a nce, both smiling. Lin Wanrong epted the ten taels of silver and Dong Qiaoqiao secretly gave him a thumbs up.


    Dong Qiaoqiao "regretfully" left, and a chubby schr who had been watching Lin Wanrong and the pale-faced schr for a long time hurriedly approached him. "Excuse me, friend, what was that valuable item you gave to Li just now?"


    Lin Wanrong was puzzled and asked, "Who are you?"


    The chubby schr hastily said, "Li and I are ssmates."


    Lin Wanrong immediately understood. These two guys were ssmates who had bepetitors for Miss Xiao''s favor. They wouldn''t let the other one have an advantage.


    Lin Wanrong repeated what he had said earlier, and the chubby schr became interested. However, he was a tough bargainer and when Lin Wanrong offered ten taels of silver, he immediately shed it to five.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t even bother negotiating with him and turned to leave. The guy hurriedly called out to him, "Friend--"


    In the end, they settled on ten taels of silver.


    Seeing that several other schrs had noticed themotion, Lin Wanrong was secretly pleased. He wiped his sweat and said to Old Dong, "Damn, I underestimated the market''s purchasing power. Old Dong, let''s raise the price to ten taels of silver."

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21


    Chapter 21 Piracy


    As soon as Lin Wanrong received the twenty taels of silver in the blink of an eye, Dong Rende was also very excited. Ten taels is ten taels; anyway, it''s a seller''s market now, and it''s a one-time deal. What''s there to be afraid of?


    Just now, Dong Qiaoqiao, who had cooperated with Lin Wanrong to perform a double act in men''s clothing, stood beside Dong Rende and smiled at Lin Wanrong, "Brother Lin, you said a dirty word."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "I do what I think, and that''s just me being true to myself."


    Dong Qiaoqiao smiled sweetly at him and said nothing.


    Lin Wanrong said to Dong Rende, "Uncle Dong, what are you waiting for? The silver is waiting for us."


    Dong Rende''s eyes sparkled with a beastly light. Lin Wanrong and heughed heartily and rushed towards the group of literati.


    Lin Wanrong firmly believed that soon, they would be the most popr people among the literati. With the sessful marketing experience from the previous times, old Dong learned from example, and their previous transactions had already been seen by the literati around them. Therefore, as soon as the two of them appeared, they were immediately surrounded by the literati.


    "Brother, is this the self-portrait of Miss Xiao from the Xiao family?"


    "Brother, do you have any insider information about Miss Xiao?"


    "Brother, do you have any insider information about Miss Xiao''s younger sister, Xiao Er?"


    "Brother, do you have any inside information on Lady Xiao?" Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat at the question. It seemed that all men were the same. The mother and daughter of the Xiao family had be a tempting target for everyone.


    But for him, without this group of scheming fellows, where would he earn his money? As more people gathered around, Lin Wanrong and Lao Dong were already surrounded. The enthusiasm of the schrs had fully erupted. Lin Wanrong shouted, "Don''t fight, don''t fight! This is a rare and precious book that has been leaked from inside the Xiao family. There are not many copies, and it is extremely valuable. It''s ten taels of silver for one book. Pay me upfront, and I''ll deliver the goods."


    "No need to look for more," said a wealthy schr, throwing a heavy silver ingot to Lao Dong and snatching a small booklet from his hands. He treasured it as if it were a precious jewel.


    The schrs exploded like boiling water. They pushed and shoved, frantically bidding for the remaining books. "I''ll pay eleven taels! Brother, give it to me quickly!" "I''ll pay fifteen!" "Twenty taels!"


    Lao Dong and Lin Wanrong were squeezed in the middle, sweating profusely. In the blink of an eye, dozens of small booklets that they had used for trial marketing were snatched up. Fortunately, Lin Wanrong had already instructed Dong Qingshan to bring the remaining booklets, satisfying the schrs'' insane demand. By noon, only a dozen or so of the five hundred booklets remained.


    Although there were thousands of talented people present, those who had the ability to spend ten taels of silver to buy a book of sensual pleasures were limited. Selling all five hundred copies was a surprise for Lin Wanrong. He watched as groups of talented people gathered to admire the book, eximing in admiration at the beauty of Miss Xiao depicted within. Lin Wanrong secretlyughed to himself, amazed that the portrait of Miss Xiao was worth so much.


    The Dong family, father and two children, took two batches to transport all of the silver they earned. Dong Rende did not expect that this little book would sell so well, and his face lit up at the sight of the white silver.


    Lunch was prepared and brought by Dong Qiaoqiao, still dressed in men''s clothing. She sat under arge tree and took out the hot dishes from the bamboo basket, saying, "Big Brother Lin, it''s time to eat."


    Dong Qiaoqiao''s cooking skills were not exaggerated. These few small dishes were delicious and fragrant. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but swallow a few mouthfuls and said, "Qiaoqiao, your cooking skills are probably better than those of the famous chefs."


    He wolfed down the dishes. Dong Qiaoqiao blushed and said, "Big Brother Lin, you are too kind. You know what? I never thought that such a simple little book could sell for so much money. It''s worth five thousand taels of silver. My father and brother were so happy that they didn''t want to sleep at night."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. It seemed that Dong''s family had never seen so much silver before. He didn''t care too much about money himself. One million was enough, and even one dor was enough. However, seeing Dong Qiaoqiao''s happiness, he couldn''t help feeling a bit of joy, and jokingly said, "So it seems that Miss Qiaoqiao''s dowry is quite substantial. Don''t forget me when you find a good husband."


    Dong Qiaoqiao blushed and lowered her head, saying, "Big Brother Lin, please don''t make fun of me."


    Lin Wanrong had an extremely thick skin. As he looked at Dong Qiaoqiao, he burst intoughter, causing her face to turn red and her head to hang down in embarrassment, too ashamed to lift it up.


    He finished off all the food in one go and took a drink of water. Patting his belly, he said contentedly, "Thank you, Qiaoqiao. I almost swallowed my tongue."


    Dong Qiaoqiao giggled and asked, "By the way, Brother Lin, my father wanted me to ask if we should print a few more copies of the booklet?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and replied, "No need. Even if we printed more, we wouldn''t be able to sell them for a good price."


    Dong Qiaoqiao asked, puzzled, "Why not?"


    "Firstly, the market is already saturated. That is to say, the people who want to buy it have already bought it. After all, not everyone can afford to spend ten taels on a booklet. Secondly, we need to consider Miss Xiao''s reputation. Let these five hundred schrs appreciate her beauty first. But with your looks, Qiaoqiao, it''s probably worth twenty taels per book, without any bargaining." Lin Wanrong pretended to be considerate for Miss Xiao, but at the same time, he was teasing Dong Qiaoqiao shamelessly.


    Dong Qiaoqiao, feeling embarrassed by his boastful tone and teasing, couldn''t help but blush and scold him, "Brother Lin, you''re such a bad person."


    "Really?" Lin Wanrongughed loudly. He knew that a man must be bad to win a woman''s heart. Dong Qiaoqiao was too young to understand this. When it came to having a thick skin and being shameless, Dong Qiaoqiao was no match for Lin Wanrong. The girl covered her face with both hands, afraid to show the redness on her face.


    "On the other hand, the reason is because our book has already been pirated," Lin Wanrong chuckled for a moment before his expression turned serious. He pointed to a few guys in the distance who were selling a small booklet to the schrs sneakily.


    "So soon?" Dong Qiaoqiao eximed.


    Coincidentally, there was a schr next to them who had bought a pirated copy. Dong Qiaoqiao took a quick look and saw that it was just Lin Wanrong''s booklet copied and printed hastily. The ink had not yet dried, the paper was rough, and the text and images were all blurry.


    Dong Qiaoqiao pouted and said, "Compared to ours, this is really inferior."


    "It''s indeed inferior, but they''re selling it cheap, one or two silver coins per copy. Heh, it''s still very attractive to those talented schrs from humble backgrounds. Well, let others do the low-end market, we''ll stick to the high-end market. We have to leave some food for others," Lin Wanrong chuckled, but he was feeling quite unhappy inside. Damn it, he nted the tree, but they get the shade. These pirates are so unscrupulous. May God bless them with two small penises instead of one.


    Originally, he was nning to print more copies, but less than three hours after the first one was sold, he saw the pirated version. He didn''t expect piracy to be rampant even in this era, and these guys were really fast with their hands.


    Although Lin Wanrong didn''t care much about money, no one would refuse more money. If he could make more, why not? Who would say no to money?

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22


    Chapter 22 Little Girl (Part 1)


    Dong Qiaoqiao also understood the reasoning behind it. After all, their purchasing power was limited, and those wealthy schrs who had the means to do so had already bought what they needed. There wasn''t much profit to be made in the secondary market, and if they were to print more books, it would not be worth the cost.


    She was a girl who was easily satisfied. Earning five thousand taels of silver in one morning was an absolute miracle. In the past, it was something she couldn''t even imagine. She was content.


    "Brother Lin, are you really going to be a servant at the Xiao family?" Dong Qiaoqiao no longer cared about the printing issue and looked at Lin Wanrong, who hesitated for a long time before finally asking, "Is it because of Miss Xiao?"


    Lin Wanrong pretended to be surprised and eximed, "Oh, Qiaoqiao, you really are smart and resourceful. You can see through me so easily. You''re like a prophet."


    Dong Qiaoqiao showed a strange expression on her face, and herplexion didn''t look too good.


    Seeing the girl looking a bit depressed, Lin Wanrong didn''t want to tease her anymore. He shook his head and said with a smile, "Ha ha, I''m just kidding. Don''t worry, I''m not interested in Miss Xiao. Think about it, no one has ever seen what she looks like. If she''s an ugly monster who clings to me, I might as well find a tree to hang myself."


    Dong Qiaoqiao found what he said amusing and couldn''t help butugh, "You''re so good at making up stories."


    Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "Life is often not as good as we hope. I''m going to work at the Xiao family for my own reasons. As you know, selling these little books may be profitable, but it''s not a long-term solution. I also have to eat and support my family. If I can find a ce to stay at the Xiao family, it''s not a bad deal. The treatment for their servants is good. As for me, I don''t have any goals in life. I like to go with the flow. Plus, I''m only good-looking, have a good temper, and have a few ideas. If the Xiao family chooses me to be their servant, it''s just barely finding the right person."


    Lin Wanrong looked distressed, and he didn''t need to pretend. If he hadn''t fallen into Wei Laotou''s trap, he wouldn''t havee to serve anyone even if he were beaten to death.


    Dong Qiaoqiao blushed and covered her mouth as she giggled. "Big Brother Lin, you really have thick skin. But I enjoy talking to you. You''re not only a good person, but you also know a lot. I like chatting with you."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Of course. Do you know that in my previous public - oh, hometown, many girls liked to listen to me talk. When I started work, everyone gathered around me to hear my stories. How about that, quite charming, right?"


    He wasn''t bragging. Lin Wanrong was optimistic and had a good way with words, getting along well with everyone. To do business, one had to have a thick skin like him and not offend anyone.


    "Really?" Dong Qiaoqiao nced at him and said, "I wonder which lucky girl can marry someone from such a good family as Big Brother Lin."


    Lin Wanrong thought of his past girlfriends who loved him and those he loved, who had all passed by like flowing water. He would never have the chance to see them again.


    A touch of mncholy crossed his face, and he shook his head, smiling wryly, "What good fortune? I''m a single guy with a gun and a dog now. I can go anywhere I want."


    Dong Qiaoqiao caught the trace of sadness in his eyes. She lowered her head and bit her lip but then raised her head with a bright gleam in her eyes.


    "However, Big Brother Lin, when you put on that stern face, it can be quite intimidating," Dong Qiaoqiao imitated Lin Wanrong''s expression and purposely spoke in a rough voice, "Others may give you face, but you have to earn your own reputation."


    Lin Wanrong wanted tough but didn''t. He put away his smile and said seriously, "Qiaoqiao, you can''t judge a book by its cover. Just because you find it enjoyable to talk to me doesn''t mean I''m not a bad person. How do you know?"


    Lin Wanrong remembered the deceit and backstabbing in the past when he was in the business world. People would greet each other with smiles but stab each other in the back when they turned around. Lin Wanrong had seen and even participated in many such incidents. Looking back now, it all seemed like a dream.


    Dong Qiaoqiao was taken aback. She had been with Lin Wanrong for a few days and had never seen him like this. He was always joking around and never serious.


    She murmured softly, "Brother Lin, is there something on your mind? You seem unhappy. Can you tell Qiaoqiao about it?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Don''t be so clever, little girl. I''m very happy."


    Dong Qiaoqiao looked at him and said firmly, "Brother Lin, you''re a good person. I knew it from the moment I saw you."


    After saying that, she looked at Lin Wanrong deeply and then ran away with her empty lunchbox.


    Lin Wanrong rubbed his nose helplessly. "I''m a good person? Well, I think so too. But look at that girl run, she''s really quick. If she were to practice running, she could be a real talent."


    After eating and drinking his fill, Lin Wanrong was toozy to go home. He leaned against a tree trunk and used the remaining booklet he had to cover his face, falling asleep peacefully.


    He didn''t know how long he had slept when suddenly his nose started to itch. He was about to sneeze when he was awakened by someone. Lin Wanrong opened his eyes and saw a beautiful face smiling at him.


    He yawned and became more awake. He wondered who this girl was with such watery eyes. She was holding a small booklet and smiling at him.


    The girl was probably around sixteen or seventeen years old, with curved eyebrows, big eyes, a small cherry mouth, a pink face, and wearing a yellow satin floral dress with a pair of light pink boots on her feet, exuding a mischievous aura. Although she was young, she had a high chest and was well-developed, with everything in the right ce, a rare beauty.


    As the girl stared at him, Lin Wanrong felt a bit familiar with her. He was curious, as he was sure he had never met her before. Every beautiful woman he had met, regardless of age, had left an impression on him.


    Seeing the little girl staring at him, Lin Wanrong didn''t think much of it and smiled, "Although I am tall, handsome, talented, and cute, if you keep staring at me like this, I will be embarrassed."


    The girl blushed a little and red at him fiercely, waving the small booklet in her hand, "Hey, you, did you make up this little picture book?"


    The girl held up the booklet high, which was the one Lin Wanrong had put on his face when he was sleeping, and he didn''t know when the girl had taken it.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Well, little girl, do you want to buy this little booklet? Do you have any brothers or cousins at home? Ah, those guys have such thin skin that they can''t bear toe themselves and sent you instead."


    The girl''s eyes lit up, "Yes, yes, my brother asked me toe. Is thedy in the picture Miss Xiao?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Of course, this is a rare book passed down within the Xiao family, and it was not easy for me to get it. Sigh, I have a soft heart, and I can''t bear to see a pretty little girl like you begging me. Well, well, I''ll sell it to you at a loss for fifteen taels of silver."


    The girl snorted, "You are not an honest person. Hmph, I''ve been following you all morning, and you sold it to someone else for ten taels of silver. Why did you ask for fifteen taels from me?"

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23


    Chapter 23 Little Girl (Part 2)


    Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat. This little girl wasn''t dumb; she knew to observe before bargaining. Although he had thick skin, he couldn''t help feeling a bit embarrassed when the young girl, who was only sixteen or seventeen, saw through his trickery. He took the small booklet from her hand and chuckled, "Miss, not only do people sell the version for ten taels, but they also sell versions for one tael of silver. Look--"


    He nodded towards a poor schr reading a pirated booklet next to him. The foolish expression on his face suggested that he believed that owning the booklet would give him half of Miss Xiao''s status.


    The little girl had been paying attention to Lin Wanrong for a while and knew that the pirated version he had hastily brought was vastly different from the authentic one. She red at Lin Wanrong and snorted, "Even if yours is authentic, you can''t raise the price like this."


    Her face turned red, and her eyebrows furrowed, making her even more beautiful. She was truly an outstanding beauty, but unfortunately, Lin Wanrong did not recognize personal connections when it came to business. He sneered, "Miss, have you ever heard of the term ''rare goods''? We''ve sold out of all the authentic versions, and this one was left for me to keep as a memento. If you want to buy it, you''ll have to pay a little extra to take away what I cherish."


    The little girl''s eyes flickered, and she said, "Okay, fifteen taels it is, but you have to answer my question first."


    Lin Wanrong looked at her and said, "Miss, answering a question costs five more taels of silver. You should think about it carefully."


    The girl fumed, "What kind of rule is that? You charge money for answering questions? If everyone did that, it would be chaos!"


    "Not at all, not at all." Lin Wanrong shook his head, "I''m a professional reviewer, every word is precious. Naturally, I charge for my services."


    The young girl sneered, "What kind of expert? Those who take money to advertise themselves as experts."


    Lin Wanrong burst outughing, "Little girl, I didn''t expect you to be so insightful. You almost saw right through me. Here''s the deal: do you think there''s only one person who knows the answer to the question you want to ask?"


    The young girl thought for a moment, then nodded, "It seems like only you know the answer."


    "Well, there you have it." Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. This little girl was easy to manipte. "I can choose to answer or not to answer the question that only I know the answer to. If you want to get information from me, you have to pay an information fee. That''s only fair. I''m an honest businessman, and you''ll get what you pay for. Five taels of silver is already cheap, and I won''t cheat you."


    The young girl was stunned for a moment, then thought about it and huffed, "Fine, five taels of silver it is. But you have to answer me honestly, and no deceiving."


    Lin Wanrong lightly patted his cheek and said, "Do you see this handsome face? It''s my trademark. Everyone, young and old, can trust me. I never deceive anyone."


    The young girl covered her mouth and giggled softly. "I''ve never seen someone as shameless as you."


    Lin Wanrong''s expression turned sinister, and he red at the young girl. However, she didn''t show any fear and asked with a straight face, "The question I want to ask is, have you ever seen Miss Xiao?"


    Of course, Lin Wanrong had never seen her. He smiled naturally and said, "Didn''t I tell you before? This is a unique copy that a mid-level house servant in the Xiao family passed on to me. He and I are sworn brothers. Although I''ve never seen Miss Xiao, I swear to the heavens that I am the first person to see this portrait of her."


    He had fabricated the portrait, so of course, he was the first person to see it. This oath was shameless and deceptive to children.


    "Do you know who the master was who painted this portrait?" the young girl asked.


    "It''s me, the master," Lin Wanrong thought to himself with a smirk, but he would never admit to being the instigator. He looked at the young girl and chuckled, "Miss, if I remember correctly, you said you would only ask me one question. I''ve already answered the first one, so this would be the second one, right? Hehe..."


    The young girl pulled out some silver from her pocket and said, "I know. You want more silver, don''t you? Look at how greedy you are."


    "You''re underestimating me," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Even as an expert, I only answer questions depending on my mood. Today, I''ll only answer one question for you. The other one can be a freebie."


    The young girl looked at him and said, "You''re so sly. You''re a big cheat."


    "You''re just a child," Lin Wanrongughed. "I won''t argue with you. As professionals, we have rules and regtions to follow, and our reputation is essential. If I tell you who the master is, how can I face my colleagues in the future?"


    "Well, that makes sense," the young girl nodded. "I didn''t expect you to be so honorable, Mr. Cheat."


    "So you noticed my good qualities so quickly?" Lin Wanrong pretended to be surprised. "I thought I had hidden them well. Oh well, I guess I need to reflect on myself. As the saying goes, a tall tree catches the wind. It''s time to evaluate myself."


    The young girl covered her mouth and giggled, "Do you have any shame left?"


    Lin Wanrong was in a good mood today, having earned some silver and sessfully teased the young girl. He didn''t bother arguing about his shamelessness and just went along with the girl''s teasing.


    "You don''t have to tell me the name of this master, I won''t force you. Can you at least tell me your name?" The little girl''s eyes lit up as she asked.


    "My name is Lin San." Lin Wanrong replied straightforwardly, "This question is free of charge."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself. This little girl was trying to y a trick on him, but she was still too young to outsmart him.


    "Lin San, Lin San," the little girl muttered to herself, "Hmph, Lin San, you cheated me out of my silver today. I will definitely get it back with interest one day." With that, she red at him fiercely, threw a silver ingot at him, grabbed her booklet, and left.


    Cheated? Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Did this little girl really think he needed to cheat her? Watching her walk away, he chuckled coldly to himself.


    The Xiao family was indeed very attractive. It was said that thousands of people had signed up for the selection of servants, and literati from all over Jinling City hade to sign up.


    Lin Wanrong sold thest few booklets and kept the original manuscript as a memento. It was his first bucket of gold in this world and had significant sentimental value.


    When he returned to the Old Dong''s house, he saw that Dong Rende and Dong Qingshan were staring greedily at the silver ingots, as Dong Qiaoqiao had said. Their eyes shone with the unmistakable light of avarice, proving that humans had evolved from animals.


    Lin Wanrong smiled and patted Dong Rende''s shoulder. "What''s wrong, Uncle Dong? Did you get something in your eye?"


    Dong Rende snapped out of his trance and rubbed his eyes. When he saw that it was Lin Wanrong who had returned, he quickly pulled out a chair, wiped his sleeves, and invited him to sit down, respectfully saying, "The young master has returned."


    After making a big profit, Dong Rende was even more respectful to Lin Wanrong. There was no denying that being respected by others was a wonderful feeling, and Lin Wanrong felt great. Without any hesitation, he sat down and said, "Uncle Dong, why don''t you exchange all this silver for silver notes and keep them at home? Won''t it attract thieves?"

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24


    Chapter 24 Easily Distracted (Part 1)


    "Dad and little brother have never seen so much silver before. They want to stay at home for another day and feast their eyes," Dong Qiaoqiao walked in from outside and said with a smile. She held some vegetables in her hand, freshly picked from the garden, which glistened with a watery shine.


    Dong Rende''s old face turned red, and he smiled awkwardly. "To be honest with you, I do have this idea. I''m almost fifty years old, but I''ve never seen so much silver before."


    As it turned out, Old Dong was not even fifty yet, but he looked like he was sixty years old. In Lin Wanrong''s former world, people in their forties and fifties were in their prime of life, enjoying mistresses and sugar mommies, and living it up. Perhaps because the average lifespan here was shorter, Dong Rende, who was under fifty, called himself an old man.


    "Look, look, have a good look," Lin Wanrong took a cucumber from the basket carried by Dong Qiaoqiao without washing it, snapped it in half, and chewed on it without any manners.


    Dong Qiaoqiao looked at him with amusement, but her eyes were filled with joy.


    "Young Master Lin, what do we do next?" Dong Rende reluctantly tore his gaze away and pped Dong Qingshan''s shoulder. He had been staring at the silver coins with reluctance.


    "Uncle Dong, as agreed, we split it fifty-fifty. There must be five thousand taels of silver here, and I have some more," Lin Wanrong took out all the silver he had sold in the afternoon. "Tomorrow, you go and exchange all this silver for silver notes. You can take half of it directly, and you can also keep the other half for me for the time being."


    "No, no, no..." Dong Rende quickly waved his hand and said, "Young master, a fifty-fifty split is absolutely not eptable. These are all talents earned by the young master, and also the young master''s capital. I will only take a modest fee for my services, plus somebor costs, for a total of fifty taels of silver, okay?"


    Having witnessed the deceitful ways of the business world, Lin Wanrong was impressed with Dong Rende''s sense of loyalty in the face of profit. He couldn''t help but nod secretly and say, "Uncle Dong, this is not just my own affair, but also your contribution. I have always said that I want to prepare a substantial dowry for Miss Qiaoqiao. Consider this my heartfelt gesture."


    Qiaoqiao blushed, but looked at Lin Wanrong seriously and said, "Brother Lin, although we have also contributed to this money, you are the absolute leader. Even without us, you could have found anyone else to do it. You just gave us this opportunity. Although you have our best interests at heart, if we really epted this money, we would not feel at ease."


    "Yes, big brother, we only want what we deserve, nothing more," said Dong Qingshan. Although he was young, he was very ambitious and echoed Qiaoqiao''s opinion.


    What more could be said at this point? Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. The Dong family, father, son, and daughter, were all poor but ambitious. If he continued to push the issue, he would underestimate them. He nodded and said, "Since that''s the case, I have a proposal."


    "What proposal?" The Dong family had already been in awe of Lin Wanrong''s intelligence and eagerly asked.


    "Well, since none of us wants these five thousand taels of silver, why not use it as capital and invest in some other business to make more money?"


    "Invest in business?" Dong Rende pondered for a moment and said, "Young master, what kind of business do you think would be best?" Five thousand taels of silver was not a small amount, nor was it arge one. They needed to think carefully about what kind of business to invest in.


    "Qiaoqiao, what kind of business do you think we should do?" Lin Wanrong asked as he noticed Dong Qiaoqiao seemed lost in thought. Dong Qiaoqiao was an extremely clever and wise woman, and should not be underestimated.


    After thinking for a moment, Dong Qiaoqiao said, "As ordinary people, we are concerned about the four basic necessities of life: clothing, food, shelter, and transportation. Clothing has already been monopolized by the Xiao family and a few other wealthy families, and thepetition is intense. We don''t have enough capital to enter the market. However, when ites to food, we can consider it."


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    After speaking, she looked nervously at Lin Wanrong, afraid that her words might offend him. After all, it was a disgrace for an educated person to engage in business. She was also unsure whether Lin Wanrong, who was quick-witted, would approve of her idea. If he rejected it, she wouldn''t know what to do.


    "Qiaoqiao, you are thinking just like me," Lin Wanrong eximed with a loudugh. Dong Qiaoqiao breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Lin Wanrong with joy, eager to hear more of what he had to say.


    "As the saying goes, ''food is the paramount necessity of the people.'' Starting a restaurant business requires a certain amount of capital, and the size of the business is determined by the amount of capital invested. It''s also rtively easy to get into the industry. However," Lin Wanrong''s tone suddenly changed as he continued, "if we''re only opening a small restaurant, the capital investment may not be much, but the return on investment is too low. If we''re going to do it, we should aim big."


    "Go big?" Dong Qiaoqiao and her father both eximed, not understanding what he meant.


    "Yes, go big. The restaurant we''re going to open not only needs to have arge space and a prime location, but also skilled chefs, excellent service, and clever pricing," Lin Wanrong said deliberately.


    Even Dong Qiaoqiao, who was clever and quick-witted, didn''t fully understand Lin Wanrong''s words. She could understand the first few points, but how could she understand thest sentence?


    Lin Wanrong looked at the three people with a puzzled expression and said with a smile, "You can understand the previous points, right? Our restaurant not only needs spacious premises, but also needs to be located in the busiest golden area. As for the craft and service, I don''t need to say much. As for the pricing, hehe, we need to allocate it reasonably, with low, medium, and high levels, all of which must be avable. We want the guests who visit our store to have a high-end experience and feel that we are different from others. As long as the level goes up, even if our prices are slightly higher, others can understand it. After all, you get what you pay for, and everyone can understand it. Whats more, we can also take care of our mid-end and low-end customers to ensure that theye in droves."


    This speech left the Dong family father and son puzzled for a long time, and only Dong Qiaoqiao bit her lip and thought carefully about what Lin Wanrong had said, seeming to understand something.


    "And," Lin Wanrong said with a mysterious smile, "we will also have asional promotions for each level of customers, to ensure that theye in droves."


    "Promotions?" This time, not only the Dong family father and son, but even Qiaoqiao was stunned. They had never heard of this term before and naturally didn''t understand what it meant.


    Lin Wanrong had to waste a lot of saliva exining this new term to them. After thinking about this promotion carefully, you can''t deny that it was really tempting.


    The Dong family had blind trust in Lin Wanrong from the beginning. Hearing him say this, they suddenly thought that he was a master of this industry and their desire to open a restaurant became unprecedentedly strong.


    This move by Lin Wanrong was very risky because he had no experience in opening a restaurant. However, this kid was bold and shameless, and dared to do anything. Besides, this five thousand two silver was earned out of thin air. Even if he lost it, he wouldn''t bat an eye.


    The minds of several people became active, and Dong Rende said, "Listening to Master Lin''s words, I remembered something. A few days ago, the owner of Meiwei Restaurant by Xuanwu Lake said that he was getting old and wanted to pass his shop to someone else and retire to his hometown in Suzhou."


    "Oh?" Lin Wanrong was very interested. Xuanwu Lake was a good ce, with beautiful scenery and many people. As long as it was managed properly, the profit would not be small.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25


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    Chapter 25 Easily Distracted (2)


    "Meiwei Restaurant has five floors, with ample space and an excellent location. It can be said to be the best ce by Xuanwu Lake, which happens to meet the young master''s requirements," Dong Rende said.


    "Such a good location, would the owner be willing to sell?" Lin Wanrong asked in confusion. Xuanwu Lake was a prime location in Jinling City. Owning a storefront there would definitely make one a millionaire.


    Dong Rende nodded and said, "The ce is indeed good, but the owner of Meiwei Restaurant is a cunning and mean person who doesn''t share profits and is extremely unscrupulous. The quality of the food is poor, and the prices are expensive. It''s normal that the business can''t sustain. His son served as a magistrate in another ce and made a lot of money, so the old man is rushing back to enjoy his retirement."


    So that''s it. This old man is a sharp-tongued and mean-spirited merchant who must have his eyes on money. No wonder.


    "How much money does he want?" Lin Wanrong asked directly.


    "I heard it''s seven thousand taels," Dong Rende replied.


    Seven thousand taels? That''s not a small amount. If the restaurant were to be demolished and renovated ording to Lin Wanrong''s wishes, plus the additional equipment and staff, it would cost at least eight or nine thousand taels. He only has five thousand taels on hand, which is barely enough.


    "Here''s the n. Uncle Dong, let''s go and talk to the owner of Meiwei Restaurant tomorrow, and try to negotiate the price down. As for the rest of the money, I''ll figure something out," Lin Wanrong said after some thought.


    "Brother Lin, the selection of Xiao family''s servants will begin tomorrow. You" Dong Qiaoqiao kindly reminded him.


    Lin Wanrong pped his forehead. Oh no, how could he forget about that? He smiled at Qiaoqiao and said, "Thank you for reminding me, Qiaoqiao."


    Dong Qiaoqiao nced at him and said, "Brother Lin, are you really going to be a servant for the Xiao family?"


    Dong Qingshan smirked from the side and said, "Big Brother, are you really interested in Miss Xiao from the Xiao family?"


    Dong Qiaoqiao nced at Lin Wanrong, but lowered her head and said nothing.


    "Look at your big head," Lin Wanrong chuckled and cursed, but he had bitter thoughts in his heart.


    He had promised Wei Laotou to do what was asked of him, and he had to follow through on that promise. While he could employ some tricks when dealing with others, he couldn''t be petty with the old man who had saved his life. If he did, even Lin Wanrong would look down on himself.


    Although he was reluctant to be a servant, he wasn''t too keen on doing business either. Having seen too much of the insincerity and craftiness in the business world, he felt a deep sense of weariness. The reason he had asked Dong Qiaoqiao and her father to do business was extremely despicable. He wanted the father and daughter to work for him, and he only needed to provide ideas. Compared to the past when he had to personally take up arms, this was much more carefree.


    Of course, he couldn''t say such a dirty thought out loud.


    Dong Qiaoqiao thought he had guessed what Lin Wanrong was thinking since he didn''t say anything. She sighed lightly and after a while, gritted her teeth and said, "Brother Lin, you are exceptionally talented, and Miss Xiao will surely recognize your talents. You two are a match made in heaven. If you want to do something, just do it. I - we support you."


    Even Dong Qiaoqiao thought so, which really made Lin Wanrongugh and cry. "Qiaoqiao, you don''t have to make fun of me anymore. Actually, I''m azy person and don''t want to do anything. That''s why I let you take the lead in doing business. As for bing a servant in the Xiao family, although the reputation isn''t very good, there are still benefits. At the very least, by leaning on the Xiao family''s big tree, no one will dare to bully us in the future."


    Lin Wanrong made up some stories, and Dong Qiaoqiao didn''t press him for details. The group of them made ns together.


    Dong Qiaoqiao was worried about the 2,000 taels of silver still missing, but Lin Wanrong smiled and said they could figure out a solution after talking to the owner of Meiwei Restaurant tomorrow.


    Naturally, they had dinner at the old man''s house again. Now, Lin Wanrong felt much morefortable staying at the old man''s house than in his own rundown home.


    After dinner, Lin Wanrong pulled Dong Qingshan aside and secretly handed him twenty taels of silver. Dong Qingshan didn''t understand and asked, "Brother Lin, what are you doing?"


    Lin Wanrong patted him on the shoulder and said, "Qingshan, you need to win over your brothers. Brotherhood alone is not enough. It''s all about interests. You have to remember that interests are always greater than loyalty. Only when you give them enough benefits will they not betray you. If you only rely on loyalty, it may hold up for a while, but not forever. In the end, it will be you who falls."


    Although Dong Qingshan was only fifteen or sixteen years old, he was extremely intelligent. He epted the silver that Lin Wanrong had given him and a look of gratitude shed across his face. "Thank you, big brother. With just one word of guidance from you, I will benefit for a lifetime. Big brother, I want to take care of something tomorrow afternoon. Do you have any time?"


    Lin Wanrong thought for a moment and said, "Tomorrow is the selection of the Xiao family''s servants. I also have to talk to your father about the restaurant. I may not have time."


    A hint of disappointment shed across Dong Qingshan''s face. "That''s all right, big brother. Your important matterse first."


    Lin Wanrong patted him on the shoulder. "Qingshan, as long as it''s something you are determined to do and want to do, just go for it. Big brother will always support you."


    "Yes, I understand, big brother." A look of joy spread across Dong Qingshan''s face. With Lin Wanrong''s guidance, he felt as if he had the courage and confidence to win.


    After discussing the use of the silver with Dong''s father and son, to avoid any problems arising, they hurriedly moved the silver to the bank and exchanged it for banknotes.


    As they left, Lin Wanrong was exhausted and ready to bid farewell and return home when Dong Qiaoqiao said, "Big brother, wait a moment."


    Lin Wanrong looked at her strangely, and Dong Qiaoqiao blushed and said, "Please sit down for a moment. I''ll get you something."


    Lin Wanrong sat down on the stool and waited. After a short while, Dong Qiaoqiao came out of the inner room. She was holding two things in her hands and walked up to Lin Wanrong, squatting down gently to slowly take off his tattered cloth shoes.


    Lin Wanrong saw Qiaoqiao squatting in front of him, her delicate eyebrows lightly trembling. Her pretty cheeks seemed to have ayer of rouge on them. She nervously bit her small lips, and her full chest rose and fell as she tried to restrain her shyness. "Qiaoqiao, what are you doing?" Lin Wanrong asked urgently.


    Qiaoqiao did not dare to lift her head and whispered, "Big Brother, these are the new shoes I made for you. Can you see if they fit?"


    Lin Wanrong watched her put on shoes for him. Her beautiful hair hung down over her forehead, hiding her lovely eyes. Her face, like white jade, revealed a hint of shyness. The fragrance emanating from her body wafted into Lin Wanrong''s nostrils, and her full chest was almost pressing against his thighs. Waves of heat emanated from her chest to Lin Wanrong''s legs and then into his heart, igniting an evil fire within him.


    Lin Wanrong was no longer a naive man. When he saw the tempting scene in front of him, he was stirred up inside. His dragon head had already stood up, hot all over his body.


    Qiaoqiao finished fixing his shoes and was about to raise her head when her lips touched something hard. She looked up and saw that she had touched Lin Wanrong''s obscene dragon head, which had be erect.


    "Ah!" Qiaoqiao eximed in shock. Her face was burning, and she quickly turned around and ran into the house, mming the door shut.


    She leaned against the door, her heart pounding incessantly. The blush on her face could not be erased for a long time. "So embarrassing," Qiaoqiao thought of the scene just now. Her body felt weak and she quickly covered her red face and leaned against the door, unable to speak for a long time.


    Lin Wanrong was not a good person to begin with. Seeing Qiaoqiao shyly run into the house, he could only drylyugh twice and said, "Natural reaction, purely idental, only this one time, not to be repeated."


    However, his dragon head was still standing upright and had not subsided for a long time. Lin Wanrong viciously mmed it and said, "You embarrassed me. You''re forbidden from eating meat for three months."

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26


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    Chapter 26 Cunningly Seizing Wealth and Power (Part 1)


    Although the incident just now had caused Lin Wanrong to blush, the time it took for his face to return to normal was only a matter of microseconds. In a moment, he had regained hisposure.


    The new shoes that Qiaoqiao had made for him fit perfectly. After walking a few steps back and forth, he felt extremelyfortable. Qiaoqiao was truly skilled with her hands.


    Beside him was also a new set of clothes, obviously made for him as well. Thinking about how busy Qiaoqiao had been during the day, it was clear that she had stayed upte to make these clothes and shoes for him. Lin Wanrong was moved by this and felt a slight sense of remorse for his earlier indecent behavior.


    Wearing his new clothes and walking back and forth, Lin Wanrong felt as if the clothes were made specifically for his body. He wondered if it was due to Qiaoqiao''s skill or if he was just naturally suited for clothing. He shamelessly thought to himself.


    Suddenly, there was a light sound, and Dong Qiaoqiao walked out, trying to suppress her shyness. The blush on her face was still clearly visible.


    "Qiaoqiao," Lin Wanrong smiled at her apologetically.


    Dong Qiaoqiao didn''t say anything. She walked over to him and gently adjusted his clothes. She carefully looked over him from front to back, left to right, before nodding in satisfaction.


    As he looked at her shy face, her crystal-clearplexion, and the fragrant scent that emanated from her, Lin Wanrong felt a surge of desire, wishing he could embrace her and kiss her deeply.


    Taking a deep breath, tightening his abdominal muscles, lifting his breath, and squeezing his buttocks, Lin Wanrong silently recited the breathing technique, suppressing his arrogance and desires.


    "Big brother, you''ll be going to the Xiao family tomorrow, take care of yourself. I''ll make two new sets of clothes for you,e and get them when you have time," Dong Qiaoqiao said softly.


    Lin Wanrong, who was in a fierce struggle with the dragon head, felt a warm feeling spread throughout his body when he heard her words, and the stubborn dragon head immediately crouched down.


    This Qiaoqiao girl was so gentle and kind, it was really not right to treat her like this. Lin Wanrong''s conscience was pricked, and he felt a little guilty. He was also dissatisfied with the performance of the dragon head under him. "It''s all your fault, causing trouble for me."


    That night, Lin Wanrong slept soundly and dreamt of countless beautiful women. When he woke up the next morning, the dragon head was still standing tall.


    He was quite pleased with his morning erection. "It''s quite prominent," he thought to himself with a sense of promiscuity.


    Feeling dampness in his underwear, he reached down and realized that he had actually had a wet dream. This phenomenon had rarely urred since he had started dating at eighteen years old, but he didn''t expect it to happen in this world. Lin Wanrong was a bit helpless and couldn''t help but cry andugh, it was evident that yesterday''s stimtion had been quite significant.


    "Washing my underwear at six in the morning, this is not a good omen," Lin Wanrong sighed in his heart.


    He arrived early at the Xiao family''s entrance and saw that there were already countless diligent people gathered around two red lists, making a lot of noise.


    Lin Wanrong squeezed forward and took a look, only to find that it was a list of names for those participating in the Xiao family''s servant preliminary test. The big red list was filled with countless names, dense and crowded.


    Thanks to Lin Wanrong''s good eyesight, he finally found his name in an inconspicuous corner - Lin San.


    These two characters looked so awkward, Lin Wanrong remembered Old Man Wei''s trickery, and became angry. However, looking at the names beside him, there were all sorts of names: Zhang Gousheng, Xia Shiren, Liu Yuejing,pared to these names, being called Lin San was considered fortunate (These names literally means: Gousheng = Leftover Dog; Shiren = Historical Benevolence; Yuejing = Refined Cross; Lin San = Lin the Third). Lin Wanrong secretly broke out in a cold sweat. It seemed that Old Man Wei was still a decent person after all.


    "I never thought that I wouldn''t even have a chance to take the initial exam and be eliminated like this. Heaven is against me," a household servant-looking fellow next to him sobbed.


    "Why are you so sad, my friend?" another fellow asked.


    The sobbing fellow replied, "I didn''t realize that yesterday''s registration was the initial selection. Unfortunately, I was distracted by the maidservants and missed my chance."


    "My friend, you must choose the right time to pursue ady. Once you get in, there will be plenty of opportunities. Oh, I truly feel sorry for you," the other fellowmented.


    "Hey, looking at your dress, haven''t you already made it in the household servant world? Why did youe to participate in the selection again?" another older fellow asked curiously.


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    The sobbing fellow snorted, "What''s so strange about that? Nowadays, people aim for higher positions, and water flows to lower ces. Can''t Ie and try my luck? Let me tell you, not only did I participate in the selection for the Xiao family''s household servants, but I also participated in the ''Man of the Prefecture'' held by the prefecture''s master and the ''Rough Level Female Students'' held by the Jinling Women''s Society. I have passed the preliminaries and am now advancing toward the top 100."


    "Excuse me, excuse me, my friend is truly formidable."


    "Where, where. I heard that the capital is currently holding the ''Young Singing God Competition,'' and I''m preparing to register for it. I''m nning to sing with the original ecological style. What do you think of me, my friend-"


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but burst intoughter upon hearing this. Nowadays, anyone who has anything to do with talent shows is sure to be a hit. However, he was also a little puzzled. These guys were saying that there was still a pre-preliminary selection for selecting the Xiao family''s house servants, but how did he unknowingly pass it?


    Lin Wanrong was doubtful, could it be because of Old Man Wei? Old Man Wei was a senior servant of the Xiao family and clearly at the gold-cor level. He was rmended by him, so the Xiao family naturally had to give him face and directly let him advance to the preliminary round.


    Looking at the red list next to it, there were only the names of talented schrs who had made it to the list. Although there were as many as two to three hundred of them,pared to the scale of the registration, two-thirds had already been eliminated.


    The Xiao family obviously attached great importance and respect to these talented schrs. Each of their names was followed by the title "Gentleman", and their handwriting was neat and tidy, in stark contrast to the messy list of house servant candidates.


    Lin Wanrong''s preliminary round was scheduled forter in the afternoon, but he was not in a hurry. After waiting for a while, he saw Dong Rende walking quickly toward him.


    They had agreed to meet the owner of Meiwei Restaurant this morning. After the embarrassing incident with Dong Qiaoqiao yesterday, Lin Wanrong didn''t feelfortable going to his house and so they agreed to meet here.


    "Uncle Dong, did you bring the silver notes?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Dong Rende looked around cautiously and leaned in close to Lin Wanrong. "I brought them all, young master, a full five thousand taels."


    Seeing Dong Rende''s nervous look as he looked around, Lin Wanrong found it quite amusing. He patted him on the shoulder and said, "Uncle Dong, when we meet the bosster, follow my lead."


    Dong Rende nodded. Lin Wanrong''s status in the Dong family was extremely high, so whatever he said was naturally taken as truth.


    Dong Rende led Lin Wanrong towards Meiwei Restaurant, passing through the bustling areas of Jinling City. As they walked along the street, they saw crowds of people and heard vendors shouting out their wares. Lin Wanrong felt as though he had returned to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.


    Near the entrance of Xuanwu Lake, which was also the most prosperous area of Jinling City, stood a five-story pavilion with flying eaves and majestic buildings. Its imposing presence was evident at first nce.


    Lin Wanrong took a quick look and was satisfied with both the location and the size. The only remaining question was the price.


    Dong Rende led Lin Wanrong to the third floor, where they met the owner, an old man in his sixties or seventies who had met Dong Rende a few times before.


    Dong Rende exined their purpose and then pointed to Lin Wanrong behind him, saying, "Mr. Wang, this is Young Master Lin from the capital. His father will soon be serving in Jiangsu, and Young Master Lin is nning to invest in Jinling. He heard that you are selling your restaurant, so he came to take a look."


    "I see, a distinguished guest from the capital. Please forgive my impoliteness. I wonder if Young Master Lin''s family is..." Mr. Wang, upon hearing that Lin Wanrong was from the capital, naturally did not dare to be rude. However, having run a restaurant for many years, he had met many people and was not overly nervous.


    Lin Wanrong took a few steps forward, waved his right hand, and opened a folding fan with the four simple characters "Nan de hu tu" () written on it.


    (The phrase  (nn d h t) roughly trantes to "hard to be smart" or "better to remain ignorant". It suggests that sometimes it''s better not to overthink things and just go with the flow, as being too smart or too knowledgeable can lead to unnecessary worry orplications.)

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27


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    Chapter 27 Cunningly Seizing Wealth and Power (Part 2)


    As soon as he saw the white fan, boss Wang immediately had a bad feeling in his heart.


    Lin Wanrong smiled slightly and said, "Boss Wang, my father is not a remarkable person, he is just someone who runs errands for the emperor, but he is not important enough to be seen on the surface."


    When ites to understanding human psychology, Lin Wanrong''s years of experience as a sales manager were not in vain. Although what he said was basically meaningless, it had a significant effect.


    Dong Rende had long heard that boss Wang''s son had served as a county magistrate and had made a lot of money, earning the nickname "the sky is three feet high". This old man was nning to retire and enjoy his son''s riches, so he wanted to sell the restaurant. Although Meiwei Restaurant had a beautiful name, boss Wang was a stingy person who was afraid of the strong and bullied the weak, so business had always been poor.


    Those who boasted about their fathers being high-ranking officials such as ministers or prime ministers did not scare the old veterans, but they were afraid of young masters like Lin Wanrong, who wore a smile on their face but had sinister intentions in their heart. Wang was an old veteran, and he naturally understood this principle.


    "To be honest, this restaurant has an excellent location and many regr customers. If it weren''t for my retirement, I would never sell it. But since you, Master Lin, seem like a person who can achieve great things, I won''t ask for a high price. How about 6,800 taels of silver, to make it a lucky number? What do you think?" Boss Wang said happily.


    "6,800 taels of silver? That''s not unreasonable." Lin Wanrong shook his fan and smiled. "But, you see, Boss Wang, I have a habit of not liking to deal with odd numbers in business. How about we round it up to an even number? Either 6,000 taels or 7,000 taels. What do you say?"


    With a thud, Dong Rende was so scared that he bit his own tongue. Who bargains like this? Has Lin Wanrong gone crazy from making too much money yesterday?


    Lin Wanrong''s smile was enigmatic, leaving Dong Rende feeling thoroughly confused. Wasn''t Lin just inting the price himself? If boss Wang insisted on 7,000 taels, wouldn''t he be shooting himself in the foot?


    But Lin Wanrong wasn''t worried about that at all. Ultimately, this was a question of who was more shameless. In terms of audacity, Lin was willing to admit he was second only to one, but nobody dared im first.


    While boss Wang may have seen his fair share of battles, he paled inparison to Lin Wanrong in terms of audacity. Upon hearing Lin''s words, he couldn''t help but feel overwhelmed. Was this young master really trying to force a confession out of him? Could he really have the audacity to ask for 7,000 taels?


    Boss Wang nervously chuckled, "Young Master Lin, is it possible that--"


    "Boss Wang, 800 taels of silver isn''t a lot to me, and it isn''t a lot to you either. This is simply a matter of business ethics. I''ll be honest with you, we schrs aren''t interested in the business aspect of things. I''m only buying this restaurant for fun. When my grandfather arrives in Jiangnan, I can exin it to him. If you think the price is reasonable, then we have a deal. If not, well... I never said anything." Lin Wanrong grinned.


    Boss Wang wiped his sweat. Who knew what kind of background this young master had? He didn''t want to unwittingly cause any trouble for his son.


    He thought for a moment before gritting his teeth, "Fine, 6,000 taels it is. I only ask that Young Master Lin be more lenient with us in the future."


    "Excellent! I like it!" Lin Wanrong snapped his fan shut with a crack and chuckled. "In that case, let''s not dy any further. Let''s sign the contract right away."


    "No problem, I like doing business with straightforward people," Boss Wang replied.


    Lin Wanrong nodded and turned to Dong Rende. "Old Dong, quickly bring out the 3,000 taels in silver notes."


    Dong Rende was taken aback, but the two had already discussed that Lin Wanrong would take the lead, so he quickly counted out three thousand taels of silver notes.


    Boss Wang did not understand what he meant and asked in confusion, "Lin Master, this three thousand taels--"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and interrupted him, "Boss Wang, this is the first installment. I will pay you the other three thousand taels within six months."


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    Boss Wang was surprised and asked, "How is that possible? In business, we always pay for goods upon delivery."


    Lin Wanrong replied with a smirk, "Boss Wang, it''s not that I don''t trust you, but people are unpredictable. Although you have transferred this restaurant to me, who knows if you have any external debts or if you have mortgaged this restaurant?"


    Boss Wang was taken aback and his expression changed, "Lin Master, is this not putting me in a difficult position?"


    Lin Wanrong replied nonchntly, "Difficult position? Not at all. Boss Wang, I am doing this to ensure the interests of both parties. As long as there are no creditorsing to your door within six months, I will not only pay you the three thousand taels of silver, but also calcte interest on a monthly basis. This way, you will not suffer any losses, and I can make my purchase with peace of mind."


    Dong Rende finally understood that Lin Wanrong was actually asking boss Wang for a loan. Only someone as shameless as Lin Wanrong coulde up with such a despicable excuse.


    Seeing boss Wang''s hesitation, Lin Wanrong raised his eyebrows and his expression changed, "What? Don''t tell me that boss Wang does not trust my character? Hmph, although I do not frequent the official circles of Jinling, I can still manage to gain some face. As for those little devils running around below, they wouldn''t dare to disrespect me. Boss Wang, you can rest assured that as long as I make a call, no one will dare to cause trouble for you. But if I were not here, I cannot guarantee that they would not cause any trouble"


    -


    "Threat, this is a naked threat!" Boss Wang, the restaurant owner, saw the cold smile on Lin Wanrong''s face and shivered. Who was this young master with such thick skin and tant use of threats? He didn''t expect him to be even more ck-hearted than his appearance suggested. If he didn''t have a strong background, this brat wouldn''t dare be so arrogant.


    Dong Rende knew Lin Wanrong''s background, and seeing him spouting nonsense with such arrogance made him sweat nervously. If they were found out, they would be beaten and kicked like dogs.


    Boss Wang shuddered as Lin Wanrong opened his paper fan and pretended to wave it a few times before saying, "Boss Wang, you can rest assured that I never like to bully people. We can sign a contract. If I don''t pay back your money and interest in six months, you can take back this restaurant."


    Under Lin''s soft and hard tactics, boss Wang had lost his judgment and had to agree.


    Fortunately, if Lin Wanrong kept his word, boss Wang wouldn''t lose anything. After six months, if Lin still couldn''t pay, the restaurant would be his again.


    The two signed a contract agreeing to these terms.


    As they left the restaurant, it was already noon, and Lin Wanrong felt his back was soaked through. Even as a sales manager, he had never felt so excited by such a daring and outrageous act.


    Dong Rende was impressed by Lin Wanrong''s shamelessness and fearlessness, not only for buying the restaurant but also for taking out a three thousand liang silver loan for six months.


    Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat from his body and said to Dong Rende, "Uncle Dong, today is an important day. Go and call Qiaoqiao and Qingshan. Let''s celebrate."

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28


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    Chapter 28 Organized Crime (Part 1)


    Lin Wanrong went straight to a restaurant and sat down. After a while, Old Dong returned with Dong Qiaoqiao, but Dong Qingshan did not apany them. Old Dong grumbled, "I don''t know where that boy Qingshan has run off to; let''s not bother about him."


    During the meal, Dong Rende exaggeratedly recounted how Lin Wanrong had swindled the restaurant from the previous owner. Dong Qiaoqiao covered her mouth, giggling incessantly. Ever since the embarrassing incident the previous night, Lin Wanrong''s immunity toward Dong Qiaoqiao had significantly decreased. Seeing her covering her mouth with a delicateugh, he couldn''t help but find her enchanting and charming. He sighed deeply, thinking she was lethally bewitching.


    Of the five thousand taels of silver, only two thousand remained, which was to be used for renovations and hiring additional staff and equipment. It was quite tight. But the father and daughter of the Dong family, who had full trust in Lin Wanrong''s abilities, were not worried at all. Listening to Dong Rende list out his ns, Lin Wanrong pped his forehead and said, "Big brother, do you think I''m a bank?"


    Dong Qiaoqiao giggled charmingly, her red lips reminding Lin Wanrong of the intoxicating touch fromst night, causing a certain reaction in his lower body.


    After the meal, the father and daughter of the Dong family went their separate ways ording to their predetermined tasks. Having enjoyed a few too many drinks with Dong Rende at noon, Lin Wanrong stumbled down the street, feeling somewhat dizzy. Remembering that he had to "start work" in the afternoon, he staggered forward.


    Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar figure disappearing into a small alley. Wasn''t that Qingshan? Sneaking around, what was he up to? Lin Wanrong stealthily followed.


    Inside a dpidated courtyard, more than a dozen young people had gathered. The oldest were in their twenties, while the youngest were only thirteen or fourteen. They sat or stood, their faces revealing a mix of worry and excitement.


    Dong Qingshan, wearing a short coat and bare-armed, distributed iron rods and wooden sticks to everyone, saying, "Brothers, wait for mymand. When I shout ''attack,'' we all charge and beat the hell out of those bastards."


    The young men chattered nervously, fearful yet expectant. Dong Qingshan silenced their discussions, saying, "Don''t be afraid. Think about it; once we win this fight, Li Ergou''s territory will be ours. With Li Ergou''s territory, we can consolidate our strength, recruit more followers, and expand our influence to dominate the southern part of the city. In the future, we will continue to grow, not only controlling the south but also the north and the center of the city. Jinling City will be under our control. We will collect protection fees along Xuanwu Lake, Confucius Temple, and even the flower boats on the Qinhuai River. We can have our way with the women on the flower boats, and grope the courtesans of Lichun Brothel as we please. We''ll rob their silver, their women, and leave them with nothing."


    The young menughed heartily, their eyes filled with greedy desire, resembling unevolved beasts.


    Eavesdropping outside the door, Lin Wanrong was also dumbfounded. Dong Qingshan was incredibly crude. But, he thought, I like it! These twenty or so children, dressed in rags, were obviously from poor families, and some of them were even beggars. They seemed fearless and if they were truly brought together, they would undoubtedly form a force to be reckoned with.


    Their numbers were still too small, but they had purpose, energy, determination, and ruthlessness. They were the typical four-pronged new breed, and their potential should not be underestimated. The underworld was already taking shape, and as long as they seized opportunities, their growth was imminent.


    Dong Qingshan was feeling proud of his speech when someone suddenly patted him on the back.


    "Get lost, I''m busy," Dong Qingshan said without looking back.


    "Qingshan" a familiar voice sounded from behind.


    Dong Qingshan turned around and, to his delight, eximed, "Big brother, what brings you here?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled and nodded, "I was wandering around the neighborhood and saw you. Are these your followers?"


    Dong Qingshan bashfully nodded, turned to his subordinates, and said, "What are you waiting for? Hurry up and greet the boss."


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    "Boss" the twenty-some youngsters shouted in unison.


    Lin Wanrong broke out in cold sweat, wondering when he had be the leader of these young hoodlums.


    Unperturbed, Dong Qingshan was thrilled to see Lin Wanrong and grabbed his arm, "Boss, you''re just in time to witness our battle against Li Ergou."


    "Li Ergou?" Lin Wanrong was unfamiliar with the name. A chubby young man with a round, white face and a beaming smile standing next to Dong Qingshan immediately exined, "He''s the notorious Li Ergou who rules over the southern district of the city. He has twenty or thirty followers and is known for his wickedness. We''ve arranged a fight with him outside the city today. Whoever wins will take control of the southern territory."


    Oh, so the battle was happening so soon? Lin Wanrong''s forehead broke out in sweat. He had just incited Dong Qingshan to engage in organized crime the previous day, and now a gang had already been formed.


    The chubby young man continued, "Boss, I''ve heard Qingshan praise you for your wisdom, valor, and extraordinary courage. We believe that under your leadership, we will soon achieve dominance and rule the underworld for generations."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t know whether tough or cry at the fact that he had inadvertently be the boss of these young hoodlums. However, it was his own doing that had led Dong Qingshan to this point, so he had no one to me but himself.


    After some conversation, Lin Wanrong learned that the chubby young man''s name was Li Beidou, and he was the best fighter aside from Dong Qingshan. Lin Wanrong had heard his name mentioned a few times before.


    Although Lin Wanrong, as a smart man, would never have engaged in a fight with another gang so soon after forming his own, Dong Qingshan was different. Young, passionate, and fueled by thetest theoretical guidance, he was a fiery force ready to ignite wherever he went.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, acknowledging that the hasty battle was unavoidable. It was the gang''s first fight, and they couldn''t afford to lose. He carefully observed Dong Qingshan''s followers; despite their ragged, malnourished appearances, their eyes were sharp, clearly indicating they were experienced fighters who wouldn''t be easily defeated. Lin Wanrong felt somewhat reassured.


    The agreed-upon time between Dong Qingshan and Li Er Gou was approaching. Although Lin Wanrong had instigated Dong Qingshan, when he thought of Dong Qiaoqiao''s worries, he also had some concerns that Dong Qingshan might be too reckless. So he followed him out of the city.


    To the south of the city was arge open area with lush crops and dense forests. It was a great ce for gangs to fight and for people to be killed and silenced.


    Dong Qingshan had already observed the nearby terrain and led his older and younger brothers to move into a patch of nt forest, moving with cat-like grace.


    This forest was veryrge in area, with about twenty people hidden inside and not feeling crowded at all.


    These nts were like trees but not quite, with a height of about half a person. The leaves had already begun to wither, and a faint familiar fragrance could be detected on the leaf veins, which invigorated Lin Wanrong''s spirit.


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 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29


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    Chapter 29 Organized Crime (Part 2)


    Upon sensing the familiar fragrance, Lin Wanrong''s mind struggled to recall the origin of the scent. His fingers delicately traced the rough surface of the leaves, which carried a faintly pungent aroma.


    "What is this?" Lin Wanrong furrowed his brow, though he was certain he had encountered this nt before.


    "Big brother, are you afraid?" Dong Qingshan inquired, standing beside Lin Wanrong. Although he had been involved in many skirmishes, his youth and inexperience left him feeling somewhat apprehensive amidst therge-scale conflict.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "It is natural to be fearful the first time, but you will grow ustomed. By the way, Qingshan, do you know what kind of leaf this is?" He picked up a leaf and posed the question to Dong Qingshan.


    Scratching his head and grinning sheepishly, Dong Qingshan replied, "I am not certain, but these nts grow abundantly in the wild. Sometimes we dry the leaves and use them as kindling, although the smoke can be rather choking."


    As Lin Wanrong was about to respond, he detected the sound of approaching footsteps. His hearing had been sharpened by Master Wei''s training.


    "Someone ising," Lin Wanrong whispered.


    Dong Qingshan tensed and motioned for silence, causing the rustling in the undergrowth to cease.


    A burly man appeared in the distance, followed by a group of twenty or thirty individuals. Each one bore a distinctive facial feature, and their swaggering gait revealed their penchant forwlessness.


    "The man up front is Li Ergou," Dong Qingshan informed Lin Wanrong in a hushed tone.


    Lin Wanrong nodded and asked, "Qingshan, what do you n to do?"


    "Confront them, exin our intentions, and then engage in battle," Dong Qingshan dered with a sense of righteousness.


    Lin Wanrong inwardly chuckled and lightly pped Dong Qingshan''s head, "When I give the signal, you and the others charge forward. Remain silent, attack on sight, and strike with all your might. We will not cease until they cry out for mercy."


    "Big brother, you mean we won''t be exining ourselves?" Dong Qingshan''s initial romanticism was shattered by Lin Wanrong''s ruthless pragmatism. Nevertheless, he was no fool, and he quickly adapted to the new approach.


    "Do you think this is a martial contest, my young friend? We are in the underworld, where survival depends on speed and ruthlessness," Lin Wanrong exined.


    Dong Qingshan understood and a fierce glint appeared in his eyes, "Right, big brother. We are iming territory; there is no need for honor. To the victor go the spoils, and the defeated shall submit."


    Lin Wanrong nodded approvingly and instructed Li Beidou, who was nearby, to ry the message.


    After a short wait, Li Ergou''s voice could be heard as they approached, taunting Dong Qingshan and demanding his presence. As a dominant force in the southern city, they did not take Dong Qingshan seriously and had not bothered to scout the area.


    Gripping his iron staff, Lin Wanrong slowly moved into position. His earlier inebriation and the thrill of being among these young rogues made him feel youthful and invigorated. He red at Li Ergou and hispanions, eyes bloodshot with anticipation.


    As Li Ergou entered striking range, Lin Wanrong sprang into action, brandishing his iron staff and charging forward with adrenaline-fueled excitement. His wheat-colored skin flushed a deep red.


    Damn, I didn''t expect the boss to be even more ferocious than me! Dong Qingshan stood behind Lin Wanrong, watching him rush out with an incredible speed, even faster than himself.


    Dong Qingshan let out a low growl and, gripping his iron rod, darted forward like a leopard.


    The blood of the gangsters had long since boiled over. They followed Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou, brandishing cleavers, iron rods, and wooden sticks, charging out without a word, striking down anyone they saw.


    Li Ergou was closest to Lin Wanrong. He stared dumbfoundedly as a healthy, wheat-skinned man rushed at him with an iron rod. His mind raced, wondering where this man hade from and, with such a bitter and resentful expression, if the girl fromst night was his sister.


    Seizing the moment of Li Ergou''s distraction, Lin Wanrong lunged forward, smashing his iron rod heavily onto Li Ergou''s head.


    Although Wei Lao''s empowerment was not entirely sessful, the power it granted Lin Wanrong was significant. Not only was he quicker, but his strength had increased considerably as well.


    Li Ergou, caught off guard and faced with Lin Wanrong''s fiercebat prowess, failed to dodge the blow. Lin Wanrong''s iron rod crashed heavily onto his head, knocking him out on the spot.


    As the bright red blood flowed, Lin Wanrong felt an indescribable thrill. He even lightly licked his lips and swung the rod down again with force.


    Li Ergou grunted and slowly fell, disbelief filling his eyes.


    One of Li Ergou''s underlings saw his boss fall and, wielding his wooden stick, struck heavily at Lin Wanrong''s back.


    Lin Wanrong let out a muffled groan, arge swelling forming on his back, but he didn''t fall. He retaliated with a swift strike to the underling''s face, the burning pain in his back giving him a perverse pleasure.


    Dong Qingshan rushed over and struck the fallen Li Ergou with his rod.


    Lin Wanrong nced at Li Ergou, knowing that, even if thed survived, he would be bedridden for the rest of his life.


    The battle, needless to say, ended in a resounding victory for Dong Qingshan''s side. Lin Wanrong had fought his fair share of fights before university, but such opportunities had been few and far between since then. Now, in this world, he was unrestrained. The chance to fight freely today made him feel invigorated, and his discontent in this world seemed to dissipate.


    Dong Qingshan''s gang members had all seen Lin Wanrong''s ruthless and swift attack, and they admired him greatly.


    "Ouch!" Lin Wanrong sat down, only to feel a burning pain on his back, like a fire. The underling had struck him quite heavily. He looked at Li Ergou, whom he had beaten senseless, and felt a pang of resentment.


    "Don''t worry. Tonight, my sister can help you apply some ointment. She always helps me after I get injured in fights," Dong Qingshan said nonchntly,ughing. He himself had sustained few injuries; although they were twenty against thirty, Lin Wanrong had quickly taken down the enemy''s boss, making the fight rtively easy.


    "Boss, you''re really a great fighter!" Li Beidou''s buttocks had been hit, tearing his pants and causing arge swelling. Nheless, he approached Lin Wanrong and said so.


    Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth and said, "Qingshan, Beidou, remember this: once you go down this path, there''s no turning back. Only by being darker, more stable, and more ruthless than others can you make a name for yourself."


    "Big Brother, I understand," the two nodded together. "Oh, by the way, Big Brother, are you still going to Xiao''s house?"


    They had avoided mentioning Xiao''s house, but as soon as it was brought up, Lin Wanrong suddenly yelled, "This is not good--"


    Ignoring the pain, he got up and ran, and Dong Qingshan heard his voice in the distance, "Get the team organized, we''ll have a dinner party tonight--"

 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30


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    Chapter 30 The Household Servant Selection Contest (Part 1)


    Immersed in the thrill of the recent brawl, Lin Wanrong had momentarily forgotten the main matter at hand. It was only when Dong Qingshan mentioned the Xiao family that he recalled he had a "job interview" to attend. This job held extraordinary significance for him, as it was a way to repay the kindness of Old Man Wei; he couldn''t afford to mess it up.


    Rushing to the Xiao residence, Lin Wanrong arrived only to find that he was a step toote. He asked a few people nearby and learned that his name, Lin San, had already been called.


    "Are you saying this Lin San fellow is an idiot?" The man whom Lin Wanrong had questioned about the situation chuckled maliciously, "For the Xiao family''s recruitment, we all arrived here early, wishing we could present ourselves even earlier. As soon as we join the Xiao family, our fortunes will be made. But that Lin San wasted such a golden opportunity. No need to say more, he must have crawled into some youngdy''s bedst night, and perhaps he hasn''t even gotten up yet."


    The man wore a lewd smirk on his face, evidently delighted with Lin San''s misfortune. Thepetition for the Xiao family''s household servant selection was fierce, and with Lin San forfeiting, there was one lesspetitor. Naturally, the man was overjoyed.


    "Idiot, your mother''s egg!" Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly, "With your pimply, adolescent face, it would be a miracle if the Xiao family chose you."


    Looking around, Lin Wanrong found no otherters, making him an anomaly in this servant selection contest. Observing the tense expressions on the faces of the other applicants, Lin Wanrong didn''t know whether he shouldugh or cry. On the one hand, he had arrivedte, and if he gave up now, he wouldn''t have to perform menial tasks at the Xiao family''s residence, although exining this to Old Man Wei would be difficult. On the other hand, once he entered the Xiao family, he would probably be just like these other aspiring servants, wearing a bitter, downtrodden expression.


    After pondering for a while, he told himself, "Forget it, it''s only a year. Stand tall, and it will pass. I can''t let Uncle Wei, the blind man, look down on me."


    Having made up his mind, Lin Wanrong started to worry again. Now, even if he wanted to serve someone, they might not necessarily want him. "What kind of situation is this?" Lin Wanrong sighed bitterly, knowing that he needed toe up with a n.


    ncing around, Lin Wanrong noticed that the servants and schrs were being selected separately. The schr selection was moving at a slow pace, while the household servant selection was quite rapid. Some candidates went in and came out with downcast expressions in under a minute.


    "Brother, what do they test you on inside?" Lin Wanrong stopped one of the defeated servant candidates and asked.


    The defeated servant candidate replied with a bitter expression, "I have no idea what they''re testing us on. I couldn''t recognize a single character on the test. Oh, my dream of bing a household servant for the Xiao family, my dream lovers Miss Xiao, Miss Xiao the Second, and Madam Xiao, we shall part forever..."


    Astonished, Lin Wanrong watched the defeated servant dash away. This fellow''s appetite was quiterge, as all three women of the Xiao family had be his dream lovers.


    Lin Wanrong wandered around and saw a man resembling a steward standing at the entrance to the servant recruitment room. He was supervising the servant applicants as they entered one by one, his demeanor arrogant and smug.


    The steward appeared to be around forty years old, with a pointed chin and sunken cheeks. His eyes flickered with silver light, and ording to Lin Wanrong''s skill in reading people, this man was a natural opportunist.


    "Perfect!" Lin Wanrong smirked, taking out a silver coin and holding it in his hand. He hurried over to the steward and whispered, "Esteemed Steward, may I have a word with you?"


    Although he was called a steward, he was actually an assistant steward. His immediate superior, the chief steward of the Xiao family household, was overseeing the schr recruitment. With the assistant steward''s experience, he knew that having the title of the chief steward of the Xiao family made him a hotmodity among the schrs.


    The schrs were generous, and to win the favor of the youngdies, they eagerly tried to curry favor with the chief steward. All things considered, the chief steward could easily earn eighty to a hundred silver coins in a day.


    The assistant steward resented his title, as it relegated him to the task of supervising the servant recruitment, which offered little in the way of perks. By the end of the day, he had only umted a meager five silver coins, all in small change. He despised these poor servant applicants but had no choice, as those applying for servant positions were unlikely to be wealthy.


    "What do you want?" The assistant steward stopped mid-sentence as he saw the silver glint in Lin Wanrong''s hand.


    "Um" The assistant steward''s eyes lit up, and he walked a few steps closer, "Speak quickly, I''m busy with work."


    Lin Wanrong''s initial offering of a silver coin, while much less than what the schrs provided, was still considered generous among the servant applicants.


    This young man has potential, the assistant steward thought, feeling an immediate "fondness" for the healthy-looking youth on ount of the silver.


    "What is it?" The assistant steward asked with an official tone, subtly pocketing the silver coin when no one was looking.


    Once the money was taken, Lin Wanrong felt more at ease and quickly asked, "May I know the esteemed steward''s name?"


    "My surname is Pang, and thanks to the appreciation of the masters and mistresses, I am the deputy steward of the Xiao residence," said Deputy Steward Pang with an arrogant expression. However, when he mentioned the "deputy" part, a hint of resentment shed in his eyes, clearly dissatisfied with the title.


    "So you are Steward Pang," Lin Wanrong looked at him in awe, seemingly ignoring the "deputy" part of the title, "My, your reputation truly precedes you. Meeting you in person is even more impressive than hearing about you."


    Deputy Steward Pang looked at him curiously and asked, "Do you know me?"


    Lin Wanrong wore a charming smile on his face, "Of course. Although I haven''t met you before, who in Jinling City doesn''t know the famous Steward Pang? Loyal and righteous, devoted to your master, patriotic, your good name is known throughout thend."


    Words didn''t cost anything, so Lin Wanrong shamelessly praised Deputy Steward Pang.


    But Deputy Steward Pang was even more shameless, his eyebrows raised and eyes smiling as he nodded, epting thepliments.


    Looking at the man''s thick skin, Lin Wanrong thought, My goodness, his skin is even thicker than mine. This guy is beyond saving.


    Lin Wanrong nced around and then whispered into Deputy Steward Pang''s ear, "Moreover, I heard from friends in the servant circle that the position of steward in the Xiao residence should have been yours. Butst time, that fellow used despicable means, deceived the mistresses, and took your position. He is truly despicable and vile. I would give him a beating every time I see him."


    In Lin Wanrong''s previous world, there was a natural conflict between the chief and deputy positions, and he had seen such situations countless times. Furthermore, Deputy Steward Pang had a naturally harsh appearance, and nobody would believe that he didn''t covet the steward''s position.


    "Don''t talk nonsense" Deputy Steward Pang put on a righteous face and said, "Unity is crucial. Steward Wang and I work as a team, and we have a harmonious rtionship. Under the leadership of our core team, the Xiao family''s servants are powerful. Steward Wang and I cooperate andplement each other well, and the organization trusts us greatly." However, the fleeting excitement in his eyes revealed his true thoughts.


    "Indeed, indeed" Lin Wanrong agreed obsequiously, "You two work together in the same team, leading hundreds of Xiao family servants. Naturally, your rtionship must be quite deep."Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31


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    Chapter 31 The Household Servant Selection Contest (Part 2)


    "What business do you have with me?" Assistant Steward Pang found Lin Wanrong''s behavior satisfactory, but he wasn''t a fool. He knew that this sudden bootlicker must have an ulterior motive.


    Lin Wanrong gave Assistant Steward Pang a thumbs up, "Speaking with an intelligent person like you is such a relief." He nced around and whispered, "To be honest with you, Assistant Steward Pang, I was supposed to attend the interview today, but unfortunately, I was held up by some urgent matters at home. Now, I''mte. I was hoping you could make an exception and let me in."


    Assistant Steward Pang took on an official tone, "How could you be so careless with your time? Time is gold, and gold can''t buy time. Do you know how many people want to work as servants in our household? Do you know how many people want this opportunity to be in the initial selection?"


    Assistant Steward Pang repeatedly asked, "Do you know?" Lin Wanrong was furious but had to act subservient for now. He nodded vehemently, "You''re absolutely right, Steward. I hope to have more chances to learn from you and listen to your teachings, so I can grow stronger and healthier."


    After saying this, he felt nauseous, cursing Assistant Steward Pang and his ancestors in his mind.


    Assistant Steward Pang saw that Lin Wanrong could be taught and was excellent at ttery, so he considered him a promising candidate. For the assistant steward, this request was an easy favor to grant. However, officials tend to exaggerate minor matters and make them sound significant. Assistant Steward Pang was no exception. He frowned deliberately and said, "Well, I can try to give you some guidance, but it depends on your luck. Although I am part of the management, this recruitment is handled by the subordinates. There are too many people involved, and it''s not easy for me to interfere"


    Before he could finish, Lin Wanrong shed another tael of silver before him. Assistant Steward Pang''s eyes lit up, and his smile grew wider.


    Suppressing the urge to punch this scoundrel, Lin Wanrong said with a fake smile, "I hope you can help me, Assistant Steward Pang."


    "Well, alright. I''ll give it a try. Maybe they''ll still do me this small favor. Wait here for a moment." Assistant Steward Pang cleverly grabbed the silver and tucked it into his sleeve, then disappeared into the examination room.


    Lin Wanrong spat on the ground as he watched Assistant Steward Pang''s retreating figure. What the hell was going on? To be a servant at the Xiao family, he had to beg them to take him in. The low-ranking servants in the Xiao family earned less than two taels of silver a month, and he had already spent two taels on bribes. Wasn''t he just asking for trouble by losing money and serving others?


    Feeling pathetic, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but despise himself. After getting in, he vowed to make back his investment tenfold or even a hundredfold. He was also deeply resentful of old man Wei, who had set him up in this situation.


    With silver paving the way, everything went smoothly. Assistant Steward Pang emerged after a short while, smiling, "Alright, they''ve agreed to let you in, thanks to my little influence. However, whether you seed or not is entirely up to you. Given the current situation, this is all I can do."


    The current situation? Lin Wanrong, being the intelligent person that he was, understood the meaning behind Assistant Steward Pang''s words. A mere two taels of silver could only buy him an interview opportunity. If he had spent two hundred taels, perhaps Assistant Steward Pang would have directly handed him the interview questions.


    Annoyed by Assistant Steward Pang''s greed, Lin Wanrong managed to hide his anger and responded respectfully, "I''m grateful for your support and care, Assistant Steward."


    Assistant Steward Pang nodded officiously, "You''re clever, and I have high hopes for you. Don''t disappoint me."


    "Of course, of course," Lin Wanrong said with a forced smile.


    "Oh, by the way, what''s your name?" Assistant Steward Pang asked.


    "I''m Lin San," Lin Wanrong replied.


    "Lin San?" Assistant Steward Pang''s face changed instantly, "You''re Lin San?"


    "Yes," Lin Wanrong stared in surprise. Was he famous? This guy seemed to recognize him.


    Assistant Steward Pang''s expression changed immediately. He quickly pulled out the two taels of silver he had hidden in his sleeve earlier and handed them back to Lin Wanrong, saying awkwardly, "Heh, um, Young Master Lin, I''m sorry. I didn''t know it was you who honored us with your presence. Please forgive my ignorance. Please, go in."


    Lin Wanrong was now the one puzzled. What was going on with this guy? Why had he suddenly be so polite? It seemed like he recognized Lin Wanrong. Could it be


    A lightbulb went off in Lin Wanrong''s head. That must be it - Old Wei must have given instructions before leaving. Rumor had it that Old Wei was a high-ranking servant in the Xiao family, equivalent to a white-cor worker. The fact that he lived by Xuanwu Lake instead of the Xiao residence showed that he had significant influence in the family. It would be a piece of cake for him to handle such a matter.


    Lin Wanrong, smugly attributing the credit to the now-absent Old Wei, was annoyed at himself for having wasted his breath ttering the assistant steward. Seeing Pang''s obsequious expression, which resembled his own demeanor earlier, Lin realized that their situations hadpletely reversed.


    Not wanting to offend someone who was now friendly to him, and feeling a bit embarrassed himself, Lin Wanrong didn''t exchange more words with Assistant Steward Pang. He took the silver and went in.


    Upon entering, he first came to a registration desk where a servant sat, asking irritably, "Name"


    "Lin San," Lin Wanrong replied.


    "You''re Lin San?" The servant nced at him, stood up, and his expression softened. He respectfully said, "Young Master Lin, please have a seat."


    It seemed that Old Wei had done his job well, as everyone had been informed. Lin Wanrong''s opinion of Old Wei improved slightly, and he sat down confidently.


    Seeing Lin''s attitude, the servant in charge of registration became even more respectful. He stood there, carefully recording Lin''s name on a slip of paper, and handed it to him with both hands, "Young Master Lin, please proceed inside."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, thinking that Old Wei, as a high-ranking employee of the Xiao family, had arranged everything meticulously.


    Inside the next room, several applicants for servant positions were holding brushes, staring at the nk papers in front of them, looking frustrated and perplexed. Lin Wanrong nced at the crooked and awkward characters on their papers, which looked like squirming worms.


    "Recite the Three Character ssic, ok? Write a few lines from memory." One of them handed Lin Wanrong a brush, nced at his namete without the respect shown by others earlier, and impatiently told Lin to write.


    "Write the Three Character ssic from memory?" Lin Wanrong inhaled sharply, finally understanding why the others looked so distressed. These people hade to apply for servant positions and were likely from impoverished backgrounds, with few able to read and write. They might be skilled in chopping wood in the mountains, but asking them to write with a brush was like trying to make a sow climb adder.Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 32

    Chapter 32


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    Chapter 32 Passing Three Trials (Part 1)


    Lin Wanrong''s forehead was slightly sweaty. He was a brilliant student from Peking University, but his expertisey in the sciences. He was a genuine prodigy in the field of science, and solvingplex calculus problems came easily to him. Reading, writing, and even reciting a few ancient poems were no issue for him. However, asking him to write the Three Character ssic from memory was truly a challenge.


    In this world, aside from knowing a few poems, Lin Wanrong essentially belonged to the "illiterate" category. At this moment, he was deeply grateful for his father, a primary school Chinese teacher, who forced him to memorize a few Tang and Song poems since childhood. Otherwise, he might have been genuinely illiterate in this world.


    It''s not that I don''t understand, it''s that the world is changing too quickly. Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly as he picked up the calligraphy brush. Thest time he practiced writing with a brush was during a tutoring ss when he was ten years old. He could only remember the first twelve widely known characters of the Three Character ssic.


    Cursing Old Wei in his heart, Lin Wanrong had no choice but to bite the bullet. Fortunately, he had thick skin and never backed down in difficult situations. He picked up the brush and quickly wrote the twelve characters on the rice paper: "At the beginning of life, human nature is inherently good, natures are simr, but habits make them diverge." Then, with a gentle flick of his right hand, the brush fell into the inkstone.


    Under his agitation, the strokes of the characters were crude and crooked. Individually, they were barely recognizable. Yet, when viewed together, they exuded an unrestrained and unruly vor.


    "I can''t remember the rest," Lin Wanrong said to the man without a hint of embarrassment.


    Throughout the day, there had been eighty or ny applicants for the servant position. Yet, none had the "bold" temperament of Lin Wanrong.


    The servant found Lin Wanrong''s arrogant attitude displeasing and scolded, "When writing, one should handle the brush gently. Hasn''t anyone taught you? This is a fine Anhui inkstone; if you break it, you won''t be able to afford it."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t care about the inkstone, but seeing the servant''s hostile tone, he snorted and said, "Assistant Manager Pang only told me toe in for an interview, he didn''t mention anything about the Anhui inkstone. It seems I''ve learned something new from you, brother."


    Upon hearing the mention of Assistant Manager Pang, the servant''s expression changed immediately, and he forced a smile, "Brother, were you introduced by Assistant Manager Pang?"


    It''s because of the silver I paid that I''m here, Lin Wanrong thought with a smirk, as long as Mr. Pang has taken my silver, I''ll make sure to squeeze everyst bit of value from him.


    "Indeed, I do have some acquaintance with Assistant Manager Pang. However, when I came in, he specifically instructed that you should adhere to the principles of openness, fairness, and impartiality, and not engage in any favoritism." Lin Wanrong seized the opportunity and simply sold the favor of Assistant Manager Pang, who wouldn''t dare to say anything anyway.


    "Naturally, naturally." The servant in charge of recruitment grinned and handed the namete back to Lin Wanrong, "Young Master Lin, congrattions, you''ve passed the first round." He then pointed to the two bbergasted fellows beside him and said, "You two, have been eliminated."


    He had only written twelve characters, and that was enough to pass? Lin Wanrong couldn''t help butugh and cry, knowing that the servant was doing this to save face for Assistant Manager Pang. Without thanking him, Lin Wanrong took his namete and entered the second room.


    The two eliminated men cried out, "It''s not fair! It''s not fair! Why can he pass, but we can''t?"


    The recruiting servant sneered, "Do you know who he is and who you are? Can''t you tell the difference? Can you write these characters?"


    He threw the paper with Lin Wanrong''s writing on it in front of the two men. Although there were only twelve characters, crooked and twisted, it was already outstandingpared to the servants from poor backgrounds. The two eliminated men had written fewer than eight characters between them.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t care whether they objected or not. Victory goes to the winner, defeat to the loser, and passing the trials was the ultimate goal. After walking a few steps, he arrived at the second room, where several fellow applicants were also deep in thought, their furrowed brows seeming as if they could wring out water.


    An examiner took Lin Wanrong''s namete and handed him a wooden box with an opening, emotionlessly saying, "Draw a question from the box."


    "What kind of question is it?" Lin Wanrong didn''t want to proceed blindly like other candidates. He wanted to understand the situation first.


    "Just draw one, why so much nonsense?" This servant seemed to have had a poor-quality intimate life the night before, and was quite irritable.


    "It''s a question-and-answer test. You need to answer it correctly to pass to the next round." A fellow servant candidate who was anxiously about to pull his hair out overheard Lin Wanrong''s question and subconsciously replied.


    So, that''s how it is, Lin Wanrong understood. This was an on-the-spot Q&A test, examining the intelligence of the servants.


    He pulled out a folded piece of paper from the wooden box and unfolded it, only to see two lines written on it: "A man crosses a single-log bridge, with a wolf in front of him and a tiger behind him. The man quickly makes it across. How does he do it?"


    My god, do people in this world also enjoy ying riddles? Lin Wanrongughed inwardly but deliberately pretended to be deep in thought for a while before answering, "Could it be he fainted?"


    "Correct!" The servant examiner nced at him and thought that this young man must have seen the question somewhere before; otherwise, he wouldn''t have answered so quickly. He''s quite lucky.


    "I object! I object!" Just as the servant examiner was about to announce Lin Wanrong''s advancement to the next round, he heard another candidate servant raise his voice. There were three candidates in the room, including Lin Wanrong; one had just answered his own question, and the other was the fellow who was now shouting in objection.


    "What are you objecting to?" the servant examiner snapped, "Is there anything for you to object to here?"


    Seeing that he was about to be eliminated for not being able to answer the question, the candidate wanted to make a final struggle and said hastily, "What I object to is, why did he get such an easy question while I got such a difficult one? As long as he can answer my question, I will ept my elimination willingly."


    The servant examiner roared, "These questions were randomly drawn by you. Are you clearly suspecting that the examiner has tampered with the process?"


    "No harm, no harm." Lin Wanrongughed and said, "But I wonder, dear fellow, what question do you have in your hand? Let me have a guess."


    The man picked up the paper in his hand and read aloud, "When a medium-rare steak meets a medium-well steak, why don''t they greet each other?"


    "Because they''re not familiar with each other, dear fellow." Lin Wanrongughed helplessly. Was there any need to think about such a small question?


    Oh, the dissatisfied candidate couldn''t say anything else. Was he really that stupid? He was greatly discouraged and couldn''t bear to stay any longer, so he left with a gloomy face. The remaining candidate servant was full of admiration for Lin Wanrong.


    Having breezed through two rounds with ease, Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly, thinking that the selection process of the Xiao family''s servants really liked to show off. It involved identifying and interpreting characters, as well as brain teasers. Were they trying to turn servants into schrs as well?Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33


    Hi, please check out this patreon link /al_squad to support the trantion, ad-free chapters, and bonus chapters!!


    Chapter 33 Passing Three Trials (Part 2)


    Upon entering the third chamber, Lin Wanrong found himself unexpectedly facing three men in their fifties, all dressed in in green robes and small hats, leaving no doubt that they were household servants. The trio was engaged in a lively discussion, but as soon as Lin Wanrong appeared, they halted their conversation and turned their collective gaze upon him.


    A long silence followed, with the three old men continuing to stare at Lin Wanrong, their eyes shing with amusement. Puzzled by their behavior, Lin Wanrong examined himself. Apart from his slightly dirty clothes from the earlier scuffle with Dong Qingshan and the others, there seemed to be nothing particrly noteworthy about him.


    Could it be because of my good looks? Lin Wanrong pondered. He was quite pleased with his appearance, but his aim was to attract young women, not these wrinkled old men.


    Growing increasingly agitated by their intense, unyielding stares, Lin Wanrong defiantly locked eyes with the three men. Their eyes met in an intense, unblinking standoff, neither side willing to back down. Eventually, Lin Wanrong boldly pulled up a small stool and sat down right in front of the trio, his fierce gaze surpassing even theirs.


    "This kid, shameless" After what felt like an eternity, one of the old men finally spoke, a hint of admiration in his eyes.


    "This kid, extremely shameless" The second old man echoed, simrly impressed.


    The third old man nodded approvingly at Lin Wanrong and said, "Your shamelessness reminds me of myself in my younger days."


    Feeling rather insignificant in the presence of such brazen elders, Lin Wanrong realized his own sense of shame was far too thin.


    "Shamelessness is a fundamental quality for a senior household servant," the first old man unabashedly dered. "Young man, you have the mettle. I see in you a reflection of my younger selfa rising star in the world of household servants. Trust me, you''re destined to be an exceptional servant."


    Lin Wanrong silently scoffed at the entric trio. The second old man continued, "Congrattions, you have sessfully passed all the tests. If you are willing, you can be an honorable household servant in the Xiao family mansion at any time."


    "Wait, wait," Lin Wanrong hastily interjected. "Could one of you kindly exin what''s going on here?"


    The third old man chuckled, "Of course. You want to know what these three tests are about, right? Hehe, let me exin. The first test is to select literate servants. We don''t want illiterate ones. The second test is to find quick-witted and nimble servants. We don''t want slow-witted ones. As for the third test, it is overseen by the three of us, the most outstanding household servants of the Xiao family. This is the most important test. First, we evaluate the candidate''s appearance. As you know, the Xiao family is prestigious, and anyone unsightly should consider stic surgery before returning. Second, we assess their character. For those with exceptionally honest and reliable character, we need them to guard the storeroom. We can trust that they won''t steal from it. As for someone like you, hehe, you''re a rare and highly sought-after talent, suitable for any role except the storeroom."


    Annoyed by the insinuation that his character was wed, Lin Wanrong''s face showed a hint of indignation. The old man quickly added, "Don''t worry, we''re not doubting your character. For someone like you, we won''t judge you based on character."


    "You mean to say I have no character?" Lin Wanrong snapped.


    "Hehe, I didn''t say that," the old man replied. "In fact, we haven''t seen a person with such thick skin as yours in many years. The moment we saw you, we were struck by a sense of awe, as if we were looking at ourselves in our younger days. We believe that with meticulous guidance and time, you will surely be the brightest star in the world of household servants. Your future is boundless and full of possibilities."


    After finishing his speech, the old manughed heartily, his expression suggesting that he considered himself a talent scout and Lin Wanrong a rare gem.


    Sighing resignedly, Lin Wanrong realized that he would have to continue cultivating his thick-skinned skill. Judging by the demeanor of these three men, as long as he was part of the Xiao family mansion, they would likely have him under their control.


    The three old men each introduced themselves. It turned out they weren''t exaggerating; they had been with the Xiao family for three to four decades, since the time of the family''s patriarch. The first old man was a ten-time champion of the Xiao family cookingpetition, the second was a skilled craftsman well-versed in woodworking and masonry, a multiple recipient of the prestigious "Lu Ban Golden Award." The third old man, known as a flower enthusiast, excelled in nting flowers and trees and was a recipient of the Xiao family''s Labor Medal.


    The three old men were all quite interested in Lin Wanrong, each moring for him to follow in their footsteps so that their unique skills could be passed on.


    Lin Wanrong, however, had no interest in these pursuits. He only wanted to spend a quiet year here to repay Old Wei''s kindness and then move on. Seeing the old men arguing over him, Lin Wanrong grew impatient and asked, "What''s all the fuss about? Who''s in charge here?"


    The third old man, Uncle Fu, who had the thickest skin of the three, chuckled. "Your shamelessness resembles my youthful demeanor," he had said earlier, which had irritated Lin Wanrong the most. Through the previous introductions, Lin Wanrong had learned his name was Uncle Fu.


    Uncle Fu exined, "As long as you pass the first two tests and are approved by the three of us, there''s no problem. We''ll simply report to the young mistress, and you can sign the indenture agreement directly with us."


    The young mistress they mentioned was Madam Xiao. These three men had been with the Xiao family patriarch for a long time and had grown ustomed to addressing her as such since they had seen her marry into the family.


    "Indenture agreement?" Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat upon hearing those words. "So, does that mean I''ll be a servant to the Xiao family for the rest of my life?"


    "Of course," Uncle Fu confidently replied. "Once you sign the indenture agreement, you''ll be an honorable member of the Xiao household, holding a lifelong golden rice bowl. Your entire life will belong to the Xiao family. Living, you are their servant; dying, you are their ghost. It''s an honor many people can only dream of. Madam will even grant you the Xiao surname, so you''ll no longer be Lin San but Xiao San instead."


    "Xiao San?" Lin Wanrong eximed. "For the rest of my life?"


    Despite all his calctions, Lin Wanrong had forgotten that bing a household servant in someone else''s home required signing an indenture agreement, essentially belonging to them for life, with no one-year term.


    He couldn''t ept the idea of changing his surname to Xiao, as his sense of male pride was strong. "Can I be a contract employee instead?" Lin Wanrong asked, his eyes gleaming with a sudden idea.


    "Contract employee?" The three old men cried out in unison, baffled. "What in the world is a contract employee?"Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34


    Hi, please check out this patreon link /al_squad to support the trantion, ad-free chapters, and bonus chapters!!


    Chapter 34 Contract-based Employee (Part 1)


    "Contract-based employment is no joke, ahem, ahem," Lin Wanrong realized his slip of the tongue and hastily feigned a cough to cover it up. "As the name suggests, contract-based employment means that I sign an employment contract with the Xiao family for a term of one year. During this time, I serve the Xiao family, working eight hours a day, or four shichen. I am still a free individual, not belonging to the Xiao family. Of course, I am still a servant of the Xiao family, and mybor belongs to them. The advantage of this arrangement is that if the Xiao family is dissatisfied with me, they can dismiss me at any time."


    "Oh, oh," Lin Wanrong noticed the three old men staring intently at him, implying that even if he signed a lifelong indenture contract, as long as the Xiao family was dissatisfied with him, they could make him leave at any time. He quickly added, "Under such pressure, I will be more ambitious, striving harder, contributing to the development of the Xiao family and making a modest contribution to the establishment of a more powerful Great Hua dynasty. After a year, if both parties are satisfied, we can renew the contract and have friendly negotiations regarding sry."


    The old men found theseter remarks quite interesting. Lin Wanrong''s willingness to push himself to improve and his courage to explore and forge ahead weremendable. Such young people were rare nowadays. The three old men praised him.


    Fubo spoke up, "Lin San, it''s not that we don''t agree with you. In fact, your proposal is quite constructive. We''ve been studying the topic of abolishing lifelong tenure for leaders, and with you taking the lead, we will bring up this issue for discussion at the next servants'' conference. Once approved, we''ll inform the youngdies and officially implement it. However, you know that such reform will encounter great resistance, and we can only proceed gradually. This time, we can only report your proposal to the youngdies, and whether it will be sessful or not is uncertain. But think carefully; if it is not epted, you may be eliminated. Are you prepared?"


    Fubo''s words were full of bureaucratguage, such as abolishing lifelong tenure for leaders, servants'' conference, and the resistance to reform. Lin Wanrong felt dizzy but hastily nodded when he heard thest sentence, "Of course I have thought it through, Fubo. Please report it to the higher-ups quickly."


    Lin Wanrong was willing to repay Old Man Wei''s kindness, but he would never tolerate changing his name and living in disgrace. If it came to that, he would rather give his life back to Old Man Wei.


    The three old men discussed for a while, and then entrusted Fubo to report the proposal to the higher-ups.


    As Fubo stepped outside, he saw a young woman standing by the door, covering her mouth and giggling.


    The woman was not old, but her beauty was striking. In time, she would certainly be a great beauty.


    "Young Lady Xiao, so you''re here," Fubo happily rushed over. Seeing herughing, he couldn''t help but chuckle as well, "Did you also hear this young man''s crazy idea just now?"


    Xiao Family''s second youngdy snorted, "It''s quite outrageous. I knew from the start that this boy wasn''t a good one."


    Fubo noticed a piece of paper in her hand, with a few characters written crookedly, yet somehow exuding a rebellious charm. He curiously asked, "Young Lady Xiao, what is this that you''re holding?"


    Xiao Family''s second youngdy pursed her lips, her shoulders trembling slightly, and eventually couldn''t help but burst intoughter. "Uncle Fubo, take a look. This is the Three Character ssic that Lin San wrote from memory. Heehee"


    It turned out that she was holding Lin Wanrong''s answer sheet from the first challenge. Fubo couldn''t help butugh and cry at the sight of the characters.


    Judging by his contract-based employment proposal, Lin San didn''t seem like an illiterate person. How could his handwriting be so terrible?


    Xiao Family''s second youngdy took a small booklet from her bosom and pointed to the woman in the painting. "Uncle Fubo, look."


    Fubo''s eyes lit up as he looked at the painting. "This is Elder Young Lady Xiao! Whose work is this?"


    She shook her head, "I don''t know who painted it. I bought it from Lin San, and many people have bought this booklet from him. Hmph, that boy is actually making money off my sister''s portrait. He''s really incorrigible."


    Fubo had no doubt that Lin Wanrong could do business. With his thick skin, it would be a shame not to.


    Fubo asked, "Did you ever ask him who painted it? I may not know much about art, but this painting is very different from the ones we''ve seen before. It''s simple yet extraordinary, with a fluid and concise style, and vivid expressions. I wonder who this master artist is."


    Xiao Family''s second youngdy replied, "I did ask him, but he refused to tell me. Hmph, he can''t even write a few characters correctly, so it definitely isn''t that scoundrel. Moreover, my sister seldom shows her face, so hardly anyone knows what she looks like. Yet this master artist managed to capture her likeness so urately. This person must be exceptionally talented."


    Fubo nodded, "So, what should we do with this Lin San?"


    From the second youngdy''s tone, it seemed she harbored quite a bit of resentment towards Lin San. It appeared that he had no destiny with the Xiao family.


    Xiao Family''s second youngdy bit her lip, a hint of a smile on her face. "This fellow has quite a few tricks up his sleeve, and he''s done so many bad things. Hmph, how could I let him off easily?"


    Fubo didn''t understand her meaning. "So, youngdy, should we sign Lin San or not?"


    She smiled and said, "Sign, of course. Fubo, you should follow his suggestion and draft a contract for him as a contract-based employee. Hmph, once he enters the doors of the Xiao family, I will"


    A devilish grin spread across her face: "Close the doorsRelease the dogs"


    Fubo ran off like the wind, sweat dripping from his body. He knew all too well the power behind the second youngdy''s words, "Close the doorsRelease the dogs"


    At this moment, the "master" mentioned by the second youngdy was engaged in a lively conversation with the two remaining old men in the room. They were all experts in their fields, so their boasting filled the air, with saliva nearly flooding the room.


    From the two old men, Lin Wanrong learned about the Xiao family''s situation.


    The Xiao family''s old master, the father-inw of Lady Xiao, had held a high position in the imperial court and was once the Minister of Rites. After retiring, he returned to Jinling City to live out his days. Upon his death, the current emperor personally wrote a mourning couplet and granted him the honorable title of "Benevolent and Virtuous Schr."


    However, after the old master''s passing, the young master of the Xiao family fell ill and died within two years. The Xiao family lost their support and their fortunes declined. Fortunately, the old master''s many students provided assistance, and with Lady Xiao''s hard work, as well as the second youngdy''s talent and intelligence, the mother and daughter managed to maintain the vast family business.


    But as the years passed and the old master''s influence waned,petition increased, and the Xiao family''s business became more difficult. To maintain the family business, the youngdy traveled extensively throughout the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui and rarely stayed at home, so few people in Jinling City had seen her.


    Lin Wanrong also learned an important piece of information from the two old men: this year''s recruitment of household servants. Although it appeared to berge in scale, with a simr number of applicants as in previous years, the Xiao family kept the number of new servants they hired extremely limited and confidential.


    Lin Wanrong could understand this; when he conducted business, he always liked to inte thepany''s turnover, while only a few people knew the actual details.


    "What about these schrs? What''s their story?" Lin Wanrong asked the two old men directly, recalling a question that had been on his mind for some time.


    Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35


    Hi, please check out this patreon link /al_squad to support the trantion, ad-free chapters, and bonus chapters!!


    Chapter 36 A Limerick


    "Hmph, what challenging questions? These are nothing but trivial tricks, merely unting one''s verbal prowess," grumbled Ji Chang, obviously harboring great resentment towards these riddles.


    Qin Guan chuckled twice and said, "Let''s not talk about these questions then. You, Brother Ji Chang, usually im to be well-versed in literature. How is it that you can''t evenpose a simple poem today?"


    "I, I..." Ji Chang''s face flushed crimson as he stammered, "I just wasn''t able to adapt quickly and was a bit nervous, that''s all. Moreover, the topic you drew was easy, while mine was more difficult"


    Observing his expression, Lin Wanrong understood that Ji Chang was likely a product of rote learning, inflexible and incapable of adapting. In his previous world, he would be considered a product of the exam-oriented education system, remembered well under normal circumstances, but utterly flustered in the exam.


    Qin Guan clearly wasn''t a saint either. Hearing Ji Chang belittling his topic in front of others, his face darkened, and he replied with a cold sneer, "Brother Ji Chang, what nonsense are you talking about? The four topics of wind, flowers, snow, and moon, any one of them could be drawn forposing a poem. I drew wind, and you drew snow, all witnessed by everyone. How can you say mine was easy and yours difficult?"


    As Qin Guan continued, he began to recite his poem with exaggerated gestures,


    Last year, a gust of wind, so slight,


    Hidden deep within an alley''s night.


    A call unheard, no echo found,


    Its shadow came and went, unbound.


    His face was full of smug satisfaction, clearly content with his "performance" during the examination.


    Lin Wanrong wanted tough but didn''t feel it appropriate to do so. This was considered poetry? With his own talent, he could create three such poems in the time it took to pass gas.


    Qin Guan boasted, "Brother Ji Chang, just now in the examination hall, you had a temporarypse. I wonder if you''ve figured it out now, with snow as your subject, can you recite your poem?"


    Qin Guan''s face held a hint of disdain. The saying "literati despise each other" rang true, as he knew Ji Chang was only good at rote learning. Given a few days, he might cobble together a poem, but he surelycked the quick wit needed in the present situation.


    Ji Chang''s face alternated between red and pale, evidently still unable to produce a poem with snow as the theme.


    Lin Wanrong initially only wanted to inquire about the schrs'' job applications. However, seeing Qin Guan''s aggressive demeanor, he felt deeply displeased. As for Ji Chang, hisck ofpetitiveness was frustrating. After hesitating for a long time, he still couldn''t produce a single line of verse.


    Lin Wanrong himself enjoyed teasing honest people, but he couldn''t stand others bullying them in his presence. He silently recited a few lines in his mind, thenughed heartily, "Such an easy little poem, even a rustic fellow like me cane up with one. I think Young Master Ji must be modest. How about this, let me recite one, and please, Young Master Ji, do correct me if I''m wrong."


    Seeing the look of surprise on Qin Guan''s face, Lin Wanrong felt delighted, thinking, ''You little fellow, you can''t fathom the depth of this true talent.''


    Lin Wanrong paced a few steps and recited with a smirk,


    Upon the river, snow enmeshed,


    A well''s dark hole where ck is threshed.


    Yellow dogs don white fur attire,


    While swollen masses white dogs acquire.


    This was a genuine limerick. Initially, Lin Wanrong felt embarrassed to present it, but considering Qin Guan dared to call his doggerel a poem, Lin Wanrong shamelessly crowned himself a poetic immortal in his heart.


    "Excellent poem, wonderful!" Ji Chang eximed, pping his hands with a small fan, "Upon the river, snow enmeshed,'' describes the scene of snowkes covering the river, presenting a distantndscape. Then, the focus shifts to the well in the courtyard, covered with pure white snow, revealing a deep, dark hole. As for thest line, it is truly inspired, ''While swollen masses white dogs acquire,'' transforming a static snowy scene into living creatures. This poem has apt metaphors and profound artistic conception. Although the word ''snow'' is never mentioned, it captures the atmosphere of a heavy snowfall. It is truly a rare masterpiece. One must never judge a book by its cover, or measure the ocean with a pint pot. Your depth is truly unfathomable, sir!"


    Although Ji Chang couldn''tpose poems, his analysis was surprisingly coherent, discussing distant and close-up perspectives, transforming static into dynamic, and contrasting artistic conception. If he were in Lin Wanrong''s time, he would undoubtedly be an excellentmentator.


    Suppressing hisughter, Lin Wanrong pretended to be modest, "You tter me, I am ashamed, truly ashamed"


    A soft giggle interrupted him. Turning his head, Lin Wanrong saw a pretty young girl standing nearby, covering her lips with a smile, evidently amused by his limerick.


    "So, it''s you," Lin Wanrong smiled. This girl was the one who had bought his booklet the day before.


    Upon seeing the pretty girl, Ji Chang and Qin Guan''s eyes lit up, hurriedly masking their wolfish gazes. They approached her courteously, "Miss, my name is Ji Chang (Qin Guan). May I ask where you are from, your age, and whether you are married"


    Lin Wanrong was astonished, his mouth agape, not expecting these two to be so bold and blunt with their questions. Were they not afraid of courting disaster while flirting with girls?


    The young girl blushed crimson and scolded softly, "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and said, "Miss, they are trying to woo you. Can''t you see that?"


    The girl''s face turned beet red, she pointed at Lin Wanrong and said, "You, you shameless rogue! I will not let you off!" The girl then turned around, picked up her pace, and ran away quickly.


    How did I be a shameless rogue again? Lin Wanrong thought, feeling wronged. Last time when Xiao Qingxuan scolded him, it was somewhat justified since he took advantage of her. But this time, he only spoke a single sentence and wasbeled a rogue again. Feeling quite aggrieved, he thought, Why didn''t she scold those two shameless, thick-skinned men instead of me? What kind of world is this?


    In fact, Lin Wanrong had misunderstood the situation. Though the rule that men and women should not have physical contact was irond, opportunities for men and women to interact in this era were limited. Hence, when talented men with a romantic streak encountered a woman they fancied, they would generally approach and strike up a conversation. Women''s chances of meeting a suitable suitor were even more scarce, so if someone showed interest and they found the person appealing, anything could happen. The young girl, still inexperienced in such matters, got flustered and angry, turning away in haste.


    Unaware of the situation, Lin Wanrong saw Ji Chang and Qin Guan gazing longingly in the direction the girl had left. Having no fondness for these two genuine "rogues," he grunted and left without a word as it was gettingte.


    The household staff chosen by the Xiao family were due to move in the next day. Today was the time given to them to pack their belongings, and tomorrow they would step through the grand gates of the Xiao family they had dreamed of. Most of them were excited, for once they joined the Xiao family, they would have a solid footing in the world of household staff. With hard work, they might even have greater opportunities for advancement.


    The only exception was Lin Wanrong. The thought of serving the elderly master and mistress of the Xiao family from tomorrow on left him feeling extremely disheartened, wanting to find a ce to vent his frustration. If he knew the way to the brothel, he would be lying there with at least three girls under him at that very moment - he swore on God''s name.Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 36

    Chapter 36


    Hi, please check out this patreon link /al_squad to support the trantion, ad-free chapters, and bonus chapters!!


    Chapter 36 A Limerick


    "Hmph, what challenging questions? These are nothing but trivial tricks, merely unting one''s verbal prowess," grumbled Ji Chang, obviously harboring great resentment towards these riddles.


    Qin Guan chuckled twice and said, "Let''s not talk about these questions then. You, Brother Ji Chang, usually im to be well-versed in literature. How is it that you can''t evenpose a simple poem today?"


    "I, I..." Ji Chang''s face flushed crimson as he stammered, "I just wasn''t able to adapt quickly and was a bit nervous, that''s all. Moreover, the topic you drew was easy, while mine was more difficult"


    Observing his expression, Lin Wanrong understood that Ji Chang was likely a product of rote learning, inflexible and incapable of adapting. In his previous world, he would be considered a product of the exam-oriented education system, remembered well under normal circumstances, but utterly flustered in the exam.


    Qin Guan clearly wasn''t a saint either. Hearing Ji Chang belittling his topic in front of others, his face darkened, and he replied with a cold sneer, "Brother Ji Chang, what nonsense are you talking about? The four topics of wind, flowers, snow, and moon, any one of them could be drawn forposing a poem. I drew wind, and you drew snow, all witnessed by everyone. How can you say mine was easy and yours difficult?"


    As Qin Guan continued, he began to recite his poem with exaggerated gestures,


    Last year, a gust of wind, so slight,


    Hidden deep within an alley''s night.


    A call unheard, no echo found,


    Its shadow came and went, unbound.


    His face was full of smug satisfaction, clearly content with his "performance" during the examination.


    Lin Wanrong wanted tough but didn''t feel it appropriate to do so. This was considered poetry? With his own talent, he could create three such poems in the time it took to pass gas.


    Qin Guan boasted, "Brother Ji Chang, just now in the examination hall, you had a temporarypse. I wonder if you''ve figured it out now, with snow as your subject, can you recite your poem?"


    Qin Guan''s face held a hint of disdain. The saying "literati despise each other" rang true, as he knew Ji Chang was only good at rote learning. Given a few days, he might cobble together a poem, but he surelycked the quick wit needed in the present situation.


    Ji Chang''s face alternated between red and pale, evidently still unable to produce a poem with snow as the theme.


    Lin Wanrong initially only wanted to inquire about the schrs'' job applications. However, seeing Qin Guan''s aggressive demeanor, he felt deeply displeased. As for Ji Chang, hisck ofpetitiveness was frustrating. After hesitating for a long time, he still couldn''t produce a single line of verse.


    Lin Wanrong himself enjoyed teasing honest people, but he couldn''t stand others bullying them in his presence. He silently recited a few lines in his mind, thenughed heartily, "Such an easy little poem, even a rustic fellow like me cane up with one. I think Young Master Ji must be modest. How about this, let me recite one, and please, Young Master Ji, do correct me if I''m wrong."


    Seeing the look of surprise on Qin Guan''s face, Lin Wanrong felt delighted, thinking, ''You little fellow, you can''t fathom the depth of this true talent.''


    Lin Wanrong paced a few steps and recited with a smirk,


    Upon the river, snow enmeshed,


    A well''s dark hole where ck is threshed.


    Yellow dogs don white fur attire,


    While swollen masses white dogs acquire.


    This was a genuine limerick. Initially, Lin Wanrong felt embarrassed to present it, but considering Qin Guan dared to call his doggerel a poem, Lin Wanrong shamelessly crowned himself a poetic immortal in his heart.


    "Excellent poem, wonderful!" Ji Chang eximed, pping his hands with a small fan, "Upon the river, snow enmeshed,'' describes the scene of snowkes covering the river, presenting a distantndscape. Then, the focus shifts to the well in the courtyard, covered with pure white snow, revealing a deep, dark hole. As for thest line, it is truly inspired, ''While swollen masses white dogs acquire,'' transforming a static snowy scene into living creatures. This poem has apt metaphors and profound artistic conception. Although the word ''snow'' is never mentioned, it captures the atmosphere of a heavy snowfall. It is truly a rare masterpiece. One must never judge a book by its cover, or measure the ocean with a pint pot. Your depth is truly unfathomable, sir!"


    Although Ji Chang couldn''tpose poems, his analysis was surprisingly coherent, discussing distant and close-up perspectives, transforming static into dynamic, and contrasting artistic conception. If he were in Lin Wanrong''s time, he would undoubtedly be an excellentmentator.


    Suppressing hisughter, Lin Wanrong pretended to be modest, "You tter me, I am ashamed, truly ashamed"


    A soft giggle interrupted him. Turning his head, Lin Wanrong saw a pretty young girl standing nearby, covering her lips with a smile, evidently amused by his limerick.


    "So, it''s you," Lin Wanrong smiled. This girl was the one who had bought his booklet the day before.


    Upon seeing the pretty girl, Ji Chang and Qin Guan''s eyes lit up, hurriedly masking their wolfish gazes. They approached her courteously, "Miss, my name is Ji Chang (Qin Guan). May I ask where you are from, your age, and whether you are married"


    Lin Wanrong was astonished, his mouth agape, not expecting these two to be so bold and blunt with their questions. Were they not afraid of courting disaster while flirting with girls?


    The young girl blushed crimson and scolded softly, "What nonsense are you talking about?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and said, "Miss, they are trying to woo you. Can''t you see that?"


    The girl''s face turned beet red, she pointed at Lin Wanrong and said, "You, you shameless rogue! I will not let you off!" The girl then turned around, picked up her pace, and ran away quickly.


    How did I be a shameless rogue again? Lin Wanrong thought, feeling wronged. Last time when Xiao Qingxuan scolded him, it was somewhat justified since he took advantage of her. But this time, he only spoke a single sentence and wasbeled a rogue again. Feeling quite aggrieved, he thought, Why didn''t she scold those two shameless, thick-skinned men instead of me? What kind of world is this?


    In fact, Lin Wanrong had misunderstood the situation. Though the rule that men and women should not have physical contact was irond, opportunities for men and women to interact in this era were limited. Hence, when talented men with a romantic streak encountered a woman they fancied, they would generally approach and strike up a conversation. Women''s chances of meeting a suitable suitor were even more scarce, so if someone showed interest and they found the person appealing, anything could happen. The young girl, still inexperienced in such matters, got flustered and angry, turning away in haste.


    Unaware of the situation, Lin Wanrong saw Ji Chang and Qin Guan gazing longingly in the direction the girl had left. Having no fondness for these two genuine "rogues," he grunted and left without a word as it was gettingte.


    The household staff chosen by the Xiao family were due to move in the next day. Today was the time given to them to pack their belongings, and tomorrow they would step through the grand gates of the Xiao family they had dreamed of. Most of them were excited, for once they joined the Xiao family, they would have a solid footing in the world of household staff. With hard work, they might even have greater opportunities for advancement.


    The only exception was Lin Wanrong. The thought of serving the elderly master and mistress of the Xiao family from tomorrow on left him feeling extremely disheartened, wanting to find a ce to vent his frustration. If he knew the way to the brothel, he would be lying there with at least three girls under him at that very moment - he swore on God''s name.Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37


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    Chapter 37 The Gang


    Yesterday, Dong Qingshan received guidance from Lin Wanrong and was given twenty taels of silver. Having won the fight today and solidifying his position as the top brother in the southern city, he was naturally overjoyed. He brought a group of his followers to Meiwei Restaurant and prepared a feast, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their boss.


    As soon as Lin Wanrong appeared in the restaurant, Dong Qingshan and his followers immediately stood up straight and respectfully greeted him, "Boss"


    It was clear that they had rehearsed this beforehand; their uniform voices caused Lin Wanrong''s eardrums to throb with pain. He looked at his subordinates, their faces filled with admiration, and sighed inwardly. It seemed that his position as boss was now firmly established. If only these men knew that their boss had be a servant in the Xiao residence, he wondered how they would ridicule him.


    Dong Qingshan had reserved arge room on the second floor of the restaurant, sparing no expense. In the underworld, if you yed your cards right, you wouldn''t have to pay for meals. However, Dong Qingshan had not yet grasped this concept, and since this ce was under his protection, he felt it inappropriate to ask the owner to waive the bill.


    Lin Wanrong looked at Dong Qingshan''s followers. There had been fewer than twenty of them during the fight, but in just a few hours, their numbers had doubled. Were they all just hangers-on, interested only in food and drink?


    Lin Wanrong felt concern for Dong Qingshan as he looked at these men. It seemed that maintaining the purity of the gang was indeed necessary. He now felt a bit like a godfather, guiding Dong Qingshan to grow stronger and expand  a rather thrilling experience.


    Lin Wanrong pulled Dong Qingshan aside and whispered, "Qingshan, what''s going on? So many people have joined us all of a sudden."


    A glint appeared in Dong Qingshan''s eyes as he replied, "Big brother, this afternoon we raided Li Ergou''s old hideout and found several hundred taels of silver. Some of these men were Li Ergou''s former subordinates, and some are new recruits. They saw that we defeated Li Ergou and wanted to join us. I figured we needed to expand our forces, so I epted them all."


    Lin Wanrong frowned and said, "Qingshan, expanding our forces is good, but how can you be sure they''re all loyal to you? Your current power may not be strong, but your actions have certainly attracted attention. How can you be certain there aren''t any undercover agents sent by other bosses among them?"


    Dong Qingshan was young and inexperienced in the ways of the underworld. How could he have anticipated the possibility of moles? Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s words, it was as if he had been enlightened, and his mind instantly cleared. He emerged from his victorious euphoria, his body covered in cold sweat.


    Lin Wanrong knew that Dong Qingshan was only sixteen years old and still had much to learn. It seemed that he was destined to take on the role of godfather.


    "Big brother, what should we do?" Dong Qingshan looked at Lin Wanrong, full of hope.


    He had an almost worshipful trust in his big brother, who was cunning, resourceful, and ruthless. Following such a leader would give them a chance to rise in the underworld.


    "Formagang," Lin Wanrong said, emphasizing each word.


    "A gang?" Dong Qingshan was unfamiliar with the term.


    "Simply put, a gang is an organization simr to a faction. First, we need to build a framework with trustworthy brothers, who will form the elite core of our gang. For example, those who fought with us against Li Ergou today are the backbone of our gang. It''s like a tree: first, you need a trunk before you can have branches. Choose respected brothers from among them to establish different branches, each led by one of them, and slowly expand their forces. Remember, it''s the quality, not quantity, of soldiers that matters. We cannot focus solely on blind expansion; we must cultivate the backbone. With these core members, they can achieve the strength of ten, and as the backbone develops, our gang will grow stronger, making it harder for our enemies to defeat us."


    Lin Wanrong finished speaking in one breath, took a sip of tea, and allowed Dong Qingshan some time to think.


    Dong Qingshan let out a long sigh, his eyes filled with determination. "Big brother, I understand your meaning. But when choosing branch leaders, we must be cautious. They may be ipetent, but they must be absolutely loyal. Power must always remain in our hands."


    Lin Wanrong cast an approving nce at Dong Qingshan, who had finally begun to think critically about the situation.


    Using his finger dipped in tea, Lin Wanrong drew the gang''s organizational structure on the table for Dong Qingshan. His initial intention was to make the gang as t as possible, with Dong Qingshan overseeing it vertically. However, considering the difficulties in coordinating multiple branches, he decided to start with three branches and expandter.


    When Lin Wanrong and Dong Qingshan returned to their followers, Li Beidou was passionately discussing something with them. Seeing Lin Wanrong return, he immediately asked, "Boss, what should we name our gang?"


    As everyone''s eyes turned to him, Lin Wanrong stood up and surveyed those present, his gaze prating their souls.


    A few men secretly lowered their heads, and the silent Dong Qingshan noticed their unusual behavior, a cold glint shing in his eyes.


    "Indeed, we are called a gang, but does anyone know why we call ourselves a gang?" Lin Wanrong looked around, noticing that everyone was listening attentively to his words. It seemed that being a gang leader still carried some prestige, he thought with a smirk.


    "Perhaps youe from a poor family, or maybe you''re an orphan, or even a little beggar. None of that matters, as long as you''re brave and loyal, the gang will be your strongest support. A gang unites all of us brothers, holding us tightly together, so others dare not bully us. And we can casually bully others. If anyone defies us, we''ll beat them until they cry for their parents, until they can''t recognize their own family but must recognize us. Our goal is to walk with swagger in Jinling City," Lin Wanrong wickedly incited.


    The followersughed heartily, but their eyes were filled with burning desire  a longing for a "bright future."


    "We won''t actively bully others, but if anyone dares to provoke us, we''ll take action. We''ll cut them, we''ll mutte their genitals, we''ll rob their silver, their women, and their ancestors for eighteen generations," Lin Wanrong said with a sinister smile, infecting everyone present.


    "Rob their silver, their women, and their ancestors for eighteen generations!" Emboldened by alcohol, the followers finally began to let loose. With just a few words, Lin Wanrong had these would-be gangsters fully immersed in their new lifestyle.


    "Big brother, what will our gang be called?" Dong Qingshan asked.


    "Let''s call it Hung Hing," Lin Wanrong said slowly, a strange expression appearing on his face, as if he was suppressingughter.


    To Dong Qingshan, his big brother''s expression seemed quite eerie, as if he had just stolen something from someone and felt triumphant.


    (Hung Hing is a well-known Triad society in Hong Kong, which was established in the early 20th century. The society has been involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and moneyundering. The name "Hung Hing" may symbolize the society''s goal to be powerful and wealthy, and its willingness to use violence and illegal means to achieve that goal.In the modern entertainment, the gang Hung Hing was shown as the main gang in the movie Young and Dangerous.)


    After drinking a lot of alcohol, Lin Wanrong didn''t feel the burning pain on his back until he reached his doorstep. The wound from the afternoon brawl was still swollen and had not been treated.


    As Lin Wanrong entered the courtyard, he saw a figure sitting motionless in front of his house.


    "Who is it?" Lin Wanrong shouted. In Jinling City, he could count the number of people he knew on one hand.


    "Big Brother Lin, you''re back," a crisp voice replied, filled with a touch of surprise and delight.Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38


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    Chapter 38 Enchantment (Part 1)


    "Qiaoqiao, how did you end up here?" Lin Wanrong hurriedly approached her.


    Dong Qiaoqiao had already stood up, a bamboo basket ced beneath her. The basket contained cold food, clearly indicating that she had been waiting there for quite some time.


    "Brother Lin, are you... are you alright?" Dong Qiaoqiao grabbed Lin Wanrong''s clothes, anxiously gazing at him. The tension and heartache in her bright, morning-star-like eyes were unmistakable.


    "What could possibly be wrong with me?" Lin Wanrongughed, not understanding what she meant, and led her into the house. "How did you find me here?"


    "You mentioned the general direction the other day, so I came looking for you today. When I saw your clothes hanging at the entrance, I knew this must be where you live." Under themplight, Qiaoqiao''s face reddened, making her even more charming.


    Lin Wanrong secretly swallowed his saliva. He was no saint. With such a beautiful girl standing before him, it would be unmanly not to feel something.


    Dong Qiaoqiao brought the bamboo basket over and said, "The food is cold. Brother Lin, you haven''t eaten yet, have you? Let me heat it up for you. It will be ready soon."


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly grabbed her hand and said, "No need, Qiaoqiao. I''ve already eaten."


    As he held her small hand, Dong Qiaoqiao could feel the warmth from his palm seeping into her heart. Her cheeks flushed, and her heart raced. In a soft voice, she said, "Brother Lin, I"


    She struggled gently, and only then did Lin Wanrong realize he had been holding the youngdy''s hand. But he was shameless, not only refusing to let go but also giving her palm a couple of gentle squeezes.


    Dong Qiaoqiao felt as if her heart was being scratched by a cat. A strange sensation welled up inside her, causing her body to heat up and her slender legs to instinctively press together, as she squirmed ever so slightly.


    Lin Wanrong reluctantly let go of her hand, not even blushing as he asked, "Qiaoqiao, did youe here specifically to bring me food?"


    His ability to divert attention was unparalleled, and Dong Qiaoqiao was no match for him. Seeing that he had released her hand, the redness on her face receded somewhat, but she felt a twinge of disappointment deep inside. Hearing his question, she suddenly remembered the purpose of her visit and urgently asked, "Brother Lin, your wound, let me have a look."


    "What wound?" Before he couldprehend, Dong Qiaoqiao had already spotted the stain on his back and the swollen lump on his spine.


    "Brother Lin, who did this to you? How could they be so ruthless?" Dong Qiaoqiao''s voice trembled, filled with concern and pain, which warmed Lin Wanrong''s heart.


    It went without saying that Dong Qingshan must have told Qiaoqiao about his injuries, so she hade looking for him.


    "Brother Lin, please take off your shirt so I can apply medicine for you," Qiaoqiao gently touched his back. Her soft fingers were cool, soothing Lin Wanrong and eliciting a soft moan from him.


    "It''s nothing, Qiaoqiao. I''m thick-skinned and tough. It''s just a small wound," Lin Wanrong reassured her with a smile.


    "No, Brother Lin, you are so badly hurt..." Qiaoqiao choked back tears, unable to continue.


    "Alright, alright, I''ll take it off. Don''t cry, silly girl," Lin Wanrong''s heart filled with warmth and gratitude. He quickly took out the contents from his arms, removed his shirt, and revealed his smooth, muscr body. He had always been healthy, his skin a healthy wheat color, and enjoyed exercising, making him quite an impressive figure to young girls.


    Qiaoqiao''s cheeks flushed as she admired his strong arms, her heart pounding. But when she saw the swollen bruise on his back, her fleeting infatuation vanished. With tears in her eyes, she gently stroked the bruise with her slender fingers and asked softly, "Brother Lin, does it hurt?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "No pain." Hey on the bed, clutching the sheets tightly. No pain? Nonsense. But Qiaoqiao was gentle and kind, and Lin Wanrong couldn''t bear to make her worry.


    Hot tears dropped onto Lin Wanrong''s back, and when he turned around, he saw Qiaoqiao hurriedly wiping her tears away.


    "Silly girl, I''m fine," Lin Wanrong''s heart was filled with tender affection as he gazed at Qiaoqiao softly.


    Embarrassed, Qiaoqiao turned to face him and said, "Brother Lin, you must take care of yourself in the future. We don''t want to see you hurt, not even a little."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Don''t worry, Qiaoqiao. The person who can hurt me hasn''t been born yet."


    Qiaoqiao blushed and teased him, "You''re bragging."


    Her tearful eyes were as beautiful as pear blossoms in the rain, an indescribably pretty sight. Lin Wanrong stared at her in amazement, "Qiaoqiao, you''re truly beautiful."


    Biting her red lips shyly, Qiaoqiao lowered her head, her face revealing a joy that even a blind person could see.


    A sudden urge welled up in Lin Wanrong''s heart, a desire to fiercely embrace and bite this delicate woman. Just as he was about to act, a burning pain shot through his back, and he angrily jabbed his erect manhood against the bed a couple of times. It was all the fault of this uncooperative part of him, causing him more pain.


    Qiaoqiao carefully applied the medicinal oil to his wounds, her touch as gentle as a breeze. The intimate skin contact made her heart race and her cheeks flush.


    However, Lin Wanrong had already experienced countless massages from the opposite sex and maintained some degree of self-control. Despite being in the tender care of the beautiful Qiaoqiao, he managed to keep hisposure - except for the loud thumping against the bed caused by his erection.


    After the medicine was applied, Lin Wanrong reached for his clothes by the bed. As Qiaoqiao leaned over to put the ointment back in its box, he identally tripped her. With a startled yelp, she slipped and fell onto the bed.


    Lin Wanrong had just turned around when she toppled him onto the bed, causing the pain in his back to re up, making him grit his teeth and grimace.


    Somehow, he managed to suppress a cry. After all, what was a bit of painpared to the embrace of a beautiful woman? Qiaoqiao had inadvertently pressed her entire body against Lin Wanrong, their heated bodies pressed tightly together, especially with Lin Wanrong''s bare upper body.


    A heavy masculine scent wafted from him, causing Qiaoqiao''s heart to race like a frightened deer. She tried to struggle up, but her body felt utterly drained of strength. Powerful arms encircled her slender waist, leaving her no choice but to copse weakly into his embrace, her hot face pressed against his fiery chest.


    Lin Wanrong held the soft, boneless woman in his arms, inhaling her faint, sweet fragrance. His breathing grew heavier, and he held her tighter, as if wanting to meld herpletely into his body.


    Pressed tightly against him, Qiaoqiao barely dared to breathe. Her full breasts crushed against Lin Wanrong''s chest, bringing him an unusual pleasure. Lin Wanrong moaned softly, his hands gently caressing her back before slowly moving downwards, brushing her waist and continuing to touch her round, firm buttocks.


    "Brother..." Qiaoqiao murmured, her eyes misty with unshed tears, her cheeks flushed. Hisrge hand holding her thighs sent a heated, thrilling sensation through her.


    He gently pinched the soft flesh of her buttocks before slowly moving downwards. At the same time, his erection eased forward, pressing between her legs, right at her most intimate spot.


    Though they were still clothed, Qiaoqiao, an innocent and pure woman, had never experienced such a situation. She felt an intense heat press against her most mysterious area, causing her to gasp, her face flushed with embarrassment. Her legs instinctively tightened, her body limp and weak, as she copsed into his embrace.


    Lin Wanrong, already poised to act, was about to mount her when a sudden cry of pain escaped him as the pain from his back injury became unbearable.Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39


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    Chapter 39 Enchantment (Part 2)


    Dong Qiaoqiao suddenly woke up, her cheeks flushed red and her eyes filled with tears. "Brother Lin, you, you"


    She shyly got up to run away, but identally knocked over a book of illustrations on the bedside table. As Dong Qiaoqiao looked down, her face turned even redder, resembling the morning glow. She picked up the booklet and threw it directly at Lin Wanrong, eximing, "Brother Lin, you are truly incorrigible!" Having said that, she ran out as if she had wings.


    Lin Wanrong felt a pang of pain on his back and was cursing Li Ergou for being too heavy-handed and ruining his good fortune. However, he didn''t think that without Li Ergou''s help, he wouldn''t have enjoyed such unexpected blessings.


    Seeing Dong Qiaoqiao throw the booklet at him, Lin Wanrong hurriedly caught it. To his surprise, it was the erotic album that old man Wei had left for him.


    "Oh God, are you sending me red hibiscus flowers today just to torment me like this?" Lin Wanrongmented in his heart. This was a major embarrassment; at the most critical moment of pursuing a girl, she saw something she shouldn''t have. Now, Dong Qiaoqiao must think he''s a thoroughbred lecher. However, heaven could attest that since arriving in this world, Lin Wanrong''s only lover had been his left hand.


    Lin Wanrong nced at the album. As his heart swelled with desire, the strange patterns within it seemed toe alive and imprint themselves in his mind. A faint breath began to circte slowly, but unfortunately, it quieted down after a short while.


    Lin Wanrong was delighted. Although he didn''t know why this sudden change urred, it was much better than merely appreciating the album for its eroticism. He carefully put away the album, and suddenly remembered that it waste and Qiaoqiao had rushed out alone in an emotionally unstable state. Could she be in danger? Lin Wanrong quickly put on his clothes and dashed out.


    He didn''t see Dong Qiaoqiao''s figure along the way and grew anxious. For such an adorable and well-behaved girl like Qiaoqiao, he genuinely cared about her. Even if she didn''t be his wife, having her as a sister would be quite pleasing to the eye.


    Of course, if she could be his wife, that would be the best oue.


    As he was about to reach Old Dong''s house, Lin Wanrong finally spotted Qiaoqiao. She was curled up in a corner, her body trembling slightly, as if she was crying.


    "Qiaoqiao" Lin Wanrong hurriedly rushed over.


    Hearing his voice, Dong Qiaoqiao immediately threw herself into his arms and sobbed, "Brother Lin, Brother Lin"


    "Qiaoqiao, it''s alright, it''s alright. It''s my fault, I took advantage of you, I deserve to die, I''m despicable, I''m vile" Lin Wanrong scolded himself while secretly watching Qiaoqiao''s expression.


    As expected, Dong Qiaoqiao hastily raised her tear-stained face, saying, "No, no, it''s not your fault, Brother Lin. It''s Qiaoqiao who seduced you. I am a shameless woman"


    Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh of relief in his heart. So that was the reason. Dong Qiaoqiao was indeed a kind and lovable girl,pletely inexperienced in this regard. After having such an intimate encounter in Lin Wanrong''s embrace, the first thing she did upon regaining her senses was to reflect on herself, without even realizing that it was Lin Wanrong who had deliberately teased her.


    "Qiaoqiao, it''s my fault. I shouldn''t have teased you" Lin Wanrong, with his thick-skinned nature, rarely apologized sincerely. Dong Qiaoqiao made him feel genuinely despicable for the first time.


    "Qiaoqiao, I will take responsibility"


    Before he could finish, Dong Qiaoqiao''s slender hand covered his lips, "Brother, don''t say it, please don''t. You are a star in the sky, and I am just an insignificant de of grass on the ground. I don''t want you to regret it in the future."


    "Qiaoqiao, I''m willing"


    Tears streamed down Dong Qiaoqiao''s face, but she firmly pressed against his lips, "Brother, you should pursue something better that belongs to you. Don''t lose what you want because of me."


    Lin Wanrong held her tightly in his arms, as Dong Qiaoqiao''s tears continued to flow, not allowing him to say a word.


    In the end, Dong Qiaoqiao suddenly revealed a faint smile and gently asked, "Brother, are you going to the Xiao family tomorrow?" Only then did she release her fingers from Lin Wanrong''s lips. Her eyshes were still adorned with teardrops, and her rosy lips were extremely attractive.


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "Yes. But before going to the Xiao family, I have a huge matter to attend to."


    "What big matter?" Dong Qiaoqiao asked curiously.


    "Eat my Qiaoqiao" Lin Wanrong said with a mischievous smile.


    Dong Qiaoqiao shyly replied, "Brother, you''re talking nonsense again."


    Lin Wanrong looked at her seriously and said, "Little girl, I will always be good to you"


    "Brother" Dong Qiaoqiao hurriedly stopped him, her eyes misting up. She quickly wiped away her tears with her small hand, "You will meet many good girls in the future. Don''t give up great opportunities for Qiaoqiao''s sake."


    "Give up, why should I give up?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously, "Is it that in this world, a man can only marry one wife?"


    "You" Dong Qiaoqiao looked miserable, punched him lightly, and then turned to run.


    So, this girl could get jealous, Lin Wanrong chuckled, watching her graceful figure and the constantly swaying hips, a fiery desire rising in his heart. s, it seemed that he would have to trouble his left hand again tonight.


    Eh, wasn''t he unprepared for a romantic rtionship? Would what he had with Qiaoqiao count as one? Sigh, what a failure, he was so easily seduced by a girl. Right, Qiaoqiao hadn''t said she liked him yet, and it seemed he hadn''t said he liked her either. The seduction was trulycking. He wondered whether women''s physical structure in this world was the same as in his own. If he had the chance, he would definitely have a thorough "exchange" with Qiaoqiao. Lin Wanrong helplessly shook his head, shamelessly thinking.


    That night, he slept soundly. He flipped through the erotic album several times, and it was indeed far superior to magazines like yboy and Penthouse. As for whether anything happened between him and his left hand, it was an extremely private matter, known only to Lin Wanrong.


    Early the next morning, Lin Wanrong was still sound asleep. As soon as he opened his eyes, he remembered that from today on, he was no longer a free man but a servant of the Xiao family, subject to theirmand. His originally delightful mood instantly plummeted.


    He listlessly got up, put on the green cloth robe and servant''s cap that the Xiao family had provided, and stood in front of the mirror. An attractive, dashing servant with thick eyebrows and big eyes appeared before him.


    Even as a servant, he was still so handsome. He sighed helplessly, quickly brushed his teeth and washed his face, and then hurried out.


    Along the way, many people were eyeing himgirls and young men alike. Their gazes were filled with envy and contempt.


    Those who envied him were naturally the poor boys, as his outfit and the "Xiao" character on his chest clearly indicated his identitya glorious servant of the Xiao family''s mansion.


    Those who despised him were naturally the talented schrs. A country bumpkin who couldn''t even recognize a single character was nothing more than a guard dog in the Xiao family''s mansion. What was there to be arrogant about?


    Of course, there were also those who were jealous of Lin Wanrong''s impressive appearance. He had fine facial features, a good figure, and healthy skin, giving off a vibrant and energetic vibe. It was understandable that the youngdies and married women would asionally cast a nce at him.Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40


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    Chapter 40 Breaking Into the Xiao Residence (Part 1)


    As Lin Wanrong approached, he saw a fellowing from the opposite direction, dressed like him in a brand-new blue cloth shirt. On the left chest, there was an embroidered character "Xiao." Could this person be a fellow resident of the Xiao family''s grand courtyard?


    "Brother!" The two men stepped forward and greeted each other simultaneously, their voices loud and clear.


    A look of delight crossed the neer''s face as he sped his hands together, "Brother, are you also one of the new servants who joined the Xiao family this year?"


    "Indeed, indeed," Lin Wanrong answered, his face breaking into a warm smile as he feigned enthusiasm.


    "So am I! It seems that we can consider ourselves as having passed the same exam, how disrespectful, how disrespectful." The neer appeared to be a genuine schr, dropping literary phrases into his speech. He was most likely one of the extremely honest people mentioned by the three old men yesterday, the kind suitable for guarding the warehouse.


    The term "passed the same exam" wasn''t inurate at all. Lin Wanrong had always harbored a strong desire to form alliances and establish private connections. Encountering a fellow member on the road naturally brought him some happiness. He quickly sped his hands together and said, "Well said, well said. But may I ask for your esteemed surname and name?"


    The honest fellow humbly replied, "I dare not, I dare not. Before entering the manor, my surname was Qiao, and my given name was Feng. After being epted, I was graciously granted the surname Xiao by thedy of the house. So now, my name is Xiao Feng."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong nearly toppled over. Qiao Feng? Xiao Feng? How dare someone with such a sleazy air bear the name of such a legendary hero? If the great Xiao Feng of the southern courtyard knew about this, he would probably want to bang his head against the ground. (Qiao Feng/Xiao Feng here refers to one of the three main characters in the novel/film Demi God Semi Devil)


    "So, it''s Brother Xiao Feng! I''ve long admired your name, long admired it indeed." After entering the Xiao family''s manor, everyone took the surname Xiao, so calling him "Brother Xiao" wouldn''t distinguish him. Thus, he was referred to as "Brother Xiao Feng."


    "And what is your esteemed surname and name?" Xiao Feng asked, his excitement evident.


    "My name is Lin San," Lin Wanrong answered with a smile, and from that point on, Lin San would be his alias.


    "Oh, Brother Lin, don''t you know? After joining the Xiao family, we''ve all been granted the surname Xiao. You should be called Xiao San." The schrly Xiao Feng said solemnly.


    Seeing that this schr indeed had some endearing qualities, Lin Wanrong revealed his status as a contract employee. Upon hearing this, the schrly Xiao Feng pped his thigh and eximed, "Oh dear, Brother Lin, you''re being confused!"


    "Where am I confused?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "Do you know how many people vie for a position as a servant in the Xiao family but fail to get one? Once you enter the Xiao family, it''s like holding a golden rice bowl for life, without any worries. How could you give up such a great opportunity? No, no, I''ll go plead with the housekeeper on your behalf, asking him to speak to thedy and the youngdies to change your status to a permanent position."


    Although Xiao Feng was a bookworm, he had a sense of loyalty. Not bad  Lin Wanrong decided to watch out for him in the Xiao family''s grand courtyard. Laughing, Lin Wanrong patted Xiao Feng''s shoulder and said, "Brother Xiao Feng, no need to worry, no need. I''m doing this for a carefree, trouble-free, and independent life. That''s all I want. It''s much more flexible than what you have. From now on, if you need anything within the Xiao family''s courtyard, juste find me."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s carefree attitude, Xiao Feng sighed in regret and stopped trying to persuade him.


    The two chatted andughed as they made their way toward the Xiao family residence. Along the way, Lin Wanrong learned that Xiao Feng was a poor youth from the eastern part of Jinling City. His father, a failed schr who never passed the examinations, had raised his son to be equally pedantic and inept.


    However, Xiao Feng was good-hearted and honest, and he wouldn''t tattle on others, which Lin Wanrong found quite agreeable.


    Upon arriving at the entrance of the Xiao residence, they saw two ferocious-looking servants with faces full of scowls. Lin Wanrong, with his wealth of experience, understood the situation at a nce.


    These old servants were trying to intimidate the new servants, much like senior students asserting their authority over freshmen. Lin Wanrong wasn''t an easy target either; no senior had ever taken advantage of him when he was a freshman. He pulled Xiao Feng towards the main entrance.


    Xiao Feng hastily grabbed Lin Wanrong''s hand and asked, "Brother Lin, where are you going?"


    "Where else? Of course, we''re going in," Lin Wanrong replied.


    "No, Brother Lin, we are neers. On the first day, we should enter through that door." Xiao Feng pointed to an extremely low door beside them.


    Lin Wanrong nced at the small door, which was only half a person''s height and not much better than a dog hole. The servants who arrived earlier had to bend down, their hands even touching the ground, to crawl through it.


    "A dog hole? You mean we''re supposed to crawl through a dog hole to enter?" Lin Wanrong widened his eyes, fury raging in his heart.


    Xiao Feng looked at Lin Wanrong curiously and said, "Brother Lin, what are you talking about? This door is so big that two dogs can walk through side by side. It''s much better than a dog hole."


    A dog hole that can amodate two dogs side by side? Xiao Feng spoke without concern, but Lin Wanrong took it to heart. As his anger was about to erupt, he heard Xiao Feng continue, "Besides, Brother Lin, you know the rules for being a servant. On the first day of entering any household, all new servants follow this practice."


    "Rules? What rules?" Lin Wanrong said irritably, "Are you saying crawling through a dog hole is a rule?"


    Xiao Feng gave a sheepish smile and said, "Whenever new servantse to report, they must crawl through this small door. It symbolizes that once they enter this threshold, they are forever beneath others. Don''t be fooled by the imposing stance of those two older brothers at the door; they also entered through here when they first joined. Not only in the Xiao family but in all prestigious households, this is the practice for servants. However, this is only for the first time. Afterwards, you can enter and exit through the side door."


    So, this dog hole was specifically designed to teach new servants to remember their ce. Although it was only for one time, this single asion could brand a person with a lifetime of shame.


    Anger welled up in Lin Wanrong''s heart. He came to work, not to crawl through dog holes. He raised his eyebrow, took Xiao Feng''s hand, and said, "Brother, don''t go there. Follow me through the main entrance."


    "No, no, Brother Lin, I''m not like you. You cane and go freely without any constraints. I can''t be as carefree as you. This job is important to me; my family relies on me to earn money to support them. Besides, this is the fate of all servants in prestigious households. Brother Lin, I... I''m going in now."


    With that, Xiao Feng let go of Lin Wanrong''s hand, ran to the low entrance, and slowly crawled in. He then turned his head to look at Lin Wanrong, his eyes filled with tears.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t look down on Xiao Feng. He could empathize with Xiao Feng''s feelings. They were unlike him, as they had grown up in this world and were familiar with its rules, epting them as natural. This eptance resulted in many constraints, and they could only act ording to the rules. For Xiao Feng, such a life might be exhausting, but it was his destiny, and no one could change it.


    Understanding Xiao Feng''s actions, Lin Wanrong gave him a friendly smile.


    Seeing that Lin Wanrong didn''t look down on him, Xiao Feng hurriedly wiped his tears and called from inside the door, "Brother Lin,e in quickly."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, thinking, crawl through a dog hole? You must be joking! A real man bows only to heaven, earth, and his parents. His backbone was meant to stand upright. How could he bend his waist for a mere pittance?


    He gave Xiao Feng a reassuring look, then strode towards the main entrance.Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41


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    Chapter 41 Breaking Into the Xiao Residence (Part 2)


    The two chubby-faced servants had been eyeing Lin Wanrong for a while. As he approached, they immediately blocked his path, saying, "What are you doing? Do you have any sense of propriety? Such an ill-mannered young man."


    Lin Wanrong replied, "Propriety? What propriety? I am a newly appointed servant of the Xiao Residence, here to report for duty."


    Seeing the neer''s defiance, the two servants sneered, "Indeed, a truly ill-mannered creature. Today you shall learn our ways. To enter the Xiao Residence, you must follow our rules. All new servants and dogs must enter through the side door."


    The two men appeared to take delight in Lin Wanrong''s misfortune. They had suffered simr humiliation when they first joined the residence, and ever since then, they had felt inferior in the presence of others. Now, seeing someone else following in their footsteps, they couldn''t help but feel a perverse sense of pleasure.


    Lin Wanrong coldlyughed, "Every door needs someone to walk through it. Today, I will enter through the main door. Both of you, get out of my way."


    "You, you, how dare you!" the two servants fumed. "A lowly servant like you dares to speak to us like that? We''ll show you!"


    "What are you two, then?" Lin Wanrong challenged.


    "Look carefully, we hold intermediate titles!" The two men pulled at the badges on their chests, which indeed bore the words ''Intermediate.'' Only then did Lin Wanrong notice that he also had a badge on his chest, inscribed with the words ''Lowly.''


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t help butugh bitterly. What on earth was this? Even servants had to have titles, and were there promotions and exams for them too? Old Wei of the Xiao Residence was a senior servant, which presumably meant he held a senior title. As a neer, Lin Wanrong was naturally a lowly servant.


    Annoyed, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I don''t care about your titles. All I know is that I am not like the others. I am a contract employee."


    "Contract employee?" The two men were taken aback, evidently unfamiliar with the term.


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t be bothered to exin and instead shoved the two aside, striding towards the entrance.


    The two men were stunned, having never seen such an arrogant lowly servant daring to barge into the Xiao Residence.


    "Uneptable!" they cried, lunging for Lin Wanrong''s arm. "Stop! You cannot enter! Lowly servants and dogs are not allowed"


    "Go to hell!" Lin Wanrong raised his fist, striking one of the men squarely on the nose, and swiftly delivered a kick to the other''s abdomen. When it came to fighting, he was never at a disadvantage.


    His movements were lightning fast, and the two servants hadn''t expected anyone to dare strike them on their own turf. They tumbled down the steps, crying out in pain.


    Lin Wanrong spat on the ground before slowly pushing open the vermilion gates.


    "I''ve made it into the Xiao Residence," Lin Wanrong thought, feeling extremely satisfied as he stepped inside.


    "A lowly servant is attacking people! A lowly servant is attacking people!" Just as Lin Wanrong set foot inside, the two men who had previously feigned death suddenly darted past him, shouting loudly, "A lowly servant is attacking people! A lowly servant is beating up intermediate servants! A lowly servant is beating up intermediate servants!"


    Seeing the two servants slink away like snakes, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help butugh. They really were pathetic.


    Being naturally unscrupulous and having nothing to worry about, Lin Wanrong paid no heed to their shouting. He walked leisurely through the main entrance, taking in the beautiful scenery of the luxurious residence.


    The Xiao Residence truly lived up to its reputation. The expansive courtyard seemed to stretch on without end, filled with pavilions, towers, and bridges. Lush greenery and fragrant flowers filled the air, making for a picturesque scene. Countless servants and maids bustled about, apanied by the sounds of music. It was a trulyvish sight.


    "How extravagant, how corrupt," Lin Wanrong sighed to himself. Now he truly understood the lifestyle of the wealthy. Although he had been well-off in his previous life and had seen the extravagance of the rich, those so-called vis and swimming pools were nothingpared to the scene before him.


    As he strolled and took in the sights, passing servants and maids sized him up. Seeing a lowly servant looking around like a lost goose, the reactions of the servants and maids differed.


    Servants: "Hmph, he has a lower title than me, yet he dares to ogle the youngdies'' chests. What a country bumpkin! May the gods let him run into the second youngdy, so she can teach him a lesson."


    Maids: "Oh, is he one of the new servants this year? He has such a nice figure, healthy skin, and a sunny disposition. Hmm, he''s new, so those little vixens probably haven''t seen him yet. There''s a chance to reel him in."


    Unaware that he had be both a thorn in the eyes of the male servants and a potential catch for the maids, Lin Wanrong continued to stroll and admire the surroundings. Although he was here to work as a servant, a pleasant environment would allow him to focus better on his job.


    "It''s that kid! It''s that kid!" The two intermediate servants who had been beaten up by Lin Wanrong earlier approached with a group of people.


    A plump man with a pale face and bulging eyes led the group, exuding an air of arrogance.


    "Chief Steward Wang, it''s him, this kid who attacked us," the two intermediate servants snitched with a sycophantic tone.


    Hearing their address, Lin Wanrong realized that the man in front of him must be the head of the hundreds of servants in the Xiao Residence. The Deputy Chief Steward Pang he had seen yesterday must be his deputy. However, as Pang was not in the crowd, it seemed that old man Wei''s influence might not be useful today.


    "You''ve got some nerve, daring to attack intermediate servants," Chief Steward Wang said coldly. "Tell me, who instructed you to attack the servants of the Xiao family?"


    Lin Wanrong hesitated for a moment, then understood. Chief Steward Wang was clearly trying to exploit the situation, casting aspersions on his political opponents. Regardless of whether it was true or not, he wanted to create the impression that Lin Wanrong had been sent by someone else. By leaving the identity of this supposed instigator to the imagination, it was easy to smear others. Indeed, Chief Steward Wang''s cunning tactics were what earned him his position.


    The other servants were not as astute as Lin Wanrong. Upon hearing Chief Steward Wang''s words, they became outraged.


    "Speak up, who sent you?"


    "Damn it, it must be the Wang family from the east side of the city. They always like to go against us."


    "It''s not necessarily the Wang family, you know. There are many servants in this courtyard who are jealous of Chief Steward Wang''s wise leadership," one shameless servant chimed in.


    Lin Wanrong nced at the speaker, realizing that he was clearly a stooge.


    Sure enough, Chief Steward Wang looked at the servant with a smile, a hint of approval shing across his face.


    "Whoever dares to disrupt the harmony and unity of our Xiao family''s servants, I''ll cut them down," the servants eximed, one after another, as they eagerly tried to curry favor with Chief Steward Wang.


    Chief Steward Wang looked pleased and smiled at Lin Wanrong. The timing of this young man''s arrival couldn''t have been better.


    Lin Wanrong watched the group with amusement, thinking that with such a bunch of characters, his life as a servant wouldn''t be too dull.Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42


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    Chapter 42 The Lady''s Affectionate Visit (Part 1)


    "Brothers, fellow attendants, we have been beaten by thisd. So, please, concentrate and help me get even with him!" The two attendants who had just been beaten saw that everyone was talking at once. Some wanted to confront the Wang family, while others insisted on investigating who was sabotaging the harmonious and stable situation. They seemed to have forgotten the main culprit and hurriedly reminded them.


    "Oh, right, right. You, a lowly attendant, reported for duty on the first day and not only did you not enter through the side door, but you also barged in through the main entrance and assaulted a mid-level attendant. How audacious!" Chief Steward Wang said with an air of false authority.


    "Beat him, beat him!" Arge group of mid-level attendants joined in the mockery.


    The passing attendants and maidservants also stopped in their tracks, watching themotion unfold. Seeing the new attendant surrounded by Chief Steward Wang and his men, the maidservants couldn''t help but worry for him. How did he manage to provoke Chief Steward Wang? He was surely in trouble now.


    Lin Wanrong looked at the noisy attendants and shook his head helplessly. Disunited as they were, they wouldn''t amount to much.


    "What more do you have to say?" Chief Steward Wang asked triumphantly, "These brothers here have sharp eyes. Of course, as long as you confess who''s behind you, I can be lenient and ensure that you won''t be mistreated."


    Lin Wanrong had already prepared an excuse and smiled, "Thank you for your generosity, Chief Steward Wang."


    He gave a mysterious smile and whispered, "Actually, it was Uncle Fu who sent me."


    "Uncle Fu?" Several attendants were taken aback. Uncle Fu was one of the most respected elders in the Xiao family. Even thedy and the youngdies held him in high esteem, not to mention Chief Steward Wang and his people.


    Lin Wanrong was confident in the extraordinary status of those three old attendants, so he dared to be so brazen. With those old attendants backing him, there was no one in Xiao Mansion that he needed to fear.


    "What''s your name if Uncle Fu sent you?" Chief Steward Wang, who had managed to be the head Chief Steward, was not without his wits. He knew that if Uncle Fu had indeed sent this young man, it would not be easy for him to handle the situation.


    "My name is Lin San." A trace of malicious amusement shed in Lin Wanrong''s eyes.


    "You''re Lin San? The contract worker Lin San?" Chief Steward Wang asked in astonishment.


    After Lin Wanrong signed the contract-based agreement yesterday, the news spread quickly throughout the Xiao Mansion. The attendants in the mansion immediately regarded him as a great fool. Working as an attendant in the Xiao Mansion for a lifetime, they were well-fed, well-clothed, and well-treated. Where could they find such a good job? This guy must have something wrong with his brain to sign up as a contract worker, only to be kicked out by the Xiao family after a year. The attendants took a certain delight in his misfortune.


    Of course, Chief Steward Wang knew more about the situation than that. Lin San had been personally selected by three esteemed elders of the Xiao family, who praised him highly. It was said that during the interview yesterday, he was half an hourte. Deputy Steward Pang had received instructions from above to pay attention to a guy named Lin San. So when Pang received money from Lin Wanrong, he had to return it after learning he was Lin San.


    "It''s me, I am Lin San," Lin Wanrong said with a smile, looking at the various expressions of the surrounding attendants, some jeering, some envious, and a few maids blushing while watching him with peach blossom eyes.


    "Lin San, although you have a connection with Uncle Fu, assaulting a mid-level attendant like this seems a bit unjustifiable, doesn''t it?" Chief Steward Wang said with an awkward smile. Knowing that he had the support of the three esteemed elders, Chief Steward Wang''s tone softened significantly. His words were just a face-saving gesture.


    "I didn''t assault anyone," Lin Wanrong said innocently. "I just entered the door, and these two fellows happened to fall down the steps due to a momentarypse. Isn''t that right, gentlemen?"


    As soon as they heard Uncle Fu''s name, the two beaten attendants knew they had encountered a tough opponent. Uncle Fu was not someone anyone in the Xiao family dared to provoke easily. Even the arrogant figures like Chief Steward Wang and Deputy Steward Pang had to give way when they saw him. With Uncle Fu''s protection, their beating was in vain.


    The most infuriating thing was that Lin Wanrong asked with an innocent expression, "Gentlemen, isn''t that right?" The two attendants cursed him inwardly but had to put on a smile and say, "It seems there was a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding."


    "If it''s a misunderstanding, then that''s good," Chief Steward Wang wiped the sweat from his forehead, finally finding a way to save face. He then rolled his eyes at the surrounding maids and attendants, "What are you looking at? Don''t you have work to do? Be careful, or I''ll report to thedy and deduct your wages."


    The maids and attendants scattered like birds and beasts, with a few maids daringly casting several nces at Lin Wanrong, evidently curious about this contract-based attendant.


    After this incident, although Lin Wanrong had just arrived at the Xiao Mansion and was a lowly attendant, he had be quite a character in the circle of the mansion''s attendants.


    Although Chief Steward Wang''s pride was somewhat hurt, he was a clever man and arranged for Lin Wanrong to work under Uncle Fu. During yesterday''s conversation with the three old men, they all extended enthusiastic invitations for various positions such as chef, craftsman, or gardener. Lin Wanrong had no interest in these jobs; he was here merely to bide his time and then leave after a year.


    After considering the three departments, he finally chose Uncle Fu. Working under him, watering and tending to the flowers, seemed quite pleasant. While Lin Wanrong knew nothing about growing flowers, he was skilled at picking them.


    After arranging Lin Wanrong''s tasks, Chief Steward Wang left with the others.


    Lin Wanrong had just escaped the crowd''s attention and took a few steps when someone grabbed him. Turning around, he saw it was the bookish Xiao Feng, who had crawled through the dog hole earlier.


    Xiao Feng asked with concern, "Brother Lin, I saw you were caught by Chief Steward Wang just now. Are you alright?"


    "No problem, there''s nothing to worry about," Lin Wanrong said carelessly with a smile, patting Xiao Feng''s shoulder. "Brother Xiao Feng, if anyone bullies you in this Xiao Mansion, just say you are my brother, Lin San. I''ll see who dares to touch you."


    Lin Wanrong had swaggered in through the front door earlier, and it was said that he had used his fists to beat up two mid-level attendants without any consequences. Bookish Xiao Feng admired him greatly and believed that having his protection would be advantageous.


    As Xiao Feng had studied for several years and enjoyed using literarynguage, he was assigned to assist a few schrs. After a few years of training, he might even be a schr himself, considered white-cor in the Xiao family and enjoying a bit of prestige. Lin Wanrong patted his shoulder andughed, "There''s a promising future ahead. Keep up the good work."


    Xiao Feng shyly smiled and replied, "I''ll be relying on your guidance in the future, Brother Lin."


    After parting ways with Xiao Feng, Lin Wanrong headed directly to the gardening department where Uncle Fu was located. The Xiao Mansion''s courtyard was vast, but Uncle Fu resided in a remote corner. Lin Wanrong had to ask five attendants and four maids before finding the ce.


    It was a quiet little courtyard near the back mountain, filled with various flowers and nts. Gorgeous peonies, vibrant peonies, fragrant chrysanthemums, and elegant orchids allpeted for attention in a dazzling disy. Lin Wanrong''s heart rejoiced, realizing that it was indeed an excellent ce for flower-picking.Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43


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    Chapter 43 The Lady''s Affectionate Visit (Part 2)


    Beyond the fragrant haze of blossoms, there lies a quiet, secluded courtyard, separated from the garden by a circr archway. Stepping through the arch, one''s eyes are immediately drawn to two connected cottages with green bricks and red tiles. Inside, there is only a bed, a table, and four chairs. Although the furnishings are quite modest, they are a significant improvement from the thatched huts one might reside in otherwise.


    Lin Wanrong nods in satisfaction, finding the cozy abode rather pleasing. He looks around, hoping to find Uncle Fu, but the old man is nowhere to be seen.


    "Is he cking off on the job?" Lin Wanrong thinks, helplessly scanning the surroundings before calling out loudly, "Uncle Fu, Uncle Fu, where are you?"


    A voice emerges from within the flowers, "I''m here, Lin San."


    Following the sound, Lin Wanrong spots Uncle Fu squatting among the blossoms, tending to a peony nt. The branches and foliage hide his figure, exining why Lin Wanrong couldn''t locate him earlier.


    Lin Wanrong approaches with an embarrassed smile, "Uncle Fu, I''vee to report in."


    Uncle Fu nods, "I see you. What do you think of my garden?"


    Inhaling the floral fragrance deeply, Lin Wanrong exims, "The scent of flowers is truly intoxicating. I wish to slumber beneath their blooms."


    Uncle Fuughs heartily, "Just wait, you''ll have your fill of fragrances. The cultivation of the Xiao family''s flowers and nts will soon rely on you."


    "Wait, wait," Lin Wanrong interrupts, rmed. He is only here to pass the time, not to truly cultivate flowers and nts, "Uncle Fu, you''re in your prime. The responsibility of tending to the garden should still fall upon you. As for me, I know nothing. If I were to identally mess things up and ruin your reputation, I couldn''t bear the consequences. It''s better for me to assist you by your side."


    Uncle Fu nces at him, "At least you have some self-awareness. Follow me and learn well. With this skill, you won''t have to worry about food or clothing for the rest of your life in the Xiao family."


    Although Lin Wanrong does not wish to remain in the Xiao family forever, he is a clever man who knows he must spend at least a year here. Uncle Fu could be his protector, and so, ttery is necessary.


    Seeing Uncle Fu stand up, Lin Wanrong hastily brings him a stool to sit on, then enters the house to fetch water for Uncle Fu to wash his hands. He follows this with a pot of hot tea, personally presenting it to Uncle Fu. Finally, he produces a folding fan and gently fans Uncle Fu, disying the utmost attentiveness. This is a stark contrast to the strong demeanor he exhibited upon entering the gates earlier.


    "Lin San, it is alreadyte autumn. Isn''t that fan a bit too cooling?" Uncle Fu kindly reminds him.


    "No problem, no problem. Uncle Fu is still in his prime, full of vitality. These gentle breezes are nothing to you," Lin Wanrong tters shamelessly.


    Uncle Fu says no more, contentedly enjoying Lin Wanrong''s service.


    During casual conversation with Uncle Fu, Lin Wanrong learns about the situation in the gardener''s department where he now belongs. Although there are many servants in the manor, only he and Uncle Fu are responsible for the gardens. It turns out that Uncle Fu has been tending flowers and nts for over thirty years, and having grown ustomed to working alone, has repeatedly declined offers from thedy and the young mistress to provide additional assistance. It is only because of his advanced age and the fact that Lin Wanrong has caught his fancy that he has sought help this time.


    It''s a bitter realization for Lin Wanrong, who is somewhat disheartened. Uncle Fu stubbornly clings to his pride and suffers as a result. No doubt, the task of tending to the myriad of flowers and nts in the courtyard will fall on Lin Wanrong, much to his chagrin.


    Naturally, Uncle Fu is oblivious to Lin Wanrong''s thoughts. The two share a simr temperament, and Uncle Fu begins to regale Lin Wanrong with tales of his past glory  how he single-handedly managed the gardens, earning the admiration of the esteemed Minister of Rites, who even granted him numerous silver rewards.


    Lin Wanrong has no interest in Uncle Fu''s glorious history. He leans against the flowerbed, drowsy and unaware that he has crushed several peony blossoms beneath him.


    By the time Uncle Fu finishes speaking, it is already noon. Lin Wanrong learns from the conversation that they do not live in this courtyard. The Xiao family''sdy has arranged amodations for the long-standing staff, like Uncle Fu, allowing them to enjoy their twilight years in peace.


    Thus, this little courtyard will soon be Lin Wanrong''s sole domain. Among all the news he''s heard, this is the only tidbit that brings him a small measure of excitement.


    When lunchtime arrives, Lin Wanrong carries a bowl of food towards the servants'' dining area.


    Uncle Fu had already exined to Lin Wanrong some of the rules for servants, particrly those in prestigious households. The servants can only eat after the masters have eaten, and sleep after the masters have retired for the night. The servants'' dining area is essentially a simple canteen, designated for providing meals to the various staff members. Today, the mealtime was slightly dyed, and Lin Wanrong''s stomach had been growling in hunger.


    Upon entering the dining area, Lin Wanrong scans the simple setting: a few rows of wooden tables and chairs, and severalrge pots of food. Tworge signs indicate the seating areas for middle-ranking and lower-ranking servants. High-ranking servants would not dine here, as their status sets them apart and they would not deign to share meals with their subordinates.


    In the middle-ranking servants'' area, about a dozen people are seated, many of them eyeing the neers with mocking gazes. They find some long-missed pleasure in the new faces. The lower-ranking area, however, is packed with around thirty to forty people. Considering the thousands who had queued for the servant interviews, only a few dozen were selected. Lin Wanrong feels a sense of injustice for those who didn''t make the cut. The whole event was a publicity stunt orchestrated by the Xiao family, undoubtedly the work of the clever and capable Miss Xiao.


    Lin Wanrong is somewhat interested in this Miss Xiao. After all, she is a strong, independent woman  the type he would like to pursue, achieve, and then discard, a conquest that would bring a sense of aplishment. Moreover, he has made a small fortune using her portrait, and he feels he should show some gratitude. With a smug grin, Lin Wanrong fills his bowl with food and is about to dig in when he hears amotion nearby: "The Lady is here! The Lady hase to visit us, the new servants!"


    A mature and beautiful figure enters the room, exuding warmth and elegance  it is Lady Xiao. Lin Wanrong had only caught a glimpse of her previously, but up close, he sees that Lady Xiao is indeed stunningly beautiful. With curved eyebrows, long eyshes, rosy lips, and smooth, tender skin, she looks nothing like a woman in her forties. Instead, she resembles a woman in her thirties, with a curvaceous figure and an air of mature femininity. A hint of hidden resentment adds to her allure.


    Lin Wanrong nods to himself, acknowledging Lady Xiao''s beauty. No wonder so many people were eager to join the Xiao household. Apanied by Chief Steward Wang and Deputy Steward Pang, Lady Xiao''s high standing in the Xiao family is evident by the respect they show her. Lin Wanrong reflects on the challenges Lady Xiao must have faced as a widow, raising two young daughters while managing the vast Xiao estate. He holds a certain admiration for her. Indeed, capable individuals always inspire respect.Support us on Patreon for ad-free content and bonus chapters!

 Chapter 44

    Chapter 44


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    Chapter 44 A Woman and a Dog (Part 1)


    Lady Xiao''s smile bloomed like a flower as she kindly visited each newly appointed servant, inquiring about their well-being. Lady Xiao was truly experienced in the business world, and although her actions were merely a show, they produced a positive effect. A few emotional servants were already brimming with tears, considering Lady Xiao as their rebirth parents.


    Lin Wanrong''s stomach had been hungry for a while, and he couldn''t wait for Lady Xiao''s arrival. He hurriedly grabbed a few bites of food and stuffed them into his mouth. When Lady Xiao arrived in front of him, he swallowed a mouthful of hot food and continued to chew vigorously.


    "Mdy, this is Lin San," Chief Steward Wang introduced Lin Wanrong to Lady Xiao.


    Lady Xiao nced at Lin San. He had a pleasing appearance, an easy-going personality, and a very approachable demeanor. She smiled and said to Lin Wanrong, "So, you''re the contractual employee, Lin San?"


    Lin Wanrong stood up and replied, "Yes, mdy, I am Lin San." He naturally extended his hand, intending to shake hands with Lady Xiao. In his world, shaking hands with someone was a basic courtesy.


    Lady Xiao''s expression changed, and she said coldly, "What are you doing?"


    It was an old saying that men and women should not have physical contact. Lady Xiao was a virtuous widow who held herself in high regard and took etiquette very seriously. People often said that there were many troubles in front of a widow''s door, but Lady Xiao had been a widow for many years and had never been involved in any gossip or rumors, which spoke to her chastity. Therefore, when she saw Lin Wanrong reaching out his hand, she couldn''t help but be angry.


    Lin Wanrong realized he had made a serious mistake, but he was quick-witted. In an instant, he came up with a n, and without retracting his hand, he boldly said, "To shake hands with mdy."


    "Shake hands?" Lady Xiao frowned, not expecting this young man to be so outspoken.


    "Yes, in my hometown, when two people meet for the first time, shaking hands is the most basic courtesy," Lin Wanrong said with simple sincerity, a harmless smile on his face. His attractive appearance made it easy for others to trust him.


    "How dare you!" Chief Steward Wang and Deputy Steward Pang shouted in unison, angered by this insolent youngster''s attempt to take advantage of Lady Xiao.


    "It''s fine," Lady Xiao said with a smile, stopping the two stewards from scolding Lin Wanrong. Before Miss Xiao took over the Xiao family, it had always been Lady Xiao who managed the family business. Being able to keep the family affairs in good order, she was no ordinary woman. To be precise, she was a strong woman who was well-acquainted with various types of men and their gazes in order to protect herself. She was confident in her own judgment, and the servant''s gaze was natural without any hint of disrespect. It seemed that she had misunderstood him.


    Lin Wanrong had only wanted to shake her hand, so his gaze was quite normal. As for disrespect, even if he had the intention, it wouldn''t show.


    Lin Wanrong was also sizing up Lady Xiao. Upon closer inspection, she was still an extremely remarkable woman with a fair, jade-likeplexion and beautiful, captivating eyes. There was not a single wrinkle at the corners of her eyes, though her brows were asionally furrowed, revealing some hidden worries.


    This was a true strong woman, Lin Wanrong thought. She was no less impressive than the various strong women he had met during his time as a marketing manager and even more beautiful.


    "Where is your hometown?" Lady Xiao asked, showing some interest in this contractual employee. After all, she had never heard of contractual employees before, but the idea was quite innovative and creative. She was curious about the servant who could propose such a concept.


    "My hometown? It''s very far away, so far that mdy might not know of it," Lin Wanrong said, a hint of destion shing in his eyes. He was now like a rootless duckweed, drifting wherever the wind took him.


    Seeing that he was unwilling to borate, Lady Xiao didn''t press him. Since he had signed a one-year work contract with the Xiao family, he could be let go at any time, despite being a servant.


    Am I actually worried that a servant will abandon the Xiao family? Lady Xiao couldn''t help but find her own baseless concern amusing. However, the Xiao family needed to retain any talent they found, a lesson learned from Lady Xiao''s years of struggle in the business world.


    Lady Xiao gave Lin Wanrong a friendly smile and turned away, not intending to shake his hand. No matter the customs of his hometown, when here, one had to adapt. If word got out that she shook hands with him, her reputation as a virtuous widow would bepletely ruined, especially since he was a lowly servant.


    Lady Xiao ascended the stage and delivered an enthusiastic speech to the newly appointed servants. She weed their arrival and encouraged them to be loyal, love their posts, and contribute to the Xiao family with their best efforts.


    Later, Lin Wanrong saw a scene that was vaguely familiar - a representative speech by the new recruits. Seeing this segment, he couldn''t help butugh and cry at the same time. He had attended countless opening ceremonies and inaugurations, and every time there was this clich. He never thought that it would also be present in this world.


    The person who went up to represent the new servants in the speech was none other than the bookish Xiao Feng, which made Lin Wanrong almost choke withughter.


    Xiao Feng nervously walked onto the stage, took out a piece of paper with his pre-written speech from his pocket, and began to read while his hands trembled: "Work hard, make progress every day, love our great nation, love the Xiao family."


    Lin Wanrong spat out all of his food, attracting the angry res of many devout servants around him.


    Returning to his small courtyard in the garden and tidying up his luggage, Lin Wanrong didn''t see Uncle Fu. At this time, the old man should be taking a nap - that''s what most elderly people do.


    Just as he was about to lie down on the bed, he suddenly heard a lively chatter from the courtyard.


    "Ah, this peony flower is so beautiful, it suits me so well."


    "I think that foxtail grass would be more fitting for you."


    "I''ve inquired clearly, the new servant assigned today is under Uncle Fu''s supervision."


    "Yes, yes, I came to see him. I heard he''s tall, with big eyes and healthy skin, full of masculinity"


    "Please, just look at yourselves. Let me tell you, I heard that this new servant is quite impressive, not even buying the ount of Chief Steward Wang"


    "He may not buy Chief Steward Wang''s ount, but if I were his steward, he would have to buy my ount, right?"


    "Tsk"


    "Enough talking, let''s pick flowers first, then pick the handsome guy, yay"


    Lin Wanrong tightly covered his mouth. It was as if he had entered the cave of a mythical creature, encountering a group of enchantresses.


    He walked out of his room and saw more than a dozen maids in the courtyard, all young and lovely. Although they couldn''t be considered beautiful, their youthfulness was captivating. They were busy among the flowers, constantly picking blossoms.


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 Chapter 45

    Chapter 45


    Chapter 45 A Woman and a Dog (Part 2)


    First, they picked flowers, then handsome men. Lin Wanrong blinked joyfully, for these girls were no ordinary ruffians; they were the epitome of ruffianism.


    "Ladies, what brings you here?" Lin Wanrong called out with a loudugh as he stood at the entrance.


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong, several maidservants let out a collective gasp.


    "Oh, he seems to be that impressive servant!" one of them eximed. The maidservants immediately began chattering, their gazes fixated on Lin Wanrong as they examined him from head to toe.


    A single woman might have been too shy to act so boldly, but with ten women together, their courage knew no bounds. After all, they wouldn''t beughing at one another, so they felt free to look as they pleased.


    "Are you Lin San?" asked one particrly attentive young maid, who had even managed to learn his name.


    "Indeed, that is me. How may I assist you, miss?" Lin Wanrong replied with a smile. He was unfazed by the presence of ten women; at worst, he would simply strip down and let them have their way with him.


    The young maid blushed and asked, "Lin San, did you really enter through the main gate today?" This question was a hot topic among all the maidservants and servants in the mansion, so the young maids were naturally curious, their gazes fixated on him.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Yes."


    Another maid asked curiously, "From what I know, every servant enters through the side door. Aren''t you afraid of Chief Steward Wang and the others?"


    Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment, then smiled and said, "Everyone has their dignity as a person, and everyone deserves respect. Sometimes, dignity is more important than life itself."


    The maidservants were somewhat perplexed. In their understanding, as servants, they had to surrender their lives to their masters, so where was there room for dignity?


    Lin Wanrong also felt that his way of thinking was a bit too progressive for them, so he decided not to discuss it further. Smiling, he asked, "By the way, youdies haven''t told me yet, what brings you here? Are you looking for Uncle Fu?"


    Although the maidservants didn''t quite understand Lin Wanrong''s words, they still admired him in their hearts. After all, there weren''t many people in the entire Xiao Manor who dared to stand up to Chief Steward Wang and his associates.


    "Brother San, we''re not here to see Uncle Fu. We want to pick some flowers in this courtyard. Please don''t tell Uncle Fu, alright?" Another bolder maid, somewhat blindly worshipping Lin Wanrong, unconsciously addressed him as "Brother San" with a coy expression.


    "First, you pick flowers, then you pick handsome men, right?" Lin Wanrong said with a teasing smile.


    The maidservants let out a collective gasp, their faces flushing red, knowing that he had overheard their earlier conversation. They felt extremely embarrassed. However, since there were many of them, they weren''t afraid of beingughed at by each other. After giggling for a while, one of the maidservants boldly said, "Brother San, you''re so bad. I''m not going to talk to you anymore. Sisters, let''s pick flowers!"


    The maidservantsughed and began to pick flowers, ignoring Lin Wanrong.


    "Brother San, look at this peony flower. How does it look on me?"


    "Brother San, do you think this bunch of chrysanthemums matches my dress?"


    "Brother San, don''t you think my figure resembles the mature beauty of this peony?"


    The maidservants'' sweet voices filled Lin Wanrong''s ears. When they were together, their courage seemed to grow, and they all affectionately called him "Brother San," even though they hadn''t known him just a moment ago.


    Lin Wanrong was somewhat taken aback by the maidservants'' warmth and friendliness. Though they weren''t stunningly beautiful, they were all young and energetic girls, like a group of butterflies fluttering around him. Their melodious voices and gentle whispers made Lin Wanrong feel a bit disoriented amidst the flowers.


    However, his troubles soon arrived. The maidservants were all very interested in Lin Wanrong, constantly pulling him aside to ask various questions about his hometown, family, age, marital status, and which youngdy he first liked. Their questions were sharp and spicy, leaving Lin Wanrong struggling to respond.


    Lin Wanrong, surrounded by countless "ducks," found it hard to express his suffering. Far from enjoyment, this felt like punishment. If he had known earlier, he would never havee out.


    "Brother San, have you never really liked any youngdy before?" A mischievous, wide-eyed maid asked, trying to probe his secrets.


    "No, no, I''ve never liked any ''young miss,''" Lin Wanrong replied righteously. In his hometown, everyone knew the meaning of the term "young miss," and Lin Wanrong, of course, would not like "young misses." (A colloquial term for prostitute)


    Not liking young misses, does that mean he likes maidservants? The speaker''s unintentional words carried a deeper meaning to the listeners. Several maidservants misunderstood his meaning and their faces quickly turned shy. This Lin San, with his good looks and humor, could be considered a charming character if not for his lowly status. The maidservants'' cheeks flushed pink, and none of them dared to look at him.


    Lin Wanrong was still unaware that his words had caused a stir. Seeing the maidservants lowering their heads quietly, he was about to speak when he faintly heard a crisp barking sound.


    "What''s that noise?" Lin Wanrong''s hearing was excellent, and the sound was familiar, like a dog''s bark. Where would anyone keep a dog in the Xiao family''s mansion, which was mostly upied by women? Lin Wanrong was puzzled, thinking he might have misheard.


    "What noise? What noise?" The wide-eyed maid who had been inquiring about Lin Wanrong''s secrets asked anxiously, her face still blushing.


    The sound was getting closer, and Lin Wanrong could now confirm it was indeed the barking of a dog, seemingly heading in their direction. It wasn''t unusual for a wealthy family like the Xiao family to keep a few dogs for security. Lin Wanrong reasoned away his confusion.


    As the barking grew closer, the maidservants heard it as well, and their expressions changed simultaneously. "Not good!" They cried out in terror, as if they had seen a demon, "Brother San, run! Run! If we don''t leave now, it will be toote."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Was the barking of a dog really that terrifying? Why were these girls so scared that they even changed color? Heughed it off, saying, "It''s okay, I''m not afraid."


    The maidservants'' faces paled with worry. They nced at Lin Wanrong, dropped the flowers they had picked, and fled as if they were flying.


    Once the maidservants were gone, the world became much quieter, and Lin Wanrong''s ears finally got a break. He sighed, shook his head helplessly, and thought gleefully that being handsome could indeed be quite troublesome.


    The barking grew louder and closer, as if it was heading straight for the garden. This was Uncle Fu''s territory, who would dare to let a dog run loose in the garden? They must be looking for trouble.


    "Whose animal is this? Get lost!" Lin Wanrong stood up and yelled casually.


    However, as soon as he turned around, he was stunned. This was no ordinary dog; it looked more like a wolf. Arge wolfhound, half a man''s height, stared at him with its greenish eyes. The viciousness in the dog''s eyes was evident to anyone who saw it.


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 Chapter 46

    Chapter 46


    Chapter 46 Fist Fights and Kicks (Part 1)


    Could it be that Jinling City had not issued a regtion prohibiting the raising ofrge dogs? The magistrate of Jinling had truly neglected his duties.


    Cold sweat dripped down Lin Wanrong''s forehead. This was no joke. If the dog opened its mouth, perhaps half of his head would be gone. Moreover, it was unclear whether there were any rabies vines avable here. If he were bitten by this beast, it could be fatal. Judging by the expressions of the fleeing maids, they clearly knew of this vicious dog''s existence and had all run away, calling out to their brother. These women were truly disloyal.


    The vicious dog was sitting at the entrance of the garden, its long, crimson tongue continuously panting. Green light glinted in its eyes as it stared at Lin Wanrong, effectively blocking his escape.


    Lin Wanrong''s old home was in the countryside, and he had raised dogs during his childhood. Seeing the wolfhound''srge size and sharp teeth, he knew it was specifically raised by someone for fighting. Based on his experience, during a confrontation between a human and a dog, as long as the person remained still, the dog generally would not move.


    Lin Wanrong''s entire body was soaked in sweat. He nervously stood there, his eyes fixed on the vicious dog, not daring to move an inch. He had no idea who raised this dog, but if he ever found out, he would curse their ancestors for eighteen generations. In his frustration, Lin Wanrong cursed maliciously in his heart.


    The vicious dog did not seem to have any intention of attacking either, sitting there as if waiting to oust Lin Wanrong. He knew this was a critical moment, and if things went wrong, he could lose his life. Under high mental tension, cold sweat dripped down from his forehead. He dared not wipe the sweat from his brow, his eyes glued to the vicious dog, ready to run for his life if the dog made a move. Damn it, racing against a dog was like risking his life.


    As Lin Wanrong''s tension mounted, a crisp, familiar-sounding voice came from outside, "Mighty General,e on"


    Mighty General? The name seemed familiar. Lin Wanrong was still puzzled when the vicious dog, which had been sitting there, suddenly sprang into action and pounced toward him.


    "Help!" Lin Wanrong cried out desperately, and his quick reflexes kicked in. He turned on his heels and started running.


    "Mighty General, catch him and bite him hard!" The crisp female voice sounded from outside again.


    It was then that Lin Wanrong understood that the vicious dog was named Mighty General. Considering the dog''s size, the name was indeed a fitting one.


    However, he had no time to think about that now. With a vicious dog chasing him from behind, not running would be foolish.


    While running, Lin Wanrong desperately called for help, but the garden was unusually quiet today. Even Uncle Fu was nowhere to be found, leaving only the heavy breathing of a man and a dog.


    The man and the dog engaged in a frantic chase around the courtyard. Racing against a dog was undoubtedly a losing battle, but thankfully, Lin Wanrong''s quick thinking allowed him to abruptly stop and change directions while running. Several times, the dog''s ws nearly reached his shoulder, but he narrowly escaped each time.


    Panting heavily, Lin Wanrong circled the courtyard, evading the vicious dog''s sharp ws. Meanwhile, a peal of crispughter came from outside the garden, presumably from the woman who had incited the dog.


    At this point, Lin Wanrong was too busy running for his life to care about the woman''s appearance. He mentally cursed the woman''s mother and sisters but found himself being chased even closer by the vicious dog.


    After the failed initiation by Uncle Wei, Lin Wanrong''s strength and explosive power had increased considerably, which had helped him avoid the vicious dog initially.


    However, as time went on, his stamina began to wane, and the distance between him and the dog grew closer. By the time he reached the wall, he was at the end of his rope. The vicious dog showed no signs of fatigue and took advantage of his slow movement to pounce on him, aiming for his shoulder.


    With nowhere left to run, Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth and decided not to dodge. As the dog pounced, he kicked out with all his might, striking the dog''s stomach. With a loud thud, the dog''s body mmed hard against the wall. He knew that this kick contained all his strength, and if it didn''t work, he would be left with half a life at best. So, he put everything he had into this kick.


    As the dog''s body hit the wall, Lin Wanrong rushed forward, stepping on the vicious dog''s stomach, and pinned it against the wall, unable to move. He then raised his fist and started pounding on the dog''s head.


    "Damn you, vicious dog, I''ll kill you!"


    "Damn you, vicious dog, I''ll kill you!"


    Lin Wanrong''s hatred for the vicious dog was not just a little bit, but full of rage. He concentrated all his strength into his blows, cursing and striking the dog''s head.


    It is said that the potential people can unleash during their most difficult moments is truly terrifying. Lin Wanrong''s eyes were bloodshot, and he didn''t know where he found the strength to pummel the dog''s head relentlessly. He didn''t even notice when his fingers were smashed and bloodied.


    The wolf-dog had been severely injured upon crashing into the wall, and Lin Wanrong''s ferocious blows only worsened its condition. In no time, he had crushed the dog''s skull.


    With his hands mangled and the vicious dog''s head ttened, blood pouring from its mouth, it was unmistakably dead. Lin Wanrong finally took his foot off the dog, which slumped lifelessly against the wall like a pile of mud.


    As Lin Wanrong''s emotions rxed, thest shred of belief that had been supporting him also copsed. He fell to the ground, feeling as if he was drained of all energy. Gasping for breath, the fear in his heart had yet to dissipate.


    Killing the wolf-dog with his own hands was an extraordinary feat for an ordinary person, but Lin Wanrong felt no joy. He had barely escaped death at the hands of the vicious dog.


    "Mighty General!" A woman''s horrified cry rang out, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps approaching.


    Lin Wanrong desperately wanted to see the woman who had instigated the vicious dog, but he was so weak that he couldn''t even lift his head, let alone his eyes.


    Upon seeing the lifeless Mighty General, the woman let out a mournful cry. Her heart filled with hatred for Lin Wanrong, she approached him and viciously kicked him several times, shouting, "You wretched cur! You''ll pay for Mighty General''s life!"


    Lin Wanrong waspletely drained, his eyes barely open. Though he found the woman''s voice somewhat familiar, he had no energy to react to her kicks.


    The woman, wearing small, high-heeled boots, fiercely kicked Lin Wanrong''s buttocks. Luckily, when he had fallen, he had protected his head with his hands, guarding his vital areas. A few kicks to his buttocks were not too concerning.


    However, there was another crucial part of a man''s body left unprotected. If the young woman managed tond a few kicks there, he would likely be left unable to father any children. Lin Wanrongmented his situation internally but had no strength left to defend himself.


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 Chapter 47

    Chapter 47


    Chapter 47 Fist Fights and Kicks (Part 2)


    Fortunately, the girl appeared to be quite naive. She only knew to kick Lin Wanrong''s thick-skinned and meaty buttocks, seemingly unaware of the importance of certain vital areas for men. Lin Wanrong''s heart swelled with relief, and he suddenly felt the girl''s kicking force seemed to lessen considerably, eventually bing as insignificant as tickling. As he enjoyed this gentle "massage," his fatigue and drained spirit overcame him, and he fell into a deep sleep.


    The girl was still young andcked strength. After kicking Lin Wanrong a few times, she herself grew tired. She gently wiped the sweat from her forehead and looked at Lin Wanrong, only to find the young man smiling sweetly in his sleep, drooling all over the ground. Seeing him sleeping so peacefully infuriated her even more. Clenching her teeth and gripping Lin Wanrong''s ear, she said, "Lin San, wake up!"


    Lin Wanrong groggily opened his eyes but didn''t see the girl''s face. Unable to bear his weight, the girl''s hand slipped, and Lin Wanrong fell back to the ground, reuniting with the god of sleep. The girl nced at him and furiously said, "You wretched servant, just you wait, I''ll make sure you pay for this." Unsatisfied, she kicked Lin Wanrong''s body a few more times before storming off, not even bothering with the lifeless Mighty General.


    Lin Wanrong''s sleep was particrly sweet, as he dreamt of Qiaoqiao, the young girl who tenderly spoke of her affection for him in a bashful, teasing manner. Her girlish charm was irresistible, and he almost didn''t want to wake up. He sat up, yawned, and stretched, his body aching all over. Realizing this was all due to the vicious dog, he couldn''t help but feel angry. However, he also felt exhrated, surprised by the strength he had unleashed in his fight against the dog. It seemed true that one shouldn''t push a person too far, as a cornered dog would jump over the wall, and even a desperate rabbit would bite.


    Thinking of the vicious dog reminded him of the wicked woman who had unleashed it. Her voice seemed somewhat familiar, but he couldn''t remember where he had seen her before. Since arriving here, he could count the number of women he had met on one hand.


    First, there was Xiao Qingxuan, the woman disguised as a man, who harbored a deep hatred for him. Even though he had killed the vicious dog, he had also fallen. With her capabilities, it would have been easy for her to kill him. From this, it was clear that the wicked woman was definitely not Xiao Qingxuan.


    Next was Qiaoqiao, the clever and obedient girl who also had a fondness for him, so it couldn''t possibly be her either.


    Could it be Lady Xiao? Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. The third woman he had met was Lady Xiao. Could she be the one who set the dog on him? As he pondered this, he found the idea amusing. Lady Xiao was elegant and sophisticated; how could she possibly do such a thing? Besides, they had no grudges against each other, and she had no reason to do so.


    Thinking it over, he couldn''t remember having any enemies. In the Xiao residence, the only women he knew besides Lady Xiao were a few maidservants.


    Lin Wanrong, with a throbbing headache, decided not to dwell on the matter any longer. If an enemy appeared, he would face them head-on; if a flood came, he would deal with it. There was no need to fear her.


    Dazed and disoriented, Lin Wanrong had no idea how long he had been lying on the ground. Only after his strength slowly returned did he manage to get up with great effort. The garden was inplete disarray, the result of the fierce battle between him and the dog. Feeling weak and unhappy, Lin Wanrong didn''t bother to clean up the mess.


    He walked over to the in vicious dog and scoffed, "You wanted to mess with your grandpa? No chance. So much for the so-called Mighty General, I caught you easily." Lin Wanrong smirked, dragged the Mighty General inside, found two branches to prop up a rack, and firmly tied the vicious dog to it.


    Although the room prepared for him by Uncle Fu was simple, it had all the necessary living supplies. Lin Wanrong searched the room and soon found a small knife. He sneered, walked over to the propped-up branches, skinned the vicious dog, chopped its meat into pieces, and thoroughly cleaned it.


    The room he stayed in had a stove, firewood, and even seasonings. Delighted, Lin Wanrong put the dog meat into a pot and started to cook it vigorously. He had fought the vicious dog today and, although he had dozed off on the ground, he still felt somewhat fatigued. After finishing everything, he took another nap inside the room.


    In a daze, he heard someone outside eximing, "What a delicious aroma! This must be top-quality dog meat!" It was Uncle Fu''s voice. Lin Wanrong got up andughed, "Uncle Fu, are you on your way to work or just getting off?" The sun was setting, and Uncle Fu only showed up now, clearly having been cking off.


    Uncle Fu chuckled, "Today is your shift, so with you here, there won''t be any problems. Hehe, Lin, you sure know how to enjoy yourself. Did you steal and kill someone''s dog for this meat? It''s great stuff, I''ll have a treat tonight." Uncle Fu had been nowhere to be found when the dog was being beaten and killed, but now that it was time to eat, he was quite enthusiastic. Lin Wanrong despised Uncle Fu from the bottom of his heart, but Uncle Fu was oblivious to this. pping his hands, he said, "Good meat deserves good wine. Hehe, Lin San, you''re in for a treat today. I''ll fetch a jar from Lady''s wine cer, hehe, but you mustn''t tell her."


    Lin Wanrong knew Uncle Fu had set his sights on the dog meat, and since he had been scared today, a little wine to calm his nerves wouldn''t hurt. He nodded in agreement. Evidently, Uncle Fu was a born glutton. With the delicious dog meat as motivation, he quickly returned, sneaking in an unopened bottle of Shaoxing Daughter''s Red.


    Compared to the strong alcohol Lin Wanrong had tasted before, Daughter''s Red was milder, but due to its long storage, it had a subtle, delicate fragrance. Lin Wanrong found it quite ptable. The two of them ate and drank, and Lin Wanrong suddenly asked with a smile, "Uncle Fu, do you know who in the Xiao mansion loves dogs the most?"


    "Ah, loves dogs? Well, that would be the Second" Uncle Fu, who was gnawing on a dog''s leg, suddenly turned pale upon hearing this, as if recalling something. "The dog''s fur outside seemed familiar. Could this dog be from our mansion?"


    "I''m not sure if it''s from our mansion, but this dog seemed to have a rather impressive name, something like Mighty General," Lin Wanrong said nonchntly.


    "What? Mighty General?" Uncle Fu jumped up, his face turning ashen. "Lin San, please enjoy this meal. I have urgent business to attend to. And please, don''t tell anyone that I ate this dog meat. I beg you, I beg you." He darted off like the fleeing maidservants, as if staying near Lin Wanrong for another minute would bring him bad luck.


    Good riddance, thought Lin Wanrong. He devoured the delicious food and wine, and as the intoxication set in, he fell onto the bed in a daze. He suddenly recalled the nt he had seen in the wild while fighting yesterday. The scent seemed familiar, but he couldn''t remember what it was. He pondered for a while but found no clues, so he fell into a deep sleep. That night was exceptionally peaceful.


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 Chapter 48

    Chapter 48


    Chapter 48 Bewilderment


    At the break of dawn the next day, Lin Wanrong had just risen when he saw Uncle Fu sneak in, casting nervous nces around before saying, "Lin San, are youhave you not encountered any trouble?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, replying, "Nah, all is well. I slept soundly through the night, and oh, that dog meat was most delectable indeed."


    Uncle Fu struggled to swallow his saliva, cautioning, "Lin San, do not me me for not warning you. Be not careless, for that was the Mighty General. This matter is not so simple."


    "Uncle Fu, what do you mean?" inquired Lin Wanrong.


    "Oh, its nothing, its nothing. I merelyment that I departed too early yesterday, unable to savour those fine delicacies, which is a great pity." Uncle Fu''s meaning was clear: he wished to distance himself from the matter.


    "Speaking of which, Lin San, from today forth, I shall teach you the art of cultivating flowers and nts," Uncle Fu hastily changed the subject as Lin Wanrong was about to press further, his countenance shifting at the thought of that individual''s methods.


    Lin Wanrong noticed Uncle Fu''s change in demeanour and continued to inquire about the vicious dog and woman several times. However, Uncle Fu always evaded the questions, seemingly fearful of the woman, which only served to deepen Lin Wanrong''s confusion.


    Seeing that Uncle Fu was unwilling to discuss the matter, Lin Wanrong, at a loss for a better approach, decided to follow Uncle Fu and listen to him speak about the flora within the garden. Uncle Fu had immersed himself in the study of nts for more than thirty years, and his experience was incredibly vast. Within moments, even Lin Wanrong, ayman in the art of horticulture, felt that he had gained much insight.


    "Uncle Fu, you are exceedingly familiar with these flowers and nts. Within the Xiao Family, no, even in Jinling City, I daresay few can rival your expertise," Lin Wanrong praised genuinely, not merely offering ttery.


    "In this world, there are countless talented individuals," Uncle Fu modestly replied. "I have simply tended to these nts for a longer period, and as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. I cannot im true mastery. However, in Jinling City, there are but a few well-versed in the ways of nts, and I have visited and exchanged ideas with them." Uncle Fu''s face showed a hint of pride, evidently confident in his own skills.


    "Then Uncle Fu, have you ever encountered such a tree?" Lin Wanrong recalled the nt he had encountered outside the city when leading Dong Qingshan and the others to fight, and he roughly described its appearance. Uncle Fu, an authority in this field, would likely know it well.


    After listening to his description, Uncle Fu pondered for a long while before saying, "Lin San, the tree of which you speak is unfamiliar to me. Perhaps, when time permits, you could take me to see it."


    Lin Wanrong pulled a bitter face, replying, "Uncle Fu, you do hold a lofty position within the Xiao Family and are free toe and go as you please. I, however, am but a lowly servant, unable to enjoy such liberty as you do."


    "Indeed," Uncle Fu agreed, nodding. "I owe my present status to the trust of the Old Master and the young mistress. Lin San, as long as you work diligently, you too shall one day reach my level. Now, tell me the location in the southern part of the city where you saw that tree. If it is inconvenient for you to go, I shall investigate it myself tomorrow."


    Lin Wanrong had intended to use Uncle Fu''s influence to gain more freedom for himself. After all, he was a neer in the Xiao Family, and it would be quite difficult for him to enter or leave the manor without the chief steward''s approval. Given his rtionship with Chief Steward Wang, Lin Wanrong would be fortunate if Chief Steward Wang did not make things difficult for him, let alone allowing him toe and go from the manor with ease.


    "Uncle Fu, I am naturally destined for a life of toil, and I enjoy traveling far and wide. If I were to stay within the manor all day, I would find it difficult to adapt," Lin Wanrong boldly stated. He dared to be so presumptuous only because he had found favor in Uncle Fu''s eyes. Had it been any other servant, they would not have dared to entertain, let alone propose, such an outrageous idea.


    Uncle Fu gazed deeply into Lin Wanrong''s eyes and asked, "Lin San, do you not wish to serve as a servant in the Xiao Family?"


    "Yes, no, I mean, no," Lin Wanrong hastily corrected himself. "Since I havee to the Xiao Family, whether by choice or not, I must fulfill my duties. This is a matter of professional integrity." Lin Wanrong''s words were ambiguous, leaving others uncertain as to whether he hade willingly or under duress.


    "Professional integrity? I have never heard of such a term. What do you mean?" Uncle Fu inquired, puzzled.


    "Oh, it means that since I receive wages from the Xiao Family, I must wholeheartedly serve the household. This is called professional integrity," Lin Wanrong quickly exined.


    Uncle Fu sighed and said, "Lin San, even if you didnt speak of it, I can see that you are resourceful and quick-witted. If you hadnte to the Xiao Family as a servant, you would surely have achieved great things. Perhaps you hade here under dire circumstances, but as you had said, since you receive wages from the mistress and the youngdy, you must dutifully serve the Xiao Family. I have spent my entire life in this household, and it is where I shall live out my remaining years. I hope you can truly assist the Xiao Family wholeheartedly."


    Uncle Fu''s words were heartfelt and sincere, leaving Lin Wanrong somewhat embarrassed. He could only respond with an awkwardugh, "Uncle Fu, you are too kind. I am now a servant of the Xiao Family, and I shall, of course, serve the household wholeheartedly. As for helping the Xiao Family, you do overestimate my abilities. What assistance could I, a mere servant, provide?"


    Uncle Fu spoke meaningfully, "Lin San, our Xiao Family may seem prosperous, but this is merely a facade. In truth, the household is currently in dire straits. s, you shalle to understand this in time. To be candid, from the moment I first saw you, I felt you could be of great help to the Xiao Family. Despite yourck of formal education, you are eloquent, resourceful, and quick-witteda truly rare talent."


    Upon hearing Uncle Fu''s remark that he cks formal education but eloquent, resourceful and quick-witted," Lin Wanrong found himself at a loss, unsure whether tough or cry. After all, he was a top student from a prestigious university. How could Uncle Fu say that hecks formal education? However, he readily epted thetter threepliments, as they urately described his strengths, and there was no need for false modesty.


    "I only hope that the mistress and the youngdies can soon recognize your talents and allow you to employ them to their fullest extent, thus aiding the Xiao Family in oveing its challenges. This, I daresay, shall be my greatest wish before I depart this world."


    As Uncle Fu spoke, his expression grew somber. Having served the Xiao Family for an entire lifetime, his affection for the household ran deep. The Xiao Family was his home, and he could not bear to see it fall into decline. s, despite his position within the household, he remained a mere servant, and the matters of the Xiao Family were not within his purview. With his limited abilities, he could only humbly invite Lin Wanrong to serve under him. Rmending Lin Wanrong to the masters of the Xiao Family would ultimately depend on Lin Wanrong''s own efforts.


    Seeing the elderly man''s mncholy, Lin Wanrong understood his thoughts and felt touched by his loyalty. Having served the Xiao Family for a lifetime, and still showing such deep concern for the family in his twilight years, Uncle Fu had truly given his all. Lin Wanrong''s previous disdain for the old man lessened, and his respect for him grew.


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 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49


    Chapter 49 Mediocrity Does Not Invite Envy


    "Ah, Uncle Fu, I just want a bit more freedom. Why does this bring out so many sighs from you?" Lin Wanrong said with augh, shifting Uncle Fu''s attention. "Rest assured, as long as the Xiao family needs me, I will do my best to help. This is my way of repaying your kindness."


    Seeing his yful smile, there wasn''t a hint of sincerity in his words. Uncle Fuughed and said, "You''re as slippery as an eel, boy. I can''t tell what''s true and what''s not."


    Lin Wanrong said seriously, "Uncle Fu, don''t worry. I may not be perfect, but when ites to gratitude and repaying kindness, I believe I can do it."


    Uncle Fu nodded and said, "Alright, Lin San, these are your words. I hope we haven''t misjudged you."


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Alright, enough of this. Uncle Fu, why don''t you teach me how to identify and care for nts instead? I''ve grown up just picking flowers, you know."


    Uncle Fu shook his head with a bitter smile. The young man seemed to have no sense of propriety. He didn''t know if Lin Wanrong could help the Xiao family, but they would have to take it one step at a time.


    Over the next few days, Uncle Fu taught Lin Wanrong how to prune branches, cultivate soil, and understand the habits of various nts. Although Lin Wanrong was only interested in picking flowers and not so much in growing them, his memory was quite good. Within a few days, he was familiar with all the nts in the garden and could speak about their individual characteristics. Uncle Fu was quite satisfied with his progress.


    During this time, Lin Wanrong stayed in the garden with Uncle Fu, patiently learning from him. He ate his meals regrly and wandered around the courtyard during his free time. As a servant of the gardening department, he was the second inmand under Uncle Fu. No one bothered him, and he lived a rather leisurely life.


    He asionally encountered the bookish Xiao Feng in the courtyard. Xiao Feng was very friendly towards him, sharing his daily scoldings from his tutor. Lin Wanrong would give him ideas on how to ck off, and they both enjoyed their carefree days.


    The maids who had fled upon hearing the barking dog eventually returned to find Lin Wanrong, striking up conversations with him. Of course, Lin Wanrong didn''t really mind their earlier desertion. Whenever he asked about the mysterious woman, however, the maids would change the subject in fear. Over time, the maids became more familiar with Lin Wanrong, and their interactions grew more frequent.


    Lin Wanrong was witty and humorous, knowledgeable about many things. A simple phrase in his mouth became interesting. The maids liked to listen to him talk. He knew many interesting things and spoke many unknown dialects. He knew why flowers were red and why the sky was blue. He often recited some amazing and ghostly great poems, and sang many catchy tunes. The melody was extremely beautiful, but the lyrics always made people blush.


    Having been with these maids for a long time, Lin Wanrong inevitably had moments of spring heart. Sometimes, he would identally tell a few dirty jokes. Whenever they heard this, these maids would definitely scatter with red faces. But within the time of a meal, they would gather around him again, listening to him tell interesting stories from outside.


    In short, as long as he didn''t tell dirty jokes, everything was fine. But asionally, with some hidden jokes, a few bold maids dared to sit down and listen to him finish.


    In this way, Lin Wanrong''s reputation gradually spread, and all the maids in the Xiao family''s courtyard knew about the new and magical gardener: handsome and sunny; knowledgeable in many things, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting; witty and humorous, knowledgeable about everything.


    What was even more rare was that it was said that this new servant named Lin San entered through the front door in broad daylight, not like those other servants.


    So the word spread, and Lin Wanrong became the most prominent figure among the servants in the Xiao family, even being praised by some as the number one talented and romantic servant in the Xiao family. Of course, these admirers were all female.


    As for the other servants, they didn''t see it that way. What was so great about this Lin kid? Even if your ass was pointed to the sky, you were still just a lowly servant in the Xiao family.


    Lin Wanrong became the most popr person among the maids in the mansion and the most envied person among the other servants. He didn''t notice it though. In his eyes, he didn''t fight for power or profit, he only sought a carefree and happy life. He shouldn''t have offended any of them.


    Lin Wanrong was good-looking, knowledgeable, and came in through the front door. He was not like the other servants. His reputation spread quickly.


    The maids who were slightly attractive began to find excuses to get close to him, with various ideas and excuses.


    "Brother San, this is the chicken soup I stayed up all night to make for you. Drink it while it''s hot."


    "Brother San, I just made some sweet-soup with snow fungus and rock sugar for you. Taste it quickly."


    "Brother San, this is the best official swallow''s nest. I specially took it from Madam''s bowl for you to try."


    For a moment, there were beautiful women and soft-spoken men, plump and thin, soft and fragrant, making it hard for people to focus.


    The other servants stretched their necks and widened their eyes. How did this new lowly servant get to enjoy such a privilege?


    Seeing the jealous and envious looks of his colleagues, the maids began to worry for him. Lin Wanrong said angrily, "I''m already low-key enough, and they still envy me? Oh well, as the saying goes, if you don''t provoke jealousy, you''re not talented."


    This statement was spread by the well-intentioned, and the result was that the entire Xiao family''s servantmunityunched an angry campaign against Lin, while the maidmunity spontaneously formed a forest protection army. The two sides often had heated debates and arguments.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t have the mind to join in. Watching the maids and servants argue with each other, he acted like he had nothing to do with it, eating when he needed to eat, sleeping when he needed to sleep, and ying when he wanted to y.


    The maids admired him even more for his carefree attitude, and ran to the garden more frequently.


    Lin Wanrong felt a little ufortable, as some of the maids with ulterior motives found him easy to talk to and began to make bolder moves.


    "Brother San, what kind of flower is this?" A plump maid rubbed a gorgeous peony gently against her chest, her face showing a pink blush as she asked in a coquettish voice.


    "Brother San, this rose is very pretty. Can you help me put it on?" Another pretty maid handed him a freshly picked rose, her face blushing, her body leaning against him, waiting for him to be her personal hairstylist.


    "Brother San, this chrysanthemum is about to bloom. I want to transnt it to my room. Can you help me bring it over?"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Several maids with ulterior motives pretended to seek his advice on flowers and nts, intentionally or unintentionally getting closer to him. The faint scent of watercolor rouge on them made his previously dormant heart start to beat again.


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 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50


    Chapter 50 Visiting (Part 1)


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but sigh at the boldness of the girls of this era when it came to romance. This one in particr was a typical case of being promiscuous without any effort. These young girls, though not necessarily beautiful, were like tempting apples that made it hard for him to resist looking but not touching.


    Fortunately, he often thought of Dong Qiaoqiao who was working hard to decorate the restaurant outside. Although she hadn''t expressed her feelings directly, her true affection for him was already evident. Thinking of her obedient and well-behaved demeanor, Lin Wanrong made a firm decision to suppress his lustful desires.


    He had been in the mansion for a few days now, and although everything had been easy andfortable, he also missed the father and daughter of the Dong family and had long wanted to visit them. However, as a servant, he had to ask for permission from the chief steward to leave the mansion, and the Xiao Mansion had strict control over their servants leaving. In addition, there was some conflict between him and Chief Steward Wang, so it was not easy for him to leave.


    One day, Lin Wanrong managed to persuade Uncle Fu, and with the help of his connections, he was able to obtain a half-day holiday. He went directly to Xuanwu Lake to see how the restaurant was being decorated. The renovation ns had all been predetermined by Lin Wanrong himself, and he wanted to run the restaurant ording to his own vision.


    "Brother Lin," Dong Qiaoqiao''s eyes turned red as soon as she saw him and she hurried over to him.


    Lin Wanrong had been in the Xiao Mansion for several tens of days, during which time he had not sent any news. Naturally, Dong Qiaoqiao was extremely anxious.


    "Qiaoqiao, you''ve lost weight," Lin Wanrong said, looking at her.


    "Brother, you seem to have lost some weight too." Dong Qiaoqiao''s nose was sour as she looked at Lin Wanrong''s face.


    Have I lost weight? Even though I''ve been drinking chicken soup and bird''s nest every day?


    "Qiaoqiao, how''s the renovation of our restauranting along?" Lin Wanrong saw the affectionate gaze of the girl and quickly changed the subject.


    "The progress is going smoothly. Everything is proceeding ording to your arrangements, Brother Lin," she said, holding Lin Wanrong''s hand and observing the scene. "As you envisaged, the first floor is for the public restaurant, the second floor is for private dining rooms, and the third floor is for VIP rooms. But Brother, you haven''t said what the fourth and fifth floors are going to be used for?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled mysteriously. "The fourth and fifth floors will be called ''Wealth and Talent''."


    "Wealth and Talent?" Dong Qiaoqiao frowned. "What does that mean?"


    "These fourth and fifth floors must have a sense of mystery and grandeur in their decorations. They must be the most high-end banquet venue in Jinling City. We need some gimmicks, such as ''Golden Banquet'' and ''Shark Fin Banquet'', the higher the specifications, the better. Of course, the prices should also be higher. We need to raise our reputation so that everyone thinks that dining on the fourth and fifth floors is the most glorious thing."


    Dong Qiaoqiao began to understand. This is the advertising effect, right? "So, who can go to the fourth and fifth floors?"


    "Wealth and talent, as the name suggests, not only requires wealth but also power. Only those who are both wealthy and powerful can go to the fourth and fifth floors. As for who goes to the fourth floor and who goes to the fifth floor, it naturally depends on who is wealthier and more powerful."


    "Then, what does talent mean?" Dong Qiaoqiao asked, wrinkling her delicate nose.


    "Talent is even simpler. Don''t we have many talented schrs in Jiangnan? I will hang two couplets there. As long as a family''s schrs can match the couplets, we will invite them to the fourth and fifth floors for free. The higher the floor they go to for free, the more talented they are considered to be. In this way, our reputation will grow, and all schrs will be proud to dine on the fourth and fifth floors. However, not everyone can go up there, so we must also take care of our business on the lower floors. This is called taking care of both ends and not neglecting either."


    "Brother, you must write difficult couplets, don''t let everyone go up," Dong Qiaoqiao giggled, covering her small mouth.


    "Of course, I have plenty of ink in my belly," Lin Wanrong boasted shamelessly.


    "By the way, Qiaoqiao, how are those promotional coupons you prepared for mest time?"


    "They are all done ording to your instructions. Our seal is stamped on every coupon, so they can only be used if the seal is there. But Brother, does this promotion really have the big effect you said it would?"


    "Qiaoqiao, don''t underestimate this promotion, it''s a very sessful marketing tactic. Take the promotional coupons that I had you handle, for example. A bowl of Yangchun noodles costs three copper coins, and a braised egg also costs three copper coins. Together, they cost six copper coins. But if the customer uses our discount coupon and buys both items together, they only need to pay five copper coins. At first nce, it seems like we''re making less profit. But actually, it''s not the case. Originally, the customer only wanted to buy Yangchun noodles, but now they also have to buy the braised egg. And originally, the customer only wanted to buy the braised egg, but now they also have to buy Yangchun noodles. In other words, they originally only wanted to spend three copper coins, but now they have to spend five copper coins. It appears that our unit price has decreased, but our sales have increased, and we will earn more than before. Each customer thinks they are getting a bargain, but in reality, we are the ones benefiting."


    Lin Wanrong exined this typical case of promotion in detail to Dong Qiaoqiao. In the future, she would be the boss here, so it was necessary to understand these principles.


    "Qiaoqiao understands, big brother, you really know a lot," Dong Qiaoqiao nodded her head, her eyes shining brightly. She unconsciously grabbed Lin Wanrong''s hand and said with deep affection on her face.


    "These are the tricks of the trade used by business people in my hometown. I will teach you slowly in the future, and you will gradually understand," Lin Wanrong smiled.


    "Okay. Big brother, have you been doing well at the Xiao family these past few days?" Dong Qiaoqiao asked softly.


    "Not bad, there''s food, drink, and entertainment. I almost forgot to go home," Lin Wanrong joked.


    "Really?" Dong Qiaoqiao''s face was a bit gloomy. She bit her bright red lips with her white teeth and asked softly, "Have you seen Miss Xiao? Is she very beautiful?"


    Lin Wanrong was stunned. He had been at the Xiao family for dozens of days, but he had only seen Madam Xiao once. He had forgotten that there were also two young misses in the Xiao family. He failed.


    "If I tell you that I haven''t seen this Miss Xiao at all, would you believe me or not?" Lin Wanrong smiled bitterly.


    "I believe you," Dong Qiaoqiao looked deeply into his eyes, her cheeks turning slightly red, and a hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes. "Whatever you say, big brother, I believe you. You are the most capable person in the world, and I will always support you."


    Seeing Qiaoqiao''s sad expression, Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly and said with a smile, "I''m telling the truth. I''ve been in the mansion for more than ten days, but I haven''t seen Miss Xiao. Besides, even if I did see her, what would I say? I''m just a servant in the Xiao family, and she''s a wealthy youngdy. Even if I saw her, I wouldn''t have anything to say. You, this girl, always let your imagination run wild."


    Qiaoqiao''s expression immediately brightened, and she looked at Lin Wanrong affectionately. "Big brother, actually, I, I really miss you."


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 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51


    Chapter 51 Visiting (Part 2)


    It was quite a challenge for the bashful Dong Qiaoqiao to utter those words. If not for the many days apart and her longing, even with ten times the courage, she would never have dared to say them.


    Having said that, Qiaoqiao blushed and didn''t dare to look at Lin Wanrong anymore. She turned around and ran away quickly.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment before he burst intoughter, calling after Qiaoqiao''s retreating figure, "Qiaoqiao, I miss you too."


    Cough, cough. Two fake coughs came from behind. Lin Wanrong turned around to see Old Dong, his face darkened, standing behind him.


    Caught in the act of teasing someone''s daughter, Lin Wanrong''s face turned red with embarrassment. He could only force a smile and say, "Uncle Dong, so you''re here too. You must have had a hard time these days."


    Dong Rende shook his head and said, "Young Master Lin, I''m actually fine. But it''s Qiaoqiao who has been staying here day and night, worrying about everything, afraid of failing your trust. Sigh, I''m really worried about her."


    Old Dong''s words had a deeper meaning, which Lin Wanrong naturally understood. Thinking of Qiaoqiao''s haggard face, he couldn''t help but feel a pang of pain in his heart. While he had been enjoying himself in the Xiao residence, Qiaoqiao was suffering alone outside. He couldn''t help but feel ashamed.


    "Uncle, don''t worry. I will never let Qiaoqiao be wronged," Lin Wanrong assured him.


    Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou, carrying renovation materials, came up to them. Seeing Lin Wanrong dressed in a blue servant''s robe and hat, they immediately ran over excitedly, "Boss, you''re finally back. How does it feel to be a servant in the Xiao family?"


    Lin Wanrong forced a bitter smile and shook his head, "It''s hard to describe. If you''re interested, you can try it yourself."


    Li Beidou scratched his head awkwardly and said, "I''d like to, but the Xiao family wouldn''t even consider me. Their standards are so high that only someone like you, Boss, could catch their eye."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "You tterer."


    Dong Qingshan looked around mysteriously and asked, "Boss, have you seen Miss Xiao yet? Tell us, is she really as beautiful as they say?"


    Oh my, was Miss Xiao really that attractive? Not only did Qingshan, a mischievous young man, care about her, but even the little girl Qiaoqiao couldn''t help but inquire.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s awkward expression, Li Beidou eximed, "No way, Boss, you haven''t won Miss Xiao''s heart yet?"


    Li Beidou''s naturally loud voice carried, and even Dong Qiaoqiao, who was quietly doing ounting, heard it.


    She nced at Lin Wanrong, her eyes dimming for a moment before she lowered her head again without saying a word.


    "You''re trying to get me killed, aren''t you?" Lin Wanrong nced at Qiaoqiao, and seeing her still focused on her ounts, seemingly not having heard him, he finally rxed. He pped Li Beidou on the head and said, "Watch your mouth."


    "Hehe, sorry, sorry, I forgot Qiaoqiao was here too," Li Beidouughed awkwardly.


    Fearing that Li Beidou might say something shocking again, Lin Wanrong hurriedly asked, "Qingshan, how is Hung Hing doingtely?"


    Lin Wanrong was concerned about two things: the restaurant and the organization he had personally established. Since he was now staying at the Xiao residence, he could only remotely manage these affairs.


    "Big brother, as per your instructions, we have initially set up three branches. Beidou is in charge of one, I''m managing another, and thest one was chosen by our brothers through a vote," Dong Qingshan reported.


    Democratic voting? Lin Wanrong smiled; this Qingshan was getting more and more clever, even thinking of such a perfect cover.


    Li Beidou was Dong Qingshan''s most trusted person, and there was no doubt about his reliability. As for the other democratically elected branch leader, he had also been personally promoted by Dong Qingshan, so there should be no issues with reliability.


    "Each branch has expanded to about thirty or forty people, and we''ve quietly dealt with the original informants. Now, everyone is someone we know and trust. They were all organized based on those who fought against Li Ergou, so they should be reliable," Dong Qingshan continued.


    The initial core members who participated in the elimination of Li Ergou were divided into the three branches. With them as the backbone, the branches were gradually expanded, adhering to the principle of quality over quantity. Therefore, although Hung Hing currently had only around a hundred members, theirbat capability was solid.


    Lin Wanrong nodded secretly; Dong Qingshan had done a good job, and he had matured quite a bit.


    "What about the other bosses in the city? Have they reacted to our moves?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    A hundred or so members were a force to be reckoned with in the southern part of the city, but in the grand scheme of Jinling City, they were still quite insignificant.


    "Of course, they''re wary of us, and they''ve even sent several undercover agents into our ranks. We''re aware of this, so we''re keeping them close for now. Our power is still insufficient, so we''ve beenying lowtely, not causing any trouble on other people''s turf. We''ve just been scraping by in the southern part of the city to sustain our brothers," Dong Qingshan added.


    It was natural that Dong Qingshan''s recent actions had drawn attention; there was nothing strange about that. The southern part of the city was rtively remote and poor in resources, which was why the rival factions allowed Dong Qingshan and Hung Hing to grow there.


    "Boss, what''s our next move?" Dong Qingshan looked to Lin Wanrong. The recent development of Hung Hing had been a headache for him, and with the boss absent, he didn''t dare to make decisions on his own.


    "Wait!" Lin Wanrong paced back and forth a few times before suddenly turning back to answer.


    "Wait?" Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou looked at Lin Wanrong, not understanding his meaning.


    "Qingshan, the southern part of the city is resource-poor, which is why the other bosses tolerate us doing whatever we want there, as it doesn''t affect their interests. But if we were to expand towards the city center, it would touch their interests, and war would be inevitable. Our current strength is still far behind theirs, so we have to wait," Lin Wanrong said solemnly.


    "So when do we wait until?" Li Beidou, being more impatient, hurriedly asked.


    "We''re just waiting for an opportunity, one that will allow us to soar to new heights," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    "Qingshan, do you have any connections within the government?" Lin Wanrong suddenly changed the subject.


    Dong Qingshan shook his head, "Big brother, you know that we''re all about fighting and killing. It''s already fortunate that the government doesn''te after us."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head with a smile, "That kind of thinking won''t do. We''re running an organization, and we''ll have to deal with the government sooner orter. Moreover, we might need their help to rise. Ah, opportunities, opportunities! Where are they?"


    Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou exchanged nces, wondering if their boss had gone mad, thinking of relying on the government to run an underworld organization.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head secretly; after all, Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou were young and inexperienced, so they wouldn''t understand what he was saying. Since ancient times, collusion between officials and criminals has been the essence of underworld organizations.


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 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52


    Chapter 52 Promotion (Part 1)


    Lin Wanrong stayed at Meiwei Restaurant until veryte. Realizing it was gettingte, he reluctantly bid farewell and left.


    Dong Qiaoqiao walked him to the entrance of the Xiao family''s residence and handed him a bamboo basket, saying, "Big Brother Lin, I made some of your favorite dishes and a few sets of clothes for you. Please take good care of yourself inside. Otherwise, we will all be worried about you."


    In just a short afternoon, this girl had run home to specially prepare dishes for him. Lin Wanrong was deeply touched by her thoughtfulness. Looking at her, he gently said, "Qiaoqiao, thank you."


    "Big Brother," Dong Qiaoqiao blushed, nced around, and whispered, "Don''t mention thanks anymore. I''m willing to do anything for you."


    Lin Wanrong''s heart filled with tenderness. He held her delicate hand and said, "I know, Qiaoqiao. You''ve been working hard while I was away. But don''t worry, I''ll be back to help you in a year."


    Qiaoqiao shyly hummed in agreement, her hand holding his and a sweet smile on her face.


    Seeing it was gettingte, Lin Wanrong said, "Qiaoqiao, it''ste. You should head back now."


    "Qiaoqiao shook her head and said, "No, big brother, you go in first, I''ll watch you from here." Seeing Qiaoqiao''s affectionate appearance, Lin Wanrong was deeply moved and wanted to say something, but he didn''t know how to speak. He was usually a smooth talker, but he was at a loss for words at this moment.


    "All right, Qiaoqiao, I''ll go in," Lin Wanrong said to Qiaoqiao. Qiaoqiao made a soft sound of agreement and watched as Lin Wanrong walked slowly into the Xiao mansion. Her eyes were filled with reluctance and she couldn''t help but feel a twinge in her nose. Several teardrops fell from her eyes.


    Lin Wanrong turned back and took a look at Qiaoqiao after stepping over the threshold. She was still standing there, looking helpless and delicate like a tender wife seeing off her husband on a journey. For some reason, Lin Wanrong felt a twinge in his nose. He knew that he would never forget this scene.


    The mansion and the outside world were twopletely different worlds. Outside the mansion, Lin Wanrong was the big brother of Dong Qingshan and the pir of Dong Qiaoqiao, but inside the mansion, he was nothing more than a lowly servant. The contrast between these two worlds had left him stunned for a long time, but fortunately he was easy-going by nature and didn''t have any lofty ideals. He was still able to live freely andfortably in this small world within the mansion.


    ---


    On this day, Lin Wanrong was "working hard" and putting flowers he had picked on a shy maid''s head when he suddenly saw Chief Steward Wang walking towards him with a smile on his face. Since the day they first met and had a disagreement, Chief Steward Wang had not shown his face again. Lin Wanrong didn''t know what was going on, but Chief Steward Wang was unexpectedlying to the garden with a smile on his face.


    The few maids who were ying with Lin Wanrong stopped their horsey when they saw Chief Steward Wang. They didn''t behave as brazenly as Lin Wanrong did and immediately fled.


    "Lin San, have you been doing welltely?" Chief Steward Wang asked with a smile on his face.


    "A smiling man is not a good man," Lin Wanrong thought of this ssic saying, but he had someone backing him up, so he wasn''t afraid of Chief Steward Wang. He smiled and said, "Hey, isn''t this Chief Steward Wang? Why do you have the time toe to the garden today to enjoy the flowers? Oh, I know. It''s because the chrysanthemums are blooming, and it''s a good time to enjoy the autumn breeze and fragrance of the season. I never thought that a steward like you would also have such refined tastes."


    Chief Steward Wang chuckled a few times and said, "The affairs in the mansion have been busy recently. How could I have the leisure toe here to appreciate flowers? I came here today to find you."


    "To find me?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "Yes, Lin San, I have good news to congratte you on." Chief Steward Wang said with a grin.


    "Congrattions? My birthday hasn''te yet. What could be so celebratory?"


    "Of course, there is good news, and it''s big news. Recently, one of the little servants who has been helping out in the study had a family tragedy, and his father passed away. The madam granted him a three-month leave to mourn, but the study is short-staffed. After thinking it over, I rmended you to the madam because you are clever and capable, and she also has a good impression of you. She agreed to have you transferred to the study to help out. Congrattions, this is a great opportunity!"


    If it was in someone else''s home, being transferred to the study to apany the young master in his studies would be a fantastic opportunity, but the Xiao family had no male heirs, so the study was just a ce for the youngdies to asionally read books for fun. When the youngdies read books, it was just for show. Lin Wanrong would just be a helper in the study, and there would be no prospects for advancement.


    "You old bastard, trying to trip me up. You must be unhappy seeing me here living my life to the fullest." Lin Wanrong saw through Chief Steward Wang''s intentions and thought to himself. With a fake smile, he said, "This is truly a great opportunity."


    Chief Steward Wang knew that Lin San was a smart person and had the backing of Uncle Fu. He didn''t want toe and stir things up, but the master had given orders, so he had no choice but toe.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t care about Chief Steward Wang''s difficulties. Seeing that his expression seemed genuine, he chuckled and said, "You know, Chief Steward Wang, Uncle Fu really needs me here. I''m afraid I won''t be able to leave for a while. Could you please ask for his permission first?"


    "I don''t dare to bother Uncle Fu. Both sides have people I can''t offend, so I just have to listen to whoever''s word is more powerful," Chief Steward Wang, thought to himself, unable to voice his distress. He forced a smile and said, "No need, Uncle Fu has gone to Hangzhou for a nt transnt and won''t be back for half a month. Anyway, I''ve already asked the madam, you can go directly."


    So that''s how it is. This kid has some nerve, taking advantage of Uncle Fu''s absence to settle personal grudges. "Uncle Fu, what business do you have being away?" Lin Wanrong thought to himself, cursing Chief Steward Wang inside his mind. After a while, he begrudgingly thought, "Alright, Wang, since you''ve made the first move, don''t me me for making the next. Let''s see if I can''t ruin you."


    "Oh, I see," Lin Wanrong said with a smile, "In that case, I''ll go help in the study. After all, Wang, you know how high Uncle Fu''s expectations are for me. Ah, I''m really afraid of messing up in the study and losing face for Uncle Fu."


    "No, no, Lin San, I''m sure you''ll do a great job. I believe in you," Chief Steward Wang wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, finally feeling relieved after Lin Wanrong agreed to help in the study.


    With that settled, Lin Wanrong was one of Uncle Fu''s close followers, so naturally, Chief Steward Wang didn''t dare to make things too difficult for him. Wang arranged for him to work in the study, and he couldn''t just casually send someone to the gardener''s department. Lin Wanrong still lived in his quiet little courtyard, and no one could drive him away.


    As for studying, Lin Wanrong had been reading for more than 20 years, and naturally had plenty of experience. However, that was mostly in subjects like math, physics, and chemistry. As for the humanities, other than being able to recite a few poems, he only wrote essays at thest minute during exams. Aftering to this world, he spent some time reading the books left behind by Uncle Wei to understand the world, but most of the time, he read a bookletparable to Dragon, Tiger, and Leopard. Now, he had to go to the study and face ssical texts daily, which was like forcing a duck onto a perch; just thinking about it gave him a headache.


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 Chapter 53

    Chapter 53


    Chapter 53 Promotion (Part 2)


    The next day, he dragged his feet untilte morning before reluctantly heading to the study. He had been staying in the courtyard for a while now, so he knew where the study was located.


    The Xiao family''s study was situated right in the middle of the garden, the core area of the residence, far more prestigious than the secluded garden. As Lin Wanrong walked, he encountered many familiar faces, most of whom were maids.


    "Brother San, I heard you''ve been transferred to the study"


    "Brother San, I''ll bring you some delicious foodter"


    "Brother San, do you have any free time tonight? There''s a new troupe performing in the garden, and I got us two tickets. Let''s go watch the opera"


    "Brother San"


    ...


    Chirping andughter filled the air. Fortunately, Lin Wanrong was already used to these sounds, so he casually chatted as he made his way to the study.


    Inside, a thin, elderly teacher held a book, stroking his chin''s few white whiskers while pacing back and forth, reciting, "The lovebirds sing, on the islet in the river. A fair maiden, a good match for a gentleman"


    A plump young many asleep on a table. The teacher looked at him several times, shaking his head helplessly with a bitter smile, clearly at a loss.


    Hmm, the Xiao family didn''t have a young master, did they? Where did this chubby young mane from? Was he Madam Xiao''s illegitimate son?


    Amazed, Lin Wanrong quickly stopped a passing maid: "Greetings, miss. I''m Lin San, and I''d like to ask you a few questions."


    "You''re Lin San?" The maid''s eyes lit up, and she replied joyfully, "Feel free to ask anything, brother. I''m at your service."


    Lin Wanrong shivered. It seemed that all the youngdies in the Xiao residence had a tendency to be flirtatious. He pretended not to hear her words and continued, "I''ve just been transferred to help in the study, so I''m not familiar with everything here. Could you tell me who are the young master and misses in the study?"


    The maid stared at Lin Wanrong, covering her mouth as sheughed, "You''vee to the right person with your question. As for the study, there aren''t many people here. The eldest miss stoppeding to the study years ago. With her level of knowledge, she could easily teach these teachers a thing or two. The second miss is still young andes here frequently under the orders of the madam, but she seems to have gone out recently. As for this cousin, he''s here every day, and the teacher was probably hired for him."


    Although the maid''s words were discreet, Lin Wanrong''s cleverness was not for show. In just a few sentences, he gathered several pieces of information: the eldest miss was learned and talented and wouldn''t need any teachers; the second miss was naughty and mischievous but had toe under the madam''s orders; as for the cousin inside, he seemed to be a fool who couldn''t learn anything, so the teacher was specifically hired for him.


    When talking about the cousin, disdain filled the maid''s eyes. It was clear that the cousin''s performance was extremely poor. Lin Wanrong secretlymented that following such a cousin, who was looked down upon even by the maids, would make it difficult for him to hold his head high in the Xiao residence.


    Lin Wanrong then learned about the cousin''s background from the maid. The cousin''s surname was Guo, his given name Wuchang. He was the nephew of Madam Xiao from her maternal family. His father (Madam Xiao''s brother) was a county magistrate in a region in Yangzhou. In order to discipline his son, he sent him to the Xiao mansion, hoping that he would receive a good cultural education. Of course, whether there were any other motives was unknown.


    Unfortunately, this cousin had no interest in poetry or literature and spent his days sleeping during the teacher''s lessons. Both Madam Xiao and his uncle were at a loss for what to do with him.


    This cousin really didn''t care for learning, and while Lin Wanrongmented this fact, he was also secretly relieved. Although the young man was not very promising, having to serve a studious young master who spent all day in the ssroom listening to the teacher''s lectures would be a nightmare for Lin Wanrong. On the other hand, following such a wayward young master, indulging in deception, eating, drinking, and having fun seemed not too bad.


    With his spirits lifted, Lin Wanrong reluctantly said goodbye to the maid and stealthily entered the study. The teacher nced at him with curiosity.


    Smiling, Lin Wanrong bowed to the teacher and said, "Greetings, sir. My name is Lin San, and I''ve recently been assigned to help in the study. I was just outside listening to your lecture, and I must say, your extensive knowledge and mastery of both ancient and current subjects are truly impressive. I am in awe."


    ttery will get you everywhere, and the teacher was quite pleased to see this neer being so respectful. With a smile, he nodded and replied, "Oh, you''re too kind. You''re giving me far too much credit."


    Lin Wanrong knew how to make a good impression, and the teacher appreciated hisplimentary words. It seemed that Lin Wanrong was off to a decent start in the study, despite the cousin''sck of interest in learning.


    The young master rolled over in his seat, drooling all over the table. He yawned, opened his eyes and said, "Who''s making all this noise? Can''t a person get some sleep?"


    Mr. Xi, the teacher, looked embarrassed, wondering why the young master wasn''t showing him any respect.


    Lin Wanrong quickly said, "Young master, you''re awake?"


    The young master nced at him indifferently and asked, "Who are you?"


    "Young master, my name is Lin San, and I''ve just been assigned to the study. From now on, I''ll be serving you."


    "Oh? You''re Lin San? Not bad; you seem quite clever." The young master carefully looked at him, somewhat surprised. Other servants called him ''Young Master Guo'', but Lin San, meeting him for the first time, addressed him simply as ''young master''. This small difference indicated that the other servants didn''t truly consider him their young master since he was just a rtive of the Xiao family. Lin San, a lower-ss servant, seemed to know his ce and made the young master feelfortable with his title.


    Moreover, the young master had heard that Lin San was quite popr among the Xiao family''s servants. He was handsome and charming, with a knack for winning women''s hearts. The young master hoped that having Lin San by his side would help him win the affections of his two cousins, increasing his chances of sess with them.


    "Young master, young master," Lin Wanrong noticed that the young master was staring at him with a pleased smile on his face, as if recalling some good memories. Feeling slightly uneasy, he hurriedly called out to the young master.


    "Oh, right. Lin San, you''ll be following me from now on," the young master announced loudly.


    "Yes, young master," Lin Wanrong replied respectfully.


    Seeing that the master and servant had acquainted themselves, Mr. Xi said, "Young Master Guo, let''s continue with our lessons."


    Young Master Guo, already in a bad mood from being disturbed during his pleasant dream, couldn''t help but yawn upon hearing Mr. Xi''s suggestion. He gave a faint, disinterested hum through his nose. Mr. Xi, having received payment from the Xiao family, turned a blind eye to his disinterest, knowing that he already had the money.


    Lin Wanrong, of course, had no interest in listening to lectures either. He figured that with the young master already in such a sorry state, it would be better to go along with his wishes and earn his favor, making life under him much easier.


    "Young master, the weather is so pleasant today. Why don''t we apany the teacher and go outside to find some inspiration for poetry?" Lin Wanrong suggested enticingly.


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 Chapter 54

    Chapter 54


    Chapter 54 Second Miss Xiao (Part 1)


    Young Master Guo looked at Lin Wanrong appreciatively, not expecting Lin San to be so well-behaved. He was indeed as famous as he was reputed to be, and it was right to have him follow along.


    "Very good, very good. The weather is clear and the autumn breeze is gentle today. I, as a student, think it''s the perfect time for an autumn outing. What do you think, sir?" Young Master Guo asked respectfully.


    Though his words were polite, the implication was clear: "I want to go out and have fun, and you better not follow me." Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but chuckle at this.


    "Well, um..." the tutor hesitated, breaking into a cold sweat. He knew what kind of person Young Master Guo was and wouldn''t dare to let him go out without a good reason. He quickly said, "Young Master Guo, I heard that Second Miss Xiao has just returned. She might being over soon."


    Upon hearing the name of Second Miss Xiao, Young Master Guo''s expression changed immediately: "Really? My cousin ising soon. In that case, I''ll stay here and study some poetry and books, and then have a good exchange with herter."


    Exchange? Lin Wanrong smirked. With your level of skill, even our family''s servants are better than you. Who are you going to exchange ideas with?


    The tutor breathed a sigh of relief, having finally settled Young Master Guo down. He quickly added, "Second Miss Xiao went to Suzhou for some business a few days ago and only returnedst night. I just heard this news myself."


    Lin Wanrong had been in the mansion for a while now, and most of the conversations he overheard among the servants and maids were about how capable and wise Miss Xiao the First was. Very few mentioned Second Miss Xiao, and he wondered why.


    "By the way, sir, will my cousin bring General Wei Wu with her again?" Young Master Guo touched his buttocks nervously. Last time he tried to sneak a peek at Second Miss Xiao bathing, but he was bitten by General Wei Wu before he even got close to the building.


    General Wei Wu? Second Miss Xiao? Lin Wanrong''s face turned pale upon hearing this. If he remembered correctly, the vicious dog he had killed that day was called General Wei Wu. So, that dog belonged to Second Miss Xiao. By extension, it was also Second Miss Xiao who had set the dog on him that day. No wonder the maids ran away so quickly  they were afraid of Second Miss Xiao.


    "What did I do to offend her? She used such a vicious method," Lin Wanrong thought angrily, but he also felt a bit scared. He wasn''t afraid of Second Miss Xiao herself, but rather the possibility that she might bring another wolf dog named General Zhen Yuan or something simr. If that happened, there would be nowhere to run today.


    As they say, speak of the devil and he shall appear. Just as Lin Wanrong was thinking about this, he heard a somewhat familiar voice from outside: "Cousin Guo, what new poems have you learned today?"


    Lin Wanrong would never forget this voice, as it belonged to the girl who had sed the dog on him that day and had even kicked him a few times.


    "Cousin, you''re here!" Young Master Guo hurriedly greeted her.


    A girl around sixteen or seventeen years old walked in, with rosy lips and white teeth, bright eyes, and a kind demeanor. She was quite a beauty.


    Lin Wanrong nced at her and his heart skipped a beat. He had seen this girl before  she was the one who had bought thest copy of the third edition of the newspaper that day. No wonder she had asked him if he had seen Miss Xiao; she had had ns all along. It was also no wonder that she looked somewhat familiar  she was, in fact, Lady Xiao''s daughter, and it was only natural that they would look alike.


    Second Miss Xiao entered the room and looked at Lin Wanrong without any surprise, as if she had expected him to be there. A smug smile shed across her face as she said to Young Master Guo, "Cousin Guo, are you satisfied with the servant I found for you today?"


    Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat again, realizing that it was Second Miss Xiao who had orchestrated his assignment to this study. The housekeeper Wang was merely an aplice. Considering the few times he had fallen into her hands, he felt a bit uneasy. However, seeing that there was no vicious dog apanying Second Miss Xiao, he felt relieved. He could handle a girl, but not a vicious dog.


    "Of course, anything prepared by my cousin, I will surely like," Young Master Guo ttered. To him, Lin San was just a clever servant, not even worth as much as an object.


    Seeing that Lin Wanrong remained silent, Second Miss Xiao knew that she had intimidated him and felt quite pleased with herself. She said to Young Master Guo, "Cousin Guo, I''m d you''re satisfied. I need this servant to do something for me today, so I won''t disturb your studies any longer."


    Young Master Guo hurriedly said, "Cousin, don''t leave! I wrote a poem specially for you today: ''The affectionate ospreys by the river''s edge, the beautiful and gentledy, a gentleman''s perfect match.'' Cousin, what do you think of my poem?"


    Both the tutor and Lin Wanrong were dumbfounded. To be so shameless, Young Master Guo was truly unparalleled.


    Second Miss Xiao giggled and said, "Cousin Guo, you''ve recited this poem over twenty times already. Could you pleasee up with something new next time?"


    Without lingering any longer, Second Miss Xiao looked at Lin Wanrong with a half-smile and said, "You, servant,e with me."


    From the moment he saw Second Miss Xiao, Lin Wanrong knew that today''s situation wouldn''t end well. He should never have sold that booklet to this girl, and he definitely shouldn''t havee to the Xiao Mansion to be a useless servant. Now that he was in her hands, he found himself at aplete disadvantage.


    However, Lin Wanrong wasn''t one to be afraid. Seeing Second Miss Xiao smiling sweetly at him, he scoffed inwardly. With the wind at his back and the war drums sounding, he was Lin San, and he feared no one.


    The two left without a word, Second Miss Xiao leading the way and Lin Wanrong following behind. Second Miss Xiao was not yet seventeen, still young by Lin Wanrong''s standards. In his hometown, girls her age would be in junior high school, preparing for university. How was it that in this world, girls her age were so willful and capricious? Lin Wanrong couldn''t understand it.


    The maids and servants they encountered along the way changed their expressions as soon as they saw Second Miss Xiao, avoiding her at all costs. It seemed that Second Miss Xiao''s infamy had spread far and wide, and this wasn''t a recent development.


    When they reached a room, Second Miss Xiao nced at Lin Wanrong and said, "You, servant,e inside with me." A smug smile shed across her face, and her eyes held a cunning glint as she pushed the door open and entered first.


    Lin Wanrong hesitated for a moment. Second Miss Xiao was no saint, and her intentions for bringing him into this room today were surely sinister. Thinking of sinister plots, he recalled the vicious dog he had killed. This girl was vengeful, and there must be some trap inside.


    "What''s the matter, too scared toe in? When you were punching and kicking the other day, you seemed quite bold. Why is it that you have no courage now?" Second Miss Xiao couldn''t help but mock him when she saw the indecision on his face.


    Lin Wanrong wasn''t afraid of this girl; it was the vicious dog he feared. He pricked up his ears and listened carefully, but the room was silent, with no sound of barking. Still uneasy, he listened more closely but found no sign of movement, which reassured him somewhat. He didn''t say anything, just gave Second Miss Xiao a coldugh before confidently entering the room.


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 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55


    Chapter 55 Second Miss Xiao (Part 2)


    Upon entering, they found an extremely spacious room, empty except for a small door. There was nothing else inside.


    Second Miss Xiao had already walked to the small door inside the room. Seeing him boldly follow her in, she turned her head and smiled, "What, you''re not afraid I''ll sic another dog on you?"


    Lin Wanrong looked around cautiously, not noticing anything out of the ordinary, and felt relieved. He sneered, "You''ve seen my skills, haven''t you? I can handle not only fierce dogs, but also any kind of viin."


    Second Miss Xiao''s face changed, "You insolent servant, how dare you address me so casually? I am your master. Show me some respect. If it weren''t for me, a servant like you wouldn''t even be able to enter the Xiao family''s main gate."


    Lin Wanrong suddenly realized that his smooth entry into the Xiao family wasn''t thanks to Old Wei, but rather to the youngdy standing before him. No wonder he was able to enter even though he waste. This girl must have harbored resentment towards him for some time, going through so much trouble and even sacrificing a fierce dog just to teach him a lesson.


    "So, you''ve been plotting against me for a while. What did I do to offend Second Miss Xiao that you would go to such lengths to deal with me?" asked Lin Wanrong.


    "You''re saying you didn''t offend me?" Second Miss Xiao raised her eyebrows, "That day, you paraded around with my sister''s portrait, shouting and selling it while uttering such frivolous words. Do you think the Xiao family is so easily bullied?"


    "What a joke! What makes you think the person in that painting is your sister? Only a few people in Jinling City have seen your sister''s face. Who could paint such a lifelike portrait? I didn''t use you of framing me, but now you''re interrogating me." Lin Wanrongughed heartily, his words righteous and stern, with no hint of falsehood. The painting had been made using Lady Xiao as a model, and had nothing to do with Miss Xiao Da. If there was any connection, it was only because the mother and daughter looked so alike.


    "You cunning Lin San!" The young girl''s face turned red with anger, clearly at a loss for words against this lowly servant, "Today, I''m going to teach you a lesson, or else you''ll think the Xiao family is easy to bully."


    "Servant?" Hearing her repeatedly call him a servant, Lin Wanrong was quite unhappy. He sneered, "Second Miss Xiao, I think you''re mistaken. I''m just a contract employee of the Xiao family, not a servant. The contract even has your name, Miss Xiao Yushuang, on it. If I''m displeased with you, I can leave at any time. If you want to find a servant, there are plenty in the Xiao residence. I''m afraid I won''t be able to apany you."


    After finishing his words, Lin Wanrong turned to leave. Wasn''t avoiding a haughty and domineering young girl like this the best option?


    He forcefully pulled the door several times, but it didn''t budge. Lin Wanrong thought he wasn''t using enough strength, so he tried harder, but it still wouldn''t move. He then realized that Second Miss Xiao must have done something to the door.


    Second Miss Xiao, Xiao Yushuang,ughed, "What, are you scared now? Without my permission, no one can leave through this door today." It turned out that there was a mechanism in the room. After Xiao Yushuang entered, she activated it, trapping Lin Wanrong inside.


    It seemed this girl had been plotting for a while. However, at this point, only he and Xiao Yushuang were in the room. He had enough confidence in dealing with her, so naturally, he had nothing to fear. He smiled and said, "Whether I can leave or not doesn''t really matter. With you, Second Miss Xiao, here, what do I have to be afraid of? You should be the one worried. I''m not a good person, and I have a particr preference for beautiful girls. You''re alone in a room with me, so you better be careful."


    Xiao Yushuang was still young and didn''t fully understand rtionships between men and women, but girls of this era generally matured early. She only wanted to take revenge on Lin Wanrong but forgot that by doing so, they would end up alone together, which would greatly damage her reputation as a young girl.


    Her face flushed red, and she angrily gritted her teeth, "You scoundrel, I... I... I won''t let you off."


    Lin Wanrong looked at the girl''s furious expression, finding it rather amusing. He said to Xiao Yushuang, "Second Miss Xiao, don''t tter yourself too much. Although I like beautiful women, I''m not desperate. As for you, even if someone offered me a few taels of silver, I wouldn''t want an unripe fruit like you."


    "Youshameless" Xiao Yushuang yelled, simultaneously opening the small door behind her. Two dim green lights shot out from the room.


    Wolf-dog! Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat.


    This creature was evenrger than the Mighty General that was killed that day, and the fierce light in its eyes made Lin Wanrong''s hair stand on end. The wolf-dog''s mouth was wrapped in red cloth, which is why Lin Wanrong hadn''t heard it barking. It turned out that Xiao Yushuang had prepared it all beforehand. She had been scheming just to deal with him.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s pale face, Xiao Yushuang proudlyughed, "How about that? You didn''t expect this, did you? Hehe, this is a wolf-dog I specially brought back from Suzhou. It''s called General Zhenyuan and was a partner to the Mighty General. It''s here to deal with you. You not only killed my Mighty General but also ate its meat. I don''t think General Zhenyuan will let you off easily today."


    How could this girl know that I ate dog meat? Lin Wanrong thought for a moment and realized that it must have been Uncle Fu who had informed her. No wonder he hadn''t seen him in days; he must have been feeling guilty. He remembered Uncle Fu''s frightened expression those days; he clearly knew how formidable Second Miss Xiao was, so he had confessed voluntarily. No wonder it took the girl several days to seek revenge; she had gone to Suzhou for reinforcements.


    General Zhenyuan stared at Lin Wanrong intently, seemingly understanding that the man before him was the enemy responsible for taking the life of its "dog wife." Its eyes shed with green light, and it gently licked its crimson tongue, its sharp canine teeth interlocking and emitting a cold white glow.


    Damn, I was too careless. I didn''t expect this girl to be so resourceful and y this hand. Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat, looking at the delicate young girl and the nearly mad vicious dog, not knowing what to do.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s pale face, Xiao Yushuang knew her cunning n had worked. She was delighted to see the fear on the face of this wicked servant: "How about it, you scoundrel? Are you scared now? Don''t me me for not giving you a way out. Just tell me who drew that painting, and then give yourself one hundred ps for insulting me earlier, and I''ll spare you."


    This room was specifically designed by Second Miss Xiao to discipline disobedient servants and maids. Once she spoke up, the servants would naturally fall silent. No one dared to defy Second Miss Xiao. Whether it was one hundred ps or even a thousand, they would have to endure it. Her method of disciplining the servants had always worked. Today, facing the detestable Lin San, how could she vent her anger without a harsh punishment?


    However, Lin Wanrong was extremely stubborn. If it was only about revealing who painted the picture, it wouldn''t be a problem to tell her. But to p himself in the face, Lin Wanrong hadn''t stooped to that level yet, especially when facing such a willful young girl. The softer he acted, the more aggressive she would be. Lin Wanrong casually nced at the young girl and snorted, "Ridiculous! I''m not afraid of you, girl. Just use whatever tricks you have."


    Seeing that the wicked servant was still so arrogant, Second Miss Xiao clenched her teeth in anger. She slowly untied the cloth wrapped around the dog''s mouth, fiercely nced at Lin Wanrong, and said, "You better not regret this. General Zhenyuan, attack!"


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 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56


    Chapter 56 Settling the Score with Her (Part 1)


    Before she could finish speaking and the reins were untied, Lin Wanrong moved faster than General Zhenyuan, rushing towards her. Desperate, Lin Wanrong''s actions were incredibly swift. He had already suffered a loss once and didn''t want a second time. Striking first to gain the advantage and striking second to suffer, he was very clear on this principle.


    Xiao Yushuang didn''t have time to finish hermand when Lin Wanrong covered her mouth and forcefully pressed her against the wall. "What are you doing?" Xiao Yushuang never expected Lin Wanrong to be so fierce and quick in his actions, leaving herpletely at his mercy. "Don''t mess around. I''m the Second Miss Xiao. If you dare to bully me, my mother and elder sister won''t let you off."


    It wasn''t that the Second Miss Xiao was careless; it was just too unexpected. In the past, those maids and servants she had disciplined wouldn''t dare to look up when they saw her, let alone treat her like this. She was so used to being domineering that she never imagined a servant would dare toy a hand on her, which gave Lin Wanrong an opportunity.


    Lin Wanrong pressed his thigh against her struggling leg, feeling the smoothnessing from it. His arm was across her chest, pressing against her neck, and the heat from her bosom made his heart flutter. He couldn''t believe that this girl was only seventeen with such a figure. What would it be like in the future?


    He scolded himself for having such a dirty thought, as she was even younger than his sister who was in college. "I''m no better than a beast," Lin Wanrong thought.


    As the Second Miss Xiao felt his hot body pressing against hers, the masculine scenting from him entered her nostrils, causing her heart to pound like a deer. She hurriedly shouted, "What are you doing? You can''t bully me. My mother and sister won''t let you off."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Well, dear Second Miss Xiao, when you let your vicious dog attack me just now, did you think of your mother and sister? When you bully others, do you think of your mother and sister?"


    Xiao Yushuang, a spoiled child since young, had never encountered such a fierce person. Her eyes welled up with tears, "It''s because you didn''t tell me whose painting it was! I was so angry that I deliberately caused trouble for you."


    So, she wants to regain her reputation by using a fierce dog to scare people? This little girl is even more fierce than me. Lin Wanrong was sweating profusely in his heart but seeing Xiao Yushuang on the verge of tears, he couldn''t bring himself to be too harsh. After all, she was just a child. It would be too petty for a grown man to be mean to a child.


    Just as he was about to speak, he noticed a cunning gleam in Xiao Yushuang''s eyes. Lin Wanrong suddenly realized that this little girl was trying to gain his sympathy by appearing vulnerable. Once he let her go, her new round of attacks would begin. Judging by the servants'' fear of her, she must be extremely domineering, a fearless character. If he let her go easily, he would be asking for trouble.


    With this in mind, Lin Wanrong stared into her eyes and said, "Oh, is that all, Second Miss Xiao? I heard from the servants in the mansion that you bully both men and women, and are always up to no good. Is that true?"


    Second Miss Xiao red back, "Which servant dared to spread such nonsense? I won''t let them off the hook."


    Lin Wanrong stared at her intensely, "All I want is a yes or no answer."


    Seeing the fierce look in Lin Wanrong''s eyes, Xiao Yushuang was a little scared but still stubbornly replied, "No, I treat the servants well, provide them with good food and drink, and often reward them with silver. Which servant would dare to nder me behind my back?"


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong sneered, "Why does what I heardpletely contradict what you just said? I heard that you''ve done quite a few bad things in this room."


    Lin Wanrong noticed the hidden mechanisms in the room and how skilled Second Miss Xiao was at controlling them. It was clear that this wasn''t her first time, and she must have tormented many people before.


    "Are you going to tell me or not?" Seeing the hesitation in Xiao Yushuang''s eyes, Lin Wanrong knew she was trying toe up with lies to deal with him. His face showed a fierce expression, and he tightened his grip on her neck.


    "Cough, cough," Xiao Yushuang was struggling to breathe under his pressure, and seeing his fierce look, she realized he had no intention of being gentle. Though she was domineering, she was still a naive young girl who had never experienced such fright. In her terror, she burst into tears, "Wuwu, Lin San, you dog servant, how dare you bully me, I won''t forgive you"


    Hearing her call him a servant again, Lin Wanrong''s anger red up. He turned her around and pressed her tightly against the wall, aimed at her buttocks, and pped her hard.


    In his anger, Lin Wanrong''s p was quite heavy. Although the feeling of touching her soft buttocks was pleasant, the feeling of being insulted made himpletely ignore that.


    Xiao Yushuang cried even harder, "Lin San, you servant, how dare you hit me! I''m going to kill you! Help, this servant Lin San is hitting me! Help, help!"


    Xiao Yushuang desperately cried for help, but she forgot that she had ordered the servants outside not to enter the room regardless of any noise. Her original intention was to torment Lin San, but now it had backfired. The servants were already terrified of the youngdy and kept their distance after hearing her orders. Xiao Yushuang was filled with regret.


    The p from Lin San seemed to have a strange magical power, hitting her in a sensitive spot and causing a strange feeling to rise within her. Second Miss Xiao felt a mix of shock, anger, fear, and embarrassment. With her back to Lin Wanrong, she struggled desperately, kicking her legs back to try and retaliate against this wicked servant.


    "Are you going to tell me or not?" Lin Wanrong''s voice rang in her ear.


    "No," Xiao Yushuang stubbornly replied, only to feel another heavy p on her buttocks. The burning, heart-wrenching pain caused her tears to fall uncontrobly.


    Lin Wanrong showed no mercy, spanking her like a disobedient child. If no one disciplined this little girl, she would ride roughshod over others. He was determined to teach her a lesson on behalf of her mother and sister.


    Second Miss Xiao''s screams grew louder and louder, with Lin Wanrong''s ps getting faster and faster. Apart from the first few, he was somewhat measured, causing her pain but not injuring her.


    How could Second Miss Xiao have ever experienced such humiliation? She shouted, "Lin San, you scoundrel, I''m going to bite you to death!" She suddenly turned her head and bit down hard on the hand Lin San was using to grip her neck.


    In her anger and desperation, Xiao Yushuang bit down with all her strength. Lin Wanrong felt a sharp pain in his arm and, in a fit of rage, pped her buttocks even harder.


    This time Lin Wanrong didn''t hold back at all. In pain, Xiao Yushuang let out a cry and released her bite. She leaned against the wall and sobbed softly.


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 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57


    Chapter 57 Settling the Score with Her (Part 2)


    Lin Wanrong stared at the two rows of deep bite marks on his arm, with a trace of blood, feeling extremely annoyed. "Damn, this girl not only keeps dogs, but she''s also as fierce as one. Her bite is almost as strong as the mighty general''s."


    Seeing Xiao Yushuang crying out in pain, Lin Wanrong''s heart softened a bit, but he knew this was a crucial moment. If he couldn''t subdue her today, there would be no peace in the future.


    "Will you talk or not?" Lin Wanrong shouted angrily, showing no mercy.


    "Why are you so fierce?" Second Miss Xiao sobbed. "I didn''t do anything to those servants. I just asionally had some guards y-fight with my mighty general in this room, and sometimes had some maids clean him. I didn''t know they''d be so scared."


    Lin Wanrong was speechless! It was incredible that Second Miss Xiao could think of having guards fight with her ferocious dog. With their physique, how could they be a match for the mighty general? This youngdy was truly the devil of the Xiao Mansion. No one would dare to approach her with that fierce dog by her side.


    Second Miss Xiao felt him stop moving, so she sneakily turned her head, only to see Lin Wanrong ring at her with an indescribable look of disgust.


    Xiao Yushuang became anxious, and tears fell again. "Lin Wanrong, please don''t hit me anymore. I know I was wrong."


    "What did you do wrong?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "I shouldn''t have let my dog attack people, nor should I have been so willful and bullied you," Second Miss Xiao cried with a grievance.


    Lin Wanrong snorted, "Then swear that you won''t bully others or take revenge on them in the future."


    Second Miss Xiao nced at him and said with a pitiful expression, "If I don''t bully others, what if they bully me?"


    Lin Wanrong patted her bottom and jokingly scolded, "You little girl, if you don''t bully others, they would already be grateful and bow to you. Who would dare to bully you?"


    Xiao Yushuang''s face flushed, and she red at Lin Wanrong. Seeing his cold eyes and fierce expression, the young girl felt scared and pouted, "Fine, I''ll swear. Why do you have to be so mean? I''ve never seen a servant as bad as you"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s displeased face, Xiao Yushuang quickly corrected herself, "Fine, fine, you''re not a servant, you''re our family''s guard. I''ve never seen a guard as fierce as you."


    Second Miss Xiao made her vow. Seeing that Lin Wanrong had not released her, she felt annoyed but was helpless against Lin Wanrong''s stubbornness. She looked at him with pleading eyes and said, "Lin Wanrong, I''ve made my vow. Please let me go."


    Lin Wanrong thought that after scaring and intimidating her today, she shouldn''t dare to bother him again. This matter should be considered settled. He pondered and said, "Fine, I''ll let you go now. Remember your vow. I won''t pursue the past wrongdoings you''ve done to me, and we''ll call it even. What do you think?"


    Xiao Yushuang saw his softened expression, and her fear subsided. She couldn''t help but bargain, "Then you have to tell me who painted that picture and whose idea was the booklet? If not, I''ll tell my mother and sister that you, a viin, hit me."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t expect her to still be concerned about those matters. He found it quite amusing and annoying at the same time. Hearing her threat, he felt irritated and his face darkened, "What now? Are you trying to threaten me? I''m afraid of many things, but not threats, especially from a little girl like you."


    Seeing his fierce expression, Xiao Yushuang burst into tears, "You, you viin! You said I bullied you, but nothing happened to you. However, you bullied me and hit me. No one has ever dared to treat me like this. You''ve taken such advantage, why can''t you answer my questions?"


    Lin Wanrong looked at her and saw her genuine sadness. His heart softened and he said softly, "Second Miss Xiao, there''s honor among thieves, and every profession has its rules. If I tell you, I''d be a dishonorable person. Though I might have a thick skin and be good-looking, I still value my reputation. Please don''t force me. Maybe one day, you''ll find that master yourself."


    Seeing that Lin Wanrong''s fierce expression was only a facade and his tone was more reasonable, Xiao Yushuang''s fear disappeared. She snorted and said, "You really do have a thick skin. Now, will you let me go?"


    Lin Wanrong said seriously, "But I have to make one thing clear beforehand. You must fulfill the vow you just made. If I find out you''re bullying others again, the punishment won''t be as simple as a spanking."


    Xiao Yushuang''s face turned red, wanting to get angry, but seeing Lin Wanrong''s stern face, she dared notsh out and obediently said, "I know."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "As a girl, you spend all day thinking about how to torment others. What''s the point of that? Use your free time to learn embroidery or household management instead. That''s the right path, otherwise, how will you get married in the future?"


    Second Miss Xiao nced at him with a slightly flushed face but didn''t dare to talk back, and mumbled, "Whether or not I get married is none of your business."


    Fighting with a woman was something a man could never truly win. Lin Wanrong found it amusing and didn''t bother to argue with her anymore, so he gently let her go.


    Now free, Xiao Yushuang, frightened and exhausted, leaned against the wall and slowly sat down on the ground. As soon as her bottom touched the floor, she cried out in pain and jumped up as if she was on fire.


    Lin Wanrong looked at her helplessly and said, "My Second Miss Xiao, what''s wrong now?"


    Xiao Yushuang''s face turned red, "It''s all your fault, you viin! You hit me there, how am I supposed to face others now?" She sobbed.


    Second Miss Xiao really had a childlike temper, bursting into tears so easily that Lin Wanrong was caught off guard.


    Lin Wanrong hadn''t had the chance to take a good look at her while they were fighting. Now that he did, he noticed that she had delicate eyebrows, almond-shaped eyes, a small nose, red lips, and a fairplexion. Though young, she had grown into a slender beauty. Especially with her tearful face, she looked like a pear blossom in the rain, exuding an indescribable charm.


    Somehow, looking at this extraordinary little beauty, Lin Wanrong suddenly thought of her charming mother. It seemed that this young girl had indeed inherited all her mother''s advantages.


    Lin Wanrong wasn''t interested in this young girl, but seeing her silently shedding tears and looking helpless, he couldn''t harden his heart. It felt like punching cotton.


    "Alright, tell me what''s wrong." Lin Wanrong said impatiently, seeing the girl''s never-ending tears.


    "I, my bottom hurts, it''s all your fault," the young girl whispered shyly.


    Lin Wanrong gave a light "oh" and realized he might have been too harsh, and her bottom must be swollen by now.


    "Who told you to be so reckless before? Consider this your punishment," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    "You, you," the young girl''s face filled with anger, "I''ll tell my mother and sister."


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 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58


    Chapter 58 Story (Part 1)


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s cold, mocking gaze, Second Miss Xiao suddenly remembered the hardships she had suffered at his hands and dared not say anything more. With tears welling up in her eyes, she said, "You''re such a scoundrel. One day, your bullying will be the death of me."


    Seeing that the once-arrogant Second Miss Xiao was now driven to this point, Lin Wanrong couldn''t bear to make things harder for her. Her current appearance was indeed unsuitable for going out in public. Lin nced around and noticed a few pieces of soft silk next to General Zhenyuan. He picked them up and ced them under Second Miss Xiao, saying, "Don''t strain yourself. Just sit down slowly."


    Xiao Yushuang knew he meant well, but she couldn''t help ring at him. Lin Wanrong pretended not to notice and helped her sit down slowly. As soon as her buttocks touched the silk, Second Miss Xiao still winced in pain. With Lin Wanrong''s help, she finally endured the pain and sat down slowly. Lin Wanrong then casually sat down beside her, leaning against the wall.


    Neither of them spoke, and the empty room became extremely quiet for a while. Xiao Yushuang sat against the wall, feeling the burning sensation on her buttocks and couldn''t help but blush. She stealthily nced at the fierce Lin San, who was leaning against the wall with his eyes downcast, looking somewhat lonely, and wondered what he was thinking about.


    "Lin, Lin San, don''t worry, I promise I won''t let my dog bite you again. I swear," Second Miss Xiao thought he was still worried about her revenge and quickly expressed her intentions. Lin Wanrong, however, was not thinking about that at all. After the tussle with the young girl, he felt a bit weary and wanted to rest. Unexpectedly, he suddenly thought of how he could never see his parents or sister again in this world, and his mood became heavy.


    Seeing him remaining silent with a stern expression, Xiao Yushuang thought he didn''t believe her and hurriedly said, "Really, Lin San, trust me, I won''t bully you anymore. Let''s... let''s make peace, okay?"


    Make peace? Lin Wanrong found it quite amusing. Did she think this was some childish game of ying house? However, the young girl did seem to have softened quite a bit, perhaps genuinely frightened by him. "Second Miss, as long as you keep your promise, I won''t do anything to you," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    Xiao Yushuang nodded gently and stole nces at him. Her eyes flickered, and it was unclear what she was thinking about.


    Lin Wanrong nced at the still-tethered General Zhenyuan andughed, "Second Miss Xiao, did you specifically find this General Zhenyuan in Suzhou to deal with me?"


    Xiao Yushuang''s face flushed, "No, it''s not specifically to deal with you. I just found it fun and brought it back to y with."


    Lin Wanrong saw her evasive gaze and knew the girl wasn''t telling the truth, so he said, "In that case, I''ll ughter this beast today. I must tell you, dog meat is quite delicious."


    Second Miss Xiao angrily said, "You dare" Seeing Lin Wanrong''s fierce gaze, she softened her tone, "Alright, alright, it doesn''t matter if you know. I brought General Zhenyuan from Suzhou, intending to use it against you, the viin, but who would''ve thought"


    "Who would''ve thought that before it could be of any use, you fell into my hands, right?" Lin Wanrong interrupted her.


    Xiao Yushuang thought of the situation where she had fallen into his hands and was spanked, and her face couldn''t help but blush. She lowered her head and said, "Lin San, can I ask you for a favor?"


    "Hmm, go ahead." Seeing the girl''s sincere attitude and honest behavior, Lin Wanrong nodded.


    "Can you please not tell anyone about you spanking me, especially not my mother or sister?" Xiao Yushuang''s face turned red. Although she was young, she was still a girl and a youngdy. Being spanked by a man would be too embarrassing if it got out.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Second Miss Xiao, what are you asking me to keep secret? Oh my, what happened this afternoon? I can''t seem to remember anything at all."


    Seeing him pretending to be clueless, Xiao Yushuang knew he was trying to reassure her and felt grateful. She added, "Lin San, since General Zhenyuan hasn''t provoked you, can you spare it for now?"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s gaze, Second Miss Xiao hurriedly exined, "I want to raise it. Our Xiao family''s courtyard is big, so it can be a watchdog in the future."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "As long as you don''t let this vicious dog bully people, you can do whatever you want."


    Second Miss Xiao quickly said, "It won''t, it won''t. Don''t worry. If I bully someone again, you can spank me there again." Her cheeks turned pink, seemingly remembering the punishment.


    After resting for a while, Lin Wanrong had Xiao Yushuang open the secret door, and it automatically opened.


    The feeling of seeing the sun again was truly wonderful. Lin Wanrong stretchedzily, feeling a little worried about Second Miss Xiao, General Zhenyuan, and the vicious dog. Turning back, he saw the dog still staring intently at him, while Xiao Yushuang leaned against the wall, deep in thought.


    Lin Wanrong felt that he had sufficiently dealt with the girl today and believed she wouldn''t dare provoke him again. Just as he was about to leave, he heard Xiao Yushuang say, "You, Ser are you just going to leave like this?"


    Although she quickly swallowed the word "servant," Lin Wanrong still felt annoyed and stared at her, "Second Miss Xiao, I''ve already made it clear to you that although I work for your family, we only have an employment rtionship. I''m not your family''s servant. I hope you understand."


    Seeing his serious expression, Xiao Yushuang pouted, "Fine, I won''t call you that. From now on, I''ll call you Lin San. Is that okay?"


    Her tone was surprisingly gentle, probably because Lin Wanrong had frightened her. When Second Miss Xiao wasn''t letting her dog attack people, she was quite a lovely girl, around 16 or 17 years olda lovable age. Lin Wanrong found it difficult to be angry with her.


    "No problem. Everyone calls me Lin San, and you can call me that too," Lin Wanrong said.


    "Is Lin San your real name?" Second Miss Xiao was a clever girl and asked curiously.


    "A name is just a symbol. In the Xiao family, I am known as Lin San," Lin Wanrong said with a smile. In the Xiao family''s courtyard, all the maids and servants were given the Xiao surname, except for Lin Wanrong.


    Xiao Yushuang knew he didn''t want to reveal his real name and couldn''t help but snort softly, "So stingy."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t want to engage in more conversation with her and was about to leave when Xiao Yushuang called out, "Lin San, wait a moment."


    Turning back, Lin Wanrong asked impatiently, "Second Miss Xiao, what is it now?"


    "Lin San, I heard from the maids that you can recite poetry and hum many tunes. Is that true?" Xiao Yushuang looked at him with hope.


    "No!" Lin Wanrong answered decisively. He was joking. If everyone asked him to recite poetry, he would be drained.


    "Hmph, I''ve never met someone as stingy as you," Xiao Yushuang snorted, "You won''t tell me who made that painting or whose idea the booklet was. You won''t even recite a few lines of poetry for me. Are you really that aggrieved? I''ve been beaten and bullied by you, so why are you still like this?"


    Second Miss Xiao''s eyes reddened, thinking of the grievances she had suffered. Tears were forming, and they were about to fall any moment.


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 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59


    Chapter 59 Story (Part 2)


    There''s a saying that goes, "It''s not the scolding of a woman you should fear, but her tears." In dealing with Second Miss Xiao, Lin Wanrong found that there was no logic to be found. He shook his head helplessly and said, "Alright, tell me, what kind of poem do you want to hear?"


    Xiao Yushuang pped her little hands excitedly and said, "I knew it, Lin San, you''re a good person. Please recite one poem each about wind, flowers, snow, and the moon."


    Lin Wanrong red at her fiercely, and Xiao Yushuang yfully stuck out her tongue. Perhaps feeling that her request was indeed too much, she said, "Alright, alright, just recite any poem you like. I''m just testing you."


    Lin Wanrong nced around the garden. It waste autumn, and leaves were falling everywhere. He thought of Beijing''s Fragrant Hills, which by now should be covered in red maple leaves. A hint of nostalgia shed in his eyes as he softly recited:


    "Red leaves rustlete in the evening, a long pavilion, and a cup of wine.


    The remaining clouds return to Mount Taihua, and the sparse rain passes the central ridge.


    The color of trees follows the distant pass, and the sound of the river enters the faraway sea.


    The imperial city will be reached tomorrow, yet I still dream of fishermen and woodcutters."


    Although this poem''s structure was not perfect, its artistic conception was profound, reflecting Lin Wanrong''s current mncholy mood.


    "The imperial city will be reached tomorrow, yet I still dream of fishermen and woodcutters..." Xiao Yushuang repeated nkly, then suddenly looked at him and asked, "Lin San, are you homesick?"


    Despite her young age, this girl was clever and had seen through the hint of sadness in Lin Wanrong''s heart. He nced at her and smiled, "It''s just a casual recitation, Second Miss Xiao, you''re too kind."


    Xiao Yushuangughed and said, "So you''re this talented, but when I saw you copying the Three Character ssic the other day, why couldn''t you write the characters?"


    Lin Wanrong found it amusing but replied, "Second Miss, I don''t really like memorizing things like the Book of Poetry and the Three Character ssic. The characters from my hometown aren''t written like this, and we don''t use brushes there either."


    Xiao Yushuang eximed, "Oh, I see. So, my unintentional action has actually brought a great talent to the Xiao family. Hehe, when the timees, my mother and elder sister will surely praise me."


    After spending some time with Second Miss Xiao, Lin Wanrong found that aside from her asional little temper, everything else about her was quite pleasant. He joked, "I''m not some great talent, I''m just here to make a living."


    They chatted for a while, but Xiao Yushuang was still sitting on the ground. From the looks of it, it would take some time for her to recover from the injury on her buttocks.


    Second Miss Xiao frowned and said, "Lin San, I can''t move right now. Can you stay and talk to me? You''re good at telling stories, right? Tell me a story, I love listening to stories."


    Lin Wanrong also thought to himself, if he were to find a servant to help her now, he wouldn''t be able to keep the fact that he had beaten Second Miss Xiao of the Xiao family a secret. He decided to stay with her for a while longer until she was calm enough to leave.


    Lin Wanrong closed the door and walked back to her side, sitting down again and saying, "Okay, what kind of stories do you like to hear?"


    The little girl''s face was full of excitement, "I like all kinds of stories, no one has told me a story in a long time."


    Lin Wanrong asked in surprise, "Did someone used to tell you stories before?"


    Second Miss Xiao nodded, "Yes, when I was a child, my mother used to tell me stories. Later, my mother got too busy, so I would bother my sister every day to tell me stories. Later, my sister got busy too, and no one told me stories anymore."


    Second Miss Xiao unconsciously lowered her head, a hint of sadness crossing her face. Lin Wanrong thought for a moment and understood that it must be because Madam Xiao and Second Miss Xiao were too busy to pay attention to Second Miss Xiao''s feelings, which made her be so unruly and willful. Thinking of this, he felt a little sympathy for the little girl.


    Seeing the little girl looking at him eagerly, Lin Wanrong didn''t know what kind of story to tell her. The story of the Big Bad Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood? The ck Cat Detective Team and the Golden Gourd Dolls? Meteor Garden and Crayon Shin-chan? Thest time he told a story to his younger sister was more than a decade ago when they were both young, and he couldn''t remember what he had said.


    "Lin San, what kind of story are you going to tell me?" Second Miss Xiao asked anxiously after a long silence.


    "Oh, okay, I''ll tell you the story of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai." Lin Wanrong thought of some ssic dramas in a hurry, regardless of whether it was appropriate or not.


    The little girl curled up her knees, sped her hands on her knees, tilted her head and listened attentively to him telling this story that had been passed down for thousands of years.


    Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai was probably China''s earliest romance drama, with unparalleled emotional appeal. When the little girl heard about Ma Wencai forcing Zhu Yingtai to death, and Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai transforming into butterflies and flying away, she was already in tears, angrily saying, "This Ma Wencai is such a bad guy. Liang Shanbo is also a fool. How couldn''t he see that Zhu Yingtai was a woman?"


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "It is precisely because he couldn''t see it that this story has been passed down for thousands of years. If he had seen it, then it would have be a story of a happy ending, and it wouldn''t have been widely circted."


    Second Miss Xiao wiped away her tears and red at him, "You wooden person, how can you stillugh? I''m about to be driven crazy by that guy surnamed Ma."


    Second Miss Xiao was truly a kind-hearted girl, so engrossed in the plot that she felt deeply dissatisfied with Lin Wanrong''s joking manner.


    "Why can''t two people who love each other be together?" Second Miss Xiao asked softly, tears glistening in her eyes.


    "The world is unpredictable and ever-changing. You''re still young now, but when you grow up, you''ll gradually understand," Lin Wanrong tried tofort her. Speaking to Second Miss Xiao was like speaking to his younger sister, so he spoke in a natural and affectionate manner.


    The little girl snorted and said proudly, "Who says I''m still young? I''ll be seventeen after the Chinese New Year. My mother said that she had already married my father at my age."


    When she mentioned marriage, the little girl''s face involuntarily turned red. Lin Wanrong chuckled but didn''t say anything.


    "Lin San, your story was so good. Will you tell me a story every day from now on?" Second Miss Xiao blinked her beautiful and innocent eyes at him.


    "No," Lin Wanrong was startled and jumped up. He could tell a story once, but if he had to do it every day, he would be the king of fairy tales.


    "Why not?" Second Miss Xiao pouted and looked aggrieved. "After beating me up like this, can''t you at least tell me a few stories?"


    After the little girl''s tantrum earlier, she became lovable in every way. Lin Wanrong felt a little guilty for spanking her little butt, so he said, "I''m a servant of the Xiao family. How can I tell you stories every day? People will gossip about it if they find out."


    "You remember that you''re a servant of our family now? Howe you forgot when you beat me up?" the little girl retorted.


    If the little girl had been insulting, it would have been easy to handle, but Lin Wanrong and she had chatted for a while, and they had be more acquainted with each other. He didn''t mind her interrupting him now and then, so he could only smile bitterly and say, "Let''s make a deal. I''ll tell you a story at most once a day, and when I''m busy, you can''t disturb me."


    As long as he used the excuse of being busy, he was sure that the little girl wouldn''t bother him. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself a few times.


    The little girl wasn''t as cunning as he was, so she nodded eagerly and said, "Don''t worry, I understand. I won''t disturb you when you''re busy."


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 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60


    After chatting for a while, Second Miss Xiao seemed to have opened up and started asking Lin San questions about his hometown, where he studied, and how he ended up as a servant in the Xiao household. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but cry andugh at her strange and curious questions. She was even more inquisitive than a paparazzi.


    After a while, Lin Wanrong saw that her injuries were gradually getting better and that she could stand up and walk slowly by herself. He felt relieved and said goodbye to Second Miss Xiao, ignoring her attempts to keep him there. He couldn''t bear her incessant questioning about every little detail, and he would rather fight with General Zhenyuan than deal with her.


    When he returned to his lodging, he didn''t see the shadow of Uncle Fu. He felt bitter towards the old man who sold him out to Second Miss Xiao. Thinking back on his strange experience with her today, he couldn''t help but feel that it was quite bizarre that he was able to subdue her with his butt-kicking kung fu. He couldn''t help but sigh, realizing that he was quite lucky.


    The next morning, Lin Wanrong arrived at the study and saw Young Master Guo holding a piece of paper. "Hey, kid, I didn''t know you were so talented," Young Master Guo said, "You were really hiding your skills."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t know what he meant and smiled, "What do you mean, young master?"


    Young Master Guo threw the paper at Lin Wanrong and said, "Take a look for yourself."


    It was a piece of high-quality rice paper with elegant handwriting that revealed the clear strokes of the pen. It was written by a woman''s hand, and it was the poem that Lin Wanrong had recited yesterday. Only Lin Wanrong and Second Miss Xiao knew about the poem. It was obviously her handwriting. Lin Wanrong was surprised that she could write so well. He realized that he had underestimated her before.


    "My cousin gave this to me today. She said you wrote it, Lin San. I didn''t even realize it was yours. You really have some skills. I underestimated you," Young Master Guo said angrily. He had read the poem several times and was surprised that even a servant had such talent. He was annoyed that he himself did not possess such ability.


    The teacher bowed deeply to Lin Wanrong and said, "I didn''t realize that you had such hidden talent, Sir. I have much to learn from you."


    Lin Wanrong quickly replied, "How can that be? I just happened toe across this talent by chance. I don''t deserve such high praise."


    This teacher was a genuine person. He acknowledged that someone else was more knowledgeable than he was and didn''t hesitate to lower himself. Lin Wanrong had only intended to trick Second Miss Xiao, but she was too impatient and made him the scapegoat, which made him very unhappy. ying dumb was much more interesting. That little girl was obviously trying to make things difficult for him.


    Lin Wanrong refused the teacher''s strong invitation to coborate on their studies, and he was full of resentment towards Second Miss Xiao. She was clearly setting a trap for him, even though she knew he wasn''t interested in poetry. Wasn''t getting kicked by him yesterday enough?


    Seeing Young Master Guo still looking unhappy, Lin Wanrong hurriedly approached him and whispered, "Young Master, don''t worry. Actually, I copied this poem."


    Young Master Guo''s eyes lit up. "Really?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded solemnly, "Of course. Think about it, even a lower-ss servant like me couldn''t write such a good poem that you, a brilliant and talented young master, couldn''t write."


    Young Master Guo nodded in agreement, "That''s true." Suddenly he remembered something and asked, "Lin San, where did you copy the poem from? Do you have a collection of writings?"


    Lin Wanrong knew exactly what Young Master Guo was thinking. He was probably nning to giarize the poem. As a rich kid, he wasn''t interested in studying, but he had plenty of underhanded tricks up his sleeve.


    Lin Wanrong blinked and said, "These were written by talented people from my hometown. You probably haven''t heard of them, and there is no collection of their works here." Seeing the disappointment on Young Master Guo''s face, Lin Wanrong quickly added, "But I do remember a few."


    Young Master Guo''s mood brightened, "Lin San, do you really remember?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "I remember a few. Enough for you, Young Master. Don''t worry. With me here, I guarantee that both Miss Xiao will take notice of you."


    This sentence struck a chord with Young Master Guo, and he was grateful beyond words. They continued to talk for a while, and it took a long time for him to remember everything. He held onto Lin Wanrong''s hand tightly, full of admiration for his selflessness.


    While the two of them were chatting, Second Miss Xiao walked in with a smile on her face and greeted the teacher, "Good morning, sir."


    Lin Wanrong noticed that Second Miss Xiao was having some difficulty walking and knew that her injury from yesterday hadn''t fully healed yet. He thought to himself, "I need to teach this girl a lesson again today so that she doesn''t go around spreading my secrets."


    The teacher quickly greeted her, and Second Miss Xiao turned her head and nced at him, unconsciously touching her buttocks, showing that she still remembered his rough treatment of her yesterday.


    Lin Wanrongughed inwardly and decided to y along. He respectfully greeted Second Miss Xiao, "Good morning, Second Miss."


    Second Miss Xiao snorted and pouted, giving him a shy look, but didn''t speak to him directly. Instead, she turned to Guo Wuchang and said, "Cousin Guo, you''re up early today?"


    Young Master Guo was delighted that Second Miss Xiao was talking to him and eagerly replied, "Second cousin, I''ve been waiting for you here."


    "What were you waiting for me to do?" Second Miss Xiao asked curiously.


    Young Master Guo replied, "I wrote a poem for you yesterday, and I''d like you to give me some feedback on it."


    Not only Second Miss Xiao but also the teacher were surprised. Cousin Guo was known for being bad at poetry. Second Miss Xiao chuckled and covered her mouth, saying, "Please don''t tell me it''s another Guanju."


    Young Master Guoughed awkwardly and said, "Second cousin, you''re joking. I already have a great line for the poem."


    Young Master Guo then took a few light steps, swaying his jade fan, and recited his poem: "The music starts halfway up the Jade Tower, and the wind brings theughter of pce maids. The moonlit hall hears the midnight clock, and the water spirit curtains roll by the autumn river."


    Second Miss Xiao and the teacher were stunned. They never thought that such a good poem coulde from Young Master Guo, who had been struggling with poetry yesterday.


    Though Second Miss Xiao was young, she was shrewd and remembered Lin Wanrong''s outstanding performance yesterday. She couldn''t help but look at him, and she saw that Lin San was also lost in Young Master Guo''s beautiful verses.


    Second Miss Xiao wondered if Young Master Guo had really written the poem himself. She had a big question mark in her head, but Lin Wanrong seemed unfazed, so she couldn''t figure out anything at the moment.


    The teacher pped his hands and eximed, "Young Master Guo, with just those two lines, you''re truly a genius. I must inform Madam right away."


    Young Master Guo hurriedly stopped the teacher, saying, "Please, sir, wait until I''ve achieved something significant before telling my aunt."


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 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61


    Chapter 61 Tempting Suggestions (Part 2)


    Seeing that the young master suddenly seemed to have a sh of insight, the teacher felt greatly relieved and praised him for being filial. He agreed to his request.


    Xiao Yushuang''s eyes rolled around, but she couldn''t see any ws in Lin Wanrong''s performance. She asked the young master, "Cousin, did you really write this poem?"


    Guo Wuchang, for the first time, felt proud in front of his cousin, and confidently replied, "Of course. Cousin, what do you think?"


    Xiao Yushuang smiled and said, "If you had this talent during the imperial examination, you would not only be a jinshi, but also be the top scorer."


    After hearing the praises from the teacher, the young master, and the second miss, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered his conversation with Xiao Qingxuan by the Xuanwu Lake that day.


    The Chinese nation has a long history, is hardworking, brave, and naturally intelligent. However, why were they repeatedly bullied in modern times? It''s because they ced too much emphasis on liberal arts and not enough on science and engineering. Although Xiao Qingxuan was a bit arrogant, she had rare insight into this point. If it weren''t for some misunderstandings, the two of them could have been good friends. It''s just that he didn''t like the fact that she would resort to violence at the slightest provocation.


    The young master, who received praise from his cousin, was full of energy and didn''t fall asleep during the teacher''s lecture for the first time. The second miss also stayed to listen to the lecture and sat not far from Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong was a servant, so while the young masters and misses sat down, he had to stand. Moreover, the teacher used manyplicated terms, making him drowsy, and he ended up falling asleep while standing.


    He was in a daze, but felt someone tugging at his clothes. When he opened his eyes, he saw that Xiao Yushuang had already sat down next to him and was pulling his clothes, saying, "Lin San,e and sit down."


    "How can I sit in front of the young masters and misses?" Lin Wanrong quickly declined.


    Xiao Yushuang saw through his false modesty and couldn''t help but snort, "Howe you didn''t remember the young masters and misses when you misbehaved yesterday? If I tell you to sit down, then sit down. Don''t you feel tired standing there?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned and said, "Since Second Miss cares about me, I will obey yourmand."


    Xiao Yushuang red at him and said fiercely, "Who cares about you? Don''t talk nonsense, you scoundrel."


    Her face had a blush of shyness, unlike her stubbornness yesterday, as if Lin Wanrong''s beating had tamed her temper. Although she was young, she was already extremely beautiful. Lin Wanrong was even stunned by her coyness.


    Seeing her leaning to one side, Lin Wanrong didn''t dare to sit down properly and asked, "Does it still hurt there?"


    Second Miss Xiao softly murmured, "Fortunately, I went to bed early yesterday, or else mother would have found out, and you would have been in trouble. But even if mother found out, I wouldn''t say it was you who hit me."


    "So, Second Miss is defending me like this? Thank you in advance." Lin Wanrong said carelessly.


    Xiao Yushuang sighed, "Mother and sister don''t have time to talk to me, and I don''t have many friends. You can talk to me for a while. If mother punishes you, then I won''t even have thest person to talk to."


    Second Miss Xiao bit her lip, her eyebrows furrowed, with a hint of sadness on her delicate face, which made people feel sorry for her.


    It turned out that this little girl considered him a friend. Lin Wanrong felt ashamed and said hurriedly, "Second Miss, since you consider me a friend, I won''t decline. If you have any difficulties in the future, juste to me. I am a righteous and loyal person and will definitely help if I can."


    Xiao Yushuang covered her mouth and chuckled, "You have thick skin. How could I dare to ask anything of you? As long as you don''t hit me again, I will be satisfied."


    Speaking of hitting there, Second Miss Xiao subconsciously touched her buttocks, as if yesterday''s hot feeling had returned.


    Lin Wanrong looked at her small butt and chuckled inwardly, thinking, as long as this little girl doesn''t provoke me, how could I hit her? I don''t have a habit of bullying little girls.


    The day passed in the study. Xiao Yushuang spoke more to Lin Wanrong after seeing him less fierce towards her. Fortunately, the teacher didn''t expect much from the youngdies'' studies, so he turned a blind eye to it and was even stricter towards the young master.


    The young master heard his cousin chatting with Lin San behind him and felt itchy, but since he had been a good student today and had finally established a new image, he naturally didn''t want to ruin it. So, he endured it all day.


    Finally, in the evening, when the teacher went to the restroom, the young master quickly turned to Xiao Yushuang and asked, "Cousin, where are we going to yter?"


    Xiao Yushuang shook her head and said, "Mother said that sister will be back tonight, so I have to wait for her toe back."


    Young Master Guo''s spirits lifted as he said, "Is Cousin Yuruoing back tonight? Why don''t I go with you to wait for her?"


    Xiao Yushuang nodded and said with a smile, "No problem. However, Sister saidst time that when she came back, she wanted to see how much of the Book of Poetry you could recite. Since Cousin is saying this, you must be confident."


    Young Master Guo''s face changed suddenly and he hastilyughed, "Ah, I just remembered. I made an appointment with Prince Wang and Prince Li to study some poetry tonight. So I won''t go to meet Cousin Yuruo. Please apologize to her for me."


    Xiao Yushuang nodded and rose from her seat, saying with a charming smile, "Then I''ll leave first."


    Young Master Guo was about to reply, but he saw that Xiao Yushuang was looking at Lin Wanrong. She had actually said that sentence to Lin Wanrong.


    "Is she talking about me?" Lin Wanrong felt a little surprised by the attention from his mistress. It was notmon for a master to take the initiative to say goodbye to a servant. The fact that he had reached this level as a house servant showed that he had some power in Second Miss Xiao''s heart.


    After Xiao Yushuang left, Young Master Guo''s excitement disappeared. Lin Wanrong knew what was on his mind and asked in surprise, "Young Master, Cousin''s return is a big event. How could you not go to meet her?"


    Young Master Guo cried, "Lin San, do you think I don''t want to go? It''s just that Cousin Yuruo is intelligent and capable. She wants me to read more books and always makes me recite poetry whenever she sees me. But until now, I can only recite four lines from the Book of Poetry. How can I dare to see her? I''d rather stay here and listen to the teacher''s lecture."


    Guo Wu Chang had probably suffered from this kind of torture many times. Looking at his distressed expression, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but shake his head and smile bitterly. He was tired of studying to this extent. This young master was quite fierce.


    "Sister is doing this for your own good. As long as you study hard and obtain a degree, if you have any requests in the future, you can ask Madam for help, and she will naturally agree." Lin Wanrong said.


    "Lin San, you''re a good guy. I won''t hide it from you. I really don''t have much interest in these books. However, those two lines of poetry you taught me just now are really good. Can you teach me a few more?" Young Master Guo tried to please Lin Wanrong.


    "No problem. Your business is my business, Young Master." Lin Wanrong patted his chest and said, "I will do my best to help you achieve your wish."


    Young Master Guo smiled with joy. Seeing that Second Miss had already left, he had no intention of pretending to be a good student anymore. He walked back and forth in the room, looking out the window from time to time.


    Lin Wanrong knew that Young Master Guo''s mind was no longer there and said, "Young Master, listening to this teacher''s lecture is really boring. Why don''t we go out and look for some inspiration?"


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 Chapter 62

    Chapter 62


    Chapter 62 What does pretentious mean? (Part 1)


    Upon hearing this tempting suggestion, Young Master Guo''s eyes lit up and said, "Exactly, exactly, drinking and visiting brothelsoops, I meant, seeking inspiration wille more quickly."


    Young Master Guo identally spoke his true thoughts and felt a bit embarrassed. He quickly looked around and saw Lin San shaking his head and pretending not to hear, which made Young Master Guo secretly praise him. He thought, "This kid is clever and has potential."


    "But how should I exin this to the teacher?" Young Master Guo frowned. He had receivedpliments from the teacher today and had been acting as a good student in front of the teacher and his cousin. Now, he actually felt a little reluctant to leave.


    Lin Wanrong, of course, didn''t want Young Master Guo to be a good student. If he were diligent and studious, wouldn''t it affect Lin Wanrong as well?


    "Young Master, your performance today should have satisfied the teacher. He shouldn''t have any objections. Besides, we''re going out to find inspiration, not to do anything bad. What''s there to be afraid of?" Lin Wanrong said righteously.


    "Yes, yes, we''re going to find inspiration," Young Master Guoforted himself.


    Taking advantage of the teacher''s absence, the two of them sneaked out of the study room. Lin Wanrong led the way, and Young Master Guo followed behind, both heading towards "inspiration."


    After walking only a few steps in the courtyard, Lin Wanrong heard a voice from behind, "Lin San, where are you going?" Turning his head, he saw the unfriendly Chief Steward Wang.


    Recalling that Chief Steward Wang dared to give him a hard time, Lin Wanrong had an idea and loudly said, "Oh, it''s Chief Steward Wang. I''m following Young Master''s orders to run an errand."


    "Young Master? Which Young Master?" Chief Steward Wang, who hadn''t seen Young Master Guo sneakily following behind, asked casually.


    "It''s Guo Wuchang, Young Master Guo," Lin Wanrong pretended to be respectful.


    "Oh, it''s him. Just a rtive by marriage, no need to call him Young Master. You should focus on doing your job for the Xiao family. As for that outsider Young Master, you don''t need to worry about him," Chief Steward Wang lectured him.


    Seeing the furious, twisted face of Young Master Guo behind Chief Steward Wang, Lin Wanrong tried his best to suppress hisughter and said, "Well, about that"


    "Damn it, you bastard" Young Master Guo couldn''t hold back his anger any longer, charging forward and giving Chief Steward Wang a strong elbow strike.


    Feeling the pain, Chief Steward Wang turned his head and saw that it was indeed Young Master Guo, the rtive by marriage. He then realized that he had fallen for Lin Wanrong''s trick.


    Although Young Master Guo was just a rtive by marriage, he was the Madam''s nephew and the son of a county magistrate, which made him half a master of the Xiao family. Despite being seen as a weakling by servants and maids, he was still a half-master and shouldn''t be treated so casually.


    Having lived in the Xiao Mansion for many years, Young Master Guo hated it when people didn''t treat him as a master. Being in a bad mood today and hearing Chief Steward Wang''s words, he couldn''t help but lose his temper. He kicked and punched Chief Steward Wang, leaving him bruised and battered.


    In such an unfortunate situation, even the housekeeper of the Xiao Mansion had no choice but to protect his face, letting Young Master Guo beat him up without daring to make a sound.


    There were many servants and maidsing and going, and seeing Young Master Guo beating Chief Steward Wang with Lin San, the top servant of the Xiao family, standing nearby, they all watched themotion from a distance.


    The story of the master beating the servant spread quickly throughout the Xiao family.


    Seeing Chief Steward Wang with a swollen face, lying on the ground and groaning, Lin Wanrong pretended to bepassionate and said to Young Master Guo, "Young Master, it was an unintentional mistake by Chief Steward Wang. Let''s spare him this time. We should hurry up and find ''inspiration.''"


    Young Master Guo finally stopped, gave Chief Steward Wang a fierce look, and kicked him in the stomach before feeling somewhat relieved. He thought, "If only this servant named Wang were half as clever as Lin San, I wouldn''t be so angry."


    Feeling refreshed after beating someone up, Young Master Guo looked at Lin San appreciatively, patted Lin Wanrong''s shoulder, and said, "Let''s go, have funuh, I mean, let''s go find inspiration."


    As the two left, it was now Young Master Guo''s turn to lead the way. Lin Wanrong was familiar with only a few ces in Jinling City, such as the Xuanwu Lake and the Xiao family residence. He had never been to ces where "inspiration" could be found. However, when he was a sales manager, he used to apany clients to such ces five days a week. He felt somewhat ashamed to rely on others to guide him now.


    As evening approached, Young Master Guo grabbed Lin Wanrong and said, "Lin San, since you''ve been so loyal today, I''ll reward you. I''ll take you to a great ce to have some fun."


    "Oh, Young Master, as long as it''s a ce that can help inspire you, even if it''s a ce of danger, I''m willing to go with you," Lin Wanrong said with ascivious smile.


    Young Master Guoughed heartily and said, "Exactly! As long as it brings inspiration, who cares what kind of ce it is?"


    "Young Master is wise," Lin Wanrong said, giving him a thumbs-up.


    Pleased with Lin Wanrong''s ttery, Young Master Guo leaned in and whispered, "Lin San, have you ever heard of Miaoyu Pavilion?"


    Miaoyu Pavilion? Lin Wanrong hadn''t heard of it before, but the name alone suggested what kind of ce it was. He was unfamiliar with the pleasure houses in Jinling City, so he felt like a neer.


    Young Master Guo smiled mysteriously, giving Lin Wanrong a look that suggested he wouldn''t have been there before. How could a servant like him know the location of such extravagant establishments? The twelve beauties of Jinling and the charm of Qinhuai River had been renowned since ancient times.


    Miaoyu Pavilion was thergest brothel by the Qinhuai River. The girls there were not only beautiful but also possessed exceptional skills. Some could sing, some could dance, and others were proficient in ying the flute.


    "What''s even more amazing is that Miaoyu Pavilion recently weed a new courtesan who not only possesses celestial beauty but also astonishing talent. What''s even rarer is that she''s said to be chaste, only selling her art, not her body. Since I''m in a good mood today, I''ll take you to see her," Young Master Guo said unabashedly.


    A courtesan in a brothel? Celestial beauty? Selling art but not her body? That sounded interesting. If she also had a hidden identity as a chivalrous or enchantress, that would make a great story.


    Lin Wanrong grinned, thinking that Young Master Guo seemed to have a deep understanding of pleasure-seeking.


    "How about it? Are you interested?" Seeing Lin Wanrong''s sly smile, Young Master Guo thought he was intrigued and asked deliberately.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and asked, "Young Master, how much silver would it cost to spend a night with this courtesan?"


    Young Master Guo was taken aback by the question from this lowly servant. However, he wasn''t a schr and didn''t mind such crude talk. Heughed and said, "Even if you have the silver, you wouldn''t be able to sleep with her. She''s chaste and has high standards. She meets many talented young men every day, but I''ve never heard of anyone bing her special guest."


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 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63


    Chapter 63 What does pretentious mean? (Part 2)


    This kind of story has been seen countless times in TV shows and novels. Lin Wanrong, disdainfully said, "Young Master, I won''t lie to you, I really despise these courtesans. If you want to put it nicely, they''re called courtesans, but if you want to be blunt, they''re just pretentious. No matter how morous they are, they''re still prostitutes. What kind of ce is a brothel? It''s a ce for us men to have fun. If you go to a brothel and don''t sell yourself, then just rely on a pretty face to get by, thinking we men are fools? Just looking at their faces is enough? We might as well go home and find a painting of a beauty to appreciate instead. What''s the point of spending money on this?"


    "Oh, Lin San, please tell me, what does it mean to be pretentious?"


    "Pretentious is, for example, the prostitutes in the brothel are obviously there for people to sleep with, but some of them pretend to be high and mighty, iming they only sell their talents, not their bodies. That''s what it means to be pretentious."


    "That makes sense, it really does," Young Master Guo suddenly felt a sense of camaraderie. "Lin San, I didn''t expect you to have such strong feelings about this. Have you visited brothels before?"


    "No, no," Lin Wanrong hurriedly replied modestly, "It''s just that I''ve heard so many stories about these courtesans who only sell their talents, not their bodies, and I''ve be numb to it. I mean, if you''re in a brothel, you should be selling your body, right? Otherwise, is it still a brothel? And those so-called talented young masters who act all high and mighty in front of the courtesans, iming they appreciate their talents, but we all know what they''re really like behind closed doors. Only you, Young Master, are truly innocent and naturally gifted. You are a true talent."


    Young Master Guo''s eyes sparkled, and he tightly grasped Lin Wanrong''s hand, "Lin San, your words really touched my heart. Here are 20 taels of silver as a reward. Tonight, you can enjoy yourself with me."


    "Thank you, Young Master," Lin Wanrong gratefully epted the silver with a look of "appreciation" on his face. Just a few words had earned him 20 taels of silver  why not be happy about it?


    "Lin San, since you''re so resourceful, can you do me another favor?" Seeing Lin Wanrong ept the silver, Young Master Guo''s face bloomed into a smile, and he asked in a fawning manner.


    "As long as the Young Mastermands, Lin San will obey," Lin Wanrong replied boldly, considering the silver he received.


    "Lin San, do you have a way for me to get closer to this courtesan?" Young Master Guo asked, slightly shy but very direct.


    "Uh, about that, Young Master, aren''t you afraid that Second Miss Xiao and otherdies will disapprove?" Lin Wanrong''s forehead was covered in cold sweat, thinking that Young Master Guo really had guts, daring to make such a request.


    Young Master Guo sighed and said, "It''s like having two dishes on the table. One is delicious butpletely out of reach, while the other is not bad and there''s hope of tasting it. Lin San, if you were me, which one would you choose?"


    "There''s no need to even ask. Naturally, I would eat the one I can reach first." Lin Wanrong tried to suppress hisughter, finding Young Master Guo''s analogy quite interesting despite his naivety.


    "Exactly, that''s the idea. Eat the one that''s reachable first, and then slowly n for the ones that are not yet essible, eventually turning the unreachable into the reachable." Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s agreement, Young Master Guo became excited, inadvertently revealing his ambitious nature.


    People''s boldness determines their achievements. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but admire Young Master Guo''s thick skin despite his naivety.


    "Why, you don''t agree?" Seeing Lin Wanrong standing there in silence, Young Master Guo hurriedly took out another 20 taels of silver and ced it in his hand, looking anxious.


    "It''s not that I don''t agree, it''s just that, Young Master, you''re overestimating me. I haven''t even seen the courtesan''s face, let alone know her name. How can I help you?"


    "No worries, Lin San, with your resourcefulness, you''ll surely find a way. The courtesan''s name is Qin Xian''er. She''s incredibly beautiful, and you''ll know it when you see her. I have no other requests, as long as Miss Qin, the courtesan, can spare me a few more nces and exchange a few words with me, I''ll be content."


    As he mentioned Miss Qin, Young Master Guo seemed somewhat infatuated, as if recalling her beautiful appearance.


    Lin Wanrong curiously asked, "Is this Miss Qin even more beautiful than the otherdies?"


    "Not at all, not at all," Young Master Guo hastily replied. "Just as I said before, one is for looking, and the other is for eating. Which one would you want first?"


    Goodness, Young Master Guo really thought highly of himself. Seeing his infatuated expression, Lin Wanrong secretly chuckled, epted the forty taels of silver, and said, "Well, I''ll try to think of a way to make Miss Qin pay more attention to you and have a few more words with you."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong agree, Young Master Guo was extremely happy. He had an intuition that, with Lin Wanrong''s excellent performance, the courtesan Miss Qin would definitely see him in a new light.


    The Qinhuai River, formerly known as the Huai River, is said to have been excavated through Fangshan and flowed through Jinling City during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Thus, it was named Qinhuai River. After Xiang Yu established the Chu Dynasty, the area continued to thrive for thousands of years. With the development of the economy and culture, the area around the Qinhuai River became even more prosperous.


    The ten-mile Qinhuai River is home to aristocratic families, and a gathering ce for schrs and poets. It is truly a paradise for those who love literature. The Qinhuai River is most famous for itsntern boats. At night, all boats on the river are adorned with colorfulnterns, and people who visit the river always take pleasure in riding these boats.


    Lin Wanrong stood by the Qinhuai River, feeling overwhelmed by emotions. Before him, the river was filled with wealthy merchants, numerous brothels, and boats gracefully gliding on the water. Ancientndmarks, gardens, boats, and bustling streetsbined to create an exceptionally prosperous scene.


    "Young Master, where is the Miaoyu Pavilion you mentioned?" This was Lin Wanrong''s first time visiting a brothel in this world, so he pretended to be a newbie, not wanting to steal Young Master Guo''s thunder.


    As expected, Young Master Guo happily pointed to a pavilion in the distance and said, "See, isn''t it right there?"


    Following the direction of Young Master Guo''s finger, a magnificent four-story pavilion stood in the distance, with colorful banners andnterns hanging high, exuding opulence and grandeur. Even before getting close, one could hear theughter of men and the giggles of women.


    Young Master Guo seemed to be a regr here, and without needing Lin Wanrong to lead the way, he walked past him and headed straight for Miaoyu Pavilion.


    "Young Master Guo, you''ve finallye," the enthusiastic madam greeted him with a loudugh, her plump body and seductive gaze almost making Lin Wanrong lose his appetite.


    The madams of this era were far different from those Lin Wanrong had experienced in the past. Comparing the madams'' appearances and figures to those of his past experiences, the establishments he had visited were of a higher ss than Miaoyu Pavilion. However, in this era, a brothel of this scale and poprity along the Qinhuai River was among the top.


    Without any hesitation, Young Master Guo grabbed the madam''s behind and said, "Sister Han, I''ve missed you so much."


    "Oh, my dear Young Master Guo, why haven''t youe to see your sister for such a long time?" Sister Han replied with augh.


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 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64


    Chapter 64 Resentment


    Young Master Guo wasn''t much of a schr, but he was extremely skilled in ying around. Heughed and pinched her buttocks firmly, saying, "I''ve been traveling for a while and didn''t expect to neglect you, my dear sister. It''s my fault."


    Young Master Guo shamelessly flirted with the brothel madam. His eyes sparkled with joy, as if he had a soft spot for the old woman. "So, this is what Young Master Guo likes," Lin San sneered in his thoughts.


    After flirting for a while, Guo Wuchang threw a handful of shiny silver coins onto the voluptuous chest of Sister Han, who smiled brightly and said, "Thank you, Young Master Guo, for your generosity. All youdies upstairs and downstairs, Young Master Guo is here! Make sure to serve him well."


    Guo Wuchang proudly walked through the entrance of Miaoyu Pavilion, then turned to Lin San and said, "How about that, Lin San? Just learn from this. As long as you have silver, you can have as many women as you want. If someone doesn''t submit, just use your silver to make her lie down." At this moment, he was so pleased with himself that he seemed to forget about Miss Qin, the top courtesan, as if no amount of silver could bring her down.


    "You''re absolutely right, Young Master," Lin San replied with a look of admiration, but he wasughing inside, thinking, ''You need to teach me this? The money I make from gambling can bury you, Young Master Guo.''


    Guo Wuchang might not be as educated or literate as Lin San, but he was definitely more experienced in the world of brothels, and that gave him some pride.


    Throughout this time, neither the madam nor the girls in the courtyard paid any attention to Lin San. In such a ce, where peoplee and go, they had developed keen eyes and never paid attention to the servants apanying their masters. They only cared about the leftovers from the master''s te.


    Although the night was still young, there were already many customers in Miaoyu Pavilion. The ce was bustling withughter and girls flirting with the guests. Their exposed chests and thighs were dazzling. Despite being a seasoned veteran, Lin San found the ce quite intriguing since it was his first time visiting this particr brothel.


    As for the girls in the courtyard, although they were scantily d, none of them caught Lin San''s attention.


    Guo Wuchang expertly caressed the girls on either side of him. Noticing Lin San standing quietly by his side with an ambiguous smile, Young Master Guo asked, puzzled, "Lin San, don''t you like the girls here? Oh, don''t worry about money. Since you''re with me to visit the brothhem, I mean, to find inspiration, I''ll cover all the expenses."


    Although Guo Wuchang wasn''t very cultured, he was good to his subordinates. Lin San chuckled and said, "As long as you''re enjoying yourself, Young Master, I''m still not quite used to this ce."


    He was joking, of course. There were no condoms here, and who knew if these girls carried any diseases. Moreover, none of them caught his eye.


    Guo Wuchang pped his hands and said, "I get it, Lin San! You''re still a virgin, right? Haha, no wonder you''re so nervous. Don''t worry, I''ll pick a couple of girls for you. Once you enter their enchantingir, you''ll never want to leave."


    "You''re so naughty, Young Master," one of the slightly plumper girls on Guo Wuchang''s left wiggled in his arms and nced at Lin San flirtatiously. She had noticed the handsome and virile servant early on.


    Under Young Master Guo''s persistent requests, Lin San, the experienced "virgin," reluctantly sat down. Young Master Guo ordered two average-looking girls for him.


    Lin San was an economical man. Since he had paid for the time, he couldn''t let it go to waste. Although the girls weren''t particrly beautiful, they had nice figures. As long as he didn''t sleep with them, touching them a bit would suffice.


    With someone else footing the bill, Lin San wasn''t shy at all. He skillfully caressed the girls sitting beside him. He knew exactly how to touch a woman, being gentle when needed and firm when appropriate. Within a short time, both girls were flushed and staring at him with lustful eyes, as if they were about to devour this "virgin."


    ''Is Lin San really a virgin? He''s even more skilled than me. Did he teach himself?'' Young Master Guo''s confidence took another hit as he watched Lin San''s expertise.


    "Miss, look, it''s that guy." In a private room on the second floor, a refined young servant spotted Lin San and spoke to the pensive nobleman beside him.


    The handsome nobleman seemed to be deep in thought and didn''t even raise his head as he asked, "Which guy?"


    "The one who provoked you by the Xuanwu Lake that day"


    "What?" The handsome nobleman raised his head in surprise and looked over to see Lin San, his face showing a hint of astonishment.


    "Hmph, he''s still not dead." The handsome nobleman''s expression changed when he saw the two seductive women beside Lin San feeding him fruits. He snorted coldly, "That shameless scoundrel, that disgraceful lowlife. I regret not being more forceful that day. If I had ended him sooner, he wouldn''t be out here corrupting women."


    The young servant nced at him and asked, "What should we do today, Miss?"


    The handsome nobleman angrily handed his longsword to the servant, saying, "Xiuhe, take my sword and end his life, so I don''t have to see him anymore."


    Xiuhe hesitated as she took the sword, "But Miss, isn''t the whole room filled with disgusting men? Should we kill them all?"


    The nobleman scoffed, "All the other men are like insignificant weeds to me. I won''t bother with them. But this scoundrel is unbearable. Go and kill him."


    Xiuhe smiled secretly, so this scoundrel wasn''t as insignificant as weeds after all.


    With a troubled expression, she said, "But Miss, I''ve never killed anyone before, and I''m scared to do it in public. How about this? I''ll capture the scoundrel and bring him to you. You can decide how to kill him."


    As Xiuhe turned to go after Lin San, the handsome nobleman hurriedly said, "Wait"


    Xiuhe turned back slowly. Seeing her puzzled eyes, the nobleman said, "If you rush to capture him like this, won''t we reveal our identity to the Qin family?"


    Xiuhe nodded, "You''re right. Miss, what should we do? This scoundrel is really hateful. I must capture him for you to deal with."


    The handsome nobleman nced at Lin San, who was enjoying himself in the distance, and gritted his teeth, "We have an important mission today. We''ll spare him from death this time. If he continues to act shamelessly in the future, I''ll end his life with my own hands."


    Xiuhe secretly stuck out her tongue. Ever since the drowning incident, her mistress seemed to get angry for no reason. She wondered if it had anything to do with that guy.


    She sneaked a nce at the mischievous servant in the distance, who was shamelessly fondling the woman beside him.


    ''How could someone be so shameless?'' Xiuhe thought, her heart racing as she quickly turned her face away. She noticed her mistress ring at the scoundrel with barely concealed resentment in her eyes.


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 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65


    Chapter 65 Qin Xian''er (Part 1)


    Lin Wanrong didn''t realize that his every move was being watched by others. He couldn''t help but feel that the youngdy beside him had a plump chest and a great touch. He might have been a little too heavy-handed, and she let out a soft moan like a cat, her eyes filled with flirtation.


    "Xiao Hong, when will Miss Qine out tonight?" Young Master Guo asked the woman serving him.


    Xiao Hong gave Young Master Guo a seductive nce, yfully squirming in his arms, and cooed, "Hmm, Young Master Guo, why do you care about Miss Qin when you''re with me? Hmm, I don''t care; I''m sticking with you tonight."


    Guo Wuchangughed heartily, "Little vixen, don''t worry, you''ll be well taken care of tonight. Besides, I just want to hear Miss Qin sing, why are you getting jealous?"


    The enchanting woman on the other side of Young Master Guo said, "Rest assured, Young Master Guo, not only you, but look, there''s also Young Master Cheng and Young Master Luo, many young masters havee to show their support. Miss Qin will definitely make an appearance. When the timees, it''ll be up to your skills, Young Master Guo."


    Young Master Guo''s expression darkened upon hearing the names of Cheng and Luo. When he looked at the two groups sitting on the other side, his spirits dampened.


    Seeing Young Master Guo''s change of expression, Lin Wanrong asked, "What''s wrong, young master?"


    Young Master Guo didn''t want to appear weak in front of thedies of the night, so he smiled and said, "Nothing, I just saw some acquaintances."


    Lin Wanrong nced over and saw six tables in the distance clearly split into two groups, each with young men in their twenties, each surrounding a young person. The two groups ignored each other and chatted amongst themselves.


    The two leading young masters, one on the left, in his twenties, had a fairplexion and a dignified appearance. However, his eyes were shifty, revealing his cunning nature. The one on the right was younger, around eighteen or neen years old, with a jade-like face and red lips, quite handsome.


    The two young masters were clearlypeting, asionally ncing at each other with disdain.


    So these were the famous Young Master Cheng and Young Master Luo? They seemed to be from wealthy and influential families. Lin Wanrong understood why Young Master Guo sighed. Compared to their status and wealth, Young Master Guo had no chance. As for talent, he was even more out of his league. Winning the top courtesan tonight seemed like an impossible task.


    "What''s wrong, brother? Don''t you recognize Young Master Cheng and Young Master Luo?" The girl beside Lin Wanrong whispered as she slid her hand into his chest, caressing him while leaning close to his ear.


    Teased by the girl, Lin Wanrong''s desire gradually ignited. He was no longer a naive man, having experienced all sorts of things with his previous girlfriends, but in this world, he was still a "virgin." Naturally, he didn''t want to waste his precious "first time" on thesedies of the night, so he controlled himself, giving the girl''s ample chest a squeeze and said, "Yeah, it''s my first time in a ce like this. I need your guidance, sister."


    The girl, feeling weak from his touch, knew his prowess and flirtatiously replied, "Brother, stop pretending. If this is your first time here, then I''m still a pure and innocent girl, hehe."


    Lin Wanrongughed, rubbing her behind for a bit. The girl let out a moan before saying, "These two young masters are indeed influential figures. The one on the left, Young Master Cheng, is the son of Jiangsu''s Commander-in-Chief, Cheng De. His name is Cheng Ruinian. The one on the right is even more remarkable. He''s the son of our Jiangsu Governor, Luo Min. His name is Luo Yuan."


    Lin Wanrong had studied some of the ancient books left behind by Old Man Wei and had some understanding of the local government system.


    The Great Hua Dynasty''s local government system consisted of a governor and three divisions: the Administration, the Judiciary, and the Military. The governor was the highest-ranking official in a province, overseeing the three divisions and maintaining the local order.


    However, the Military division was unique. The Commander-in-Chief was in charge of the military but was under the direct control of the central government. This meant that while the governor was the Commander-in-Chief''s superior in name, they didn''t have control over the military. This system was established by the founding emperor to prevent local officials from amassing power and rebelling.


    Although Luo Min, the Governor of Jiangsu, was Cheng De''s superior, they belonged to different factions. Cheng De didn''t fear Luo Min, so naturally, Young Master Cheng Ruinian didn''t fear Young Master Luo Yuan.


    Both young masters were among the most powerful individuals in Jiangsu, each with their own group of influential followers. They often encountered each other, making some shes inevitable, especially whenpeting for the favor of the top courtesan.


    Lin Wanrong thought for a moment and quickly understood the situation. Compared to these two young masters, Young Master Guos status as the son of a county magistrate in Suzhou was practically insignificant.


    It was already dusk, and the Miao Yu Pavilion was bustling with peopleing and going, filled withughter and noise, making it a lively scene. The courtesan called Qin Xian''er hadn''t yet appeared, but the followers of Cheng Ruinian and Luo Yuan were already getting rowdy, with drinks flowing and the atmosphere growing even more intense.


    However, Young Masters Cheng and Luo seemed to maintain their dignity, despite their mutual dislike. They were both schrs and were here to admire Miss Qin, the courtesan, so they didn''t want to embarrass themselves in front of others.


    Luo Min, Luo Yuan? Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered the spectacr scene he had witnessed on Xuanwu Lake, directed by Young Master Hou Yuebai, in which the phoenix courted its mate. Wasn''t the object of that performance the daughter of the Governor of Jiangsu, the so-called number one beauty and talented woman in Jinling? That would make Luo Yuan her brother, right? Judging by Luo Yuan''s pretty boy appearance, the Governor''s daughter must be quite attractive as well. Moreover, ording to Qiaoqiao, Miss Luo was kind-hearted, and it was thanks to her help that Qiaoqiao had the opportunity to learn to read and write.


    As Lin Wanrong pondered, the two girls beside him thought he was scared and yfully reassured him, "Don''t worry, big brother. Although those two young masters have impressive backgrounds, they''re all show and no substance. Look at you, you''re so much stronger than them. I like that."


    Lin Wanrongughed but before he could say anything, a clear "dong" sound rang out, crisp and melodious, like celestial music gracing their ears. The noisymotion in the building suddenly came to a halt.


    "It''s Qin Xian''er!" The followers of Luo Yuan and Cheng Ruinian burst into excited cheers. Young Master Guo, who had been taking advantage of the situation, froze in ce, murmuring, "It''s Miss Qin. Is sheing out?"


    The door to a room in the center of the second floor silently opened, and a beaded curtain hung down. A beautiful silhouette could be seen sitting behind the curtain. Without seeing her face or hearing her voice, just one glimpse was enough to drive the men downstairs wild with excitement.


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 Chapter 66

    Chapter 66


    Chapter 66 Qin Xian''er (Part 2)


    It goes without saying that this enchantingdy was none other than the top courtesan of Miaoyu Pavilion, Qin Xian''er.


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but smirk when he saw Qin Xian''er''s silhouette. Courtesans, as a rule, don''t want to reveal their faces too easily. They like to be mysterious and flirtatious in order to attract more attention. This was no different from the way Lin Wanrong conducted business - creating hype. He was already used to such tactics.


    Qin Xian''er didn''t say a word, her fingers gently plucked the strings, and a heavenly sound approached from a distance, slowly growing louder. At first, it was as soft as a clear spring flowing down a mountain, gradually intensifying like a drizzle in early spring. Listening closely, the music seemed to possess a magical power, swirling above one''s head and whispering in the ear,pletely captivating the listener.


    "Clouds soar above the mountain peaks, the sun sets by the river, lingering by the railing, my eyes filled with misty waves.


    Standing and gazing at the deste scene by the border, a thousand miles of clear autumn, my eyes reluctantly hold back tears.


    The divine capital fades away, the lovely fairy, the silk message from our parting is difficult to reunite.


    The lone wild goose has no proof, it flies down to the sandbank, my thoughts are endless.


    I secretly think back to the time, how many joyous encounters we had;


    Who would have known that we couldn''t foresee our reunion and separation, turning into rain of regret and clouds of sorrow.


    Hindered from pursuing our journey.


    Every time I climb mountains and overlook waters, it brings up my lifelong worries, sinking into darkness, remaining silent for days, only to descend the tower."


    A pleasant female voice emerged, clear and unhurried, as if revealing a young girl''s thoughts, gently expressing the sorrow and resentment in the lyrics.


    This poem, titled "Melodies of the Jade Flute," was written by the famous poet Liu Sanbian from the previous Song Dynasty. Liu Sanbian, a master of poetry and lyrics, devoted his life toposing lyrics and styled himself as the "White-robed Prime Minister." His lyrics were filled with lingering emotions and tender feelings, truly the best of their kind.


    As Qin Xian''er sang the poem, her voice harmonized with the music, bringing out the profound meaning and infusing the lyrics with an indescribable mncholy.


    The previously noisy crowd in Miaoyu Pavilion fell silent, still immersed in the beautiful realm created by Qin Xian''er''s song even after it ended.


    Cheng Ruinian and Luo Yuan, the two young masters, stared nkly at the charming figure behind the beaded curtain, their faces full of admiration. When they nced back at Young Master Guo, he was even more unbearable, his drool dripping down, looking very much like a lovesick fool.


    Even the secretive stunning young master and her servant, who had their own hidden agenda, were immersed in the music and couldn''t break free. After a while, the stunning young master finally sighed, "Hearing this tune today, I won''t crave music for years toe. If this Qin Xian''er isn''t the person I''m looking for, it would be quite delightful to be her sister."


    Among the group, the most clear-headed was Lin Wanrong, who was a lower-ss servant. Qin Xian''er''s singing and musical skills were indeed beautiful, but to someone like Lin Wanrong who was used to electronic synthesized music, it seemed a bit monotonous.


    Lin Wanrong looked around and saw Young Master Guo''s infatuated expression, recalling that he had taken forty taels of silver from him and promised to draw Qin Xian''er''s attention to him.


    Once Qin Xian''er finished her song, she gracefully stood up. A maid on the side lifted the beaded curtain, revealing a face of heavenly beauty in front of everyone.


    Her ck hair was elegantly piled up, her face fair and rosy, with almond-shaped eyes, a delicate nose, and cherry lips. Although dressed in in clothes, she seemed radiant, walking gracefully like a willow swaying in the wind, and her beautiful eyes captivating everyone around her.


    Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a few beats. This Qin Xian''er was really charming, on par with the evil girl Xiao Qingxuan he had met by the Xuanwu Lake, but with an added touch of allure.


    Qin Xian''er smiled, her eyes seemingly containing a mysterious magic that made people unable to resist looking at her again and again. Both men and women in the hall stared at her, seemingly captivated by her charm.


    Qin Xian''er covered her lips andughed softly, saying in a delicate voice, "Greetings, everyone. I am Qin Xian''er."


    The governor''s son, named Luo Yuan, was the first to react, pping his folding fan and saying loudly, "I am Luo Yuan, pleased to meet you, Miss Xian''er."


    Cheng Ruinian followed suit, saying eagerly, "I am Cheng Ruinian, greetings to Miss Xian''er."


    "I am Liu Gengsheng, pleased to meet Miss Xian''er"


    "I am..."


    Seeing dozens of young masters trying to please Qin Xian''er, Lin Wanrong quickly patted Guo Wuchang and urged, "Young Master, Young Master, say something!"


    Guo Wuchang stared at Qin Xian''er with a foolish expression, drooling and unable to speak. Lin Wanrong cursed in his heart, thinking that Young Master Guocked spirit.


    "On behalf of my master, Young Master Guo Wuchang, Lin San, a lower-ss servant from the Xiao family, sends his greetings to Miss Qin," Lin Wanrong said loudly.


    Unfortunately, his voice, though loud, was drowned out by dozens of young masters introducing themselves and bowing to Qin Xian''er, leaving no one to notice the voice of a mere servant like him.


    "Miss, it turns out that the rascal is a servant of the Xiao family. We have found him now." Lin Wanrong''s words were overheard by the stunning young master and her servant, who hadn''t been the intended audience. The stunning young master excitedly said, "Now we''ve found him."


    She then frowned, "Although he''s a bit of a scoundrel, he does have some talent. How could he end up as a servant in the Xiao family?"


    Her servant replied, "He may have some knowledge, but his character is terrible. After how he treated Miss that day, he deserves to be a servant."


    Seeing that no one had heard his voice, Lin Wanrong was annoyed. As the young masters, led by Luo Yuan and Cheng Ruinian, were desperately trying to please Qin Xian''er, and Young Master Guo wasn''t doing anything to help, Lin Wanrong saw a teapot on the table. He grabbed it and smashed it on the ground.


    With a loud "ng," everyone''s attention was drawn to Lin Wanrong. Seeing that all eyes were on him, Lin Wanrong patted Young Master Guo on the back, stood up, and said, "Lin San, a servant of the Xiao family, sends greetings to Miss Qin on behalf of my master, Young Master Guo Wuchang."


    Young Master Guo winced in pain, let out a cry, and quickly wiped the drool off his face. Stuttering, he said, "Mi-mi-miss Qin..."


    Everyoneughed at his stammering. Qin Xian''er smiled at Guo Wuchang and said, "So this is Young Master Guo. Greetings."


    Qin Xian''er had met many people and naturally wouldn''t care about Guo Wuchang and Lin San. After greeting Guo Wuchang, she turned to chat with the others.


    Cheng Ruinian said, "Miss Xian''er, your song earlier was heavenly, as if we were floating on clouds and savoring sweet wine. You not only possess the beauty of a celestial being but also the skill of one. I truly admire you."


    Qin Xian''er covered her mouth andughed, "Young Master Cheng, you tter me. My humble looks and talents could hardly catch the discerning eyes of people like you and Young Master Luo."


    Qin Xian''er''s demeanor was charming, her eyes captivating as she spoke.


    Cheng Ruinian eximed, "Miss Xian''er, you''re too modest. Leaving your stunning beauty aside, just the melody ''Jade Flute'' was so perfect and unparalleled. I have never heard anything so enchanting. You truly deserve to be called a master of our time."


    "You praise me too much," Qin Xian''er modestly replied, but her face showed a hint of pride. Indeed, her musical skills could be considered unparalleled.


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 Chapter 67

    Chapter 67


    Chapter 67 A Startling Remark


    The Governor''s son, Luo Yuan, was rather anxious. Cheng Ruinian had beaten him to the punch, saying all the ttering words, leaving him unsure of how topliment her, somewhat passive.


    Qin Xian''er was alluring as she nced around, her beauty captivating everyone present. Suddenly, a scoff was heard, the sound of disdaining from someone''s nostrils.


    The sound was light, but the hall was so quiet that everyone heard it. Turning towards the sound, they saw it came from a lowly servant apanying young Master Guo.


    Qin Xian''er had seen all sorts of characters. She noticed that though this servant was a lower ss, he carried himself with dignity, showing no fear typical of his kind. A smirk hung on his face, as if he held some disdain for her.


    Internally irritated, Qin Xian''er kept a smile on her face and asked, "May I ask how to address this young master?"


    Lin Wanrong, dressed in themon outfit of a servant - a green robe and small hat, had an obvious status. Qin Xian''er deliberately addressed him as a young master, clearly trying to make him look foolish as revenge for his contempt towards her.


    Lin Wanrong was aware of her petty tricks. He replied with a slight smile, "I dare not ept the title of young master. I am Lin San, a mere servant in the Xiao family of Jinling. I have just greeted Miss Qin on behalf of Young Master Guo."


    Qin Xian''er looked at him with interest, "Is it that my humble skills are not worthy of your esteemed eyes?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "The zither and the music were both good. It''s just" He paused intentionally, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "My young master said, there are at least three mistakes in Miss Qin''s music."


    At Lin Wanrong''s startling words, everyone in the hall was surprised. A servant from the Xiao family was being extremely bold, making such audacious ims.


    "How dare you, you insolent servant." Before Qin Xian''er could respond, Cheng Ruinian was already shouting, "How could you casually nder Miss Qin, who''s as enchanting as a celestial being?"


    Cheng Ruinian was enjoying his conversation with Qin Xian''er until Lin Wanrong spoiled it, naturally, he was upset. But Luo Yuan, seeing someone ruin Cheng Ruinan''s moment, showed a hint of delight on his face.


    Though Lin Wanrong was tough, he knew he would undoubtedly lose in a direct confrontation with Cheng Ruinian at his current strength. He pretended not to hear and focused his gaze on Qin Xian''er, waiting for her response.


    Qin Xian''er gave Guo Wuchang a strange look, then smiled, "Could Young Master Guo please point out the ws in my music?"


    Guo Wuchang was drooling over Qin Xian''er, his pig-like face showed no sign of being able to critique anything.


    Damn, this young master is utterly useless, Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly but said aloud, "My young master is contemting the problem; he asked me to reply on his behalf." Seeing no objection from Qin Xian''er, he continued, "Miss Qin, if there''s a w, it must be noticeable. Pay a little more attention, and it won''t be hard to notice."


    Qin Xian''er retorted challengingly, "Lin San, please enlighten me."


    Ignoring the dismissive tone in Qin Xian''er''s words, Lin Wanrong said: "I dare not take credit for teaching you. Miss Qin, your skills are indeed exquisite, but it''s always challenging to make progress when you''re already at a high level. If I point out your ws today, consider it as me doing you a favor. We in the Xiao family are in the business world, and we value reciprocity. Without some reward, my young master is not inclined to engage in fruitless endeavors."


    Qin Xian''er paused for a moment, then burst into a charming giggle: "No profit, no incentive. You''re right, Lin San. But I wonder, what kind of reward do you have in mind?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled: "It''s simple, as long as Miss Qin agrees to do me one favor."


    "No way!" Cheng Ruinian shouted: "What a scheme from a servant like you! Miss Qin is like a celestial being, she is not someone you can defile."


    Lin Wanrong gave Cheng Ruinian a smile and said, "Young Master Cheng, are you worried about me or Miss Qin?"


    Cheng Ruinian was taken aback by his remark. Indeed, if he hindered this servant, wouldn''t that imply that Miss Qin''s music had ws? That would be a disrespect to thedy.


    As for Luo Yuan, seeing someone spoiling his rival''s good time brought joy to his heart, and he became even more interested, watching Lin San with great amusement.


    Seeing Qin Xian''er still in deep thought, Lin Wanrong teased, "Miss Qin, don''t overthink it. I assure you it''s not as indecent as they imagine."


    Qin Xian''er gave a charming smile, swaying herself to Lin San''s side, and whispered in his ear, "As long as it can convince mepletely, I will fulfill your wish." She smiled at Lin San, but a glint of caution shed in her eyes, clearly wary of him making an inappropriate request.


    Everyone in the hall was startled, not expecting Qin Xian''er to agree to this lowly servant''s request. In their eyes, having a servant point out ws in Qin Xian''er was like a lunatic''s dream.


    "Miss, does Qin Xian''er''s music really have ws? That guy talks so confidently, I wonder what his game is?" Xiu He asked softly.


    The handsome nobleman coldly replied, "That scoundrel may be a libertine, but he does have some skills. He doesn''t seem to be bluffing."


    Seeing Qin Xian''er standing next to Lin San with a smile, the handsome nobleman looked at her with disdain and couldn''t help but mutter, "This shameless vixen!"


    Lin San turned a blind eye to Qin Xian''er''s bewitching gaze andughed out loud, "In that case, I won''t hold back."


    Qin Xian''er giggled, "I''m all ears for your guidance, Lin San."


    Lin San said: "Miss Qin, your skills are exceptional, which I do not deny. However, it''s precisely because of this that you might easily fall into misconceptions. Take the piece you just yed, for example, there are three issues."


    Qin Xian''er''s eyes never left him, seemingly absorbing his words.


    "First, the music is too monotonous and dull. It''s well known that a harmoniousbination of sounds is like a dragon and phoenix showing auspiciousness. A single guqin, even if it''s made from millennium-old wood, can''t produce two different sounds. If you could integrate other instruments, like the sheng or the xiao, for mutual cooperation, the rhythm could be richer, and the harmony could be enhanced."


    Qin Xian''er was taken aback, she quickly asked, "Different instruments have different rhythms. When mixed together, wouldn''t it create noise?"


    Lin San replied, "Miss Qin, how would you know the effect if you''ve never tried it? If you don''t attempt, you''ll never discover anything new. I suggest you try it, there may be a pleasant surprise." This was Lin San''s advice based on his experience with electronic music arrangement, and it was quite reasonable.


    Qin Xian''er thought for a long time, then nodded and said, "Your advice is well received, Lin San. I have learned a lot."


    The handsome nobleman, who was also well-versed in music, pondered for a while and then understood. She nced at Lin San and quietly said, "This rogue does have some insights."


    "Secondly, you focus too much on technique. Miss Qin''s guqin skill is indeed extraordinary, but you fail to infuse your own feelings into it. Remember, the yer''s emotions are what truly control the instrument. If the musician doesn''t y with genuine emotions, the beautiful sounds will be hollow and fail to touch people''s hearts deeply."


    Imagine a courtesan ying the guqin and singing every day, how could she possibly infuse genuine emotions? Lin San was making an educated guess, but it made sense.


    Qin Xian''er pondered for a while and didn''t refute, seemingly epting the point.


    "Thirdly, your performance is overly dramatic and affected. To put it nicely, your song seems to force a feeling of sorrow. To be blunt, it''s an affectedment. Miss Qin, you are still young, and I assume you haven''t yet experienced these matters of love. This kind of mncholic song does not suit your heavenly voice and you''ve yet to grasp its essence."


    Lin San said with a smile, implying that she was still a young girl who had not experienced such things, and her song full ofment was nothing but affectation.


    The handsome nobleman, upon hearing Lin San''s words, couldn''t help but feel some admiration. As Lin San pointed out, thetter two ws were quite evident, yet no one seemed to realize them. Even she, who prided herself on her mastery of music, was no different from Qin Xian''er, often forcing feelings into herpositions. From this perspective, Lin San''s keen observation and ability to see what others couldn''t indeed made him a rare talent.


    Qin Xian''er thought for a long time, her face alternating between red and white. She felt somewhat unconvinced, but she couldn''t refute his points. All she could do was huff lightly, expressing her attitude.


    Confident he had her cornered, Lin San, seeing her upset face, didn''t mind and deliberately asked, "Miss Qin, have you conceded in your heart?"


    Qin Xianer''s facial expression fluctuated mysteriously before she suddenly broke out into a charming smile, staring at Lin San, "I am willing to satisfy any request you have, Lin San."


    Her gaze was fixed intensely on Lin Wanrong''s eyes. As she lightly chuckled, a bewitching glow emanated from her eyes. Lin Wanrong found it increasingly hard to look away. Before him, Qin Xianer was a sight to behold - her almond eyes, finely arched brows, rosy cheeks, and jade-likeplexion were captivating. Her slightly parted, rosy lips seemed to whisper sweet nothings. Her voluptuous figure pressed close to him, and a faint, intoxicating feminine scent wafted into his nostrils.


    The most enchanting feature was her eyes. It was as if a faint light was emanating from them, drawing Lin Wanrong in, making it impossible for him to break away. In his heart, a devilish voice whispered to him, "Relinquish your request to Miss Qin, relinquish your request to Miss Qin."


    "Lin San, what do you request of Miss Qin?" Lin San only heard Miss Qin''s dreamy voice. Her words carried an odd enchantment that left Lin San with no will to resist.


    "I have no request to" Lin San, sumbing to the mysterious voice in his heart, began to speak when he was interrupted by a loud crash. A teapot from the floor above had fallen and shattered into pieces.


    Miss Qin staggered slightly, herplexion paled. She nced upstairs but saw nothing unusual. Lin Wanrong, jolted by the noise, regained his senses. He recalled what had just happened, and it seemed as if he had been under some sort of spell, almost agreeing to her request. Could there be something strange in her eyes?


    "Miss, are you alright?" Xiu He asked softly.


    "That Qin Xianer is indeed not simple. That scoundrel nearly fell for her tricks," said the handsome young man. It was she who secretly manipted the situation, throwing the teapot from a table upstairs to wake Lin San.


    "Could this Qin Xianer be the person we''re looking for?" Xiu He asked.


    "Even if she isn''t, she must be rted in some way," the handsome young man replied, her eyes emitting a chilling re as she stared at Miss Xiao.


    Seeing Lin San regain his senses, Qin Xianer knew her n had failed. Being a cunning woman, she feigned shyness and lowered her head, saying, "Lin San, why are you staring at me like that?"


    Those in the hall, unaware of Lin San''s near fall under Qin Xianer''s spell, saw their intimate exchange and started chattering. Cheng Ruinan had already rushed forward, standing in front of Qin Xianer and addressing Lin San, "You audacious servant, how dare you disrespect Miss Qin!"


    Miss Qin hid behind Cheng Ruinan, feigning a weak demeanor while a cunning smile shed across her eyes. Lin San, being a shrewd individual, pondered over the situation. Although he wasn''t sure what kind of spell he had fallen under, it was undoubtedly this Qin Xianer who had yed a trick on him.


    Lin San felt a surge of anger, a cold smile surfacing on his face, "Miss Qin, since you have conceded, it''s time for me to state my conditions."


    "You dare? Seize this disruptive servant!" Cheng Ruinan ordered loudly.


    "Wait, wait." The Young Master called Luo Yuan stepped forward and asked, "Brother Ruinan, what rule has Lin San vited?"


    "Er..." Cheng Ruinan was momentarily speechless. Everyone in the hall heard Lin San''s bet with Miss Qin. If Luo Yuan weren''t here, he might have been able to smooth this over by force to win over Miss Qin''s favor. But now Luo Yuan, the son of the governor of Jiangsu, was present. His father and the governor Luo Min were at odds, and he himself had a feud with Luo Min''s son. This situation might not be so easy to defuse.


    Luo Yuan smiled at Lin San, then covertly gave him a thumbs-up, as if to say, I''ve got your back, bro.


    Seeing that Luo Yuan was not much older than Dong Qingshan and quite good-looking, plus his sister''s good rtionship with Dong Qiaoqiao, Lin San felt some goodwill towards this Young Master Luo. He returned Luo Yuan''s smile.


    At this point, Young Master Guo, noticing that Lin San was about to make a move on Miss Qin, also came to his senses and hastily said, "Lin San, don''t be rude." Having finally obtained an opportunity to get close to a beauty, he quickly shed a ttering smile at Miss Qin, "Miss Qin, I hope Lin San didn''t frighten you."


    Miss Qinughed, "No, Lin San and I were just betting. I''m willing to admit defeat. I wonder what Lin San''s request is?"


    Young Master Guo quickly said, "How dare I make any requests of Miss Qin?"


    Miss Qin didn''t give him any face and said, "I''m not asking you, Young Master Guo, to make a request. I lost to Lin San, so I''m asking him."


    Damn, she''s trying to stir up discord between master and servant, Lin Wanrong thought angrily. He said to Miss Qin, "My request is on behalf of my young master." He whispered to Guo Wuchang, "Young Master, don''t you want Miss Qin to see you in a new light? Just keep quiet and watch what I do."


    With that bait, Guo Wuchang immediately nodded, "Alright, Lin San, I''ll listen to you."


    Lin San gave Miss Qin a nce, a mysterious smile appearing on his face, "Since Miss Qin is a woman of her word, I won''t hold back."


    For some reason, Qin Xianer felt a twinge of fear at his smile. He wouldn''t really make that kind of request, would he? Her heart pounded a few times, and she clenched her small fist.


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 Chapter 68

    Chapter 68


    Chapter 68 Singing Eighteen Touches (Part 1)


    Even though Cheng Ruinian and Luo Yuan were at odds, they both jumped when they saw thescivious smile on Lin Wanrong''s face. Could this servant really have the audacity to make an outrageous request?


    Of course, the two men had slightly different concerns. Cheng Ruinian was worried that this servant might steal his thunder, while Luo Yuan was a mix of admiration, appreciation, and amusement.


    "Miss, what kind of request do you think he''ll make?" Xiu He asked in a whisper.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong staring intently at Qin Xian''er, the extremely handsome young master felt irritated and snapped, "This man is cunning and strange. Who knows what crazy idea he has in mind. Just look at his disgusting smile; he must be nning something devious. Xiu He, when the timees, take my sword and kill this scoundrel once and for all. This will save me from having to look at him again."


    "Ah? Kill him?" Xiu He was genuinely taken aback.


    Seeing a hint of fear in Qin Xian''er''s eyes, Lin Wanrong didn''t care if it was real or not. He felt incredibly satisfied. He took a few slow steps to stand in front of her, watching her with a smile, yet not saying a word.


    They were standing very close to each other. The fragrance from Qin Xian''er''s body entered Lin Wanrong''s nose, a scent so intoxicating.


    Qin Xian''er was wearing a soft gauze around her bosom. Her full chest rose and fell with each breath, her slender waist twisting slightly. Following her curves down, her enchanting buttocks appeared and disappeared from Lin Wanrong''s sight, creating an indescribable temptation.


    In her pitiful state, Qin Xian''er stuck out her chest a little, looked at Lin Wanrong coquettishly, a spark in her eyes. She even stuck out her small, vibrant tongue and lightly licked her enticing red lips, softly saying, "Young Master Lin, please be gentle with me."


    This little girl truly knew her charm. A wicked fire rose in Lin Wanrong''s heart, and a hot breath escaped his nose. Looking at Qin Xian''er, a wild gleam in his eyes, he said word by word, "Iwantyou"


    Crash, the sound of numerous teacups shattering on the ground. Not only were Cheng Ruinian, Luo Yuan, and Young Master Guo dumbfounded, but Qin Xian''er''s heart also pounded. Damn, this guy really has guts, many men thought enviously.


    The handsome young master handed her long sword to Xiu He, gritting her teeth, "Quick, kill this scoundrel."


    Seeing everyone''s eyes on him, as if ready to chop him to pieces, Lin Wanrong continued with a smile, "tosinga littlesong"


    Pheweveryone in the hall let out a long sigh of relief. This servant was sensible enough not to make an excessive demand. Besides, hearing Qin Xian''er sing was what everyone wanted, so they all withdrew their murderous looks from him. Some were even somewhat grateful to him. It was because of his proposal that they had another chance to listen to a voice as beautiful as a celestial melody.


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s words, the handsome young master was first taken aback, then she burst outughing. This scoundrel liked to keep people on tenterhooks by pretending to be profound.


    "Miss, what should we do? Should we still kill him?" Xiu He, holding the precious sword, asked.


    The young master gently shook her head, "Let''s wait and see."


    Upon hearing Lin San''s previous statement, Qin Xian''er''s face flushed, and a murderous intent appeared in her eyes. But when she heard his following words, she was dumbfounded. She finally realized that she had fallen for this servant''s trick and he had made a fool of her.


    Qin Xian''er nced at him with infinite charm and with a sweet smile on her face, "Whatever the young master asks for, Xian''er will surely deliver. But may I ask what song would the young master like to hear?"


    Lin Sanughed heartily, "If I asked for a certain song, could Miss Qin perform it?"


    Qin Xian''er was fully confident in her skills, she nodded proudly, "Of course, as long as the young master can name it, Xian''er will not disappoint you."


    Lin San chuckled inwardly, feigning a thoughtful expression on his face. After a long pause, he said, "As a humble servant, I have no knowledge of music and haven''t heard many good songs. However, when I entered this courtyard just now, I heard a youngdy singing a charming tune that really caught my fancy. Therefore, I would like to request Miss Qin to perform that song."


    Qin Xian''er saw the sly smile on his face, which was identical to his strange expression earlier. She had a bad feeling, but singing a small tune was as easy as flipping her hand for her. She didn''t believe that this servant coulde up with anything tricky.


    "I just need to know the name of the song, and Xian''er will surely satisfy young master." Qin Xian''er''s charming smile made the men in the hall dry-mouthed.


    "Miss Xian''er, do you know how to sing ''Eighteen Touches''?" Lin San asked with a smile. His voice was soft, but everyone could hear it clearly.


    [The Eighteen Touches or Shiba Mo (Chinese: ) is a traditional Chinese folk song with many variants throughout China. The song is flirtatious, bawdy and erotic in nature, considered vulgar and tasteless it has been banned numerous times.[1]


    There are male, female, and duet variants. Some versions start with a touch of the hair, followed by nape, with each subsequent touch bing increasingly intimate. The female versions often feature an attempted seduction through offering to allow a man to touch her in various ces, some male versions a seduction through promising some reward if she allows him to touch her there. The duets pair each offered or threatened touch with a consequence, e.g. "...I can''t touch you there, if I do you''ll die of bliss."]


    Silence!


    Absolute silence!


    The men in the hall gaped, and the women covered their mouths, all looking at Lin San in disbelief.


    The previously arrogant Master Cheng Ruinian stretched his neck, staring nkly at Lin San, clearly shocked by the servant''s astonishing words.


    The young master of the Governor''s Mansion, Luo Yuan, covered his mouth tightly, suppressing hisughter. His face was full of yful admiration. He thought, This servant, damn interesting.


    All the young masters in this hall were regrs of the red-light district, so they all knew what ''Eighteen Touches'' was. If it was about having a drink and singing ''Eighteen Touches'', it would be lively. But to ask this top-notch courtesan who sells her talent, not her body, to sing this provocative tune was utterly audacious. Not to mention Qin Xian''er''s unparalleled beauty, her world-ss music skills alone made it somewhat demeaning for her to perform a simple tune. But they never thought that this wicked servant would be so vulgar as to ask Qin Xian''er to sing such a frivolous erotic song.


    The men in the courtyard suddenly had a strong feeling, wondering what it would be like if this top-notch courtesan sang ''Eighteen Touches''. They might even thank this servant named Lin San for giving them a chance to see the seductive performance of the top beauty of Qinhuai River singing ''Eighteen Touches''.


    Even though Qin Xian''er has encountered all kinds of people, at this moment, seeing this servant look down on her so disdainfully, her face pales for a moment. She red fiercely at Lin Wanrong, the light in her eyes fierce enough to kill him ten thousand times over.


    The extraordinarily handsome young master''s face flushed in embarrassment. She looked at Lin Wanrong from a distance, spat lightly, and muttered under her breath, "This lowborn fellow truly is a rogue. Despite having a bit of talent, he''s so utterly disgraceful."


    "Afraid to sing, are you?" Lin Wanrong looked at Qin Xian''er, the corner of his mouth curving into a cold smirk, thinking, What kind of courtesan are you? This young master detests those of you who are pretentious.


    Even though Qin Xian''er was a courtesan, she was genuinely pure and virtuous, and held a high status. How could she endure such an insult?


    She bit her lip in resentment. Thankfully, she still had some self-control, and remembered her promise. She looked at Lin Wanrong, a hint of shy embarrassment in her eyes. "Young Master, could we change the song? I''ve never sung this one before, and I''m afraid I won''t be able to."


    "Unable to sing?" Lin Wanrong took a few steps forward, approached another singing courtesan, and took her hand. "Thisdy can sing it, why can''t you?"


    The courtesan, long ustomed to a life without dignity, found Lin Wanrong''s words resonating with her. As if emboldened, she bravely met Lin Wanrong''s gaze, a glint of tears in her eyes.


    Qin Xian''er''s face shifted from red to white, her chest rising and falling with emotion. She suppressed the anger in her heart. Despite her beauty and the flirtatious charm of her anger, to an outsider, it seemed as if there was a romantic exchange between the two.


    Seeing that bewitching look in Qin Xian''er''s eyes again, and the resentment on her face enough to melt any man''s heart, Lin Wanrong knew that this girl was up to her seductive "magic" again.


    He had been fooled before, and remembering that he had already fallen for it once, he dared not meet her gaze. He turned his head and said loudly, "Miss Qin, even though you are the most favored courtesan in Miaoyu Pavilion, loved and adored by all the young masters, at the end of the day, you are still part of Miaoyu Pavilion. Even though you are beautiful and talented, a brothel is a brothel, not a theater or restaurant. What is sold here are bodies and smiles. The otherdies here may not be as beautiful as you, but fundamentally, there is no difference between you and them. They are your sisters. If they can sing, why can''t you? Does being beautiful put you above your sisters?"


    The other courtesans were all women, and although they sold their bodies, they still retained some dignity. Lin Wanrong''s words stirred their hearts. Why should she only sell smiles while they must sell their bodies? Some of the courtesans, reminded of their own hardships, discreetly wiped away their tears. They felt vindicated, their eyes were drawn to Lin Wanrong, full of emotion and fiery passion.


    Lin Wanrong''s words were meant to stir up tension between Qin Xian''er and the other courtesans. Yet, they only garnered sympathy from everyone present, and nobody could refute him.


    Regardless of what others might think, Lin Wanrong sighed and slowly recited,


    "Speechless in the nted evening sun of Qinhuai, every home by the water reflects the red makeup. Spring wind oblivious to the changing jade countenance, still the songs of joy circle the painted boats. Under the bright moon, hearts are breaking!"


    With just a few simple sentences, he encapsted the world-weariness hidden behind the mour of Qinhuai. Those who were forced to put on a smile in the courtyard were all pitiful women, each with their own heartbreaks. These short twenty-odd words expressed their destion, evoking deep emotions.


    Qin Xian''er was stunned for a moment before she let out a long sigh, "Your talent is admirable, Young Master."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss Qin, you don''t need to admire me. All of this knowledge I have is taught by my Young Master. If you are interested, you should spend more time with him. I believe you won''t be disappointed."


    "Oh, really?" Qin Xian''er looked at Young Master Guo with a smile, her voice sweet, "I wonder if Young Master Guo would give me that opportunity?"


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 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69


    Chapter 69 Singing "Eighteen Touches" (Part 2)


    Hearing those words, the men in the hall were immediately envious. It was clear that Miss Qin Xian''er was inviting Young Master Guo. Such a golden opportunity, once seized, would inevitably lead to being a guest in Miss Qin''s private quarters.


    Lin Wanrong shot several nces at Guo Wuchang, and Young Master Guo finally showed a touch of intelligence, realizing that Lin San was creating an opportunity for him. He quickly got up and bowed, saying, "At Miss Xian''er''smand, I dare not disobey."


    Qin Xian''er returned the bow with a smile, then nced at Lin Wanrong, a hint of shyness appearing on her face. "As for this little song, would you mind if I sing it for you alone, Young Master?"


    Qin Xian''er''s eyes were as beautiful as a painting, her smile carrying a hint of coquettishness. She seemed shy, yet her eyes were as calm as still water, betraying no sign of unease.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "I''m just a crude person. If thedy feels like it, please spend more time talking with my Young Master. As for the song, whether it''s sung or not, it doesn''t really matter anymore."


    Qin Xian''er slowly walked up to Lin Wanrong, her body close to his. Her eyes seemed to gaze at him, yet there was a yful look in them. Lin Wanrong remembered the tricks she had used before, almost causing him to lose his soul, so he quickly distanced himself a bit.


    Seeing his movement, Qin Xian''er couldn''t help but blush, covering her mouth to suppress a giggle. Her body slightly trembling, causing the curves of her chest to create a delightful wave. She opened her lips lightly, "You seemed eager just now, but now you seem so reserved. Are you ying hard to get?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss Qin, you''re like a fairy. In front of you, how dare I y such games? That would be aughingstock."


    Qin Xian''er heard his sarcastic remark, knowing that her attempt to bewitch him with her eyes had been seen through. She sighed softly, whispering, "How am I a fairy in your eyes? To you, I''m just a courtesan who can''t even sing ''Eighteen Touches.'' If it wasn''t for this body, you wouldn''t even give me a nce."


    She bit her lower lip, her eyes filled with mncholy, sounding resentful. To those unaware, it could be mistaken for her acting coy. However, Lin Wanrong was utterly clear-headed. Courtesans like her took pleasure in toying with men. If he foolishly believed that he was favored by her, he''d be utterly mistaken.


    Seeing Qin Xian''er still pretending to be shy, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help butugh inwardly. He said, "''Eighteen Touches'' is a good song. You should learn it well. If you don''t mind, I am quite familiar with it, perhaps we could delve into it further."


    His words, not only frivolous but entirely debasing, caused Qin Xian''er''s face to flush. She gave him a stern look, turned around, flicked her sleeves, and ascended the building.


    With Qin Xian''er''s departure, the previously silent brothel was lively again. The two girls by Lin Wanrong''s side were smitten by his audacious remarks, leaning into him with their voluptuous bodies.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said to Guo Wuchang, "Young Master, Miss Qin will invite you in for a chat shortly. I''ll wait for you outside."


    With Lin San''s assistance, Young Master Guo''s dreams came true, making him particrly delighted. He eximed, "Lin San, I didn''t expect you to be so resourceful. If things work out between me and Miss Xian''er in the future, I will definitely repay you handsomely."


    Called him fat and he started panting. This Young Master Guo really did have a fearless ignorance. However, Lin Wanrong liked this kind of straightforward person with no hidden agenda, though a bit naive, his honesty was a plus.


    While the two were talking andughing, they suddenly saw a Young Master named Luo Yuaning over with a smile, he made a fist salute to Guo Wuchang, "Is this Young Master Guo? I''m Luo Yuan, nice to meet you, Brother Guo."


    Guo Wuchang hurriedly stood up and returned the salute, "So it''s Young Master Luo, I''m honored." Although Luo Yuan referred to him as ''Brother'', he knew his status was far inferior to Luo Yuan''s, and naturally, he didn''t dare to act superior.


    Luo Yuan smiled and said, "I feel like I''ve seen Brother Guo somewhere before, where could it have been?"


    Guo Wuchang responded respectfully, "Last year at the governor''s birthday, my father took me to your mansion."


    "Oh, and who is your father"


    "My father is Guo Quanyou, the county magistrate of Suzhou, Ning County." Guo Wuchang said.


    "Oh, so you''re the son of Mr. Guo. No wonder you looked familiar, my apologies." Luo Yuanughed. In fact, he couldn''t remember Guo Quanyou at all, but as a warm-hearted person, he didn''t want to admit it.


    Young Master Guo, seeing that the governor''s son actually recognized his father, felt a sense of being ttered. He, who was unskilled and ipetent, was far removed from the powerful and influential young masters of Jinling. Today, seeing the governor''s son take the initiative to strike up a conversation, he was naturally thrilled.


    Luo Yuanughed twice, his gaze falling on Lin Wanrong. He said to Young Master Guo, "Earlier, I saw this Brother Lin speaking so eloquently, full of wit and intelligence. It''s impressive that you could mentor such a talent, Brother Guo, I''m quite envious."


    Guo Wuchang wasn''t that dull. He knew Luo Yuan was interested in his servant, and he quickly said, "Lin San,e and greet Young Master Luo."


    Lin Wanrong had a good impression of Luo Yuan, who had helped him out during his heated debate with Cheng Ruinian. He smiled and made a fist salute, "Lin San, a servant of the Xiao family, at your service, Young Master Luo."


    Luo Yuanughed, "Brother Lin, there''s no need for such formality. I just find you to be an interesting person and want to befriend you. If you act distant, it might seem awkward."


    Despite Luo Yuan being the son of a governor, he was approachable and didn''t have the arrogance of those young masters, which made him far better than Cheng Ruinian. Lin Wanrong also dropped the formalities andughed, "Earlier, thank you, Brother Luo, for speaking up for me."


    Luo Yuan waved his hand and said, "Brother Lin, you''re too kind. I just can''t stand people who clearly have no ability but always like to point fingers and criticize others. On the contrary, you, Brother Lin, are both brave and strategic, your insights and courage are beyond anyone I''ve met, I truly admire you."


    He nced around, then lowered his voice and said, "What you said to Miss Qin earlier really resonated with me. I''m annoyed that I didn''t think of it myself. Otherwise, I wouldn''t have let you take all the glory, and I''m sure Miss Qin would''ve seen me in a new light."


    Luo Yuan was straightforward and closed the distance between them in just a few words. Most people, due to their status, would naturally not dare to befriend the governor''s son, but Lin Wanrong was different. He didn''t see himself as a servant and had no qualms about bing friends with Luo Yuan. He chuckled and said, "To be frank with you, Brother Luo, I always feel that no matter how beautiful the girls in the brothel are, they are still brothel girls. As for women, give them a bit of attention and they''ll set up a dye shop, all the pomp and circumstance is just to hook us men. I, for one, won''t let them get their way. I''ve never let a woman ride on my head."


    Luo Yuan pped the table andughed, "Brilliant! What you said is absolutely brilliant, Brother Lin. These women, if you don''t discipline them for three days, they''ll start causing a ruckus, we can''t spoil them."


    Lin Wanrong heartily agreed with this view. Luo Yuan, however, furrowed his brows and said, "However, this Qin Xian''er, not only is she beautiful, but she also has a unique arrogance. I''ve asked to see her several times, but I''ve never had the chance. That Cheng Ruinian, as far as I know, hasn''t had much luck either. Today, hearing your words, Brother Lin, felt like a weight off my chest, it was truly satisfying."


    Lin Wanrong looked puzzled, "Wait, Brother Luo, aren''t you here for Miss Qin?"


    Luo Yuan nodded and then shook his head, "Qin Xian''er is indeed a beauty, it would be a lie to say that I don''t admire her. However, seeing how she looks down on all men, it''s naturally unpleasant for me. Regrettably, I''m not clever enough to deal with Qin Xian''er. Fortunately, you, Brother Lin, appeared tonight and shattered Miss Qin''s arrogance, restoring the face of us Jinling men."


    Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat. He had merely had a verbal spat with a woman, but now it had been elevated to the level of fighting for the honor of men.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s puzzled expression, Luo Yuan chuckled, "Don''t tell me you don''t believe it, Brother Lin. There are many people who think like me. Only those unlearned fools always like to y at being sophisticated by following in others'' shadows."


    While he was talking, his eyes were fixed on Cheng Ruinian in the distance, a cold smirk on his face. Needless to say, the person he referred to as following in others'' shadows was naturally the son of the Commander-in-Chief.


    These power struggles among the young masters, all involved contests of power. Before he could figure out the situation, Lin Wanrong didn''t want to get involved, so he just smiled and said nothing.


    Suddenly remembering something, Luo Yuan said, "Hehe, Brother Lin, do you have any idea what it''s like when Miss Qin sings the ''Eighteen Touches''? How does itpare to the seductive Xiao Taohong from Lichun Courtyard?"


    This young man, filled with lust butcking in courage and with a thin skin, reallycked the knack for courting girls. Seeing Luo Yuan indulging in his fantasies, Lin Wanrong found it somewhat amusing and said, "Brother Luo, I haven''t heard Xiao Taohong sing, but I''m sure the taste of Miss Qin''s singing won''t disappoint."


    Luo Yuan sighed, "I''m afraid I won''t have that good fortune. But you, Brother Lin, and you, Brother Guo, you two might have some hope."


    Seeing Luo Yuan sighing, Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Brother Luo, when ites to pursuing girls, to be honest, it''s actually extremely simple."


    "Oh?" Hearing this topic, Luo Yuan immediately perked up, "Brother Lin, do you have any insights? Please share them with me." Even Young Master Guo, who had been pretending to be serious on the side, also brightened his eyes and perked up his ears to listen to his words.


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 Chapter 70

    Chapter 70


    Chapter 70 Whos Helping Whom to Redeem? (Part 1)


    Drawing from his experiences in his previous life, Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "There''s nothing to it but to be bold, observant, and thick-skinned. That''s my three-word mantra."


    "Bold, observant, and thick-skinned?" Luo Yuan furrowed his eyebrows, "What does that mean? Brother Lin, could you borate?"


    "Being bold, as the name suggests, means to be courageous. If you fancy a youngdy, you should bravely strike up a conversation with her. It''s better to make a mistake than to let an opportunity pass."


    Better to make a mistake than to miss an opportunity? That was a ruthless strategy. Both Luo Yuan and Young Master Guo gave a thumbs up.


    "Being observant involves paying attention to the girl''s emotions. Notice when she''s happy or upset, remember her birthday, know when her auntes to visit"


    [Auntes to visit means having a period]


    Seeing the puzzled looks on their faces, Lin San quickly exined, "Oh, by ''aunt,'' I mean a rtive from her family. Anyway, depending on the situation, you should present yourself differently. Be gentle, domineering, or wretched to stir up her dominating, maternal, and soft instincts. Make her feel your presence when you''re around and miss you when you''re not."


    This was quite profound, and it was a bit too much for the two of them toprehend. Such things could only be understood through experience, and Lin San couldn''t exin it any clearer.


    "As for being thick-skinned, it goes without saying. When pursuing a girl, never give up easily when faced with setbacks. Keep going, fight harder, until she''s moved by your persistence."


    After Lin San finished speaking in one breath, Luo Yuan and Guo Wuchang were left stunned. Such methods of pursuing girls were indeed unthinkable, but upon further reflection, they made a lot of sense.


    Lin San continued to chat with Luo Yuan and found they had a lot inmon. Although Luo Yuan came from a bureaucratic family, he didn''t have the usual arrogance. He was young, but his conversation was refined, and his knowledge was extensive, spanning from astronomy to geography. He was fond of all kinds of oddities. His indulgence in pleasure was just a youthful inclination, driven by his rivalry with Cheng Ruinian.


    Luo Yuan''s interests resonated with Lin San, who was a connoisseur in these areas. When Lin San talked about astronomy, geography, and various strange matters, Luo Yuan was not only unfamiliar with them, but he hadn''t even heard of them.


    In a short while, Luo Yuan was bombarding Lin San with questions, growing more and more amazed and admiring of Lin San with every response. Even Young Master Guo, attracted by all the novel topics, asionally chimed in with questions. The three of them were engaged in a lively chat, and time flew by quickly.


    After a while, a maid came up to Guo Wuchang and said, "Master Guo, my Young Miss requests your presence."


    Guo Wuchang, engrossed in Lin San''s stories, was a bit taken aback by this and stammered, "Who''s your Young Miss?"


    Lin San, defeated by Guo Wuchang''s oblivion, quickly stood up and said, "Please tell Miss Qin that my Young Master will be there shortly."


    "Right, right," Guo Wuchang finally remembered his appointment with Miss Qin, and quickly got up, "My deardy, I''ll follow you right away."


    Lin San gave a wry smile at Guo Wuchang''s haste, thinking it was quite unbing for a man. He wondered when Guo Wuchang would ever mature.


    The maid then said, "My Young Miss instructed me to ask Young Master Lin and Young Master Guo to apany her. She said that she wants to properly express her gratitude for your valuable advice today."


    Remembering that enchanting look of the young miss, Lin Wanrong felt his heart skip a beat. He put on a smile and said, "My dear miss, I shall pass. All the knowledge I sharedes from my Young Master, who is much more learned than I am."


    The maid giggled and said, "My Young Miss said that if Young Master Lin doesn''te, she will pack her things and join him tonight."


    "What" Lin San, Young Master Guo, and Luo Yuan all stood up in shock, their mouths wide enough to fit arge egg.


    The girl is trying to trick me, was Lin Wanrong''s first thought. If others heard this, they would surely gang up and kill him.


    To clear his involvement, Lin Wanrong quickly said, "Miss Qin loves to joke. Since she insists on inviting me, it would be rude not to go. Young Master, shall we go together?"


    Although he would love to face Miss Qin alone, Guo Wuchang knew his limits. He feared that Miss Qin would see through him and kick him out in no time. Having Lin San along would naturally make him feel more at ease. So he nodded and said, "Since Miss Qin has kindly invited us, Lin San, you shoulde with me."


    Luo Yuan gave Lin San a suggestive look and smirked, "In that case, Brother Lin, Brother Guo, you can go at ease. I will cover for you, ha-ha."


    Luo Yuan, whom they had just met, was quite decent. Lin San felt a certain affinity with him andughed, "Then, Brother Luo, we will have a more detailed discussion when we have time."


    Luo Yuan bowed his fist and said, "Brother Lin is talented. I will definitely visit you in the future."


    I''m just a lowly servant, where are you going to visit me? Lin Wanrong thought amusedly. This Luo Yuan is quite interesting.


    Lin Wanrong and Young Master Guo followed the maid, crossing the main hall and heading upstairs.


    The men in the hall knew that these two were favored by Miss Qin and were going to visit her. Perhaps one of them would even be the favored guest of this pure and elegant courtesan. They were filled with envy.


    Cheng Ruinian watched their retreating figures, frustrated. However, his rival Luo Yuan seemed to have made friends with them, leaving him with no immediate solution.


    "What shall we do, Miss?" Xiu He asked her master.


    The beautiful young master bit her lip and said, "Follow them, let''s find out what Miss Qin is up to."


    Lin San and Young Master Guo followed the maid into arge room on the second floor. The room was clean and serene, with the scent of sandalwood wafting through the air, invigorating the spirit.


    There were calligraphies and paintings hanging on the wall. Lin Wanrong couldn''t tell who the authors were, but Young Master Guo was taken aback. These were the works of renowned schrs of their time. Although he seldom studied, he still recognized the names. He knew that Miss Qin was famous for her beauty, but he hadn''t expected her to have connections with so many distinguished people. Young Master Guo felt somewhat inferior.


    Seeing Young Master Guo''s dejected expression, Lin San hurriedly asked, "Young Master, what''s the matter?"


    Young Master Guo sighed and said, "These calligraphies and paintings are made by the most famous artists of our time. The gap between Miss Qin and me is truly vast."


    Lin San thought, At least he has some self-awareness. However, Young Master Guo had been kind to him, so he wouldn''t kick him while he was down. He smiled and said, "Young Master, people have different destinies. There''s no need to envy them. Although this room is full of famous paintings, I don''t see Miss Qin attaching great importance to them. I guess her interactions with these people are rather superficial. Knowing everyone in the world, but not having a single close friend, Miss Qin is actually quite pitiful."


    This conversation highlighted the difference between Young Master Guo and Lin Wanrong. Facing the same situation and both not understanding calligraphy and painting, Young Master Guo felt self-pity, while Lin Wanrong managed to perceive the host''s mindset.


    After sitting in the room for a while, a maid came and invited Young Master Guo, saying, "Master Guo, please follow me."


    Lin Wanrong also wanted to follow, but the maid stopped him, saying, "My young miss asked Young Master Lin to wait here for a while."


    Although Lin Wanrong''s original intention was to facilitate for Young Master Guo, he felt somewhat disgruntled when Miss Qin showed no respect. He thought, What''s she showing off for? I will make her sing "Eighteen Touches"ter.


    When Young Master Guo was around, they could chat. But now that he was gone, Lin Wanrong felt a bit bored sitting alone.


    After sipping some of the fragrant pine nut tea served by the maid, he was about to move around when he heard a woman''s voice from inside the room, "Knowing everyone in the world, yet having no close friends. Young Master Lin, is this how you see me?"


    The bead curtain was lifted, and a graceful figure walked out from the inner room. It was the stunningly beautiful Miss Qin.


    She seemed to have just taken a bath, her hair hanging loosely, her face blushed, her eyes twinkling with a hint of a smile, and a faint jasmine fragrance emanating from her body. This simple and elegant appearance made her beauty even more extraordinary.


    "So, the young miss was hiding in the room listening to me talk. I''m really ttered." Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    "I wasn''t eavesdropping. I live in this room, and Young Master Lin spoke a bit too loud, so I happened to hear that sentence," Miss Qin replied with a charmingugh.


    "So, can I be considered as a guest in Miss Qin''s boudoir then?" Lin Wanrong joked.


    "Only just barely," Miss Qin''s smile became even more radiant.


    So, it turned out that this room was Miss Qin''s private chamber. No wonder the outer room was decorated so elegantly.


    Suddenly, Lin Wanrong remembered something. The maid had led Young Master Guo out earlier, presumably not to see Miss Qin. Damn, if Young Master Guo isn''t careful, those maids might gang up on him.


    Miss Qin''s eyes sparkled, as if she knew what he was thinking. She covered her lips and giggled, "You''re quite a smooth talker, but you also have some loyalty. Don''t worry, your Young Master will be well taken care of."


    Since she said so, Lin Wanrong felt relieved andughed, "He is my Young Master, of course I should care. But Miss Qin, why did youe to me instead of seeing my Young Master?"


    Miss Qin gave him a nce and snorted, "Hmph, don''t think I don''t know. Those words were all fabricated by you, trying to tarnish Young Master Guo. I won''t fall for your tricks."


    She frowned slightly, looking a bit annoyed but also amused, like an innocent young girl who was endearing. From these few sentences, it was hard to tell which were true and which were false.


    Lin Wanrong wasn''t fooled by her. Heughed, "Miss Qin, don''t mind who said it, just tell me whether the words were right or not."


    Miss Qin said with a fit of feigned anger, "There''s some truth in it, but how could I admit it in front of so many people? I''m ady after all."


    Miss Qin pouted, her beautiful eyes nced slightly, her face showing a hint of annoyance and shyness, truly a captivating beauty.


    Lin Wanrong knew himself well. Miss Qin''s act in front of him wasn''t because she had taken a liking to him, but she must have some kind of n. Recognizing this, Lin Wanrong felt no apprehension andughed, "Let''s put all that aside. Miss Qin, have you learned the little tune I wanted to hear?"


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 Chapter 71

    Chapter 71


    Chapter 71 Who''s Helping Whom to Redeem? (Part 2)


    Qin Xian''er''s face held a hint of thin anger as she red at him, "Men are all the same. I just wanted to have a chat with you, yet you''re behaving so frivolously."


    "Miss Xian''er," Lin Wanrong responded bluntly, "There''s no need for roundabout conversations in front of a clear-minded person. Your pretense may work on others, but not on me. Why don''t you just say what you want from me?" Arguing with this young girl wasn''t much fun; it was better to get straight to the point.


    A flicker of surprise shed in Qin Xian''er''s eyes. She smiled and said, "Since Young Master Lin has said so, Xian''er won''t beat around the bush anymore. In fact, I have some queries rted to music that I''d like to consult with you."


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively, "You''re asking the blind about the path. I can''t understand musical scores or differentiate the five tones, let alone discuss musical theory. I''m utterly ignorant about it."


    Qin Xian''er looked intrigued, "Given what you''ve just said, it''s rather curious how you were able to pinpoint the ws in my music?"


    "It''s quite simple," Lin San replied, "Listen more, observe more, think more."


    Seeing Qin Xian''er''s puzzled gaze, Lin San exined, "I won''t borate on the first two points. As for the third, it''s the most important. Miss Xian''er, your musical skills are indeed remarkable, but you''ve only been imitating others. There''s no innovation in your technique or creativity in your scores, you''re merely continuing the work of others. Even if a piece is famous, if it''s heard too often, it loses its freshness. With your talent, why not tryposing your own music? Your ownpositions will allow you to better capture its spirit and vor."


    Qin Xian''er blushed slightly, "Composing my own music? I''ve thought about it, but with so many greatposers before me, how dare I presume topete?"


    "That''s not the right way to think about it. What''s the purpose ofposing your own music? Is it to please others and earn their praise? If that''s your goal, forgive me for being blunt, Miss Qin, but you''ll only ever be able to imitate others. Music is the voice of the heart, to put it inly, it''s about pleasing oneself. The primary goal is to make oneself happy. If you''re inspired, write it down. If you feel like singing, sing. Why care about what others think?" Lin Wanrong''s idealistic words rang true.


    "Sing if you feel like singing. Yes, indeed, you''ve woken me up, Young Master Lin. I almost fell into the same old rut." Qin Xian''er said excitedly.


    "Exactly, write when you''re inspired. Even if no one else appreciates it, at least you will. For example, right now, you and I are alone in this room. Perhaps this situation will inspire you to write a piece about missing your lover, I guarantee it will be well-received." After a few exchanges with Qin Xian''er, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but tease her again.


    A blush appeared on Qin Xian''er''s face, "Young Master, you''re making fun of Xian''er again. To be honest, for someone who understands music as well as you do, iming to know nothing about it, I feel you''re belittling me."


    Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile, "The songs from my hometown arepletely different from those here. Their scores are simple and lyrics straightforward. You might not understand even if I exined. Take this one song for instance, the lyrics go like this: ''I love you, love you, just like a mouse loves rice. No matter where you go, I''m willing to apany you, love you this wayWhat do you think? Can you stomach these words?"


    Qin Xian''er blushed and murmured, "Where are these lyrics from? They are rather bold, how could anyone sing them out loud?"


    If she was too shy to even speak about this, Lin San wondered how she would react if she saw a G-string lingerie. Seeing Qin Xian''er''s flushed face, an evil thought crossed his mind: what would it be like if she wore a G-string and flirted in front of him? The mere thought made his nose bleed.


    Seeing his dazed expression, Qin Xian''er quickly asked, "Young Master Lin, what''s the matter?"


    "G-string...ah, carrots, I feel like eating carrots." Lin Wanrong blushed, spouting nonsense to cover up his thoughts.


    "Pfft." Qin Xian''er covered her mouth, trying to suppress herughter, "You''re such a strange person, sometimes smart, sometimes confused. I can''t tell when you''re being honest and when you''re fooling around."


    "And aren''t you the same, Miss Qin?" Lin Wanrongughed.


    The room fell silent. Qin Xian''er was scrutinizing Lin Wanrong, a hint of amusement in her eyes.


    Damn, I hope she''s not falling for me. I don''t have the money to redeem you. But if you''re willing to pay, I might consider it, Lin Wanrong thought to himself.


    After a while, Qin Xian''er finally broke the silence, "Are you really a servant of the Xiao family?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his long blue sleeves, "As real as it gets."


    Qin Xian''er sighed, "Such a talented person as you, why did you choose to be a servant? Young Master Lin, if you don''t mind, I can help you redeem your freedom."


    Damn it! Lin Wanrong''s mind went nk. He had been thinking about helping her redeem her freedom, but in the blink of an eye, it was she who wanted to help him? Is she nning to support me? Although I''m quite handsome, she can''t treat me like a gigolo.


    Seeing the myriad of expressions on Lin San''s face, Qin Xian''er, being the clever girl she was, quickly guessed his thoughts. She said crossly, "Young Master Lin, where is your mind wandering? I meant for you toe and assist me."


    Assist her? Lin Wanrong understood what she meant. She wanted to pay his contract break fee so he could switch to her service. But the only suitable job for a man in a brothel was a pimp. Was she asking him to downgrade from a servant to a pimp? No man could ept that.


    Before Lin San could speak, Qin Xian''er continued, "I want you to be my teacher, Young Master Lin. What do you think?"


    Be Qin Xian''er''s teacher? Although he knew ''teacher'' was the intended meaning of the word in this context, he was still stunned by the potential double entendre.


    [The word teacher here has a double meaning of husband]


    "Well, do you not want to?" Qin Xian''er, seeing Lin San still silent, asked anxiously.


    Lin San swallowed nervously, unconsciously licking his lips as he said, "Miss Qin, I dare not be your teacher. I am a servant in the Xiao family, and both the young master and young miss treat me well. I have my freedom and live quitefortably. Besides, I don''t think I have anything to teach you."


    Qin Xian''er sighed, "Your knowledge and insights are beyond ordinary people''s reach. If that''s the case, it seems my fortune is thin."


    A faint disappointment appeared on Qin Xian''er''s face. She gracefully moved to the window, gazing at the distant green mountains and said softly, "As you said, there are countless acquaintances in the world, but not one true friend. Who could understand the feeling? Here, although everything seems grand, many things aren''t as simple as they appear."


    Despite Qin Xian''er''s unpredictable nature, at the end of the day, she was still a young woman in her prime, carrying many burdens in her heart. Looking at her graceful figure from behind, there was a hint of mncholy, which stirred an urge in people to hold her in their arms andfort her.


    Lin Wanrong walked over to her side, gazing out the window, and sighed, "Life is full of disappointments. If everything went as we wished, then life would lose its intrigue."


    Qin Xian''er chuckled, "Young Master Lin, your words are always unique. Don''t worry, I intentionally put on that act earlier, hoping to gain your sympathy. I didn''t expect to provoke such a profound reflection."


    This Qin Xian''er was indeed eloquent, one moment she was vague and mncholic, the next she wasughing cheerfully. Truly a chameleon.


    "Let the strong be strong, the bright moon shines over the great river," Lin Wanrong fully embodied the spirit of Ah Q,ughing off the situation.


    [Q ( Q) is a character from the famous Chinese nove "The True Story of Ah Q" (Q) written by Lu Xun, one of the most prominent and influential Chinese writers of the 20th century. The story was first published in 1921 in the Chinese magazine "New Youth."


    Ah Q serves as a symbol of the Chinese people''s sufferings and humiliations during the early 20th century. The character is known for his "spiritual victories," a coping mechanism where he convinces himself that he is superior to others even when facing defeat or humiliation. Ah Q represents the ws and weaknesses of the Chinese national character at the time, including ignorance, arrogance, and a tendency to me external forces for personal failures.


    In modern Chinese culture, the term "Ah Q" has be an archetype and a derogatory term for people who exhibit simr characteristics, such as self-deception and a refusal to face reality.]


    A clear whistle came from a distance, and several fireworks rose to the sky, exploding into a beautiful white lotus.


    "Huh, which kid is setting off fireworks?" Lin Wanrong wondered.


    Seeing the white lotus, Qin Xian''er''s expression changed. Hearing Lin San''s words, she couldn''t help but chuckle, giving him a nce.


    "Young Master Lin, since you won''t be my teacher, could you at least visit me often? Chatting with you is quite rxing," Qin Xian''er proposed.


    "No." Lin Wanrong tly refused.


    Qin Xian''er was stunned; no man had ever rejected her so directly before. She couldn''t help but feel resentful, "Am I so unbearable in your eyes, Young Master?"


    Lin San chuckled, "Do you know what kind of ce this is? How could a small servant like me afford toe here every day? Even if I had the desire, I don''t have the money."


    Qin Xian''er pouted, "You seem to enjoy teasing me, Young Master. Humph, if you won''te, I''ll send someone with my name card to the Xiao''s mansion to invite you. Humph."


    As they became acquainted, Qin Xian''er seemed to have changed, acting more like a petnt child. Ironically, Lin San found himself somewhat delighted by this. Beautiful women were always weed, he mused with a sigh.


    Qin Xian''er seemed somewhat distracted. Lin San knew it was time to take his leave, so he bowed and said, "It''s gettingte, and I''ve troubled you enough for today. Please forgive me, miss."


    Qin Xian''erughed yfully, "Why have you suddenly be so formal, Young Master? I''m not used to it."


    Lin Wanrong let out a heartyugh, "We should always maintain decorum to avoid any usations of impropriety."


    Qin Xian''er chuckled at his frankness and escorted him out.


    "You don''t need to apany me all the way, miss. Just to the entrance of Miaoyu Pavilion will be enough," Lin San said nonchntly.


    Qin Xian''er paused. She had spent more time being surprised tonight by this thick-skinned Lin San than all previous asionsbined. Strangely, despite his blunt manner, she didn''t feel a desire to reject him. In fact, she found him quite different from the other young gentlemen.


    "You wish! I''ll only apany you this far. Take care, Young Master Lin," Qin Xian''er huffed.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily as he reached the entrance, then suddenly turned back, "Miss Qin, may I ask you something?"


    Qin Xian''er nodded, "Please ask."


    "Miss Qin, can you actually sing ''Eighteen Touches''?" Lin San asked with a roguish grin.


    Qin Xian''er: ""


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 Chapter 72

    Chapter 72


    Chapter 72 The Eldest Miss (Part One)


    Having exited the gates of the Miaoyu Pavilion, Lin Wanrong felt as ted as if he had eaten a urine-boiled meatball, recalling Qin Xian''er''s shy and irritated expression when he asked her questions. You little girl, no matter how much of a shape-shifting witch you are, you can''t outy me, he thought.


    Thinking of the young master, Lin Wanrong suddenly pped his forehead. "Damn it, Young Master Guo is still inside!" In his haste to leave, he had forgotten to ask Qin Xian''er where she had taken Guo Wuchang. What a miscalction.


    Just as he was regretting, he saw a figure staggering out of the Miaoyu Pavilion. From the silhouette, it seemed to be Young Master Guo.


    Lin Wanrong hurried over and called out, "Young Master"


    The man raised his head, his face full of fresh red lipstick marks. It was Guo Wuchang.


    "Young Master, what happened to you" Lin Wanrong quickly asked.


    "That littledy, she''s quite the handful," Guo Wuchang said, reeking of alcohol and grinning from ear to ear.


    Without further exnation, Lin Wanrong knew what had happened. Qin Xian''er must have arranged a courtesan to appease Young Master Guo.


    While he was having a spiritual connection with Qin Xian''er, Young Master Guo had found a woman to physically connect with. Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Men, they really can''t resist beautiful women."


    Young Master Guo was covered in the scent of makeup, his face kissed by numerous women, leaving fresh red lipstick marks everywhere. Add to that his drunken state, he was staggering so much it was unbearable to watch. With no other choice, Lin Wanrong had to support him, heading towards the Xiao Mansion.


    When they were not far from the mansion, the clip-clop of horse hooves apanied by the sound of a carriage wheel reached their ears. Lin Wanrong looked back to see a carriage slowly passing by them, a man on a white horse and several servants were escorting the carriage.


    "Squeak" With a few light sounds, the carriage slowly came to a halt. A clear voice came from inside the carriage, "Is that Cousin Guo walking outside?"


    "It''s not Cousin Guo, it''s your Brother Lin." Guo Wuchang was heavy, and Lin Wanrong was struggling to support him. He was annoyed and without thinking who was asking, he answered dismissively.


    "How dare you!" A man''s angry shout. The man on the white horse turned his horse''s head around and came over in a few strides, pointing at Lin Wanrong with his riding whip, "You servant, you''ve got some nerve, speaking so disrespectfully."


    The man was in his twenties, about as tall as Lin Wanrong, dignified, with thick eyebrows and big eyes, handsome like Zhu Shimao. He was riding a white horse, exuding a powerful aura in his anger.


    [Zhu Shimao is a famous Chinese actor during the 1980s and 1990s]


    A Prince Charming on a white horse? Lin Wanrong suddenly thought of this phrase. Undeniably, this man was very good-looking and exuded a strong masculine charm, notparable to those frail schrs, very appealing to girls.


    Damn, just because he''s on a white horse, does it make him a prince? He might be just another Monk Tang, acting all pompous. Lin Wanrong grumbled inwardly.


    [Monk Tang is the Monk from Journey to the West]


    Seeing the man staring at him with disdain, Lin Wanrong was angry but didn''t look at him. Instead, he shouted at the white horse, "You beast that looks more like a donkey than a horse, what''s the meaning of blocking my way?"


    However, the man was not to be trifled with. Hearing Lin Wanrong''s insult, he shouted in anger, "You insolent servant! I will teach you a lesson on behalf of Miss Xiao." With that, he raised his whip andshed it mercilessly towards Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong was startled. Damn it, who said you could just hit me? He was supporting someone, making it hard for him to move. If he dodged, the whip would hit Guo Wuchang.


    At the crucial moment, Lin Wanrong leaned to the side with Guo Wuchang, and the two rolled on the ground, avoiding the whip. When he got up, he was covered in mud and looked extremely disheveled.


    The man was surprised that the servant dared to dodge. He was about to strike again when he heard thedy in the carriage say, "Young Master Tao, please stop."


    Young Master Tao red at Lin Wanrong, then turned to the carriage and said, "Miss Xiao, this servant is so disrespectful. Let me punish him on your behalf."


    Thedy in the carriage was silent for a while before saying, "This is a matter for the Xiao family, Brother Tao. Please allow me to handle it."


    Hearing Miss Xiao call him Brother Tao, a smile appeared on Young Master Tao''s face. "Since you''ve said so, Sister, I''ll let you handle it."


    In just a little while, they had started calling each other ''brother'' and ''sister''. Lin Wanrong was furious. Suddenly, he remembered that this Young Master Tao had called the person in the carriage Miss Xiao, and both the carriage and Young Master Tao were covered in dust. Recalling that Xiao Yushuang had said her sister would be returning tonight, could it be that the person in the carriage was the Eldest Miss Xiao?


    Lin Wanrong felt bitter inside. If it really was the Eldest Miss Xiao, even though he had unintentionally taken advantage of her earlier, the fact remained. If she had heard it, there would be trouble in the future.


    As they were talking, the curtain of the carriage was lifted, and a slender youngdy stepped out.


    The youngdy was in her twenties, with eyebrows like distant mountains, eyes like autumn water, and lips like crimson spots. She had an oval face, almond-shaped eyes, a pointed nose, and was incredibly beautiful. Looking at her features, she resembled Lady Xiao by sixty to seventy percent. No wonder the painting could fool even Xiao Yushuang.


    Even without thinking, Lin Wanrong knew thisdy must be Eldest Miss Xiao. He sighed inwardly. Tonight really is a terrible night.


    Eldest Miss Xiao looked like she had been traveling for a long time, her face was covered in dust, and she had a resolute look. There was a hint of worry between her eyebrows. Compared to Qin Xian''er, she was less flirtatious but had a stronger sense of determination.


    A maidservant jumped down from the carriage to help Eldest Miss Xiao down. Young Master Tao quickly went forward, holding the reins with one hand and extending the other to assist Eldest Miss Xiao.


    Eldest Miss Xiao gratefully smiled and said, "Thank you, Brother Tao." However, she didn''t allow him to help her down, instead, she held the hand of the little maidservant andnded on her feet.


    On the ground, Guo Wuchang rolled around, the alcohol effect lessening a bit. Hearing his cousin''s voice, he was terrified and quickly grabbed Lin Wanrong''s hand, "Lin San, my cousin is back, we should hide."


    Having been caught red-handed sneaking out for a drink, Lin Wanrong also thought of the same. The two of them moved in unison, turning to sneak away.


    "Cousin Guo, where are you going?" Eldest Miss Xiao''s voice came from behind. She had recognized Guo Wuchang earlier, and seeing him trying to hide, she asked.


    Lin Wanrong felt a bit relieved, thankfully, it didn''t seem like Eldest Miss Xiao wanted to hold him ountable.


    With nowhere to hide, Guo Wuchang had to stop and said, "Ah, ah, it''s you, cousin Yuruo, you''re finally back. Your mother and cousin Yushuang are waiting for you." As he spoke, he surreptitiously wiped away the various marks on his face.


    Xiao Yuruo walked up to the two of them, nced at Lin Wanrong, and said something that made him tremble, "You insolent servant, for your disrespectful words, you''ll be pped twenty times."


    Lin Wanrong stared dumbfoundedly at Eldest Miss Xiao. This girl was too ruthless. She was quite good-looking, but her opening move was so severe, it was too heartless.


    Seeing the servant rudely staring at her, Xiao Yuruo angrily said, "Do you dare to defy?"


    Young Master Tao walked over and said, "Sister, let me discipline this servant."


    Lin Wanrong thought it was somewhat eptable for Xiao Yuruo to speak, but when did it be this Tao guy''s turn? Riding a white horse, did he really think he was a prince?


    Lin Wanrong red at Young Master Tao and said, "This is a matter of the Xiao family, it''s not your ce, a groom, to intervene."


    Young Master Tao had just led Eldest Miss Xiao''s horse by the reins, so in everyone''s eyes, Lin Wanrong''s sarcastic remark of him being a groom was quite fitting.


    Young Master Guo was hanging his head, but hearing Lin Wanrong''s words, he couldn''t help but feel delighted. This Tao guy, it was obvious that he was trying to curry favor with his cousin. Of course, he wasn''t pleased, and Lin San just vented his frustration for him.


    Young Master Tao was extremely annoyed, but since Xiao Yuruo didn''t say anything, and Lin Wanrong wasn''t wrong in calling him an outsider, he just gave a coldugh and remained silent.


    This Young Master Tao was really cunning. Lin Wanrong saw how quickly he quieted down and was taken aback, realizing that this man was not to be underestimated.


    Seeing this servant''s audaciousness, ferocious look, and subtle show of aggression, Xiao Yuruo was also startled. She wondered when this servant had appeared in the mansion, why hadn''t she seen him before?


    Lin Wanrong said to Xiao Yuruo, "Miss, my name is Lin San, I''m a new servant in the mansion."


    "You are that contract worker Lin San?" Xiao Yuruo was somewhat surprised. Before she left, she had heard of a contract worker, but due to her hurried departure, she didn''t have time to inquire further. She didn''t expect that this tall and rather appealing servant in front of her was that contract worker Lin San.


    "No matter who you are, as long as you''re a servant of the Xiao family, such disrespectful speech deserves punishment," Xiao Yuruo said coldly. Having experienced the business world for a long time, she was savvy in dealing with situations and had a strong-willed aura.


    "Disrespectful? Miss, what do you mean by that?" Lin Wanrong pretended to be rmed, "Just now I heard someone call ''Cousin Guo'', I thought I heard it wrong, so I made a joke. Does Miss think I would disrespect you?"


    Even though she knew Lin San was making excuses, hisst sentence left Xiao Yuruo unable to respond. Although she was experienced, she didn''t have the same thick skin as Lin Wanrong. If she were to punish him, it would seem as though she was admitting to his im of disrespect towards her.


    Seeing the servant''s slick talk and smooth words, Xiao Yuruo was annoyed, but as an extraordinary woman, she just sneered, "You''re only good at verbal battles, that won''t make you sessful."


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 Chapter 73

    Chapter 73


    Chapter 73 The Eldest Miss (Part 2)


    "Eldest Miss, I''m merely a servant in charge, and I dare not dream of achieving anything significant." Lin Wanrong said with a bitter expression.


    Xiao Yuruo did not speak, but that Young Master Tao sneered a few times, saying, "At least you have some self-awareness."


    As for this Young Master Tao, Lin Wanrong was not at all worried. Seeing him mocking and sneering at himself, he did not hold back either, and said, "Young Master Tao, it seems a little too early for you to interfere in the matters of the Xiao family, doesn''t it?"


    His words were quite venomous. He had noticed that Young Master Tao was pursuing Xiao Yuruo, and the two of them had already returned together, indicating some level of interaction. Therefore, he deliberately said this.


    As expected, Young Master Tao''s face changed, "What nonsense are you, a servant, talking about?"


    "Young Master Tao, I am a servant of the Xiao family, not your servant. In front of my Eldest Miss, it''s not your ce tomand." Lin Wanrong retorted sarcastically. He noticed that Xiao Yuruo''s rtionship with this Young Master Tao didn''t seem to have reached that point, so he was utterly ruthless.


    Young Master Tao was also a popr figure in Jinling City, and he had never been treated so rudely, especially by a mere servant. Even with his good temperament, he was so angry that his face turned pale. But his deepposure kept him from reacting on the spot, which made Lin Wanrong even more wary of him. A barking dog doesn''t bite, a biting dog doesn''t barkthis was a lesson from his past life that Lin Wanrong kept in mind.


    Seeing the servant talking nonsense, Xiao Yuruo felt even more contempt for him. She ignored him and turned to Guo Wuchang, "Cousin Guo, it''ste. Where are you heading?"


    When Guo Wuchang realized he couldn''t avoid the question, he had to answer, "Cousin Yuruo, I heard you wereing back, so I specifically brought Lin San here to wait for you."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong couldn''t helpughing inwardly. The young master was waiting for you in the brothel with me.


    The rouge and lipstick on Young Master Guo''s face hadn''t been fully wiped off. Xiao Yuruo frowned upon seeing this and rebuked, "Cousin, how many times have I told you to focus on your studies and stay away from such ces of pleasure? Only then can you live up to Uncle and Mother''s hopes. Why don''t you listen?"


    Young Master Guo mumbled in agreement, not daring to speak up. This cousin, although younger than him, was born to do great things. She managed therge Xiao family with precision, and everyone in the Xiao family had a certain reverence for her, especially him.


    Seeing her cousin in such a sorry state, Xiao Yuruo sighed. But when she turned around, she saw that roguish servant covering his mouth and snickering. Remembering his impudence and presuming he must have apanied her cousin to those unseemly ces, she was even more furious. She shouted, "You wicked servant! You dared to take your young master to such wicked ces! Come, drag this servant away and give him a hundred severeshes!"


    Damn it! Lin Wanrong jumped up immediately. This girl has gone crazy! If I take a hundredshes, will I survive? A few tall and sturdy servants following Xiao Yuruo came over upon hearing her order, ready to drag Lin Wanrong away.


    "Wait!" Lin Wanrong shouted.


    Xiao Yuruo looked at him coldly, "What? Do you have something to say? Have you been wronged?"


    Seeing the Eldest Miss''s displeasure, Lin Wanrong decided not to care about her feelings and shouted, "Not just wronged, I''ve been greatly wronged. May I ask, Miss, which eye of yours saw me leading the Young Master?"


    Xiao Yuruo paused before saying, "You appeared with Cousin Guo, so naturally, both of you went together. I know my cousin well; without someone instigating him, he would absolutely not dare to go to such a ce."


    Her deduction was indeed urate. The whole thing today was indeed Lin Wanrong''s idea. However, saying Young Master Guo was an innocent man was far from the truth. His actions in the brothel were quite proficient, implying he had been there many times, only hiding it from the Eldest Miss.


    For the sake of his own backside, Lin Wanrong would never admit it. "Miss, so all this is based on your conjecture? Can conjecture be taken as fact?" He looked at the Eldest Miss and snorted.


    However, Lin Wanrong underestimated her. Xiao Yuruo, who managed such arge family, was not easy to deal with. She ignored Lin Wanrong and turned to Guo Wuchang, "Cousin Guo, did this Lin San lead you to that ce? Don''t be afraid. I will handle this wicked servant who bullies his master."


    Xiao Yuruo saw things clearly. Guo Wuchang revered the Eldest Miss and would naturally not dare to lie. The most effective way was to break through him. Once Guo Wuchang identified Lin San, his crime would be confirmed, and the beating would be inevitable.


    Seeing Young Master Guo''s legs trembling, Lin Wanrong felt things were going south. This Young Master was not a tough nut. Damn it, he might die in this girl''s hands today. Damn, he would never have imagined that one day he would be spanked by a girl.


    At this critical moment, Lin Wanrong''s steady mentality yed a crucial role. He looked at Xiao Yuruo and sneered, "Miss, it seems like you are determined to pin this on me."


    Xiao Yuruo retorted, "If not you, could it be that Cousin Guo wanted to go himself?"


    This was a tough move, Lin Wanrong thought to himself. Even if Guo Wuchang were beaten to death, he would never admit it was his idea. Xiao Yuruo was indeed smart and capable, cornering both Lin Wanrong and the Young Master in just a few words.


    "How could such a sincere and diligent person like the Young Master even think of going to such a ce? It surely wasn''t the Young Master who requested to go." Lin Wanrong secretly praised the Young Master.


    Young Master Guo quickly nodded, "Yes, yes, Cousin, it wasn''t my idea."


    Xiao Yuruo scoffed, "So it wasn''t Cousin''s idea, and it wasn''t you who led him there. Was he invited by someone else then?"


    "Exactly, exactly, Miss is indeed incredibly clever. It was indeed someone who invited us." Lin Wanrong silently prayed in his heart, hoping this punishment could be avoided.


    "Do you think I would believe that? My cousin''s friends have been warned by my mother a long time ago. I doubt they would dare to take him to such a ce." The Eldest Miss scoffed. Given Young Master Guo''s schrship and ability, he couldn''t have made any profound friends. They were all unsavory characters from families without real power. Madam Xiao had sent them packing with just a few words, all to let her nephew focus on his studies.


    Seeing the Eldest Miss''s aggressive attitude, Lin Wanrong was very annoyed. Damn it, it was just a trip to a brothel, wasn''t it? A man not visiting a brothel is like wasting his manhood. Who does she think she is, a police officer, interrogating like this?


    "Since Miss wants to ask, I will tell the truth. Nothing is unspeakable, and in fact, this is a good thing to share. The Young Master was invited by Miss Qin Xian''er, the top courtesan of Miaoyu Pavilion, for some schrly exchange," Lin Wanrong said without any embarrassment. Miss Qin, you have helped me this time. Next time, I won''t let you sing ''Eighteen Touches.'' I''ll reduce one touch, letting you sing ''Seventeen Touches.''


    "Yes, yes," Young Master Guo''s eyes lit up. This Lin San was so talented,ing up with such an excuse, and making it sound so legitimate, "It was Miss Qin Xian''er who invited me over. She even sang a little tune called ''Qu Yu Guan,'' and I pointed out some inadequacies in her performance. It was a purely academic exchange, cousin, you mustn''t misunderstand."


    If this Young Master Guo wasn''t naturally spineless, he could have been a good salesperson. He could lie without batting an eye, even taking credit for Lin Wanrong''s contributions without any blush.


    "Oh?" Eldest Miss Xiao was surprised. She hadn''t personally met Qin Xian''er, the famous courtesan from Qinhuai River, but she had heard of her. Not only was she iparably beautiful, but she also had exceptional guqin ying skills. Her fame had spread throughout Jinling City. Everyone of importance in the city knew her name. However, she had heard that Qin Xian''er was aloof and only associated with the upper-ss young masters and talented schrs. She knew exactly how much her cousin weighed. Even if Qin Xian''er were blind, she wouldn''t exchange a single word with her cousin. But the servant and her cousin seemed sincere, not like they were lying. And if she sent someone to investigate, she would know the truth. They shouldn''t dare to deceive her. What was going on? Could it be that Qin Xian''er really took a liking to her cousin? If that were true, it would be good news. Having a talented woman like Qin Xian''er as a rtive would indeed be a beautiful story.


    Miss Xiao was deep in her own thoughts, but the long-silent Young Master Tao nearby seemed rather disdainful. He had already investigated thoroughly what kind of person Guo Wuchang was. As for Qin Xian''er, he had seen her with his own eyes. The idea that she would invite Guo Wuchang to discuss schrship was impossible.


    Seeing that the Eldest Miss was lost in thought, Lin Wanrong knew that today''s matter would likely be glossed over. However, this Eldest Miss was so stern and impartial that he would have to be careful in the future, so as not to give her any excuse to catch him again. Thinking about this, he felt somewhat disgruntled. Before this young girl came along, he was living a carefree, almost divine life in the Xiao family. Why did everything be awkward once this girl arrived? It was really damned strange.


    "Are you telling the truth?" After some contemtion, Miss Xiao finally looked up and asked. From her tone, it seemed she had already partly believed them.


    Just as Lin Wanrong was about to speak, he saw Eldest Miss Xiao re at him and say, "You''re a man full of lies and can''t be trusted. Cousin Guo, is what he''s saying really true?"


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 Chapter 74

    Chapter 74


    Chapter 74 The Arrival of the Phoenix (Part 1)


    It seemed that in Eldest Miss Xiao''s eyes, Lin Wanrong had be synonymous with lies. Was that really necessary? He had only made a casual joke when he thought she wasn''t around. With such a grudge over a minor issue, she was quiteparable to that little girl named Xiao Qingxuan.


    Young Master Guo nodded frantically, like a chicken pecking at rice, and said, "This is absolutely true. Many people saw us today in the Miaoyu Pavilion. Miss Qin even invited Lin San and me in for tea, and we had a lengthy conversation before returning."


    You "exchange," I talk, collectively known as conversation. Lin Wanrong nced at Young Master Guo, both of them letting out a sigh of relief.


    Miss Xiao nodded, finally not pursuing the matter any further. There was a hint of fatigue on her face, and she waved her hand, saying, "In that case, hurry up and apany me into the mansion."


    The ce where they stood was not far from the Xiao family''s courtyard. After a while of conversation, the people in the Xiao mansion were already alerted. After taking a few steps, they saw a delicate figure rushing up, saying, "Sister, you''re back."


    Lin Wanrong looked closely, it was the Second Miss Xiao, Xiao Yushuang. She was acting coquettishly in her sister''s arms, just like a little girl who hasn''t grown up yet.


    Xiao Yuruo, however, loved her little sister dearly. She gently patted her shoulder, saying with a smile, "You little girl, I''ve only been away for a few days, and you''ve be like this. Have you been good these days, not bullying anyone?"


    Only a sister knew her sister best. Eldest Miss Xiao must be aware of her little sister''s character to ask such a question, Lin Wanrong thought to himself.


    "Absolutely not," Xiao Yushuang said with a shy twist, "I didn''t bully anyone these days, but almost got bullied by a scoundrel."


    Lin Wanrong took a deep breath. He naturally knew who Xiao Yushuang was talking about. Thinking of Eldest Miss Xiao''s stern attitude earlier, if she knew he had beaten up her sister, he''d be crawling home today. Don''t talk nonsense, little girl, or my life would be buried here.


    "You, it''s good enough that you didn''t bully others. Who would dare to bully you?" Eldest Miss Xiao stroked her sister''s hair, speaking affectionately. She thought her sister was just being cute in front of her, not knowing that the person who bullied her little sister was standing right in front of her.


    "Eh, Lin San, why are you here? Cousin Guo, what happened to you? Did you go to the opera? Why did you wear so much rouge?" Second Miss Xiao spoke without any restraint.


    Guo Wuchangughed awkwardly and didn''t dare to speak. Lin Wanrong said, "Second Miss Xiao, the young master and I had some matters to attend to. We happened to bump into Eldest Miss Xiao returning home, so we joined her."


    Xiao Yushuang gave Lin Wanrong a mysterious smile and asked, "Lin San, where were you guys tonight?"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment and then said, "Oh, the young master took me out to handle some business. Eh, how did you know I wasn''t at home?"


    Xiao Yushuang didn''t speak. She took out a small booklet from her bosom, shed it quickly before Lin Wanrong''s eyes, and then tucked it back. Lin Wanrong, with his sharp eyes, immediately recognized it as the original manuscript of the page three tabloid. With this manuscript, all the nonsense about some "master painter" had been debunked. Second Miss Xiao must have already known that the tabloid was his idea. But what was strange was that Lin Wanrong clearly remembered that this manuscript was kept in his room. He wondered where Second Miss Xiao had found it from.


    "Strange, isn''t it?" Xiao Yushuang said in a smug, low voice.


    "Where did you find it?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Seeing his stern face, Xiao Yushuang pouted, snorted, and turned her head away.


    "Did you go to my room?" Lin Wanrong thought for a moment and understood. This Second Miss Xiao waswless. Entering his room was nothing to her.


    Seeing his angry expression, Second Miss Xiao felt a bit scared. Her eyes reddened and she said, "Why are you so fierce? I wanted to find you to tell me a story when my sister was not around. Who knew you weren''t in your room? That''s when I saw this."


    For some reason, when Second Miss Xiao saw him angry, she felt a faint fear and seemed a bit wronged.


    As a modern man, Lin Wanrong highly valued privacy. How could he allow someone to casually enter his room? Fortunately, he carried the erotic picture album with him. Otherwise, if it fell into this little girl''s hands, who knew what could happen?


    "Give it back to me," Lin Wanrong extended his hand.


    "Hmph, no," Xiao Yushuang said. "This booklet was clearly your idea. You lied to me. You''re a terrible person."


    Having been found out, there was nothing to hide. Lin Wanrong admitted, "I didn''t mean to deceive you."


    Second Miss Xiao bit her lip and whispered, "So you drew these pictures too."


    "I did," Lin Wanrong confessed since there was no point in denying it now.


    "Really?" Joy spread across Second Miss Xiao''s face. "I knew it. Lin San, you are really talented." Lin Wanrong was introduced to the Xiao mansion by Second Miss Xiao by ident. Now seeing his talent, she naturally felt proud.


    "Second Miss Xiao, let''s consider this a little secret between us. I hope you can keep it for me," Lin Wanrong said. He wasn''t afraid of others, but this Eldest Miss Xiao was smart and capable, and she had a prejudice against him. If she knew he was profiting from her, who knew how much trouble she might cause?


    "Let''s consider it our little secret," Xiao Yushuang''s face flushed slightly as she looked at him. "But you have to agree to two conditions."


    "Go ahead. What conditions?" Lin Wanrong wasn''t particrly afraid of Second Miss Xiao. He was confident that he could handle her.


    "First, you have to tell me a story every day, no cking off," Second Miss Xiao said, blinking.


    "Can we be a bit more flexible, like one story per month?" Lin Wanrong pleaded with a grimace.


    "No," Xiao Yushuang tly rejected.


    "Every two weeks?"


    "Every seven days?"


    "No more. At most, one story every two days, any faster and I won''t be able to keep up," Lin Wanrong said through gritted teeth.


    "Alright, one story every two days. You said it, and I''ll remember," Xiao Yushuang said with a triumphant posture.


    Lin Wanrong nodded helplessly. "Go ahead, what''s your second condition?"


    "Second, you must draw a picture like this for me in the future," Xiao Yushuang said wistfully.


    "No problem," Lin Wanrong sighed with relief inwardly. This request was too easy to fulfill. Seeing the sweet smile on Xiao Yushuang''s face, he suddenly remembered Dong Qiaoqiao''s longing expression when she saw the drawing. He vaguely remembered that he had made the same promise to her. He wondered what the girl was doing at this moment, was she tossing and turning in her small bed thinking about him?


    "Hey" Second Miss Xiao called him a few times before Lin Wanrong snapped back to reality. He hurriedly said, "Second Miss Xiao, what did you say?"


    Xiao Yushuang pouted. "What were you thinking about? I called you several times and you didn''t respond."


    Lin Wanrong made an acknowledging sound. "What did you say just now?"


    Second Miss Xiao huffed, "I said in the future, you''re only allowed to draw pictures for me, not for other women."


    "How can that work?" Lin Wanrong eximed. This little girl was too domineering. He had already promised Qiaoqiao. "Absolutely not. Second Miss Xiao, I''ve already agreed to your two conditions. Don''t push me anymore, or else..." Lin Wanrong nced at her little buttocks.


    Xiao Yushuang jumped, thinking that he was going to get violent again. When she saw he was only bluffing, she calmed down, snorted at him, and stopped insisting on that condition.


    At the end of their conversation, their voices had risen slightly. Eldest Miss Xiao turned around to see that detestable servant talking with her younger sister. They were having a lively conversation.


    Eldest Miss Xiao had no fondness for this servant. Seeing her little sister with him, she felt displeased and said, "Yushuang,e here, stand by my side."


    Xiao Yushuang nodded, saying to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, don''t forget the conditions you promised."


    Only after seeing Lin Wanrong nod did Xiao Yushuang go to her sister''s side. She affectionately grabbed her sister''s arm, saying, "Sister, I''m here."


    "Second Miss Xiao, I am Tao Dongcheng. Nice to meet you," Young Master Tao greeted Second Miss Xiao with a bow.


    "So it''s Young Master Tao, huh. Howe you came with my sister?" Second Miss Xiao returned the greeting, expressing her curiosity.


    "Oh, I was conducting some business in Anhui and happened to run into Miss Xiao, so we returned together," Tao Dongcheng replied.


    "Indeed, I should thank Brother Tao for his protection along the way," Eldest Miss Xiao said with a generous smile.


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes darted about, and with just a nce at Tao Dongcheng, he understood the situation.


    Judging from their conversation, this wasn''t the first time Xiao Yushuang had met Tao Dongcheng. It seemed that Tao Dongcheng had been pursuing Miss Xiao for some time. How far had their rtionship progressed? But considering Eldest Miss Xiao''s tone and demeanor, they didn''t seem to be very close yet. Lin Wanrong thought this gossip was interesting.


    "Yuruo, you''ve finally returned." As everyone arrived at the Xiao residence, Lady Xiao had alreadye to the entrance, holding Eldest Miss Xiao''s hand with a smile. The mother and daughter looked quite simr, and Lady Xiao was so young that they appeared to be more like sisters.


    "Mother, has everything been well at home in the past few days?" Despite being in charge of the Xiao family, Eldest Miss Xiao still seemed to regress to her childhood when in her mother''s presence, showing some dependence.


    Lady Xiao lovingly stroked her daughter''s hair, saying, "What could possibly happen at home? You are the one who''s always out and about. You should take better care of yourself."


    "I am Tao Dongcheng, honored to meet you, Lady Xiao," Tao Dongcheng greeted Lady Xiao respectfully.


    "So you''re the young master of the Tao family." Lady Xiao smiled, "I heard from Yuruo that you personally went to Anhui. Thanks to your support, the business went very smoothly this time."


    "Madam, there''s no need for such formality. The Xiao and Tao families are practically bing one, there''s no need to differentiate between us," Tao Dongcheng said with a smile.


    Bing one? Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Had Eldest Miss Xiao and this Tao Dongcheng engaged? Damn, this Tao Dongcheng was quite lucky to have such a beauty.


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 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75


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    Chapter 75 The Arrival of the Phoenix (Part 2)


    Xiao Yuruo gave a light smile, saying, "Brother Tao, I need more time to ponder over this matter. It''s not toote to discuss itter."


    Tao Dongcheng responded with a deep, knowing smile, "Such a significant matter indeed requires careful consideration. I shall await the good news from you, dear sister."


    With Eldest Miss Xiao having reached home, Tao Dongcheng found no excuse to linger. He bade farewell to Lady Xiao and her two daughters, mounted his horse with a fist salute, then galloped away, his departure as gant as could be.


    Eldest Miss Xiao stood at the entrance for a long time, seemingly troubled by a difficult decision. After a while, she sighed, "Mother, let''s go in."


    At first, Lin Wanrong thought that the Xiao and Tao families were nning a marriage alliance. However, as time passed, he realized that wasn''t the case. It was clear that Tao Dongcheng was pursuing Miss Xiao, but talk of marriage seemed far off, especially since Eldest Miss Xiao''s attitude was quite ambiguous. So, what did Tao Dongcheng mean when he spoke of "bing one"? Seeing the troubled expressions of the three Xiao women, it appeared that the decision was a difficult one. Could it really affect the survival of the Xiao family?


    Lin Wanrong pondered for a while, then suddenly spoke, "Why am I thinking about these things? I''m here to pass the time. After a year, I''ll leave. Why should I worry about this? Even if I help solve the Xiao family''s problems, would they be willing to make me their master? I can only daydream about it, nothing more."


    Returning to his small room, he suddenly felt utterly exhausted. So many things had happened that night. Not only had he encountered the capricious courtesan, Qin Xian''er, but he had also met Eldest Miss Xiao who had just returned home and almost received a beating from her. After some thought, he drifted off into a deep sleep.


    After an unknown period, Lin Wanrong suddenly felt something was amiss. He jerked awake to find a figure standing in front of him, staring at him coldly.


    "A ghost!" Lin Wanrong yelled, his body breaking out in cold sweat.


    The figure stood still, not reacting to Lin Wanrong''s shouting.


    After shouting for a while, with no oneing, and the figure remaining motionless as if lifeless, Lin Wanrong calmed down a little. Just as he was about to reach out to touch the figure, a voice said, "Why did you stop shouting?"


    It sounded like a woman, and somewhat familiar. But in the middle of the night, an eerie shadow suddenly appearing in his room  what could one make of that? That Lin Wanrong didn''t wet his pants out of fear was already a testament to his courage.


    "Are you... Sadako?" Lin Wanrong recalled a horror film he had watched. His hair stood on end as he tentatively asked.


    "Who''s Sadako?" This time the voice of the "female ghost" was louder, and it sounded incredibly pleasant. Lin Wanrong''s courage grew a little stronger. He reassured himself, Whether she''s a human or a ghost, as long as she''s female, there''s nothing I can''t handle.


    "Who are you, really?" Lin Wanrong got up from his bed and asked.


    "Oh? Don''t you recognize me? ''The warm wind intoxicates the traveler, making Hangzhou feel like Bianzhou.'' You were so imposing that day." The shadow replied with a coldugh.


    Remembering the poem and the somewhat familiar voice, a lightbulb went off in Lin Wanrong''s head. He eximed, "Are you Xiao Qingxuan?"


    The faint moonlight shone into the room, illuminating the stunning face of the young woman. She looked at Lin Wanrong and said, "I didn''t expect you to remember me."


    "Are you here to kill me?" Upon confirming that the shadow was human, and a woman at that, Lin Wanrong''s fear subsided a bit. If it''s a woman, then he had ways to handle her. However, he had experienced Xiao Qingxuan''s fierce methods and dared not act recklessly.


    "What do you think?" Xiao Qingxuan''s words seemed devoid of any emotion, cold as ice.


    "Miss Xiao," Lin Wanrong said with an awkward smile, "What happened that day was entirely a misunderstanding. Besides, you injured me, I almost lost my life. We should be even now, right? Or, should I apologize to you?" Thinking back to the incident, Lin Wanrong was still harboring resentment. But with his life in this woman''s hands, he dared not show it, so he kept it to himself for the moment.


    Xiao Qingxuan coldly retorted, "If apologies were useful, what would be the need forw enforcement?"


    Damn, this girl is tough, Lin Wanrong cursed silently. Seeing that she was not easily appeased, he considered getting tough himself, but remembering her capabilities, he gave up. He couldn''t muster the strength. Damn, he felt like such a wimp.


    Thinking that, Lin Wanrong hardened his heart and remained silent. Kill or rape, he thought, do as you please. The two of them fell into a standoff, and in the darkness, Lin Wanrong could only hear his own breathing.


    She didn''t even seem to breathe. No wonder she''s so cold-blooded, Lin Wanrong thought to himself.


    Lin Wanrong had never experienced a situation like this. In the dark of night, a beautiful woman stood by his bed watching him sleep. If the beauty was naked, it would be a delightful situation, but now not only was she clothed, but she also likely had a very sharp sword on her. That made things less fun.


    Lin Wanrong felt his breath growing cold, the atmosphere somewhat terrifying. In this tense situation, he found himself growing tired, wanting to sleep.


    "What time is it?" Lin Wanrong, thoroughly exhausted, couldn''t help but ask.


    "It''s the third watch of the night," Xiao Qingxuan replied.


    "Oh, if you''re not busy, then I''ll go back to sleep," Lin Wanrong yawned. The back-and-forth between them almost resembled a couple sharing a bed.


    Seeing him genuinely about to drift off, Xiao Qingxuan''s expression finally flickered. She seemed to huff, "Are you really going to sleep? That''s fine, I suppose. Killing you in your sleep would spare you any pain."


    "Miss, if you''re going to kill me, just do it. Can you stop trying to scare me? Is it fun for you? Scaring me a thousand times isn''t as effective as just killing me," Lin Wanrong pleaded with a bitter face.


    "You can feel fear too? Why didn''t I see that when you were bullying me that day?" Xiao Qingxuan retorted venomously.


    "Was I the one bullying you that day? It was you bullying me. I just called you a girl, which is a fact. Was there a need for you to go overboard? It really is like the old saying goes, ''the scorpion''s sting is in the tail, but a woman''s poison is in her heart''." Lin Wanrong felt truly wronged. Just for saying something wrong, he had to face death. Damn, was there no justice left in this world?


    Xiao Qingxuan paused, seeming to see some reason in his words. While he was somewhat rude, his offense wasn''t worthy of death. She admitted to herself that in the heat of the moment, she might have gone a bit too far. But his indecency underwater was something she would never forget. "How are you going to make up for what you did to me underwater?"


    "That was an overreaction on my part. I was fighting for my life, how could I know what I was doing?" Lin Wanrong replied.


    "Overreaction? Then if I kill you today, could it also be considered my overreaction?" Xiao Qingxuan''s voice carried a hint of excitement.


    "Miss, please don''t resort to violence and killing so easily. You''re a girl, you''ll have to get married someday. If you draw your sword so readily, who would dare marry you?"


    Lin Wanrong''s fear was slowly ebbing away. If she truly wanted to kill him, she could have done so while he was asleep. It would''ve been clean and quick. But now she was talking so much, it was clear she wasn''t going to kill him.


    Before he could finish his thoughts, he heard a swishing sound. A sharp sword, glinting coldly, was suddenly at his throat. The icy de sent chills through him.


    Damn, is this girl serious? This is my throat we''re talking about. If she''s not careful, that''s the end for me. Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded in his chest, he was too scared to speak, barely daring to breathe. He feared that one breath might cause the de to cut his throat, ending his life.


    "Why aren''t you talking now? Weren''t you quite capable before?" Xiao Qingxuan''s voice echoed in Lin Wanrong''s ears. "Did you think I wouldn''t dare to kill you?" Her sword moved a fraction closer to his throat, making it difficult for Lin Wanrong to even breathe.


    Today''s incident seemed irreconcble; this girl seemed intent on killing him. Damn, if there''s no hope, then let it be. If I, Lin San, am afraid of you, girl, then I deserve to crawl through your legs as punishment.


    With that thought, Lin Wanrong steeled himself, chose not to look at her, and closed his eyes in silence.


    Seeing his stillness, Xiao Qingxuan looked more closely, only to find him with his eyes tightly shut, motionless, as if he had fallen asleep.


    Despite his usual jocr demeanor, he did have some backbone. Xiao Qingxuan secretly praised him in her heart. Her slender hand moved, the sword''s cold light moving like a gust of wind past Lin Wanrong''s throat.


    The sh of the sword was extremely fast. Before Lin Wanrong could blink, the sword had disappeared, leaving only Xiao Qingxuan standing quietly there, the sword''s location unknown.


    The sword had grazed Lin Wanrong''s throat, and he had felt a profound chill. A moment''s distraction from Xiao Qingxuan would have led to his total disappearance from this world.


    His back waspletely drenched, but he felt like he had alreadye to terms with death. He wasn''t particrly afraid of Xiao Qingxuan anymore, and he coldly snorted, "What, not killing me anymore?"


    Xiao Qingxuan huffed, "I won''t kill you today, but I will certainly take your life in the future."


    Having heard these words, Lin Wanrong had gradually figured out Xiao Qingxuan''s temper. He pretended not to hear her and asked, "How did you know where I live? How did you find me?"


    "Is it hard to find you? You''re just a minor servant in the Xiao mansion. Even if there were ten of you, I could easily find you," Xiao Qingxuan''s tone carried a hint of arrogance.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "I wish there were ten of me, so you could kill me ten times, and I could live a few more days."


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 Chapter 76

    Chapter 76


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    Chapter 76 This Beauty Loves Killing (Part 1)


    Xiao Qingxuan held back herughter and said, "You sure have a lot of bold ideas. I don''t even have such martial arts skills as you do."


    The faint moonlight spilled in. When Lin Wanrong saw Xiao Qingxuan''s fairplexion and beautiful face, her eyebrows like spring mountains and eyes like autumn waters, she looked as if she had descended from the lunar pce. She was wearing a tight-fitting ck suit at the moment, her chest not bound by cloth strips, creating a surging view. Lin Wanrong remembered the day he personally measured her world-ss figure and couldn''t help but swallow. This girl was a real top-notch beauty.


    "What are you looking at?" Lin Wanrong thought that she wouldn''t see him checking her out in the dark, so his gaze was somewhat unrestrained. Little did he know, Xiao Qingxuan could see clearly in the dark and caught his lewd gaze, causing her to feel both embarrassed and angry.


    "I''m looking at you." Lin Wanrong said candidly. Since she wasn''t going to kill him, and he didn''t have any money for her to rob, at most she could only rob him of his dignity. What was there to be afraid of?


    Xiao Qingxuan felt that in front of this scoundrel, despite her martial arts skills, she waspletely useless. She didn''t know what kind of magic he had cast on her.


    "What are you here for today? Did you sneak in to watch me sleep?" Lin Wanrong said with a grin.


    "My sword. Where''s my sword?" Xiao Qingxuan gritted her teeth.


    "Alright, alright, it was just a joke. Tell me, why are you looking for me?" This girl was always ready to draw her sword. Damn it, Lin thought, one day he would draw his "sword" against her, to "kill" her until she waspletely flustered and calling for help.


    Xiao Qingxuan, of course, didn''t know about his vile thoughts. After pondering for a moment, she asked, "What did that Qin Xian''er say to you today?"


    "How do you know about Qin Xian''er? Were you... following me?" Lin Wanrong asked, his eyes wide.


    Xiao Qingxuan gave a disdainfulugh, "What do you think you have that''s worth me following?"


    Well, that was true, but it was quite a blow to his ego. Lin Wanrong said, "You''re being rude to me, I refuse to answer."


    Xiao Qingxuan didn''t know whether tough or cry. This guy waspletely unpredictable, one moment cunning like a fox, the next acting hurt like a child. He really was hard to deal with.


    Little did she know that this was exactly the strength of Lin Wanrong''s skill at flirting with girls. As he once told Luo Yuan, he wanted to stir up a woman''s dominance, gentleness, and maternal instincts.


    "I wasn''t following you. It just so happened that I saw your impressive performance at Miaoyu Pavilion today. Speechless in the nted evening sun of Qinhuai, every home by the water reflects the red makeup. Spring wind oblivious to the changing jade countenance, still the songs of joy circle the painted boats. Under the bright moon, hearts are breaking. I didn''t expect you to have some skills." Xiao Qingxuan remembered the poem clearly.


    Lin Wanrongughed and recited, "Speechless in the nted evening sun of Qinhuai, every home by the water reflects the red makeup. Spring wind oblivious to the changing jade countenance, still the songs of joy circle the painted boats. Who willment the rise and fall!"


    Xiao Qingxuan was taken aback. Just by changing several words, the mood of the poem hadpletely shifted from romance to the worries of a nation, giving it apletely different vor.


    "Who willment the rise and fall, who willment the rise and fall." Xiao Qingxuan recited twice, then said, "Lin Wanrong, with your kind of insight, there''s still hope for our great Hua."


    Here we go again, Lin Wanrong thought. He had already learned that this Xiao Qingxuan was a loyal royalist, and they had even argued about it before.


    "It seems you really weren''t following me." Lin Wanrong said, "Could you tell me, who exactly are you?"


    Xiao Qingxuan counter-questioned, "Who do you think I am?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "I never y this kind of word game, it gives me a headache!"


    Xiao Qingxuan snorted, "Then you should stop asking. Who I am has nothing to do with you."


    Indeed, he and she were people from two different worlds. Why asked these questions? What did it have to do with him? With this thought, Lin Wanrong fell silent, and so did she.


    A man was lying on the bed, and a woman was standing in front of it. It was strange, and to say it was ambiguous would somewhat wrong Lin Wanrong. He had only interacted with Xiao Qingxuan twice, and both times under unfriendly circumstances. Aside from her murderous intent, the only things he remembered about her were her looks and figure.


    Xiao Qingxuan also couldn''t figure out the man before her. He was clearly full of talent, yet seemed to understand nothing. Sometimes he was domineering, sometimes weak,pletely inscrutable. Although the two were in close proximity, they felt like they were isted in two different worlds.


    Xiao Qingxuan snapped out of her thoughts, I need to focus on important matters.


    "Lin Wanrong, are you really unwilling to tell me what you and Qin Xian''er talked about?" she asked.


    Lin Wanrong sighed helplessly, "What else could we talk about? You saw it too, I only pointed out some problems in her song, and she asked me to exin in detail."


    "Just that simple?" Xiao Qingxuan questioned, "Didn''t she talk to you about anything else? Like where she came from, what she intends to do here?"


    "No." Lin Wanrong responded definitively, "Please, miss, I only met her tonight. What do you think she would talk to me about? Love and romance?"


    Seeing Xiao Qingxuan lost in thought, Lin Wanrong smirked, "Ah, I understand, are you... jealous?"


    "Jealous?" Xiao Qingxuan responded in confusion, "What would I be jealous of?"


    "Seeing me getting too close with Qin Xian''er, naturally you would be jealous." Lin Wanrong said, feeling quite pleased with himself.


    Xiao Qingxuan really wanted tough. This guy, not only was his skin incredibly thick, but his self-perception was far too high. She nced at him and said, "What about you do you think is worth my jealousy?"


    Ugh, there''s that tone again. This Xiao Qingxuan seemed to always have a sense of superiority. Joking with her was not fun at all. Qin Xian''er was much better, charming to the bone.


    "Lin Wanrong, you''d better not get too close to Qin Xian''er," Xiao Qingxuan suddenly said.


    "What do you mean? Who I make friends with is none of your business," Lin Wanrong said, displeased.


    "All I can tell you is that this Qin Xian''er is not simple. If you get involved with her, it will be difficult to extricate yourself," Xiao Qingxuan said, ignoring his tone.


    "Do you like me?" Lin Wanrong asked, smiling.


    "You, you... you rascal!" Xiao Qingxuan was so angry she was lost for words. "I will kill you."


    "Again with that? Can''t youe up with something more creative? I don''t know how many times you''ve threatened to kill me tonight. Please, just actually do it for once," Lin Wanrong said.


    Tears welled up in Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes. She turned to leave without saying a word. Moonlight spilled onto her, and from her sleeve, a few drops of liquid seemed to fall.


    Can it rain inside a house? Lin Wanrong wondered. Seeing her night clothes, he suddenly realized something. He quickly got out of bed and grabbed Xiao Qingxuan''s arm, "Miss, uh, Miss Xiao, are you injured?"


    Xiao Qingxuan stubbornly shrugged off his hand. "None of your business."


    Used to her temper, Lin Wanrong let go of her hand. "I don''t want to interfere. But let me tell you, if a wound is not treated promptly, it will fester and leave arge scar. For a man, it may not matter, but for a beautiful woman like you, it would be a disaster."


    Sure enough, Xiao Qingxuan seemed moved. After hesitating for a while, she finally asked, "What do you mean by ''fester''?"


    Sigh, it was really hard to exin to her. Lin Wanrong said, "In short, you should listen to me and treat your wound as soon as possible to avoid terribleplications."


    Without waiting for her to respond, he found a lighter, and with a ''click'', lit the oilmp.


    Xiao Qingxuan was apparently scared by his words. Women, especially beautiful women, care greatly about their looks and skin. When Lin Wanrong lit the oilmp, for some reason, a faint blush appeared on her face.


    Lin Wanrong turned around to see that even though Xiao Qingxuan was wearing a ck martial arts outfit, she had resumed her feminine attire. Indeed, her face was beautiful, indescribably so. She looked like a cold fairy under the moonlight, but under the dim yellow oilmp, she seemed somewhat enticing, although still aloof.


    Lin Wanrong sighed. A woman as beautiful as this was truly a cmity.


    Xiao Qingxuan had full confidence in her own appearance. Seeing him nce at her and then look away, she felt a bit strange. Could she not be as beautiful as that Qin Xian''er?


    Lin Wanrong went over to her and saw that she had been stabbed in the arm. Although the wound wasn''t deep, it was still bleeding profusely. This girl really yed with her life. Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly. He found the leftover ''Daughter''s Red'' wine from the day they ate dog meat and tore some clean cotton, soaking it in the wine.


    Watching his actions, Xiao Qingxuan asked curiously, "What are you doing?"


    "Alcohol cotton, disinfectant." Knowing that exining would be futile, Lin Wanrong decided to use the simplest terms. Whether she understood or not wasn''t his problem.


    Seeing his attitude, Xiao Qingxuan knew he didn''t want to exin to her, and she couldn''t help but huff in annoyance.


    After washing his hands, Lin Wanrong brought a basin of hot water to the table and said, "Alright, let''s begin."


    Seeing his professional demeanor, Xiao Qingxuan felt a bit more at ease, but she couldn''t help but ask, "Will this... leave a scar?"


    Lin Wanrong was almost certain that as long as he used the golden wound medicine left by Old Wei, her wound would definitely return to its former smoothness. However, women often became half-silly when it came to such issues. Despite his repeated reassurances, Xiao Qingxuan remained uneasy.


    Impatient, Lin Wanrong tore open his own shirt and said, "See for yourself."


    "Ah, what are you doing?" Xiao Qingxuan eximed. "If you dare take liberties with me, I''ll kill you, you rascal!"


    With a swish, a sword appeared from nowhere, its chill resting against his neck.


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 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77


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    Chapter 77 This Beauty Loves Killing (Part 2)


    God, save me, this girl wants to kill me again, Lin Wanrongmented in his heart.


    "Please, Miss, you''re a martial arts master, and I can''t even squash an ant. If anyone is guilty of misconduct, it''s you towards me. If I dare toy a hand on you, that would be like an old man hanging himself out of boredom," Lin Wanrong retorted irritably.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face turned bright red. Realizing that he was right, she sheathed her sword, shot him a fierce re, but stopped threatening to kill him.


    "I wanted you to look at this. This is where you stabbed mest time. Look, is there any scar?" Lin Wanrong sighed.


    So that''s it! Xiao Qingxuan recalled that she had indeed stabbed himst time, and the de was even poisoned. But looking at his shoulder, there were no signs of injury. She felt relieved and murmured apologetically, "I''m really sorry aboutst time. I tried to find you afterward, but even with the help of dozens of skilled divers, I couldn''t locate you."


    Lin San nodded without saying a word. He tore open her half-sleeved garment, revealing the wound that was slowly ceasing to bleed. He gently cleaned the wound with homemade alcohol-soaked cotton.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s body trembled slightly. Being touched by a stranger, even for medical purposes and through cotton, made her blush.


    This girl has such great skin. I wonder if she soaks in hot springs every day, Lin San thought as he admired the jade-like skin on Xiao Qingxuan''s arm, swallowing hard.


    After cleaning the wound and applying a quality healing ointment, Lin Wanrong finally sighed and said, "It''s done. As a doctor, I assure you, there won''t be any scar. Your skin will remain as beautiful as jade."


    Xiao Qingxuan shyly nced at Lin Wanrong and said, "Thank you."


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand generously and said, "No need to thank me. But be careful in the future. As a youngdy, don''t always think about fighting with others. If anything happened to your beautiful face, I would be devastated."


    Xiao Qingxuan seemed to have gotten used to his nonsense. She just red at him without saying anything.


    Xiao Qingxuan had fought a battle tonight and was injured. She was already exhausted. In the quiet night, with just the two of them, Lin Wanrong was considerate and said, "I''ll go to the next room. You can rest here."


    Xiao Qingxuan tensed and said, "What are you doing? I''m leaving right away."


    "Suit yourself. Anyway, I can''t control a martial arts heroine like you." Lin Wanrong yawned and headed to the next room.


    "You...you''re not allowed toe in, or I..." Xiao Qingxuan seemed a bit softer.


    "So you''re going to kill me, huh? Sigh, I''m already used to being threatened by you," Lin Wanrong said helplessly. "Keep your sword by your pillow, and whenever any creature passes by you, no matter if it''s a mosquito or a bug, draw your sword and eliminate it. You''re a female heroine, so this should be easy for you."


    Xiao Qingxuan found his words amusing and wanted tough, but she didn''t want to lose face.


    "By the way, I really have nothing to do with that Qin Xian''er. As a mere servant, how could I have any entanglements with her? You can rest assured," Lin Wanrong walked to the door and, for some unknown reason, suddenly blurted this out.


    "What does that have to do with me!" Xiao Qingxuan snorted, her face turning slightly red.


    That night, Lin Wanrong encountered Qin Xian''er, Xiao Yuruo, and Xiao Qingxuan, three different beauties, which left him dazzled and exhausted. He yawned and decided that no matter how beautiful they were, sleep was more important. That night, he slept soundly.


    The next morning when he woke up, he suddenly thought of Xiao Qingxuan. He checked the room next to him and saw the neatly folded quilt but no sign of her. If it weren''t for the lingering fragrance, Lin Wanrong would have thought it was all a dream.


    Thinking about how he got to know Xiao Qingxuan through fighting, it was indeed strange. Lin Wanrong shook his head, saw that it was gettingte, and decided not to think about it. As he was about to leave, he saw the long-absent Fubo walking in through the main gate, holding arge pot of nts.


    "Lin San,e and help me," Fubo shouted.


    Lin Wanrong took the potted nt from him and, coincidentally, recognized it as the strange nt he had encountered outside the city.


    "Fubo, where did you find this?" Lin Wanrong was toozy to investigate Fubo''s tattling on him to Second Miss Xiao, and the familiar scent piqued his curiosity.


    At first, he thought it was tobo and was briefly excited, but after carefully recalling the tobo he had seen before, it didn''t seem to be the same, and tobo had a choking and bitter taste, while this flower''s leaves had a faint fragrance, albeit a bit pungent.


    Fubo smiled and said, "I have never been interested in anything else in my life, just fond of flowers and nts, especially those I have never seen before. After you mentioned it to me the other day, I went to take a look on my way back from outside the city yesterday and transnted a few of them back."


    "So, Fubo, do you know what kind of nt this is?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Fubo shook his head, and with his years of knowledge, he surprisingly couldn''t recognize what kind of nt it was. However, he liked the unknown, as it made researching more enjoyable.


    The nt, which looked like both a flower and a grass, was lush green. Approaching it, one could still smell the pungent scent. Lin Wanrong slowly moved the potted nt that Fubo brought back to the garden and ced it next to the fiery red roses.


    Lin Wanrong wasn''t sure if it was an illusion, but as soon as he ced the nt next to the rose, the pungent smell seemed to decrease significantly. He sniffed carefully again and found it to be true. Not only that, but the original strong scent of roses had also faded, turning into a faint, delicate fragrance.


    "What''s going on?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback, and a thought struck him like lightning.


    "Perfume?!" he shouted, jumping three feet into the air.


    He finally remembered what this nt was. This tree-like nt was called Sanhuacao in his hometown, and it grew everywhere in the fields when he was a child. The first foreign investment project in his hometown was a French-owned perfume factory, which was established because the French saw the potential of Sanhuacao.


    Back then, Lin Wanrong was young and didn''t know the use of Sanhuacao. After the recent experiment, he realized that it was a perfume used for making fragrances. Sanhuacao could bebined with different flowers and herbs to neutralize their scents, creating various perfume essences that could bebined with alcohol and water to make perfumes.


    Lin Wanrong was no stranger to perfumes. He had given various perfumes to girls he pursued, such as Chanel, Guein, and Lae, and had be quite familiar with them.


    "Ah, this is a gold mine!" Lin Wanrong excitedly hugged Fubo, shouting, "Thank you, Fubo! We''re going to be rich!"


    Fubo, confused, said, "What fortune? We didn''t find any gold."


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t exin in detail and simply smiled at Fubo.


    After his excitement subsided, Lin Wanrong calmed down. Having the raw materials for fragrances was only the first step. Sanhuacao and flower dew could bebined in different ratios to create different perfumes, which required careful experimentation. Moreover, different people had different tastes, so he needed to think about that as well.


    However, with this discovery, Lin Wanrong was extremely excited. He was confident that with enough experimentation, he could make perfumes. With these secret forms, he would not only make a small fortune but arge one.


    After being excited for a while, Lin Wanrong remembered that he still had to go to the study room. On his way, he overheard two maids talking, "Xiao Ju, did you know? I heard that the tea merchant Wang''s house in the east of the city was robbed yesterday. They lost a lot of money and even had some people killed."


    "Really? The Wang family that sells tea? I heard they are quite wealthy, almost as much as our Xiao family. How did they get robbed?"


    "Yes, I heard the robbers were all very skilled, and the Wang family''s guards were no match for them."


    "I also heard that a wealthy family surnamed Liu in the north of the city was robbed earlier, right?"


    "Yes, I heard it was the same situation"


    Women were naturally drawn to gossip, but Lin Wanrong couldn''t be bothered with them. He entered the study room, only to find the young master''s seat empty and the teacher dozing off at the desk.


    Lin Wanrong found it strange when suddenly someone tapped on his shoulder from behind, saying, "Lin San, you''re quite early today."


    Lin Wanrong turned around to see Xiao Yushuang, a pretty young girl with a bright smile, standing in front of him.


    "You''re up quite early too," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    Xiao Yushuang secretly huffed in her heart, thinking that it was alreadyte morning and thiszy guy had just arrived, making her wait for him for a long time. However, she was too embarrassed to say this and simply looked at Lin Wanrong, saying, "Lin San, tell me what you guys were up tost night. My cousin got so drunk that he hasn''t woken up yet. Hmph, my mother will definitely scold him."


    So, it turned out that her cousin was still hungover. Lin Wanrong had thought he was bold enough to skip ss. However, now that thedy of the house knew about it, her cousin was in big trouble.


    "Well, aboutst night, Eldest Miss knows about it. You can just ask her," Lin Wanrong replied, feeling embarrassed to admit that he had taken her cousin to a brothel. He suggested that she ask Xiao Yuruo instead.


    "Hmph, even if you don''t tell me, I know it wasn''t anything good. Did you go to see that woman called Qin Xian''er?" Xiao Yushuang pouted.


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 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78


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    Chapter 78 Second Miss Xiao''s Request


    Sweat poured down his brow as Lin Wanrong realized the young girl already knew everything. "Since you already know, why are you asking me?" he replied.


    "Lin San, you''re terrible! How could you go to such a ce?" The young girl looked at him, condemning him seriously.


    He found himself unable to answer. Should he tell her it was to fulfill certain physiological needs? That would be corrupting the child.


    "Hehe, well, you know Miss Qin Xian''er invited us. She admired Young Master''s talent, so I had no choice but to apany him," he exined.


    "Hmph, I heard about it from my sister, who told our mother. You might fool my sister, but not me. That Miss Qin is definitely not admiring my cousin, but you! Don''t think I don''t know," Xiao Yushuang said through gritted teeth, clearly annoyed.


    Sighing, Lin Wanrong felt a touch of regret. The person who understood him best in the Xiao mansion was this young girl. Besides Guo Wuchang, the one he interacted with the most was Xiao Yushuang. Although she was sometimes quite unruly, she had changed a lot under his guidance and had at least stopped being so willful in front of him.


    "Lin San, is that Qin Xian''er really that beautiful?" Xiao Yushuang couldn''t help but ask when Lin Wanrong remained silent.


    "She is indeed beautiful," Lin Wanrong replied, nodding honestly.


    "Is she more beautiful than me?" Xiao Yushuang asked, puffing out her chest with pride.


    Xiao Yushuang was indeed a very beautiful woman who could surpass Qin Xianer given time. However, she was still young and slightly naive. Considering Lin Wanrong''s age and experience, she was still too young. She would need a few more years to grow.


    "Am I not as good as her?" Xiao Yushuang asked anxiously, grabbing Lin Wanrong''s arm.


    "No, you''re just younger now, so it''s not a fairparison. Give it a few years, and you''ll certainly be more beautiful than her," Lin Wanrong reassured her.


    A radiant smile blossomed on Xiao Yushuang''s face. "Really?"


    Seeing her adorable expression, Lin Wanrong felt a touch of joy and nodded, affirming, "Absolutely, certainly, and definitely."


    Xiao Yushuang huffed, "I knew it. How could I bepared to a woman of the night?"


    Lin Wanrong frowned, "Second Miss, everyone has their own experiences. Don''t look down on others so easily. Even though Qin Xian''er has fallen into such a lifestyle, she''s managed to maintain her purity. That alone makes her much stronger than most."


    Xiao Yushuang, born into a wealthy family, had an inherent sense of superiority. Otherwise, she wouldn''t tease the servants so much.


    "I understand," Xiao Yushuang stuck out her tongue, "I''ll listen to what you say."


    "You listen to everything I say? Why?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    "Because you''re kind to me," Xiao Yushuang replied matter-of-factly. "You''re different from others. You don''t just agree with me, you dare to contradict me, even hit me... over there" Her face flushed slightly as she continued, "You canpose poetry, paint, sing, and tell stories. I like that very much."


    God, if a stand-upedianes along, she''d probably like him even more. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but give a bitter smile.


    "Lin San, you promised to paint my portrait yesterday. When can we start?" Xiao Yushuang asked with interest.


    "Well, I need to gather the materials first," Lin Wanrong replied. In reality, there wasn''t much to prepare; he just needed to retrieve the makeshift pencil he had left with Qiaoqiao.


    Xiao Yushuang didn''t know how he painted and assumed, like most painters, he needed a pile of pigments, so she simply nodded in understanding.


    "Lin San, you''re so talented. I wonder if you can help my family," Xiao Yushuang suddenly sighed.


    "Help? What kind of help? You must be joking, Second Miss. What can a humble servant like me do?" Lin Wanrongughed.


    "I don''t know why, Lin San, but I feel like you''re capable. You''re full of ideas, quick-witted, and knowledgeable" Xiao Yushuang started.


    "Alright, alright, you''re going to make me blush," Lin Wanrong interrupted,ughing, "What''s troubling our Second Miss so much?"


    "I''m not entirely sure myself. I''ve only heard my mother and sister talking about it. But they always treat me like a child, unwilling to involve me. I''ve overheard a bit, something about a partnership with our Xiao family" Xiao Yushuang pouted, clearly dissatisfied with her mother and sister''s disregard.


    "A partnership?" Lin Wanrong was surprised. Did such a concept even exist in this era?


    "Did you see that Young Master Taost night? He proposed a partnership among three families, including ours and another family named He. I''m not too clear on the details; I only heard so much from my mother and sister."


    Lin Wanrong''s brow furrowed. He knew that the Xiao family''s main business was selling cloth and silk. Although it was profitable, it was amon business that anyone with money could engage in, leading to fiercepetition. The Xiao family used to lead this industry, but in recent years, more and more businesses had emerged. Even within Jinling City, several businesses were on par with the Xiao family. Business was getting tougher.


    "What''s the story with that Young Master Tao? And the He family?" Lin Wanrong asked, his brow furrowed. He had seen plenty of partnerships in his previous life. Strong alliances seizing the market together was a very beneficial business strategy. However, such partnerships also presented numerous issues, such as profit distribution and resource allocation. To put it bluntly, it was a double-edged sword. If done well, everyone could profit; if not, it became a game of acquisition.


    "Young Master Tao''s family is in the same business as ours. Over the past few years, their scale has constantly expanded, and now they''ve even surpassed our family. The He family is also only slightly smaller than ours. Our three families - Xiao, Tao, and He - are the biggest cloth dealers in Jinling City, if not in all of Jiangsu or even the entire country."


    What was the deal with this Tao Dongcheng? He was so young, and in a few years, his business had grownrger than the Xiao family. Lin Wanrong was puzzled and asked, "This Young Master Tao, does his family have any significant background?"


    Despite her youth, Xiao Yushuang was born into a noble family and understood many things. She nodded, "Young Master Tao''s uncle is the current Vice Minister of Personnel. He was once a student of my grandfather. His father, on the other hand, is a silk manufacturer in Suzhou."


    A silk manufacturer in Suzhou? No wonder, Lin Wanrong understood. With such power behind him, it would be strange if Tao Dongcheng''s business hadn''t taken off.


    Jiangnan was the richest region in China, and there was a saying, "The prosperity of Jiangnan feeds the whole country." Besides agriculture, the most famous industries in Jiangnan were the Yangzhou salt trade, the Jinling tea trade, and the Suzhou silk industry. These were the most profitable businesses in Jiangnan. Young Master Tao''s father controlled the Suzhou silk industry, which was the source of all cloth supply, it was no surprise that he could expand his business so rapidly.


    Understanding these circumstances, Lin Wanrong grasped the meaning of Tao Dongcheng''s words the previous night about bing one entity soon. With the backing of the Suzhou silk industry, a partnership was inevitable.


    As for the pros and cons of this, it wasn''t appropriate for Lin Wanrong to exin to Xiao Yushuang. He said, "Let your elder sister and your mother worry about these things. It''s no use worrying yourself."


    "But I see mother and sister are both worried, and they seem undecided about whether or not to form a partnership," Xiao Yushuang frowned. "I am their family, of course I want to share their worries. But I can''t help at all. Am I useless?"


    Listening to this young girl share her concerns, Lin Wanrong felt touched and quicklyforted her with a smile, "Second Miss, I understand how you feel. But you''re still young and not yet capable of helping them. What you should do now is make yourself happy, so they don''t have to worry about you."


    Xiao Yushuang gave a small nod and pouted, "But I''m not entirely useless. At the very least, I can introduce talent. Lin San, you''re so capable, can''t you help my mother and sister?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile, "Second Miss, you''re overestimating me. I''m just a servant. I can''t have a say in such important matters."


    Xiao Yushuang shook her head, "Lin San, in my eyes, you''re the most capable person. Even my sister praised youst night."


    "Your elder sister praised me?" Lin Wanrong was surprised. I''m lucky she didn''t beat me to death.


    Xiao Yushuang bashfully said, "Last night, my sister came to my room for a chat and saw that little booklet. She looked at the portrait you drew for her and was lost in thought for quite some time. She even said she had never seen such a drawing technique before and that you have the talent of a grandmaster."


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong said, "Didn''t you promise to keep it a secret?"


    Xiao Yushuang quickly exined, "Don''t worry, I remember everything you''ve told me. I just said that I found the booklet and didn''t know who drew the pictures. Then my sister took the booklet away."


    Seeing Xiao Yushuang looking guilty, Lin Wanrong knew it was difficult for her to lie to her sister. He didn''t have the heart to me her, "Don''t worry, I''m not mad at you." He wondered what kind of ripples would arise now that the booklet had fallen into the Eldest Miss Xiao''s hands.


    "Lin San, will you help my sister? Please?" Xiao Yushuang grabbed Lin Wanrong''s arm and pleaded with him in a soft voice.


    She had said it so many times, Lin Wanrong could only reply helplessly, "Alright, I''ll think about it. I''ll tell you when Ie up with a solution."


    Xiao Yushuang''s tears turned intoughter, "Lin San, I knew you were the best. Come to my room tonight!"


    "What?" Lin Wanrong was shocked, almost dropping his jaw in surprise.


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 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79


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    Chapter 79 A Beautiful Lady Gives Me a Knockout Drug (Part 1)


    Good heavens, isn''t this moving too quickly? thought Lin Wanrong. A servant stealing the heart of a youngdy, not to mention she''s underage? That''s a bit thrilling.


    "Oh, where is your mind wandering off to?" Second Miss Xiao also realized the implications of her words. Her cheeks turned crimson as she hurriedly exined, "I''m asking you to tell me a story. I''ve been having nightmares these past few days, dreaming of our Xiao family''s downfall. I''m scared, Lin San. Will youe and tell me a story tonight?"


    So that''s what she meant, Lin Wanrong wiped off a bead of cold sweat, feeling ashamed for his inappropriate thoughts. Reluctantly, he nodded and agreed, "Alright."


    He spent the day speaking with Xiao Yushuang, surprisingly without the interruption of Young Master Guo. In the afternoon, Lin Wanrong returned to his quarters early.


    First, he collected severalrge clovers, grinding the stems and leaves to extract the pungent juice into arge jar. He then gathered handfuls of rose petals and, after great effort, managed to squeeze out some juice, treasuring it in another small cup.


    In his past life, he had some knowledge about perfume-making, aware that creating a bottle of perfume required dozens, if not hundreds, of pounds of petals. There were many flowers in the courtyard, but it still wasn''t enough. Fortunately, with the help of the housekeeper, getting more petals wasn''t an issue.


    To make the essence of perfume, the juice had to be extracted first. Solvent extraction would have been the best method, but given the primitive conditions of this world, pressing was the most practical option, even if it meant wasting some raw materials and incurring higher costs.


    Both types of juice were roughly processed, with bits of fragments mixed in, quite crude. But this was just a preliminary experiment, so there was no need to get into the details.


    After leaving the juices to settle for a while, Lin Wanrong returned to his room after dinner. Seeing that the juices had partially rified, he eagerly poured some of the clover extract into a small bowl. The pungent smell was overpowering. The rose juice was too precious, so he only dipped a chopstick in it and stirred it into the clover extract.


    The miracle happened when just a bit of rose juice touched the clover extract - the pungent smell significantly reduced. It hadn''tpletely disappeared, Lin Wanrong knew this was because there wasn''t enough rose juice, so he reluctantly added more.


    Indeed, with just a bit more rose juice, the effect was dramatic. Not only was the pungent smell gone, but a subtle fragrance of roses began to emerge.


    Overjoyed, Lin Wanrong knew he was onto something. He added more rose juice to the experiment, and the faint scent turned into a rich aroma. The scent was strong but not cloying, a stark contrast to other typical perfumes.


    His room was filled with a pleasant fragrance. Bathed in the aroma of rose dew, Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "I''m going to be rich!"


    "What are you doing?" A cold voice came from behind him.


    Turning around, he saw Xiao Qingxuan''s beautiful face. Goodness, this girl must have been a cat in her past life, walking without a sound?


    Realizing that it was already dusk and that he had been engrossed in his experiment for over an hour, he had no idea how long she''d been there or what she''d seen. He asked, "What brings you here?"


    Xiao Qingxuan said, "Ie and go as I please, why should I ask you?"


    "And how did you get in?"


    "Just like I didst night, I climbed over the wall."


    "Did you also climb the wall this morning when you left?"


    "Why should I tell you that?"


    Xiao Qingxuan seemed to have returned to her previous cold demeanor, with the little warmth fromst nightpletely gone.


    "Miss, even though you''re of high standing, you should at least have some manners, right? You should knock before entering, understand?" Lin Wanrong said irritably.


    This girl always entered mysteriously. If she appeared like a ghost as she did the previous night, even if he didn''t have heart disease, he would be frightened to death by her. Moreover, he was in the middle of important work, which he couldn''t afford to leak. It was a unique recipe, which couldn''t be bought even with ten thousand taels of gold.


    "Your door was open, so naturally I came in," Xiao Qingxuan stated confidently.


    "Remember this, there won''t be a next time, or else I may have to silence you," Lin Wanrong threatened menacingly.


    However, Xiao Qingxuan chuckled and said, "Shouldn''t I be the one saying that?"


    With her skills, killing Lin Wanrong would have been easy as pie. Of course, except for the first time they met when things didn''t go as nned, which made Xiao Qingxuan slightly flustered.


    "Such a unique scent, it''s somewhat like a floral fragrance, but not quite. What exactly is this?" Xiao Qingxuan asked with interest, looking at Lin Wanrong''s experimental cup.


    She came from a wealthy background and had used many high-quality cosmetics, but she had never smelled this scent before. It seemed to be specifically made for women, with a faint, captivating fragrance that was strong but not overwhelming, making it irresistible and even slightly addictive.


    "What do you think of this scent?" Lin Wanrong asked with a mysterious smile. Since you''ve stumbled upon my experiment, let''s make you my first test subject.


    Biting her red lips, Xiao Qingxuan said, "It''s very fragrant, very pure, very clean, I like it a lot. Of course, if it was a little lighter, I would like it even more."


    Suddenly, Lin Wanrong remembered an article he had read before, called "Recognizing a Woman by Her Scent." The gist was that you could understand a woman''s needs from the type of perfume she uses. Women who preferred light scents were more interested in emotional affection than physical, while those who liked strong scents were more sexually driven.


    Judging by this, Xiao Qingxuan seemed to be a woman who valued emotional connections, Lin Wanrong thought with a smirk.


    "You still haven''t told me what this is. I saw you going back and forth earlier and didn''t know what you were doing," Xiao Qingxuan said. From the way she spoke, it was clear that she had been there for a while, observing him.


    "This... ah, I haven''t thought of a name for it yet. Just think of it as the powder you women use. I''m still in the experimental stage now, but once I''ve perfected it, I''ll definitely send you some," Lin Wanrong said generously.


    Xiao Qingxuan smiled lightly without saying anything, but there was a hint of barely concealed delight in her eyes.


    "By the way, why did youe looking for me? Did you miss me already?" Lin Wanrong joked, retaliating for her sudden appearances.


    Xiao Qingxuan red at him and said, "Every time I see you, you can''t say something nice. If this is how you''re going to be, I won''te again."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. Xiao Qingxuan seemed to realize there was something off in her words. Her face flushed in embarrassment as she thought, ''What''s wrong with me? I lose allposure when I see him. It''s all because this man is shameless, causing me to behave so uncharacteristically.''


    Without dwelling on it, she pulled out a small booklet from her bosom and handed it to Lin Wanrong, saying, "This is for you."


    "What is it?" Lin Wanrong took the booklet, which was still warm from Xiao Qingxuan''s touch and had a faint fragrance.


    "You asked me how I got in here, didn''t you? If you learn what''s in this booklet, you can move as freely as I do," Xiao Qingxuan said nonchntly.


    Lin Wanrong flipped through a few pages and found it to be a manual for martial arts, including some sword techniques. Despite the apparent age of the booklet, it was in pristine condition. It was undoubtedly a treasure that could fetch a lot of money if he sold it as an antique.


    Being a typical shrewd businessman, Lin Wanrong''s first thought was of the potential profit, despite the kindness shown by the beauty.


    Seeing him staring at the booklet without speaking, Xiao Qingxuan asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed and handed the booklet back to her, saying, "Miss Xiao, thank you for your generosity. But I''m not young anymore, my bones are brittle, and my back is stiff. At this age, do you think there''s hope for me to learn martial arts?"


    Xiao Qingxuan knew his age was a limitation, and it would be impossible for him to start learning from scratch. The best she could hope for was that he''d learn some basic self-defense. The martial arts and sword techniques in the booklet were coveted treasures. She had gone to great lengths to acquire it for him, but he didn''t even give it a second nce.


    "You are too conspicuous and are bound to attract trouble. Some martial arts training could help you defend yourself when needed," Xiao Qingxuan advised.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "Miss Xiao, I appreciate your kindness. We are frompletely different worlds. You are a noble heroine, and I am a carefree servant. I have no interest in your world."


    In fact, Xiao Qingxuan had a point. Lin Wanrong had long been considering this issue. The idea of establishing his own power had crossed his mind when he initially supported Dong Qingshan''s gang. At this thought, he remembered the governor''s son, Luo Yuan. If he could bring him into the gang, wouldn''t that solve his problem ofck of support? Given the young man''s restless nature, it might actually work.


    Xiao Qingxuan reluctantly took back the booklet, feeling a mix of emotions. It was the first time she had given a gift to someone, especially to a man with whom she had an ambiguous rtionship, only to have it refused. The thought was unbelievable.


    "Lin San, do you really want to remain a servant in the Xiao family for the rest of your life? With your intelligence and courage, you shouldn''t be content with mediocrity, should you?" Xiao Qingxuan asked after a long pause.


    "Miss Xiao, don''t you think it''s quite difficult for a person to live a peaceful life for their entire existence?" Lin Wanrong replied with a serene expression.


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 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80


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    Chapter 80 A Beautiful Lady Gives Me a Knockout Drug (Part 2)


    Xiao Qingxuan pondered for a long time, finally sighed and said, "We may have had some misunderstandings, but you came to my aid yesterday. I am giving you these as a gesture of gratitude. I hope you don''t misunderstand."


    Misunderstand? I have no misunderstanding. But it seems like you, littledy, might have one. Lin Wanrongughed heartily and said, "Don''t worry, I''m a loyal, kind, handsome, dashing, and generous man. Helping you once is nothing. I can do it every day without a problem."


    Hearing his nonsense, Xiao Qingxuan''s heart skipped a beat. She hurriedly said, "You''re never serious. I''ll give you another thing that I think will be most useful to you."


    "What is it?" Lin Wanrong asked, intrigued.


    Without answering, Xiao Qingxuan pulled out a pile of medicine packs from her bosom: wound healing medicine, sobering pills, sunscreen, hand cream, and countless more.


    She picked one out of the pile and said, "This one is for you."


    "What is it, exactly?" Lin Wanrong asked, even more curious now.


    Holding back herughter, Xiao Qingxuan said, "A knockout drug."


    Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat. Is this girl ying with me? Why does she give me a knockout drug? Am I supposed to use it for some nefarious deeds?


    Seeing his stunned expression, Xiao Qingxuan revealed a smirk and said, "You''re always full of bad ideas and tricks, often causing trouble. This knockout drug shoulde in handy."


    Lin Wanrong forced a smile and said, "I''m not as bad as you make me out to be."


    Xiao Qingxuan gave a triumphant smile and sighed helplessly, "You always draw attention to yourself, attracting jealousy. Be careful when you''re out and about. Don''t fall into someone else''s trap. You don''t know martial arts, so who will save you when the timees?"


    Her voice was gentle and soft, contrasting with her usual cold demeanor. Lin Wanrong put away the knockout drug and said, "Alright, I''ll keep this. Didn''t expect you to understand me so well."


    Xiao Qingxuan was silent for a while, then gritted her teeth and said, "Take care of yourself, I''ll be leaving first."


    "Be careful when you climb over the wall. Don''t fall," Lin Wanrong said.


    Xiao Qingxuan shot him a nce, wishing she could impale him with her sword. How could she, with her superior skills, end up in such a situation? He couldn''t say something nice as she was about to leave?


    When she looked up and saw Lin Wanrong trying to suppress hisughter, she knew he was teasing her. Unexpectedly, a warm feeling rose in her heart, and her cheeks heated up. She quickly walked away.


    "Will youe again tomorrow?" Lin Wanrong shamelessly asked.


    Seeing her walking away as if she hadn''t heard him, Lin Wanrong shook his head and thought to himself, ''This girl is still too shy.''


    Just as he was thinking this, a soft sound carried over the wind: "Mmm."


    By the time he looked up, Xiao Qingxuan had already disappeared.


    A sense of mncholy rose in Lin Wanrong''s heart. In this world, there were only two women he genuinely cared for. One was Dong Qiaoqiao. Qiaoqiao was gentle and kind, enjoyed listening to him speak, and viewed Lin Wanrong as the most important person in her life. He was quite fond of her, and he would never allow anyone to harm her. A woman like her was suitable to be his wife.


    His rtionship with Xiao Qingxuan was strange, however. It wasn''t love, nor was it friendship. If he had to define it, it was more than friendship but less than love, a sort of camaraderie. Despite their limited interactions, which had all stemmed from conflict, he found himself developing this feeling towards her.


    It seemed, he was indeed a master of ambiguity. Xiao Qingxuan had already vanished from sight, but Lin Wanrong was still indulging in his narcissistic thoughts.


    Gathering his thoughts, he carefullypared theposition of the perfume again, trying hard to recall his limited knowledge about fragrances. Xiao Qingxuan''s reaction earlier had given him sufficient confidence. If ady of such high birth was fascinated by this scent, it would surely be a hit with others.


    Lin Wanrong felt as if he was cuddling a gold mine in his sleep, and he was even more careful with this experiment. He noted down the effects of differentbinations, reconsidered every step, and documented it all. Luckily, when he was a sales manager, he had developed his own method of recording to maintain secrecy, ensuring others couldn''t understand it.


    After tinkering for a while, he sealed the small cups with different mixtures. Making perfume required testing the scent at different times since the fragrance would change. This concept, known as scent testing, was something Lin Wanrong understood.


    After busying himself for a while, he heard a maid outside calling his name. Seeing that it was gettingte, he remembered that he had to go tell a story to Xiao Yushuang that night.


    Sigh, withpetencees responsibility.


    The Second Miss''s private building was located in the middle of the Xiao Mansion. The area in front was where the Eldest Miss lived, and the back was where Madam Xiao resided. When Xiao Yushuang was younger, she lived with her older sister. However, once she turned sixteen and her hair was styled into a mature bun, signifying her transition into adulthood, she moved into the private building prepared specifically for her.


    The small building was a perfect square, supported by four vermilion pirs on the corners, with flying dragon patterns on the yellow tiles of the eaves. Its exterior was very ordinary, except for the gold border around the que above the main entrance.


    Upon entering the building, there was an extremely elegant small study with sandalwood incense wafting through. Past the study was a small reception room. Xiao Yushuang greeted Lin San with a radiant smile as he arrived, hurriedly running over to take his hand, "Lin San, you''re here."


    Lin Wanrong replied with a smile, "How dare I disobey the Second Miss''s orders?"


    A maid brought over a cup of clear tea, and Xiao Yushuang personally handed it to Lin Wanrong, saying, "Lin San, this is Rain Flower tea that just arrived yesterday. How does it taste?"


    Lin Wanrong took a sip, and indeed, the fragrance was refreshing and lingered on his lips and teeth. Even for someone like him who didn''t understand tea ceremony, he couldn''t help but inwardly praise it as good tea.


    Seeing him finish the tea in one gulp, Xiao Yushuang covered her mouth andughed softly, "Who drinks tea like you? Why are you in such a rush? No one''speting with you." She then waved for the maid to bring another cup.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "With such good tea and the honor of it being served by the Second Miss herself, how could I be careless? Even if it were bitter, I''d still drink it all in one go."


    "You are such a tease," Xiao Yushuang giggled, covering her mouth. "By the way, about the matter I mentioned to you today, do you have a solution?"


    No one did a favor without a reason; either they have malicious intentions or they''re out to steal. As expected, this youngdy''s hospitality had an ulterior motive. Lin Wanrong sighed, "Second Miss, even if I had some ideas in mind, it would be useless to tell you."


    Xiao Yushuang understood his meaning. Although she was the Second Miss, she had never been involved in the Xiao family''s affairs due to her young age. Consequently, her words carried little weight.


    "Lin San, do you really have a solution?" Xiao Yushuang asked cautiously, her brows furrowed as if pondering something.


    "I can''t say I have a solution, but I do have some thoughts. Second Miss, I''m going to say something you might not like. If we go into partnership with others, the Xiao family will be left with no way out," Lin Wanrong stated definitively.


    "Are you serious?" Xiao Yushuang asked, her voice trembling.


    Lin Wanrong realized that his resolute tone had frightened this young girl. After all, she was still a little girl who hadn''t been involved in business battles. So, he softened his tone, "Second Miss, I wouldn''t lie to you. This partnership n is a wolf in sheep''s clothing and a hidden disaster. You must not underestimate it."


    Xiao Yushuang didn''t understand these matters, but she had a kind of blind trust in Lin San. She quickly grabbed his hand, saying anxiously, "Lin San, what should we do? I just heard my mother and sister speaking, and it seems they are wavering. They''re almost persuaded by that Tao guy."


    In therge Xiao family mansion, the fact that such a young girl trusted himpletely moved Lin Wanrong. However, as a servant, he couldn''t participate in the Xiao family''s management, nor did he want to. Was he really expected to take on the role of the master?


    Xiao Yushuang sighed, "Lin San, I''m really scared. What if our Xiao family is ruined? What will happen to my mother, my sister, and me? And what about you?"


    This little girl was indeed endearing. Lin Wanrong quicklyforted her, "Don''t worry, that''s the worst-case scenario. Besides, with the intelligence of your sister and your mother, how could they not see it? Rest assured."


    "I wish it''s as you said," Xiao Yushuang said faintly.


    Seeing that it was gettingte, Lin Wanrong said, "Second Miss, it''s gettingte. You should rest. I''m going back now."


    Xiao Yushuang quickly held onto him, "You haven''t told me a story yet. I''ve been having nightmares these past few days, and I''m really scared. Lin San, can you tell me a story, please?"


    The little girl looked so pitiful that Lin Wanrong felt a wave of sympathy. He agreed, "Alright, today I''ll tell you the story of the ''The Legend of Condor Heroes''."


    "Okay." The little girlid her head on the table, propped up by her hands, and listened attentively as he told the story.


    Having been a sales manager for a long time, Lin Wanrong was skilled at exaggerating stories. Even the smallest details were made grand, and thergest ones were blown out of proportion. The story he told was truly breathtaking, with each character leaving a deep impression.


    "...and so Guo Jing and Huang Rong lived happily ever after on Peach Blossom Ind." This story of ''The Legend of Condor Heroes'' was really damn long. Despite Lin Wanrong''s attempts to condense the content, he still spoke for more than an hour, consuming a full pot of Rain Flower tea. He decided to choose a shorter story next time, maybe one about a beggar.


    Second Miss listened with interest for a long time. After he finished, she smiled and said, "Lin San, where did you hear this story? It felt like I was listening to a professional storyteller. It was so much fun. I really liked it. From now on, can you tell me a story before I go to sleep every night?"


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 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81


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    Chapter 81 The Misunderstanding of the Eldest Miss (Part 1)


    The young girl was truly persistent. Lin Wanrong, in his haste to change the subject, said, "Let''s talk about thister. Second Miss, I have a question for you now. You can choose not to answer, but if you do, you must tell the truth."


    Xiao Yushuang nodded and said, "Don''t worry, Lin San, I will not lie to you."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, smiling as he asked, "In the story of The Legend of Condor Heroes, do you prefer Guo Jing or Yang Kang?"


    It was an interesting question. In his previous life, most boys preferred Guo Jing, perhaps because he was honest and posed no threat to them. Most girls, on the other hand, preferred Yang Kang, probably because he was more handsome and knew how to coax girls.


    Xiao Yushuang blushed, lowering her head, wondering why he would ask such an embarrassing question. Could there be an ulterior motive?


    After thinking for a while, her face as pink as a peach blossom, she nced at him and replied in a voice as soft as a mosquito''s buzz, "I... prefer Yang Kang a little."


    "Why is that?" Lin Wanrong thought to himself, ''As expected, girls do like this sort of thing.''


    "Because he''s a lot like you," Xiao Yushuang whispered.


    Taken aback, Lin Wanrong waspletely baffled. Was this apliment or an insult? "Am I as bad as him?" he asked with a pained expression.


    "He''s nowhere near as bad as you when ites to deceiving girls," Xiao Yushuang said, her face red.


    Lin Wanrong was speechless. So in the eyes of this Second Miss, he was a big bad wolf. But where did he deceive girls - at most, he only deceived the little girl Qiaoqiao.


    "Lin San, do you prefer Huang Rong or Mu Nianci?" the youngdy asked nervously after some thought.


    Damn, he had never considered this question because no one had ever asked him. Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment, then answered honestly, "I seem to like both of them."


    "Then who do you like more?" Xiao Yushuang pouted.


    "Well, Mu Nianci is the type you''d bring home as a wife, while Huang Rong is suitable as a confidante. I''m not really sure which one I prefer," Lin Wanrong said awkwardly.


    "Fickle," the Second Miss huffed and turned her head, refusing to speak any further. It was unclear what she was thinking.


    Seeing her expression, Lin Wanrong quickly excused himself and went downstairs. Xiao Yushuang didn''t even look at him properly.


    As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he heard Second Miss''s voice from behind, "Lin San, you must continue the story for me tomorrow. Otherwise, I''ll make sure you can''t have either Huang Rong or Mu Nianci."


    Sweating. Was this a threat?


    Lin Wanrong left the building, shaking his head at the memory of the young girl''s words. It was somewhat amusing.


    He had not walked far when he heard a cold huff. A figure blocked his path.


    "Move aside, don''t block the road," Lin Wanrong said impatiently.


    "Hmm." It was a clear sound this time, a woman''s voice. Lin Wanrong looked up and saw the Xiao family''s Eldest Miss, who bore a striking resemnce to Madam Xiao.


    "So it''s the Eldest Miss. Lin San greets Eldest Miss." Lin Wanrong chuckled, his rtionship with the Eldest Miss was somewhat strained. He had almost been punishedst night, and although he hadn''t been beaten, he had broken out in a cold sweat. He kept his distance from this "fierce" Eldest Miss, as one would respectfully avoid spirits and deities.


    "Did you juste from Yushuang''s ce?" Xiao Yuruo''s eyes shed with anger as she asked coldly.


    She had seen everything. There was no point in denying it, especially since he hadn''t done anything guilty. Lin Wanrong, feeling righteous, answered loudly, "Yes."


    "Lin San, don''t think that because Yushuang is young and you''re eloquent, that you can bully my sister. You''re delusional," Eldest Miss Xiao eximed angrily.


    "Eldest Miss, what do you mean by this? When have I ever bullied Second Miss?" Lin Wanrong was confused. Why did this girl suddenly appear, and why was she so angry? Could she be on her period?


    "You still dare to argue? I ask you, what were you doing in Yushuang''s room just now?" Xiao Yuruo was so angry that her teeth itched. This servant dared to harbor intentions towards her sister. How could she tolerate this?


    When Xiao Yuruo was angry, her beautiful face flushed a few shades darker, her lips bit down slightly, her bosom heaved, she was incredibly beautiful. Compared to her usual strong and reserved demeanor, it was quite a different vor.


    Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment, thinking to himself, the three women of the Xiao family, from old to young, were all quite remarkable. But the Eldest Miss was in a bad mood at the moment. Not wanting to provoke her, Lin Wanrong said righteously, "I went to tell Second Miss a story."


    "A story? Who would believe such an excuse? With your wolfish ambitions, do you think no one can see through you? You want to take advantage of Yushuang''s innocence and deceive her, how could you do such a thing?" Seeing him deny it, Xiao Yuruo became even more furious. This malicious viin, if not dealt with promptly, who knew what he might do.


    Lin Wanrong finally understood her tone. So she thought he was trying to seduce her sister. Damn, this girl thinks too highly of herself. With Lin Wanrong''s discernment and experience, the Second Miss was just a young girl who would be a high school student in his previous life. He had no interest in Lolitas, how could he possibly get involved with the Second Miss? Lin Wanrong didn''t know whether tough or cry.


    However, the Eldest Miss''s tone was extremely displeasing to him. What did it matter if his status was low? Her status might be high, but soon enough, she would be absorbed by someone else. She might even be worse off than him, a mere servant.


    "Eldest Miss, I think you''ve got it wrong. There''s nothing between Second Miss and me. She''s only sixteen, still a child. You can suspect me, but to suspect your own sister like this, don''t you find it shameful?" Lin Wanrong said coldly. His pride was piqued, and he wasn''t afraid of anyone, let alone a young girl.


    "You, you scoundrel, dare to call me shameless?" Xiao Yuruo clenched her fists tightly. If it weren''t for her status, she would have rushed up to beat this viin.


    "Isn''t it true? You don''t even trust your own biological sister, and you expect me to say you''re noble?" Lin Wanrongughed, "You use me for no reason, judging others by your petty mind. If this nder of yours were to spread, I wouldn''t mind, but how would the pure and innocent Second Miss deal with it? How would she view her sister? Calling you shameless is putting it lightly."


    "You" Xiao Yuruo felt like she was about to explode. She had dismissed all the servants to protect her sister''s reputation, thinking she could easily resolve the issue, but she didn''t expect this servant to be so cunning and articte. She was momentarily at a loss for words. Listening to his sophistry, she ground her teeth and her beautiful cheeks flushed with rage.


    "Eldest Miss, the Second Miss is still a child. She needs your love and care. No matter how busy you and the Madam are, you should spend more time caring for her. Money can''t buy these familial bonds. Once you lose them, it will be toote to cherish them," Lin Wanrong said with heartfelt sincerity.


    This was a spontaneous outburst. Aftering to this world, he was forever separated from his parents and sister. Thinking of their heartbreaking state, his eyes were a little moist.


    Xiao Yuruo had been managing the Xiao family for many years. She was known for her sharpness and strong will. But making independent decisions had also made her somewhat stubborn. She firmly believed that Lin San must have had intentions towards Xiao Yushuang. Coupled with her poor impression of him from the previous night, it was hard to change this perception quickly.


    She didn''t listen to what Lin Wanrong was saying and gritted her teeth, "You servant, do you really think I can''t do anything to you?"


    Lin Wanrong was furious, "Eldest Miss, I am a contracted employee of the Xiao family, not a servant. There''s a contract to prove it, so be clear. I don''t rely on your whims to live. Maybe one day, you''ll have to rely on mine."


    "You" Eldest Miss Xiaopletely lost it. She picked up a stone from nowhere and threw it at him.


    Damn, resorting to violence when she can''t win the argument? Lin Wanrong was taken aback and quickly dodged, "Are you going crazy, girl?"


    In her anger, Eldest Miss Xiao had already forgotten to call for help. She lunged at Lin Wanrong, swinging her fists at him. Her moves seemed to have been practiced, but she was apparently still a novice.


    Lin Wanrong dodged and asked, "Have you really gone mad?"


    "I''ll kill you, you wretched servant!" Eldest Miss Xiao relentlessly threw punches at Lin Wanrong.


    Damn, should I be afraid of her? Lin Wanrong thought angrily. He suddenly grabbed her wrists, lifted a leg to block her kick, and forcefully pinned her against a faux rock formation, shouting, "Wake up, wake up."


    Eldest Miss Xiao gasped for breath, her eyes zing with fury as she stared at him, "You servant, let go of me, or I swear you''ll die a terrible death."


    Lin Wanrong was utterly furious. He raised his hand and pped her tender buttocks hard. The crisp smack echoed, and Miss Xiao let out a soft cry. Both of them were stunned.


    Lin Wanrong thought, This girl has a pretty plump backside. Xiao Yuruo, on the other hand, thought, I have been defiled by this servant, I can''t live anymore.


    "I''ll fight you to the death," she shrieked, struggling fiercely. Her hands iled wildly, scratching at Lin Wanrong. Seeing her looking crazed, Lin Wanrong thought, damn, what the hell is going on here? I''ve never been hit by a woman before.


    Well, whether it was one p or ten, the feud has been established now. Seeing Eldest Miss Xiao continuing to struggle and twist, Lin Wanrong delivered another hard smack on her plump buttocks.


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 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82


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    Chapter 82 The Misunderstanding of the Eldest Miss (Part 2)


    Xiao Yuruo felt a jolt of intense force. She felt numb below, and the sensation of pain seemed to partially numb her senses. Her body trembled as if charged by electricity, and indescribable feelings welled up within her. It was as if she was in pain, yet somehow it felt pleasurable. Unconsciously, she even let out a soft whimper.


    Lin Wanrong saw her face twisted in pain, yet her eyes seemed veiled with ayer of mist. Her red lips parted slightly, giving her a strangely seductive allure. He thought to himself, ''How did this little girl grow up, she has such a sizable bottom.'' Swallowing hard, he instinctively gave it another heavy p. Xiao Yuruo''s taut buttocks seemed to bounce his hand back, the smooth touch was so enticing that he couldn''t help but give it a gentle squeeze.


    "Ah" Xiao Yuruo felt as if his palm carried some strange magic, making her tremble delicately, her body blushing a peculiar pink. As the pain intensified, her breathing became more heated, and she couldn''t help but let out a soft moan. This sound was soft and coy, like a groan or a sigh of longing. She felt electrified, her heart trembled slightly, and she even felt a hint of enjoyment.


    Shocked and furious, Xiao Yuruo didn''t understand what was happening to her. This vile man was humiliating her, why did she feel this way? Her face flushed red as she repressed the strange feelings within her, clenching her teeth, wishing she could tear this Lin San apart.


    Seeing the boundless anger in Xiao Yuruo''s eyes, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, ''This misunderstanding is deepening. I didn''t expect both girls from the Xiao family to be so fiery. They both need a good spanking.'' As he was thinking, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his wrist. Looking down, he saw Xiao Yuruo biting his wrist fiercely.


    ''Damn, she''s resisting!'' Lin Wanrong pulled back his wrist and gave her buttocks another hard smack. His expression changed as he roared, "Alright, I admit it! I had designs on the second miss, I defiled her, are you satisfied now? Damn it, you women, are you all so obstinate?"


    Lin Wanrong let go of Xiao Yuruo, he had no interest in dealing with her angry face. ''Damn it, was I born to be at odds with the Xiao family?'' He punched the rockery beside him in frustration.


    "You...you finally admit it?" Xiao Yuruo red at him, her anger surging. She took several deep breaths, her face flushed pink. Her buttocks were still burning, but that strange sense of pleasure made her body weak. She could only stay steady by holding onto the rockery. It was all this viin''s fault. She red at this evil servant as if her hatred for him reached her bones.


    Such stubborn assumptions and unrepentant behaviors really defeated Lin Wanrong. He sighed, "You''ve already made up your mind, does it make any difference whether I admit it or not?"


    Xiao Yuruo gritted her teeth, "Once you admit it, I will deal with you. Also, you hit me tonight, you hit my..." She was a youngdy, she couldn''t bring herself to say ''buttocks.''


    "''Spanking you, is it?'' Lin Wanrong said on her behalf, I really can''t stand you. You''re so impulsive without a thorough investigation. How do you usually conduct your affairs? Do you operate your business in such a headstrong manner? If you continue like this, the Xiao family will sooner orter fall into ruin because of you."


    His words were extremely harsh. Xiao Yuruo had been training herself from childhood to be a strong woman like her mother. This has fostered herpetitive nature, for the sake of the Xiao family, for her mother and sister, she would not allow herself to fail, not even a small mistake was eptable. Whether one called her stubborn or willful, in fact, without her character, the Xiao family would have copsed long ago. Over the years, she worked hard to preserve the business of the Xiao family. She dedicated everything to the Xiao family. Now, hearing this viin say that the Xiao family would fall because of her was undoubtedly touching her raw nerve.


    At this moment, she became calm. As the helmswoman of the Xiao family, her temperament was naturally firm. Yet, meeting this Lin San today, she didn''t know why, but she felt like she was possessed, even rushing to fight with him and losing her usualposure. This was not the demeanor of a strong woman in charge of the Xiao family''s business.


    She was puzzled as to why she had done such a thing, but at this time her mind calmed down and she regained her indifferent demeanor. She nced at Lin San once. Although there was still some disgust in her eyes, they were already clear. At this moment, Xiao Yuruo had be thedy in charge of the Xiao family again. In her eyes, this Lin San was just a loathsome servant. With this thought, she felt no more unease and looked emotionlessly at Lin Wanrong and said, "You deceive and attack your master, do you plead guilty?"


    "I''ve nevermitted a crime, so how can I plead guilty?" Lin Wanrong said.


    "You don''t plead guilty, but it''s not up to you. Do you think our Xiao family can be bullied so easily?" Thedy snorted coldly, "Lin San, starting from tomorrow, you are no longer a part of our Xiao..."


    "Sister, what are you doing?" The voice of Xiao Yushuang came from behind the two, cutting off thedy''s words.


    Lin Wanrong turned his head and saw Xiao Yushuang, the second young miss, slowly walking over in a coat.


    The servants in the courtyard had all been sent away by Xiao Yuruo, so despite themotion between Xiao Yuruo and Lin Wanrong, only the second young miss heard.


    Seeing her sister and Lin San standing together, she was a little puzzled, but how could she know that the servant she had high hopes for was about to be expelled from the mansion?


    "Yushuang, why did youe down? It''s cold, why didn''t you put on more clothes, you silly girl." Xiao Yuruo walked over to help her sister.


    Regardless of how Xiao Yuruo treated others, she genuinely loved her sister, which made Lin Wanrong''s impression of her a bit better.


    "Just now, Lin San told me a story, called ''The Legend of Condor Heroes'', it''s really fun. Sister, I''ll tell youter." Xiao Yushuang said in a soft voice.


    Xiao Yuruo looked deeply at Lin Wanrong, her eyes filled with a touch of helplessness. She sighed, and smiled at Xiao Yushuang, "I''lle up in a bit. You go up now, don''t catch a cold."


    Xiao Yushuang said, "It''s okay. Sister, do you know that, with you and mother busy with business affairs, and no one else in the courtyard to talk to me, only Lin San isn''t afraid of me. He tells lots of jokes, recites poems, tells stories, and even draws. He is the only one in the garden who can chat with me."


    He''s not just unafraid of you, he''s not afraid of me either, Xiao Yuruo thought, throwing an annoyed nce at Lin Wanrong. But he seemed indifferent, as if her threat to expel him from the mansion didn''t bother him. Thinking about it, he only signed a one-year contract with the Xiao family, she began to understand. This Lin San didn''t seem to want to stay in the Xiao family for long. It wasughable that she thought to threaten him with expulsion.


    She wasn''t sure how she felt. This servant didn''t care about the Xiao family or her, and he even spanked her... Thinking of this, her face flushed even more, she gritted her teeth and thought, if you want to leave my Xiao family so easily, I will not let you have your way.


    "Sister, let me tell you, Lin San said, our partnership with the Tao family--"


    "Yushuang-- I''ll take you upstairs." Xiao Yuruo quickly stopped her sister. Such confidential matters couldn''t be discussed in front of a servant.


    Xiao Yushuang gave her sister a wronged look. Xiao Yuruo sighed and said, "Little sister, let mother and I handle these things. You just need to live each day well."


    Xiao Yushuang nodded and said, "Yes, sister, Lin San said the same thing."


    It seemed that Yushuang was deeply influenced by this Lin San, Xiao Yuruo thought, then she nced at Lin Wanrong again as if nothing happened, "Lin San, wait here for a while. I have some tasks for youter."


    Xiao Yushuang gave Lin Wanrong a sweet smile, then followed her sister upstairs.


    Lin Wanrong watched Xiao Yushuang''s figure, thinking, I hope you, little girl, are happy every day. Tomorrow I''ll be driven out of the mansion by your sister, and we probably won''t see each other again.


    When Xiao Yuruo came downstairs, she saw the servant called Lin San standing next to the artificial rock, his gaze deep, not knowing what he was thinking, there was a touch of mncholy.


    Eldest Miss Xiao walked over and said, "I didn''t expect you to have some courage."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t bother to respond. Being driven out was not good for his reputation, and it was somewhat betraying Old Wei''s trust.


    "Lin San, you are not allowed to approach Yushuang anymore. She is still a child and doesn''t understand anything. Don''t harm her." Her expression was somber, as if she was negotiating with Lin Wanrong, but her tone was still so domineering.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "She is indeed still a child. You can doubt me, but you shouldn''t doubt her."


    He shook his head helplessly and sighed, no longer interested in speaking with this presumptuous youngdy. It was a waste of breath, like a chicken talking to a duck.


    "You don''t need to go to the study room tomorrow, just go back and help Fubo." Xiao Yuruo said without expression.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Wasn''t this little girl nning to kick him out of the Xiao family? Why did she suddenly change her mind? Especially after he had spanked her.


    However, her move was clearly aimed at separating him from Xiao Yushuang. What a fuss! Lin Wanrong thought, chuckling inwardly. There wasn''t much going on between him and the second miss, it was all this little girl''s overthinking. Still, he needed to mix perfume these days, and avoiding the second miss would give him some peace. Moreover, if he really left the Xiao family, he wouldn''t have such good conditions to mix perfumes. It was an important period now, so he decided to bear with it.


    Lin Wanrong showed no expression, said nothing, and didn''t look at Xiao Yuruo. He turned around to leave, but heard Miss Xiao say, "And-- I don''t want to hear any gossip about what happened here tonight."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled coldly, "Don''t worry, Eldest Miss. Even if you don''t care about your reputation, my reputation as Lin San is precious."


    With a bang, a cold wind came from behind, and another stone was thrown, fast and forceful, narrowly missing Lin Wanrong.


    Damn, is this little girl a violence freak? Lin Wanrong casually flipped her off, then walked away casually under Xiao Yuruo''s puzzled gaze.


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 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83


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    Chapter 83 Feeling Strange (Part 1)


    The next day, Eldest Miss Xiao gave Lin Wanrong a day off from the study. He didn''t hold back, enjoying a good sleep and spending the day in his small cottage experimenting with perfume-making.


    With the experience gained from yesterday, the progress was much smoother. His techniques were bing more proficient, and the variety of fragrances he was creating was increasing. Each experiment was carefully recorded, noting the ratios of the ingredients. If all went well, these simple notes could be priceless perfume forms in the future. The thought of making a fortune from these made him salivate.


    Busy until dusk, he had just finished his work and was stretching when a maid came running over, shouting in a sweet voice, "Brother Lin, Brother Lin, hurry! Someone has sent you an invitation."


    "What?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. He was just a servant in the Xiao Mansion, who would invite him? That was strange. Suddenly, he remembered what Qin Xian''er had mentioned the other day. Could it be that she really meant it?


    In the reception room, he saw a young maid standing there, chatting with Young Master Guo.


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong, Young Master Guo cheerfully said, "Lin San, you''ve arrived just in time. Miss Qin Xian''er has invited us to her mansion tomorrow evening. What do you think?"


    Ever since the incident at Miaoyu Pavilion, Young Master Guo had been particrly polite to Lin San. He valued this servant not only for his talent and spirit but also for his knowledge.


    Visit the mansion? He felt likeughing. As if visiting a brothel needed to be so formal. Lin Wanrong maintained a pretentiousposure and said, "Oh?" The young maid hurriedly handed him the name card, saying, "We hope Young Master Lin will grace us with his presence tomorrow."


    As Lin Wanrong opened the card, a subtle fragrance wafted out. The charming face of Qin Xian''er seemed to appear before him. The card was very delicate, with a pair of mandarin ducks embroidered on it, and a line of beautiful small characters beneath: "Since parting with you, each day feels like a year. My thoughts of you are beyond words." The card was signed with the three characters of Qin Xian''er''s name.


    The handwriting was elegant and beautiful, clearly the work of a woman, likely Qin Xian''er herself. Having seen Xiao Yushuang''s handwriting, he was impressed by Qin Xian''er''s calligraphy. He mused to himself, who said that women without talent were virtuous? He couldn''t match the writing of these two youngdies even with ten more years of practice. Of course, this didn''t apply to writing with a ballpoint pen.


    Reading the phrase "beyond words," Lin Wanrong found it amusing. It was clear that Qin Xian''er wanted to chat with him, yet she wrote in such a mncholic tone. Anyone who didn''t know better might think he had yed with her feelings and dumped her.


    Young Master Guo''s card was decorated with the four gentlemen of flowers: plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum. There were quite a few lines of writing, but it was mostly fluff about inviting Young Master Guo to grace them with his presence. The handwriting on his card wasn''t as good as Lin Wanrong''s and was obviously done by someone else. This Qin Xian''er certainly had a way of doing things, Lin Wanrong thought to himself.


    After chatting and rxing with Young Master Guo in the reception room, and discussing the itinerary for the next day, it was already time for the eveningmps to be lit when Lin Wanrong returned to his own small courtyard.


    Lin Wanrong was in high spirits. Seeing the blooming flowers in the courtyard, he couldn''t help but shout out in excitement before pushing the door and entering his house. As soon as his left foot crossed the threshold, he looked up and saw Xiao Qingxuan sitting there, smiling at him.


    "Why are you here so early today?" Lin Wanrong asked with augh. After bing familiar with Xiao Qingxuan, the formalities were dropped, there was no time for pleasantries. Xiao Qingxuan seemed to fit right in with this, entering his room every day unannounced, as if just visiting. It gave him the impression that this girl wasing for a ndestine meeting.


    "I came to check on the progress of your perfume. You promised to give me the first batch," Xiao Qingxuan said. She seemed to be really interested in the perfume; otherwise, she wouldn''t keeping here.


    "How can you be so impatient? I haven''t even finished my experiments yet. Besides, even when the experiments are done, it will be the next batch that goes into production. That''s when I can give it to you."


    Xiao Qingxuan smiled slightly and said, "I''m not in a hurry. As long as you remember to give it to me when it''s ready."


    A slight blush appeared on her face, and as her gaze moved down, she noticed the name card in his hand. She immediately asked, "Someone actually sent you a name card? You must be quite charming."


    Knowing that she and Qin Xian''er were at odds, Lin Wanrong didn''t mention who sent it. Xiao Qingxuan had sharp eyes, and she saw the three characters of Qin Xian''er through the gap in the loosely closed envelope. Her face changed slightly, and she huffed, "Is Qin Xian''er the one who invited you?"


    Her eyes were sharp indeed. Unable to hide it, Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "She invited our young master, and asked me toe along."


    "I think she invited you, and asked your young master toe along," Xiao Qingxuan said coldly.


    "It''s the same, it''s the same." Knowing he couldn''t fool her, Lin Wanrongughed awkwardly.


    "Do you want to go?" Xiao Qingxuan asked nonchntly.


    "Well, I have to think about it. As you know, I''m not a frivolous person," Lin Wanrong joked, adding in his mind  When I''m frivolous, I''m not a person.


    Seeing his self-praise, Xiao Qingxuan wanted tough but held it back, and said, "You''re too cunning, I never know when you''re telling the truth or lying. She sincerely invited you, and if you don''t go, you''ll appear stingy. If you like to interact with her, just go, no one will stop you."


    "Are you jealous?" Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly said, "What nonsense are you talking about?" Her expression turned colder.


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, This girl is really thin-skinned and can''t take a joke.


    "In that case, to prove my innocence with Miss Xiao, I suppose I must make a sacrifice and reluctantly agree to see her. Hmm, this Miss Qin is actually quite beautiful, so it''s good to be able to chat with her. But don''t worry, even if I see her, I won''t have any unrealistic ideas. However, what I''m most worried about is her having inappropriate thoughts about me," Lin Wanrong said, chucklingsciviously.


    Xiao Qingxuan snorted coldly and nced at him but didn''t say anything. She moved gracefully towards the door, not even bothering to say goodbye.


    She hade early today and left early too. Lin Wanrong was puzzled and called out, "Are you leaving already? Will you be back tomorrow?"


    Xiao Qingxuan had already leapt onto the high wall and didn''t have time to answer when he called out, "Be careful when climbing the wall, don''t fall!"


    Feeling unsettled, Xiao Qingxuan''s qi was disordered and she almost missed her footing. Flushing with embarrassment and anger, she stepped on the wall, shot him a fierce look, then jumped down and ran off.


    This girles and goes without a word, not even bothering to say goodbye. She really doesn''t take this young master seriously. However, her wall-climbing posture was truly elegant, and her little bottom... ah, it was beyond words.


    Lin Wanrong stood there, thinking about the moment Xiao Qingxuan looked back at him from the wall, the sight of her long, powerful legs forcefully kicking against the wall. For some reason, he suddenly remembered an advertisement slogan - The higher you stand, the further you can pee.


    Another day passed. When Fubo came into the garden, he was shocked to see that the rose petals, chrysanthemums, and jasmine flowers had mostly been picked. As a true flower lover, he was heartbroken and called out, "Lin San, Lin San!"


    When no one answered, he became anxious. Could it be that a flower thief had broken into the garden and something had happened to Lin San?


    Fubo hurried into the house and saw that Lin San was still in his clothes, sound asleep on the bed.


    It was already past noon, and this kid was still asleep. Fubo went over and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Lin San, get up quickly. There seems to be a thief in the garden."


    After Xiao Qingxuan leftst night, Lin Wanrong had worked through the night on his experiment. It wasn''t until dawn that he fell into a deep sleep. When he opened his eyes, he saw Fubo standing in front of him and quickly said, "Fubo, why are you here so early?"


    Fubo said, "Early? It''s already past lunchtime. Lin San, I came to ask you, has there been a thief in the garden? Why have all the flowers been picked?"


    When Lin Wanrong was experimenting, he used arge number of flower petals. Fortunately, the garden was abundant with flowers, so he could continue his work. Upon hearing Fubo''s words, he quickly said, "Oh, it might have been the maids from the front courtyard who picked them. Fubo, as you know, I am quite handsome, so it''s quite normal for those girls toe by and pick a few fresh flowers. Besides, they often praise you for being hardworking, kind, and skilled, and they say they want to learn more from you."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t blink an eye as he shamelessly ttered Fubo, whoughed and stopped him, saying, "You, young man, with just that mouth of yours, I don''t know how many girls you''ve managed to fool."


    "Fubo, does our Xiao family only have this one garden?" What Lin Wanrong was concerned about was the source of the flower petals. To make perfume, he would need hundreds or even thousands of tons of petals. Where could he find such a quantity?


    Fubo shook his head and said, "Of course not. Our Xiao family isrge and prosperous. We have several properties in Jinling, Suzhou, Zhenjiang, and other ces. There''s also arge estate to the south of the city that''s dozens of timesrger than this ce. When the old master retired from the court and returned to his hometown, he nted many flowers and nts there. The variety there is so vast that what we have in this garden doesn''t even amount to one percent of it. Many of the flowers and nts in this garden were transnted from there. The estate is currently looked after and its scale is muchrger than this one."


    The Xiao family really was a significantndowner, Lin Wanrong thought to himself. However, with such arge garden, the problem of sourcing flower petals should be solved.


    But how to approach the Xiao family about this? When he thought of Eldest Miss Xiao, who loathed him to the bone, he felt a headacheing on. Given his rtionship with her, getting anything from her would be a nearly impossible task.


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 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84


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    Chapter 84 Feeling Strange (Part 2)


    After some thought, he found no clues and lost interest in thinking further. Lin Wanrong''s interest in these nts soared unprecedentedly due to his idea of making perfumes. He even lost his appetite for lunch, and kept pestering Fubo with endless questions. Fubo was astounded by this sudden diligence and curiosity in ''Lin San''.


    Not until evening did Lin Wanrong finally let Fubo go. However, Guo Wuchang, the young master of the Guo family, sought him out voluntarily.


    "Lin San, why didn''t youe to the study room today?" Guo Wuchang asked with concern.


    In his heart, Lin San held an unusual status, almost godlike. He was eloquent, knowledgeable, poetic, and skilled in courtingdies. Having him around made Guo Wuchang feel secure. Lin San was indeed a treasure.


    Lin Wanrong noticed that the young master seemed to have dressed himself well today. Dressed in a schr''s robe, a small jacket, a headband made of shiny silver ribbon, and holding a white jade folding fan, he looked rather mboyant.


    Barely suppressing augh, Lin Wanrong said, "Young Master, the Eldest Miss ordered me yesterday not to go to the study room anymore. Instead, I should help out here in the gardener''s department."


    Guo Wuchang was startled, "What? Does cousin Yuruo know about the incident that day?"


    Damn, with your mboyant behavior that night, even a blind man would have noticed. How could she miss it? Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, "She doesn''t know the details, but as long as Qin Xian''er is there, she probably won''t say anything. Young Master, you can proceed without worries."


    "Exactly, exactly, Lin San, I feel relieved when you are around." Guo Wuchang took out a bunch of silver from his sleeve, amounting to several dozens of taels, and handed it to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, you handled the situation well that day. This is my reward for you. Continue your good work."


    Lin Wanrong replied with stern righteousness, "Young Master, serving you is my duty. There''s no need for such formality." Without further ado, he put the silver in his pocket.


    Lin San changed into a servant''s clothes, took his name tag, and followed the young master out the door.


    The two of them were off to a brothel, carrying an invitation from Qin Xian''er, hence the visit was perfectly justified. Even though it wasn''t something to be proud of, being recognized by a celestial beauty like Qin Xian''er made Young Master Guo incredibly proud. He wished everyone in the mansion knew about it.


    Therefore, their stroll to the brothel was with heads held high, full of righteous pride. Guo Wuchang, the mboyant one, would cough a few times whenever he saw people, hoping to draw their attention.


    A few alert servants quickly said, "Young Master, are you off to meet Miss Qin? Our master is indeed like the Literature God from heaven, even Miss Qin looks at our master differently."


    "Tip them." The young master said proudly. Lin Wanrong took a handful of the broken silver that Young Master Guo had prepared and gave it to the servant. This kid had quite the style of his younger self. The silver was well spent.


    Just as the two were about to walk out of the main gate, a sweet voice called out, "Lin San"


    Lin Wanrong turned around, only to see Second Miss Xiao rushing over. She was surprisingly dressed in men''s clothing that day, portraying a delicate and handsome young master, standing tall in front of the two of them.


    "Yo, Second Miss Xiao, where are you off to perform? Why are you dressed like this?" Lin Wanrong joked.


    "Humph, I am going to y Zhu Yingtai and kill you, the Liang Shanbo," Second Miss Xiaoughed, then looked at him and said, "Why didn''t youe to the study room today? Are you cking off again? I''ll tell my elder sister tomorrow to punish you by not letting you sleep for three days."


    Although it sounded like reprimand, it seemed more like concern. Lin Wanrong thought to himself, You don''t understand your sister''s pettiness, she''d rather have me stay away from you.


    However, Xiao Yushuang was still an innocent girl who didn''t understand these matters. Lin Wanrong didn''t want her to know, so he replied with a smile, "Second Miss Xiao, Fubo has been quite busy these days, so I''ve been helping him in the garden. I''m afraid I won''t be able to go to the study for a few days."


    Xiao Yushuang didn''t doubt him and said sweetly, "So that''s why, I thought you were beingzy today. I waited for you all day for nothing. Eh, what are you holding in your hand?" Xiao Yushuang, sharp-eyed, immediately noticed the name tag in Lin Wanrong''s hand and quickly asked.


    Guo Wuchang gave Lin Wanrong a look. Lin Wanrong knew he couldn''t take Second Miss Xiao to the brothel, so he feigned surprise, "Oh, you mean this? This is an invitation from Master Zhang from the court for the young master to join a banquet tomorrow."


    Xiao Yushuang nced at him and snorted, "You''re trying to fool me. I think it''s an invitation from Qin Xian''er to join her at the brothel, right?"


    Damn, this little girl knows everything! Lin Wanrong admitted, "Second Miss Xiao, that''s true. Miss Qin admires Young Master Guo''s knowledge and invited him to discuss some academic matters. It''s not what you''re imagining."


    "Yes, yes." Guo Wuchang also hastily agreed, "Miss Qin invited me to discuss academic matters. Cousin, you mustn''t misunderstand."


    Xiao Yushuang thought for a moment and said, "In that case, Lin San, you are not allowed to go. Cousin Guo can go alone."


    This little girl is pretty controlling. It was a rare chance to get out and have some fun, how could he easily let it go? Lin Wanrong made a pitiful face, "Second Miss Xiao, Young Master Guo needs a servant when he''s out on business, how can he go alone?"


    Xiao Yushuang snorted, "If you want to go, just say it. Why make excuses? If you really want to go, I won''t stop you, but I have one condition."


    Guo Wuchang was even more anxious than Lin Wanrong. Without Lin San, he would be helpless. He quickly asked, "What condition?"


    Xiao Yushuang''s face bloomed into a delighted smile, "You have to take me with you."


    Damn, that was a challenging request. Going to a brothel with a beautiful girl in tow, did she think they were going to a restaurant? Young Master Guo and Lin Wanrong said in unison, "No way."


    "Why not?" Xiao Yushuang pouted, "Aren''t you going there for academic purposes, not to do something wrong? Why can''t I go? Look, I''ve already changed my clothes."


    Xiao Yushuang spun around gracefully, "How is it? No one can tell that I''m a girl."


    Lin Wanrong rolled his eyes helplessly. She didn''t even bind her chest, sticking out so prominently, it would be hard for anyone to mistake her for a man.


    Young Master Guo was also a bit helpless, so he gave Lin Wanrong a look, meaning, You have a way with girls, you take care of this, and then slowly moved aside.


    "Second Miss Xiao, although it''s for learning, it''s still a ce of pleasure. It''s not suitable for a girl like you. And think about me. Young Master Guo is a man and was invited by Miss Qin, so it doesn''t matter, but if you go, and the Madam and the Eldest Miss find out, I''d be done for," Lin Wanrong said with a pained face. Just kidding, your sister warned mest night, and today I''m taking you to the brothel. She would surely kill me.


    "No, I won''t let mother and sister find out," Xiao Yushuang quickly pleaded, "They love me the most, they won''t me me."


    Of course, they wouldn''t me you. They would only make me suffer. Seeing this little girl persisting, Lin Wanrong snorted, "Of course the Madam and the Eldest Miss won''t punish you, but would they spare me? Second Miss, aren''t you putting me in danger?"


    Xiao Yushuang huffed and lowered her head. Lin Wanrong said again, "If you continue to be disobedient, do you want to be spanked again?"


    Xiao Yushuang''s fair face turned a shade of red, and she mumbled, "You''re a bad guy, always bullying me."


    Her eyes started to glisten, and she bit her lip, "If you insist on going, I can''t stop you, but you have to promise me one thing."


    "What is it?" Lin Wanrong was about to agree to her request upon seeing her pitiful face, but luckily he came to his senses in time and asked.


    "You, you''re not allowed to see that Qin Xian''er, let cousin see her instead," Xiao Yushuang huffed.


    "Why?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "Hmph, no reason. That vixen only knows how to seduce men, and I forbid you to see her," Xiao Yushuang dered.


    "Second Miss, could you be a bit reasonable?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "Where am I being unreasonable?" Xiao Yushuang''s eyes welled up with tears, "If you see her, I will ignore you forever." With that, she turned around and ran off.


    "What''s wrong with her?" Guo Wuchang, seeing his cousin suddenly run off in the middle of a conversation, quickly went to Lin Wanrong''s side, confused.


    "Don''t mind her, probably her time of the month," Lin Wanrong said, feeling annoyed and flustered.


    "Lin San, it seems that Cousin Yushuang is quite afraid of you. How did you manage that?" Young Master Guo asked enviously.


    "No, no, she''s the youngdy and I''m just a servant, it''s more like I''m afraid of her," Lin Wanrong modestly replied, but thought to himself, under my spanking technique, even the most headstrong girl would sumb to me.


    For some reason, he suddenly thought of the incident where he spanked the Eldest Miss the night before. He had spanked both of the Xiao sisters. After Second Miss was spanked, she obediently behaved without much reaction. But the elder sister''s expression was peculiar, she was in pain for a while and then resumed her cold demeanor.


    He gave it a thought, shook his head helplessly, and chuckled. Anyway, what''s done was done. He would face whatever came his way. After all, he wasn''t at a loss, so why should he be afraid? Laughing a few times, he left with Young Master Guo.


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 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85


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    Chapter 85 Night Talk (Part 1)


    As the two men set out, the sky was turning dusky. Lin Wanrong, preupied with the matter of perfume, found a ssware shop on the street. In this era, ss was a luxury. He only had a bronze mirror at home, simply because ss was too expensive.


    After a meticulous search, Lin Wanrong finally found a small bottle suitable for storing perfume. Upon inquiring the price, he was taken aback. Such a small ss bottle cost a silver tael each, a price that seemed exorbitant.


    Biting the bullet, Lin Wanrong bought ten of them in one go, stashing them in his bag. After some hard bargaining, he ended up spending nine silver taels.


    Guo Wuchang looked at him curiously and said, "Lin San, how could you find such small night pots convenient? I have arger one to spare in my room. If you want, I can give it to you."


    Suppressing the urge to smack this fool, Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth and responded, "It''s fine. The more I have, the better."


    By the time they arrived at the Miaoyu Pavilion, the street lights were just starting to glow. This time, a maid led the two of them straight upstairs.


    Guo Wuchang asked the maid in front, "Is Dongmei free today?"


    The maid replied, "Young Master, Miss Dongmei has been waiting for you all day."


    Upon hearing this, Guo Wuchang let out a lewd chuckle. Lin Wanrong suddenly understood why Young Master Guo hadn''t been upset about not seeing Qin Xian''er that day; he had been involved with another courtesan. Qin Xian''er was indeed quite savvy, knowing exactly how to cater to the situation.


    Once they reached their destination, Guo Wuchang turned back to Lin Wanrong and said, "Lin San, as usual, you wait here. In a couple of hours, we''ll go back together." He thought Lin San had been waiting for him that day. He was oblivious that Lin San had already gotten involved with the most beautiful courtesan there.


    Watching Young Master Guo''s triumphant departure, Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed. You go and enjoy yourself while I stand guard. Being a young master is damn good.


    "Young Master Lin, what are you thinking about?" A crisp voice came from behind. When Lin Wanrong turned around, he saw the stunning Qin Xian''er in front of him.


    Her face was as exquisite as a hibiscus, her lips tinted crimson. Her cheeks flushed and her eyes shy. She hadn''t spoken yet, but her smile had already charmed him. Her tight purple lily satin dress entuated her figure, making her look incredibly attractive.


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes quickly nced over her plump buttocks. He swallowed hard, thinking, ''This girl is as charming from behind as she is from the front. I wonder how it feels to touch.''


    "I was thinking about you, Miss Qin," Lin Wanrong said with a smile. As a veteran romancer, he was in his element, not missing a beat.


    "How can I believe you?" Qin Xian''er flirtatiously nced at him, took a few graceful steps towards him and said, "If I hadn''t mustered the courage to invite you, I fear you would''ve forgotten who Xian''er is by now."


    Qin Xian''er bit her vermilion lips gently, her eyes slightly moist. She looked at him with a deep sense of resentment, like a young wife neglected by her husband. Her expression was so intense, it showed no signs of pretense.


    Lin Wanrong admired her acting skills in his heart, thinking it would be a waste if she didn''t win an Oscar for such talent.


    Unable to withstand her intense gaze, Lin Wanrong turned his head away, chuckling, "Miss Qin, stop trying to scare me. I''m just a crude servant, ill-equipped to handle your kind of temptation."


    Qin Xian''er responded with an infinite amount of resentment, "If you truly can''t withstand this kind of temptation, that would be fine. But you''ve never given me a proper look while putting on this act."


    "Alright, alright, I know you''re getting back at me for making you look foolishst time," Lin Wanrong said. "Speak up, what do you need this time?"


    Qin Xian''er gave a melodiousugh, her eyes sparkling, the resentment instantly vanished. "Only you understand me, Young Master. Do you remember the words you told me that day?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Yes, I remember. What about it?"


    Qin Xian''er said, "Since the day you left, I''ve been pondering over your words. Topose songs and sing them for my own enjoyment, regardless of what others do. That night, I wrote a small piece and would like to ask you for some guidance."


    Qin Xian''er pulled on his sleeve, urging him inside. Lin Wanrong smiled, "Why the rush? It''s not like anyone ispeting with you."


    Qin Xian''er gave him a seductive look, "It''s not easy for you to visit. If I don''t hold onto you tightly, I might regret itter."


    The room was Qin Xian''er''s boudoir. There was a table, two chairs, a zither, and a bed obscured by hanging tassels. A ss mirror sat on the side table, the room was simply and elegantly decorated, and a faint, pleasant fragrance filled the air.


    "What''s wrong? Is it too in?" Qin Xian''er asked shyly.


    "It''s not in, but minimalist. Decorating with the least amount of items to create the most suitable atmosphere, that''s truly ingenious," Lin Wanrong said earnestly.


    "You certainly have a way with words," Qin Xian''er nced at him, her cheeks reddening, making her fair neck even more alluring.


    Qin Xian''er sat down in front of the zither, smiled at him, and gently plucked the strings. The sound of the zither began to flow like a babbling brook.


    "Song from behind the fan, makeup light in the mirror. Unable to hide my smile, where to hide my voice?


    A confidant is never confused, the intention is clear. Do not see the double brows, suspect the smiling face.


    Beautiful woman at dusk, singing stirs the orchid room. Shadows cast by the fan, the voice flies to the sunbeam.


    Delicate brows slightly furrowed, the sweet melody from the mouth. There are horizontal rows, pity the long autumn nights."


    Though the song was still a mncholic boudoir tune, Qin Xian''er''s rendition contained a bit more charm than before. Perhaps it was because she was only performing for one listener this time. The melody carried a hint of sorrow, and her face disyed a touch of shyness.


    As the song ended, her melodious voice seemed to linger in the room, creating a pleasing echo.


    Qin Xian''er sighed lightly, "Young Master, what do you think of the song?"


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, she was a vulnerable woman living in this brothel. If it weren''t for some deep-seated anguish, she certainly wouldn''t have sung such a sorrowful tune. He nced at her, a smile ying on his lips, "Miss Qin, it''s normal to have troubles in one''s heart. Don''t worry too much, don''t let these things influence you. There''s always a solution to everything in this world. If it seems impossible now, it''s just because we haven''t found the key to resolve the problem yet."


    Qin Xian''er looked at him, biting her lip gently, "Young Master, what if something would hurt others, but due to certain reasons - for instance, for the sake of someone dear - it must be done anyway? What would you do in such a situation?"


    "If it''s going to hurt others, can you stop it?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Qin Xian''er thought for a moment, "Even if I stop, someone else will continue."


    "Then there''s your answer." Lin Wanrong said with augh, "If the oue can''t be changed, it doesn''t matter who does it. If it concerns your loved ones, even if it requires ruthless actions, it must be done."


    Qin Xian''er covered her mouth andughed, "Isn''t that a bit extreme? Do you truly think this way? Many people would condemn such behavior."


    Lin Wanrong looked at Qin Xian''er seriously, "Miss Qin, remember, in this world, only your loved ones matter the most. Everything else, money, honor, they''re like clouds in the sky, empty and insignificant. When your eyes close for thest time, who will be by your side? They are the ones you hold dearest. For them, one couldmit countless heinous acts without worrying about the me. Life is too short. If one constantly worries about consequences, wouldn''t that be exhausting?"


    Lin Wanrong was speaking from his heart. If it meant returning to his parents, he would be willing to stand against the whole world without hesitation.


    Qin Xian''er stared at him nkly, "Young Master Lin, you''re really different from others. While most people advocate for good, you encourage the bad. Are you truly a wicked person?"


    "Yes, very wicked." Lin Wanrong said with augh, "Capable of all kinds of evil."


    "Hehe." Qin Xian''er started to giggle, "Young Master Lin, I was testing you earlier. I didn''t expect you to actually be that kind of wicked person."


    "Yes, you should recognize my true nature earlier." Lin Wanrong said with a chuckle, but he felt a bit uneasy inside. In this world, he hardly had any friends he could confide in. He had many new thoughts and insights he wanted to share, but no one who could understand them. In a way, he might have been the loneliest person in this world.


    A soft hand gently grasped his palm, trembling slightly. He looked up, only to see Qin Xian''er''s blushing face. "Young Master, would you like to chat with me? I like listening to you talk."


    "Miss Qin, could you please stop trying to charm me? My resistance to temptation is really poor." Lin Wanrong said with a bitter smile.


    Qin Xian''er paused, realizing that he was suspicious of her trying to entice him again. A hint of mncholy shed in her heart. She sighed softly and let go of his hand, then quickly returned to her usual cheerful self,ughing, "Young Master Lin, I trust you. You''re a good person."


    This Qin Xian''er changed her demeanor so quickly that even Lin Wanrong, who prided himself on his thick skin, found it a bit hard to keep up with.


    After a period of silence between them, Qin Xian''er suddenly asked, "Young Master, could you tell Xian''er your real name?"


    Seeing her sincere demeanor, Lin Wanrong didn''t want to hide it from her anymore. So he said, "My name is Lin Wanrong."


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 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86


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    Chapter 86 Night Talk (Part 2)


    "Lin  Wan  Rong " Qin Xian''er repeated a few times, her face somewhat shy. In a soft voice, she said, "Young Master, do you really intend to spend your whole life as a servant in the Xiao family? With your talent and knowledge, how many people in this world are worthy of your service?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Living a peaceful life is not easy; how can one have so many demands?"


    Qin Xian''er sighed deeply, and after a long time, she said, "Young Master, please wait a moment."


    She turned around and rummaged through something on the bed. Lin Wanrong only heard a flurry of rustling sounds before Qin Xian''er emerged with a package.


    She unfolded the package and took out two small books, handing them to Lin Wanrong, "These are for you."


    Lin Wanrong took them and saw two beautifully bound booklets. One was titled "Bodhidharma Subduing Tiger Fist," and the other, more surprisingly, was boldly inscribed with the three characters "Yi Jin Jing." The "Yi Jin Jing" was well-known. Lin Wanrong was a bit dizzy. Was she expecting him to practice martial arts again?


    As expected, Qin Xian''er said seriously, "Young Master, you often travel outside and are so talented that it''s inevitable others will be envious. These are some self-defense techniques gifted by some friends of mine. I''m giving them to you, Young Master, hoping they can keep you safe."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head with a bitter smile. Qin Xian''er asked, "You don''t like Shaolin Kung Fu, Young Master? No matter, I have others." She took out another booklet from the package titled "Celestial Big Dipper Sword Technique" and said, "Young Master, this is a unique skill of Wudang..."


    Seeing that Lin Wanrong was still shaking his head, she continued to search, bringing out the Emei Chaotic Sword Technique, the Kongtong Seven-Injury Fist. Lin Wanrong was dumbfounded as she kept bringing out more books. This girl, is she wholesaling martial arts secrets? He wondered if they were just cheap goods. However, these booklets looked ancient and seemed to be genuine.


    Qin Xian''er noticed that he didn''t seem interested in any of the books, and unconsciously, she had emptied the package. She couldn''t help but blush, asking, "Young Master, is there really not a single book that you''re interested in?"


    Seeing her look disappointed, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered the look on Xiao Qingxuan''s face when she gave him the secret book yesterday. He thought to himself, Are women so fond of fighting these days?


    He was grateful for Qin Xian''er''s kindness and said with a smile, "It''s not that I don''t appreciate them, but they don''t appreciate me. Miss Qin, I''m not young anymore. I''m afraid it''s toote to start learning martial arts."


    Qin Xian''er sighed, acknowledging the truth in his words. Given his age, it was indeed a bitte to start learning martial arts.


    Lin Wanrong, however, took it lightly andughed, "Miss, I will always remember your kindness. But while I have no fate with martial arts, I do with beautiful women. Perhaps I will need Miss Xian''er''s help in the future."


    Seeing his cheerful character, Qin Xian''er admired him and giggled, "Young Master, you''ve been talking, but you''re not being very serious."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong silently smiling, Qin Xian''er suddenly spoke softly, "I regard you as a dear friend, treating you with sincerity. I ask you to keep today''s matters secret for me."


    Recalling how Xiao Qingxuan had tried to glean Qin Xian''er''s identity from him, Lin Wanrong realized that she indeed was not an ordinary person. However, since she was so forthright with him, he felt obligated to reciprocate. He nodded and reassured, "Don''t worry, Miss. I didn''t see anything today."


    Qin Xian''er was delighted to hear this, and her enchanting smile could outshine all the flowers.


    Lin Wanrong stared at her, lost in thought for a while, then finally let out a breath, thinking to himself, This girl, along with Xiao Qingxuan, are truly captivating.


    Seeing him staring at her, Qin Xian''er couldn''t help but lower her head shyly, asking gently, "What... what are you looking at?"


    Startled back to reality, Lin Wanrong quickly replied, "Nothing... actually, I have a favor to ask of you, Miss Xian''er."


    Hearing this, Qin Xian''er was overjoyed and replied eagerly, "Please tell me, Young Master. As long as I can, I will do as you ask."


    Seeing the surprise mixed with a blush on her face, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but tease, "Are you not afraid I might make an unreasonable request?"


    Looking at him with a thousand kinds of amorous expressions, she replied, "A woman like me, a mortal, how could I possibly catch your eye, Young Master? Even if I were to wait on you, I fear you wouldn''t nce my way."


    As she spoke, a hint of mncholy appeared on her face. Lin Wanrong thought to himself, she really was a bewitching creature. Her sad expression alone could ensnare countless men''s hearts.


    Collecting his thoughts, Lin Wanrong said, "Actually, it''s nothing much. A friend of mine is opening a tavern in a few days. I would like Miss Qin to help me find two girls to perform some songs."


    "Oh?" Qin Xian''er asked curiously, "What kind of songs? We have plenty of girls who can sing at the Miaoyu Pavilion. What type of girls are you looking for?"


    After thinking for a moment, Lin Wanrong said, "I''m looking for two younger girls with delicate features and simr height. Oh, and they should sing well."


    Qin Xian''erughed, "That''s easy, Young Master. Please wait a moment." She left and returned after the time it took to brew a pot of tea, bringing in two young and beautiful girls. Smiling, she said to Lin Wanrong, "Young Master, these girls are still young and have good voices. What do you think?" She then told the girls, "This is Young Master Lin, greet him."


    The two girls curtsied and said in soft voices, "Little Cui (Little Lian) greets the Young Master." Their voices were crisp, like orioles singing, and Lin Wanrong thought to himself, Qin Xian''er indeed has a good eye. Not only were these girls beautiful, but their voices were also quite pleasant.


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Hello,dies. I believe Miss Xian''er has told you. I want to teach you a song, so you can perform at the tavern''s opening day."


    Little Cui and Little Lian nced at Qin Xian''er. Seeing her nod slightly, they replied together, "We''ll follow your instructions, Young Master."


    Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment and said, "This little song is called ''The West Chamber''. It''s a folk tune from my hometown, derived from a very famous story, ''The Romance of the West Chamber''."


    "The Romance of the West Chamber?" Qin Xian''er asked with interest. "I haven''t heard of this story before. Could you tell us about it, Young Master?"


    Lin Wanrong gave Qin Xian''er a wry smile. He knew this mischievous girl wouldn''t let him off the hook and now he had to tell another story. Qin Xian''er wrinkled her small nose and yfully nced at him. Her eyes were filled with amusement, as if listening to him speak brought her great joy.


    "It''s an old story about a schr and a beauty. Once upon a time, there was a wealthy youngdy named Cui Yingying, and she had a maid named Hongniang..." Lin Wanrong fully utilized his storytelling skills, narrating the ''Romance of the West Chamber'' with great excitement and suspense. Qin Xian''er and the two maids were engrossed in the story, and after a while, they burst intoughter, "I didn''t expect such an interesting story. This schr Zhang is indeed very fortunate."


    Wiping a bead of sweat from his brow, Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "This folk tune from my hometown is based on that story. Both the melody and the lyrics are very simple. I assure you,dies, you will learn it in no time."


    Qin Xian''er watched Lin Wanrong with interest, her face flushing slightly with what might have been shyness.


    For the sake of his tavern business, Lin Wanrong cast aside his embarrassment and softly began to sing:


    "Passing by the West Chamber, a fragrance fills the air,


    Thedy next door is still amidst the flowers,


    Forgotten the direction of my shoes,


    Stopped at the age of mncholy of eighteen or neen,


    Dare to ask how to appreciate the flowers in the basin,


    Want topare it to the youngdy''s appearance,


    Willing to be a piece of mud next to the flower,


    Even in non-March, it can intoxicate.


    The day before the summer solstice,


    The schr walks through the West Chamber once,


    Encounter the youngdy at the window sill waiting for the rainy day,


    How many times have famous poems been read, how many volumes of famous paintings have been copied,


    The ignorant schr''s dream is in the West Chamber when he is young,


    I pass by the West Chamber again,


    Daydream of twelve years ago,


    Writing down the you and me of that year,


    A song of the water tune song head,


    I pass by the West Chamber again,


    Twelve yearster, the talented and full of wit,


    The flowers are still there, but the people have already left,


    That flower, always blooming, people difficult to retain."


    Luckily, he had plenty of practice singing to girls in the past, so he didn''t feel too embarrassed once he finished the song.


    Qin Xian''er remained silent for a moment before speaking, "Young Master, this little song from your hometown is indeed extremely simple, yet incredibly pleasing. I previously thought that what I had learned was quite impressive. But today, I''ve realized that I was really just a frog in a well, seeing only a narrow piece of the sky."


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, Naturally, these popr songs needed to have simple and catchy melodies to be widely circted. If they were all sung in the same drawn-out style as your little tunes, who would listen?


    Yet, Qin Xian''er seemed to have developed a great interest in this little song. After having him sing it once more, she sat in front of the zither. With a delicate touch, she remarkably yed the entire song.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s stunned expression, Qin Xian''er asked shyly, "Young master, did I not y well?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Not that it wasn''t good, it was too good. Miss Qin, if you were to sing this little song, I guarantee you would bewitch all the men in the world."


    Qin Xian''er''s face turned red, and she said shyly, "Young master, please don''t speak like that, I''m not worthy."


    Lin Wanrong took a deep breath. This Qin Xian''er was sometimes flirtatious, like a young wife longing for love, and sometimes shy and innocent, like a quiet maiden. She truly was ever-changing, captivating one''s soul.


    Though Little Cui and Little Lian were first-time listeners to this popr song, they quickly grew to like it. Lin Wanrong taught them how to sway their hips, how to walk with style, and how to maximize their body''s charm.


    Qin Xian''er watched from the side, greatly amused. From time to time, she would nce at Lin Wanrong, her face blooming into a smile like a blossoming flower.


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 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87


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    Chapter 87 Unexpected News


    These two maidservants were quick to learn. After Lin Wanrong taught them for a while, they began to show some promise.


    Seeing that it was gettingte, Lin Wanrong didn''t wish to stay any longer and decided to leave. Qin Xian''er, however, couldn''t bear to see him go. "Young Master, will you be able toe back tomorrow?" she asked.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. A hint of blush spread across Qin Xian''er''s face as she whispered, "I don''t know why, but I enjoy listening to you talk."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "It''s just chatting. As long as I have time, I wille."


    Qin Xian''er broke into a smile, "If Young Master doesn''te tomorrow, I will continue to send invitations."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, then began to leave. Qin Xian''er grabbed his sleeve, her eyes soft and watery. Gazing at him tenderly, she gently said, "Young Master, don''t forget your promise to Xian''er. You muste to see me often."


    Seeing her reluctance to part, Lin Wanrong found it somewhat amusing. Could it be that he had enchanted this famous courtesan? Qin Xian''er''s fondness for him certainly satisfied his vanity.


    This time, Young Master Guo had learned his lesson. Although he still reeked of alcohol when he left, he was not as disheveled as before. From his appearance, Lin Wanrong could tell that the courtesan had taken good care of him.


    After returning to the manor with Young Master Guo and parting ways, Lin Wanrong was walking towards his courtyard when he saw a pretty figure pacing back and forth. She was mumbling something under her breath.


    As Lin Wanrong approached, he recognized her as the second Miss from the Xiao family, Xiao Yushuang.


    She had been pacing back and forth, tearing petals from the flowers in the garden and tossing them on the ground. It seemed she had been waiting for quite some time.


    Unaware of his arrival, Xiao Yushuang muttered to herself, "That rascal, enjoying himself at that ce. I hate him so much. If he doesn''te back to tell me stories in the time it takes to brew a pot of tea, I will, I will"


    She didn''t seem to know what she would do, which made Lin Wanrong chuckle. He walked up to her and asked, "What will you do to me?"


    Startled, Xiao Yushuang stepped back, "When did you get back?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "Not long ago. I heard someone threatening me."


    Blushing, Xiao Yushuang retorted, "Finally, you''re back. What, that vixen didn''t keep you overnight?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Second Miss, what''s going on in that little head of yours? We were just chatting. It''s not as scandalous as you imagine."


    Xiao Yushuang responded, "Today it''s chatting, who knows what it will be next time."


    Arguing with this child was pointless. Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, "It''s gettingte, Second Miss. You should go home now to prevent Eldest Miss from worrying."


    "Then, aren''t you going to tell me a story tonight?" Xiao Yushuang asked hopefully.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Not tonight. I''m a bit tired and want to rest early."


    Xiao Yushuang looked disappointed and reluctantly turned to leave. After a few steps, she suddenly turned back and asked, "Lin San, I''ll ask you one more time, is it really impossible


    for my family to join forces with the Tao family?"


    What on earth was going on in this young girl''s head? Why did she suddenly bring up this question? But seeing the eagerness in her eyes, Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "For the Xiao family, joining forces would be a road to ruin."


    Biting her lip, Xiao Yushuang nodded, took onest look at Lin Wanrong, and then ran off as if she was flying.


    This girl really was a bit strange, Lin Wanrong thought, shaking his head. He walked into the courtyard and pushed the door open, only to see Xiao Qingxuan sitting quietly at the table, looking at him.


    One left, another arrived. What a strange feeling. Lin Wanrong blinked and smiled, "Miss Xiao, why are you up so early?"


    Without any expression, Xiao Qingxuan nced at him and said, "I just came to see when you can fulfill the promise you made to me."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Don''t worry, you won''t be left out."


    He took out the ss bottles he had bought, poured the perfume into the bottles in different ratios, and made some markings. Finally, he let out a long breath. The first batch of the experiment was officiallypleted. Although it was simple, judging from Xiao Qingxuan''s reaction that day, the effect was not bad.


    Xiao Qingxuan watched his actions silently. After he finished, she curiously asked, "What are you doing?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "These are different scents. You can choose whichever you like in the future."


    A hint of joy appeared on Xiao Qingxuan''s face, "Really?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "When have I ever lied to you?" Saying this made him feel a little embarrassed, lying to young girls was his specialty after all.


    Xiao Qingxuan carefully examined the ss bottles for a while before asking, "May I... smell them?"


    Lin Wanrong shrugged, "Of course, you can."


    Xiao Qingxuan carefully picked up a bottle, opened the cap, and took a sniff. She took a deep breath and after a while, she exhaled, "What kind of scent is this? It''s so unique. It would be better if it was a little lighter."


    The bottle she held was the one with the highest concentration. Lin Wanrong was secretly delighted. He didn''t know Xiao Qingxuan''s background, but judging from her demeanor, she definitely wasn''t from an ordinary family. If she was praising it, it meant that this perfume would definitely sell well.


    He waved his hand nonchntly, "Miss Xiao, please continue to sample the scents."


    One by one, Xiao Qingxuan opened the caps and savored the fragrances. The joy on her face grew. She held onto one bottle and said, "This one, can you give it to me?"


    Seeing that she had chosen the lightest scent, which suited her character, Lin Wanrong thought it fitting. However, he couldn''t agree to her taking away his sample.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong shake his head, a hint of disappointment shed across Xiao Qingxuan''s face. She reluctantly put the perfume bottle back on the table. Watching her, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but smile, "Didn''t I promise you? When the formal production starts, I''ll definitely give you a bottle."


    Xiao Qingxuan gave a bitter smile, "Of course I remember. But by the time you''ve made it, who knows where I will be."


    Listening to her words, Lin Wanrong detected a hint of farewell. He asked, "Are you leaving?"


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed, "I''ve been in Jinling for some time now and the things I came to do have not progressed. I''m not from Jinling, so it''s normal for me to leave."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "With partinges the joy of meeting again, don''t be too sad."


    Xiao Qingxuan nced at him, bit her red lip lightly, and after a while, she quietly asked, "How are things going with you and that Qin Xian''er?"


    Recalling Qin Xian''er''s previous instructions to him, Lin Wanrong wondered if these two girls were rivals. Why did they both have something to do with him? He nodded and said, "Of course it''s going well. We sing songs and talk about life together. It''s quite pleasant."


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed in disappointment, "Such days indeed sound pleasant, but I am not destined for them."


    Seeing her despondent look, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help shaking his head, "You''re still young, why so mncholic? Open up your heart a little. You should know, you''re not the most miserable person in the world. The most miserable one is standing right in front of you."


    Xiao Qingxuan asked curiously, "What do you mean?"


    Thinking of his own situation, unable to return home and stranded in this unfamiliar world, Lin Wanrong felt a bit upset. However, being naturally optimistic, he saw the concern on Xiao Qingxuan''s face and decided to tease her, "You think I''m not miserable? Have you ever seen a talented person who gets kicked into the river after a disagreement? That''s me, and I almost lost my life."


    Xiao Qingxuan blushed, realizing he was referring to her, "It was clearly you who took advantage of me, how is it that you are the one wronged?"


    Seeing her flushed face, looking even more attractive than Qin Xian''er, Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself, Having such a beauty in front of me, but with a sword, something I can look at but not touch, isn''t that torture?


    "Why are you staring at me like that?" Seeing Lin Wanrong looking at her without speaking for a long time, Xiao Qingxuan became a little flustered and her face turned even redder. In a hurry, she brandished her sword as if to intimidate him.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Is the injury on your arm better?"


    Hearing him ask about her injury, Xiao Qingxuan''s heart softened for some reason, and she no longer had the heart to argue with him. With a shy look on her face, she gently nodded, "It''s much better, thank you."


    Lin Wanrong found it strange. The two women he knew, Qin Xian''er, although the courtesan, was mysterious, and the Xiao Qingxuan in front of him was even more of an enigma. Why do they both have something to do with me? Could it really be because I''m too handsome? Otherwise, it makes no sense.


    "What are you thinking?" Xiao Qingxuan asked softly.


    "Try to get into fewer fights in the future. Women should be gentle, like Qin Xian''er, she''s very gentle." Lin Wanrong replied subconsciously.


    Xiao Qingxuan huffed coldly, turning her head to say, "Gentle, is she? Perhaps only in front of you. This injury of mine is due to"


    She stopped abruptly, and Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Regardless, it''s not good for women to fight. If you want to fight in the future, you can find me. I have a bunch of little brothers who might not be good at anything else, but they do know how to fight."


    Xiao Qingxuan covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, "Me, fighting? You make it sound so crude. Your men can''t" She paused mid-sentence, as if remembering something, and gave him a look before falling silent.


    Lin Wanrongughed it off, "I know you look down on us who don''t know martial arts. But, Miss Xiao, don''t forget, it''s themon people who hold up this world. If they rise, even you, with your high martial arts skills, won''t be able to escape. This is called a people''s war."


    Xiao Qingxuan lowered her head, barely managing to mumble, "It''s not that I look down on you. You''re just the best at talking nonsense." Spending more time with Xiao Qingxuan, she didn''t seem as cold as long as he didn''t flirt with her. Everything was negotiable.


    This Xiao Qingxuan, with her noble demeanor, elegant speech, and deep concern for national affairs, intrigued Lin Wanrong, a seasoned storyteller. For every topic she brought up, Lin Wanrong could offer unique insights and perspectives based on his past experiences.


    His rich life experiences and understanding of society and human nature were beyond what Xiao Qingxuan couldpare. Although not every word was a gem, he often hit the nail on the head. After a conversation with him, Xiao Qingxuan always gained something.


    In the following days, Lin Wanrong fullymitted to the creation of the perfume. He no longer needed to stand by in the study room, and used all his free time on the perfume. It filled his mind when he walked on the street and even while he ate.


    The second Miss Xiao didn''t bother him these days, and Lin Wanrong, enjoying the peace, was instead invited by Qin Xian''er daily.


    Out of no choice, Lin Wanrong had to apany Young Master Guo on their visits to the Miaoyu Pavilion under the pretext of studying. In the process, he also taught the two young maidservants a thing or two; he didn''t want to have his grand opening ruined.


    Qin Xian''erposed some more melodies, bing increasingly joyful. Her previous mncholy seemed to have vanished. Lin Wanrong found it strange, wondering if her radiant look was due to consuming ginseng.


    Meanwhile, Xiao Qingxuan seemed to have arranged with Qin Xian''er. Every day when Lin Wanrong returned from Qin Xian''er''s ce, Xiao Qingxuan was already waiting for him in the room.


    The two would discuss national affairs. Lin Wanrong had no reservations and dared to say anything, which made Xiao Qingxuan break out in cold sweat. She thought to herself, This reckless man, if he hadn''t met me, he''d have probably been executed hundreds of times.


    As Lin Wanrong was speaking enthusiastically, he noticed her strange expression and asked, "What''s wrong? Did my words scare you?"


    Biting her lip, Xiao Qingxuan said, "Just keep these words between us. Never mention them to others."


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "I only speak like this because we are close. Even if others want to hear it, I wouldn''t bother to mention it."


    Xiao Qingxuan blushed and nced at him, "You''re such a smooth talker."


    Her smiling and shy expression contrasted with her usually cold demeanor. Lin Wanrong stared in surprise and said, "Miss Xiao, you should smile more. You look so beautiful like this."


    Xiao Qingxuan stomped her foot and said, "Why do you keep making these frivolous remarks? I can''t be bothered with you." However, for some reason, hearing these "frivolous" words gave her a subtle thrill of pleasure.


    These past few days were incrediblyfortable for Lin Wanrong. He spent his days studying perfume and his nights studying beautiful women, making him wonder if he was dreaming. Being a servant to this extent, he thought, was probably unmatched.


    One morning, while Lin Wanrong was deep in a pleasant dream, a maid''s voice suddenly came from outside the door, "Brother Lin, Brother Lin"


    Goodness! Lin Wanrong shouted in his mind, Is there no peace for sleep? Was it Qin Xian''er again, visiting him with an invitation card? That Qin Xian''er, now even delivering an invitation card in broad daylight. Didn''t he just teach her the song "On the Golden Mountain of Beijing"st night? Why was she looking for him so early today?


    Lin Wanrong got dressed and came out, grumbling, "I''m here, I''m here, who is it this time?"


    A little maid hurried over, gasping for breath, "Brother Lin, Brother Lin, quick, quick, Madam is going to punish Second Miss."


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 Chapter 88

    Chapter 88


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    Chapter 88 A Lifetime Promise?


    "What?" Lin Wanrong yelled, pulling on his cloth shoes and rushing out. What on earth was going on? The Madam was usually so fond of the second young miss, how had thingse to this in just a few days?


    "Xiaoju, quickly tell me what''s happening. Hey, stop crying and tell me what''s going on!" Lin Wanrong urged anxiously.


    Xiaoju sobbed, "I don''t know exactly what happened. Early this morning, I heard that the Madam and the Eldest Miss had called a meeting with all the managers. Somehow, the second young miss stormed into the meeting hall, and it seemed like there was an argument. The Madam was furious and ordered the second young miss to be caned."


    "Caning for entering the meeting hall? Damn, what the hell is this?" Lin Wanrong cursed.


    "Brother Lin, you don''t understand the rules of the Xiao family. The meeting hall is the most important ce in our family, where all major decisions are made. Without permission, no one is allowed to barge in. Otherwise, ording to the rules set by our ancestors, they must be caned. The second young miss is not yet a manager, and she entered in front of everyone, so the Madam wants to cane her. The second young miss sent me to find you, she said you would definitely save her. Brother Lin, you must save the second young miss!"


    Lin Wanrong was both moved and furious. This young girl trusted him so much in such a dangerous situation, it really touched him. As for his anger, it was directed at Madam Xiao. What kind of stupid family rule was this? Even willing to harm her own daughter, was the Madam going through menopause or something?


    After a few rushed steps, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered that he didn''t know where this stupid meeting hall was. If he was anyter, the young girl would get caned. Damn it, why does the Xiao family need such a huge house? Is it for convenience in a battle? In a moment of panic, he didn''t know which direction to go.


    "Lin San, over here, over here." Just as he was at his wit''s end, Guo Wuchang appeared from nowhere, "Lin San, you must save cousin Yushuang, I beg you."


    A lifesaver! Lin Wanrong wished he could hug Guo Wuchang and give him a big kiss, but there was no time to talk now. He quickly asked, "Where? Lead the way."


    Knowing the urgency of the matter, Guo Wuchang didn''t waste time talking and led Lin Wanrong straight to the main courtyard of the Xiao family.


    They hadn''t gone far when they saw a two-story building. The door was half-open, Lin Wanrong looked inside to see dozens of managers, Madam Xiao standing tall with a furious face, and Eldest Miss Xiao kneeling on the ground, tearfully clinging to her mother''s dress as if pleading. Beside them, Yushuang was lying on the ground, and a servant''s big board was just being lifted--


    Damn it! Lin Wanrong was filled with rage. He didn''t know where he got the strength from, but he rushed forward, kicked the door wide open, and yelled, "Who dares to hit--"


    Everyone in the room froze at once, only to see a servant standing panting at the door, his hat askew and his clothes disheveled. His intense anger seemed to shake the heavens.


    "Lin... Brother Lin" Xiao Yushuang cried out in surprise, only to break down in tears again.


    A man who seemed to be a manager stood up and shouted, "Where did this impudent servante from?"


    "Where did this wild doge from, spewing filth from his mouth?" Lin Wanrong retorted with a dark expression. Damn it. If you want to y a war of words, I''m the master at this game.


    The manager didn''t expect such insolence from a servant, and he trembled in anger. He turned to Madam Xiao, "Elder Sister-inw, this is your well-trained servant?"


    Elder Sister-inw? Lin Wanrong was puzzled. As far as he knew, the master of the Xiao family didn''t have any close brothers. Could it be a distant rtive?


    Sure enough, Madam Xiao quickly said, "Fourth brother, please don''t be angry. You and my husband share the same ancestry, so what''s ours is also yours. Let me teach this servant a lesson."


    Her face hardened as she turned to Lin Wanrong and demanded, "Lin Wanrong, what are you trying to do?"


    "Madam, what are you trying to do?" Lin Wanrong took a couple of steps forward, ring at Madam Xiao.


    "Xiao Yushuang trespassed into the meeting hall. ording to our ancestralws, she will receive fifty heavy beatings." Madam Xiao gritted her teeth, "As for you, Lin Wanrong, not only did you barge into the meeting hall, but you also caused amotion and showed no respect for your elders. You''ll receive one hundred heavy beatings."


    "Mother, please no," Xiao Yushuang pleaded, clinging tightly to her mother''s legs, "Lin Wanrong only came in because of me. If you must punish someone, punish me."


    "Mother, please don''t punish my sister. I am willing to take the punishment for her." Xiao Yuruo also clung to Madam Xiao, crying and begging.


    Seeing Xiao Yuruo willing to take the punishment for her sister, Lin Wanrong''s impression of her slightly improved. At least the sisters seemed to have some affection for each other.


    Madam Xiao was caught in a whirl of emotions as she saw her two daughters kneeling before her and begging. Tears welled up in her eyes. Suppressing her grief, she said, "Yushuang, even though you''re my daughter, you trespassed into the meeting hall and showed disrespect. ording to our ancestral rules, you must be punished. Today, in front of the elders of our family, I will teach you a lesson. Come, take Yushuang and this Lin Wanrong away, and give them one hundred heavy beatings."


    Damn, truly impartial indeed. Lin Wanrong both respected and hated Madam Xiao. He shouted, "Wait"


    Madam Xiao snapped, "What else do you have to say?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a small smile, "Since the second young miss is a precious daughter, I''ll take her beatings as well."


    "Lin-Lin San, don''t" Xiao Yushuang cried out, struggling. Xiao Yuruo quickly held her tightly and cast a grateful look at Lin Wanrong. No matter what kind of person this Lin Wanrong was, his concern for Yushuang was genuine.


    Madam Xiao hadn''t expected Lin Wanrong to make such a proposal. However, if he took the punishment, Yushuang wouldn''t have to suffer. She sighed softly and waved her hand, "Since you''re willing, then let it be one hundred and fifty beatings."


    "Hold on, Madam. I can take the one hundred and fifty beatings, but I need a valid reason. ording to the rule of the Xiao family''s ancestors you mentioned earlier that is meant for punishing the second youngdy, when exactly was this rule established?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Madam Xiao responded, "This rule was established when the old master was alive. What, are you nning to go against it?"


    "Ha ha" Lin Wanrong burst intoughter. "Rules are made by people, and they can also be abandoned by people. The old master, when he was alive, set up such a rule to punish those with ulterior motives. But now, the second youngdy is only trying to fulfill her filial duty and expand the Xiao family''s influence. How can she bepared to those petty criminals? The second youngdy is the old master''s descendant. If she were to be punished by you, it would imply that she has ulterior motives. Where would that put the old master? I believe that even if the old master were alive, he would not want to see such a scene, right, Madam?"


    Madam Xiao was momentarily speechless, taken aback by this servant''s words. She had already delegated all of the Xiao family''s management affairs to the eldest youngdy, but today, when they were discussing a crucial n concerning the survival of the Xiao family, Xiao Yushuang barged in and had a heated argument with the managers. With no other choice, she had to overstep the eldest youngdy and directly punish the second youngdy as an elder.


    Seeing her mother wavering, Xiao Yuruo quickly grabbed her hand and said firmly, "Mother, you''ve already said that all matters of the household, big or small, are to be managed by me. Today, although Yushuang was in the wrong, she was also thinking about the Xiao family. She hasn''tmitted any serious misdeeds. Furthermore, she is a member of the Xiao family, she naturally has the right to know the details of this matter concerning the survival of the family."


    Seeing her mother not saying anything, Xiao Yuruo turned around and coldly nced at the managers, asking, "I wonder what the managers think?"


    The Xiao family wasrge and had many businesses. The managers were all rtives, which was why the eldest youngdy had gathered them to discuss the matter. They were somewhat afraid of Xiao Yuruo''s swift and decisive handling of affairs. When they saw her nce at them, they all lowered their heads. Even the ones who had been the loudest earlier didn''t dare to say anything.


    Xiao Yuruo snorted internally, then took her sister''s hand and said, "Yushuang, since you''re here, it''s just as well. You''re my sister, and you have a share in the Xiao family. Sit beside me and listen to the discussion with our uncles."


    Xiao Yushuang hummed softly in response, sneaking a nce at Lin Wanrong. Her face was filled with gratitude and joy. Remembering Lin Wanrong''s words, she was no longer afraid of the uncles'' gaze. She looked at her elder sister and loudly said, "Sister, our Xiao family cannot coborate with the Tao family."


    Xiao Yuruo sighed, "Little sister, you''re still young. These matters aren''t as simple as you think. We have to do whatever benefits the Xiao family."


    As the sisters were speaking, the manager that Lin Wanrong had reprimanded suddenly said, "Eldest youngdy, the second youngdy is a member of our Xiao family. Her presence in the council hall is naturally eptable. However, this servant not only trespassed into a forbidden area, but also spoke rudely and insulted the master. If we do not punish him, it will be hard to uphold the dignity of our Xiao family."


    Seeing that Xiao Yushuang was now safe, Lin Wanrong was about to quietly slip away when he heard the manager target him. He was secretly annoyed. This damn manager, unable to win the argument, was resorting to dirty tricks.


    Although Xiao Yuruo appreciated Lin Wanrong''s righteous help for her sister, her overall impression of him couldn''t fundamentally change. Seeing the manager seizing the opportunity to make trouble, she shot Lin Wanrong a cold nce but remained silent.


    "Eldest youngdy, if we do not deal severely with such an arrogant servant, I''m afraid our Xiao family will never have peace," the managermented.


    "Lin San, your loyalty to the Madam is admirable. However, you trespassed into an important meeting area and spoke insultingly. If we don''t punish you, it will be hard to convince others. Do you have anything else to say?" Xiao Yuruo nced at him, her face expressionless.


    Lin Wanrong sneered, "Eldest Miss, this Xiao residence isrge and imposing. What does punishing a servant or two amount to? You don''t need to do anything. From today, I quit."


    "Lin San" Xiao Yushuang anxiously interrupted him, her beautiful eyes filled with tears. She went to his side, grasped his sleeve, and said, "Lin San, you promised me that you would help my sister. Our Xiao family cannot copse."


    She turned her face to Xiao Yuruo and her mother, a captivating blush rising to her cheeks. Shyly, she said, "Mother, sister, Lin San is actually not an outsider. He and I have already" She bit her lip and nced at Lin Wanrong, continuing in a voice as soft as a mosquito''s hum, "agreed to marry."


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 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89


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    Chapter 89 Heartbroken


    "What?" Second Miss''s voice was soft, but Lin Wanrong, Lady Xiao, and Eldest Miss heard it loud and clear.


    Not only were Lady Xiao and Eldest Miss stunned, but even Lin Wanrong himself also couldn''t believe his ears. Had this young girl gone mad? He understood Xiao Yushuang''s intention - she said this to exonerate him from his charges, but was it worth sacrificing her reputation?


    Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, Fine, fine. Xiao Yushuang''s sacrifice is just to help me assist the Xiao family out of their difficulties. Considering her sincere efforts, I should help them.


    Seeing the disbelief on Lady Xiao and Eldest Miss''s faces, Lin Wanrong felt a sudden calmness. He said to Xiao Yushuang, "I understand that you said those words to save me, but a woman''s chastity is as important as her life. You shouldn''t speak so carelessly."


    "Yes, Yushuang, you can''t talk nonsense. You''re still so young, it''s not even time to choose a husband. How can you talk about a predestined marriage?" Lady Xiao quickly held Xiao Yushuang''s hand.


    However, Xiao Yushuang didn''t respond, only staring coldly at Lin Wanrong, her mind filled with unspoken thoughts.


    For this honest and heartfelt young girl, Lin Wanrong sighed, "Madam, Eldest Miss, may I speak to you privately?"


    Lady Xiao nced at him, thinking that this matter should be kept secret. "Mr. Lin,e with me," Xiao Yuruo said.


    "No, I want to go too," Second Miss hastily held her sister''s hand, giving Lin Wanrong a concerned look.


    "Are you not done with your nonsense?" Lady Xiao scolded, her face stern. Xiao Yushuang didn''t dare to contradict her mother, and could only watch as the three of them walked into the next room.


    It was a quiet little room. Once inside, the atmosphere became tense, and the mother and daughter of the Xiao family didn''t speak.


    Lin Wanrong thought it was better to start the conversation himself, lest they think he had abducted their youngdy. He said, "Madam, Eldest Miss. What Second Miss said earlier was only to protect me. She spoke without thinking, and you must not take it seriously."


    Xiao Yuruo gave him a look, scoffing, "What, you want us to take it seriously?"


    Lady Xiao sighed, "Mr. Lin, I''ve heard a bit about your situation. Yushuang is still young, and her behavior can be a bit entric at times. Please don''t misunderstand."


    Lin Wanrong replied, "Rest assured, Madam. I won''t misunderstand. Second Miss is still young. Some things are just her curiosity. Once her curiosity passes, everything will return to normal."


    "Then swear to me, you won''t harbor any romantic feelings for Yushuang" Xiao Yuruo said.


    Damn it, they were overstepping their boundaries. Although he understood the mother and daughter''s protective feelings towards their daughter (and sister), their disdain for him was irksome. What a lousy excuse, wasn''t it just contempt for his status as a servant? If it wasn''t for the young girl''s pleading, he wouldn''t have bothered to put up with their crap.


    Thinking of Xiao Yushuang, Lin Wanrong felt a bit better. No matter what, the young girl''s trust in him had genuinely touched him. He snorted coldly and said, "Eldest Miss, if you trust me, I don''t need to swear an oath. You can see for yourself. If you don''t trust me, even if I swear a thousand oaths, it would be useless."


    Xiao Yushuang said, "You have a point there. In that case, I hope you can keep your word."


    "Second Miss is innocent and lively, sincere and passionate, and I like her. But it''s not romantic love. She''s still young, and I see her as a little sister. I don''t care how Madam and Eldest Miss see me, but you shouldn''t doubt Second Miss," Lin Wanrong said with a clear conscience.


    Suddenly, the door was pushed open with a bang. Xiao Yushuang stood at the door, her face pale. She stared nkly at Lin Wanrong, her eyes empty, as if devoid of any color.


    Xiao Yuruo was taken aback and hurriedly asked, "Yushuang, why are you here?" She knew her sister''s temperament well. This was a stubborn girl. Once she made up her mind, it was hard to change it.


    Xiao Yushuang, as if she hadn''t heard her sister, looked at Lin Wanrong and slowly said, "Lin San, were all the things you said true? Don''t you really like me?"


    "Presumptuous!" Lady Xiao shouted angrily. This girl had been flirting with this servant, it was disgraceful.


    Xiao Yushuang seemed not to hear her mother''s words. Her face was pale, her eyes wide open, biting her lip tightly, staring nervously at Lin Wanrong, waiting for his answer.


    Lin Wanrong hadn''t expected Xiao Yushuang to be eavesdropping on their conversation. Seeing her deste expression now, he didn''t know what to say. Such a good young girl, it wouldn''t be bad to have her. For a moment, a thought rose in his mind that surprised even him.


    Seeing him silent for a long time, Xiao Yushuang understood. She bit her silver teeth, trying hard not to let the tears fall, and looked deeply at Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, no matter what, remember the promise you made to me. You must help my mother and sister, or else, I, I"


    She couldn''t go on, turned around, and rushed out of the room. She ran quickly to the courtyard, the crystal tears welling up in her eyes glistening like pearls in the autumn sunlight.


    The three people in the room were all somewhat dumbfounded. Lady Xiao and Eldest Miss understood Xiao Yushuang''s temperament very well. They could see that the second youngdy indeed had feelings for Lin San.


    Lin Wanrong was also taken aback. If he couldn''t see Xiao Yushuang''s feelings, then he was a fool. This little girl, with her fiery temper, who knew what might happen? He was somewhat worried about Xiao Yushuang, but he saw that the Eldest Miss was looking at him with a face full of anger, as if he was the root cause of all this.


    Lin Wanrong helplessly shook his head. This was all too sudden and caught him off guard. He didn''t know if it was a blessing or a curse. Being so charming was really a curse, he thought, not knowing whether he was being self-deprecating or narcissistic.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head again, not wanting to think about these things. It was more important to take care of the tasks the little girl had entrusted to him. That way, he wouldn''t let her down.


    He looked at Xiao Yushuang and went straight to the point, "Eldest Miss, I heard from Second Miss that Tao Dongcheng wants to form a partnership with the Xiao family. But I don''t know what Eldest Miss and Madam think about this."


    He said this so naturally,pletely forgetting that he was just a servant of the Xiao family. In the eyes of the Eldest Miss, he wasn''t even worth an onion.


    Xiao Yuruo was very dissatisfied with him for confusing her sister. She coldly said, "Lin San, you should go back and take care of your own business. These matters are not your concern."


    Lin Wanrong was used to this haughty Miss and didn''t bother to get angry with her. He just snorted, "Eldest Miss, nothing is absolute. Maybe in your eyes, I''m just a servant. But in my view, I''m unique and irreceable. Different perspectives lead to different conclusions, just like in business. You might only see the benefits, but you don''t see the hidden risks."


    Lin Wanrong was implying something, and Xiao Yushuang naturally understood. A flicker of surprise crossed her face as she looked at him, "Do you have some insight?"


    Lin Wanrong didn''t bother to argue with her. He said seriously, "Eldest Miss, what tempting conditions did the Tao family offer for partnering with the Xiao family? Let me guess, did they give the Xiao family arge share?"


    "How did you know?" Xiao Yushuang was genuinely surprised. This matter was highly confidential, known only to her and her mother. Even Xiao Yushuang hadn''t heard about it. Where had this servant heard it from?


    "You don''t need to be surprised, these are just my guesses," Lin Wanrong said. As a sales manager, he had a keen mind and a flexible brain. He was no stranger to these tactics. "How much of a share did the Tao family give you?" Lin Wanrong continued.


    Xiao Yushuang was a bit curious. This servant did seem to have some ability. She snorted in her heart, and for some reason, she thought of the night when he had spanked her. Her annoyance red up again. She listened to his question, remained silent for a long while, and then said, "Forty percent."


    "Forty percent of the shares. Forty percent," Lin Wanrong paced a few steps, then scoffed, "Such an enticing offer, if it were me, I would certainly consider it."


    "But Eldest Miss," Lin Wanrong changed his tone, "have you ever thought about why he would offer you such generous terms? You are partnering with three families, and you hold forty percent of the shares. The Tao family and the other, the He family, together only hold sixty percent. Why is that?"


    Miss Xiao blushed slightly, but didn''t speak. It was the long-silent Madam Xiao who spoke, "Yuruo and I discussed it, and it''s very likely that Young Master Tao is interested in Yuruo, which is why he deliberately offered such generous terms."


    Madam Xiao listened to Lin Wanrong''s words, remembering the praises the servants in the mansion had for him, and his unique contract with the staff. She thought, ''Does this Lin San really have some ability? It''s good to hear what he has to say.''


    "Oh," Lin Wanrong suddenly understood. "Pretending to be generous, giving the Xiao family forty percent of the shares, as long as he wins the favor of Eldest Miss. Once they are married, he can effortlessly reim these shares. This Young Master Tao really knows how to calcte." Lin Wanrong said with a smile. It''s no wonder Xiao Yuruo and her mother had such suspicions. Tao Dongcheng was trying hard to please Miss Xiao, so they couldn''t help but consider this.


    Xiao Yushuang''s face reddened slightly, she red at him, thinking ''What does my business with Young Master Tao have to do with you?''


    "So, Eldest Miss, do you have some feelings for Young Master Tao? You should know that this question is rted to the future destiny of the Xiao family. We must not be careless," Lin Wanrong teased Xiao Yuruo.


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 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90


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    Chapter 90 The Alliance Debate


    Xiao Yuruo looked a little dazed, only speaking after a long silence, "Whether it''s Young Master Tao or any other Young Master Li or Young Master Zhang, as long as they are beneficial to my Xiao family, I can sacrifice everything. And besides, what''s so bad about Young Master Tao? He''s far better than you, a bad person who bullies people everywhere"


    "Cough, cough," Lin Wanrong hastily feigned a cough to interrupt her. Xiao Yuruo''s face turned slightly red; she had just remembered what he had done to her that day, which was quite embarrassing. She nearly let it slip out in her distraction. If her mother found out, she would have died of shame long ago.


    But this Xiao Yuruo was, after all, a strong woman who had weathered storms. Her expression changed quickly, and she said doubtfully, "Actually, I have some suspicions. Even if Tao Dongcheng is interested in me, there''s no need for him to make it so obvious. There must be something strange going on." This was a rather astute statement, which made Lin Wanrong sigh in relief, thinking that her involvement in business was not in vain.


    From her words, it was clear that she had no particr fondness for Young Master Tao. As she said, she belonged to the Xiao family, and would do anything beneficial for the family, even if it meant sacrificing herself.


    Lin Wanrong felt a bit sorry for this youngdy, thinking that this girl had some spirit. It was a pity that her temperament was somewhatcking. Otherwise, she would have been worth befriending. But he couldn''t really me her for having a poor impression of him. After all, he had taken advantage of her verbally during their first encounter and got caught visiting brothels with Young Master Guo, which naturally left a bad impression.


    "In fact, there are two possibilities for such a joint venture," Lin Wanrong began to calmly analyze. "The first one, of course, sounds nice. It''s called ''making money together.'' It''s great to have such a selfless attitude, and I believe that''s how Young Master Tao has been promoting it to you, Eldest Miss. But for him to be so generous, giving forty percent of the shares to the Xiao family, even if he wanted to win over you, Eldest Miss, wouldn''t he be afraid of idle talk from others? Moreover, what if the Xiao family took this forty percent of shares, and you, Miss Xiao, stood him up?"


    "Stood him up? What does that mean?" The two women of the Xiao family asked in confusion.


    Lin Wanrong smacked his forehead in regret. Damn, he had to y the glorious role of a public teacher again. After finally exining this "foreign term," Eldest Miss Xiao blushed and said, "What''s with standing someone up? Your words sound so unpleasant." However, Lin Wanrong''s words did make her think. Being experienced, she thought for a while then shook her head firmly, "Tao Dongcheng is not of such a mind. Tell me about the other possibility."


    Lin Wanrong nodded approvingly, "The other possibility is that the alliance is just a faade, and in reality, it''s a game of merger."


    "Merger?" Eldest Miss Xiao frowned, and Lady Xiao also sighed.


    "We have also considered this possibility," Eldest Miss Xiao said seriously, "In fact, my mother and I have always been worried about this problem. But we can''t find the crux of the matter. He gave so many shares, even if we do nothing, we will have forty percent of the profits every year."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t answer her question directly. Instead, he asked, "Miss, how do the three of your families allocate resources among each other? In simpler terms, how do you divide the work?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao found it a bit strange. This servant seemed to know quite a lot. She answered honestly, "After the alliance, my Xiao family is responsible for the cloth and silk spinning workshops, and the He family is in charge of transportation."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled coldly, "Does the Tao family take care of the sales, then?"


    "How did you know?" Xiao Yuruo wondered. "After we collectively supply and transport, it is managed by the Tao family. Then we share the profits ording to our shares."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head with a bitter smile, "Oh, my dear Eldest Miss, you are being yed and you don''t even realize it. I''m afraid they''ve tricked you into selling yourself, and you''re still counting your money."


    Xiao Yuruo snapped, "What do you mean by that?"


    Lin Wanrong didn''t take her anger seriously and asked with a smile, "Eldest Miss, what do you think is the most important thing in doing business?"


    "Honesty in operation," Xiao Yuruo answered without hesitation.


    Damn, her answer was indeed urate, but it was all nonsense.


    "Eldest Miss, what I''m asking is, what is the most important aspect or department in doing business?" Lin Wanrong gently guided her. This era didn''t have many theories on sales, and although Eldest Miss Xiao had been operating for many years, she had always been learning through trial and error. Lin Wanrong had to y the role of a teacher again.


    Xiao Yuruo seemed to have realized something, her face turned pale. She looked at Lin Wanrong and said, "You mean... operations?" Eldest Miss Xiao was indeed quite capable. At this time, there was no such thing as marketing theory, all shops were in a spontaneous sales mode, let alone marketing. Sales were always an overlooked aspect, so for Eldest Miss Xiao, without Lin Wanrong''s deep theoretical knowledge, toe to this conclusion was quite remarkable.


    "Correct," Lin Wanrong said loudly, "It''s operations, or what we often call sales. Eldest Miss, you might not yet understand the power of marketing. To exaggerate a bit, as long as there''s a good sales team, even a pile of shit in atrine, after packaging, I can sell it." Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    "Vulgar." Xiao Yuruo looked at him with a red face, and snorted from her delicate nose. The bit of goodwill that had umted from his analysis disappeared quickly. Lady Xiao, who had been quietly listening to their conversation, also blushed.


    Damn, swearing in front of a beauty, this feeling was really amazing. Looking at the embarrassed mother and daughter, Lin Wanrong felt a secret pleasure.


    "To give the right to operate to the Tao family? That''s like giving them your life. Tao Dongcheng may have arge business scale and rapid expansion, but it''s hard for him to establish aplete marketingwork in a short period of time. How can he match up to the Xiao family''s years of hard work? Once the Tao family has the right to operate, they can legitimately use the Xiao family''s resources to expand their strength, even rece it. Once the alliance is canceled and the Xiao family''s marketingwork has been wasted, what will youpete with the Tao family with? My dear Eldest Miss, this strategy of alliance, to put it bluntly, is like cutting off your limbs and crippling your own abilities, leaving you to be swallowed up."


    After analyzing for quite a while, it was the final statement that was the crux. Lin Wanrong took a few deep breaths, thinking, damn, telling ten stories to that little girl wasn''t this exhausting.


    "Chun, Chun, get me a pot of tea quickly." Lin Wanrong casually sat down andmanded the maid outside, not regarding himself as an outsider at all.


    Eldest Miss''s face turned pale, and Lady Xiao''s face also didn''t look good. If Lin San''s analysis was correct, the Tao family''s alliance n clearly harbored ill intentions, which was frightening.


    "Could it be that the Tao family really wants to swallow us up?" Eldest Miss Xiao murmured to herself. She had no particr fondness for Young Master Tao, but she didn''t dislike him either. Both of them were in business, and they had met numerous times, but she had never imagined that he harbored such malicious intentions.


    "Of course, all of these are just my spections. Eldest Miss and Madam shouldn''t worry about it. Maybe Young Master Tao genuinely admires Eldest Miss and has the Xiao family''s best interests at heart." Having said everything, Lin Wanrong was ying coy, pretending to be modest.


    Eldest Miss Xiao''s face showed a hint of determination. She huffed, "No matter what his intentions are, we must be on guard." She furrowed her brows and worriedly said, "But Tao Dongcheng''s father, Tao Yu, is a silk manufacturer in Suzhou. We can''t offend him lightly."


    Lady Xiao was also frowning deeply. Among the three, only Lin Wanrong was rxed. The saying goes, ''It doesn''t concern me, so I don''t worry.'' Besides, the mother and daughter hadn''t asked for his opinion, so it was wise for him to keep his mouth shut.


    Xiao Yuruo nced at thisid-back servant, thinking, this scoundrel does have some insight. The Tao family''s tricks had deceived even her, but they hadn''t escaped his eyes.


    Remembering what Xiao Yushuang had said to Lin Wanrong before she left, Xiao Yuruo asked, "Lin San, what''s your opinion on this matter?" Although her impression of Lin San wasn''t good, this matter was crucial to the Xiao family''s future, and she didn''t want her personal feelings to affect the family''s interests.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Eldest Miss, I''m just a servant in the Xiao family. It''s not my ce to speak in this council."


    Eldest Miss Xiao red at him fiercely. This bad servant, he had be so cheeky. Seeing that he was unwilling to answer her, Eldest Miss Xiao''s temper red up again. She snorted and gritted her teeth, "Since you don''t want to say, I won''t force you. What you said today has done a great service to the Xiao family. Considering your merits and faults, I won''t pursue the matter of you trespassing in the council anymore. You can leave now."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, gave a bow, and gracefully turned to leave. Eldest Miss Xiao huffed and said to Lady Xiao, "Mother, I think this Lin San does have some tricks up his sleeve. He doesn''t want to talk to me, but what should we do?"


    Lady Xiao pondered for a while and said, "I''ve heard from the servants that this Lin San indeed has some talent and knowledge. From what he said just now, it seems that he has done business before and has quite a bit of experience, and he already has a strategy for this alliance matter. If he can help our Xiao family, perhaps there is a way out."


    Eldest Miss Xiao gritted her teeth and said, "This scoundrel, he loves to cause trouble. If it weren''t for the fact that what he said today made some sense, I definitely wouldn''t have let him off."


    Lady Xiao stared at her face and asked, "Yuruo, did he do something to upset you?"


    "No, no," Eldest Miss''s face turned red, and she hurriedly said, "How dare he upset me? Mother, you don''t need to worry."


    Lady Xiao sighed, "You''ve been working so hard, tirelessly maintaining the Xiao family, I don''t know when there will be an end to this. Yuruo, you''ve truly suffered."


    Eldest Miss Xiao felt a lump in her throat. Thinking about how she, a woman, was hustling and bustling outside every day, one could imagine the heartache she felt. She looked at her mother determinedly, a firm light shining in her eyes, "Mother, don''t worry. I won''t let the Xiao family fall on my watch."


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 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91


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    Chapter 91 Qiaoqiao, My Darling (Part 1)


    Lin Wanrong had just left the main courtyard and he had barely caught his breath when a maid came to report, "Brother Lin, you must hurry to the reception hall. It is said that an esteemed guest is here to see you."


    Could it be that Miss Qin Xian''er is here? Lin Wanrong was startled. He had grown increasingly familiar with this young woman and had developed a deeper understanding of her temperament. She appeared gentle and charming on the outside, but within, she was rather narrow-minded and easily offended.


    Upon arriving at the hall, he saw a young master in conversation with Young Master Guo. The young man immediately sped his fists in greeting when he saw Lin Wanrong, "Brother Lin, it''s been a long time. I, Luo Yuan, havee to visit."


    Lin Wanrong was surprised, "So it''s you, Brother Luo. I thought it was"


    "You thought it was Miss Qin Xian''er, didn''t you?" Luo Yuanughed heartily.


    Lin Wanrong forced a smile, "Let''s not talk about that. I''m having a headache."


    Luo Yuan was perplexed, "That''s odd. Most men in the world would envy you, so why aren''t you happy?"


    Lin Wanrong made a sour face, "It''s like seeing but not being able to eat. Isn''t that bitter?" Luo Yuan was taken aback, then joined Lin Wanrong in a heartyugh.


    Luo Yuan was the son of the governor, and his visit was a major event. Since the two Misses Xiao could not meet him due to propriety, Lady Xiao stepped in to receive him instead.


    Lin Wanrong had just parted from Lady Xiao moments ago. Seeing her still as beautiful but with traces of fatigue on her face after only a short while, he sympathized with her difficulties with the alliance.


    After exchanging pleasantries with Luo Yuan, Lady Xiao turned to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, since Master Luo thinks so highly of you, you should keep himpany and have a good talk."


    Luo Yuan quickly responded, "I dare not. Brother Lin is highly talented. I am here to learn from his wisdom."


    Seeing the Governor''s son getting along so well with Lin San, Lady Xiao was surprised. She knew Lin San was talented, but it was astonishing that even the Governor''s son held him in such high regard. Recalling his analysis of the alliance earlier that day, she was convinced that Lin San was not a simple character.


    However, it was a great advantage for the Xiao family to have a good rtionship with the Governor''s son. Lady Xiao nodded and smiled, giving Lin Wanrong a knowing look, signaling him to attend to Luo Yuan properly, then excused herself.


    Luo Yuan was not one to sit still for long. After a brief chat, he proposed, "Brother Lin, why don''t we go out for a walk? I won''t lie, I feel a bit out of ce here."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. He appreciated Luo Yuan''s straightforwardness. He was also considering the same thing. The restaurant should be nearly renovated, and he hadn''t seen Qiaoqiao for quite some time. Even though he had been apanied by two beautiful women these past few days, the naive little girl was always in his thoughts.


    Lin Wanrong was now acting under Madam''s order to keep this Governor''s sonpany, so leaving the mansion was naturally not an issue. He had epted Qin Xian''er''s invitation to go out a few days ago, but it had always been at night. Today, leaving the mansion during the day, he felt immensely refreshed. Heughed, "Brother Luo, without you, it wouldn''t be easy for me to step out."


    Luo Yuan was about to ask him why, but seeing him dressed in blue with a small cap, he understood. He paused, then asked, "Brother Lin, with your talents, are you really nning to serve as a servant in the Xiao family for life?"


    This was the third person to ask him this question, each one with a distinguished status. Lin Wanrong wondered, do I really have such abilities? Everyone seems to think so. Perhaps I''ve been too modest. He smiled slightly and replied, "Brother Luo, life is short, fleeting like a white horse passing a gap. If we chase after something in everything, life can be too exhausting."


    Luo Yuan respectfully sped his fists, "Brother Lin, your words are always so profound. Luo Yuan is enlightened."


    As they walked and chatted, Luo Yuan suddenly asked, "Brother Lin, has that Cheng Ruinian been giving you any trouble?"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "Trouble? What kind of trouble?"


    Luo Yuan exined, "You may not know much about Cheng Ruinian, but I am well aware. He has always harbored improper intentions toward Miss Qin. Now that you''re so close with Miss Qin, wouldn''t he cause you trouble?"


    Lin Wanrong thought about it. Indeed, being a powerless servant, if that Cheng really sought to retaliate, it would be quite troublesome. With this thought, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered the organization Dong Qingshan had set up. If he could bring Luo Yuan into it, they''d have nothing to fear.


    After a while of walking and chatting about interesting things from different ces, Luo Yuan once again marveled at Lin San''s extensive knowledge. Before long, they arrived at the restaurant Lin Wanrong had purchased. After more than ten days, the renovation was basicallyplete, and the restaurant hadpletely transformed.


    Luo Yuan was surprised, "Huh, has this restaurant changed hands? Howe I didn''t know?"


    Lin Wanrong didn''t rify, smiling, "Brother Luo, just follow me."


    As they ascended to the second floor, the newly arranged tables and chairs were neatly arranged, exuding a gentle fragrance. This floor, designed as a public restaurant, had been refurbished by Lin Wanrong ording to the modern restaurant format, divided into different sections. Despite the many tables and chairs, it didn''t seem chaotic, but rather clear and orderly. In the hall, at Lin Wanrong''s request, colorful gs were hung across, and not far apart, sixrge candlesticks hung from the ceiling, creating an elegant setting.


    Luo Yuan had never seen a restaurant in such ayout before. He admired it for a moment, then praised, "Brother Lin, this is no ordinary restaurant. The unique vision and exquisite craftsmanship of the owner are evident from the arrangement alone. Ah, why hadn''t I thought of this before? A restaurant could be arranged like this! This ce is certain to prosper, earning bucket loads of money each day."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Brother Luo, I ept your good words."


    Luo Yuan, puzzled, asked, "Brother Lin, could it be that you... Oh, why didn''t I think of it? Apart from you, Brother Lin, who else could have such talent? Brother Lin, I truly admire you."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, speaking earnestly, "Brother Luo, I won''t hide it from you. This restaurant is indeed mine. However, it''s not open for business yet. Once it opens in a few days, you must bring your friends over. All your friends will receive a tinum VIP card from my restaurant, which offers a 30% discount on all purchases, including drinks and seafood. As for you, Brother Luo, feel free toe by anytime. This ce is your second home."


    Luo Yuanughed heartily, "Since you''re so generous, Brother Lin, I won''t stand on ceremony. I do enjoy free food and drinks."


    The twoughed together, and they ascended another floor. The spacious hall on the second floor was simr to the first, but with more open seating and arge stage in the middle. Luo Yuan curiously asked, "Brother Lin, what''s the purpose of this stage?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "Brother Luo, do you remember when we went to Miaoyu Pavilion to listen to the opera?"


    Luo Yuan replied, "Yes, I remember."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Brother Luo, what do you think if I invite some famous courtesans to sing here?"


    Luo Yuan''s mouth fell open, as if in disbelief. In those days, those who ran restaurants did so in a straightforward manner, serving food and drinks. These kinds of gimmicks were unheard of. But on second thought, if famous courtesans were indeed brought in to perform, this ce would undoubtedly be packed.


    Luo Yuan sighed, "Brother Lin, I don''t know how youe up with these ideas. Just based on this, your ce is bound to be a hit."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly, My idease from spending time in bars. Many of the bars he used to frequent had house bands, and with a good DJ, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. While he didn''t have a house band, there were plenty of famous courtesans along the Qinhuai River known for their singing. With some money, he could invite them over, not only as a gimmick but also to raise the level of the restaurant. That was why he had hired the two girls, Little Cui and Little Lian.


    The two men ascended to the third floor, which was partitioned into individual private rooms, arranged meticulously, and quite eye-catching. What was most unique was that each private room had a name inscribed with gold lettering on the door. One was named Plum Blossom Room, another was called Soaring Dragon Chamber, and the one nearest to them was named Flowing Time Suit. Luo Yuan couldn''t help but admire inwardly. He considered himself talented, but facing these creative ideas, he felt them to be inconceivably innovative.


    Moving up, they were greeted by four golden characters - "Wealth, Nobility, Talent, Intelect". The fourth floor was divided into tworge rooms, both facing Xuanwu Lake, offering picturesque views. The rooms were decorated with noble elegance, less like a restaurant and more like a tranquil study. Complete with stationery, ink, and a qin rack by the window, the design was indeed ingenious.


    Upon reaching the fifth floor, Luo Yuan waspletely astounded. The room had no partitions, just some carvings around the edges. The window screens were all pushed open, allowing a cool breeze to flow in. It felt as if one was walking in mid-air, evoking a sensation of walking in the sky.


    Lin Wanrong was inwardly nodding in approval as he looked around. Although he had not personally supervised the construction, that girl Qiaoqiao had fully understood his intentions, decorating the restaurant with grace and uniqueness, to his utmost satisfaction.


    "Big Brother..." Dong Qiaoqiao was talking with a woman when she noticed Lin Wanrong. She paused, her face lighting up with wild joy. Ignoring the woman she had been talking to, she shrieked and ran over.


    When she reached Lin Wanrong, she involuntarily stopped, staring nkly at him. She opened her mouth, then closed it, her eyes welling up with tears. After a long while, she finally opened her lips lightly and said, "Big Brother..."


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 Chapter 92

    Chapter 92


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    Chapter 92 Qiaoqiao, My Darling (Part 2)


    With just that one sentence, she could say no more. The tears streamed down her cheeks; despite having a thousand words to say, she found herself unable to utter even one.


    After being apart for several days, Qiaoqiao, still as lovely as ever, looked noticeably thinner. Seeing her cry, Lin Wanrong hurriedly took her hand, "Qiaoqiao, what''s wrong? Are you upset seeing me?"


    Biting her lip, Qiaoqiao focused her gaze on his face, and softly said, "No, Big brother, you know that seeing you always brings me joy."


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes swept across the room, noticing two dried out steamed buns on the counter, their surfaces marked with tiny teeth prints. Seeing her emaciated appearance, his expression changed. "Qiaoqiao, why are you eating only this?"


    "Ah" Qiaoqiao let out a small cry, hastily hiding the buns, her gaze fixed on her own toes, daring not to look at him.


    An angry look crossed Lin Wanrong''s face as he looked at Dong Qingshan behind him. "Qingshan, you exin."


    Dong Qingshan had never seen his boss angry before. Frightened, he quickly exined, "Boss, our money has been tighttely because of the renovations. Sister said that you work hard for our money, so we should spend less. She brought many steamed buns, and that''s all she''s been eating every day"


    "Damn it!" Lin Wanrong shouted, mming his fist on the table, a deep ache in his heart. While he was out enjoying himself, Qiaoqiao was suffering alone. He despised himself.


    "Big brother" Seeing the self-me in his eyes, Qiaoqiao quickly took his hand and gently called out.


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes were moist. Seeing Qiaoqiao''s tear-streaked face, yet still carrying a soft smile, his heart felt shattered. He gently stroked Dong Qiaoqiao''s face, speaking deeply, "Qiaoqiao, my darling"


    Hearing his words, Qiaoqiao''s tears overflowed, a bitter sweetness in her heart. "Big brother" Before she could say more, she found her lips sealed by a passionate kiss.


    Everyone froze in disbelief, including Luo Yuan, Dong Qingshan, and the woman who was just talking to Dong Qiaoqiao. In this era, holding hands in public was already shocking, let alone such a passionate disy. Had they ever seen such a scene?


    Luo Yuan thought to himself, the boss is indeed the boss, always impressing.


    The woman who had been talking to Dong Qiaoqiao blushed and quickly lowered her head, too shy to witness the scene.


    Qiaoqiao felt as if she was melting in the warm embrace of the man she longed for day and night. Smelling the masculine scent of her big brother, she lost all her strength, her body going limp in his arms. She forgot where she was, forgot her status, only feeling a strange magic emanating from him, binding her to him forever.


    Lin Wanrong savored the sweet scent of the young girl. He sucked on her sweet tongue, gently stirring it in her mouth. Qiaoqiao felt an overwhelming sensation she''d never experienced before. Holding her big brother tight, tears of happiness fell onto her cheeks.


    What Qin Xian''er, what Xiao Qingxuan, what Eldest Miss and Second Miss, none of them could everpare to his precious Qiaoqiao. In that moment, Lin Wanrong had eyes only for this obedient and captivating little girl. If he ever let her down, he would consider his life a failure.


    After a long while, Lin Wanrong released the little girl, gazing at her deeply and said resolutely, "Qiaoqiao, you are my most precious treasure in this life. I, Lin Wanrong, swear to the heavens, if I ever let you down in this life, may I be struck by thunder and never have peace"


    "Big brother" Qiaoqiao interrupted him, tears in her eyes, her slender hand covering his lips, "Don''t make such vows. You are a man of great things. No matter how you treat Qiaoqiao, Qiaoqiao will have no regrets."


    "Qiaoqiao" Lin Wanrong was deeply touched, hugging her tightly, "My darling, my precious, my dear, my sweetheart."


    Listening to such mushy sweet nothings, Luo Yuan and Dong Qingshan felt their skin crawl. This Big brother can really say anything, they thought.


    Qiaoqiao was both embarrassed and delighted, her heart pounding uncontrobly. How could Big brother say such things, it''s so embarrassing, she thought, Yet I still want to hear him call me darling.


    Remembering the sensation of Big brother''s kiss, she felt weak all over, her face burning like fire, yet her heart was filled with happiness. Seeing the three of them staring at her, she suddenly let out a gasp, Oh no, how could I do such an embarrassing thing in front of so many people? It''s all Big brother''s fault, he''s so bad.


    Qiaoqiao''s face was as red as blood, she gave Lin Wanrong a shy and slightly reproachful look, then quickly turned around and ran downstairs.


    Lin Wanrong shouted loudly, "Darling, don''t go too far, I have something to tell youter, just for the two of us to hear."


    Luo Yuan and Dong Qingshan were sweating buckets, This Big brother, he''s really too shocking.


    Seeing Luo Yuan and Qingshan''s astounded expressions, Lin Wanrong didn''t even blush. He chuckled, "Oh, I didn''t realize everyone was here. I hope I didn''t disturb anyone."


    Luo Yuan shook his head and sighed, "Brother Lin, after seeing you, I''vee to realize how useless the concepts of etiquette and decorum really are."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Etiquette? What''s that? I''ve never heard of it."


    Dong Qingshan, being young and spirited, had always admired big brother Lin greatly. Now that he was about to be his brother-inw, he was even more delighted. He echoed Lin Wanrong''s words loudly, "Exactly, Big brother, as long as you like it, you should do it. Why care about anything else?"


    Luo Yuan gave Lin Wanrong a thumbs up, "Brother Lin, I ampletely convinced by you."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, introduced Luo Yuan and Dong Qingshan to each other, and then noticed there was another woman standing nearby. He was so engrossed in the passionate kiss with Qiaoqiao and the jovial conversation with Luo Yuan and Dong Qingshan that he hadn''t noticed an extra person was there. He looked up, and with just one nce, he was rooted to the spot.


    The woman was around eighteen or neen, with willow-leaf eyebrows, an oval face, rosy cheeks, and cherry lips. She wore a goose-yellow dress that perfectly entuated her petite and proportionate figure. In terms of appearance and demeanor, she was no less than Xiao Qingxuan. But unlike Xiao Qingxuan''s icy demeanor, this woman seemed to have a naturally tranquil aura. She stood there like a cluster of serene flowers, at peace with the world. Even Lin Wanrong, who was ustomed to joviality, felt a sense of tranquility in her presence.


    Good heavens, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. "Where did this girle from, with such an aura? In front of her, even a man of many words like myself is rendered speechless."


    Fortunately, Lin Wanrong was the kind of man who feared nothing. This youngdy seemed so tranquil, so he feltpelled to disrupt that tranquility. Therefore, he asked with a grin, "Miss, I don''t think we''ve met before, have we?"


    The woman was taken aback. All the men she had met before were respectful and refined in front of her, she had never met such a ruffian. However, she had already witnessed Lin Wanrong''s shocking actions just before, so his ruffian behavior seemed trifling inparison. She responded with a faint smile, "I have not had the pleasure of meeting you before, sir."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "That''s an interesting way to put it, since we meet by fate, I won''t ask for your name, lest I bebeled a rogue."


    The woman thought it was funny, thinking to herself, If you''re not a rogue, then who is? But since she was good friends with Qiaoqiao and the man before her was Qiaoqiao''s beloved, she couldn''t voice these thoughts.


    Luo Yuan, seeing the woman talking to Lin Wanrong, was about to introduce her to Lin Wanrong when he caught a stern nce from the woman, making him close his mouth obediently.


    Ignoring the woman, Lin Wanrong asked Qingshan, "Has the Meiwei Restaurant beenpleted?"


    Dong Qingshan nodded, "Yes, it''spleted. We''ve been waiting for you to pick a lucky day for the grand opening."


    Lin Wanrong, who hade with a n, nodded, "I''ve checked the almanac, and the ninth day of the tenth month, which is three days from now, is an auspicious day for construction, moving, and business opening. Let''s choose that day."


    Dong Qingshan nodded, "My sister also picked that day. She said we should wait for you to finalize it."


    Lin Wanrong shamelessly stated, "Of course, my Qiaoqiao and I are of one heart and one mind."


    Luo Yuan shook his head and sighed, wondering how Lin Wanrong could have such thick skin.


    While they were talking, Qiaoqiao, her cheeks still flushed, shyly brought tea up from downstairs, avoiding eye contact with Lin Wanrong and the others. When she reached Luo Yuan, she said, "Young Master Luo, please have some tea."


    Luo Yuan epted the tea with surprise and gratitude, saying, "How could I trouble Madam to serve me? My apologies."


    Dong Qiaoqiao was both startled and delighted. She stole a nce at Lin Wanrong and saw that her big brother was encouragingly smiling at her. She felt joyful, and this also gave her a boost of courage. Holding a cup of tea, she offered it to the woman, saying, "Sister Ning, please have some tea."


    The woman smiled slightly and teased, "Qiaoqiao, now that you''re married, you should serve your husband tea first."


    Dong Qiaoqiao let out a small gasp of surprise and embarrassment, immediately lowering her head. But she carefully handed the cup of tea to Lin Wanrong, saying, "Big brother, please have some tea--"


    Lin Wanrong felt an increasing fondness for this girl. He took the cup of tea and ced it on the table, taking her hand and saying, "Qiaoqiao,e sit next to your big brother. I want to have a heart-to-heart with you." Qiaoqiao gently nodded and obediently sat next to him.


    Lin Wanrong said, "Qiaoqiao, why didn''t you tell your big brother when you were in trouble? Do you still see me as an outsider?"


    "No, not at all," Qiaoqiao quickly exined. "Big brother, you''re a man of great importance. Why should you worry about these trivial matters? I can handle them."


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 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93


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    Chapter 93 Winning Over


    Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, I don''t know what kind of luck I''ve stumbled upon to meet my precious Qiaoqiao. It really tugs at my heart. He tightly held Qiaoqiao''s hand and said, "From now on, you are not allowed to keep these things to yourself. Tell your big brother about it. If there are any problems, big brother will solve them."


    Dong Qiaoqiao''s beautiful eyes were moist, and she gently bit her lip, softly saying, "Qiaoqiao understands. Big brother, you are Qiaoqiao''s sky."


    Lin Wanrong felt a sweetness in his heart, just like eating honey. He hadn''t expected that this little girl Qiaoqiao could even beat him at sweet talk. His heart was full of joy, and he whispered, "Qiaoqiao, my darling" Dong Qiaoqiao''s heart pounded twice, and then she was unable to think anymore.


    Cough, cough, Luo Yuan couldn''t stand to watch anymore, and hastily interrupted their romantic interaction with a fake cough. Lin Wanrong looked up to find several pairs of eyes on him, clearly dissatisfied with how he was leading astray the pure little Qiaoqiao.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and asked, "Qiaoqiao, how much silver are we short of now?"


    Dong Qiaoqiao shook her head and said, "Big brother, we still have 500 taels of silver left. We should be frugal. We''ll have more ie after the restaurant opens."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, pulled out arge amount of loose silver from his bosom, and reassured her, "Qiaoqiao, big brother has plenty of silver. Feel free to use it. Don''t mistreat yourself. Remember, you are my priceless treasure."


    "Big brother" Qiaoqiao''s face turned red as she softly called out, feeling a little weak. She really couldn''t bear to hear his words, which made her heart race, and yet she loved to hear them.


    Lin Wanrong then asked about the preparations for the opening. He genuinely wanted to win over Luo Yuan and didn''t treat him as an outsider. He even asked about the restaurant in front of him. Dong Qiaoqiao was smart and capable and had prepared everything he had instructed, which made Lin Wanrong very satisfied.


    "Qingshan, how are things on the side of Hung Hing?" Lin Wanrong asked, ncing at Luo Yuan unintentionally.


    Seeing the men talking, Dong Qiaoqiao cleverly started a conversation with sister Ning.


    Dong Qingshan was also a quick-witted person. Seeing his big brother ask in front of Luo Yuan, he knew there must be a deeper meaning, so he straightforwardly answered, "Recently, we''ve been umting strength. The manpower of Hung Hing''s three halls is already sufficient. As per your instructions, big brother, we''ve found some trained brothers to practice martial arts with the others to enhance theirbat abilities. However, it seems there''s unrest in the city with Wu Zhenghutely. There''ve been several times when they''vee to scout our territory in the south of the city. Big brother, I think a confrontation with Wu Zhenghu is inevitable."


    Luo Yuan, as expected, was someone who loved excitement. Upon hearing this, he couldn''t help but get intrigued. He quickly grabbed Dong Qingshan''s hand and said, "Brother Qingshan, what is this Hung Hing you''re talking about? And what does ''scout our territory'' mean? It sounds interesting. Tell me more." Luo Yuan, being a year older than Dong Qingshan and not possessing the airs of a rich young master, found it easy to connect with him.


    Dong Qingshan nced at Lin Wanrong, and seeing his big brother nodding, he proceeded to exin the situation about Hung Hing.


    When Luo Yuan heard about the fierce battle with Li Ergou outside the city, his eyes widened in excitement. He eximed, "Exciting, so exciting! How did I miss such an exciting event?"


    Dong Qingshan further exined Hung Hing''s principles and structure, its aim to protect the weak and prevent violence. Luo Yuan was moved by this. What a great ideal! If they could follow this ideal, once Hung Hing grew stronger and eliminated the bullies who exploited their power, and unified Jinling city, there would be no underworld in Jinling city anymore.


    Lin Wanrong listened to Dong Qingshan spinning tales, andughed to himself. In the past, when dealing with small-time thugs, Qingshan would talk about seizing money and women. Now, facing the highly educated Luo Yuan, Qingshan came up with the grand idea of eliminating bullies and creating harmony. This was indeed very persuasive. No need to say, he must have used this tactic to expand Hung Hing recently. Why hadn''t he noticed this talent in the boy earlier?


    Suddenly, Luo Yuan stood up and said, "Qingshan, I want to join Hung Hing. You won''t object, will you?"


    "This" Dong Qingshan looked at Lin Wanrong with a troubled expression, but seeing his smile, he said, "I have no objections, but we still need to ask my big brother''s opinion."


    Luo Yuan nced at Lin Wanrong and said, "Brother Lin, this big brother must be you, right?"


    He had been waiting for this moment, Lin Wanrong nodded and said with a stern face, "Brother Luo, you''ve heard what Qingshan just said. Although our goal in Hung Hing is ambitious, the road to achieving it is winding and long, and may even involve a lot of violence. You need to think it through. Moreover, your status is noble"


    Luo Yuan quickly shook his head, "That won''t be a problem. My father is very enlightened and doesn''t interfere in my or my sister''s affairs. As for the issue of violence, as you said, big brother, it''s just a means to an end. To be honest with you, I''ve never tried to fight someone before in my life."


    Brilliant! Lin Wanrong was ted. He had been wondering how to persuade Luo Yuan, but to his surprise, Luo Yuan had persuaded himself first. He pretended to be serious and said, "Brother Luo, you can join Hung Hing, but you have to follow our organization''s rules, no matter who you are. Upholding justice and trust, loyalty and courage, loyalty to the organization, never betraying - can you do all these?"


    "Uphold justice and trust, be loyal and brave, be faithful to the organization, never betray." Luo Yuan stood up, pointed his right hand to the sky, and solemnly swore.


    "Good brother, from now on, you''re part of Hung Hing," Lin Wanrong grabbed his hand andughed heartily, feeling truly proud. People of this era took oaths very seriously, and Luo Yuan had effectively tied himself tightly to the chariot of Hung Hing with these few words. How could this not make Lin overjoyed?


    After some thought, Lin Wanrong found Luo Yuan to be smart, agile, and intelligent. Heplemented Dong Qingshan''s assertiveness and they could benefit from each other. So, he said, "Brother Luo, from now on, the affairs of Hung Hing will be handled by you and Qingshan. Qingshan is young and impulsive, you''ll have to guide him."


    Luo Yuan, being intelligent, understood that Lin Wanrong''s words ced him in the position of a strategist for Hung Hing. He greatly respected Lin Wanrong, and found Dong Qingshan agreeable, so heughed heartily, "Don''t worry, Big brother. Qingshan and I will work hard to ensure no one underestimates Hung Hing."


    The three of themughed together. Dong Qingshan then repeated the matter of Wu Zhenghu of the city, "This Wu Zhenghu has formed the ck Dragon Association with several hundred brothers. He managed to establish and grow in the city because he has backing. I''ve been investigating for a while, but there''s no concrete news, only that the person backing him is surnamed Cheng."


    Lin Wanrong wasn''t too familiar with the officialdom of Jinling city, but he did know a young master surnamed Cheng. Wasn''t the Commander-in-chief''s surname Cheng?


    "Surnamed Cheng?" Luo Yuan frowned, "Big brother, there aren''t many powerful figures surnamed Cheng in Jinling city. Could it be Cheng Ruinian?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "Apart from him, I guess there''s no one else."


    Luo Yuan had an existing feud with Cheng Ruinian, and hearing this, he became more enthusiastic, "Heh, even better. Then let''s start by crushing the ck Dragon Association, and see what this Cheng can do!"


    If it had been earlier, Lin Wanrong would have been more cautious, but now it was different. Wu Zhenghu of the ck Dragon Association only had the son of the Commander-in-chief supporting him, but Lin Wanrong had the son of the Governor as his brother, which was a lot more impressive.


    "Big brother, if that Wu Zhenghues to the south of the city again, what should we do?" Dong Qingshan asked.


    "Brother Luo, what do you think we should do?" Lin Wanrong, shifting the conversation, tossed the question to Luo Yuan.


    Luo Yuan thought for a moment and snorted, "If theye again, we fight. If we keep avoiding, it only shows weakness. And our Hung Hing has just been established, the foundation isn''t stable, many people are watching. If we appear too weak, it would damage our reputation. It would be better to use this opportunity to publicize and raise the g of Hung Hing, further expanding our influence. The ck Dragon Association, without a clear understanding of our strength, would definitely not dare to act rashly. My only concern is, our strength is still somewhat inferior to the ck Dragon Association. If a real fight breaks out, how should we respond?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded. Luo Yuan''s analysis made some sense. The enemy was at their doorstep; if they didn''t fight back now, the reputation of Hung Hing would be ruined. However, if they were to retaliate, with Hung Hing''s current foundation, they were no match for the ck Dragon Association.


    He pondered for a while, then suddenly waved his hand and said, "Fight, we must fight fiercely. Hung Hing''s foundation is weak and our experience is limited, we can only grow slowly through conflict. But we can''t fight blindly, we must concentrate our superior forces, eliminate their effective strength, and catch them off guard."


    Luo Yuan pondered, "Big brother, how should we fight?"


    Lin Wanrong exined, "Here''s a simple example. In some areas, we could deliberately show weakness to numb them, making them more daring. When they let their guard down and prate deeper into our territory, we gather our greatest strength and defeat them one by one, gradually exhausting their power."


    Luo Yuan asked, "Big brother, you mean not to fight them head-on, but hit and run?"


    "Correct, concentrate our local superior forces and deplete their effective strength. When we''re used to fighting and have grown stronger, then we can eliminate them in one fell swoop," Lin Wanrong confidently dered.


    Luo Yuan and Dong Qingshan nodded together. The strategy proposed by their big brother indeed made sense. As the conversation became more lively, Luo Yuan suggested going to check on their Hung Hing brothers. Lin Wanrong was also somewhat worried that expanding Hung Hing too rapidly might attract spies, so he also wanted to take a look. The three of them left and headed directly towards the south gate of the city.


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 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94


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    Chapter 94 Number One Beauty and Talent in Jinling


    There was an abandoned mansion outside the south gate of the city, where Dong Qingshan had set up the base for Hung Hing. After defeating Li Ergou, the south of the city had be Hung Hing''s territory. Their ie was just enough for self-sufficiency. Dong Qingshan, heeding his Big brother''s advice, spent all the money on training Hung Hing and building a good rtionship with his fellow brothers.


    At that time, Hung Hing had nearly three hundred members, including one hundred core members. It was truly beginning to take shape. Dong Qingshan invited a few brothers who had been martial arts instructors to teach everyone practical fighting skills. In these street battles, the one with more experience and skills was bound to win.


    Lin Wanrong and Luo Yuan both looked pleased. Luo Yuan, unable to contain his excitement, even attempted to wrestle with Li Beidou, which of course ended in a disaster.


    Luo Yuan, a man who loved excitement, didn''t mind losing to Li Beidou at all. Instead, he got along well with Li Beidou and the others.


    Lin Wanrong silently acknowledged that Luo Yuan was not to be underestimated. He had an open mind and skills. If used properly, he could be a great asset. He heard that the daughter of the governor, Miss Luo, was the number one beauty and talent in Jinling. Although he hadn''t met her, he imagined she wouldn''t be too bad. Given Luo Yuan''s personality, Lin wondered what kind of person the Jiangsu governor Luo Min would be, who was able to raise such children. He must have some abilities.


    Remembering that he needed alcohol to blend perfumes, Lin Wanrong asked Dong Qingshan to find some distilleries and bring back some fermented yeast filtered from impurities.


    By the time the three of them returned to the restaurant, it was already noon. The woman who Dong Qiaqiao called Sister Ning was still there. Lin Wanrong smiled at Qiaqiao and said, "Qiaqiao, we''re all starving. Do you have anything to eat?"


    Qiaqiao carefully dusted off his clothes and said, "The food and wine have been prepared for you. We''ve been waiting for you to return."


    Feeling warm, Lin Wanrong thought, This girl is really indescribably good. He took her small hand and said, "Let''s go up together."


    The restaurant was about to open, and all the kitchenware and cooking utensils were already prepared. The hired chefs had started toe over to familiarize themselves and practice, so preparing a banquet was no problem.


    After a day of intimacy with her "big brother", Dong Qiaqiao was shy but very pleased. She didn''t mind spending a little extra money to prepare a veryvish feast.


    Qiaqiao prepared some dishes with great care. Most of them were Lin Wanrong''s favorites. Seeing more and more affection in her big brother''s eyes, she felt that no matter how hard she worked, it was worth it.


    ording to the customs of this era, men and women were supposed to sit separately. Lin Wanrong didn''t care about these rules, he insisted on having Qiaqiao sit down with him.


    Qiaqiao was both surprised and delighted, but she didn''t dare to break the rules. Lin Wanrong took her hand and called her "little darling" in a flirtatious whisper. Dong Qiaqiao felt weak all over and obediently sat down next to him. She felt that in one day with her "big brother", she had broken more rules than she ever had in her entire life. But it was all because of big brother''s love for her, that made her feel endless joy.


    Lin Wanrong said to the woman, "Please sit down, miss. Gathering together is a sign of fate. Since you are friends with Qiaoqiao, you are naturally my friend as well. In my ce, you can talk about anything, just don''t be polite."


    Luo Yuan and Dong Qingshan both broke intoughter. The woman gave Luo Yuan a stern look, and Luo Yuan didn''t dare tough anymore.


    The woman gracefully epted, "Since big brother insists, I would seem pretentious if I refused." She sat down next to Qiaoqiao.


    This little girl is so friendly. She doesn''t even know my name, but she calls me big brother, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, unaware that she was just following Qiaoqiao''s lead in addressing him.


    Dong Qiaoqiao curiously asked, "Big brother, you''ve been with Sister Ning for half a day, and you still don''t know her?"


    "Meeting once is fate. Whether we know each other or not is secondary," Lin Wanrong raised his ss andughed, "Today is our first time hosting guests at the Food for Immortals. Let''s all drink to this. Qiaoqiao, you can have a bit too. It''s fine with big brother here."


    Dong Qiaoqiao softly agreed and took a sip of the strong liquor. Her face flushed a little, her skin as clear as snow, breathtakingly beautiful. Lin Wanrong gently squeezed her hand and gave her a smile.


    Luo Yuan drained his ss andughed, "Big brother, is this restaurant called Food for Immortals? This name appeals to both the old and young, it really has a certain taste."


    Dong Qingshan also finished his drink in one gulp, "This is the name big brother chose, it hasn''t been put up yet. I also thought of a name, but I was too embarrassed to say it."


    "What name did youe up with?" Dong Qiaoqiao looked at her younger brother, affectionately smiling.


    "Too Delicious, how about that?" Dong Qingshan said proudly.


    Everyone burst intoughter. Lin Wanrong said, "Good, Qingshan. If we open a second branch, I''ll use Too Delicious as the name."


    "Really, big brother?" Dong Qingshan jumped up in excitement.


    Lin Wanrong pretended to be stern, "What, are you doubting my word?" Everyoneughed again.


    The easygoing atmosphere made Dong Qiaoqiao lean more into her big brother. She was less shy,ughing, "Today is our first time hosting guests at the Wealth and Talent. Will it be harder in the future?"


    "Yes, we will have to rely on our abilities in the future." The woman called Sister Ning nced at Lin Wanrong andughed. She was close with Qiaoqiao, they shared everything, and she often came to apany Qiaoqiao during these days, so naturally, she knew a lot of things.


    Only Luo Yuan in the middle didn''t know about this matter. Qiaoqiao then told Lin Wanrong''s agreement, Luo Yuan was surprised, "Big brother, so we''re actually riding on your coattails today. In the future, we''ll have to get in based on our talents?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "This hall is called the Wealth and Talent. If youck talent, you can still get in by spending a few golden leaves."


    In the midst of the lively atmosphere, Dong Qiaoqiao suddenly pulled Lin Wanrong aside, "Big brother, you mentioned the other day about framing the couplet for the Wealth and Talent. Have you thought of the couplet yet?"


    Lin Wanrong pointed to his head, "It''s all stored up here. Qiaoqiao, go get my pencil."


    When Dong Qiaoqiao brought the pencil, Luo Yuan and the woman looked a bit puzzled. The woman named Ning looked at the strange thing in Lin Wanrong''s hand and asked, "Brother Lin, is this a pen?"


    "Of course, it''s a pen, and it''s much easier to use than a brush." Lin Wanrong chuckled and swiftly wrote on the paper that Dong Qiaoqiao had brought.


    Sister Ning, who was sitting next to Dong Qiaoqiao, leaned over to take a look. The writing was flowing and elegant, the font something she had never seen before, unique and distinctive.


    "Smoke Veils The Pond With Willows In A Tender Hush" Sister Ning read softly, then frowned, whispering, "Big brother, is this a couplet?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Miss is really smart. This is a small couplet that''s been passed down in my hometown. I''ve brought it out to embarrass myself today."


    Sister Ning pondered for a long time, then reluctantly shook her head, "This couplet implies the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. It seems simple but is incredibly difficult. I can''t match it."


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, It''s not surprising that you can''t match it. In thousands of years in China, only a few people have been able to.


    Luo Yuan was taken aback when he heard the woman say this. If even she couldn''t match it, this couplet was too difficult.


    Sister Ning thought for a while longer but still came up with nothing. She shook her head helplessly, thinking, Today, I finally witnessed how formidable he is, so she didn''t dwell on it and continued to read.


    The second line was also the first half of a couplet "Smoke Trails Along The Vibrant Eaves, Mirrored In The Eyes Of Swallow." Seven homophonic characters, describing smoke trailing along the beautiful eaves to the swallow''s eyes.


    [The original text is  and read as Yn yn yn yn yn yn yn]


    Sister Ning, who prided herself on her overflowing talent, was already taken aback by the first sentence. The next one was even more challenging. She pondered for a long time but couldn''te up with a neat lower couplet.


    Luo Yuan, who was also quite talented, realized from these two couplets that his learning was far behind.


    Lin Wanrong smiled at Qiaoqiao, "These two couplets are shorter. Qiaoqiao, take them for framing and ce them on the fourth floor." He quickly wrote down two more lines, "These two couplets should be ced on the fifth floor. Anyone who can match either of them will be invited to enjoy the scenery of the Xuanwu Lake for free."


    Sister Ning hurriedly took the paper from Qiaoqiao''s hand and looked carefully. The first couplet to be hung on the fifth floor was, "Eight Bridges Above, Eight In The Middle, Eight Below, Totaling Twenty-Four Bridges." This was a reference to the four bridges, all located in Yangzhong County, Jiangsu. Using this as a couplet to praise the bridge was brilliant.


    Sister Ning clenched her teeth, thinking, ''I refuse to believe that I can''t match even one.'' She then looked at thest couplet, White Pagoda Street, Yellow cksmith, Red Furnace Alive, ck Coal Burning, Green Smoke Rising, Blue Light shing, Purple Iron Quenched, From North to South Striking East to West."


    After thinking for a while, she feltpletely deted. All four couplets were equally challenging to match. Despite her talent, she found herself utterly helpless in front of these four couplets, which was a rare urrence.


    Seeing Qiaoqiao concentrating on the couplets, Lin Wanrong knew she was also thinking. He took her hand and asked, "Qiaoqiao, what about you? Do you have a neat lower couplet?"


    Qiaoqiao raised her eyebrows, looked at him shyly, andughed, "Big brother, how could Ie up with a good couplet, especially when yours are so challenging. I think only Sister Ning can match them. Sister Ning is the number one"


    "Qiaoqiao." Sister Ning''s face was a bit flushed. She couldn''t match any of these couplets, which was naturally embarrassing. She hurriedly interrupted, "These four couplets, any one of them is a unique masterpiece in history. How could I possibly match them?"


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 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95


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    Chapter 95 Who''s Crueler?


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Miss, you mustn''t lose heart. These four couplets have been passed down in my hometown for a thousand years. Through the heat of summer and the chill of winter, through dynastic changes, they have stumped countless talented individuals, yet only a few have been able toplete them urately. Today, I''m curious to see if our Great Hua''s talents can break this peculiar cycle."


    Sister Ning shook her head and sighed, "Under the heavens, the number of talents who can answer such a challenge is as sparse as the morning stars. It''s a rare chance to encounter one. Today, big brother has shown me that there are always higher skies. I used to think that after learning some poetry and prose, no one in the world could surpass me. Only today did I realize how shallow I am. I thank big brother for enlightening me. I''m truly grateful."


    With that, she actually stood up and gave a light curtsy to Lin Wanrong, expressing deep respect.


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly said, "Qiaoqiao, please help your friend to her feet. Miss, you mustn''t say such things. The couplets aren''t my creation; I merely ryed them. There''s no ''enlightenment'' here. You''re truly too modest."


    Dong Qiaoqiao, holding her hand,ughed, "Big brother knows so much that even if he spoke for three days and three nights, he wouldn''t finish. Sister Ning, there''s no need for formalities here. If you have any questions, just ask."


    Sister Ning nodded and sighed, "If I have the time, I certainly want to learn more from Big brother."


    Lin Wanrong silently felt goosebumps, thinking, If I have to discuss poetry and prose with you, I''d rather go home and mix perfumes - that''s much morefortable.


    He quickly changed the topic, lifting his wine cup, "Today is a rare asion for joy, so let''s raise our sses and drink heartily." Luo Yuan and Dong Qingshan were both open-minded people. Hearing Lin Wanrong''s words, they were delighted. This brother was not only talented but also daring and audacious - a true character.


    The three drained their cups and enjoyed the drinking. Even Dong Qiaoqiao had several sips, her smiling face blooming like a flower as she leaned on her brother.


    On the other hand, Sister Ning maintained a slight smile, abstaining from the alcohol, and just quietly watched them converse, ever so serene.


    Lin Wanrong silently sighed, wondering how this girl developed such a character, tranquil as water, upetitive, and somewhat hermit-like.


    "Since we''re in high spirits today, Qingshan, Luo Yuan, I''ll teach you a drinking game," Lin Wanrong, ignoring Sister Ning, engaged Dong Qingshan and Luo Yuan, "In the world of martial arts, who can avoid getting shed? A sh kills you, a sh kills me"


    Dong Qingshan and Luo Yuan, those two young fellows, were intrigued by the drinking game. They shadowboxed a few punches and couldn''t stopughing. Dong Qiaoqiao watched Lin Wanrong, her heart full of admiration, thinking that everything about her brother was unique.


    Even Sister Ning gave Lin Wanrong an extra nce, a faint smile on her face, but her eyes remained calm and unflustered.


    After finishing the feast, Lin Wanrong had a discussion with Qiaoqiao and Qingshan about the details of the restaurant''s opening in the following days, making sure they were all on the same page. Luo Yuan and Sister Ning seemed quite familiar with each other, and the two of them were engaged in conversation.


    Seeing Qiaoqiao clearing the table and heading downstairs, Lin Wanrong quickly followed and caught her hand, saying, "Qiaoqiao, let me do it."


    "Big brother," Qiaoqiao hurriedly protested, "this is a woman''s job. You shouldn''t be doing such menial tasks."


    Without a word, Lin Wanrong took the dishes from her and ced them on a nearby table, saying, "Qiaoqiao, there''s no such thing as women''s work or men''s work. I love you, and I can do anything for you."


    Moved beyond words, Qiaoqiao couldn''t help but throw herself into his arms, shyly saying, "Big brother, I love you and respect you. For you, I am willing to do anything."


    Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded in his chest, thinking he was smitten by this young girl. Gently lifting Qiaoqiao''s chin, she blushed and trembled slightly, but didn''t resist his touch. She closed her eyes, anticipating the thrilling moment toe.


    With a soft whimper, Qiaoqiao felt as if ayer of fire ignited on her body. Lin Wanrong held her petite body tightly, exploring her tender lips endlessly.


    She smelled so sweet, thought Lin Wanrong, holding her slender, boneless waist, gently caressing and enjoying the intoxicating sensation of her soft skin.


    Weak and powerless, Qiaoqiao slumped in his arms, letting his tongue explore her mouth. His touch made her shiver with a tingling sensation, as if electricity was coursing through her body.


    "Big brother..." Feeling a hot object pressing against her lower abdomen, Qiaoqiao, having had intimate contact with Lin Wanrong before, knew what it was. Her heart pounded wildly as she buried her head in his chest, too shy to look at him.


    Lin Wanrong slipped his hand inside her clothes, lightly stroking her smooth skin. Heat spread through Qiaoqiao''s body, and she felt as if she was falling into a whirlpool, a great pull that was terrifying yet filled with fiery desire.


    "Ah!" Qiaoqiao shrieked, feeling a sudden coolness on her chest. Lin Wanrong''s hands had moved upwards, holding her delicate breasts.


    Feeling as if her life was being seized, she could only breathe heatedly. Her face was as red as fire, and she timidly nestled against Lin Wanrong, not daring to look at him.


    While kneading the two tender, red peaks, Lin Wanrong''s arousal pressed insistently against Qiaoqiao. Experiencing the exquisite pressure between her smooth belly and his heat, he whispered in her ear like a sly wolf, "Qiaoqiao, let''s... do some research tonight."


    "What kind of research?" Qiaoqiao asked tremblingly.


    "Some physical research," Lin Wanrong shamelessly replied.


    "Ah!" Qiaoqiao eximed, her face flushed with blood. Summoning a strength she didn''t know she had, she quickly pushed him away and ran downstairs. Her voice, delicate as a mosquito''s hum, echoed through the air, "Big brother, I''m yours, I''ll always wait for you."


    At the Meiwei Restaurant, Lin Wanrong was contemting whether or not to spend the evening with the young girl. But then he saw a figure rushing from afar; it was Young Master Guo.


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong, Young Master Guo rushed over like he''d found his savior, urgently saying, "Lin San, quick, quick. Cousin Yuruo has been looking for you all afternoon, she said she has something to discuss with you."


    Oh, you can''t hold back anymore, can you? Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "Young Master, I''m obeying the madam''s orders. I''m currently apanying Young Master Luo and don''t have the time to discuss anything with the youngdy."


    Young Master Guo had finally found an opportunity to please the Eldest Miss, he couldn''t let it slip away. He hurriedly grabbed Lin Wanrong''s sleeve and said, "Lin San, I see that my cousin is quite anxious. Please go quickly. Her temper isn''t very good, you know. If she gets upset, who knows what will happen."


    Her temper isn''t very good? My temper is like a storm! Seeing Guo Wuchang run off sweating, Lin Wanrong felt somewhat sorry for him. Being so manipted by a woman, he didn''t know whether to be happy or feel pity for him.


    After sending off a dejected Guo Wuchang, it was already quitete. Lin Wanrong nced at Qiaoqiao. Remembering his words from the afternoon, Qiaoqiao''s heart pounded, thinking, Could big brother really want to...? I''m so embarrassed.


    Just as she was deep in thought, Sister Ning walked over and said, "Big brother, I want to have a heart-to-heart with Qiaoqiao tonight. I hope you don''t mind."


    Lin Wanrong thought, It really isn''t a good day today. He simply smiled and didn''t respond to Sister Ning''s words. Instead, he took Qiaoqiao''s hand and said, "Qiaoqiao, you''ve worked hard these past few days. Once I have some free time in a few days, I''lle see you again. By then, you can''t run away." Dong Qiaoqiao was both shy and reluctant. She gently nodded, her face as red as if she had applied rouge.


    Dong Qingshan saw off Luo Yuan and Lin Wanrong. They hadn''t gone far when they saw a group of peopleing from the opposite direction. One tall man dressed in ck stood out in the crowd.


    Dong Qingshan quickly pulled Lin Wanrong''s sleeve and said, "Big brother, that''s Wu Zhenghu, the leader of the ck Dragon Association."


    Lin Wanrong merely responded with an "Oh," his gaze not falling on Wu Zhenghu, but rather lingering on the young master next to him in contemtion.


    Luo Yuan snorted, "As I suspected, this Mr. Cheng is backing them." The young man next to Wu Zhenghu was Cheng Ruinian, whom they had previously met at Miaoyu Pavilion.


    Lin Wanrong seriously said to Luo Yuan, "Brother Luo, there''s something I want to ask you. I need you to tell me the truth."


    Luo Yuan was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Big brother, what are you talking about? I have nothing to hide from you."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Your conflict with Cheng Ruinian isn''t just about the rivalry, is it?"


    Luo Yuan nodded, "Big brother, I won''t hide it from you. This actually has to do with the situation within the court. My father and Cheng De both hold official positions in the court, and they should have had a collegial rtionship. However, Cheng De is corrupt and forms factions for personal gain. He''s a key member of Prince Cheng''s faction. My father disapproves of him and has reported him several times to the Ministry of War, but he was always protected by Prince Cheng. This led to some animosity between him and Cheng De, so I naturally don''t get along with Cheng Ruinian."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. These political faction matters seemed simple, but they were the mostplex and hardest to figure out. Once Governor Luo Min of Jiangsu and Cheng De became enemies, it wasn''t something that could be easily resolved; their two families naturally became mortal enemies.


    Only then did Lin Wanrong feel relieved. If Luo Yuan wasn''t determined to fight with Cheng Ruinian, Lin Wanrong would naturally have to reconsider the rtionship between Hung Hing and the ck Dragon Association and adjust his strategy.


    "Who is this Prince Cheng?" Lin Wanrong was not very familiar with the political arena of Great Hua. Now that he had met Luo Yuan, who was well-versed in these matters, he naturally wanted to learn more.


    "Great Hua''ste Emperor had three sons. The eldest died young, leaving only the current Emperor and Prince Cheng. Before the Emperor ascended the throne, Prince Cheng controlled the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Personnel, while the Emperor controlled the Ministry of Household and the Imperial Guard. Thete Emperor hesitated for a long time on the matter of session. Prince Cheng, known as the Virtuous Prince, respected talents and had countless capable people under him. He was originally the most likely candidate, but for some reason, thete Emperor passed the throne to the current Emperor."


    While Luo Yuan was being circumspect, Lin Wanrong already knew that there must have been a lot of things that happened. The matter of princes fighting for the throne has been present since ancient times, and it must have been the case between Prince Cheng and the current Emperor.


    "Does this Prince Cheng have a lot of power?" Lin Wanrong asked with a frown.


    Luo Yuan sighed, "Prince Cheng controlled the Ministry of Personnel for many years. His disciples are all over the world, and a third of the high-ranking officials in various provincese from his school. Do you think his power is great?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, "The greater his power, the greater the danger. He who sleeps beside the bed cannot allow others to sleep soundly. The current Emperor must be extremely wary of him, and in the end, I''m afraid it will cause an uncontroble situation."


    Luo Yuan looked at Lin Wanrong, deeply admiring his insight. Seeing his straightforwardness andck of reservation, he felt grateful, sped his fists, andughed, "Big brother, I''m truly grateful for your understanding."


    Lin Wanrong said to Dong Qingshan, "Qingshan, it''s not suitable for you to meet them now. Go back first. Brother Luo and I will handle this." Dong Qingshan nodded and left.


    Cheng Ruinian also spotted Luo Yuan and Lin Wanrong. He said something to Wu Zhenghu next to him, and their group started walking towards them.


    "Brother Ruinian, what a coincidence to meet you here," Lin Wanrong gave a signal. Luo Yuan nodded and, with a heartyugh, took the initiative to meet them.


    Cheng Ruinian shed a sinister smile, saying, "Brother Luo Yuan, I didn''t expect you to be in such high spirits. Why, didn''t you go to Miaoyu Pavilion today for some wine?"


    Luo Yuanughed heartily, replying, "Not today, Brother Ruinian. Going to those pleasure quarters without you seems tock some fun. I wonder when you will be free to join me in these escapades?"


    Lin Wanrong listened to Luo Yuan and Cheng Ruinian''s banter on the side, silentlyughing to himself. He hadn''t expected that Luo Yuan could bluster so well.


    Cheng Ruinian, noticing Lin Wanrong standing by Luo Yuan, shot him a ferocious nce. But with Luo Yuan present, he dared not cross the line. Instead, he said to Wu Zhenghu next to him, "Some lowly people have quite the nerve, forgetting their status and daring to harass Miss Qin Xian''er. If I see him doing that again, I will surely break his dog legs."


    Damn you, thought Lin Wanrong, but he managed a fake smile, saying, "What Young Master Cheng said is right. If anyone dares to harass Miss Qin again, let her break his dog legs."


    Cheng Ruinian muttered an acknowledgment but was left speechless. He had tried to visit Qin Xian''er multiple times, only to be turned away each time. Yet, a mere servant was invited by Miss Qin herself. It was clear who was actually harassing her. Cheng Ruinian swallowed the bitter pill silently, feeling indignant. He shot Wu Zhenghu a look, who stared back at Lin Wanrong without uttering a word.


    As Cheng Ruinian walked away, Luo Yuan asked, "Big Brother, what should we do now?"


    A ruthless glint shed in Lin Wanrong''s eyes as he said, "We''ve already crossed swords with him, there''s no turning back now. Brother Luo, if you trust me, follow my advice."


    "Please, tell me, Big Brother," Luo Yuan urged.


    "If Cheng Ruinian doesn''t bother us, then fine. But if he dares toy a hand on us, we must not show mercy. In fact, we should strike first if necessary. Brother Luo, in these gang fights, being soft-hearted is the worst mistake. If we wait until he hurts our loved ones, it will be toote for regrets," Lin Wanrong stated coldly.


    Being a smart man, Luo Yuan nodded in agreement. "Big brother, you''re absolutely right. We can''t just sit and wait for death. Perhaps taking the initiative will yield unexpected results." His eyes flickered as he gritted his teeth and added, "There''s an old saying: ''To shoot the man first, shoot his horse. To catch a thief, catch his king.'' If this fool Cheng Ruinian dares to stir up trouble, we should directly" He made a slicing gesture across his throat, a fierce light shing in his eyes.


    Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. Damn, this Luo Yuan was ruthless!


    In truth, Lin Wanrong himself didn''t particrly have any conflicts with Cheng Ruinian. It was just that their Hung Hing gang had shed with the ck Dragon Association, and thetter had Cheng Ruinian supporting them from behind. Moreover, Luo Yuan had be his own brother now. Since Luo Yuan had issues with Cheng Ruinian, Lin Wanrong naturally had to help his brother, hence he began plotting against Cheng Ruinian. In fact, Cheng Ruinian probably didn''t know at this point that the servant from the Xiao family he looked down on had such audacity, daring to n on how to oppose him.


    This young Brother Luo, who usually seemed harmless to both humans and animals, surprised Lin Wanrong when he became fierce. He was as merciless as Lin Wanrong himself, who admired this secretly.


    Cheng De, the Commander-in-Chief, held a rank equivalent to that of a military districtmander, while Luo Yuan''s father, Luo Min, was the Governor of Jiangsu, the head of a province. If these two sides were to fight, it would indeed be quite a spectacle. This also indirectly indicated that the conflict between Luo Min and Cheng De hadpletely escted.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, neither confirming nor denying, and said, "I didn''t hear anything. I heard nothing." His tone shifted, "You should let Qingshan know tomorrow to keep an eye on their movements. Once they bully us, we mustn''t be careless."


    Luo Yuan nodded, "Big brother, don''t worry, I know what to do."


    Born into an official''s family, Luo Yuan may not seem very impressive usually, but when it came to plotting and scheming, he was remarkably capable.


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, ''What kind of person is Luo Min to have raised such a son?'' However, with Luo Yuan''s help, Lin Wanrong felt more at ease. Not to mention his intelligence, his background alone made Hung Hing unbeatable. Of course, the premise was that Luo Min didn''t fall from power. As for Luo Yuan''s loyalty to him and to Hung Hing, Lin Wanrong wasn''t worried at all. He trusted his judgment. This Luo Yuan would surely be a great asset in the future.


    As they walked for a while, Luo Yuan suddenly chuckled, "Big brother, I almost forgot something. On the fifteenth of this month, it''s my grandmother''s sixtieth birthday. My father will hold arge banquet for her. Please be sure to honor us with your presence. I will introduce you to my father and we can have a family chat."


    Lin Wanrong, taken aback,ughed, "Brother Luo, don''t forget my current status. I''m just a servant of the Xiao family. How could I be qualified to attend your grandmother''s birthday?"


    Luo Yuanughed, "Big brother, you''re too modest. In fact, I have already invited Young Master Guo, Eldest Miss Xiao, and specifically mentioned you. Even if you don''t want toe, you have no choice."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "So you had it all figured out. Well, if that''s the case, I will dly obey."


    By the time he got back to his courtyard, it was already dusk. He had drunk a bit too much today, and wanted to go back to rest early. As he approached the gate, he saw a woman sitting in front of his room.


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 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96


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    Chapter 96 A Seduction? (Part 1)


    From afar, he couldn''t discern clearly. ''Could it be Xiao Yushuang, that girl?'' he wondered. ''No, she must be angry with me today. Why would she willinglye to see me? If it''s Xiao Qingxuan, that girl, it''s even less likely. She has never had the habit ofing out to greet me.''


    As he approached and could see more clearly, he was still somewhat taken aback. The woman turned out to be the Eldest Miss of the Xiao family.


    The Eldest Miss Xiao was holding a small booklet, flipping through the pages. The expression on her face was quite odd, shifting between smiles, shyness, envy, and longing.


    Lin Wanrong looked carefully and was surprised. The small booklet was actually the original manuscript of the page three tabloid he hadpiled, which Xiao Yushuang had searched for.


    ''Good heavens, don''t tell me this Eldest Miss has discovered it ande to settle ounts with me,'' Lin Wanrong thought. However, on second thought, this seemed unlikely. Second Miss Xiao was currently resenting him; she would absolutely not mention him in front of the Eldest Miss. And the Eldest Miss Xiao had such a poor impression of him, she would never take the initiative to care about his affairs. This was rather odd.


    ''What''s there to fear? She''s just a youngdy. If pushes to shove, I''ll just knock her down,'' he thought after a while. Then, no longer worried, he slowly entered the garden.


    Upon seeing him return, Xiao Yuruo hurriedly hid the booklet in her bosom, straightened her face, and said in a soft voice, "Lin San, you''re back?"


    Seeing her do this, Lin Wanrong rxed. This youngdy must have been bored and was killing time by reading the booklet. However, it seemed that the Eldest Miss quite enjoyed reading her own gossip news, which was indeed quite amusing.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "What wind has blown the peerless Eldest Miss Xiao to my humble courtyard today? This is indeed unusual."


    Seeing the cunning smile on his face, Xiao Yuruo felt an inward resentment. But she had to ask him for a favor and couldn''t retort. She had to say, "Lin San, I found your words today very reasonable. Do you have a way to resolve this crisis?"


    "No," Lin Wanrong decisively said. ''Are you joking? With this attitude, you''re not sincere at all. Do you think I''m a pushover?'' He didn''t bother with the Eldest Miss and went straight into the house.


    Xiao Yuruo bit her lower lip lightly. Seeing him enter, she gathered her courage and followed him in without a word. The moment she stepped through the door, she seemed to hear her own heartbeat.


    ''This girl has some courage,'' Lin Wanrong thought to himself,ughing inwardly. He turned to look at the Eldest Miss and asked incredulously, "Miss, what is your intention in entering a strange man''s boudoir sote at night? Are you harboring ill intentions?"


    "You" Xiao Yuruo hadn''t expected the man before her to be so shameless as to speak such words. As a pure and innocent woman, how could she withstand such teasing? Enraged, she pointed at him with her slender jade-like finger, her face flushing in waves, tears welled up in her eyes. Overwhelmed with both embarrassment and anger, she quickly turned and ran out.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, thinking, ''This girl, her ability to withstand attacks is too weak. She needs to be toughened up.''


    He was somewhat tired that day and didn''t bother with the Eldest Miss. Just as he was preparing to sleep, he heard someone outside the door saying, "Lin San, could you have a proper talk with me?" The voice was unmistakably Xiao Yuruo''s.


    ''So she hasn''t left yet,'' Lin Wanrong thought, his heart filled with secret mirth. He loudly responded, "I have already retired for the night. Come back tomorrow."


    Xiao Yuruo lingered outside the door for a long time. When she heard no movement inside, recalling the humiliation she had endured, her stubborn temper red again. She stamped her foot in annoyance, turned around and ran off.


    Listening to the sound of her delicate footsteps, Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly. ''This Eldest Miss is somewhat clever, but her temper is too fiery. She can''t bear any grievances. I''ll have to teach her a lesson and show her what real toughness is.''


    He chuckled to himself, feeling a bit arrogant for rejecting the Eldest Miss''s goodwill. ''This servant role suits me well, with a taste of power. I''m growing fonder of this upation.''


    After spacing out for a bit, he suddenly remembered that it was gettingte. ''Why haven''t I seen Xiao Qingxuan?'' At this time in the past, she would usually be waiting in the room. ''Where could she be?''


    He looked around curiously and spotted a neatly folded white handkerchief on his bedside. Walking over, he picked it up and unfolded it. Embroidered on it was a pair of intertwined flowers, underneath which were a few words: "Waiting for your return, but had to leave."


    There was no signature. The ink had already dried, and the handkerchief emanated a faint scent. Without a doubt, it was a message from Xiao Qingxuan.


    Lin Wanrong frowned as he read, ''This Qingxuan, what a waste. Couldn''t she just write on paper? Why use this handkerchief? A piece of fine Yunjin silk is casually discarded. She doesn''t know how to economize, such a spendthrift woman.''


    The next morning, while Lin Wanrong was still deep in sleep, he heard a woman''s voice from outside, "Lin San, are you up yet?" The voice sounded familiar. ''Isn''t it Miss Xiao?''


    Lin Wanrong got up to see Xiao Yuruo standing at the doorway, d in a purple satin dress, looking haggard. Clearly, she had not slept well the previous night.


    Lin Wanrong felt a pang of sympathy. ''Am I being too petty? After all, she is Xiao Yushuang''s older sister and technically my mistress. It seems a bit much to torment her like this.''


    However, seeing the touch of grievance and annoyance in Miss Xiao''s expression irritated him again. ''So the Eldest Miss hasn''t realized the severity of her mistake yet.'' He waved his hand dismissively and said, "Miss, are you here to rush me to work? I''ll head to the garden to cultivate the soil."


    Eldest Miss Xiao hurriedly said, "Lin San, that''s not what I meant. I want to hear your advice on how our Xiao family can extricate ourselves from"


    Lin Wanrong interrupted her with a yawn, "Miss, I''ve just woken up and haven''t had breakfast yet. Maybe we could"


    The Eldest Miss Xiao tightly clenched her fists, suppressing her anger as she said, "If that''s the case, I will have someone prepare it for you." Grinding her teeth, she left the room, her face flushed with frustration. It wasn''t long before she personally brought in his breakfast.


    Having eaten and drank his fill, Lin Wanrong dawdled around. Seeing the Eldest Miss forcing herself to tolerate the situation, her expression was one of impatience. He knew she was unhappy about serving a servant, this deeply ingrained sense of superiority and inferiority annoyed him greatly. His expression changed, and he said coldly, "Miss, thank you for the breakfast. I''m off to work now."


    Eldest Miss Xiao hurriedly said, "Lin San, do you have a way to help my Xiao family"


    Lin Wanrong interrupted her, "Miss, my job is to maintain the garden and ensure it flourishes. As for other matters, we can discuss them when I''m off duty."


    Having been repeatedly made difficult by this obstinate and harsh servant, Xiao Yuruo naturally felt aggrieved. She really wanted to harden her heart and expel this troublesome servant from the Xiao family, but considering their current situation, who else could help her? Although she didn''t hold much hope for Lin San, at the very least, he had demonstrated some capability. Regardless of whether he had a solution or not, she had to try. She looked at Lin Wanrong helplessly and despairingly, then turned and left.


    Watching her leave, Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh, thinking, ''If this goes on, not only will this girl be unable to stand it, but I won''t be able to bear it either.''


    He took out the perfume samples and sniffed each one. The scent testing was indeed effective; he noticed a change in the scent of two bottles. After checking the records and adjusting some ratios, his work was finallyplete.


    Yesterday, he had Dong Qingshan find some wineries and got some fermented yeast filtered of impurities, stored in arge jar. When he pulled out the stopper, a pungent smell of alcohol hit his nostrils.


    Lin Wanrong poured some alcohol, added some fragrance, and then poured in the pure water that had been settling for several days, adjusting it ording to a certain ratio. If the scent was too weak or strong, he would continuously add more fragrance, alcohol, or pure water until the scent satisfied him, then he finally stopped.


    The world''s first true bottle of perfume was finally born. It had a faint red color and a pure,sting scent that was both subtle and deep. The fragrance was so intoxicating that even Lin Wanrong, a man, was somewhat captivated by this woman''s perfume.


    This was a bottle of rose perfume. Although the process was still slightly crude, it was, after all, the firstpleted product of perfume, and the excitement in Lin Wanrong''s heart was needless to mention.


    He carefully filled a few bottles with the perfume, thinking to himself, ''This is rose perfume, I should first give it to my darling Qiaoqiao.'' He then proceeded to make jasmine and orchid perfumes, conducting various trials for the mixtures. Only when all waspleted did he stretchzily, the joy in his heart unparalleled.


    Looking up, he realized that it was already afternoon. He had been so engrossed in his work that he had forgotten lunch. Just as he was about to step out, he saw Eldest Miss Xiao standing before him again.


    With a sigh of resignation, Lin Wanrong invited her into the room, "Miss, what do you need this time?"


    As Xiao Yuruo entered, before she could even speak, she was greeted by a faint and refreshing scent. It resembled the fragrance of roses, but was not as intense, carrying a hint of subtlety within its elegance. It was a scent that, once smelled, could never be forgotten.


    "Lin San, what is this?" Xiao Yuruo pointed at the small bottle on the table, curiously asking, "Is the fragranceing from inside? What is this exactly?"


    Seeing the Eldest Miss''s intrusion, Lin Wanrong found himself torn betweenughter and tears. "Miss, this has nothing to do with you. Why have youe looking for me?"


    With great effort, Xiao Yuruo shifted her gaze from the perfume to Lin Wanrong, "You know why I''m here. Lin San, do you have a way to counter this alliance? As long as you can save the Xiao family, I can agree to any terms."


    Any terms? Lin Wanrong felt a chill run down his spine, wondering if this Eldest Miss was attempting to seduce him.


    "Really, any terms? Then I only want one thing," Lin Wanrong said with ascivious grin.


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 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97


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    Chapter 97 A Seduction? (Part 2)


    Xiao Yuruo was taken aback. She had not intended to convey that meaning, but to her surprise, this man had such a lewd interpretation. Shocked, she eximed, "Lin San, you, you mustn''t misunderstand!"


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Did I misunderstand? Then, Miss, what do you think I want?"


    "You, you..." Eldest Miss Xiao retorted angrily, "Even if I die, I won''t be yours."


    "Hahahaha" Lin Wanrongughed uproariously, "Miss Xiao, your self-perception might be a bit too positive. Even if you genuinely wanted to be mine, I would still have to think it over."


    "You, you" In her embarrassment and anger, Eldest Miss Xiao removed the embroidered shoe from her foot and threw it at him.


    Catching her shoe, Lin Wanrongughed frivolously, "Thirty thousand feet of red thread, half a foot of jade. Miss Xiao, your way of conveying your feelings is quite unique."


    Xiao Yuruo bellowed, "You shameless rogue, I won''t let you go"


    Lin Wanrong''s expression shifted, hisughter fading into a cold snort, "Miss Xiao, don''t assume that everyone in the world is as vulgar as you think. You may be beautiful, but in my eyes, there are countless women more beautiful than you. You''re not necessarily at an advantage. I won''t make things difficult for you. I changed clothes yesterdayif you wash them for me, we can sit down and have a proper conversation."


    "Lin San, is everything you said true?" Xiao Yuruo asked incredulously.


    With a nonchnt hum, Lin Wanrong replied, "In terms of trust, your younger sister outperforms you by a thousand times."


    Xiao Yuruo thought to herself, My sister is only obedient because you deceived her. She nodded, reasoning that washing his clothes couldn''t be that bad.


    However, Eldest Miss Xiao, who managed the Xiao family, had never done such chores before. She was clueless about how to start washing clothes. Fetching water with a wooden bucket was already exhausting; she could only fill it halfway before gasping for breath. Watching her, Lin Wanrong sighed, wondering how these youngdies, who barely ate half a bun at a meal, found the strength for such tasks.


    He took the bucket from her, shaking his head in disappointment, "Youdies, living in idleness, knowing nothing of the hardships of the world..."


    Upon hearing his mockery, Xiao Yuruo felt wronged and retorted, "If I were to take up chores likeundry and cooking, who would manage the affairs of the Xiao family?"


    He had to concede the point. There was no high or low in work, just different roles, all essential. Seeing her teary eyes and her reddening face, Lin Wanrong, who couldn''t bear to see a woman cry, quickly added, "Alright, I misspoke. Let me apologize to you."


    Had he kept quiet, things might have been fine. But with his apology, Xiao Yuruo suddenly felt the tears roll down her face. She was a woman of strong character and remained silent, clutching Lin Wanrong''s robe, furiously scrubbing as if the robe embodied the man who had angered her.


    "Miss, in this world, there is something called soapnuts. You won''t be able to clean this cor with bare hands, I fear you might wear it out before it gets clean," Lin Wanrong said with a wry smile as he tossed some soapnuts into the water.


    "You mind your business," Xiao Yuruo huffed, her face turning a shade of red.


    Lin Wanrong held back augh, causing Xiao Yuruo to feel even more embarrassed. Suddenly, she pped the water with both hands, sending droplets sshing onto Lin Wanrong''s face.


    "You rascal, I hate you," Xiao Yuruo murmured, tears welling up and falling freely.


    Men universally struggled to witness a woman''s tears. Lin Wanrong was no exception. Looking at her delicate face, teary like a pear blossom in the rain, he thought, Enough is enough, I am, after all, a man who pities and cherishes the fair sex. He sighed and said, "Alright, don''t cry anymore. You don''t have to wash these clothes, let''s just talk."


    Xiao Yuruo, feeling wronged, had been waiting for these words. She looked up joyfully and asked, "Really?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Given your persistence, it''s only right that I give some face to the Second Miss."


    Biting her lip, Xiao Yuruo rose to her feet. ncing at the robe still soaking in the water, she felt her face heat up and said, "I will fulfill my promise. I''ll take this robe, wash it, and return it to you."


    Laughing, Lin Wanrong replied, "You''re clearly going to have your maids wash it, yet you speak so confidently."


    Xiao Yuruo humphed, about to retort, but seeing his yful and unconcerned expression, she sighed, "You viin, I don''t know what kind of charm you possess. I always lose myposure around you."


    You''ve only lost yourposure, not your virtue. What are you worried about? Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Alright, let''s talk about what we need to discuss."


    Upon hearing the shift towards serious matters, Xiao Yuruo collected her thoughts and looked at him earnestly, "Lin San, do you have a n to deal with this so-called alliance?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Miss Xiao, most of what I mentioned before were merely guesses. I can''t confirm if Young Master Tao has such intentions. However, from a business perspective, if the Xiao family continues in this way, there will be no development, and it will hit a bottleneck. Even without Young Master Tao, otherpetitors could pose a serious threat. To put it bluntly, the business of the Xiao family has no added value, no unique features; anyone can do it. Any firm that grows big enough could pose a threat to the Xiao family."


    Xiao Yuruo had been contemting this issue for a long time. Although Lin Wanrong''s words were harsh, they were undeniably true and hit the nail on the head. She sighed, "Lin San, since you have this insight, I won''t hide it from you. Since I took over the Xiao family''s affairs, I have been considering this issue and have wanted to make some reforms. Unfortunately, I have not found a good path nor had any good ideas. There are hundreds of people in the Xiao family. If we were to fail, the consequences would be unimaginable."


    Lin Wanrong dismissed her concerns, "Miss Xiao, reformes at a cost. If we''re not willing to make tough decisions, we won''t achieve anything. The Xiao family''s situation is dire; even without the Tao family''s involvement, I fear it may notst more than three or five years."


    "That''s not necessarily true," Eldest Miss Xiao retorted, slightly annoyed by his underestimation. "If I were to form an alliance with the Tao family, we could easily endure for three to five years."


    Lin Wanrong knew she was being sarcastic. If she truly intended to ally with the Tao family, why would shee to him, endure his scolding and plead for his help? It was just that the youngdy was too proud to admit it.


    Heughed, "If you form an alliance, the Xiao family may be able to livefortably for three years. But after those three years, there will be no Xiao family left. By then, you, Miss Xiao, would have no choice but to enter the Tao family as a wife. Without the Xiao family backing you, whether you''d be treated as a primary or secondary wife would be a question."


    Xiao Yuruo gave him a flushed look, humphed, but didn''t respond. Lin Wanrong sighed, "Miss Xiao, I don''t me you for looking down on us servants. After all, you were brought up to do so. But since the second miss has been so kind to me, I feel obliged to help, even if I didn''t want to."


    "You, you," Miss Xiao stammered, "You''re not allowed toy a finger on Yushuang!"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head in exasperation, dismissing her concerns. He asked out loud, "Miss Xiao, given the dire straits the Xiao family is in, have you considered a business transformation? Oh, I mean, using the Xiao family resources for a different business?"


    Miss Xiao sighed, "Easier said than done. The Xiao family has been in the cloth business for years, and all our foundation is here. If we don''t do this, what else can we do?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "Selling cloth does bring some profit, but thepetition is fierce, and the margins are getting thinner. If you don''t want to leave the silk business, you could consider the silk industry''s byproducts, oh, like manufacturing and processing ready-made clothes."


    Miss Xiao shook her head, "I''ve considered making ready-made clothes, but tailoring shops are a dime a dozen. We don''t have much of an advantage in that area."


    Lin Wanrong suggested, "If you''re producing ordinary clothes, the Xiao family indeed won''t have much advantage. But what if you make special clothes, clothes people have never seen before? What would happen then?"


    "Special clothes? Clothes people have never seen before?" Miss Xiao eximed in surprise, "What kind of clothes are these?"


    Lin Wanrong already had some ideas but hadn''t systematically sorted them out yet. He smiled slightly and said, "Let me think about it. I''ll discuss it in detail with you tomorrow."


    Miss Xiao gently acknowledged his words, thinking to herself that if they could manufacture unique clothes, it would indeed be a good idea for the Xiao family. They wouldn''t have to leave the silk industry, and they could continue to use their advantages. But what kind of unique clothes would have such great appeal?


    "Lin San, tomorrow young master Tao has invited me to a gathering to discuss the alliance. How should we n for it?" Xiao Yuruo asked. This was the real reason she had been so urgently seeking Lin Wanrong today.


    No wonder this youngdy had humbled herself to curry favor with him today. As it turned out, Tao Dongcheng was about to make his move. If he guessed right, Tao Dongcheng would begin pressuring the Xiao family toply as early as tomorrow.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Miss Xiao, make your own decisions about these matters. Whether to trust me or Tao Dongcheng, you should have a n in mind. My advice ends here."


    Xiao Yuruo, of course, doubted Tao Dongcheng''s intentions. After talking with Lin San, although she had some leads, Lin San had only pointed out a bit but hadn''t exined in detail. What if he had no solution and ended up angering Tao Dongcheng, wouldn''t that get the Xiao family into even more trouble?


    Seeing her furrowed brows, Lin Wanrong knew she was troubled. He didn''t push her, but instead said, "Miss Xiao, it''s right to think it over. If you make a wrong step, what you stand to lose is the entire Xiao family. Think it through carefully."


    By the time he saw off Eldest Miss Xiao, it was already dinner time. After wolfing down his meal, Lin Wanrong took out a pencil he had gotten from Qiaoqiao, found a piece of nk paper, and began writing and drawing incessantly. He constantly made revisions, his brows knitted in concentration one moment and beaming with joy the next. His face bore a smile that was asscivious as it was radiant.


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 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98


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    Chapter 98 Coexistence


    After an arduous effort ofpleting the drawing, he chuckled heartily while gazing at the patterns on the paper, thinking to himself, ''I truly am a genius at making money.'' He wondered what Eldest Miss Xiao would think when she saw these drawings. Undoubtedly, she would blush in embarrassment. ''Ah, it''s simply too explosive!'' he thought. However, if the Xiao family actually went into this business, they would definitely make a fortune.


    Before sleep, he carelessly tossed aside the Yunjin silk handkerchief left by Xiao Qingxuan. His thoughts drifted to the endearing, silly little girl, Qiaoqiao, and he couldn''t help but smile. This girl truly held a special ce in his heart. He made a mental note to find some time to spoil her. Suddenly, he remembered he hadn''t visited Qin Xian''er today. He wondered what tricks the flirtatious vixen would employ to seduce him. His heart fluttered at the thought of both Qiaoqiao and Qin Xian''er, his body reacting to his wandering mind. He tossed and turned for a while before finally falling into a deep sleep.


    Early the next morning, Eldest Miss Xiao came looking for him. "Lin San," she said to Lin Wanrong, "Today Young Master Tao is discussing the alliance with me. You shoulde with us."


    Lin Wanrong was momentarily taken aback. ''Why would she need me, a mere servant, in their discussions?'' he wondered. But a nce at Eldest Miss Xiao''s gaze made him realize that she was having trouble deciding and had purposely brought him along for assistance.


    The pair left the house. Eldest Miss Xiao climbed into the carriage, and just as Lin Wanrong was about to follow, a young maid by the side said, "Brother Lin, you can''t go in."


    ''Oh,'' thought Lin Wanrong, ''I forgot. I''m a servant. How could I climb into the youngdy''s carriage?''


    As the carriage trundled off, Lin Wanrong followed alongside with a troubled expression, thinking, ''She expects me to match pace with a horse. What a ridiculous idea, Miss Xiao.''


    He had assumed that Tao Dongcheng would have arranged their meeting at a restaurant or teahouse, but to his surprise, the carriage headed straight out of town.


    After walking more than ten miles, Lin Wanrong felt blisters forming on his feet. He cursed Tao Dongcheng and his entire family. Finally, when the carriage came to a stop, he looked up to see a lush green mountain surrounded by trees. A clear stream ran down the mountain, birds sang, and flowers bloomed. The scenery was delightful.


    The carriage had stopped at a small pavilion halfway up the mountain. Its flying eaves and walking galleries were impressively grand. A sign hanging above read "Resting Immortal Pavilion."


    Tao Dongcheng was already waiting there. Seeing Eldest Miss Xiao''s carriage approach, he hurried forward with a respectful smile, "Ah, my dear sister, you''ve finally arrived. I''ve been waiting for you. After such a tiring journey, please rest in the pavilion."


    ''Damn it,'' thought Lin Wanrong, ''I walked more than ten miles, got blisters on my feet, just to hear your sweet nothings? How pathetic am I?''


    Eldest Miss Xiao nodded slightly and smiled, "Thank you, Brother Tao. Lin San,e with me."


    Tao Dongcheng was taken aback to see Lin San following Xiao Yuruo. He had a deep impression of Lin San, and now that he had something to discuss with Xiao Yuruo, what was he doing there?


    While his mind raced with these thoughts, Tao Dongcheng managed to keep his face impassive, giving Lin Wanrong a cold nce before the trio moved towards the pavilion.


    The space within the pavilion was quite expansive, and the table in the center was already set with food and wine. Once Xiao Yuruo had taken her seat, Tao Dongcheng let out a heartyugh, saying, "I invited you here today to discuss business, but the taverns and tea houses in the city are rather superficial. A heavenly person like you, Xiao Yuruo, would be insulted by those ces. Therefore, I took the liberty of being a gentleman today, inviting you to this pavilion on Purple Gold Mountain to appreciate the beautiful scenery together. I hope you don''t mind my impertinence."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, thinking that this Tao guy was underestimating Eldest Miss Xiao if he thought wooing her would be that simple.


    Eldest Miss Xiao replied with a lightugh, "You are being too courteous, Brother Tao. I am just a mundane woman. I am ttered that you value me so much and wish to make friends. I can only feel gratitude, not take offense."


    Tao Dongcheng smiled, "Don''t underestimate yourself. I''ve traveled far and wide, seen many famous mountains and rivers, and met countless women, yet I have never encountered someone as heavenly as you. I must confess, ever since I first saw you, I''ve been unable to eat or sleep. I made a vow to protect and cherish you for the rest of my life."


    Lin Wanrong was bbergasted. He thought he was the most shameless, but it seemed this Tao guy was not so simple. Originally, the meeting was about the alliance, but Tao Dongcheng didn''t even mention it, choosing instead to express his feelings to Xiao Yuruo. If he could win over Xiao Yuruo''s heart, he could skip the business partnership and go straight to marriage, eliminating manyplications.


    This brazen confession took ce right under Lin Wanrong''s nose. Tao Dongcheng spoke as naturally as if he were drinking water, without a hint of pretense. With his handsome and charming appearance,bined with his heartfelt confession, he was indeed captivating.


    Eldest Miss Xiao''s face flushed. She hadn''t expected Tao Dongcheng to be so forward, and she quickly said, "Brother Tao, I''m ttered by your affection, but I am in charge of the Xiao family affairs and have never had time to consider romantic feelings. I ask for your understanding."


    "Yuruo," Tao Dongcheng persisted, his gaze locked onto Xiao Yuruo''s eyes. "Don''t you understand my feelings by now? I truly love you. From the moment I saw you, I fell for you. Yuruo, I am sincere..."


    As Tao Dongcheng spoke, a fiery glint in his eyes, he reached out to grasp Xiao Yuruo''s hand.


    "Miss" Seeing Xiao Yuruo cornered and her face showing a trace of fear, Lin Wanrong could no longer sit idle. He quickly stepped forward to stop Tao Dongcheng, turning to Xiao Yuruo, "On our way here, your mother mentioned that the son of the Governor, Young Master Luo, is visiting today. She asked that you return home as soon as possible if there''s nothing urgent here."


    Tao Dongcheng''s hand hung in mid-air, his gaze filled with annoyance as he looked at the servant who had just ruined his ns. He snapped, "I was talking to your mistress. When is it your ce to interrupt?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, retorting, "I was talking to my young mistress. When is it the ce of an animal like you to interrupt?"


    A flicker of rage passed through Tao Dongcheng''s eyes. If it hadn''t been for this servant, he might have resorted to some force topel Xiao Yuruo today.


    Seeing the look of fear and determination on Xiao Yuruo''s face, Tao Dongcheng shot a nce at Lin Wanrong. A murderous glint appeared in his eyes before he quickly regained hisposure. He said, "My dear sister, my words are sincere, and my heart is pure. Please consider them carefully."


    Xiao Yuruo''s expression calmed somewhat, and she nodded, "Brother Tao, I am well aware of your feelings towards me. However, at present, the affairs of the Xiao family are numerous. I can''t consider such matters for now."


    The atmosphere grew tense. Tao Dongcheng nodded and said solemnly, "In that case, I''ll be waiting for your good news."


    Xiao Yuruo didn''t know what to do. Seeing Lin Wanrong making faces at her, seemingly mocking her, she felt a hint of irritation. She thought, ''You rascal, enjoying my embarrassment.'' While she was usuallyposed in front of others, she seemed to lose her cool in front of this Lin Wanrong, which she found strange.


    "In that case, Brother Tao, I have some matters at home and shouldn''t linger here. We shall part for today and discuss other matters on another day." Seeing that there was nothing left to do, Xiao Yuruo hurriedly suggested leaving. She had no interest in discussing the alliance today, especially after learning from Lin Wanrong''s analysis that Tao Dongcheng had ulterior motives. If it wasn''t for Tao Dongcheng''s insistence, she wouldn''t havee at all.


    Strangely, although Tao Dongcheng had invited Xiao Yuruo to discuss the alliance, he had not brought up the matter at all, as if he was not in a hurry. Seeing Xiao Yuruo wanting to leave, he didn''t try to stop her, but simply nodded and said, "If that''s the case, we''ll discuss the alliance another day. Let me apany you home."


    Xiao Yuruo quickly declined, "There''s no need. You''re busy, Brother Tao, and I wouldn''t want to inconvenience you. Having this servant escort me home is enough."


    Tao Dongcheng nodded and smiled, watching as Eldest Miss Xiao and Lin Wanrong left, a ruthless glint shing in his eyes.


    As they descended the mountain, Lin Wanrong could no longer hold back hisughter. Xiao Yuruo''s face flushed with anger as she spat, "What are youughing at, you rascal?" Today''s meeting about the alliance had ended without a conclusion, and Xiao Yuruo felt somewhat uneasy. Tao Dongcheng came from an extraordinary family, and she couldn''t afford to offend him lightly.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Miss, this Young Master Tao is so smitten with you. Why won''t you ept him?"


    Xiao Yuruo red at him, "What do you take me for? The affairs of the Xiao family are unsettled, how can I consider personal feelings?"


    Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs up, "You are indeed a strong woman. I really didn''t see thating."


    Xiao Yuruo found herself getting used to the sharp tongue of this fierce servant. She sighed, "Today''s quarrel with Young Master Tao was unpleasant. He will surely press harder for the partnership. If he uses his father''s power to force me to submit, what am I to do?"


    Seeing her wistful expression, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, ''Do you think it''s easy being a strong woman? The hardest part is yet toe.'' He nodded, "Miss, you need not worry too much. I already have a few ideas in mind, I''ll share them with youter."


    Xiao Yuruo sighed, "I''m not sure if your ideas will work, if not, I''ll have no way out." Her tone was uncertain, clearlycking confidence in Lin Wanrong. Even if he spoke persuasively, without a viable n, it would all be in vain.


    As Miss Xiao was about to climb into the carriage, she heard Lin Wanrong behind her, "Miss, I have a matter to discuss with you."


    She turned around, furrowing her brows, "What is it?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "We still have over ten miles to return to the city. I''m quite tired, and your carriage is spacious. Could I perhaps join you inside for a rest?"


    Xiao Yuruo was so angry she almost fainted. This servant, ignoring his own status, had the audacity to make such a request. Leaving aside the fact that he was a servant, he was a man. How could a man share a carriage with a woman? It waspletely improper.


    Seeing her face pale and her eyes zing with anger, as if she wanted to kill him, Lin Wanrong knew what she was thinking. ''This Miss is too conservative,'' he thought, ''If her mindset isn''t adjusted, who knows what might happen.''


    He put on a serious face, pretending to be earnest, "Miss, as the old saying goes, ''the upright need not fear the crooked shadow, the barefoot need not fear the shoed.'' Oops, that''s not the right one. I''m just a bit tired and would like to rest. You know I stayed up all night thinking about the affairs of the Xiao family, only sleeping in the morning. Then you called me here, and I walked over ten miles. I''m really tired. That''s why I made this request, hoping you could understand."


    Hearing him say he stayed up all night for the affairs of the Xiao family, Xiao Yuruo felt even more resentful. ''You''re using this to coerce me. How are you different from Tao Dongcheng? Why must I suffer such fate, always being controlled by others?'' She gritted her teeth, angrily said, "In that case, you ride in the carriage, and I''ll walk."


    Lin Wanrong looked at her curiously, nodded and said, "That works too. You rarely leave the house andck exercise. Walking a few more steps could be considered an exercise. Since you insist, I won''t be polite."


    He was never polite to begin with. He turned and climbed into the carriage. Xiao Yuruo had spent many days traveling, often in this carriage, which was akin to her second boudoir.


    As Lin Wanrong entered the carriage, he smelled a faint fragrance, not that of powder, but a natural body scent. The carriage was spacious with only a sleeping mat and a small table, leaving plenty of room.


    Naturally, Lin Wanrong wouldn''t be so bored as to lie on someone else''s bed. He settled himself in a corner and closed his eyes to rest. He was genuinely tired and had not lied to the Miss. While he hadn''t stayed up all night, he had indeed slept only a few hours. Leaning against the carriage, he unwittingly drifted off to sleep.


    Xiao Yuruo didn''t make it far before she felt a sour ache in her legs. As a pampered young mistress, she had never experienced such hardship. She resented Lin Wanrong to the point of gritting her teeth. If this rascal didn''t produce a satisfactory answer, she might have to resort to using her sister''s General Zhenyuan.


    After a few more steps, she couldn''t go on. She thought to herself, ''Am I actually afraid of this scoundrel? It''s broad daylight. What can he possibly do?'' With that thought, she gritted her teeth, lifted the curtain, only to see Lin Wanrong resting his head against the carriage, sound asleep, a trail of drool extending three feet.


    Xiao Yuruo, suppressing her shyness, sat down on her own seat, her heart somewhat uneasy. But Lin Wanrong showed no signs of awareness of her entrance, sleeping soundly.


    She didn''t dare to let down her guard, gripping her protective scissors tightly in her hand, her gaze fixed on the servant. His body was twisted, his breathing rapid, and his drool had puddled on the ground. She wanted tough but restrained herself, thinking, ''This scoundrel isn''t so annoying when he''s not causing trouble.''


    The carriage jolted on, leaving a lone man and woman in close quarters. The implications of this situation were understood only by Eldest Miss Xiao. Lin Wanrong, oblivious and unbothered, was sound asleep.


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 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99


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    Chapter 99 An Exotic Idea


    By the time they had returned to the mansion, it was already afternoon. After a hasty lunch, Eldest Miss Xiao reported to Madam Xiao, and the two of them waited for Lin San in the guest room. Given the imminent peril faced by the Xiao family, they dared not waste a moment.


    "Lin San, what do these unique clothes you mentioned look like?" Xiao Yuruo asked urgently.


    Lin Wanrong gave a cryptic smile and said, "Miss, Madam, I should warn you in advance that no matter what you see, don''t be too surprised. What we''re discussing here is merely business. If you both agree to this, then I can disclose it."


    Xiao Yuruo nced at her mother and said, "We understand that. As it''s about business, no matter what it is, I can ept it."


    "Very well," Lin Wanrong replied with a slight smile. "Miss, you''ve been in business for a while now. In the garment industry, whose money is easiest to earn?"


    After contemting a moment, Xiao Yuruo said, "If we''re talking about price, men''s clothing is the most expensive. But women change their clothes more frequently, yielding higher profits than men''s clothing."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, thinking to himself that Eldest Miss indeed had done her research. "Miss, you''re absolutely right. In fact, the easiest money to make in this worldes from women and children. It''s obvious for children. As for women, they are naturally fond of beauty. Cosmetics and fancy clothes are essential to them. Hence, we might as well start with women. Moreover, our Xiao family has an advantage over others: from Madam to Eldest Miss, all are women running the cloth business. Doing business with women is more convenient for us than for others."


    Madam Xiao looked at Lin Wanrong with a smile, thinking to herself that this servant was not only eloquent but also made some good points. Yushuang had indeed chosen a talented person.


    Xiao Yuruo nodded, "What you said makes sense, but how can we produce clothes that no one has seen before?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a mysterious smile, pulling out a piece of paper from his bosom. He handed it to Xiao Yuruo, saying, "Miss and Madam, please take a look, but be sure not to be too surprised."


    As Xiao Yuruo took the paper and looked at it, she saw a long dress drawn on it for women, diagonally buttoned at the front, and hanging all the way down to the ankles. What was peculiar was the long slit on the left leg side, going all the way to the edge. Both women were experts in this field and were instantly captivated by the concept. The dress was simple and elegant, and more importantly, it excellently entuated a woman''s figure and posture. It was truly something they had never seen before.


    Seeing the astonished expressions on both women''s faces, Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "This dress is called a cheongsam. Its greatest advantage is that it fits the body shape of our Great Hua women perfectly, entuating their soft and charming figures. In my hometown, the cheongsam is referred to as the king of women''s attire. Both Madam and Eldest Miss are experts, so what do you think of this design?"


    The women here typically wore loose and baggy clothing. The idea of a form-fitting dress like the cheongsam was unheard of, unseen, and truly astonishing. Every woman is fond of beauty, and this cheongsam could highlight a woman''s figure and temperament. The Eldest Miss only had to take one look to see that it was a unique and bold design.


    With a flushed face, Xiao Yuruo bit her lip and said, "Lin San, this dress is quite form-fitting. Isn''t it a bit too bold? If we make this, who would dare to wear it?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "Miss, Madam, what do you think of this dress?"


    Madam Xiao nodded and said, "It indeed has a strong appeal, but as Yuruo said, it''s a bit too bold. It would be very eye-catching on the street, and I worry others might have difficulty epting it."


    Lin Wanrong replied earnestly, "If both the Miss and Madam think it''s good, then it truly is. As for whether it can be epted, that''s just a process. Beautiful things are never rejected by anyone. Besides, the cheongsam isn''t meant for everyday wear. Its initial target should be women with certain economic means. It could be worn at banquets or at home. Once a portion of people ept it, and others see its beauty, they will gradually ept it too."


    A trace of excitement shed across Xiao Yuruo''s face. Clearly, Lin Wanrong''s words had struck a chord with her. Madam Xiao, however, was more cautious. She took another look at the cheongsam drawing and said, "But, the slit on this dress... isn''t it a bit too high?"


    The drawing Lin Wanrong presented was a simplified version of the cheongsam he remembered. He knew that expecting women in this world to wear a high-slit cheongsam, revealing so much of their legs, was nothing short of daydreaming. He said, "Madam, Miss, you are the experts here. How do you think we should modify it to make it more eptable? This is just a preliminary temte, you can change it ording to your preference. But one thing must be kept in mind, the material of the cheongsam should be soft andfortable, it should feel high-end and reflect status."


    Xiao Yuruo, being intelligent, nodded and said, "Of course. The cheongsam is not something thatmon people can afford initially, so the material must be good. Once everyone epts it, we can change to different fabrics, and make different grades to meet the needs of different women."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. The Eldest Miss, being a businesswoman, was good at deducing things.


    Madam Xiao and the Eldest Miss nced at each other, their eyes filled with excitement. Just as Lin Wanrong had said, this idea was novel, bold, and challenging. Once sessful, it would not only create a new type of clothing but also enhance the reputation of the Xiao family. With the insight of the youngdy and Madam Xiao, they certainly knew how to improve the cheongsam. However, thinking of one issue, Xiao Yuruo began to frown, "Lin San, the cheongsam is indeed good, but once it''s epted by the public, it''s highly likely to be copied. How do we solve this problem?"


    The youngdy indeed had a good point. Lin Wanrong nodded approvingly. Such a mindset of preventing piracy was rare in these times. He looked at the Eldest Miss approvingly and asked, "I''ve thought carefully about this issue. May I ask, how many shops does the Xiao family own?"


    Xiao Yuruo proudly replied, "Our Xiao family has been in business for many years. We have countless shops, from the south to the north, covering a dozen provinces across the country, each with Xiao family shops. This is something the Tao and He families can''t match."


    "That makes things easier," Lin Wanrong smiled. "After making the cheongsam, we will promote it among thedies and misses in each city. Meanwhile, we will embroider a unified mark of the Xiao family on all cheongsams, exining that this cheongsam is a unique creation of the Xiao family. A unique code will be embroidered on each garment and registered. If it can be checked against the certificate, then any others are counterfeits. This way, the reputation of the Xiao family''s cheongsam will be established. Even if there are imitators, as long as the code is incorrect, it''s a counterfeit and should be reported."


    Lin Wanrong knew that this method would notpletely prevent piracy. However, with such a big market, the Xiao family was the creator. Once they started, they dominated the vast majority of the market, their reputation preceding them. Even if there were imitators, they wouldn''t dare to im they were imitating the Xiao family, not even Tao Dongcheng would dare tomit such an outrageous act. At most, they could quietly make some small profits, seizing a minor share, and would still have to consider the Xiao family''s feelings.


    After discussing it for a while, Xiao Yuruo and Madam Xiao felt that this was feasible. They could not only break away from the limitations of selling cloth but also produce and sell their own finished products, no longer needing to act ording to others'' moods. As Lin Wanrong put it, they were transformed from the party B into the party A. From a cloth supplier, they became a cloth purchaser, finally bing their own boss.


    However, just this cheongsam business was far from enough for therge stall that was the Xiao family. They needed to think of more ideas. Lin Wanrong took out another piece of paper from his bosom and handed it to Xiao Yuruo, saying, "Miss, please have a look."


    Xiao Yuruo took a look and immediately threw the paper away, her small face turning bright red as she angrily said, "Lin San, what are you doing?"


    Madam Xiao took the paper and saw two items drawn on it. The top one was a triangr pair of small pants with some hollow patterns in the middle. The bottom one was a rather strange item, a long strap with two round pieces of cloth attached, seemingly meant for women''s chests.


    Madam Xiao''s fair face also flushed, but she was a woman of the world. Although she felt embarrassed, judging from Lin San''s previous performance, he must have had another purpose.


    Lin Wanrong took back the paper and said seriously, "Let''s talk business. Eldest Miss, don''t underestimate the items on this paper. The top one is called panty, and the bottom one is called a bra. They are both items used by women."


    The Eldest Miss'' face turned red as she muttered, "You rascal, where did you learn about these things? They''re so embarrassing." In this era, women wore conservative underclothes. They had never seen anything so revealing or straightforward.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "Miss, we''re conducting business and discussing products, not being disrespectful. From the perspectives of ready-to-wear andfort, do you think these two items are feasible?"


    Madam Xiao''s face turned red, but her experiences far surpassed those of Xiao Yuruo. Moreover, they were discussing business, so after a moment of shyness, she calmed down and asked Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, are you suggesting that we make clothes ording to these designs?"


    "Correct." Lin Wanrong replied earnestly, "Based on my experiences in my hometown, these two items are morefortable and fitting for women. Besides, they are worn inside, simr to underclothes, so where''s the embarrassment? Moreover, this has a significant advantage for our Xiao family. These are personal items for women. Even if the Tao and He families wanted to imitate them, the misses anddies wouldn''t ept their products. But in our Xiao family, both Madam and Eldest Miss are females, so it''s naturally easier for us to discuss intimate matters. Only our Xiao family could manufacture these items, and once we seed, the profits will be substantial."


    Xiao Yuruo blushed for a while, gradually understanding. She held back her embarrassment and asked, "But, are these items really morefortable than, than those?" As an unmarried young girl, she couldn''t bring herself to utter the word "underclothes".


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Based on my experiences in my hometown, these two items are absolutely morefortable than so-called underclothes. Though the materials required for these panties and bras are minimal, thefort and softness of the fabric are crucial. The reasons for this are clear."


    Xiao Yuruo bit her lip and said, "But would people be willing to wear these?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Whether people would be willing to wear them or not, Miss, you could try them and see."


    "You, you rascal!" Xiao Yuruo''s face turned red with anger.


    "Miss," Lin Wanrong said seriously, "I am discussing serious matters with you, not taking advantage of you. If you hadn''t begged me, I wouldn''t bother with these matters."


    Madam Xiao sighed, "Lin San, you can''t me Yuruo. These things are indeed too shocking."


    Lin Wanrong dered, "Good things always shock the world when they first appear. These two items only feel this way because Miss and Madam are encountering them for the first time. In fact, not only you two but any other women would feel a bit frightened when first introduced to these items. However, just like underclothes, these are worn inside. After a few encounters and realizing thefort they bring, everyone will gradually ept them."


    Xiao Yuruo calmed down and began to ponder. These panties and bras, though they seemed indecent, were essential items for women. As Lin San had said, they were incredibly suitable for the Xiao family''s business, and other families wouldn''t be able to replicate them. If they were asfortable as he imed, there would undoubtedly be a market for them when promoted. After a while, she asked, more seriously than ever before, "Lin San, are you certain about this?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "My words alone won''t be enough. You and Madam can thoroughly study these three items, including the cheongsam. It''s best to hurry and produce some samples, and personally experience them. Then you will understand that my words are not empty promises."


    Both Madam Xiao and the Eldest Miss felt a flush creeping onto their faces. They thought to themselves, This servant speaks confidently about women''s items, where does he get all these strange ideas from?


    Seeing the expressions on their faces, Lin Wanrong knew what they were thinking. He grinned and added, "Of course, Miss, you must carefully develop these two items. During the promotion period, use the best materials, and the price must be high, because initially, we will be targeting wealthy misses anddies. They have money but may have doubts about these new items. If the price is too low, it may not pique their curiosity. As long as the product is good, they will willingly spend their money. Once everyone gradually epts them, we can produce cheaper ones, create different grades, and distribute them to different people."


    Xiao Yuruo was somewhat persuaded. Though discussing these women''s items was a bit indecent, they were perfectly suitable for the Xiao family''s business. After all, the status of those inmerce wasn''t high, and they were women''s families.


    Seeing them deep in thought, Lin Wanrong thought to himself that since he had already said so much, he might as well give them aplete surprise. He flipped the paper over and said to Madam Xiao, "Madam, take a look at this."


    Madam Xiao nced at it and saw that it was somewhat simr to the panties she had seen earlier, but it was even simpler. There was just a simple string with a narrow piece of cloth in the middle, looking like a tiny "T". She asked curiously, "What is this?"


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 Chapter 100

    Chapter 100


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    Chapter 100 Perfume


    Lin Wanrong said earnestly, "This is called a sanitary belt, used by women during their monthly periods." At the end of the 1980s, when sanitary pads had not yet be widespread, sanitary belts were the mostmonly used feminine products in China.


    As soon as he finished speaking, both Madam Xiao and her daughter blushed simultaneously. How could this Lin Wanrong dare to utter such words? Even women were embarrassed to bring up such filthy items, yet he spoke about them as if it were the most natural thing in the world.


    Seeing their flushed faces, Lin Wanrong felt a certain helplessness. This was basic menstrual hygiene knowledge. He, a man, had to exin these things to them. It wasn''t that he wanted to, but that he was trying to help them.


    Seeing the expressions on the faces of the mother and daughter, knowing they would take some time toe to terms with it, Lin Wanrong shook his head, cleared his mind and said, "Madam, Miss, I am discussing business with you, much like a doctor treating a patient. Many matters need not be taboo."


    Madam Xiao''s face was as if on fire. Despite being a mature woman, hearing about menstruation still made her feel ufortable. She red at Lin Wanrong but dared not say a word. Xiao Yuruo was even more mortified, her head almost touching the ground.


    Seeing the beautiful mother and daughter too embarrassed to lift their heads, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but cough lightly, "Madam, Miss, if you don''t want to hear about it, then I''ll stop."


    Xiao Yuruo blushed for a moment before finally lifting her head and saying, "You may continue."


    Now that''s more like it. Lin Wanrong smiled at Xiao Yuruo, nodded and said, "I don''t need to exin this too explicitly. As long as Miss follows this model. As for what materials would be best and mostfortable, I think Miss would know better than I do."


    Xiao Yuruo hummed in response, her face flushed but still ring at Lin Wanrong, saying, "You''re a truly incorrigible man."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Miss, we are discussing business here, where does all this hesitatione from? I am just making suggestions based on the Xiao family''s specific situation. There''s no intention of disrespect. Consider that it takes some courage for a man like me to talk about these women''s issues."


    Damn it. Was it amusing to be looked down upon? He was genuinely trying to help them. He was a distinguished sales manager, yet here he was, designing and selling women''s underwear and sanitary pads, and being guarded against by this mother-daughter duo as if he was a pervert. His grievances were beyond words.


    After finishing his speech, Lin Wanrong felt a sudden wave of exhaustion. Truth be told, when he rmended these products to the women of the Xiao family, he did so purely from a business perspective, without a hint of lewd intentions. He was fully considering the matter from the Xiao family''s point of view. Unfortunately, he overestimated the tolerance of women in this era, and that included strong women like Madam Xiao and her daughter.


    In the face of the mother and daughter''s wary gazes, he, though made of iron, was iparably weary. Why was he enduring this? He let out a bitterugh, heavily sank into a chair, and fell silent, giving the madam and her daughter ample time to ponder.


    The impact house servant Lin Wanrong had on Madam Xiao and her daughter today was indeed enormous, not only visually but also psychologically.


    Xiao Yuruo nced at Lin Wanrong, thinking to herself how this wicked man had learned about these embarrassing items. He must have been up to no good in the past. He was truly incorrigible.


    Of course, it couldn''t be denied that the proposals Lin Wanrong made were quite tempting. Leaving aside the cheongsam and underwear, the final item, the sanitary belt, was a very practical item. It was suitable for the Xiao family business and could bring significant profits if done well.


    She pondered for a while before saying, "Lin Wanrong, we can''t rush into this matter. My mother and I need to discuss it further."


    Lin Wanrong understood that asking them to ept these new items all at once was indeed a bit harsh, so he nodded and said, "Alright, Madam and Miss, you should consider this first. However, there is another even more profitable business venture. I wonder if Miss would be interested?"


    "What business?" Xiao Yuruo was somewhat afraid of this house servant now. Who knew what kind of crazy ideas he coulde up with?


    "Miss, do you remember the fragrance you smelled in my room yesterday?"


    "Of course, I remember. Lin Wanrong, you haven''t told me where that fragrance came from."


    Lin Wanrong took out a small ss bottle from his bosom. The bottle contained an unknown liquid that was faintly red. He uncorked the bottle, and a delicate fragrance began to permeate the air.


    Xiao Yuruo and Lady Xiao took a deep breath. Unlike the overpowering, pungent smell of makeup, it had a cooling aroma. It was extremely delicate and pleasant, intoxicating.


    Xiao Yuruo looked at the small bottle in surprise, "Lin Wanrong, what is this?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, "Miss, this is a special kind of makeup water I made myself. It has a pleasant name: perfume. What you see now is rose perfume. There are also jasmine perfume, orchid perfume, and so on. The business I wish to discuss with you is about this perfume."


    "Perfume?" Excitement shed across the faces of Xiao Yuruo and Lady Xiao simultaneously. What was this perfume? If it truly had the magical power of the bottle in Lin Wanrong''s hand, then the Xiao family''s business was bound to flourish.


    "Yes, perfume. I am the only one in the world who possesses the form for this perfume. I believe Madam and Miss have already experienced its charm," Lin Wanrong said proudly.


    "Then, Lin Wanrong, state your terms," Xiao Yuruo said, gritting her teeth.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t answer her question directly. Instead, he said, "Miss, as I mentioned earlier, once the cheongsam and underwear ideas are produced on arge scale, the profit is not to be underestimated. It just needs promotion. The same goes for this perfume. It requires arge amount of floral braids as raw materials. I hope that Madam and Miss can support me in setting up a perfume workshop. In return, I will grant the Xiao family the exclusive right to distribute this perfume. Thus, the integration of cheongsam, underwear, and perfume will give the Xiao family''s business a powerful boost. I believe it would be hard for the Xiao family''s business not to flourish."


    Lin Wanrong had given this much thought. Though he had the technical knowledge, hecked financial backing and a saleswork, whereas the Xiao family had an extensive saleswork, which would be very helpful for promoting the perfume. Thebination of the two would be the right way forward.


    Xiao Yuruo pondered for a while. The cheongsam and underwear business had already begun to entice people. With the addition of this perfume, the Xiao family indeed had a new opportunity.


    She nced at her mother. Madam Xiao nodded slightly, and Miss Xiao decisively said, "Alright, Lin Wanrong, I''ll agree to your terms. The Xiao family will fund the perfume workshop and provide the raw materials. However, the exclusive rights must be solely operated by our Xiao family. We''ll split the profits seventy-thirty, seventy for me, thirty for you."


    ''Damn, this youngdy is even more cunning than me,'' Lin Wanrong waved his hand and said, "Miss Xiao is indeed a shrewd businesswoman. Isn''t your profit-sharing scheme a bit low? In my opinion, how about a sixty-forty split?"


    "Sixty-forty? Lin Wanrong, your demands are excessive. Considering you''ve done a great favor for my Xiao family today, fine, I''ll give in. Forty for you, sixty for me!" Miss Xiao said through gritted teeth, thinking to herself, ''This man is aplete swindler.''


    "Not quite," Lin Wanrong, who had felt uneasy about the underwear deal, insisted on arger share of the perfume profits: "Miss, you''ve misunderstood. I meant, sixty for me, forty for you."


    "What? You" Miss Xiao pointed at him in anger. She hadn''t expected that this house servant would make such an outrageous demand, wanting more than half of the shares. She had never encountered such an audacious person in the business world.


    "Is Miss unwilling to agree? Then we have no deal. I think there will be many people interested in this perfume." Lin Wanrong smiled faintly. He wasn''t worried; the perfume was a lucrative opportunity. Xiao Yuruo was a shrewd woman; she wouldn''t let this opportunity slip away. I have the form; what could you do to me?


    "Lin Wanrong, don''t push your luck," Eldest Miss Xiao huffed. ''A mere servant, I have already shown you great respect by dealing with you, where do you get off making demands?''


    "Miss, you''ve been in business for years. In business, profit is the priority. I strive for the greatest profit for myself, and you strive for the greatest profit for the Xiao family. There''s nothing wrong with that, where is the excess?" Lin Wanrong retorted.


    "In that case, Lin Wanrong, I''ll make one more concession. Fifty-fifty profit sharing, half for each of us. That''s my final offer. Otherwise, I''d rather not venture into the perfume business," she dered.


    A glint shed in Eldest Miss Xiao''s eyes. She knew that although Lin Wanrong had the form, it would take time for him to find a suitable partner, and he must certainly want to coborate with the Xiao family. However, the idea of this servant getting half of the profit merely by providing a perfume form left her feeling dissatisfied, and she found herself despising him even more.


    The perfume was a guaranteed sess, one of a kind. Given Lin Wanrong''s cunning business nature, even getting sixty percent of the profits would seem somewhat insufficient. Seeing Eldest Miss Xiao making some concessions, he thought to himself, ''Oh well, it''s like doing a favor for that little girl Xiao Yushuang. Besides, the saleswork belongs to the Xiao family, I shouldn''t offend them too much.'' So he agreed, "In that case, let''s settle on this."


    Xiao Yuruo red at the smug servant. Remembering how he had brazenly climbed into her carriage earlier that day, she was infuriated. If not for his significant contribution to the Xiao family today, she would have had him thrown out long ago.


    "We will take care of modifying the cheongsam and underwear, and you, Lin Wanrong, will handle the perfume," Xiao Yuruo said, grinding her teeth. Such an arrogant servant was indeed rare.


    "No problem!" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "As for the rest of the manpower, I''ll choose them from the Xiao household. I hope Miss will oblige." At this point, all Xiao Yuruo could do was nod in agreement.


    Watching the audacious servant leave, Xiao Yuruo snorted in annoyance. After a long silence, Lady Xiao suddenly asked, "Yuruo, what''s wrong with you today? You seem to be at odds with Lin Wanrong at every turn."


    Lady Xiao was not overly bothered by Lin Wanrong''s audacity. Talented people often behaved this way. Lin Wanrong was intelligent, well-connected, and full of talent. The fact that he was willing to serve as a servant in the Xiao family was already a favor. The idea of underwear and sanitary pads, although somewhat ahead of its time, was a great opportunity. As for the profit-sharing in the perfume business, it was a fair deal. Neither Lin Wanrong nor Yuruo had done anything wrong.


    Such talent as Lin Wanrong''s should be nurtured. Yushuang had also done a great service for the Xiao family. Thinking of Xiao Yushuang''s affection for Lin Wanrong, Lady Xiao sighed internally. If Lin Wanrong were not a servant, he would indeed be a good match for Yushuang.


    Xiao Yuruo didn''t want her mother to know about the bad things Lin Wanrong had done to her. He was thoroughly wicked. However, ament from Madam Xiao struck Xiao Yuruo, making her startle and wonder why she always lost herposure around him. It was indeed strange.


    "Mother, what do you think of Lin Wanrong''s ideas?" Xiao Yuruo, avoiding her mother''s question, changed the subject.


    "Youre the head of the household now, you are the one to make decisions," Madam Xiao smiled.


    "The cheongsam and underwear may be bold ideas, but as he said, we are all women, and this business is worth exploring. After all, we are a mother and daughter alone in the Xiao family. We''re not short of one more point of ridicule. If promoted properly, the profits are not to be underestimated. This Lin Wanrong does have some audacity in this matter." Without Lin Wanrong''s misdeeds in front of her, Miss Xiao was truly astute.


    "And not to mention the perfume. Given Lin Wanrong''s cunning nature, if he had resources of his own, he certainly wouldn''t cooperate with us. This conniving merchant!" Miss Xiao added, making Madam Xiao chuckle. Yuruo always seemed a little off-bnce in front of Lin Wanrong, and who knew whatmotion would ensue in the future.


    "Indeed, Lin Wanrong is talented, Yuruo. You must not neglect him in the future," Lady Xiao advised.


    "I understand, mother." For some reason, the annoying face of the servant floated before Eldest Miss Xiao''s eyes again. She quickly shook her head, "This Lin Wanrong, he keeps iming that these things aremonly used in his hometown. I wonder where his hometown actually is?"


    "I once asked him, but he seemed unwilling to talk about it. As long as he is talented, it''s enough. We don''t need to worry about where he came from," Madam Xiao replied.


    "He loves being mysterious," Eldest Miss Xiao snorted.


    "By the way, mother, how should we modify the cheongsam and underwear?" Seeing two pieces of paper on the table nearby, Xiao Yuruo was reminded of the task at hand.


    She picked up the papers, studying them carefully. The sketches were simple and rustic, outlined with a few strokes. The style, the ink, everything was unfamiliar to her.


    Looking at the simple lines, a thought struck her. They looked familiar, as if she had seen them somewhere before. She slowly sank into contemtion.


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 Chapter 101

    Chapter 101


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    Chapter 101 The Meaning of the Rose


    Lin Wanrong had no desire to deal with the matters of cheongsams and underwear any longer. He''d let the mother and daughter think about the sanitary napkins themselves. Discussing these topics with these two women could be stimting, but awkwardness was unavoidable.


    His attention was entirely focused on the perfume. Perfume was a wonderful product, and he only imed fifty percent of the profits purely out of respect for the Second Miss. Thinking of the Second Miss, he felt somewhat strange inside. He hadn''t seen the young girl for several days and wondered how she was faring now.


    Men are indeed despicable, he thought. When she was around, he didn''t want her. But now that she was gone, he felt regret. Lin Wanrong shook his head, chastising himself for being overly sentimental.


    With Xiao Yuruo''s promise, his perfume business was finally about to take off, filling Lin Wanrong''s heart with excitement.


    ording to his n, the perfume workshop must have several loyal individuals. The ratios of clover to petals, fragrance, alcohol, water - all these were top secrets. Apart from himself, who knew everything, the rest would each be given a piece of the puzzle. He wouldn''t exin the principles to them, just have them follow orders. Even if they all teamed up, they wouldn''t necessarily be able to figure out the form of the perfume. There was no other way in this eracking patent protection.


    As for the choice of people, Fubo was certainly one, as was Changbo, who imed to rival Lu Ban in woodworking and who had chosen him to enter the mansion with Fubo. Then there was Xiao Feng, an honest man who had entered the mansion with him. Lin Wanrong trusted him quite a bit. With a few more skilled craftsmen selected by Changbo, they could set up the workshop.


    Lin Wanrong went to find Xiao Feng. Xiao Feng, having not seen Lin Wanrong for some days, was naturally excited to see him again. Lin Wanrong simply mentioned that the Eldest Miss had ordered him to work on a task, to which Xiao Feng readily agreed.


    There was a lot to do that day. For the sake of his money-making venture, Lin Wanrong worked tirelessly, seeking out Fubo and discussing the workshop setup. After hearing Lin Wanrong''s ideas, Fubo summoned the other two old men for a discussion. They developed preliminary ideas on how to extract the essence from clover and petals, filter out impurities, purify the mixture, and manage the drainage. Lin Wanrong even drew a schematic of the machinery and presented it to Changbo, who pointed out many deficiencies based on his experience. This gave Lin Wanrong even more confidence.


    By evening, Qin Xian''er sent over her business card invitation. Lin Wanrong had been thinking about the opening of the restaurant, so he went to find her.


    Having not seen Qin Xian''er for two days, she seemed somewhat worn out. As Lin Wanrong entered, he smiled and said, "Miss Xian''er, have you been well these past few days?"


    Qin Xian''er smiled, but it seemed she was weighed down by heavy thoughts. She nced at Lin Wanrong and said, "Young Master, I have a favor to ask of you."


    "What could be so serious, Miss Xian''er?" Seeing that Qin Xian''er''s expression was off, Lin Wanrong deliberately tried to lighten the mood with a jest.


    Qin Xian''er bit her lip and softly said, "Please leave the Xiao family as soon as possible, Young Master."


    "Why so?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled. He had just reached an agreement with the Xiao family that day and was preparing to roll out his grand ns. Why would he leave at this moment?


    "Young Master, Xian''er can''t say much, but it would be best for you to leave the Xiao family as soon as possible. It will only bring you benefits, no harm. Please trust Xian''er." Qin Xian''er said, biting her lip.


    Seeing the sincerity in her demeanor, Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled, "Xian''er, has something happened to the Xiao family?"


    "No, nothing." Qin Xian''er''s eyes flickered, avoiding his gaze. "Young Master, please don''t ask too many questions. Xian''er is only thinking of your well-being. You will understand in the future."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t know her intentions, but he had known Qin Xian''er long enough to know that she held some affection for him and wouldn''t harm him. Yet Qin Xian''er hadn''t made herself clear, and he was stubborn. He couldn''t leave the Xiao family at this time, so he simply shook his head and said nothing.


    Qin Xian''er sighed, giving him a nce. Realizing she couldn''t convince him, she didn''t say any more. She seemed somewhat restless that day. After watching the song and dance performance by the two young maidservants, and informing them of the opening date, Lin Wanrong bid her farewell. As Qin Xian''er saw him out, she looked at him, seemingly wanting to say something but refraining, her expression filled with hesitation.


    Xiao Qingxuan was back early that day. Seeing his return, her face lit up for a moment before quickly fading. She looked at him and said lightly, "You''re back."


    Pondering over Qin Xian''er''s words that evening, Lin Wanrong wondered if he should tell Xiao Qingxuan. He knew Xiao Qingxuan was very observant of Qin Xian''er. If he told her, it might cause some trouble. But considering Qin Xian''er''s kindness towards him and his promise to keep her secret, if he were to tell Xiao Qingxuan, wouldn''t he be a real viin?


    He preferred being a hypocrite than a real viin. With a chuckle, he felt relieved.


    Seeing his silence, just staring at her, Xiao Qingxuan''s face flushed with a hint of joy and a touch of anger. "What are you staring at me for?" she asked.


    "Miss Xiao, I haven''t seen you for a day or two, and you''ve be even more beautiful," Lin Wanrong replied with a charming smile.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s heart skipped a beat, and she retorted, "Why are you suddenly saying such sweet words? Have you done something you shouldn''t have?"


    Lin Wanrong burst intoughter. Even if he had done something wrong, it wouldn''t concern her. It would only matter to his beloved. But his beloved, being so obedient and precious, would never speak to him the way Xiao Qingxuan did.


    Heughed and said, "I saw the message you left me yesterday. In the future, don''t use Yunjin silk to write on. It''s too wasteful. Regr paper will do."


    Xiao Qingxuan blushed and red at him, thinking to herself, I wouldn''t leave notes for just anyone. It''s only because you talk too much, and I don''t want to bother talking to you.


    Lin Wanrong rummaged through his cab to find the newly formted perfume. He picked out a bottle and said, "This, I suppose, is the first batch of finished product. I''ll give it to you."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes lit up. "Is it ready?" She eagerly took the small perfume bottle from his hand, gently pulling out the stopper. A wave of fragrance wafted out. Its resonance was profound and the scent lingered, exactly the kind of subtle fragrance Xiao Qingxuan preferred.


    "It seems to be the scent of jasmine, right?" Xiao Qingxuan held the perfume bottle, unable to let go, her smile as radiant as the March sun.


    "Yes, it''s a jasmine-scented perfume. You like subtle fragrances, don''t you? This suits you well," Lin Wanrong said with a gentle smile. ording to the rule of identifying a woman by her preferred scent, Xiao Qingxuan was the type of woman who led a simple life, perfectly matching this light jasmine perfume.


    "How did you know? Is this liquid called perfume? Although the name is rathermon, it''s quite fitting," Xiao Qingxuan asked, her face beaming with a smile.


    She had spent a lot of time with Lin Wanrong, chatting daily about everything from astronomy and geography to politics and people''s livelihood. Though she enjoyed it, she had never been as happy as she was that day.


    Seeing her smile, blooming like a hundred flowers, even surpassing the peonies in the garden, Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. He wondered if he would be infatuated with her if he saw her more often.


    "Yes, it''s called perfume. What is truly vulgar is truly elegant. The name is simple and easy to remember; I think it''s pretty good." Seeing her so happy made Lin Wanrong feel joyous as well. It seemed as if there were some unspoken feelings between him and Xiao Qingxuan. However, she had never spoken about it, and their interactions were always natural. This left Lin Wanrong somewhat perplexed, unsure of what she was thinking.


    "Since there''s perfume with jasmine fragrance, other flowers should also be able to be made into perfume. What other scents have you made?" Xiao Qingxuan, being a smart woman, deduced this and asked.


    "I can''t hide anything from you," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I''ve only made three types so far: besides this jasmine, there''s also orchid and rose perfume."


    "Could you give me another bottle? I would like the rose one," Xiao Qingxuan thought for a moment and then said seriously.


    "Why do you want the rose perfume? It doesn''t suit you," Lin Wanrong replied. The rose perfume symbolized the love between lovers. Xiao Qingxuan was noble and elegant, and only the pure scent of jasmine could match her temperament.


    "How do you know it doesn''t suit me?" Xiao Qingxuan smiled. "When I was a child, I met a Western missionary. He told me that different flowers have different meanings. The meaning of a rose is different from that of jasmine. I''m curious, so I want to ask for a bottle."


    "A Western missionary?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. That would be a foreigner, wouldn''t it? Was trade with the West already happening at this time? That was great. He could make underwear and bras to sell to the foreigners. As for the perfume, he could sell it to France and make some foreign money.


    "Was the missionary French? British? Portuguese?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Xiao Qingxuan had not expected him to know so many countries. Her face revealed a look of astonishment and delight, "How do you know about Britain and France? Mr. York was British."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled bitterly. How could he not know about Britain and France? These foreigners had bullied them for so many years in the past. If he didn''t know them, could he still call himself Chinese?


    Rather than answering her question, Lin Wanrong retorted, "Since Mr. York was British, he must have been speaking English, right? Could you understand him?"


    Hearing him mention English, Xiao Qingxuan knew he wasn''t pretending. Her joy increased, "Mr. York had been in Great Hua for several years by then. He spoke Mandarin very well. Lin San, do you know where Britain is? Mr. York said it was across the ocean, thousands of miles away from Great Hua. They had drifted on a merchant ship for more than a year before reaching Great Hua."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Our world is divided into five continents. Great Hua is located in Asia, while Britain is in Europe. Its area is only a fraction of ours, but it is highly industrialized and is a recognized maritime power. In addition to that, there''s France, Spain, Portugal, all maritime powers. Although Great Hua is rich in resources and talent, there''s a significant gap in industry, which could be our weakness in the future."


    Xiao Qingxuan looked puzzled, apparently unable toprehend for a moment. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself. Why was he telling her all this? How could she understand?


    "By the way, Miss Xiao, does Great Hua have any trading ports with Britain or France?" Since the foreign missionaries had already reached Great Hua, he nned to dump underwear, bras, and perfume onto them in Europe. Damn it, he was ready to beat them at their own game.


    "Great Hua doesn''t have official trade ports with them. I''ve heard that some coastal areas are privately trading with other regions. Their ships often go to Ryukyu (The old name of Okinawa) and Goryeo (Korea), but I haven''t heard of them going to Britain. Oh, there''s a seaport in Zhenjiang, within Jiangsu Province." Xiao Qingxuan seemed to be quite interested in these state affairs. As soon as Lin Wanrong asked, she answered.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong lost in thought, Xiao Qingxuan stopped speaking. She watched him think quietly, feeling a sense of tranquility.


    After a long while, Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled at Xiao Qingxuan, "We got a bit off track earlier. You wanted the rose perfume, didn''t you?"


    "Why? Are you unwilling?" Xiao Qingxuan asked, seeing his hesitant expression.


    "Honestly, I''ve only made one bottle of the rose perfume. And the rose carries some deeper meanings. I want to give this first bottle to a woman I like. In this world, she is incredibly important to me," Lin Wanrong said with utmost sincerity.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s heart began to race. She thought, He knows the meaning of the rose too, but what does he mean by his words? Is he implying something?


    Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She dared not look at him, speaking softly, "I see. So, you have a woman you favor?"


    Thinking of Qiaoqiao, the adorable girl, a smile naturally spread across Lin Wanrong''s face. "Yes, I do. She''s a clumsy little girl. The rose perfume is for her."


    Seeing his longing expression, Xiao Qingxuan inexplicably felt a slight sense of loss. She was taken aback. What was happening to her? Ever since she met him again, she had been visiting him daily, chatting, asionally having little squabbles, but she felt an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and joy. Could it be that she had feelings for him?


    She came from a noble family, was well-educated, and had been indifferent to worldly desires since childhood. She viewed matters of romantic affection as trifling and therefore shook her head lightly, dismissing her thoughts. She smiled faintly, "Oh, is that so? I should congratte you then. Which family''s miss is she?"


    Initially, Lin Wanrong thought she harbored feelings for him. However, seeing her calm demeanor and no signs of displeasure, he wondered, That''s strange. Is my charm not enough and only capable of captivating a little girl like Qiaoqiao?


    Toozy to think further, he smiled lightly and replied, "She''s not someone else. She''s the little girl, Qiaoqiao, who I mentioned to you a few days ago, the one who runs the tavern."


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 Chapter 102

    Chapter 102


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    Chapter 102 The Talented Miss Luo Ning


    Lin Wanrong''s rtionship with Xiao Qingxuan was amicable, not overly passionate, but still close enough to be considered good friends. He hadn''t kept the matter of the tavern''s opening a secret from her.


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed with a profound air, "Treasures are easy to find, a man with genuine feelings, hard toe by. Miss Dong is so deeply attached to you, you mustn''t disappoint her."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Do you really see me as that kind of person?"


    Xiao Qingxuan chuckled, "You have quite a few women attracted to you. Even Qin Xian''er seems to have taken a liking to you. I wonder how you will handle this in the future?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, "Being handsome can be a real nuisance."


    Seeing his yful demeanor, Xiao Qingxuan couldn''t help butugh, finding that any worry seemed to disappear after a few words with him.


    In the following two days, Lin Wanrong was spinning like a top, working tirelessly, to the point where he felt as if he were a dog chasing its tail.


    He had chosen an old, disused mansion from the Xiao family for his perfume factory. The mansion was a family heirloom with ample space, conveniently located near the Xiao family''s current residence.


    After discussing with Changbo, they began the renovation, following the blueprint of the machinery.


    The perfume''s proprietary crafting process was not a problem. The real challenge was to mass-produce it. ording to Lin Wanrong''s n, the essence was extracted separately using a pressing and drawing method. While this method wasted some raw material, it was the simplest. Further, purifying and filtering the crude juice was not a problem either.


    The real issue was determining how to inject the essence, alcohol, and pure water in the correct proportions, and what kind of pipeline to use. In this era, without stainless steel, usingmon ironware would inevitably rust, and high-temperature ss was not avable either. How to construct the pipeline was truly a headache.


    In the end, it was Changbo, drawing from his experience, who suggested using mature bamboo. The hollowed-out nodes would be connected to form the pipeline. After testing, this idea proved feasible and solved this significant problem.


    Busy for several consecutive days, Lin Wanrong had no time to see Qin Xian''er. Oddly, it seemed as though she was aware of this, and hadn''t sought him out in days, which left Lin Wanrong quite amazed.


    As the days of relentless work passed, the opening day of the tavern arrived. The day before, Lin Wanrong made a special trip to see Qiaoqiao and Dong Qingshan, ensuring all the preparations for the opening were in order. With this assurance, he could finally rx. Fortunately, he faced noplications in moving in and out of the Xiao residence, ensuring no dy on either end.


    Early that morning, Lin Wanrong found an excuse to leave the Xiao residence and head to the tavern.


    From a distance, the tavern was a sight to behold, adorned with festive red and green banners, brightly lit, and exuding an impressive air. Hanging high on the main building was a pair of golden ques. Inscribed in gilded letters were the four characters "Food for Immortals," while four smaller characters underneath read "Luo Min of Jiangsu."


    The que was personally written by Luo Min, the governor of Jiangsu, a gift from Luo Yuan to his big brother as a congrattory present. Having these four words as the golden sign, one could say, endowed the tavern "Food for Immortals" with a natural air of nobility from its birth. Luo Yuan''s gesture could be considered a grand gift.


    However, it was said that the governor of Jiangsu, Luo Min, rarely inscribed words for others. This exception truly caught Lin Wanrong by surprise. Luo Min had never met Lin Wanrong, and even ounting for Luo Yuan''s influence, would he be this generous? Lin Wanrong felt that the matter wasn''t as simple as it appeared. Nevertheless, it was ultimately a good thing, and though he was confused, he didn''t have the luxury of contemting it further.


    In front of the tavern, arge tform had been constructed and draped in red cloth. Many onlookers had already gathered, but no one knew its purpose.


    From the fifth floor of "Food for Immortals" upward, four long red satin ribbons hung, each tied withrge red embroidered balls, looking festive and celebratory.


    In front of the main entrance stood more than a dozen workers hired by old Dong, eight men and eight women. At Lin Wanrong''s request, all the workers at the tavern wore uniforms: the women in red jackets andmpwick trousers, the men in blue short outfits. The men and women, standing in neat rows on either side of the entrance, presented an imposing air.


    Old Dong and his son had donned brand new clothes and stood in front of the tavern. Qiaoqiao, wearing a light red thin jacket, stood behind her father and brother with a smile. Due to identity issues, Lin Wanrong couldn''t openly show his face, so the tavern was opened in the name of Old Dong.


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong''s arrival, Dong Qiaoqiao rushed up and giggled, "Big brother, you''re here?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, taking out the rose perfume from his bosom, "Qiaoqiao, you look beautiful today. This perfume is a gift for you."


    Lin Wanrong had recently told Qiaoqiao about his perfume production. Hearing her brother''spliment, a blush crept onto her face. She took the perfume and held it tightly in her hand, "Big brother, thank you."


    She noticed Lin Wanrong was still dressed casually in his blue shirt and small hat, typical of a servant. She grabbed his hand andughed, "Big brother, you''re the host today, how could you dress so casually?"


    Lin Wanrong simply smiled, "Why should I dress up if I''m not showing my face?"


    However, Qiaoqiao wouldn''t listen. She pulled him upstairs to the unupied fifth floor, "Wealth and Talent". She took out a brand-new suit from the cupboard and handed it to Lin Wanrong, "Big brother, I made this for you. Try it on and see if it fits."


    Lin Wanrong responded with a nomittal hum. Seeing that Qiaoqiao was about to leave, he quickly caught her hand, "Qiaoqiao, where are you going?"


    Her face flushed, Qiaoqiao replied, "Big brother, you change here. I''ll wait for you downstairs."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Why don''t you stay and watch me change? You can help me adjust it if needed." Dong Qiaoqiao nced at him, bit her lip, lowered her head, and softly responded with a hum.


    By then, the weather had turned cold. Lin Wanrong was wearing his underclothes inside, so although Qiaoqiao was a bit shy, she didn''t lose herposure. Her heart was entirely focused on Lin Wanrong as she helped him dress, meticulously smoothing out the garment. After inspecting it countless times, she finally reassured herself and said, "Big brother, it''s done."


    Lin Wanrong, already a good-looking man, appeared even more dashing in his new clothes. Dong Qiaoqiao stared at him, saying, "Big brother, Qiaoqiao feels so happy."


    "Silly girl." Lin Wanrong gently took her hand, pinching her cheek lightly, "This is just the beginning. I''m going to make you the happiest woman in the world."


    As a pure and innocent young woman, Qiaoqiao was unable to withstand such sweet talk. Her heart filled with warmth, but before she could respond, she felt a warmth on her lips. Her big brother had already pulled her into an embrace and started kissing her.


    Only when Qiaoqiao was left panting did Lin Wanrong release her andugh, "Tomorrow, I''ll talk to your father about us. I promise to fulfill my Qiaoqiao''s wishes."


    With her face flushed, Qiaoqiao softly agreed, "Big brother, your business matters more. As long as I''m in your heart, I''m satisfied. I have to manage this tavern well for you. I must be someone like Eldest Miss Xiao, so I could share your worries and problems."


    Although Qiaoqiao was petite and delicate, her expression was resolute when she said these words, holding Lin Wanrong''s hand tightly. Lin Wanrong was deeply moved and was about to speak when he heard the master of ceremonies below announcing loudly, "A guest has arrived"


    A deafening st of firecrackers echoed, and the master of ceremonies announced, "Young Master Luo Yuan of Jinling has arrived with a golden gift to congratte on the grand opening!" Luo Yuan, dressed in festive attire, greeted Dong Rende and Dong Qingshan, "Uncle, Qingshan, congrattions."


    Knowing that the man standing before him was the governor''s sona person who in the past he could not even dream of invitingDong Rende respectfully greeted him, "Thanks to Young Master Luo''s kindness, please,e upstairs for some tea."


    Luo Yuan went upstairs just in time to see Lin Wanrong in his new clothesing downstairs with Qiaoqiao. He cheerfully greeted them, "Big brother, sister-inw, congrattions!"


    Qiaoqiao''s face turned red with embarrassment, but Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Congrattions to you too, Little Luo, I didn''t expect you to arrive so early."


    "Of course, how could I bete for big brother''s event?" Luo Yuan chuckled, "I came early today just to catch the first round."


    "Miss Qin Xian''er from Miaoyu Pavilion has arrived with a golden gift to congratte on the grand opening!" Another round of firecrackers sounded.


    Before the announcement from the master of ceremonies ended, Lin Wanrong frowned, "Why is she here?"


    Luo Yuan nced at Dong Qiaoqiao and chuckled, "Brother, you do have quite awork!"


    Dong Qiaoqiao was well aware of the fame of Qin Xian''er, the enchantress of the Qinhuai River. Seeing her brother''s awkward expression, she wondered if he had a past with Qin Xian''er. Being a young woman in the bloom of her first love, she couldn''t help but care. Her heart ached, but she forced a smile and said, "Big brother, since you''re acquainted with Miss Qin, why not invite her in quickly?"


    Seeing Qiaoqiao''s understanding, Lin Wanrong was touched and whispered in her ear, "Qiaoqiao, don''t worry, you''ll always be my favorite." Flushed with both shyness and joy, Qiaoqiao quickly lowered her head to hide her blushing face.


    However, Qin Xian''er had alreadye in apanied by Dong Qingshan and Little Lian, and Little Cui. Upon seeing Lin Wanrong, she approached and bowed, saying, "Young Master, congrattions on your grand opening."


    "You knew?" Lin Wanrong asked with a bitter smile. He hadn''t told Qin Xian''er that he owned this tavern and wondered where she had learned this.


    Qin Xian''er gave him a nce and coyly responded, "Judging by theyout and decor of this tavern, who else but you could have such talent?" Being a bewitching woman capable of captivating all, her seemingly shy and annoyed demeanor held an irresistible charm, causing the men present to be enthralled.


    Looking at Qin Xian''er''s charm, Qiaoqiao admitted to herself that she was no match for her in terms of appearance or demeanor. A sense of self-deprecation rose within her, and her eyes dimmed.


    Observant as always, Lin Wanrong noticed Qiaoqiao''s mncholy expression and hurriedly squeezed her hand, giving her aforting smile. Qiaoqiao read her big brother''s eyes and knew he wasforting and encouraging her. Her heart warmed, and she stepped forward, saying, "Are you Sister Qin? Big brother often mentions you. You''re very beautiful, Sister."


    After giving Lin Wanrong a deep look, Qin Xian''er took Qiaoqiao''s hand and said, "Little sister, you''re also very beautiful."


    Hearing the two women speak, Lin Wanrong felt a bit uneasy. Just as he was about to find an excuse to slip away, he heard the master of ceremonies outside announce, "Miss Luo Ning of Jinling is here with a golden gift, wishing a great sess on the grand opening."


    Luo Ning? Lin Wanrong didn''t recall hearing this name. As he wondered, he noticed that neither Dong Qiaoqiao, Qingshan, nor Luo Yuan seemed surprised. Could she be a friend of theirs?


    Just as he was puzzling over this, a woman entered from outside, smiling and appearing at ease. Upon closer inspection, Lin Wanrong realized it was the ''Sister Ning'' he had met before. He had not had a deep conversation with her that day, nor had he asked her name. Only now did he learn her name was Luo Ning.


    Luo Ning? Her surname was Luo? Lin Wanrong was startled, looking at Luo Yuan and asked, "This Miss Luo Ning is..."


    Luo Yuan gave a bitter smile and said, "Big brother, she''s my older sister."


    On the side, Dong Qiaoqiao saw her brother looking foolish and covered her mouth withughter, "Big brother, you''re the only one who didn''t know. Sister Ning is Jinling''s top talented woman, Luo Ning."


    Lin Wanrong smacked his forehead in realization. Qiaoqiao had mentioned that Miss Luo from the Governor''s Mansion treated her very well. It was Miss Luo who had arranged for Qiaoqiao''s studies in literature. He had never imagined that it was the same ''Sister Ning'' he had met that day.


    If Luo Ning was Luo Yuan''s sister, then wasn''t she the daughter of the Governor, known as both the most talented and most beautiful woman in Jinling? The ''Phoenix seeking its mate'' scene performed by Jinling''s top talent, Hou Yuebai, on Xuanwu Lake that day  wasn''t Luo Ning the object of it?


    Good heavens, he mused, So that''s why this girl has such an aura. It turns out she is the ''top talent of Jinling''. He had underestimated her before.


    Luo Ning approached them, looking at everyone with a smile, "What are you all chatting about so happily?"


    Dong Qiaoqiao, being her closest friend, stepped forward, took her hand, andughed, "Sister Ning, Big brother only just realized your identity and he''s still in shock."


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile, "So Miss Luo is the top talent of Jinling. I was kept in the dark for so long."


    Luo Ningughed, "That''s because big brother didn''t ask. Should I have rmended myself?"


    Qin Xian''er had long heard of this Jinling talent''s reputation, and upon seeing Luo Ning as such a beautiful and serene woman, she was somewhat surprised. She stepped forward, saying with a smile, "So this is Miss Luo, I''m pleased to make your acquaintance."


    Luo Ning, having long heard of Qin Xian''er, was surprised, "You''re Miss Xian''er? Your talents far surpass mine. I''m truly in awe. I''ll have to learn from you in the future."


    Listening to their ceaseless discussion about teaching and learning, Lin Wanrong started to get a headache. Couldn''t they just stand there, chat about perfume or fashion? Why did they have to talk about poetry, song, chess, calligraphy, and painting?


    Seeing the three women gathered together, each stunning and radiant in their own way, he dared not linger any longer. He walked outside with Qingshan and Luo Yuan.


    "Governor of Jiangsu, Luo Min, presents a golden gift..." The announcer''s trembling shout brought Lin Wanrong to a halt.


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 Chapter 103

    Chapter 103


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    Chapter 103 Doubts


    Governor Luo Min? Wasn''t that Little Luo''s father? Lin Wanrong was friends with Little Luo, but even if he cared deeply for his son, there was no need for him to curry favor with Lin Wanrong like this. It was strange indeed.


    Looking at Luo Yuan and Luo Ning, they too seemed dumbfounded, clearly not expecting their father to make such a move. Luo Yuan managed a sheepish smile, saying, "Big brother, I have no idea what''s going on either. When you meet my father one day, you can ask him yourself."


    A knot formed in Lin Wanrong''s heart. He had a premonition that this Governor Luo Min was not a simple character.


    Dong Qingshan and others stepped out to wee the guests, but the one who entered was a skinny, sharp-eyed secretary, not Governor Luo Min himself. The secretary bowed to Luo Yuan and Luo Ning, saying, "Greetings, Young Master. Greetings, Miss."


    Luo Yuan nodded and smiled, saying, "Uncle Liu, did Father send you here specifically to deliver the que? This is the host of this ce, Young Master Lin."


    Lin Wanrong was startled. In front of outsiders, the owner of the restaurant was always known to be Old Dong. Today, Luo Yuan pushed him into the spotlight, clearly indicating something significant. Had Luo Min already figured out that he was the true owner of the restaurant? How did Luo Min get to know him? Why did he value him so much? Lin San was just a small servant of the Xiao family. Luo Min, a prominent governor, was showing an unusual amount of favor towards a mere restaurant owner, and it couldn''t be simply because of his friendship with his son Luo Yan. There must be other reasons.


    As Lin Wanrong''s thoughts raced, he nced at Luo Yuan. Although Luo Yuan seemed a bit confused as well, he was not as surprised as Lin. Suddenly, a thought struck Lin Wanrong. Little Luo was definitely hiding something from him.


    Secretary Liu approached Lin Wanrong, smiling and bowing, "Congrattions, Young Master Lin. My master instructed me before leaving to personally convey his congrattions. Due to his position, it''s inconvenient for him to be here personally, so this is the only way he can express his sentiments. I hope you don''t mind."


    Hearing Secretary Liu''s ttery, Lin Wanrong''s confusion deepened. Luo Min was the top official in Jiangsu, a powerful figure whose slightest movement could shake the region. But why did he value Lin Wanrong so much? ording to Secretary Liu, if not for officialdom etiquette, Luo Min would even personally congratte Lin Wanrong. Good heavens, a visit from the governor was no small matter. What was Old Luo up to?


    Lin Wanrong''s head started to spin. There must be hidden reasons unknown to him. If it was rted to politics, things could be reallyplicated. Despite his racing thoughts, Lin Wanrong, being a shrewd man, quickly responded, "Secretary Liu, you''re too kind. Today, thanks to your master''s magnanimity, our humble establishment is graced with such honor. We are ttered by Governor Luo''s regard and couldn''t be happier. Please convey to your master that I am deeply grateful for his generous gesture."


    Secretary Liu''s eyes were filled with deep meaning. Any ordinary person, given a que by the Governor of Jiangsu, would immediately express their gratitude and willingness to serve. But this Lin San merely expressed his thanks, highlighting his uniqueness and high degree of alertness.


    Lin Wanrong held his own concerns. Until he understood Luo Min''s true intentions, he dared not pledge servitude. Politics was a tricky field. Once entangled in it, one could find themselves in peril without even knowing why. Caution was necessary.


    Although Luo Min had sent a secretary with the que, the presence of a governor''s gift elevated the status of the restaurant significantly. Luo Min''s sentiment was indeed not a light one.


    What followed was a parade of friends specially invited by Luo Yuan and Old Dong, along with some neighbors who came to offer their congrattions.


    Seeing Luo Yuan''s genuine concern for the restaurant, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. This Little Luo, like his father, was no ordinary person. Pulling Luo Yuan aside, he asked directly, "Little Luo, did your father tell you something?"


    Luo Yuan nodded, "Big brother, my father told me to get close to you. He said you''re extraordinary and destined to soar high. He asked me to follow you closely."


    "Did he mention anything else?" Lin Wanrong asked with a frown. What was this Old Luo ying at?


    Luo Yuan managed a bitter smile, "Big brother, my father doesn''t allow me to meddle in political affairs. He always speaks in half-truths. I can only act ording to his words. Besides, I''ve seen your capabilities with my own eyes. Following you can''t be wrong."


    Lin Wanrong sighed. So that''s why Little Luo agreed so readily to join Hung Hing that day. It turned out Old Luo had given instructions beforehand. Damn, and here I thought I had some irresistible charm.


    "And today, your family gave three ques. What''s that about?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, deciding not to dwell on the puzzling matters. It would only strain his brain.


    Seeing that Lin Wanrong wasn''t ming him, Luo Yuan happily exined, "Big brother, you don''t know our family situation. Although we''re just a family of three, we''re split into three factions: one for my father, one for me, and another for my sister. Each of us does our own thing without interference. You''re my big brother, my sister''s friend, and a person my father respects. It''s normal for us to give you ques separately. Besides, my father is very open-minded and never interferes in my sister''s and my affairs. Otherwise, do you think I could so easily visit brothels?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. Old Luo was indeed interesting. In an era of strict education, Luo Min practiced a free-range parenting style, and his children turned out to be quitepetent. No wonder Luo Yuan, a young master, could wander outside all day and Luo Ning, the youngdy, could enjoy such freedom. Lin Wanrong was growing increasingly interested in this Old Luo.


    After a little more conversation, seeing that the auspicious time had arrived, Lin Wanrong nodded at Dong Qingshan, who immediately went to make the arrangements.


    The crowd waiting outside the restaurant grew restless until, with a ng of a gong, the doors behind the stage opened. A bright-eyed young man of about eighteen or neen stepped forward. He sped his hands in greeting to the crowd, "Friends, esteemed elders, and fellow vigers, hello. Today marks the grand opening of our restaurant, Food for Immortals.'' To express our gratitude for your generous support, we''ve designed the best promotional policy to wee your patronage. Within this month, anyone who spends ten taels of silver at our establishment will receive a voucher worth two taels. This voucher cannot be used as cash but can be used for any purchase within the restaurant. If you umte a hundred taels of expenses within the month, you''ll receive a VIP card from us. With this card, you can enjoy a 20% discount at our restaurant. Moreover, we also have a plethora of discount coupons, with which you can enjoy our meal sets at a discounted price..."


    The young man spoke eloquently, and the staff of Food for Immortals'' had already posted various promotional signs around the ce. These enticing offers, such as spending ten taels to get two taels back and various coupon-rted promotions, immediately sent the crowd into a frenzy.


    "Young Master, this is another one of your arrangements, isn''t it?" Qin Xian''er asked, looking at the excited crowd with a smile.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I''m just making a small fortune. Miss Xian''er, there''s no need to expose me."


    Luo Ningughed lightly, "Big brother, I don''t know how youe up with these ideas. They''re quite amusing. And the best part is, people don''t even realize they''re being tricked."


    Luo Yuan was still puzzled, "How is this tricking people?"


    Luo Ning looked at her younger brother with amusement, "Take the promotion of spending ten taels to get a two-tael voucher. If one fully utilizes it, they''re essentially using ten taels to buy twelve taels worth of goods, all of which are spent in the store. It''s barely a 10% discount, yet everyone thinks they''ve gained an extra two taels for nothing. And the meal sets are even more cunning. A tea egg, a bowl of Yangchun noodles, and a portion of stewed beef, sold separately, would each cost four maces of silver. With the discount coupon, they total up to just one tael of silver [1 mace = 1/10 tael]. It seems like a bargain, but it''s not. Those who originally only wanted to eat the noodles will end up spending more to get the beef and tea egg just for the discount. Isn''t this cunning?"


    Upon hearing this, Luo Yuan had an epiphany and gave Lin Wanrong a thumbs up, "Big brother, you''re really something."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Miss Luo Ning, if you were to go into business, I''m sure you''d be an even more cunning merchant than me."


    Luo Ning blushed and said nothing.


    By this time, people had started to enter the restaurant, eager to take advantage of the discounts. The power of example was infinite. Seeing others clutching their discount coupons and buying "bargain" items, the crowd surged forward.


    There were still quite a few people gathered in front of the stage. Judging from their attire, most of them were schrs with a somewhat lofty demeanor, not stooping to rush into the fray for discounted items like the others.


    The young man on the stage was carefully chosen by Lin Wanrong from among the hundreds of brothers in Hung Hing, as instructed by Dong Qingshan. He was a quick-witted and eloquent brother, much like a DJ in a bar.


    The young man sped his hands and said, "To express our gratitude for the generous love you''ve shown our establishment, we have specially invited two talented singers from Miaoyu Pavilion, Miss Lian and Miss Cui. They will perform a new song ''West Chamber''posed by Miss Qin Xian''er."


    The mention of Miaoyu Pavilion and Qin Xian''er was enough to pique the interest of these schrs, who were all men of the world. Upon hearing these names, they cheered loudly.


    Little Cui and Little Lian, one in a purple-red long skirt and the other in a light yellow shirt, took dainty steps and slowly walked onto the stage. Though young, these two girls were already bing attractive, with a touch of coquettish charm. They held hands and bowed to the audience, eliciting a wave of apuse.


    With a gentle strum of the strings, the musicians brought over by Qin Xian''er from Miaoyu Pavilion, who had been rehearsing ''West Chamber'' for a while, started to y.


    "Passing the West Chamber, a fragrant scent fills the air. Thedy next door is still in the midst of flowers" Little Lian, holding Little Cui''s hand, swayed gently from side to side in time with the rhythm. As the singing began, there was a sense of surprise among the crowd. The melody was fresh, catchy, and different from the usual tunes. Moreover, the girl''s natural swaying, devoid of any coquettish affectations, and the lively tune made people want to sway along.


    By the time the girls reached the rap-like part of the song, the crowd fell silent. This half-spoken, half-sung melody was so novel that it was hard for people to ept, yet it was so catchy that they couldn''t resist learning it even if they wanted to.


    "I passed the West Chamber again, a daydream from twelve years ago, writing about you and me back then, a tune with the lyrics of a poem"


    The two girls hand in hand, walking and singing on the stage, had quickly whipped the atmosphere into a frenzy. The literati downstairs prided themselves on their elegance, yet they had never seen such a fresh and natural performance. Unable to voice their admiration, they could only express their appreciation through enthusiastic apuse.


    Among the spectators upstairs, Lin Wanrong was the most nervous. To be honest, he wasn''t entirely sure whether this R&B-style song would be epted in this era. But Qin Xian''er was the expert here. She was confident that this tune would cause a sensation and had made many improvements to the arrangement, leading to the excellent effect seen today.


    Seeing Qin Xian''er smiling at him, seemingly asking for his opinion, Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs up. Qin Xian''er covered her mouth and giggled, nced at him, and fell silent.


    The schrs'' excitement had been fully stirred. Upon hearing that the fourth and fifth stories of this restaurant, known as "Wealth and Talent," would wee anyone who could solve a couplet onto the premises to enjoy VIP treatment, beyond just the rich and powerful, these self-confident men of letters became somewhat tempted.


    Seeing the crowd''s growing excitement, the "DJ" dropped his final bombshell at the right moment: "I have some good news for everyone. Today, the couplets for ''Wealth and Talent'' will be revealed by none other than Jinling''s number one talented female, Miss Luo Ning."


    A collective gasp ran through the crowd. Having heard of this, the aspiring schrs surged toward the building like a wave. The idea of having Jinling''s top female schr reveal the couplets wasn''t Lin Wanrong''s, he asked with a smile, "This idea is good, very interesting, Qiaoqiao. Was it your idea?"


    Qiaoqiao smiled and replied, "Big brother, I learned from you."


    Lin Wanrong roared withughter. Ah, this Qiaoqiao truly knew him inside and out. He pulled Qiaoqiao into his arms, looking at her blushing face, he wished he could nt a big kiss on it.


    Luo Ning''s appearance attracted everyone''s attention. She smiled and gave a slight bow to the crowd, picked up the festive pole, and revealed each of the four upper couplets.


    Seeing everyone deep in thought, Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Alright, our grand opening is a great sess. Today, as the owner, I invite everyone to enjoy a banquet. Here''s to our restaurant thriving and prospering."


    Launching such a grand opening in this era was indeed sensational. The promotional tactics employed by Lin Wanrong had spread throughout the city of Jinling in a matter of days, especially the four peerless couplets of "Wealth and Talent," which had caught the eye of all the schrs in the city.


    As a result, all of Jinling knew about the newly opened restaurant called "Food for Immortals," with its fresh ambiance and elegant style. Even the governor had personally inscribed a que, and the unveiling had been done by the top female schr of Jinling, drawing a crowd of literati and poets.


    The restaurant was bound to do well. After three days of operation, the gross profit astonishingly reached a thousand taels of silver.


    However, at this point, Lin Wanrong had no time to manage the restaurant because the perfume workshop had beenpletely renovated and was about to produce the first batch of test products.


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 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104


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    Chapter 104 Ingenious Ideas


    The pressed rose and trifoliate (Sanhuacao) juices had been purified and filtered for two days, leaving no residue behind. Just then, they were mixed ording to the form for a light fragrance, creating a perfume essence.


    A worker gently turned the wind wheel, slowly pressing the filtered perfume essence into a bamboo tube. Another worker added alcohol through the tube, while a third one added water. Lin Wanrong watched the liquid flowing slowly in the bamboo tube with a tight focus, his palms sweaty with tension. He grabbed Fubo''s arm and asked, "Fubo, you''ve tested this, haven''t you? There''s no problem with this bamboo tube, right?"


    Changbo responded confidently, "Lin San, rest assured, with my years of experience in woodworking, this bamboo pipeline structure is stable. It can easilyst for three to five years."


    When the three solutions mixed in arge container, gradually turning a lighter shade, Lin Wanrong finally let out a long sigh of relief. The fresh fragrance wafting in the air said it all - the first batch of perfume had been sessfully produced.


    Lin Wanrong had already purchased a batch of small ss bottles through the Xiao family, at a considerable discount, of course.


    The perfume was incredibly precious, worth its weight in gold. There were no automatic filling machines in this era, so they had to rely on funnels for manual bottling. Although this was less efficient, it could meet the demand.


    The first batch of perfume filled more than three hundred bottles. Lin Wanrong was very satisfied with the ratio and was about to meet Eldest Miss Xiao, when a maid arrived to report that the Eldest Miss urgently needed him.


    Upon reaching the location, he found the room empty. In a hurry, Lin Wanrong asked the maid, "Sister Xiao Tao, where is the Eldest Miss?"


    Xiao Tao replied, "The Eldest Miss instructed that you wait for her here, Brother Lin."


    As Lin Wanrong sat in the room, just when he was starting to feel bored, a soft noise echoed as the door was pushed open, and a woman walked in from outside. He looked up and was taken aback.


    The woman in front of him was Xiao Yuruo. What surprised Lin Wanrong was her attire. She was wearing a dress Lin Wanrong was very familiar witha cheongsam.


    With her hair coiled high, her slender shoulders, and a long lotus-colored cheongsam tightly wrapped around Xiao Yuruo''s body, her curvy figure, slender waist, and long legs sketched out an exquisite silhouette. Her graceful steps only added to her charm. The beauty of a woman was fully disyed.


    At the high slit of the cheongsam, Miss Xiao had made some modifications. It only extended to the bend of her calf, and she wore a pair of light yellow thin trousers underneath, implying more than revealing, which better fit the aesthetic taste of this era.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, thinking to himself, Goodness, this headstrong girl really does have a certain aura in this cheongsam. I wonder what Madam Xiao would look like in this dress.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s gaze fixed on her, Xiao Yuruo felt quite shy and quickly asked, "Lin San, is the cheongsam supposed to look like this? How do I look in it?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded andughed, "Miss, you look absolutely stunning in this cheongsam."


    Xiao Yuruo snorted, but her face showed a hint of surprise, "I consulted with my mother for a long time before making this cheongsam. I wonder if it''s as good as the ones you''ve seen?"


    Lin Wanrong said, "Cultural customs differ from ce to ce, soparisons aren''t meaningful. However, it''s undeniable that this robe is very suitable for the women of our Great Hua."


    Hearing his praise, Xiao Yuruo breathed a sigh of relief. This cheongsam was something only Lin Wanrong had seen before. After making it, the youngdy had to show it to him first, despite her reluctance.


    Lin Wanrong''s gaze shifted downwards, noticing that the shoes she wore were not the usual embroidered ones. They were significantly taller than the average women''s shoes. The youngdy''s face flushed as she said, "After making this cheongsam, I felt good wearing it. But my shoes seemed too short, so I made a pair of taller ones. I''m not sure if it''s appropriate?"


    Lin Wanrong pped his forehead, realizing he had overlooked the fact that the cheongsam should be paired with high heels to better showcase the figure. He gave her a thumbs up and said, "Miss, your attention to detail is admirable. You''re right, the cheongsam does look better with high heels."


    The youngdy hummed to herself. It was the first time she''d heard him praise her in all this time. She felt a surge of pride, and her smile brightened.


    Since the cheongsam was done, had the undergarments also beenpleted? Lin Wanrong looked at the youngdy in puzzlement, hoping to glean some hint from her. The youngdy blushed and snapped, "What are you looking at with those thieving eyes?"


    Lin Wanrong asked, "Now that this cheongsam is done, have the undergarments taken shape?"


    Her face reddened, she lowered her head and said softly, "It''s none of your business..."


    Seeing her extreme shyness, Lin Wanrong was puzzled. But noticing the rise of her chest, he suddenly understood and couldn''t help but feel amused. He thought, So that''s why she appears so shapely today. She''s using the new product. The bra needs a structure for support, I wonder what this youngdy has thought of. From the outside, the effect seems to be not bad. Women indeed have a natural talent in this area. I, a half-baked designer of women''s underwear, should step aside.


    Seeing theughter in his eyes, the youngdy knew he had figured it out. She felt both embarrassed and angry, thinking it was infuriating to be sopromised in front of this man. Sheposed herself and said, "Lin San, I asked you here today to discuss something. Now that we have made the cheongsam and the undergarments, how do we promote them? Going door-to-door seems too cumbersome. Do you have any ideas?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned and said, "That can be easily managed, it just depends on whether you have the courage, Miss."


    Xiao Yuruo was taken aback and asked, "What does this have to do with courage? Tell me, what are your ideas?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a mysterious smile and said, "Promoting this isn''t difficult, Miss. You should have some connections with thedies and young misses of this city."


    Xiao Yuruo replied, "Of course. My family has been doing business for many years, so we have extensive connections in this city."


    "In that case, it''s easy. Miss, you could find a free moment, gather thesedies and young misses, and hold a small fashion show," Lin Wanrong suggested with a smile.


    "A fashion show? What''s that?" the Eldest Miss asked in surprise.


    "A fashion show is simply a disy of the new clothes you''ve made, worn by real people for thedies to inspect. For example, you could find some well-shaped women to model the cheongsam and walk around, and for the undergarments, you could find some fuller women to showcase them," he exined.


    Lin Wanrong''s idea was novel, and the Eldest Miss blushed slightly, saying, "Your idea is quite innovative. The cheongsam is fine, but for the undergarments, where do we find real people to model them? Wouldn''t that be too embarrassing?"


    Lin Wanrong seriously replied, "Miss, you''re mistaken. All thedies you''re inviting are women, and only women can participate in this fashion show. It''s not embarrassing to discuss body-rted topics among women. As for finding models, it''s not difficult. You could choose some well-shaped girls from the Qinhuai River, pay them a little extra, and have them wear masks during the show to conceal their identities. Since they''ll be facing only women, I think they won''t refuse."


    Lin Wanrong was secretly sweating. If this were sessful, the first underwear models in the world would be the girls from the Qinhuai River. What a great victory that would be!


    The Eldest Miss pondered for a while. As a businesswoman, although her mindset was conservative like others of her time, she did have a certain degree of open-mindedness. Lin San''s idea made sense. All the attendees would be women, which wouldn''t harm their dignity, and as courtesans, they should be amenable to the idea with additional payment.


    However, the thought of approaching these courtesans herself was daunting for ady of her status. She nced at Lin San, noticing his confident demeanor, and thought that this scoundrel seemed rather familiar with such ces, so it might be best to leave this task to him.


    Noticing the youngdy''s thoughtful look, Lin Wanrong felt a sense of unease. He had gotten himself entangled in this. He hurriedly said, "Considering your status, Miss, it might not be appropriate for you to go to the brothel to find women. I believe there is someone who can handle this."


    "Who?" The Eldest Miss quickly asked.


    "Your cousin, Guo Wuchang," Lin Wanrong replied, silently praying to Buddha. Young Master Guo, you''ve benefited so much from me; it''s time for you to help out.


    "My cousin?" The Eldest Miss frowned.


    "Yes," Lin Wanrong confirmed. "Your cousin has some connections with Qin Xian''er. It wouldn''t be difficult for him to find some well-shaped women through her."


    This wasn''t because Lin Wanrong wanted to shirk his responsibilities; it was just that he had been busy making perfume and developing his third venture, the Food for Immortals restaurant. Where would he find the time to personally look for models? Besides, Guo Wuchang was naturally inclined towards brothels, so this task was perfectly suited to his tastes.


    The Eldest Miss knew very well what kind of person her cousin was. She didn''t believe that Qin Xian''er would take a liking to Guo Wuchang. Seeing Lin San''s mischievous grin, she couldn''t help but scoff, "Are you trying to tarnish my cousin''s reputation with your scheme?"


    Ah, was Guo Wuchang''s reputation something he needed to tarnish? Everyone near the Qinhuai River knew about this unpredictable young master. It was only this Eldest Miss who thought her cousin was such a noble person. Of course, Lin Wanrong wouldn''t voice these thoughts out loud. He chuckled and said, "Although the young master doesn''t enjoy reading or learning, he has a keen eye for people. I don''t think there will be any problems with him choosing a few women from the brothel."


    There weren''t any suitable men in the Xiao family who could take on this task. While the man before her was somewhatpetent, he was as slippery as an eel. If he said her cousin could handle it, then she would let her cousin do it, hoping he wouldn''t disappoint her. Xiao Yuruo sighed softly and nodded her agreement.


    Seeing her mncholy, Lin Wanrong could guess some of her thoughts. He didn''t want to dwell on the matter any longer, so he took out the perfume from his pocket and said, "Miss, this is the first batch of rose perfume I''ve produced. You can promote it alongside the cheongsam and undergarments. I guarantee you''ll be incredibly popr and sessful."


    Xiao Yuruo took the perfume, her heart filled with joy. She sniffed it, inhaling deeply, and asked with anticipation, "Lin San, can you give me this bottle?"


    Lin Wanrong paused before replying, "We will be making a lot more of this perfume in the future. I can give you as much as you want. But this one is a strong scent. Do you like it?"


    Hearing his agreement, the Eldess Miss nodded joyfully, "I like stronger scents, and so does my mother."


    Even Madam Xiao liked strong scents? ording to the rule of understanding women through their choice of perfume, women who liked strong scents... Lin Wanrong didn''t dare to continue his thought. This was too stimting. He chuckled, his mind filled with naughty thoughts that he couldn''t get rid of.


    Seeing the odd smile on his face, as if he could see right through her, Xiao Yuruo suddenly felt shy. Suppressing her embarrassment, she said, "Lin San, go and find my cousin. I will discuss this matter with him."


    Hearing that his cousin wanted him to visit the brothels, Guo Wuchang was so scared he nearly wet himself. He quickly said, "Cousin, as you know, I am a schr who only knows how topose poetry. I''ve only met Miss Qin Xian''er a few times. I have no connection with the brothels at all."


    Lin Wanrong struggled to suppress hisughter. The face of this young master Guo truly knew no shame.


    Xiao Yuruo said, "Cousin, you''ve misunderstood. I want you to find some pleasant-looking and charismatic women and invite them to the inn in town. Then I will talk to them." Xiao Yuruo had thought everything through. It would be disgraceful to invite the women from the brothels directly to the Xiao household, so meeting at the inn was a much more convenient alternative.


    "Yes, indeed." Lin Wanrong said in a solemn voice, "Young master, you are a proper schr. We all know that. The Eldest Miss just wants to invite a few girls to help out. She believes you are the most trustworthy person in our Xiao family, so she has asked you to do this. I believe, considering your rtionship with Miss Qin, these tasks shouldn''t be too difficult."


    Young Master Guo was unaware that Lin San was in a rtionship with Qin Xian''er. Seeing that Lin San was speaking in this manner and considering his cousin''s request, he had no choice but to say, "If that''s the case, I will go. However, I''m not familiar with the brothels. If anything goes wrong, cousin, you mustn''t me me."


    Xiao Yuruo gently nodded. Lin Wanrong gave the young master a meaningful nce and smiled, "I''ve heard that there''s a woman named Dong Mei at Miaoyu Pavilion. She is said to be quite attractive. Young master, you might want to consider visiting her."


    The young master was secretly pleased to hear this, though he maintained a serious expression, "Hmm, I will have to see for myself."


    Seeing that everything was arranged, the young master took on his task and left with a sense of purpose. Just as Lin Wanrong was about to leave, he heard the Eldest Miss say, "Lin San, wait a moment."


    She took out a small booklet from her bosom, looked at Lin Wanrong, and said with a teasing smile, "Do you recognize this?"


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 Chapter 105

    Chapter 105


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    Chapter 105 Reunion with Yushuang


    Lin Wanrong nced down and recognized the item in her hand; it was the original copy of the third-page magazine, the very first thing he had sold to earn his gold in this world. Xiao Yushuang had taken it once, and now, somehow, it had fallen into this Eldest Miss'' hands.


    Why had she suddenly brought up this subject? Could Xiao Yushuang have told her? Lin Wanrong had a certain degree of trust in Xiao Yushuang. That girl was far more obedient than her sister; it couldn''t have been her who divulged this.


    Curious indeed, Lin Wanrong mused, wondering how she hade to associate him with this matter.


    His rtionship with this Eldest Miss wasrgely confrontational, and their encounters were often filled with arguments. If she knew that he had profited five thousand taels of silver by selling her portrait, who could predict what chaos would ensue?


    "What''s this? Oh, isn''t this a picture of the Eldest Miss? But it''s not as beautiful as the real person. Could it be a picture from her underage years? Remarkable! I had no idea that the Eldest Miss was so stunning in her youth." Lin Wanrong epted the booklet and chattered nonsense.


    Xiao Yuruo watched him put on his act, thinking, You underestimate me. Your unique style of painting cannot be easily imitated. Despite peeling back your disguise, you still remain dishonest.


    She smiled and said, "I don''t know who this thief is, learning half of someone else''s painting style and creating this picture book to nder me. If I find out, I certainly won''t let him off easily."


    "Yes, yes, he shouldn''t be let off lightly," Lin Wanrong agreed. Both of them had their own ulterior motives, and their words were full of implications. Yet, they both pretended ignorance, creating an eerily strange atmosphere.


    The Eldest Missughed, "I heard that this little book sold for ten taels of silver each. Since he used me in it, I should be entitled to eight taels per copy. It wouldn''t be unreasonable. I''d better not find him, or I''ll certainly demand my silver."


    Damn, the Eldest Miss Xiao even had someone investigate this. It seemed she was prepared. Now, she was clearly chastising him indirectly. Damn it, he couldn''t even admit it. Lin Wanrongughed hollowly, "Eldest Miss, with your wealth, you surely wouldn''t be bothered by such a trivial sum. Besides, once the lingerie and perfume businesses take off, they''ll easily make up for this minor loss."


    What he meant was, don''t hold onto this matter so tightly. The profits from the lingerie and perfume businesses he had created for her were countless timesrger than this little booklet.


    The Eldest Miss'' lips curled into a smile. She had sparred with this rogue for many days, yet today was the first time she had scored such a victory. Naturally, she felt a great sense of satisfaction. Seeing Lin Wanrong''s difort only added to her joy. A hint of color rose in her cheeks as she gazed at him with interest, "Lin San, to be honest, this little book is quite unique, unlike anything I''ve seen before. I''d actually like to meet this cheeky thief with so many ideas."


    Biting his lip, Lin Wanrong responded, "There will be such a day. Maybe he''s also thinking about meeting you."


    The Eldest Miss could no longer hold back herughter, and she bent over, chuckling delightfully. Her heart was filled with unparalleled satisfaction. She thought, Let''s see how this rogue will bully me again, leaving me constantly off bnce; I''m not so easy to provoke.


    Strangely enough, the more she interacted with Lin San, the more she despised him. Sometimes she even ground her teeth in her sleep over him, yet daily banter with him was what eased her spirit. It was indeed peculiar.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s diposed face, Xiao Yuruo''s lips curved into a smile. She opened another small package she had brought with her and pulled out a shirt, saying, "This is for you."


    "What''s this?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was the shirt that Xiao Yuruo had washed for him on the day she visited him thrice. The Eldest Miss had taken it away, and he hadn''t expected her to remember this.


    "Thank you," Lin Wanrongughed, epting the shirt. After inspecting it, he furrowed his brows, "Eldest Miss, your maids seem to be cking off."


    "What happened?" Xiao Yuruo asked, puzzled.


    "Look at this. The shirt isn''t fully clean in several ces. If that''s not cking off, what is it?" Lin Wanrong said with augh.


    Xiao Yuruo looked and indeed, several dirty spots hadn''t been cleaned off. She felt a rush of heat to her face, ring at him in annoyance, "I''ve already washed it. Where did you get all these demands from? I promised to wash this shirt and give it back to you, and I''ve done that. At least, I haven''t broken my word."


    Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs up, "Indeed, Eldest Miss, you are a woman of your word. I''m truly impressed. I''ll just make do with this then. After all, it''s bound to get dirty, so a couple more spots don''t matter."


    With a rustle, the Eldest Miss, in her irritation, flung the little booklet at him. Lin Wanrong,ughing, dodged it and exited the room.


    The Eldest Miss sat there dazed for a moment, then picked up the booklet, gently brushing off the dust. As she looked at the familiar face on the cover, she huffed softly. Despite herself, a smile broke onto her face. Half annoyed, half amused, she found her feelings at that moment perplexing, even to herself.


    In the following days, Lin Wanrong was as busy as a pack mule. The perfume workshop had added two more production lines, specializing in jasmine and orchid perfumes, all of which required his personal adjustment before production.


    "Food for Immortals" had been swamped with business since its opening, and they were desperately understaffed. With the Xiao family''s help in managing the perfume business, managing the restaurant was like taking care of his own child. Seeing how hard Qiaoqiao worked untilte at night every day, Lin Wanrong felt a heartache like no other.


    Whenever he had free time, he would help Qiaoqiao. He didn''t even have time to chat with Xiao Qingxuan anymore. Xiao Qingxuan waited for him daily, and aside from a silent sigh, she expressed nothing. As for Qin Xian''er, despite her several attempts to arrange a meeting, he never seemed to find the time.


    Lin Wanrong exhausted all his tricks: special feasts, wild game dinners, whole fish banquets, each aimed at different sses of diners at Food for Immortals. He brought forth every promotional strategy from his past life: limited time half-price sales, VIP cards, tinum VIP cards, endless promotions popping up every other day, enough to dazzle anyone. The song "West Chamber" drew criticism from some but much more praise from others. With the two girls, Little Lian and Little Cui, performing on stage for several days, the ambiance of the restaurant was greatly enhanced. Plus, the four unprecedented, unmatched couplets that remained unsolved. For a time, Food for Immortals was unrivaled in prestige, with daily ie surpassing a thousand taels, and a profit of around four to five hundred taels. It had truly be a golden goose.


    As the saying goes, "People fear fame as pigs fear fatness." Lin Wanrong knew this deeply. Food for Immortals was so well-known it was bound to draw envy. Although they had Luo Min''s endorsement and Hung Hing''s secret protection, they had to stay cautious. The ordinary person wouldn''t dare cause trouble, but hidden threats were harder to guard against. Not to mention the increasingly restless ck Dragon Association, he warned Dong Qingshan and Luo Yuan to never let their guard down.


    Seeing the daily ie, Old Dong was eager to repay the remaining debt to Boss Wang. Lin Wanrong neither agreed nor disagreed, instead asking Dong Qiaoqiao, "Qiaoqiao, what do you think about this matter?"


    With the business growingrger and the perfume venture about to start, Lin Wanrong couldn''t stay here all the time. Qiaoqiao was smart and capable. Although she was gentle and considerate around him, she was also shrewd andpetent. Lin Wanrong was keen to cultivate Qiaoqiao into a woman even more outstanding than Xiao Yuruo.


    Qiaoqiao thought for a moment and said, "Dad, I don''t think we should pay back the money just yet."


    Seeing her big brother smiling encouragingly at her, Qiaoqiao became even more confident about her thoughts. "Although we have some cash on hand now, our cash flow isrge. Part of it needs to be used for operational costs. Moreover, we shouldn''t getcent because of our current sess. Now that Food for Immortals has some reputation in Jinling City, I think we should consider using this fame to set up a branch?"


    A smile shed in Lin Wanrong''s heart. This girl truly had the makings of a strong woman. He nodded and said with augh, "Go on, Qiaoqiao. Uncle Dong, let''s listen to Qiaoqiao''s opinion before we decide."


    Qiaoqiao smiled at Lin Wanrong, a soft light flickering in her eyes, "We have a good reputation in the city now. Also, with the endorsement from the governor, if we n to open a branch, we would have the upper hand in terms of location and price. The cash we have on hand could be put to good use. If we repay Boss Wang now, not only will he lose interest ie, but we''ll also lose a chance to expand."


    This girl, she really had some ability, Lin Wanrong thought to himself. Developers in his previous life umted their capital by leveraging loans. He hadn''t expected Qiaoqiao to grasp that concept. He wanted to test her further, and with a slight frown, he asked, "Qiaoqiao, you make some valid points. But have you considered that we have just found our footing, and we''re already nning to expand. Isn''t that a bit hasty?"


    Seeing her big brother''s furrowed brows, Qiaoqiao panicked. After pondering over her words, she realized they indeed had the risk of expanding too quickly. Her face flushed, and she quickly said, "Big brother, I didn''t consider it thoroughly."


    Knowing that Qiaoqiao was overly concerned about him, which led to her panic, he shook his head and said with a smile, "Qiaoqiao, I asked you that question on purpose. You must trust yourself. I have never met a girl as smart as you."


    Her face turned red, but her heart felt sweet. She nced at him, her deep affection evident without words.


    "Your expansion n is actually feasible. We can start selecting locations and negotiating prices. If we can''t agree on the price, we can wait; we have time. Once the price is agreed upon, we can buy it for storage, what ismonly referred to asnd banking. Even if we don''t build a restaurant, we can start other businesses. Worstes to worst, we can resell thend and earn the price difference, which is better than letting the money rot in our hands."


    This was the so-callednd spection. Although this concept didn''t exist in this era, once a good location was chosen, it couldn''t possibly make a loss. Food for Immortals was a good example. Compared to the original restaurant, its value had increased by at least forty percent.


    Qiaoqiao''s eyes lit up. She had been regretting a bit earlier, but now she felt more joyous hearing her big brother support her and offering many perspectives she hadn''t thought of. She felt even more enamored with him, marveling at his insight and knowledge.


    "Qiaoqiao, don''t underestimate yourself, nor doubt your abilities. Whatever you want to do, you can do well. Big brother will always support you."


    "Big brother" Qiaoqiao, moved, tightly grasped Lin Wanrong''s hand. If her father hadn''t been present, she would have thrown herself into his arms already.


    Ahem, Old Dong feigned a cough to interrupt the two, seeing that his daughter hadpletely turned into someone else''s housewife. He sighed, "Once a girl grows up, she doesn''t belong to her father anymore. I won''t meddle anymore. But, Little Lin, when are you going to settle things with Qiaoqiao? This girl is so stubborn; she''ll never speak up if you don''t."


    "Dad" Dong Qiaoqiao called out, her cheeks flushed, lowering her head and said softly, "Big brother still has things to deal with right now, Qiaoqiao is not in a rush."


    The matter wasn''t settled yet? Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Initially, he had agreed to Uncle Wei''s proposition to go to the Xiao family simply in a yful spirit. Who would have thought that he''d indeed be entangled in the affairs of the Xiao family, and was now supposed to help them establish a business. Could it really be a twist of fate? As an educated modern man, he didn''t want to believe in the idea of destiny, but how else could he exin the current situation?


    "Big brother, big brother, what''s the matter?" Qiaoqiao anxiously gripped his arm, causing him to snap out of his thoughts. He noticed that Old Dong had already left, and only Qiaoqiao stood in front of him, tears welling in her eyes. "Big brother, are you unhappy about something? You must tell Qiaoqiao. I can''t bear to see you upset."


    "You silly girl," Lin Wanrong gently pinched her nose, "As long as you are by my side every day, there''s nothing that can make me unhappy."


    Qiaoqiao softly responded with a nod, tears in her eyes, and shyly buried her head in his chest.


    He truly wished to devour this adorable girl, Qiaoqiao, but seeing her tirelessly bustling about every day, he felt somewhat ignoble for such thoughts. Qiaoqiao was content with just a few moments in his arms each day, how could he take advantage of her? He stillcked enough shamelessness, and needed to cultivate more.


    One day, he returned to the Xiao residence quitete and ran into a maid in the garden, "Brother Lin, you''re finally back. Miss Qin Xian''er sent several notes today. It seems like she has some urgent business with you. She insisted that we give you the note as soon as you returned."


    Only then did Lin Wanrong remember that Qiaoqiao had mentioned at Food for Immortals today that Qin Xian''er had been trying to find him several times but was unsessful. What could be so urgent?


    Lin Wanrong had just received the note and hadn''t even gotten a chance to read it when he saw a delicate figure standing in the middle of the garden. Her gaunt face appeared particrly pale under the moonlight.


    "Second Miss?" Lin Wanrong was immediately taken aback.


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 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106


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    Chapter 106 Deep Affection


    Xiao Yushuang seemed oblivious to his presence, her vacant gaze transfixed by the moonlit horizon. Her mncholic demeanor was pitifully endearing.


    Lin Wanrong hastily addressed the maid at her side, "What has happened to Second Miss?"


    The maid shook her head, "I''m not sure. A few days ago, on the same day when the Eldest Miss gathered the managers for a meeting, Second Miss seemed to have been through something. She appeared pale and worn out. Later, the Madam and the Eldest Miss sent her to her uncle''s house in Suzhou. She just returned today."


    Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong exhaled softly. Since that day, he hadn''t seen Second Miss, nor had he inquired about her. There was a pang of guilt in his heart. Now, seeing her vacant and forlorn expression, he could hardly reconcile her current state with the lively, clever girl she once was. She seemed to have changed into a different person.


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t put his feelings into words. To him, Second Miss was still a sixteen or seventeen-year-old child. He had never imagined that this girl would harbor feelings for him. Yet there she was, Xiao Yushuang, looking so pale and gaunt, no longer the lively and adorable girl she used to be.


    Damn, being admired was supposed to be a good feeling, but why was he so ufortable? He sighed helplessly, unsure of his next move.


    He wasn''t concerned about the issue of status; in his eyes, status wasn''t worth a damn. He felt some affection for Xiao Yushuang, but it wasn''t romantic, not yet. After all, he was mentally much older than her, and his life experiences were on another level. If he were to engage with her in a romantic way, it would feel as though an old cow was grazing on young grass. The idea was just unsettling.


    What a dilemma! If she were a few years older, he would have had no reservations. Lin Wanrong felt as though he had hit an impasse he could not cross.


    Feeling guilty, he didn''t want Xiao Yushuang to see him. Hastily, he turned towards his residence.


    Winter was approaching, and a cold breeze swept over them. Xiao Yushuang seemed oblivious, her body lightly shivering from the chill.


    Lin Wanrong frowned at the maid, "Quickly, go fetch a coat for Second Miss."


    The maid protested, "Brother Lin, I''ve tried a few times already. Second Miss doesn''t want anyone to follow her or give her anything. She said she doesn''t want to be disturbed. She even threatened to let the General of Zhenyuan bite anyone who dared interrupt her."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong was both amused and frustrated. Even in such a state, she was still thinking of sing her dog on others. Such a girlish temperament! But this familiar behavior warmed his heart. It was as if he was seeing the spirited girl again, hands on hips, ordering her imaginary general, "Charge!"


    Second Miss was indeed different now. He shook his head and asked, "What about the Eldest Miss and Madam? Aren''t they concerned about Second Miss?"


    The maid replied, "When Second Miss left, the Eldest Miss and Madam were discussing matters in their room, surrounded by several female housekeepers. They don''t even know that Second Miss has gone out."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. He hadn''t attended the "fashion show" that day, but he had talked to the Eldest Miss about it afterward. The event had been a huge sess, with the cheongsam and women''s lingerie receiving warm receptions from thedies present. Even the "models" couldn''t help but adore them. This unexpected poprity had surprised not only the Eldest Miss and her mother but also Lin Wanrong himself. He had heard that they had received no less than a hundred orders on the spot. Lin Wanrong marveled at the reality that nothing was impossible; women of this era also pursued beauty andfort. He wondered whether the Eldest Miss had made those sanitary pads, as that could also be a lucrative business.


    Of course, the most popr items were the perfumes. The three different types of perfume that the Eldest Miss had brought were greatly sought after by all the women present. They had never seen such a pleasant, fragrant powder before and naturally went wild. The price of the perfume hadn''t been fixed at the time, so the Eldest Miss tentatively quoted a price of eighty taels of silver per bottle. Incredibly, she received two hundred pre-orders instantly and three hundred additional orders soon after. It was an auspicious start indeed.


    Eighty taels of silver was extremely expensive for that era, but perfume, as a newly introduced luxury item, was not affordable for everyone.


    Lin Wanrong, a shrewd businessman, was quite dissatisfied with the low price of eighty taels quoted by the Eldest Miss. In his opinion, this item was extremely profitable and should be priced at over a hundred taels.


    Eldest Miss Xiao had a clearer understanding of the shamelessness of this scoundrel. Quoting eighty taels was already shocking enough, and yet this sly merchant wanted to go higher. Naturally, this elicited a rolling of the eyes from Eldest Miss Xiao.


    In fact, the cost of producing the perfume was quite high, as it required vast amounts of petals every day. Even a wealthy family like the Xiao Family, with a dedicated garden outside the south of the city, couldn''t sustain it. Moreover, with the arrival ofte autumn and early winter, there was a scarcity of petals. Even though Fubo had collected petals from other households through various means, the production remained very tight.


    Lin Wanrong had done some preliminary calctions. After mass production, the cost per bottle would be about five taels of silver. He had already discussed with Fubo to further expand the garden in the south of the city to nt new flowers ording to the seasons and strive to increase production capacity next year.


    As for now, the perfume produced in his workshop was extremely limited. He had estimated that even if petals could be fully supplied, they could not produce more than five hundred bottles in a month. Compared to the huge market demand, it was like trying to put out a cart fire with a cup of water.


    At the same time, Lin Wanrong believed that perfume, as a newly introduced item, needed to maintain a certain degree of mystery and nobility in its initial stage to stimte consumer appetite. It couldn''t be swarmed all at once; while that might create an initial buzz, it would be difficult to sustain. Therefore, he suggested a limited supply strategy to Miss Xiao, which was, in reality, a promotional tactic.


    Xiao Yuruo greatly approved of his idea. Being an expert in this field herself, this was the first time the two found amon ground.


    The Xiao family''s perfume, limited to five hundred bottles a month, was already sold out within the first few days of the month. Among the upper-ss women of Jinling, the perfume had be a new luxury item. It was said that each bottle had been bid up to one hundred and fifty taels of silver, and yet, there were still no avable stocks. Riding on the coattails of the perfume''s poprity, the promotion of cheongsam and lingerie was also going smoothly, casting a bright outlook for the Xiao family''s future.


    The Eldest Miss and Lady Xiao had been incredibly busy these days, nning to fully roll out the cheongsam and women''s lingerie. With the perfume being in limited supply as well, they were under considerable stress. Particrly Eldest Miss Xiao, who was said to have worked nonstop for two days and nights. As Lin Wanrong admired her hard work, he also couldn''t help but worry about whether she was developing dark circles under her eyes. In the meantime, the female shop assistants in the Xiao family''s stores were in high demand. It appeared they were moving towards bing specialty stores for women''s goods.


    Considering all this, Lin Wanrong knew that Madam Xiao and the Eldest Miss must have been too busy with all these matters to attend to the Second Miss Xiao. Thinking about her, he felt a touch of pity.


    He sighed, taking the overcoat from the servant girl. "You can go ahead," he told her. "I''ll go and chat with the Second Miss Xiao."


    In the past few days, Madam Xiao and the Eldest Miss had summoned Lin San quite often. Knowing that he was highly regarded by the Madam and the Eldest Miss, the maidservant handed him the clothes, bowed, and left.


    As he approached the young girl, Lin Wanrong felt a pang of difort. After a few days apart, she had noticeably lost weight. Her once chubby face was now gaunt, her thin shoulders shivering in the cold wind.


    Hearing footsteps behind her, Xiao Yushuang couldn''t help but sigh lightly. "Who sent you? Didn''t I say not to disturb me? Aren''t you afraid of General Zhenyuan?"


    "I''m not afraid of the mighty general, let alone your General Zhenyuan," Lin Wanrong responded with a smile.


    Xiao Yushuang trembled slightly, seemingly unable to believe her ears. She slowly turned around, only to see that the person standing before her was indeed the man she despised.


    "Lin San..." Her eyes reddened. She bit her lip tightly, refusing to let herself cry. Her expression then slowly faded. "What are you doing here? Tough at me?"


    Perhaps it was just an illusion, but Lin Wanrong felt that the Second Miss Xiao in front of him seemed more mature than before. Although her face still held a trace of childishness, she had the aura of a true youngdy.


    "I just got back," Lin Wanrong said. "When I saw the Second Miss Xiao, I thought I woulde and say hello."


    Xiao Yushuang snorted. "A child like me is hardly worth the greeting of an important person like you."


    Lin Wanrong knew she had heard what he had said that day and was resenting him for treating her like a child. He couldn''t help but smile slightly. "Maturity is not just about words; it''s about actions. Seeing you so stubborn, punishing yourself, doesn''t necessarily mean maturity."


    The Second Miss huffed, unable to find the words to refute him. His words seemedced with concern, which made her feel both sweet and sour inside, and vaguely sad. He always sees me as a child, she thought. Even his concern is probably because he finds me pitiful as a child. She found herself stuck in a negative loop, unable to pull herself out.


    Seeing her changing expressions, Lin Wanrong, despite his many skills, couldn''t fathom what was going through the girl''s mind. He stepped forward and suggested, "It''s a chilly night with heavy dew, Second Miss. You should put on more clothes."


    He approached her and offered her a garment. Xiao Yushuang huffed again and turned away, ignoring him.


    This girl, Lin Wanrong thought, Seems to have grown up but at the same time, she still behaves like a child. Her petnt disy amused him, and he decided to let her be. He draped the garment over her without her consent.


    Caught off guard, Xiao Yushuang felt warmth envelop her. A long robe was draped over her shoulders. She sniffled, turning her head away from him, and said, "You, you bad man. Why do you care about me so much? Is it because you find it fun to tease me?"


    Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat. This girl was only sixteen or seventeen, the age of a blossoming flower, yet her words were increasingly reminiscent of a scorned woman in her boudoir. And when have I ever teased you? It''s more like you''re the one teasing me.


    He didn''t respond to her usation, saying only, "It''ste, Second Miss. You must be tired from your travels today. You should return and rest."


    Xiao Yushuang gently wiped away a tear and sighed, "Lin San, it''s been a long time since we''ve talked. Can we chat, just like we used to?"


    Just like we used to? He feared it wasn''t possible anymore, for now this girl had dubious intentions towards him, and he was wary of falling into her trap. Lin Wanrong shamelessly thought.


    But seeing her soften, he found it impossible to reject her. He sighed and said, "If that''s the case, let''s chat. Second Miss, I heard you visited Suzhou?"


    "Yes. I did visit." Xiao Yushuang responded distantly, emphasizing the word ''visit''.


    Lin Wanrong felt a sting in her words. Having a guilty conscience, he was naturally more sensitive. Seeing Xiao Yushuang''s intense gaze fixed on him, he felt increasingly ufortable.


    He forced a smile and said, "Suzhou must be a fun ce, with its beautiful gardens, local folk music, and the breathtaking views of the Suzhou River. When I get the chance, I''d love to visit."


    Despite his words, Xiao Yushuang stayed silent. He looked up at her to see her expression as still as water, silently watching him.


    When did this girl learn to y coy? Lin Wanrong was disconcerted by her intense gaze and was about to turn away when Xiao Yushuang said, "Are those all the things you wanted to talk to me about?"


    Lin Wanrong paused, unsure of how to respond. It was odd, considering he was significantly older than this girl, but why was he always thrown off by her questions? Previously, it was always Lin Wanrong who led their conversations, and it was a bonus if the girl managed to contribute something. But today, the roles had reversed. His eloquence seemed to have no effect in front of this youngdy. Was it because he truly had something to hide?


    Xiao Yushuang sighed lightly and said in a soft voice, "Lin San, do you already have a woman you fancy?"


    "Yes," Lin Wanrong replied, not intending to hide this fact from her.


    Upon hearing that he indeed had a special woman in his heart, Xiao Yushuang felt an indescribable sorrow. She bit her lower lip tightly, and asked, "Is she gentle? Is she beautiful?"


    Seeing her strange expression, Lin Wanrong didn''t understand what she was up to, so he nodded and said, "She''s beautiful and also gentle."


    "Lin San, do you think I am beautiful?" Xiao Yushuang mustered all her courage, moved slowly towards him, and gently whispered the words. Her pretty face was tinged with a faint blush in the moonlight.


    Startled, Lin Wanrong looked at Xiao Yushuang. She was inherently a stunning beauty. In time, her beauty would definitely surpass that of the Eldest Miss and Madam Xiao. Under the moonlight, with her sorrowful countenance and tear-streaked face, she didn''t look childish but rather like a heartbroken beauty, inciting pity in others.


    "Eldest Miss Xiao, you are also very beautiful," Lin Wanrong said, forcing his gaze away from her and speaking truthfully.


    "Then why don''t you like me?" Xiao Yushuang''s heart leaped with joy, and she could no longer contain her feelings. Abruptly, she threw herself into his arms, choking on her words, "Do you think I''m too young? But I''ll grow up. My mother said she was married at my age. Why don''t you like me, why?"


    Xiao Yushuang held him tightly around his waist, burying her head in his chest and began to sob.


    Lin Wanrong felt a soft body trembling lightly against his. Second Miss Xiao, whose bosom had fully developed, was pressed tightly against his chest. Her delicate body moved gently as she wept, causing a warm friction against his chest.


    Feeling the boundless heat from this enticing woman''s body, Lin Wanrong repeatedly reminded himself that Eldest Miss Xiao was still a child and he mustn''t harbor impure thoughts. However, the heat beneath him was betraying him, pressing gently against Xiao Yushuang''s smooth belly.


    "Beast, beast," Lin Wanrong cursed himself inwardly, but Xiao Yushuang held him even tighter and started rubbing her tempting body against his.


    Realizing his nature, Lin Wanrong felt an itch like a cat scratch within him as he felt Xiao Yushuang''s tender, soft, and trembling body. He held her tightly in his arms, gently rubbing his lower body between them while his hands slowly moved over her fully developed hips.


    Xiao Yushuang let out a soft whimper, feeling weak and hot as she nestled into his arms.


    Hearing her soft cry, Lin Wanrong sobered up slightly. What am I doing? He thought. This cannot continuethis should happen in the room if it were to happen at all. It would be far too ahead of time to do this outside for the first time.


    "Second Miss Xiao" With tremendous willpower, Lin Wanrong pushed her away, only to see her eyes bloodshot, tears welling up and ready to fall.


    "Lin San, why don''t you like me? Is it because I''m not gentle enough? But I''ve changed a lot already," murmured Xiao Yushuang, lying on his chest and softly crying, her tears soaking his clothes.


    Lin Wanrong was a mature man, feeling ufortable with a young girl clinging to him so tightly, he gave a bitter smile, thinking to himself, Even if I don''t like you, my little brother certainly does.


    "Second Miss Xiao, can we discuss this another day?" Lin Wanrong tried his best to soften his tone, hoping not to frighten this delicate girl.


    Xiao Yushuang lifted her head, gently humming in agreement. Her face flushed with embarrassment as if she too felt shy about her bold actions earlier.


    Lin Wanrong secretly let out a sigh of relief, suppressing his rising desire. He dared not predict what might happen if this continueddamn it, he was no stranger to the hardships of the battlefield.


    After a few words and somemotion, Xiao Yushuang seemed to recover significantly. Having been unable to speak to Lin San for days, she had been deeply worried and distressed, yet she could not approach him. Her inner turmoil was imaginable.


    "Second Miss Xiao, it''s gettingte. You should return and rest," Lin Wanrong suggested, noticing her shivering in the night breeze, and hastily draped her fallen cloak back over her shoulders.


    Miss Xiao obediently agreed, but did not leave. Instead, she gazed at him and said, "Lin San, could you possibly tell me some stories today? I would really like..." She blushed again, yet she did not continue.


    Lin Wanrong felt a pang of annoyance. This young girl had seemed so mature with her heartfelt expressions just a moment ago, and now she wanted him to tell her stories. Wasn''t this an obvious ploy to stir his guilt?


    "Second Miss Xiao, it''ste and you must be tired. We can talk another time when I am free," Lin Wanrong attempted to persuade her.


    Second Miss Xiao nodded lightly, but her eyes fell on the paper in his hand. "Is this from Qin Xian''er again? She really seems to favor you, delivering messages at this hour," she stated, her tone tinged with bitterness.


    Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered that Qin Xian''er had sought him out multiple times that day. Could there be some urgent matter?


    In haste, he unfolded the note and began reading by the moonlight. Scribbled on it in eyebrow pencil were a few hastily written words: "Leave the Xiao family immediately!"


    Leave the Xiao family? Lin Wanrong was puzzled. He opened the remaining notes, each bearing the same four characters. As he was considering this, he heard a servant shout out, "Fire, fire!"


    Lin Wanrong asked in rm, "Where''s the fire?"


    Both looked up to see the Xiao family''s main building aze with roaring mes.


    Xiao Yushuang cried out in rm, "It''s the council hall!"


    Lin Wanrong hurried to reassure her, "Second Miss Xiao, don''t panic. We have many hands, we can control the fire"


    Before he could finish, a soft rustling sound echoed, and a dazzling firework ascended into the sky. Seen from afar, it resembled a pure white lotus in full bloom.


    Lin Wanrong clearly remembered seeing this white lotus blossom when he was talking with Qin Xian''er that day. Damn it, whose child is this, setting off fireworks in the middle of the night?


    Before he could finish his thought, a loud shout echoed from nearby: "A single white lotus brings myriad auspicious clouds. In front of Guanyin Hall are a hundred grains, beneath the lotus seat are a thousand doors. The white lotus messenger invites Miss Xiao to her rightful ce."


    Suddenly, over twenty shadowy figures sprang up from the perimeter wall, all dressed in ck from head to toe, faces obscured by ck cloths. They wielded gleaming swords and steel knives, leaping off the wall and rushing straight into the courtyard. These intruders were fierce and fast, closing the distance in the blink of an eye.


    Xiao Yushuang''s body trembled lightly as she said, "Lin San, what do we do? The thieves are here."


    Damn it, where did these thievese from? Reciting a tongue-twister before a robbery, it would be a shame if they didn''t pursue careers in R&B.


    Lin Wanrong had only seen this kind of high-stakes robbery in movies, never imagining he''d experience one himself. He hadn''t believed in martial arts before, but after meeting Xiao Qinxuan, his views had changed. It was just a pity that he was already too old to start learning martial arts.


    Naturally, he was somewhat afraid when confronted with these robbers, but seeing Xiao Yushuang''s pitiful expression, he quickly turned tofort her, saying, "Second Miss, don''t be afraid, let''s run"


    Before he could finish, he sensed a swift winding from behind. Xiao Yushuang''s eyes shed with a blend of terror and unparalleled determination. In this critical moment, the young girl found strength from somewhere, and darted forward, positioning herself in front of Lin Wanrong.


    As Lin Wanrong looked back, his heart and mind were thrown into disarray. He saw a blur of white lighta sword moving fast and ruthlessly, apanied by a faint whistling sound, heading straight for Xiao Yushuang''s chest.


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 Chapter 107

    Chapter 107


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    Chapter 107 The Unexpected


    "Oh God," Lin Wanrong cried out in despair, feeling as if his heart had shattered, his eyes on the verge of tearing. In that moment, his mind was flooded with countless thoughts, all transformed into the determined yet tender gaze of Xiao Yushuang.


    "Ah" Lin Wanrong let out a thunderous roar, striving to ce his body in front of Xiao Yushuang in an attempt to protect her. Tear clusters dripped from the Second Miss''s eyes, but her face was adorned with a hint of a smile.


    With a soft ng, Lin Wanrong assumed he and the Second Miss were on the verge of losing their lives to the approaching sword. He grabbed Xiao Yushuang''s hand, thinking, ''Her affection... I can only repay in the next life.''


    After waiting for a moment, however, he felt no pain. Opening his eyes, he found a dazzling sword hanging in the air between him and Xiao Yushuang, stopped by another de.


    The oneunching a surprise attack on them was a thin, agile figure dressed in ck, his face masked. He turned to hispanion who had halted his sword, shouting, "Junior Sister, what are you doing? How can we leave this mansion without staining our swords in blood?"


    The Junior Sister, a delicate woman with her face covered in a ck veil, replied, "Senior Brother, why bother with these servants? We have urgent matters to handle. Let''s get to the point before our enemies arrive, or it will be difficult for us to escape."


    Her voice was muffled and unnatural, making it hard for Lin Wanrong to understand at first.


    Lin Wanrong was soaked in cold sweat. He had almost lost his life to that sword, and other than the moment he fell from Mount Tai, this was the most desperate he had ever felt.


    He turned to look at Xiao Yushuang. Her face still had traces of tears, but she was smiling, her eyes bright and unafraid. She looked at Lin Wanrong with deep emotion, her grip on his hand unyielding.


    Lin Wanrong was speechless with emotion. This girl, she was going to be the death of him. A tear nearly escaped his eyes. Judging by her selfless act of protection, Xiao Yushuang was no child, but a woman of sincere affection.


    Lin Wanrong did his best to suppress his emotion, feeling as though he owed her more than he could ever repay. Thinking of his previous attitude towards her, he felt guilt creeping into his heart. He held her small hand tightly, considering himself foolish for not appreciating what was willingly offered until someone had risked their life for it.


    The Senior Brother seemed somewhat wary of his Junior Sister, so he sheathed his sword and said, "As you wish. Let''s quickly capture Miss Xiao and that servant and return as soon as possible."


    The Junior Sister nodded. As she walked past Xiao Yushuang, she noticed her hand tightly gripped by Lin Wanrong. A sh of anger crossed her eyes. She snorted and said, "You shameless woman, meeting your lover in the dead of night. You bring disgrace upon our gender. Today, I''ll gouge out your eyes, and we''ll see how you seduce men then."


    Her fingers curled like a hook, moving fast as lightning and stirring a strong wind, aimed directly at Xiao Yushuang''s eyes.


    "Lin San" Xiao Yushuang screamed in fright, darting behind Lin Wanrong for cover.


    Upon hearing Xiao Yushuang call out Lin Wanrong''s name, both the Senior Brother and Junior Sister froze in surprise, a cold smirk surfacing in the Senior Brother''s eyes.


    By now, the ce Xiao Yushuang held in Lin Wanrong''s heart was beyond words. For such a deeply affectionate woman, he was willing to sacrifice his life to ensure her safety.


    Lin Wanrong stepped in front of Xiao Yushuang, keeping her closely guarded behind him. The Junior Sister moved swiftly, appearing before Lin Wanrong in an instant.


    Lin Wanrong felt a strong gust of wind as the woman''s slender, powerful fingers swept across his face, yet they did not harm him in the slightest. His heart pounded in his chest. ''Damn it, another near-death experience,'' he thought. Even with a thousand strategies in his mind, he was powerless against these powerful figures. Although fear welled within him, knowing that the little girl Yushuang was behind him, his fear disappeared, reced by a cold smile as he observed the female thief.


    The Junior Sister snorted, saying, "What are you waiting for? Why are you still here?"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. However, he reacted quickly, grabbing Xiao Yushuang''s hand to leave. Yet, the Senior Brother who stood slightly afar shouted, "Wait, are you Lin San?"


    A chill ran down Lin Wanrong''s spine. In her panic, Xiao Yushuang had already called out his name, so denying it was no longer an option. But why would these powerful figures know the name of a lowly servant like him? Could it be that someone had deliberately


    The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed. However, with the sword against his neck, he had to respond. But before he could speak, Xiao Yushuang intervened, "He''s not Lin San, I am."


    Xiao Yushuang''s words were incredibly naive. If she had said this earlier, he would have thought her childish. But now, he found her simplicity and sincerity endearing.


    He gave Xiao Yushuang a gentle look, smiled at her, and kept her closely guarded behind him, saying to the man, "You''re right, I am Lin San."


    "Hahaha" The man threw his head back andughed. "So you are indeed Lin San. We''ve found you without much effort. We won''t make things difficult for you. Juste with us quietly." The Junior Sister nced at Lin Wanrong, remaining silent.


    Xiao Yushuang realized that her previous outcry had put Lin Wanrong in danger. She began to sob softly, gripping his hand tightly, "Lin San, it''s all my fault. I''ve brought this upon you. If they take you, I will go with you. We will never be apart."


    The Senior Brother looked at Xiao Yushuang, a spark in his eyes as he remarked, "What a beauty in the making. Since you wish to apany your lover, I''ll grant your wish."


    But the Junior Sister interjected, "Senior Brother, we should get to the task at hand instead of umting burdens."


    The Senior Brotherughed, "Junior Sister, don''t be jealous. In my heart, you will always be number one."


    Lin Wanrong''s palms were slick with cold sweat. Having already faced death several times, losing his life today would not be unbearable. However, dragging Yushuang into this mess was his greatest regret. Recalling the Junior Sister''s words, they, too, had enemies. From the sound of it, it seemed they were also rushing this way. If he could dy for a while, there might still be a chance.


    With this in mind, he gritted his teeth, saying, "If you want me to go with you, that''s fine. But you must release this youngdy first."


    The man burst intoughter, "Do you think you''re in a position to negotiate with me? Don''t forget, your lives are in my hands."


    Lin Wanrong smirked, "Whether I''m qualified to negotiate with you isn''t for you to say. That would be more appropriateing from your master."


    The man startled, "You"


    Lin Wanrong''s heart raced. His words were a mere conjecture. If someone was targeting him by name, they certainly had something they wanted from him and must have been cautious about his life. This was why Lin Wanrong had made such a bold statement, hitting the man''s weak point.


    The man, though, was quite brutal. He snarled, "You''re clever, indeed. I may not take your life, but I have many ways to make you wish for death."


    "That would still require your master''s approval. You don''t even know what your master wants me to do. I advise you not to offend me lightly," Lin Wanrong coldly retorted. ''Damn it, I''m already on the chopping block; might as well go all out.''


    The man, apparently terrified of his master, red at Lin Wanrong. However, several more shadowy figures swooped in from the side, one of them a woman carrying a hostage, shouting, "Senior Brother, Miss Xiao has been brought."


    The woman''s long hair hid her face, but the contour that peeked through was familiar.


    "Sister" Xiao Yushuang eximed.


    It was indeed Eldest Miss Xiao held captive by the woman. Xiao Yuruo looked at Xiao Yushuang, her eyes shing with affection. Though a woman, she carried a certain aura of dignity. She nced at the gang''s leader with contempt, saying, "Do you want silver? As long as you do not harm my family, even if it costs all I have, I will repay you."


    The gang leader, Senior Brother, was about to respond when a light sound came from outside, and another white lotus soared into the sky. The Junior Sister, who had intended to take Xiao Yushuang''s eyes, cried out, "Our enemies are here, let''s go."


    The gang leader, Senior Brother, was flustered, ordering the others, "You take Miss Xiao and this servant and go first. Young girl, tell Madam Xiao to prepare ten thousand taels of gold within ten days to ransom her daughter''s life. Otherwise, don''t me us for being ruthless."


    As he spoke, the sh of weapons rang out, followed by a feminine yell. A radiant white figure, like a shooting star, crashed over the wall.


    The figure moved swiftly, closing in within the blink of an eye. Her face was covered with a light veil, but Lin Wanrong recognized her in an instantit was Xiao Qingxuan.


    Xiao Qingxuan hovered mid-air, her long sword trembling, conjuring seven blossoms of sword light apanied by a sharp whistle, assaulting the Senior Brother and hispanions.


    "I''ll hold them off for a while with Junior Sister, the rest of you run!" Senior Brother countered with a single backhanded strike, barely blocking one sword blossom. His Junior Sister, however, was astoundingly agile. She waved her own long sword, meeting the sword blossom, and managed to parry three of Xiao Qingxuan''s attacks without losing ground.


    Uponnding, Xiao Qingxuan furiously eximed, "You remnants of the White Lotus, evil to the core, I won''t let you go today!"


    The Senior Brother shouted back, "You''ve killed many of my brothers; there''s no way for the White Lotus to coexist peacefully with you! Junior Sister, you fight her. I''ll leave first with our brothers."


    Xiao Qingxuan turned to the woman, "You again? Humph, thest time we didn''t decide on a victor. Today, I''ll unmask you to see who you really are."


    Junior Sister giggled, "I am also curious about how you look, sister."


    Hearing the conversation between the two women, Lin Wanrongmented, Damn it, why didn''t I arrive in this world when I was ten years old? As a child, I could have learned some martial arts. Coming here in my twenties is bloody useless. Even these youngsters are hundreds of times stronger than me.


    Just as he was pondering, he felt a numbness overwhelm his body, and he could no longer move. One of the thieves seized him and sprang into the air, shooting towards the distance side by side with the man who had captured the young miss.


    "Lin...!" Xiao Yushuang let out a horrified cry.


    Startled, Xiao Qingxuan gritted her teeth and sprung into the air like a swallow soaring in the clouds, her sword trailing a cold wind, targeting the man who held Lin Wanrong captive.


    "Junior Sister, go and face her," Senior Brother shouted, and before his voice fell, he sped like lightning towards Xiao Qingxuan''s back.


    Junior Sister hesitated for a moment, then jumped up hastily, swinging her sword. It was a feint,cking any real power. Xiao Qingxuan didn''t stop her attack, continuing to aim at the man''s back.


    Her sword struck swiftly. The thief holding Lin Wanrong was cornered and unable to dodge. The de went straight through him, causing him to drop dead without uttering a single groan.


    Having in the man in one breath, Xiao Qingxuan was significantly drained. Seeing his chance, Senior Brother scooped up Lin Wanrong''s body and continued towards the distance.


    Damn it, thought Lin Wanrong, I''m just a ything flying around in the sky, relying on these youngdies for rescue. For the first time, a sense of sorrow welled up in him. Even with a wealth of scientific knowledge, what good was it? In this world where might makes right, power was the only truth.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s lethal thrust, while mighty, had exhausted her strength by half. With no energy tounch another strike, she could only watch as Lin Wanrong was carried away.


    She stomped her foot in frustration, pain coursing through her heart. You''ve always had excuses for not learning martial arts. Now let''s see if you can keep your life. But she knew that even if Lin Wanrong learned some basic moves, it wouldn''t help much. Against the demonic members of the White Lotus, he''d be like amb waiting to be ughtered.


    Tears welled up in her eyes as she mulled over the situation, silently berating herself for departing too soon that day. If she had waited a little longer for him, this predicament would not have arisen. Yet, at the moment, her physical strength had been depleted to such an extent that she had no ability to go after him. Her mind felt empty, as if devoid of all strength.


    Just as she was at a loss, she sensed a strong gust of winding from behind her. Swiftly, she raised her sword and just managed to counter the iing force. Turning around, she found it was the junior sister, who had thrust her own sword towards her.


    "You sneak attack from behind, how despicable!" Xiao Qingxuan used angrily.


    The junior sister giggled and replied, "In your eyes, we of the White Lotus Sect have always been demons. If I weren''t underhanded, I wouldn''t be a disciple of the White Lotus."


    Xiao Qingxuan retorted, "With your skills, you are among the top in the White Lotus Sect. I don''t believe you''re some nameless nobody."


    The junior sister chuckled, "You''re right. In fact, considering our connections, I should be calling you senior sister. Please convey my regards to Master Ning and wish her evesting beauty and eternal supremacy."


    Xiao Qingxuan eximed in shock, "So you truly are a disciple of that witch! I don''t acknowledge you as my sister."


    The junior sisterughed nonchntly, "I saw how you spent your energy earlier trying to save Lin San. What is he, your lover?"


    "You--" Xiao Qingxuan''s face reddened in anger. "You witch of the White Lotus, stop your nonsense."


    The junior sister, eyes gleaming, scoffed, "Deny it all you want. You escaped from me once before and even injured me. Today, I will settle the score with you."


    Without another word, she attacked. Her palms moved elegantly, glowing white as a lotus. She transformed her palm into a w, aiming directly for Xiao Qingxuan''s face, intending to mar her beauty.


    Seeing the ruthlessness of her attack, Xiao Qingxuan grew furious. She gritted her teeth, circting her qi throughout her body, and her palm glowed a soft blue as she wed back at her.


    "All disciples of Master Ning are renowned beauties. Today, I will ruin your face and see how you seduce men after that," the junior sister taunted,ughing as her movements grew faster, dodging Xiao Qingxuan''s attack. Her fingers split apart, aiming for Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes.


    Their exchanges, rooted in aplex history, were rapid and dazzling. Their qi, one blue and the other white, intertwined like a beautiful disy of fireworks. If Lin Wanrong were there, he would have gasped at the sight.


    The junior sister''s fingers moved in unpredictable patterns, ruthlessly aiming for Xiao Qingxuan''s face as if driven by deep-seated hatred. On the other hand, Xiao Qingxuan''s movements seemed in, but they were cleverly simple, matching and countering each of her opponent''s moves. Their tactics were pr opposites, and for a while, it was hard to tell who was gaining the upper hand.


    Despite their youth, both were top-notch fighters in the martial world due to their respective sects. They were usually equally matched, but Xiao Qingxuan had exhausted more than half her energy in saving Lin Wanrong earlier. As they continued to tussle, her movements gradually slowed down.


    The junior sister was a crafty and ruthless character. Seeing Xiao Qingxuan showing signs of fatigue, her movements became even more aggressive. On several asions, she nearly scratched Xiao Qingxuan''s cheek.


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed inwardly, stomped her foot, and leaped out of the fight circle, avoiding furtherbat. "Qin Xian''er," she said, "If we continue like this, I will get hurt, but you will not end up any better."


    The junior sister''s body trembled slightly, eximing in surprise, "How did you recognize me?"


    Slowly, she pulled off her veil, revealing the seductive face of Qin Xian''er. If Lin Wanrong had witnessed this scene, he would have been unable to believe that the gentle and charming woman before him was the ruthless White Lotus witch in secret.


    Xiao Qingxuan had been observing her for many days. Qin Xian''er was in the open while she kept herself hidden. She had been injured during theirst confrontation when Qin Xian''er and her fellow brothers ambushed her, confirming that this woman was indeed Qin Xian''er.


    Upon discovering Qin Xian''er''s whereabouts today, she sneered, "Did you think your tricks could deceive everyone, even me? And yet that man, so obstinate, still believes in you."


    Qin Xian''er responded with a seductiveugh, "Senior sister, I sense a touch of sourness in your words."


    Ignoring her taunts, Xiao Qingxuan continued, "Your desire to ruin my face is because of Lin Wanrong, you''re afraid he''ll grow fond of me. It seems to me that you''re the one who is infatuated with him."


    Qin Xian''er''s face reddened before she retorted, "If I like him, I like him. What of it? At least I dare to admit it. But from the looks of you earlier, you were beside yourself. Such a pity, you have thrown your lot in with the wrong people and now, you''ll never have a chance."


    Xiao Qingxuan countered, "I won''t engage in baseless talk with you. You''re young, appearing gentle and lovely in his presence but so jealous behind his back. I''m afraid Lin Wanrong may not fancy you."


    Qin Xian''er huffed, "Thank you for the reminder, senior sister. Can I interpret this as you being jealous? Oh, I''m sorry. I almost forgot, you can never marry. What a pity, what a great pity."


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 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108


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    Chapter 108 The Desire to Cultivate Divine Skills


    By the time they had engaged in their duel, they had already left the Xiao family''s residence, reaching a wide-open area where they didn''t need to worry about being overheard.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes were downcast, her eyshes slightly trembling. After a long while, she said, "Telling you all this is of little use. I don''t need anyone else meddling in my affairs."


    Qin Xian''er giggled charmingly, "Senior sister, matters of mutual attraction between a man and a woman are beyond rescue. If it can''t be remedied, why not just go with the flow and follow the will of the heavens? That''s the proper way, unlike you, torturing yourself. However, since you know I fancy him, you can''tpete with me, or else, I''ll surely kill you."


    Xiao Qingxuan replied coldly, "Lin Wanrong and I are like-minded friends, not as ignoble as you imagine. If you have feelings for him, it doesn''t necessarily mean your wish will be fulfilled. He already has someone in his heart."


    Qin Xian''erughed flirtatiously, "You needn''t remind me, senior sister, I''m well aware. I have my own n. But the way you care about him, is it truly just friendly concern? His behavior is entirely different from yours, so how did this friendshipe about?"


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face remained serene. After a pause, she finally said, "I won''t fight with you today. If you are truly in love with him, then take good care of him. He''s always getting into trouble without the ability to protect himself, and he doesn''t have anyone by his side, I worry about him--" She bit her lip, cutting herself off.


    Listening to her, Qin Xian''er stopped bantering and sighed deeply, "That man, truly as stubborn as an ox. I hinted to him discreetly some time ago, advising him to leave the Xiao family, but he kept evading. I tried notifying him again today, but he''s nowhere to be found. I wondered why he couldn''t bear to leave the Xiao family, it turns out he can''t part with Second Miss Xiao, the little vixen."


    In her heart, Xiao Qingxuan thought, It''s you who''s the vixen, yet you dare to speak ill of Miss Xiao. However, reflecting on Lin Wanrong''s unique character, she also sighed, "I wonder who could persuade him. Some time ago, I suggested he learn some martial arts, but he declined mercilessly. I really can''t tell what he''s thinking."


    Qin Xian''er giggled, "So, senior sister has been harbouring such thoughts too, which is not so different from me. I''ve gifted him many ssic books, but he doesn''t even give them a nce. Yet, with his particr temperament, it''s hard to know whether to be annoyed or pleased with him."


    Upon hearing Qin Xian''er''s candid words, Xiao Qingxuan thought, This Qin Xian''er truly is a bewitching white lotus, so straightforward with her words. She contemted for a moment, then chuckled, "Actually, we may have underestimated him. He is indeed intelligent. What we gave him, although coveted by many, may not be suitable for him. He''s already quite old, unless some extraordinary opportunity arises, starting from scratch at this point would hardly yield noticeable results. Even if he were to learn, it would only be a few basic moves, barely sufficient to fend off the high-flying thieves from your White Lotus sect."


    Qin Xian''er nced at Xiao Qingxuan but didn''t dispute her words. Instead, she just listened to her continue. "You and I have been practicing martial arts since we were young. We''ve consumed countless spiritual medicines and undergone years of guidance from our elders. After more than twenty years of arduous training, we''ve achieved our current skills. He, as an ordinary man of his age, would find no use in our doctrines and regr training methods. He''d just end up owing us a favor. A shrewd man like him wouldn''t make such a loss-making deal."


    At this point, Xiao Qingxuan chuckled lightly, obviously reminded of the cunning merchant''s savvy demeanor, always different from the others. A smile also emerged on Qin Xian''er''s face. Surprisingly, these two adversaries were thinking along the same lines.


    Suddenly, Qin Xian''er nced at Xiao Qingxuan and said, "Senior sister, with your deep understanding of him, I''m afraid you''ve fallen for him already."


    Xiao Qingxuan was taken aback, finding it hard to believe the words that hade from her own mouth. Fortunately, her lifelong training had centered on calming the mind, and she quickly recited a few mantras, regaining herposure.


    After a lengthy silence, Qin Xian''er let out a slow sigh. "Senior sister, despite our fights, we can''t seem to sever our ties with that man. Is this the destiny of us women?"


    Xiao Qingxuan gave her a nce, thinking, ''You may be a demoness of the White Lotus sect, and that man may be a viin, but I wonder who will triumph when the demoness and the viin sh.'' After a moment of thought, she realized that regardless of who won, it would no longer concern her. She felt a pang of bitterness, quickly gathered herself, and her expression became serene again. The two women, who had been locked in fiercebat just moments ago, now stood in unified silence, making one marvel at the wonders of the world.


    After a moment, Qin Xian''er suddenly beamed, "Senior sister, after some thinking, it seems to me that you pose the greatest threat to me. Without me, he will surely fall for you. I won''t be at peace until I''ve killed you."


    As she spoke, she leapt forward, her delicate fingers flicking. Tiny white shes of light sped towards Xiao Qingxuan like bolts of lightning. One moment they were chatting andughing, the next moment deadly intent filled the air. The rapid shifts in the demoness''s demeanor might even make Lin Wanrong admit his inferiority.


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head helplessly. A demoness will always be a demoness; no matter how much she changes, she can''t change her nature. As she mused, her hands were not idle. She flicked her slender fingers and caught all the projectiles, which turned out to be several silver needles.


    Qin Xian''erughed lightly and retreated, her voiceing from the distance, "Sister, I''m off to take care of that man now. Be careful, I''m definitely going to kill you."


    Xiao Qingxuan gazed at her retreating figure and sighed deeply. The demoness seemed genuinely fond of Lin Wanrong. However, she appeared to be struggling within the White Lotus sect. Could she really protect him?


    "Miss..." A soft voice interrupted Xiao Qingxuan''s thoughts. Turning her head, she saw her own maid, Xiu He.


    "What happened?" Xiao Qingxuan asked.


    "It seems that the group has left the city. I followed them for a while and left some markers before returning," Xiu He reported.


    "As long as we can locate them, things will be easier." Having finished her words, Xiao Qingxuan turned to leave.


    "Miss, should we call for some troops from Jiangsu?" Xiu He quickly inquired.


    Xiao Qingxuan pondered for a moment and said, "The city of Jinling has been troubled by the White Lotus bandits recently, and it may well be that they have connections within the local government. I don''t quite trust Cheng De, the Commander-in-chief of Jiangsu, not to mention that I don''t have a military token tomand him. Luo Min, the governor of Jiangsu, only has some patrol soldiers under him, which wouldn''t be of much use. Our priority for this journey is to rescue people. We can deal with other matterster."


    Xiu He nodded and followed her mistress. Their slender figures disappeared into the twilight.


    Meanwhile, Lin Wanrong waspletely oblivious to these developments. He was annoyed, thinking, ''I am merely a servant, you have plundered the Xiao family, that''s one thing, but why drag me into this?''


    Walking alongside Eldest Miss Xiao, held captive by the same group, she nced at him, her eyes filled with confusion. She seemed to question, ''I am the owner of the Xiao family, it makes sense for them to kidnap me, but why did they take you, a servant, as well?''


    Lin Wanrong forced a bitter smile, thinking, ''You think I came looking for them for a friendly visit? Damn it, I''ve clearly been set up this time.''


    Both of them were immobilized by their captors, unable to move or speak. Although Eldest Miss Xiao put on a strong front in front of the bandits, she was, after all, a woman. Fear naturally gripped her heart, and she turned her gaze to the servant, who was smiling at her. Even though she was a strong woman in the business world, this was a situation she had never encountered before. In this critical moment, having this annoying rogue beside her gave her somefort.


    The bandits ced them in a carriage and unlocked their acupuncture points. The bandit chief stared at Eldest Miss Xiao for a long while, swallowing before grinning at her. "Miss Xiao, I apologize for this inconvenience. But I believe you''ll thank me for it in the future, haha."


    He signaled to a woman by his side, who reached out to frisk Miss Xiao. Terrified and furious, Xiao Yuruo eximed, "What are you doing? If you dare to touch me, I will end my life right here!"


    While the bandit chief seemed sleazy, he was surprisingly considerate of Miss Xiao, leaving the pat down to the woman beside him. Seeing the woman''s intention, Xiao Yuruo sneered, "If your filthy hands dare touch me, I will die before you."


    The woman hesitated, ncing at the bandit chief, who chuckled, "Miss Xiao, don''t misunderstand. This is merely a precaution. As long as you promise not to harm yourself, we won''t make things difficult for you."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong furrowed his brows. The bandit chief seemed to treat Miss Xiao with unusual caution. If their motive was merely robbery, there was no need to show such consideration towards Miss Xiao. There was only one other exnation - they had ulterior motives for Miss Xiao.


    Miss Xiao knew that her life was in the hands of these bandits, but being a strong-willed woman, she said scornfully, "As long as you do not harm us, no amount of money will be too much to offer."


    The bandit chiefughed, "If that''s the case, I will not make things difficult for you, Miss. I hope you will not make things difficult for me either."


    With a wave of his hand, he blocked their acupressure points, immobilizing them. They were already on the outskirts of the city on a remote path. He was not afraid of them shouting for help, so he generously left their voice points unblocked. Thanks to Miss Xiao, the bandits did not search her body nor pay any attention to Lin Wanrong, they turned and left.


    About a dozen bandits mounted their horses, surrounded the carriage, and galloped swiftly towards the outskirts of the city.


    Eldest Miss Xiao''s anxiety subsided for the moment. She nced at Lin, who seemed lost in thought, and wondered what he was thinking. ''At a time like this, he still manages to daydream,'' she thought.


    "Hey" Eldest Miss Xiao called out softly. They were trapped in the narrow carriage, unable to move their hands and feet, only their mouths could move.


    Lin Wanrong snapped back to reality, realizing that the only thing they could move now were their mouths. Judging from the bumpiness of the carriage, they were definitely in a deste, wild area. Cries for help would be futile, and with the bandits surrounding them, any attempt to call for help would turn them into minced meat before any help could arrive.


    Being a clever man, Lin Wanrong would never do such a foolish thing. He winked at Eldest Miss Xiao and said with a smile, "Miss Xiao, I didn''t choose to get on this carriage myself, I really had no choice."


    Xiao Yuruo''s face reddened. Thest time they shared a carriage, he had forced himself onto it. She red at him but couldn''t understand why, in such a dire situation, he still had the nerve to make light of her.


    "It seems these bandits are being quite considerate towards you, Miss Xiao. Perhaps they intend to take you as their camp wife," Lin Wanrong joked. "But rest assured, Miss, even if it costs my life, I''ll snatch you back."


    "What nonsense are you talking about," Xiao Yuruo snapped, yet his teasing somehow lessened her fear.


    But Lin Wanrong was not lying. When Eldest Miss Xiao was negotiating terms with the bandits earlier, she had included him as well, which reassured him. It appeared he held some significance in her eyes. Additionally, she was the sister of his beloved Yushuang, so it was his duty to protect her.


    Since the bandit chief had demands for both of them, Lin Wanrong felt more at ease. If the bandit needed something from them, there was room for negotiation. In ying devious games, Lin Wanrong was second to none.


    Thinking of Yushuang, Lin Wanrong''s heart was filled with tenderness. If he could escape alive, he resolved to hold Yushuang in his arms and kiss her to his heart''s content.


    Eldest Miss Xiao noticed his gentle expression, a stark contrast from his usual intimidating demeanor. Her heart fluttered a bit. ''What is he thinking about to make him look like that?'' she wondered.


    Neither of them spoke again. Although Eldest Miss Xiao had been captured, she felt less afraid with this wily servant by her side, and even began to feel somewhat at ease.


    The carriage swayed back and forth, hurrying onwards under the cover of night. Eldest Miss Xiao, who had been frightened tonight, eventually drifted off to sleep.


    Seeing her furrowed brows even in sleep, as if troubled by many worries, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. He observed her somewhat pale cheeks and couldn''t help but empathize. The youngdy was under enormous pressure, not only fighting battles in the business world and managing the Xiao family but also dealing with bandits; it was indeed not easy. After pondering for a moment, he too began to feel drowsy.


    ''Damn it, I''ve been taken for a ride this time,'' he thought, ''if I manage to escape, I''ll spare no expense to buy something like thousand-year-old ginseng or ten-thousand-year-old knotweed [tuber fleeceflower/polygonum multiflorum] to enhance my strength.'' He sighed inwardly.


    In his mind, those aberrantly strong characters in martial arts novels all used these kinds of things to enhance their strength, invigorate their energy, cleanse their marrow, undergo rebirth, and be indefatigable - their effects were simr to those of Viagra and desensitizing sprays.


    ''Divine skills, divine skills, I must practice divine skills,'' Lin Wanrong thought. This was his greatest wish before drifting off to sleep.


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 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109


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    Chapter 109 The Heart of Man


    Lin Wanrong did not know how long had passed when he slowly woke up. The first thing he saw was the Eldest Miss, staring at him with intense eyes. He couldn''t guess what she was thinking.


    Yawning, Lin Wanrong asked, "Miss, do you know what time it is? Oh, what hour is it?"


    His possessions were limited to a few broken silver pieces and a spring pce painting booklet he always carried with him. Having so little, he had slept quitefortably. The bandit leader, to reassure the Eldest Miss, had not searched Lin Wanrong at all, just paralyzing them both with pressure points.


    They were both confined inside a carriage, unable to move. The carriage did not let in light, making it difficult to tell the time. Seeing Lin Wanrong awake, the Eldest Miss said, "I don''t know the exact time, but at least four hours have passed."


    "How do you know?" asked Lin Wanrong, surprised.


    A blush spread across the Eldest Miss''s face as she confessed, "I usually don''t rest for more than four hours. Once that time has passed, I wake up naturally."


    So, it was a biological clock, thought Lin Wanrong, nodding his understanding. If that was true, did it mean they had been on the move for four hours since leaving the city? Where was this bandit leader taking them? How far had they traveled? Judging by the carriage''s movement, which was increasingly upward, it seemed like they were climbing a hill.


    While lost in thought, the carriage curtain was lifted, and the bandit leader and another woman entered. They picked up Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss, taking them out of the carriage.


    It was one thing for the Eldest Miss to be handled roughly, but when the bandit leader held Lin Wanrong, he showed no mercy, gripping him so hard that it hurt. Damn you, one day I will castrate you, Lin Wanrong swore inwardly.


    Once out of the carriage, Lin Wanrong noticed that they were on a mountainside. The mountain was so tall that he could not see the peak. The chill of the early winter morning, mixed with the slowly rising fog, enveloped the mountainside. Lin Wanrong could not help but shiver. He nced at the Eldest Miss who was also shivering uncontrobly. Seeing him look at her with a gentle expression, her eyes welled up, but she held back the tears from falling.


    These bandit scum led the two of them up the mountain. When they reached the peak, the scenery changed dramatically. There were several rows of houses hidden among the green trees on the mountain top. Without careful observation, one might not notice them at all. Seeing how familiar these bandits were with the ce, Lin Wanrong realized that this must be their temporary hideout.


    The bandit leader said to Xiao Yuruo, "Miss, I''m afraid you''ll have to stay here for a few days. Once your family gathers the ten thousand taels of gold, I will let you go."


    Damn, he makes it sound so pleasant, thought Lin Wanrong. If it were really that simple, why did you bother to capture us and bring us here? Of course, he wouldn''t dare to voice this thought aloud. His life was in their hands, after all.


    The houses on the mountain were scarce. The bandit leader arranged for Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss to stay in two connected rooms. The Eldest Miss was ced in arge room with two connected spaces. Although simple, it was furnished with all necessary items. Lin Wanrong''s room, however, waspletely bare.


    Lin Wanrong snorted inwardly. Damn these White Lotus bandits, always looking down on others. One day, I will wipe you out.


    There was an iron gate connecting the two cells, but it was locked and could not be opened. Thus, they could see each other through the bars but could not be together. Lin Wanrong felt somewhat strange about this arrangement. Xiao Yuruo''s face turned red. Such a setup seemed like they were sharing a room, but considering their current predicament as captives, what more could they ask for?


    The cells were made ofrge stones, and apart from the main entrance, there wasn''t a single window. Escape was impossible. There was a small hole in the main door through which their captors could asionally peek inside. Even with limitless abilities, Lin Wanrong could find no way to hide.


    Feeling utterly defeated, Lin Wanrong sat down heavily, his mood gloomy. He thought back to the note Qin Xian''er had sent yesterday, reminding him to leave Xiao Manor earlier. At that time, he had been busy making perfume and had not paid attention to her warning. The timing yesterday had been unfortunate; he had been running back and forth between the perfume workshop, Xiao Manor, and the tavern and had not received the critical message.


    Damn, this is the consequence of poormunication. Is there such a thing as a mobile phone? I''d buy a dozen of them, he daydreamed.


    From the current situation, it was clear that Qin Xian''er was somehow involved with the White Lotus sect, but her repeated warnings showed that she cared for him.


    Reflecting deeply, Lin Wanrong realized that his predicament was partly due to inadequatemunication and partly due to hisck of self-defense abilities.


    Speaking of self-defense, he thought of Xiao Qingxuan''s impressive skills. If possible, it would be best to hire a couple of bodyguards with simr abilities. He had no idea how much it would cost to hire such people. He knew Xiao Qingxuan was of noble birth and only staying temporarily in Jinling. It was impossible to hire her as his bodyguard, but perhaps she could rmend a few people with simr skills.


    Lin Wanrong was lost in his pleasant thoughts, unaware that Xiao Qingxuan was one of the top figures in the martial arts world. Not only those who could match her, but even those with eighty percent of her skills were as rare as phoenix feathers or unicorn horns.


    Lin Wanrong was now in danger, and since he couldn''tpete in martial skills, he had to rely on his intellect. Reflecting on his capture, it was clear that the White Lotus bandits hade prepared. They had not only captured the Eldest Miss but also seemed to be interested in him. What could he possibly have that would attract their interest?


    Could it be because I''m handsome, with the potential to be a gigolo? The thought alone disgusted him.


    He then focused on his enemies. He had a minor quarrel with Cheng Ruinian, but they had not really shed. Besides, their conflict was rted to Qin Xian''er and had nothing to do with the Xiao family.


    Another person was Tao Dongcheng. They had shed before, and the only conflict rted to the Xiao family involved this man surnamed Tao. But Tao Dongcheng''s father was a silk weaver in Suzhou, and he himself was merely a cloth merchant. How could he be connected to the White Lotus Sect? As for him, Lin San, he was nothing more than a lowly servant who had exchanged a few harsh words with him. Would he really need the help of the White Lotus Sect? Furthermore, if he really despised him, wouldn''t it have been more satisfying to kill him on the spot? Why bother bringing him there?


    Seeing that he was lost in thought for a while, the Eldest Miss figured he must be pondering something. She found herself in the dull cell with only this detestable servant to keep herpany, which alleviated her sense of loneliness to some extent.


    "Lin San, what are you thinking about?" The Eldest Miss rarely initiated a conversation with him, and this time it felt rather strange.


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "Eldest Miss, you rarely have such leisurely moments, right?"


    Xiao Yuruo was taken aback. After a long pause, she said, "Indeed, it feels like I haven''t sat quietly like this in a long time." As the head of the Xiao family, she had been bustling around handling family affairs since she was fifteen or sixteen. The tranquility of sitting idly had long since been lost to her. This ordeal provided her with some spare time, but it was rather filled with fear and trepidation. She could only respond with a wry smile.


    "Eldest Miss, life is not only about work. There are many beautiful things to do, like family and affection. These are more important than work. Don''t push yourself too hard. Learn to rx and enjoy life. Life is short. If there''s no joy, then it''s a wasted life," Lin Wanrong calmly advised.


    "Hmph, you...where do you get all these deep thoughts?" The Eldest Miss snorted, but inwardly she feltforted by his words. They resonated with her. However, looking at his calm expression, she wondered if he was afraid at all. This inscrutable servant always seemed unfathomable.


    "Life is full of various hardships. Like this time, don''t overthink it. Just treat it as a short journey. Once it''s over, it will be fine," Lin Wanrong reassured her.


    The Eldest Miss found his reasoning peculiar and retorted, "Aren''t you afraid?"


    "Of course, I am," Lin Wanrong admitted generously. "Everyone is afraid of death. That''s normal. But fear doesn''t change facts."


    Xiao Yuruo snorted, acknowledging his point. Suddenly, she remembered something. "Lin San, were you with Yushuang yesterday?"


    Seeing her expression, Lin Wanrong knew what she wanted to say. But after yesterday''s incident, there was no way he could abandon that young girl. He didn''t answer her question and instead asked, "Eldest Miss, you''re Yushuang''s elder sister, but do you truly understand her?"


    Xiao Yuruo responded, "We grew up together. Of course, I know her well. She is still a child. I hope you won''t harm her any further."


    Lin Wanrong frowned, "Eldest Miss, I don''t like what you just said. I''ve never harmed the second miss. Not in the past, and definitely not in the future. Before yesterday, I thought she was just a child, like you. But I was horribly wrong. I underestimated her. Every day, she worries about her mother and sister, prays for the Xiao family, and she is willing to sacrifice her life for someone she likes."


    Just as Xiao Yuruo was about to speak, Lin Wanrong waved his hand to stop her, "To be honest, Eldest Miss, if it weren''t for the kindness of the second miss, I wouldn''t have interfered in the affairs of the Xiao family."


    Hearing him speak to her in such a tone, Xiao Yuruo felt very annoyed. However, seeing his calm demeanor, so unlike his usual rogue ways, filled her with an unexinable fear. Taken aback, she thought, ''Why has this man changed so much? I actually preferred our usual banter.''


    "Let''s...let''s not talk about this, Lin San. We are trapped in jail now, talking about this ruins the mood," Xiao Yuruo weakly said.


    "Not only are we trapped in jail, but we are also alone together in a room. Eldest Miss, this could be the result of karma from three past lives," Lin Wanrong, seemingly reverting to his original character, began to tease again.


    A tremor ran through the Eldest Miss. His words rang true. Despite the unyielding iron door between them, it added to the intimate atmosphere. Seeing him tease her, Xiao Yuruo became very angry and scolded, "Lin San, stop disrespecting me. If you continue to speak like this, I will, I will"


    "Will you move out?" Lin Wanrongughed heartily. Watching the proud Eldest Miss angry in the cell was very entertaining.


    The Eldest Miss blushed and snorted, ignoring him.


    "Has the Tao family reached out to you recently, Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong''s voice calmed again. To Xiao Yuruo, his voice now seemed to carry a sense of wisdom.


    Xiao Yuruo did not know why he asked this but responded, "No, they haven''t contacted me, nor mentioned the alliance."


    After Tao Dongcheng''s confession, he surprisingly hadn''t sought the Xiao family, and even the alliance was not mentioned? Something seemed odd. The quieter the Tao family, the more extraordinary the situation behind it.


    "Do they know about the new lingerie and cheongsam introduced by the Xiao family?" Lin Wanrong asked as he paced slowly in his cell.


    Xiao Yushuang leaned against the iron window and watched his movements. ''Can you reallye up with a n just like that?'' But seeing his furrowed brow, she felt no resistance and simply answered, "News like this spreads fast. They should know by now."


    Lin Wanrong stopped pacing, a sharp glint in his eyes, and asked with emphasis on each word, "Do they know about the perfume?"


    Upon seeing a dangerous glint sh across Lin Wanrong''s brow, Xiao Yuruo felt a twinge of fear. At that moment, Lin San seemed far removed from her, an unfamiliarity she did not appreciate. She huffed, "How would I know?"


    As his gaze settled coldly on her, she could not help but feel cowed. In a soft voice, she conceded, "How could such matters be hidden? When we promote the perfume, they would naturally find out." A sudden realization hit her, and she gasped, "Are you suspecting Tao Dongcheng?"


    With Lin Wanrong remaining silent, Xiao Yuruo furrowed her brows, "Although I don''t know the Young Master Tao well, he is amiable and hails from a noble and official family. How could he possibly be involved with the evil cult of the White Lotus? You mustn''t presumptuously gauge people''s hearts."


    A cold smirk emerged at the corner of Lin Wanrong''s mouth, "Hearts? In this world, the most elusive thing is the human heart."


    He sighed deeply, shaking his head, ''Damn, if this matter is asplicated as I suspect, then it''s not going to be simple.''


    The two were held in the room for a day and a night. Until the next day, at dusk, the door to Lin Wanrong''s cell opened. A follower of the White Lotus outside called, "Lin San,e out."


    ''Here ites, is it time?'' Lin Wanrong gave a cold smile and stood up to leave.


    As if sensing something, Xiao Yuruo hurriedly yelled, "Lin San, don''t go" Lin Wanrong turned back, smiling at her, then with a stride, he stepped out of the door.


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 Chapter 110

    Chapter 110


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    Chapter 110 Duel of Wits and Ruthlessness


    The ce they took him to was a few steps away from his cell. Lin Wanrong followed behind the bandit, incessantly peering around, sizing up the nearby circumstances.


    By then, dusk had fallen, and it seemed no other bandits were in sight. Could it be that they''ve gone down the mountain to work? Lin Wanrong wondered. These followers of the White Lotus cult survived by robbery, often targeting wealthy households in Jinling. They likely had a decent ie.


    Observing the emaciated bandit leading the way, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but start plotting. Damn, I don''t see any other bandits around. If it''s just this guy, I could charge him and take him down. I might have a chance to escape.


    He had some confidence in his fighting abilities. The White Lotus bandits he had encountered yesterday were tall and formidable, but he doubted that this gatekeeper shared their skills. The other day, he had handled Li Ergou, knocking him out with a single blow. Perhaps he might get lucky again.


    The thought was as enticing as candy, tempting him continuously. Lin Wanrong had a clear understanding of his current predicament. The kidnapping was far from being as simple as he had imagined, and if he wasn''t careful, his life could end here. Instead of waiting for death, he decided it was better to take a chance.


    There was a gambler''s streak in his nature. Seeing that the area was deserted, he clenched his teeth and quickened his pace, walking right behind the bandit. But before he could act, he heard the bandit grumble, "Damn it, who threw this stone here again?"


    Ahead, arge rock about one-third the height of a man stood in their path. With hisint uttered, the bandit kicked the rock, shattering it into pieces with a dull sound.


    "Damn," Lin Wanrong blurted, startled. He immediately halted his intended actions. I thought I was pretty good at ying possum. I didn''t expect an ordinary White Lotus bandit to be so much stronger. No wonder they sent only one person to escort me. With that kind of strength, ten of me wouldn''t stand a chance.


    Cold sweat drenched Lin Wanrong. He dismissed his previous thoughts, caught up to the man, and ttered, "Your martial arts skills are extraordinary, sir, unmatched in the past or future. I am fortunate to have met such a master today. Truly, it is a blessing in my life. May I ask for your esteemed name? I truly admire you."


    The man nced at him and said arrogantly, "Why would you need my name? We''re not friends."


    Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "I wish to ask if there is some magical pill or potion that could give me martial skills like yours, quickly and efficiently. I am willing to pay a high price for it."


    The manughed heartily, "You are amusing. There is no shortcut to mastering martial arts. I started practicing from the age of five, and only after more than thirty years have I achieved this level. The idea of mastering it in one day is utterly ridiculous."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Your martial arts prowess, sir, is beyond anything I''ve ever witnessed. You are far more formidable than any of the so-called warriors or masters I''ve met. My deep admiration led me to ask such a question, causing you to find amusement, I''m afraid."


    In the distance, three figures stood, observing every movement the duo made.


    The one in the center was a young nobleman, dressed opulently. His demeanor was dignified, his temperament refined, and hisportment remarkable. One nce was enough to tell that he was not an ordinary man. He looked at Lin Wanrong''s retreating figure and chuckled, "So, this is the Lin San you mentioned. He''s amusing and quite bold."


    The young man standing to the left of the nobleman replied, "Indeed, my lord. This man is Lin San, a servant of the Xiao family. ording to my investigation, the Xiao family''s sudden shift in business ventures and the adoption of new trades were all strategized by him." This man had thick brows andrge eyes, and in Lin Wanrong''s words, looked somewhat like Zhu Shimao.


    The nobleman nodded andughed, "This Lin San is indeed interesting. The cheongsam and women''s undergarments he created, although somewhat daring, are quite appealing. The women in my household are quite fond of them."


    The young man on the left agreed, "You''re absolutely correct, my lord. This Lin San is indeed clever. I admit I underestimated him before. When we first met, even Miss Xiao didn''t think highly of him."


    The nobleman nodded, "Speaking of which, it seems Lin San spoiled your ns. If it hadn''t been for his interference, your scheme would have been sessful and Miss Xiao would already be in your arms."


    The young man hurriedly replied, "I failed to carry out my task effectively. I await your punishment, my lord."


    "No matter, no matter," the nobleman''s eyes sparkled, "It just took a bit more effort this time, and we didn''t lose anything. Instead, we gained a bit more. By the way, are you sure that the perfume form is with this Lin San?"


    "Yes." The young man on the left answered with certainty, "I have been investigating for several days. Like our household, the Xiao family was also originally a cloth business, but recently they suddenly introduced cheongsams, women''s undergarments, and perfumes. Leaving the rest aside, both the perfume factory and perfume form were nned by Lin San. I can assure you, the form is in his possession."


    The nobleman nodded and sighed, "This perfume, it''s really something. A single bottle costs hundreds of taels of silver. If it falls into our hands, it would be a significant boost. We must acquire both this perfume and the Xiao family, we can''t afford to miss either." He turned to the young man on the side and said, "We must seize the Xiao family. Lu Zhongping, you two must work together to achieve this. There will be a generous reward."


    Lu Zhongping, a tall and thin man, was the eldest disciple of the White Lotus cult. He quickly replied, "Please rest assured, my lord. We will take care of it."


    The noblemanughed heartily and turned to the young man on the left, "If you handle this matter well, I will put in a good word for your father for the vacancy of the Mayor of Jinling next year. You can leave the Suzhou Weaving to others."


    "Thank you, my lord," the young man on the left hurriedly replied. All three burst intoughter once again.


    At that moment, Lin Wanrong was busily striking up a conversation with the bandit. "Brother, is your sect called the White Lotus?"


    Impatiently, the bandit responded, "Indeed."


    "That''s a pleasant name. Was it named by your sect leader?" asked Lin Wanrong.


    "The term ''White Lotus'' signifies purity and was established by the first leader of our sect," the bandit proimed with pride.


    Purity my foot, this old youngster practiced martial arts since childhood. He probably doesn''t even know how to write those two words. Lin Wanrong drawled, "Your sect indeed has a long history and profound lineage. I am truly in awe."


    "That is natural," responded the bandit.


    "Oh, by the way, where do you buy those fireworks that your sect releases before every operation? They are quite beautiful. I''d like to purchase some for my leisure."


    "We in the sect produce those ourselves. You can''t buy them just anywhere."


    "Oh?" Lin Wanrong prolonged his tone, "What is the name of your sect leader?"


    "Our sect leader''s name is Su" The bandit suddenly looked rmed, red at him and said, "What are you asking this for? Don''t think you can coax information out of me."


    Such a shame, Lin Wanrong thought, this fool has finally be alert. He hastily replied, "Brother, you misunderstood me. I found your fireworks intriguing and wanted to do business with you. As you know, our Xiao family specializes in business. If your sect brothers can supply the goods, I can manage the sales. We can split the profits sixty-forty and I can give you a ten percentmission. What do you think?"


    The bandit was taken aback, mulling over the business proposal, but quickly realized that it was a sect secret and couldn''t be handed over to outsiders. He red at Lin Wanrong, "You''ve thought this through, trying to y us for fools."


    If anyone doesn''t believe then hes a fool, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Then, brother, is your White Lotus sect still recruiting members?"


    "Under the Bodhi tree, the truth is revealed; before the Guanyin temple, we speak of all sentient beings. All the suffering brothers and sisters in the world are disciples under the protection of the White Lotus. As long as you are willing, we of the White Lotus can look after you," the bandit proimed loudly.


    Damn, he recites this so fluently. The politicalmissar of this White Lotus sect is pretty strong, having carried out such deep ideological work. Every cult has a set of methods to bewitch people''s minds, and this White Lotus sect is no simple matter.


    "How much are the monthly membership fees?"


    "Two taels of silver a month."


    "That''s cheap." Lin Wanrong eximed, "Then I''ll pay twenty taels for a year. By the way, where is your headquarters?"


    "Our headquarters is in JiningHey, what exactly are you nning by asking all this?" the bandit abruptly woke up to the situation.


    "Oh, I greatly admire your sect and am thinking of visiting when I have the time," Lin Wanrong bluffed. But the man''s words sent a chill down his spine. Jining was in Shandong territory, thousands of miles away from Jinling. The fact that the White Lotus sect could run rampant in this fertilend of Jiangnan meant that there was no way they were unsupported.


    The man grunted, "I don''t mind telling you. Our White Lotus sect is thergest in the world, redeeming countless believers. Within the vast realm of ournd, branches of our sect can be found across numerous provinces."


    Lin Wanrong smirked, damn it, whether you''re white lotus or ck lotus, you''ve tortured me so today, I won''t rest until I''ve destroyed you.


    He was led by the bandit to a vacant room. The bandit opened the door, "Lin San, we''re here. Go in."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled at him, "Thank you, brother. We''ll chat again when there''s time."


    The man was stunned. Who is this youngster to be so nonchnt after being captured by me, where does his audacitye from?


    Little did he know, this was Lin Wanrong''s way of alleviating stress with his thick skin.


    Upon entering, Lin Wanrong saw a lean young man standing inside. Judging from his silhouette and profile, he was the very senior brother who had kidnapped him the day before. The senior brother had now removed his mask, revealing a rather pleasant face.


    Thinking about how he almost lost his life to this man''s sword the day before, Lin Wanrong was extremely irritated. Seeing the smirk on the man''s lips further annoyed him. He said nonchntly, "Oh, it''s you. Couldn''t they send someone of higher rank to speak with me?"


    With that, he flopped down onto a chair, toozy to pay the man any further attention.


    The senior brother had been sent to recruit him, so he had to suppress his anger, "Brother Lin, my name is Lu Zhongping. I was disrespectful to you yesterday due to circumstances beyond my control. I hope you can forgive me."


    Bullshit. You tried to kill me yesterday, now you''re apologizing. Would you be so calm and polite if you didn''t see some value in me? Lin Wanrong snorted disdainfully, "There''s no need to pretend. I''m your prisoner. Just say what you have to say."


    Seeing the contempt in Lin Wanrong''s eyes, Lu Zhongping couldn''t help but feel a surge of anger. Raising his voice slightly, he said, "Since you''re so straightforward, Brother Lin, I won''t beat around the bush. I invited you here today to discuss something."


    Lin Wanrong nced at him, "Discuss with me? Are you even worthy?"


    Fuming, Lu Zhongping shot up from his seat, a dark line forming between his brows. In a stern voice, he said, "Lin San, don''t mistake courtesy for weakness. Speaking to you this way is a sign of respect, but don''t think for a moment I can''t make you suffer. I have plenty of ways to make you wish for death."


    Outside the window, a well-dressed young man who had been eavesdropping sighed, "This Lin San is indeed difficult to deal with. Lu Zhongping is no match for him."


    The person beside him said, "You''re right, sir. I''ve experienced Lin San''s sharp tongue myself."


    Suddenly, Lin Wanrong mmed his hand on the table and stood up, "You think I''m scared? Show me what you''ve got. If I so much as whimper, then I''m your grandson."


    Lu Zhongping was so exasperated that he didn''t catch the implications in Lin Wanrong''s words. He too mmed his hand on the table, "Fine! If you do shout, then I''m your grandfather!"


    Lin Wanrong felt a thrill inside, like he had just eaten a piss-bull''s gall. Young man, you''re too green topete with me. Despite his internal satisfaction, cold sweat had drenched his back. He was gambling, betting on the fact that Lu Zhongping had a master behind him, and that they surely needed something from him. He had deliberately provoked Lu Zhongping to the point that they had ended up in a confrontation before the topic of discussion was even broached - all to meet his behind-the-scenes master. With this rash and tactless Lu Zhongping, negotiation would be a waste of time.


    Once the words left Lu Zhongping''s mouth, he realized he had fallen for Lin San''s trap. Enraged to the point where his hair seemed to stand on end, he decided that even if it meant facing reprimand from the young master, he had to vent his anger today.


    Seeing Lu Zhongping''s rage-filled approach, Lin Wanrong knew the man was seriously angry. Damn it, if this guy actually hit him, he wouldn''t be able to take it. He would, of course, cry out. It would be his grandson who wouldn''t.


    Though Lin Wanrong''s face remained calm, beads of sweat had started to form on his forehead, and he began to count silently in his heart.


    "One..."


    "Two..."


    Before he could utter the word "three," a clear voice came from outside the window, "Zhongping, you shoulde back now."


    Oh, thank god! It was as if Lin Wanrong had heard the sound of heaven''s music. He rxed instantly and leanedzily back in his chair.


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 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111


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    Chapter 111 This Demonic Woman


    Lu Zhongping, vexed, stepped out. Bowing to the elegantly dressed young man, he said, "I have been inefficient in my tasks, please, young master, punish me as you see fit."


    The elegantly dressed young man snorted, "Lu Zhongping, indeed, you''ve managed this matter poorly. Lin San provoked you intentionally, and yet, you lost your temper, falling for his ruse. The ruckus your sect has been causing in Jinling has be quite conspicuous, I fear it has attracted attention from the top. Once you have properly resolved this situation, take a few days off."


    Lu Zhongping stood off to the side, disheartened. The elegantly dressed young man then added, "This Lin San is not simple, I think I''ll see him personally."


    The young man on the left hastily interjected, "That would be highly inappropriate! You are of high birth, Young Master. How can you possibly meet with such a lowly character?"


    The elegantly dressed young man waved his hand dismissively, "It''s of no concern. Lin San is a talent, and I would like to observe him for myself."


    Lin Wanrong had been waiting in the room for a long time but saw no one emerge. However, his mind was spinning with thoughts, carefully analyzing the situation at hand. It was clear that the people backing Lu Zhongping had their designs on him. Judging from the rampant wealth umtion by the White Lotus Sect, they were undoubtedly targeting the perfume form he possessed.


    No one understood the profitability of the perfume better than Lin Wanrong. He sighed quietly, Jealousy due to wealth has always been an ancient mise.


    After a while, Lu Zhongping returned with a sullen expression. Respectfully, he said to Lin Wanrong, "Mister Lin, my master wishes to meet you."


    Lin Wanrong felt a shiver down his spine, utterly ufortable being addressed as "Mister" by another man. ustomed to thickening his skin to alleviate pressure, he patted Lu Zhongping on the shoulder and said, "Little Lu, brute strength isn''t all there is to living in this world. You must also exercise your brain. Go and eat some pig''s brain to nourish your mind."


    Given that he and Lu Zhongping were already at odds, he thought he might as well add insult to injury. After all, what kind of fool would not seize the advantage when given the opportunity? Moreover, this was entirely in line with Lin Wanrong''s character.


    Lu Zhongping, not daring to offend him, gritted his teeth and led him to another vacant room. It was a spacious room, divided by a screen behind which were faint outlines of two figuresone seated, one standingbut their faces were obscured.


    "Are you Lin San?" came a voice from behind the screen.


    Damn it, thought Lin Wanrong, do you think you''re a cop? Starting off like this, asking pointless questions. He silently scorned his questioner but recognized that this man behind the screen was the one backing Lu Zhongping. In other words, his life was in this man''s hands.


    The man''s voice seemed to oscite between being close and far, clear yet untraceable. Though his words were few, they were uttered with an imposing aura, a hint of authority that suggested he was a person of rank.


    Lin Wanrong, however, did not care about the man''s identity. At this point, having nothing to lose, he fearlessly slumped onto a chair and replied nonchntly, "Let''s not bother with that question anymore. If I answered, it would make me a fool; if you asked, you''d be less than a fool."


    "Hahaha" The man erupted inughter, "Lin San, you''re quite a character. It''s been a long time since I''ve encountered something so amusing. Perhaps, I should spend more time with you."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "You hide behind a screen, concealing your true voice and face, yet you wish to get acquainted? Your sincerity is indeedcking."


    The man responded with a subtle smile, "There''s no ill intention. Seeing my face may not necessarily be a good thing for you."


    That was a blunt truth, Lin Wanrong nodded, "You do make a fair point. Well then, perhaps it''s better if I don''t meet you, to avoid being silenced. May I ask why you''ve gone to such lengths to bring me here?"


    Listening from the side, Lu Zhongping silently cursed, Damn it, you smooth-talking kid. ''Bring me here''? You were clearly captured by us. Always embellishing your circumstances, what kind of freak are you? You sound more like a bandit than I do.


    "Lin San, you''re a smart man. There''s no need for insinuations among the straightforward. My goal is simpleI want the perfume form in your possession. Name your price," the man stated directly.


    Damn it, Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly as he had suspected, but feigned surprise on his face, "How did you find out about it?"


    The man responded, "We have our ways, no need for you to worry about that. As long as you provide the form for this perfume, wealth, glory, riches, and honor will all be within your grasp."


    Lin Wanrong despised such baseless talk andughed heartily, "Wealth, glory, riches, and honor? My good sir, you are being quite amusing. If you already possessed inexhaustible wealth, would you still need this perfume to make money?"


    The elegantly dressed man was taken aback. Lin San''s response was indeed swift. The words that usually worked seemed to lose their meaning whening from him.


    Being no ordinary man, the elegantly dressed man onlyughed, "Indeed, a quick mind matches quick words, very much to my liking. In that case, Lin San, I''ll be straightforward with you. If you provide the perfume form, I can give you anything you wantluxurious mansions, beautiful women, high-ranking positions, you can choose anything."


    A jolt ran through Lin Wanrong, "Are you asking me to betray the Xiao family?"


    The elegantly dressed manughed heartily, "Loyalty is just an excuse. The ones who preach about loyalty and righteousness simply haven''t received a tempting enough offer to betray. As for betrayal, it''s an overstatement. In a few days, the entire Xiao family will be in our grasp."


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, this youngster seemed to have a rather clear understanding of human nature. But from the sound of it, his identity was far from simple. A thought crossed Lin Wanrong''s mind, "Sir, might you be someone of officialdom?"


    The elegantly dressed young man said, "As I said, knowing these things won''t do you any good."


    ''Damn you, acting so haughty! You think I wanted to know? If it weren''t for you dragging me into this, I''d have no interest in getting involved. If you''re in any official capacity, you must be a eunuch.'' He smirked at his malicious thoughts.


    The situation was clear; there would be no peaceful resolution. If he didn''t surrender the form, the other party would undoubtedly resort to all means to torment him. He didn''t need a brain to figure that out. But once the form was handed over, he would lose his only bargaining chip, and his life would be in their hands. Even that Lu Zhongping would be able to kill him as easily as crushing an ant.


    Lin Wanrong pondered. As a man of the modern world, he had some integrity, but he was not yet at the point of being immovable in the face of death. This was a critical juncture. A single misstep might lead to total defeat.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong deep in thought, the elegantly dressed young man allowed a faint smile to grace his face. He did not pressure him, quietly sitting and waiting for his response.


    "Is Tao Dongcheng here?" Lin Wanrong suddenly asked, opening his eyes.


    The young man beside the elegantly dressed one shivered slightly. The elegantly dressed man gave him a shake of the head, and he calmed down.


    "Who is Tao Dongcheng? I don''t know him," the elegantly dressed man replied calmly.


    Lin Wanrong ceased speaking. He said nonchntly, "I need some time to think."


    The elegantly dressed man asked, "What do you still need to consider?"


    Lin Wanrongughed coldly, "If I hand over the form to you, I will have nothing left to negotiate with. Whether I live or die will then be entirely up to you. Are you saying I don''t need to consider that?"


    "Wonderful, wonderful." The elegantly dressed man pped his hands andughed, "Talking with a clever person saves much effort."


    "However" his tone changed, "You don''t have much time left to consider. I hope to hear your response by tomorrow morning. Otherwise, I believe Zhongping will take quite a liking to you." His tone was menacing, a stark contrast to his previous joviality, while Lu Zhongping was already rubbing his hands in anticipation.


    ''Damn. This kid is cunning,'' Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly. He had initially hoped to buy himself a day or two. Even if no one came to his aid, it would give him more time to save himself. However, this kid seemed to have seen through this n, giving him only a few hours.


    The two men behind the screen ceased their conversation with him and, apanied by Lu Zhongping, exited through another door.


    "Young Master, if Lin San refuses to hand over the form, what should we do?" the young man beside the elegantly dressed one asked.


    The Young Master responded with a faint smile, a sharp gleam in his eyes, "If we can''t get it, nobody else should either. If Lin San refuses to surrender it, you should simply"


    He cast a meaningful nce at the young man. The murderous intent in his eyes, however, could not be erased. The young man quickly acknowledged.


    "By the way, head over to Miss Xiao''s ce and leak some information. Say that Lin San has already handed over the form to us and is currently enjoying our hospitality." The young master revealed a faint smile on his face. "Remember, the information should ''identally'' reach thedy''s ears."


    A spark ignited in the youth''s eyes, and he quickly saluted, "The young master is insightful."


    The young masterughed lightly, looking at him and said, "Miss Xiao has a fiery temperament. If you were to forcefully take her, I fear it might cause a bacsh and unexpected troubles. It''smendable how you''ve thought of a way to not only take the Xiao family''s holdings but also make her submit willingly. Cheng De''s troops are already at the base of the mountain. At your call, a fine drama can be performed. Do well, I won''t shortchange you."


    The youth hastily replied, "My father and I owe our current standing to the grace of the young master''s house. Even if we have to go through fire and water for the young master, we wouldn''t hesitate."


    The young master smiled faintly and asked, "How many years has your father been with my royal father?"


    The youth respectfully answered, "My father has been with the prince since he was ten years old. By now, it''s been forty years."


    The young master nodded, "Your loyalty is clear to my father and me. It''s been hard on your father, having him stay in Suzhou''s weaving industry for eight years. But as you know, the provinces of Suzhou and Hangzhou are the wealthiest in the world, and the Suzhou weaving industry is of utmost importance. My father wouldn''t trust this to just anyone. Once this current matter is taken care of, I will discuss it with my father, and I will present a case before the emperor. Next year''s vacant position of prefect of Nanjing will be reserved for him."


    Overwhelmed with gratitude, the youth knelt down and said, "Thank you for your royal favor, thank you young master for your royal favor."


    The young master was about to speak when he saw Lu Zhongping rush over anxiously, "Young master, something terrible has happened. Miss Xiao, she"


    "What happened to Miss Xiao?" the youth asked in surprise.


    Lu Zhongping whispered a few words in front of the two, who were both shocked and quickly made their way towards the prison.


    Lin Wanrong was confined in the room, unable to return to Miss Xiao''s side. The frustration in his heart was unimaginable. As he paced back and forth in the room, troubled, he suddenly heard a loud click, and the door was opened.


    Annoyed, thinking that someone had been sent to persuade him again, he didn''t even turn his head and impatiently said, "The time isn''t up yet, what are you doing here"


    Before he finished speaking, he caught a whiff of a familiar fragrance, and a charming figure appeared in front of him in a blink of an eye. "Young master"


    The voice sounded familiar. Upon closer inspection, the woman had a scarf covering her face, the same woman Lu Zhongping had referred to as his junior sister the night of the kidnapping.


    "You are" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    The woman pulled down her scarf, and Lin Wanrong was taken aback. "Miss Qin, why are you here?" The person in front of him was indeed Qin Xian''er.


    Qin Xian''er grabbed his hand and urgently said, "I''ll exin to the young masterter, I''m here to get you out now."


    Ah, truly she was like Guanyin Bodhisattva,ing to the rescue in desperate times. Lin Wanrong felt like embracing this Qin Xian''er and giving her a kiss. After several warnings and risking her life to save him, there wasn''t a better way to repay her than to offer himself. Lin Wanrong didn''t feel embarrassed at all to be saved by a woman. Times had changed, and both men and women were equal, he thought magnanimously.


    Qin Xian''er held his hand and hurriedly began to lead him away. Feeling the delicate smoothness of her small hand in his palm, Lin Wanrong''sscivious heart surfaced again. He couldn''t help but let his fingers slide gently over her palm.


    Qin Xian''er''s face flushed, and she shot him a look, giving a soft humph. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I apologize, it''s a habit."


    Opening the door, they found a follower of the White Lotus Sect lying lifelessly on the ground at the entrance. His throat had been shed, blood still flowing. Qin Xian''er showed no surprise at all.


    This must have been her doing, Lin Wanrong thought. This girl, appearing soft and gentle at the Miaoyu Pavilion, yet she was surprisingly ruthless.


    As night fell, Lin Wanrong looked towards the distant prison where Xiao Yuruo was kept. A few people were gathered there, and a knot formed in his heart. He hoped that nothing had happened to the prouddy.


    Just as he was about to speak, he felt light, and before he knew it, Qin Xian''er had lifted him into the air. Her actions were gentle and considerate, a thousand times better than being caught by Lu Zhongping. Lin Wanrong leaned back,fortably resting against Miss Qin.


    This man, he was truly shameless. Qin Xian''er blushed, red at him and seeing his enjoyment made her even more irritated, but her anger had no effect on him.


    Was this the same man who was known to be proficient in poetry, the servant of the Xiao family? Qin Xian''er was puzzled.


    With swift movements, Qin Xian''er jumped into a deserted well located in the center of thepound. Lin Wanrong was taken aback, wondering why they didn''t escape further away but instead ended up right in the heart of the enemy''sir.


    Seeing his confusion, Qin Xian''er gentlyughed, "There are many guards around the periphery. It would be difficult to escape immediately. Let them think you''ve been rescued, they would never expect that you''re still here. Just wait a moment, young master, I''ll be right back."


    Is this the so-called ''the most dangerous ce is the safest ce''? Damn, isn''t thedy ying with my life? I can''t afford to y this game. If I get caught again, that would be the end of me, Lin Wanrong thought, his heart pounding. He quickly grabbed her hand and said, "Miss, could you not y with me? I have a heart condition."


    Qin Xian''er covered her mouth and smiled, "When you were up to mischief just now, why didn''t you mention you were sick?"


    Lin Wanrong''s face reddened, a rare urrence. But he was thick-skinned and shamelessly held onto Qin Xian''er''s hand, "Here, in this dry well, amongst a pack of wolves, the two of us sitting together, chatting, looking at the moon, making a lifetimemitment, wouldn''t it be wonderful? Why the rush to leave?"


    Qin Xian''er''s heart skipped a beat, finding herself unustomed to his whimsical train of thought. A faint blush spread over her face. She wondered how shamelessly thick-skinned he was, to spout such nonsense with ease, and how many women had fallen for his ruse.


    The thought of other women unsettled her. Regret gnawed at her for having spared Xiao Qingxuan''s life that day. But seeing how urgently Lin Wanrong held her hand provided somefort. She gently asked, "Do you know my identity, Young Master?"


    Lin Wanrong lightly stroked her hand, responding, "Of course, aren''t you the enchanting courtesan Miss Qin Xian''er from Miaoyu Pavilion on the banks of the Qinhuai River? I greatly admire you."


    His ttery was devilishly effective, his praise causing Qin Xian''er to blush crimson. She was momentarily speechless before eventually managing to ask, "And do you know about my other identity? I should tell you that I belong to the White Lotus Sect. People often call me a demon."


    "Demon, that''s nice," Lin Wanrong replied casually. "I''ve encountered virtuous women, promiscuous women, elegant women, mature women, but I''ve never met a demon. The more demonic, the more I like."


    Even for Qin Xian''er, known for her enchanting allure, these words made her blush profusely. She thought to herself, This man is incorrigible, yet strangely, she found herself inexplicably delighted by his audacity.


    "But I don''t particrly like the White Lotus Sect," Lin Wanrong''s eyes shed with a hint of anger. He grunted, nced at Qin Xian''er again, and joked, "But a demon from the White Lotus Sect... The more I look at her, the more I like her."


    "Young Master..." Qin Xian''er couldn''t stand his tant, unashamed ttery. Her cheeks blushed as if about to drip with water. She spoke in a low voice, "As I belong to the White Lotus Sect, if they don''t see me soon, they might be suspicious."


    "Let them suspect," he responded defiantly. "At worst, you can betray the White Lotus Sect. This Sect is not on the right path anyway. One day, I n to annihte it. With you around, I''m not afraid of the White Lotus Sect. Even though I have no martial arts skills, I insist on surrounding myself with skilled beauties for protection, much to the chagrin of those rogues."


    "Young Master, please don''t speak like this," Qin Xian''er eximed in rm. "My fate is intertwined with the White Lotus Sect. Without it, I would not exist."


    Seeing her so frightened, Lin Wanrong decided not to press the issue further. Worst case, he thought, when the timees to deal with the Sect, he would first exhaust her in bed until she couldn''t rise, saving her the dilemma.


    "You should go now," Lin Wanrong said.


    Qin Xian''er nodded, only to hear him ask, "By the way, I noticed amotion over there earlier. Did something happen to the Eldest Miss?"


    Qin Xian''er looked at him and said, "Are you that concerned about Miss Xiao?"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong nod, Qin Xian''er clenched her fists, her eyes shing with a harsh glint, "She''s dead."


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 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112


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    Chapter 112 Deep-Rooted Affection


    "What?" Lin Wanrong eximed in disbelief, almost unable to trust his own ears. This news was too startling, so unexpected that it was hard to believe. He took a deep breath, looking at Qin Xian''er and said, "Are you certain she''s dead? How... how is this possible?"


    Qin Xian''er''s expression grew cold as she said, "When one is dead, they are dead. Could there be any falsehood in that?"


    Seeing her serious demeanor, not seeming to be deceptive, Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. Could it be? Was that girl truly dead? Just a short while ago, they had been bantering with each other. How could she be dead all of a sudden? Suddenly, he remembered the caring cry of the Eldest Miss before he was taken away. Lin Wanrong felt a heavy weight in his heart. If the Eldest Miss was really dead, what would be of the Xiao family? And what about Yushuang? Wouldn''t that little girl cry herself to death? The mere thought was heart-wrenching.


    Lin Wanrong felt a sense of unbearable difort. Over this long period of time, he had argued and quarreled with this girl. While there weren''t many times when they truly saw eye-to-eye, they had formed a deep bond ofradeship. How could it have disappeared so suddenly?


    Remembering the times he had spanked her, remembering her proud bearing, Lin Wanrong sighed. His heart grew colder, his gaze more profound. Letting go of Qin Xian''er''s hand, he said solemnly, "Miss Qin, tell me, how did the Eldest Miss die?"


    Qin Xian''er did not answer his question but simply looked at him, asking, "Do you really care about Miss Xiao that much?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded seriously, "Yes, she was my friend, of course I care about her. She was kidnapped by the White Lotus Sect and died here, so it must be rted to them. I, Lin Wanrong, swear here and now, I will not rest until the White Lotus Sect is destroyed."


    Hearing his oath, Qin Xian''er''s eyes welled up with tears as she looked at him, "Young Master, Xian''er is also part of the White Lotus Sect. Will you also destroy me?"


    Seeing her pitiful expression, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but sigh, "You are not like them. They ughter innocents and harmmon people. They are undoubtedly guilty."


    Qin Xian''er gave a hollowugh, her face pale as she said, "Young Master, you''re mistaken. Xian''er is the demoness of the White Lotus Sect, I''ve killed more people than them. The sins I bear... even ten lifetimes wouldn''t be enough to cleanse them. If you want to exterminate them, you should kill me as well."


    Lin Wanrong felt exasperated. Why was this girl so obstinate? He asked, "Xian''er, why did you join the White Lotus Sect?"


    "My master is the leader of the White Lotus Sect. If I don''t join, who will?" Qin Xian''er responded, her expression filled with destion.


    "Did your master treat you well? If not, we could rebel against her," Lin Wanrong wickedly suggested.


    "I have been raised by my master since I was a child. She has shown me kindness as heavy as a mountain, how could I betray her? Even if she were to kill me, I could not betray my master," Qin Xian''er asserted.


    Lin Wanrong felt a headache brewing. The situation was indeed troublesome. If he were to obliterate the White Lotus Sect, Qin Xian''er would surely be heartbroken. Yet, if he didn''t, not only would Yushuang be sorrowful, he himself wouldn''t find peace.


    Seeing him silent for a while, Qin Xian''er let out a mncholic smile, "Young Master, have you grown tired of Xian''er?"


    Lin Wanrong quickly grabbed her hand, "Xian''er, what are you talking about? You risked your life to save me; I''m overwhelmed with gratitude, how could I possibly grow tired of you?"


    Qin Xian''er heaved a deep sigh, "You''re only grateful for my efforts to save you, but your deepest affections and loyalties lie with Miss Xiao."


    Lin Wanrong felt his mind in a muddle. The news of the Eldest Miss'' death had left his mind a jumbled mess. What was to be of the Xiao family? What of Yushuang? How were they to manage the family affairs? And the perfume business? Ah, it was only after this incident that he realized how vital the Eldest Miss had been. She simply couldn''t die.


    Qin Xian''er noticed his dazed expression and felt a sharper sting in her heart, "Young Master, would you feel the same sorrow if Xian''er were to die?"


    "Don''t speak such nonsense," Lin Wanrong said softly, "You''re beautiful and highly skilled, you won''t die."


    "But what if I do die one day? Would you be equally heartbroken?" Qin Xian''er asked, looking at him.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t know what to say to her. Reeling from the sudden news of the Eldest Miss'' death, he was in no mood for yful banter with Qin Xian''er. He gave a wry smile, "Xian''er, can you tell me who exactly killed the Eldest Miss?"


    Qin Xian''er looked at him with a cold smile, "Do you really want to know?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, and a strange smile surfaced on Qin Xian''er''s face, "Well then, take a good look. The person who killed the Eldest Miss is both far on the horizon and right before your eyes."


    "What? Was it you?" Lin Wanrong eximed in shock. This revtion was even more shocking than the Eldest Miss'' death.


    Qin Xian''er nodded seriously, "Yes, it was me."


    Lin Wanrong was stunned. He felt his mind wasn''t sufficient to process the current situation. Despite his self-proimed brilliance, he had no way to make sense of it all. Qin Xian''er had killed the Eldest Miss? What on earth was happening?


    Lin Wanrong tried hard to calm himself, repeatedly reminding himself to stay cool-headed. The situation couldn''t be that simple. "Why did you kill the Eldest Miss?" he managed to ask calmly. There seemed to be no reason for this girl to have killed the Eldest Miss.


    "When you were captured by my senior brothers, I had no choice but to distract them. I poisoned the Eldest Miss, and when the poison took effect, I took the opportunity to rescue you while they went to investigate," Qin Xian''er exined calmly.


    Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat. So, this diversion was for his sake? Heughed bitterly, "Miss Qin, why did you have to use poison? That could kill someone. Wouldn''t a knockout drug have sufficed? It''s an essential in the martial arts world, I even carry some myself."


    Qin Xian''er snorted, "I''m a demoness of the White Lotus Sect. I only know how to kill, not to save. I only carry poison, not a knockout drug. My hands are already soaked in blood, what''s a little more? I had no quarrel with the Eldest Miss. If I kill her to save you, she has served her purpose. If she has anyone to me, it''s only her thin luck."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "How can you kill people so easily? You killed her and saved me, but isn''t that implicating me in your injustice? Ah, it would be better if I just gave up my life."


    Tears welling up in her eyes, Qin Xian''er said, "I am a demoness of the White Lotus Sect, I have done many evil deeds, what''s one more? Even if she was still alive, I would still want to kill her."


    She really is a demoness, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. Your actions have left me in a predicament. I always thought I was rather unconventional, but this demoness Xian''er is even more unpredictable.


    Seeing his expression, Qin Xian''er''s stubbornness red, "What''s the big deal about me killing her? Even the woman who saved you that night, I want to kill her too."


    "You want to kill Xiao Qingxuan too?" Lin Wanrong was getting tired of her killing spree, his voice raising a bit, "In that case, why don''t you just kill me and save me the trouble?"


    Qin Xian''er paused, her eyes filled with swirling tears, "Her name is Xiao Qingxuan? You''re defending her to the point of not even caring about your own life?"


    What on earth is she thinking? Killing all day long, she''s almost a female demon. She was such a good girl back at the Miaoyu Pavilion, but ever since she returned to the White Lotus Sect, she has be so savage. That damn White Lotus Sect truly is strange.


    "You''re at a loss for words? I''m going to kill Xiao Qingxuan." Qin Xian''er''s eyes shed with a dangerous glint.


    "Kill, kill, kill, you just never stop. Why do you want to kill her? Are you jealous?" Lin Wanrong shouted.


    Qin Xian''er''s face turned red, "I''ll kill if I want to kill, what does it have to do with jealousy?"


    From her reaction, anyone could tell that she was fiercely jealous. Lin Wanrong sighed, "Enough, stop killing people recklessly. Give me the antidote."


    "What antidote?" Qin Xian''er asked.


    "What antidote? You don''t know? The antidote for the Eldest Miss!" Lin Wanrong eximed.


    "That was a potent poison, contact means death, there is no antidote." Qin Xian''er said, then added quietly, "Even if there were an antidote, I wouldn''t give it to you."


    "In that case, give me some of the poison." Lin Wanrong said.


    "Why do you want the poison?" Qin Xian''er was startled.


    "I''ll try it, see if I''ll die." Lin Wanrong said helplessly.


    Hearing that he intended to test the poison on himself, tears started to fall from Qin Xian''er''s eyes, "For her, you''re willing to risk your own life?"


    Lin Wanrong was both exasperated and amused. This girl, it''s not even her turn to be jealous. Thinking about his interactions with Qin Xian''er, how they had faced each other daily at the Miaoyu Pavilion, he hadn''t realized her feelings for him had taken such deep roots. Not only had she warned him repeatedly, but she had even risked her life to save him this time. He was overwhelmingly grateful and delighted for her feelings. However, her jealousy was intense. If he really ended up with her, wouldn''t his household be turned upside down?


    Ah, being pursued by a beautiful woman was quite a painful experience. He shook his head helplessly and said with a wry smile, "Miss Qin, my rtionship with Miss Xiao is not what you imagine. We''re just casual acquaintances, nothing more. You know she''s the daughter of the Xiao family, and I''m a servant of the Xiao family, how could I not save her?"


    "Really?" Qin Xian''er felt a bit better, quickly lifting her head, her tear-streaked face resembling a pear tree in the rain, exceptionally beautiful.


    Lin Wanrong was stunned, thinking to himself, This girl, so beautiful, if you say she''s not a demoness, who would believe it?


    "Don''t worry, my rtionship with her is nothing more than quarrels, nothing dirty like you imagine," Lin Wanrongughed.


    "You''re the dirty one," Qin Xian''er said shyly.


    "Give me the antidote then," Lin Wanrong stretched out his hand.


    Qin Xian''er hummed in a sullen tone, "How do you know I have the antidote?"


    Upon hearing her tone, Lin Wanrong felt a wave of joy and quickly grabbed her hand, "Because I know Xian''er wouldn''t recklessly kill the innocent."


    Qin Xian''er sighed, "You don''t understand, Young Master. I''ve indeed killed countless people. I''ve lost count of the lives I''ve taken."


    "No matter what, by giving me the antidote, you''ve shown you didn''t intend to kill Miss Xiao." Lin Wanrong felt relieved knowing the Eldest Miss was not dead.


    Qin Xian''er shook her head, "This drug doesn''t actually need an antidote. She would wake up on her own after an hour."


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong was surprised and delighted. This girl, she loves to make things mysterious, she really deserved a spanking.


    "So what if it''s true? She fell into my senior brother''s hands. It''s probably worse than death. I''m only willing to save you, not her," Qin Xian''er pouted. Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat, thinking this girl''s thoughts were really unpredictable. She wanted to kill someone she didn''t even know, for a bizarre reason.


    Qin Xian''er hummed again, "This time you saved her life, but next time, I will still kill her."


    God, have mercy on me, this girl''s jealousy was extremely strong. The worst part was, her martial skills were a thousand times, ten thousand times stronger than mine. Was I destined for a barbaric girlfriend? But what about Qiaoqiao, and Yushuang? These two girls were the apple of my eye, facing Qin Xian''er''s vinegar jar, if she got unhappy, and broke their necks, I would be in misery for life.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s troubled expression, Qin Xian''er sighed, "Young Master, do you really dislike Xian''er that much?"


    Lin Wanrong spoke honestly, "Xian''er, your current personality is vastly different from when you were at the Miaoyu Pavilion. I genuinely don''t know which is the real you."


    Qin Xian''er replied, "Naturally, this is the real me. When at the Miaoyu Pavilion, I had to put on a show for others, which wasn''t enjoyable."


    Lin Wanrong frowned, but Qin Xian''er chuckled softly, "Young Master, don''t worry. When I''m with you, I''m genuinely happy. There''s no deceit."


    You''re happy, but I''m suffering, Lin Wanrong thought. Seeing Qin Xian''erughing like a little fox, he felt a surge of anger. This girl, when she gets jealous, she wants to kill. If I don''t teach this little girl a lesson, I will be living in constant fear. If I wasn''t so busy at the moment, I would take you to bed. Regardless of your martial arts skills, you would surrender after calling me brother and husband a few times, he thought wickedly.


    He wasn''t skilled in martial arts, but he had a set of tactics for dealing with a female martial artist like Qin Xian''er. He gave her a meaningful look and said, "Xian''er, if you keep killing people indiscriminately, no one will like you."


    Qin Xian''er sighed, "I don''t want to kill randomly either, but without someone to control me, I can''t change this habit." Her eyes sparkled with mischievous light as she whispered, "How about you let me stay by your side, Young Master, to manage this problem?"


    "Alright," Lin Wanrong eagerly agreed. Having a martial arts expert and peerless beauty by his side would surely be impressive.


    "But, I''m a demoness from the White Lotus sect," Qin Xian''ermented, "Being by your side might bring you trouble."


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "Well, you can just leave the White Lotus sect then."


    These words touched Qin Xian''er''s heart. She looked deeply at Lin Wanrong before lowering her head, her expression mncholic. The ruthless demoness had be a wronged woman once again.


    "Young Master, once everything is settled, can Xian''er stay by your side forever?" Qin Xian''er suddenly looked up at him, her eyes full of hope.


    Lin Wanrong held her hand and nodded, "Yes, then we will roam the martial arts world together,ughing at the world."


    Qin Xian''er covered her mouth andughed at his grandiose and shameless boasting, but she felt exceptionally happy talking with him.


    After conversing with him for the duration of a cup of tea, she knew she had to leave to avoid arousing suspicion. She bit her lip and said to Lin Wanrong, "Young Master, I have to go now."


    Lin Wanrong nodded gently. He originally wanted to ask her to take care of the Eldest Miss, but thinking about this girl''s temperament, he decided against it.


    Qin Xian''er looked deeply at him, her face shyly expressing, "Young Master, wait for me here. I promise I''ll return."


    Seeing her coy and charming demeanor, Lin Wanrong thought, now that''s gentleness. However, he then heard her say softly, "That vixen Xiao Qingxuan, I''ll definitely kill her."


    Thud. Lin Wanrong copsed on the spot. Even at a time like this, this girl couldn''t forget her jealousy. It was really extraordinary.


    ---


    In Miss Xiao''s cell, a well-dressed young master stood with a green face, unmoving. Behind him stood Lu Zhongping and another man, both standing silent as cicadas, not daring to utter a word. Xiao Yuruo, unconscious,y on the bed.


    "Zhongping, you said when the changing guard saw Miss Xiao, she was already unconscious on the bed?" the well-dressed young man standing next to the youth inquired.


    "Yes. There was no unusual noise in between, and nobody had touched the youngdy. The second junior sister had just checked on her, she is merely unconscious and will wake up in about an hour," Lu Zhongping responded.


    "It''s toote," the well-dressed young master sighed, "What a great move to lure the tiger away from the mountain. I fear that Lin San has already fled far away."


    The young man next to the well-dressed young master asked, "But why would that person only abduct Lin San and not the youngdy? Lin San is just a coarse servant. What value could he possibly have?"


    "Could it be for the secret form? Young master, we''ve recently encountered a mysterious woman in white in Jinling City who blocked us in several major households. On the day Lin San was abducted, that woman risked her life to save him. Could it be her doing?" Lu Zhongping suggested.


    The well-dressed young master was startled, "If that''s true, this ce is likely exposed and no longer safe for us to stay long. Lu Zhongping, you take your people and retreat first. Also, inform Cheng De to send his troops ahead of schedule to charge up this mountain. As for Lin San, we''ll deal with himter."


    He then turned to the young man next to him, smiling, "Today is the day you and Miss Xiao have your wedding night. I wish you a hundred years of happiness."


    "Thank you, young prince," the youth said gratefully. All three of them burst intoughter.


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 Chapter 113

    Chapter 113


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    Chapter 113 I Want to Cultivate with You


    Lin Wanrong sat deste and bored at the bottom of the well, still somewhat worried about Miss Xiao in his heart. However, at present, he was helpless, only left with the option to wait.


    Bored as he was, he thought he might as well find something to entertain himself. Searching within his robe, apart from a few broken pieces of silver, all he had was a risqu album of erotic paintings.


    He took out the album and, under the soft moonlight, started to scrutinize it. The more he looked, the more his heart itched with curiosity. The characters in the album, faint under the moonlight, seemed incredibly lifelike, inviting him into a world of imagination.


    "Damn, there are so many different positions," he thought. He guessed the artist must have been drawing the pictures while making love, the depictions were so true to life. He thought about trying some with Qiaoqiao in the future, ascivious smile appearing on his face. While others might read sacred texts under the moonlight, he was engrossed in erotic literature, truly reveling in this perverse pleasure.


    As he was delighting in his reading, a fragrance wafted over him, and a white figure descended into the well, standing before him with a smile.


    "Miss Xiao, is that you?" Lin Wanrong eximed in delight. It seemed like another martial art master had arrived. Even if he wanted to be captured today, it seemed an impossibility. He asked curiously, "How did you know I was here?"


    Xiao Qingxuan chuckled, "That Miss Qin really treats you well. She risked her life to save you; you should properly repay her."


    Lin Wanrong asked, "You saw all that?"


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded, "I have been here for a while. When I saw you trapped in that room, I wanted to go to you but someone beat me to it."


    Lin Wanrong knew she was referring to Qin Xian''er, and nodded with a smile, "Miss Qin treats me well, and so do you, Miss Xiao. I always feel my handsomeness is a great trouble."


    Xiao Qingxuan had been with him for many days now and had grown used to his self-praise. She ignored hisment, "I didn''te specifically for you. These White Lotus cultists havemitted countless evils; they are the enemies of all."


    "I know. You just happened to pass by, that''s all." Lin Wanrong smirked.


    Blushing slightly, Xiao Qingxuan quickly changed the topic upon noticing the album in his hand, "What are you so engrossed in?"


    Realizing he was still holding the album, Lin Wanrong couldn''t avoid it and replied candidly with augh, "Just doing some research."


    "Research? What research?" Knowing Lin Wanrong''s peculiar interests, Xiao Qingxuan thought he might be researching something like perfume again and asked curiously, "Can I see it first?"


    Lin Wanrong''s face twisted oddly, "You can take a look, but don''t me meter."


    Xiao Qingxuan looked puzzled, "You''re just doing some research, why would I me you?"


    She took the album from Lin Wanrong. Just one nce was enough to paint her face crimson, she scoffed lightly, "You''re really incorrigible, indulging in such things, and you even lied to me about doing research!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "This is a matter between a husband and wife, a natural way of life. What''s wrong with me researching it?"


    Though what he said was undoubtedly ruffianly, he managed to deliver it in such a righteous and stern manner that Xiao Qingxuan, despite her shyness, couldn''t help but smile. She thought to herself, In this world, probably only he would dare to utter such audacious words so unabashedly.


    Her gaze unintentionally fell back upon the small album. First, she looked shy, then curious, and finally, incredibly solemn.


    Lin Wanrong, noticing her engrossed in the album, was somewhat surprised. She was also interested in the album and was even reading it nonchntly in front of him? Had he found a kindred spirit? And a female one at that? Reading erotic literature under the moonlight, and with a man and a woman present, something was bound to happen.


    Xiao Qingxuan, looking serious, asked, "Where did you get this album from?"


    Lin Wanrong thought, she really wanted to get to the root of the matter, didn''t she? So he replied, "A friend gave it to me."


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed, "You have such a treasure and yet you''re unaware. It''s infuriating!"


    "Treasure? Isn''t this just an erotic -- I mean, an album. How can it be a treasure?" Lin Wanrong said, puzzled.


    Xiao Qingxuan, both irritated and amused, thought how such a usually astute man could be so foolish about this matter. She looked at him and smiled, "This is a mysterious method of dual cultivation. It can be practiced by people of all ages."


    Dual cultivation? He was very familiar with the term; it seemed Old Man Wei had mentioned it once, but he didn''t pay much attention to it at the time. But now, when Xiao Qingxuan mentioned it, it seemed extraordinarily significant.


    Seeing Xiao Qingxuan under the moonlight, her expression gentle, her beauty breathtaking, Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded. Regardless of whether she was a demoness or a hero, no one could escape his teasing. He thickened his face and feigned confusion, "Dual cultivation? What is that? Would Miss Xiao kindly exin it in detail?"


    Seeing his mischievous smile, Xiao Qingxuan knew he was ying dumb. Her face reddened and she scolded, "How can you be so dishonest? At a time like this, can''t you be serious?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I am only like this with you. With others, I never make light of words."


    Xiao Qingxuan was secretly pleased to hear this, her heart skipped a beat, and she snorted, "I suppose you speak in the same way with Miss Qin Xian''er."


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself that this was his handsome strategy coupled with sweet words, under the attack from both sides, even a stone-hearted girl would blossom. He pretended to be serious, "What is the purpose of this dual cultivation method?"


    Xiao Qingxuan nced at him, "This method of dual cultivation is just right for someone like you whocks a foundation in internal strength. No hard work is required, it''s quick to learn, and best suited for someone aszy as you."


    Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile, wondering if he was really as bad as she made him out to be. Seeing Xiao Qingxuan''s smiling face, he realized she was getting back at him for his earlier teasing. He simply returned her gaze with a slight smile.


    "As long as you find a woman with high martial skills to cultivate with you, it will be greatly beneficial to both of you," Xiao Qingxuan continued.


    Lin Wanrong gave a curious grunt, "How beneficial? Can it make me so powerful as to kill people casually like you do?"


    Xiao Qingxuan shot him a nce, "I haven''t tried it either, so how would I know? In any case, it''s highly beneficial for you."


    "You haven''t tried it?" Lin Wanrong gasped in surprise, "Neither have I. How about this, since the night is dark and windy and we''re both free, why don''t we do some research together?"


    Xiao Qingxuan red at him, "What nonsense are you talking about? Do you think I''m easy to bully?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed internally, everyone else seemed hard to bully, only he was easy. He wondered how miraculous this dual cultivation technique was, could it make him less prone to being bullied?


    Having these thoughts, he lost his mood to tease her. He sighed lightly, "I was just joking with you. I always enjoy joking with you, you know that."


    In the art of sweet-talking, Lin Wanrong had mastered the essence. He applied it universally. Considering their past interactions and the countless times he had taken advantage of her, Xiao Qingxuan didn''t mind this time. Seeing him silent, she felt ufortable and said, "Don''t talk frivolously with me. Let''s have a serious conversation."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "If I don''t talk frivolously with you, I''ll go talk to someone else."


    "Is it Qin Xian''er?" Xiao Qingxuan asked, gritting her teeth. Lin Wanrongughed heartily but said nothing.


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly, "Qin Xian''er deeply cares for you. You should take good care of her."


    Lin Wanrong felt a touch of emotion. That demoness Qin Xian''er was always threatening to kill Xiao Qingxuan, yet Xiao Qingxuan still spoke in her favor. Thinking back on their time together, aside from their first meeting where she almost killed him, Xiao Qingxuan was quite gentle.


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed again, "We''ve been talking here in this well. The rogues from the White Lotus Sect should have retreated by now. Shall we leave?"


    "The White Lotus Sect has run off?" Lin Wanrong asked, confused.


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded, "You were rescued. They must have assumed this ce was exposed. Why wouldn''t they leave?"


    Lin Wanrong eximed in rm, "What about Eldest Miss Xiao?"


    "I''m not sure. She was likely taken by the White Lotus Sect," Xiao Qingxuan said calmly.


    Taken by the White Lotus Sect? This was serious. When they were together, they could look after andfort each other. But if she was taken by the White Lotus Sect, where could he find her?


    Seeing his despondent expression, Xiao Qingxuan couldn''t help butugh, "You''re quite fond of Eldest Miss Xiao. Don''t worry. She wasn''t taken. She stayed behind. Arge number of government troops have arrived at the foot of the mountain. They seem to be preparing to stage some sort of drama."


    "Government troops?" Lin Wanrong asked, "Are they here to save Eldest Miss Xiao?"


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head, "I''m not quite sure about that, but these government troops are from the Green Camp, led by the Jiangsu Commander-in-Chief, Cheng De."


    Cheng De? Did Miss Xiao hold such influence to summon the Commander-in-Chief? Something was off!


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Something is strange about all this. Miss Xiao, is Eldest Miss Xiao still in the prison?"


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded, "Don''t worry, your Eldest Miss Xiao is still in there. The White Lotus Sect has been causing trouble in Nanjing for some time, yet Cheng De has done nothing until now. Just when Miss Xiao is in trouble, he appears so promptly. I had to make quite an effort to get here, so how did he find this White Lotus Sect hideout in such a short time?"


    After listening to her, Lin Wanrong was even more convinced something was amiss, and his worries for Eldest Miss Xiao deepened. The two of them hurried out of the abandoned well, only to find the courtyard empty. The White Lotus Sect members, including the well-dressed young man, had all disappeared.


    "Howe even Qin Xian''er ran off?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Xiao Qingxuan shot him a nce, "Under the watch of her fellow disciples, she can''te find you even if she wanted to."


    Lin Wanrong, in a state of anxiety, grabbed Xiao Qingxuan and hurriedly made for the cell where Miss Xiao was. After a few steps, they saw a shadowy figure sneak into the prison cell. The figure seemed to be Lu Zhongping.


    Lin Wanrong felt a twinge of anxiety, hoping that the man hadn''t set his sights on Eldest Miss Xiao. He thought, great timing for my arrival. As they were halfway to the prison cell, they saw Lu Zhongpinging out, the entire process took no more than a few seconds. He looked flustered, nced back at the cell, and a smug, cold smile spread across his face.


    Just then, sounds of a battle erupted from the foot of the mountain. Amid the zing torchlight, thousands of soldiers with bright banners charged up the mountain.


    "Surrender Eldest Miss Xiao immediately, you White Lotus Sect scoundrels, and you will be spared!" a man, who looked like a noble, shouted from amidst the troops. The distance was too great to see his face clearly.


    How could he utter such meaningless words, Lin Wanrong thought. With such a shout, it would be strange if the rebels didn''t run. Xiao Qingxuan, however, snorted, "Birds of a feather."


    During their brief pause, they saw that Lu Zhongping had already walked far away. Worried for Eldest Miss Xiao, Lin Wanrong rushed into the prison cell, Xiao Qingxuan was even faster, entering the stone chamber first.


    The room was empty except for Eldest Miss Xiao. Lin Wanrong immediately saw Eldest Miss Xiao lying peacefully on the bed. Aside from not being awake, she seemed fine. He breathed a sigh of relief, at least she was unharmed. An hour had passed, and she should wake up soon.


    By Xiao Qingxuan''s side, there was an incense burner. A stick of incense had just been lit, its smoke slowly rising and yet to spread. Xiao Qingxuan was the closest. After taking a few light sniffs, she felt a bewitching scent from the incense that unsettled her.


    "Despicable!" She hastily covered the incense with her sleeve to extinguish it. Two blush spots appeared on her face, revealing a sense of bewitchment.


    "What''s wrong?" Lin Wanrong asked anxiously. At that moment, he was standing by Eldest Miss Xiao''s bed, some distance from the incense that Xiao Qingxuan had quickly extinguished, so he hadn''t caught a whiff of the scent and felt nothing unusual.


    Xiao Qingxuan said, "This ce isn''t safe. We should leave quickly." Although there were soldiers rushing up the foot of the mountain, Lin Wanrong and Xiao Qingxuan both knew there must be deceit involved. Not daring to dy, Lin Wanrong lifted Eldest Miss Xiao and prepared to carry her.


    Just then, Eldest Miss Xiao moaned softly and slowly opened her eyes. Evidently, the effects of the drug had worn off. Qin Xian''er had indeed not lied to them.


    In her daze, Eldest Miss Xiao saw a man in green robes and a small hat, grinning annoyingly - wasn''t that the detestable Lin San? She eximed happily, "Lin San, you''re back? Did they hurt you?"


    "I''m fine, they invited me for tea. Miss, are you alright?" Lin Wanrong responded lightly.


    Eldest Miss Xiao shook her head, then seeing a woman as beautiful and elegant as a fairy standing in front of her, she was startled and asked, "Lin San, who...who is she?"


    "She''s a friend I brought to help. Those thieves have been driven away, so we should go," Lin Wanrong said.


    Before Eldest Miss Xiao could speak again, a sound of horses and a loud voice echoed, "Yuruo, don''t worry, I''ming to save you!"


    Hearing the voice, Eldest Miss Xiao was surprised and said, "This sounds like Tao Dongcheng, how did hee here?"


    Lin Wanrong sneered inwardly, then looked at Eldest Miss Xiao seriously, "Miss, do you trust me or Tao Dongcheng?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao''s face turned a shade of red as she said, "Although you are not entirely honest and like to take advantage, you have shown loyalty to the Xiao family. Of course, I trust you."


    Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile. Before sheplimented him, she had to mock him. He was getting used to it. Xiao Qingxuan''s face was also a bit red, and she urged Lin Wanrong, "Cheng De''s troops are about to charge up here, let''s go quickly."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, took Eldest Miss Xiao''s sleeve and began to walk out. When they reached the entrance, they saw a white horse galloping from a distance. The man on the white horse was none other than Tao Dongcheng.


    "Yuruo, I''ming to save you," Tao Dongcheng shouted, urging his horse, as if afraid that people wouldn''t know he was here for a rescue.


    Tao Dongcheng was still forty to fifty meters away. Seeing a stone the size of a palm at his feet, Lin Wanrong picked it up. Xiao Yuruo looked at him curiously and asked, "Lin San, what are you doing?"


    With a smirk, Lin Wanrong said, "Nothing, I just really dislike this type of grandstander." Having been skilled at throwing stones since his childhood, he saw Tao Dongcheng charging forth pompously, not more than twenty meters away. He aimed at the horse''s head, and with a strong throw, the stone flew out and hit the target directly.


    "Neigh" The white horse let out a shocked whinny, its forehooves springing up, nearly vertical to the ground. Tao Dongcheng was thrown heavily onto the ground.


    Thinking, ''You were parading around on a white horse like some prince in front of me,'' Lin Wanrong made a victory sign. He turned to Xiao Qingxuan and said, "The soldiers areing, let''s run."


    "But Lin San, it seemed like Tao Dongcheng was here to save us. Quite strange indeed," Xiao Yuruomented.


    Lin Wanrong nced at her and sighed, "Miss, do you trust me?"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s uncharacteristically serious expression, Xiao Yuruo nodded, "Of course, I trust you."


    Lin Wanrong thought, ''Good, she hasn''t wasted all my worry.'' Just as he was about to speak, he felt a sudden lightness. Xiao Qingxuan had grabbed his hand and Xiao Yuruo''s, and they were soaring away into the distance.


    Tao Dongcheng got up and, seeing the departing figures of the trio, kicked the ground angrily. Damn it, it was that Lin San again who ruined his n. He wondered why the guy who supposedly fled reappeared at such a crucial moment. Wasn''t he just taking advantage of the situation?


    Tao Dongcheng had calcted everything perfectly. He knew that Eldest Miss Xiao was strong-willed and would rather die than be forced. Even if he did seed, Xiao Yuruo would undoubtedly seek death, and he wouldn''t benefit from the Xiao family. Hence, he had meticulously nned this scene: when Eldest Miss Xiao would wake, when the incense burner would take effect, when he would arrive at the right time to "fight off the thieves and save the Miss," and then take advantage of her "need." With this approach, Xiao Yuruo would not have much resentment, and everything would naturally follow. However, he didn''t anticipate that Lin San, who had supposedly "fled," would return at this moment and seize such an advantage.


    His eyes were bloodshot, and he no longer cared about Eldest Miss Xiao. He waved at the soldiers behind him and ordered, "Fire arrows"


    The rain of arrows flew towards Lin Wanrong and the others, fast and furious. However, the trio moved faster than the arrows, and all the arrows fell to the ground, missing their target.


    Feeling Xiao Qingxuan''s hand burning up, Lin Wanrong turned to look at her. Beads of sweat trickled down her forehead, her face flushed red, looking sickly.


    "Qingxuan, what''s wrong?" Lin Wanrong asked hurriedly. He usually addressed her formally as Miss Xiao, but now seeing her in distress, her name just slipped out easily.


    A sense offort shed in Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes, but her face was as hot as fire. Biting back her shyness, she leaned into his ear and said, "Find a ce quickly, I need to cultivate with you!"


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 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114


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    Chapter 114 Spring Blossoms


    "No really?" Lin Wanrong said, startled. Her words were utterly baffling. Just moments before, she had blushed furiously and retorted vehemently when the topic of dual cultivation was broached in the well. How had she shifted so rapidly to broach the topic herself? Could pies truly fall from the sky? This particr pie, though, seemed overwhelminglyrge.


    His voice had risen a notch, enough to draw the attention of Xiao Yuruo over there. She turned her head to nce at him, then at Xiao Qingxuan. Her mind was filled with doubts. What exactly was the rtionship between this Lin San and this fairy-like woman to warrant such intimacy?


    Eldest Miss Xiao, although prideful of her beauty, found herself outshined by Xiao Qingxuan. She sighed inwardly. How many more surprising secrets was this scoundrel hiding from her?


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face was flushed as she took one look at him, gritted her teeth, and ran with them for nearly an hour. Even though she was carrying two people, her speed was unmatched. How could those soldierspare? After all this running, she had left the soldiers far behind.


    They had taken a different path down the mountain, one rocky, uneven, and incredibly muddy. However, to Xiao Qingxuan, it was nothing. Spotting a spacious valley with a naturally formed cave halfway up, Xiao Qingxuan pulled the two of them inside. It was quite spacious and dry inside, a perfect ce to rest.


    Her face still crimson, Xiao Qingxuan nced at Xiao Yuruo. "Miss Xiao, you must be tired after all this running. Rest a while." Before Xiao Yuruo had time to respond, she was already acupunctured into unconsciousness.


    Seeing Xiao Qingxuan''s strange expression, Lin Wanrong hurriedly asked, "Qingxuan, what''s going on?"


    Xiao Qingxuan gave him a long look. "Those viins have no shame. They had put an aphrodisiac in Eldest Miss Xiao''s room. Fortunately, I discovered it early and was able to eliminate it in time. Because Eldest Miss Xiao is still asleep and hasn''t inhaled any, she was able to narrowly escape. Otherwise, she would have also fallen prey."


    "Aphrodisiac? Love in the Air Elixir? I Want a Bang? Lin Wanrong instantly perked up. "This aphrodisiac seems like quite a useful thing. Where can I buy it? I could use some for self-defense."


    Xiao Qingxuan gave him a re. "What do you need that for? Are you nning to misuse it?"


    Unfazed, Lin Wanrong dered, "Do I even need such a thing? Standing here, I am the strongest aphrodisiac."


    His shameless remark left Xiao Qingxuan blushing so intensely that it seemed as if water might drip from her face. She softly muttered, "I must have bad luck to have encountered you. I''ve never had good fortune."


    Recalling the words she had whispered in his ear earlier, Lin Wanrong felt a tickle in his heart. "Qingxuan, what exactly did you mean by what you said to me just now?"


    Xiao Qingxuan let out a long sigh. "I meant that you and Eldest Miss Xiao were lucky to have escaped the aphrodisiac. But someone wasn''t as fortunate, and ended up affected by it." As she spoke of the aphrodisiac, her face was flushed with such embarrassment that it seemed to paint the stone wall a shade of pink.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. "Qingxuan, could it be that you..."


    Tears welled up in Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes. "I was too close to the incense burner and inhaled a few breaths. It was toote to hold my breath. This aphrodisiac, I don''t know who concocted it, but it''s incredibly overpowering. Even with my martial skills, I can''t resist it. It seems like I must have done something terrible in a past life to have met you."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Could the legendary aphrodisiac truly be this powerful? Doesn''t it simply stimte the secretion of hormones in the body, leading to heightened arousal in women? There are other ways to relieve it that dont necessarily involve intercourse, such as self-stimtion, he thought darkly.


    However, such a solution seemed underhanded and unnecessary. Wasn''t the straightforward approach more appropriate, given his presence? He puffed out his chest and said righteously, "Qingxuan, you were affected by this damn poison because you were trying to save me. As long as I can help you, I''m willing to do anything."


    Xiao Qingxuan let out a sigh. "You''ve gained a great advantage, yet you still speak this way. It''s clear that you don''t respect me at all."


    Seeing her flushed face, teardrops on her cheeks, and her celestial beauty coupled with an aggrieved expression, Lin Wanrong felt a surge of affection and pity. He sighed, "Qingxuan, you know I enjoy talking with you like this. Can we keep doing it for the rest of our lives?"


    Tears cascaded down Xiao Qingxuan''s face. "Are you proposing a lifelongmitment to me? Do you know who I am?"


    Dismissing her concerns, Lin Wanrong retorted, "I don''t care about your status. I only know that you''re a woman, a woman I like, and that''s enough. Even if you were the emperor''s daughter, I would still take you away."


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly. "Things may not be as simple as you think. There are many things in this world that cannot be resolved by human efforts alone."


    Ignoring her statement, Lin Wanrong asked, "Qingxuan, what do you think of me?"


    After a moment''s thought, Xiao Qingxuan responded shyly, "A bit naughty, a bit mischievous, a bit capable."


    "Just a bit?" Lin Wanrongughed. "There''s nothing in this world that I, Lin Wanrong, wouldn''t dare to do. You should believe in me, and more importantly, trust your judgment."


    "Braggart." As her consciousness gradually faded, Xiao Qingxuan looked at Lin Wanrong, her eyes deep with confusion. "I don''t know how I ended up meeting you. I clearly knew that I should stay away from you, yet I still talk to you every day. This is my karma."


    She knew that she was reaching her limit. With a light bite on her silver teeth and a bashful look at Lin Wanrong, she asked, "Do you... like the way I look?"


    Her beauty was unparalleled, her manner refined, and she carried an indescribable air of nobility. ncing at Lin Wanrong, she gave a gentle smile and slowly turned, her breathtaking figure blooming like a brilliant peony, adding an endless burst of springtime to the barren valley, and outshining even the sun and the moon.


    "Qingxuan, you''re the most beautiful woman I''ve ever seen." Lin Wanrong was entranced, murmuring. He''d visited many pleasure districts in his past life and had quite a few girlfriends, but none couldpare to Xiao Qingxuan in terms of beauty and demeanor. This wasn''t to say he''d forgotten about Qiaoqiao and Yushuangthose two girls were great beauties, too. Qiaoqiao was gentle and virtuous, Yushuang was yful and frank, and their charms were entirely different from Xiao Qingxuan''s. Yet, it was Qingxuan whobined stunning beauty and refined elegance in one person, so to call her the most beautiful was not an overstatement.


    "You always know the right sweet words to deceive me." Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes were filled with tears, but her face held a sweet smile.


    Knowing she wouldn''t be able to evade today''s ordeal, she faced what could be the most significant experience of her life with a hint of nervousness but a desire to let go of her inhibitions. Perhaps she only had this one night with him. Why then, should she hold herself back?


    Gently, she undid the high bun in her hair, and her waterfall-like tresses cascaded down like a smooth satin sheet. Her jet-ck hair shone like polished obsidian, reflecting the faint moonlight prating the cave, its lustrous glow enthralling.


    In all the time Lin Wanrong had spent with her, aside from their initial misunderstanding, he had only ever seen her calm and noble. He had never witnessed such charm. He gently took Xiao Qingxuan''s hand, "Qingxuan, meeting you is a blessing from heaven to me. If I betray your sincere feelings for me, may heaven strike me"


    A small, pure hand covered his lips, interrupting him. Xiao Qingxuan shook her head. "Don''t speak, don''t make any promises. I know what you''re thinking." A sweet smile yed on her cherry lips, her petite nose as crystal clear as jade, her cheeks flushed, and her skin as white as snow. Despite her embarrassment, she still carried an otherworldly elegance, like a celestial being exiled to the mortal world.


    Lin Wanrong''s heart raced uncontrobly. He wasn''t an inexperiencedd, yet facing this celestial beauty, he couldn''t help but feel awkward.


    Come on, you spineless fool, haven''t you seen a beautiful woman before? Although he had been involved with many women, he had never met one so breathtakingly beautiful. Was the woman before him really his? Dismissing any further thoughts, he decided that this wasn''t the time for manners. He would hold her first and thinkter.


    He pulled Qingxuan into his embrace, feeling her delicate body tremble slightly. A sweet wave of affection welled up in his heart, and he held her even tighter, his arms full of her soft, fragrant body.


    Xiao Qingxuan nestled in his arms, her body growing hotter as the aphrodisiac gradually took effect. She lifted her head to look at him, her eyes shy yet enticing, serving as the most potent aphrodisiac, driving Lin Wanrong wild.


    He clung tightly to her, his head buried deep within her lustrous ck hair, savoring the faint scent it bore. The subtle fragrance of jasmine, mixed with the unique scent of a maiden, was intoxicating as an exquisite wine. It was so potent, so intoxicating, it pierced his heart without a taste.


    This Xiao Qingxuan was the first exceptional woman Lin Wanrong had met in this world, and he had nearly lost his life to her. Reflecting on her once capricious and arrogant demeanor, he found it hard to believe she would one day be so intimate with him. It was as if he was back to the moment when they first met, the scenes ying back in his mind.


    "So you''re my sweetheart," Lin Wanrong whispered in Xiao Qingxuan''s ear.


    The words were like a spring rain that moistened her heart. Her heart fluttered, a sweet smile tinged with a hint of shyness spread across her face. "You scoundrel," she murmured into his ear, with a smile.


    At the sound of her soft voice, Lin Wanrong was instantly filled with lust. He was the type whose lower half dictated the upper half''s actions. It seemed as if her words had a peculiar power, and he held her delicate body tight. His arousal was immediate, thick and hard, pressing against Xiao Qingxuan''s buttocks. His hands slowly began to roam.


    Xiao Qingxuan, seemingly exhausted by the effects of the aphrodisiac, or perhaps just shy, copsed motionless into his arms. When his hot hand touched her buttocks, her body trembled gently. She copsed into his arms, not daring to move.


    The silky feel of her buttocks left Lin Wanrong reluctant to let go. Thinking of her noble demeanor, he felt an immense sense of triumph. He let his beastly nature reign, kneading and caressing, as though he was stroking the smoothest satin. This girl was truly irresistible.


    Xiao Qingxuan seemed to regain some rity. She smiled at him and said softly, "Husband, let me undress you."


    At the sound of "Husband", Lin Wanrong felt an exhrating chill, as if he were enjoying an ice cream on a hot summer day. Xiao Qingxuan undressed him with a trembling body and blushing face, revealing his sturdy physique.


    At this point, Lin Wanrong stopped being polite. He embraced her waist and said, "Wife, let me undress you too."


    Xiao Qingxuan smiled sweetly, her demeanor incredibly seductive. She extended her jade-like arms, her delicate body leaping up like a fairy in flight. With a light kick of her smooth legs, her outer garment fluttered down like a leaf, leaving her in only her undergarments, her arms and legs exuding an enticing allure that stirred the imagination.


    Lin Wanrong swallowed hard. This striptease was truly impressive. From now on, he would have Qingxuan perform it just for him.


    Xiao Qingxuan gave a slight smile, allowing her dark hair to cascade down. She nced at him lightly, her eyes disying a hint of shyness but also delight. Each gesture, each step, was imbued with a captivating beauty.


    The effects of the aphrodisiac were fully in y. With a shy pull, her silky undergarment slid down, revealing her splendid body that would make any man lose his mind. Her figure was slender, her skin clear and bright as snow, a natural beauty. Her ample bosom stood proudly, white as cream, her twin treasures trembling lightly. Atop the perfect roundness were two taut pink buds that, set against her snowy skin, shone with a tantalizing luster. Her slender legs were gently pressed together, forming together with her perky buttocks and chest, an enchanting curve of convexity and concavity. In the midst of her slender legs, a hint of ck, a jewel within a m, a flirtatious hint of intimacy, was enough to drive any man wild.


    Her arms and legs were as smooth as ivory, her curves like snowy peaks. Lin Wanrong was utterly entranced, feeling on the brink of an explosion. He longed to rush up and tenderly embrace her.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s cheeks flushed a beautiful red, her bright eyes shrouded in ayer of faint mist. Her body was as hot as fire, her delicate form trembling uncontrobly. Though coerced by the drug, this was her most uninhibited night.


    Lin Wanrong could no longer resist. He rushed up to her, tightly embracing her tender and infinitely lovable figure, lifting her creamy chin to gaze deeply into her eyes.


    Overwhelmed with embarrassment, Xiao Qingxuan''s cherry-like mouth was half-open, half-closed, offering an irresistible allure. Lin Wanrong lowered his head, fiercely pressing his lips onto her ripe, inviting cherry lips. His mouth was dry, his tongue parched. Like a ravenous wolf, he sucked the nectar from his beauty''s mouth, finding it as sweet as honey, leaving a lingering fragrance between his teeth.


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 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115


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    Chapter 115 A Gift of Firearm


    Xiao Qingxuan gave a soft moan, feeling as if she had plunged into a fiery furnace. Her body trembled lightly, her cheeks burning as if ame. With her beauty, the men surrounding her were undoubtedly more outstanding than this Lin Wanrong, yet she herself couldn''t understand why she was so enchanted with this minor servant. Was this fate?


    Thinking of destiny, her tears increased, the final mes of desirepletely consuming her. She looked at Lin Wanrong, a gentle call emanating from her lips: "Husband" This was herst phrase before sumbing to desire, her cheeks as red as rosy dew, resembling the most magnificent twilight.


    Lin Wanrong spread their clothes on the ground, embracing Xiao Qingxuan as they slowlyid down. Xiao Qingxuan had already lost herself to madness, tightly holding Lin Wanrong, her legs wrapped around his waist, oblivious of her actions.


    Seeing the potent effect of the aphrodisiac, Lin Wanrong was inwardly infuriated. Those who dared to treat his Qingxuan this way, he would surely tear them to pieces.


    He took advantage without showing gratitude, noticing Xiao Qingxuan''s red eyes. Wasting no more time, he tightly held her crystal-clear body, his masculinity thrusting into her intimate passage, like a vibrant plum blossom blooming under Xiao Qingxuan.


    Xiao Qingxuan let out a soft hum. Despite the torment of desire, she seemed not to feel any pain, instead, she began to move wildly.


    Feeling the heat and tightness of her secret ce, Lin Wanrong hadn''t experienced such joy in a while. He let out a satisfied hum, his mind suddenly recalling the dual cultivation method Xiao Qingxuan had mentioned. The current Xiao Qingxuan was deep in her lustful trance, and naturally couldn''t help Lin Wanrong cultivate this method.


    While Lin Wanrong gently moved, he also inspected the little book. Unconsciously chanting the method, he felt a warm current flow from their union into his body, radiating throughout his limbs like sunlight, bringingfort wherever it went.


    Damn, was this dual cultivation? It was as delightful as having a sauna. The only drawback was the need to multitaskreading and making love at the same time. Not being able to focus on either, was somewhat frustrating.


    Xiao Qingxuan, with her superior aptitude and profound cultivation, was a virgin experiencing her first love. She was truly a heavenly match for dual cultivation. Even Lin Wanrong, who didn''t understand dual cultivation, could feel the difference, aforting energy filling his body, brimming with strength.


    After a bout of madness, Xiao Qingxuan''s skin flushed, her eyes seductive. Slowly regaining her senses, she shyly dared not open her eyes. Feeling that her internal strength had decreased by forty to fifty percent, she was shocked, soon realizing that half of her strength had been transferred into Lin Wanrong.


    This rogue, this wasn''t dual cultivation, but clearly a one-way extraction of energy. She felt overwhelmingly shy, realizing that Lin Wanrong did not understand the method of dual cultivation, did not know how to reciprocate the energy, thus turning dual cultivation into one-way energy transfer.


    Perhaps it was the will of heaven. She had lost half her power, yet felt no regret. Her sect was abundant with miraculous elixirs, and her natural talents were extraordinary. It wouldn''t take long for her to recover. The power she had transferred was invaluable to Lin Wanrong. Common folks couldn''t bully him, and though he couldn''t defeat top masters, he at least had the ability to escape.


    Maybe he wouldn''t have to rely on her to save him in a humiliating way anymore. Her heart fluttered with a strange mix of happiness and mncholy.


    Engrossed in her thoughts, she felt a sudden surge of energy within her. Peering down, she saw Lin Wanrong had already moved atop her, wrapping his arms around her and saying, Qingxuan, I''ve trained our dual cultivation technique to a considerable level. Shall we delve deeper into the mysteries of the heavens?


    Before finishing his sentence, he began to move. Xiao Qingxuan gave a soft moan, her cheeks flushing as she gazed at him, as though intending to etch his visage permanently in her heart. Her eyes filled with unshed tears. Suddenly, she abandoned her shyness, and clung to Lin Wanrong like a madwoman, whispering in his ear, Husband, love me


    Her desperate cry was undoubtedly the best aphrodisiac, deeply stimting Lin Wanrong. With a tiger-like roar, he quickly began his dance, Xiao Qingxuan underneath him.


    The room was filled with spring-like warmth. Xiao Qingxuan''s body began to tremble, and within moments, she reached her climax amidst tears of joy...


    She wasn''t sure how much time had passed when she awoke. Lin Wanrong was holding her tight, fast asleep. Her heart was filled with sweetness and bitterness. She sighed, tears streaming down her face, no longer able to hide her sadness.


    After a long while, she lifted her head, hanging a jade pendant around his neck and gently stroking his cheek, Take good care of yourself, and do not let others trick you like this time.


    Slowly, she rose, taking onest loving look at the peacefully sleeping Lin Wanrong. She concealed her beautiful body in her clothes, sighed lightly, and took out a long, small box from her bag. She left it beside him, whispering, This is a gift I had Mr York get for you. It was just delivered from the capital and is perfect for you. Even though you have some martial arts skills now, they''re only enough to deal withmon martial artists. This will serve you well against top masters.


    After I leave, do not worry. If we are fated, even with some hardship, we can meet again. If not, it''s just the heavens ying with us. As she spoke, her tears flowed freely. She picked up a piece of white cloud silk (Yunjin silk), preparing to write a message with a small brush, when a voice echoed in her ear, Whoever says you and I are not fated, I''ll cut them down.


    His voice was clear, resolute. She looked up to find Lin Wanrong''s eyes, filled with determination, fixed on her.


    You, you''re awake? she said softly, her heart filled with embarrassment. On one hand, they were now the most intimate of lovers. On the other hand, he had heard all her private thoughts.


    Lin Wanrong took her hand and held her tightly, saying, "You silly girl, if I hadn''t woken up, I wouldn''t have known my wife was about to leave."


    Xiao Qingxuan rested in his arms, her cheeks damp with tears. She spoke softly, "I''ve been in Jinling for far too long, which is already inappropriate, and what we''ve done... it''s even more so. If you truly care for me, don''t press me. Let me finish what I have to do. On the seventh day of the seventh month next year, look for me at the Jade Buddha Temple in the capital. If we truly share a bond as husband and wife, we''ll meet again."


    Lin Wanrong knew Xiao Qingxuan''s personalityshe was a decisive woman. Once she made a decision, it was hard to change her mind. But her words about fate and destiny irritated him. He never believed in such things. He gripped Xiao Qingxuan''s hand, saying, "I''m a bad man; I never believe in destiny. What I know is to cherish what I have in my hands. You are already my wife. Not even heaven can change that, and nobody can separate us."


    He gave a faint smile, "If you have something to do now, I won''t force you to stay. Let''s make a game of it. On the seventh day of the seventh month next year, we''ll look for each other in the capital. No cheating allowed. If I find you first, I''ll kiss you a hundred times. If you find me first, I''ll take the loss and let you kiss me a hundred times. But if anyone dares to cheat, I''ll spank her a hundred times."


    Xiao Qingxuan was both amused and upset. She chided, "You never say anything serious, do you?"


    Lin Wanrong held her hand firmly and said with a serious face, "I''ve never been more serious in my life. Everything I say is true. You know I''m capable of anything. If I don''t see you by that day next year, I''ll go house to house in the capital, putting up posters with your picture, saying my wife and I had a fight and she left home with our unborn child. Our young son at home has no milk to drink and is crying for his mother. I''ll make sure to mention my wife is extraordinarily beautiful, the daughter of a noble family. I''d request everyone to help find her."


    Xiao Qingxuan blushed, "How could you say something like ''our son has no milk''... You''re shameless!" She knew Lin Wanrong well enough; he was capable of pulling off such outrageous actions and might evene up with something even more embarrassing.


    She felt a sweet sensation in her heart but was also helpless against his audacity. With a sigh, she began, "But you don''t know"


    "There are no ''buts''," Lin Wanrong cut her off, "When ites to being with my wife, no one can stop us, not even the Emperor himself."


    Seeing his determined expression, Xiao Qingxuan felt both joy and worry surge in her heart. Was this rascal destined to be her life''s mischief-maker? She wondered as she nestled in Lin Wanrong''s arms.


    Xiao Qingxuan had originally nned to leave without saying goodbye, but she hadn''t expected that Lin Wanrong hadn''t been asleep at all. Now she was caught in the act, and in front of Lin Wanrong, her exceptional martial arts skills seemed useless. As they cuddled together and he uttered frivolous words, she, despite her excellentposure, felt herself weak and soft. Fortunately, Lin Wanrong was fond of her and didn''t take too much advantage of her, aside from a careful exploration of her body.


    She spoke to him about many martial arts techniques while he was yfully touching her. His left ear heard seventy percent of what she said, but his right ear had already let sixty percent escape. Xiao Qingxuan, both shy and amused, thought to herself that with his skills, he should be able to handle most opponents. Besides, he also had that precious protective artifact, so there should be no danger. She decided not to push him further.


    As the sky gradually brightened, dawn had broken. Xiao Qingxuan finally stood up, her face red, and said, "I need to go."


    "Why don''t we chat a bit longer? It''s still not dark yet. How about waiting until it''s dark before you leave?" Lin Wanrong shamelessly suggested.


    Xiao Qingxuan thought to herself that if she stayed from dusk till dawn and then till the next dusk, she might never muster the courage to leave. She gave him a disgruntled look, but couldn''t distinguish whether it was out of annoyance or joy. She dared not look back at him, but using her agility, she leapt up and sprinted off into the distance.


    From behind her, Lin Wanrong shouted, "Qingxuan, I''ll think of you every day."


    She paused, turned back to look at him, her eyes full of tears. She stomped her foot in frustration. You scoundrel, you just want to make me cry, don''t you?


    Watching Xiao Qingxuan''s figure recede into the distance, Lin Wanrong stretchedzily, This girl, she''s leaving her husband. What a character! He moved toward the cave and saw that all the clothes had been neatly tidied up. Thinking about how this must have been Xiao Qingxuan''s doing, he couldn''t help but feel smug, My wife is indeed a woman who can manage both the hall and the kitchen.


    Last night, Xiao Qingxuan had thoroughly exined to him the dual cultivation technique to prevent him from misinterpreting it as solely a replenishment practice. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help butugh, under Xiao Qingxuan''s guidance, he threw a punch and shattered a rock, more impressive than the one who had practiced the Child''s Technique for over thirty years.


    Damn, I''ve really made it big now. Any martial arts master, if I can''t beat them, can''t I just run away? The dual cultivation and replenishment technique is indeed a wonderful thing. While feeling very pleased, Lin Wanrong thought to himself: Good kung fu, herees the day!


    The box that Xiao Qingxuan had given him was still nearby. They had been talkingst night, and he had forgotten to ask what it was. But since it was something that Xiao Qingxuan had personally brought from the capital, it must be something good. He opened the box to find a double-barreled musket.


    Damn, this is a great thing! Lin Wanrong was overjoyed as he held the musket, examining it carefully. The musket was made from high-quality steel, with urate gun barrels and a durable frame. Holding it, he felt extremely powerful.


    In this era, with such a contraption, Lin Wanrong was not afraid of any so-called martial arts master. Even though he himself was only half a master.


    Grasping the musket in his hand, Lin Wanrong felt overjoyed. Now, he had two guns with him. One for shooting men, the other especially for women. He chuckled at the thought.


    He heard this was a gift from a certain Mr. York to Xiao Qingxuan. It must be an imported item.


    Xiao Qingxuan, concerned about his safety, had specially arranged for someone to deliver it from the capital to Jinling, a distance of eight hundred miles. Her affection was deep and profound.


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, Qingxuan, to repay you, on the seventh day of the seventh month, I''ll let you seek me first. Once you find me, I''ll let you kiss me a hundred times.


    He was enjoying his thoughts when he suddenly felt ufortable. He turned his head and saw that the Eldest Miss Xiao had awakened at some point. Her face was flushed, and she was looking at him angrily.


    With a smile, Lin Wanrong said, "Miss, you''re awake."


    "Hmph," she grunted, two red spots on her face. "I woke up long ago."


    Had she woken up long ago? Did that mean she saw him taking liberties with Qingxuan earlier? Lin Wanrong knew she shouldn''t have seen the intimate scenes between him and Xiao Qingxuanst night, only the part where he was taking advantage of her. He, with his thick skin, wasn''t embarrassed at all. Heughed and said, "Miss, next time be careful not to spy."


    Xiao Yuruo''s face turned a deeper red. She red at him and said, "You shameless man!"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s face gleaming with satisfaction, Xiao Yuruo gritted her teeth and asked, "Who is Miss Xiao to you?"


    "She is my wife" Before he could finish, Eldest Miss Xiao kicked a small stone in front of her and angrily said, "Lin San, let''s go down the mountain"


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 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116


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    Chapter 116 The Return


    The road down the mountain was extremely rugged. The Eldest Miss, seemingly in a huff, tiptoed in a wobbly fashion and nearly fell several times, yet she stubbornly kept silent. Upon seeing her refusing to nce at him, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, "This youngdy is ying the haughty game again. She''s indeed quite obstinate."


    Upon descending from the mountain, they saw that the troops had all scattered; the scene was so silent, not even a bird''s shadow could be spotted.


    Lin Wanrong,pletely unfamiliar with the terrain, could only distinguish north from south. Seeing him standing in the middle of the road, gazing around like a dazed goose, the Eldest Miss Xiao chuckled. She swiftly covered her mouth, thinking, That''s for annoying me.


    Observing her calm demeanor, Lin Wanrong knew she must recognize this ce. He forced a wry smile and said, "My dear Eldest Miss, please speak."


    Eldest Miss Xiao hummed lightly, a triumphant smile on her face, and sweetly said, "This is Dangtu County."


    Dangtu County was located in Anhui Province, hundreds of miles away from Jinling. The bandits had gone to great lengths indeed. The Eldest Miss Xiao had visited Dangtu County a few times for business, so she recognized the way.


    The pair rested in the town for a while, ate breakfast, changed clothes, and took a bath. Then they hired a horse carriage, heading straight for Jinling. Luckily, Lin Wanrong had some small silver coins with him to afford the carriage. Miss Xiao Yuruo, a rich youngdy, did not usually carry money. She carried a good amount of makeup, though. Women, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly.


    The horse carriage clopped along, heading northward. Eldest Miss Xiao remained silent in the carriage. Lin Wanrong yawned; he hadn''t slept all night, having spent it whispering sweet nothings with Xiao Qingxuan. Exhausted, he leaned against the carriage, about to doze off, when Eldest Miss Xiao asked, "Lin San, where is Miss Xiao from?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "I believe she''s from the capital." Xiao Qingxuan hadn''t mentioned her background, and respecting her, Lin Wanrong hadn''t asked.


    Xiao Yuruo huffed, ncing at him sideways, "She''s extremely beautiful. I wonder how a celestial being like her could fall for you. You must have deceived her with some despicable means."


    Feeling a pang of guilt, Lin Wanrong thought to himself that without the help of the aphrodisiac, his rtionship with Xiao Qingxuan might have been uncertain. He felt Eldest Miss Xiao was underestimating him. Indignant, he retorted, "Our feelings are mutual. It''s not as filthy as you make it out to be!"


    Xiao Yuruo huffed again but didn''t respond. Lin Wanrong dug out a parcel he had brought with him, held the musket in his hands, and started toying with it.


    In this era, a firearm like this was a rare artifact, especially a double-barreled one, which demanded superior craftsmanship. It was said that Mr. York had specifically brought this from the West as a gift for Xiao Qingxuan. In the whole of the Great Hua, there was only one such piece. Judging from the quality and feel of the gun, it must be a highly valued object in the West, let alone in Great Hua. Lin Wanrong was perhaps the only person in the Great Hua dynasty who possessed a firearm.


    Thinking of Xiao Qingxuan, Lin Wanrong felt warmth in his heart. His feelings for this girl were unique, akin to a bosom friend. She understood him well; the aphrodisiac and firearm were indeed treasures suited to him. Thinking of this, he felt some gratitude towards Tao Dongcheng. If it weren''t for Tao Dongcheng''s schemes, given Xiao Qingxuan''s personality, the two might have never had such an opportunity in their lifetimes.


    He had learned forty to fifty percent of Xiao Qingxuan''s martial arts skills, and even received a firearm from her, yet he didn''t feel the slightest bit like a gigolo.


    A gigolo? Damn, to conquer a girl like Xiao Qingxuan, if not for my masculine charm, how could it be possible? From psychological to physical conquest, my strength was what counted. Those who used me of being a gigolo, could you conquer a woman yourself? Damn, it was pure jealousy.


    "Lin San, how did Tao Dongcheng bring the troops to rescue us?" The Eldest Miss Xiao suddenly said thoughtfully.


    Rescue us? Heh, that''s a nice way to put it. He retorted, "Eldest Miss, do you really think he came to rescue us? Although his father is the silk weaver of Suzhou, could that position really mobilize the military forces of Jiangsu Commander-in-Chief to rescue us?"


    Xiao Yuruo nodded, "There is something strange about it. When Tao Dongcheng charged up the mountainst night, I didn''t see many of the White Lotus bandits. If they had fled, why would they leave me behind?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. If it weren''t for the fact that Xiao Yuruo hadn''t fallen for Tao Dongcheng''s scheme, she wouldn''t have this clear mind to analyze the situation so calmly. If he hadn''t appeared in timest night, and she had been taken by that Tao Dongcheng, she would certainly not be analyzing the situation this calmly.


    "Eldest Miss, think about it. Why were those White Lotus bandits so courteous to you? Was it just because they were hoping Madam would ransom you with gold?"


    This was precisely what Xiao Yuruo was puzzled about. Lin Wanrong further borated, "You fainted mysteriously yesterday. When you woke up, the bandits were gone, and young Master Tao arrived just in time"


    When it came to crucial matters, Xiao Yuruo was rather astute. She gasped, "Are you suggesting... that Tao Dongcheng was in league with them?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I didn''t say anything. You did."


    Xiao Yuruo red at him, highly dissatisfied with his evasion of responsibility. She pondered for a while, then sighed, "If this is true, why would Tao Dongcheng want to associate with the White Lotus Sect? He has status, a good position, and plenty of money."


    Lin Wanrong roughly knew the reasons but didn''t want to disclose them to her. He shrugged, "As for the specific reasons, I really don''t know."


    The Eldest Miss Xiao fell silent, and Lin Wanrong remembered something. "Eldest Miss," he began, "Does our Xiao family have any establishments in the capital? How''s the business there?"


    Xiao Yuruo replied seriously, "Of course. The capital is under the Emperor''s feet, full of countless dignitaries. How could I possibly neglect it? Aside from Jiangsu, the capital is where our Xiao family conducts the most business. After settling the matters here this year, I n to go there to expand our business next spring."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. He had been wanting to go to the capital for Xiao Qingxuan, and now, hearing that the Eldest Miss Xiao would be heading there in the spring, he was all for it, hands, feet, and all. Dominating Jinling and the capital, indeed the job of the Xiao family''s servant was quite interesting. He was starting to enjoy this feeling, ying the fool to trick the tiger felt exhrating.


    "Why are you so happy?" Xiao Yuruo suddenly asked coldly, "Is it because Miss Xiao is in the capital, and you want to see her?"


    There was no point in hiding this. Lin Wanrong chuckled and replied, "The two matters aren''t mutually exclusive."


    Xiao Yuruo gave him a look, opened her mouth as if to say something, but fell silent. A tense quietude filled the carriage.


    Just as Lin Wanrong was thinking about leaning back in the carriage for a nap, he noticed that the Eldest Miss Xiao''s face was flushed, her demeanor coy. She kept ncing out of the carriage window, as if she had some urgent matter to attend to.


    Following her gaze, he saw that the carriage was next to a dense forest. Considering her coy demeanor, he wondered, was she in need of a bathroom break? She had been immobilized sincest night, and after seven or eight hours, such a need was indeed normal. But this Eldest Miss Xiao was so reserved, how could she possibly voice such a need?


    "Driver, stop the carriage," Lin Wanrong yelled, "I need to pee."


    "Vulgar!" The Eldest Miss Xiao muttered with a red face. Yet she heard him say to her, "Eldest Miss, the forest over there has a nice view, with dense leaves and a good cover. Why don''t you go and take a look? We can take a short break before we continue."


    He even winked at her, causing her face to flush crimson. ''So, he has noticed,'' she thought. She felt somewhat grateful, but she was too shy to admit it. Without a word, she stepped down from the carriage. She saw Lin San standing beside the carriage, seemingly about to unfasten his belt to relieve himself right there. She cried out hastily, "Lin San, what are you doing?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Didn''t I just say what I was going to do? What do you think I am going to do?"


    The Eldest Miss Xiao gasped, cried out, "Shameless!" and turned to run towards the forest in embarrassment.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head with a smile. ''This girl, can''t she take a joke?'' he thought.


    The carriage driver asked in confusion, "Aren''t you going to pee?"


    Lin Wanrongughed out loud, "This is saline-alkalind, even if I pee, it won''t make it fertile. It won''t grow crops, it''s a waste. I''ll save it for watering the garden back home." The driver also burst outughing.


    The Eldest Miss Xiao approached the edge of the forest, her heart filled with a hint of fear. The forest was so dense; who knew what creatures - snakes, insects, mice, or ants - might lurk within. Hearingughter from behind, she turned to see that Lin San hadn''t done any vulgar act at all. Instead, he was leaning against the carriage, resting with his eyes closed. ''So, he deceived me on purpose. He thought of such a trick just to scare me. How despicable,'' she thought.


    She dared not venture into the forest alone, so she called out softly, "Lin San, Lin San,e here"


    Lin Wanrong wondered what she wanted him for. ''Could it be that she wants us to go together?'' He smirked inwardly as he approached, asking, "Eldest Miss, what is it?"


    Xiao Yuruo replied weakly, "The forest is too dense, and I''m a little afraid. Stay here and guard the spot while I go in to enjoy the scenery" As she uttered thosest few words, her face turned as red as the evening glow.


    "Understood," Lin Wanrong said, pretending not to catch her meaning. "Just call me if you need anything."


    Xiao Yuruo gave a soft hum in response and walked into the forest, until she was out of Lin San''s sight. Only then did her heart rate slow. ''This man,'' she thought, ''aside from being a bit wicked, he''s good in every other aspect.''


    After waiting for a while, Lin Wanrong saw the Eldest Miss Xiao emerge with a red face. Knowing she was shy, he pretended not to notice and remarked, "The scenery here is truly splendid. If we get another chance, we should visit again."


    The Eldest Miss Xiao whispered, "Lin San, let''s go."


    They both got back into the carriage. The Eldest Miss Xiao was quiet and didn''t speak. Lin Wanrong didn''t bother her either, thinking it was finally time for that nap.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong leaning against the carriage, looking exhausted, Xiao Yuruo thought, ''I owe him for his help this time. Who knows what could have happened otherwise?'' A sense of gratitude rose within her, and the way she looked at him softened. Lin Wanrong yawned and said, "Eldest Miss, don''t look at me like that, I''ll be shy."


    "You, go to hell" The Eldest Miss Xiao snapped, instantly furious. She threw a pillow at him, her fleeting fondness for him instantly extinguished.


    When it came to teasing girls, Lin Wanrong needed no preparation. Even though his teasing was casual, its effect was extraordinary. Like this time, throughout the journey to Jinling, a distance of hundreds of miles, the Eldest Miss Xiao did not speak another word to Lin Wanrong. She bore a resentful expression as if she held a grudge against him. Anyway, Lin Wanrong was already ustomed to this. If he saw the Eldest Miss Xiao smiling at him, he might suspect that she had ulterior motives.


    As the carriage entered Jinling, Xiao Yuruo''s eyes grew moist. Never before had she felt such a strong sensation upon leaving home. Thinking about how she nearly hadn''t made it back, she could no longer hold back her tears, which started to fall inrge drops.


    Seeing her crying silently, Lin Wanrong thought, ''This girl has indeed suffered quite a bit.''


    Upon arriving at the entrance of the Xiao residence, the Eldest Miss Xiao was even more emotional. She held her face in her hands, her slender shoulders trembling as she wept. She was so ovee with emotion that she couldn''t even get off the carriage. Lin Wanrong hopped off from the carriage, stood at the gate, and shouted at the top of his lungs, "The Eldest Miss has returned"


    The mansion was thrown into chaos. Without wasting a moment, arge crowd emerged, led by Madam Xiao.


    "Yuruo, where is Yuruo?" Madam Xiao cried out in panic, tears flowing down her cheeks.


    "Mother" Xiao Yuruo stepped out of the carriage and immediately threw herself into her mother''s arms. Mother and daughter clung to each other, weeping bitterly.


    ''It''s so bloody touching,'' Lin Wanrong thought, wiping the corner of his eye.


    "Lin San, you''re back." The mansion veteran steward, Fubo, greeted Lin Wanrong with a bear hug.


    "Fubo, I''ve missed you so much. Let''s hug"


    "Ah, Changbo, I''ve missed you too. Let''s hug"


    "Eh, Chief Steward Wang, I''ve missed you too. Let''s hug"


    "Madam, I''ve missed you too. Let''s hug Take care!" Lin Wanrong was about to give Madam Xiao a hug when her sharp re made him reconsider.


    With an awkward smile, he noticed Young Master Guo waving at him and walked over, asking, "Young Master, what''s up?"


    "Lin San, Miss Qin has left," Guo Wuchang said dejectedly.


    ''She''s gone? That''s great,'' Lin Wanrong thought to himself, feeling secretly relieved. If the youngdy were still here, with her temperament, who knew what might have happened. Though Qin Xian''er held deep affection for him, her tendency to resort to violence concerned Lin Wanrong. Perhaps her departure was a good thing after all.


    Lin Wanrong knew why Qin Xian''er had left. Seeing Guo Wuchang''s downcast appearance, he initially thought the young master was genuinely infatuated with Qin Xian''er. But then, Guo Wuchang added, "Now that she''s gone, I need to find another excuse to see my Dongmei."


    ''Damn!'' Lin Wanrong eximed inwardly, raising his middle finger in his mind. ''I despise you.''


    Seeing Xiao Yuruo safely returned, the Xiao mansion was buzzing with excitement. However, as Lin Wanrong scanned the crowd, he felt like a figure was missing. ''Where''s Yushuang, my dear Yushuang?''


    In haste, he pulled Young Master Guo aside, asking, "Young Master, where''s the Second Miss?"


    Young Master Guo sighed, "Yushuang, my cousin, is at Rosy Cloud Temple!"


    "Rosy Cloud Temple? She''s bing a nun?" Lin Wanrong jumped in surprise.


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 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117


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    Chapter 117 Rendezvous with Second Miss


    Lin Wanrong''s voice was louder this time, and everyone heard him. In a sudden panic, Xiao Yuruo quickly grabbed Madam Xiao''s hand and asked, "Mother, where is my sister?"


    Madam Xiao sighed and said, "Yushuang is just too naive. Ever since you all got into trouble, she med herself. She hides in her room all day and refuses to see anyone. I was so preupied with trying to rescue you that I didn''t pay much attention to her. Who would have thought that the next day, she sneaked off to Rosy Cloud Temple alone? She said she wanted to purify herself and pray for you all day. She still refuses to meet anyhis silly child..." As Madam Xiao spoke, tears trickled down her cheeks, as if recalling the gloomy days ofte.


    The mention of the temple made Lin Wanrong realize something. Ah, I''ve been such a fool. Monks go to temples to be monks, Second Miss should be going to a nunnery. Bah, what nonsense am I spouting? Such a lovely girl, how could she possibly want to give up the world? She''s only praying for us, not nning to be a nun. Even so, he was taken aback. This girl, she really knows how to break my heart, he thought to himself.


    He knew that Xiao Yushuang must have med herself deeply for revealing Lin Wanrong''s identity with her outcry that night, cing all the me on herself. Lin Wanrong sighed softly. This little girl, she''s too naive. But I like it!


    Amidst the cheers of joy from the people of the Xiao Manor, a desperate voice echoed from a distance, "Thank Heaven, virtuous sister, you are safe."


    Lin Wanrong turned to look, and saw Tao Dongcheng rushing from a distance. He was slightly limping, seemingly due to the aftermath of a fall from a horse.


    Madam Xiao said to her eldest daughter, "Yuruo, we owe a great deal to Master Tao for resolving this crisis. He persuaded Lord Cheng to agree to send troops to rescue you, or else,"


    "In that case, thank you, Young Master Tao," Xiao Yuruo said to Tao Dongcheng, who had just arrived at her side.


    Panting, Tao Dongcheng quickly replied, "Eldest Miss, there''s no need for thanks. I would do anything for you. Yesterday, when I led the soldiers up the mountain and saw you being taken away, I arrived toote. I was filled with regret. When I heard that you had returned unharmed, I rushed over. Seeing you safe and sound now, my mind is finally at ease."


    Lin Wanrong listened from the side and cursed under his breath, Damn it, I thought I had a thick skin, but I never imagined yours could be just as thick. Everything thates out of your mouth is all rosy.


    He had already had a falling out with this Tao Dongcheng. Now, with his divine skills and musket for protection, he didn''t fear this man named Tao. He chuckled and said, "Others may not have noticed, but I certainly did. Yesterday, Young Master Tao, on a white horse with a silver spear, you were quite the picture of gantry."


    The Eldest Miss shot him a re but couldn''t help but chuckle inwardly. She had personally witnessed Lin San knocking Tao Dongcheng off his horse yesterday. She thought to herself, Tao Dongcheng may be bad, but you''re countless times worse.


    Tao Dongcheng had silently cursed Lin San countless times, but he couldn''t admit it publicly. He could only force out a few awkwardughs without answering.


    The Eldest Miss said, "Mother, since we are safe and sound, I should go and fetch Yushuang back."


    Madam Xiao replied, "It''ste today, and you know Yushuang''s temperament. She made a vow before the Bodhisattva, and no one can stop her. This ordeal seems to have made her grow up a lot. We should let her fulfill her vow of purification for a month. The Xiao family has gone through many trials recently; let her prayers be our way of showing gratitude. Go see her early tomorrow morning to reassure her."


    Lin Wanrong breathed a sigh of relief, thinking, Thank God, she''s only praying. If anyone dared to make little Yushuang be a nun, I might have to tear down those monasteries and nunneries.


    Mother and daughter went inside for a long talk. Once Madam Xiao knew her daughter hadn''t suffered any harm, she was relieved.


    The Eldest Miss highly praised Lin San, mentioning hisposed and unyielding nature, his quick-thinking and bravery. Hearing all this, even Lin Wanrong felt a bit ttered. So, I have so many undiscovered qualities. The Eldest Miss indeed has an eye for talent.


    After a moment of contemtion, Madam Xiao said, "Lin San, you have protected our family with loyalty and bravery this time, and you have provided valuable suggestions for the development of the Xiao family. I will make an exception and promote you to a senior servant in the Xiao family, raising your monthly wage from two taels to twenty. In the decades-long foundation of the Xiao family, we''ve never had someone as young as you achieve such a position. Don''t let me down."


    This was a clever calction on Madam Xiao''s part. Lin San was talented and loyal; she couldn''t afford to lose him. While she was hoping to win him over for the Xiao family, Lin San had no thoughts of leaving.


    His mindset had greatly changed. When old Wei forced him to take this position, he was reluctant, but over time he had be quitefortable with being a servant.


    nting flowers, tending grass, managing industry, visiting brothels, flirting with the two Misses... With the Xiao family shielding him and money at his disposal, what could be more enjoyable? What better job could there be? He was waiting to go to the capital with the Eldest Miss next year to find Qing Xuan. With the Xiao family as a cover, everything would go much smoother.


    Lin Wanrong bowed with a smile, "Thank you for your generosity, Madam. I will bend over backwards and dedicate myself to the love of our great Xiao family, contributing to its development in any way I can."


    Although he didn''t care much about the increase from two to twenty taels, he wasn''t one to reject any form of wealth, big or small. This was the rule in business. For a cunning businessman like Lin Wanrong, there could never be too much money. Since Madam had given him a raise, it was only right for him to say a few words of gratitude. After all, everyone should help to lift the sedan.


    They enjoyed a grand banquet in the main hall, a gesture meant to dispel the Eldest Miss''s fears. Lin Wanrong, the newly promoted senior servant, had quickly be a prominent figure in the Xiao household. Naturally, this stirred up quite a flurry of attention. Even the veteran steward, Fubo, was taken aback, musing that Lin San''s current fame far outshone his own in his heyday.


    Upon returning to his courtyard, slightly inebriated, Lin Wanrong habitually scanned the room for a familiar figure. However, the realization hit himXiao Qingxuan was already gone. He felt a slight pang of disappointment. The evening chats with Qingxuan had be a part of his routine, and her abrupt departure left him feeling out of sorts.


    He removed the jade pendant that Qingxuan had left around his neck. Observing the beautiful luster and extraordinary craftsmanship, he thought to himself, Even though she''s my wife now, she never told me where she lives or who her father is. Next time we meet, she surely deserves a punishment. As he considered this, his thoughts drifted to Qin Xian''er, who was Qingxuan''s adversary, when they were at the Miaoyu Pavilion. Despite Qin Xianer''s harsh methods, their interactions were generally pleasant. Lin Wanrong considered that if she could change her ways, she could be quite agreeable.


    He hadn''t been sleeping well these past few days, and as soon as heid down, he was overwhelmed by a wave of fatigue. In no time at all, he was sound asleep.


    Upon waking up early the next morning, Lin Wanrong first visited the perfume workshop. After all, it was the primary cause of his recent misfortunes. He couldn''t neglect his most important responsibility. Fubo and Changbo were already there. The two old men had grown quite fond of the workshop and were thrilled to contribute to the Xiao family''s business in their old age.


    During Lin Wanrong''s absence, the perfume workshop''s production had somewhat stalled. Partly because Lin Wanrong was not there, and partly because winter was approaching, creating a shortage of flower braids. The problem couldn''t be resolved immediately, and they had to continue with a limited production of five hundred bottles a month.


    Lin Wanrong''s primary concern that day, however, was the young Yushuang. He wasn''t even sure where Rosy Cloud Temple was. He never showed much interest in Buddhism or Daoism and thus had little enthusiasm for monasteries. If anything, he had a slight fondness for nunneries.


    After asking Fubo about the location of Rosy Cloud Temple, he found out that it was quite a distance away. He hailed a carriage to take him there. Now that he held a position in the Xiao household, he had to keep up appearances whenever he ventured out. And as for the fare, he figured it could be charged to the Xiao family''s ount. Public expenditure, after all, was a concept he was quite familiar with.


    Rosy Cloud Temple was located to the east of Jinling, known for its ancient origins and thriving worshippersit had a highly reputable name.


    As Lin Wanrong meandered through the temple, he contemted offering an incense stick due to his good mood. However, learning that a single stick cost one silver taels and that fortune-telling cost two silver taels, he quickly balked at the thought. He scoffed internally at the outrageous prices, Do they think I''m made of money? Even andlord doesn''t have such surplus!


    He caught hold of a novice monk, asking, "Young monk, could you tell me if there''s a female devotee here"


    "Om Mani Padme Hum" the young monk hastily intoned a Buddhist chant. "This is a ce of purity for Buddhists. We do not entertain such unclean matters. If you''re interested, you might want to try the Qinhuai River area"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment before he understood. This young monk had mistaken him for someone seeking the services of a prostitute. Annoyed, he thought, What kind of gaze is that? Whoes to a monastery for such a thing? Going to a nunnery might make more sense.


    Without a change in his expression, he slipped a half tael of broken silver into the young monk''s hand, saying, "Young monk, could you tell me if there''s a female devotee here"


    The young monk''s expression instantly shifted to one of joy, "There is, there is. Not just one, we even have ten. You go straight from here, there''s a well-serviced inn named Junzai. They''ll ensure your satisfaction."


    Covered in cold sweat, Lin Wanrong quickly rified, "Young monk, I''m asking about the Second Miss from the Xiao family. She is here to offer prayers and keep a vegetarian diet, but I don''t know which room she''s in."


    Immediately, the young monk''s face turned serious. He chanted a Buddhist invocation and pointed to a room on the outside, "The Second Miss Xiao? She is praying in that meditation room." The speed of his transition from jovial to solemn didn''t reveal any inconsistencies, which even Lin Wanrong had to admit was impressive.


    Hurrying to the designated room, Lin Wanrong peeked inside through the window. There, a petite figure was in his sight. Her long, ck hair hung loose, cascading over her shoulders. She wore a in, light-gray robe over her thin frame, kneeling before the Buddhist shrine with her hands in prayer. She was softly chanting, "Oh, Buddha and Guanyin Bodhisattva, please ensure Lin San and my sister return safely. I, Xiao Yushuang, am willing to exchange my life for their safety. Please, fulfill my wish." After she finished speaking, she respectfully bowed.


    After a few days apart, the young girl seemed to have be even frailer and more pitiful. Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, his heart melting for her. Ever since she had tempered her unruly nature, she had stirred up an intense tenderness within him.


    Seeing Xiao Yushuang''s devout demeanor, an idea sprang to Lin''s mind. He drew out a homemade pencil from his pocket, along with a piece of paper. Scribbling a few characters, he attached a small stone to the note and tossed it inside the room.


    Xiao Yushuang was in the midst of her prayers when she heard a soft sound. A small note hadnded next to her. She nced at it, her expression undisturbed, as if she hadn''t noticed the note at all. She turned her head away and resumed her sutra.


    Lin Wanrong was both frustrated and moved. She really was devout, seemingly uncaring about anything else except her prayers. Picking up another small stone, he threw it inside again. His aim was precise, and the stonended right next to the previous note.


    Xiao Yushuang felt a tinge of annoyance. She came here to pray and fast, relying purely on her sincerity. Who was it that kept disturbing her peace, ruffling her calm? If she offended the Bodhisattva, what would be of her?


    She sought forgiveness from the Bodhisattva before slowly rising, casting a puzzled look around. There was no sign of any movement. Spotting the note on the ground, the writing faintly visible, she bent down to pick it up, and softly read it out, "The colors of the trees stretch beyond the gate, the sound of the river flows into the distant sea. The imperial city will be reached tomorrow, but still, I dream of being a fisherman or woodcutter."


    "Lin San..." Xiao Yushuang suddenly jumped up, a confused look on her face. Her eyes reflected disbelief, and tears of joy started to fall. She circled around the room, crying out anxiously, "Lin San, did youe back? Where are you? You naughty man,e out"


    After a few cries, there was no response. She wondered if her devout prayer had caused her to hallucinate. Tears started to fall again. She picked up the note to continue reading, only to find a few more characters, "Outside the Rosy Cloud Temple, by the Weeping Willow Pond, I have a meeting with the Second Miss. We shall not leave unless we meet!"


    The unique and vigorous handwriting could only belong to Lin San. It wasn''t fake!


    With tears andughter, the Second Miss said, "You naughty man, what do you mean by ''not leaving unless we meet''? Even when we meet, we can''t part."


    She hurriedly closed her eyes and put her hands together in front of the Buddha, gratefully saying, "Thank you, Buddha, for showing your grace. I shall leave now."


    She rose with joy, a trail of tears streaming down her face. With a quick tug on her robe, she darted towards the temple''s entrance as if flying.


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 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118


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    Chapter 118 The Capture on the Date


    Upon exiting the temple gate, she saw a shallow pond in the distance, glittering with a silver radiance under the winter sun. It was winter, and the willows around the pond had already withered, a few solitary leaves floating on the water, an epitome of destion.


    Xiao Yushuang nced around, but she saw no sign of Lin San. Confusion surged within her. He had clearly been captured by viins, so how could he suddenly appear before her? With this thought in mind, she examined the note in her hand again. Lin San''s unique handwriting was unmistakable, any attempt at imitation would fail. This was undoubtedly his writing. But where was he? That scoundrel!


    As she waited anxiously, a figure emerged from behind the withered willows, a yellow wild chrysanthemum in his hand. He gazed at her with a smile. If he wasn''t the scoundrel, who else could he be?


    Second Miss looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes. Softly, she uttered, "You scoundrel" but was unable to continue.


    Upon seeing her dressed in in robes, Lin Wanrong found her still stunningly beautiful despite her haggard appearance. Her tear-filled eyes reminded him of pear blossoms after a rain shower. He was taken aback, thinking how she seemed to have matured over the few days he hadn''t seen her, which charmed him immensely.


    With a few heartyughs, he walked up to her, presenting the wild chrysanthemum. "For you, beautifuldy," he said. "May you forever remain as radiant as this flower."


    "I don''t want it," Second Miss blushed, though she quickly seized the flower, her smile even brighter than the bloom. A girl truly smitten with springtime love, he thought. I''d best be careful not to charm all the beauties in Jinling City, lest I run out of silver to support them all.


    Gently cing the chrysanthemum behind her ear, Xiao Yushuang asked bashfully, "Lin San, does it look good?"


    With her shy and coquettish face, she radiated an indescribable charm. Lin Wanrong was left stunned. "It''s not just good, it''s spectacr," he answered.


    "You''re always such a sweet talker," she replied, blushing yet again. Now, there was nothing left of the child she used to be. She was a young maiden in the throes of spring.


    Lin Wanrong took a seat next to her. "Second Miss, what brought you to the Rosy Cloud Temple? This is a Buddhist monastery. It''s dangerous for a delicatedy like you."


    Xiao Yushuang began to sob softly. "Lin San, are you still mad at me?"


    "Mad at you? Mad for what?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "It was because of me that you got captured that day" Second Miss choked on her words.


    Taken aback, Lin Wanrong felt a mix of amusement and warmth. How did this girl always manage to find a way to me herself? Yet, her words made him unexpectedly emotional. Where could he ever find such a sweet girl?


    "Foolish girl," Lin Wanrong said softly, "it has nothing to do with you. They came for me intentionally. If it weren''t for you that day, I would''ve died under their swords."


    These wordsforted the young maid''s heart. Had it not been for Xiao Yushuang that day, Qin Xian''er wouldn''t have intervened in the murderous intent of Lu Zhongping. However, Second Miss was unaware of this, she spoke softly, "I don''t know what happened. Seeing those viins wanting to kill you, I felt unbearable pain in my heart. If you died, my life would be devoid of joy. Later, when I saw you standing in front of me, ready to sacrifice your life, I realized that even if I died, it would be worth it."


    "Ah, my god, I''m so moved," Lin Wanrong, in an emotional state, grabbed Second Miss Xiao''s hand and said, "You mustn''t do this again in the future. We both must stay alive and live happily. Isn''t that better?"


    The young girl nodded, her words shy but determined, "If you don''t die, then I won''t either." What she implied was clear: if he died, she wouldn''t want to live in this world either.


    Conversing with this young girl, Lin Wanrong felt his heart was being hollowed out. This was not a simple romantic exchange, it was rather something the young girl said unintentionally, yet it moved Lin Wanrong profoundly. This young girl, she indeed was extraordinary.


    Seeing his distracted look, Second Miss hurriedly asked, "Lin San, what''s the matter?"


    "Me? Oh, it''s nothing, just seeing you makes me very happy," Lin Wanrong replied.


    "I feel the same way, Lin San. Do you know? I dream about you every night. These past days, I''ve been terrified. What would I do without you? I am scared..." The young girl cried.


    Lin Wanrong felt he couldn''t continue the conversation. This girl''s tender sentiments were too intense. Even a battle-hardened man like Lin San was not immune to such sweet words, especially when they came from such an innocent beauty, it was truly life-threatening.


    "By the way, Second Miss, the Eldest Miss is back too. She mighte to see youter," Lin Wanrong wiped his sweat and changed the subject.


    "Really?" Xiao Yushuang, who still had some childish temperament, immediately jumped up upon hearing this and asked, "Did elder sistere back with you? Were those viins harming her?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "How could those viins harm her? Look at who she was with!"


    Xiao Yushuang nodded, holding his hand and said, "Lin San, I knew it, you are the most capable person in the world."


    Being admired felt extremely good. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, then picked out some things that had happened in thest few days and told her.


    Of course, he couldn''t tell her about the conspiracies of Tao Dongcheng and the people behind him, nor could he mention Qin Xian''er''s matter. Xiao Qingxuan was just described as a friend.


    Despite this, the story was very thrilling. Lin Wanrong was an expert in storytelling and emotive engagement, his words kept Miss Xiao on tenterhooks, feeling more exciting than the most thrilling adventure tales.


    After listening for a while, Second Miss sighed suddenly, "Lin San, do you think I''m useless?"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "Second Miss, why would you think that?"


    Xiao Yushuang spoke in a mncholic tone, "Every member of our family contributes to its prosperity. Mother is the pir of our household, having raised the entire Xiao family. Elder sister manages the family, handling all the business affairs withpetence. As for you, Lin San, there''s no need to even mention your contributions. Just by looking at sister''s demeanor, one can tell she highly admires you."


    Admiration? Lin Wanrong grimaced. If she had a knife, her desired action would most likely be to kill him.


    Second Miss Xiao continued, "Among us, I am the most useless. In the past, when I had nothing to do, I would use the names of the mighty general to scare the servants. Now that I''ve grown up, I can''t do anything. I can''t help my mother or elder sister. Don''t you think I''m useless?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head andughed, "Where is thising from? Everyone has their own strengths. Let''s take the Eldest Miss Xiao, for example, her strength is in management. However, you have your own strength as well, such as your ability to discern people. Think about it, I am an exceptional talent, and it was your discerning eye that identified me, right? That''s a significant contribution to the Xiao family."


    Upon hearing his self-praise, the young maid couldn''t help but chuckle, "You really have a thick face." She sighed, "Actually, the first time I saw you profiting from selling elder sister''s portrait, I thought you were a terrible person with too many tricks up your sleeve. Later, when I saw your name in the registration list, I was so delighted. But that day you arrivedte, and I had to tell Deputy Steward Pang not to make things difficult for you. Who would have thought that you couldn''t..." She covered her mouth, recalling that day''s event, "Even write more than a few sentences of the Three-Character ssic!"


    Lin Wanrong''s face turned red. It wasn''t a glorious moment indeed, but he defended himself, "There are plenty of people in this world who can write the Three-Character ssic, but who has skills like me?"


    Xiao Yushuang yfully scolded, "Stop boasting. Back then, I wanted to bring you into the Xiao family so I could deal with you properly using the mighty general. Who knew you would be so fierce, I almost hated you."


    Having said that, Xiao Yushuang sighed softly, "Looking back now, I''m d you came. Otherwise, who knows what would have happened to our family. I''ve been thinking these days, I can''t burden my mother and elder sister, I have to be useful. Lin San, I want to seek knowledge, what do you think?"


    "Seek knowledge?" Lin Wanrong was surprised, "Where would you, a youngdy, go to seek knowledge?"


    Second Miss Xiao softly said, "I haven''t figured that out yet, but I feel miserable not knowing anything and being stuck at home."


    Lin Wanrong could understand this point. Women pursuing liberation is a universal phenomenon across all ages. It wasmendable that Xiao Yushuang had such an ambitious mindset.


    Nodding, Lin Wanrong said, "Second Miss, I will support you."


    "Really?" Xiao Yushuang eagerly grabbed his shoulder. Seeing his nod, she smiled sweetly and said, "Lin San, thank you."


    "What are you thanking me for?" Lin Wanrong replied in a daze, "Who are we to each other?"


    Second Miss Xiao''s face reddened slightly. She hummed softly and gently leaned toward him.


    Noticing her blush and coquettish demeanor, Lin Wanrong''s heart was already itching with anticipation. He lightly wrapped his arm around her slender waist and held her lithe and boneless body close.


    Xiao Yushuang was still a young girl. Her body was just beginning to mature, and when embraced, she gave off a tender and sweet feeling. Lin Wanrong gently stroked her slender waist, whispering in her ear, "Second Miss..."


    His voice seemed to have an odd enchanting power, making Xiao Yushuang''s heart both bashful and ticklish. A soft hum escaped from her nose, and her face felt like it was burning.


    Looking at Xiao Yushuang''s vivid, alluring lips, Lin Wanrong could no longer bear it. He pulled her closer and leaned in to kiss her. Xiao Yushuang made a soft whimpering sound, burying her head into his chest, her mouth slightly agape, awaiting her shy and sweet first kiss.


    "What are you two doing--" The furious roar came just as their lips were about to meet, shattering their dreamy state.


    Lin Wanrong turned around to see what was happening, a sudden chill rushing to the bottom of his heart. Damn it, he thought, Buddha, Bodhisattva, are you messing with me?


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 Chapter 119

    Chapter 119


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    Chapter 119 Qiaoqiao Fell Ill


    The moment the Second Miss caught sight of the figure behind her, she jumped up, startled. She nced at Lin Wanrong, her face flushed with embarrassment and she stood there, too flustered to move.


    The Eldest Miss approached, positioning her younger sister behind herself, and sternly interrogated Lin, "Lin San, what on earth are you doing?"


    Damn, he was too careless, and here he was, encountering this tigress again. Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly.


    Caught in the act of flirting with another''s sister, he showed no remorse and shamelessly replied, "I wasn''t doing anything. The Second Miss and I were simply conducting a research project to see who could hold their breath longer."


    The Eldest Miss gave him an angry re, "You''ve never been honest. How can I trust you?" She turned to her sister, "Yushuang, don''t be scared. Tell me if this scoundrel has bullied you. I''ll make him pay."


    Xiao Yushuang''s face turned crimson. She lifted her head to sneak a peek at Lin Wanrong, then lowered it again and replied, "Sister, he did not bully me. We were just having a conversation."


    Xiao Yuruo gave her younger sister a helpless look and gently tapped her forehead, "You''re too soft-hearted, Yushuang. I just hope you won''t end up being taken advantage of without realizing it."


    Yushuang hummed in agreement while nestled in her sister''s arms, but she cheekily stuck her tongue out at Lin Wanrong when her sister wasn''t looking. Lin Wanrong returned the gesture with a smile, his heart still fluttering.


    Seeing that she wasn''t going to get any more out of her sister, the Eldest Miss decided not to push further. She took Yushuang''s hand, "Little sister, Lin San and I have safely returned. Let''s go home."


    Xiao Yushuang shook her head, "Sister, I made a vow in front of the Bodhisattva to be a vegetarian and pray for a month. You can''t make me break my promise."


    The Eldest Miss affectionately tapped her sister''s nose, "You naughty girl." The Second Miss giggled, hugging her sister tightly. The pair was a whirl of sisterly affection.


    Lin Wanrong watched them, feeling disgruntled. Why was the Eldest Miss always so friendly towards others but kept a stern face with him? It was as if he owed her arge sum of silver. Speaking of debts, wasn''t the first profit he made in this world by taking advantage of her?


    The Eldest Miss was in high spirits after seeing her sister. The two sisters held hands, chatting in the Zen room. She instructed Lin Wanrong to apany Yushuang in her fasting at the Rosy Cloud Temple and told him to prepare some vegetarian dishes.


    Lin Wanrong had no interest in vegetarian food. Watching the sisters nibbling and savoring their food, he thought such nd taste was only for youngdies like them.


    He waited until the afternoon, intending to share some heartfelt words with Yushuang once the Eldest Miss left. However, the Eldest Miss was on guard against him, like one would guard against a thief, keeping him away from Yushuang. This left Lin Wanrong feeling like a crab steamed alive, left in a dilemma, with nowhere to go.


    Ah, this girl was trying to guard against him, then he''d defy her, determined to covertly win over his little Yushuang. Let this girl be vignt to no avail.


    He aimlessly wandered about the Rosy Cloud Temple. When encountering female devoteesing to offer incense, he would pose as a devotee and follow behind them, stealing nces at their figures and faces. This wasn''t driven by ill intentions but was purely for self-amusement out of boredom. His stealthy demeanor, if matched with a Buddhist robe and a shaven head marked with six dots of incense ash, would make him the spitting image of a loitering monk. He even amused himself by giving a charming name to his action, the "Wolf Following the Tail."


    Regrettably, the Eldest Miss was astute and didn''t leave any gaps for Lin Wanrong to approach the Second Miss. Seeing today''s ns thwarted, Lin Wanrong decided not to waste any more time and sneaked away.


    "Little sister, you must stay away from Lin San in the future. He is a bad man," the Eldest Miss cautioned, watching Lin Wanrong''s retreating figure.


    "Why, sister? Lin San is a good person. He''s capable, treats me well, and, besides, didn''t he take care of you when you both were captured by the thieves?" the Second Miss inquired curiously.


    Xiao Yuruo recalled the scene she had witnessed between him and Xiao Qingxuan in the cave, and her face turned crimson. "In any case, he is bad. He specifically bullies us women."


    "Specifically bullies women? Why?" The Second Miss curiously asked, "When I am with him, I don''t see him bullying me."


    While she said this, a blush crept up her cheeks. To im that this scoundrel hadn''t bullied her would be a lie. She couldn''t ignore that time he had spanked her. But then again, she had provoked him first, and he had retaliatedter. It was all quiteplicated.


    The Eldest Miss thought, He might not have bullied you, but he bullied me. Seeing her sister was quite fond of Lin San, she sighed. Did Lin San have such a charm that even after bullying Yushuang, Yushuang still spoke well of him? And what about the brilliant woman Xiao Qingxuan who was also one of his intimates? She pondered about Lin San. Apart from being crafty, she couldn''t find any particrly good qualities about him. Yet, he seemed like a disaster for women.


    ---


    Frustrated at the failed attempt with the Second Miss, Lin Wanrong was rather irritated. He wasn''t exactly eager to consummate a rtionship with her just yet. After all, she was only sixteen. It wasn''t wise for her to delve too early into romantic affairs. It would be best to let nature take its course. Using a trendy phrase, he considered it as "fattening the sheep before the ughter."


    However, since both of them had mutual affection, it should not be excessive for them to be intimate, touch, and thereby promote certain bodily developments of the Second Miss. Numerous practices had proved that a good figure could be nurtured by touch, and Lin Wanrong was exceedingly confident in his proficiency in this art.


    That girl Xiao Yuruo was absolutely insufferable, guarding the Second Miss so closely as if she were protecting her from a thief, preventing him fromying his hands on her. Heh, if she wanted to keep a watchful eye on her, then he would make sure to sneak a kiss when least expected. This stealthy chase could perhaps prove more exciting.


    After indulging in his fantasy for a while, he headed towards Food for Immortals. That day, the chaos at the Xiao residence had attracted the attention of the entire city. He wondered how the restaurant was faring, and Qiaoqiao must be deeply worried.


    Thinking of Qiaoqiao, he felt warmth in his heart. With Qingxuan nowhere to be found, and the Second Miss under the watchful eye of the tigress, it was only sweet little Qiaoqiao who remained by his side. How could he not cherish her?


    When he arrived at the restaurant, it was dusk. The restaurant was bustling with guests, sparkling lights, and lively chatter. Business seemed to be thriving, which brought him quiet satisfaction. Ah, all this money was his.


    Upon climbing to the second floor from the first, he found neither Qiaoqiao nor the Dong father and son. As the scale of Food for Immortals had grown, they had hired some running hands to work downstairs. When he ascended to the third floor, he finally saw Old Dong.


    He was meticulously keeping ounts. Watching him write word by word, Lin Wanrong felt impatient for him. Just as he was considering whether he should teach Old Dong the Arabic numerals, Old Dong lifted his head and saw Lin Wanrong. The brush he was holding dropped to the ground in surprise. "Little Lin, you''ve returned."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Uncle Dong, I''ve returned. Where is Qiaoqiao? Why haven''t I seen her?"


    Old Dong''s eyes turned red, "Qiaoqiao...she, she..."


    A bad premonition rose in Lin Wanrong''s heart. "Uncle, what happened to Qiaoqiao? Did someone bully her? Damn it, who was it? I''ll shoot them."


    Old Dong shook his head, "No, that''s not it. Qiaoqiao...she''s ill"


    "Ill? Where is she now? Is it serious? Has she seen a doctor?" Lin Wanrong fired off a series of questions. The thought of Yushuang already caused him heartache. He couldn''t bear to grieve again over Qiaoqiao.


    Old Dong pointed upstairs, and Lin Wanrong understood. No one ever visited the fifth floor, which had be Qiaoqiao''s temporary boudoir due to her busy days at the restaurant.


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly ascended, and upon entering the fifth floor, he heard a female voice softly saying, "Qingshan, is that you? Be quiet, your sister just fell asleep."


    The woman''s voice was vaguely familiar but it wasn''t Qiaoqiao''s. Lin Wanrong anxiously pushed through the curtain and nearly collided with the womaning out.


    "Miss Luo?" Lin Wanrong eximed, recognizing her as Luo Ning, the foremost talenteddy in Jinling.


    "Brother Lin? You''ve returned? That''s great, now Qiaoqiao will be saved." Luo Ning initially looked surprised, then relieved.


    Ignoring why Luo Ning would be here, Lin Wanrong urgently asked, "Where''s Qiaoqiao? Where is she?"


    Luo Ning quickly ced her slender finger on her lips, whispering, "Shhshe just fell asleep."


    Lin Wanrong entered the room only to see Qiaoqiao lying on the bed, her face deathly pale. A wet towel was draped over her forehead, and she had fallen asleep. He hadn''t seen her for several days, and her once round, lovely face had already grown thin.


    A twinge of pain coursed through Lin Wanrong''s heart. He swiftly walked over, sat down beside her bed, took her small hand, and whispered gently, "Qiaoqiao, big brother camete."


    In her sleep, it seemed Qiaoqiao heard his words. She let out a soft hum, murmuring, "Big brother." Her brow furrowed, and tears fell.


    Lin Wanrong knew she must be dreaming about him. A wave of guilt surged within him. After returningst night, he should have visited Qiaoqiao immediately. She had endured so much hardship for him, and he knew he could never repay her deep affection.


    He held Qiaoqiao''s small hand tightly, sitting by her side in silence, watching her. An unprecedented sense of tranquility filled his heart, leaving no room for any inappropriate thoughts.


    After a long silence, Lin Wanrong finally turned to Luo Ning and said, "Thank you, Miss Luo."


    Luo Ning shook her head, "Big brother, why are you thanking me? Qiaoqiao is my good friend. It''s only right that I visit her when she''s sick. Moreover, I came here to seek her advice on a matter. By the way, big brother, how did you escape from the bandits? Everyone has been so worried these past few days, especially Qiaoqiao."


    The Xiao family was a notable figure in Jinling City. The news of their house being attacked by bandits had spread throughout the city. Naturally, Qiaoqiao, who was concerned about Lin Wanrong, had received the news.


    Gently caressing Qiaoqiao''s beautiful cheek, Lin Wanrong sighed, "It''s a long story. Miss Luo, could you tell me how Qiaoqiao fell ill?"


    Luo Ning nodded, "When the Xiao family was in trouble, Qiaoqiao fainted on the spot after hearing the news. It scared the living daylights out of Qingshan and Uncle Dong. When Qiaoqiao woke up, she said she didn''t want you to see the business decline when you came back, so she pushed herself to manage the shop. It wasn''t until yesterday morning when there was still no news of you that she couldn''t hold on any longer. She fell ill and started speaking nonsense."


    "This silly girl," Lin Wanrong fondly rubbed her little hand against his cheek. Qiaoqiao was the first woman he had fallen for in this world, and also the first who cared so much for him. This evoked a special feeling in Lin Wanrong. His pledge was clear in his heart: he would rather fail the whole world, but he could never let down Qiaoqiao.


    Qiaoqiao had slept for a while before she woke up leisurely. Seeing Lin Wanrong in front of her, she could hardly believe her eyes, two trails of tears streaming down her cheeks, "Big, big brother, is it you? Am I dreaming?"


    Lin Wanrong rested his forehead against hers and gently kissed her burning lips, "Silly girl, does this look like a dream to you?"


    "Big brother" Qiaoqiao could not hold back any longer, and she burst into tears.


    Lin Wanrong was distressed and quickly patted her shoulders, "Qiaoqiao, big brother is fine, look, hasn''t big brothere back?"


    But the more he spoke, the harder Qiaoqiao cried. Knowing she had been greatly terrified these past days, he held her tightly, gently patting her shoulder,forting her.


    Eventually, Qiaoqiao managed to stop her tears and gazed at him nkly, "Big brother, how did you return? Did those bandits give you a hard time?"


    With a thick skin, Lin Wanrong said, "Qiaoqiao, you know, big brother is talented and full of stratagems. Those little thieves were nothing. With big brother stepping in, everything was easily settled."


    Laughing through her tears, Qiaoqiao said, "Big brother, you always find a way to coax me."


    Pinching her little nose, Lin Wanrong said, "I only know how to coax my Qiaoqiao."


    After saying this, he couldn''t help but feel disdainful of himself. This was how he spoke to Yushuang and Qingxuan, and this move had always been effective.


    Sure enough, Qiaoqiao stopped crying. She scolded, "Big brother" and couldn''t bring herself to say more out of embarrassment.


    Seeing Qiaoqiao blushing, shy, and beautiful as a begonia in spring, Lin Wanrong was delighted. He was about to tease her more when Luo Ning walked over with a bowl of medicinal soup, "Qiaoqiao, hurry and drink this while it''s hot."


    Dong Qiaoqiao was taken aback, "Sister Ning, I can''t deserve your care. Where is Qingshan?"


    Luo Ning replied, "When I arrived, Qingshan and Little Yuan already knew big brother was back. They must have gone to the Xiao''s house." Lin Wanrong nodded, thinking to himself, I wasted a day messing around at the Rosy Cloud Temple, so I probably missed the two of them.


    Feeling a sense of guilt, he took the bowl of soup from Luo Ning''s hand and said, "Thank you, Miss Luo."


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 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120


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    Chapter 120 ying the Talented Woman


    Luo Ning chuckled softly, "Big brother, there''s no need for such formalities. Qiaoqiao is like a sister to me. Besides, I had other business today, which brought me here."


    Lin Wanrong nodded approvingly. This made sense; he was not so conceited as to think that Miss Luo hade specifically for him. Though he often prided himself as the most handsome man in Jinling, he was well aware that his charm had no effect on Luo Ning. Luo Ning was outgoing and sincere in her dealings with others. A woman like her would have many friends, but to win her heart was an exceedingly difficult task.


    Regardless of Luo Ning''s intentions, she had taken care of Qiaoqiao, and he should be grateful for that. He nodded and said, "Miss Luo, let''s do this. Later on, you tell us what you need, and I, on behalf of Qiaoqiao, pledge our support. If we can help, we will."


    A mix of shyness and delight suffused Qiaoqiao as she looked at Lin Wanrong but offered no words of objection.


    Lin Wanrong held a bowl of medicine to Qiaoqiao''s lips, "Qiaoqiao, be a good girl and drink this while it''s hot. Big brother will buy you some candy."


    Behind them, Luo Ning stifled augh, thinking that his method of cajoling was rather peculiar.


    Qiaoqiao felt sweet inside but, upon smelling the medicinal brew, couldn''t hide her distaste, crinkling her brows, "It''s bitter..."


    Unperturbed, Lin Wanrong suggested, "How about I taste it first, then feed it to you?"


    Luo Ning was made ufortable by his words, thinking to herself, This man truly is shameless. He can say such presumptuous things without batting an eye. Qiaoqiao, on the other hand, was so moved by his words that she obediently tipped her head back and swallowed the bitter brew.


    Seeing Qiaoqiao''s spirits lift and a smile return to her face, Lin Wanrong breathed a sigh of relief. He reflected that it didn''t matter if he was caught, but involving his beloved Yushuang and Qiaoqiao was a grave mistake; he could not afford to repeat such folly. Now that he had both his divine skills and his gun, getting captured again would be quite a feat.


    Qiaoqiao, still tired, fell into a peaceful sleep under Lin Wanrong''s watchful gaze.


    Lin Wanrong gestured to Luo Ning, who followed him out of the room. The two of them stepped outside. Lin Wanrong smiled, "Miss Luo, please tell us what you need help with."


    As he spoke, he opened the window, allowing the cool breeze from the Xuanwu Lake to waft in, bringing him some relief. The five-story building wasvishly decorated. Theke, visible in the distance, shimmered under the fluctuating light, a spectacr sight that made him feel light and carefree.


    Luo Ning shared a simr sentiment, admiring thekeside scenery from the window and chuckling, "Big brother, you''ve chosen well with this ce."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "It''s not that I have eyes for quality, but my understanding of human psychology."


    "Oh? What do you mean by that, big brother?" Luo Ning asked curiously.


    "From a psychological perspective, everyone wants to be above others, looking down upon the world. This feeling can bring about a greater sense of aplishment. It''s like us standing here, everyone has to look up to us, so it feels great." Lin Wanrong went on to disy his knowledge in psychology.


    After some thought, Luo Ning nodded, "Big brother, your words are indeed insightful. I suppose since ancient times, all monarchs and generals must have felt the same."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "That''s unrted to what we''re discussing today. Please tell us what you need our help with."


    With a smile, Luo Ning thought to herself, This topic of psychology was your idea, and now you''re saying it''s unrted. Your leaps in thought are truly unmatched by ordinary people.


    "The reason I came to seek Qiaoqiao''s help is that there''s something troubling me." As she mentioned this, Luo Ning involuntarily lowered her head. It seemed difficult for her to voice out her request, a rarity for such a forting person like her.


    Seeing her hesitancy, Lin Wanrong wondered what was going on. Could it be she was longing for love, hoping for Qiaoqiao to introduce her to a boyfriend?


    He chuckled, "Miss Luo, speak freely. Luo Yuan is my brother, you are his sister. We''re family. There''s no need for such formalities."


    Luo Ning was silent for a while before saying, "I have two reasons for seeking Qiaoqiao, but in essence, they pertain to one issue. I wish to ask her help in raising donations."


    Fundraising? Lin Wanrong understood immediately. What donations? To put it bluntly, it''s sponsorship. He hadn''t expected her to have such a modern mindset. Luo Ning, truly Jinling''s foremost talented woman, coulde up with such an idea. If she were in business, she''d certainly be as crafty a merchant as himself.


    "Oh? Donations? What are donations?" Lin Wanrong feigned ignorance.


    Since Luo Ning had already started speaking, she decided to exin it fully, "Donations involve collecting some silver from wealthy city dwellers for charitable purposes. A few friends and I have set up a charity hall, specifically to aid orphans and widows."


    Isn''t that the Red Cross? Luo Ning''s ideas were indeed advanced. But being the daughter of the Governor of Jiangsu and blessed with such beauty, surely, wouldn''t people readily offer their wealth to her? Why would she need to raise donations?


    Luo Ning seemed to anticipate his doubt, and she exined seriously, "Big brother, though my father is the Governor of Jiangsu, he is a man of integrity. He would never allow us to ept gifts indiscriminately. Though I am but a woman, I understand this principle. I would never ept unjust money."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, he hadn''t expected this youngdy to have such an upright character. This talented woman was indeed interesting.


    "A few years ago, we were able to raise some donations, but recently, we''ve approached all the wealthy patrons we could find. Having supported us for so many years, they''ve lost interest, making fundraising increasingly difficult," Luo Ning sighed and continued.


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, That''s natural. The first year you approached them, they might have been inclined to help due to your status as the Governor''s daughter. But people''s patience wears thin; one cannot keep asking without offering something in return. Phnthropists do exist, but not in the way you imagined.


    Being a crafty merchant himself, Lin Wanrong was no benevolent patron. He thought for a moment, then asked, "How many children are you taking care of? How old are they, approximately?"


    Luo Ning nodded, "We have more than a dozen children. The oldest are around eleven or twelve, and the youngest are three or four."


    Lin Wanrong paused before saying, "Miss Luo, regarding this matter of donations, I can contribute"


    "Really? Thank you so much. Brother Lin, I, on behalf of the children, thank you" Before he could finish his sentence, Luo Ning, assuming he had agreed, jumped up in joy.


    With a wry smile, Lin Wanrong corrected her, "Miss Luo, you''ve misunderstood. I''m not offering to donate money"


    Luo Ning eximed in disappointment. Lin Wanrong thought to himself, this youngdy thinks money is easy to earn. This money is the fruit of Qiaoqiao''s hardbor. It''s not right to let you gain without lifting a finger.


    "However, I can offer you a suggestion," Lin Wanrong continued.


    Luo Ning''s spirits weren''t high. She had traveled many ces for these donations, only to be met with simr results, and the disappointment was hard to hide.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, thinking, This youngdy only thinks of doing good, but hasn''t considered that her good deeds are done at others'' expense. How could thisst?


    "Let me give you a suggestion. Miss Luo, aren''t you Jinling''s top talent? Your friends are also gifted individuals, so I presume you''re all skilled in calligraphy and painting. Why not collect your works, periodically gather patrons who appreciate calligraphy and painting, and hold charity auctions?" Lin Wanrong suggested.


    "Charity auctions? What''s an auction?" Luo Ning asked in surprise.


    Lin Wanrong exined the concept of an auction to her. Luo Ning pondered for a while and thought, this method is indeed good. Not only does it increase the visibility of the talented men and women, but it also provides a source of ie. It makes a lot of sense.


    She nodded, "Big brother, I''ve never seen an auction before, so I don''t know what the oue will be. But I can try. But, would people really be willing to spend a lot of money to buy our calligraphy and paintings?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Of course, you are all gifted individuals. The future masters of literature and painting will emerge from among you. Those with discerning eyes will certainly be willing to pay. Moreover, you can offer them some benefits. For example, incorporating their names into the calligraphy and paintings, and recording their good deeds, both in books and on ste. This way, they gain prestige and acquire artwork they appreciate. It''s a win-win situation. Why wouldn''t they be pleased?"


    Luo Ning clenched her teeth and said, "Alright, I''ll give it a try when I go back."


    Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, "You can go ahead, I guarantee you''ll be satisfied. If your calligraphy and paintings sell well, remember to reserve a few for me."


    Luo Ning chuckled but said nothing.


    Lin Wanrong continued, "Since you''re sopassionate, I''ll contribute as well. But we have to be careful with the money matters. If we only give these children silver, it might sustain them now, but what about the future? You can''t support them forever. It''s better to teach a man to fish than to give him a fish. Send the children over the age of ten who you have taken in to this restaurant. We''ll be responsible for training them in cooking, waiting tables, providing meals and amodation. As for their monthly sry, since they''re still apprentices, it should be a little less for now, say five taels of silver per month. What do you think?"


    Luo Ning gratefully said, "Big brother, you''re very thoughtful. I was only thinking about how to support them but never considered teaching them skills to be self-reliant. I''m so grateful, big brother."


    Thanking me? Lin Wanrong found it amusing. In my world, I''d be arrested for employing childbor, but here I''m appreciated for it. I''m a businessman, I won''t do business that loses money. We''re short of staff at the restaurant anyway. These kids won''t cost much a month. With training, they''ll be the backbone of the restaurant. This is called talent reserve, a long-term vision.


    "By the way, didn''t you say you have two things to discuss? The first one is pretty much settled. Let''s talk about the second one," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    As soon as he finished speaking, Luo Ning seemed embarrassed and lowered her head. Lin Wanrong understood immediately. Ah, herees the money matter again.


    "Big brother, we have a poetrypetition in Jinling every year, and this year is the tenth one," Luo Ning said softly.


    A poetrypetition? Interesting. But it doesn''t have anything to do with me. It''s you talented individuals who participate and make a show of yourselves, ending up in a collective matchmaking event. How does that involve me?


    "Do you need money?" Lin Wanrong guessed, noticing Luo Ning''s difort.


    Luo Ning''s head dropped lower as she said shyly, "We''re short by a thousand taels of silver."


    Lin Wanrong jumped in surprise. Good heavens, that much? To hold a damned poetrypetition requires so much silver? Damn, these young masters and mistresses must be burning money for fun. It seems that Luo Ning, seeing my restaurant making money every day, hase specifically to ask for alms. However, a thousand taels of silver isn''t something easily collected, it would take the restaurant two or three days of work.


    He shook his head in resignation. Little Luo, you''re an honest person, but you, Sister Talented Woman, you''re acting a bit unfairly. Isn''t there a saying about not eating the grass next to one''s nest? Yet, you choose the soft persimmon to squeeze, thinking Qiaoqiao can''t refuse? Damn it, Qiaoqiao is my wife, she should listen to me.


    As Lin Wanrong was ruminating in resentment, he heard Luo Ning say, "Actually, I feel embarrassed to ask Qiaoqiao for help, but we''re running out of time. We''ve already approached the wealthy households in Jinling City during the previouspetitions, it''s difficult to raise more money."


    A thousand taels of silver was no small amount. In Jinling city, only a handful of wealthy households could sponsor this poetrypetition with that much money in one go. They must have been rejected elsewhere, and Luo Ning, unwilling to rely on her father''s power, was left with no other choice but to approach Qiaoqiao.


    "Isn''t your poetrypetition membership-based? Why don''t you ask them for money, like a registration fee?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Luo Ning shook her head, "The purpose of the poetrypetition is to discover more talent. If we start collecting money, things could get messy."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. He had seen many talent shows and modelpetitions in his previous life; which didn''t have shady deals and exchanges of power and sex behind them? It was rare for Luo Ning to be aware of these issues.


    "Who do you invite to these poetrypetitions?" Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment before asking.


    Seeing his tone soften, Luo Ning hurriedly responded, "The reputation of the poetrypetition is quite extensive. Participants are talented individuals from all over Jiangsu Province. Moreover, the Jiangsu Provincial Education Commissioner will personally attend, making it a grand and bustling event."


    The personal attendance of the Education Commissioner was naturally attractive to those talents. Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Miss Luo, I will provide a thousand taels of silver, but I have a few conditions"


    "Please tell me your conditions, big brother." Luo Ning''s previously despairing heart immediately came back to life.


    "My conditions are simple." Lin Wanrong smiled, "Firstly, the name of my restaurant, ''Food for Immortals'', should be ced before the poetrypetition, making it ''Food for Immortals'' Exclusive Sponsor of the Jinling Poetry Competition."


    "This" Luo Ning hesitated for a moment, immediately grasping the key point. In her mind, he really was a cunning businessman, never missing any opportunity. However, there was never such a precedent, and she was a bit flustered.


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Miss Luo, this doesn''t cause any loss to you and it benefits my ''Food for Immortals''. It''s a win-win situation, why not take advantage of it?"


    Luo Ning hesitated for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "Fine, I agree to your terms."


    Lin Wanrong gave a light smile, "This is what we call a win-win, Miss Luo, there''s no need for such distress. Besides, I want my ''Food for Immortals'' logo to be printed on all your items: stationery, official and flower boats,nterns, silk, toilet paper, napkins, everything."


    If you''re going to squeeze my wealth, I will advertise, making my ''Food for Immortals'' omnipresent. I will regain the lost silver, tenfold, hundredfold. Lin Wanrong thought fiercely.


    Luo Ning was both angry and annoyed. No one had ever made such demands before, not even the sponsors of previous rounds had the audacity to match a tenth of Lin Wanrong''s brazenness.


    She sighed. What was supposed to be a very elegant poetrypetition was now smelling of mere copper. She wondered how this man coulde up with such harsh conditions.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t care about the ''copper smell''. This is called mutual benefit, business is king. You ''talented'' folks enjoy your high-minded poetry, I prefer things more earthy.


    "Miss Luo, don''t worry. To show my sincerity, ''Food for Immortals'' will provide some elegant gifts for the poetrypetition," Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    "What kind of gifts?" Luo Ning asked curiously.


    "Every participant will receive a free oil-paper umbre from ''Food for Immortals''," Lin Wanrong grinned mischievously.


    "I bet it will also bear the logo of your ''Food for Immortals''," Luo Ning snapped.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Mutual benefit, simply mutual benefit."


    He imagined a rainy day in Jinling, when the streets were filled with oil-paper umbres, each imprinted with ''Food for Immortals''. It would be hard for ''Food for Immortals'' not to be famous.


    Luo Ning waspletely defeated by the man before her. She had once thought he was learned, and his manner unique. However, this uniqueness soon proved a headache for her.


    She sighed inwardly, wondering where he got these bizarre ideas. With these conditions, the poetrypetition would essentially be an exclusive advertising tform for him.


    Luo Ning felt like amb in a wolf''s den, and she was on the verge of tears.


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 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121


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    Chapter 121 The Invitation


    Seeing the troubled look on Luo Ning''s face, Lin Wanrong said, "Miss Luo, do you think my request is unreasonable?"


    Luo Ning furrowed her brows lightly, whispering, "Big brother, these conditions indeed pose a challenge."


    Lin Wanrong looked serious. "Miss Luo, do you find this challenging? I don''t think so. Have you considered that, while you may have a thousand reasons to ask others for charity, it might put them in a difficult position too?"


    Luo Ning bit her lower lip, mulling over his words.


    "Certainly, there''s a justification for charity, but everyone earns their money with hard work and effort," Lin Wanrong continued. "You may not like to hear this, Miss Luo, but you may only see their wealth without acknowledging the hardship they''ve gone through. Every single penny they earn is carefully calcted. Even if they''ve earned their money unscrupulously, they still bear the brunt of criticism and pressure. They have paid their dues. Though fundraising is tough, there''s no such thing as a free lunch. If you want to gain something without giving anything in return, why would such a good thing fall into yourp?"


    Luo Ning carefully considered his words and suddenly chuckled. "Big brother, I concede that your points are valid. However, by giving us an opportunity, isn''t our poetry contest also providing you with one? As you said, it''s a win-win situation. You''re not at a loss here."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, admiring the young woman''s sharp wit. Conversations with her were refreshingly straightforward. He asked, "So, Miss Luo, are you agreeing to my conditions?"


    Luo Ning smiled, "Big brother, I think your proposal should be feasible. As long as we are clever in our design to highlight your logo, making people recognize it without disturbing the artistic atmosphere of the poetry contest, it should be fine. What do you think?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, realizing that this was the best she could offer. In this era, advertising was a novel concept, and going overboard might cause bacsh.


    Suddenly, Luo Ning sighed lightly, "Big brother, do you look down on me for going around asking for donations to hold this poetry contest?"


    Lin Wanrong replied solemnly, "That depends on your intention. If you''re doing this for fame and to unt your reputation as the best female schr in Jinling, then yes, I would find it distasteful. But I believe you''re not that kind of person."


    With gratitude, Luo Ning smiled, "Big brother, thank you for being honest with me. Everyone has dreams, and I''m no exception. I''ve loved poetry since I was a child. My wish is to gather the talented schrs across the world, to share amusing stories andpose poetry together. As for the title of ''best female schr'', it''s quite a hollow title, more of a burden than a benefit. What good would it do for me?"


    Luo Ning was born into a wealthy family, and it wasn''t surprising that she held such dreams. What wasmendable was her attention to the overlooked orphans. In this regard, she was truly a thoughtful woman.


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Everyone has the right to pursue their dreams, Miss Luo, and I admire your courage. However, there''s always a gap between dreams and reality. Be careful not to be so engrossed in your dreams that you lose touch with reality."


    After saying this, he sighed inwardly. Young girls are all dreamers, always painting a beautiful picture of the future, oblivious to the harsh realities of the world.


    Gratefully, Luo Ning replied, "Big brother, thank you for your advice. I will keep it in mind. However..." She paused, a mischievous smile ying on her lips. "Considering the conditions you''ve set for this poetry contest, could I also make a small request on my behalf?"


    Lin Wanrong looked at her in surprise. "You have another request? Let''s be clear, a thousand taels of silver is the limit. Not an extra tael will I part with. I''m a miserly man."


    Luo Ningughed, "Big brother, stop teasing me. My request has nothing to do with money. It''s a personal one."


    "Personal?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "What personal request could you possibly have? Be sure it''s not something inappropriate. I''m a man of principles."


    Luo Ning, hearing his light teasing, simply smiled and said, "I''d like to invite big brother to attend our poetry contest."


    "Me, attend?" Lin Wanrong jumped, stunned. Wasn''t this like forcing a duck onto a perch? He knew his limitations. He could recite some poetry, but beyond that, he was quite helpless. A poetry contest was a showcase of real talent, there was no room for cheating.


    "Miss Luo, are you deliberately trying to make a fool of me? With my abilities, reciting poetry andposing verses are beyond me," Lin Wanrong said, showing a rare humility.


    Luo Ning shook her head, seriously replying, "Big brother, you underestimate yourself. You may not realize, but the four timeless couplets you''ve hung on the fourth floor of the ''Food for Immortals'' have not only made you famous throughout Jinling, but have also reached far and wide to the counties of Jiangsu. Every day, countless schrse here to admire your couplets, and none have yet managed toplete the second line. If you aren''t qualified to participate in this poetry contest, then who in Jinling would be?"


    Sighing in feigned distress, Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Being talented is a curse sometimes. Being invited by Miss Luo is something to be envious of. In that case, I''ll go and observe. But let''s be clear in advance, don''t expect me topose any poetry. I''m a modest man. While you all engage in versifying, I''ll just enjoy my wine and admire the beauties. That sounds enjoyable." His tone shifted, and heughed, "However, I do have a concern."


    "What are you worried about, big brother?" Luo Ning asked, curious.


    "I''m worried that, unintentionally, I might steal the title of ''Jinling''s Top Schr''. That would be quite embarrassing," he dered, boasting unashamedly.


    Seeing Luo Ning''s surprised expression, Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Am I not thest genius on the rank?"


    Covering her smile with a hand, Luo Ning replied, "Brother Lin, you''re being too modest. If you''re thest, then I fear Jinling would have no schrs left."


    Lin Wanrong felt ttered by her high estimation of him. Luckily, he was clear-headed and wouldn''t be fooled by such ttery. He nodded and said, "In that case, I''ll go enjoy this feast."


    When Luo Ning heard himpare the poetry contest to a feast, she was slightly irritated but also found it amusing. She sighed and said, "If all you want is a feast, that can be arranged. Not only will schrs from far and wide be present, but evendies from wealthy families will be in attendance. You''ll have a feast for your eyes, big brother. Every poetry contest produces romantic stories of talented men and beautiful women. This one won''t disappoint you."


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, I knew it! This so-called poetry contest is just a collective blind date. But, getting to admire some beauties would indeed be a pleasant experience.


    Seeing Luo Ning''s serene expression and apparent anticipation for the poetry contest, he couldn''t help but chuckle. "I almost forgot. Miss Luo, you''re also of marriageable age. Perhaps one of those romantic tales will involve you."


    Luo Ning only smiled lightly, "Big brother, you must be joking with me. Although I''m a woman, I''ve not yet considered such matters. Please, no more teasing."


    Seeing her calm demeanor, seemingly undisturbed, Lin Wanrong felt a measure of respect for her. This woman indeed had her own standing.


    As Luo Ning was Luo Yuan''s sister and he held the principle of not coveting the grass next to his burrow, he didn''t tease her excessively. However, he''d long forgotten that he''d already trespassed in Qiaoqiao''s territory.


    Luo Ning was a very determined woman. After their conversation, she left hastily, iming that the imminent poetry contest required her attention and she couldn''t stay long. Lin Wanrong thought, You didn''t mention this when you were asking for my silver. Truly a shrewd one, capable of rivaling me.


    Soon, Luo Yuan and Dong Qingshan returned. Upon seeing Lin Wanrong, both paused. Dong Qingshan eximed joyfully, "Big Brother, you''re back!" Luo Yuan, trailing behind him, also looked pleased.


    Grinning, Lin Wanrong replied, "What else should I do? Stay in the banditir to celebrate the new year?"


    Luo Yuanughed, "Qingshan and I rushed to the Xiao residence as soon as we heard you were back. But we waited in the guest room for half a day without seeing you. We had poor Young Master Guo to keep uspany."


    In front of his younger brother-inw, Lin Wanrong couldn''t admit he had been ying truant and flirting in the afternoon. So he just chuckled and said, "Eldest Miss Xiao had some urgent tasks for me this afternoon. She sent me to the Rosy Cloud Temple."


    Dong Qingshan looked shocked. "Big Brother, are you really getting along with Eldest Miss Xiao?"


    Darn it, Qingshan is still so coarse, thought Lin Wanrong, but he couldn''t help but appreciate the clever use of the word ''getting along.'' He stifled augh and replied, "Not quite there yet, but making progress."


    [TL: Theres a sexual double meaning with the words getting along here]


    Dong Qingshan had not read many books and his speech was often filled with market-ce vulgarities, which oddly enough, fit Lin Wanrong''s tastes. Luo Yuan, who was not a traditional schrly gentleman, also struggled to suppress hisughter as he said to Lin Wanrong, "Big brother, I heard that Eldest Miss Xiao has been travelling abroad for years, and I haven''t seen her yet. I only heard she''s incredibly beautiful. If there''s a chance, please introduce her to me as well."


    Speaking of Eldest Miss Xiao, Lin Wanrong could only wryly smile. How could he introduce her to Luo Yuan when they were on such different paths? Seeing Luo Yuan''s sneaky gaze, Lin Wanrongughed and said, "It''s true that she''s beautiful, but her temper is quite a distance from perfect, not nearly as pleasant as your sister, Miss Luo."


    "Right, big brother, what did my sistere to see you about?" Luo Yuan asked. When he had just arrived, he saw Luo Ning leaving without even having a chance to speak.


    "Your sister, she came to deliver an invitation to me," Lin Wanrong chuckled and exined Luo Ning''s request for his help.


    Luo Yuan knew about the poetry contest and nodded, "Big brother, my sister is good in many ways, but she can be overly tenacious. It''s not appropriate for her, as a woman, to take the lead in this poetry contest. The number one schr in Jinling, Hou Yuebai, offered to take responsibility for the charity, but she refused him."


    Lin Wanrong was aware of the stories about the top male schr and top talenteddy of Jinling. Heughed, "I did hear that this Young Master Hou is quite persistent in pursuing your sister."


    Luo Yuan nodded and said, "That''s true. They belong to the same poetry society and have many opportunities to meet. Hou Yuebai often finds excuses to discuss poetry with my sister. I''ve been annoyed just witnessing it, let alone how my sister must feel. I believe this is why she doesn''t want Hou Yuebai''s help."


    Indeed, Luo Ning was a woman of principle. Recalling her words, Lin Wanrong sighed, "Your sister is a person who bravely pursues her dreams. That''s not an easy thing to achieve."


    Luo Yuan nced at Lin Wanrong and suddenlyughed, "Big brother, I suggest you not set your sights on my sister."


    Lin Wanrong spat out the tea he had just sipped. This Luo Yuan was too straightforward, even Lin Wanrong himself was taken aback. Choosing him as a younger brother seemed to have been a good choice.


    "Little Luo, since you''re so frank, I''ll be equally forthright," Lin Wanrong said, patting Luo Yuan''s shoulder, "I''m not interested in your sister. I generally keep my distance from those bearing the title of ''talenteddy.'' Tell your sister not to take an interest in me. I have quite a charm, those who have met me know."


    Qingshan, who was beside them, scoffed, "Big brother, I think Miss Luo is quite nice. She''s beautiful and is a close friend of my sister. They get along well and wouldn''t fight. Why don''t you just marry her? She can keep my sisterpany."


    Damn it, Qingshan, you beast. Are you doing this for my sake or for your sister''s? How could you say such a thing? Do you think I am that kind of person? Lin Wanrong thought, taken aback.


    Luo Yuanughed heartily, "Big brother, don''t misunderstand. My sister once said the man she fancies should be extraordinary, with a wealth of experiences and a broad mind. He should be educated, excelling both in literary talent and martial arts. No aspect should becking."


    Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise, "How did your sistere to know all of my qualities?"


    Luo Yuanughed out loud. Having spent much time with Lin Wanrong, he was well acquainted with his character. While Lin Wanrong was exceptionally clever, his elegance and martial skills were somewhatcking. Last time at Miaoyu Pavilion, Lin Wanrong managed to win over Miss Qin Xian''er with some obscure poetry he conjured up. However, Luo Yuan knew Lin Wanrong''s martial prowess would hardly impress his sister. Hence, he earnestly advised Lin Wanrong to steer clear of her, having seen too many men fall short in the past.


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, This youngdy certainly has high standards. What use is literary talent and martial arts? Can they feed you? I may possess unmatched skills, but I''m still earning a living honestly. You girls have read too many romance novels and dream of a fairytale. If I weren''t uninterested in you, I''d surely enchant you with my charm, making you fall head over heels.


    The trio burst intoughter, effectively ending the absurd topic.


    After sharing his recent encounters with his two friends, Luo Yuan spoke with resentment, "The rebels of the White Lotus Sect are truly rampant, wreaking havoc andmitting atrocities in Jinling. My father''s guards are incapable of handling them. He has tried several times to persuade the Commander-in-Chief Cheng De to deploy troops, but the old fox always seems to resist. To me, this old man and the White Lotus Sect might be in cahoots."


    Ever since Tao Dongcheng led the troops up the mountain that night, Lin Wanrong had suspected that Cheng De, Tao Dongcheng, and the White Lotus Sect were interconnected. Regrettably, he had not seen the true face of their master nor heard their voice without distortion, leaving him somewhat disappointed.


    However, if someone could integrate these three forces, the power of their master must be considerable. Lin thought to himself, Little Luo''s father, the Governor of Jiangsu, Luo Min, should have some clues. I should find some time to visit this old fox.


    "By the way, Qingshan, how is the situation between the Hung Hing Gang and the ck Dragon Associationtely?" Lin Wanrong asked, remembering the matter.


    Dong Qingshan pped the table angrily, "That damned Wu Zhenghu is getting more and more out of line. There are more and more disturbances in the southern part of the city. They are all spies nted by Wu Zhenghu. If it wasn''t for Luo Yuan constantly advising me, I would have acted a long time ago."


    "Oh?" Lin Wanrong looked at Luo Yuan with interest. "Little Luo, what do you make of this situation?"


    A glint shed in Luo Yuan''s eyes. "Vengeance is not overdue; its time has yet toe. Let them be arrogant for a few more days. When they''re at their mostcent, we will be well-prepared and concentrate our efforts to cut off one of their ws, ensuring they never dare to be arrogant again."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. Knowing that Cheng Ruinian was backing the ck Dragon Association only bolstered Luo Yuan''s fighting spirit. While Cheng Ruinian merely lent support to the ck Dragon Association, Luo Yuan was one of the leaders of the Hung Hing Gang. With his status alone, Hung Hing was invincible. With Luo Yuan''s astuteness and Dong Qingshan''s strength, although Hung Hing was temporarily weaker, they showed great potential.


    As for the matters of Hung Hing, Lin Wanrong didn''t want to meddle too much. With these two brothers, he was confident enough. He would let them handle these matters. Even if there were some setbacks, that was the price of growth, which would only make them more mature.


    "By the way, Little Luo, does your father know you''ve joined Hung Hing?" Lin Wanrong suddenly asked.


    Luo Yuan shook his head. "I''m not sure. My father only instructed me to get closer to you, saying that you''re our Luo family''s benefactor. He wouldn''t answer anything else, even if I asked."


    Benefactor, my foot. This old man is a crafty fox. If Lin Wanrong wasn''t mistaken, Luo Min had known about Luo Yuan joining Hung Hing. Hisck of intervention was partly because of Lin Wanrong being the so-called benefactor, and partly because he probably wanted to use Hung Hing to counter the ck Dragon Association supported by Cheng De.


    Having even put his own son into this game, this old fox was really putting a lot on the line. Why did he have so much confidence in me? Lin Wanrong thought for a while but couldn''t figure it out. However, one thing was certain: whether willingly or reluctantly, the old fox was now on his side, and there was no escaping that fact.


    Having confirmed this, Lin Wanrong had fewer worries. More questions could wait until he had a chance to meet the old fox.


    After chatting for a while with his brothers, Lin Wanrong went upstairs, worried about Qiaoqiao''s condition. But he found the young girl sleeping soundly, a sweet smile on her face in her dream. Seeing her brought a sense of tranquility and peace to his heart.


    A thought suddenly sprang into his mind: What would it be like if he put Yushuang, Qingxuan, and Qiaoqiao together? Would they fight? s, this was a troubling question indeed.


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 Chapter 122

    Chapter 122


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    Chapter 122 A Master


    When Lin Wanrong left the restaurant, the night had already fallen deep. Initially, ording to his ns, he wanted to spend quality time with Qiaoqiao that night. If not, he''d thought of merely passing time in her room. However, old Dong drove him out without any mercy. It seemed that old Dong''s mindset still needed further liberation, and it would be best if he could learn to be more like Qingshan.


    Today, he had seen two beautiful women, Yushuang and Qiaoqiao, and although this brought him pleasure, there was a twinge of regret. Yushuang had to go to the temple to meditate and eat vegetarian meals, while Qiaoqiao was sick. Additionally, he was driven out by Qiaoqiao''s father, which left Lin Wanrong somewhat regretful.


    Shaking his head helplessly, he walked a bit before he started to notice something was wrong with his surroundings.


    He had walked this small path countless times, and although it was usually quite tranquil, it had never been as deserted as tonightthere was not a single soul in sight.


    Lin Wanrong, who had already developed keen senses, was puzzled. As he listened, he heard a few strains of wind noise. Turning back, he saw two shadowy figures, fast as shooting stars, rushing towards him.


    After inheriting half of Xiao Qingxuan''s skills, his reactions had be quicker, and his eyesight had improved significantly. He saw from afar that the two figures moved with quick, powerful stridesit was clear that they were skilled. Taking in the eerie silence all around, he realized, these two were undoubtedly here for him.


    Simultaneously, two more figures appeared silently behind him, surrounding him tightly in a circle along with the other two.


    Lin Wanrong looked around and saw that all four men were strong and stout, their arms as thick as thighs. They were intimidating figures standing there with an air of menace.


    Darn it, such audacity, just a few thugs acting like they''re the city patrol? Lin Wanrong cursed silently in his heart but put on a smile and said, "Gentlemen, stopping mete at night, may I know the purpose?"


    One of the men, who appeared to be the leader, said in a loud voice, "Lin San, our young master has requested your presence." His voice was deep and full of vigor, evidently a well-trained individual.


    "Young Master? Which Young Master?" Lin Wanrong asked, his mind racing.


    The four men''s aggressive postures suggested that this "young master" bore a grudge against him. In Jinling City, only Tao Dongcheng had a score to settle with him. Could it be Tao Dongcheng who had sent these men?


    "I have no rtion or obligation to your Young Master Tao. Why does he summon me at thiste hour?" Lin Wanrong ventured.


    "Less talk, more walking." The seemingly leader of the four menmanded loudly, reaching out to grab him.


    All four men were clearly trained fighters. The leader''s hand shot out with lightning speed, so quick that it would bewilder any onlooker.


    At first, Lin Wanrong was startled. But when he took a closer look, the man''s movements seemed to slow down. A thrill of delight surged in him, I too am a master now, what should I fear? Understanding the essence of fightingwhere actions speak louder than words, he decided to throw the first punch. Silently, he aimed at the man''s wrist andunched a punch with all his might.


    Lin Wanrong, having obtained half of Xiao Qingxuan''s abilities, had his vision and reflexes enhanced a hundredfold, and his strength seemed endless. The only thing hecked was technique. However, all techniques in the world were meant for fighting, and despite their countless variations, they had one sole purposeto harm. He didn''t like martial arts training and was an expert at cking off. He thought to himself, It doesn''t matter if I don''t know the techniques, I just need to maintain one thoughtcounter every move. As long as I don''t let this guynd a hit, that''s all that matters.


    At this moment, both his strength and vision were of the highest order. His punch towards the man attempting to sneak attack him was perfectly timed, hitting him right on the wrist. His strike was full of strength, surprising the man with its power. It was a testament to the theory that having no technique could indeed trump technique.


    The man was taken aback, thinking, "This kid has a lot of strength!" Not daring to block Lin directly, he quickly changed his punch to a kick. The other three men thought their elder brother was going easy on him, and, growing impatient, called out, "Elder brother, quickly subdue this kid!"


    As soon as the words fell, they realized something was wrong. The kid they called Lin San not only blocked their elder brother''s kick, but he also took the opportunity to throw a punch at his chest, forcing the elder brother to step back.


    "Prick the fingers, and go for the shoulders!" The three men shouted together and began to attack.


    Lin Wanrong, who had only heard of this technique on television, was far from frightened. Instead, he was pleased. He thought to himself, This clearly indicates that my kung fu skills have been acknowledged by my enemies, and themand sounds so damn good.


    Although Xiao Qingxuan was young, due to her mentor''s guidance, she was already one of the top fighters in the world. Lin Wanrong, having only half of her skills, was not to be underestimated. Even when encountering top martial artists, he was capable of defending himself.


    While he was feeling smug, he suddenly felt a pain in his backhe had been hit by a sneak attack. Given his current skills, even if he was slightlycking in technique, he shouldn''t be disadvantaged by these third-rate fighters. The hit he just took was entirely due to hisck ofbat experience and his overconfidence.


    At this point, his skin was thick, and this hit didn''t really bother him. However, it ignited a fury within him. Damn it, I am a master! If I can''t beat four of you punks, what the hell am I doing?


    He shouted and charged into the fray, battling the four men. He took a couple more hits, but his fighting experience grew rapidly, and his application of his strength became more proficient.


    Gradually, in his eyes, the movements of the four men slowed down, their weaknesses ringly apparent. He was finally beginning to taste the sensation of being a master.


    After ten moves, despite being under the siege of four men, Lin Wanrong relied on his superior vision to dodge and weave. He didn''t take any more hits. Not only that, his steps became faster, his strikes more ruthlesseach punch carrying a gust of wind, each move aimed at vital points.


    The four burly men were in a state of distress. This Lin San, despite having only a few simple moves like "ck Tiger Steals the Heart" and "Immortal Steals the Peach," executed them in such an unconventional and formless manner, constantly suppressing them. Despite theirbined strength, they were unable to overpower him. This scenario truly illustrated the old saying: a master can be defeated by chaos.


    However, Lin Wanrong only found the fight more exhrating and rxed as it progressed. He firmly believed that truthes from practice, and the techniques obtained in battle were the most practical. Regardless of what styles, like Arhat Fist or Shaolin Long Fist, were used, the only truth was winning the fight. After acquiring Xiao Qingxuan''s abilities, he hadn''t had a chance to spar. A rare practice opportunity was before him, and he was battling four-to-one. How could he possibly miss this chance?


    Bolstered by abundant stamina, Lin Wanrong was as fierce as if he had taken ten Viagra pills. If not for the purpose of practicing his skills with these four men, the fight would''ve ended much sooner. Now, he was finally experiencing the thrill of being a master, a sensation that was damn good.


    "Four Tigers, stop!" A voice came from behind the men surrounding him. The Four Tigers quickly leaped to the side, halting their assault.


    They stopped, but Lin Wanrong didn''t. His footwork quickened, and he sent out a rapid flurry of punches,nding them on the chests of the Four Tigers, forcing them to retreat several steps. They all lost their bnce and sat down heavily on the ground.


    "You...you have no respect for the rules of the martial world?" The leader of the Four Tigers spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, enraged.


    "Four of you attacking me, and now you want to lecture me about rules?" Lin Wanrong chuckled coldly. "Four Tigers, right? Do you believe I can turn you into Dead Tigers?"


    The four men red at Lin Wanrong, but they didn''t dare to speak.


    Lin Wanrong nced at the man who had intervened. He saw him sitting calmly on a white horse, his thick brows andrge eyes making him incredibly annoying. Damn it, will you die if you don''t ride a white horse for a day?


    In his heart, he held great contempt, but on his face, he smiled, "Young Master Tao, out for a stroll thiste?"


    Tao Dongcheng nced at his Four Tigers, thinking, When I first met you four, you had some skills, defeating many good men, which is why I tried so hard to recruit you. But today, you can''t even beat a servant from someone''s home, bringing shame to me. He turned to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, I asked someone to fetch you today only to ask you a few questions. Please don''t misunderstand."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Misunderstand? Young Master Tao, do you have any letters for me to deliver to the Eldest Miss? You could have simply sent a servant, why send out the Four Tigers?"


    Tao Dongcheng, looking annoyed, shot the Four Tigers a nce. He had to swallow this humiliation. Turning to Lin Wanrong, he said, "Lin San, let''s be clear. I only want to know why you persistently disrupt my rtionship with Yuruo."


    "You and the Eldest Miss have a rtionship?" Lin Wanrong feigned surprise, "I haven''t noticed. Besides, when have I ever interfered with your affairs? I''m not particrly good at such things."


    Tao Dongcheng snorted, "Let''s not mention the incident on Purple Gold Mountain for now, but after I painstakingly asked Commander Cheng to bring soldiers to rescue Yuruo and you in Dangtu, not only did you show no gratitude, you even knocked me off my horse. Why did you take Yuruo away? What are your intentions?" By the end of his statement, Tao Dongcheng''s expression had turned stern.


    ying the victim, are we? Lin Wanrong thought, You''re not as good at this game as I am. Feigning surprise, he eximed, "So it was Young Master Tao who came to our rescue that day! Oh, what a grave misunderstanding, ming a good person. That day, the Eldest Miss and I were trapped on the mountain for three days, we were terrified. Seeing soldiers rushing up, how could we distinguish friend from foe? The sight of swords and spears scared us, so we ran as far away as we could. I had no idea you were wronged, Young Master Tao, I''m truly ashamed."


    Tao Dongcheng, infuriated by Lin Wanrong''s glib words, retorted, "Lin San, do you take me for a child? Why were the bandits so familiar with the Xiao family? Why did they specifically take you? Why did you run when you saw me leading the soldiers up the mountain? If my guess is correct, you must be colluding with the White Lotus Sect''s bandits to defraud the Xiao family, and yet Miss Xiao trusts you so much."


    This Tao Dongcheng was a true hypocrite, but Lin Wanrong, too, was an unyielding viin. He chuckled, "Young Master Tao, your guess is very reasonable. However, you should be discussing this with the Eldest Miss, not me."


    Tao Dongcheng fell silent. Lin Wanrong nced at him with contempt and sighed, "Compared to your Master, your cunning really falls short."


    Tao Dongcheng started, "What did you say? Master and servant?"


    Damn it, just keep pretending. Lin Wanrong ignored him, chuckling coldly, "That night you and your Master were together, but have you ever wondered how I escaped from your hands? Who sent someone to save me?"


    Tao Dongcheng remained silent, his face ashen.


    Lin Wanrong knew he had hit the nail on the head. Only a handful of people knew how he had escaped that day and thwarted their ns. Tao Dongcheng and his Master must have been perplexed.


    Since he had thoroughly fallen out with Tao Dongcheng, Lin Wanrong decided to drive the point home. He strolled a few steps, hands behind his back, then suddenlyughed, "Go back and tell your Master, he should behave himself. He''s not the number one in the world."


    "You, you--" Tao Dongcheng couldn''t help but change color, shocked by his words.


    "Who could rescue me from the White Lotus Sect and treat the White Lotus Sect and your Master as if they were nothing? How many such people are there in the world?" Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    "Who... who exactly are you?" Tao Dongcheng stammered.


    This was precisely what was bothering him. Facing this seemingly worthless servant of the Xiao family, he felt a sense of inscrutability.


    "It doesn''t matter who I am, I just want to advise you, it''s best to stay honest," Lin Wanrong said coldly.


    Strike the snake on its weakest spot. These words, a mix of truth and falsehood, deceit and persuasion, were Lin Wanrong''s psychological warfare weapons.


    Tao Dongcheng''s Master was colluding with the White Lotus Sect, yet didn''t dare to reveal his true identity, which surely indicated a grand scheme behind the scenes. At the same time, it suggested that there must be people he greatly feared. Since he was capable of manipting Cheng De, the Commander-in-chief of Jiangsu, it was certain that he and Lu Min, the Governor of Jiangsu, were not on the same side. And now, Lin Wanrong was in good standing with the son of Lu Min. They were undoubtedly uncertain about Lin Wanrong and dared not act recklessly. So Lin Wanrong let them guess for themselves.


    Tao Dongcheng racked his brains and grew increasingly frightened. Judging from Lin San''s rtionship with Luo Yuan, it was clear that Lin San and the Governor belonged to the same faction. He recalled his Master''s instructions not to offend Luo Min at this moment, which meant he couldn''t act against Lin San either. Grinding his teeth in frustration, he swung himself onto his horse and motioned to the Four Tigers, "Let''s go."


    Damn, they''re leaving just like that? Lin Wanrong said to the Four Tigers, "Why don''t a few of you stay behind? We can continue fighting."


    The Four Tigers'' eyes red with anger and a hint of fear, clearly somewhat intimidated by Lin Wanrong''s fighting prowess. Lin Wanrong burst outughing. It was truly exhrating to be a skilled fighter, and he still had two unused weapons.


    Tao Dongcheng could no longer contain himself. He yelled from atop his horse, "Lin San, do not push your luck!"


    I just can''t stand you, what about it? Lin Wanrong despised these princely types on their white horses. If you''ve got guts, fight with real weapons like me. Seeing this arrogant young man, he wondered if he had any sisters. If so, Lin Wanrong would certainly flirt with them, then dump them, then flirt again, tormenting them till they wished for death. He thought smugly.


    Once Tao Dongcheng and his party had retreated into the distance, Lin Wanrong turned to leave, but was stopped by a soft sigh. He turned around to see a delicate figure standing under the eaves of a distant house, looking at him with an expression of mncholy.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. After a long pause, he finally said, "How did you get here?"


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 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123


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    Chapter 123 In A Dilemma


    The woman watched him for a long time before slowly approaching him. In a soft voice, she said, "When did you learn martial arts, Young Master? Why was I not aware of it?"


    Lin Wanrongughed without answering her question. Instead, he asked, "Miss Qin, how did you end up here?"


    Qin Xian''er''s eyes shed with embarrassment. "If I''m not here, then where would I be? I haven''t seen you for two days, and you''ve already acquired such extraordinary martial skills. It''s truly something to be celebrated."


    Her surprise was evident. The day she had rescued him, he hadn''t possessed any martial abilities. How could he have obtained such formidable power within just a few days?


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, though he didn''t know how to exin. The situation indeed seemed inexplicable. Could it be due to abination of practice and cultivation?


    Seeing his struggle, Qin Xian''er sighed softly. "If you don''t wish to speak, how can I force you? Now that I see you have the strength to protect yourself, I feel relieved."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, saying, "It''s a long story, Miss Qin. But what about you, how did youe to be here?"


    Qin Xian''er nced at him, "After I went back to the well that day, I couldn''t find you and was quite worried. These past few days, I''ve been concerned about your safety. I didn''t expect you to have ovee danger already. Young Master, how did you get out initially?"


    Lin Wanrong was touched, considering that Qin Xian''er, a member of the White Lotus Sect, hade to aid him, an enemy of the sect. Not only this, but she also went to great lengths to find an excuse to search for him. Her affection was truly profound.


    "I was rescued by a friend that day," Lin Wanrong replied, deliberately omitting the name of Xiao Qingxuan, knowing Qin Xian''er wasn''t fond of her.


    Qin Xian''er sighed suddenly, "Why hide it from me, Young Master? If I''m not wrong, your friend must be Xiao Qingxuan, isn''t she?"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "How did you know?"


    Qin Xian''er snorted, "That vixen has a very unique perfume. I recognized it once I smelled it. Upon returning to the well, I detected the same scent. If not her, then who else could it be?"


    Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat. The unique powder Xiao Qingxuan had on was probably the jasmine perfume he had given her. It was indeed distinctive, and women were sensitive to such scents. That Qin Xian''er could identify Xiao Qingxuan from the lingering faint fragrance was a testament to a woman''s imaginative power.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s surprised expression, Qin Xian''er knew she had guessed correctly. She humphed and gritted her teeth, "I knew it was that vixen. She really knows her ways, being able to find that ce. When I went to save you, she sneaked behind me, opportunistically helping you escape, leaving a deeper impression on you. If such stealth and advantage-taking aren''t antagonizing me, then what is it?"


    Dear lord, Qin Xian''er''s logic was indeed childlike, though charming. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "It''s not as dramatic as you imagine. Qingxuan feared I would be in danger there, so she led me out. She even mentioned wanting to thank you."


    Qin Xian''er nced at him, speaking softly, "Young Master, don''t fabricate stories. If she ever thanks me, the sun would rise from the west. Humph, with herpeting against me like this, I am determined to kill her."


    It was hard to recall how many times she had threatened to kill Xiao Qingxuan. Lin Wanrong had be numb to it and sighed, "Xian''er, do you really harbor such intense resentment towards Qingxuan that you''re constantly thinking about killing her?"


    Qin Xian''er shook her head, "Young Master, you don''t understand. My Master and her Master have been adversaries for many years. She and I are naturally ipatible. Moreover, she took away my" Her face reddened as she stole a nce at Lin Wanrong but didn''t finish her sentence.


    Lin Wanrong feigned confusion, "Even if your Masters are enemies, you don''t need to dwell on killing her every day. I see Qingxuan treating you well, and she doesn''t seem to want to kill you at every opportunity."


    Qin Xian''er smiled bitterly, "That''s her hypocrisy. Both her and her Master share the same character."


    Xiao Qingxuan was Lin Wanrong''s wife, so hearing Qin Xian''er speak so disrespectfully, he couldn''t help but retort angrily, "Xian''er, don''t randomly nder Qingxuan. She''s not the person you think she is."


    Tears welled up in Qin Xian''er''s eyes, and she bit her lip, "Young Master, is this how you see me? Is Xiao Qingxuan so noble in your eyes that no one can criticize her?"


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, She''s my wife, isn''t criticizing her the same as criticizing me?


    Seeing Qin Xian''er''s tearful look, and considering her genuine affection towards him, he didn''t have the heart to reproach her further. "Xian''er, the world doesn''t revolve around killing. There are many other joyful things. For instance, us conversing and singing little tunes in Miaoyu Pavilion every day. Isn''t that also pleasant?"


    Qin Xian''er sighed, "Only when I''m speaking with you, Young Master, can I find such joy. If it were anyone else, they couldn''t bear even a few words from me. Young Master, Xian''er is a demoness of the White Lotus Sect. This is my true nature. Do you find me repulsive because of this?"


    To be honest, Qin Xian''er''s character was indeed different and challenging.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong silent for a long time, Qin Xian''er smiled sadly, "I know you don''t like my nature. It''s not innate, but the result of experiencing a tragedy." Her tone shifted, bing mncholic, "Young Master, if Xian''er weren''t a demoness of the White Lotus Sect, but had a different identity, would you like me?"


    "What identity?" Lin Wanrong asked subconsciously.


    Qin Xian''er gritted her teeth, speaking softly, "For example, if I were a daughter of the Emperor, would you like me?"


    "A princess?" Damn, stop joking around. If someone with your temperament could be a princess, then I might as well be the emperor. Seeing Qin Xian''er''s sour and bitter expression, Lin Wanrong was unsure whether she was being truthful or not. This demoness of the White Lotus Sect was truly unique.


    Noticing the disbelief on his face, Qin Xian''er chuckled, "I''m just joking with you. I, as a demoness of the White Lotus Sect, oppose the imperial court. How could I possibly be the Emperor''s daughter? I was only teasing you." With that, she turned away, biting her red lips as her tears began to fall.


    Thisss was truly full of character, which made Lin Wanrong feel a pang of sympathy for her. He took her small hand and said, "Xian''er, don''t speak like that. You''re a beautiful and gentle woman, and regardless of your identity, someone would love you."


    "Really?" Qin Xian''er looked up at him, a look of surprise and delight on her face.


    Lin Wanrong nodded seriously. Qin Xian''er''s face turned pink, and she shyly said, "Thank you, Young Master. Then, Young Master, can you only love Xian''er?"


    Lin Wanrong''s face changed. Love only her? What about Qingxuan, Qiaoqiao, and Yushuang?


    Qin Xian''er noticed his expression and realized it wasn''t possible. A hint of anger shed in her eyes as she whispered, "In that case, I will just kill them all. Let''s see who you''ll love then."


    Her voice was soft, but Lin Wanrong heard her clearly. A chill ran down his spine, and he looked at her coldly, "Miss Qin, if you insist on this, we have nothing further to discuss. If anyone dares to harm the women I love, I will make them wish for death."


    Anger surged within him, and he swung his palm, smashing a hole in the green brick wall with a punch.


    Qin Xian''er was taken aback. In the few days she hadn''t seen him, his skills had improved so dramatically. Seeing him be so aggressive for those women, she felt wronged, and a couple of tears fell as she asked, "Young Master, if Xian''er killed them, would you treat Xian''er like this too?"


    Lin Wanrong nced at her, "It would be the same for anyone. Xian''er, if you were hurt like this, I would also feel the same pain."


    Initially, Qin Xian''er was frightened by his intimidating demeanor. But after hearing his subsequent words, she felt a strange mix of surprise and joy, unsure whether to be happy or worried. After a long pause, she gritted her teeth and said, "Young Master, no matter what, I am determined to kill Xiao Qingxuan. When the timees, Xian''er will die by your hand."


    Thisss had truly locked horns with Xiao Qingxuan. Lin Wanrong was touched by her stubbornness, yet helpless regarding her obstinacy. Sighing, he said, "Don''t speak like this. Although you hate Qingxuan now, after spending more time together, you''ll see her good qualities. I feel that, despite your differing temperaments, you two could be like close sisters."


    Qin Xian''er felt both shy and delighted, thinking to herself, Who wants to be her sister? Only a fickle man like you coulde up with such an idea. She remained silent for a moment before asking, "Young Master, did Xiao Qingxuan teach you these martial arts skills? I can''t think of any method that could have enabled you to attain such high-level skills in just two days."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Well, I did indeed use some special methods." He felt somewhat embarrassed mentioning the double cultivation technique.


    Qin Xian''er was incredibly curious. What method had Xiao Qingxuan employed that turned him from a weak schr into a martial arts master so quickly? However, as Lin Wanrong was unwilling to divulge, she could only sigh dejectedly, thinking to herself that she was still different from Xiao Qingxuan in his heart. Being naturally strong-willed, she hated losing in anything. Now, she didn''t even know how her rival had won, which was quite a bitter pill to swallow.


    "If I knew the method, I would certainly help the Young Master acquire these skills," Qin Xian''er said in a low voice.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly. This girl was incrediblypetitive, even unwilling to lose to Xiao Qingxuan in this matter.


    "I know Young Master doesn''t wish to discuss this with me, but whatever Xiao Qingxuan can do, I, Qin Xian''er, can certainly do as well. You must believe me, Young Master."


    Seeing her tearful eyes and genuine sincerity, Lin Wanrong felt both touched and amused. This stubbornss didn''t understand that it wasn''t that he didn''t want to tell her; it was the cultivation technique that was rather intimate. He wouldn''t mind repeating it, but he feared she might not be willing.


    Heughed heartily and took Xian''er''s hand, saying, "This matter is quite private. If an opportunity presents itself in the future, we can experience it firsthand."


    On hearing this, Qin Xian''er eximed in surprise and delight, "Really?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded seriously, while inwardly he was overjoyed. He thought to himself that this girl was quite gullible. As the demoness of the White Lotus Sect, she was usually the one deceiving others. However, she waspletely disarmed when dealing with Lin Wanrong. The saying ''every creature has its nemesis'' seemed apt.


    After a period of silence, Qin Xian''er noticed that it was gettingte. She finally gathered the courage to say, "Young Master, I sneaked out without their knowledge to find you. It''s gettingte, and I need to leave now."


    Lin Wanrong asked, "Where are you going?"


    Qin Xian''er shook her head, "My master has summoned me back to Jining. I don''t know when I''ll be able to see Young Master again."


    Lin Wanrong heaved a sigh of relief. Finally, this troublesome girl was leaving. Who knew when she might act on a whim and try to kill Yushuang and Qiaoqiao? However, due to her deep affection, he couldn''t hit or scold her, leaving him in quite a predicament. Now that she was leaving, it would give Lin Wanrong some time to figure out a solution.


    Qin Xian''er sighed softly, pulling out a small, ck object about the size of a bamboo tube from her bosom. In a gentle voice, she said, "Initially, I was worried about Young Master without martial arts skills, fearing that you might face a disaster likest time. I specifically found this for you as a gift. I didn''t expect that you would now be a martial arts master who canpete with the best. It seems my thoughts were in vain."


    Hearing Qin Xian''er praise him as a top-notch expert, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, this girl''s skills wereparable to Qingxuan''s. If she said as much, his martial arts must not becking. However, he was rather curious. This dark object that Qin Xian''er had gone to great lengths to collect, what on earth was it that made her treat it so seriously?


    "What is this?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    A slight smile appeared on Qin Xian''er''s face. She opened the ck tube to reveal hundreds of densely packed silver needles inside, their tips gleaming with a blue light. It was apparent they had been coated in poison. She said with a smile, "This is called a Bee Needle, specially designed to prate the aura of expert martial artists. Just pull this small mechanism, and hundreds of bee needles can shoot out, catching people off guard. The poison on this needle is something I personally concocted. Without the unique antidote, anyone touched by it would die."


    "I want it, I want it," Lin Wanrong immediately dered loudly. Damn, with such a great tool, only a fool wouldn''t want it. His own martial arts were not weak, yet hecked any sense of responsibility as an expert martial artist. Anything that was beneficial to him, be it poison needles or firearms, he would take it all.


    The poison needles that Qin Xian''er had created were tools for sneak attacks and incredibly toxic. Real experts would definitely disdain to use such methods. Yet Lin Wanrong was an exception. He weed anything that was advantageous to him.


    A smile spread across Qin Xian''er''s face, and she said with joy, "Young Master, do you really want this? Aren''t you afraid people will say you''re ruthless?" She was the Demoness of the White Lotus, used to being criticized, so naturally she felt ted when Lin Wanrong so readily epted her gift.


    Damn it, I fear I''m not ruthless enough, Lin Wanrong thought, feeling for the first time a sense of kinship with this demoness. Heughed and said, "Martial arts are used for killing, and so is this poison needle. There is no difference between the two. Besides, this is a token of your affection, Xian''er. How could I reject it?"


    Qin Xian''er blushed, saying with a shy smile, "Young Master, you are so kind to me." Lin Wanrong benefited but also managed to earn Qin Xian''er''s deep gratitude. He really knew how to make a good deal.


    Qin Xian''er handed the poison needles to Lin Wanrong and taught him how to use them. Lin Wanrong, moved, took advantage of the moment to hold Qin Xian''er''s hand, stroking it delicately as he said in his carefree manner, "Xian''er, why don''t you stay today? The method to use these needles is tooplex. Let''s find an inn, where you can teach me properly. I can also detail my cultivation process for you"


    Qin Xian''er blushed to her ears, gave him a deep look, bit her lip, and like a light leaf, she drifted off into the distance.


    "Once I''ve killed Xiao Qingxuan, Xian''er will devote everything to you, Young Master," Qin Xian''er''s shy yet joyous murmur echoed in the wind. The words fell on Lin Wanrong''s ears, sending a chill from the top of his head down to his toes.


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 Chapter 124

    Chapter 124


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    Chapter 124 A Great Invention


    Lin Wanrong was quite concerned about Qin Xian''er''s words. Now, Xiao Qingxuan had be the person closest to him in this world, and he was unwilling to let her face any danger.


    He had to figure out a solution. If all else failed, he would strike at Qin Xian''er when chaos ensued. He didn''t believe that this little girl, despite her extraordinary skills, could withstand his dual golden guns. A mischievous smile graced his face.


    Returning to his little nest in the Xiao family, he couldn''t fall asleep for a long time. The image of Xiao Qingxuan continually lingered in his mind. It seemed that Xiao Qingxuan''s family was undoubtedly wealthy or noble. To reduce the resistance between them, he needed to further strengthen his capabilities.


    His martial arts skills were impressive,bined with his poisoned needles and firearms, even if he encountered the unbeatable Dongfang Bubai, he could put up a good fight. At present, the restaurant Food for Immortals managed by old Dong and Qiaoqiao was doing great, earning a fortune every day. The lingerie and perfume business of the Xiao family was also exceptionally sessful, particrly the perfume business, which was incredibly profitable.


    [TL: Dongfang Bubai or Invincible East is a fictional character in the wuxia novel The Smiling, Proud Wanderer by Jin Yong]


    Unfortunately, due to production capacity issues, the volume of perfume production was still not up to par. There was money to be made, but he couldn''t seize the opportunity, which frustrated him. Moreover, relying solely on the perfume business seemed too simplistic. He thought of diversifying into other rted businesses, gradually perfecting his product line. With a wider variety of products, there would be more opportunities to earn money.


    In fact, ever since the birth of the perfume, he had an idea. Since he was making perfume, why not make other daily necessities as well? With perfume, he could also make soap.


    Soap, a simple product with straightforward ingredients that were taught in middle school chemistry textbooks. Lin Wanrong even conducted an experiment during ss, just mix fats with caustic soda and heat them at a high temperature, the process wasn''tplicated, which was conducive to mass production.


    There were two types of soap,undry soap and bathroom soap. The process of makingundry soap was crude; it could be directly extracted by mixing animal fats with caustic soda. To save costs, one could add ten to twenty percent of rosin. As for bathroom soap, the principle was the same, but the process was slightly moreplex. It required vegetable oils and caustic soda, then purification, and finally, perfume was added.


    The perfume wasn''t an issue, as the perfume making process left a lot of floral residue, which could be effectively recycled.


    With the experience of making perfume, Lin Wanrong''s confidence had increased a lot. Once this soap was produced, it would be another highly profitable product like perfume. A single perfume and restaurant were enough, and with this soap industry, he would instantly possess three golden geeseying eggs, two of which were his exclusive property. It would be hard not to prosper.


    With this idea, he became excited, his heart itching with anticipation. This invention was entirely his own. If this era had an Academy of Sciences, he would have been the president long ago.


    He also wanted to make products like shampoo and facial cleanser, but unfortunately, he wasn''t very familiar with these things. His greatest regret was that he hadn''t thoroughly studied theposition of Viagra in the past. If he had the patent for Viagra, by heaven, manufacturing a few hundred of those blue little pills and exclusively selling them to emperors and ministers, he''d be obscenely rich, and it would be an injustice if he didn''t.


    That night, he was restless, thrilled and jubnt over his great invention, and as a result, he didn''t sleep a wink. The next morning, he got up early and hurriedly left.


    Walking into the center of the courtyard, he saw the Eldest Miss swaying gracefully as she entered from outside. It turned out she had stayed overnight at the Rosy Cloud Temple with the Second Miss. The sisters talked all night and she only returned this morning.


    Upon seeing Lin San heading out with a joyful smile on his face, not even sparing her a nce, Xiao Yuruo stopped him, "Lin San, where are you going?"


    Lin Wanrong halted, recognized the person, and smiled, "Oh, it''s the Eldest Miss. I''m off to buy somerd."


    Xiao Yuruo looked at him in surprise, "You''re not a cook, why do you need that?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Some things are better left a secret."


    Seeing his mysterious behavior, the Eldest Miss thought, ''This guy must be up to something again.'' Having witnessed the power of the perfume, she was quite curious about him, and said, "I have nothing to do this morning, so I''ll go with you."


    The Eldest Miss apanying him to buyrd? That didn''t sound right. Lin Wanrong made a bitter face, "Eldest Miss, please don''t torment me. You''re a dignitary; you shouldn''t be messing around with me. How is the promotion of the perfume going?"


    Xiao Yuruo nodded, "The promotion is going very well. Right, we are going to visit Jinling Poetry Society the day after tomorrow. You shoulde with me; it''ll be a good experience for you and might be useful in the future."


    Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong understood. The Eldest Miss was grooming him. She probably wanted to turn him into a white-cor backbone of the Xiao family. Interesting, he thought.


    Humbly, for once, he smiled and said, "If it''s the Eldest Miss''s order, I will naturally follow. But what exactly is this Jinling Poetry Society?"


    The Eldest Miss nodded, thinking, ''If you had this humble attitude every day, I wouldn''t always give you the cold shoulder.''


    "The Jinling Poetry Society is thergest reading institution in Jinling, gathering many famous talents. If our perfume can be sessfully promoted among them, it would be a huge sess."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. He understood the logic; it was the star effect. The talents of this era wereparable to the posturing celebrities in his previous life. If he could find a beautiful and talented woman to say, "Cleanliness is next to healthiness," it would be difficult for it not to be a sensation throughout the Great Hua.


    Lost in his thoughts, he heard the Eldest Miss continue, "The Jinling Poetry Society is a gathering ce for the most influential figures in Jinling. It''s not just the most talented man in Jinling, Hou Yuebai, and Yangzhou''s number one talent, Yu Wenpo, but also the most talented woman in Jinling, Miss Luo Ning, and manydies of prestigious families under her. If we can find opportunities among them, our perfume will be firmly established in Jinling."


    The Eldest Miss seemed to be in a good mood today. She was uncharacteristically patient, taking the time to exin the business intricacies to him. It was clear that she was serious about grooming him to be a core member of the Xiao family.


    With a dismissive smirk, Lin Wanrong realized that the Jinling Poetry Society was merely a front maintained by Luo Ning and others. However, the Eldest Miss had chosen this elite path well; it was a gathering ce for literate youngdies from official families, and should indeed be the focus of their attack.


    After the Eldest Miss spoke for a while and saw his rxed expression, she wasn''t sure how much he had actually taken in. With a soft snort, she dismissed him with a wave of her hand.


    Lin Wanrong was notorious for hisziness. Buyingrd was not a task that required his personal attention. He was now a senior servant in the Xiao family, favored by the Ladies of the Xiao family, and had even surpassed the two stewards in rank. Now that his status had soared, if he didn''t know how to use it to his advantage, he wouldn''t be the infamous Lin San in the Xiao residence.


    He chose a youngd to run errands for him. The boy was the one who had earned a tael of silver as a tip when Lin Wanrong apanied Young Master Guo to a brothel. Thed was named San De.


    "Listen, San De..." Lin Wanrong began.


    Thed hurriedly responded, "Brother San, please don''t mock me. You are the Brother San, I wouldn''t dare to use your title. From now on, I''ll be known as Si De."


    [TL: San in Lin San and San De means three; Si in Si De means four]


    Ah, look at this sycophant, even knowing how to avoid potential trouble. No wonder thisd had potential. This feeling of borrowing the tiger''s fierceness was extremely satisfying to Lin Wanrong. Nodding, Lin Wanrong ordered, "Listen, Si De, hurry to the butcher''s and buy four pounds ofrd. Also, get me some pure caustic soda, and call Fubo back. Tell him I need to discuss something with him."


    Having a runner was liberating. Lin Wanrong was able to assign three tasks with a single breath, and Si Depleted them efficiently. When Fubo returned, he saw Lin Wanrong directing Si De to stoke the fierce fire in the stove, where the whiterd was boiling, filling the air with a faint smell of grease.


    "Fubo, you''ve returned at the right time." Seeing morebor avable, Lin Wanrong wasn''t about to be polite. Regardless of age, if they could do work, that was enough.


    He took arge piece of fine sandcloth prepared earlier and directed methodically, "Fubo, you have experience. After Si De cleans off the surface dirt, use this filter cloth to filter the grease, then clean it again."


    Fubo asked curiously, "Lin San, what are you up to now?" Both Fubo and Changbo admired Lin San genuinely, despite his half-baked skills in floral arts and mechanics, his asional creative ideas left them both impressed and amazed.


    Lin Wanrong, naturally, would not divulge his n. He chuckled and said, "Fubo, we go way back. Don''t you trust me?"


    Fubo snorted, thinking that this young man didn''t have an ounce of respect for his elders. However, he did trust Lin Wanrong and seeing him in all seriousness, he decided to follow his instructions.


    With his specially crafted pencil, Lin Wanrong was constantly writing and drawing on the paper, symbols that the other two could not understand. After a while, he put down the pencil, breathed a sigh of relief, and eximed, "Dear chemistry teacher, I will always love you."


    Excited, he instructed Fubo to pour all the cleaned fat into the pot and boil it over high heat. As the temperature rose, Si De, following Lin Wanrong''s instructions, kept stirring. Lin Wanrong then took one-third of the weight of the fat in lye and threw it into the pot.


    After boiling for less than half an hour, he told Si De to pour arge amount of coarse salt into the pot and stir evenly. Those who had studied chemistry would know this process is called "salting out."


    About half an hourter, Fubo and Si De were amazed to see ayer of pale yellow ointment-like substance rising to the surface of the pot, which was originally boiling withrd.


    Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. This was soap! I am a genius, he thought. "Dear chemistry teacher, be proud of me. I will always remember your teaching: study well in physics and chemistry, and fear nothing in the world."


    This was, in fact, a very simple chemical experiment. Fats under high temperatures, with the presence of alkali, would hydrolyze to form higher fatty acid salts and glycerol. Fatty acid salts are what wemonly call soap, and glycerol, when mixed with nitric acid, can create nitroglycerin, an explosive. Because soap does not dissolve in concentrated saltwater and glycerol has a high solubility in saltwater, they can be separated by adding salt.


    After his moment of joy, Lin Wanrong instructed Si De to scrape the pale yellow paste into arge wooden box. Once it cooled down, it would turn into arge chunk of soap.


    As for the byproduct glycerol, Lin Wanrong was tempted to create a few bombs for fun. However, he was also well aware of its danger. Nitroglycerin was extremely unstable and could explode with just a slight shock. After some hesitation, he decided to abandon this idea for the time being. It was too dangerous, and his own life was more important.


    Looking at therge chunk of soap, Lin Wanrong was calcting in his mind. What would be the cost of making soap from this animal fat?


    The four pounds ofrd probably cost about eight taels of silver. The soap made from it could be cut into thirty to forty small fist-sized pieces. Each piece of soap should sell for at least eight taels of silver. That would be a profit of thirty to forty taels of silver. The profit was considerable. Furthermore, thisrd was just a test product with high cost, and it was possible to further reduce the cost by using other animal or vegetable oils.


    After an hour, the soap finally cooled down. Lin Wanrong instructed Si De to bring a basin of clean water and soak their soiled clothes of the past few days in it. He scraped off a small piece of soap and gently rubbed it onto the clothes. After a rinse with clear water, the stains disappeared without a trace.


    Fubo was dumbfounded. "Lin San, what is this? It''s miraculous!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Fubo, you''re in for a treat today. This is called soap, and I invented it myself."


    [TL: This guy has no shame, smh]


    Fubo eximed, "Lin San, with this invention, the lives of all the young women will be so much easier. They will have to thank you for this."


    Lin Wanrong burst intoughter. "Fubo, you give me too much credit. My mission has always been to benefit countless women and set a new trend in society. But I feel guilty whenever I think that this goal is still far from being achieved."


    Fubo chose to ignore his words. He carefully touched the newly formed soap, which felt smooth and fine. He couldn''t help but marvel at how miraculous this invention was.


    The soap they made was the most basic type ofundry soap. The process for making scented soap was the same, but it required recing the animal fat with vegetable oils such as coconut oil or tung oil, purifying it a few more times, and adding some color and fragrance. The leftover flower scraps from making perfume, which Lin Wanrong always thought were a waste, could finally be put to good use.


    He followed this method and conducted another experiment, this time using tung oil and adding more pressed flower scraps. Lin Wanrong took the creation of this scented soap even more seriously. He did not let Si De help, but did it himself, pouring the paste into another box.


    As the scented soap slowly cooled, Fubo and Si De were left in awe. The soap was a beautiful shade of light pink with a hint of yellow, and the air was filled with a light, floral fragrance. One whiff and they were captivated.


    Sess! Lin Wanrong was ecstatic. He couldn''t help but let out a roar ofughter. Beautiful women of the world, await the use of my great invention! I will make you all more beautiful, fragrant, and attractive.


    The two experiments took two full days, but they were much easier and simpler than the perfume-making process. Fubo and Si De both witnessed the birth of this miracle.


    If the perfume was a happy ident, the soap was a deliberate invention. Benefiting the people? Lin Wanrong didn''t have such lofty ideals. Making a hefty profit, that was his real motivation.


    Soap was a new product, and naturally, its initial pricing would cater to the higher end of the market, ensuring profits no less than that of perfume. With these inventionsundergarments, perfume, and soapespecially thetter two, he would monopolize the market. The money would surelye rolling in. In the future, he nned to produce medicinal soap and establish an all-inclusive chemical industry. At that moment, he felt on top of the world, as if he had achieved great sess.


    It was already time to light themps. Fubo had his eyes opened over the past two days. After a long sigh, he finally spoke, "Lin San, do you think we should show this to the Eldest Miss?"


    Lin Wanrong had also been pondering this. Handing over the perfume business to the Xiao family was partly due to Xiao Yushuang''s influence and partly because the Xiao family had aprehensive marketingwork. Although Lin Wanrong had the skills and products, he was severelycking in marketing. If he were to build it from scratch, he didn''t have enough money or energy. Letting the Xiao family handle the exclusive distribution was a viable approach, a business model he''d seen plenty of in his previous life.


    After some consideration, he said to Fubo, "We can let the Eldest Miss take a look. s, I am such a failure. I always end up being exploited by her."


    The Eldest Miss''s arrival was much swifter than Lin Wanrong had anticipated. Perhaps in her eyes, Fubo was an honest man who wouldn''t lie, so she readily believed what Fubo had seen with his own eyes. If Lin San were to report it, she would probably only believe one out of ten things he said.


    When Xiao Yuruo entered the room and saw Lin Wanrong grinning at her, she blushed and said, "Are you always so frivolous?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Eldest Miss, I have never been serious."


    She shot him a nce and snorted, her attention quickly shifting to the objects behind him.


    So, this was the thing called soap? Xiao Yuruo curiously looked at the tworge pieces of soap in front of her. They weren''t finely crafted and still retained a roughness, yet they felt smooth and slick to the touch. Especially the scented soap, with its light pink hue and a faint, pleasant fragrance, it instantly captured her interest.


    "Lin San, did you really make all of this?" The Eldest Miss''s excited voice quivered slightly.


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 Chapter 125

    Chapter 125


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    Chapter 125 Witty Poems and Clever Retorts


    "Of course." Lin Wanrong smiled, handing her a freshly cut bar of soap. "Next time you wash my clothes, don''t forget to use this soap."


    Xiao Yuruo blushed, remembering how he had persuaded her to wash his clothes during her three visits to his humble abode. The memory left a peculiar taste in her heart.


    [TL: Her three visits to his ce was an allusion to Liu Beis three visits to Zhuge Liang in the novel Three Kingdom]


    "How does one use this soap?" Xiao Yuruo asked, her fingers tracing over the smooth soap, finding it hard to let go.


    "This is for bathingah, showering," Lin Wanrong corrected himself, choosing a more refined word. He studied Eldest Miss up and down beforementing, "Eldest Miss, you haven''t bathed yet today, have you? Here, take this home and give it a try. I made this soap myself, and no other man has touched it, so you don''t have to worry."


    The Eldest Miss gave him a flushed look. If no other man has touched it, then what does it mean that you have? She responded with a soft hum, breaking off a small piece. After giving Lin Wanrong a look, she quietly said, "You must be tired today too. You should rest soon. We need to go to the Jinling Poetry Society tomorrow."


    Lin Wanrong feigned surprise, "Thank you for your concern, Eldest Miss. But if this soap works well, why don''t you bring it along tomorrow? You could promote it along with the perfume."


    The Eldest Miss nodded, "I will indeed. If this soap is good, like the perfume, I will cover the workshop and operating costs. However, how we split the profits still needs further discussion."


    Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, "Eldest Miss, you are a smart woman, and I''m an honest man. If you handle the marketing of this soap, I won''t treat you unfairly. You will get thirty percent of the profits."


    The Eldest Miss gave a nomittal grunt, not responding directly. She then walked away, her voice softening, "Rest early. I''ll decide about the soap once I''ve used it."


    Lin Wanrong was brimming with confidence. The soap-making process was straightforward and ideally suited for workshop-style production. The coarse salt was naturally formed, so there was no need to worry about raw material supply. It truly seemed like a profitable venture.


    In fact, Lin Wanrong had given deeper thought to the soap-making venture. No ambitious manufacturer would only offer a single product. No matter how good the perfume, its supply was heavily influenced by the avability of flowers. In case of a natural disaster or simr unexpected event, there would be no other product to fill the gap, making sole reliance on perfume risky.


    Now, with the addition of this soap, the two productsplemented each other. Even if one faltered, they wouldn''t bepletely out of options. In the spring, when the flowers were withering, soap was indeed a rising star, shining alongside perfume.


    After having a thorough discussion about soap-making with Fubo, Lin Wanrong felt reassured. Although Fubo had witnessed the birth of the soap, his knowledge of the recipe and process was limited, mitigating any concerns about confidentiality. The production of soap was much simpler than perfume, and a few words from Lin Wanrong was all Fubo needed to understand the process.


    Early the next morning, Fubo went off to carry out Lin Wanrong''s instructions. Recalling the Eldest Miss'' ns to promote the perfume and soap at the Jinling Poetry Society today, Lin Wanrong arrived at the mansion''s front door bright and early. It was the dead of winter, and the weather was bitterly cold. He had dressed heavily to avoid freezing in the chilling wind.


    Before long, the Eldest Miss emerged from the inner rooms. Today, Xiao Yuruo was dressed in a long, purple skirt, a continuous smile dancing on her face, her eyes as beautiful as blooming flowers.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Eldest Miss, did something good happen today? You seem exceptionally cheerful."


    Xiao Yuruo approached him, snorting, "Cut the chatter. Let''s depart." As she neared, a faint fragrance wafted from her body, a blend of a woman''s natural scent and a hint of the soap.


    A surge of delight rose in Lin Wanrong''s heart. "Eldest Miss, did you use the soap yesterday? How was it?"


    Xiao Yuruo''s face flushed, she spoke softly, "Not bad. I''ve brought some today to promote it along with the perfume."


    As they left the mansion, Xiao Yuruo climbed into the carriage. Lin Wanrong, unashamedly prepared to follow suit, but the Eldest Miss huffed, "Lin San, I''ve prepared a fine horse for you. You can ride it and follow the carriage."


    Ride a horse? Lin Wanrong nced sideways to see a towering ck horse, panting and snorting next to them. The ck horseplemented Lin Wanrong''s robustplexion, fostering a harmonious union of man and beast.


    Lin Wanrong had ridden a horse before, but that was in a park with a handler nearby. Now, he was expected to manage the horse alone, and this massive ck beast didn''t seem easy to handle.


    "Haven''t you ridden a horse before?" Seeing his furrowed brow, the Eldest Miss couldn''t suppress her amusement at his rare disy of uncertainty.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "I''m afraid I might fall and end up being ridden by this ck horse."


    The Eldest Missughed, thinking to herself how unusually honest he was being. She knew that Lin San, with his scoundrel nature, would inevitably try to share her carriage on their journey to the academy. Even though he had already done so multiple times and she had be numb to it, it would be utterly damaging to her reputation if he were to join her in the carriage in full public view. So, she had devised this n, leaving him with no excuse. She had personally selected this ck horse, a creature befitting Lin Wanrong''s stature.


    The Eldest Miss summoned a horse-handling boy from the mansion to provide guidance for Lin Wanrong. Recognizing Lin Wanrong, the boy, Little Sheng, bowed respectfully, "Brother San, riding a horse is straightforward. Once you mount the horse, you need to mp your legs tightly around its back and hold the reins firmly for direction. That''s all there is to it."


    He led Lin Wanrong around for a fewps, imparting the essentials of horsemanship. Now a man of martial prowess, Lin Wanrong found it far easier to grasp horse riding than most. He wasn''t entirely resistant to the idea. After getting used to the motions, his courage swelled, and he even trotted the horse a few steps.


    The Eldest Miss watched, her brow furrowing. ''Such boldness for a beginner,'' she thought. Unsettled, she ordered the horse handler to mount another horse and keep an eye on Lin Wanrong.


    Seated atop the ck horse, Lin Wanrong patted its mane, smiling, "Mate, how did you manage to be even darker than me? Got any secrets? It took me a lot of running around and sunbathing to develop this healthyplexion."


    Hearing him from the carriage, the Eldest Miss chuckled at his absurd banter, sparing not even the horse. Sneaking a peek behind the curtain, she saw his handsome face and robust figure. Both the man and the horse looked striking, creating quite an impact. Her heart throbbed. ''He and this ck horse doplement each other. In this posture, he is rather pleasing to the eye,'' she thought.


    Lin Wanrong was quite pleased with his current ''ck Horse Prince'' image. Seeing the Eldest Miss peering at him from behind the curtain, he grinned, "Thank you, Eldest Miss. From now on, I''ll ride the horse while you ride in the carriage."


    The Eldest Miss nodded, cautioning, "Take it slow. It''s your first time riding. Don''t show off and fall." She then lowered the curtain. Puzzled, Lin Wanrong wondered when the Eldest Miss had started to show concern for him. He burst intoughter. Overjoyed, he swayed on the horse''s back, almost falling off.


    The horse handler quickly steadied him. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "This ck horse is quite spirited, matching my temperament. Little Sheng, let''s go for a ride." No sooner had he spoken than he pulled the reins, patted the horse''s hindquarters, and trotted off.


    Little Sheng was startled and hurriedly followed. Lin San was a cherished figure in the Xiao family. If he fell, Little Sheng would bear the me.


    At first, Lin Wanrong was a bit nervous, nearly losing control and falling a few times. However, his martial prowess had significantly enhanced his agility. After riding for a while, his skills improved remarkably. Luckily, the road out of the city was not crowded, allowing a smooth trotting journey.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong be increasingly adept, Little Sheng raced to catch up, giving Lin Wanrong a thumbs-up, "Brother San, you''re amazing."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. ''From today on, I can im another skill,'' he thought. In this era of scarce transportation, learning to ride was extremely beneficial, potentially proving to be of great utility in the future.


    Upon hearing the sound of hooves, Xiao Yuruo quickly pulled back the curtain only to see Lin San riding far away on the ck horse. She felt both irritated and worried. He was showing off before he even knew how to ride properly. If he fell, he had only himself to me. Anxious, she hurriedly ordered the coachman to speed up.


    Lin Wanrong had heard the Eldest Miss mention the Jinling Poetry Society, but he didn''t know where it was located. Judging by its name, it should be a permanent institution with a fixed venue.


    The carriage headed north and as it approached the city gate, a grand entrance came into view, framed by green bricks and red pirs. Above it, three bold vermilion characters announced - Jinling Poetry Society.


    The Eldest Miss dismounted the carriage and proceeded forward without uttering a word. Lin Wanrong hastily handed the reins to Little Sheng and followed her. Just as he was about to speak, he noticed her upset expression. ''Thisdy can change her mood so quickly,'' he thought. ''She was so cheerful when we left, and now she looks like ice.''


    He wanted to ask if the Jinling Poetry Society was part of the Jinling Book Society, but seeing her demeanor, he kept his questions to himself.


    After a few steps, he saw more and more schrs. Some held small books, reading aloud as they walked. Others gazed thoughtfully at thekeside, rapidly scribing on sheets of paper. Still, others were clustered in small groups discussing among themselves. To his surprise, many were women.


    This exceeded Lin Wanrong''s expectations. Wasn''t it said that a woman''s virtuey in herck of talent? Then why were so many youngdies studying poetry?


    Seeing his constant gawking, the Eldest Miss felt both annoyed and amused. However, as his eyes lingered on the women, she became irritated. "Stop ogling other people''s daughters," she huffed. "If someone sees you, they''ll think I instructed you to do so."


    Lin Wanrong protested his innocence. He was merely interested in the women''s passion for literature and had no personal interest in them. Seeing his aggrieved expression, the Eldest Miss snorted again, "What? Are you saying I''m using you unjustly?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head with a wry smile, "Eldest Miss, I''m just surprised to see so many women interested in poetry. I wasn''t ogling anyone. If I were to look at anyone, it''d be you, Eldest Miss. You''re a hundred times more beautiful than them."


    "tterer!" Xiao Yuruo blushed, her voice barely audible, "Don''t speak like that again."


    Seeing her lower her gaze, her blush entuating her snow-white neck, Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Good heavens, the Eldest Miss looked stunning when she was gentle and demure.


    Seeing him staring at her, Xiao Yuruo felt a mix of embarrassment and anger, yet also a strange sensation. She gritted her teeth, lifted her head, and huffed, "What are you staring at?"


    Seeing her icy demeanor return, Lin Wanrong could find no trace of her previously enchanting allure. He shook his head uncontrobly. It must have been an illusion, he reasoned. The Eldest Miss was always an iceberg, she never changed.


    Neither of them spoke until a woman''s voice filled with joy came from the front, "Isn''t that Sister Yuruo?"


    Lin Wanrong quickly looked up to see two men and a woman approaching. Leading was a young woman around seventeen or eighteen. A trace of a smile lingered on her beautiful face, hinting at a touch of untamed wildness. Anyone could tell she was not to be trifled with. The two men following her were opposites: one was tall and handsome, while the other was slightly chubby, with a face full of affluence.


    The young woman ran over, taking Xiao Yuruo''s hand and eximed, "Sister Yuruo, it really is you! I thought I was mistaken."


    Xiao Yuruo forced a smile, "Miss Wanying, you''re here too? Why aren''t you on duty at the Yamen today?"


    Miss Wanying seemed thrilled to see the Eldest Miss. "There''s not much to do at the Yamen," she exined, "so I came to this ce." As she spoke, she nced at the handsome man standing in front, a faint blush creeping onto her face.


    After one nce, Lin Wanrong understood. This girl seemed to fancy the dashing gentleman and had probably skipped work to be here. But what did the Eldest Miss mean about her being on duty at the Yamen?


    "Sister Yuruo, let me introduce you," Miss Wanying pointed to the slightly chubby man and said, "This is Yu Wenpo, the top schr in Yangzhou."


    Yu Wenpo bowed in respect, "So, it''s Miss Xiao. I''m Yu Wenpo from Yangzhou. Pleased to make your acquaintance."


    The Eldest Miss returned the bow, and then Miss Wanying pointed to the man in front, "This is Mr. Hou Yuebai."


    "Jinling''s Hou Yuebai, at your service, Miss Xiao," the handsome man greeted with a smile.


    So this was Jinling''s top schr, Hou Yuebai? The one who was pursuing Luo Ning? Not bad-looking, Lin Wanrong evaluated, but a bit too pale, almost effeminate.


    "So, it''s Jinling''s top schr, Mr. Hou. My apologies for not recognizing you sooner," the Eldest Miss replied.


    Miss Wanying took hold of the Eldest Miss''s hand and said, "Sister Yuruo, when I heard that you were kidnapped by the White Lotus Sect, I was terribly worried. My brother wouldn''t let me leave the city for fear of danger. He worried for nothing; I wouldn''t be scared of those thieves. I searched for days without a single lead. I was relieved when Commander Cheng sent soldiers and you returned safely. Rest assured, I''ll find the White Lotus Sect and avenge you." Miss Wanying dered solemnly.


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong was dumbfounded. This Miss Wanying, she was a city constable? Who could have guessed? He wasn''t sure whether she was a poet moonlighting as a constable or a constable moonlighting as a poet.


    The Eldest Missughed, "Miss Wanying, it''s been a while. Your hatred for evil remains unchanged, I see."


    A blush appeared on Miss Wanying''s face as she sneaked a nce at Hou Yuebai. "Sister Yuruo," she asked, "What brings you here today?"


    Xiao Yuruo simply stated her purpose for being there, to which Miss Wanying chuckled, "I''ve heard of that perfume. I was nning to ask you for some. However, the rules of our poetry society are to recite first, giftter. You must know that."


    Xiao Yuruo smiled lightly, "Of course, I know. Please, Miss Wanying, propose the topic."


    Miss Wanying nced at Hou Yuebai, saying, "Mr. Hou, why don''t you start?"


    Hou Yuebai nodded, paused for a moment in thought, and then recited, "The general stands east of the city"


    Yangzhou''s top schr, Yu Wenpo, thought for a moment and continued, "The warrior prepares to draw his bow"


    Miss Wanying added, "The g unfurls in the wind"


    "Big cannons boom boom boom"


    Before the Eldest Miss could respond, a murmur came from the side. She turned to see it was their servant, Lin San.


    It turned out that Lin Wanrong was standing nearby, listening to their sequential poetry. He found it amusing, wondering if this was considered poetry. He could join in and probably shock them, he mused. Lost in thought, he unexpectedly mumbled it out loud.


    Although his voice was soft, those nearby heard him clearly. Miss Wanying giggled, "Sister Yuruo, is this your servant? He''s quite interesting."


    Jinling''s top schr, Hou Yuebai, shot Lin Wanrong a contemptuous nce. Seeing Lin Wanrong thickly dressed as a servant, he opened his mouth to say, "The crab wears full armor."


    Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong was livid. This guy is insulting me, he thought. A swift thought came to his mind, and he chuckled, replying, "The spider is full of wisdom."


    When these words were spoken, everyone in front was taken aback. Hou Yuebai had insulted this servant, but he had retorted back smartly.


    The Eldest Miss covered her mouth, looking at Lin San with a softugh. This man, she thought, Is indeed somewhat talented in an unconventional way.


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 Chapter 126

    Chapter 126


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    Chapter 126 Disy of Strength at the Society (Part 1)


    Miss Wanying harbored some affection towards Hou Yuebai. Seeing him embarrassed, especially ridiculed by a mere servant, she couldn''t hold her peace. She quickly interjected, "The question posed by Master Hou was filled with elegance, yet your response was utterly crude."


    A crab was posed, I replied with a spider;dy they are in their unsightliness, so why does this supposed top schr proim my response to be crude? Rumor had it that this Wanying was some sort of constable. Lin Wanrong held her in low regard. With her pretentious airs, she was likely relying on a bit of authority, ying the part of a fox assuming the grandeur of a tiger.


    "Big brother, that can''t be allowed." A woman''s voice echoed from behind. Lin Wanrong recognized it and turned around to see Luo Ning, the top female schr of Jinling, slowly approaching. Only then did he remember that he was in her territory. With those fools trying to build their poem chain and ridicule his response, he suspected she had been hiding nearby, chuckling to herself.


    Luo Ning cast a smile at Lin Wanrong. "Brother Lin," she said, "your reference is to a spider, does it not also mock us? I might take it lightly, but wasn''t Miss Xiao also a famed female schr in her day? You wouldn''t want to drag her into this, would you?" Having said this, a yful smile graced her face, apparently curious about how both Miss Xiao and Lin Wanrong would respond.


    "Nice to see you, Miss Luo," Xiao Yuruo greeted her respectfully. It seemed these two women had met before, though they weren''t particrly familiar.


    Luo Ningughed, "Where''s the need for such formalities, Sister Xiao? Having such a capable man under yourmand, I must admit, I''m impressed."


    Hearing Luo Ning''s words, and noting her addressing Lin Wanrong as "Brother Lin", suggesting she was familiar with this Lin San, Miss Xiao cast a curious look at him. This Lin San seemed to have a wide circle of acquaintances, including the son and daughter of the Governor. She couldn''t help but wonder how many secrets he was still hiding.


    Hou Yuebai, Jinling''s top male schr and a devoted admirer of Luo Ning, noticed Miss Luo''s familiarity with this Lin San. Having been ridiculed by Lin Wanrong earlier, he was afraid he had made a bad impression on Miss Luo. Hastily, he interjected, "Miss Luo, this servantcks knowledge and manners, skilled only in the art of speech, learnt from God knows where. Please don''t take his words to heart."


    Damn it, Lin Wanrong had never been too keen on these so-called schrs, male or female. Even the stunningly beautiful Luo Ning couldn''t stir his interest. How could he fear this damned top schr?


    Nevertheless, Luo Ning''s earlier remark hit the nail on the head. His analogy of the spider was meant for women; by saying it, he had unintentionally offended all the women present, including Miss Xiao. This Luo Ning was indeed clever. With one swiftment, she had him cornered.


    With his own thoughts brewing, Lin Wanrong nced at Miss Xiao, ying to her standing. "In that case," he said, "let me reply with ''Phoenix filled with eloquence'', as an exnation for all the beautiful youngdies present."


    The couplet proposed by Hou Yuebai had in itself an insulting innuendo. The first response Lin Wanrong provided was a matching insult. While it was brilliant, it couldn''t be deemed elegant. But this new response, "Phoenix filled with eloquence," was both neat and filled with imagery, lifting the entire couplet to a higher level.


    This response left no one in the gathering able to dismiss this servant any longer, even Miss Wanying, who had been steadfastly defending Hou Yuebai, found herself nodding in agreement. This servant, it seemed, did indeed possess some talent.


    Needless to say, Hou Yuebai felt as if he had swallowed two flies. His original intention was to show off his schrly prowess. However, no sooner had he voiced his verse than Lin Wanrong had returned two, receiving a rebuke and losing face before Miss Luo Ning in the process. He had provided the ammunition for his own humiliation, and the bitterness was indescribable, stuck in his throat with no way to vent his frustration.


    Lin Wanrong, ever the showstopper, took great delight in his quick-wittedness. The two couplets he had spun, one crude, one elegant, had showcased his versatility, and he was feeling rather pleased with himself.


    Luo Ning looked at Lin Wanrong, reflecting on how she had underestimated him in the past. She had regarded him merely as a crafty merchant, believing his couplet to be something he had learned from elsewhere, but now, it appeared he had genuine skill. The pair of couplets he had crafted in a moments notice heldpletely different implications, revealing a quick wit not to be taken lightly.


    Miss Xiao nced at him with surprise and delight, saying with a smile, "Lin San, you''re in thepany of Jinling''s renowned schrs and poets, try not to embarrass yourself further."


    Despite her words, the smile on her face was one she couldn''t hide. She had been a merchant for many years, and while she had met these privileged youngdies from official families a few times, she never quite managed to integrate herself into their circle. At the end of the day, it was due to the lower status of being a merchant. Today, Lin San''s entrance had given them a taste of their own medicine, bringing honor to the Xiao family. How could she not be delighted?


    For Lin Wanrong, the couplet challenge was nonsense. What truly brought him satisfaction was his previous response in the poem chain, "Cannons boom boom boom." How potent it was! It was a shame these schrs and poets couldn''t appreciate his tail-end response thatcked any sense of parallel structure.


    Luo Ning nodded at Lin Wanrong, gave a subtle smile, and then turned to Miss Xiao. "Sister Xiao, you used to be a frequent visitor to our society. However, ever since you took over the Xiao family business, your visits have be scarce. Today, on behalf of the sisters, I must impose a penalty upon you and have you recite a poem as a small punishment. And just to remind you, many of the sisters here are waiting for you. They''re all curious about the mysterious perfume and its miraculous properties."


    This Luo Ning was both threatening and enticing, showing quite a knack. She truly deserved the title of Jinling''s top female schr.


    Miss Xiao, too, was a schr at heart. However, her years in business had pushed this part of her life aside. Now, hearing Luo Ning''s invitation, she responded with a gentleugh, "If Miss Luo invites me, how could I refuse?"


    She pondered for a moment, then began to recite softly, "In the tedious night Iyte, with willow green, winds calm, and birds on branches rest. Hard it is to share my heart''s affairs, I tell them to the clear sky and the bright moon instead."


    Darn, she''s talented! Lin Wanrong looked at the Eldest Miss with a face full of admiration. He hadn''t expected her to be capable of reciting poetry. She was indeed hiding her abilities well. However, there was a faint sense of mncholy in her poem,menting the difficulty in finding someone who understood her. This Eldest Miss truly had a lot on her mind.


    Seeing him staring at her intently, Xiao Yuruo blushed, gave him a re, but then lowered her head.


    When Luo Ning had joined this literary society, Miss Xiao had already taken over her family''s business, so the two didn''t have much interaction. Today, hearing Miss Xiao recite poetry and recognizing her talent, Luo Ning couldn''t help but feel a touch of admiration. She reached out and took Miss Xiao''s hand, saying, "I''m not as bright, but I''d love to be your confidante and share your thoughts."


    Seeing Luo Ning''s straightforward approach, Miss Xiao, despite being a powerful woman in the business world, was still a young woman after all and didn''t have many friends. She felt a sudden fondness for Luo Ning and took her hand, saying, "You tter me, Miss Luo. Being able to have heart-to-heart talks with you is what I''ve been wishing for."


    "Me too, me too." A woman named Wanying, a constable masquerading as a poet, hurried forward, taking the two women''s hands and saying, "Sisters, I admire you both so much. I hope you''ll look after me in the future."


    Xiao Yuruo smiled and nodded, then waved at Lin Wanrong. He quickly brought over a small parcel he had with him.


    Miss Xiao took out two small bottles from it. She handed one to Wanying and said, "Miss Wanying, this is rose perfume produced by my family''s business. It suits your cheerful and lively personality."


    Wanying took it, sniffed it, and a blissful expression came over her face. She happily eximed, "Sister Yuruo, is this the perfume? Oh my, I''ve heard about it before, but due to the limited quantity, I haven''t been able to buy any."


    Xiao Yuruo took out another small bottle and handed it to Luo Ning, "Miss Luo, this is our newly produced orchid perfume. It suits your mild and tranquil character. Try it and see."


    Upon uncapping the bottle, a light scent of orchid drifted out. It was subtle and not cloying. Luo Ning smiled and nodded, "Thank you, sister." As she spoke, she nced at Lin Wanrong, as if she knew something.


    The fact that Lin Wanrong was the creator of the perfume was a closely guarded secret, mainly to avoid unnecessary trouble. For example, he had been kidnapped by the White Lotus Cult because of it. But it seemed Luo Ning knew that he was the maker of the perfume, which was why she gave him that special look.


    After a moment''s thought, Lin Wanrong understood. It must have been Qiaoqiao who told her. When the rose perfume was first produced, he had given a bottle to Qiaoqiao, who was good friends with Luo Ning, so she must have seen the perfume.


    Watching Miss Xiao using these two bottles of perfume to win over Luo Ning and Wanying, Lin Wanrong felt a pinch in his heart. Those two bottles were worth two hundred taels of silver! Qiaoqiao had worked so hard in the restaurant all day, only to make a small profit. However, he understood Miss Xiao''s intentions. This was a public rtions expense, and it was necessary.


    Jinling''s number one schr, Hou Yuebai, noticed several women chattering off to the side, while a servant named Lin San seemed to be enjoying himself as if he had no care in the world. Having long pursued Luo Ning, and having just lost some face, he feared that she might overlook him. He quickly suggested, "Miss Luo, shall we go to the Poetry Society?"


    Miss Wanying eagerly agreed, "Exactly, exactly, Sister Yuruo, there are many sisters upstairs waiting for us."


    The women ascended the steps arm in arm. The two schrs followed behind, while Lin San, carrying a parcel, trailed behind the group. Unable to join in the girls'' conversation and finding it fruitless to converse with the schrs, he simply followed at his own pace,fortably alone.


    Upon reaching the top of the stairs, they spotted a garden in the distance with an elegant pavilion nearby. As they entered, Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Inside the pavilion were dozens of women, all apparently from wealthy backgrounds, likely daughters of officials. For a moment, the ce was alive with the sound of chirping voices andughter.


    These women were all poetry enthusiasts. They all recognized the two schrs and continuously greeted them. Among them, there were some bold ones who discreetly sent flirtatious nces toward the two schrs, making Lin Wanrong''s skin crawl.


    Luo Ning slightly nodded, and said to the women with a smile, "Ladies, today''s gathering mainly revolves around two topics. First, we have invited Master Hou Yuebai to share with us his experiences from his travels."


    Hou Yuebai gave a slight smile, stepped forward, and graciously bowed to the crowd, "Thank you for your kind invitation, Miss Luo. As a humble schr, I was taught from an early age the wisdom of traveling a thousand miles and reading ten thousand books. Therefore, I am fond of traveling. I have journeyed across several provinces of our great nation, west to Huangshan, north to Taishan, south to Wuyi, and east to Chongming Ind. Throughout these travels, I have taken in the picturesque scenery of our country, and indeed, it is so enchanting..."


    True to his reputation as Jinling''s top schr, Hou Yuebai gave a detailed ount of his journeys. He recounted his travels, his mountain climbs, and even recited some of the poems he hadposed atop those peaks. The women in the hall were enthralled, particrly Wanying, whose eyes shimmered as she listened, lost in his narrative. Even Miss Xiao and Luo Ning nodded frequently, a glint of longing in their eyes.


    In this era when travel was inconvenient, these well-bred youngdies rarely ventured beyond their own gates. Therefore, it was natural for them to be fascinated by such stories.


    However, Lin Wanrong found it all quite amusing. This Hou Yuebai imed to have traveled across many provinces, but had merely wandered around a few provinces near Jiangsu. Huangshan is in Anhui, Taishan in Shandong, Wuyi Mountain in Fujian; all just a few provinces away from Jiangsu, never exceeding a thousand miles. Dare he im to have travelled across the whole country? That was augh. To call him a travel enthusiast would have been more urate.


    Hou Yuebai spoke at length, eloquently describing thendscapes of renowned mountains and rivers he had visited. The women listened with rapt attention, but Lin Wanrong had nearly drifted off to sleep.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s disdain, Luo Ning''s eyes flickered with mischief. Once Hou Yuebai had finished his presentation to enthusiastic apuse, she rose to her feet with a smile. "Today, aside from Master Hou, we also have a distinguished guest, Miss Xiao Yuruo, who is already well-known among the sisters in our academy. Before Miss Xiao introduces us to her perfumes, could we also ask her to share her experiences from her extensive travels? To my knowledge, Miss Xiao has also visited many ces."


    Xiao Yuruo hade today to promote her products,pletely unprepared to discuss any travelogues. Although she had indeed visited many ces, they were all for business purposes, leaving no room for sightseeing, let alone time to appreciate any scenery. Luo Ning had deliberately put her in a difficult position.


    "Lin San, what should we do?" Miss Xiao gritted her teeth. Right now, it was only the two of them who were on the same side, and the feeling of facing adversity together once again surged in her heart.


    Lin Wanrong nced up at Luo Ning, seeing the sly smile on her face, he knew this youngdy intended to put him in a tight spot.


    Fine, a speech it is, he thought. Your Brother Lin here has been earning his keep with his tongue since day one, never fearing anyone when it came to verbal sparring. Slowly rising, he gave Miss Xiao a reassuring smile before stepping forward.


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 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127


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    Chapter 127 Disy of Strength at the Society (Part 2)


    Everyone present were daughters from prestigious families. When they saw a decent-looking servant stepping up to the podium, they all found it somewhat peculiar.


    Lin Wanrong was a character who, in his managerial days, presided over dozens of subordinates, chatting incessantly daily as if it were a routine affair. How could he fear such a minor scene?


    Stepping onto the stage, his gaze swept across the crowd, and he smiled faintly, saying, "Ladies, hello. I am Lin San, a humble servant of the Xiao family. Everyone calls me Brother Lin."


    Curiosity etched on their faces, the crowd watched him intently. Luo Ning saw his natural demeanor and cheerful smile, thinking to herself, was this man born without a hint of fear? As the Eldest Miss saw him take the stage, facing the many gazes with not a trace of trepidation, she felt a sense of relief mixed with bewilderment.


    Lin Wanrong smiled at Xiao Yuruo and said, "Our Eldest Miss has visited many ces, numerous times around Jiangsu and its surrounding provinces. But she has not had the opportunity to share her travel experiences with you all. Why is this? Because she is the head of the Xiao family. She has to work tirelessly for the livelihood of the family. The scenic mountains and rivers are indeed magnificent, but she simply doesn''t have the time to appreciate them, as her responsibilities are too heavy, and most of her time is spent on the road."


    Lin Wanrong''s voice was deep and resonant. The young miss bit her lip, holding back the hot tears threatening to spill. The audience fell silent. Most of the attendees were women. With just a few sentences, Lin Wanrong had elicited their profound sympathy. Considering that Miss Xiao, like themselves, was a delicate woman yet bearing such a tremendous burden, how could they not admire her? Even the reputed number one schr of Jinling, despite his eloquent tales of travels and fun, was nothing more than living off his parents money. Comparatively, the difference in stature was evident.


    Luo Ning also snickered discreetly. The cunning merchant indeed had impressive skills; these few words had subtly lowered the reputation of Young Master Hou without directly maligning him.


    "Missing out on the beauty of the magnificent mountains and rivers is indeed a regret for the Eldest Miss. But it is a blessing for the hundreds of people in the Xiao family. It is due to her hard work that the Xiao family is well managed, that everyone is dressed in beautiful silk, and everyone uses this unique and ancient perfume. She missed a scenic view but propped up a sky. The young miss''s regrets cannot be called regrets. She is a typical representative of our Chinese women who are hardworking, tenacious, and indomitable. Who says women are inferior to men? I think women can hold up half the sky."


    A torrent of apuse erupted. Lin Wanrong''s ttery, though a bit tant, struck a chord with every woman present. In this era, women''s status was incredibly low. Even though these youngdies seemed morous, no one could make decisions about their own lives. Who would dare say that "women can hold up half the sky"? But this man had done it. Despite his lower status, he was a man after all. Thedies in the audience were immediately filled with gratitude.


    After Lin Wanrong finished speaking, he was bathed in cold sweat, goosebumps prickling all over his body. He had ttered people countless times before, but this instance was unbearable even for him. Damn, he was erecting a monument and writing an epic for the Eldest Miss, even though he was typically a staunch advocate of patriarchy. Now he had toe here to champion feminism, the cost to his dignity was high indeed.


    Luckily, his skin was thick beyond measure, rivaled by none. He had managed to gather the ardent gazes of all the youngdies onto himself. With a faint smile, he waved to the crowd.


    The Eldest Miss stared at the arrogant man, her face flushed red with restrained emotion. She thought, This man hasvished me with endless praises, proiming that ''women can hold up half the sky,'' uttering falsehoods with a straight face, not even blinking. She didn''t know if she could trust him anymore.


    Hou Yuebai and Yu Wenpo, the two schrs, wore ghostly pale expressions, looking extremely displeased. This servant showed no respect for propriety, promoting feminism and contradicting ancestral norms. It was an outrage.


    Seeing the fervor among the crowd, Lin Wanrong was extremely pleased. Damn, the girls of this era were much easier to deceive than in his time, by at least a hundred or a thousand times.


    "As for traveling and sightseeing, it''s actually the favorite pastime of idlers, such as myself," Lin Wanrong changed his tone, subtly taunting Hou Yuebai. Dammit, if it weren''t for his father being a county magistrate, what could he sightsee? Writing bird poems all day, he was nothing more than a pretty face.


    Hearing his self-deprecation, everyone in the room gave a good-natured smile.


    "When I was young, my father took me to many ces. He once said something that I remember vividly to this day. He said, ''Humans are the most ignorant, for they never know their own ignorance.'' I didn''t understand it back then. By the time I realized its meaning, I could no longer see him." Lin Wanrong feigned wiping a few tears from his eyes.


    A smile hovered at the corners of Luo Ning''s mouth. This Brother Lin was born to be a smooth talker. His words were both humorous and profound. Even if they were false, others could understand, far more brilliant than Hou Yuebai''s blunt truths.


    The youngdies in the room had never seen such a bold and witty servant. Not only was he not timid in front of so many people, but he also spoke humorously and eloquently, uttering such profound words. He far exceeded their expectations. Even Miss Wanying, who always defended Hou Yuebai, had to admit that this servant''s words were quite charming and captivating.


    "Actually, Great Hua is vast, and so is the world. There are many things we have never seen or even thought about that exist in this world. Let''s talk about Great Hua. Everyone knows about Huangshan, Taishan, and Wuyi, but have youdies ever wondered, what lies beyond these great mountains?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, then continued, "In the far west of Great Hua, there is a towering peak called Mount Everest. Its cliffs rise thousands of feet, perennially covered with snow, reaching three chi and three fen into the clouds. It is the highest peak in the world, revered by all. To the north of Great Hua, there is the Tianshan Mountain range and a snowy sea, which hosts a heavenlyke known as the legendary Yaochi [Jade Lake], a year-round snowyndscape rich in snow lotuses. ''The bright moon rises over Tianshan, amidst the vast sea of clouds. The long wind blows ten thousand li, through the jade gate pass,'' that describes the beauty of Tianshan. To the south of Great Hua, it extends thousands of li, reaching the southern sea,monly known as Hainan. On Hainan Ind, there are ces like Tianya Haijiao [The end of the sky and the corner of the sea], Five Finger Mountain, Wanquan River, which connects to the vast ocean. On the coast of Great Hua''s eastern sea, spanning ten thousand li with abundant resources, it directly faces small nations like Goryeo, Ryukyu, and Dongying. It is the throat of our Great Hua''s maritime route."


    Having said all that in one breath, Lin Wanrong felt extremely satisfied inside. If he didn''t give these young misses a strong dose of reality, they would continue their narrow view of the world for who knows how long.


    What he said were things unheard and unseen by everyone present. Mount Everest, bright moon over Tianshan, the edge of the sea, Ryukyu, Dongying, all these names struck them with awe, and silence fell upon the hall.


    Even Hou Yuebai wore an ufortable expression. He had thought his knowledge was broad enough. Yet, in front of this servant, he felt utterly insignificant. Goryeo, Ryukyu, Dongying - he had heard of these ces, but he hadn''t expected this servant to possess such knowledge.


    "Lin San, have you been to all these ces?" a curious voice asked. Lin Wanrong looked over and saw that it was Miss Wanying, who had a fondness for Hou Yuebai. A hint of surprise shed in her eyes, as though she yearned for these ces.


    "I''ve been to Tianshan, Hainan Ind, and the Eastern Sea. As for Mount Everest, I wish I could go there, but unfortunately, Ick the capability," Lin Wanrong joked. These were ces he had visited in his previous life, so the memories were fresh.


    "But life is short. If we wanted to visit all these ces, I''m afraid two lifetimes wouldn''t be enough," Miss Wanying murmured.


    "The length of life isn''t the issue. The important thing is to believe in one thingwe''re always on the road!" Lin Wanrong eximed.


    The Eldest Miss was both moved and puzzled. How did this bad man know so much? Had he really been to all those ces?


    Lin Wanrong noticed the puzzled and bewildered looks from the crowd, even from someone as wise as Luo Ning, and he couldn''t help but let out a long sigh. He slowly said, "Everyone''s focus is on Great Hua, but has anyone ever thought that the world is so vast, could there be only one Great Hua in existence?"


    "The answer is no." Knowing that further questioning wouldn''t yield anything useful, he decisively stated, "Our Great Hua is just nestled in a tiny corner of this world, in a ce called Asia. It is connected to other continents through oceans andnds. Europe, America, and Africaeach ce has its civilization and nations. The European continent is filled with strong characters, boasting figures like Napoleon, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Roman Emperors, and events like the Renaissance and Industrial Revolution. They have white skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes. The African continent is mysterious, featuring the endless Sahara Desert, ancient cannibal tribes, and people with dark skin and shining eyes. The American continent is wild and exotic, with the enigmatic Amazon rainforest, countless indigenous tribes, bloody massacres, and people with brown skin that inspire endless longing. The Chinese civilization, Babylonian civilization, Mayan civilizationcountless civilizations andnguages have emerged in our world. We have, however, been limited by our narrow perspective, never venturing out and losing the courage to explore. This is why we''ve isted ourselves, leading to problems that havested for thousands of years."


    Silence.


    Absolute silence.


    Lin Wanrong''s words were like a heavy bomb, leaving everyone present dizzy and confused. It was a hundred times moreplex than any geography of Great Hua they knew. Blonde hair, blue eyes, ck skin, brown skincould such people truly exist? It was difficult to believe. Everyone in the room felt their brains were inadequate.


    "Brother Lin, is everything you said true?" After a long silence, Luo Ning was the first to recover and asked softly. She was deeply shocked by Lin Wanrong''s words. She had heard of people with blonde hair and blue eyes but never met them. And ck-skinned Africans, were they really that ck? It was hard to believe.


    "The folly of mankind lies in not realizing its own ignorance," Lin Wanrong sighed, using this phrase to answer Luo Ning''s question and conclude his earth-shattering speech.


    He felt he had lost control, even a bit sorrowful. He had spoken so much, carried away by his feelings. He didn''t know whether this different world had Napoleon, Rome, or Babylon, but the fundamentals never changea strong Europe must exist. He had so much more to say, but seeing the bewildered eyes below, he wisely stopped. Speaking about world geography to others was like exining poetry to himlike ying a lute to a cow.


    To be honest, looking at these talented men and women hiding in their corners, spending their days crafting romantic poems and songs, he felt a deep sense of sorrow and helplessness. If he were born in their time, would he be one of them?


    A sense of loneliness that he had never felt before lingered in his heart. Amid the currents of history, he felt for the first time how insignificant he was.


    He sighed. Forget it, he wasn''t here to save the world, so why should he care so much? If he could just earn and spend money, find Qingxuan, and marry a dozen or so wives, then he would not have lived in vain in this lifetime. Save the world, save Great Hua? Damn, if your underwear was on the outside, would you think you''re a superhero?


    "Brother Lin, the people you mentioned with blonde hair and blue eyesI''ve heard of them. Are they Europeans? And where is Europe?" Luo Ning continued to ask, her question echoing those of the others present.


    He had once discussed this topic with Qingxuan because she had Mr. York as a teacher, so she had understood immediately. However, Luo Ning wasn''t as fortunate as Qingxuan. Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Most of them are Europeans. Europe is far away from us, and with our current level of sailing technology, I''m afraid we can''t reach Europe. But countries in Europe such as Britain, France, Spain, and Portugal have advanced industries, superior shipbuilding skills, and excellent smelting and forging techniques. If we are not vignt, Great Hua will suffer in this regard."


    Upon hearing this, Hou Yuebai scoffed and said, "These are just bizarre skills and tricks, nothing more. How can theypare to our magnificent empire, endowed with natural treasures and inhabited by talented schrs from generation to generation?"


    Exasperated by this pompous schr who clearly didn''t understand the gravity of the situation, Lin Wanrong grew furious and retorted, "What do you mean by ''bizarre skills and tricks''? Young Master Hou, are you overlooking the countless ancestors of our Great Hua? Relying on your modest talent, a mere glowworm''s light, how can youpete with the shining moon? To say that there is a vast difference between you two would be apliment to you."


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s words, everyone present was astonished, and the women in the audience looked at this remarkable servant with incredulous eyes. He had such a low opinion of the number one schr? Now, this was going to be interesting.


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 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128


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    Chapter 128 Disy of Strength at the Society (Part 3)


    As expected, Hou Yuebai''s face was pale with fury. "You dare to belittle me?" he thundered.


    Lin Wanrong replied coolly, "You scorn the countless skilled craftsmen of our nation and dismiss their monumental contributions. Why shouldn''t I scorn you in return?"


    Hou Yuebai retorted, "The pirs of our dynasty have always been schrs of deep learning, masters of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, as well as strategy for governing the country. When have we ever seen a mere mechanic ascending to the court as a minister? How can such practical skills possibly govern a nation? Speaking with a vulgar person like you is indeed a disgrace to my refinement."


    Damn, does being an official make you so high and mighty? What I hate most is your pretentiousness, thinking you''re superior to everyone else, Lin Wanrong sneered. "The practical skills you''re dismissing are the umted wisdom of our ancestors over thousands of years. They are precious assets of natural science and the driving force of societal progress. The rice you eat, the clothes you wear, the bench you sit on, the writing materials you use, which one wasn''t made by these skills? Even your whole being, besides your flesh, what isn''t crafted by these skills?"


    Damn, even your body was created by this "practical skill," wasn''t it?


    "As for these so-called schrs you im to govern the country, it''s even moreughable. Without the hard work of the countless craftsmen and ordinary people, how can there be a nation to govern? These craftsmen, with theirbor and wisdom, improve production and living tools, create tax revenues, and forge the foundation of our society. But the so-called governing schrs? They can be reced at any time. However, those ancestors possessing skills are irreceable. This is the difference between roots and leaves. I''m sure you are more familiar than I am with the old saying about the sparrows in the eaves of the halls of the ancient kings, entering the homes of ordinary people."


    Hou Yuebai''s face became even grimmer. He wanted to retort, but didn''t know how to begin.


    "If one wants to govern the country, one must recognize its foundation. Our ancient sages have taught us, ''the people are the most precious, the state is secondary, the ruler is the least.'' If you believe only officials are the pirs of the state, then you are sorely mistaken. Young Master Hou, you need to read more of these books of sages and schrs."


    Lin Wanrong''sst statement was bold to the point of arrogance. A mere servant daring to advise the city''s top schr to read more? If it got out, it would make peopleugh out loud. Yet at this moment, the hall was quiet, no one dared tough. This servant''s words were striking and thought-provoking, leaving these self-proimed talented women deep in thought.


    Hou Yuebai was momentarily stunned, then he remembered who he was - the top schr of Jinling. Master of poetry and painting, why was he arguing with a lowly servant? He was disgracing himself, and making Miss Luo look down upon him. He snorted, "I won''t argue with a crude person like you today. At next month''s Jinling Poetry Competition, I''ll show you what true talent is."


    He hadn''t been bothered by the mention of the poetrypetition until now, but the moment it was brought up, Lin Wanrong was irked. Who the hell do you think you are? The funds for thatpetitione from my pockets. At that time, your food, drink, and entertainment will be at my expense. If I were to get angry, you''d be off to the bottom of the Qinhuai River,peting in poetry with the turtles.


    Lin Wanrong spat in disdain. Why was he even bothering to argue with this idiot? He was wasting his breath.


    From the debate, it was clear to anyone that Young Master Hou was thoroughly defeated. Had his opponent been a schr from any other province, it might have been tolerable. But his opponent was a mere servant from the Xiao family. This was a significant loss of face for Hou Yuebai.


    Seeing Hou Yuebai''s difiture, Miss Wanying wanted to defend him. However, this Lin San had made valid points, each word a dagger''s point, impossible to refute. She contemted for a moment, unsure of what to say. Hou Yuebai was indeed foolish to dismiss everyone else''s intellect in one stroke.


    Lin Wanrong felt a profound sense of exhaustion as he looked at these talented men and women. He was, after all, from a different world. He helplessly slumped in his chair, unable to utter a word. The Eldest Miss was sitting next to him, noticing his unusually solemn demeanor. His usual yful grin was gone. She found him then to be deste and difficult to approach. Comparatively, she preferred the Lin San who would always take advantage of her.


    She had seen how Lin San had brilliantly drawn on a wealth of references, rendering the city''s top schr speechless. It was as though he was apletely different person. She wondered how many more hidden talents Lin San had yet to reveal.


    "Lin San, are you okay?" she asked gently, her heart fluttering. Somehow, Lin San seemed less familiar, making her feel a hint of fear. She wished she could see the less serious Lin San again.


    "I''m fine." Lin Wanrong sighed, thinking, Why bother arguing with that good-for-nothing schr? Besides knowing a few moreplex characters, what use was he?


    "As for the soap business, I''ll take forty percent of the profits. What do you think?" Seeing his deste expression, the youngdy couldn''t resist teasing him, barely suppressing herughter.


    "Alright--"


    Before he could finish the word, Lin Wanrong realized what she was up to. Ah, the Eldest Miss was trying to take advantage of him when he was off guard. He quickly changed his answer, "No, you can only take thirty percent."


    The Eldest Miss smiled, covering her lips with her hand. She nced at him, as if to say, I knew you''d respond like that.


    Seeing her expression, Lin Wanrong realized that she was deliberately stirring him up to distract him from his destion. He hadn''t expected the Eldest Miss to have such a considerate side. His impression of her significantly improved. He thanked her sincerely, "Eldest Miss, thank you. I''m alright."


    The Eldest Miss turned her head and said, "Why are you thanking me? I''m taking advantage of you."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I won''t budge on the money, but you can take advantage of me in other ways."


    The youngdy''s face flushed a deep crimson. "You''re an incorrigible rogue," she scoffed. "Fine, thirty percent it is, hmph! It seems my family is in your debt."


    Lin Wanrong slumped in surprise. This wily vixen, he mused, somehow twisted it so she seemed the aggrieved one even while benefiting herself. Truthfully, their business arrangement was mutually beneficial. He had the technical expertise, while she had the distribution channels. Their union ignited like dry wood catching fire.


    A bit dazed, Lin Wanrong noticed a youngdy from some unknown family, face flushed and head down, rushing towards him. She lifted her gaze for a brief moment before dropping it once again, stuttering, "Lin...Lin San, Brother San. You..." She mumbled on, failing to articte aplete sentence.


    Lin Wanrong felt a surge of confusion. Could it be that she wanted his autograph? Astonishing! How courageous she was to defy the shackles of feudal family traditions. The pitfalls of being too charming, he sighed.


    "Brother San, where is that heavenlyke? Is it truly the Jade Lake? Can I seek it out?" After stammering for a while, she finally mustered the courage to ask her question in a breath.


    "Brother Lin San, is there truly a ce called the end of the sky and the corner of the sea on Hainan Ind?" Anotherdy, emboldened by her predecessor''s example, approached with her question.


    "Brother Lin San, is there really a Peni fairnd on the coast of the Eastern Sea..."


    "Brother Lin San..."


    Suddenly, these youngdies, usually confined to their homes, swarmed around the fascinating servant with utmost interest. Using their collective courage as armor, no oneughed at another, and they encircled Lin San.


    When women go wild, there was no way to predict their actions. Even these reticentdies, in their hearts, held extraordinary fervor. Brother San having spoke of mountains and sea, fairnds and far-off inds, felt as though he were besieged by thousands of buzzing flies, causing his head to spin.


    Unable to watch any longer, the Eldest Miss stood and addressed the crowd, "Ladies, if you are all interested, I shall ask our Lin San to write travel journals tomorrow. That should satisfy everyone''s curiosity."


    After sharing a nce with Brother San, thedies blushed and dispersed. Lin Wanrong bowed towards Xiao Yuruo, "Eldest Miss, you truly are my savior, a real Guanyin Bodhisattva."


    Her cheeks flushed at his words, she thought, Serves you right for showing off and attracting these fluttering butterflies. Now you know what it''s like to be afraid.


    Next, it was time for the Eldest Miss to promote her perfumes and soaps. Following Lin San''s performance, these privileged youngdies would no longer dare to underestimate the Xiao family. Imagine, a man of such talent as Lin San was merely a servant in the Xiao household - the family''s might was indeed daunting.


    The perfume already had a good reputation in Jinling, and thedies had heard of it. However, due to supply constraints, it was seldom seen. The Eldest Miss'' arrival today had piqued their interest greatly. After a mere whiff, they were reluctant to part with it. Xiao Yuruo then introduced the soap - a product she herself had personally experienced. Not only did it clean effectively, but it also left a faint fragrance. It would indeed be strange if thesedies didn''t find it appealing.


    Seeing the perfume and soap be highly sought-after, Lin Wanrong sighed deeply. Making a few small inventions, earning a bit of moneywas it really so easy? If he didn''t make a profit, how could he justify his hard work?


    Luo Ning walked up to him and asked, "Brother Lin, what are you thinking about?"


    "Oh, I was just thinking about how many suitors Miss Luo has," Lin Wanrong said with a smile, nodding towards Hou Yuebai who was staring at them from afar.


    Luo Ning''s expression sobered. "So, Brother Lin, you''re also one for such idle chatter. I''ll leave you to it then." With that, she turned to leave.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head in resignation. This youngdy, with her distinctive temperament, was quite interesting. She might not be his type, but she was amusing to observe.


    Luo Ning took a few steps, then abruptly halted and turned back, smiling. "Brother Lin, why didn''t you call after me?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head andughed. "If I had stopped you, I would have simply fulfilled your expectations. Then you would have truly looked down on me."


    Luo Ning sighed softly. "Brother Lin, you truly are a unique person. It seems you always see through my intentions."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Miss Luo, you''re mistaken. I''ve never paid attention to your intentions. You might consider yourself a friend, but that''s all you are." If you''re trying to act proud, he thought, I can act even prouder.


    Unperturbed, Luo Ningughed, "So, in Brother Lin''s heart, I''m already a friend? I didn''t feel that at all when we were conducting business that day."


    Lin Wanrong understood that she was using this opportunity to retaliate for being forced to advertise for him that day. But he had no regrets; business was like thatif you cared about face, then don''t think about earning money.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong remaining silent, Luo Ning looked at him and softly asked, "Brother Lin, did I upset you by saying that?"


    Thisdy is quite imaginative, thought Lin Wanrong,ughing. "I''m not upset. I just wanted to tell you that if it happened again, my price would be even higher."


    Luo Ningughed sweetly. "Brother Lin, you always make me nervous when you speak."


    This Luo Ning was Luo Yuan''s sister, and some kind of talenteddy. I have no interest in talenteddies, he thought, Better to avoid her and prevent little Luo from advising me to give up again. Remembering Luo Yuan''s advice, Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself, gave Luo Ning a nce, and didn''t respond.


    Noticing he had no intention of initiating conversation, Luo Ning said, "Brother Lin, those ces you spoke ofEurope, Africa, Americawhere are they, exactly? Could you draw me a map? I''m genuinely curious."


    "Miss Luo, why the sudden interest in these ces? Are you nning to be a navigator?" Lin Wanrongughed, but inwardly he admired Luo Ning. Despite being a woman, she possessed more wisdom than many men. Not only was she incredibly curious, she also had a strong desire to learnshe would make an excellent student.


    He took out the pencil he always carried with him, found a sheet of white paper, and drew arge circle on it. "The ce we''re in now is called Earth, which is round and divided into two hemispheres, north and south..."


    As Lin Wanrong guided Luo Ning through his rudimentary sketch of the Earth, her curiosity was piqued. She was new to this strange world, naturally raising a flurry of questions. Lin Wanrong answered what he could, but glossed over anything he was unsure of.


    Stunned, Luo Ning eximed, "Brother Lin, if it weren''t for your guidance today, I fear I would remain a frog at the bottom of a well for my entire life. This world is truly amazingI long to visit these ces you mentioned: Europe, Africa, America."


    Hearing her enthusiasm, Lin Wanrong was reminded of Xiao Qingxuan. When he had spoken about such matters with her, hadn''t she too expressed the same yearning? The day of the seventh of July seemed still distant, and he wondered where she was now. That girl, making him worry so much. When the time came, he was sure to give her a good spanking.


    "Brother Lin, Brother Lin" Luo Ning''s call pulled Lin Wanrong back from his memories. He uttered an acknowledgment and asked, "What did you say, Miss Luo?"


    Luo Ning bit her lip gently and said, "I was asking, could you... could you take me with you"


    The pencil in Lin Wanrong''s hand ttered to the ground.


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 Chapter 129

    Chapter 129


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    Chapter 129 The Eldest Miss Cried


    Hell, was it an elopement? He''d never done such a thing, and didn''t know if it was dangerous or not. But Old Luo was her father, and Little Luo her brother, was there any need to elope?


    "Miss Luo, have you considered this? This matter of elopement... it''s not so simple," Lin Wanrong carefully suggested, thinking about what was best for her.


    Luo Ning''s face turned red in an instant. Annoyed, she replied, "Brother Lin, what are you talking nonsense about? What elopement?"


    Lin Wanrong raised a confused voice, "Then what were you talking to me about just now?"


    Luo Ningughed shyly, "I was asking if you could take me to ces like the Tianshan mountains or Hainan Ind? After hearing you talk about them, I''m quite longing for it. You''ve been there before, so can''t we travel together?"


    Oh, so that''s what it was! He thought women of this era had be quite bold, making such assumptions. He realized it was he who had misunderstood.


    Seeing that he didn''t respond for a while, Luo Ning anxiously added, "Brother Lin, I really want to go."


    Lin Wanrong responded seriously, "Miss Luo, I can understand your feelings. But I''m different from you. I have many things to do, to make a living, to raise a family... Leisurely traveling might have to wait for decades."


    Luo Ning''s expression darkened, "Brother Lin, I know you''re a man of ambition. You can wait decades until you''ve made your name, then retire and travel the world. But I''m a woman, even if I pride myself on my talents, I can''t escape the fate of a woman. In decades, I''m afraid I''ll be married off, and where would I find the time for leisure then?"


    Although Luo Ning was a cheerful woman, facing an uncertain future, she also felt a bit scared.


    She made a valid point. Even if her father was open-minded, Miss Luo was bound to get married someday, and she would no longer have the freedom she enjoyed now. Lin Wanrong smiled helplessly. He didn''t have the time to travel leisurely now; he had a pile of things waiting to be done.


    "Sister Luo" Luo Ning was feeling mncholic when a girl named Wanying came over, took Luo Ning''s hand, curiously nced at Lin Wanrong and asked, "Lin San, what are you drawing?"


    She was referring to the sketch Lin Wanrong had just drawn on a piece of white paper. Lin Wanrong didn''t have a good impression of this Miss Wanying, so he simply shook his head without saying a word.


    Luo Ningughed, "Wanying, why don''t you go check on the Young Master Hou? He''s probably not in a good mood right now."


    Wanying''s face reddened a bit, and she angrily nced at Lin Wanrong, "You, why do you speak so insensitively? Young Master Hou has been studying hard for many years, your discouragement might harm him!"


    What the hell! Who was this uncouth girl? ording to her, it was alright for Young Master Hou to discourage him, but if he discouraged Young Master Hou, it was harmful? What kind of absurd logic was that? Lin Wanrong couldn''t be bothered to argue with this girl, and he closed his eyes to rest.


    Wanying, fuming, suddenly pped the table, "Lin San, what do you mean by this?"


    Lin Wanrong opened his eyes, nced at her indifferently, "Miss Wanying, I heard you work in the yamen."


    Wanying red back, "Yeah, so what?"


    Lin Wanrong retorted coldly, "You''re on the government payroll, you should be working honestly at the yamen. Instead, you''ve abandoned your duties to mess around here. Do you think that''s appropriate?"


    Miss Wanying was taken aback, "What business is it of yours?"


    Lin Wanrong nced at her disdainfully, "Given your attitude, you''re indeed wasting public resources. The court''s tax revenue includes my contribution, and the sry you draw is partly from me. Any taxpayer has the right to question this. Frankly speaking, we taxpayers, are essentially your bread and butter. You public servants should be serving us. I don''t know where you get the audacity to openly skip work and treat your benefactors so poorly. Have my taxes been paid in vain?"


    "You, you" Miss Wanying was too flustered to respond.


    Luo Ning quickly interjected, "Brother Lin, Wanying is usually very diligent. She only came here today at the invitation of Young Master Hou."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "That''s not my concern. I''m just worried about whether my taxes are being put to good use."


    Luo Ning understood his point, but being friends with Wanying, she found herself in an awkward position.


    Huffing, Wanying threatened, "Remember this, Lin San. I''ll make sure you pay for your words today." With that, she turned and walked away.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, chuckling, "This girl, she''s just like Young Master Hou."


    Luo Ningughed, "Her family and the Hou family have been friends for generations. Young Master Hou is schrly and admired by her. If you belittle him, she''s naturally going to give you a hard time."


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "I''m not bad in terms of schrly attainment. Howe she doesn''t admire me?"


    Luo Ning shot him a nce, thinking, You''ve only just met her, even if she wanted to admire you, she wouldn''t have had the chance. Interrupted by Wanying, Luo Ning almost forgot about the topic at hand. Her gaze fell on the map and she sighed softly, realizing her dreams might forever remain dreams. She asked, "Brother Lin, could you give me this map?"


    "No problem," Lin Wanrong generouslyughed, It was just a sketch after all, I can draw as many as you want.


    Luo Ning tucked the sketch into her clothing, carefully stowed it away, then smiled at Lin Wanrong''s pencil, "So this is the pencil Qiaoqiao mentioned? It really is very different from our writing brushes, even the way you hold it is peculiar."


    Lin Wanrong answered honestly, "I don''t even know how to use a writing brush."


    Luo Ning covered her mouth,ughing, "If you don''t mind my bad handwriting, I could teach you."


    Luo Ning wore a pale pink robe that day, enhancing her skin''s snow-like whiteness and the rosy hue of her cheeks. Her tall stature was close to Lin Wanrong, who was assailed by the faint fragrance that she emitted, causing his heart to flutter. This girl, naturally fragrant without the aid of perfume, was truly remarkable. Though he wasn''t particrly interested in Luo Ning, her beauty could rival that of Xiao Qingxuan and Qin Xianer. One lightugh from her was like a blooming garden, inspiring a whirlwind of thoughts, making it hard to remain indifferent.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. This girl probably wants to take advantage of me under the pretense of teaching me how to write. Darn, I would be in danger if she has ill intentions.


    The atmosphere between them was somewhat awkward, but Eldest Miss Xiao showed up in time. Her gains for the day were considerable. Perfume and soap had caused quite a stir among thedies. In a blink of an eye, she received numerous orders, and even Lin San became the topic of conversation amongst thedies, making this venture for the Xiao family both profitable and famous.


    Eldest Miss Xiao, apanied by Lin Wanrong, remained at the Society until the afternoon. Her conversations with Luo Ning conveyed an intimate understanding. Both of them had wide social circles, and their casual chat brought them closer.


    Lin Wanrong felt ufortable. He was relentlessly questioned by thedies and had to face the angry gaze of Hou Yuebai. He was in such distress that he excused himself to the restroom four times. Any more, and they would start suspecting kidney issues.


    By evening, Eldest Miss Xiao held Luo Ning''s hand, "Miss Luo, we''ve troubled you for an entire day. It''s time for us to take our leave."


    Luo Ningughed generously, "Where''s the need for such formalities, Sister Xiao? I''m doing this for the benefit of our friends. Besides, the price of this bottle of perfume is not insignificant. I truly feel undeserving."


    Lin Wanrong had heard from Luo Yuan that Miss Luo never casually epted gifts from others. It was extraordinary that she epted the perfume this time. Perhaps the allure of perfume was indeed extraordinary.


    "Brother Lin, in a few days, it will be my grandmother''s birthday. I hope you and Sister Xiao will be able to attend," Luo Ning repeatedly reminded them as she was about to leave.


    Darn, I''d totally forgotten about that! Luo Yuan had mentioned it once. If Luo Ning hadn''t reminded him, Lin Wanrong would havepletely forgotten. He had been nning to visit the cunning Luo Min, and readily replied, "Don''t worry, I''ll definitely be there."


    Seeing Luo Ning walk quite a distance before stopping, Eldest Miss Xiao urged the carriage to move along. Suddenly, she lifted the curtain from inside and asked Lin Wanrong who was riding a ck horse, "Lin San, are you close with Miss Luo?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Not particrly close with her, but I''m good friends with her brother."


    "I doubt it," Eldest Miss Xiao said with hidden implications, "We''ve gone such a distance, and she''s still watching us like that. It doesn''t seem so simple."


    Lin Wanrong looked back, and sure enough, there was a figure standing atop the stone steps in the distance. It indeed seemed like Luo Ning. He was self-aware; he knew that Luo Ning had lofty aspirations and wouldn''t develop feelings for him over a few simple words. Darn, it was strange, though, who was thisdy performing this "waiting for husband" scene for?


    "Miss, she''s probably watching you. I noticed that you two seemed to be having a great time today. I presume Miss Luo is somewhat attached to her good friend, you," Lin Wanrong bluffed. Speaking of "waiting for husband," it reminded him of Qiaoqiao. Since he visited her the day before yesterday, he''d been busy experimenting with soap making and hadn''t visited the restaurant. He wondered if she''d been taking her medicine on time, and whether her condition had improved?


    Xiao Yuruo snorted, noticing that Lin San''s mind seemed to be elsewhere, his mood seemingly dampened. She gritted her teeth and said, "Lin San, just get in the carriage."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "Well, that''s not quite right. I''m a respectable man, you know."


    Eldest Miss Xiao was both embarrassed and angry. ''So you''re a decent man, and I''m not?'' She red at Lin Wanrong, "I noticed you seemed a bit weary. Considering your substantial contributions to my family today, I thought you could ride the carriage, and I would ride the horse. It''s not as improper as you think!"


    "I ride in the carriage, and you ride the horse?" Lin Wanrong echoed. That was unusual; men usually gave way to women, why was it the other way around today? Could it be because of his earlier ttery?


    "Are you sure?" Lin Wanrong asked, looking at Miss Xiao.


    Xiao Yuruo huffed, "If you''reing, juste. Why so many questions?"


    Lin Wanrong wasn''t one for pleasantries. He dismounted smoothly and saw Eldest Miss Xiao lift her long skirt, hop down from the carriage, and do exactly as she said she would.


    Once inside the carriage, he smelled a faint fragrance. Lin Wanrong had a keen nose, and he recognized it as rose perfume. It seemed that Eldest Miss Xiao indeed favored this scent.


    Inside, a small table was set with a freshly brewed cup of fragrant tea, steaming hot. He was moved; the miss was so caring for her subordinates, personally making tea and offering her carriage seat. It was quite the leadership style.


    Lin Wanrong took a sip of tea. Its delightful aroma filled his mouth. It seemed like a fine Longjing tea or perhaps a Da Hong Pao tea, but he wasn''t an expert in tea, so he made do.


    Lifting the curtain, he saw Eldest Miss Xiao deftly mount the horse. She spurred it forward in one swift, fluid motion. Far from the image of a dainty heiress, she was a skilled horsewoman, her movements more agile than Lin Wanrong''s.


    "Eldest Miss, I never expected you to be so skilled. I''m genuinely impressed," Lin Wanrong praised.


    A smile surfaced on Xiao Yuruo''s face. She responded, "Didn''t you say women could hold up half the sky? If I didn''t even have this much ability, wouldn''t that be a disgrace to us women?"


    As expected, it wasn''t like thisdy to be so kind. It seemed the effect of his ttery indeed yed a role.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Eldest Miss, I suspect that your bones must have ached from sitting in this carriage, so you found an excuse to ride a horse and stretch a little. And here I was, moved by your kindness. I didn''t realize I had fallen for your ruse."


    Xiao Yuruo''s face darkened, and with a tug of the reins, the ck horse let out a wild neigh and charged towards the carriage. Xiao Yuruo waved her whip, aimed straight at Lin Wanrong''s head.


    Startled, Lin Wanrong thought, ''What is she up to? We were just fine a moment ago, but she resorted to violence at the drop of a hat. Can''t we even joke around?'' However, when Xiao Yuruo spurred her horse and swung her whip, her movements were stunning, and coupled with her graceful figure, it was visually striking. It showed that Eldest Miss Xiao was not as delicate as she seemed. At the very least, her skills on horseback were far superior to his.


    Lin Wanrong dodged her whip and protested, "What are you doing?"


    Xiao Yuruo dismounted the ck horse wordlessly, looked at him, andmanded in a stoic tone, "Get out of the carriage."


    Lin Wanrong retorted, "Eldest Miss, I haven''t even warmed the seat yet."


    However, Xiao Yuruo lifted her long skirt, hopped into the carriage, and red at him fiercely, "Get down right now."


    ''Damn, why do I have to roll down? Can''t I just jump down?''


    Feeling aggrieved, Lin Wanrong hopped off the carriage. It wasn''t fear of Eldest Miss Xiao that moved him; it was her demeanor he couldn''t stand.


    Because Eldest Miss Xiao was crying.


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 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130


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    Chapter 130 Seeking Help


    Xiao Yuruo didn''t know what was happening. Seeing him tease her with that demeanor, she felt an immense sense of injustice, pushing him off the carriage, and the tears began to flow. As Lin San jumped down from the carriage dejectedly, the Eldest Miss angrily flung aside the curtain. With a kick, she flung off her embroidered shoes.


    Feeling both embarrassed and angry, she picked up a cup of aromatic tea from the table and took a sip. Suddenly remembering something, she gasped and tossed the tea cup onto the ground.


    Lin Wanrong saw the cup he had just drank from being tossed onto the ground forcefully. He sighed inwardly, knowing that the Eldest Miss must have grown to despise him thoroughly.


    Xiao Yuruo felt a mix of embarrassment, anger, and injustice. She stared nkly at the small te left with the tea bowl and couldn''t help but fall onto her bed, whimpering and crying.


    Listening to the faint cries from inside, Lin Wanrong was unsure of what to do. Sigh, this Eldest Miss was seriouslycking a sense of humor, her tear ducts were overly active. All because of a small joke, she was this upset?


    He stood by his ck horse, flipping onto it, then down again, up and down repeatedly.


    The servant who was instructed by the Eldest Miss to trail behind them watched Lin Wanrong''s strange actions and thought to himself, Young Master Lin is truly hardworking, practicing his horse riding skills even on the road.


    Hearing that the Eldest Miss'' crying seemed unstoppable, Lin Wanrong felt helpless. Women indeed have a knack for making mountains out of molehills. He didn''t understand the concept of not peeking when not permitted. Quietly, he lifted the curtain of the carriage window to look inside, only to see the Eldest Miss lying on her bed, her shoulders shaking, even her pillow was soaked through.


    It was just a joke, was it necessary to cry a river over it? Lin Wanrong watched helplessly and could only call out softly, "Eldest Miss, Eldest Miss"


    When Xiao Yuruo heard the annoying person calling her, his voice seemed quite close. She quietly lifted her head to see a smiling face stretching into the carriage through the window. Tan skin, sly eyes, if it wasn''t the bad guy, who else could it be?


    "You, what are you doing here?" The Eldest Miss rushed forward, trying to pull down the curtain to cover that annoying face. Lin Wanrong hurriedly lifted the curtain. The two of them pulled in opposite directions, resulting in a stalemate.


    The Eldest Miss was both embarrassed and angry, no longer caring about her crying. She extended her small fist and punched him, "You bad person, let go." Lin San yelped, and the curtain fell down. There was no further sound from him.


    Xiao Yuruo looked at her own small hand doubtfully. She hadn''t touched him just now, what happened to him? After waiting for a while without hearing any movement, she lightly lifted the curtain, only to see the ck horse standing quietly in the distance, but there was no sign of Lin San.


    "Lin San, Lin San" The Eldest Miss softly called out a couple of times, but there was still no answer. Seeing that it was gettingte, the Eldest Miss grew anxious, calling out several more times, but still there was no reply.


    Xiao Yuruo was getting anxious. She was about to step down from the carriage to search for him when she heard the distant call of the young servant, "Young Master Lin, what are you doing under the carriage wheel?"


    Taken aback, the Eldest Miss hurriedly leaned over to look down, only to see Lin San winking at her from beneath the carriage wheel.


    The Eldest Miss anger surged like a tide. Lifting her small foot, she stomped viciously on the two hands clinging to the carriage shaft.


    Lin San hastily let go. The Eldest Miss shouted, "Go!" in a delicate voice, and the carriage bolted forward.


    Lin Wanrong was left behind, tasting a mouthful of dirt. Anger swelled within him. It seemed the words ''on the verge of sess, yet doomed to failure'' could indeed apply to him.


    The servant who had spoiled Lin Wanrong''s ns hurriedly spurred his horse to catch up, pulling Lin Wanrong up and asking, "Young Master Lin, what happened? Did the Eldest Miss horse get startled?"


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, it wasn''t the horse that was startled, but the Eldest Miss. He forced a smile and said, "No, the carriage wheel of the Eldest Miss was a little crooked, so I went to adjust it. Just happened that the Eldest Miss had some urgent matters and left first."


    The servant, who had received instructions from the Eldest Miss to keep a distance and was thus ignorant of the incident between them, admired Lin Wanrong''s selflessness in his contribution to the Xiao family. He gave a thumbs up and said, "No wonder the Madam and the Eldest Miss trust Young Master Lin so much. You truly stand out from the rest."


    Lin Wanrong brushed off the dust from his clothes, feeling more embarrassed than he ever had since his record of wooing women. Riding his ck horse, he thought, The Eldest Miss has a peculiar temper, it''s best to keep a distance in the future. If this were in the previous era and the carriage was reced with a Mercedes, one move from her and his life would be forfeit.


    With the young servant, Lin Wanrong spurred his horse to catch up with the carriage. But he noticed a white horse that hadn''t been there before, ridden by a petite figure that seemed vaguely familiar from a distance.


    Hastily urging his horse forward, he saw that the one apanying the carriage was Miss Wanying. This delicate looking woman was surprisingly skilled at riding a horse, no wonder she was able to be a constable.


    The Eldest Miss was chatting with Miss Wanying through the carriage curtain. Seeing Lin Wanrong catch up, she nodded at him. Her face bore no trace of anger or embarrassment, as though she hadpletely forgotten the incident just moments ago.


    She looked expressionlessly at Lin Wanrong and said, "Lin San, it''s gettingte. Let''s hurry up."


    Seeing her resume her usual calm demeanor, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, Women are indeed masters of changing faces. Thinking of the Eldest Miss''s unpredictable attitude, he felt a headacheing on. Well, if he couldn''t deal with her, he could always avoid her. Cherish life, keep distance from the Eldest Miss.


    Making up his mind, he steered his horse aside, keeping a distance of about four to five meters from the carriage, quietly following along.


    Upon hearing Xiao Yuruo''s words, Miss Wanying grew anxious and hurriedly held onto the Eldest Miss''s hand. "Sister Yuruo, whenever you have the time, you must visit my house. My brother thinks of you every day."


    Miss Wanying, skilled at horse riding, held the Eldest Miss with one hand and the reins with the other, showing remarkable stability. Lin Wanrong, watching the scene, could not help but marvel at his need to improve his own riding skills.


    The Eldest Miss blushed at Miss Wanying''s words and quickly replied, "Miss Wanying, I have been quite busytely. However, I promise to visit your esteemed father in your residence soon."


    Lin Wanrong wondered from where this youngdy had appeared, and how she had materialized so swiftly in front of the Eldest Miss''s carriage. From her words, it seemed her brother harbored romantic feelings for the Eldest Miss. Lin Wanrong scoffed inwardly at this idea. Was her brother not man enough to express his feelings himself? Why send his sister to do his bidding?


    Miss Wanying seemed disappointed and asked Xiao Yuruo, "Sister Yuruo, did my brother do something wrong? He used toe home happy every day, buttely he always wears a frown. Did he do something to upset you?"


    Xiao Yuruo seemed flustered and unsure of how to respond to Wanying. She nced at Lin Wanrong, seeking help.


    Lin Wanrong, oblivious to who Miss Wanying''s brother was and not particrly caring, decided to change the subject. He pretended to check the time and suggested, "Eldest Miss, it''s gettingte. The Madam has prepared a special swallow''s nest soup for you. She wishes you to return home soon and strengthen your constitution."


    Miss Wanying immediately interjected, "We have plenty of swallow''s nest at home, even blood swallow''s nest. Sister Yuruo, why note to my house now? I''ll personally cook for you and ensure you''re well-nourished."


    Irritated, Lin Wanrong tried to divert the conversation, pointing ahead and eximing, "Isn''t that Young Master Hou Yuebai?"


    Miss Wanying quickly turned her head, asking anxiously, "Where is Young Master Hou?"


    Lin Wanrong took this opportunity to steer his horse in between Miss Wanying and the Eldest Miss, grinning, "Young Master Hou is waiting for you to cook blood swallow''s nest for him."


    Only then did Miss Wanying realize she''d been tricked. Blushing with a mix of embarrassment and anger, she pointed at Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, are you intentionally opposing me?"


    With a helpless shake of his head, Lin Wanrong dismissed her usation. Ignoring Miss Wanying, he pulled the curtains on the Eldest Miss''s carriage. The Eldest Miss merely gave him a nce, remaining silent.


    Miss Wanying, seeing Lin San ignoring her, huffed and tried to steer her white horse to edge out Lin Wanrong''s ck horse. However, Lin''s ck horse was taller and more majestic. A few rubs of his head on the white horse''s face was enough to quiet it down.


    Confused about her horse''s behaviour, Miss Wanying tried to spur it on twice but to no avail. Laughing, Lin Wanrongmented, "Miss Wanying, it''s natural for opposites to attract. Don''t be upset."


    Wanying seemed puzzled. "What do you mean by ''opposites attracting''?"


    Lin Wanrong exined, "My ck brother here is a stallion, and your little white one is a mare. They have fallen in love at first sight."


    "Disgusting!" Two female voices chorused from inside and outside the carriage. Wanying''s face turned beet red as she snapped, "You vulgar lout!" With the conversation having taken such a turn, even her thick skin could not withstand the embarrassment, and she urged her white horse into a gallop, quickly leaving the scene.


    The Eldest Miss sighed softly. No matter who dealt with this Lin San, no one seemed toe off any better.


    "Lin San, in the future, refrain from casually disrespecting decent youngdies," the Eldest Miss advised from behind the curtain.


    Lin Wanrong did not heed her words, simply muttering, "That Wanying, I don''t know which family''s youngdy she is, but she''s quite troublesome."


    Xiao Yuruo grunted in agreement, quietly adding, "Her surname is Tao."


    Unfortunately, at that moment, Lin Wanrong had already turned his horse away from the Eldest Miss, adhering to his principle of keeping a safe distance. As such, he did not hear her words.


    Upon reaching the entrance of the Xiao residence, Lin Wanrong had just dismounted when he noticed a graceful figure anxiously pacing in the distance. As soon as the woman spotted Lin Wanrong, tears welled up in her eyes and she rushed over, crying, "Big brother, quickly, save Qingshan"


    The Eldest Miss had just alighted from the carriage when her gaze fell upon an exceptionally beautiful woman leaping into Lin San''s arms.


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 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131


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    Chapter 131 The Old Fox


    "Qiaoqiao, slow down, what happened to Qingshan?" Lin Wanrong was startled. Sote in the night, and Qiaoqiao was waiting here. Could it be that something had truly happened to Qingshan? That shouldn''t be the case, wasn''t Little Luo watching over him? Even if Qingshan was rash, Little Luo was a clever one and there should not have been any mishaps.


    "Big brother,st night, I saw Qingshan and Beidou storing a lot of knives, spears, and sticks in their room. But by evening today, they were all gone, and the two of them were nowhere to be seen. Qingshan must have gone out to fight. Even though he used to fight in the past, he always relied on his fists. But this time with knives and spears, it''s certainly no small matter. Big brother, you must save Qingshan. If he''s hurt, my father won''t survive," Qiaoqiao said, her voice choked with urgency.


    The fact that Dong Qingshan was building a gang, even Qiaoqiao was kept in the dark. This girl was pure-hearted and knew nothing about her little brother''splete transformation into a gang leader, under the guidance of his big brother. She knew Qingshan was preparing weapons to fight someone, but she was unaware of Qingshan''s current strength.


    Upon learning that Qingshan hadn''t been kidnapped, Lin Wanrong felt a great deal of relief. He patted the young girl''s shoulder, saying, "Qiaoqiao, don''t worry. Qingshan will be fine. Trust your big brother."


    Qiaoqiao clung to his sleeve, weeping softly, "Big brother, I didn''t see Qingshan this afternoon and I panicked. I didn''t know what to do, so I came to the Xiao family to find you. But they said you and the Eldest Miss were out. I, I, I''m so worried, big brother..."


    Qiaoqiao had been waiting here for an hour, filled with worry and fear. Seeing her dependable big brother now, how could she not break down in tears?


    Lin Wanrong held her tightly,forting her, "Qiaoqiao, don''t be scared. Big brother is here. Don''t worry, Qingshan is my brother-inw, I won''t let anything happen to him."


    Blushing, Qiaoqiao clung to him tightly. She had found emotional support, but her shoulders still trembled slightly. She wouldn''t truly rx until she saw Qingshan return safely. Lin Wanrong knew what she was thinking. He turned her around, asking, "Qiaoqiao, what about Luo Yuan? Isn''t he supposed to be with Qingshan?"


    Wiping her tears, Qiaoqiao replied, "Yesterday he was in the room with Qingshan, talking for a long time. It seemed like they were nning something. Then he left, and I haven''t seen him today."


    Qingshan had prepared weapons yesterday, indicating that he had nned ahead. He was not acting without a n, especially with Little Luo as his advisor. They wouldn''t be at a disadvantage. Qiaoqiao didn''t understand Qingshan''s current strength and thought he was the same as before, a rogue fighter. It was her concern that drove her to hurriedly seek Lin Wanrong''s help.


    In a few moments, Lin Wanrong had guessed the situation quite urately. If his assumptions were correct, Little Luo and Qingshan had chosen the right time to strike Wu Zhenghu.


    These two young men were truly gutsy. Even though they hadn''t reported to Lin Wanrong, he was quite pleased. He had made his stance clearst time; the affairs of Hung Hing were to be managed by these two youths, with him not intervening. This hands-off approach was intended to strengthen Little Luo and Qingshan''s abilities. Their readiness to take action today suggested that they were indeed confident. If they won this battle, it would certainly be a tremendous boon for Little Luo and Qingshan.


    With this understanding in mind, Lin Wanrong gave a slight smile, saying, "Qiaoqiao, don''t worry. Qingshan will be fine, I promise. Did you hear where they were going?"


    Seeing the smile on Lin Wanrong''s face, Qiaoqiao knew that he was genuinely confident. She felt a lot more reassured and obediently replied, "I overheard him talking with Beidou, they seem to be going to Guaima Alley in the southern part of the city."


    Lin Wanrong was familiar with that ce; its terrain was undting, an ideal ce for ambush. Hearing this, he felt even more confident.


    Qiaoqiao, who had just recovered from a serious illness and had been waiting here for over an hour, was already exhausted. Now, reassured, she leaned against Lin Wanrong like a puppet without strings.


    Seeing her exhaustion, Lin Wanrong felt a pang of pity. He addressed a servant at the gate, "This youngdy came to see me, why didn''t you invite her in?"


    At this point, he was the Xiao family''s favorite, and everyone in the mansion sought his favor. The servant wouldn''t dare to refuse and apologized, "Young Master Lin, we persuaded this youngdy many times, but she refused to go to the guest room for tea."


    Qiaoqiao quickly interjected, "Big brother, don''t me them, it was my choice to wait here. The Xiao mansion is grand and prosperous, and you work inside, I don''t want to cause you trouble."


    Lin Wanrong snorted, "Qiaoqiao, from now on, youe to the Xiao mansion whenever you want. Don''t hold back, if anyone dares to slight you, tell me, I''ll sort them out. Consider the Xiao mansion as your own home."


    His words were bold and audacious. Qiaoqiao, not understanding, responded nkly, "Big brother, this is the Xiao family''s home, how can I consider it my own?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, indeed, he had spoken too freely. His face reddened slightly as he held Qiaoqiao tighter, "Silly girl, I just don''t want you to be treated poorly. My status in the Xiao family has changed, no one can bully my Qiaoqiao."


    Even after his reassurances, Qiaoqiao was still worried about Qingshan. Lin Wanrong thought, I should go and check on what those two are up to, it might alleviate Qiaoqiao''s worries.


    Just as he was about to escort Qiaoqiao home, he heard the Eldest Miss Xiao, who had been silent all this time, speak, "Lin San, where are you going?"


    Damn, he had been talking so long that he had forgotten about the Eldest Miss Xiao. Qiaoqiao pulled on his sleeve, nced at Xiao Yuruo and said softly, "Big brother, is this Eldest Miss Xiao? She''s indeed very beautiful."


    Seeing Qiaoqiao''s slight jealousy, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "No matter how beautiful she is, she can''tpare to my good, clever Qiaoqiao." Upon hearing this, Qiaoqiao blushed and smiled, her grievance vanishing.


    Lin Wanrong sighed; the easiest woman to appease was indeed Qiaoqiao. Not marrying her as his wife would be against all reason.


    Xiao Yuruo noticed that Lin San was only concerned with talking to that woman and didn''t even answer her question. She couldn''t help but huff, "Lin San, I am speaking to you, didn''t you hear?"


    Lin Wanrong looked up and smiled, "Eldest Miss, my friend is in some trouble. I need to check on him."


    Xiao Yuruo''s eyebrows furrowed, "Tonight, I had nned to discuss with you about the promotion of the perfumes and soaps--"


    What the hell, when did you ever discuss this with me? And why choose today of all days? Heughed and said, "Eldest Miss, I am not avable today. Let''s have a thorough discussion another day."


    Seeing him talk to Eldest Miss Xiao this way, Qiaoqiao quickly tugged at his sleeve, "Big brother, you shouldn''t neglect your duties."


    Lin Wanrong stopped her, "Qiaoqiao, only your concerns are important to me, everything else is nonsense." Although coarse, his words went straight to Qiaoqiao''s heart. She hummed in acknowledgment and blushed, too shy to speak.


    Xiao Yuruo watched the two of them chatting warmly and couldn''t help but furrow her brows, "May I ask who this youngdy is--"


    Seeing Eldest Miss Xiao asking about her, Qiaoqiao quickly replied, "Eldest Miss Xiao, I''m from the old Dong family in town. I made clothes for your mansion a few years ago."


    Eldest Miss Xiao said, "Oh, from the old Dong family. I''ve heard my mother mention you. I seem to remember, your name was something like Xiangxiang or Qiaoqiao. I''m not sure if I''ve got it wrong."


    Qiaoqiao blushed, "Eldest Miss Xiao has a good memory, my name is Qiaoqiao."


    Lin Wanrong felt a bit annoyed; What Xiangxiang, such a vulgar name. My darling was named Qiaoqiao, a hundred times better sounding than Xiao Yuruo. However, the fact that Eldest Miss Xiao, who had never met Qiaoqiao before, could remember her name to such an extent, demonstrated an impressive memory.


    Eldest Miss Xiao had a strange smile on her face. She nced at Qiaoqiao, seemingly pleased, and then turned to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, since you''re busy, you should get going. I''ll have a good chat with Qiaoqiao today."


    Chat? You don''t know my Qiaoqiao, what would you have to talk about? Why had Eldest Miss Xiao suddenly be so generous? Lin Wanrong was puzzled. Xiao Yuruo turned to Qiaoqiao and asked, "I wonder if Qiaoqiao is willing to join me?"


    Earlier, Qiaoqiao was distracted due to Qingshan''s matter, but now she was somewhat collected. She smiled shyly and replied, "Eldest Miss Xiao is joking, as long as you don''t find me dull, I''d be happy to talk with you."


    Seeing Eldest Miss Xiao''s mysterious smile, Lin Wanrong had a bad feeling. He took Qiaoqiao''s hand and said, "Darling, let me take you home. I worry that talking to this girl might have a bad influence on you."


    Qiaoqiao shyly replied, "Big brother, since you work for the Xiao family, it wouldn''t be bad for me to chat with Eldest Miss Xiao. It could make it easier for me to visit you in the future."


    Lin Wanrong''s heart bloomed with joy upon hearing Qiaoqiao''s words. So that was her n, she truly was a cunning little one. He held Qiaoqiao''s hand andughed, "In that case, you can stay here and chat with her. However, this Eldest Miss has a peculiar character, and I can''t seem to figure her out. If she badmouths me, don''t believe her. The opposite of what she says is the truth. If she says I''m bad, think of me as good. If she uses me of being fickle, take that as me being devoted."


    Dong Qiaoqiao stifled augh, "Big brother, I understand your character far better than Eldest Miss Xiao, you can rest assured."


    While the words soundedforting, there seemed to be an underlying message. Goodness, these young women were all so cunning! Lin Wanrong shook his head in resignation, mounted his horse, and saw that Eldest Miss Xiao had already taken hold of Qiaoqiao''s hand, a smile blooming on her face like a fresh May flower.


    He didn''t bother with what the two women were chatting about; he was indeed eager to see how Qingshan and Little Luo were faring in their fight. So, he rode southward toward the city gate. The night had fallen and he was away from the bustling streets, so the road was deserted. He galloped all the way, and before reaching the turningne, he heard the sounds of shing weapons.


    Damn, they were really going at it. Lin Wanrong was immensely excited. He dismounted, climbed up a slope and gazed down from afar.


    At the foot of the hill, torches were held high with hundreds of people in a chaotic melee. One side in motley attire was already at a clear disadvantage, with many fallen to the ground. The other side was muchrger in number, all dressed in ck and with red cloth bands wrapped around their left arms. Lin Wanrong immediately spotted Dong Qingshan. Thed, strong as a bull, was dressed in ck and held a heavy wooden stick in his hand. With a fierce swing, he struck down a smaller opponent.


    Lin Wanrong took a deep breath, it was an ambush indeed. The rigorous training of the Hung Hing gang had finallye into y. Their two hundred or so men were clearly a notch above the adversaries and held a numerical advantage, swiftly breaking the enemy''s formation.


    What surprised him most was that he saw Little Luo in the attacking squad. The most capable fighters, Qingshan, Li Beidou, and another man, were protecting him. Little Luo held a wooden stick in his hand, his face flushed with excitement as he attacked anyone he saw.


    Initially, Lin Wanrong had thought that a bookish person like Little Luo would be afraid of the sight of blood. But once on the battlefield, he seemed to enjoy the fight more than anyone else. Never underestimate human nature, Lin Wanrong thought to himself.


    The other man protecting Little Luo, standing close to Luo Yuan, struck cleanly and efficiently, with no superfluous movements. Lin Wanrong watched in secret astonishment. When had the Hung Hing gang recruited such a skilled fighter?


    Lin Wanrong had arrived somewhatte. The fight had already ended, with the Hung Hing gang emerging as the clear victors. Dong Qingshan, Luo Yuan, and Li Beidou, were ecstatic, hugging each other and shouting. However, the skilled fighter who had been protecting Little Luo took advantage of the chaos to slip away quietly.


    Something''s fishy, thought Lin Wanrong, and he discreetly followed the man. After a few twists and turns, the man entered a dark alley, ncing over his shoulder before disappearing into it.


    Lin Wanrong, having no regard for the taboo of ''not chasing into alleys or entering forests,'' quietly followed him in. He looked up and saw a small sedan parked in the alley, nked on either side by several burly men in green.


    The man who had helped Luo Yuan bowed before the sedan and reported, "My lord, the task has beenpleted."


    A voice from the sedan asked, "Did Little Yuan and the others discover you?"


    The man replied, "The young master has never seen me, so naturally he wouldn''t recognize me. However, in my opinion, the young master seems very interested in this matter of fighting."


    The person in the sedan chuckled, "This kid, despite studying literature, seems to have a penchant for fighting."


    He leaned out from the sedan, revealing a chubby old man with a protruding belly. His face glowed with a red hue, and his smile squeezed his eyes into narrow slits, resembling a Maitreya Buddha. At first nce, he gave off the impression of a stereotypical corrupt official.


    Damn, has this old man had stic surgery? Otherwise, how could someone with his appearance have a daughter as beautiful as Luo Ning? It was as if a vile bamboo had given rise to a fine shoot. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself, You old fox, I''ve got you now.


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 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132


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    Chapter 132 Baffled


    The portly old man nced towards the site of themotion, shook his head, climbed into his pnquin, andmanded, "Let''s head back to the mansion." The pnquin moved slowly away.


    Lin Wanrong, who had already identified this man, jumped forward, calling, "Sir, please hold on."


    At his shout, the burly men surrounding the pnquin started, immediately tensing up. They encircled the pnquin protectively, eyeing Lin Wanrong with caution.


    The old man pulled back the curtain, took one look, and seeing Lin Wanrong''s face, paused. A trace of an awkward smile appeared on his face, and he waved his hand, saying, "Stop for a moment."


    The old man slowly disembarked, sping his fist towards Lin Wanrong, "May I ask why this young gentleman has halted my journey?"


    Seeing no great surprise on his face, Lin Wanrong felt more confident. Pretending, are you, old man? Heughed heartily, "It''s gettingte, and I was just strolling in this alley. Quite unexpectedly, I ran into you, sir. You seem quite interested in this ce, and I think we may call it fate. I hope you''ll forgive me for my audacity in stopping you."


    The men guarding the pnquin, listening to his nonsense, thought to themselves, Strolling my foot! It''s dark, and here you are, a mere servant, blocking the pnquin. You''re probably looking for trouble.


    "Do you have any advice for me, young master?" The old man chuckled, his eyes squinted into slits by his smile.


    "Ah, I just happened to witness the spectacle over there, and it frightened me a bit. Sir, you have a kind and friendly appearance, and I assumed you were a gentle elder. Seeing you made me feel more at ease," Lin Wanrong bluffed.


    "Oh," the old man sighed, "I saw it too. Didn''t expect that my little outing would be marred by such an unsightly incident. To be honest, I was a bit scared, which is why I asked my servants to leave early. I''m afraid I made aughingstock of myself in front of you."


    You, scared? You''re a better actor than I am, old fox. In the past, Lin Wanrong nned to use the governor''s son, Luo Yuan, to strengthen Hung Hing. Now, this old man was using Hung Hing to restrain the Cheng family, proving that no one was a pushover. However, this old man, who had even involved his own son, was staking too much.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Noughing matter, noughing matter, we''re all in the same boat. Actually, I followed you because I thought you looked familiar."


    The old man asked in surprise, "Oh, who do you think I resemble?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "In thisnd of Jiangsu, whoever is the most powerful, you resemble him."


    The old manughed heartily, squeezing out a few bitter smiles on his face, "Young Master Lin, why must you talk in riddles with me? I have long heard of your intelligence and capabilities. Now that I have met you in person, you truly live up to your reputation. You are ten times more formidable than the rumors suggest."


    ttery was a basic skill in the world of officials, and this old Luo had certainly mastered its essence, readily engaging in it. Lin Wanrong sped his fists and greeted him with a respectful smile, "I''m Lin Wanrong. It''s a pleasure to meet you, Governor."


    Luo Min hastily responded, "Please, no formalities, Young Master Lin. With your natural intelligence and exceptional talent, I have no doubt that you''ll stand out among your peers and have an extraordinary future. I''m undeserving of your courtesy."


    What nonsense about natural intelligence and exceptional talent! This old fox hadn''t even seen my face before and yet he was trying to butter me up. When it came to ttery, Lin Wanrong was an expert among experts; he effortlessly filtered out Luo Min''s words.


    He curiously looked at Luo Min, "Governor Luo, why would you say that? I''m but a mere servant, uneducated,cking in martial arts skills, and without wealth or power. How am I expected to stand out?"


    Luo Min chuckled, "Reading poetry, practicing archery, while these may lead to some achievement, they''re ultimately driven by others and aren''t worth mentioning." His implication was that even without such aplishments, Lin Wanrong could still be an exceptional person. This was indeed curious. Lin Wanrong had never interacted with him before. How could this old man have such confidence in him?


    Lin Wanrong nced at Luo Min and tentatively asked, "On the day of the restaurant opening, I was gifted with a golden que, and today you''ve sent your son to assist me. I''m truly grateful. However, since we have never met before, I wonder why you have such high regard for me?"


    Luo Min, looking at Lin Wanrong, gave a mysterious smile, "Young Master Lin, your talents are outstanding. I''ve heard about your exploits at the brothel where you manipted the top courtesans. I''m quite envious of your business acumen and your superior intellect. I fully support my son befriending you. Recognizing and understanding people is part of my responsibility as the chief official of Jiangsu. How could I ignore such a talent in my jurisdiction? Though we''ve never met, it seems our spirits have known each other for a long time."


    Damn, he is indeed a cunning one, not revealing a hint of his intentions. Lin Wanrong didn''t believe him for a second andughed, "Governor Luo, you make me blush. Fortunately, I''ve recently made the acquaintance of many talented individuals who would certainly be moved by your noble character. I believe your golden ques will be in high demand."


    Luo Min awkwardlyughed, "Young Master Lin, don''t joke like that. Your assistance to the Xiao family and your fight against the White Lotus, your actions are extraordinary, it''s only right for me to show a bit of appreciation."


    What does he mean by that? Is he insinuating that I''ve gotten involved in some sort of power struggle? Hell, I''m just taking advantage of the governor. These factional matters, it''s better if they don''t involve me.


    Luo Min gave another mysterious smile, then continued, "Some time ago, I heard about your brave fight against the White Lotus and your rescue of Eldest Miss Xiao. Truly a cause for celebration."


    This old fox, Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly. That White Lotus incident was due to your failure in maintaining order as the Governor. And yet you have the audacity to talk about my fight against the White Lotus.


    It seemed as though Luo Min had perceived his thoughts and sighed, "As for the White Lotus, I may have the will, but Ick the power. The soldiers at my disposal are merely city guards, while the infantry barracks are under the control of Commander Cheng. Even with my limited authority, I cannot mobilize them. On the asion when I tried to capture them, they disappeared as if they had been forewarned." Luo Min''s eyes flickered with a shrewd glint.


    His words were loaded with implications. This old fox is far from being a fool, Lin Wanrong mused. However, these matters of office politics were not my concern. Was this an excuse to exploit Hung Hing? Even if Hung Hing handled matters well, it was still a gang and couldn''t bepared to the Green Battalion.


    Luo Min knew that the servant before him was a shrewd person who couldn''t be easily deceived. With earnestness, he said, "Young Master Lin, rest assured, I bear no ill will towards you, and I believe you can feel it. I''m here today simply because I''m concerned about Luo Yuan. This child has grown so much and yet, he has never been in a fight." Speaking of Luo Yuan, a glimmer of affection shed across the old fox''s eyes, revealing his deep love for his son.


    That Luo Min bore no ill intentions, Lin Wanrong never doubted. It was evident from his encouragement of Luo Yuan''s closeness to Lin. This old man had ced all his bets on Lin Wanrong, which was strange. How could he ce such a high bet on a mere servant like him?


    "Governor Luo, I deeply appreciate your kindness. However, I''m a stubborn man who never believes in manna from heaven. Your support for me must be motivated by someone else''s instigation. Am I correct?" Since the old Luo was not willing to speak, Lin Wanrong decided to confront him directly, challenging the old fox to acknowledge it.


    With a bitter smile, Luo Min responded, "I can''t say, and I dare not say. Please forgive me, Young Master Lin. But believe me, you are under the protection of a nobleman. Sess is only a matter of time."


    Damn, what a nobleman''s protection? This old man only speaks half of his mind and it''s frustrating. However, Luo Min''s words sent a clear signal; indeed, someone was secretly helping Lin Wanrong.


    Seeing the old fox''s genuine expression, Lin Wanrong became curious, wondering who this secret benefactor could be. Of the people he knew, if wealth and power were the criteria, Xiao Qingxuan would top the list. Could it be that the girl truly had powerful connections?


    "Is it Qingxuan?" Lin Wanrong tentatively asked.


    With a calm expression, Luo Min shook his head and bitterly smiled, "Young Master Lin, please don''t press me further."


    Damn, if I don''t press you, who will I press? You''re as slippery as an eel, giving me a half-truth then swallowing the rest. How could you not frustrate me? Even if Qingxuan was a princess, would a single word from her be enough to have this territorial governor so devoted? Knowing the nature of this old fox, it would not be that simple.


    Such a headache. I didn''t even know who is backing me up or whether they could stand up against the mastermind behind Cheng De. Choosing the wrong side in critical times could cost one''s life.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong lost in deep thought, Luo Min said, "Young Master Lin, you need not guess any longer. Even if I had the courage, I wouldn''t dare to tell you. Just continue doing what you''re doing and help the Xiao family as best as you can."


    Damn, how did the Xiao family get involved again? Could it not be Qingxuan? The more he asked, the moreplicated it became. Was this old fox ying a game of Tai Chi with him?


    Though he had gained some insight, it bred even more questions, making Lin Wanrong''s head spin. He looked at Luo Min and said, "Regardless, I appreciate your guidance, Governor Luo. If you need help with anything in the future, feel free to ask - as long as it doesn''t involve money." Even at this moment, he didn''t forget his crafty merchant instincts - apart from asking for money, he could assist with anything else. After all, Luo Min was acting under someone else''s directive to help him. He felt that acknowledging this was sufficient.


    Luo Min nodded and smiled, "Young Master Lin is indeed straightforward. However, I was wondering if you might be free tomorrow. I would like to invite you to apany me to a certain ce."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Is it the Miaoyu Pavilion? I haven''t been there in quite a while. I wonder if the girls there still remember me."


    Luo Min, being the governor of a province, could hardly withstand such a jest. He responded with an awkward smile, "Tomorrow morning, I will send someone to fetch you. You will understand when we get there."


    Upon parting from Luo Min, Lin Wanrong continued to ponder who could be secretly supporting him from behind the scenes. Despite much thought, aside from Qingxuan, he couldn''t identify anyone else. But Luo Min''s demeanor told him the matter was not so straightforward.


    Returning to the Xiao mansion, Lin Wanrong was concerned about Qiaoqiao. He stopped one of the young maids downstairs and asked, "Has Miss Qiaoqiao, who was speaking with the Eldest Miss earlier, left yet?"


    The maid replied, "Not yet. The Eldest Miss and Miss Qiaoqiao are having a heart-to-heart talk. Miss Qiaoqiao will be spending the night in the Eldest Miss'' room."


    A heart-to-heart talk? Lin Wanrong was taken aback. What could these two youngdies be discussing? Through thentern-lit paper window, he could clearly see two delicate silhouettes. It deepened Lin Wanrong''s puzzlement...


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 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133


    Chapter 133 The Eldest Miss Underwear


    Early the next morning, before Luo Min''s official sedan arrived, Dong Qingshan and Luo Yuan, the two young men, were already waiting. Lin Wanrong received them warmly in the Xiao family''s guest room. Lin Wanrong''s status in the Xiao family had risen like the sun at midday, and he had a faint sense of being the master of the house, which was quitefortable.


    "Big brother" Dong Qingshan''s face was excited as he held onto Lin Wanrong''s hand tightly, "Last night, we took action."


    Lin Wanrong nced at Luo Yuan. The young man''s eyes were filled with fear and excitement. His ordinarily pale face was now flushed red. Laughing, Lin Wanrong said, "Little Luo, what''s this about? Did you sneak some of your sister''s rouge?"


    Luo Yuan, embarrassed, chuckled, "Big brother, I don''t know what happened, maybe I was too excitedst night. When I woke up this morning, I looked like this."


    Lin Wanrong understood his feelings. Little Luo, who had been studying the ssics, used to be somewhat restrained by etiquette. However, what they had done the night before hadpletely contradicted the teachings of the sages. It must have been a thrilling, yet fearful experience.


    Both Qingshan and Luo Yuan were surprised to see Lin Wanrong merely smiling, showing none of the shock they had expected. Qingshan said, "Big brother, do you already know about this?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "You little devil, you should be more discreet in your affairs. Your sister was frightened when she saw you handling both knives and sticks."


    With embarrassment, Qingshan scratched his head, "I was too excited and forgot to cover it up. By the way, big brother, I heard that my sister spent the night in the mansion with the Eldest Miss Xiao. I wonder if they''ve woken up yet?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "They should be up by now. Qingshan, you did a good job yesterday, I saw it all. Little Luo, I didn''t realize you could be so ruthless."


    Luo Yuan gave a few awkward chuckles, "Big brother, I was a bit scared at first, but then Qingshan and Beidou pushed me to the front. After seeing the blood, I wasn''t as frightened, and even found it interesting. Big brother, let me tell you,st night I personally" He nced around with a mysterious expression, then made a slicing motion across his neck.


    Lin Wanrong sighed deeply. This Little Luo, he really did have a devilish streak in him. As for Qingshan, having fought so many battles, he seemed to take such things in stride.


    Dong Qingshan grinned, "I''ve been itching to deal with those rascals for a while. The day before yesterday, I heard that they were nning to send over a hundred men to the south of the city. Luo Yuan suggested we hit them first. Last night, we ambushed them in Guaima Alley, catching thempletely off guard. Oh, the fight was truly thrilling."


    Lin Wanrong said, "Little Luo, this time we''ve officially gone to war with the ck Dragon Society and revealed the strength of Hung Hing. What do you n to do?"


    Luo Yuan nodded and said, "Big brother, I''ve made some inquiries. Many of those we eliminatedst night were key members of the ck Dragon Society. They''ve been severely hit this time, and a counterstrike won''t be easy. Although our strength isn''t on par with theirs yet, the gap has narrowed. Yesterday''s battle significantly boosted our reputation, and our influence is set to expand. Furthermore, there''s some news that is very advantageous to us."


    "What news?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Luo Yuan said excitedly, "This morning, the Prefect of Jinling issued an order. Given the recent surge in banditry in Jinling, to eradicate the thieves, the defense soldiers are to increase patrols in secluded areas every evening. In key areas, curfews will be imposed."


    Lin Wanrong gave a knowing hum. The order, though seemingly aimed at the thieves, was a veiled aid to Hung Hing. It would allow them to swiftly expand their power during this period of their surging reputation, eventually matching the ck Dragon Society. This order from the Prefect of Jinling, the father of the number one schr Hou Yuebai, certainly had Luo Min''s hands involved.


    Seeing Luo Yuan''s eager expression, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, You youngd, you revel in your battles, unaware that your father has been working tirelessly behind the scenes on your behalf.


    Remembering Luo Min''s rotund figure, Lin Wanrong felt a mix of amusement and warmth. Despite adopting aissez-faire attitude towards his children, the old man''s care for them never wavered.


    "With this, Wu Zhenghu and Cheng Ruinian won''t attack openly, but we can''t guard against their covert moves, Little Luo, you all must be careful." Lin Wanrong said gravely. An opportunity came with risk, a timeless truth.


    Luo Yuan nodded, "Big brother, we''ve considered these issues. All of the southern part of the city is under our watch. As soon as they step into it, we''ll know. Furthermore, our key focus is the restaurant, and our core brothers are all nearby. Without hiding anything from you, I''ve secretly enlisted a few close guards of my father. They''ll be protecting the restaurant continuously. These guards are quite something, personally selected by the Emperor to protect my father when he left the capital, their martial arts skills are beyond question."


    Lin Wanrong had witnessed the skills of Luo Min''s personal guards firsthand the previous night. Even against the experts from the White Lotus Sect, they held their own. Unless they encountered a master like Qin Xian''er, there would be no problem. Hearing that these men were pce guards was no surprise. Meanwhile, Luo Yuan''s words revealed a piece of information: Luo Min seemed to have the Emperor''s deep trust. As for Luo Yuan''s "secretly", Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but be skeptical, surely this was a helper his father had deliberately arranged for him, and only he would still be in the dark about it. That being said, having such a father watching over him was truly a blessing.


    With such a strong ally lending a hand, Lin Wanrong was happy enough to turn a blind eye. What gratified him even more was that Luo Yuan was bing increasingly mature and thoughtful in his actions. Paired with Qingshan, they were indeed a reliable duo.


    After bidding farewell to Luo Yuan, he happened upon Eldest Miss Xiao and Qiaoqiao strolling hand-in-hand in the courtyard, chatting as they went. The two young women shared a simr beauty, like twin lotus blossoms blooming side by side. However, while Eldest Miss Xiao wore a warm smile, Qiaoqiao appeared somewhat distracted, lost in her thoughts.


    "Qiaoqiao!" Lin Wanrong hurriedly approached them.


    "Big brother!" The sadness on Qiaoqiao''s face vanished at once, reced by surprise. "Were you waiting for me here?"


    Lin Wanrong took her small hand in his, grinning unabashedly. "Of course."


    Eldest Miss Xiaoughed, saying, "Qiaoqiao, you should visit more often. We should have more heart-to-heart talks."


    Qiaoqiao nodded. "Eldest Miss Xiao, I wille in the future." Despite her forced smile, a hint of sadness lurked in her expression. Eldest Miss Xiao, on the other hand, appeared cheerful. Lin Wanrong noticed this, suspecting that Xiao Yuruo had been up to something regarding his Qiaoqiao.


    A carriage sent by Luo Min arrived to fetch Lin Wanrong, apanied by the same guard he''d met the day beforethe one who had helped Luo Yuan in the fight. Concerned for Qiaoqiao''s troubles, Lin Wanrong pulled her into the carriage, instructing the driver to take a detour through ''Food for Immortals''.


    As Qiaoqiao sat in the carriage, she gazed at Lin Wanrong with endless affection, though a hint of sadness flickered in her eyes.


    Lin Wanrong, however, didn''t address her worries. Instead, he yfully patted her bottom and said, "Little girl, have you forgotten my words?"


    Blushing with a mix of delight and embarrassment, Qiaoqiao shyly responded, "Big brother, you''re so naughty. When did I ever ignore your words?"


    "You still deny it," Lin Wanrong retorted. "Ever since you came out from Eldest Miss Xiao''s room, you''ve seemed burdened. She must have spoken ill of me. Didn''t I tell you to interpret her words in the opposite way? If she says I''m terrible, that means I''m actually wonderful."


    Qiaoqiao giggled, "Big brother, if Eldest Miss Xiao says you''re good and I interpret it the other way"


    "If even she, a wicked girl, says I''m good, then I''m genuinely good." Lin Wanrong said with a thick-skinned grin.


    Qiaoqiao spoke solemnly, "Big brother, Eldest Miss Xiao only had good things to say about you. Eldest Miss Xiao is a good person. She told me a lot about you, like how you invented perfumed soaps and saved her life during a crisis. She''s very grateful to you."


    Knowing that Qiaoqiao wouldn''t lie, Lin Wanrong was intrigued. Did Eldest Miss Xiao truly say all that? Just a minor joke on the way back yesterday had provoked her to kick and whip at him, so why would she speak so highly of him to Qiaoqiao? Could he have been unfairly suspecting her?


    "Qiaoqiao, I''ve told you all this already, haven''t I? Why would she need to repeat it?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "Not only those," said Qiaoqiao, her face blushing like a ripe apple. "The youngdy also gave me some other things. She said" Her cheeks burned even hotter, as if about to drip water. "She said, those too were invented by you."


    Only then did Lin Wanrong notice a small bundle in Qiaoqiao''s hand. It was light, possibly only a couple of ounces, and subtly hinted at a frilly edge peeking out.


    Lin Wanrong was all too familiar with that item. It was his outstanding contribution to the women of Great Hua.


    Could it be, the youngdy had actually given Qiaoqiao a bra and underwear? Damn, why didn''t I think to give her a few pairs earlier? What an oversight! He thought, pounding his chest and stomping his foot in regret. It seemed that the first person to see Qiaoqiao in her underwear would be Xiao Yuruo, much to his dismay. Such a mistake must never be made again, he vowed. From now on, he would gift Qingxuan and Yushuang a hundred sets each so they could y dress-up.


    "Qiaoqiao, have you worn those things yet?" Lin Wanrong swallowed, a vision of Qiaoqiao in her underwear looking shy yet attractive forming before his eyes. He subconsciously pulled the girl closer to him.


    Qiaoqiao, flushed with embarrassment, let out a soft whimper and buried her head in his chest. She replied softly, "No."


    Lin Wanrong sighed with relief. At least his Qiaoqiao hadn''t been taken advantage of by Xiao Yuruo. He chuckled and asked her quietly, "Why haven''t you worn them?"


    "Because, big brother, you didn''t tell me to," Qiaoqiao replied shyly, her head still lowered.


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong felt a rush of primal desire. He thought, Could there be any aphrodisiac stronger than this little girl''s words? He pulled her even closer, his hands gently kneading her slender waist, and savored the exquisite sensation.


    "Big brother" Qiaoqiao''s little face was burning, her breath growing hotter as Lin Wanrong''s teasing hand slipped under her clothes, gently squeezing her tender breasts.


    Qiaoqiao leaned heavily against Lin Wanrong, allowing him to have his way with her. Her body was heating up and soft whimpering sounds escaped from her lips. Lin Wanrong pressed her twin peaks together, his fingers gently caressing them, while his breath gently tickled her burning ear. "Darling, tomorrow, try wearing those clothes and show me, okay?"


    Qiaoqiao, her bodynguid and achy, hardly had the strength to resist. She softly hummed her agreement, too shy to raise her head.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, mindful of the expert bodyguard of Luo Min outside. He couldn''t overstep any further, so he held Qiaoqiao in his arms, his hands yfully squeezing and kneading her. However, he was thinking, next time he should have Luo Min send a blind, deaf, and mute coachman so as not to interfere with his "business". Such a frustrating situation, being able to look but not taste.


    "Big brother, how did youe up with this invention? It''s so embarrassing," Qiaoqiao said, biting her lip shyly.


    "It was idental, purely idental." Lin Wanrong chuckled. "When I invented this, I was considering the needs of women. It was intended to enhance feminine beauty, promote development, and prevent sagging"


    Qiaoqiao quickly interjected with a light spit, "Big brother, please, no more"


    Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter. "Alright, alright, I won''t say anymore. I''ll speak when my Qiaoqiao puts them on."


    There was simply no reasoning with this big brother of hers. Qiaoqiao flushed, then whispered, "I haven''t worn them, but I''ve seen the Eldest Miss wearing them"


    "What, what, Qiaoqiao, what did you say" Lin Wanrong could hardly believe his ears. Had he heard correctly? The Eldest Miss was wearing the underwear he''d invented? Damn, this piece of news was explosively interesting, certainly ranking as the top scoop of the year in the Xiao family. Qiaoqiao was proving to be quite the effective undercover agent.


    Thinking of the Eldest Miss'' tall figure and slender legs, now dressed in that bra and underwear, he couldn''t help but feel tantalized. No wonder the Eldest Miss'' figure was improving so muchit was all thanks to his efforts.


    Qiaoqiao nodded shyly. "The Eldest Miss said she has been wearing them for a while now, and indeed, the effect is remarkable. Even I am envious of her figure." Lin Wanrong was somewhat dumbfounded. So, it seemed that the Eldest Miss was indeed benefiting from the underwear he''d designed. It looked like his reputation as the "Friend of Women" was thoroughly warranted.


    "Big brother, will you discard me?" Qiaoqiao suddenly asked, nestling in Lin Wanrong''s arms.


    "Why would I do that?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled. "You are my little darling. Of course, I will take good care of you."


    "But, Eldest Miss said you already have a wife, and that her name is Qingxuan." Qiaoqiao finally couldn''t hold back her tears, which started to pour down her face.


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 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134


    Chapter 134 Harvest


    Damn it, why did Xiao Yuruo bring all this up out of the blue, threatening to ruin my rtionship with Qiaoqiao? I was wondering how she managed to suddenly be close with Qiaoqiao, but it turns out she had ulterior motives. Was it all because of the little prank I pulled on her? She really holds a grudge.


    Thinking of Xiao Qingxuan, Lin Wanrong felt somewhat responsible. After Qiaoqiao fell ill that day, he hadn''t found the time to tell her about Qingxuan, and now, unexpectedly, Xiao Yuruo was the one who had spilled the beans.


    Seeing Qiaoqiao''s tears falling more and more heavily, Lin Wanrong''s heart ached again. He embraced her and said, "Silly girl, it''s not that I didn''t want to tell you, it''s just that there''s too much to exin. It would take days and nights to tell you everything. The Eldest Miss wasn''t wrong. Qingxuan is my wife, but didn''t youe into my life even earlier?"


    Qiaoqiao lifted her head, puzzled, and asked, "When did I join your life?"


    Lin Wanrong pointed to his heart and said, "You entered this door first."


    Qiaoqiao was both delighted and heartbroken. She couldn''t help but blush at his sweet words.


    But Lin Wanrong continued, "Qiaoqiao, do you remember, that day in the restaurant, I swore an oath to heaven, making a vow that if I ever betrayed you, I would..."


    Qiaoqiao covered his mouth, her tears falling, and said, "Big Brother, don''t say any more. Qiaoqiao understands her mistake."


    "Qiaoqiao, you and Qingxuan are the most important people to me in this world. That oath I made was when I took you as my wife. What happened with Qingxuan came after that. Technically speaking, she should be calling you elder sister," Lin Wanrong said, grabbing Qiaoqiao''s hand.


    Qiaoqiao blushed, then said softly, "Sister Qingxuan is older than me. It is only right that I call her elder sister."


    "Haha, it''s all the same, it''s all the same," said Lin Wanrong, obviously pleased with himself. He was pondering whether he should take advantage of the situation to tell Qiaoqiao about Yushuang, when Qiaoqiao suddenly said, "Big Brother, I heard that you and the Second Miss from the Xiao family also..."


    Damn it, did Xiao Yuruo tell her that too? Had the girl lost her mind? Wasn''t she always adamant about keeping the Second Miss and me apart? What was she trying to achieve by telling Qiaoqiao all this?


    Lin Wanrong felt utterly perplexed by Xiao Yuruo''s actions. One minute, she was saying that he should stay away from her sister, and the next, she was spilling the beans to Qiaoqiao herself. What was she ying at? Regardless, he decided to take the opportunity to tell Qiaoqiao about Yushuang. It was always better tomunicate more.


    So he briefly recounted his experiences with Qingxuan and Yushuang. Qiaoqiao listened with deep sighs, then said quietly, "Big Brother, Sister Qingxuan is talented and deeply loves you. The Second Miss even risked her life for you. You must not betray them."


    Lin Wanrong grunted in acknowledgment. With tears streaming down her face, Qiaoqiao whispered, "Sister Qingxuan and the Second Miss are both from noble and wealthy families, born into high society, and are very capable. Qiaoqiao, with her humble life, dares notpare herself to them. Big brother, I''ll be content to serve as your maid by your side for the rest of my life."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong felt both heartache and anger. What was Xiao Yuruo thinking, telling Qiaoqiao all these things for no reason? She was really causing him trouble.


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly held the young girl close, saying, "Qiaoqiao, don''t you know me yet? Wealth, social status, it''s all nonsense. I''m nothing myself. It''s you, this little girl, that I like, not your status. Why should you care about such things? How about this: when Qingxuan and Yushuang join us, you can be in charge of them."


    With a blush covering her face, Qiaoqiao quickly shook her head and replied, "No, no, big brother, I can''t do that. It would be better if they are in charge of me. I promise I''ll listen to my elder sisters."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself. He knew the little girl would respond that way. He was really falling for this girl.


    "Don''t worry, you''re my little treasure. No one but me can control you," Lin Wanrong whispered in Qiaoqiao''s ear. This simple phrase made the young girl willingly surrender, nestling happily in big brother''s arms.


    Leaving Qiaoqiao at the restaurant, Lin Wanrong let out a long breath. Pacifying this little girl was far from easy, even moreborious than fighting with the bandits from the White Lotus Cult.


    The carriage continued northward, but even after half an hour, it seemed they were no closer to their destination. Without Qiaoqiao''spany, Lin Wanrong had much less patience. He turned to the coachman and asked, "What''s your honorable surname, my friend?" The coachman was the expert who had been guarding Luo Yuanst night. If Luo Min could entrust Luo Yuan to him, it meant that the man was highly skilled.


    The man replied, "Young Master Lin, my name is Gao Shou."


    Gao Shou? The man dered himself a ''High Hand''? Someone more shameless than me? That was indeed a rarity.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I know you''re highly skilled, brother, but I was asking for your name, so I can address you properly in the future."


    The manughed, "Young Master Lin, I haven''t lied. My surname is Gao, and my name is Shou, like ''head'' in ''decapitated head''. My parents bestowed this name upon me, and I can''t change it. I hope it hasn''t made youugh."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "This is indeed interesting. Brother Gao Shou, you indeed are a ''High Hand'', but your parents are truly masters among masters."


    Well, weren''t they? Naming their son like that, taking advantage of others from the moment he was born. His father should be called ''High Master''.


    Gao Shouughed, "I''ve been living for over thirty years and have been a ''High Hand'' for just as long. Even if I were to lose my life tomorrow, it would be worth it."


    Their conversation elicited heartyughter from both men. Lin Wanrong had taken a liking to this forthright Gao Shou, who also happened to be a formidable martial artist. With that, he exited the carriage and squeezed his way next to Gao Shou, taking a seat on the coach-box. "Brother Gao, it''s dull being in the carriage alone, so I thought I''de and chat with you."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s openness and boldness, Gao Shou found him to be much to his liking, despite his lowly status as a servant. Heughed heartily, "As long as Young Master Lin doesn''t disdain my rough manners, I''m more than pleased to wee yourpany."


    Observing the carriage proceeding steadily onward, Lin Wanrong asked, "Brother Gao, where are we heading?"


    Gao Shou replied, "Governor Luo has requested your presence in Xiaguan, to the north of the city."


    "Xiaguan? What does Governor Luo want me to do there?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously. That ce was not close by, so what was he needed there for?


    "I''m not quite sure about that. Perhaps Young Master could ask Governor Luo himselfter," Gao Shouughed.


    Lin Wanrong knew that Gao Shou either wouldn''t tell him or simply didn''t know, so he didn''t inquire further. He saw how skilled Gao Shou was in handling the horse-drawn carriage, which led him to remark, "Brother Gao, not only are your martial arts skills impressive, but your horsemanship is also quite remarkable. If I''m not mistaken, you aren''t a local of Jinling, are you?"


    It was tantly obvious. Even a deaf person would have recognized from Gao Shou''s distinct northern ent that he was from the North.


    Gao Shou nodded, "To be frank with you, Young Master, my ancestral home is Cangzhou in Hebei."


    "Cangzhou? Excellent ce, renowned for martial arts. No wonder, Brother Gao, you possess such extraordinary skills," Lin Wanrong ttered him subtly. Gao Shou seemed pleased to hear this. In his past life, Cangzhou was indeed known as a martial arts hub, though he didn''t know whether things had changed in this world.


    Gao Shou responded cheerfully, "Young Master Lin, you''re familiar with Cangzhou?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Of course I''ve heard of such a famous ce. The northern folk are known for their martial spirit and horse riding skills. Seeing Brother Gao''s mastery of both martial arts and horsemanship, superior even to the elite cavalry of the Jiangsu Commander-in-chief''s troops, I immediately knew you were from the North."


    With a contemptuousugh, Gao Shou said, "The Jiangsu troops? How can those weaklings bepared with us northerners? Commander Cheng De of Jiangsu is aplete fool. If it weren''t for his connections at court, he would''ve been dismissed long ago."


    In conducting his affairs, Lin Wanrong never settled for a loss. After engaging in conversation with Gao Shou and ttering him a bit, if he didn''t manage to extract some valuable information, it would have been a waste.


    Upon hearing Gao Shou''s statement, Lin Wanrong gave a sly smile. Without pressing further, he feigned curiosity, "Brother Gao, why would you say that? When I saw the Jiangsu troops, their weapons were gleaming, they carried themselves with dignity, and their might was indeed impressive."


    "Young Master Lin," Gao Shou began, "to outsiders, it''s spectacle; to professionals, it''s strategy. Cheng De, that fool, unts his power here in the south, all thanks to Prince Cheng''s support. His three battalions are notoriously ipetent. Even the court officials and pce eunuchs in the capital are aware. I don''t mean to belittle these southern soldiers, but while we can''tpete with the schrs here in terms of poetry and verse, when ites to battlefield prowess, these southern infantry and cavalry can only scare away petty thieves. If they were sent to the north to defend against the ferocious nomads, I fear they would copse within moments. We brothers have a saying, ''Better to be a wandering spirit in the north than a schrly soldier in the south.'' That''s the essence of it."


    Prince Cheng? Was this the backer behind Cheng De? Lin Wanrong recalled hearing about Prince Cheng from Luo Yuan, who mentioned some past unsavory business rted to the imperial session. He hadn''t expected Cheng De''s backer to be him.


    Damn, old Luo, you cunning fox, Lin Wanrong thought, the man behind Cheng De is one of the most powerful princes in the empire. Who''s backing you? Just don''t get me into trouble.


    This Gao Shou, whose name implied "high hand", was in fact quite out of his depth before Lin Wanrong, unknowingly revealing all he knew and considering him a close friend. Lin Wanrong inwardly chuckled. Few could match him when it came to his tactics in courting women or making friends.


    Though Lin Wanrong didn''t fully agree with Gao Shou''s regional prejudices, he had to admit there was some truth to it. The saying "Schrs in the south, warriors in the north" was conventional wisdom; the fighting strength of southern soldiers indeed fell shortpared to their northern counterparts. It was no surprise that Qingxuan had been so emotional when they first met.


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Regardless of age or region, we''re allpatriots of the samend, fighting the barbarians is our collective duty. There''s no need for a distinction between north and south."


    Gao Shouughed heartily, "Young Master Lin, your words are spot on. I really admire you. Living here in Jinling City, you''re nothing like these southern schrs. Bold and capable, no wonder Governor Luo values you so much."


    Lin Wanrong gave a nonchnt smile and casually said, "Then you can consider me a northerner. By the way, Brother Gao, during your time serving in the capital, were most of your colleagues from the north or the south?"


    "Back when I was in the pce, northerners were in the majority. Most of the guards there were..." He paused, suddenly realizing, "Young Master Lin, you..."


    Finally, he wasn''t too nave. Young Master Lin had been subtly prying for information, leading him on a roundabout interrogation. He gave a wry smile, "Young Master Lin, as a northerner, I''m somewhat familiar with battles, but when ites to strategy and cunning, I''m far behind you."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t seem to mind Gao Shou''s sarcasm at all, chuckling as he pped his shoulder, "Brother Gao, don''t mind it. I''ve known for a while that you are a guard to the Emperor. Between Governor Luo and me, what can''t we discuss? Don''t you agree?"


    This was pure trickery. Lin Wanrong''s words were fraught with hidden traps, slyly setting up Luo Min. Gao Shou had fallen into them countless times without realizing it. If Luo Min were present and heard Lin Wanrong''s words, he would surely have jumped up in indignation, cursing this cunning fox.


    Believing that Luo Min had already informed Lin Wanrong of his position, Gao Shou admitted, "Young Master Lin is indeed remarkable. In the past, I was one of the Emperor''s personal guards. When Governor Luo came to Jinling, the Emperor sent us to apany him."


    Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh. It seemed that Luo Yuan''s words today were not false. The old Luo Min really was deeply favored by the Emperor. However, even if you''re a powerful minister, you''re still no match for Prince Cheng, old Luo. You must stand firm.


    From then on, Lin Wanrong ceased his scheming and conversed openly with Gao Shou. Both men had seen much of the world and knew a great deal. Lin Wanrong was an eloquent speaker, easily chatting about culture, geography, and scendscapes. This made Gao Shou admire him even more. This Young Master Lin, not only skilled in crafty tactics, but also evidently had experience and wisdom. He was worth befriending.


    Although the carriage ride was long, Lin Wanrong felt it was not in vain. He gained a deeper understanding of the backgrounds of Luo Min and Cheng De, which was quite rewarding.


    He was still deep in thought when Gao Shou next to him said, "Young Master Lin, we''ve arrived."


    Lin Wanrong quickly lifted his head, and before he had a chance to look around, he heard a clear voice, "Brother Lin, you''ve arrived!"


    He looked toward the voice and saw a beautiful woman standing not far away. She wore a pale yellow dress, her figure slender and elegant, standing there like a fairy beyond the mortal realm. She wore a gentle smile, looking peacefully at him. The sight was strikingly familiar - it was Luo Ning, the most talented woman in Jinling.


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 Chapter 135

    Chapter 135


    Chapter 135 The Second Rebuke of the Talented Woman (Part 1)


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. What was this old Luo up to? I came to meet him, not his daughter. Even if he wanted to y matchmaker, he shouldn''t be so tant about it. After all, I am a gentleman.


    "So, Miss Luo is also here," Lin Wanrong said with a smile. "Didn''t Governor Luo summon me? But why isn''t he around?"


    Luo Ning nodded and said, "Father just went down to inspect the river embankment. Could you please wait for a while, Brother Lin?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded and looked around. It turned out that Luo Min had arranged their meeting at the lower river embankment. It was winter now, the dry season of the Yangtze River, and the water level had dropped significantly. However, the yellow earth and thin mud on both sides still bore the ravages of the flood.


    Thousands of ordinary people were rolling up their sleeves, tucking their trousers, wading through the mud, and carrying soil to the riverbank. Another several thousand people were using various tools to fill and fortify the embankment.


    This scene reminded Lin Wanrong of the water conservancy projects he used to see in his past life. Growing up by the Han River, he had a clear understanding of the importance of water control. Looking at the scene before him, a sense of familiarity welled up in his heart. These ordinary folks, with their in clothes and simple meals, were dearer to him than any so-called talented men and women.


    Yet, despite the considerable number of people on the embankment, their tools were primitive and their efficiency low. It would likely take an enormous amount of time to elevate the embankment further. Lin Wanrong grew anxious at the sight.


    What is this old Luo ying at, asking me toe here? Surely, he doesn''t expect me to donate silver? Damn it, the old man was crafty, hitting right where it hurt.


    Seeing Luo Ning still standing nearby, Lin Wanrong asked, "Miss Luo, do you know why Governor Luo asked me toe here?"


    With a mysterious smile, Luo Ning replied, "Father will talk to you about it shortly."


    Seeing her smile so cryptically, Lin Wanrong knew she must be in the know. But her smug demeanor suggested she wouldn''t spill anything if asked.


    He sighed and didn''t attempt to chat with Luo Ning any further, heading straight for the embankment. The solid feel of the soil under his feet stirred something within him. I am a child of the Yangtze River, he thought, his eyes getting misty.


    Noticing his emotional state, Luo Ning hurriedly asked, "Brother Lin, are you okay?"


    Lin Wanrong sniffed and chuckled, "I''m fine. It''s just the strong wind, a little diforting. By the way, Miss Luo, what are you doing here?"


    "I came here with my colleagues from the poetry society," Luo Ning replied, pointing to the far slope where a long row of tables was set up. A long scroll of paper was spread out on the tables. The talented men and women from the Jinling Poetry Society were wielding their brushes, apparently working on arge collective painting.


    The strong men carrying the soil and sand passed by the table full of schrs, unnoticed. Among the crowd, a woman stood out, dressed in a dark red official uniform that entuated her delicate beauty. It was Miss Wanying. This woman, sneaking out during work hours, was truly a waste of resources. However, seeing her in that red constable''s outfit gave her an inexplicable wildness, Lin Wanrong mused.


    He also spotted Hou Yuebai and Yu Wenpo among the crowd. The two men were frantically writing, surrounded by cheers of admiration. Wanying stood beside Hou Yuebai, pping continuously, her eyes full of adoration.


    Damn it, while ordinary folksbored and sweated for this embankment, safeguarding the interests of you privileged officials, you have the leisure toe here and paint for fun. Truly wasting your food, Lin Wanrong thought bitterly. His strongmoner sentiment couldn''t bear such a sight, and he began to walk away.


    However, Luo Ning seemed to know his thoughts, quickly saying, "Brother Lin, don''t misunderstand. We''re not here just for fun."


    Lin Wanrong smiled and replied, "Miss Luo, what does your activity have to do with me?"


    Luo Ning responded, "Brother Lin, do you remember the charity auction you suggested to me? It went very well and everyone was enthusiastic. Recently, we are running out of funds for the river defenses. My father is deeply troubled. So I thought about your idea. If we gather the members of our literary society and create a collective painting of the river defense, then sell it, wouldn''t that contribute to the cause?"


    To be fair, Luo Ning was not delicate, she had ambitions, which was quite rare among women of this era. However, she was too idealistic, probably because she had never experienced the life of ordinary people.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s silence, Luo Ning, thinking he did not believe her, sighed, "Brother Lin, you will understand if youe with me."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Whether I believe it or not doesn''t really matter."


    But Luo Ning was stubborn. She took hold of his sleeve and led him towards the poetry society. He had known Luo Ning for some time but had never seen her so flustered. It seemed his attitude had genuinely upset her.


    Seeing her stubborn nature, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help butugh, saying, "Miss Luo, holding onto me like this might lead to misunderstandings."


    Luo Ning retorted, "We have nothing to hide, why should we fear any misunderstanding?" Since you''re not afraid, I''m even less so. He let her grab his sleeve and walked towards the poetry society.


    Seeing Luo Ning lead Lin Wanrong over, the crowd''s expressions changed. Hou Yuebai looked displeased, while the woman named Wanying, burning with anger, questioned, "What are you doing here?"


    Lin Wanrong was extremely irritated. Damn it, did they think he wanted to be part of their crowd? If not for being dragged here, when would he have the time to spare for them? Seeing the displeased tone of the young woman, he smirked and asked, "Where did this officiale from? It''s impressive that patrol duty even reaches this embankment. Oh, by the way, Miss Wanying, where''s your white horse?"


    Wanying asked, "What do you want with my white horse?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "Nothing much, just that my Little ck misses it."


    Their private joke seemed to infuriate Miss Wanying, who understood its meaning. Knowing she wouldn''t gain an advantage in this verbal exchange, she snorted and ignored him.


    Lin Wanrong took a deep breath. Standing amidst these ''elegant'' folks, he felt extremely ufortable. How did a mere house servant like him end up with this crowd? It was truly baffling.


    Hou Yuebai, having been annoyed by Lin Wanrong yesterday and having just noticed Luo Ning''s gesture from afar, was perturbed. Not wanting to lose hisposure in front of the beauty, he asked Luo Ning, "Miss Luo, what do you think of myndscape painting?"


    The painting depicted distant mountains, majestic and faint, like ink wash. As the view drew closer, there was a deep pool, with its sparkling green waves, surrounded by verdant pines and cypresses. Mist rose slowly amidst theyers of peaks. Hou Yuebai truly deserved his reputation as the most talented schr in Jinling. His brushwork and ink usage were seasoned.


    Luo Ning nodded in approval, "Young Master Hou''s brushwork is sharp, and the ink usage is unique. Thisndscape painting is truly extraordinary."


    Feeling slightly triumphant, Hou Yuebai nced at Lin Wanrong and humbly said, "Miss Luo, you tter me."


    Ignoring Hou Yuebai, Luo Ning turned to Lin Wanrong and asked, "Brother Lin, what do you think?"


    Luo Ning had seen Lin Wanrong''s unique pencil. She knew that he was a connoisseur in drawing.


    Seeing Hou Yuebai''s haughty demeanor, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but shake his head, saying, "The mountains are good mountains, the rivers are good rivers." After these eight words, he said nothing more.


    Wanying, a devoted admirer of Hou Yuebai, immediately asked, "Lin San, what do you mean by that?"


    Hou Yuebai arrogantly responded, "Lin San, are you implying that there''s something wrong with this painting?"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s reluctance to answer, Luo Ning had to ask, "Brother Lin, could you please enlighten us?"


    "All I see is brush and ink, not mountains and rivers," Lin Wanrong replied casually.


    Luo Ning''s eyes brightened as she realized what he meant, "Brother Lin, I understand now. You''re saying Master Hou focused too much on the technique when painting, overlooking the simplicity and natural essence of these mountains and rivers, right?"


    Hou Yuebai''s face turned ashen. He knew his own work. To paint thisndscape, he had exerted all his skills, used various techniques, and indeed, Lin Wanrong hit the nail on the head with hisment. However, since Luo Ning made this point, he couldn''t refute her. All he could do was re at Lin Wanrong and mutter, "Words are just words."


    Damn it, Lin Wanrong had originally wanted to save Hou Yuebai some face, but the young man simply didn''t know how to appreciate the gesture. Grinning slyly, he said, "Miss Luo, you''re half right. The essence of mountains and rivers lies in the temperament and experience of the beholder. Without a heart set on appreciating all under heaven, how could oneprehend the grandeur and vastness of thesendscapes? It''s hard to capture mountains and rivers in a painting. Throughout history, how many such paintings have been passed down? That''s the crux."


    Poor Hou Yuebai, he had poured all his skills into creating thisndscape, hoping to win Luo Ning''s favor. Who would''ve thought he would cross paths with his nemesis, Lin Wanrong? Every sentence Lin Wanrong uttered was logical, understood by all, leaving him no chance to refute.


    Meanwhile, Wanying huffed, "Your words may sound grand, but painting such andscape is naturally difficult. Young Master Hou achieving this level is rare in itself."


    Deeply moved by Lin Wanrong''s words, Luo Ning had a thought. She pulled him towards another painting and asked, "Brother Lin, what do you think of this one?"


    The painting depicted a scene of water conservancy work atop the river embankment. An old man in ragged clothes, shouldering a bag of mud, was about to fill a gap. His eyes, however, were fixated on the turbulent river below, reflecting deep worry.


    The painting was meticulously done, with every feature vividly portrayed. The old man''s expressions and actions were very realistic, especially his worry about the overflowing river, which seemed to jump off the page.


    It was clear from everyone''s eyes that they highly admired this painting. Its profound portrayal of the character''s expressions, actions, and implied meaning could only be described as an excellent piece of work.


    Luo Ning looked at Lin Wanrong anxiously, awaiting his verdict.


    Lin Wanrong nced at the painting, gave a slight smile, and delivered his straightforward opinion in two words, "A failure!"


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 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136


    Chapter 136 The Second Rebuke of the Talented Woman (2)


    Before Luo Ning could speak, Miss Wanying was the first to jump up and exim, "What nonsense are you talking about? This painting is well-done, acknowledged by everyone, even the Governor himself praised it."


    Lin Wanrong was puzzled. Could this painting be the work of Miss Wanying? It didn''t seem right. The girl was like a fiery pepper, could she possibly have such delicate brushstrokes?


    No matter who painted it, the words were out, and Lin Wanrong was not afraid of her. He chuckled and replied, "I said it''s wed, and I have my reasons."


    Luo Ning, her face flushing, asked, "Brother Lin, could you please point out the ws in the painting?"


    Seeing her face turn red, her expression twisting, and noting the delicacy of the brushstrokes on the painting, Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Could it be that this painting was done by Luo Ning, the number one talented woman?


    On the side, Wanying huffed, "Sister Luo, don''t mind him. He''s always talking nonsense, belittling your painting without reason."


    So, it really was Luo Ning''s work. Thinking of how Luo Ning was hailed as the number one talented woman of Jinling, how aloof and proud she was, it must have been a severe blow to have Lin Wanrong sinctly describe her proud work as ''wed'' in front of everyone. It was remarkable she didn''t break down in tears on the spot.


    Lin Wanrong was caught betweenughter and tears. If she had told him earlier... He would have shown restraint even towards that worthless young master, let alone her. However, Luo Ning was proud and stubborn. She didn''t want her rtionship with him to affect his independent opinion.


    Seeing Luo Ning biting her lip, her face flushed with embarrassment, Lin Wanrong sighed. Having critiqued the number one talented man, and then the number one talented woman, he felt rather impressive himself.


    "Brother Lin, please speak freely. I would very much like to hear your criticism," Luo Ning said bravely.


    "Miss Luo, this painting is superior in terms of lines, brushstrokes, and angles," Lin Wanrong started on a positive note, then turned, "However, it seems a bit presumptuous."


    Seeing everyone listening attentively, even Hou Yuebai and the always grumbling Wanying perked up their ears, Lin Wanrong continued, "From this painting, one can see the elder''s ragged clothing, suggesting he is amoner, still striving to meet basic needs. Am I right?"


    Luo Ning nodded slightly, "Yes, I wanted to depict the worries of an ordinary citizen about the flood."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Miss Luo, your intentions were good, but you don''t understand the human heart, nor themon people. You''ve never suffered, so you have no clue what''s on the minds of ordinary people. Our people in Great Hua are loyal and easily cated; if you provide them with enough food and warm clothes, they will treat you as their own parents. But at the same time, they are also the most pragmatic. If their basic needs are not met, they won''t care about anything else. Imagine, if their survival is threatened, and yet you expect them to worry about the floods. Miss, do you think they''re all saints concerned about the nation and its people? You''re mistaken, terribly mistaken. For those at the bottom, survival is their first need; issues of the nation and race are miles away from their reality."


    The talented men and women in the room fell silent, all at a loss for words. They were privileged sons and daughters who had never experienced the hardship of the lower sses. They assumed that everyone in the world was just like them, well-fed, with nothing to do but worry about national affairs. Lin Wanrong''s words left them astounded but forced to admit that he had a point.


    Everyone fell silent, even Miss Wanying, who had always disagreed with Lin Wanrong, gave him a nce of admiration.


    Lin Wanrong felt heavy-hearted, as if he was carryingrge stones. These ignorant, privileged young men, not only in Great Hua but also in his past life, were numerous. Out of touch with reality, disconnected from the masses, it was a tragedy indeed.


    Luo Ning had drawn this painting based on her own perspective and assumptions. It wasuded by these talented individuals and initially, she was quite proud. Now thinking about it, she was far from the mark. If the skin does not exist, where can the hair attach? The whole concept of this painting was wrong; using the word ''wed'' was an understatement. It was entirely a waste.


    Luo Ning, her eyes rimmed with red, desperately held back tears. Since she came of age, she had been hailed as the number one talented woman in Jinling due to her exceptional intelligence and academic excellence. While she remained modest and cautious, she couldn''t avoid the little vanity in her heart. This critique was the biggest blow she had received as an adult. Despite her resilience, having been criticized by Lin Wanrong in front of everyone, she naturally felt wronged.


    "If you want to paint life, first paint the heart." Seeing Luo Ning on the verge of tears, Lin Wanrong sighed wistfully, then said, "Don''t cry, don''t cry. I have a remedy."


    Luo Ning wiped the corner of her eye and snorted, "Who''s crying? What remedy do you have?"


    Lin Wanrong pulled out a homemade pencil from his pocket and smiled, "I''ll have to rely on this little gem."


    Aside from Luo Ning, no one had seen this pencil before. Wanying seemed to have forgotten her earlier spat with Lin and asked, "Lin San, what is this?"


    Lin Wanrong replied with a faint smile, "This is the result of a ck horse and a white horse loving each other for a hundred years, turning into ashes. It''s made from their ashes and called a pencil."


    Wanying was taken aback, she hummed softly, quickly realizing that Lin San was jesting with her. She thought to herself, ''This man is really wicked, still in a yful mood at a time like this.'' She lightly snorted and turned her head away, but she continued to watch Lin Wanrong''s movements out of the corner of her eye.


    Holding the pencil, Lin Wanrong lightly sketched a few strokes in the eyes of the portrait and added some on the face. He then pped his hands and said, "Miss Luo, you should draw over the pencil marks."


    The pencil marks were very faint; after several nces, the onlookers could not discern any specific features. Luo Ning, aware that he wasn''t adept with a brush, hummed softly in acknowledgement. With her left hand pinching her sleeve and her right hand lifting a fine brush, she began to trace over the marks.


    At first, she didn''t fully understand what she was doing, but as she continued drawing, she became more and more amazed. By the end, her expression was one of excitement. She painted in even finer detail, and after a while, put down her brush and eximed joyfully, "Brother Lin, I get it now."


    Everyone looked again at the table and saw the ragged old man in the painting, his eyes still harboring some sorrow but significantly lighter, and his face marked with faint traces of a smile.


    Thinking back to what Lin Wanrong had said earlier, the crowd began to understand. The impoverished people working on the riverbank, despite their hardship and fatigue, were at least able to eat their fill. Naturally, they could smile. The sorrow in their eyes was born from the fear that once the embankment was finished, they would struggle to find enough food again. From their perspective, they would probably prefer the floods to return every year, giving them work on the embankment. When poor people smile, it oftenes with tears; this was now a true portrayal in the painting.


    In truth, Lin Wanrong wasn''t very satisfied with this modification. Using sketching techniques to alter this traditional Chinese painting was a bit forced, but he had been harsh with his words earlier, pushing Luo Ning to the brink of tears. He had to salvage as much as he could.


    Everyone let out a sigh of relief. To be honest, Luo Ning''s painting, both in terms of stroke technique and the emotion it conveyed, was truly a remarkable piece. It would have been a shame had it been wasted. Now, it had been saved, which was indeed a stroke of great luck.


    Wanying huffed, "Lin San, you lucked out. With just a few strokes, you now share in the credit for Sister Luo''s painting."


    ''Goodness, this sort of correction to a painting with just a few strokes, if you''re so capable, Miss, why don''t you try doing it yourself?''


    Hou Yuebai noticed that Lin San had some skill in painting, but he scoffed at his pencil technique. He thought to himself that Lin San was a person with lofty ideals but modest abilities. He had a talent for critiquing paintings, yet his own painting skills were mediocre. The next time he had a chance, he would challenge him in painting.


    Only Luo Ning understood the power of Lin Wanrong''s few strokes, which transformed the painting''s atmosphere. ''Can I even im this painting as my own now?'' Luo Ning looked at the painting, her heart filled with sorrow and gratitude. Overwhelmed by emotions, she suddenly turned around and ran off.


    Wanying quickly called out, "Sister Luo, where are you going?"


    Luo Ning paused momentarily, yet she didn''t turn back. In a soft voice, she said, "Wanying, please continue with the painting. I''m going over there to clear my mind, but I''ll return soon."


    Annoyed, Wanying cast a re at Lin Wanrong and eximed, "Is this your handiwork?"


    Lin Wanrong blinked in confusion, thinking, what does this have to do with me? Seeing Wanying puffed up in anger, he couldn''t help butugh and said, "Once upon a time, a white horse fell in love with a ck horse..."


    "You''re asking for it!" Wanying, ever the fiery one, couldn''t stand his teasing. With a swift and forceful kick, she revealed herself to be a martial artist. No wonder she was the city''s top female constable.


    Unwilling to engage in a drawn-out quarrel, Lin Wanrong walked away towards the embankment. Just as he was about to find a spot to relieve himself, he spotted a petite figure sitting on the ground, staring nkly at the rolling river.


    Could it be? He''d only criticized her a little, and now she was contemting jumping into the river? Panic seized him, and he blurted out, "Miss Luo, don''t jump!"


    Luo Ning turned her head at his exmation, only to see Lin Wanrong rushing towards her. She offered him a smile and asked, "Brother Lin, what are you talking about?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "Miss Luo, you mustn''t jump! I was only joking earlier. There''s no need to be so desperate."


    Embarrassed and irritated, Luo Ning retorted, "Brother Lin, what nonsense are you saying? Do I look like I''m about to jump into the river?"


    "Well, that''s a relief," Lin Wanrong wiped off his cold sweat, saying, "As long as you''re not jumping, we can discuss everything."


    Luo Ning thought he could be remarkably clever at times, yet incredibly obtuse at others, and she didn''t quite know what to do with him. She stepped back a few paces, putting more distance between herself and the river, and said with a smile, "Now are you reassured?"


    Unabashed, Lin Wanrong sat down beside her and said, "You scared me. I''m relieved you''re not going to jump. Miss Luo, let me tell you, the water in the Yangtze River is muddy and yellow. If you''re going to jump into water, don''t pick this river. Xuanwu Lake, on the other hand, has clear water and picturesque views. It would be a far better choice."


    Amused, Luo Ning looked at him and asked, "Brother Lin, is this your idea offorting someone?"


    Lin Wanrong responded with surprise, "Comfort? Why would I need tofort you? Aren''t you a strong woman who doesn''t need sce?"


    Luo Ning''s expression darkened slightly. Shaking her head, she said, "Brother Lin, you''re mistaken this time. I really feel terrible about myself."


    Could it be that a small setback had made this incredibly talented woman lose heart? It seemed he needed to give a major boost to her resilience.


    Luo Ning heaved a sigh, seated herself beside him, and gazed at the endless river. "In the past," she began, "I prided myself on my proficiency in the guqin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. I even outperformed the men, and that gave me such a thrill. But after seeing the couplets in the Food for Immortals, I felt discouraged. Your words yesterday and the feedback on my painting today made me realize that I am just a frog in the well, unaware of how vast the sky truly is. Just as you said, Brother Lin, being raised in an official''s household, I''ve hardly interacted with themon folk. My experiences and insights are painfully limited, yet I''m so conceited. Now, I find myself rather distasteful."


    This youngdy is quite adept at self-criticism. Unlucky for her to run into me, but pressure leads to progress. Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Miss Luo, you''re sincere andpassionate. Everyone is too busy liking you to hate you. Holding on to your dreams ismendable. As for life experience, it can''t be rushed. As you grow older and experience more, you''ll understand."


    Lu Ning nced at him and said, "Brother Lin, I''ve always found it strange. You''re only a few years older than me, yet you understand so much and grasp the human heart so well. How is that possible?"


    That question was a tough one to answer. Lin Wanrong solemnly replied, "Actually, I''ve been asking myself the same thing. But, as you know, answering a question posed by a genius is indeed challenging."


    It took Luo Ning a moment to pick up on his dry humor. Covering her mouth, she giggled, "Brother Lin, you never speak seriously."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Honestly, aside from ''genius'', I can''t find any other word to describe me."


    "I feel the same way," Luo Ning said softly.


    Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter. This youngdy was picking up on my humor. Interesting.


    With a somewhat resigned expression, Luo Ning got up, saying, "Brother Lin, I''m going to paint. You''re not allowed to follow me, or else, I''ll ''die'' again." She dashed off as if Lin Wanrong were a beast in pursuit.


    Damn, am I really that terrifying? If you hadn''t invited me, I wouldn''t bother. After all that talking, he''d forgotten to relieve himself. Just as he was about to do so, a ''mud man'' suddenly popped up beside him.


    The figure was smeared with mud from head to toe, barefoot, with a somewhat familiar face. Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "Governor Luo, how did you get yourself into such a state?"


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 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137


    Chapter 137 Beat the Bastard


    Luo Min chuckled, expressing awkwardly, "I slipped down to the riverbank earlier, carelessly stepping into the mud. How clumsy of me, how very clumsy."


    Upon seeing the old man''s rare show of modesty, Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "I don''t mind what I''ve seen, but the patrol officers from the Supervision Bureau...if they were to catch sight of you in this state, I''m afraid it might cause someplications."


    Luo Min responded, "Why am I working so hard? Isn''t it for the betterment of the people of Jiangsu province? Even if these imperial inspectors report this to the Emperor, I would dare to stand by my words."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Report to the Emperor? I believe that''s the day you''re eagerly waiting for. A light scolding in exchange for the Emperor''s recognition of your benevolent deeds, indeed, a profitable business."


    Lin Wanrong was all too familiar with this ruse. The sly old fox could sugarcoat his words all he wanted, with ims of "benefitting the people of Jiangsu," but Lin Wanrong didn''t believe a word of it. Stripped bare, it was nothing more than a bid to climb the politicaldder.


    Knowing he couldn''t deceive Lin Wanrong, Luo Min gave an embarrassed smile and admitted, "I won''t hide it from you, Little Lin, there''s some truth in what you''re saying. But if I can climb the ranks while also benefitting the people, why wouldn''t I do it?"


    This old Luo was quite honest with Lin Wanrong. He must have been an ambitious man in his youth, but now, looking at hisrge belly, one could tell that those ambitions had long since soured within him.


    Luo Min summoned Luo Ning to bring him a clean official robe. Seeing Lin Wanrong observing Luo Ning, Luo Min gently asked him, "Little Lin, what were you discussing with Ning just now? She seemed rather pleased."


    When had he be ''Little Lin'' from ''Young Master Lin''? They had only met twice. This Luo Min was rather presumptuous.


    "Nothing much. Just some ideals, and life," Lin Wanrong unabashedly replied.


    "Is that so?" Luo Min squinted in disbelief.


    "What did you think we would talk about?" Lin Wanrong asked with a grin. The more he looked at Luo Min, the less he appeared to be Luo Ning''s biological father. How could such a sleazy character father such a beautiful daughter? He reckoned the Luo siblings must take after their mother.


    "Ning not only takes after her mother in looks, but also in character. Independent, decisive, and a bit aloof. I rarely see anyone converse with her so easily," Luo Min sighed, as if reminiscing about his long-deceased wife.


    Lin Wanrong had no interest in engaging in gossip, so he quickly got to the point, "Governor Luo, you invited me here. I assume it''s not merely to have a heart-to-heart conversation, is it?"


    Luo Min burst intoughter, "I was so engrossed in our chat that I nearly forgot the main issue. Little Lin, how do you find the works on the embankment?"


    "Pretty good, indeed. Large scale, plenty of people, very lively," Lin Wanrong feigned ignorance.


    Luo Min forced a smile, "Is that all?"


    Lin Wanrong asked curiously, "What else does Governor want me to notice?"


    When one fox encountered another, the contest was one of patience. But Luo Min was restless, unable to hold back, "I won''t hide it from you, Little Lin. I asked you here today for your insights on a matter - how we can quickly raise some silver."


    I knew this old fox was up to no good, Lin Wanrong thought as he curiously asked, "Raise silver? Governor Luo, you are the Governor, the chief officer of Jiangsu province, controlling all fiscal authority. Why are you worried about silver?"


    Luo Min sighed, "Young man, you''re unaware of the hardships I face. The position of Jiangsu Governor may seem glorious, but it''s far from easy. True, ''when Jiangnan is rich, the world is content,'' but the annual tax revenue from Jiangsu is always closely monitored from above. With the instability in the north, a war with the nomads on the horizon, and the turmoil caused by the White Lotus cult, there are countless ces where money is needed. The tax revenue from Jiangsu province goes entirely to the national treasury, not leaving a single coin in surplus."


    There was some truth to his words. The lucrative position of Jiangsu Governor was undoubtedly targeted by many. Any shady dealings would need to be handled with utmost care. Moreover, with the current national crisis, and Jiangsu serving as the granary, it was normal to contribute more.


    "This year, the Ministry of Household allocated only ten thousand taels of silver for the river defenses in Jiangsu province. Take Jinling city as an example, if we don''t rush to repair the embankments before winter, once the rainy season hits next year in the fourth or fifth month, the Xuanwu Lake will overflow, coupled with the floodwaters from the upper Yangtze. The city would be flooded both inside and out, causing catastrophic destruction. This is no exaggeration," Luo Min said helplessly, worry etched deeply on his face.


    "Repairing the water system for just Jinling city and the embankments along the Yangtze River costs over a thousand taels of silver daily. Our Jiangsu province has a thousand-mile riverbank that passes through over twenty counties. Besides the Yangtze, there are also the Huai River, Tai Lake, and Hongze Lake needing maintenance. Adding it all up, there''s a shortfall of over two hundred thousand taels of silver. What am I to do?" Luo Minmented.


    Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment before speaking, "Governor Luo, forgive my frankness, but water management is a long-term project, which cannot be aplished overnight. It might take at least ten years, if not a hundred. There''s no point in hurrying."


    Luo Min nodded, "I am aware of that, but I do not wish to repeat past mistakes. Four years ago, a great flood struck. To save Jinling, we were forced to release water from the upper-stream county, flooding miles of fertilend. I feel immense guilt towards the people of Jiangsu."


    No wonder he was so troubled. There had been a devastating experience in the past, releasing floodwaters from the upper-stream to protect key locations was ast resort, and the resentment from themon people was understandable.


    Lin Wanrong replied, "Governor Luo, I admire your determination. However, for the matter of raising funds, you should discuss it with the prefectural officials. I''m just a small domestic servant, at best managing an inn and earning some petty cash. Talking to me about these matters isn''t beneficial."


    Luo Min sighed, "Little Lin, I won''t hide it from you. I''ve done everything I could  solicited donations, levied assessments, tried all sorts of means  but how could I possibly fill a gap of hundreds of thousands of taels of silver? Without the silver, the construction of the Yangtze River embankments will stop within days. If we don''t repair these embankments before the frost, we''ll be helpless when the floodes next year."


    "Little Lin, my daughter Ning mentioned your quick wit and resourcefulness. She has sought your help before. Therefore, I implore you to lend a hand in this. It would benefit the people of Jiangsu." Luo Min''s words were earnest, so sincere that Lin Wanrong couldn''t discern if they were true or not.


    So, it turned out Luo Ning had rmended me to her father as a money-making genius, Lin Wanrong thought. But no matter how capable I am, can I conjure up tens of thousands of taels of silver in the blink of an eye? If I had such power, I wouldn''t be here talking nonsense with you, I''d be back home counting my silver.


    "Governor Luo, I have no position, power, or money, how am I supposed to help you?" Lin Wanrong said with a bitter smile.


    "You mayck position, power, and money, Little Lin, but you possess intelligence and wisdom, which are priceless," Luo Min ttered.


    From Luo Min''s demeanor, it was evident he was desperate, or else he wouldn''t be seeking help so frantically. Having grown up near the river, Lin Wanrong knew all too well what the embankments meant to ordinary people. He sighed internally, wondering if he really needed to y the savior this time.


    Lin Wanrong paced back and forth on the embankment, lost in thought, while Luo Min remained silent. Luo Ning, who was on the other side, looked up at the two men on the embankment, their brows furrowed with worry. She sighed inwardly. Was there truly no solution, even for the cunning Lin Wanrong?


    After walking a few steps, Lin Wanrong turned around, his gaze firm. "Governor Luo, I can suggest a n. But whether you can execute it, and whether you fear being scolded, that will be your problem."


    Luo Min replied with joy, "Just speak your mind. I, Luo Min, have been criticized more than once or twice. Another time won''t make a difference."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. Aside from his sizable belly and sly nature, this old Luo didn''t seem to have any other ws.


    "Governor Luo, how much manpower is still needed to repair the embankments?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "We need at least three thousand able-bodied men," Luo Min answered, "But our funds and provisions have already been exhausted, I fear further conscription is no longer feasible."


    "If you''re looking to pay for manpower, of course it won''t work. But there are plenty of able-bodied men in Jiangnan that you don''t need to pay for. Why not utilize them?" Lin Wanrong suggested.


    Delighted, Luo Min asked, "Where could I find such men?"


    "The Jiangsu Commander-in-chief has three battalions of soldiers under hismand, totaling tens of thousands of men. They''re eating military rations without a war to fight. Why not have them repair the embankments?" Lin Wanrong proposed casually.


    Luo Min was taken aback. Using soldiers for water conservation works was a bold idea. There was no precedent in the dynasty for such a move. Could it work?


    Luo Min sighed, "Little Lin, you''re not familiar with the workings of the officialdom. The Jiangsu Commander-in-chief, Cheng De, although nominally under my control, has never been willing to heed my orders. I fear it would be difficult to conscript his soldiers."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Governor Luo, that''s a problem for you to consider. I''m only here to provide ideas."


    As Luo Min wore a worried frown, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Everything depends on our actions. If Cheng De doesn''t obey themand, then sue him. Say nothing else, but focus on his disregard for the lives of the people. Bring this to the capital, all the way to the Emperor, and let everyone know, let the people of Jiangsu recognize him. Who knows, someone might dump night soil at his door in the middle of the night."


    Luo Min understood his implication. The n was to tarnish Cheng De''s reputation, preferably sullying his master''s name in the process, forcing them to dispatch their troops for the water conservation project.


    Gritting his teeth, Luo Min dered, "Then, I''ll issue an order to Cheng De tonight, while simultaneously sending an urgent eight-hundred-li report to the court, asking for a military order from the Ministry of War, and also petitioning the Emperor."


    "Governor Luo, ording to ourws in the Great Hua, what is the penalty for disobeying the imperial order?" Lin Wanrong asked lightly.


    "A light punishment would be dismissal from office, a severe one would be execution," Luo Min replied.


    "So, if you get the military order and Cheng De refuses to dispatch his troops, executing him on the spot wouldn''t be excessive?" Lin Wanrong suggested, half-seriously.


    Luo Min was taken aback. Indeed, this Young Master Lin was ruthless. He nodded, "ording to thew of Great Hua, that''s correct."


    With a sly smile, Lin Wanrong said, "Governor Luo, I''ve given you a solution for the people problem. Whether you can solve it depends on you. Now, let''s talk about the money issue."


    Luo Min nodded. As Lin Wanrong had said, if he didn''t show firmness to Cheng De, thetter would never yield.


    "Governor Luo, in your opinion, what is the most profitable business in Jinling City?"


    Luo Min pondered for a moment before answering, "Restaurants!"


    Lin Wanrong almost spat blood. This old fox, was he eyeing my restaurants? He chuckled awkwardly, "Governor Luo, please stop joking. In Jinling City, the most profitable trade is the brothels. Along the Qinhuai River, brothels are aplenty, easily more than a hundred. They''re veritable gold mines. Of course, the girls in the brothels sell their smiles and offer fleshly pleasures. They should make some money. But most of the silver doesn''t end up in their hands. Can''t you think of a solution from this?"


    A light shed in Luo Min''s eyes, "You mean, levy taxes?"


    "Not necessarily increasing the tax, but possibly creating new types. Governor Luo,nd along the Qinhuai River is worth its weight in gold. There could be many reasons for taxation, such as property tax,nd value increment tax, industry additional tax. The list is endless, I can''t even count them all," Lin Wanrong said with augh.


    The prospect of levying new taxes on brothels was indeed appealing, but as Lin Wanrong pointed out, even though it would only affect a small number of people, the bacsh could be significant.


    Noticing Luo Min''s hesitation, Lin Wanrong silently cursed, ''This old fox, always wanting to appease everyone and remain a well-praised official. Is there such a cheap thing in the world?''


    Luo Min nodded, "Little Lin, you make a valid point. Not only brothels, but also all industries making excessive profits can be heavily taxed. This way, it will not affect many, yet could gain public support. What do you think, Little Lin?" As he spoke, he squinted at Lin Wanrong, a significant look on his face.


    A jolt of apprehension ran through Lin Wanrong. ''Damn, this old fox isn''t nning to impose heavy taxes on my perfume and soap business, is he? I may have shot myself in the foot this time.''


    Yet, Luo Min seemed to see through his concern, slyly chuckling, "Little Lin, your restaurant''s profits are minimal, and the Xiao family''s ventures are just starting. These taxes won''t affect you for the time being."


    ''This old fox, benefiting from me and then acting like he''s doing me a favor,'' Lin Wanrong thought, both amused and annoyed. Just as he was about to retort, Luo Ning personally brought over two cups of aromatic tea. She smiled sweetly, "Father, Brother Lin, you must be tired. Have some tea."


    After receiving Lin Wanrong''s advice, Luo Min was in high spirits. Taking a sip of the tea, he said, "Ning''er, Young Master Lin has been a great help."


    Luo Ning, who had been eager to hear their conversation, looked at Lin Wanrong with excitement, "Really, Brother Lin?"


    Before Lin Wanrong could reply, a cacophony of noise and angry shouts echoed from a distance.


    The three looked up to see a middle-agedmoner who was carrying a bag of mud. He had been so absorbed watching the schrs draw that he lost his grip, and the mud fell onto Hou Yuebai''s table, smearing thendscape painting.


    Themoner, a simplemoner, had never caused such a cmity before. His face went pale, and his legs shook. Trying to wipe the stains with his sleeves, he only managed to make the painting dirtier.


    "Young Master, I didn''t mean to..." Terrified, the old man fell to his knees, repeatedly bowing and crying.


    Just as a warrior cherishes his sword, a schr values his painting. Hou Yuebai had specifically made thisndscape painting to impress Luo Ning. Seeing it ruined by amoner, he was furious. He viciously kicked the old man in the face, shouting, "You lowly mud-legged peasant, is this painting for the likes of you to see?"


    Crack! Enraged, Lin Wanrong flung his teacup onto the ground, took several strides forward and grabbed a young man carrying a bag of mud. "Brother, do you want to earn some silver?"


    "Yes."


    Lin Wanrong pulled out ten taels of silver from his pocket, picked up a rock, handed them both to the man, and said, "I''ll give you ten taels. Come with me."


    "What do you want to do, brother?" the man asked.


    Gritting his teeth as he red at Hou Yuebai, Lin Wanrong replied, "I''m going to beat the hell out of him."


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 Chapter 138

    Chapter 138


    Chapter 138 Schr and Rogue


    The youngd brimmed with youthful vigor. Witnessing an elder being bullied had already stirred his righteous anger, and now that someone had intervened, he responded promptly, "Good, big brother, I will listen to you. I don''t need this silver."


    Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs up, "Brother, no doubt about it, you are a real man!" As he spoke, however, he still tucked the silver into thed''s clothing.


    The old man was kneeling on the ground, continuously bowing his head to apologize, tears and snot flowing freely. Hou Yuebai, however, was relentless. Just as he was about to kick the old man in the face again, a crisp sound erupted from the table, followed by a loud shout, "Fuck your eight generations of ancestors!"


    Turning his head, Lin Wanrong was seen to have fiercely smashed a stone onto the table, creating a hole in thendscape painting spread across it.


    "What...what are you doing?" Hou Yuebai was shocked. The menacing demeanor of this household servant named Lin San was rming; he sensed that trouble was brewing.


    Having finished cursing, Lin Wanrong said nothing more. With a swift dash forward, he aimed at Hou Yuebai''s face and punched him hard.


    He was a seasoned fighter who understood that the face was the best target in a fight. His punch was not powered by internal energy, but it was still more than what a pampered young master like Hou Yuebai could bear.


    Caught off guard, before Hou Yuebai could even feel the pain, another punch from Lin Wanrong had hit him. His head buzzed, he felt dizzy and fell to the ground, rolling around a few times in pain before finally stopping. His eyes were swollen like a panda''s, several scratches were visible on his face, and blood was already oozing from his nostrils.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong take action, the youngd didn''t hesitate either. He grabbed a stone and hurled it harshly at Hou Yuebai''s leg, making the young master yelp in pain.


    "Damn, that felt good!" Lin Wanrong eximed loudly. Beating up this so-called schr in public was extremely satisfying.


    The schrly young men and women in the academy were taken aback. Lin San, who had been so cultured in yesterday''s lecture, was now behaving so violently. They wondered: was this man a schr or a rogue?


    Lin Wanrong didn''t care about their opinions. If he held back when witnessing such injustice, wouldn''t he be the same as he had been in his previous life? What was the point of him being here?


    "Young Master Hou--" Miss Wanying was too far to provide help. Seeing Young Master Hou being beaten, she rushed forward to stop Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, what are you doing?"


    Without showing any emotion, Lin Wanrong nced at her and said coldly, "Miss Wanying, didn''t you see? I am beating a pig-headed fool."


    Enraged, Wanying retorted, "You are assaulting Young Master Hou in public. Is there now in your eyes? I will take you to the yamen!"


    "Law? Miss Wanying, do you know whyws were made?" Lin Wanrong asked with a faint smile.


    "Why?"


    "Because oncews are established, people havews to break." Lin Wanrongughed out loud.


    "You are outrageous!" Wanying shouted in anger.


    A glint of cold light shed in Lin Wanrong''s eyes, "Miss Wanying, when this man surnamed Hou was beating others just now, why didn''t youe to preach about thew? Now you''re lecturing me about thew. How absurdly amusing."


    Hisnguage was crude and he was assaulting people in public. This was starkly opposed to his behavior in the society the day before. Miss Wanying was furious. "Lin San, you''re disrespecting thew and assaulting Young Master Hou. I will take you--"


    Lin Wanrong red at her, saying angrily, "You get out of my way."


    He was so enraged and intimidating that Miss Wanying took a step back instinctively. However, she quickly regained herposure and shouted, "Lin San, I''m a constable from the Yamen, how dare you threaten me?"


    Lin Wanrong ignored her, moving quickly past her to Hou Yuebai.


    Young Master Hou hastily got up, standing behind a desk. His nose was still bleeding, and he said fearfully, "Lin San, what are you nning? Don''t think I''m scared of you. I''m a schr and I''m above fighting you and tarnishing my character."


    "Screw your character," Lin Wanrong advanced a step, kicking over the desk. Hou Yuebai, scared, quickly jumped back, but stumbled over a stone and fell to the ground.


    Lin Wanrong went over and kicked him in the buttocks, saying, "Young Master Hou, does stepping on people feel good?"


    A gust of wind came from behind, it was Wanying, who seeing Lin Wanrong''s audacity, had decided to apprehend him.


    Lin Wanrong never had a fondness for Wanying. Angry as he was now, he grabbed her wrist, twisting it lightly, causing Wanying to cry out in pain.


    "Don''t assume people are easy to bully," Lin Wanrong said coldly, and with a push, Wanying staggered back several steps. Lin Wanrong did not look at Wanying again, instead he turned to the elderly man who had been wronged, "Uncle, which foot did he use to step on you?"


    The old man, more scared of Lin Wanrong than Hou Yuebai, trembled and quickly said, "Young Master, I dare not say."


    Lin Wanrong understood his fear and didn''t press him. He turned to the crowd and said, "Listen up, everyone. Whoeveres up and kicks this surnamed Hou, I''ll give them one tael of silver."


    One tael of silver was a huge incentive. Hou Yuebai, pale and indignant, said, "Lin San, you dare?"


    "There''s nothing in this world I don''t dare to do," Lin Wanrong replied smugly.


    The young man who knew Lin Wanrong''s style was the first toe forward. He gave a hard kick to Hou Yuebai, and Lin Wanrongughed, giving him a tael of silver.


    With one person setting an example, others followed. Two more people rushed forward. Hou Yuebai screamed, "Lin San, you viin!"


    Lin Wanrong was enjoying handing out silver when Wanying, who wasn''t giving up, rushed over and said fiercely, "Lin San, your crimes today are numerous. If I don''t capture you and bring you to the Yamen, my name is not Tao Wanying."


    Lin Wanrong sneered, "Then why don''t youe and capture me now? But let me remind you, before you catch me, you should first catch your Young Master Hou, hehe."


    This statement was true. Hou was the one who initiated the assault, the crowd had seen it, and by rights, he should be apprehended first.


    Seeing Wanying stunned, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "One cannot deceive or insult the public sentiment. If you wish to arrest me, thene on, as long as you have the ability."


    Young Master Hou, being kicked repeatedly, was both startled and agitated, constantly dodging, but no one nearby dared to intervene. Luo Ning, witnessing the spectacle presented by Lin Wanrong, found it both amusing and admirable. In an era where themoners dared not fight the officials, what Lin Wanrong did required immense courage.


    As part of an official''s family, Luo Ning was inherently kind-hearted, which was evident from her charity towards orphans. She saw everything that had transpired. Hou Yuebai was indeed too oppressive, and she intentionally stayed back to watch Lin Wanrong teach the rich young master a lesson.


    "Dad, you have to help big brother Lin this time," Luo Ning knew of Hou Yuebai''s background; his father was the Prefect of Jinling and held significant power.


    Luo Min smiled bitterly, "Didn''t you see how cocky that little Lin is? He is fearless because he knows I will help him. Does he need you to plead for him? This little Lin, is as cunning as a fox."


    Thinking about Lin Wanrong''s half-schr, half-rogue appearance, Luo Ning couldn''t help but giggle. The cunning merchant must have been sure of his n, hence his bold actions. And of course, his assurance rested on her own father, Luo Min. The two ideas Lin Wanrong suggested to him were invaluable.


    Seeing Luo Ning giggling, Luo Min couldn''t resist asking, "Ning''er, do you have some affection for this Lin Wanrong?"


    A blush spread across Luo Ning''s face, but she shook her head andughed, "Dad, you''re mistaken. I admire Brother Lin''s knowledge and bravery, and find him quite interesting. But as for romantic feelings, I''m not there yet."


    Luo Min, being an open-minded person, couldn''t help butugh, "I know, the husband our Ning''er wants must be both schrly and martially skilled, a true all-rounder, right?"


    Luo Ning blushed even deeper when her father guessed her thoughts correctly, nodding her head. Suddenly thinking of cunning merchant Brother Lin''s talents, she figured he might manage as a Prime Minister. But when it came to the martial aspect, clearly, that wasn''t his forte, and she sighed regretfully.


    Seeing Young Master Hou dodging left and right in a pitiful state, Wanying was distressed as she couldn''t help him due to Lin San''s firm hold. At her wit''s end, she noticed Luo Ning approaching and called out eagerly, "Sister Luo,e quick, Lin San is bullying Young Master Hou."


    Just bullying? I''m enjoying this, Lin Wanrong thought recklessly. With the backing of cunning old fox Luo Min, there weren''t many people on this patch of Jiangsund that he was afraid of.


    Luo Ning walked over and feigned confusion, asking Wanying, "What''s going on here?"


    Wanying quickly exined the situation, downying Hou Yuebai''s aggression while magnifying Lin Wanrong''s "crimes". She even showed Luo Ning her red, swollen wrist that had been pinched by Lin Wanrong.


    Luo Ning, who secretly wished for Hou Yuebai to suffer more, was surprised, "Wanying, are you saying this injury was inflicted by Brother Lin? Aren''t you a skilled martial artist of Jinling''s Yamen? How did this happen?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. This Wanying girl knew only fancy, impractical moves. Could this be considered skillful?


    Wanying looked somewhat embarrassed and hurriedly exined, "I was caught off guard, that''s why I ended up like this. Sister Luo, let''s help Young Master Hou first. He seems to be at his limit."


    Luo Ning solemnly replied, "Wanying, it was Young Master Hou who started the fight. It seems he is more at fault here. Matters of Jinling Yamen should be handled impartially."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, sending Luo Ning a knowing nce. This girl was supportive when it mattered.


    Wanying nodded and huffed, "I''ll bring them both back to the Yamen then."


    Luo Ning turned to Lin Wanrong, "Brother Lin, Young Master Hou has suffered quite a bit. What should we do next?"


    Hearing Luo Ning speak so politely to this rogue, Wanying pouted and shot Lin Wanrong a fierce look.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "This is easy to solve. Have Young Master Hou publicly apologize to the old man, andpensate for medical costs, emotional distress, and loss of youth with two hundred taels of silver. Then, I might just let him off."


    The first two terms were eptable, but the third made Wanying scoff. "Loss of youth? The old man is already so old."


    Lin Wanrong red, "When I say loss of youth, I mean loss of youth. What''s the issue? This old man, at his age, was beaten so much by this monkey. How much time and youth did he lose? Can money measure that?"


    "What monkey?" Wanying snapped.


    "Young Master Hou Yuebai, also known as monkey," Lin Wanrong replied with a smirk.


    "You" Wanying was about to raise her hand when Luo Ning quickly stopped her, "Quickly tell Young Master Hou these terms. Otherwise, he''ll suffer more."


    Wanying knew that she had been at a disadvantage against this rogue, and so, she huffed and hurriedly went to negotiate with Hou Yuebai.


    Lin Wanrong stretchedfortably, "That was a satisfying fight. Miss Luo, do you think Governor Luo can settle this matter? Please convey my deep gratitude to him."


    What kind of people are these, Luo Ning thought, rolling her eyes. Both he and her father were crafty foxes, never willing to lose out.


    Before long, Miss Wanying returned, hesitantly saying, "Young Master Hou agrees to pay the silver. But about the apology..."


    Lin Wanrong understood her meaning. For a rich Young Master to apologize to amoner was, in the eyes of these face-conscious literati, more important than life itself.


    Lin Wanrong scoffed, "Refusing to apologize, huh? Well, I brought a few hundred taels of silver bills with me today. There''s still plenty for a good beating. Brothers, let''s continue. The price has increased, a kick costs one tael and five qian. Let''s make him wail and his backside bloom. Let''s let him taste what it feels like to be bullied."


    Hearing his crude and arrogant words, Luo Ning found it both amusing and oddly endearing. As for Wanying, she found it distasteful. How could a man capable ofposing poetry and painting also possess such a rogue-like character? Schr and rogue indeed, he was aptly described.


    Wanying went back to negotiate terms with Hou Yuebai. Luo Ning sighed, "Brother Lin, isn''t this a bit too much?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Miss Luo, in my view, a person''s dignity is priceless. If this monkey tramples over other people''s dignity, he should naturally repay it with his own. It''s only fair."


    When Miss Wanying returned, it was with Young Master Hou''s agreement to the terms. But Lin Wanrong suddenly stopped her, "Miss Wanying, please tell Young Master Hou that if he dares to retaliate against these people, I''ll deal with him tenfold. Let him wait and see if he doesn''t believe me."


    "You, Lin San! I am a constable in Jinling City, and I''ll arrest you for your tant threats!" Wanying, who had been put out by Lin Wanrong''s audacity, finally lost her patience.


    "Whether or not I should be arrested isn''t up to you." Lin Wanrong, backed by considerable power, was hardly intimidated by Wanying''s threat. "Make sure you convey my words to Young Master Hou. If any unfortunate events happen in the future, don''t me me for not warning him in advance."


    Just a typical rogue, Lin Wanrong pulled out a bundle of silver bills from his pocket. Wanying, burning with anger, left.


    Luo Ning saw that apart from the top and bottom notes, the ones in the middle of his bundle were just fillers of cowhide paper. She chuckled, "Brother Lin, your trick has been exposed."


    Lin Wanrong nced at it andughed heartily, "Sorry, I was in a hurry today and didn''t bring enough silver bills, so I had to fill it with some scrap. Next time, I''ll bring the real thing, how about we y with burning silver bills?"


    Luo Ning thought to herself, Keep boasting. Even if you are making a fortune every day, could you really afford to burn silver notes?


    Suddenly, a cheer echoed from the other side. They looked up to see Young Master Hou, gritting his teeth and apologizing to the old man, handing over the two hundred taels of silver bills. The old man trembled as he counted the money, tears of gratitude streaming down his face.


    Who would be there to help you next time? Enough, I can''t stand to see this. Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh and shook his head.


    Luo Ning seemed to have seen through his worries, "Brother Lin, are you worried about them being bullied again in the future?"


    "Where did you get that idea?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Do I look like such a kind person to you? This time, I only stood up for him because he was an old man. Next time, I wouldn''t bother."


    "Your words and your heart aren''t aligned," Luo Ning giggled, "Brother Lin, you''re a good-hearted scoundrel."


    A scoundrel is a scoundrel, and you even add the words ''good-hearted'' to it. Aren''t you just insulting me?


    Hou Yuebai gave Lin Wanrong an angry nce but didn''t dare to linger in front of him and quickly left.


    Lin Wanrong then took out his silver notes to distribute the money, which surprisingly came to sixty or seventy taels. Damn, these guys, did they inte their count? He saw that Hou Yuebai walked away with ease; did he really look like someone who''d been kicked sixty or seventy times?


    Although Lin Wanrong was stingy about the money, no matter what, today''s events were thoroughly satisfying, satisfying to the core.


    Thedies of Jinling Poetry Society looked at him differently. Half rogue, half schr, he had such an aggressive appeal.


    They stayed on the embankment until the afternoon. Lin Wanrong had grown up by the river and was familiar with these water facilities. He proposed valuable suggestions in a few ces. Luo Min was delighted and kindly invited him to have lunch on the embankment.


    Despite his high-ranking position, Luo Min acted quite humbly, eating from the same pot as themon workers. The simple and kindborers couldn''t help but be deeply moved.


    A humble official? Give me a break. The chicken bones left from yesterday were still in this old fox''s tent. I saw it with my own eyes. Lin Wanrong smirked at the old fox, who quickly lowered his head, embarrassed.


    When Luo Min invited Lin Wanrong to eat, it was this same pot of food. Lin Wanrong didn''t mind at all. Boiled winter melon in in water and a big bowl of brown rice were savored with great enjoyment. It had been a long time since he''d had a meal like this. The feeling was bloody satisfying.


    Luo Ning ate her meal slowly and gracefully. Watching Lin Wanrong devour his food without a hint of decorum, a warm feeling suddenly rose in her heart. Even a man of both literary and martial skills might not have a sense of satisfactionpared to this simple meal.


    When they returned to the mansion, it was already evening. The Eldest Miss was pacing anxiously in the room. When she saw him, she first showed joy, then anger, scolding, "You bad man, did you enjoy your fight today?"


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 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139


    Chapter 139 Advocacy


    "Oh, so it''s about that," Lin Wanrong said, finding it peculiar. The news had spread surprisingly fast, even reaching the Eldest Miss Xiao.


    The Eldest Miss huffed and said, "So, you do such terrible deeds and expect others not to know?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Miss, perhaps in your eyes, what I did was wrong. But from my perspective, it was absolutely necessary. There are things we must do and others we must not. If I had remained indifferent in that situation, I would question my very existence in this world."


    Seeing the serious look on his face, the Eldest Miss red at him and retorted, "How could you disgrace someone who hadn''t offended you?"


    Lin Wanrong recounted the incident, detailing how Hou Yuebai had insulted the old man as a ''muddy-legged, lowlymoner.'' The Eldest Miss heaved a deep sigh upon hearing this.


    Lin Wanrong continued, "Damaging someone''s painting andpensating them for it is fair enough. But Young Master Hou not only struck people but also belittled and insulted them. If I hadn''t stood up to him, I would''ve felt I''d let myself down."


    The Eldest Miss remained silent for a long time. She was aware that in the eyes of these wealthy Young Masters, everyone else was seen as beneath them.


    Even though she was a formidable businesswoman, she found it hard to blend in with the high society crowd. With a resigned sigh, she said, "Farmers and traders are the ones looked down upon the most. Isn''t that also the case for our Xiao family?"


    Farmers and traders were the lifeblood of the country, yet they held the lowest social status. Instead, those who could recite a few broken verses considered themselves the pirs of the state. This contrast made Lin Wanrong ufortable, but he was helpless to change it.


    After a moment of reflection, the Eldest Miss looked at him and asked, "Did you hurt yourself in the fight?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Thank you for your concern, Eldest Miss. I''ve never been at a disadvantage in a fight."


    She huffed, "Don''t get too cocky. You''re so high-handed out there. Is this how our Xiao family has spoiled you? Beating up the son of Jinling Prefecture''s Prefect is no small matter."


    Seeing the deep concern on her face, Lin Wanrong thought to himself that the Prefect of Jinling was merely a city mayor while old Luo was a provincial governor. With the governor backing him up, what was there to fear?


    He smiled slightly, "Don''t worry, Eldest Miss. I always act with discretion. This incident won''t implicate the Xiao family. Have you forgotten? I have connections with Governor Luo''s children."


    The Eldest Miss red at him, annoyed. "Do you think I''m afraid you''ll get the Xiao family into trouble? Since you work for us, any mess you make, I will shoulder it. I don''t need you to remind me."


    Hearing the Eldest Miss''s support, Lin Wanrong was deeply moved. This girl, despite her usual sternness towards him, stood up for him when it mattered. His efforts for the Xiao family had not been in vain.


    Xiao Yuruo spoke, her frustration mounting, "You are a thorn wherever you go. This mess started because of you. If I don''t punish you, I fear no one in this mansion will be convinced."


    "Then deduct a month''s sry from me," Lin Wanrong voluntarily suggested. For him to admit defeat was rare, but he felt he owed it to the Eldest Miss, given her noble stance this time.


    "Wishful thinking!" Seeing the man casually downying his wrongs, the Eldest Miss was both amused and annoyed, "Three months'' pay deduction and fifty beatings!"


    Damn, she wanted to beat him again. Was she still holding a grudge because he had spanked her and was intentionally targeting him?


    As far as being beaten was concerned, Lin Wanrong was absolutely against it. He spoke up, "Alright, I will step back further. Deduct half a year''s sry, and let''s call the beatings settled."


    Half a year''s sry amounted to more than a hundred taels of silver, which could afford him two more bouts with Young Master Hou. The thought made Lin Wanrong ache.


    The Eldest Miss knew it was impossible to beat this troublemaker. She huffed, "Fine, we''ll deduct half a year''s sry. But you must agree to a condition."


    "Go ahead." For once, the Eldest Miss was reasonable, which made Lin Wanrong slightly guilty. His tone softened, "Speak."


    "From now on, you must restrain yourself and stop being so reckless. Be careful not to cause trouble for yourself," she implored with heartfelt concern.


    "Alright," Lin Wanrong nodded, "As long as others don''t provoke me, I won''t bother them."


    The Eldest Miss nodded, finding it quite a feat to get this mischief-maker to quietly listen to her.


    Seeing the worry on her face, Lin Wanrong knew she was still concerned about him. Her nobility moved him, and he smiled, "Eldest Miss, rest assured, even the Governor himself would help me sort this out"


    The Eldest Miss red at him irritably, "Don''t you think I know that? It was Miss Luo who sent someone to inform me about your fight today. Although she asked me not to worry, this mess you''ve made is quite significant. How could she, a youngdy, possibly handle everything?"


    Lin Wanrong had an epiphany. So, it was Luo Ning who had sent someone to inform the Eldest Miss. She was considerate, knowing the Eldest Miss would be furious if she heard the news from anyone else. Luo Ning''s words would certainly soften the blow. What the Eldest Miss worried about was that even though Luo Ning was the Governor''s daughter, she might not be able to resolve an issue involving the Prefect''s son. Little did she know, Lin Wanrong had already won the Governor''s favor and was safe and sound.


    After a long silence, Xiao Yuruo finally spoke, "Lin San, I''m going to Hangzhou tomorrow. You shoulde with me."


    "Go to Hangzhou? What for?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "The Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce has invited me to their annual meeting. This could be an excellent opportunity to broaden your horizons. You should go and learn something," the Eldest Miss said seriously. Taking Lin Wanrong to such an important meeting showed her determination to train him as a core member of their cause.


    Yet Lin Wanrong understood anotheryer in her words. The current situation in Jinling City was tense; going to Hangzhou with her would be a way to avoid the turmoil.


    Ordinarily, Lin Wanrong wasn''t worried at all. If that old fox Luo Min couldn''t even handle this small matter, his position as the Governor of Jiangsu would have been in vain. Moreover, he had some so-called influential figures backing him.


    But seeing the Eldest Miss''s thorough arrangements, he couldn''t bear to go against her. After all, it was a business trip cum vacation paid for by public funds. Going to Hangzhou wouldn''t be a bad idea, so he nodded, "Then, thank you, Eldest Miss."


    Xiao Yuruo graciously replied, "In that case, you should rest early. We will set off early tomorrow."


    As she was about to leave, she heard Lin Wanrong say, "Eldest Miss, there''s one more thing."


    "What is it?" Xiao Yuruo asked.


    "Second Miss is alone in Rosy Cloud Temple, eating vegetarian food and praying. It''s inconvenient and unsafe. I think we should bring her back. Our mansion''s yard isrge enough to build her a small Buddha hall. If we put up statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva, it will fulfill her wishes," Lin Wanrong suggested.


    The Eldest Miss rolled her eyes at him, "Do I need you to tell me that? I brought her back this afternoon."


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. Things were turning out just as he had hoped.


    "Lin San, I''m warning you seriously, don''t you dare bother Yushuang," Xiao Yuruo sternly said. Even she couldn''t remember how many times she had had this conversation with him, but it seemed to have less and less effect.


    Lin Wanrongughed, his ears almost calloused from hearing the same admonishment repeatedly. Suddenly, he asked, "Eldest Miss, what did you and Qiaoqiao talk aboutst night?"


    Her face reddened slightly as she replied, "We talked about private women''s matters, none of your business!"


    "I, of course, won''t interfere in your women''s private matters. But if someone badmouths me, I will certainly have to intervene," Lin Wanrongughed.


    Undeterred, the Eldest Miss retorted, "You deceived Qiaoqiao so much, I have to show her your true colors. You mustn''t think all women are easy to bully."


    "Do you know my true colors?" Lin Wanrong smirked.


    "You are a viin who only knows how to tease women. I have seen through you long ago," the Eldest Miss huffed and turned to leave, ignoring him, "We will set off early tomorrow."


    Knowing that the Second Miss had returned to the mansion, Lin Wanrong''s heart itched. The day they had met secretly, they had been caught by the Eldest Miss at a critical moment. Now that she had returned to the mansion, he had to go see little Yushuang, or else he would be letting down her deep affection for him.


    With this in mind, he stopped a passing maid, "Sister, the Second Miss returned today. Do you know where she is staying?"


    "Brother Lin San, the Second Miss is staying in the courtyard of the Madam," said the maid.


    Lin Wanrong was familiar with the embroidery towers of the Eldest and Second Misses, but he seldom ventured into the courtyard where Madame Xiao resided. Not being very familiar with theyout, it took him quite a bit of time and several wrong turns before he found the ce.


    It was a secluded courtyard, reserved solely for the Madam. The premises were primarily staffed by maids, even the one guarding the entrance was a young girl. Both guards and dogs were strictly forbidden within its confines.


    As for surreptitiously sneaking in, Lin Wanrong was an experienced hand. He drew a piece of broken silver from his pocket and with a flick, gently tossed it a few meters ahead of the maid guarding the entrance.


    The maid heard a soft sound, and looking down, her eyes lit up at the sight of a shiny piece of silver lying not far from her. Seeing no one around, she quickly darted a few steps to pick up the silver piece and pocketed it. Taking advantage of the distraction, Lin Wanrong stealthily slipped through the mansion''s gate.


    Inside the courtyard, he noticed that lights were glowing in both the east and west wing rooms, with maids constantly bustling about. Lin Wanrong hid behind a tree, his heart thumping wildly. This felt like trespassing into a matriarchal society. If he were discovered, he feared he might be set upon by vicious dogs.


    With lights glowing on both sides, should he go east or west? After a moment of hesitation, Lin Wanrong reasoned that traditionally, precedence was given to the east, so he decided to head that way first.


    After cautiously taking a few steps, he crouched down near a clump of bushes. He noticed several maids carrying steaming buckets of water into a small house.


    Following their path, Lin Wanrong peeked through the slightly ajar door of the room. What he saw had him frozen in ce, as if under a spell, standing there in a daze.


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 Chapter 140

    Chapter 140


    Chapter 140 The Wolf of the West Chamber


    Peering through the partially ajar door, he saw a woman sitting in a half-human-high wooden barrel, her nudity partially concealed by the wooden pirs, revealing only her bare waist and back.


    Amid the rising steam, her hair was pinned up high, her neck was as white as jade, and her skin smooth and soft. She was gently massaging her shoulders, exposing her sleek and beautiful back. Several maids were constantly moving in and out, pouring freshly heated water into the barrel.


    Lin Wanrong tried hard to tear his gaze away, grumbling internally about his misfortune. He had mistakenly intruded upon Lady Xiao''s bathing. It was his bad luck, but he couldn''t deny that her skin was well-maintained. He wondered what her secret was.


    Don''t look. Don''t look, he chanted silently to himself, but his gaze was stubbornly fixed on the scene. After a great internal struggle, Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat from his forehead, collected his scattered thoughts, and quietly shifted towards the west wing of the mansion.


    Madam Xiao resided in the east, so the west must belong to the Second Miss Xiao.


    Upon reaching the west wing, Lin Wanrong noted the scarcity of maids and the quiet ambiance. He knew then that this must be where the Second Miss Xiao lived.


    Lin Wanrong smirked, thinking to himself that this night might y out like a scene from "Romance of the West Chamber". Although there was no go-between like in the story, he thought, wasn''t there still Yingying? He was determined to be the wolf of the West Chamber.


    [TL:  (Yingying) refers to a character from the Chinese historical novel/y (Romance of the West Chamber). This is one of the most famous love stories in Chinese literature.]


    The chamber was eerily quiet. He could not hear a sound, nor could he tell if the Second Miss Xiao was inside.


    Learning from his previous indiscretion, Lin Wanrong first peered through the small gaps by the window. There, under the flickering candlelight, was a petite and slender figure, dressed in in clothes, sitting in front of a shrine, holding a piece of paper. A slight smile yed on her face, and he immediately recognized her as the Second Miss Xiao.


    Seeing no one around, Lin Wanrong gently pulled on the door. It swung open easily. He reasoned that it was not surprising for the door to be unlocked as only maids frequented this part of the mansion. With this in mind, he quietly closed the door behind him.


    Upon entering, he noticed that the Second Miss Xiao waspletely engrossed in something, a faint smile on her face. Lin Wanrong tiptoed closer and found that she was holding a portrait. The man depicted in the portrait was somewhat handsome, wearing simple clothes, a crooked hat, and an odd grin on his face, clearly not a respectable figure.


    Damn it, who drew this? They made me look like a fool. Is this how I''m supposed to present myself? The thought of this unttering image falling into the hands of Yushuang was uneptable, as it undermined his handsome image.


    Annoyed, Lin Wanrong chuckled and asked, "Second Miss, what are you looking at?"


    Startled by the sudden voice, she hurriedly put away the portrait and stammered, "No... nothing."


    When she realized that the voice belonged to a man and a familiar one at that, she was even more surprised. She lifted her gaze, only to see the man from the painting standing right in front of her.


    Xiao Yushuang was both shy and joyful as she spoke softly, "Lin San, how did you get here?"


    "I came to see you," Lin Wanrong grinned, catching her small hand, "What were you just looking at?"


    Blushing, Xiao Yushuang struggled to free her hand from his grasp. Her eyes lowered, a rosy hue spread across her cheeks. "Nothing, I wasn''t looking at your portrait."


    Lin Wanrong could hardly contain hisughter at her adorable reaction. However, he noticed her reluctance to let him hold her hand. He felt slightly surprised. Why had she grown distant in just two days?


    "Lin San, how did you get in?" Yushuang asked in a hushed voice.


    "I missed you, so I came," Lin Wanrong said, reaching out to hold her hand again.


    Predicting his intentions, Xiao Yushuang lowered her head shyly and said, "My sister said that we, asdies, must be reserved and maintain distance from men. She said you can''t just hold my hand or do whatever you please. She warned that women like us would be at a disadvantage."


    Lin Wanrong was utterly baffled. Of all the things Xiao Yuruo could have taught her sister, she chose to share this advice, tarnishing his image. Was he such an undisciplined man? Now the once passionate girl had be reserved, which saddened him deeply.


    Ignoring her hesitation, Lin Wanrong firmly held her hand. "Your sister''s words are right but apply to strangers, not me. We''ve been through life and death together, so why the formality?"


    Yushuang hummed in acknowledgment, a slight blush flickering on her face. "I told my sister the same, but she said that her advice was specifically to guard against you."


    Astonished and hurt, Lin Wanrong was left speechless. He had just been appreciating her elder sister and hadn''t expected this. He wasn''t a wolf. Why the need for such precautions?


    Holding Yushuang''s hand, he coaxed her gently, "So, do you like it when I hold your hand?"


    Her face flushed crimson as she lowered her head and hummed in agreement. However, she withdrew her hand again, "My sister said that a man and woman can only hold hands after marriage. We''re not yet" Her cheeks reddened, and she couldn''t finish her sentence.


    A wave of despair washed over Lin Wanrong. The Eldest Miss''s brainwashing skills were truly admirable. Within a few days, she had turned the lively Yushuang into a model of traditional feminine decorum. She would have been wasted not being a political teacher.


    "Yushuang, do you miss me?" Lin Wanrong decided to take a slow approach. He had initially nned a beautiful night, but it seemed the heavens had other ns.


    "I do!" the youngdy whispered. This time, when Lin Wanrong grasped her hand, he applied some force. The littledy struggled a bit, but finally let him hold her hand. Her face was a lovely shade of pink.


    "Do you think of me when you read your scriptures during the day?"


    "I do!"


    "Do you think of me when you sleep at night?"


    "I do!"


    "Do you prefer listening to me or your sister?"


    ...


    This question had the Second Miss stumped. She furrowed her brows, speaking softly, "Lin San, can I listen to both you and my sister?"


    "What if I want to hold your hand, and she says I shouldn''t? Whose advice would you take then?" Lin Wanrong revealed his cunning.


    Even though the Eldest Miss had be more reserved, she hadn''t lost her wits. She let out a gentle huff, "You''re such a bad person. You''ve already held my hand, and now you''re asking whom I should listen to? You''re doing this just to tease me."


    In her retort, the lively girl that he knew was back. Lin Wanrong''s heart soared with joy, he chuckled, "I''m not teasing you. I just noticed you''ve changed under your sister''s influence, and I wanted to correct it."


    Xiao Yushuang pouted, "But I think what my sister said makes sense. You''re terrible, always teasing me. I should indeed be cautious around you."


    This was the vibrant and youthful Yushuang he knew, Lin Wanrong thought gratefully, nearly moved to tears. Holding her hand, he said, "Second Miss, you''ve finally returned to your old self."


    "Don''t talk nonsense, I''m me, and I''ve never changed." Yushuang boldly caught hisrge hand, her dimpled smile returning.


    Lin Wanrong grinned, asking, "Did it get tiresome chanting scriptures in the temple every day?"


    "Not tiresome, just that I couldn''t see you." Xiao Yushuang''s eyes welled up with tears. "When I returned today, I thought you would be at home. I looked for you all day, but there was no sign of you, you unfaithful man"


    He was stunned. When had the Second Miss learned to say such words? Had her sister taught her that as well?


    Quickly trying to cate her, Lin Wanrong said, "I had no idea you wereing back today. You know I often have various matters to attend to, but no matter how chaotic things get, I''m always thinking of you."


    The youthful Yushuang blushed at his shameless words. Her eyelids dropped low, her face flushed, and her heart pounded uncontrobly.


    Comforting the youngdy was something Lin Wanrong excelled at. He gently caressed her hand, asking, "Who taught you to say ''unfaithful man''? Your sister?"


    Xiao Yushuang''s face turned red, she hurriedly said, "No, my sister would never say such things to me. I learned it from books."


    "Books? What books?" Lin Wanrong wondered. "Aren''t you studying scriptures at Rosy Cloud Temple every day?"


    The youngdy giggled, "Who told you I study scriptures every day? That''s silly. I only chant them during morning and evening prayers. I have time to read other books. Since you didn''t visit, I had to find some other books to alleviate my boredom."


    Lin Wanrong then understood. The books the youngdy read in her spare time were probably love stories like "Romance of the West Chamber". The girl was over sixteen, a time of burgeoning feelings, and reading romance novels was understandable.


    "Second Miss, when I have some free time, I''ll write some books for you. They''ll be much better than any other random books you''re reading." Lin Wanrong boasted without shame. After all, the stories he told were all ssics. Winning over young girls like Yushuang was easy for him.


    The youngdy''s face lit up. "That''s great, that''s great, Lin San. You should write down the stories you''ve told me. I love them." But soon, as if remembering something, she changed her mind. "Actually, let''s not. You can just narrate the stories and I will transcribe them."


    She knew that Lin Wanrong''s calligraphy was mediocre but didn''t want to embarrass him by pointing it out. Instead, she offered to write herself. Lin Wanrongughed heartily; he was thoroughly charmed by this thoughtful youngdy.


    "By the way, Second Miss, who was in the portrait you were looking at earlier? So handsome, so tall and straight... it looked a lot like me, didn''t it? Did you draw it?" Lin Wanrong shamelessly asked.


    Xiao Yushuang giggled and replied, "Humph, aren''t you vain. That''s not you at all. That''s a bad man, the worst of all."


    "Even a bad man can be so handsome? That''s just not fair," Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise.


    The Second Miss'' face turned red as she gently hit him. "You''re so annoying!"


    She said he was annoying, but her tone implied affection. Lin Wanrong grabbed her small fist and nted a kiss on her cheek. He grinned, "Did you draw the portrait?"


    With a startled yelp, she shyly retorted, "You bully, always teasing me. Yes, I drew it. So what?"


    "Nothing at all," Lin Wanrong sighed. "I just think my real image should be a bit taller, more handsome, more upright."


    Covering her mouth, the youngdy chuckled shyly. "Humph, you think you look good? I like to draw you just as you are. It serves you right for not visiting me. I hate you so much."


    Damn it. The more she behaved like this, the more enticing she became. He hadn''t courted a woman in days and was losing his touch. Lin Wanrong regretted to himself.


    Her expression softened considerably, her voice gentle. "Lin San, in my eyes, you''re the bad guy who likes to tease people. Every day, I think about how you tease me, and I feel both annoyed and delighted. But once I see you, even if it costs my life to save yours, it''s worth it."


    Lin Wanrong felt his n to win her over tonight had utterly failed. The youngdy was innocent and lovely, yet her words had a strong impact. He had not seeded in charming her; rather, he was the one charmed.


    She nestled against him, whispering, "Lin San, will you always treat me this way? My sister says a man''s promises can''t be trusted."


    Damn it, he was in a quandary. If he didn''t make a promise, she would surely be upset. If he did make a promise, her sister''s words would negate it.


    As a smart man, Lin Wanrong knew what to choose. Even the wiliest woman likes to hear sweet nothings, and what he would say was the truth.


    "Yushuang, I will always love and protect you"


    "Yushuang" Lin Wanrong''s words were cut off by a soft call from outside. The voice was unmistakably that of the Eldest Miss Xiao.


    The Second Miss'' face paled, and she said anxiously, "Oh no, I forgot! My sister is supposed to sleep with me tonight. Lin San, what should we do"


    Thismotion was utterly irritating to Lin Wanrong. Why did this girl always disrupt his ns? But this time it was different; he was intruding into Madam Xiao''s inner courtyard. If he were discovered, the consequences would be dire.


    In a panic, the Second Miss suggested, "Perhaps you could hide under the bed."


    Could that work? Hiding under a woman''s bed seemed to have ominous implications. Lin Wanrong shook his head adamantly. "No."


    The Second Miss agreed that it seemed inappropriate. Suddenly, she noticed a wardrobe behind the screen used to hang clothes. She quickly pulled Lin San into it, urging anxiously, "Stay hidden here for a while, and don''t make a sound."


    Lin Wanrong was concealed by a multitude of vibrant clothes. He couldn''t help but pull off his servant''s cap inment. A servant trying to seduce the youngdy and getting trapped in her room  what a predicament! As the proverbial wolf of the West Chamber, he was faring poorly.


    The Second Miss opened the door, and there stood Xiao Yuruo, puzzled. "Yushuang, what are you doing? Have you gone to sleep yet?"


    The Second Miss'' face flushed slightly. She whispered, "No, I was just reciting some Buddhist scriptures and got a bit lost in thought."


    The Eldest Miss took her hand, gently advising, "You silly girl, if you''re tired, you should rest early."


    Yushuang replied coyly, "But sister, you hadn''t arrived yet. How could I fall asleep?"


    "You naughty girl." Xiao Yuruo affectionately pinched her cheek and after a pause, asked, "Yushuang, has Lin San been to see you?"


    At her sister''s words, the Second Miss blushed, hastily replying, "No, no, absolutely not."


    The Eldest Miss gave her a dubious look. "Really?"


    Yushuang nodded vigorously. The Eldest Miss nodded approvingly. "Good. While Lin San is indeed capable, he is ostentatious and his sweet talk can easily win over a woman''s heart. You''re young, I worry you may be fooled and suffer."


    Was this how she truly perceived him? From behind the screen, Lin Wanrong cried foul. That was not fair at all.


    "Yushuang, do you still carry the small knife I gave you?" the Eldest Miss asked.


    "Mm-hmm." The Second Miss retrieved a sharp little knife sheathed in a scabbard from her bosom. Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat upon hearing this. Damn it, this courtship was perilously fraught, he''d almost ended up with a knife in him.


    "If anyone dares to bully you, use this knife to stab them. Our chastity as women is of utmost importance. Even if we die, we must not let a viin have his way," the Eldest Miss said solemnly.


    The Second Miss murmured an affirmative, then hesitantly asked, "Sister, if it''s Lin San, should... should I stab him too?"


    "Dare he?" The Eldest Miss said angrily. After a moment, she added softly, "Although his mouth gets him into trouble, he''s not too bad in other respects. You can just intimidate him, but don''t actually stab him. Otherwise, I " She paused, then changed her words, "Otherwise, we''ll have to pay for his medical expenses. You know how he likes to inte his demands for no reason."


    The Second Miss chuckled. "You''re right, sister. That scoundrel enjoys making outrageous demands. It''sughable." Her voice was loud, intentionally so for Lin Wanrong to overhear.


    The Eldest Miss gently grasped the Second Miss''s hand. "Yushuang, I''m leaving for Hangzhou with Lin San tomorrow. Let''s have a long talk tonight. We''ll be gone for several days."


    The Second Miss sounded disappointed. "Sister, you''re both going?"


    The Eldest Miss nodded. "Yes. I can''t trust him alone at home. Who knows, he might bully you again. So, I''ll keep him close and discipline him well."


    Yushuang bit her lower lip to hide her disappointment. That scoundrel! He doesn''te to see me when I''m away, and now that I''m back, he''s leaving again. Such a heartless man.


    The Second Miss sighed. "Sister, be careful on your journey with Lin San. You mustn''t let others bully you, and you certainly shouldn''t let Lin San do so."


    The Eldest Missughed lightly. "Bully me? I doubt he''d dare." As she said this, her own face flushed slightly. After all, hadn''t he once taken advantage of her?


    After a while of chatting, the Eldest Miss stretchednguidly. "Let me change my clothes, then we''ll continue talking."


    As she spoke, she had already reached the screen. Unfastening her robe, she was about to step behind it.


    The Second Miss was toote to stop her. rmed and anxious, she stood frozen, unsure of what to do next.


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 Chapter 141

    Chapter 141


    Chapter 141 Fragrance in the Dark Night


    Lin Wanrong was sweating profusely. Good heavens, the Eldest Miss had barged in at such a time - what were the odds?


    As he pondered his next move, a voice called out from outside, "Yuruo, Yushuang, are you both in the room?" It was Madam Xiao''s voice. Xiao Yuruo quickly threw on her robe and responded, "Mother, we are both here." Not bothering to change, she hurried to open the door.


    Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat off his forehead, feeling immensely lucky. Madam Xiao had arrived like a lifesaver.


    Madam Xiao, who had just bathed and whose hair was still damp, with a flush on her face, entered the room. Seeing both her daughters present, she walked up to them and said, "You two girls, so you are here."


    The elder daughter nodded, "Mother, I am leaving for Hangzhou tomorrow and came to chat with Yushuang."


    The younger daughter, Xiao Yushuang, threw herself into her mother''s arms and eximed, "Mother, I also want to go to Hangzhou."


    Madam Xiao, affectionately tapping her younger daughter''s nose, said, "Nonsense, your sister is going there on serious business. What would you be doing there?"


    Xiao Yushuang pouted slightly, "I am also going for business. I want to learn and ease the burden on Sister and Mother."


    Madam Xiao and her elder daughter shared a heartening smile. Xiao Yuruoughed and said, "You are still young, how about I teach you in a year or two? Besides, you are still in your month of worshiping Buddha. It has only been a few days, you can''t be so insincere, can you?"


    Thinking it over, Yushuang agreed. She had made a promise before Buddha and must keep it. "Then I will wait for Sister here at home. But, Sister, remember the matter I discussed with youst time."


    Madam Xiao inquired curiously, "Yushuang, what matter did you discuss with Yuruo?"


    The elder daughter replied, "Mother, Yushuang wants to pursue her studies."


    Yushuang hastily added, "Yes, Mother. I can''t learn anything alone at home. I want to go out and learn more so I can help Sister."


    Madam Xiao expressed her worry, "How can I rest easy with you, a young girl, going to study alone in a foreign ce?"


    Xiao Yuruoforted, "Mother, rest assured. After the New Year, I will go north to the capital to oversee our business there. Yushuang can go with me. She can study in the capital under my care. What do you think, Mother?"


    Seeing the love between her daughters, Madam Xiao was moved. She said softly, "With Yuruo looking after Yushuang, I can be at ease. But if both of you go to the capital, and I am left alone in Jinling, how will I cope with missing you?"


    Her words brought tears to the eyes of her daughters. Yushuang choked back her tears, "Mother, why don''t youe with us to the capital?"


    Madam Xiao, with affectionate eyes on Yushuang, said, "Silly girl, if we all go to the capital, what happens to our home here in Jinling? You both go ahead. I wille to see you whenever I can."


    Lin Wanrong, hiding behind the screen, was quite ufortable as he listened to the family chatter of the three women. Yushuang seemed to havepletely forgotten about him. Damn, this was a new low in his pursuit of girls. He was trapped in a room by a mother and her two daughters, unable to escape. It was truly a tragedy.


    Madam Xiao let out a sigh, "Yuruo, after the New Year, you will be twenty. It''s about time you consider matters of marriage."


    The younger daughter immediately pped her hands andughed, "Great, we will help Sister choose the best husband in the world."


    Xiao Yuruo, blushing, said, "Mother, there''s no hurry about this. I''m not worried."


    Madam Xiao sighed again, "Yuruo, you''ve been learning the business with me since you were fourteen. You''ve worked hard over these years. You mustn''t dy matters of marriage any longer."


    The elder daughter spoke with bitterness, "Mother, even if I have to dy a few more years for the growth of the Xiao family, I have no regrets."


    Madam Xiao looked at her and said, "You''ve been so busy with business that you haven''t given these matters any thought."


    Madam Xiao sighed, "You are not young anymore; these matters need to be addressed promptly. I originally thought well of Young Master Tao and wanted to propose marriage on your behalf, but it seems you have no feelings for him. I know most of the Young Masters in Jinling city, but I can''t find a suitable candidate. When we move to the capital, you must pay attention. If you meet a Young Master you like, you mustn''t let him slip away. It''s truly not easy for a woman to find a man she likes."


    The elder daughter blushed, "Mother, don''t worry. Do I look like someone who can''t get married?"


    Madam Xiao sighed, "I''m not worried about you getting married, I''m worried about you not marrying well. Yuruo, listen to your mother, you mustn''t sacrifice your happiness for the sake of the Xiao family. If that happens, I''ll never find peace."


    Madam Xiao knew her daughter''s mind all too well. The elder daughter was good in all respects, except that she cared too much about the family business. She would sacrifice anything for it. This determination made her a strong woman in the Xiao family, but Madam Xiao feared it would ruin her happiness.


    The elder daughter hummed softly and lowered her head, lost in her thoughts.


    Madam Xiao''s eyes reddened, and she sighed deeply, "Our Xiao family has a hard fate, without a single man. If we had a man in the family, there would be no need for us women to bear these burdens. Yuruo, you couldfortably be ady, choose a good husband and marry. All these worries wouldn''t exist."


    Having been a widow for many years, raising two daughters on her own, Madam Xiao had endured countless hardships. Now, her sorrow welled up and she couldn''t help but shed tears.


    Seeing her mother crying, the elder daughter was reminded of the hardship they had suffered over the years and also began to cry softly. Though the younger daughter was young, she felt for her mother and sister. Mother and daughters held each other and wept.


    Listening to the whimpering cries of the three women, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but shake his head. Women were indeed troublesome, recalling the past, nine out of ten would end up in tears. Weren''t people born to endure suffering? Isn''t that just life? If one didn''t want to suffer, would marrying a man do the trick?


    He sighed for a while, thinking about the three Xiaodies outside, they did seem quite pitiful. A widow and her daughters, doing business, managing arge household, it was not easy indeed.


    After a while, Madam Xiao, being older, stopped crying and told her daughters, "Yuruo, Yushuang, stop crying. You wouldn''t want the servants to see and make aughing stock out of us."


    Mentioning the servants, Xiao Yushuang suddenly remembered that Lin Wanrong was hiding behind the screen. Had he heard their emotional breakdown? But he wasn''t really an outsider, she thought sweetly.


    "Yuruo, how''s the business progress recently?" Madam Xiao asked.


    The elder daughter nodded, "This month, our cloth business has seen a further decrease in sales and profits. However, our business direction has slowly shifted, so the impact isn''t that significant. The underwear we''ve introduced has been well-promoted among thedies in Jinling City. It seems to be selling well, and as for the perfume, needless to say, we''re sold out, with orders received until the second month of next year. The soap we just introduced a few days ago has also been well received. Fubo and his team are setting up a production workshop, and we''ll soon start formal production."


    Madam Xiao nodded, "That Lin San is indeed a talent."


    Seeing her mother praise Lin San, Xiao Yushuang''s eyes brightened as she said, "Yes, mother, I told you he''s a talent."


    Madam Xiao looked meaningfully at her younger daughter and sighed, "It''s a pity he''s a servant."


    The elder daughter also said, "This Lin San is intelligent, articte, brave, and responsible. He''s truly remarkable. His contributions to the resurgence of our Xiao family are immense."


    Hiding behind the screen, Lin Wanrong listened and couldn''t help but feel pleased. Was she talking about him? How did the Eldest Miss change her tune so quickly? Just a while ago she used him of being a smooth talker, now he wasuded as articte.


    Madam Xiao nodded, "Indeed, we must retain such talent. Remember, he only signed a one-year contract with us."


    The younger daughter gritted her teeth, "Mother, if you want Lin San to stay with us forever, I think he would agree."


    You little girl, one can eat food freely, but words mustn''t be spoken lightly. When did I ever say I''d stay in the Xiao family forever? Damn, I still n to marry you and bring you back to serve me in the Lin family.


    Xiao Yuruo continued, "Lin San does have some talent, but he''s a bit too self-important. We must not let him get too arrogant, he needs to be humbled."


    Madam Xiaoughed, "Yuruo, you should take this trip to Hangzhou with Lin San as an opportunity to teach him properly. It''s rare for our Xiao family to produce such a talent, and if taught well, it would greatly benefit you."


    Listening to their conversation, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, was he such a useless person? To be taught by Xiao Yuruo? It should be him teaching her!


    Madam Xiao continued, "Yuruo, you and Lin San should get along well. Don''t argue with him as you did before."


    Blushing, the elder daughter said, "I didn''t argue with him, it''s him who''s so annoying."


    Madam Xiao replied, "You have a gentle temperament with others, but why can''t you maintain it with Lin San? In this aspect, I find Lin San better than you. He is thick-skinned and fears no one. I''ve never seen him at a disadvantage."


    Lin Wanrong felt proud at first, but at the end, he snorted quietly, was he really thick-skinned? That was his broad-mindedness, his cultivation, these women reallycked understanding.


    The elder daughter thought about Lin San''s face and couldn''t help butugh, "I agree, he indeed has a thick face. His audacity seems borrowed from a leopard. Just today, he dared to hit the son of the Prefect."


    Madam Xiao eximed, "Did that really happen?" The Second Miss was equally shocked.


    The elder daughter recounted the day''s events. Xiao Yushuang took a long breath and said, "Sister, if Lin San says it''s fine, it will be. He never jokes about serious matters. If he''s not confident, he wouldn''t promise."


    Ah, a kindred spirit. Lin Wanrong thought, this was the most satisfying thing he''d heard all night. He almost wanted to hold this girl in his arms and give her a dozen kisses.


    The elder daughter nodded, "Although he''s a bit crude, he is careful with his tasks. I heard he''s friendly with Governor Luo''s son and daughter, so things shouldn''t go wrong. But we can''t let him run wild, we should use this opportunity to teach him a lesson."


    So that was her n. Lin Wanrong finally understood that the Eldest Miss was just looking for an excuse to discipline him. Damn, was he that arrogant? He didn''t feel so. He just scolded those who deserved scolding and fought those who deserved fighting.


    Madam Xiaoughed, "Then you should manage him well. But don''t go too far. He''s not someone who responds to force."


    The elder daughter nodded, "I understand, mother. I will teach him well."


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but feel a mix of annoyance and amusement. Did he respond to softness? He didn''t feel that way. Truly, like mother like daughter, both Madam Xiao and the elder daughter were master schemers.


    After more conversation, Madam Xiao led the elder daughter to her room, instructing her about the next day''s journey to Hangzhou.


    The younger daughter pulled him out, pouting, "There, you''ve heard all about our family affairs."


    "Not at all, I only heard half of it," Lin Wanrongughed.


    The room was suffused with the lingering fragrance of rose perfume, a scent so profound that Lin Wanrong took a deep breath to capture it. Was it the elder daughter or Madam Xiao who preferred this strong rose perfume?


    "Do not speak of what you''ve seen and heard tonight to others," the Second Miss warned.


    "And you must help my sister well, not bully me, nor her," the Second Miss stated assertively.


    Lin Wanrong innocently asked, "But what if she bullies me? You know, I''m an easy person to be bullied."


    Xiao Yushuang said, "Then you must let her bully you. She''s my only sister and I allow her to bully me because she''s kind to me. You and I are... well, you have to let her bully you too."


    This left Lin Wanrong feeling dazed, the logic of young girls was truly peculiar.


    After being authoritative for a while, the Second Miss suddenly became tender, gently holding his hand and asking softly, "Lin San, will you miss me when you''re away?"


    "There''s only one moment I would think of you," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    Her eyes reddened and her nose tingled, just as she was about to explode, she heard him continue, "-- when I breathe."


    "You''re annoying, so annoying!" Tears finally fell from the Second Miss'' eyes, but she was extraordinarily happy. "You rascal, always teasing me."


    She sniffed a few times, sighed softly, and her longshes were wet with tears. "With your words, I could die content. You rascal, you''ve harmed many. If I die, it will be from missing you."


    Lin Wanrong felt somewhat dizzy. Just how many romance novels had this girl read? Her words moved him so deeply. Turns out, after all the fuss, this little girl was the biggest schemer.


    Their conversation was cut short as Yushuang, worried about her sister returning, had to hurry Lin Wanrong out. The supposed wolf of the west chamber tonight turned out to be just a shadow of the name. Lin Wanrong regretted this. Seeing the Second Miss'' eyes as charming as a painting, bashful beyond words, he gently pecked her lips.


    She felt both joy and embarrassment, pushed him out the door, quickly locked it, her heart pounding. She only felt that this rascal was thoroughly incorrigible, down to his bones.


    Stealing the Second Miss'' first kiss, Lin Wanrong was extremely pleased. The lingering fragrance in the dark night was truly a delightful sensation. He gave the chamber onest lingering look before stealthily slipping out of the courtyard.


    No sooner had Lin Wanrong''s figure disappeared from the doorway than the Eldest Miss Xiao appeared from somewhere. Watching his retreating figure, she stomped her foot in anger, "Shameless, rascal, indecent..."


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 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142


    Chapter 142 Enemies on Narrow Road


    On the second day, in the small hours before dawn, Lin Wanrong was sound asleep when he heard a woman calling from outside his door, "Lin San, it''s time to get up."


    Blinking sleepily, Lin Wanrong recognized the voice as that of the Eldest Miss. He puzzled over her early rise. ''What could that girl be up to this early? Doesn''t she fear getting panda eyes fromck of sleep?''


    "Lin San, get up quickly. We need to leave," the Eldest Miss''s voice came again from outside. With no choice, Lin Wanrong groggily got dressed, opened the door, and found the sky still filled with twinkling stars, with Venus shining brightly. Dawn was still more than an hour away.


    The Eldest Miss was already fully dressed, with a long cloak draped over her. Her face was slightly red from the cold wind. She nced at him and said, "I knew you''d still be sleeping. Wake up quickly. We''re leaving now."


    Suppressing a yawn, Lin Wanrong asked, "Eldest Miss, it''s still early, is there such a rush?"


    Xiao Yuruo snorted, "We''re heading to Hangzhou, a journey of hundreds of miles. If we don''t start early, how can we get there in time? You''re sozy, always making excuses. Next time I''ll find a drum to beat near your ear and see how you can continue to ck off."


    ''There ites,'' thought Lin Wanrong, ''her excuses to discipline me. Heh, she''s underestimating me.'' He hastily washed his face with cold water. The weather was getting colder, so he put on a few more clothes and followed the Eldest Miss out.


    Seeing his efficient movements, the Eldest Miss''s face softened slightly. "Don''t let it happen again," she said. "I shouldn''t be the one to wake you." ''If you didn''t, I would sleep until broad daylight,'' thought Lin Wanrong.


    Upon reaching the gate, Lin Wanrong felt a pang of guilt. Not only was Madam Xiao standing there, but Xiao Yushuang was also there, her face flushed, evidently having waited for a while. The Second Miss smiled sweetly at his arrival, warming Lin Wanrong''s heart.


    ''I must be theziest servant of this era,'' thought Lin Wanrong, chuckling to himself. He stepped forward and said, "Madam, Second Miss, good morning."


    The Madam nodded and smiled, "Lin San, did you sleep wellst night? We wouldn''t have woken you so early if we didn''t have to set off."


    The Madam''s words were heartwarming, but Lin Wanrong knew it was her way of winning him over. After all, ttering words cost nothing.


    "Thank you for your concern, Madam. I slept wellst night," Lin Wanrong responded, feigning gratitude.


    The Madam nodded and smiled, "Yuruo is a woman and can''t travel alone. You''ll need to take extra care on the trip to Hangzhou."


    "Of course, of course. With the Eldest Miss''s wise leadership, the journey will surely be smooth and safe," Lin Wanrong replied dismissively.


    The Second Miss looked at him with a smile, biting her lip lightly as if wanting to say something, but hesitated with her mother and sister present.


    Seeing that everyone was nearly ready, the Eldest Miss said to the Madam, "Mother, you and Yushuang can go back and rest. We are setting off." Xiao Yushuang hurriedly stepped forward, grasping the Eldest Miss''s hand, "Sister, take care on your journey."


    Xiao Yuruo nodded with a soft smile. The Second Miss turned to nce at Lin Wanrong once more, whispering softly, "Lin San, you... be careful."


    "Thank you, Second Miss," replied Lin Wanrong, who stealthily drew a few steps closer. He was just about to grab the Second Miss''s hand when the Eldest Miss blocked her sister and asked, "Lin San, have you prepared everything?" Seeing the sly smile flicker across the Eldest Miss''s face, Lin Wanrong was annoyed. This girl was deliberately ruining his n. Eventually, he thought, I''ll ruin something for you too.


    "Oh, everything is ready. Speaking of which, Second Miss, do you enjoy the Buddhist scriptures you''re reading? The Temple of the Hidden Spirits [Lingyin Temple] by West Lake in Hangzhou is famous. Maybe I can find some better scriptures for you there? I''m not sure if there are any with illustrations."


    The Second Miss covered her mouth to hide augh. That scoundrel! All Buddhist scriptures were the same, what was this nonsense about better or worse? He thought they were like the tabloids he sketched,ing in illustrated versions. He was clearly just making trouble to chat with her.


    Seeing the annoyed look on the Eldest Miss''s face, Xiao Yushuang quickly said, "No need, just look after my sister on this trip. And take care of yourself too, don''t stir up trouble, avoid disaster, ande back early." Her voice faded to a barely audible whisper towards the end.


    Madam Xiao stood at a distance, not quite hearing. But the Eldest Miss and Lin Wanrong were close enough to hear. Seeing Lin San''s broad smile, the Eldest Miss huffed and said, "In that case, let''s set off."


    After she finished speaking, she turned to mount the carriage. The Second Miss used the opportunity of helping her sister to subtly toss Lin San a small paper ball. Lin Wanrong quickly caught it. The Second Miss''s face flushed as she stealthily nced at him before swiftly retreating. Lin Wanrong felt a pang of affection; little Yushuang had even learned this secretive gesture of passing notes, bing more and more enticing.


    The Eldest Miss lifted the curtain from inside the carriage, waving to her mother and sister. "Mother, Yushuang, go back and rest. We''ll be back in just a few days." Madam Xiao nodded, but the Second Miss''s nose was a bit sore. She continued to wave at the carriage, faintly seeing the scoundrel smiling and waving back at her. Her eyes reddened, filled with a mix of shyness and longing, as she leaned against her mother, tears wetting her eyes.


    Lin Wanrong swung himself onto his ck horse. This time, apanying the Eldest Miss to Hangzhou, apart from Lin Wanrong, there were two house servants and a maid, thetter naturally joining the Eldest Miss in the carriage.


    The remaining two house servants were both familiar faces. One was the quick-witted Si De, and the other was the honest Xiao Feng. Due to supply issues with flower petals, the perfume workshop could only produce a little over 500 bottles each month, leaving Xiao Feng, the foreman, with some spare time. Si De was familiar with Lin San, having gone with Fubo and a few others to set up the soap workshop. Both servants were personally chosen by the Eldest Miss, thinking that Lin Wanrong was familiar with them, and could handle them effectively.


    Upon seeing the three men mount their horses, Xiao Yuruo stuck her head out from behind the curtain and said, "Lin San, on this trip to Hangzhou, you are the leader besides me. Make sure to handle them well, don''t cause trouble, and don''t let me and mother''s high hopes down."


    This littledy was rather cunning, deliberately putting him in charge of two people to arouse his sense of responsibility. It could be considered quite a clever move.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, saying, "Xiao Feng, Si De, you two follow me closely. Don''t get lost."


    "Yes, Brother San," both men said respectfully. Lin Wanrong was now a senior servant, ranking significantly higher than the two of them, and his status in the Xiao household was quite prestigious. Even Chief Steward Wang would likely have to refer to him respectfully as Brother San.


    This rogue actuallymanded respect, the Eldest Miss silently conceded. She nodded and said, "In that case, take care of each other."


    The three men split into two groups, with Lin Wanrong and Xiao Feng riding side by side on the left side of the carriage, and Si De guarding the right side. The entourage then made their way out of the city.


    By now, Lin Wanrong''s horse riding skills had improved. Using Xiao Feng''s body to shield him from the Eldest Miss''s view, he quietly opened the small piece of paper that the Second Miss had thrown to him. Written on it was a neat row of delicate characters: "Hurry back. I''ll be waiting for you!"


    Lin Wanrong nodded with a smile. Although the words were brief, the emotion was profound. Little Yushuang was bing more and more clever.


    As their carriage passed by the Food for Immortals restaurant, Lin Wanrong saw from a distance that the light was already on in Qiaoqiao''s room. Surprisingly, she had woken up so early. A warm current surged in his heart. He was considering asking the Eoung Miss''s permission to check on Qiaoqiao, when he saw a charming figure standing outside the Food for Immortals restaurant. It was Qiaoqiao herself.


    "Big brother" Qiaoqiao called out when she saw Lin Wanrong, and ran towards him like a gust of wind.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, and quickly dismounted. "Qiaoqiao, what are you doing here?"


    The weather was getting colder, and Qiaoqiao wore a small red jacket. Her cheeks were flushed as she tightly held Lin Wanrong''s hand. "Big brother, I''ve been waiting for you."


    Gently brushing away the frost from Qiaoqiao''s hair, Lin Wanrong took her small, cold hand. "Silly girl, why are you here?"


    Qiaoqiao gave a shy smile. "The Eldest Miss sent a messagest night, saying that you were going to Hangzhou with her today. She asked me to prepare food for you."


    As she spoke, Xiao Yuruo peered out of the carriage. "Qiaoqiao, thank you so much."


    Qiaoqiao responded with a sweet smile, "Miss, why are you being so formal?"


    With a wave of her hand, two waiters from the Food for Immortals restaurant brought over some food to put in the carriage. The young girl then handed Lin Wanrong a bamboo basket, saying, "Big brother, these are all your favorites. Just warm them up over a fire, and they''re ready to eat."


    Lin Wanrong took her cold hand and said, "Qiaoqiao, you mustn''t stay upte anymore. Go to bed early and get up early. I''ve told you before, a woman''s youth is precious. Staying upte is bad for your health, and I won''t allow it in the future. Listen to your big brother and go rest now."


    Qiaoqiao gave a soft murmur of acknowledgment, her head lowered. "Big brother, it''s a long journey to Hangzhou. Please take care of yourself."


    Lin Wanrong gently caressed her cheek, saying, "Silly girl, don''t cry. I''ll be back in just a few days. Hangzhou is quite near. I can make the round trip in a day and a night on horseback."


    Wiping away her tears, Qiaoqiao quickly interrupted him. "Big brother, don''t push yourself too hard. Traveling is not the same as staying at home, so you must pace yourself and proceed with caution. Don''t rush."


    Seeing the two of them in deep conversation, the Eldest Miss seemed a bit impatient. She said, "It''s gettingte, Lin San. We should be on our way."


    In a low voice, Lin Wanrong asked Qiaoqiao, "Has the Eldest Miss paid for these meals?"


    Qiaoqiao''s tears turned toughter as she replied, "Big brother, who else could be as calctive as you?"


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong''s smile, she finally understood that he was only teasing her to lighten the mood. The girl felt a mix of happiness and embarrassment. It wasn''t the first time they''d talked like this, but it always felt fresh. She didn''t know where his charm came from.


    After saying a lingering goodbye to Qiaoqiao, Lin Wanrong noticed that the Eldest Miss seemed a bit unhappy, so he kept quiet. It seemed to him that all this was deliberately arranged by the Eldest Miss, who had purposely informed Qiaoqiao in advance, under the guise of preparing meals, just to give Lin Wanrong a proper send-off. Was this supposed to make him feel grateful? This Eldest Miss was indeed crafty.


    As they neared the city wall, about to leave the city, they saw a group of officials in the distance holding up torches and posting something on the wall. It appeared to be a notice.


    Lin Wanrong signaled to Si De, who cleverly rode his horse forward to take a closer look, then returned shortly thereafter.


    The Eldest Miss, having noticed the scene, asked, "What kind of notice is being posted?"


    Si De reported respectfully, "Miss, Brother San, it''s a promation from the governor."


    "Oh?" The Eldest Miss seemed surprised. Governor Luo rarely posted notices, so why today? Could something big have happened?


    They hurried forward to get a closer look. Lin Wanrong strained to read the vertically arranged, traditional characters, his eyes blurring from the effort. After a few nces, he lost interest and asked Xiao Feng beside him, "I didn''t sleep wellst night and my eyes are tired. Tell me quickly, what''s in this promation from the governor?"


    Xiao Feng exined, "It''s an announcement about new taxes. The governor says that to raise funds for river defenses to benefit the people of Jiangsu, they are introducing new taxes on brothels by the Qinhuai River, based on the principle of those with money pay money, those with strength providebor. Once these taxes are paid, the brothels can go to the yamen to get their registration, officially open, and then operate legitimately with that document."


    Intriguing, thought Lin Wanrong. This old Luo had a strategy indeed. The simple idea of raising taxes had been brilliantly intertwined with the issuance of operating licenses. Thus, government-sanctioned and ndestine brothels were clearly marked with fixed prices. The nature of these brothels was always half-public, half-hidden, and the court had neither explicitly permitted nor forbidden them. old Luo had exploited this ambiguity to make some money. Paying this special industry tax amounted to obtaining a pass from the yamen, turning the brothels into public, legal establishments. Driven by huge profits, even if the taxes were high, those owners would pay willingly.


    Old Luo''s strategy was indeed impressive. Lin Wanrong marveled inwardly as he heard Xiao Feng continue: "Governor Luo has also said that he has ordered Commander-in-chief Cheng of Jiangsu to deploy troops to repair the defenses along the Yangtze River immediately. He has also called on the people of the province to generously donate money for this purpose. At this crucial moment, the military and civilians of Jiangsu must unite to protect their homes. Anyone who fails to heed the order would be a sinner for all time, guilty of destroying Nanjing and Jiangsu."


    Despite the discord between Cheng De and Luo Min, Luo Min was, in name at least, the highest military and political official in Jiangsu, and Cheng De had to obey his orders. Old Luo''s strategy was to create public opinion first and then pass the ball to Cheng De, exactly the method Lin Wanrong had taught him the day before.


    The Eldest Miss found the brothel business despicable, but she too was a businesswoman. Speaking inmercial terms, the introduction of new taxes was unfavorable to businesspeople. She sighed, saying, "It''s tough for those in business, yet the introduction of new taxes can be decided by a single word from the government officials. I wonder which wicked advisor came up with this idea."


    Cold sweat trickled down Lin Wanrong''s forehead. Wasn''t he that ''wicked advisor''? He couldn''t shoulder this undeserved me. He quickly defended himself, "Miss, while it''s true that we''re all in business, there are differences. The obscene profits in the brothel business need no exnation. However, these profits are soaked in the tears and blood of women. The money that ends up in the hands of these unfortunate women is less than one-tenth of the total. So where do the enormous profits go?"


    The Eldest Miss appeared thoughtful. Lin Wanrong continued, "The existence of brothels has its own reasons. Simply put, there is a demand, so they can survive. It would be better to be open and regte them, imposing heavy taxes on their huge profits. This both limits their development and provides a source of tax revenue. Isn''t it a win-win situation?"


    What a limit to development, he thought. It''s pure nonsense meant to deceive people. Demand generates a market, an unchanging truth. Imposing heavy taxes on these brothels would not greatly affect those vampiric owners. The burden would cleverly be shifted to the customers under some pretext. Naturally, Lin Wanrong understood the workings of this system.


    Inevitably, the value of those brothel girls would skyrocket, he thought, visiting a brothel would now cost more. Sighing, he said, "Don''t me me for this. Even pork is bing more expensive these days, let alone brothel girls. If there are willing buyers and sellers, who can me men for their preferences? It''s all a contribution to the river defense, after all."


    The Eldest Miss nced at him, "Lin San, you''re defending Governor Luo so ardently. Could it be that you''re the one who came up with this idea?"


    "Impossible," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "How could I possiblye up with such a brilliant idea? I assume Governor Luo must have sought the most intelligent person in the world to devise such a masterstroke."


    The Eldest Miss snorted, choosing not to respond. Just as they were about to leave, the crisp sound of horse hooves reached their ears. A woman in official attire rode up on a white horse, an air of authority about her. She called to the officers, "Have you finished posting everything here, gentlemen?"


    Looking up, Lin Wanrong saw it was Tao Wanying, that littless. She was an official in the Jinling Prefecture, naturally involved in the posting of these notices.


    Wanying seemed to have a certain influence, for the officers nodded in unison, "All done."


    She gave a slight nod, preparing to ride off. But as she turned, her eyesnded on a ck horse standing near the posted notice. The man sitting atop the horse had a mischievous look in his eyes, a smile ying on his lips as he gazed at her. Wasn''t he that violent Lin San?


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 Chapter 143

    Chapter 143


    Chapter 143 Wrathful Punishment of the Obnoxious Lady


    Her face was alight with joy, teeth clenched tightly as she called out loudly, "Officers! Arrest that suspect Lin San on the ck horse, Master Hou will surely reward you greatly."


    Upon hearing Miss Wanying''s words, the constables swiftly moved into action, encircling Lin Wanrong and bellowed, "Lin San, dismount and surrender!"


    Lin Wanrong smirked slightly, greeting Wanying, "Good morning, Miss Wanying. Working so early today? That must be tiring. May I ask why you all have me surrounded?"


    Furious, Wanying replied, "Lin San, you assaulted Master Hou''s son yesterday. I saw it with my own eyes. Today, I''m taking you in. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"


    Laughing, Lin Wanrong retorted, "Miss Wanying, the country has itsws, families have their rules. If you wish to arrest me, it''s simple, present an arrest warrant from the city Prefect. Then there''s no need for you to act, I''lle along willingly."


    Wanying hesitated, wondering if Lin San knew something. After returning to the city hall the previous day, the Prefect had been enraged at the sight of Master Hou''s son. But after discussing matters with Lord Luoter in the evening, the Prefect''s attitude hadpletely shifted. His fury seemingly vanished like smoke, saying that since Master Hou''s son initiated the fight, it was difficult to judge the matter. He wished to dismiss it and even forbade them from seeking revenge on Lin Wanrong.


    Wanying didn''t understand why the Prefect had such a change of heart. But out of concern for Master Hou''s son and feeling quite furious, she found no outlet for her anger. Now running into Lin San early in the morning was perfectly convenient for her. She decided to take him down first and reportter.


    Observing her reaction, Lin Wanrong knew that Old Luo must have settled the matter, which made him feel even less fear. Smiling, he said, "Miss Wanying, please produce the warrant."


    Wanying blinked and loudly proimed, "I''m here to arrest you under the order of the Prefect. Once we return to the city hall, you''ll see the warrant."


    The Eldest Miss, having heard Wanying''s voice, peeked out of the carriage, "Miss Wanying, you''re here too?"


    Upon seeing Xiao Yuruo, Wanying was delighted, "Sister Yuruo, you''re here too? Where are you going so early?"


    The Eldest Miss didn''t answer her question, only asking, "Miss Wanying, why are you arresting Lin San? Do you have a warrant from Master Hou?"


    Wanying had always been keen on pairing Xiao Yuruo with her own brother and had always tried to please the Eldest Miss. But given that Lin San had hurt Master Hou''s son yesterday, she was indeed infuriated. She replied, "Sister Yuruo, let me arrest Lin San first, then we can chat."


    Observing her evasion, Lin Wanrong sneered, "Miss Wanying, if you try to arrest me without a warrant, that''s essentially robbery on the highway, no different from being a bandit. You should think this through."


    Wanying bit her cherry lips, angrily ordered, "Officers, quickly arrest Lin San."


    The constables, appearing quite partial to Miss Wanying, swarmed around even though they knew she had no warrant. They roared out, "Lin San, get off the horse and surrender immediately!"


    Damn it, Lin Wanrong thought, I''ve already warned you, but you still want to push your luck. He smirked disdainfully, "Miss Wanying, I''ve already reminded you once. If you try to take me without a warrant, you''re just bandits. And against bandits, I won''t show any courtesy."


    "Insolent! Get down right now!" One of the constables who was closest to Lin Wanrong growled in anger, attempting to reach for the reins of Lin Wanrong''s horse.


    Lin Wanrong kicked him, sending him sprawling to the ground, "Since you insist on ying the bandit, I won''t show any courtesy. Even if it esctes to the governor, I''m not afraid of you."


    The constables of Jinling, typically disying their might and power, had never been treated like this. They unsheathed their steel des, charging at him.


    Seeing herpanions taking action, Miss Wanying also lightly urged her white horse forward, charging directly at Lin Wanrong. Despite her petite figure, her equestrian skills were exceptional. She waspletely stable on the horse and even managed to extend a horse whip, aiming a brutal strike at Lin Wanrong''s face.


    "Be careful, Lin San!" The Eldest Miss cried out from the carriage.


    This Miss Wanying was too ruthless, Lin Wanrong thought, cursing under his breath as he met her head on. His riding skills had be adept, and his martial arts prowess made dealing with a few constables an easy task. Seizing the opportunity, he grabbed the horsewhip. Miss Wanying pulled several times with all her strength, her face flushed red from the struggle, but the horsewhip remained immovable.


    "Let go," Miss Wanyingmanded angrily.


    Lin Wanrong yanked the whip suddenly. Wanying cried out in pain, her grip loosening, and the whip fell into Lin Wanrong''s hands.


    Infuriated, Wanying drew the long sword she carried and aimed it at his chest, thrusting fiercely.


    Damn, this girl is ruthless, thought Lin Wanrong, his fury fully ignited. He swiftly turned his horse, narrowly avoiding the stab, and with a powerful kick, he struck the neck of Wanying''s white horse.


    The white horse let out a long neigh, its wild nature triggered. Its front hooves reared up, threatening to throw Wanying off. Luckily, Wanying was skilled in horse riding. She held tightly onto the reins and clung to the horse''s belly with her legs, preventing herself from being thrown off. Even so, she was drenched in cold sweat from the shock.


    Seizing the moment, Lin Wanrong reached out, snatching her long sword. He forced her wrist with strength, causing Wanying to scream in pain as her wrist swelled red.


    Lin Wanrong snorted, releasing her wrist, stepping back a few paces, and then swiftly turned around. He thrust the stolen sword into the ground and looked coldly at Wanying.


    Seeing that Miss Wanying was at a disadvantage against Lin Wanrong, the constables cried out, their swords and des ready, they charged together, "This criminal dares to resist arrest, let''s take him down together, brothers!"


    Seeing the bolstering presence of herpanions, Miss Wanying regained her momentum. She clenched her fists tightly, her face flushed with determination. With a shrill cry of "Charge," she spurred her white horse forward like an arrow once again.


    Witnessing their obstinacy, even the most patient of temperaments would have lost theirposure, let alone Lin Wanrong, who was not one to shy away from a confrontation. He chuckled, instructed Si De and Xiao Feng to "Protect the youngdy," then, he too, kicked his horse into a dash.


    The exhration of a cavalry charge was truly something elseimposing and suffused with an aura of lethal determination. It was no wonder that the young Miss Wanying relished it so. Lin Wanrong, skilled and audacious, urged his ck steed straight towards Wanying. As they passed each other, Wanying timed her move perfectly,shing out with a punch aimed directly at his face.


    Lin Wanrong deftly dodged her attack, lowering his body while his hands darted out with lightning speed.


    Wanying felt a sudden weightlessness, and a scream tore from her lips. She was suspended mid-air, held by her waist in his hands as if she were a mere y doll. Her horse galloped on beneath her, her outstretched fist frozen in mid-air.


    "Let go of me, let go of me!" Wanying shrieked. The fury and humiliation of a youngdy being held in such a way were unimaginable. She screamed again, kicking out wildly towards the belly of Lin''s ck horse.


    Damn it, she''s still so savage even when captured. Lin Wanrong pressed hard against her waist, and suddenly, Wanying''s strength ebbed away.


    Lin Wanrong flipped her upside down, holding her by her ankles. This new position, with her head down and legs up, was even more embarrassing than before. Wanying felt a rush of blood surge to her head.


    "You vile scoundrel, Lin San! If I, Tao Wanying, don''t kill you, then I''ll forsake my own name," Wanying sobbed.


    The youngdy called out anxiously, "Lin San, don''t harm Miss Wanying, she''s just a girl!"


    "Just a girl? Damn it, she didn''t seem like ''just a girl'' when she tried to kill me," Lin Wanrong retorted, eyeing the constables encircling him. He challenged, "Anyone else want to try?"


    "You... you assaulted an official. We won''t let you off," one of the constables plucked up the courage to say.


    "Official? You had no warrant yet attempted to arrest and kill methat''s banditry. I''m not afraid to bring this to any court," Lin Wanrong shot back angrily.


    Despite being held by Lin Wanrong, Wanying remained defiant, crying out, "Brothers, this Lin San first offended the Young Master, then assaulted the officers of the yamen. Where does amoner get such audacity? I suspect he''s in league with the White Lotus Cult. We should arrest him and report back to the Master."


    To use Lin Wanrong of attacking the Young Master was one thing, but to allege that he was colluding with the White Lotus Cult was touching a nerve. If Wanying''s previous actions could still be described as a protective measure, her current words were nothing short of naked nder and fabrication.


    Upon hearing this, the Eldest Miss burst out in anger, "Miss Wanying, I swear on my personal integrity about the matters with the White Lotus Sect that I have been through with Lin San. He is absolutely not a demon of the White Lotus Sect. If you nder him like this, you are ndering me, and you are ndering my Xiao family. You have no official documentation today, but you want to block the road and arrest someone from my Xiao family. Do you really think there''s now in this Jinling City? Although my Xiao family can''tpare to your Tao family, we are not so easily bullied. Miss Tao, if you give me a reasonable exnation today, that would be the end of it. But if you do not, I am going to report to the Prefect and the Governor to seek justice for my Xiao family."


    It seemed like the Eldest Miss was truly enraged. It was one thing for Miss Wanying to persistently cause difficulties, but now she was using Lin San of colluding with the White Lotus Sect. If others did not know Lin San, she knew him the best. In the Xiao family, apart from her mother and younger sister, the person she relied on and trusted the most was indeed Lin San. Tao Wanying''s words not only smeared Lin San but also belittled the Xiao family, igniting the Eldest Miss''s anger.


    Xiao Yuruo''s words were very heavy, stern, and utterly ruthless, not hesitating to have a falling out with Wanying.


    Lin Wanrong nced at the Eldest Miss upon hearing these heartwarming words. The Eldest Miss, however, gave him a disgruntled look, indicating that if he hadn''t beaten up that young noble, there wouldn''t have been so many issues.


    Tao Wanying seemed to realize the inappropriateness of her words and hurriedly said, "Sister Yuruo, I didn''t mean that, ahem, ahem" Apparently, she had been held upside down by Lin Wanrong for too long, and her cirction had somewhat stagnated, making it difficult for her to speak.


    Xiao Yuruo said to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, let her go. If she dares to cause trouble again, I will personally go to the government office and beat the drum for you to redress your grievances." Seeing that the Eldest Miss was standing up for him so strongly, Lin Wanrong had to show some respect. He lifted Tao Wanying around her waist with a strong upward motion, keeping her body as far away from his own as possible to signify that he had no intention towards her.


    Tao Wanying urgently said, "Lin San, you scoundrel, let go of me quickly. Sister Yuruo, I didn''t mean that. I don''t suspect you of colluding with the White Lotus Sect"


    The Eldest Miss waved her hand and said, "Miss Wanying, we need not discuss this matter any further. Today, your suspicion of Lin San equates to suspicion of me and the Xiao family. We have nothing more to talk about. Lin San, please let her go."


    Lin Wanrong asked, "Eldest Miss, do you want me to just let her go like this?"


    The Eldest Miss nodded, and Lin Wanrong obediently replied, "Understood, I will let her go just like this."


    With that, he abruptly let go of his grip on Tao Wanying, who was being held sideways. Without any support, Tao Wanying fell straight onto the ground. She let out a soft cry as her bottom hit the floor, feeling both embarrassed and angry, and struggled to articte, "Lin San, I won''t let you off"


    The Eldest Miss knew that Lin San had deliberately caused Wanying to make a fool of herself. She couldn''t help but re at him before her eyes turned cold. Turning to Wanying, she said, "Miss Tao, remember my words today. While the Xiao family may consist of women, we do not fear any provocation."


    There is always a natural adversary for everything. Although Tao Wanying was wild by nature, she was somewhat fearful of the Eldest Miss. In a subdued voice, she said, "Sister Yuruo, I didn''t mean it that way. It''s just that this Lin San has been excessively bullying, and I"


    The Eldest Miss didn''t bother to engage her in conversation. Instead, she addressed the few officials, "Dear officers, you have wrongfully detained a person today. While the Xiao family may not be a prominent lineage, we are not to be wronged in this city of Jinling. I know that today''s events are not rted to you, and I do not wish to pursue it, but I ask that you stop making things difficult for us."


    The officers originally thought this would be an easy capture, but they didn''t expect to encounter such tough resistance. In the first ce, they were on the wrong side, and the Xiao family was not to be bullied by just anyone. The me rested on Miss Tao, who had failed to rify the situation, and they considered themselves unfortunate.


    At this point, Tao Wanying didn''t know what to do. She looked desperately at the Eldest Miss, her eyes full of pitifulness. No one would have imagined that just a moment ago, she had been fiercely threatening to kill someone.


    Seeing Tao Wanying holding her waist with one hand and her bottom with the other, the Eldest Miss knew that she must have taken a hard fall. She couldn''t help but nce at Lin San again, only to see him staring at Wanying''s bottom with a smirk.


    Did he have a peculiar interest in women''s rears? The Eldest Miss felt her face heat up. She huffed, waved towards the carriage, andmanded, "Let''s move on."


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 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144


    Chapter 144 Journeying Together


    Lin Wanrong turned his horse''s head, waved to Si De and Xiao Feng, and the group began their journey towards the outskirts of the city. Wanying watched the carriage of the Eldest Miss, longing to call out yet daring not to. Her face wore an expression of disappointment. As Lin Wanrong passed by her, he bestowed her with a slight smile.


    Wanying, having suffered enough under his hand, was startled by this unexpected smile. She recoiled, putting some distance between them, and cried, "What are you up to?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Just passing by, purely incidental. Everyone can see it. Why are you so nervous? Could it be that you have a guilty conscience?"


    Wanying retorted, "What could I possibly feel guilty about? Do you think I''m scared of you?"


    As she spoke, she hurriedly retreated a couple more steps. This Lin San was dangerous. Having suffered at his hands numerous times, she thought it best to keep her distance.


    Lin Wanrong gave a lightugh, giving her a once-over, and suddenlymented, "You look quite fetching in that uniform."


    Seeing his neatly arranged white teeth when he smiled, Wanying was struck with an ominous feeling. It was as if she were amb fallen into the mouth of a wolf. The numerous losses she had suffered under him unconsciously provoked a sense of dread in her heart. Despite this, she was determined not to show weakness, and she asked with a mix of fear and anger, "What... what are you going to do?"


    Lin Wanrong looked at the uniformed "policewoman", a slight smile gracing his face. To his surprise, she shared the surname Tao? Things were bing more interesting and exciting.


    Wanying felt his gaze was almost tangible, as if it could see right through her. Fear welled up inside her. But the Eldest Miss called out, "Lin San, we should get going."


    Lin Wanrong let out a heartyugh, "Miss Wanying, today''s affair was rather interesting. Let''s do this again sometime."


    Having said that, he spurred his horse and left. Wanying retreated several steps. This day''s events, she felt, would stay with her forever. She couldn''t imagine what mighte next time.


    Lin Wanrong urged his horse to catch up with the group as they exited the city. The Eldest Miss spurred her carriage to go faster, and Lin Wanrong had to whip his horse to keep up with her pace.


    Beside him, Xiao Feng asked, "Brother Lin, where did you learn to fight like that? It seemed quite effective."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "I didn''t learn from anyone. It''s self-taught, got better with practice."


    The curtain of the carriage stirred, as if Xiao Yuruo had heard his words. Lin Wanrong nced at his horse, thinking: This Eldest Miss, her temper changes too quickly.


    Without exchanging further words, the group pushed their steeds forward. After traveling for two to three hours, they reached the midday. The Eldest Miss didn''t search for a town for a meal. When they passed a forest, shemanded everyone to rest within the woods, to eat lunch before continuing their journey.


    After riding for three straight hours, Lin Wanrong felt ufortable all over. Upon hearing themand, he swiftly dismounted.


    The Eldest Miss got down from the carriage. Seeing Lin Wanrong and the others sitting under a distant tree, she hummed in disapproval and, with Xiao Cui in tow, chose a spot far from them.


    Seeing the Eldest Miss''s displeasure, Lin Wanrong asked Si De, "Who has the Eldest Miss taken offense with?"


    Si De shook his head, "I''m not sure, but I noticed that she seemed upset since we left the city. I don''t know what''s wrong."


    The bookish Xiao Feng suddenly said, "Brother Lin, I fear the Eldest Miss may be angry with you."


    "Angry with me?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. He had been very considerate towards her today; he stopped when she asked him to. Why would she be angry with him? But thinking back, the Eldest Miss had indeed seemed out of sorts since they left the city. It did seem likely that it had something to do with him. This Xiao Feng, usually so wooden, seemed to have asional shes of insight.


    Born shameless, Lin Wanrong got up and walked over to Xiao Yuruo, smiling as he said, "Eldest Miss, we''ve been traveling quite hastily these past few hours. You must take care of your health. Being a girl, you can''t be as resilient as us sturdy men."


    The Eldest Miss turned her head and instructed her maid, "Xiao Cui, go with Xiao Feng and Si De to fetch the food from the carriage, start a fire to warm it up, and let''s have our midday meal here."


    Once the maid had gone, the Eldest Miss continued to look away, not paying him any attention. At this point, Lin Wanrong was certain that Xiao Yuruo was indeed angry with him. Her temper seemed to have grown stranger recently, bing increasingly harder to figure out.


    "Eldest Miss, we still have hundreds of miles to go to Hangzhou, you can''t possibly stop talking to me." At this point, whoever was thick-skinned enough to speak first would do so. The Eldest Miss''s defense of him today had moved Lin Wanrong somewhat, so he decided to be the one to break the silence.


    The Eldest Miss huffed, and Lin Wanrong continued, "I must thank you for solving that big problem today. That Wanying, like a wild pony, is not something just anyone can handle."


    "Thank you? Thank me for what? Did I solve that problem for you?" The Eldest Miss responded coldly, "Miss Luo and the Governor had already solved it for you. You were fully prepared. What could a lone woman and child like the Xiao family do to help you?"


    Though her words were tinged with resentment, they were not entirely unjustified. She knew that if she hadn''t intervened today, who knew how Lin San would have tormented Wanying.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "I reported to the Eldest Miss yesterday. Young Master Luo Yuan and I are friends, the matter was naturally resolved."


    The Eldest Miss huffed, "With the Governor''s children backing you, can you just do as you please and insult youngdies?"


    Insult? I sweat, is that little filly someone anyone could just insult? Moreover, I had no interest in her at all. Lin Wanrongughed wryly, "Eldest Miss, that girl wanted to kill me, I was forced to defend myself. Besides, with that girl''s ferocious appearance, it''s hard to harbor any thoughts of insult."


    The Eldest Miss nced at him, "Even if it was self-defense, did you have to humiliate Wanying like that? Your behavior was excessive."


    Excessive? I had only seized that little girl, yed a game of ''pull the leek'' with her and spanked her small bottom. How could that be excessive? Did you really want that girl to kill me before you''d be pleased? Damn, I don''t know what you girls are thinking in your heads.


    Lin Wanrong said solemnly, "Eldest Miss, you saw what happened today. That Wanying was so aggressive. If it weren''t for my skills, I would''ve suffered a lot today. If someone weaker had encountered her, they would have been harmed by her. I merely taught her a lesson, that isn''t excessive, right?"


    "You didn''t have to put her in that position. It''s so embarrassing. I fear you deliberately took advantage of her." The Eldest Miss''s face turned red as she defended Wanying.


    Am I the type to take advantage of people? Lin Wanrong gave a sneaky grin, "Eldest Miss, you don''t fully understand me. I might take advantage of women, but only those I fancy."


    The Eldest Miss''s face turned red, and she muttered, "You, you have no shame."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "I''m just telling the truth. It might be a bit coarse, but it''s not unreasonable."


    Seeing the Eldest Miss blush and fall silent, Lin Wanrong sighed gently, "Eldest Miss, I truly admire you. You, a young woman, constantly toiling and traveling. I can''t imagine the sorrow and hardship you''ve endured. It''s a feat even many men can''t achieve."


    The Eldest Miss bit her lower lip, "Do you think I want it to be this way? There are hundreds of mouths to feed in the Xiao family. If there isn''t someone at the helm, I fear we wouldn''tst a day."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Eldest Miss, if the pressure is too much, it will be a burden, leading to depression."


    "What''s depression?" the Eldest Miss asked.


    "For example, do you often worry about the Xiao family''s business failing, and does it prevent you from sleeping?"


    The Eldest Miss nced at him, murmuring, "How did you know?"


    Lin Wanrong replied earnestly, "It''s quite obvious. Your worries are written all over your face. Actually, your insomnia is a sign of excessive psychological pressure. You need to vent your emotions in time."


    "How can I vent?" Xiao Yuruo wondered.


    Lin Wanrong replied tiredly, "It''s simple. When you''re tired or frustrated, lock yourself in a room, tie two sandbags, and punch them hard. Curse as you like. Since it''s only you, you can let loose."


    "You''re the one who''s acting out." The Eldest Missughed and retorted, "If I want to hit someone, you''d be my first choice. You enjoy bullying people the most. Even a hundred punches wouldn''t relieve my frustration."


    With thatugh, the gloom in her eyes vanished, her pink cheeks and cherry lips were like blossoming spring flowers, alluring and enchanting.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "That''s right, you should smile more, brighten up a little, it makes you even more beautiful."


    "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" the Eldest Miss scolded, her face tinged with a blush and a hint of embarrassment.


    Lin Wanrong let out a sigh,y back, hands sped behind his head, and gazed at the withered tree branches, lost in thought. "Eldest Miss, do you have any goals in life?"


    Xiao Yuruo had a surprisingly pleasant conversation with Lin Wanrong, and she responded with a smile, "My goal is to manage the Xiao family well, so that everyone can take pride in it."


    "Admirable." Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs up.


    The Eldest Miss, a girl in the bloom of youth, found talking with Lin Wanrong rxed andfortable. This brought out a touch of long-absent girlish feelings in her. She smiled, "What about you, Lin San? Do you have any goals?"


    "My life goal?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Wealth and beauties!"


    The Eldest Miss humphed, "How vulgar!"


    "Vulgar?" Lin Wanrongughed, "Alright, let''s elevate it. How about, career and love, are you satisfied with that?"


    The Eldest Miss smiled at him, "Who would believe you? You never act seriously."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "I''m truly wronged. Why is it that when I''m the most serious, no one believes me?"


    The Eldest Miss giggled, "Because you have never been serious."


    After a few exchanges, their distance seemed to lessen, and the Eldest Miss''s face softened. Meanwhile, a maid named Xiao Cui brought over some hot pastries and said, "Miss, here are freshly baked osmanthus cakes. Please try them."


    The Eldest Miss signaled for her to set the pastries down, and the maid left to help another servant.


    Speaking of eating made Lin Wanrong''s stomach growl. He was about to find Xiao Feng for food when the Eldest Miss passed him the te of pastries, "You should try some."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I would be embarrassed. I''m a rather shy person." Despite his words, he "shyly" grabbed an osmanthus cake and stuffed it into his mouth.


    The Eldest Miss covered her lips andughed lightly, "You always feign modesty. You eat as though others owe you."


    She also picked up a small piece. She was still somewhat unustomed to eating in front of a man. Her cheeks turned pink as she slowly ced the pastry in her mouth, taking a small bite. It was exceptionally delicious, and she began to chew slowly.


    Lin Wanrong was less particr, swallowing arge piece of osmanthus cake in a few bites. He sighed, "Qiaoqiao''s cooking skills are truly remarkable."


    The Eldest Miss paused, "Isn''t this made by the chefs from ''Food for the Immortals''? How could you say it''s made by Qiaoqiao?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "If it were made by an ordinary chef, at most they would add some honey fruit sugar. Qiaoqiao knows my taste, so she added peanuts and osmanthus seeds. This kind of vor, only she could achieve."


    The Eldest Miss hummed in response, saying nothing more. She put the unfinished pastry back, stood up and said, "Take your time eating, I''ll wait for you in the carriage." After her words, she gave him a fleeting look before heading directly towards the carriage.


    Lin Wanrong was in the middle of his pastry, but his heart filled with surprise. Was she already full? Her figure was quite good, she didn''t need to diet, did she? This girl was really easy to take care of!


    When they set off again, the Eldest Miss had her curtain lowered, obscuring whatever she was doing inside.


    Considering that she had only eaten half of an osmanthus cake, Lin Wanrong gave the remaining pastries to Xiao Cui to pass into the carriage. In a moment, Xiao Cui brought out the untouched pastries and said hesitantly, "Third Brother, Eldest Miss said that these pastries suit your taste, and she''s not ustomed to them."


    The Eldest Miss''s mood seemed to be unpredictable, and Lin Wanrong couldn''t figure it out, nor did he intend to. He shook his head helplessly and whipped the horse to lead the way forward.


    Jinling was hundreds of miles away from Hangzhou. They changed horses at arge town at noon, and under the Eldest Miss''s urging, they continued on their journey. By the time they entered Hangzhou, it was midnight, and both the people and the horses were exhausted.


    Hangzhou was more bustling and lively than Jinling, even at thiste hour. The lights from the various pavilions were still brightly lit, and many bars were still noisy and busy.


    Lin Wanrong, drowsy atop his horse, inadvertently looked up and saw a figure in the distance, back facing him, sitting atop a nearby tavern. The figure was somewhat familiar.


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 Chapter 145

    Chapter 145


    Chapter 145 Matters of the Chamber of Commerce


    "Uncle Wei?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback, his sleepiness instantly dispersed. He turned towards the carriage, "Miss, I''ve run into an acquaintance. I''ll be back shortly." The Eldest Miss hastily lifted the curtain, only to see him dismount and rush towards the tavern.


    Upon entering the tavern, Lin Wanrong immediately headed upstairs. This third floor, quite spacious, was where he spotted the location earlier. However, there was no one there, not a trace of Uncle Wei to be found.


    How strange, he thought. Could my eyes have deceived me? That blind old man had clearly returned to his hometown. How could he be here in Hangzhou? Pondering this, he left the tavern dejectedly.


    From one of the private rooms above, several pairs of eyes had been observing him. A somewhat pale middle-aged man, dressed in a yellow satin robe, carrying an air of elegance, watched Lin Wanrong depart, and spoke faintly, "Is this the Lin Wanrong you spoke of?"


    "Master, it indeed is him," replied an old man standing next to him. He was blind. On hearing the middle-aged man''s inquiry, the blind old man answered respectfully.


    The middle-aged man gave Lin Wanrong an interested look, nodded, and said, "Thed is quite shrewd. I decide to have a leisurely sit and he happens upon me. Are all of the recent dealings of the Xiao family his idea?"


    "ording to my informants, it indeed seems to be the work of Lin Wanrong," replied the blind old man.


    The middle-aged manughed, "He does have his ways, making some money. He carries himself with pride and determination, not someone easy to provoke. He fits your description, quite intriguing indeed. The person in the carriage, is she from the Xiao family?"


    "Yes, in my opinion, that should be the Eldest Miss Xiao," the old man responded with great respect.


    "Miss Xiao?" A hint of nostalgia crossed the middle-aged man''s face. He sighed, "Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye. I never thought her daughter would grow up so quickly."


    He seemed to be lost in his memories for a moment, then asked, "You''ve been in the Xiao family these years, how has Miss Guo been doing?" His expression changed swiftly. After asking this, he resumed his tranquil, undisturbed demeanor.


    "Master, in my opinion, Miss Guo has had a hard time these years. The elder and younger masters of the Xiao family passed away one after the other, and it''s been tough on her managing the household. It wasn''t until the Eldest Miss grew up that she had some respite."


    The middle-aged man nodded, "I wonder if she still remembers me? I was too cautious back then and missed my chance."


    The blind old man hastily said, "Master, it was your restraint back then that made great things possible. I admire you immensely."


    "Restraint? I''ve endured too much." A fierce light flickered across his face, then he asked, "Does Miss Guo know about your identity during your time at the Xiao''s?"


    "She does not. I only mentioned that I was a servant of an old friend of the elder Master Xiao. Miss Guo trusted me entirely. When I left the Xiao family, I rmended this Lin Wanrong to them," the old man exined.


    The middle-aged man''s face returned to its calm demeanor. "Considering what you''ve mentioned, this Lin Wanrong does seem to have some capabilities. Let him protect the Xiao family for now. We will observe the rest slowly."


    Receiving praise from the middle-aged man was no small feat, and the blind old man quickly agreed, his hollow eyes shining with a profound light.


    Lin Wanrong returned to the Eldest Miss''s carriage. Xiao Yuruo nced at him, asking, "What were you doing? You were quite rash."


    Unable to find Old Wei, Lin Wanrong was not in the best mood. He nodded, saying, "I ran into an old friend. Oh, Uncle Wei. Miss, you should know him, right?"


    "Uncle Wei?" Miss Xiao frowned, "Of course I know him. He served under one of my grandfather''s closest friends and stayed with us, the Xiao family, for many years. He left only a few months ago. How do you know him?"


    So, he was a servant of her grandfather''s old friend. No wonder this Old Wei could retirefortably at the Xiao''s. Lin Wanrong recounted his association with Old Wei, to which the Eldest Miss nodded, saying, "So you were rmended by Uncle Wei. That exins it. Uncle Wei has always had a keen eye, and my mother has always respected him."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Eldest Miss Xiao also has good judgment."


    "You are quite thick-skinned," Eldest Miss Xiao said softly.


    The Xiao family''s branch in Hangzhou had arge estate, located right by West Lake, considered a prime location within the city. The steward was a capable woman in her forties or fifties.


    "Eldest Miss Xiao, you''re finally here," the steward greeted her, gripping her hand with a smile.


    "Madame Zhang, it''s been a while. How have you been?" Miss Xiao seemed very fond of the steward.


    Madame Zhang replied with a smile, "I''ve been well, thanks to Madam Xiao and Eldest Miss Xiao."


    "This is my wet nurse from when I was a child," Eldest Miss Xiao introduced Madame Zhang to Lin Wanrong.


    Ah, her wet nurse. No wonder they were so close. Lin Wanrong greeted Madame Zhang, "Madame Zhang, nice to meet you. Just from your kind and gentle look, I can tell you have a warm heart. My name is Lin San. I hope you can take care of me."


    Madame Zhang burst intoughter, "So you''re Lin San. I''ve heard about you from many people in the house. You''re indeed handsome. Now that you''re here in Hangzhou, you and Eldest Miss Xiao can live here without worry. I''ll take care of everything."


    "Madame--" Miss Xiao blushed and called out abruptly, perhaps detecting a potential misunderstanding from Madame Zhang''s words.


    Eldest Miss Xiao was being too sensitive. I hadn''t even thought about it in that way. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself, causing Eldest Miss Xiao to blush even deeper and re at him.


    The reputation of the Xiao family was indeed well-deserved. Their Hangzhou branch was not only in a prime location next to West Lake, but also upied arge area with several courtyards of various sizes.


    Madame Zhang led the group into the residence. Miss Xiao assigned rooms for everyone before turning to Madame Zhang and asking, "Madame, when is the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce''s meeting scheduled ording to the invitation?"


    Madame Zhang replied, "It is set for the day after tomorrow, at the Qingyu Tower on Su Causeway. Chairman Yu from the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce has already delivered the invitation."


    That meant there were at least two days left before the event. Xiao Yuruo nodded, saying, "In that case, let''s stay here in Hangzhou for two days. It will be an excellent opportunity to promote our soap and perfume."


    Madame Zhang eximed with delight, "Miss, is the perfume ready for delivery? Manydies and young misses from various families have been asking about it. I''ve had to turn them away several times."


    Miss Xiaoughed, "Given that they''ve waited this long, they can wait a little longer. There are only one hundred limited edition bottles avable in Hangzhou. Register thedies'' names and we can notify them when the perfume arrives."


    Madame Zhang acknowledged the instruction. Seeing how well the perfume was selling, Eldest Miss Xiao felt thrilled. She nced at Lin Wanrong and asked Madame Zhang, "How did the soap I sent you a few days ago fare?" It turned out that the day after Lin Wanrongpleted the experiments, Eldest Miss Xiao had quickly dispatched a messenger to deliver the soap to Hangzhou, to gauge its reception.


    Madame Zhang replied, "Miss, everything you send is exceptional. After the perfume, the soap is the most popr item. Unfortunately, we didn''t have many samples, so only a few close acquaintances received them for trial. The response was quite good, and the price was just right."


    Eldest Miss Xiao smiled slightly, saying, "The soap will be avable inrge quantities within half a month, Madame Zhang, so there''s no need to worry."


    After conversing with Madame Zhang, Eldest Miss Xiao was in high spirits, even her fatigue seemed to diminish. Noticing everyone looking weary, she suggested, "Everyone has traveled a long way today and must be tired. Let''s rest tomorrow. The West Lake is world-renowned. Why don''t we take a stroll there?"


    As she proposed this, her gaze fleetingly met Lin Wanrong''s.


    Lin Wanrong, having visited Hangzhou several times in his previous life, wasn''t unfamiliar with West Lake. Heughed, "In that case, we''ll apany Eldest Miss Xiao tomorrow to avoid any mishaps."


    Seeing the poprity of her perfume and soap in Hangzhou, Eldest Miss Xiao was in high spirits. Sheughed, "Excellent. Everyone cane with me tomorrow. Despite my many trips to Hangzhou, I haven''t had the time to explore West Lake. Tomorrow would be a good opportunity."


    Eldest Miss Xiao was in high spirits and it was a chance to tour at thepany''s expense. Who would refuse? Lin Wanrong retired to his room and was about to sleep when a knock at the door disturbed him. A maid named Xiao Cui called from outside, "Brother San, Miss Xiao requests your presence for a chat."


    What was going on? It was sote and they weren''t even allowing him a moment''s rest. This Eldest Miss Xiao really was a workaholic.


    Miss Xiao''s room was situated directly across the courtyard from Lin Wanrong''s. As he entered, he saw her freshly bathed and groomed, her eyes twinkling with delight as she smiled at him.


    The faint scent emanating from Eldest Miss Xiao stirred something within Lin Wanrong. He found her charming and beguiling when she was in such a gentle mood.


    Xiao Yuruo nced at him and said, "Lin San, please have a seat."


    Perhaps because it waste, Miss Xiao''s voice was soft and gentle. "We''ve been traveling all day, you must be tired," she said. "After we finish our talk, you should head back and rest."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "If ady like you can hold up, why would I feel tired?"


    Xiao Yuruo gave a bitter smile, "I''m used to traveling like this. I called you here today to discuss the annual meeting of the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce. In a couple of days, I''ll take you to the event. It''s a rare opportunity; you should observe carefully and learn as much as you can."


    Lin Wanrong asked curiously, "Miss, what exactly is this Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao nodded, "In simple terms, the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce is an alliance of prominent Hangzhou Merchants. They lead various industries and control the business affairs of Zhejiang Province. They wield considerable power."


    Understanding dawned on Lin Wanrong, and he asked, "Does Jinling have a simr association?"


    "Of course," Miss Xiao nodded. "The Jinling Chamber of Commerce is no less powerful than its Hangzhou counterpart. A few years ago, our Xiao family was at the forefront of the Jinling association. However, as our fortunes dwindled, the chairmanship was passed to others. With its abundant resources, the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang control the economic lifeline of the country. The Jinling Chamber of Commerce is arguably the most powerful in the nation, and they have a close rtionship with their Hangzhou counterpart. They invite each other to their annual meetings. Last year''s meeting was held in Jinling; this year, it''s Hangzhou''s turn."


    Lin Wanrong understood that such interactions weremon among business organizations. He asked, "What happens at these annual meetings?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao replied, "They mainly discuss the business climate in Jiangsu and Zhejiang over the past year, as well as emerging industries and the Merchants. Both associations hold considerable power, so Chamber of Commerce from both provinces take pride in attending these annual meetings."


    Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment, "Eldest Miss, did you call me over sote because there''s a problem with this annual meeting?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao gave him an approving look. "Lin San, if this were like previous years'' meetings, I would have nothing to worry about. But this year is different. Our recent business direction has undergone significant changes, which haven''t escaped the notice of those with a keen eye. The profits from our perfume and soap are substantial, and I fear they may stir up waves at this year''s meeting."


    Lin Wanrong understood Eldest Miss Xiao''s concern. The Xiao family had been declining in the past few years, despite their involvement in the textile business. Suddenly, they had found two incredibly lucrative ventures, which would certainly spark jealousy among others. The annual meeting was a grand gathering of wealthy Merchants from Jiangsu and Zhejiang; not attending wasn''t an option, yet attending could invite trouble. This was indeed a predicament.


    Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment, then said, "Eldest Miss, since our Xiao family is part of the Jinling association, shouldn''t the chairman of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce protect you?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao gave a bitter smile, "Under normal circumstances, perhaps. But I fear this year might be different."


    Lin Wanrong asked curiously, "Why?"


    Xiao Yuruo nced at him, "After all the trouble you''ve stirred up, how do you expect them to support me?"


    Lin Wanrong looked surprised, "Is the chairman of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce Tao Dongcheng?"


    Miss Xiao shot him a nce, "At least you''re notpletely clueless. After our Xiao family fell, Tao Dongcheng took our ce and became the leader of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce."


    Suddenly, Lin Wanrong remembered something. "Tao Wanying is Tao Dongcheng''s younger sister, right?"


    Miss Xiao nodded, and Lin Wanrong let out a sly smile. Just as he expected, Tao Wanying''s wild temperament was a sign that she wasn''t exactly a straightforward person. He then asked, "Miss, I have one more question. Given the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce''s national importance, will people from the capital be attending this annual meeting?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao looked at him in surprise, "You do have a point. Given the unique status of the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce, the Emperor sends a representative to the annual meeting every year. I wonder who he will send this year."


    As expected, the Emperor would not ignore the "Granary of the South". There would undoubtedly be important figures attending the annual meeting of the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce.


    While Lin Wanrong pondered, Eldest Miss Xiao sighed softly, "I''m telling you all this to prepare you, so you''re not caught off guard."


    Seeing Eldest Miss Xiao''s worried expression, Lin Wanrong reassured her, "Eldest Miss, every problem has a solution. Don''t think too much about it. Have you forgotten what I told you today? You need to learn to rx and vent."


    Eldest Miss Xiao gave a faint smile, "It was because I took your advice that I visited West Lake. If I had acted ording to my usual temperament, I wouldn''t have had the time."


    Lin Wanrongughed and fell silent, his mind still on the issues surrounding the Chamber of Commerce. Human greed was limitless. If things were indeed as Eldest Miss Xiao suggested, with everyone now watching the Xiao family, it might spell trouble for them.


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 Chapter 146

    Chapter 146


    Chapter 146 A Shared Outing


    He had slept well that night. Waking up the next morning, he discovered that it was no longer early. Remarkably, the Eldest Miss had allowed him a rare lie-in. She probably took into ount that everyone had been tired from traveling the entire day before.


    After washing and dressing, he pushed the door open only to see that the Eldest Miss had also just stepped outside. Her eyes were slightly bloodshot, indicating she had had a restless sleep the previous night.


    Lin Wanrong knew she was worried about the affairs of the Chamber of Commerce. With a silent sigh in his heart, he said helplessly, Good morning, Eldest Miss. Did you sleep wellst night?


    She nodded and said, This is the first time in years I''ve gotten up sote. This is all because of your idea, making me also bezy. Although she pretended to reproach him, her face was graced with a smile.


    After breakfast, everyone headed out, heading straight to the West Lake. Lin Wanrong apanied the Eldest Miss at the front while Si De, Xiao Feng, and Xiao Cui trailed far behind them.


    After a leisurely stroll, they saw the shimmering waters of West Lake. The jade-like waves were mirror-like, the shadows of the bridges reflected on the water, birds chirping away, peach and plum trees in greeting, all around them was a picturesquendscape, radiating a myriad of charm for anyone to appreciate. Schrs and tourists hustled about, creating a lively scene.


    The Su Causeway started from the foothill of Nanping Mountain to the north of the Qixia Ridge, spanning about five to six miles. Pors and green peach trees were nted in abundance along both sides of the embankment. Six single-arch stone bridges connected the embankment, collectively known as the Six Bridges of Su Causeway.


    As Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss strolled on Su Causeway, the sunlight shining on theke gave off a faint golden glow. A gentle breeze brought a refreshing coolness, trulyfortable.


    The Eldest Miss seemed preupied, her spirits werent particrly high. Lin Wanrong asked, Miss, do you know why this is called Su Causeway?


    Xiao Yuruo chuckled and said, Don''t you know the origins of Su Causeway? I thought you were the most intelligent man in the world.


    Seeing her rxed expression and hint of a smile, more beautiful than even the West Lake, Lin Wanrong respondedughingly, I''m smart about the big things, and confused about the small things. How could I remember such details?


    She gave him a smiling look. You''re so good at sophistry, she chided affectionately, then exined, Su Causeway was built by the poet Su Dongpo when he was the governor of Hangzhou. He dredged West Lake and used the excavated silt to construct it. Tomemorate his contributions to West Lake, it was named ''Su Causeway.'' Su Causeway at Dawn is considered the top sight among the Ten Scenes of West Lake, also known as Willows and Smoke of the Six Bridges,'' listed as one of the Ten Scenes of Qiantang. It''s one of the most famous views in Hangzhou.


    She took a few steps, gazing at the crystal-clearke water, and slowly recited, In the faint shadow of willows, flowers are bright and spring is just right. Lake fog dissipates, birds split the forest. Where does the oriole break the evening mist? A chirp past, dawn of Su Causeway.


    Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs-up. Eldest Miss is indeed highly educated, knowledgeable, and eloquent."


    The Eldest Miss responded with a smile, "Why are you uttering such pleasant words out of nowhere, I don''t believe you. This poem is someone else''s work, I merely recited it. Yet, you who shun poetry, don''t even know the source of this poem."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and said, "Do you need to study to recite poems? When ites to poetry, I can easily spin it out. A thousand-foot flying rainbow hangs over the westernke, reminding us of the ancient Su Causeway. Don''t say that past and present are different in the cycle of change, the chic once remembered the old topic.''


    The Eldest Miss covered her mouth and chuckled, Did you write this poem? I don''t believe it. You must have giarized it. You''re a man who can''t even write a few words, yet you recite poetry. Who would believe you?


    Lin Wanrong was sweating. The Eldest Miss certainly saw through him. Heughed and said, Although I don''t like to read and write, reciting poetry is all about talent. My talent is natural, others couldn''t learn it even if they wanted to.


    The Eldest Miss knew him well and understood he was bragging again, yet she felt a sense of unwillingness to part with this rxed atmosphere. She teasingly nced at him and said, If I believed you, the sun would rise from the west.


    After a few words, the Eldest Miss''s mood gradually improved, all thanks to Lin San''s joviality. She looked both shy and delighted, and actually ran forward, as if she had returned to her teenage years.


    Although it was morning, the Su Causeway was already bustling. Market-goers, performers, and business dealers had all gathered, making the causeway exceptionally lively.


    The Eldest Miss seemed to regain her childlike curiosity and left Lin Wanrong behind, walking and observing. On the embankment, there were many performerstightrope walkers, jugglers, sword swallowers, fire breathers, hoop diversall astonishing yet apuse-worthy.


    The Eldest Miss admired them and said, I wonder how these people trained to perform such martial arts?


    Lin Wanrongughed, These are all just tricks. In a real fight, they would be finished with a single blow.


    Before the Eldest Miss could speak, she screamed in fright and hid behind Lin Wanrong. He looked in the direction of her gaze and saw a snake charmer with a huge python wrapped around him, asking for money in exchange for letting people touch the snake.


    Women are naturally afraid of snakes, and the Eldest Miss was no exception. Although Lin Wanrong was fearless in a fight, he also kept his distance from snakes. He took the Eldest Miss''s hand and quickly moved away from the snake charmer. He then breathed a sigh of relief and said, Why would these snake charmers use such arge snake to scare people? It would be more exciting if they used smaller, highly venomous snakes like bamboo vipers or king cobras.


    Although the Eldest Miss was afraid of snakes, she knew that the snakes he mentioned were extremely venomous. She couldn''t help but nce at him and said, You''re wicked. Let go of me now!


    Let go of you? What do you mean? Lin Wanrong asked, genuinely confused.


    Let go of my hand, she said, blushing and slightly annoyed.


    Oh, Lin Wanrong quickly let go of her hand and said awkwardly, Misunderstanding, purely a misunderstanding.


    The Eldest Miss huffed, "I''ve never seen someone as bad as you." Her face flushed momentarily, but she then moved on without him. This time, she smartly chose ces suitable fordies to pause, such as market stalls, fragrant tea and fine fruits, wine necessities, colorful makeup and puppets, lotus boats and war horses, sweet cakes, musical instruments, and misceneous props, all too numerous to count.


    The Eldest Miss had been studyingmerce from a young age and had been distant from these trinkets for many years. Today, she had the chance to revisit her childhood dreams. Her excited face flushed red as she looked eagerly around, disying a childlike curiosity and familiarity towards every item.


    By the time Lin Wanrong managed to catch up with her, he found her staring nkly at a string of candied haws. Her pearly white teeth bit her bright red lips as if she was contemting something.


    The girl was craving, Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself. He approached the old man selling candied haws and asked, "How much for these?"


    "Two strings for five Wen."


    "That''s too expensive. Will you sell three for ten Wen?"


    The haw seller hesitated for a moment, then quickly pulled off three strings, saying, "Here are your three strings of candied haws. Take them."


    After Lin Wanrong paid, he took the Eldest Miss''s hand and handed her two strings of candied haws, saying, "My treat, eat."


    The Eldest Miss blushed slightly and said shyly, "I just wanted to look. I didn''t intend to eat."


    These daughters of wealthy families care so much about their pride, thought Lin Wanrong, ignoring her refusal. He took a bite of the candied haw and said after a few chews, "It''s really sweet. The taste is good. Try it quickly."


    Unable to resist the temptation, she gently took a bite and felt a long-lost fragrant sweetness fill her mouth. It was surprisingly delicious, and she unwittingly finished the small string.


    Looking at her, Lin Wanrong smiled mysteriously and said, "Delicious, isn''t it?"


    Her face turned red, and she retorted, "It''s none of your business!" However, her tone was incredibly weak.


    Seeing the teasing smile on his face, she knew that he had witnessed her previous demeanor. Annoyed, she suddenly said, "Lin San, your haggling just now was truly unparalleled."


    "Of course," Lin Wanrong chuckled, about to boast, when he suddenly pped his forehead, "Oh no, how could I have been so foolish today? My reputation is ruined. I, who always outsmart others, got fooled."


    The Eldest Miss broke into a fit ofughter. The more sheughed, the more uncontroble it became, to the point where she couldn''t stand straight. She found it rare that Lin San, who usually took advantage of others, had been taken advantage of today.


    In his eagerness to gain a verbal advantage, he had short-circuited, thus tarnishing his lifelong reputation. Lin Wanrong was secretly annoyed and managed an awkward smile, "No matter, no matter. Today, I am in high spirits. To suffer a loss is a blessing."


    Hearing him im that suffering a loss was a blessing was asughable as hearing him say he was a good person. The Eldest Miss regained some of her dignity and said,ughing, "Let''s see if you dare to bully others casually in the future."


    After this minor incident, the Eldest Miss let go of some of her restraint. Whenever she saw any snacks, she would buy them with her own money and invite Lin San to try. Lin Wanrong, being treated, did not refuse. After all, it would be a waste not to eat when someone else was paying.


    As they moved on, they saw an elderly man full of vitality painting by theke in the middle of the Su Causeway. The painting was almost finished. It depicted the vast mists and ripples of the West Lake under a drizzling rain. The painting style was in and natural, free from any pretentiousnessit was a masterpiece of "Misty Rain over West Lake".


    Lin Wanrong, who could barely be considered a half-painter and a critic, could find no fault in this painting. It was calm and natural, unlike the mountains and rivers painted by Hou Yuebai. This painting portrayed the simplest misty rain with no additional meanings, yet it was this simplicity and naturalness that truly demonstrated the artist''s skills.


    After the old man finished the painting, he seemed unsatisfied. He brushed seven characters onto the "Misty Rain over West Lake": "Long, long, long, long, long, long, long..."


    Lin Wanrong almost burst outughing. The old man had added a riddle, which was quite interesting. The Eldest Miss furrowed her brows and quietly suggested, "Could these seven characters be the first half of a couplet?"


    By the time the old man had finished painting, a few spectators, all seemingly schrly individuals, had gathered around. They may not be suited to fieldwork, but they were connoisseurs of literature and art. This "Misty Rain over West Lake", with its ethereal tranquility and hint of transcendence, not only demonstrated an unparalleled brush technique but also exuded an artistic conception that left people envious. Such a masterful work surely belonged to a renowned artist, but no one knew who this elderly man was.


    After the old man finished writing the seven characters, he discarded his fine brush, his face filled with smiles. He seemed to know that people were watching. He turned around, looked at the many schrs, showed no surprise, and said with a smile, "Esteemed schrs, these seven characters form the first half of a couplet. If anyone can match it with a second half, I will gift them this newlypleted ''Misty Rain over West Lake''."


    Upon hearing this, everyone was astonished. The "Misty Rain over West Lake" was a rare masterpiece of recent times, valued highly. The old man must be a contemporary master, but he had yet to leave a seal, leaving his identity unknown. What surprised people even more was that the seven "long" characters actually formed the first half of a couplet, which was perplexing. The West Lake was home to many talented individuals, but faced with these seven characters, they were all at a loss.


    The Eldest Miss pondered for a while and then sighed lightly, "I am of humble talents and learning, I''m afraid this ''Misty Rain over West Lake'' is not meant for me."


    Lin Wanrong asked curiously, "Eldest Miss, although the ''Misty Rain over West Lake'' is well painted, isn''t it a bit overrated?"


    The Eldest Miss responded, "Judging by the brushwork and the style of this elderly gentleman, he must be a renowned artist of our time. This ''Misty Rain over West Lake'', although worthless in the eyes of those who do not appreciate art, is priceless to those who love it."


    "Could it truly be worth a fortune?" Lin Wanrong perked up. He had guessed that the painting was valuable, but he hadn''t expected it to be worth such a substantial sum. He didn''t care much about paintings or famous artists, but this sum of money was a significant temptation.


    "Priceless!" the Eldest Miss dered firmly.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "If that''s the case, miss, then I''ll figure out a way to acquire this painting. After selling it and converting it to money, we can split the sum."


    The Eldest Miss said with amusement, "Lovers of art, upon hearing your words, would surely expel you." Then, she eximed in surprise, "Do you mean to say that you canplete the couplet?" She knew that Lin San had little regard for things like poetry, but she had witnessed his sharp wit. Could he truly have a solution?


    Lin Wanrong chuckled lightly, "It''s just a riddle. How could it stump a genius like me, who is bursting with talent and capable of anything? Let''s get this straight, miss, I''m not trying to show off."


    Intrigued, the Eldest Miss smiled, "Don''t worry. For such a matter, the more you stand out, the better. This event that brings glory to the Xiao family can''t bepared to the incident where you hit Young Master Hou."


    Afterughing a bit, Lin Wanrong took a pencil from his pocket. Under the gaze of the crowd, he stepped forward and swiftly wrote sevenrge characters on the nk piece of paper next to the painting.


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 Chapter 147

    Chapter 147


    Chapter 147 An Exchange


    As the crowd pondered, they saw a servant boy approach, bringing with him a seemingly suitable response. However, when they noticed the object in his hands, a piece of charcoal disguised as a writing brush, they couldn''t help but shake their heads in amusement. This was no writing brush; it was quite clearly a charcoal stick.


    Once the servant boy finished writing, all eyes descended upon his work. To their surprise, the characters appeared lively and spirited, like a dragon in flight and a dancing phoenix. The seven characters that he had etched onto the white paper perfectly matched those of the previous line, long, long, long, long, long, long, long.


    "What do you mean by copying the previous line?" one schr queried.


    Lin Wanrong grinned cheekily, "Copy? You seem to misunderstand, my friend."


    Several other schrs responded impatiently, "Leave, don''t waste our time here. Did you even solve the couplet?"


    Lin Wanrong disregarded them and turned to the elderly man, "Elder, what do you think?"


    The elderughed, "Young man, did you really just copy the previous line?"


    I''ve been ying with such word puzzles since my childhood, Lin Wanrong thought, feeling somewhat bemused by the elder''s cunning. However, he just smiled and said, "If the elder thinks I copied, then I copied. All literature under the sun is fundamentally a copying of sorts, what''s the harm in me doing the same?"


    The elder stroked his beard and smiled, "This young man certainly has some understanding. In that case, please recite the couplet. If you''re correct, I''ll certainly gift you this ''Misty Rain over West Lake''."


    Lin Wanrong responded with a smile, "The upper couplet is: long surge, long surge, long long surge''; the lower couplet is: surge long, surge long, surge surge long''. The horizontal inscription reads: ''Surge long, long surge''. Elder, is my recitation correct?"


    The elder nced at him andughed, "I have traveled through many provinces, and this couplet has been posed over a dozen times. Today, you are the first to solve it correctly. You are indeed exceptional."


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s recitation of the couplet, the crowd suddenly understood. It was a homophonic couplet, symbolizing the surge of the Qiantang River, perfectlyplementing the ''Misty Rain over West Lake''. It was strikingly apt.


    As the meaning of the couplet dawned upon them, they felt it was a simple puzzle with little worth. The schrs began toment, how could they not have thought of this? They had allowed this humble servant boy to win the ''Misty Rain over West Lake''.


    The Eldest Miss also realized the solution, stifling augh as she looked at Lin Wanrong. He must have known the answer to the riddle beforehand, which was why he was so confident.


    The elderughed heartily, "Such wisdom you have, young man. This ''Misty Rain over West Lake'' indeed finds its rightful owner. Please ept it."


    The old man was genuinely talented, thendscape painting was purely scenic, very natural, and it was the kind that calmed the heart, it could fetch a good price. Lin Wanrong was about to gleefully ept it when several schrs interrupted, "Elder, we do not ept this."


    The elder, surprised, asked, "Why do you not ept?"


    One of the schrs protested, "Although the couplet was a stroke of genius, the person who responded did so cleverly, hence we are not convinced. This ''Misty Rain over West Lake'' is nomon item, we wish to admire it. Please, elder, propose another question so we maypete again."


    The elderughed, "How can one stand without his word? I did say that whoever solved the couplet would receive the ''Misty Rain over West Lake''. Now that this young man has done so, how can I go back on my word?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded in agreement. The old man truly had some honor. Considering this, I must sell this ''Misty Rain over West Lake'' at a good price to not let him down.


    The elder nced at Lin Wanrong and continued, "However, since you, schrs, have shown such enthusiasm, I am quite delighted. So, let''s do this. Let the young man who won the painting propose another couplet. If anyone can answer it correctly, I will paint another ''Misty Rain over West Lake'' right here on the Su Causeway. I assure you that the two paintings will bepletely different in artistic conception and taste."


    A sense of pride appeared on the elder''s face, seemingly confident in his painting skills. Painting two ''Misty Rain over West Lake'' paintings at the same time, in the same ce, but with different aesthetics and taste  the significance of this was clear to all present. Yet no one doubted the elder''s abilities. His deft execution in the previous painting demonstrated he still had more to offer. Furthermore, even if the two paintings were identical, given the elder''s skill and technique, it would still be a major selling point, a treasure coveted by art lovers.


    The schrs happily agreed. The elder looked at Lin Wanrong andughed, "Young man, can I ask for this bold request?"


    Lin Wanrong, who had a fond impression of the elder''s amiable demeanor, smiled and replied, "Since the elder has spoken, how can I refuse? But, elder, if no one can answer my couplet, you should give me the second painting."


    Upon hearing this, the Eldest Miss broke into a charming smile. This Lin San really didn''t like to suffer losses. His statement had ced him in an invincible position: if someone got the answer, he would lose nothing; if no one did, he would get the second ''Misty Rain over West Lake''. Given his cunning nature, he would not make it easy. The schrs had indeed met their match  a person bad to the bone.


    The elderughed heartily, demonstrating his boldness, "Young man, feel free to propose the couplet. If no one can solve it, not to mention one, I can make ten paintings."


    This man is confident! Thought Lin Wanrong. Even my ''Food for Immortals'' couplet hasn''t been solved by anyone yet. However, today you''ve been generous, elder, so I''ll give you face and make it a simple one.


    Lin Wanrong strolled a few steps and smiled, "Since today is about homophonic couplets, let me dare to propose another of the same kind."


    In the past, it was always the schrs testing others, but today, it was Lin Wanrong''s turn to test them. With a sly grin, Lin Wanrong picked up a pencil, and a few of the sharper schrs hurriedly spread out white paper. With a faint smile, Lin Wanrong wrote, "The sea water ebbs day after day."


    This couplet was Lin Wanrong''s favorite when studyingnguage in middle school. They were word games, which perfectly suited his yful nature. How could he not enjoy them?


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong''s words, everyone fell into contemtion, including the Eldest Miss and the elder. With the precedent set earlier, they all knew that this was a homophonic couplet, but how to interpret it, how to read it, was a significant challenge. Most couldn''t even figure out how to read it, let alonee up with a corresponding couplet.


    The Eldest Miss gave a slight smile. After a moment''s thought, she understood how to read the couplet, but forming a matching one was beyond her abilities. She couldn''t help but nce at Lin Wanrong with a smile. This man was quirky and unpredictable, and she wondered where he got these obscure and entric couplets.


    Lin Wanrong nced around, seeing that apart from the Eldest Miss and the elder, the other schrs looked troubled, apparently at a loss.


    "Anyone able to form a response?" Lin Wanrongughed. He found delight in stumping the schrs, teaching them that there were always people superior and things beyond one''s understanding. This would prevent them from always looking so high and mighty, as if the world would stop spinning without them.


    The schrs were left speechless. Just moments ago, they had used Lin Wanrong of trickery, but now, they couldn''t even find a trick to grasp. They felt their study of poetry and literature had been in vain.


    Seeing no one respond, Lin Wanrong turned to the elder,ughing, "Elder, since no one has responded, I will take this second ''Misty Rain over West Lake''."


    The elder quickly said, "Wait, wait, young man, please allow me to think a little more."


    Lin Wanrong appreciated the elder''s attitude. This was a truly learned and insightful man, humble, approachable, and experienced. His learning, demeanor, and charisma were something those pompous schrs couldn''tpare with.


    Lin Wanrong smiled lightly, "Take your time, elder."


    The Eldest Miss stepped forward,ughing, "Enough is enough. This elder is kind. Do not make it harder for him."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and said earnestly, "Eldest Miss, you are mistaken. I am not troubling him; I am respecting him."


    The Eldest Miss was taken aback, then gradually understood. For someone like the elder, being asked a challenging question was the greatest pleasure andfort, a real mark of respect.


    The Eldest Miss shot Lin San a re and said with augh, "You''re always good at arguing, fine, you''re right."


    Upon seeing the Eldest Miss''s glowing cheeks and her radiant smile, even more enchanting than the peach blossoms in March, Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. He thought to himself, "What''s going on? My resistance to this young girl seems to be decreasing. If it continues, I might willingly let her have her way with me in a few days."


    The Eldest Miss felt a tremor in her heart as she noticed him staring at her. Her cheeks flushed as she huffed, "What are you looking at? If you keep staring, I''ll gouge your eyes out."


    "I''d still keep looking even if they were gouged out," Lin Wanrongughed.


    "How rude, I''ve never met a man as despicable as you," the Eldest Miss couldn''t withstand his gaze and quickly retreated a few steps, turning her head away and softly warning, "If you continue to act so frivolously, I''ll ignore you."


    Well, Lin Wanrong thought, that was a weak threat. But seeing the faint anger on the Eldest Miss''s face, he knew that he couldn''t tease her too much at once. Girls tended to be shy, so it was better to tease them a little every day, allowing her resistance to gradually break down until he breached her boundaries.


    As Lin Wanrongughed heartily, the Eldest Miss saw ascivious look on his face and quickly stepped back, her heart pounding. His lecherous gaze was just too irritating.


    As Lin Wanrong was lost in his fantasies, the elder suddenly pped his hands and eximed with joy, "I''ve got it!"


    His voice was so loud that it startled everyone who was deep in thought. The elder looked ted as he took a fine brush and swiftly wrote beneath Lin Wanrong''s couplet, "The floating clouds dissipate day after day."


    Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned. This old man indeed had some skills; the couplet was impable, as if made for each other.


    Upon seeing the elder''s response, everyone heaved a sigh of relief, though there was also a hint of disappointmentthe dream of acquiring ''Misty Rain over West Lake'' hadpletely shattered.


    The elder, full of joy, looked anxiously at Lin Wanrong and asked, "Young man, what do you think of this lower couplet?"


    Seeing the elder''s excited expression, as if he were a child, Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, "Elder, your talent is highlymendable. I''m truly impressed."


    "No, no, no," the elder said, shaking his head, "Young man, it''s your ability toe up with a suitable response, incorporating the previous couplet into this one. That''s the true talent."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, iming the credit for his good education. He didn''t know how to write the characters for ''shameless'', but he imed it was his own learning that deserved praise. However, he appreciated the elder''s ttery, andughed heartily, "Elder, you tter me, let''s say we''re equally talented."


    Seeing the two of them praising each other, the others were left puzzled as to how to read the couplets but were too embarrassed to ask. They had no choice but to listen to the two men''s conversation.


    The elder spoke excitedly, "In the past, when I made drawings, I never signed them. But today, here by the Qiantang River and on the Su Causeway, I''ve met such a talented young man. This is truly serendipity. I might need to break my rule."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Elder, you tter me. Your painting is incredibly good. It should sell for..."


    The Eldest Miss quickly red at him, and Lin Wanrong suddenly realized his mistake. He had almost blurted out something he shouldn''t have.


    The elder gave a small smile, "Young man, do you intend to sell this painting of mine?"


    Huh, the more we talk, the smarter this old man seems to be, Lin Wanrong thought, intrigued. This elder was no ordinary man. He chuckled awkwardly and said, "Elder, you are so just. If I were to lie and deceive you, it would be highly disrespectful. To be frank, my knowledge of poetry and painting is rudimentary at best. This painting would be wasted on me. Why not set a price and sell it to someone who can truly appreciate it? Wouldn''t that be beneficial to both parties?"


    In this era, schrs highly valued their ink treasures. Many were reluctant to link their works with money, believing that it would tarnish their integrity and degrade their creations. Lin Wanrong''s proposal startled the Eldest Miss, who thought, "You usually are quite cunning. Why are you so brash today?"


    Though the Eldest Miss had some insight in judging character, she was not as adept as Lin Wanrong. Seeing the elder''s affluent attire but peaceful demeanor, Lin Wanrong saw no need to hide anything and told him directly.


    The elderughed heartily, "Young man, your honesty is admirable. If this painting could be converted into real gold and silver, it would indeed be a wonderful thing. Business is about transforming goods into money. If everyone in this world had your mindset, our Great Hua would surely flourish."


    His words delighted Lin Wanrong. From the elder''s response, he not only didn''t find it disgraceful, but he even seemed pleased, seemingly having no objection to the idea of business. This was indeed a rarity.


    "You''re a businessman, aren''t you, young man?" the elder asked.


    Lin Wanrong nodded. The elderughed, "Since you do business here in Jiangnan, perhaps we might meet again someday. I''ll certainly sign my work today."


    He picked up a small brush and wrote four characters in the corner of ''Misty Rain over West Lake''. With a smile, he tossed the brush aside and left nonchntly.


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 Chapter 148

    Chapter 148


    Chapter 148 Schr of Talent and Learning


    "Damn, the old man really left with style." Lin Wanrong watched his departing silhouette, then redirected his attention back to the painting of Misty Rain over West Lake. The ink on it was still wet, revealing four small characters: "Shanyin Xu Wei."


    He was familiar with Shanyin, which was known inter years as Shaoxing, but who was this Xu Wei? Not only was his painting superb, but his couplet writing was first-rate as well. Lin Wanrong felt a tinge of regret; he could have acquired two ''Misty Rain over West Lake'' paintings. Unfortunately, the old man had some real talent, and he had managed to match the couplet, leaving only one painting of Misty Rain over West Lake.


    Lin Wanrong looked at the characters "Shanyin Xu Wei" with indifference, but the schrs around him burst into exmations, "Shanyin Xu Wei? He is Mr. Wenchang, Master Xu, the Senior Schr of the Hall of Literary Brilliance."


    The Eldest Miss rushed over, looking at the small characters written with delicate strokes and eximed joyfully, "Is it really Mr. Wenchang, Master Xu?"


    Lin Wanrong was confused, "Eldest Miss, who is this Master Xu, Mr. Wenchang you speak of? Who exactly is he?"


    The Eldest Miss gave him a nce, "You just had a poetry match with someone, and I thought you were knowledgeable. I didn''t expect that you wouldn''t recognize Mr. Wenchang. This Shanyin Xu Wei, also known as Wenchang"


    "Xu Wenchang?" Lin Wanrong leaped up in excitement. Hell, that name was all too familiar. Hadn''t he watched cartoons about ''The Smart Xu Wenchang'' and ''Wenchang''s Battle with Yan Song'' as a kid? Weren''t they about this literary genius?


    After a moment of excitement, Lin Wanrong calmed down. This was apletely different world. Since the era of Chu and Han, history had changed drastically. There were no Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, nor a treacherous minister like Yan Song. The Xu Wenchang of his previous life, despite his overwhelming talent, lived a life of frustration, never attaining a high-ranking post. However, the Xu Wenchang before his eyes was the Senior Schr of the Hall of Literary Brilliance in the Great Hua dynasty, holding a position of extreme honor.


    Therefore, they were twopletely different people. The only simrity might be that they both were named Xu Wei and possessed unparalleled talent. Although the river of history flowed in different directions, asionally it would produce two equally brilliant waves. This Xu Wei was one such wave.


    "Do you know Mr. Xu?" The Eldest Miss, sensing Lin Wanrong''s tone, hesitated before asking.


    "Eldest Miss, you''re teasing me again. How would I know such an important person?" Lin Wanrongughed, rifying that this Wenchang was not the Wenchang he knew. Nevertheless, in his heart, he was absolutely a celebrity. Merely for the name Xu Wenchang, Lin Wanrong held him in high regard.


    The Eldest Miss thought about it and agreed. They had talked about poetry and theory for quite some time without recognizing each other. She then continued, "Mr. Wenchang is the most learned schr under the heavens. Even before the Emperor ascended the throne, he was the chief strategist in the imperial household. Now, he is the chief Senior Schr of the Hall of Literary Brilliance and concurrently holds the title of Minister of Revenue. His calligraphy and paintings are usually unsigned, so people can only judge their authenticity from his style. Now, this ''Misty Rain over West Lake,'' is the only one that he has unusually affixed his seal to. It is the only one in the world and is hard to obtain even with a fortune. I didn''t expect that you would have such luck to encounter this noble person."


    Was this ''Misty Rain over West Lake'' painting the only piece Xu Wei had ever signed? Lin Wanrong thought to himself. If so, it must be worth a fortune! An overwhelming wave of amusement washed over him as he remembered Xu Wei''s role as the Minister of Revenue. Of course, the man would have a profound understanding ofmerce.


    He pondered for a moment before asking, "Eldest Miss, if Mr. Xu is the Minister of Revenue, wouldn''t he be stationed in the capital? What brings him to the West Lake? And why would he take the leisure to paint a scene of the Misty Rain over West Lake?"


    Being a quick-witted youngdy, she gasped, "Lin San, are you suggesting that Mr. Xu came here for the annual meeting of the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "You mentioned it yourself, Eldest Miss. Jiangsu-Zhejiang is the topmercial region in the country, unparalleled in stature. Every year, prominent figures from the capital attend the annual meeting. This year should be no exception. Given Mr. Xu''s unexpected appearance by the West Lake, I find it hard to believe there''s anything else that could have attracted his attention."


    The Eldest Miss joyfully replied, "If this is true, Lin San, with Mr. Xu''s high regard for you, our Xiao family might encounter less trouble."


    "Eldest Miss, let''s not celebrate too soon," Lin Wanrong warned, "These are just our spections. We still don''t know the real reason why Mr. Xu came to Hangzhou."


    The Eldest Miss confidently replied, "This time, I''m sure we''re right. He must havee for the affairs of the Chamber of Commerce. If you maintain a good rtionship with him, that would be a great thing."


    "A good rtionship?" Lin Wanrongughed, "My dear Miss, we only exchanged a few words and shared a couplet. How does that count as a good rtionship? I''m just thankful that he didn''t blow his top when I mentioned selling his painting."


    "Don''t worry about that," the Eldest Miss smiled, "You don''t understand Mr. Xu''s character. He''s normally very stern and hardly ever praises anyone. The fact that heplimented you today means he holds you in high regard. He won''t cause us any trouble at the meeting. Now, are you still considering selling that painting?"


    "Sell it, of course," Lin Wanrong replied, "The better the painting I have, the less it''s worth to me. Instead of ruining a great piece, I''d rather sell it to someone who appreciates its value. That''s how it would truly attain its maximum value." The Eldest Miss nodded in agreement. Lin San''s words did make sense.


    Who would have thought that a simple outing to West Lake would lead to an encounter with the esteemed Minister Xu Wei, and even result in winning his painting and matching his couplet? Lin Wanrong grinned at the Eldest Miss and said, "See, getting out more isn''t necessarily a bad thing. Look, we scored big today."


    The Eldest Miss gave him a subtle smile, "I''ll give you this one. Today''s donation for the temple incense will be on me."


    "You''re giving the incense money to the Buddha?" Lin Wanrong was astonished, "Why not give it to me? I''m a living Buddha after all."


    The Eldest Miss lightly stepped forward and then turned back to say, "More like a living devil." She covered her mouth andughed.


    Despite the length of the Su Causeway, the two of them, engaged in their yful banter andughter, traversed it rather swiftly. When they were near the end, the Eldest Miss turned to Lin Wanrong, remembering something she had been meaning to ask, "Lin San, you haven''t yet exined to me the couplet you exchanged with Mr. Xu."


    Lin Wanrong looked at her in surprise, "A person as intelligent as you, Miss, how can there be anything you don''t understand?"


    The Eldest Miss sniffed in mock annoyance, "I don''t know where you''ve picked up such obscure phrases. I can''t possibly know them all."


    At that, Lin Wanrong gave a long, teasing ''Oh,'' eliciting a blush from the Eldest Miss, who quickly urged, "Tell me quickly."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "That couplet, when broken down, is quite trivial. The first line reads: ''Tide of the sea, morning tide, morning tide ebbs.'' The corresponding line is: ''Floating clouds swell, continually swell, continuous swell dissipates.''"


    The Eldest Miss pondered this for a moment before sighing, "Mr. Wen, the most schrly man in the world, indeed lives up to his reputation."


    "Hey, Miss, can''t you spare apliment for me too?" Lin Wanrong grumbled, "Not only did I match the couplet of the most learned schr, but I also challenged him with one of my own. He was almost unable to respond and was singing my praises. Since you''ve dubbed Mr. Xu as the best, could you consider me for the second ce?"


    "Oh?" the Eldest Miss eximed, "So you''re aiming for second ce? I was thinking of cing you alongside Mr. Wen, as the best." She then lightly lifted her skirt and ran forward,ughing.


    Dammit, this girl is teasing me, Lin Wanrong thought, watching the Eldest Miss''s vibrant figure. He had a sudden feeling that the Eldest Miss was changing. If before she was like a woman in her thirties, now she seemed more and more like a girl in her teens.


    It was autumn now, and among the Ten Scenes of Qiantang, they could only see a few. ces like Pinghu Autumn Moon, Broken Bridge Remnants of Snow were out of sight, and it was not yet the time for the Evening Bell at Nanping Hill. The only ce left was Lingyin Temple.


    Legend had it that Lingyin Temple was established by a foreign monk who found thendscape of Hangzhou exceptional, deeming it a ce where "immortals could hide". Therefore, he built a temple here, named Lingyin, meaning "hidden by the spirits".


    With nine towers, eighteen pavilions, and seventy-two halls, Lingyin Temple housed over three thousand monks. In the previous dynasty, someone had rated the temples of Jiangnan, and Lingyin Temple, with its grandeur, was listed as the foremost among the five Zen monasteries, renowned across the world.


    When the Eldest Miss and her group arrived at Lingyin Temple, it was during the peak hour of worship. The temple was bustling with worshippers, creating a lively scene.


    Lin Wanrong took a look at this world-famous ancient temple. The Lingyin Temple indeed embodied the meaning of "hidden". The entire magnificent templeplex was nestled deep within the lush greenery of West Lake''s peaks and springs.


    At the front of the temple, on Fei Peak, and along the cliffs and valleys of Qinglin Cave and Yuru Cave, there were hundreds of stone statues from different dynasties. The most impressive was the Maitreya Buddha, sitting with a jovial smile and exposed belly.


    Although the Eldest Miss had been to Hangzhou multiple times, this was her first visit to Lingyin Temple. Seeing the grand scale and bustling atmosphere of the temple, she was filled with admiration, sighing, "The number one temple in Jiangnan truly lives up to its name."


    Lin Wanrong had never been particrly enthusiastic about the rituals of burning incense and worshipping Buddha, but seeing the Eldest Miss''s interest, he suggested, "In that case, Eldest Miss, why don''t you go in? Make a generous offering, pray for some auspicious fortune sticks."


    The Eldest Miss, however, discerned his implied meaning and asked, "Aren''t youing in with us?"


    With augh, Lin Wanrong replied, "I''ll take a stroll around the temple first and join youter." The Eldest Miss nodded without any further words, leading her threepanions into the temple.


    Lin Wanrong loitered around the outside of the temple, aimlessly observing the female worshippers offering incense. Finding it uninteresting, he decided to enter the temple, but just then, he noticed a figure standing in a tranquil bamboo grove in the distance. The man was slowly reciting a poem, "The osmanthus falls in the midst of the moon, and its heavenly scent floats beyond the clouds. Picking vine to climb the distant tower, carving wood to extract the distant spring. The frost is thin, causing flowers to bloom more, the ice is light, the leaves have yet to wither. The early years are still remote and different, searching for a match to wash away the noise. Waiting to enter the road to the heavenly tform, watch me cross the stone bridge."


    By God, another poet! These days, it seems that any sighting of a beautiful scene triggers people to recite a few lines of poetry. It''s be quite a trend.


    The bamboo grove was serene. Around ten burly men were standing guard, scanning the surroundings vigntly. The man reciting poetry appeared entirely at ease. He was dressed in a satin yellow robe and was leisurely walking in the grove.


    Taking his retinue of bodyguards along, he must be either wealthy or noble, Lin Wanrong thought. Just as he was about to turn back, he heard the man call out, "Young man, would you care to join me for a chat?"


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 Chapter 149

    Chapter 149


    Chapter 149 Born to Deceive


    Lin Wanrong looked around, making sure he was alone, then smiled at the man and said, "Elder Brother, were you calling me?"


    Upon hearing the honorific, the man in the yellow robe broke into a smile and replied, "Indeed, I am talking to you."


    Surprised, Lin Wanrong thought, ''I don''t even know you, so why are you seeking me out?'' The man reassured him with a smile, "Don''t worry, I bear you no ill will. Do you know Wei Xian?"


    "Wei Xian? No, I don''t know him," replied Lin Wanrong.


    "Are you sure? It seems to me that you address him as Uncle Wei," the man continued.


    "Uncle Wei?" Lin Wanrong eximed in astonishment, "How do you know him?"


    So, Uncle Wei''s real name was Wei Xian. Lin Wanrong only then realized the simrity between this name and another notorious Wei Zhongxian, they differed by only one character. What a close call!


    [TL: Wei Zhongxian, born Wei Si, was a Chinese court eunuch who lived in thete Ming dynasty. As a eunuch he used the name Li Jinzhong. He is considered by most historians as the most notorious eunuch in Chinese history]


    The manughed, "He and I go way back. How could I not know him? I know not only him, but also you. You are Lin Wanrong, currently serving in the Xiao family. The alias Lin San was given to you by Wei Xian, am I right?"


    With those words, Lin Wanrong couldn''t harbour any doubt. Indeed, the alias Lin San had been given to him by Old Wei. Only Old Wei and Lin Wanrong knew the details behind it.


    "Well? Are you convinced now? Shall wee closer and talk?" the man chuckled, his eyes sparkling with an authoritative aura,manding respect even in his mild demeanor.


    "Sir, do you really know Uncle Wei?" Lin Wanrong stepped forward, sizing up the man. At first nce, he seemed middle-aged, but upon closer inspection, it wasn''t necessarily so. Despite being well-groomed, his face was somewhat sickly pale, indicating poor health. His temples were streaked with grey, suggesting that he was probably in his fifties or sixties.


    Noticing Lin Wanrong approaching, the nearby strongmen grew tense. However, the old man in the yellow robe gave a slight shake of his head, and they settled down.


    The yellow-robed elder squinted at him and asked in a calm yet resonant voice, "So you are Lin Wanrong?" His voice, though soft, had a strange rhythm, like a heavy drum echoing in Lin Wanrong''s ears, making him feel oppressed. Damn, this old man is rather peculiar.


    "I am Lin Wanrong. May I ask why you were looking for me, sir?" This was truly strange. Though the elder spoke with a smile, Lin Wanrong could always sense waves of pressure. It was as if the yellow-robed elder carried an aura of authority thatpelled obedience.


    Since his arrival in this world, this was the first time Lin Wanrong felt restrained. It was as though no amount of skill could be exercised in front of this man.


    Lin Wanrong nced at the elder, who was gazing back with an inscrutable smile, making him feel like a mouse cornered by a cat.


    A staring contest? I can do that. A surge of stubbornness welled up within Lin Wanrong, and he met the elder''s gaze wordlessly, albeit a bit reserved at first. Gradually, however, he grew used to it. After all, this man was just another human with two eyes and a nose, just like him. There was nothing to fear.


    Once he freed his mind, the pressure on him drastically reduced, and the elder''s gaze lost its sharpness.


    "Sir, you didn''t seek me out just to look at me, did you? Perhaps you''re inviting me to a meal? If there''s something you need, please speak frankly. I''m not one for formalities," Lin Wanrong said with augh, feeling increasingly at ease in the presence of this austere elder. There were few in this world who could dominate him in terms of aura.


    The elderughed heartily, his intense aura softening considerably, and said, "Wei Xian wasn''t wrong; you really do have an incredibly thick face."


    Damn, thought Lin Wanrong, this old man didn''t beat around the bush. This was a direct insult to his face. He chuckled and responded, "In this world, the least important thing is one''s face. Same face, different lives. Someugh outwardly and cry inwardly; othersugh inwardly and cry outwardly. The face is the least reliable thing in the world, so what use is it?"


    The elder roared withughter, his voice echoing through the entire bamboo forest, startling several birds nestled within. His aura was truly extraordinary. Lin Wanrong nced at him, puzzled by his uproariousughter. Was he trying to intimidate people?


    After a fewughs, the elder began coughing violently. An attendant hurriedly offered him some medicinal pills. After swallowing the pills, his breathing stabilized, a bit more color returned to his face, and he looked at Lin Wanrong with a smile. "I didn''t expect such profound insight from someone so young. You''re absolutely right, a face is the least useful thing in this world. A person can have a beautiful face, but who knows what''s inside their mind? What use is such a face?"


    After pausing for a moment, he smiled and said, "I''ve heard from Wei Xian about your way of thinking, and seeing it firsthand today, it certainly holds some merit. Would you mind having a chat with this old man?"


    Lin Wanrongughed and replied, "Sir, I''m already here, why would I mind? To be honest, Uncle Wei is my life savior, and you are his friend. So you''re my friend as well. Why would I mind chatting with a friend?"


    The elder in the yellow robe nced at him andmented, "What a smooth talker." A sharp gleam flickered in his eyes as he asked, "You said Wei Xian is your life savior, but if therees a day when you must kill him, would you do it?"


    The elder''s eyes seemed to pierce through him, but Lin Wanrong remained unfazed andughed, "Is there such a possibility? Even if there is, I wouldn''t do it. What differentiates humans from beasts is our thoughts and feelings. If I were to betray Uncle Wei, how would I differ from a beast?"


    "A woman''s mercy!" The elder closed his eyes and sighed, "Those who aspire to great things must not be constrained by trifles. You... you are still too young."


    Sweat, a man in his twenties, still being called young. Lin Wanrong didn''t know what the elder had gone through, but he didn''t argue, and insteadughed, "Sir, did you seek me out just to discuss these matters?"


    The elder''s expression changed, and he smiled, "Not entirely. What''s your lineage?"


    "I''m also uncertain how to answer that question," Lin Wanrong helplessly shook his head. "I guess you could say I''m from Jingchu."


    "I heard that you''re the one behind the business operations of the Xiao family, is that true?" The elder asked.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "You could say so."


    The elder nodded, "You indeed have a knack for business. If everyone in the world were like you, focusing onmerce, would there still be cmities?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "If you wish for a world without cmities, it''s quite simpleensure that people''s livelihoods are secure."


    "Oh," the elder looked at him with interest, "Do borate."


    "Livelihood, or ''minsheng,'' essentially means the people''s wellbeing. For themon folk, wellbeing means nothing moreplicated than having food to eat and clothes to wear. The people of Great Hua are kind-hearted. If their basic needs are met, why would they cause trouble?" Lin Wanrong exined.


    "Satisfying basic needs is crucial, of course. The problem lies in the hearts of those who harbor ill intent," the elder said, looking at him. "Take the rebellion of the White Lotus Sect, for instance. It was the result of people with ill intent exploiting the situation."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Sir, I must respectfully disagree with you there. The rebellion of the White Lotus Sect originated from an uprising by starving citizens. Onlyter was it exploited by unscrupulous individuals, resulting in their current wicked behavior. If the people had food and clothing, why would they entertain thoughts of rebellion?"


    A cold glint flickered in the elder''s eyes, "The chaos of the White Lotus undermines the foundation of Great Hua. In your opinion, how should we eradicate it?"


    Damn, why is this old man discussing these matters with me? Lin Wanrongughed, "Sir, isn''t this matter beyond my remit?"


    The elder in the yellow robe smiled, "I''m just casually chatting with you. Share your thoughts."


    Lin Wanrong had no fondness for the White Lotus, and since the elder was Uncle Wei''s friend, he said, "Iste and divide them, target their leaders, attack from both inside and out, and govern with strictws."


    The elder pondered for a moment, nodding his head, and then asked, "What are your thoughts on the significant threat of the northern invaders?"


    "Northern invaders?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Why was the elder asking about this? The more he heard, the more peculiar it sounded, with a tone strangely reminiscent of Qingxuan. He chuckled and replied, "What else can be done? If others have invaded, apart from fighting back, what other options do we have?"


    "If everyone thought like you, there would be no worries," the elder grunted. "Those barbarians have only temporarily taken a few of our cities, and they haven''t yet prated the hearnd of Great Hua. Yet, within the court, opinions are divided and arguments are rampant between those advocating war and those calling for peace."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head. Damn, what''s wrong with our people? Always eager to cause internal strife. When the enemy is at our gates, we should be preparing for battle, not discussing peace.


    "The treasury is empty, our soldiersckbat power, weck capable generals, and our nationcks a strong army. Many court officials suggest we should first sue for peace and then n our next steps," the elder looked at him, "What do you think?"


    "Sue for peace, my ass. To hell with them," Lin Wanrong cursed in rage.


    The elder smiled faintly, "So you''re in favor of war?"


    Lin Wanrong snorted, "If we can win, we fight. If we can''t win, we fight even more. If we don''t win in one year, we may lose cities, but we can fight again next year, and continue to fight until we win. If we dare not even fight, then we lose the people''s hearts. Lose the city or lose the country, Sir, which one would you choose?"


    "Lose the city or lose the country?" The elder sighed, then chuckled, "What a choicelose the city or lose the country. I didn''t expect such wisdom from amoner like you. The court officials can''t see as clearly as you do."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "It''s not that they don''t understand, it''s that they understand too well. If the country is lost, they can simply surrender and still hold high positions. Only the emperor sitting in the Golden Throne is the most anxious. While others can surrender, he cannot. Who do you think truly understands? It''s all about the people''s hearts"


    "Ha ha ha ha" The elder in the splendid robeughed heartily, "Well said, it''s all about the people''s hearts. Since ancient times, it''s always been the human heart that causes trouble. Lin Wanrong, you''re young but you have a thorough understanding of human nature. Excellent, truly excellent."


    His enthusiasm growing, the elder continued, "If you choose to fight, considering the barbarians'' strong physiques and fiercebat power, and our soldiers of Great Hua being at a disadvantage, how would you fight?"


    Damn, why is he asking me this? I''ve never fought in a war. Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile, "Sir, I''ve never been to court, nor to the battlefield. I''m not well-versed in matters of war."


    The elder waved his hand, "That''s even better. You can say anything. If you had been to court, perhaps you would be unable to speak freely. Just tell me, if someone like you, unfamiliar with state affairs and warfare, were thrown into the mix, what would you do? Perhaps you can see clearer than those of us in the middle."


    Noticing the elder''s dignified demeanor and eloquent speech, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, this friend of Uncle Wei''s must hold an influential position, speaking with such authority and with no hesitation on state affairs and warfare. He must wield significant power in the capital.


    Being a shrewd businessman, he said with a smile, "Sir. These matters are beyond the reach of amoner like me. Perhaps it''s better if I don''t speak."


    The elder chuckled, "I know you''re a businessman. I asked you to speak today, but I won''t let you waste your words for nothing. Consider me in your debt. Come find me in the capital one day, and I''ll grant you a wish."


    As expected, this elder is indeed a figure of importance. I wonder what position he holds and how Uncle Wei came to know such a prominent figure.


    The elder in the yellow robe took a token from his waist and said, "Consider this a token. If youe to the capital one day, show this at the yamen, and someone will take you to see me."


    He handed the token to Lin Wanrong. When Lin Wanrong looked at it, it was the size of half a palm and made of pure gold, heavy in his hand. Both sides were engraved with a golden dragon and nothing else.


    "Sir, are you from the pce?" Lin Wanrong asked with astonishment. He had never seen this kind of object before. It somewhat resembled an imperial edict token, although such tokens should have at least one side engraved with a character, typically "Imperial," symbolizing the emperor''s authority. The higher-level ones had the character "I," implying the emperor''s personal presencea rarity indeed. However, he had never seen one with dragons engraved on both sides. From the weight of the gold token, he estimated that it could be worth quite a sum.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong ying with the gold token, the elderughed, "When youe to the capital one day, you''ll find out who I am. Today, just speak freely. If you, an outsider, had to deal with state affairs and warfare, what would you do?"


    A few silver pieces worth of talk for a gold tokenwhat a profitable deal. Lin Wanrongughed, "Since you, Sir asked, I''ll speak frankly. It''s true that there are foreign enemies in the north, but they are not as strong as we imagine. They surely have enemies too, and the enemy of our enemy is our friend. Why wouldn''t we, Great Hua, ally with them and fight the strong enemy together? ''Make distant friends and attack nearby enemies,'' that''s the idea."


    "Moreover, these nomadic tribes, despite their strong military power, are prone to infighting. Disputes between fathers and sons, brothers are intense. Why wouldn''t we take advantage of this? There are many strategists in Great Hua, plenty with persuasive skills. If someone were to infiltrate the enemy, stirring up unrest with a silver tongue and promises of lofty benefits, internal divisions could be created. It''s not an impossibility." Lin Wanrong finished in one breath, even impressing himself with his own ability to bluff convincingly.


    "Someone persuasive and eloquent?" The elder murmured, ncing subtly at Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong felt a twinge of anxiety. Oh dear, I was referring to me. I inadvertently involved myself. If I were to go to the enemy''s territory for persuasion, it would be a deadly mission. I can''t afford such a losing business.


    The elder was silent for a while, then spoke, "For an outsider like you, the method seems simple and practical, with some truth to it. What about warfare? What are your thoughts?"


    Lin Wanrong had been bluffing his way through, and seeing the elder seemed satisfied, he thought to himself: All thises from summarizing history and watching countless TV dramas. Offering a few broad and empty strategies should be easy enough, right? These words were like floating clouds in the skyseemingly profound but intangible and vague.


    When it came to warfare, Lin Wanrong bluffed, "I''ve never been on a battlefield, but it''s universal to y to one''s strengths and avoid weaknesses. For example, if the enemy excels in cavalry, trap them in city or alley warfare. If they excel in infantry, confine them to cavalry battles. The nomadic tribes are experts in cavalry but poor at sieges. Moreover, logistical support would undoubtedly be difficult to maintain when deep within foreign territory. On our Great Hua''s own soil, a single call to arms could inspire ''an inch ofnd, an inch of blood; a hundred thousand youths, a hundred thousand soldiers.'' With Great Hua''s citizens scattered across thend, potential soldiers are everywhere. How could weck soldiers or say we cannot win?"


    Lin Wanrong found himself too engrossed by the end of his speech and quicklyposed his emotions.


    The elder looked at him and said, "If your words were spoken in the court, you might be a target of criticism. ''An inch ofnd, an inch of blood; a hundred thousand youths, a hundred thousand soldiers.'' If everyone in my court, civil and military officials alike, throughout the country, shared your mindset, what concern would there be for the nomadic tribes not being defeated and ournds not being reimed?"


    He sighed and smiled, "However, in matters of war, enthusiasm alone is not enough. Your words might seem sensible on paper, but they may not necessarily be practical on the battlefield."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Sir, while my words might be simplistic, somewhat armchair strategizing, they could be considered a general guideline. Just to outline the principle, identify and utilize talent wisely should suffice. As for how specifically to execute, it should be left to our Great Hua''s military officers and generals. The court provides them with sries so they can defend our homnd. If not, what use would they be?"


    The elder nodded, smiling, "I didn''t expect you to have such insight. Wei Xian didn''t misjudge you."


    An attendant walked over, whispered a few words to the elder, who nodded in response. Turning to Lin Wanrong, he said, "I have some matters to attend to and must leave now. If you evere to the capital, find me as I''ve instructed. Remember, remember."


    Watching the elder board the sedan and hurry off under the escort of the attendant, Lin Wanrong was still puzzled. How did I end up discussing national affairs and military strategies with this old man out of nowhere? I almost convinced myself with the bluffing.


    He looked at the gold token in his hand, its substantial weight reassuring. He tucked it into his bosomperhaps the only gain from this lengthy discourse.


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 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150


    Chapter 150 The Marriage Fortune Stick


    As the day approached noon, he suddenly remembered that the Eldest Miss and others were still at the Lingyin Temple. A sudden worry hit him. He had lost track of time while talking with the elder and wondered anxiously what state the Eldest Miss was in by now.


    He rushed into the temple, finally finding the group. He saw the Eldest Miss, deeply engrossed in her prayer to the Bodhisattva in the Grand Buddha Hall.


    Lin Wanrong quickly pulled aside Si De and asked, "The Eldest Miss hasn''t been looking for me, has she?"


    "No," Si De replied, "The Eldest Miss said you''re always busy, so they told us to take our time and enjoy the visit. She''s been very devout, praying to each and every Bodhisattva in the temple and lighting incense."


    Every single Bodhisattva? Lin Wanrong broke out in a sweat. There were over a hundred statues of Buddhas of varying sizes in the Lingyin Temple. When exactly was she nning to finish her prayer?


    The Eldest Miss was currently praying to a standing statue of the Goddess of Mercy, who held a vase of pure water to deliver all beings from suffering. Beneath her was a statue of Sudhana, signifying the story of Sudhana paying homage to Guanyin.


    The Grand Buddha Hall was solemn and majestic, with an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Right at the center of the grand hall was a statue of Sakyamuni sitting on a lotus, about seventy to eighty feet tall. It was exquisitely and solemnly carved, full of lifelike charm.


    Seeing as he was at the temple, Lin Wanrong thought it wouldn''t be appropriate to leave without doing something. He too prayed before the Bodhisattva, asking for great wealth and a multitude of wives in theing years.


    After finishing his prayers, Lin Wanrong saw a fortune-telling booth nearby, with an old monk seated there. Heughed to himself, realizing that fortune-telling was essentially a psychological game. Most temples would have a kindly old monk looking like a high-ranking monk to make you believe even if you were skeptical.


    Xiao Feng came over and said, "Brother Lin, asking for a fortune here is quite expensive."


    Seeing the fortune stick in Xiao Feng''s hand, Lin Wanrong smiled, "So, have you asked for one already?"


    Xiao Feng nodded and said, "One tael for a fortune and two for the interpretation. It really is quite costly."


    Sweat. Lin vaguely remembered that it was the same pricest time at the Rosy Cloud Temple outside Jinling City. It seemed that the price of incense was uniform everywhere.


    Xiao Feng had spent one tael on a fortune but was reluctant to spend another two on interpretation. He handed the stick to Lin Wanrong and said, "Brother Lin, you are knowledgeable. Can you help me interpret this?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "I didn''t expect to be seen as knowledgeable in your eyes, Xiao Feng. Alright, I''ll interpret this for you."


    Interpreting fortunes was all about trickery. The vaguer and more mysterious it was, the more people would believe it. Lin Wanrong had no doubt about his ability to trick others. He took the stick from Xiao Feng and read the four-line verse on it:


    "Morning and night, rely on the Buddha for support,


    Only then can danger be turned into safety.


    If guided by a noble person,


    Wealth and prosperity will follow."


    Did this really need interpretation? Lin Wanrong sighed and shook his head. Such ambiguousnguage could be interpreted in many ways.


    "Xiao Feng, what did you want to ask?" Lin Wanrong asked with a smile.


    "I wanted to ask about my marah, I mean, my financial fortune," Xiao Feng answered somewhat embarrassedly.


    Seriously? This was obviously a fortune about wealth, and yet he had the audacity to say it was about marital fortune. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, unabashedly saying, "Xiao Feng, this is a good fortune, ranking above average."


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong speaking so convincingly, Xiao Feng promptly asked, "What do you mean by an above-average fortune? Quickly, Brother Lin, exin!"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "Well, the first line of the verse does not need exining. It means that the quality of your life is entirely at the mercy of the Bodhisattvas in this temple. So, you must respect them properly. Even if you encounter dangers, they can automatically resolve them. As long as you receive the help of a noble person, wealth and prosperity wille rolling in."


    The verse was easy to understand, but interpreting fortunes needed someone else''s expertise, especially someone like Lin Wanrong, who easily fooled Xiao Feng into understanding theplexity of the prediction.


    Respectfully, Xiao Feng said, "Brother Lin, you truly are a wise man. But I wonder if this fortune can tell about marriage prospects too?"


    Good heavens, thisd was a penny-pincher. He had asked for a wealth fortune stick and now wanted it to predict marital fortunes too. It was quite outrageous. Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Brother Xiao, one must be sincere when asking for a fortune for it to work."


    Xiao Feng chuckled awkwardly and decided not to inquire about his marriage prospects. Instead, he sneakily kept his eyes fixed on Xiao Cui, a maid apanying the Eldest Miss.


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong''s ability to interpret fortunes, Xiao Cui also ran to spend a silver tael to get a fortune stick. Handing it to Lin Wanrong, she asked, "Brother San, could you interpret this for me too?"


    Lin Wanrongughed and replied, "Of course, but may I ask what question you have in mind, Sister Xiao Cui?"


    Xiao Cui''s face brightened, and she lowered her head in shyness, whispering, "About marital prospects."


    Damn it, just as I expected, all these young maidens want to ask about this. Every girl is romantic at heart, and when in a temple, they undoubtedly ask about marital prospects. Lin Wanrong took her fortune stick and read the verse written on it: "The red string signifies the previous life, no need to ask for a matchmaker, everything can be achieved. In the quiet moonlit night within the new pavilion, suddenly a phoenix''s song can be heard."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "Sister Xiao Cui, congrattions, this is a top-tier fortune."


    Xiao Cui''s spirits lifted immediately, no longer caring about her shyness, she asked, "Is it true? Brother San, quickly interpret it for me."


    "This red string, also known as the red thread, represents the matchmaker, the Old Man Under the Moon. The first two lines mean that the matchmaker has paired you with someone, even if you don''t seek it, destiny wille uninvited,monly referred to as ''fated to be together.'' Thest two lines suggest the bridal chamber, and the phoenix''s song indicates a perfect match. This prediction suggests a person who is destined and will naturally achieve what they desire. If this isn''t a top-tier fortune, I don''t know what is. Congrattions, Sister Xiao Cui."


    Xiao Cui was overjoyed, sneaking a nce at Xiao Feng, who was also looking at her. They began to exchange romantic looks.


    Lin Wanrongughed to himself. It seemed these two had been involved with each other for a while, pretending to seek a marriage fortune was just an act. What a fine pair of lovers they were!


    Following this, Si De also went to get a wealth fortune stick, which also turned out to be a top-tier fortune. Lin Wanrong''s interpretation delighted everyone.


    Si De suggested, "Brother San, all of us have asked for fortunes. Why don''t you try your luck too?"


    Seeing everyone in such high spirits, Lin Wanrongughed heartily and agreed, "Sure, I''ll go and get a fortune stick too."


    He rushed to the altar, spent a tael of silver, and also sought a fortune stick. Looking at it, it read: "The fish is trapped in the deep pool and has not yet turned into a dragon, the splendid light above shines sometimes gloriously, there is a path in the azure cloud that must be reached, and the mountains are towering toward the nine heavens at sunset."


    Lin Wanrong, ustomed to tricking others, was at a loss when it came to his own fortune. Although the prediction seemed simple, he didn''t know how to interpret it.


    "Let me do it," a gentle voice sounded next to him. Everyone looked up and saw that it was the Eldest Miss who had been devoutly worshipping the Bodhisattvas just now.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s hesitation, the Eldest Missughed and said, "What, you don''t believe me?"


    "How could that be?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I''m just afraid that the quality of the prediction is so good it might scare you."


    The Eldest Miss yfully retorted, "I''d be a fool to believe you." She gently took the fortune stick from his hand and nced at it. After pondering for a while, she said, "Congrattions, Lin San. This is a superior fortune and it has a dual interpretation."


    "A dual interpretation? What does that mean?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    "Your fortune stick, it interprets both career and marriage fortunes. If this isn''t a dual interpretation, then what is?" the Eldest Miss chuckled.


    Lin Wanrong was baffled. He had only asked for a career fortune stick, but when it reached the Eldest Miss''s hands, it magically had a dual interpretation. It was truly mysterious.


    The Eldest Miss exined, "This fortune stick about wealth is clear in the verse, even though there will be ups and downs, you will ultimately achieve sess in your career and wealth."


    Lin Wanrong had never doubted this. The Eldest Miss continued with a smile, "As for this marriage fortune, it needs a good interpretation. The first line means you''re like a fish trapped in a deep pool, yet to turn into a dragon, meaning your marital fate has not yet arrived. The second line suggests that you will eventually marry a good wife and enjoy wealth and honor. Thest two lines mean, once your marital fate arrives, you will rise straight to the top, bing immensely wealthy. If this isn''t a top-tier fortune, what is?"


    After the Eldest Miss interpreted his prediction, it really made sense. Lin Wanrong thought about his rtionship with Qiaoqiao and Yushuang. He was on good terms with them both. Moreover, what did this matter of marital fate have to do with wealth and honor?


    He thought for a while and then started tough helplessly. These were the things that young girls liked to engage in. Why should he, an adult man, care about these things? Was he just killing time after a full meal?


    Xiao Cui saw the Eldest Miss also holding a fortune stick and eximed in surprise, "Eldest Miss, you also asked for a fortune?"


    The Eldest Miss''s face reddened slightly, and she gently nodded. Lin Wanrong was startled. This girl who always prioritized business was asking for a fortune in this temple. It must be about the wealth of the Xiao family. He chuckled, "Eldest Miss, let me interpret yours too."


    The Eldest Miss''s face turned even redder. She said softly, "What do you need to interpret? I''ll go and ask the old monkter."


    Seeing the Eldest Miss''s bashful expression, Lin Wanrong was puzzled. If she asked about wealth, there was no need to be shy. Could it be that she asked about marriage?


    The Eldest Miss noticed his gaze lingering on her. She couldn''t help but softly huff, "What are you looking at?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "This fortune stick is important. It''s indeed safer to ask a monk to interpret it."


    Seeing his sly demeanor and eyes filled with amusement, the Eldest Miss knew he had guessed the purpose of her divination. A flush of warmth spread across her face.


    She had taken the fortune stick earlier without a nce, but now she couldn''t resist looking. It read:


    "Happiness and joy, groping in the dark


    Mirage of the moon on the water, a castle in the sky


    Filling the sea with pebbles, tossing pearls to sparrows


    Seeing but not noticing, resulting in a dy


    Meeting without a meeting, encountering without an encounter


    The moon sinks into the sea, the person is in a dream."


    Other people''s fortune sticks, whether they asked about marriage or wealth, were all clear and easy to understand. Why was hers so obscure, seemingly saying something, and yet nothing at all? The Eldest Miss was puzzled.


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 Chapter 151

    Chapter 151


    Chapter 151 Encountering Xu Wei Again


    Lin Wanrong was standing close to her, his eyes sharp. A mere nce was enough for him to perceive the content of the fortune stick she held. Unquestionably, it was a marriage fortune stick, yet upon reading the verse inscribed on it, even he, a notorious trickster, was baffled. What did the fortune stick truly imply? Why had it suddenly be so profound?


    Upon catching Lin Wanrong''s surreptitious nce, the Eldest Miss quickly hid the fortune stick and flushed, admonishing, "What are you looking at? I''ll go ask the old monk for an interpretation."


    With those words, she hurried off to find the old monk. Lin Wanrong shook his head, musing. Women were still women. Matters of matrimonial destiny had a profound impact on them. Even a strong woman like Xiao Yuruo could not avoid being affected by this tradition.


    As the day slowly unfolded, the Eldest Miss returned from consulting the monk, her usual smile somewhat faded. An air of puzzlement had subtly reced it. What had the old monk said to render her in such a state?


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself that the old monk was no different from him, a trickster who could hardly offer a useful piece of advice. The only difference was that the monk charged two taels of silver for his vague guidance, while he, the talented Lin Wanrong, offered his for free.


    Their outing had been quite fruitful; not only did the Eldest Miss appear happier, but they had also encountered Xu Wei, a high-ranking official. Plus, there was the mysterious elderly man in the yellow robe. Who could he be, and how did Uncle Wei know him?


    Regardless of his identity, as long as he posed no harm, there was no need for concern. This was Lin Wanrong''s creed. Yet, he couldn''t help noticing something odd about Eldest Miss Xiao. After the fortune-telling, she seemed burdened, as if the marriage fortune stick was causing her distress. Lin Wanrong didn''t know what the old monk had said, leaving him powerless to help.


    Upon returning to their quarters, the Eldest Miss announced that the following day would be free for everyone, but warned them to avoid trouble before retiring to her room. Xiao Feng and Xiao Cui appeared excited, probably nning to venture out together. Lin Wanrong chuckled, finding their budding romance amusing.


    Back in his room, while safely storing the "Misty Rain over West Lake", a sudden thought struck him. Wasn''t he supposed to find a buyer for this painting? The old man in the yellow robe would have been a perfect candidate. How could he have forgotten something so crucial after engaging in a deep conversation about the nation? A missed opportunity indeed!


    The next morning, the Eldest Miss promptly returned to her strong-willed self and set out early to visit some well-knowndies of Hangzhou. With no particr destination in mind, Lin Wanrong decided to wander around the city. Despite its modest size, Hangzhou was easy to navigate and he had explored many small alleys, although he hadn''t encountered many curiosities.


    However, when he arrived near a residential area close to the Su Causeway in the eastern part of the city, he noticed smoke wafting through the air and a crowd of several hundred people gathered. Amid the hustle and bustle, everyone was kneeling on the ground, chanting in unison, "The White Lotus Virgin has shown her miracles."


    "The White Lotus Virgin?" Lin Wanrong was unusually sensitive to the term ''White Lotus.'' Upon hearing it, he hurriedly squeezed his way through the crowd. In front of him was a vast open area. In its center stood a statue made of white jade, representing a dignified woman with kind eyes, radiating a sense of immensepassion.


    It was indeed strange. This white jade statue was not like any Bodhisattva from the temples Lin Wanrong knew. He had never heard of any ''White Lotus Virgin'', and what was even more surprising was that half of this ''Virgin'' was buried in the ground. The area was full of offerings and incense burners, with countless believers kneeling around, chanting "White Lotus Virgin."


    A robust man climbed onto a high tform, proiming loudly, "Believers, brothers and sisters, the benevolent White Lotus Virgin has appeared!"


    At his call, the crowd echoed back, "The White Lotus Virgin has appeared!" Despite the multitude of people, Lin Wanrong noticed that many "believers" were just spectators. He saw through the charade, suppressing a chuckle. Damn, they were all shills.


    "For the past few months, you all have witnessed the power and merit of the White Lotus Virgin. The statue, though buried deep within the earth, grows by an inch each day. Why is this? It is the Virgin demonstrating her power to us, her followers. She will aid those of us who suffer. Our White Lotus Sect is the special envoy under her guidance, umting merit for all. Once you join the White Lotus Sect, we are all brothers and sisters. Everyone will have clothes to wear and food to eat, bathed in the grace of the White Lotus Virgin, gaining immeasurable merit."


    The man roared with fervor. Immediately, manymoners prostrated themselves before the Virgin''s statue and joined the White Lotus Sect.


    Damn, what was this about growing an inch every day? What was this nonsense? This White Lotus Sect, bearing a name so simr to the White Lotus Cult, couldn''t possibly be any good.


    As Lin Wanrong was pondering, someone tapped his shoulder. He turned around to see a familiar, lean face. It was Xu Wei, the man who had given him the painting by the Su Causeway yesterday.


    How could the old man be here? Lin Wanrong was taken aback; it seemed fate had a strange way of reuniting people.


    Xu Wei chuckled, "Young man, we meet again."


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "Mr. Xu"


    But Xu Wei quickly silenced him with a hush, "This is not the ce for a conversation. Please follow me."


    Lin Wanrong followed Xu Wei to a nearby tavern. They seated themselves by a window, providing them a clear view of the White Lotus followers.


    Xu Wei chuckled, "Young man, it seems we do have some destiny."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Minister Xu, I didn''t expect to see you here."


    Xu Wei shook his head, smiling, "Young brother, I saw you were quite candid yesterday. Why are you so hesitant today?"


    Lin Wanrong wondered, "What do you mean, Minister Xu?"


    "I came to Hangzhou in disguise to keep a low profile," Xu Wei exined with a smile. "You don''t need to address me as a government official. Simply ''Mr. Xu'' or ''Mr. Wenchang'' will do. Like yesterday on the Su Causeway, you can even call me ''Elder''. If you refer to me as Minister Xu'', it would be too vulgar."


    So that was it. This Xu Wei showed an audacious streak that was not characteristic of someone from the bureaucracy. Lin Wanrong nodded, "Since Mr. Xu puts it that way, I will respect your wishes."


    Xu Wei sighed deeply, "Serving as an official in the court has many taboos. One must always be cautious in speech and conduct. Yet, out here, one can be carefree. I used to live such a free life as a schr. Now, times have changed, and there are so many more constraints. It''s quitementable."


    Xu Wei had a certain charisma, speaking as if confiding a secret, as if he didn''t see Lin Wanrong as an outsider.


    Yet, Lin Wanrong was no fool. Xu Wei''s words sounded pleasing and sincere on the surface, but upon reflection, he''d said nothing more than expressions of regret. Such was the art of conversation.


    However, it was indeed rare for someone of Xu Wei''s high rank to be so humble and affable to a lowly servant like him.


    Lin Wanrong admired Xu Wei somewhat, smiling, "Mr. Xu, where do these wordse from? You are esteemed for your schrship and hold a high position. People all over the world admire and respect you. The affairs of the court and the affairs of the rivers andkes are both part of life''s experiences. To your broad-minded character, what''s the difference?"


    Xu Wei looked at him with delight, "Young man, your words are profound. The officialdom and the rivers andkes are both life experiences. Good, good. You have hit the nail on the head."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong, a seemingly lowly servant, talking confidently and sitting with a high-ranking official like him without any signs of embarrassment, Xu Wei was quite surprised. With his absolute confidence on the Su Causeway yesterday and his eloquent conversation today, this young man''s intellect and spirit were anything but ordinary.


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "Mr. Xu, I didn''t expect to bump into you in this alley. This is quite unexpected."


    Xu Weiughed heartily, "I didn''t expect to see you again so soon after our meeting yesterday. I must confess, I am not one to sit idle. In my youth, I enjoyed traveling and was fond of strange and curious things. After joining the court, the many official duties kept me tied down, and I gradually gave up these pursuits. This trip to Hangzhou has given me a chance to take a break. I didn''t expect to run into such a situation."


    Xu Wei''s extensive experience, broad knowledge, and fascination with novel things were what made him the best schr in thend.


    Xu Wei then said, "We''ve met twice now, but I still don''t know your name."


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "I dare not im respect in front of an elder. I am Lin San, a mere servant of the Xiao family from Jinling."


    "The Xiao family from Jinling?" Xu Wei gasped. "Are they descendants of the elder Xiao from years ago?"


    Elder Xiao? Lin Wanrong was taken aback, then remembered that the patriarch of the Xiao family had once held the position of Minister of Rites, senior to Xu Wei. Wasn''t that Elder Xiao himself?


    "Indeed, indeed," Lin Wanrong hastily replied, realizing it would be advantageous to be on friendly terms with Xu Wei should he encounter him at the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce meeting the next day.


    Xu Wei sighed, "Elder Xiao was once the Minister of Rites in the Great Hua, a man of propriety and a model for society. It''s a pity that he has passed away, and no one could inherit hiswork."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong was utterly clueless and could only respond with an awkward smile.


    Xu Wei let out a sigh, then asked, "Has Miss Guo been well these years? It''s been more than twenty years since we parted in the capital. Time flies, indeed, like the old saying goes."


    Miss Guo? Lin Wanrong was momentarily confused, then he realized that Madam Xiao''s maiden surname was Guo. Guo Wuchang was her nephew from her maternal family. So, she was Miss Guo?


    Thinking about these connections gave Lin Wanrong a headache. What did all this have to do with him? Surprisingly, he never knew that Madam Xiao had connections with high-ranking officials. It seemed she wasn''t as simple as he had thought.


    "Oh, I haven''t been with the Xiao family for long, but Madam Xiao still looks the same and both her daughters are very dutiful. They seem to be doing well," Lin Wanrong cautiously replied.


    Xu Wei asked, "The woman with you on the Su Causeway yesterday, was she Miss Xiao?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, and Xu Wei sighed, "She bears a striking resemnce to Miss Guo in her youth. I didn''t dare to inquire rashly, and I never thought she would indeed be a descendant of an old friend."


    Knowing Xu Wei''s attitude towards the Xiao family, Lin Wanrong felt reassured. Even if there was a problem at the annual meeting the next day, Xu Wei would surely help.


    Not wanting to continue discussing unrted matters, Lin Wanrong asked, "Mr. Xu, did you invite me here to discuss the White Lotus Sect?"


    Xu Wei snorted, "White Lotus gathering? It''s nothing but the heresy of the White Lotus Cult."


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, as expected, it''s those bastards from the White Lotus Cult, changing their strategies but not their nature.


    Xu Wei asked, "Younger Brother, do you know about the White Lotus Cult?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "How could I not know? I was even abducted by them once."


    "Oh?" Xu Wei eximed, curiously, "Younger Brother Lin, you have such a remarkable experience? That is indeed quite surprising."


    Lin Wanrong recounted the time he and the Eldest Miss Xiao were captured. Xu Wei, a shrewd man and the Emperor''s leading strategist, stroked his beard and remarked, "Something seems odd about this. From what I know, the White Lotus Cult only kidnaps for money; if they don''t see gold or silver, they never let their hostages go. The fact that you and Miss Xiao managed to escape seems a little too easy."


    Naturally, Lin Wanrong wouldn''t mention the rescue by Xiao Qingxuan. Instead, he exined, "It was Tao Dongcheng, the son of Tao Yu, the owner of the Suzhou Silk Manufacturer, who borrowed military troops from Commander-in-chief Cheng. That''s how we were able to escape."


    Xu Wei smiled enigmatically and said with a hint of deeper meaning, "I see, that exins it. The White Lotus Cult''s plot for Miss Xiao might not be as simple as just kidnapping for money."


    There was something cryptic about Xu Wei''s words, suggesting that he understood the intricacies of the situation. He paused and continued, "The White Lotus Cult is most rampant in Jiangsu and Shandong, and I suspect officials big and small in both provinces are involved."


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, is this even something you need to point out? In Jiangsu, aside from the cunning Luo Min, other people like Cheng De and the father and son Tao Yu were likely affiliated with the White Lotus Cult.


    Xu Wei continued, "Luo Min, the Governor of Jiangsu, is a good friend of mine. I understand his predicament; it''s tough being the chief officer of a province and not being able tomand the Provincial Commander-in-chief."


    Having been immersed in officialdom for many years, Xu Wei understood theplications all too well. He turned to Lin Wanrong with a smile, "Younger Brother Lin, if you encounter any difficulties in the future, go find Luo Min. Just mention that Mr. Wenchang rmended you, and he will naturally assist you."


    Lin Wanrong thought, do I even need your influence? I''ve already epted Luo Min''s son as my junior brother, and that old fox treats me with great respect. Nheless, Lin Wanrong gratefully acknowledged Xu Wei''s good intentions.


    Xu Wei''s gaze fell on the distant worshippers of the White Lotus Virgin, sighing, "When the White Lotus rebellion first urred, it was a hunger riot and was somewhat justifiable. Unfortunately, it was manipted by schemers and deviated from its original course,mitting all sorts of atrocities. Even ordinary people came to despise them. Eradicating the White Lotus Cult is indeed a priority."


    Lin Wanrong curiously asked, "Mr. Xu, given the White Lotus Cult''s notorious reputation, why do they still have so many worshippers?"


    Xu Wei exined, "That''s their power of deception. The worshippers you see here, paying homage to the so-called White Lotus Virgin, do not know that this religious meeting is actually the White Lotus Cult. Along with their bewitching tactics, they have a strong allure for themon people, hence what you''re seeing."


    Lin Wanrong nced at the distance and saw some devoted worshippers, who began prostrating from the entrance of a far-off alleyway. Their reverence for the White Lotus Virgin was bone-deep. He shook his head and remarked, "The scariest thing in the world is to bewitch people''s hearts. Mr. Xu, what do you mean by ''bewitching tactics''?"


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 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152


    Chapter 152 Unmasking


    Xu Wei said, "I can''t exin these bewitching tactics. It''s just what I heard, a month ago, some people from this White Lotus cult imed that the White Lotus Virgin was a boundless Buddha, growing an inch from the ground each day, spreading the grandw to the people. Thus, devotees kept a vigil before this Buddha statue day and night. It''s strange to say that no one touched the statue, and there were no anomalies observed, yet it was originally buried underground, but it indeed grew an inch daily. Young Brother, as you know, the bodhisattvas in the famous temples and monasteries are immovable. Yet this White Lotus Virgin is different. It''s sprouting from the ground and growing an inch daily, if this isn''t bewitching tactics, what is it? Word of this phenomenon spread, and soon, all the nearby vigers knew about it. After witnessing it with their own eyes, the number of worshippers grew. Once people''s minds are bewitched, it''s hard to pull them back. I fear that before long, they will be devotees of this White Lotus cult."


    So that''s what it was. Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. ying this trick in front of your grandfather, you''re just out of luck.


    Xu Wei sighed, "Although I pride myself on my learning, I too have no idea how this Bodhisattva can grow an inch each day. The world is indeed full of wonders."


    "That''s because you''ve never been amoner like me," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "So, Mr. Xu, what do you n to do with these deceivedmoners?"


    Xu Wei gave him a nce and said, "Younger Brother Lin, since you''ve asked, I won''t keep it from you. This White Lotus chaos undermines the foundation of our Great Hua Empire and must be eradicated."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "But thesemon people"


    A chilling light shed in Xu Wei''s eyes, "If they don''t repent, they will be eliminated. I won''t hide it from you, Younger Brother Lin, the military forces in Zhejiang have already been mobilized, and I fear it won''t be long before they surround this ce. Every believer present will be caught. To remove the weed, one must pull out its roots. For the stability of Great Hua, the death of a few more people doesn''t matter."


    At this moment, Xu Wei waspletely different from the affable old man who painted the Misty Rain over West Lake on the Su Causeway the day before. The cold light in his eyes struck fear into one''s heart.


    Xu Wei, once the Emperor''s primary strategist, had exhausted every means to assist the current Emperor''s ascension. The maneuvers he executed and the things he had experienced were far beyond Lin Wanrong''s imagination. He was ustomed to all these.


    Lin Wanrong drew a sharp breath. ording to Xu Wei, if these people don''t repent, they would all be killed. Damn it, were human lives just so insignificant?


    Seeing his reluctance, Xu Wei sighed, "Younger Brother Lin, do you think I am wrong in doing this?"


    Despite Lin Wanrong''s eloquence, he didn''t know how to respond.


    Was Xu Wei wrong? From his perspective, his actions were necessary to maintain the stability of the Great Hua Empire. What were a few sacrifices in that cause?


    But was Xu Wei right? Lin Wanrong himself was amoner. If Xu Wei could treat thesemoners in this way today, when might it be his turn?


    Xu Wei said, "If killing a hundred people can prevent a disaster and save thousands, then I, Xu Wei, will be the viin."


    Lin Wanrong took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Xu, today you will kill these hundred people, but the root of the problem remains unsolved. If the White Lotus Cult continues to bewitch the masses with these bewitching tactics in the future, will you continue to kill?"


    Xu Wei sighed, "I''ve racked my brains. I''ve lingered around that statue, yet I couldn''t find a single w, still unaware of how to break this bewitching tactic. The longer this drags on, the more people will be harmed. The issue at hand is not about whether to kill or not, but about how many to kill."


    Lin Wanrong suddenlyughed, "Mr. Xu, if I have a method to break this bewitching tactic, will you spare thesemoners?"


    Xu Wei eximed in surprise and joy, "Younger Brother Lin, are you serious about what you just said?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "It should be correct."


    Xu Wei said, "In that case, I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of thesemoners."


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile, "Why thank me? I am just one of thesemoners. Killing them is like killing me, saving them is like saving myself."


    Xu Wei looked puzzled. Lin Wanrong sighed, "In this matter, they may be somewhat ignorant, but I have no right to despise them. In the face of this vast and unknown world, my ignorance is no less than theirs. We don''t know how vast the sky is, why apples fall from trees, why father and son share the same blood. The more we know, the more ignorant we be. The difference between me and them is merely the pot calling the kettle ck."


    "The more we know, the more ignorant we be..." Xu Wei sighed with emotion, "Younger Brother Lin, your words resonate with me. You truly understand my thoughts."


    Xu Wei, regarded as the most learned man in the world, dabbling in astronomy, geography, medicine, and rhythm. The deeper his studies, the more he realized his own shallowness and ignorance. Only those who truly delve into the subject could understand the meaning behind these words.


    Living by the principle of enjoying life and being happy, Lin Wanrong chose not to dwell on these things. Heughed, "Mr. Xu, let''s not go off topic. Have you observed whether they water around this Buddha statue daily?"


    Xu Wei was surprised, "Younger Brother Lin, how did you know that? ording to my sources, they water it twice daily, morning and evening, without fail. But, what does this have to do with the Buddha statue growing an inch daily?"


    There you go. Lin Wanrong smirked, "Mr. Xu, let me tell you a children''s story."


    "A children''s story?" Xu Wei questioned.


    But Lin Wanrong had already begun with augh, "In spring, a seed was buried in the ground. Arge stone was ced on top of the seed. The stone said, ''Little seed, I will keep you under me forever.'' But the seed remained silent. It epted the nourishment of the spring rain, grew silently, and sprouted silently. Eventually, one day, it pushed the stone aside."


    This story was extremely childish, just a nursery rhyme from primary school days, "Spring rain has arrived, I want to bloom, I want to sprout." The innocent child''s voice seemed to still echo in his ears. Today, he had to recount it to the world''s top schr, an old man already in his sixties. Lin Wanrong suddenly found the world to be quite marvelous.


    Xu Wei, being an extraordinarily intelligent man, quickly stood up upon hearing this. Excitedly, he said, "A seed? Younger Brother Lin, are you saying that seeds are buried underneath?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded with a smile, "If my guess is not wrong, arge number of seeds must be buried under there. At this time of the year, it should be soybean seeds. Soybeans expand significantly when watered, and their strength is immense. With the right temperature, they will germinate. Their force should be enough to push up this Buddha statue."


    "Someone" Xu Wei called out loudly. His eyes shed with a brilliant light. A general in full armor quickly ran up from below, saying, "General of Hangzhou pays his respects to Master Xu."


    Lin Wanrong looked down and saw that several thousand bright and shiny soldiers had surrounded the followers. There was an unusual disturbance among the crowd. He sighed, ''If I hadn''te here today, many heads would have fallen. I identally became a savior, how ironic.''


    "You, immediately go to the vegetable market in Hangzhou city, find ten people who nt and raise vegetables," Xu Wei ordered loudly.


    After the General of Hangzhou left, Xu Wei turned to Lin Wanrong and gave him a fist salute, "Younger Brother Lin, in terms of wisdom, I, Xu Wei, have admired only two people in my life, and you are one of them. I will definitely report today''s achievement to the Emperor."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "That won''t be necessary, I am only interested in gold and silver treasures. If there is some silver reward, I would indeed be very pleased."


    Xu Weiughed heartily, "Younger Brother Lin is truly genuine, I am endlessly impressed."


    Lin Wanrong, recalling Xu Wei''s previous words, curiously asked, "Mr. Xu, you just mentioned that you admire only two people in terms of wisdom. Who is the other one?"


    Xu Wei chuckled, "Apart from you, it''s my daughter who impresses me the most."


    "Your daughter?" Lin Wanrong was genuinely surprised. This old Xu was already so talented, from his words, his daughter was even more so? Given old Xu''s age, his daughter must already be in her thirties. This was truly bizarre.


    "Younger Brother Lin, when you reach the capital in the future, I will introduce you to her. I believe Zi''er would be delighted to meet a young schr like you. You two could have a goodpetition." Xu Wei said with a bright smile.


    Xu Wei''s daughter? More talented than Xu Wei himself? This could be interesting. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Absolutely, when I arrive in the capital, I will surely pay a visit."


    The General of Hangzhou moved with impressive speed. In no time at all, he had indeed brought several vegetable growers, some of them with mud still on their hands.


    Xu Wei called out, "Younger Brother Lin, please wait here for a moment. I''ll be back soon. I must admit, your guidance has genuinely excited me. It reminds me of the days when I first passed the imperial examination."


    First passed the imperial examination? Damn, this old man was truly excited.


    Xu Wei quickly hurried off, moving so fast that he nearly tripped while descending the stairs. Lin Wanrong watched him, amused. This Xu Wei, he was indeed quite the character.


    The soldiers in armor tightly surrounded the crowd. Among them were several White Lotus cultists, with the lead man immobilized by a steel de at his throat. With a wave of his hand, Xu Wei led these few people away.


    He walked around the statue of the White Lotus Virgin, observing carefully. He then instructed a few soldiers to forcefully move the Buddha statue. As he looked down, he was immediately overjoyed. A thickyer of soybean seeds was buried in the soil, most of them already swollen and germinating. It was indeed the force of these seeds that had pushed the Buddha statue upwards.


    Xu Wei excitedly waved at Lin Wanrong, who was standing far away on the upper floor. His silvery hair fluttered in the wind. Lin Wanrong shook his head andughed. This old man Xu, he was rather adorable.


    The task of revealing this trick to the public was left to Xu Wei and the vegetable growers. It no longer concerned Lin Wanrong, who quietly left. By the time he returned to the shop, it was already evening. Apart from the Eldest Miss, everyone was sitting in the shop.


    Seeing him return, Madam Zhang quickly grabbed his hand, anxiously asking, "Lin San, have you seen the Eldest Miss?"


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 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153


    Chapter 153 Wise Words Unravel a Marriage Knot


    "Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong was startled. "What happened to the Eldest Miss? Didn''t she go to pay a visit to the madams anddies in Hangzhou City? How could she have disappeared?"


    Madam Zhang anxiously said, "She returned at noon and had lunch but then left again alone, without saying where she was going. She didn''t even bring a servant with her. The Eldest Miss has always been extremely disciplined and neveres homete. I don''t know what happened today, it''s already thiste and she hasn''te back yet."


    The Eldest Miss was the one Madam Zhang had nursed since infancy, and she was very filial towards her, even going so far as to send her back to Hangzhou for retirement. The bond between them was deep. With the Eldest Miss suddenly gone without a trace, Madam Zhang was so anxious she could cry.


    Lin Wanrong quickly said, "Madam Zhang, don''t panic. The Eldest Miss is smart and quick-witted, she wouldn''t get into any trouble."


    He thought for a moment, from Madam Zhang''s meaning, the Eldest Miss went out on her own, so there shouldn''t be any danger.


    Lin Wanrong then looked at Xiao Cui and asked, "Xiao Cui, weren''t you following the Eldest Miss?"


    Xiao Cui blushed and said, "The Eldest Miss told me yesterday she didn''t need me to serve her today, so I went out to have fun."


    Looking at Xiao Feng''s flushed face, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered, these two must have had a date. Seeing Xiao Feng''s yboy appearance, he thought, this kid wouldn''t have taken advantage of Xiao Cui, would he?


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. At such a crucial moment, he still had such thoughts, he truly was incorrigible.


    He shook his head and said, "Madam Zhang, the Eldest Miss has visited Hangzhou many times in the past. Think, where does she like to go the most? Or who does she like to meet?"


    Madam Zhang pondered and then said, "When the Eldest Miss came to Hangzhou in the past, she was always rushing around, never taking the time to go sightseeing or meet anyone specific. But yesterday, it seemed her mood was good and she wanted to go sightseeing for the first time. It was quite a rare asion."


    A workaholic indeed, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. If he hadn''t advised her on the way, he feared she would''ve visited Hangzhou a hundred times without ever taking a leisurely stroll. With the annual meeting of the Jiangsu-Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce scheduled for tomorrow, why did she have to disappear now?


    In the absence of the Eldest Miss, Lin Wanrong had the highest rank. He was now at the core. Everyone looked at him expectantly.


    From Madam Zhang''s words, Lin Wanrong deduced that the Eldest Miss left of her own volition and was likely not in any danger. But she had always been so careful and meticulous, it was unlike her to just disappear. What happened today?


    Hangzhou City, not too big nor too small, it would indeed be difficult to find someone. Lin Wanrong made a quick decision, "Xiao Feng, you go to the north of the city. Si De, you go to the south. Xiao Cui and Madam Zhang will stay here. I''ll go to Su Causeway. In two hours, whether you find her or not,e back to this inn."


    The three men scattered to search, Lin Wanrong headed straight for Su Causeway. ording to Madam Zhang, the only time the Eldest Miss had gone sightseeing in Hangzhou was yesterday, at this Su Causeway. If she had willingly gone out, it was certainly along this route.


    By the time Lin Wanrong stepped outside, it was already dusk. The lively bustle that had once filled Su Causeway was long gone, reced by sparsity and silence. The chill winds blowing across theke gave him a bone-deep shiver, a stark contrast to his cheerful mood the previous morning.


    A melodious and resonant peal of bells echoed from the distant shore. Given the time, it was most likely the famous Evening Bell from Nanping Hill, one of West Lake''s ten scenic spots.


    Nanping Hill was known for its numerous rocky caves and grottos. Around dusk, the many temples, led by Jingci Temple, would ring the evening bell. The sound would resonate in the caves, rising into the sky over West Lake, and reverberating off the igneous rock of the Gegling on the opposite shore. This created the renowned echoes of the Nanping Evening Bell.


    But Lin Wanrong was in no state to appreciate the beauty of the bell tolls. His heart was on fire with anxiety and his gaze darted around as he paced quickly.


    Despite the length of Su Causeway, it was easy to see if anyone had passed by. As Lin Wanrong walked, he saw no sign of the Eldest Miss.


    Cursing silently, he thought about the irony of the situation. The Eldest Miss was supposed to be leading them, yet at this crucial juncture, she was the one who had vanished.


    He crossed the six bridges of Su Causeway, his heart growing colder with each step. Not even a shadow was in sight, let alone a living person.


    "Eldest Miss! Eldest Miss!" Since it waste, Lin Wanrong wasn''t afraid of being overheard. He called out, using his loudest voice, "Eldest Miss, Xiao Yuruo, Xiao Yuruo!"


    As he reached the Lingyin Temple and still found no trace of her, he sumbed to despair.


    The evening had fully set in, and only a few worshippers remained in the temple. Clinging to a sliver of hope, Lin Wanrong approached a monk sweeping the floor, "Excuse me, young monk, are there any female visitors in your temple?"


    "Ah, Amitabha." The monk hastily recited a Buddha''s name. "Kind sir, do not speak such frivolous words. This temple is a sacred and pure ce. We do not allow such defilement here."


    Infuriated by the monk''s words, Lin Wanrong was about to turn away when the monk added, "In the Hall of the Medicine King, there is a devout woman offering incense. Could she be the one you are looking for?"


    There was still someone here? Lin Wanrong''s spirits lifted instantly. He asked for the direction to the Hall of the Medicine King and rushed there. As he reached the temple''s threshold, he saw a woman devoutly kneeling in front of the Five Hundred Arhats, offering incense with such piety it was hard to look directly at her.


    "Oh God, oh Buddha, thank you," Lin Wanrong thought as he dropped onto the threshold, gazing at the Eldest Miss, at a loss for words.


    Hearing a noise behind her, Xiao Yuruo turned to see a figure in the dim light. Startled, she let out a scream.


    Partly angry and partly amused, Lin Wanrong retorted, "Stop screaming. Go on, continue your prayer."


    Hearing his voice, the Eldest Miss replied joyously, "Lin San, how did you get here?"


    Exhaling, Lin Wanrong said, "Eldest Miss, I think it''s I who should be asking that. How did you end up here? Do you have any idea how hard we''ve been searching for you after you disappeared without notice?"


    Looking at the evening sky, the Eldest Miss eximed, "Oh dear, how is it sote already?"


    A wave of dizziness washed over Lin Wanrong. Did she have to pray so fervently that she lost track of time?


    The Eldest Miss had never made such a mistake before, and when she saw Lin San arriving, she knew that the entire staff must have been searching for her. She couldn''t help but blush, saying, "I didn''t realize it was sote. I''m sorry for worrying you."


    Seeing that Lin Wanrong remained silent, she understood that it was indeed her fault. She whispered, "Lin San, don''t be angry, I won''t do this again."


    Lin Wanrong said, "Eldest Miss, it doesn''t matter if you''re a littlete, but you should at least let us know beforehand. If you wanted to pay respects, we could''ve apanied you."


    The Eldest Miss lowered her head and said, "At noon, I couldn''t find you. I had no choice but toe here on my own. I didn''t expect it to take this long."


    Seeing that the Eldest Miss seemed genuinely apologetic, Lin Wanrong didn''t say anything further. He walked to her side and said, "Eldest Miss, what brought you such fervor to pray to the Buddha again today?"


    Her face flushed red, and she admitted, "It was the old monk from yesterday who told me toe."


    "Old monk? Which old monk?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Feeling somewhat embarrassed, she confessed, "The one who interpreted my fortune stick yesterday."


    "What did he ask you to do?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "The old monk said my fortune stick was a riddle that no one could solve. Whether it was good or bad, it was up to me to decide. He told me to pray to all the Buddhas in Lingyin Temple for a good oue," the Eldest Miss softly shared, her face glowing like a blooming peach flower.


    Damn it, superstitious beliefs can be so harmful, Lin Wanrong cried out inwardly. "What kind of old monk is this? More like an old swindler." The Eldest Miss was indeed quite gullible. "He''s just tricking you into donating more incense money. How could you believe him?"


    Normally, the shrewd andpetent Eldest Xiao Miss was clear-headed, but in this matter, she was a bit foolish. It seemed that any woman involved in matters of marriage could be a little irrational.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "The fortune stick you picked yesterday... was it about your marriage?"


    Her face turned even redder. She initially didn''t want to answer, but seeing his serious expression, she quietly acknowledged it with a nod, appearing even more bashful.


    Not knowing what to say, Lin Wanrong just asked, "Are you going to continue praying?"


    The Eldest Miss answered firmly, "Of course. I''ve only just finished paying respects in the Daxiong Hall and the Heavenly King Hall. I just entered the Hall of the Medicine King. I have to pray to each Buddha here."


    Lin Wanrong was once again hit with a wave of dizziness. There were five hundred Arhats in this temple, how was this possible?


    But the Eldest Miss was devout, she knelt on the cushion and started praying to each one. Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, fine. I''ll help you pray to a few of them. It might save some time."


    Having said this, he knelt on the cushion next to her and began to pray with her.


    The Eldest Miss jerked up, her heart pounding. She blurted out, flustered and shy, "What are you doing? Who asked you to pray with me, you... you miscreant!"


    Lin Wanrong looked at the two adjacent cushions and had a sudden realization. Ah, so this was how it was. Damn it, he had inadvertently taken advantage. He chuckled awkwardly and said, "It''s alright, it''s alright. Three bows for each prayer, we haven''t evenpleted one yet."


    The Eldest Miss couldn''t bear his words any longer, she quickly covered her cheeks with both hands, calling out in embarrassment, "You''re going to be the death of me, get out, just get out."


    Lin Wanrong, with no other choice, exited the temple, shaking his head. This woman was too sensitive. What''s the big deal in praying together? It''s not like it was going to cost her a piece of flesh.


    After an indeterminable amount of time, the Eldest Miss finally emerged, her cheeks still slightly flushed. She held tightly to the marriage fortune stick she had gotten the day before. It was as if by praying to all the Buddhas in the temple, her marriage would finally be settled.


    "Lin San, let''s go," the Eldest Miss lightly brushed a lock of hair from her forehead and said.


    By the end of this ordeal, the moon was already hanging over the willow trees. The Eldest Miss walked along the Su Causeway, her expression distant, lost in her thoughts.


    Seeing her spirit still not very high, Lin Wanrong said, "Eldest Miss, you''ve prayed to every single Buddha, big and small. That fortune stick will surely yield a good result now. You should be happy."


    The Eldest Miss responded with a soft "hm", saying, "That''s what the old monk said, but I still can''t find peace in my heart."


    A single marriage fortune stick had managed to transform the usually astute andpetent miss into this state. It truly was a wonder. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Eldest Miss, if you trust me, let me interpret it for you."


    The Eldest Miss gave him a nce and snorted, "What could you possibly know?"


    However, Lin Wanrong, without asking for permission, took the fortune stick from the Eldest Miss''s hand. Xiao Yuruo gave him a fierce look and called him a "scoundrel" but did not snatch it back. Apparently, she also wanted to hear his interpretation.


    Lin Wanrong pretended to carefully read the fortune stick and eximed, "This fortune stick of yours is extremely good."


    The Eldest Miss asked curiously, "In what way is it good?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Happiness and joy, groping in the dark. Mirage of the moon on the water, a castle in the sky. This implies that your husband-to-be has already appeared, only that it''s temporarily unclear. Filling the sea with pebbles, tossing pearls to sparrows, seeing but not noticing, resulting in a dy. This means you should not be too ambitious and cherish the person in front of you. Meeting without a meeting, encountering without an encounter, the moon sinks into the sea, the person is in a dream. Thisst line is the most important. You and this man, it''s not about encountering, it''s not about meeting. If you don''t pay careful attention, you won''t realize the fate you already have. This fortune stick, though obscure, boils down to four sentences: The mirror of marriage is not empty, it will meet at the moon under the Yao Tower. Do not say Feng Tang is old, he is still the general who pulls the strong bow."


    Upon hearing this, the Eldest Miss was both shy and pleased, she said, "You just spout whateveres to your mind, how can I believe you? But where did you copy thesest four sentences?" Though she spoke in this way, the joy on her face was impossible to hide.


    Seeing her expression, Lin Wanrong knew he had interpreted the fortune stick correctly. Heughed heartily, "The riddle of this stick is how you think, it can be interpreted as such, just one sentence, sess depends on the person, only effort yields results."


    The Eldest Miss''s mood lightened considerably, she couldn''t help but cover her lips andugh softly. Looking at him, she said quietly, "You have such a slick tongue, I think in the future you should stay in this Lingyin Temple and be a fortune stick interpreter. You speak so fluently and know all the tricks to fool people."


    Seeing the Eldest Miss return to her usual self, Lin Wanrong breathed a long sigh of relief. Being a psychological doctor is truly exhausting.


    Both of them were in a pleasant mood. A full moon hung in the sky, casting a faint silvery glow on theke surface. It resembled a glittering Milky Way. Theke was calm, with no ripple in sight, and the reflection of the full moon in the water seemed like a bright silver te, inviting endless contemtion.


    Gazing at the beautifulke, the Eldest Miss softly recited, "Autumn boat, a person steps on, wrinkles the absolute waves, fairy mountains and pavilions in the mirror are dusty. Is this the ''Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake''? It is indeed extremely beautiful."


    Among the Ten Scenes of West Lake, Lin Wanrong had only heard of ''Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake'' but had never seen it. He shook his head and replied, "I don''t know either."


    The Eldest Miss looked at him and smiled charmingly, "The ''Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake'' is just a metaphor, there is no fixed ce. Wherever the moonlit night is beautiful, that ce can be called ''Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake''."


    So that was how it was. Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "That''s good as well, beauty exists wherever the heart is."


    The Eldest Miss chuckled softly, "You, where did you learn such warped reasoning, using such words to bamboozle people."


    Herugh, with her rosy lips, fair skin, almond eyes and autumnal charm, was especially enticing under the silvery moonlight.


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 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154


    Chapter 154 "Worse than a Beast"


    Lin Wanrong stared at the Eldest Miss for a while, transfixed. He thought to himself, thisss only gets more appealing with each passing moment. Who knows which fortunated would be able to pluck this blooming flower in the future?


    Today, the Eldest Miss had uncharacteristically broken away from her habitual, monotonous life. She had indulged a little unintentionally, but there was a strange thrill within her heart. She felt like a caged bird that had finally spread its wings to soar into the sky; the sense of freedom was undeniably enticing.


    Looking at her demeanor, Lin Wanrong had some understanding of her feelings. He nodded and said, "Eldest Miss, if you want to wander a bit more, feel free. It''s alreadyte, so a little while longer won''t make a difference."


    Xiao Yuruo grunted in acknowledgment, carefully tucking the fortune stick Lin Wanrong handed back into her bosom. She lifted her long skirt and surprisingly, she chose to sit on arge protruding stone by the embankment.


    Despite the deep chill of the night, the Eldest Miss seemed oblivious as she gazed nkly at theke. Lin Wanrong, unsure of her thoughts, found a stone to sit beside her.


    "The beauty of West Lake lies in itsndscape; the beauty of life lies in understanding hearts," the Eldest Miss sighed lightly, "but where should I go to find the one who understands my heart?" She seemed to be speaking to herself, yet she also appeared to be asking Lin Wanrong. There was a slight crease between her brows, revealing a subtle hint of sadness.


    Hearing her words, Lin Wanrong realized that she was pondering about her marriage destiny.


    Lin Wanrong gave a helplessugh, saying, "Eldest Miss, the divination is clear. Your soulmate is someone you need to find by understanding with your heart. Don''t miss him when you meet him. Instead of sighing here, why don''t you take a good look at the young schrs and lords around you? Perhaps the one you''re looking for is among them."


    The Eldest Miss gave him a frustrated look, saying, "What''s the matter with you? Just a moment ago, you were interpreting the divination in such a serious, knowledgeable manner. Now why are you talking about these irrelevant young lords?"


    Sweating, he thought to himself, if she didn''t choose a young lord, was she expecting to choose him? In theory, once he married Yushuang, the Eldest Miss would be his sister-inw. This would technically put him in an ambiguous position with her. But her personality was a bit problematicshe was overly domineering and possessive, which made him lose some interest.


    Lost in his thoughts, he was startled when the Eldest Miss suddenly asked, "Lin San, the night before we came to Hangzhou, were you hiding in Yushuang''s room?"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. "No, how could that be possible? I''m a decent man, and the Second Miss is even more so. How could I sneak into her boudoir and hide there at night?"


    His face was one of innocence, as if he was being wronged. Inside, however, he was panicking. How did she find out about this? He had been so careful that day.


    Seeing his dishonesty, the Eldest Miss snorted, "Stop making excuses. I saw with my own eyes how you snuck out of Yushuang''s room. What were you doing in there? Speak truthfully now."


    Seen with her own eyes? Thisss had actually witnessed him. He thought he had been as stealthy as a ghost, yet he had been caught pilfering his love by his soon-to-be sister-inw. It was a grave injustice. He hadn''t done anything apart from stealing a kiss from Yushuang''s lips.


    He pondered, knowing he couldn''t confess to this. Revealing his rtionship with Yushuang wasn''t what he was afraid of. However, the fact that Madame Xiao also resided in that courtyard made the events of that night overly bizarre and sensual; he absolutely couldn''t confess.


    "Eldest Miss, did your eyes deceive you?" Lin Wanrong joked, "How could I appear in the Second Miss'' room sote at night? Not only do women cherish their reputations, but I also value mine. I have been in the Xiao family for some time and have always been strict with myself, maintaining my purity. In the courtyard, I am known to be well-praised, how could I ever do such a thing?"


    Seeing him dodge her question and iming strict discipline and purity, she felt both annoyed and amused. Could this man truly speak these words? Not to mention Xiao Qingxuan and Qiaoqiao, even the maids in the courtyard, dreaming about him. If not a hundred, then at least eighty of them, and yet he had the audacity to im purity?


    Both wanting tosh out andugh, the Eldest Miss held back her amusement, saying, "You must have been born without a shred of shame to be able to speak such words so freely. I am truly at a loss of how to converse with you. Whether you admit it or not, I just want to tell you not to take advantage of Yushuang''s youth. The women of the Xiao family might seem weak, but they are not to be trifled with."


    "How could I take advantage?" Lin Wanrong said innocently, "I barely have time to ''cherish'' her. Eldest Miss, don''t see me as some rogue. Apart from being generous with my love, I honestly can''t find any other ws in myself."


    The Eldest Miss had a deep understanding of his audacity, and she chose to ignore his words. She found that the more she spoke with him, the more directionless the conversation became. She would hit him with forceful blows, but he would dissolve them effortlessly, like a floating cotton, leaving her frustrated.


    Her pleasant mood from the divination faded in Lin Wanrong''s presence. Xiao Yuruo, feeling annoyed, decided to ignore him and stared nkly at the horizon where theke met the sky.


    The night sky was deep and profound, countless bright little stars scattered across it, their reflections dancing on the water, making it seem as though the starry sky had flipped into theke.


    The Eldest Miss had never admired the night sky by theke like this before. Under the allure of the beautiful scenery, she couldn''t help but look up at the starlit sky. She stretched out her slender fingers and asked, "Lin San, what are those two stars?"


    Lin Wanrong had hurriedly left in the afternoon, and his clothes were thin. The cold wind by theke made him shiver. All he could think of was getting back home as soon as possible. He had no interest in identifying stars. Yawning, without raising his head, he replied, "They are the Wenqu and Taibai stars."


    [TL: Wenquxing and Taibai Jinxing refer to two stars or celestial bodies in Chinese mythology and astronomy. Wenqu is the god of literature in Chinese culture. In the traditional Chinese celestial system, it corresponds to the Mercury. Taibai Jinxing corresponds to the Venus. In Chinese folklore, it''s often associated with Taibai Jinxing, the god of the same name. Taibai Jinxing serves as a counselor or adviser in the heavenly court ording to some myths.]


    Seeing hisck of enthusiasm, she huffed and said, "When I talk to you, I am sincere, but you are dismissive, it''s truly disappointing."


    "Eldest Miss, d as you are in a thick winter coat, you wouldn''t fear the cold. However, I only have on a single long gown, so naturally, I''m the one freezing." Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, following her pointed finger to look in the direction of two bright stars, each surrounded by a host of smaller ones.


    Lin Wanrong squinted for a while. Damn it, what stars were these? He didn''t recognize them. Given his mediocre astronomical knowledge, he couldn''t identify them. Without further thought, he blurted out a familiar guess, "Those are the Cowherd Star (Altair, part of the Aqu constetion) and the Weaver Girl Star (Vega)."


    "Cowherd and Weaver Girl?" the Eldest Miss asked curiously, "What stars are those? I''ve never heard of them."


    "Once upon a time, there was a young boy named Cowherd. He was handsome and kind-hearted, much like myself. The daughter of the Queen Mother of Heaven, known as the Weaver Girl, happened to see him while looking in a mirror. She fell for him, eloped to the mortal realm, and they got married. They had seven sons and eight daughters. When the celestial officials discovered them...ter, the Queen Mother showed mercy. Every year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, she allowed magpies to form a bridge, letting the couple meet above the Milky Way. They could share a sweet, intimate moment, and no one was allowed to peek..."


    As Lin Wanrong told the story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl, it was quite an engaging tale, almost turning into a risqu joke as he yawned through the telling.


    The Eldest Miss listened to his haphazard rendition, feeling both entertained and frustrated. The story was beautiful and enchanting, but the way Lin San told it ruined the mood.


    Choosing the most relevant part, she sighed, "Cowherd and Weaver Girl, though separated by the Milky Way, found their soulmates. It''s truly admirable." She paused, then asked, "Lin San, do you and Miss Qingxuan share such a bond?"


    Here it came again, Lin Wanrong thought to himself. This girl was showing some signs of spring fever. If his charms had ensnared her and he couldn''t break free, that would be dangerous.


    He chuckled without answering her question, instead saying, "Eldest Miss, the story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl is rather ordinary. Let me tell you a more exciting story. This one is called ''Worse Than Beasts.''"


    "Worse Than Beasts?" The Eldest Miss blinked in surprise. The title was quite shocking, "Is it more exciting than the story of Cowherd and Weaver Girl?"


    "Exciting by a hundredfold," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Once upon a time, there was a schr and an Eldest Miss who were in love. One day, they agreed to go on an outing. They were caught in a heavy rain and took refuge in a vacant house for the night. The house had only one bed. Although they were in love, they did not act rashly. Out of consideration, the Eldest Miss shyly invited the schr to share the bed but ced a pillow in between and wrote a note saying ''those who cross the boundary are beasts.'' The schr, being a gentleman, endured the whole night without crossing the boundary."


    Used to his nonsense, the Eldest Miss''s reaction had gradually dulled. Her cheeks flushed, she huffed, "Your stories are always improper. Isn''t it good that the schr respected the rules?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "The following morning, the Eldest Miss woke up, left without a trace, leaving another note behind."


    "What did the note say?" the Eldest Miss asked.


    With a mysterious smile, Lin Wanrong said, "It read, ''You''re even worse than beasts.''"


    The Eldest Miss''s cheeks turned scarlet with a mix of embarrassment and anger. She quickly rose to her feet, saying, "Shameless! Despicable! The one who made up this story must be shameless, a person worse than beasts." As soon as she finished speaking, she turned and quickly walked away, heading in the direction of the shops.


    "Eldest Miss, wait for me." Lin Wanrong chuckled, finally relieved from the cold wind. He quickly followed after her.


    The Eldest Miss turned to look at him, her face flushed with embarrassment. Angrily she huffed, "Under the pretense of telling a story, you uttered such vulgar words, you, you..." She huffed a few more times, struggling to find the words, then said, "You''re worse than a beast."


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 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155


    Chapter 155 Taking a Liking to You


    Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter, but the Eldest Miss suddenly realized that she had just proven his vulgar words true. Immediately, her face flushed with urgency. Teardrops welled in her eyes as she retorted, Are you saying I was born just for you to bully?


    The Eldest Miss was genuinely angry and ignored Lin San the whole way back. When she returned to the inn, she noticed everyone anxiously waiting. Despite their anxious expressions, she flung herself into Madam Zhang''s arms and cried, Madam Zhang She could no longer form words, her loud sobs filled the room.


    The Eldest Miss''s safe return brought relief and happiness to everyone, yet Lin San''s expression was quite strange. He looked as if he wanted tough but dared not. The Eldest Misss countenance was even more peculiar, carrying a mixture of all theplex vors of life. No one could understand her feelings.


    The result of Lin San''s boorish behavior was very clear. Until the next day, before leaving for the annual meeting, the Eldest Miss hadn''t spoken another word to Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t particrly mind; teasing girls was not a new pastime for him. He simply continued as usual.


    When they left the inn, the Eldest Miss quickly scrambled into the carriage, seemingly reluctant to see the uncouth Lin Wanrong, who was pleased with the peace and quiet.


    The venue for the annual meeting was Sunshine and Rain Restaurant, a famous restaurant next to Su Causeway in Hangzhou. Lin Wanrong apanied the Eldest Miss into the building and surveyed the surroundings with a cold snort.


    He realized that theyout of Sunshine and Rain was strikingly simr to that of his own restaurant, Food for Immortals. What irked him the most was that the various promotional tactics hanging on the walls of Food for Immortals were replicated and disyed prominently here at Sunshine and Rain Restaurant. It was clear that they must have sent someone to investigate Food for Immortals in Jinling.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t know whether he should be happy or upset. The fact that these promotional methods had reached Hangzhou indicated that the reputation of Food for Immortals had spread far and wide, even inspiring out-of-town restaurants to emte it. What was frustrating, however, was thepleteck of any patent protection at this time. His unique promotional tactics could not be kept confidential, and he was powerless to prevent others from copying them.


    No matter what, seeing this did not bring any joy to Lin Wanrong. He let out a heavy huff of annoyance.


    The Eldest Miss, who had not spoken to Lin Wanrong for quite some time, was walking ahead. Hearing his grunt, she couldn''t help but turn around, looking back at him, she said, The people youll be meetingter are all top figures in the business world of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. You should be careful.


    Lin Wanrongughed, Don''t worry, Eldest Miss. I always behave myself in front of strangers.


    The Eldest Miss snorted lightly, If you''re calling yourself decent, the sun must be rising from the west. Never utter words like those you said yesterday, or I''ll definitely stop talking to you.


    Understood, understood, Lin Wanrong chuckled, I won''t say such things to you in the future.


    However, the Eldest Miss detected the insinuation in his words and grunted, Have you spoken those vulgar words to Miss Qingxuan as well?


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Why did this girl keep bringing up Qingxuan? He responded, "Such matters are private, it''s not appropriate to disclose them to the Eldest Miss."


    Xiao Yuruo bit her lip and stopped talking to him. As the two ascended the stairs, they saw a short, chubby old man approaching. He gave a fist-and-palm salute to the Eldest Miss and greeted her with a grin, Miss Xiao, we''re honored by your presence. My apologies for not weing you earlier.


    The Eldest Miss responded with a smile, Chairman Yu, your words are too kind. It''s a privilege for the younger generation like me to attend this annual meeting of the Jiangsu and Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce. Your personal wee is too much honor, it humbles Yuruo.


    The chubby old man, presumably in his forties or fifties, had a ruddyplexion. He wore a superficial smile. Lin Wanrong cast a nce at him. He must be the Chairman of the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce. Judging by his plump belly, he probably wasn''t up to any good.


    Chairman Yu squinted his eyes andughed, Miss Xiao, please, don''t be too humble. Your business acumen is the talk of the town in both Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Everyone is envious. Many colleagues would love to have a chat with youter.


    Reading between the lines of his words, the Eldest Miss pretended not to understand and nodded with a smile, Chairman Yu, you''re too kind. I look forward to learning from all of you.


    Chairman Yu nced behind the Eldest Miss and wondered, Did youe alone, Miss Xiao?


    In the eyes of this chubby president, a minor servant like Lin Wanrong surely didn''t count as a person. Lin Wanrong wished he could kick the fat man''s backside but, to spare the Eldest Miss any difort, he merely grunted without saying a word.


    The Eldest Miss said, I just brought one person with me. The others are irrelevant and would be useless here.


    Chairman Yuughed, Why isn''t Young Master Tao with you?


    The pursuit of Miss Xiao by Tao Dongcheng was well known within the Chamber of Commerce of both Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Chairman Yu was teasing the Eldest Miss with hisment.


    Xiao Yuruo shook her head with a smile, Young Master Tao might bete due to some affairs. We share a professional rtionship, so I don''t know much about these matters.


    Chairman Yu chuckled and invited the Eldest Miss inside.


    There were quite a number of people present, all of whom were renowned merchants from Jiangsu and Zhejiang. The Eldest Miss politely exchanged greetings with them. From her demeanor, it was apparent that this wasn''t her first meeting with them.


    Lin Wanrong stayed close to the Eldest Miss, carefully observing the expressions of these people. He saw both envy and jealousy in their eyes. Combining this observation with the insinuations in Chairman Yu''s words, he guessed that they were all coveting the Xiao family''s business.


    The Eldest Miss found a table and took a seat. The others present were merchants from Jinling, all well-acquainted with each other. Next to the Eldest Miss was a woman in her thirties. She was tall with broad eyebrows and big eyes, exuding a strong and assertive aura.


    On seeing the Eldest Miss, she grabbed her hand andughed, Big sis,e sit next to me.


    Her words carried a heavy Shandong ent. The term big sis made Lin Wanrong want tough, yet he also felt a sense of warmth.


    The Eldest Miss sat down beside her andughed, "Sister Liu, you arrived early?"


    "Ive just arrived," Sister Liu said casually, "Traveled all day yesterday, those animals didn''t live up to it. They kicked their legs halfway and defecated, dying the trip. Didn''t get here tillte into the night."


    Upon hearing this, all the merchants at the table snickered. A blush spread across the Eldest Miss''s face as sheughed, "Sister Liu, you still speak your mind so freely."


    However, Lin Wanrong found it utterly refreshing. What a genuinenguage of the working people! Although Sister Liu was sturdy and spoke a bit coarsely, her straightforward temperament was something he admired greatly.


    As the Eldest Miss and Sister Liu chatted, it turned out that Sister Liu was named Liu Yue''e, originally from Pei County in Shandong (note: Pei County is now part of Jiangsu). She married into an ordinary family in Jinling. Born robust, she found her husband to be quite the simpleton. However, Liu Yue''e was gifted in crafting jade and jadeite, a skill passed down from her ancestors. Gradually, she became known as the best in Jinling. As her business grew, she opened an antique shop specializing in jade and jadeite, expanding to Anhui and Zhejiang and umting considerable wealth. Liu Yue''e managed both the shop and her husband impably, making her a well-known, powerful woman.


    Both the Eldest Miss and her were women who frequently traveled between provinces. They often kept each otherpany, and their rtionship was quite good.


    Liu Yue''e said, "Big sis, I heard you were kidnapped by those damned White Lotus cultists a while back. I was terribly worried about you. Thank goodness you returned safe and sound. Truly, a great relief."


    The Eldest Miss pointed at Lin Wanrong andughed, "Thanks to my loyal servant here, I was able to escape danger."


    Liu Yue''e nced at Lin Wanrong, "This young man is capable of such a feat?"


    The Eldest Miss replied, "Indeed, he is quite resourceful. I''m afraid my household is too shallow to amodate such a big fish."


    What big fish? Clearly a dragon. What''s with her eyes? Lin Wanrong thought indignantly.


    Liu Yue''e immediately said, "If a remarkable person like you, big sis, praises him, this young man must indeed be capable. Young man, what''s your name? How old are you?"


    "My name is Lin San, and I am twenty years old," Lin Wanrongughed. Among all these important people, only Sister Liu didn''t treat him like a servant. How could he not appreciate her, even though she was a bit rough around the edges?


    "Only twenty?" Liu Yue''eughed heartily, "That''s even more remarkable. Lin San, do you have a sweetheart?"


    Her question was rather crude, but Lin Wanrong responded shyly, "Not yet."


    Liu Yue''eughed heartily, "Young man, if you have any girl in mind, just tell me. You saved my little sister''s life. As a token of my gratitude, I''ll introduce you to some good girls. Whether they''re from the Yichun Courtyard or the Miaoyu Pavilion, I can find them for you."


    The Eldest Miss covered her mouth andughed, "Sister Liu, don''t listen to Lin San''s nonsense. He already has someone he admires, a woman as beautiful as a celestial being. There isn''t a single woman in Jinling who canpare to her."


    Liu Yue''e curiously asked, "Big sis, even you can''tpare? I haven''t seen a more beautiful woman than you in Jinling. Young man, is your sweetheart really more beautiful than my big sis here?"


    That was a difficult question to answer. The Eldest Miss nced at him and lowered her head in silence. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Fragrant peach and plum, each has its strengths."


    The Eldest Miss humphed but it was unclear whether she was satisfied or not. She lowered her head and said, "Always knowing how to tter people with sweet words."


    Liu Yue''e nced at the Eldest Miss, whose face was tinged with a bashful red, and let out an ''oh''. Then, she leaned toward Lin Wanrong and whispered, "Lin San, you might want to give up on your sweetheart."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, but before he could respond, Liu Yue''e continued, "I think my big sis here has taken a liking to you."


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 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156


    Chapter 156 Annual Meeting


    Big sis? Lin Wanrong was momentarily dazed before abruptly realizing who she meantXiao Yuruo.


    Turning back, he saw Eldest Miss Xiao clenching her delicate fists, her eyebrows furrowed in anger, her face pale. Looking at Liu Yue''e, she voiced her anger: "Sister Liu, what nonsense are you spouting?"


    Liu Yue''e naturally had a loud voice. Even though she had lowered it, Eldest Miss Xiao, who sat very close to her, heard every word clearly and her face immediately changed color.


    ''What the hell does she see in me?'' Lin Wanrong thought as he watched Eldest Miss Xiao''s angry expression. ''Has she not noticed this Eldest Miss'' fierce demeanor? I have charmed countless girls, all of whom have been gentle and docile towards me. I have never met such a domineering youngdy before. Even if she fancies me, I wouldn''t give her the time of day.''


    Liu Yue''e was straightforward by nature. Seeing that Miss Xiao was truly angry, she felt that her words were indeed inappropriate and hurriedly said, "Please forgive me, big sis. It was a joke; I didn''t mean to speak carelessly. You know me, I often speak without thinking. And you, brother Lin, don''t take it to heart."


    Laughing, Lin Wanrong replied, "Our Eldest Miss is beautiful, magnanimous, and extraordinarily talented. The gentleman she deserves should, of course, be unparalleled in the world. Common folk like us can''t even begin topare. Sister Liu, stop joking around."


    Eldest Miss Xiao gave him a nce and snorted, "You''re deliberately saying these things to upset me, aren''t you? I won''t waste my breath on you."


    Seeing that Eldest Miss Xiao was still upset, Liu Yue''e quickly apologized and spoke someforting words. Eldest Miss Xiao knew that Liu Yue''e was straightforward, and they had formed a friendship from their past encounters. Such harmless jokes were naturally not taken seriously by Eldest Miss Xiao. After a while, she was chatting andughing with Liu Yue''e again. However, when she looked at Lin Wanrong, there was something strange in her eyes.


    Lin Wanrong, who was getting bored, suddenly heard the Chairman exim, "Young Master Tao, you''ve finally arrived."


    Looking over, he saw Tao Dongcheng walking in with a smile on his face, and a petite and exquisite woman was following him, wearing a fiery red dress, like a ripe chili in the autumn field.


    ''This littledy, always skipping work to y around. Damn, taxpayers'' money all goes to feeding the worms.'' Lin Wanrong scornfully thought as he looked at the woman. It was Miss Tao Wanying, whom he had once disciplined. Only today, she had changed her outfit, looking alluring in her fiery attire.


    However, Eldest Miss Xiao seemed to pay no attention to the Tao siblings and continued chatting with Liu Yue''e.


    Tao Wanying carefully scanned the room, finally finding Xiao Yuruo and instantly lighting up with joy. She was about to rush over after loudly shouting "Sister Yuruo", but noticed that Lin Wanrong, the servant standing by her side, was looking at her with a cryptic smile.


    A shiver ran down Tao Wanying''s spine and she stopped in her tracks. The memory of being humiliated by him in front of everyone that day rushed back to her.


    Mixed feelings of embarrassment and anger filled her, yet a part of her was afraid of him. She hesitated for a long time before finally walking over and cautiously called out to Eldest Miss Xiao, "Sister Yuruo, have you been here long?"


    As she spoke, she cast a defiant re at Lin San, seemingly mustering her own courage.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, his eyes tracing up and down her figure. As if remembering something, Tao Wanying quickly covered her backside with both hands, her cheeks blushing furiously.


    Eldest Xiao Miss, noticing her demeanor and remembering the mischief Lin San had caused, felt a mix of amusement and irritation. She shot Lin San a re, then turned to Wanying with a smile. "Miss Wanying, what brings you here?"


    Tao Wanying, noting Xiao Yuruo didn''t seem to me her, quickly said, "Sister Yuruo, I came especially to apologize to you today. I was wrong that morning. I am sorry. Please, don''t hold it against me."


    Xiao Yuruo replied calmly, "Miss Wanying, I made myself clear that day. As long as you don''t make things difficult for the Xiao family, we can still be friends."


    Tao Wanying nodded, saying, "You''re right. As long as this Lin San from your family stops bullying people, I won''t cause trouble for him."


    How the hell do I look like a bully? Lin Wanrong thought, irritated by her warning. Even Eldest Miss Xiao frowned at Tao Wanying''s words. "Miss Tao, I know Lin San''s temperament. Although he''s not exactly good-natured, he wouldn''t bully anyone without reason. The incident that day, Young Master Hou was the one at fault. You were there; you should be clear about that. Moreover, if he really did bully someone, it''s for the courts to judge. We don''t need others to meddle."


    Lin Wanrong grinned. He liked Eldest Miss Xiao''s firm stance. People like Wanying needed to be dealt with sternly; if she wasn''t put in her ce, she would overstep her boundaries.


    Feeling guilty and not daring to offend Eldest Miss Xiao, Tao Wanying remained silent. Just then, her brother Tao Dongcheng finished talking with Chairman Yu. She eagerly waved him over. "Big Brother, Big Brother, Sister Yuruo is over here."


    Tao Dongcheng saw Xiao Yuruo and approached with a smile, "My dear sister, I visited your mansion a few days ago intending to invite you to join me, but unfortunately, I didn''t find you. Later, Wanying told me she ran into you. I then realized you had already arrived in Hangzhou. Have you been well these past few days?"


    Xiao Yuruo responded coolly, "Thanks to you, Young Master Tao, things have been going well."


    Tao Wanying hurriedly grabbed Tao Dongcheng''s arm. "Big Brother, let''s sit here, at the same table as Sister Yuruo."


    At this merchants'' annual meeting, the rules weren''t too strict; men and women could sit together, hence Wanying''s suggestion.


    Seeing Tao Dongcheng intending to sit next to her, Eldest Miss Xiao''s brow creased slightly. However, she couldn''t think of a good excuse to reject him and involuntarily looked at Lin San.


    Understanding Eldest Miss Xiao''s call for help, Lin San stepped in just as Wanying was about to seat Tao Dongcheng next to Miss Xiao. "I''m sorry, Young Master Tao, but you can''t sit here."


    Having had a conversation with Lin San before, Tao Dongcheng still hadn''t figured him out. At this point, hearing Lin San''s statement, he shot him a nce and asked, "Why?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "My Eldest Miss has been devoutly turning to Buddha recently. Just yesterday, she prayed before five hundred Bodhisattvas at the Lingyin Temple and made a wish upon receiving the top fortune stick. The head monk warned that this fortune is not trivial. To ensure its potency, apart from members of the Xiao family and women, she should not be close to strangers for a few days. Hence, Young Master Tao, I''m afraid you can''t sit here. We wouldn''t want to anger Buddha."


    Upon hearing his glib fabrication, the Eldest Miss stifled augh, finding the blending of truth and fiction intriguing. Indeed, she had been to Lingyin Temple and sought a fortune, but thetter part of the story was certainly a fabrication. Such a speech, however, appeared convincing with its finely detailed lies.


    Tao Dongcheng cast him an annoyed nce, unsure of how to respond. Even if it were a false fortune, it had to be respected. Tao Wanying, however, bluntly retorted, "You''re speaking nonsense!"


    Lin Wanrong shot her a fierce nce, "Who''s speaking nonsense?"


    His words triggered a general uproar. Everyone holds respect for Buddha, especially these merchants. All the people at the table red angrily at Tao Wanying. spheming Buddha was indeed unforgivable.


    Tao Dongcheng hastily pulled at her sleeve and bowed towards everyone, "Colleagues, my younger sister is still naive and doesn''t understand things. I beg your pardon."


    Tao Wanying, realizing her words were inappropriate, looked at Lin Wanrong, who was standing on the side, smiling indifferently, she knew she had fallen into the trap of this viin again.


    Knowing she was no match for Lin Wanrong, whether verbally or physically, she quickly turned to Xiao Yuruo and said, "Sister Yuruo, after I stopped you that day on the road, my brother gave me a good scolding when I got home and dragged me here to apologize to you. He thinks of you and cares about you, I don''t think anyone could match that. The mistakes I made before were because of my own willfulness, please don''t misunderstand my brother."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, amazed that this girl could utter such cheesy words without her teeth souring. Despite her terrible temper, she had doggedly pursued them from Jinling to Hangzhou, all to match her brother with the Eldest Miss. Her tenacity was indeed undeniable.


    Tao Wanying had been explicit, and with so many people watching, Xiao Yuruo blushed. She was a bit annoyed at the girl and realized she needed to set things straight today.


    The Eldest Miss smiled and said, "Thank you, Young Master Tao and Miss Wanying, for your concern. But I am of humble blessings, and my rtionship with Young Master Tao is merely one of colleagues. I have never thought about anything else. Please don''t misunderstand."


    Everyone present knew that Tao Dongcheng was courting Eldest Miss Xiao. However, they never thought that the youngdy of the Tao family would propose marriage on her brother''s behalf in front of everyone, even before the annual meeting had begun. What was even more surprising was Eldest Miss Xiao''s straightforward refusal. It was truly unexpected.


    Lin Wanrong gave the youngdy an approving look. She handled the situation decisively and efficiently. However, at today''s annual meeting, countless people were coveting the most profitable businesses of the Xiao family. And now, having offended the Chairman of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, the annual meeting might not be easy to navigate.


    The Eldest Miss was no stranger to the precarious situation, but being obstinate by nature, she was unwilling to dwell on this matter. After declining, she remained silent. But upon seeing Lin San''s indifferent smile, she couldn''t help but huff in annoyance and deliberately looked away from him, saying to the Tao siblings, "The annual meeting is about to begin, it would be best if you both returned."


    Tao Wanying, with an anxious expression, wanted to say more, but Liu Yue''e, who was sitting next to the Eldest Miss, stood up and said, "Isn''t this our Miss Wanying? It''s been a long time since you visited our shop for jewelry. How have you beentely?"


    Wanying, interrupted, had no choice but to respond, "Ah, Sister Liu, I''ve been busy these days. When I have time, I wille over..." But before she could finish her sentence, Tao Dongcheng had abruptly pulled her away.


    Tao Dongcheng, the Chairman of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, had been directly refused by Xiao Yuruo today. It was a severe blow to his pride, his face ashen, he held Wanying''s hand tightly, and promptly headed towards the Chairman''s table.


    Liu Yue''e looked at the Eldest Miss and said, "Big sis, you''ve offended Young Master Tao, what should we do?"


    The Eldest Miss thought to herself that she had already offended plenty of people, one more today wouldn''t make a difference. With that thought, she nced at Lin San once more.


    After a deafening round of firecrackers, the plump Chairman, Yu Zhenqian, stood on the stage, bowed to the audience and said, "Fellow colleagues from Jiangsu and Zhejiang, old man Yu Zhenqian greets you."


    Apuse broke out, and the annual meeting of Jiangsu and Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce officially began. The Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce certainly put on a grand event, inviting the Prefect of Hangzhou to give a speech, adding much prestige to Chairman Yu.


    Next came the speeches from the Chairman of the second provincial chambers ofmerce. When Tao Dongcheng took the stage, he seemed to imply that the development of the Jiangsu merchants was all due to his great contribution, which greatly displeased Lin Wanrong.


    Tao Wanying, seeing her brother''s grandstanding, was extremely delighted. She kept ncing over at the youngdy, the meaning was clear.


    When Chairman Yu took the stage again, hevishly praised Tao Dongcheng,uding him as handsome, young, and a model for all merchants. Lin Wanrong snorted, ''Model my foot! If it weren''t for his father''s privileges, this kid would be worth less than nothing.''


    The next part was a summary of the year. Chairman Yu listed the substantial progress of the two provincial chambers ofmerce''s operations over the past year, including the total revenue, the number of new industries, etc. Lin Wanrong wondered how Chairman Yu got these figures and whether he had inted them to create an illusion of prosperity.


    The next part of the meeting was dedicated to speeches by representatives from the two locations. These were all businesspeople, and were skilled in the art of eloquence, delivering a few sentences with ease. After a representative from the Zhejiang merchant group had spoken, Liu Yue''e, who had been selected by the Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce, took the floor. This Sister Liu was quite straightforward in appearance, but her speech was orderly and well-reasoned. This past year, her jade and jadeite business had expanded significantly, inspiring admiration. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but nod in approval. Sister Liu indeed had a knack for meticulousness beneath her coarse exterior.


    Once the two representatives had finished speaking, Chairman Yu nodded at the crowd, saying, "In addition to the two colleagues who just spoke, you are all aware that the Jinling business world has been blessed with several pieces of good news this year. I''m sure anyone with daughters, wives, or concubines at home has already heard that two precious items are currently spreading throughout Jinling and Hangzhou. These items are like nothing I''ve ever seen or heard of before, even their names are quite poetic: perfume and soap. These two items are causing quite a stir in Hangzhou and Jinling, and I fear it won''t be long before they make waves in the capital as well. Now, I''d like to invite Miss Xiao Yuruo from Jinling to share some insights on perfume and soap with us."


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 Chapter 157

    Chapter 157


    Chapter 157 Confrontation


    Eldest Miss Xiao slowly stood up, her slender form gracefully moving forward. She bowed to the assembly and with a smile, she said, "Yuruo is grateful for the kindness of the Chairman and the affectionate concern from all my colleagues. All present are my predecessors and peers who have supported the development of the Xiao family. Yuruo here expresses deep gratitude for your ongoing support."


    With these words, she bowed deeply. The Eldest Miss was as beautiful as a flower, her demeanor warm and natural. Her talents and elegance surpassed others, easily winning the goodwill of everyone present.


    "This perfume and soap are two new ventures initiated by my Xiao family and I believe everyone here has heard of them. The perfume, derived from flower essence, is made through a secret method, and its production cost is very high, hence it is precious. Its scent is longsting, subtle, and elegant, more convenient than the usual powder used bydies, and the fragrance is more enduring, thus it is deeply loved by all thedies and misses." Eldest Miss Xiao introduced the perfume in great detail. Although everyone present was a merchant, they were also potential buyers, so naturally, Miss Xiao would not miss such an opportunity to advertise.


    "As for the soap, it carries the same fragrance as the perfume, fresh and natural, pleasant andforting. Manydies and misses have already tried it in the initial stage, and I believe have found it to be quite agreeable. Both products were carefully crafted by my Xiao family for the benefit of themon people. I hope all my elders will continue to support the Xiao family as always. Yuruo is immensely grateful."


    After briefly introducing the perfume and soap, a female merchant from Zhejiang Province stood up and said, "Miss Xiao, I have heard and had the good fortune to use both the perfume and soap, and I find them extremely refreshing. However, I see that there is no supply avable in various ces in Hangzhou, which makes us sisters very anxious."


    Her words elicited agreement from other female merchants surrounding her. As merchants, they were always interested in new products. Many of them had tried the perfume and soap at a high price and found them to be entirely different from the usual,mon rouge and powder. Therefore, they were eager to ask Miss Xiao about the supply.


    Miss Xiao smiled lightly and said, "Don''t worry, sisters. The perfume and soap will be supplied soon. If you need any, you can directly register with our branch. Once the goods arrive, we will surely deliver them to you."


    Tao Wanying took out a small transparent ss bottle from her bosom, inside which was a light pink liquid. She proudly introduced to the surrounding female merchants, "This is rose perfume, personally given to me by Sister Yuruo."


    This immediately aroused exmations from the women nearby. Each one held it in their hands, reluctant to put it down. A few of them even wanted to pay more to buy it from Wanying, but she quickly snatched it back.


    Lin Wanrong watched with amusement. This was the perfume Miss Xiao had given to Tao Wanying when she was promoting at the poetry society. Unexpectedly, this little girl took it out to show off here today. In her hands, the perfume was certainly wasted.


    Tao Dongcheng was seething inside, and he held Tao Wanying back while signaling to the corpulent Chairman Yu. The Chairman nonchntly waved his hand, and another merchant stood up from the crowd and said, "Miss Xiao, your perfume and soap are indeed good, but your Xiao family seem to be acting a bit dishonestly."


    Lin Wanrong saw Chairman Yu''s gesture and chuckled to himself. Sure enough, this old man had no good ideas up his sleeve.


    Eldest Miss Xiao slightly furrowed her delicate brows, "Master Li, what do you mean by that?"


    It seemed like this Master Li was an acquaintance, and he hummed, "Miss Xiao, one should show some restraint and not push others too hard. Your Xiao family was originally engaged in textile business, but now you are moving into cosmetics. You''ve overstepped several industries. Isn''t that reaching a bit too far?"


    Lin Wanrong asked the woman next to him, "Sister Liu, what does this Master Li do?"


    Liu Yue''er replied, "This guy is a well-known miser who deals in cosmetics in Hangzhou."


    "Oh," Lin Wanrong acknowledged, understanding. Damn it, this guy must be jealous. With the introduction of perfume and soap, who would still use those outdated cosmetics? Trying to limit the Xiao family with industry regtions, he thought, did this youngster think he was the Ministry of Household, enforcing some kind of industry ess system?


    Eldest Miss Xiao sternly retorted, "Master Li, my Xiao family has been in business for generations, never abandoning our textile business. But are we not allowed to venture into other fields? Whose rule is this? In the past two generations, my family''s business has been managed by women, and venturing into the cosmetics industry is only natural."


    Master Li huffed, "This cross-industry leap of yours breaks the norms. If everyone were to act like your Xiao family, hopping from one industry to another, what rules and regtions would be left for the Chamber of Commerce?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao, seeing that this man was just picking a fight, coldly snorted, "The world''s business is open to everyone. Why can Master Li engage in an industry that the Xiao family cannot? Master Li''s ancestors were cksmiths, and now you are in the cosmetics business. Isn''t this breaking the norms as well?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. Eldest Miss Xiao had quite a knack for argument. He hadn''t seen this side of her before and had underestimated her.


    Master Li was fuming, "You''re just twisting words to justify yourself."


    Eldest Miss Xiao snorted, "Master Li, although you despise the Xiao family''s involvement in the cosmetics industry, we would not mind your participation in the textile business. I wonder if Master Li is interested?"


    Liu Yue''er gave a thumbs up, "This little sister of mine, she''s impressive, outshining even the men."


    Another cosmetics dealer also stood up and said, "Miss Xiao, no one can stop your Xiao family from entering the cosmetics business, but you can''t just disregard the rules and leave us, who are engaged in cosmetics, without a way to make a living."


    Liu Yue''er couldn''t stand it anymore and stood up, "Are you people even reasonable? What business Miss Xiao decides to do is none of your business. Lacking your ownpetence, you me others. This is indeed a wonder in this world."


    Although there were many people from the Jinling Chamber of Commerce present, only Liu Yue''er stood up to speak for the Xiao family. The rest merely looked to Tao Dongcheng for cues.


    Lin Wanrong gave a small smile and a thumbs up to Eldest Miss Xiao. Her face flushed slightly, and she gave him a chiding look.


    "Master Li," she said coldly, "where there ispetition, there will be conflict. It is aw of nature, the right path. As the saying goes, adversity leads to contemtion and then to change. My Xiao family has been engaged in the textile business for many years, butter severalpetitors entered the market, making it difficult for us to continue. So we branched out into new areas of business. If I were to grumble and me others like you, I''d be swearing in the streets every day."


    The few merchants who ran the cosmetics business exchanged looks, unsure of how to respond, and quickly turned to look at Chairman Yu.


    Tao Dongcheng signalled Chairman Yu, who had been silent for a while. The Chairman suddenly stood up andughed, "Let''s not get heated, there is still room for discussion here. I see both sides have valid points, so why not let this old man suggest apromise."


    Master Li hastilyughed obsequiously, "Please do, Chairman."


    Chairman Yu turned to Miss Xiao, "Miss Xiao, those in the cosmetics business have a hard time too. I think it would be better if you transferred the rights to distribute your Xiao family''s perfumes and soaps in the province of Zhejiang to Master Li and his colleagues. This way, both parties can profit from the coboration."


    Damn it, their true colors finally showed. If they obtained the distribution rights, it would be a significant profit. Lin Wanrong snickered inwardly. He had nted the tree and harvested the fruits, and now they wanted to pick up the ready-made benefits. They dreamed of squeezing the Xiao family out of Hangzhou. What a pipe dream.


    Miss Xiao''s face changed, "Chairman Yu, my Xiao family has many shops in Zhejiang, and we have our own channels for distribution. We currently don''t need anyone''s help."


    Chairman Yu smirked, "Miss Xiao, this puts me in a very difficult position. My colleagues in the province of Zhejiang also need to make a living. What do you think, Master Tao?"


    Tao Dongcheng stood up, giving Miss Xiao a seemingly troubled look. "Younger sister, our Chamber of Commerce in Jiangsu and Zhejiang are like one family. If we take a step back, there will be a boundless vista."


    These two scoundrels were clearly in cahoots. Eldest Miss Xiao thought about the humiliations the Xiao family had endured over the years. Her eyes began to brim with unshed tears, but she was a strong woman. She held back her tears and managed a sad smile. "When my Xiao family introduced perfumes and soaps, everyone saw only our sess. But did anyone ever consider what would happen if these businesses failed? The several hundred members of the Xiao family would face ruin. Over the years, as our textile business faced hardships, we never thought to suppress ourpetitors by unfair means. The Xiao family relies on our own hard work, earning money in a straightforward and honorable way. Why should we face such usations today? Although the Xiao family is made up of women, we can face the heavens without shame. I, Xiao Yuruo, am not as easily bullied as you imagine."


    Chairman Yu and Tao Dongcheng only responded with cold, silent smiles, as though they already held the winning hand.


    Damn it, I''ve been trying to reason with you, but you two think yourselves so important, don''t you? Watching the two of them smirk, Lin Wanrong silently picked up a sturdy bench and walked over. He stood by Eldest Miss Xiao''s side and gently smiled at her, "Don''t cry, don''t cry. You won''t look as beautiful if you cry."


    "Lin San..." Eldest Miss Xiao, seemingly findingfort in his presence, reached out and grabbed his arm, as if he was her own kin. The tears she had been holding back finally came pouring down.


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 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158


    Chapter 158 I''m a Civilized Man


    "Haven''t I already said it? Crying won''t do you any good." Lin Wanrong, with a smile, handed a silk handkerchief to the young miss. But as he turned around, a sh of icy cold light swept through his eyes.


    "What was your name again? Yu Pudgy, isn''t it?" Lin Wanrong teased the chairman.


    "I''m not fat" Chairman Yu almost responded, caught off guard. Fortunately, he came to his senses in time, quickly rebuked, "Who are you? How dare you speak to me like this?"


    "Chairman Tao, tell him who I am!" Lin Wanrong mocked, turning to Tao Dongcheng next to him.


    Tao Dongcheng, an old acquaintance, was also unclear about Lin Wanrong''s background. He hesitantly warned, "Lin San, what are you trying to do? This is the Jiangsu Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce. It''s not your ce to talk."


    "Congrattions, Chairman Yu, you''re about to be fatter." Lin Wanrong seemingly ignored Tao Dongcheng''s words. His eyes shimmered with a gloomy light as he smiled and looked at Chairman Yu.


    Feeling something was off, Chairman Yu hurriedly asked, "What are you trying to do?"


    "I''m a civilized man." With these words, Lin Wanrong mmed the wooden stool he was carrying onto the table in front of him. The tablepletely copsed amidst the loud sound and terrified screams.


    Aiming at Chairman Yu''s pudgy, pale face, Lin Wanrong swiftly delivered two heavy hooks with his left and right fists. With two thuds, theynded squarely on Chairman Yu''s face.


    With a miserable scream, Chairman Yu tumbled to the ground, rolling several times, moaning weakly. He had lost the strength to get up, his face swelling like a bun, squeezing his already small eyes into slits.


    "You, you''re outrageous. Guards, guards, arrest this rascal!" Chairman Yuy on the ground, continuously groaning, and weaklymanded.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, stepped forward, and slowly pressed his foot onto Chairman Yu''s face. Yu Pudgy tried to dodge, but it seemed impossible to avoid that foot.


    "You, you''re too bullying" Chairman Yu''s face was ttened under the foot, he managed to gasp, and then loudly protested.


    "Bullying?" Lin Wanrong sneered, "Did you consider these words when you were tormenting Miss Xiao just now?"


    "Lin San, do you really think the Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce has no one to stand up to you? Colleagues, our Chairman is being bullied like this, what are we waiting for?" Master Li, who had been the first to trouble the Eldest Miss, seeing the chairman being stepped on, immediately stood up and shouted.


    "Chamber of Commerce? What a grand title." Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, "Such bullying and tyranny, forcing people into a corner, a chamber of your mother''smerce."


    He stomped his right foot onto the chairman''s face. Yu Pudgy let out a howl of misery and screamed loudly.


    Lin Wanrong turned to face the merchants of the Jiangsu Chamber of Commerce, a fierce light shed in his eyes as he angrily said, "The Xiao family is a member of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce. Today, she was bullied to this extent, and no one dared to speak up. What is the point of this Jinling Chamber of Commerce?"


    Seeing Lin San''s rage, the Eldest Miss was greatly frightened. When Lin San got angry, he was capable of anything. She quickly tugged at Lin San''s sleeve, "Lin San, don''t act rashly and hurt someone."


    Lin Wanrong turned his gaze back to Xiao Yuruo and said, "Miss Xiao, when one can no longer endure, they should cease enduring. If the Xiao family continues to allow others to trample over us, it will only encourage them to push further."


    Understanding the truth in Lin Wanrong''s words, Eldest Miss Xiao clenched her teeth in silent agreement.


    Chairman Yu, screaming like a ughtered pig, bellowed, "Lin San, let me go! Do you dare act so boldly in my Hangzhou territory? Is there no justice, now?"


    "Ha! Now you talk aboutw and justice?" Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "When you all bullied a defenseless young woman earlier, where was your talk ofw and justice then? There''s only one rule in this world: whoever holds the most power, they are justice."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong behaving so barbarically and flouting the rules, Tao Dongcheng couldn''t help but feel intimidated. Hastily, he warned, "Lin San, this is Zhejiang territory. You should not act so presumptuously."


    Impulsive actions could lead to disaster, but there are times when one''s blood is stirred, and they must act. Lin Wanrong, with his devil-may-care attitude, cared not for borders or jurisdictions. To continue to endure humiliation was worse than death itself.


    He gave a smirk, stepping off Chairman Yu''s body and slowly approached Tao Dongcheng. "Young Master Tao, Chairman Tao, this is Zhejiang territory, isn''t it? But what about when we return to Jinling? Will the Xiao family still have to endure your bullying?"


    "When did I ever bully the Xiao family? You should not spout nonsense," Tao Dongcheng defended himself. He knew that his shady deeds were concealed from Lin Wanrong''s knowledge.


    To such a hypocrite, reasoning was futile. Lin Wanrong, smirking, retorted, "You never bullied the Xiao family? That''s strange. Just now, when Chairman Yu was harassing us relentlessly, who was aiding him in his wicked deeds? You dare call yourself the chairman of Jinling Chamber of Commerce. Even if you didn''t bully the Xiao family, I will bully you today. You won''t object, will you?"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong defending her so fervently, Eldest Miss Xiao was both moved and worried. She stood by Lin Wanrong''s side, tugging at his sleeve and softly said, "Don''t harm yourself in your reckless fights."


    Hearing her concern, Lin Wanrong was delighted. The Eldest Miss was only advising him not to get hurt, but didn''t ask him not to fight. She was certainly improving.


    Seeing Eldest Miss Xiao and Lin Wanrong''s close interaction, Tao Dongcheng felt a surge of jealousy and fear. He could not ascertain Lin Wanrong''s background, and Lin Wanrong''s unpredictable actions were unsettling.


    He called out anxiously, "Lin San, you''re very aggressive. Do you really think the Jinling Chamber of Commerce is afraid of you? The Xiao family still needs to establish themselves in Jinling, don''t sabotage them!"


    "Well said, Jinling Chamber of Commerce," Lin Wanrong scanned the room coldly. "The Xiao family is a member of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce. When we were being oppressed just now, apart from Sister Liu, who else stood up for us? It''s natural for everyone to have their own interests, and I can''t criticize that or expect anything from you. But today, this Chairman Tao has exploited the name of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce to oppress the Xiao family. It''s time we got a good look at the true face of the Chairman of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, isn''t it?"


    Liu Yue''er suddenly stood up and announced, "Lin Wanrong, I, Liu Yue''er, support you." She red at the members of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce and angrily shouted, "Have all you men lost your spine? They''re bullying Miss Xiao and all of us from Jinling like this, and you''re all just hiding your heads like turtles. I can''t believe your wives put up with you. If it were me, I would have given you the boot."


    With Liu Yue''er''s explosive temperament and sharp tongue, her words were as effective as a machine gun. The Jinling merchants present knew of her temperament. They also felt guilty and, therefore, no one dared to retort.


    Eldest Miss Xiao tightly held Liu Yue''er''s hand, gratefully saying, "Thank you, Sister Liu, for speaking up for me."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong pushing him relentlessly, Tao Dongcheng hurriedly said, "Lin San, what are you trying to do?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled darkly, "Young Master Tao, have you forgotten what I told youst time? Do not provoke me lightly. You didn''t heed my warning, so now you must pay the price."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s aggressive approach, Tao Dongcheng tried to evade him. Just as Lin Wanrong''s right fist was about to hit Tao Dongcheng''s face, a pair of small hands blocked it. It was Tao Wanying. Miss Wanying, with her eyebrows furrowed, said, "Lin Wanrong, you mustn''t bully my brother."


    "I''m a civilized man, I specialize in beating dogs, not people," Lin Wanrongughed wickedly. However, his left fist quickly swung up and hit Tao Dongcheng''s face before anyone could react.


    Although Tao Dongcheng had a strong body, he was no match for Lin Wanrong in a fight. Lin Wanrong''s punch left him dazed, with one side of his face swollen like a bun and a ck eye.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s surprise attack, Wanying was both surprised and angry. She rushed up at once. Lin Wanrong sidestepped her, but not withoutnding a kick in Tao Dongcheng''s abdomen. Tao Dongcheng let out a painful cry and started rolling on the ground, clutching his stomach.


    "Brother" Wanying cried out in shock, quickly running over to help Tao Dongcheng. His face was pale, his forehead covered in sweat, and his eyes were filled with a venomous re, all directed at Lin Wanrong.


    After a round of punches and kicks, Lin Wanrong felt extremely satisfied, having vented his frustrations. He had fought all over Zhejiang and Jiangsu, leaving no Chairman unscathed. He realized that the power of a fist was the ultimate truth and this taught these bullies a good lesson.


    He scanned the crowd and grunted, "Everyone does business in this world. Don''t use anyone of bullying. The Xiao family has always been kind to others, but that doesn''t mean we are weak. If anyone thinks the Xiao family is easy to bully, they are blinding their own dog eyes."


    There was an eerie silence in the hall. The people present were all merchants who were all after profits. They all had their tricks and cunning ploys, but none of them had ever seen such brute force. None dared to look down on the Xiao family after this.


    Seeing her brother''s pale face, Wanying was both scared and angry. She said, "Lin San, I''ll report you to Prefect Hou. You will pay for your crimes."


    Lin Wanrong sneered dismissively, "Miss Tao, if you have the guts, then go ahead. It''s not the first time we''ve crossed paths."


    Eldest Miss Xiao stood by Lin Wanrong''s side, her face serious and resolute. "Miss Wanying," she said, "everything that has happened to Lin Wanrong is because of me. If you want to report to the authorities, you can target me."


    "It''s him, it''s him." Shopkeeper Li rushed forward with a group of soldiers, pointing at Lin Wanrong and saying, "It''s him. He dared to assault our Chamber of Commerce''s Chairman and Young Master Tao. Everyone here can bear witness."


    The soldiers wanted to seize Lin Wanrong without further ado, but Eldest Miss Xiao held onto Lin Wanrong''s sleeve tightly. "Lin Wanrong, I''m the one to me for this," she confessed.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Miss Xiao, fighting is what I do best. This has nothing to do with you."


    Eldest Miss Xiao shook her head, her voice steady. "Don''t be afraid. If they want to arrest you and bring you to court, if they want to put you in jail, I''ll go with you."


    Lin Wanrong was touched. This girl really moved me for once, he thought. But before he could say anything, a loud announcement was heard from outside the door: "The chief Senior Schr of the Hall of Literary Brilliance and the Minister of Revenue, Minister Xu Wei has arrived"


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 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159


    Chapter 159 Calming the Situation


    The merchants from Jiangsu and Zhejiang who were present instantly erupted into excitement. In those days, the status of merchants was considered low, and their interactions with the officialdom were extremely limited. Now, the arrival of the man himself, the chief Senior Schr of the Hall of Literary Brilliance, the nation''s leading schr and Minister of Revenue, Xu Wei, was indeed a great honor for these merchants.


    Chairman Yu hastily scrambled up from the ground, and with the assistance of Tao Wanying, and Tao Dongcheng hurried to the entrance to greet him.


    "What perfect timing for Xu Wenchang''s arrival," Lin Wanrong smirked, ncing at his Eldest Miss.


    Upon hearing of Xu Wei''s arrival, Xiao Yuruo was initially thrilled, but soon became anxious again. What difference would Xu Wei''s arrival make? Even though he admired Lin San''s talent, he was still an imperial officer. Would he be able to be biased amidst the unanimous usations against Lin San?


    Xu Wei, dressed in his bright red official robe, entered with a slight smile on his thin, austere face, which concealed a sense of authority. Behind him followed the prefect of Hangzhou, whom they had met earlier, and dozens of other officials from Zhejiang.


    "Greetings to Minister Xu and all the distinguished officials," Chairman Yu hastily said, bowing deeply in respect.


    "As a student, I, Tao Dongcheng, greet Minister Xu and all the distinguished officials," Tao Dongcheng also saluted.


    Everyone knew that Xu Wei had once been the emperor''s chief strategist and was now the pir of the Great Hua Dynasty, managing the country''s financial affairs. He was the most trusted person of the Great Hua Emperor. Winning his favor was surely a guarantee of quick sess.


    "Gentlemen, fellow colleagues, please rise," Xu Wei nodded and smiled, helping them to their feet.


    As everyone got up, Xu Wei, seeing the bruised faces of Chairman Yu and Tao Dongcheng, eximed, "What happened to you two?"


    Chairman Yu fell to his knees with a thud, crying out, "Minister Xu, you must stand up for me, for the Chambers of Commerce of Jiangsu and Zhejiang."


    Grinding his teeth, Tao Dongcheng also knelt down with Chairman Yu, saying, "Please, Minister, you must stand up for me."


    Xu Wei asked in surprise, "What''s going on here? Please get up and speak. The two of you head the Chambers of Commerce in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, you are the leaders among the merchants. What has happened?"


    Wiping his tears and snot, Chairman Yuined, "Minister, it''s all because of Lin San, that servant of the Xiao family." He pointed his fat and stubby finger at Lin Wanrong, saying, "He not only insulted our Chambers of Commerce but also publicly beat me, Young Master Tao, and several of my subordinates. It''s an absolute disgrace to all merchants in the world. Please, Minister, you must take a stand for us."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong inwardly cursed, What a shameless Chairman Yu. I clearly only hit the two of you, but you''ve made it sound as if I hit a whole bunch of people. Your audacity is even greater than mine.


    Xu Wei merely hummed, nced at Lin Wanrong, and turned back to Chairman Yu and Tao Dongcheng, eximing, "So, Chairman Yu, are you saying that this young man, Lin San, single-handedly beat you, Young Master Tao, and a number of your men?"


    Chairman Yu gritted his teeth, "Exactly, please stand up for us, Minister."


    Xu Wei replied, "Don''t worry. I will thoroughly investigate the matter and make a fair judgment. Chairman Yu, are you saying that this servant, Lin San, beat you, Young Master Tao, and so many people, so he single-handedly fought against all of you? Is that correct?"


    "Yes, yes, yes" Chairman Yu hastily eximed, "The brothers present can all testify to this."


    "One person beating up multiple people?" Xu Wei questioned, taking two steps to approach Lin Wanrong, and smiled, "Little brother Lin, are these gentlemen speaking the truth?"


    Before Lin Wanrong could reply, the Eldest Miss had already spoken up, "Minister Xu, the events of today have been incited by my Xiao family. Lin San has nothing to do with this. We, the Xiao family, will bear all the me."


    Xu Wei looked at Xiao Yuruo and asked, "Are you the Eldest Miss of the Xiao family?"


    The Eldest Miss curtsied and responded, "Indeed, I am."


    Xu Wei sighed while gazing at her, "You resemble her... you resemble her so much."


    The Eldest Miss looked at Xu Wei in puzzlement, not understanding the meaning behind his words.


    Xu Wei sighed once again, "Miss Xiao, how is your mother, Miss Guo, faring these years?"


    Xiao Yuruo was taken aback. This Minister Xu referred to her mother as Miss Guo, which seemed to indicate that he knew her mother. But where could thise from?


    Lin Wanrong had a slight understanding, seeing the Eldest Miss bewildered, he gently nudged her sleeve. Startled, she quickly curtsied and respectfully replied, "My mother is well. Thank you for your concern, Minister."


    Xu Wei sighed deeply, "Miss Xiao, don''t be surprised. I had some interactions with Miss Guo in the past. I have always admired Miss Guo''s intelligence and talent. It''s been more than twenty years since Ist saw Miss Guo in the capital. Now, seeing her daughter, it feels like meeting an old friend yet not recognizing her, which evokes a sense of nostalgia."


    On hearing that Minister Xu had a rtionship with her mother, the Eldest Miss felt a bit relieved. She didn''t expect Xu Wei to be biased, she only hoped he would be fair.


    Xu Wei smiled, "Miss Xiao, even though you are the daughter of an old friend, in today''s matter, as someone has used the Xiao family, I cannot show favoritism. I can only administer justice impartially. I hope you won''t me me."


    Xiao Yuruo promptly replied, "I have no other wish but for your fairness and impartiality, which would fulfill my desire."


    Chairman Yu and Tao Dongcheng, initially shocked to hear that the Xiao family had a rtionship with Minister Xu, breathed a sigh of relief when they realized that he didn''t intend to favor them.


    Xu Wei nodded and turned to Lin Wanrong, "Little brother Lin, are these gentlemen telling the truth? Did you beat up all these people?"


    "A beating? No," Lin Wanrong responded, perplexed, "Minister Xu, how could one person beat up a crowd? Even if I had six arms, I couldn''t do it."


    Xu Wei nodded, turned to Chairman Yu and asked, "Chairman Yu, even if Lin San had four limbs working together, he wouldn''t be able to beat up so many people. Could you be mistaken?"


    Chairman Yu was sweating profusely. He had been too ambitious, using the term ''beat up.'' Hastily correcting himself, he said, "Minister, it was this San Lin who first hit me and then Young Master Tao. Everyone present can testify to this."


    Tao Dongcheng also chimed in, "Everything Chairman Yu said is true. I stake my life and reputation on it."


    Xu Wei hummed in response, "So, it was not a group beating, but mutual beating, wasn''t it?"


    This time Chairman Yu had learned his lesson, and hurriedly exined, "Minister, it was this Lin San who struck first. Before we could retaliate, we were already beaten by him."


    "So that''s it. Lin San, did you assault Chairman Yu and the others?" Xu Wei turned to ask Lin Wanrong.


    "Not exactly an assault, just a simple spar. Those who know me understand that I always adhere to the principle of ''winning people over with virtue.''" Lin Wanrong shamelessly replied.


    At that, Shopkeeper Li immediately jumped in, "Nonsense! We saw you assaulting Chairman Yu and Young Master Tao with our own eyes. Are you still trying to argue?"


    Xu Wei nodded, his voice rose considerably, "Lin San, are you aware of your crime? Why did you assault Chairman Yu and Young Master Tao?"


    Before Lin Wanrong could answer, Chairman Yu preempted him, "Minister Xu, we were merely discussing business matters with the Xiao family. An argument ensued, and this Lin San wanted to resort to violence. We ask for your discernment, Minister."


    "Oh," Xu Wei put on an understanding expression, "Chairman Yu, this is the territory of Zhejiang. Lin San, a mere servant, dared to assault you without power or influence? This is indeed too presumptuous. He must not be spared."


    At this point, Liu Yue''e couldn''t stand it any longer and jumped in, "Minister Xu, don''t listen to their nonsense. It was Chairman Yu and his associates who bullied the market and went too far, prompting Lin San to fight back."


    Liu Yue''e rattled off like a machine gun, recounting how the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce pressured the Xiao family, how Tao Dongcheng cruelly aided in their tyranny, and how the Jinling Chamber of Commerce reluctantly acquiesced. She appeared simple, but she was quite savvy. When it came to describing how the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce bullied and coerced, she detailed it extensively. As for Lin Wanrong''s assault, she justified it as an act of indignation. After all, how could a mere servant dare to beat these influential figures publicly?


    Xu Wei listened with narrowed eyes, his reaction unreadable. Lin Wanrong, however, was a clever man. The old Xu''s few questions were full of wisdom and mystery.


    After hearing Liu Yue''e''s description, Xu Wei frowned, looking at Chairman Yu, "Chairman Yu, is there truth to this?"


    Chairman Yu hurriedly responded, "Minister, please don''t misunderstand. Our Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce has no intention of monopolizing the market. We merely wanted to discuss business matters amicably with the Eldest Miss."


    "Discuss?" Lin Wanrong sneered, "How did Chairman Yu ''discuss''? By demanding that the Xiao family hand over the rights of operation in this province to Shopkeeper Li, and banning the Xiao family from operating in Hangzhou if they didn''tply. Is this what Chairman Yu calls a ''discussion''?"


    Chairman Yu stuttered for a moment, but didn''t dare to deny it.


    Lin Wanrong saluted Xu Wei with a fist and palm, "Minister Xu, as the Minister of Revenue, you certainly understand the principles of business operation. It is a matter of great concern for the livelihood of the people. Those with talent and skills should manage it. Furthermore, sufficientpetition is needed to promote rapid development inmerce, thus enriching our Great Hua''s trade. However, like Chairman Yu here, for the sake of his personal gain, he shortsightedly employs various means to hinder others'' normal operations. In the long run, not only will the people of Hangzhou and Zhejiang be unable to enjoy thetest products, but the atmosphere of free trade will also be utterly suppressed. Commercial affairs, like a boat against the current, must progress or retreat. Under such oppression, how can business in the province of Zhejiang progress? Young Master Tao of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, despite being the Chamber of Commerce Chairman, does not consider for the merchants in the association. He colludes with Chairman Yu to suppress the Xiao family. Who gave him such audacity to allow him to bully others? Encouraging trade andpetition is the right way. Bullying the market destroys the foundation of Great Hua''s business and must not be indulged."


    His long-winded speech elevated the issue of market bullying to the height of Great Hua''s operations. People listened, bewildered, half understanding yet not fullyprehending.


    Xu Wei, with a stern face, asked Chairman Yu, "Did this Lin San speak falsely?"


    Chairman Yu dared not to speak. Xu Wei turned to Tao Dongcheng, "What does Young Master Tao think?"


    Tao Dongcheng remained silent, but Tao Wanying spoke up to defend her brother, "Minister Xu, this Lin San spouts nonsense, framing my brother. We ask for your judgement"


    Xu Wei humphed heavily, "If you refuse to speak up, then not only is it true that Lin San assaulted someone, but it''s also true that you''ve bullied the market?"


    Everyone dared not speak. Xu Wei sighed, "Jiangsu and Zhejiang are the economic foundations of our Great Hua, the granary for development. Today''s annual meeting of Jiangsu and Zhejiang Chamber of Commerce is highly valued by the Emperor. He has specifically appointed me to meet all of you to understand any difficulties in your business operations. I did not expect such a situation to arise, which greatly disappoints me."


    Xu Wei''s reputation preceded him, and his imposing aura silenced everyone in the hall.


    Xu Wei snorted towards the Prefect of Hangzhou, "Prefect Gu, ording to our Great Huaw, what punishment should be meted out for assault?"


    Although Chairman Yu and Tao Dongcheng were Chairmen of the Chamber of Commerce of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, they were only civil organizations. When Lin Wanrong beat these two, it wasn''t equivalent to assaulting an imperial official. At most, it was considered assaulting a gentleman.


    "ording to Great Huaw, public assault should be punished with a light cane or heavy imprisonment. Looking at Lin San''s assault on the two Chairmen, he should be caned two hundred times at least," Lord Gu said.


    "And how should one who bullies the market and disrupts business be punished?" Xu Wei asked again.


    "ording to Great Huaw, those who bully the market are punished with a light fine or heavy banishment," replied the Prefect of Hangzhou.


    Chairman Yu''s face turned pale, Tao Dongcheng also clenched his teeth and remained silent. The charge of disrupting business was no small matter. Both of them had been rampant in Jinling and Hangzhou, and no one had ever dared to trouble them. But now, Xu Wei showed no mercy, striking hard and catching both of them off guard.


    The Eldest Miss had been silent for a while, but after hearing Xu Wei''s words, she couldn''t help but feel overjoyed. She couldn''t resist ncing at Lin San, and found him smiling faintly as if he had expected this oue all along.


    Xu Wei sighed, "Lin San''s case is rtively straightforward, but Chairman Yu and Master Tao, they are the pirs of our great Hua. As for the usation of market bullying, it has not yet been proven as fact. Prefect Gu, in your opinion, what should be done about this?"


    The Prefect of Hangzhou said, "Sir, in my humble opinion, Chairmen Yu and Tao acted improperly first, and then Lin San fought back. All three parties are at fault. Perhaps it would be best to let them rify the right and wrong, reflect deeply, and take this as a lesson."


    It was clear that the Prefect of Hangzhou had grasped Xu Wei''s intentions, proposing the most pacifying solution. In truth, if the matter were to be discussed seriously, Lin Wanrong''s punishment was inevitable, but the two Chairmen were not meless either.


    Xu Wei smiled slightly, "Is that so? What do the two Chairmen think?"


    Chairman Yu dared not to speak, but Tao Dongcheng gritted his teeth, "Minister, your magnanimity leaves us with little room to argue. Lin San''s assault on myself and Chairman Yu can be overlooked, but what position does this put our Chambers of Commerce of Jiangsu and Zhejiang? Today, Minister, you are generous enough not to dwell on our mistakes, for which we are deeply grateful. However, I, as the Chairman of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, cannot ignore the Xiao family''s contempt for the Chambers of the two regions. Today, with you present, Minister, I wish to have a fairpetition with the Xiao family."


    "Oh?" Xu Wei said with interest, "And what will you bepeting in?"


    "Literary and martial challenges!" Tao Dongcheng dered through gritted teeth.


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 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160


    Chapter 160 The Battle of Literature and Martial Arts (Part 1)


    "A battle of literature and martial arts?" Xu Wei asked in surprise, "What do you mean by that?"


    "The battle of literature and martial arts is actually quite simple," Tao Dongcheng began. "The Xiao family and I each choose a challenge, either literary or martial. If the other party cannot answer or is defeated, they lose. If there is no clear winner after one literary and one martial round, then we ask Minister Xu to pose an additional challenge to decide the victor."


    Lin Wanrong understood, wasn''t this just a best-of-three series? The idea of using one literary and one martial challenge was quite inventive. Miss Xiao, despite being a businesswoman, wasuded for her literary prowess, even by the most well-versed poetess in Jinling, Luo Ning. There was nothing to fear on the literary side. And the martial? That was just a fight, wasn''t it? Who was he ever afraid of in a fight?


    "This is interesting," Xu Wei chuckled. "But Young Master Tao, why do you wish topete in these areas with the Xiao family?"


    "If I lose," Tao Dongcheng responded, "I will resign from my position as Chairman of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, and the brothers within the Chamber can elect a suitable sessor. Additionally, my family''s textile business, without taking a single penny, will be entirely handed over to the Xiao family."


    The news shocked Miss Xiao. The scale of the Tao family''s textile business was not inferior to that of the Xiao family. Tao Dongcheng''s offer was a bet of the utmost stakes.


    Tao Wanying, who seemed not to have expected her brother''s drastic action, eximed, "Brother, no!"


    "I never regret the decisions I make," Tao Dongcheng stated, his eyes radiating a chilly light.


    Xu Wei nodded, his eyes twinkling mysteriously, "And if the Xiao family loses, what do you want them to do?"


    Tao Dongcheng answered, "Lin San attacked two of us today. If they lose, I want the Xiao family to apologize to me and Chairman Yu. In addition..." He nced at Xiao Yuruo, his eyes filled with fanaticism, "I want Miss Xiao to be my wife."


    His deration startled everyone present. To have Miss Xiao meant gaining the Xiao family. Gaining the Xiao family meant owning the business of perfumes and soaps. Tao Dongcheng''s move was utterly cunning.


    "Shameless!" Eldest Miss Xiao blushed with anger. Tao Dongcheng, who had always been refined, had revealed his brutal nature today. He was even worse than Lin San, who was consistently ''bad.''


    With those words, Tao Dongcheng had decisively broken ties with the Xiao family. Today''s fight was a desperate struggleeither the fish would die, or the would break.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Who would have thought, the great Young Master Tao has fallen so low as to resort to such tactics, your skin is even thicker than mine!" This was not the first time this cheeky fellow had made such a move; thest time he had even slipped in an aphrodisiac. Lin Wanrongpletely despised him.


    Xu Wei looked seriously at Eldest Miss Xiao, "Miss Xiao, this matter involves your lifelong happiness. Please consider it carefully and avoid acting impulsively."


    Indeed, old Xu had already made a peacekeeping judgement, each party receiving fifty corporal punishments, and the matter had been let go. Would he be foolish enough to go through another bloody battle with him? Lin Wanrong pondered in his heart, and said to Xiao Yuruo, "Miss Xiao, today''s matter has already been judged by the officials, it has nothing to do with our Xiao family anymore. There''s no need for a bloody fight."


    Tao Dongcheng noticed the contemtion in Eldest Miss Xiao''s eyes andughed loudly, "Miss Xiao, today''s contest is fair and open in front of Minister Xu. There''s no room for bias or favoritism. If the Xiao family is afraid to ept the challenge, they will have no ce in the Jinling Chamber of Commerce henceforth."


    Damn it, this Tao is arrogant, Lin Wanrong thought furiously. Though Xu Wei was a high-ranking official of the court, he couldn''t resolve the issues within the Chamber. Without the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, the Xiao family would be paralyzed in Jinling. The situation couldn''t end well without dealing with Tao Dongcheng.


    Eldest Miss Xiao understood the stakes clearly. She clenched her fists tightly, biting her lip uncertainly. Her lifelong happiness and the livelihood of hundreds of people in the Xiao family were at stake, and she was backed into a corner with no way out.


    The matter concerned both Eldest Miss Xiao and the Xiao family, and for the first time, Lin Wanrong felt a sense of powerlessness. Based on his understanding of Xiao Yuruo, he knew what she would choose.


    Xiao Yuruo sighed lightly, looking at him, "Lin San, I "


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss, you don''t need to say it. I know what you would choose. Don''t worry, I, this talent, rank second in the world, just a little behind Mr. Wenchang. I''m proficient in both literature and martial arts, there''s nothing to be afraid of."


    Eldest Miss Xiao nodded, a tear escaping down her cheek. Lin Wanrong tilted his head, whispering in her ear, "Don''t worry, even if we lose, I''ll just gather some men, kidnap you before you can marry that Tao guy, then we''ll retreat to the mountains, and you can be the bandit queen."


    Xiao Yuruo blushed at his words and retorted, "You can''t be serious at this time, talking about being a bandit queen, is it that unbearable?"


    She didn''t quite understand her feelings, but his distraction had calmed her down considerably. In a contest of literature and martial arts, she and Lin San could handle the literature. Even if they lost the martial arts, there was still the third round with Xu Wei overseeing it. She believed Minister Xu wouldn''t deliberately put her in a difficult position.


    With these thoughts, she felt much brighter and smiled at Lin San, "At this crucial time, don''t be disrespectful. If we lose, I''ll deduct a year''s sry from you."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "And if we win, you''ll have to do myundry for a year. That seems fair, right?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao blushed but uttered a soft hum of agreement.


    Xiao Yuruo turned to Xu Wei, "Minister Xu, I ept Young Master Tao''s challenge."


    Xu Wei was taken aback, "Miss Xiao, you should think this through, this concerns your lifelong happiness."


    Xiao Yuruo gave a softugh, "Thank you for your concern, Minister Xu. I have confidence. Besides, I have Lin San."


    Seeing Eldest Miss Xiao''s determination, Xu Wei sighed lightly, hoping that Lin San''s schrly talent would shine as it always had.


    The audience was astonished to see the situation evolve in such a way. This was far more exciting than any annual Chamber of Commerce meeting. The entire room was buzzing. Liu Yue''e, one of the spectators, hastily grabbed Xiao Yuruo''s hand, "Sister, I''m with you."


    A sh of ruthlessness glinted in Tao Dongcheng''s eyes as he addressed Xu Wei with a bow, "Minister Xu, since Miss Xiao has epted, for the sake of fairness, let us draw lots to decide the order of the challenge."


    "Of course," Xu Wei responded seriously.


    In the draw, Miss Xiao drew "A", while Tao Dongcheng drew "B".


    This gave Miss Xiao the right to choose the topic first and Young Master Tao the right to challenge first. The right to choose meant the Xiao family would select one of the two topicsliterature or martial artswith the remaining topic automatically going to the Young Master Tao. Young Master Tao, with the right to challenge, could pose the first challenge on the topic they picked.


    Eldest Miss Xiao asked Lin San in a low voice, "Should we choose literature or martial arts?"


    After a moment of thought, Lin Wanrong replied, "Let''s choose martial arts. With us handling literature, they probably won''t be able to outdo us. We are not so familiar with martial arts; it is better for us to select the topic."


    Eldest Miss Xiao shared his sentiments, so she decided to select martial arts. Tao Dongcheng gave a coldugh, "With the right to challenge first in my hands, it is now my family''s turn to pose a challenge."


    As the mediator, Xu Wei nced at Xiao Yuruo and, upon seeing her nod, gave Tao Dongcheng the go-ahead, "Young Master Tao, give out your challenge."


    A fierce light shed in Tao Dongcheng''s eyes, "We all are business people here. Thus, having a keen eye is a fundamental skill. My challenge will be a test of observation and insight."


    Miss Xiao was surprised; she had assumed Tao Dongcheng''s literary test would involve discussing poetry or prose. She hadn''t expected it to be about observation. With the myriad things in the world, how could they have seen everything? This literary test seemed more perilous than promising.


    Reading her thoughts, Lin Wanrong smiled, "Don''t worry, I''m here." Eldest Miss Xiao rewarded him with a sweet smile. This Lin San, always able to set hearts at ease.


    Seeing their expressions, Tao Dongcheng took out a small box from his pocket, a look of smug satisfaction on his face. He slowly opened the box to reveal a tiny object, about the size of a fingernail, looking somewhat like a stone. It seemed to beposed of countless tiny specks that glowed brilliantly under the sunlight, a dazzling kaleidoscope of colors. It was mesmerizing.


    Everyone was astonished, including Miss Xiao and even Xu Wei, who was known for his wide breadth of knowledge. What was this object? A stone? It was so beautiful and radiant, yet they had never seen anything like it.


    Taking in everyone''s reactions, Tao Dongcheng looked triumphant. "Miss Xiao, can you tell me what this is? And where ites from? If you answer correctly, I''ll concede this round."


    Xiao Yuruo clenched her teeth. Even Xu Wei, the most learned man in the world, didn''t recognize the object. How could she? Was she going to lose this literary contest? She felt a pang of sorrow and turned to look at Lin San, only to find him deep in thought.


    Eldest Miss Xiao believed that Lin San didn''t recognize it either and was about to concede when Lin Wanrong suddenly cut her off, "We recognize this stone," he said with a smile.


    "Lin San, you" Both shocked and delighted, Eldest Miss Xiao felt a sense of resurrection upon hearing Lin San''s words.


    "You recognize this object?" Tao Dongcheng said with an incredulous look on his face, his tone filled with disdain.


    Xu Wei, however, was deeply impressed by Lin San''s broad knowledge. As a man of erudition himself, he had a natural affinity for the curious and unfamiliar, so he urged Lin Wanrong, "Little brother Lin, please tell us, what is this object?"


    With a smug grin, Lin Wanrong looked at Tao Dongcheng and said, "If I''m not mistaken, this object isn''t native to our Great Hua. I suspect it''s an imported good, isn''t it?"


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 Chapter 161

    Chapter 161


    Chapter 161 The Battle of Literature and Martial Arts (Part 2)


    "How did you know?" Tao Dongcheng was taken aback, but then he regained hisposure and said with disdain, "Even if you do know about these foreign goods, you''re just guessing blindly. Come on, tell me the name and origin of this item."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Even if you do have this item, I''m afraid you don''t have much of it. I wonder which foreigner you got it from." He then turned to Xu Wei and said, "Minister Xu, for the sake of fairness, I would like to request that Young Master Tao write down both the name and origin of this item and hand it over to you for safekeeping before I make my guess. Just to prevent any possible disputes about its identity after I guess it correctly."


    Xu Wei nodded and said, "Indeed, that''s the fair way to do this. Young Master Tao, please write it down. Let me remind you in advance, this mysterious object might not be unknown to others. Young Master Tao, don''t try to deceive me with a fake name."


    Xu Wei, experienced and wise, spoke sternly. Even if Tao Dongcheng intended to cheat, he didn''t have the courage. Xu Wei was renowned for being the most learned schr in thend, and it was possible he could recognize this item. Tao Dongcheng, fearing his reproach, followed Xu Wei''s instructions and wrote down a line of small characters on a piece of paper.


    Xu Wei nodded slightly, and said to Lin Wanrong, "Now, you may tell us what this object is."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "This object, in thenguage of the Westerners, is called ''diamond.'' In ancient Greek, it means ''unconquerable,'' and in Arabic, it signifies ''the hardest.'' Tranted into our Great Huanguage, it is called a diamond. In the eyes of the Westerners, diamonds are filled with mystery, legend, and romance. Some say it''s a fragment of a fallen star, while others believe it''s a crystallized tear of the gods. In fact, diamonds are not from the sky, but rather from the earth. They are natural diamonds, polished to perfection, possessing extreme hardness. Gentlemen, please observe."


    As he spoke, he walked over to Tao Dongcheng, took the small diamond from the box. Tao Dongcheng was startled, "What are you doing?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a smug smile, "Rx, I''m just going to do a simple experiment."


    He took a small bottle of perfume from his pocket, saying, "Gentlemen, this is a ss bottle." He lightly scratched the ss bottle with the diamond, and a deep mark appeared on the bottle, while the diamond remained undamaged.


    The crowd gasped in amazement. This diamond was not only sharp and hard, but also stunningly beautiful. It was indeed a rare treasure.


    Lin Wanrongughed and ced the diamond back in the box, "As you all have witnessed, the hardness of this diamond is evident. In fact, this diamond in the hand of Young Master Tao, having undergone only the most basic polishing, is of the poorest quality in terms of color, hardness, and craftsmanship. It is, indeed, a reject from the Westerners after their diamond processing."


    "Nonsense!" Tao Dongcheng eximed in anger, "This diamond was carefully chosen by me. How could it be a reject?"


    Lin Wanrong merely uttered an "Oh," inwardly relieved that the Great Huanguage still tranted ''diamond'' as ''diamond''.


    Lin Wanrong gave a faint smile, "Although Young Master Tao has this small, inferior diamond, I fear he doesn''t quite understand how to appraise it. The selection of a diamond primarily depends on color, density, luster, and refractivity. Judging from these four aspects, the one in your hand is indeed a poor choice, calling it a second-grade product isn''t an exaggeration. A real diamond is hard, pure, and brilliant; it withstands the test of time, with its value enduring forever. The Westerners associate the invincible diamond with enduring love, making it the best gift to express affection. Its hardness symbolizes the evesting, unbreakable affection between a man and a woman; its spectrum of colors symbolizes the rich and splendid love between them; and its pure transparency symbolizes selfless love. The metaphor is profound."


    All the people present were businessmen, possessing a strong curiosity about new things. Although they didn''t understand ancient Greek, Arabic, or thenguages of the West that Lin Wanrong mentioned, his exnations deeply prated their hearts. They found his description of the diamond soprehensible and logical, that they believed Lin Wanrong couldn''t possibly be lying. Even Tao Wanying was somewhat captivated, thinking, if what Lin Wanrong said was true, wouldn''t diamonds be every woman''s favorite?


    Eldest Miss Xiao stared nkly at Lin Wanrong, thinking to herself, this cunning man truly knew this object and could describe it as if it was a treasured possession in his home. She wondered how much more he was capable of.


    Xu Wei, the most learned schr in thend, had encountered Westerners in his youth but had never heard of this diamond. After hearing Lin Wanrong''s exnation, he couldn''t help nodding. The world was vast, and there were countless things yet to be known. This Lin Wanrong indeed had wide-ranging knowledge.


    The most disgruntled was Tao Dongcheng. He grunted and said, "Lin Wanrong, don''t get carried away. Even if you guessed the name correctly, you didn''t reveal its origin, so you haven''t won yet." His words, however, admitted that the name had been guessed correctly. Upon hearing this, Eldest Miss Xiao''s heart was relieved.


    Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "Don''t worry, Young Master Tao. I haven''t talked about its origin yet."


    Everyone''s ears perked up, ready to hear Lin Wanrong reveal the origin.


    "As for the origin of this diamond, the ''Book of Songs'' says, ''The stones from other mountains can be used to polish jade.'' This ''stone from other mountains,'' I believe, refers to the diamond. This suggests that our ancestors had discovered diamonds within our vast China long ago," Lin Wanrong exined with a smile. Everyone present had heard of the famous quote from the ''Book of Songs'', and upon careful reflection, they realized it did mean just that.


    "However, this inferior diamond in Young Master Tao''s hand came from the West. The earliest diamonds in the world were found in India, andter, arge number of them were produced in the Amazon Basin in South America. Later, many diamond mines were discovered in South Africa. The Westerners, with their strong military power, used aggressive tactics to seize these diamonds. After processing, they shipped them around the world. The diamond in Young Master Tao''s handes from the West, and its origin is likely one of the three ces I mentioned."


    Laughing, Lin Wanrong said to Tao Dongcheng, "Young Master Tao, may I borrow this diamond again?"


    Tao Dongcheng, hating the situation yet unable to refute, could only grunt in annoyance.


    Lin Wanrong raised the diamond above his head andughed, "Please take a look, everyone. The edges of this diamond are all neatly cut at right angles. Sister Liu, you''re an expert in jewelry processing, can you tell us how this came about?"


    Liu Yue''e took a close look at the diamond and replied seriously, "My Liu family has been crafting jade for generations, yet we could never cut it so neatly. From what I see, this must not be the result of manual cutting."


    Lin Wanrong extended his thumb and said, "An expert is indeed an expert, hitting the nail on the head with a single phrase. This diamond was indeed cut by a machine to be this neat."


    Everyone immediately began whispering among themselves. If even Liu Yue''e, an expert in crafting jade and gemstones, couldn''t achieve such a result, how exquisite must the machine be?


    Xu Wei eximed in surprise, "Little brother Lin, is this truly the work of Westerners? I too have met a Westerner years ago, but I never heard of them having such skills."


    With a sigh, Lin Wanrong replied, "Mr. Xu, everything changes with time, we shouldn''t judge things with old perspectives. Judging from the cutting of this diamond, the mechanical craftsmanship of the Westerners currently surpasses that of our Great Hua. But we have countless skilled craftsmen in Great Hua. With more effort, we''ll catch up soon. We shouldn''t belittle ourselves."


    Xu Wei nodded in agreement. Lin Wanrong continued, "Why did I say that this diamond in Young Master Tao''s hand is inferior? Besides the factors of color, brightness, and hardness that I previously mentioned for appraisal, another important point is the cutting. A real diamond is extremely valuable; it should be finely carved and carefully polished, and would never have such straightforward edges. Only the cut-offs, the inferior ones, would be like this."


    Everyone agreed with Lin Wanrong''s logical and insightful exnation. Xu Wei was greatlyforted and turned to Tao Dongcheng, "Young Master Tao, are you satisfied with Lin Wanrong''s answer?"


    Tao Dongcheng''s face was pale. His knowledge about the diamond was indeed limited. After Lin Wanrong''s exnation, even he felt speechless. Gritting his teeth, he said to Xu Wei, "Minister Xu, I acquired this diamondst month in Haian, from two Westerners who drifted ashore. I have no idea where they came from."


    "Did these Westerners have blonde hair and blue eyes, with pale skin?" Xu Wei asked.


    "Indeed, they do. I brought them with me to Hangzhou this time, intending to hand them over to you. They are downstairs now. There are several countries in the West, and I don''t know which one they are from. If Lin Wanrong can figure it out, I will willingly admit defeat," Tao Dongcheng said.


    In a hurry, Xu Wei waved his hand and ordered, "Bring up the Westerners."


    Shortly, two soldiers brought up two disheveled Westerners who looked fatigued and sly. They were tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes, their faces pale and their eyes hollow. Their clothes were tattered, indicating they had been through a lot.


    Among the people present, although they had heard of the reputation of Westerners, most of them were seeing them for the first time, causing many to exim in astonishment.


    The Westernnguage was vastly different from the Great Huanguage, and there was no interpreter present. Xu Wei nced at Lin Wanrong and said, "Little brother Lin, what should we do?"


    Xu Wei now felt that Lin Wanrong was truly unfathomable. This Lin San seemed to know quite a lot. Since he could exin the history and origin of the diamond so clearly, perhaps he also had a way to deal with these Westerners.


    However, it was Eldest Miss'' first time seeing Westerners. Unable to help herself, she grabbed Lin Wanrong''s sleeve and said, "Lin San, I didn''t expect Westerners to be so ugly."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and replied, "Indeed, they are not as beautiful as Miss."


    "Annoying!" Eldest Miss Xiao red at him, revealing her yful side.


    Lin Wanrong walked up to the Westerners, and they began chatting excitedly in a rapid-fire manner. No one in the hall could understand theirnguage, but Xu Wei was overjoyed. Lin San could actually understand the Westernnguagea talented individual, indeed!


    As they continued speaking, everyone was surprised to see one of the Westerners take out a diamond about half the size of a little finger, offering it respectfully to Lin Wanrong.


    The diamond was incredibly clear and transparent, shimmering with a dazzling brilliance under the sunlight. It was resplendent and magnificent, almost too dazzling to look at directly. Compared to Tao Dongcheng''s inferior piece, this diamond was like the difference between a firefly and the bright moon, worlds apart.


    Everyone was dumbfounded. The women in the hall felt their hearts race. How could such arge diamond not capture their attention?


    Lin Wanrong epted the diamond and turned around, grinning. "I''ve found out. This man''s name is Tavernier, hailing from France. He travels between India and Europe, specializing in the diamond business. Due to a fierce storm at sea, their ship lost its way and unknowingly drifted to our Huaxia." (Note: Tavernier, a Frenchman, known as the "Father of Diamonds.")


    [TL: From Wikipedia, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier was a 17th-century French gem merchant and traveler. Tavernier, a private individual and merchant traveling at his own expense, covered, by his own ount, 60,000 leagues in making six voyages to Persia and India between the years 1630 and 1668.]


    Xu Wei was both surprised and delighted. He looked at Tao Dongcheng and said, "Young Master Tao, do you have anything else to say?"


    This victory seemed within Tao Dongcheng''s grasp, but Lin Wanrong had shattered itpletely. How could Tao Dongcheng not be angry? His face turned pale, and through gritted teeth, he said, "In this match, I''ve lost."


    "Lin San!" Eldest Miss Xiao eximed, joyfully grabbing onto Lin Wanrong''s sleeve, tears and smiles mixing on her face.


    Lin Wanrongughed, saying, "I told you earlier, I am the second most talented person in the world."


    Eldest Miss Xiao covered her mouth, a mix of sadness and joy in her expression, softly crying out, "You boastful person."


    Having lost in the first round, the second round would be a battle of martial skills. There was no room for further mistakes. Tao Dongcheng called someone over and whispered to him, a hint of malice gleaming in his eyes. The person beside him exuded an aura of profound martial arts skill. A single nce was enough to recognize that he was an absolute master in martial arts.


    Damn it, this kid probably thinks I want topete with them in martial arts and wants to harm me, Lin Wanrong thought, seeing through their intentions.


    Eldest Miss Xiao said, "Lin San, for this round of martial skills, it''s our turn to set the challenge. Have you thought of something? What kind of challenge should we propose?"


    Lin Wanrong was dumbfounded. "Miss, shouldn''t it be you whoes up with the challenge?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao blushed for a moment. With a man supporting her in front, she seemed to have be somewhatcent. Her face reddened as she said, "You answered the literary challenge well, so for the martial skills round, youe up with an idea."


    This girl thinks I cane up with an idea just like that? Lin Wanrong smiled wryly, giving her a nce. "Miss, do you believe in me or not?"


    Asking such foolish questions. Eldest Miss Xiao, annoyed, red at him and said, "I don''t like what you''re saying."


    Now this little girl is getting angry. Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "Alright, let''s say I asked the wrong question. Just listen to meter. I''ll tell you what to do. Don''t be afraid, understood?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao nodded. "I''m not afraid. You can tell me."


    Lin Wanrong stood up, saluted Xu Wei, and smiled. "Minister Xu, for this round of martial skills, Miss Xiao will represent the Xiao family in thepetition."


    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone was shocked. It was a martial artspetition, yet it was the delicate and tender Miss Xiao who would participate. Where did Lin San''s fiery spirit go?


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 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162


    Chapter 162 The Battle of Literature and Martial Arts (Part 3)


    Miss Xiao was also startled, but she remembered the words Lin San had just said, and her rapidly beating heart gradually calmed down. She could only helplessly give him a nce and thought to herself, You didn''t even tell me in advance. Being with this wicked man, I''m afraid I won''t be bullied to death, but I might be scared to death.


    She snorted but noticed that Lin Wanrong still held therge diamond gifted by the Westerner in his hand. A trace of envy shed in Miss Xiao''s eyes, instantly dismissing her previous thoughts. She softly asked Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, what did you say to that Westerner? Why did he give you such a beautiful diamond?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled mysteriously. "It''s a secret," he replied.


    Miss Xiao turned her head and snorted. A secret? Was it really that remarkable? She wasn''t interested!


    Miss Xiao participating in the contest was unexpected. After watching the battle of literature, everyone thought they would witness a fierce physical confrontation, but it turned out to be Miss Xiao from the Xiao family stepping onto the stage.


    This unexpected move disrupted Tao Dongcheng''s n. Sending Miss Xiao to the front instead of Lin San meant that their previous strategy against him was in vain. They were forcing Tao Dongcheng to participate in the martial arts contest. Tao Wanying absolutely could not take the stage. If the scene of two women fighting each other spread, it wouldpletely ruin Tao Wanying''s reputation. How could she ever get married after that? But this Lin San seemed to have ulterior motives and didn''t even care about Miss Xiao''s reputation?


    "In that case, let this foolish brother apany the wise sister for some amusement," Tao Dongcheng smirked.


    Miss Xiao''s face turned red, and she angrily eximed, "Shameless!"


    Lin Wanrong, however, remainedposed. He had foreseen that Tao Dongcheng would personally take the stage. He sneered a few times, toozy to engage in a verbal dispute with this guy named Tao.


    The martial arts challenge was proposed by the Xiao family, leaving everyone puzzled, wondering what kind of martial arts method the Xiao family would employ to defeat Young Master Tao.


    Xu Wei asked, "Lin San, what kind of challenge did you propose for the martial arts contest?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "My challenge is also very simple, with a straightforward and understandable name: ''Washing Hands in an Oil Pan.''"


    "Washing Hands in an Oil Pan?" The name sounded terrifying. Initially, everyone regretted missing out on a fight, but upon hearing this topic, it seemed more interesting and thrilling than a mindless brawl, especially with the delicate and charming Miss Xiao participating.


    Seeing the horrified expression on Tao Dongcheng''s face, Lin Wanrong smirked. Damn it, this little guy thinks he''s good at ambushes? I''m the ancestor of this game.


    Xu Wei eximed in surprise, "Washing Hands in an Oil Pan? But Miss Xiao is a woman. How can she do it?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "That''s precisely to make Young Master Tao ept it wholeheartedly. Tao Dongcheng, do you dare?"


    Tao Dongcheng''s face turned pale. Washing hands in an oil pan was no joke. After washing once in the pan, that hand would be useless.


    However, Lin Wanrong didn''t wait for Tao Dongcheng''s answer. He turned directly to Xu Wei and said, "Minister Xu, please instruct the inn to prepare some firewood and cooking oil and get arge pot ready. Oh, I''ll go personally. Wait a moment, I''ll be right back."


    Xu Wei asked Tao Dongcheng, "Young Master Tao, do you have any objections?" Tao Dongcheng''s face looked unpleasant, and he red fiercely at Lin Wanrong without saying a word.


    Lin Wanrong went downstairs to have the inn prepare. After a while, several staff members came up carrying arge oil pan filled with cooking oil, faintly scented with vinegar. A few others brought a basin and a stove.


    This was going to be a serious affair, and the people in the hall immediately started discussing. Xu Wei nced at Lin Wanrong and Miss Xiao. This Lin San was elusive, and they had no idea what he was up to. Everyone in the hall felt that Lin San had some trick up his sleeve, but they couldn''t figure out what it was. This piqued their curiosity even more.


    Lin Wanrong directed the staff to set up the stove and oil pan, and everyone focused their attention on their actions.


    Lin Wanrong smiled slightly and said, "To ensure the fairness of this contest, I invite Minister Xu to light the fire."


    Xu Wei nodded and took a torch from one of the staff members, tossing it beneath the stove. There was straw hidden below, and as soon as it caught fire, the mes roared to life.


    "Please have Minister Xu test the oil," Lin Wanrong said.


    Xu Wei took a small spoon from one of the staff members and scooped out a spoonful of oil. With everyone''s eyes fixed on him, he poured the oil onto the fire. The mes instantly surged, proving that there was indeed oil in the pan.


    Lin Wanrong took a few pieces of limescale and tossed them into the pan.


    Under the gaze of the onlookers, the sparks ignited, and the oil pan began to boil.


    Everyone in the hall, including Xu Wei, was taken aback. It was indeed oil, and it was definitely boiling. Did this mean that they really had to wash their hands in it? Their confusion grew.


    Lin Wanrong said, "Please grant me five copper coins, Minister Xu."


    Xu Wei took out five coins and handed them to Lin Wanrong. With a flick of his hand, the five copper coins fell into the oil pan.


    The oil pan continued to heat up, the oil rolling and thick smoke billowing. Lin Wanrong looked at Tao Dongcheng and said, "Young Master Tao, these five copper coins must be retrieved in five attempts. Please retrieve them."


    Facing the boiling oil pan, Tao Dongcheng''s face turned pale. Retrieving coins from a boiling oil pan was no joking matter; it could cost him a hand. But if he didn''t try, not only would he lose face, but the Tao family''s cloth business would also be lost to the Xiao family. He stared at the boiling oil pan, contemting: as long as Father doesn''t fall, we can restart the cloth business, but if this hand is ruined, it can never be recovered.


    Tao Dongcheng clenched his teeth, took a few steps back, distancing himself from the oil pan, and said, "I can''t retrieve them. But if Miss Xiao can''t retrieve them either, it shouldn''t count as my loss."


    Lin Wanrong had urately predicted that Tao Dongcheng would take this move. He turned to Xu Wei and said, "Minister Xu, this is Young Master Tao''s suggestion. If Miss Xiao retrieves the coins, then we win the second round."


    Xu Wei nodded and said, "That seems fair."


    Eldest Miss Xiao''s face turned slightly pale. Facing the boiling oil pan, it would be a lie to say that she, as a delicate woman, wasn''t afraid. But she was much stronger-willed than Tao Dongcheng. For the sake of the Xiao family, she could disregard anything.


    However, Lin Wanrong smiled at her and said, "Don''t be afraid, trust me. All you need to do is retrieve the coins as quickly as possible. I guarantee you''ll be fine. After all, I am the second most talented person in the world."


    Eldest Miss Xiao nodded and slowly walked towards the oil pan. Everyone in the hall, including the Tao siblings and Xu Wei, held their breath. It was now the most crucial moment. Could it be that this delicate and beautiful Miss Xiao would really have to sacrifice her hands in this way? That would be such a pity.


    Eldest Miss Xiao stood by the oil pan, and the rising steam tinged her face with a red hue. She faintly sensed a sour smell in the air, the scent of aged vinegar. But in this highly tense moment, she had no time to think about such things.


    She had only one thought in her mind: to trust Lin San. He wouldn''t be wrong. Yet, even she could hear her heart pounding loudly.


    Lin Wanrong also stood by the oil pan, knowing what Miss Xiao was thinking. He chuckled and said, "Don''t forget, after we win, you have to help me withundry for a year."


    Eldest Miss Xiao snorted, feeling much calmer. Lin Wanrong nced at the oil pan and noticed the bubbling at the bottom. A smile appeared on his face as he said to Eldest Miss Xiao, "Listen to me, be quick, retrieve the five silver coins swiftly, and don''t dy."


    Eldest Miss Xiao nodded. Her heart was about to jump out of her chest. The people below were anxiously observing every move of Xiao Yuruo. Xu Wei looked at Lin Wanrong and said, "Lin San, be careful not to hurt Miss Xiao."


    Lin Wanrong slowly nodded and shouted, "Miss, retrieve the coins quickly!"


    Seeing his determined and confident expression, Miss Xiao''s heart steadied. She gritted her teeth and extended her jade-like hand into the oil pan.


    "Ah!" Countless people in the audience eximed. Even Tao Wanying covered her eyes, unable to bear watching. Even Xu Wei, an experienced person, couldn''t help but turn his head away.


    There was no expected scream, no cry of pain. There wasn''t even the slightest sound. Everyone quickly looked and saw that Eldest Miss Xiao''s face showed initial fear, then surprise, and finally, delight.


    When Xiao Yuruo''s hand first entered the oil pan, it wasn''t scalding as they had imagined. Instead, it was only slightly warm, like water for washing one''s face. Although it was a little hot, it was not much hotter than washing water. She could hardly believe it. Was this really an oil pan? It was more like water for washing her face.


    Lin Wanrong smiled faintly and said, "Don''t wash your hands. Grab the coins quickly."


    Eldest Miss Xiao responded with a joyful "Mmm" and quickly reached into the pan, retrieving one copper coin. While the astonished cries from the audience hadn''t even subsided, Eldest Miss Xiao swiftly reached into the pan again, grabbing the second coin, then the third... She managed to retrieve all five copper coins from the oil pan in one go.


    There was nothing but joy on her face, not a trace of pain. Looking at her delicate hand, there wasn''t even a hint of burning. It remained as wless and pure as ever.


    Unbelievable! Everyone in the audience stood up and eximed. If they hadn''t witnessed this scene with their own eyes, who would believe that Eldest Miss Xiao, a delicate woman, could retrieve five copper coins in session from the scalding oil pan unharmed? Besides the words "miraculous" and "mysterious," there were no other words to describe it.


    "How is this possible? How is this possible?" Tao Dongcheng copsed onto a chair, murmuring to himself.


    "A Statue can grow, an oil pan can wash hands. This world is vast and full of mysteries. Little brother Lin, I admire you greatly," Xu Wei sighed to Lin Wanrong.


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 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164


    Chapter 164 The Kindest Man in the World


    Xu Wei sighed, saying, "Little brother Lin, yesterday you unveiled the mystery of the Buddha statue''s growth, and today you''ve rified the secret of washing hands in the oil pot. I consider myself well-read and knowledgeable, yet when ites to experience, I willingly admit my inferiority to you."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Mr. Xu, I believe you''re mistaken. The understanding I possesses from the wisdom of millions of citizens of our great nation, honed through thousands of years. I merely borrowed their insights. If anyone should be admired, it should be these countless clever and wise ancestors. True knowledgees from the people."


    "Aha, ''knowledgees from the people''." Xu Wei echoed, "Little brother Lin, your words alone make you extraordinary."


    The Eldest Missughed, "Master Xu, don''t tter him too much. The more you praise him, the more pleased with himself he''ll be."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "It seems the Eldest Miss knows me well."


    Blushing slightly, the Eldest Miss thought to herself, ''Know you? It''s more like being tormented by you.''


    The two westerners with a dejected demeanor were still tied up on the side. The one called Tavernier upon seeing Lin Wanrong, hastily called out, "Mister Lin, Mister Lin"


    ''This Frenchman''s English is really subpar. His pronunciation is even worse than mine,'' Lin Wanrong thought, looking down on Tavernier. Despite being a Frenchman who moved between Europe and Asia, he was fluent in English, yet his pronunciation bore a thick French ent, making it less than perfect.


    Xu Wei queried in surprise, "Little brother Lin, are they calling you?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Yes, but their Western tongue is not very authentic, and it''s hard to understand."


    The Eldest Miss added, "Indeed. Not only are these westerners less good-looking than our people of the Great Hua, but their speech is also unclear and hard toprehend."


    Lin Wanrong looked helplessly at the Eldest Miss, thinking that she had never seen real Western beauties. Those Western girls, with their unique charm and ardor, were quite enticing, bringing a different vor than that of women from their homnd.


    Xu Wei, however, didn''t seem to despise the Westernnguage,ughing, "In my youth, I also encountered a Westerner. I''ve always found theirnguage difficult to understand. Little brother Lin, how did you manage toprehend it?"


    This question wasn''t easy to answer. Lin Wanrongughed, "Well, it''s a long story. My great-grandfather saved a foreigner at sea and learned some English phrases from him. I''m a modest and eager learner, so I followed suit. I never expected that it would actuallye in handy today."


    "Ah," Xu Wei responded lightly. Yet, his expression suggested that he didn''t believe it.


    The Eldest Miss thought, ''You should at leaste up with a better lie than that, otherwise, you''ll be seen through immediately.''


    "Little brother Lin, what are they saying?" Seeing the Westerner continue to babble on, Xu Wei asked.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "He''s asking when we will release them."


    Xu Wei pondered for a moment, then said, "In fact, as early as the previous dynasty, Westerners who fell into misfortune came to our Great Huaxia, propagating their doctrines. As a heavenly kingdom, we hold no grudges or ill will against these Westerners and have never troubled them. Let''s allow them to recuperate for a few days and then we can let them return home."


    [TL: Huaxia, the historical concept representing the Chinese nation]


    No grudges, no hatred? Lin Wanrong shook his head. It was easy to say such things now, but would this still hold true hundreds of yearster? Would there still be an Opium War, the Eight-Nation Alliance? It was an entirely different world, and what was to happen in the future, no one could predict.


    He sighed, "Mr. Xu, there''s a question I''ve never been able to figure out. I''d like to ask for your enlightenment."


    Xu Wei hastily replied, "Little brother Lin, please don''t say ''enlightenment''. It would mortify me. If you have something to say, please speak directly." Despite being the most learned schr in thend, he didn''t dare im the top spot before Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong asked, "Earlier you said correctly that, since the era of the previous dynasty, Westerners have been stranded in our Great Huaxia. Have you, Master Xu, ever counted how many Westerners havee to our Huaxia till now?"


    Xu Wei pondered for a while, then answered, "There''s never been a detailed count. There are asional rumors among the people, but I believe there have been no less than a hundred."


    Taking slow steps, Lin Wanrong asked, "So, there have been at least a hundred Westernersing to Huaxia, arriving in batches. What does this imply, Mr. Xu?"


    Xu Wei shook his head, "I am not sure."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "It shows one thing: Westerners are continuously exploring the world. They drift ceaselessly at sea, searching constantly, which is why they keep getting stranded."


    Though Xu Wei seemed to half-understand, Lin Wanrong continued, "May I ask Mr. Xu, has there ever been a warrior from our Huaxia who ventured to the West?"


    Xu Wei shook his head, "I have not heard of such a thing. The furthest we''ve sent ships is to the Ryukyu Inds and Korea, no one has ever gone to the West."


    Taking a long breath, Lin Wanrong slowly said, "While Westerners are constantly exploring the world, their progress may be slow and clumsy, but this is not something we should mock. On the contrary, we should respect them. Their pioneering spirit and exploration are exactly what we, in Huaxia, should learn from. Westerners havee to our Huaxia dozens of times, yet we know nothing about the West. Mr. Xu, don''t you see the danger in this? Perhaps one morning we''ll wake up to find a fleet of Western ships at our doorstep"


    As Xu Wei sank into deep thought, Lin Wanrong also felt a bit annoyed. These should be concerns for the officials, so why was it bothering an ordinary man like him? However, having heard Xu Wei''s words, he felt an urge to speak his mind. He decided to let it go, he was not here to save the world. Even if Martians were to invade, it had nothing to do with him. To eat well, drink well, sleep well, have a good time, that was enough for this life.


    After calming himself, he said, "Mr. Xu, since you''ve agreed to release these two Westerners, I''d like to make a trade with them. When they return to the West, I''d like them to take along our Great Hua''s silk, tea leaves, and other agricultural products, as well as the luxury items such as perfumes and soaps from the Xiao family."


    Damn it, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, I''m going to sell these perfumes and soaps in France, Ennd, all across Europe, a huge sell-off. Especially those lingerie and bras, Western women will look even hotter wearing them, especially the French girls, famous worldwide. Next time, I must have Tavernier bring a few French beauties over. I''ve had designs for a number of adult toys tucked away in my heart, I must get a few made, I won''t rest otherwise. Lin Wanrong''s heart was filled with grand ambitions.


    "Little brother Lin, what do you n to trade with them?" Xu Wei asked.


    "That depends on what Mr. Xu wants," Lin Wanrong answered with a meaningful smile. A sh of understanding seemed to cross Xu Wei''s eyes.


    Oh Xu Wenchang, Xu Wenchang, I''ve said all there is to say, the rest is up to you, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. He hoped his words today would inspire Xu Wei, he''d done all he could. He wouldn''t have time to guide Xu Wei in the future, he had to chase girls, he was busy enough as it was.


    Xu Wei gave Lin Wanrong a mysterious smile, "Little brother Lin, please be our trantor and tell this...So and so, to demonstrate the goodwill of our Great Hua Dynasty, we are sending skilled craftsmen to Hai''an to help these Westerners repair their irond ship. Ask them to cooperate fully, and exin the principles to us in detail, ideally with sketches. Once we understand, we''ll definitely repair it for them. If we don''t, they may have to stay in Great Hua forever"


    How shameless, thought Lin Wanrong, so shameless, but I like it!


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, tranting Xu Wei''s words with a twist. He said he had persuaded the Minister of Revenue of Great Hua to understand and tolerate the Westerners'' intrusion. The agate diamond hidden in the boot that Tao Dongcheng failed to confiscate was worth it. He also expressed Great Hua''s goodwill, promising to help them repair the ship, asking them to cooperate fully and to share their knowledge fully so that they could return as soon as possible.


    Tavernier gratefully said, "Mister Lin, you are the kindest man in the world. To show my gratitude, I will rmend to King Louis that all future trade between France and Great Hua be conducted by you."


    "Excellent, excellent." Lin Wanrong thought, Damn it, I''ve identally be a bourgeoisprador. The phrase "the kindest man in the world" made Lin Wanrong suppress augh. He held back hisughter and said, "However, Mister Tavernier, you still need to practice your English more. You should try to catch up with me, ha-ha."


    Lin Wanrong pulled the Eldest Miss aside and asked, "Eldest Miss, how many pieces of lingerie have been made now?"


    Xiao Yuruo blushed, "Why are you asking this?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "There are still quite a few diamonds hidden on this foreigner''s ship. I''ve agreed with him, lingerie for diamonds, it''s a fantastic deal."


    Xiao Yuruo covered her mouth and giggled, a blush tinting her cheeks. "You''re one to think of everything. As for the lingerie, we have made quite a lot. They were originally for Jinling and Hangzhou. You can take them if you need them."


    Damn, Lin Wanrong thought, I don''t need those things, it''s the beautiful French girls who do. He chuckled and said, "Get all the silk from our fabric shop ready and prepare some tea as well. Don''t pick the finest quality, second grade is fine. These Westerners haven''t tried it before, they''ll consider it a treasure. We''ll trade all of their diamonds, and in the future, when we have nothing to do, we can sleep on a bed of diamonds."


    The Eldest Miss hummed in agreement, but then she spat out in disdain, "Don''t count your chickens before they hatch. Who would want to share a bed of diamonds with you?"


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 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165


    Chapter 165 Misty Rain Over West Lake


    Having resolved the matter of the foreigner through abination of cajoling and trickery, Lin Wanrong managed to please both sides and even ended up with considerable benefits for himself. Needless to say, he was greatly pleased.


    As he left the Sunshine and Rain Restaurant, a soft drizzle began to fall from the sky. The early winter raindrops brought with them a biting chill, which sent shivers down their spines as theynded on their faces. In the faint mist, West Lake resembled a shy maiden veiled by a blurry silk scarf, rendering it even more mysteriously enticing.


    The Eldest Miss delicately raised her oiled paper umbre, lifted her long skirt, and slowly walked forward with small steps. Seeing her cautious demeanor, seemingly fearful of the sshing mud on her long dress, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but chuckle, "Eldest Miss, do not walk hastily. Mud on your clothes does not matter, just be careful not to let the dust settle on your heart."


    The Eldest Miss nced back at him, her eyes shing with annoyance, "Stop speaking in riddles; I don''t understand them. You have plenty of confidantes to charm with your words." As she spoke, a glimpse of a red thread was visible from within her sleeve. Upon noticing it, Lin Wanrong chuckled again, "Eldest Miss, the appearance of the red thread signifies the arrival of marriage ties. It seems that good fortune ising your way."


    Startled, the Eldest Miss looked down and indeed found a red thread from her embroideryst night lodged in her sleeve, alongside two embroidery needles. She was shocked that Lin San had spotted it. Her face turned a bright red as she muttered resentfully, "Idle chatter."


    Lin Wanrong, ustomed to such light-hearted teasing, didn''t mind her reaction. Xu Wei, on the other hand, found it quite interesting. "Little brother Lin," he began, "when I was your age, I wasn''t nearly as carefree as you. Even though I''m old now, I can''t help but admire your rxed and easy-going lifestyle."


    Laughing, Lin Wanrong replied, "Mr. Xu, I am but a simplemoner, and this carefree spirit is nothing more than an illusion of poverty. It''s hardly worth your admiration. We are simply puppets manipted by others, yet we must act grateful. As someone who prides himself on his wit, this is particrly galling."


    Xu Wei replied, "Little brother Lin, I had no choice but to resort to the Xiao family today to deal with Tao Dongcheng. I hope you can understand." As a clever man himself, Xu Wei understood Lin Wanrong''s subtle criticism and decided to admit it frankly.


    Shaking his head andughing, Lin Wanrong said, "Mr. Xu, I hardly understand these matters. The West Lake is simply beautiful in the rain today. How delightful it would be if I could gather a few sisters and find some entertainment."


    The Eldest Miss, walking ahead, could hear every word. She turned back angrily, "Lin San, why won''t you mend your ways?"


    Mend my ways? Me? I always think I am someone who changes easily. When did I be so stubborn? "Miss, where have I refused to change?"


    Her face flushed with anger, she replied, "In Jinling, you interacted with the courtesans of Miaoyu Pavilion, and at least my cousin was with you to discuss schrly matters. That was tolerable. But now we''re in Hangzhou, and you''re entertaining such vile thoughts again. Have you forgotten Miss Qingxuan and Sister Qiaoqiao?"


    Sweat poured down his face. His wives didn''t control him, but it seemed this Eldest Miss wanted to. Seeing her indignant expression, it seemed like a man''s visit to a brothel was the gravest sin.


    In front of the Eldest Miss, Lin Wanrong turned to Xu Wei and asked, "Mr. Xu, do you think visiting a brothel is a wrongdoing?"


    Xu Wei, even though he was the nation''s foremost schr, couldn''t help but break into a sweat. This Lin Wanrong fellow really had no fear in speaking his mind, even about such crude topics as brothels. A more refined term would be ''pleasure quarters.'' During his younger days, Xu Wei had been quite the romantic himself. However, as he grew older, he became more reserved. With the Eldest Miss present, he was unsure how to respond. He finally replied, "Well, Little brother Lin, I''m not particrly knowledgeable about the matters of pleasure quarters."


    Pretending to be so pure, eh? Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Mr. Xu, you''ve misunderstood. I am referring to the existence of pleasure quarters, not the individuals involved. These establishments exist for a reason. Some women need money, some men have certain needs. Both the buyers'' market and sellers'' market exist; it''s only natural that this trade would flourish. As long as no coercion is involved, it meets the needs of both parties, and taxes are paid, it''s a win-win situation. Prosperity and pleasure can coexist harmoniously."


    Sweat dripped down Xu Wei''s forehead. Every sentence Lin Wanrong uttered was shockingly audacious. But they also had a ring of truth to them and Xu Wei couldn''t find a good counterargument.


    Hearing Lin Wanrong''s oundish words, the Eldest Miss was infuriated. Pointing at him, she eximed, "You...you''re shameless and outrageous! Beyond redemption!" She spun around and ran off, not even bothering about the mud sshed on her long skirt.


    Xu Wei sighed, "Little brother Lin, even though I pride myself on my sharp wit, I find it hard to keep up with your ideas."


    Lin Wanrong replied, "Hardly, my thought process isn''t broad enough, my ideas aren''t liberated enough, I need further refinement."


    Laughing, Xu Wei said, "Little brother Lin, you''re certainly the most intriguing person I''ve ever met. I wish I had met you thirty years ago. If we were of the same age, we could have be sworn brothers. Our meetings so far are fate. Today, allow me to host you. Let''s take a small boat and explore the beauty of West Lake in this rain. What do you think?"


    Lin Wanrong was always a bit mischievous. Today''s events had been very satisfying; he had shown off his skills, gained silver, and had a thousand reasons to celebrate. Boating on West Lake amidst the rain was a favorite pastime of the witty and romantic types like him. Both Xu Wei and Lin Wanrong, one known as the top and the other as the second best, they had every right to enjoy such an outing.


    With a wave of his hand, Xu Wei signaled an attendant who approached them. Judging by his movements, he seemed to be skilled in martial arts. Probably one of Xu Wei''s secret guards. Lin Wanrong wasn''t surprised. After giving the attendant a few instructions, Xu Wei dismissed him.


    As the two men continued, they noticed the Eldest Miss standing under a tree, looking towards them from a distance. Xu Wei chuckled, "In the end, Miss Xiao can''t help but worry about you, Little brother Lin."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "I fear she''s not worried about me, but rather which girl from the pleasure quarters I might mistreat." Xu Wei burst intoughter. Listening to this young man, Lin Wanrong, was a joy in itself.


    Seeing the two approaching, the Eldest Miss blushed. She curtseyed towards Xu Wei, "Master Xu, this is just how Lin San behaves, he loves to spout nonsense. Please, do not take offense."


    Sweat dripped down his brow. The Eldest Miss was actually defending him, which stirred a slight feeling of gratitude within Lin Wanrong.


    Xu Weiughed, "Miss Xiao, there''s no need for such formalities. Although there''s a gap of over thirty years between Lin San and me, our temperaments are quite alike. Talking with him is one of the great pleasures in life, there''s no cause for taking offense."


    So, I''m not the only one who likes to listen to him talk? The Eldest Miss thought but didn''t utter a word.


    Xu Wei spoke, "I just invited Little brother Lin for a rainy tour of West Lake. If Miss Xiao wouldn''t mind, why don''t you join us? It would be nice for the three of us to chat." To his surprise, Xiao Yuruo agreed with a soft hum.


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile. Wasn''t the Eldest Miss usually very busy? Why was she free to join them on their trip to West Lake today? Damn, this was supposed to be a trip for drinking and soliciting courtesans. How could they bring her along?


    After a while, the attendant led the three onto a luxuriously appointed houseboat. Xu Wei nodded with satisfaction and invited the others, "Miss Xiao, Little Brother Lin, pleasee in."


    As they entered the cabin, they saw a woman sitting in the center of the room with a zither in front of her. She was in her forties or fifties, her temples touched with gray and her forehead etched with fine lines, but her face still bore the traces of past beauty.


    Who was she? Lin Wanrong wondered, only to hear Xu Wei exim joyfully, "Qinglian, is that really you?"


    Seeing Xu Wei''s joyous reaction, could this be an old me of his? Lin Wanrong pondered.


    Qinglian rose and said, "I am amoner, Su Qinglian, pleased to see you, Mr. Xu." The way she referred to herself and addressed Xu Wei was a bit odd, but Xu Wei didn''t seem to mind.


    "Su Qinglian?" the Eldest Miss eximed. "Are you the famous courtesan of West Lake, Madam Su Qinglian?"


    "The Su Qinglian of the past no longer exists, Miss. Please don''t bring it up," Su Qinglian looked at Xu Wei, her voice cold, but her eyes filled with resentment and sadness.


    "Eldest Miss, who is this Su Qinglian?" Lin Wanrong quietly asked Xiao Yuruo.


    "You don''t know even this?" the Eldest Miss looked surprised, both annoyed and amused. She knew his interest in brothels, yet he didn''t know such a well-known story. She wondered what he spent his time thinking about if not these vulgar matters.


    "Su Qinglian was a famous opera singer in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and the top courtesan at the Elegant Breeze Pavilion of West Lake. She fell in love with Xu Wei, which was a sensation back in the day."


    Sweat poured down his face. So, Su Qinglian was a courtesan who sang folk songs. When Xu Wei sought a courtesan, he had chosen his old love. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help butugh at this.


    "After Master Wenchang went north to study, he never returned for many years," the Eldest Miss narrated. "Miss Su Qinglian, after Mr. Wenchang left, sealed her zither, closed her doors to guests, and made a vow. She said she wouldnt touch the zither or style her hair again until Wenchang returned, she was willing to let her beauty fade away."


    The Eldest Miss sighed as she got to this part of the story. How terrifying it was for a woman to let her beloved beauty fade away. And how deep was the love behind such a decision? Su Qinglian''s present state was a testament to the truth of her vows. She wouldn''t have allowed her beauty to fade away otherwise.


    "Mr. Wenchang left for thirty years, during which he established a family in the capital. His wife was very kind and asked Master Xu to invite Miss Su to reunite in the north. But Miss Su sent a reply with just a few words: ''My heart is loyal to you, I hope yours is the same to me,''" The Eldest Miss said, ncing meaningfully at Lin Wanrong.


    At this point, Lin Wanrong understood. So, this Xu Wenchang was unfaithful, and it was fortunate that his wife was kind enough to let him ept Su Qinglian as a concubine. However, Su Qinglian had a strong character, she was like a lioness, advocating for monogamy, and hoped that Xu Wenchang only had her in his heart. The oue was predictable.


    "Thus, Miss Su waited in vain for thirty years, allowing her beauty to fade without fulfilling her wish. What a tragic life," the Eldest Miss sighed, her eyes red-rimmed as she nced at Lin Wanrong.


    Damn, did the Eldest Miss also advocate monogamy? Seeing her look, Lin Wanrong was taken aback. But then he thought that her belief in monogamy was none of his business. After hearing Su Qinglian''s story, Lin Wanrong, a staunch patriarchist, felt moved. Such firmness, such deep love, was not easy. This woman was indeed worthy of respect.


    "Qinglian, thirty years have passed since west met, but you''re still as beautiful and captivating as before," the first words that Xu Wenchang said made Lin Wanrong taken aback. This old man''s way of coaxing girls was quite impressive, there must have been many romantic tales from his past.


    "Mr. Xu, I''vee to fulfill our promise from all those years ago. I vowed not to style my hair again until you returned. It''s been thirty years, and finally, I can y my zither and style my hair again," Su Qinglian said, her face wet with tears. Her greying temples, under the nting rain at West Lake, appeared especially deste. Xu Wenchang also teared up, holding onto the table as if he could hardly stand.


    Witnessing the reunion of the old lovers felt quite awkward, and Lin Wanrong, pulling the Eldest Miss, wanted to leave. But he saw her stubbornly standing still, crying harder than Su Qinglian, just like the Qiantang River bursting its banks.


    Goodness, Lin Wanrong secretly stuck his tongue out. So, this girl likes watching romance dramas. He hurriedly whispered in her ear, "They are here to reminisce about old times. Why are you standing here obstructing them?"


    The Eldest Miss softly acknowledged, about to step out, when a humming sound resonated in the air. It was the vibration of a zither string. Before they knew it, the silver-haired Su Qinglian was sitting beside the zither, which had not been unsealed for thirty years. She plucked the strings and sang:


    "Green willows and fragrant grass along the long pavilion road,


    Easy for the young to abandon others and go.


    Dreams fading at the fifth morning bell atop the tower,


    Sorrow of parting beneath flowers in the March rain.


    Loveless is not as bitter as loving too much,


    An inch of love stretches into endless threads.


    The ends of the earth and the sky have their limits,


    Only love, love alone, knows no end."


    Her voice was no longer the heavenly melody of her youth. It carried a slight hoarseness, yet the sentiment in the song was pure and sincere, like a portrait of her life. Theck of any technique only made it more heartfelt, softly sung. The wait and longing of thirty years, the day of reunion only to find her beauty had faded, and the time had passed. How much mncholy and bitterness this period had encapsted was all intertwined within the song, filled with sentiment and scenery, making it hard not to be moved.


    The Eldest Miss cried loudly, while Lin Wanrong couldn''t bear the sorrowful atmosphere. He sighed lightly and said, "Since ancient times, beauties and heroes have not been allowed to grow old in the eyes of the world"


    "Lin San" The Eldest Miss, her eyes swimming in tears, looked at him and sobbed, "Would you... would you be like Master Xu?"


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 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166


    Chapter 166 The Red Thread


    Sweat. Why should this matter have anything to do with me? I am a faithful supporter of the enlightened policies of the Great Hua Dynasty, where it is absolutely permissible to have more than one wife. Besides, I am much smarter than this old Xu. Xu Wenchang may be smart in many things, but he is quite foolish in this matter. If I were him and Su Qinglian wanted to y such games with me, I would directly tie her up, perform the marriage ceremony, enter the bridal chamber, and then have five, six, seven, eight children with her. Let''s see how she can still long for a man who waits for her with the same dedication, thought Lin Wanrong.


    "Why would anyone want to imitate him, he''s just too dull," said Lin Wanrong. "This old man should learn from me instead."


    "Learn what from you?" the Eldest Miss asked, wiping away a tear.


    "Learn to be strong, domineering, loving, and to push forward with courage. When facing a woman I like, if I can''t win her over directly, I''ll try to persuade her, if persuasion doesn''t work, I''ll persist in myriad ways, never letting go. This old Xu, however, is just stuck in his own problems. He is truly foolish," Lin Wanrong said with a sigh.


    The touching mood was thoroughly ruined by Lin Wanrong''s nearly rogue remarks. The Eldest Miss was both angry and annoyed. Somehow, whenever heughed, he could make people cry, and whenever he cried, he could make peopleugh. How utterly vexing!


    Their conversation was interrupted by a snap. The sound of a string breaking. Looking over, they saw Su Qinglian''s pale fingers had forcefully torn a string on the guqin. She looked at Xu Wei and slowly said, "Mr. Xu, this guqin was a gift from you years ago. Today, I return it to you, putting an end to our thirty years of affection."


    Xu Wei stuttered, unable to say a word. Su Qinglian gave a wretched smile, rushed out of the cabin, and was about to throw herself into theke.


    But Lin Wanrong, quick as lightning, caught up with her and grabbed her sleeve, saying, "Sister Su, the water is shallow here, you should go over there instead."


    "You, what do you mean?" Su Qinglian asked in shock.


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "I''m just helping you achieve your wish."


    While they were speaking, Xu Wei had caught up. He grabbed Su Qinglian''s hand, pleading emotionally, "Qinglian, don''t be impulsive. It was my fault in the past. I apologize to you. Please, give me another chance."


    Su Qinglian wept, "What use are your words now? Let me go, let me go. Let me die."


    Xu Wei held onto Su Qinglian tightly, and the two became entangled.


    Lin Wanrong watched, frustrated. These two, clearly in love, were making things so painful. It was truly baffling. They were in their fifties or sixties, and yet they were still acting like this.


    The Eldest Miss walked over to him, frowning, "What should we do?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled and asked, "Where''s that red thread you''ve hidden in your sleeve?"


    The Eldest Miss blushed slightly, "Who''s hiding a red thread? What do you need it for?"


    Lin Wanrong pointed at Su Qinglian and Xu Wei, smiling, "Look how awkward these two are. I suppose we have to y matchmaker for them."


    Understanding his meaning, the Eldest Miss covered her mouth andughed, "You always have the most mischievous ideas."


    "Enough, enough, no more struggling." Lin Wanrong went over to Xu Wei, and while pretending to pull him back, he attached a red thread to his robe with an embroidered needle, then loudly said, "Please listen to me for a moment."


    The Eldest Miss, too, held Su Qinglian tightly and fastened the other end of the red thread onto her clothes.


    "Who might you be, sir?" asked Su Qinglian through her tears, addressing Lin Wanrong.


    "Who am I?" Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I am Lin San. Xu Wenchang may be known as the most learned man in the world, but I am the second. Remember that, Sister Su. You''ll have to thank me properly when your wishes are fulfilled in the future."


    "What wishes can a dying person fulfill?" Su Qinglian replied tearfully.


    Lin Wanrong smiled slightly. "Life may be as insignificant as grass, but it has its spring blooms and autumn fruits. How can one speak so casually of life and death? Sister Su, thirty years have passed in the blink of an eye, do you still care so much about this fleeting moment?"


    Su Qinglian sighed pensively. Seizing the moment of her hesitation, Lin Wanrong continued, "Mr. Xu, Sister Su, I have a few questions for both of you. Please answer carefully, don''t lie. These questions may affect your evesting future."


    Xu Wei, of course, knew that Lin San was on his side and quickly nodded, but Su Qinglian didn''t say a word.


    "Mr. Wenchang, have you forgotten Sister Su over these years?" Lin Wanrong asked leisurely.


    By now, Xu Wenchang had no regard for his pride, he hastily replied, "Where is thising from? Throughout these thirty cold and hot seasons, I have never once forgotten Qinglian. As for the letters, I don''t know how many I have sent."


    It turned out that Xu Wenchang had been writing love letters to Su Qinglian all along. This was quite rare, Lin Wanrong thought. "Then why didn''t you seek Sister Su earlier?"


    Xu Wei sighed. "After Qinglian''s letter years ago, the whole world knew. She had closed off the path. Even if I wished to, how could I have the face to see her?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, then turned to Su Qinglian. "Sister Su, do you truly no longer miss Mr. Xu?"


    Su Qinglian grunted, her face stern, but a fleeting hint of mncholy shed across her eyes. Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "I''ll answer this one for you. Sister Su has sealed her zither and tied up her hair for more than thirty years. Thinking of him, missing him, yet also worrying and hating him. Your yearning is as long as a river, your hidden bitterness as persistent as a needle. By now, I''m afraid it''s hard to tell if it''s hate or longing. Is that correct, Sister Su?"


    Su Qinglian''s face reddened slightly, then she sighed, but in the end, she did not deny it.


    Lin Wanrong continued, "Mr. Xu, did your wife at home know that you came looking for Sister Su?"


    "She''s no longer with us," Xu Wenchang said mournfully.


    "She''s gone, and now youe looking for me? You heartless and insensitive man!" Su Qinglian began to sob again.


    Lin Wanrong gave Xu Wei a nce. This old man, can''t he speak more tactfully? He sighed, "Stop arguing. Both of you are unmarried, with feelings for each other, carrying mutual longing for over thirty years. Yet why do you seek death upon meeting? Forgive my blunt words, but how many more years do you both have? Why must you be so reserved, missing thisst chance?"


    "Mr. Xu, Sister Su, you can''t separate anymore, you''re already tied by the red thread. You can''t just break apart," the Eldest Miss said with augh.


    Xu Wei and Su Qinglian hurriedly looked down and found a thin red thread, connecting the two of them directly.


    Both of them blushed simultaneously, knowing that it was certainly the doing of this young man and woman. Xu Wei, having served as a high-ranking official for many years, still held his imposing air. He took advantage of the situation and took Su Qinglian''s hand, saying, "Qinglian, I''ve truly missed you all this time."


    A blush crept across Su Qinglian''s pale cheeks, but she didn''t know what to say, only allowing her tears to fall.


    This old man Xu was good at seizing the moment. He was quite adept at courting women. Lin Wanrong pulled the Eldest Miss aside,ughing, "The following scene may not be suitable for children. We''d better not watch, and not hinder them."


    The Eldest Miss walked to the side with him, sitting on the side rail of the ship. Sheughed and scolded, "You were being serious for a while, and now you''re up to mischief again." She nced at Su Qinglian in the distance and spoke softly, "Miss Su''s devotion is so profound, willing to die to prove her point. She truly is a role model for women."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head andughed, "Eldest Miss, I believe Sister Su has some cunning too."


    "What cunning?" The Eldest Miss frowned, "Do you think everyone in the world is as sly as you?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Eldest Miss, think about it. Could Su Qinglian really die by jumping into the river in front of Mr. Xu?"


    Xiao Yuruo paused. There were several boats nearby, all of them Xu Wei''s bodyguards. Even if Miss Su fell into the river, they could quickly rescue her. Considering this, Su Qinglian couldn''t really die.


    Seeing the Eldest Miss''s frowning face, Lin Wanrongughed, "In my opinion, this was all a performance by Sister Su for Mr. Wenchang. It''s a small punishment for his unfaithfulness and a way for Sister Su to step down. Her strategy was indeed extremely effective." Lin Wanrong was all too familiar with the tactics of women: crying, making a fuss, and threatening suicide.


    "So you''re saying, Miss Su had forgiven Mr. Xu a long time ago?" The Eldest Miss inquired doubtfully.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Of course. I fear that Sister Su started regretting soon after she wrote that letter. But she has been seen as a role model by you women, so she found herself in a difficult situation. Both Mr. Xu and she couldn''t let go of their pride, so they kept dragging it on, and before they knew it, thirty years had passed. In fact, only a thinyer separated them. Once punctured, everything would be fine." Lin Wanrong sighed.


    Upon careful thought, it really was as simple as piercing a piece of paper. The Eldest Miss sighed inwardly. She nced at Lin San and chuckled lightly, "Binding this red thread today, you''ve indeed done a good deed. However, your technique is trulycking."


    "Where was itcking?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "You tied the red thread in the wrong ce."


    "Then where should it have been tied?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    "Don''t you know that the red thread is supposed to be tied around the ankle? You, the second greatest schr in the world, haven''t even heard of this proverb?" The Eldest Missughed triumphantly. Like a carefree young girl, she lifted her foot, unting it, and casually tied the red thread around her delicate ankle.


    Sweat dripping, Lin Wanrong admitted he had not studied this. Taking it as a purely academic inquiry, he tied the other end of the red thread around his own foot and asked, "Would this do? It doesn''t seem reliable to me. The Eldest Miss and I don''t have that kind of fate. How could we be tied together?"


    Xiao Yuruo paused, staring nkly at the red thread tied to their feet. Her face suddenly flushed a deep red. In a soft voice, she said, "Lin San, don''t bind it randomly. Quickly undo the one on your foot." As she spoke, her face was flushed, and she turned her head away, not daring to look at him.


    "Why should I untie mine?" Lin Wanrongughed, "Are you trying to shirk this small task?"


    Just as he was about to untie the red thread, he heard a rustling noise. Suddenly, several dark figures emerged from the shadows, their des glinting. One of them shouted, "Kill Xu Wei!"


    Another, with an incredibly swift sword, aimed urately and severed the red thread tied to their feet.


    Without a sound, the red thread was cut in half.


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 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167


    Chapter 167 A Fight Brewing?


    The figure approached swiftly, the gleam of the sword not aimed to wound, but specifically targeting the red thread. Lin Wanrong was taken aback; this person in ck possessed extraordinary martial skills,parable to those of Qingxuan.


    Xiao Yuruo let out a startled cry. She stared dumbstruck at the severed red thread that now danced freely in the wind, as if she had lost her soul.


    The person in ck, having severed the red thread with a single sh, did not halt the momentum of the sword. The de continued its course, lunging toward the Eldest Miss. Lin Wanrong hastily positioned himself in front of her,nding a punch on the attacker''s wrist. The assant retreated swiftly, casting a disdainful hum toward the duo.


    The Eldest Miss was still in a daze, silent as she watched the severed red thread, seemingly oblivious to the aggression of the person in ck. Worried, Lin Wanrong quickly tugged at her sleeve and asked, "Eldest Miss, what''s the matter with you?"


    Xiao Yuruo came back to her senses. A touch of sorrow in her expression, she cast a nce at him and whispered, "It''s nothing, Lin San. Just... please be careful."


    The person in ck across from them noticed the Eldest Miss''s concern and let out another dismissive hum.


    The sound was familiar to Lin Wanrong''s ears. Taking another look at the figure, he realized it was a woman. His heart skipped a beat. Oh no, wasn''t this Xian''er? Last time during the White Lotus Cult''s raid on the Xiao family, she wanted to kill Yushuang, and now she was here to kill Yuruo. My goodness, was she really out for the Xiao family?


    Meanwhile, the ck-d figure who had ambushed Xu Wei was intercepted by his personal bodyguard. The two engaged in a fierce duel as other guards in the distance sped toward them.


    Xu Wei, protecting Su Qinglian behind him, coldly watched the surrounding assants. His eyes held no fear, only a glint of sharp determination.


    Since Xian''er had revealed herself, it was evident that the one who ambushed Xu Wei was also from the White Lotus Sect. Having raided the cult''s hideout and killed several members the day before, and having helped the Xiao family topple Tao Dongcheng today, Xu Wei was undoubtedly a thorn in the cult''s side. With just a few nces, Lin Wanrong had a pretty clear picture of the situation.


    Seeing more and more guards flocking around Xu Wei, a voice from the White Lotus Cult yelled, "Kill Xu Wei quickly. No dys!" The assants abandoned their respective opponents and rushed toward Xu Wei.


    Qin Xian''er nced once more at the Eldest Miss shielded behind Lin Wanrong, let out a cold hum, and readied her sword to attack Xu Wei.


    Seeing this, Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat. This girl, previously helping the White Lotus Cult raid the Xiao family and acting like a bandit, was already questionable, but now she intended to murder a government official, a rebellious act. She had some spirit. How had he not noticed this when they were at Miaoyu Pavilion?


    "Xian''er" Lin Wanrong quickly stepped forward and grabbed her fair wrist, "Why are you here?"


    Qin Xian''er''s face was concealed behind a veil, her expression unreadable, but the hum that followed conveyed her dissatisfaction. "What are you stopping me for? Go on with your red thread game." The strong hint of jealousy in her voice was unmistakable.


    Lin Wanrong found it amusing. This girl had quite the temper. The Eldest Miss and he were just fooling around, yet she had rushed in, ready to kill without distinguishing right from wrong. This temper of hers, he really might need to help her correct it.


    Pretending not to have heard her words, Lin Wanrong gently asked, "Didn''t you all return to Jining? Why have youe to Hangzhou?"


    Xian''er nced at him and snorted, "I won''t tell you."


    Lin Wanrong pulled her behind a column in the hallway, out of sight of herpanions. He then lightly chuckled, "Did you miss me and sneak over to Hangzhou?"


    Qin Xian''er''s face, hidden behind the veil, did not reveal a blush. All he heard was a soft retort, "Who misses you? You have a thick face."


    The White Lotus cult members and Xu Wei''s guards were fighting fiercely. Several people had already died at the hands of the guards, but Lin Wanrong held Qin Xian''er back, preventing her from joining the fray. She tried to break free, but he held her wrist, draining her strength. Annoyed, she red at him, "Why are you holding me back? I ruined your good deed just now. You can continue."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "You''ve ruined my ns more than once or twice. Speaking of which, I should give your little behind a few smacks."


    Qin Xian''er shyly retorted, "You''re a terrible person."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Did youe looking for me specifically?"


    "No one came looking for you specifically," Xian''er huffed. "We only arrived in Hangzhou yesterday and had no idea you were here."


    "Did youe specifically for Xu Wei?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Qin Xian''er nced at him, "Naturally. He killed many of my White Lotus sect brothers and sisters. The whole sect won''t let him off. We''ve been hiding here in theke for a long time."


    Hiding for a long time, just to sever this red thread? Lin Wanrong was speechless. He thought to himself, your White Lotus sect has harmed so many people, what does it matter if Xu Wei killed a few of you? But it was pointless to argue with a little demoness from the White Lotus cult, so he sighed, "Miss Xiao has not offended you, why do you want to kill her?"


    "Who said she didn''t offend me?" Qin Xian''er nced at Xiao Yuruo and snorted.


    Xiao Yuruo, hidden behind Lin Wanrong, was surprised to hear that the assassin was a woman. Hearing the familiar way she spoke to Lin Wanrong and that she was from the White Lotus cult, she was even more shocked. How did Lin San know the White Lotus cult? Could Lin San be a part of it too? Had all the past events been him deceiving her?


    Her mind was a whirl after the red thread was severed, her judgment severely impaired. With a heart full of sorrow, she pointed at Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, you... you''re colluding with the White Lotus cult?"


    Sweating, Lin Wanrong had forgotten that Xiao Yuruo was still present after talking to Xian''er. Seeing Xiao Yuruo''s tear-filled eyes, he smiled bitterly, "Miss Xiao, how could I be in league with the White Lotus cult? Please think about it."


    Although Xiao Yuruo had been shocked today and felt ufortable, when she thought about it carefully, everything that Lin San had done, although sometimes naughty, had never harmed the Xiao family. He had rescued her from the White Lotus cult and had acted out of anger on her behalf today. All his actions were genuine.


    Xiao Yuruo felt embarrassed. What was wrong with her today? She hadpletely lost herposure and had even started suspecting Lin San, this rogue.


    Although she admitted her mistake inwardly, she was too embarrassed to acknowledge it out loud. Further irritated and hurt by Qin Xian''er''s actions that day, she whimpered, "If you have no association with the White Lotus cult, then why are you engaging so intimately with this demoness?"


    Before Lin Wanrong could respond, Qin Xian''er retorted angrily, "Who are you calling a demoness? Exin yourself!"


    The Eldest Miss harbored a deep hatred for the White Lotus cult and responded fearlessly, "The White Lotus cult is full of evil beings who kill and pige. If you''re not a demoness, what are you?"


    Qin Xian''er, offended, stamped her foot and eximed, "You call me a demoness, then I, this demoness, will kill you today!" The term ''demoness'' was one only Lin Wanrong was allowed to use; its usage by anyone else touched a raw nerve for Qin Xian''er.


    "Just because you know martial arts doesn''t mean I''m afraid of you," the Eldest Miss huffed, looking at the severed red thread. For some reason, her heart ached more and more.


    "I won''t use martial arts today; instead, let me show you just how formidable a ''demoness'' can be." Qin Xian''er gritted her teeth and, incredibly, tossed away her long sword, seemingly prepared to engage in a scuffle, much like a street woman would.


    Xiao Yuruo was usually strong and gentle, but today she seemed bewitched. Staring at Qin Xian''er, she dered indignantly, "I''m not afraid of you, demoness!"


    Lin Wanrong sighed. These two girls were more stubborn than the other. They had just met and already they were squabbling and even preparing to fight. Did they not regard him at all?


    "Had enough yet?" he grunted, looking at the pair.


    His voice held an undeniable authority. At his words, Qin Xian''er dared not argue, and the Eldest Miss shot him a look but remained silent.


    Seeing the two girls silenced, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, Now that''s more like it. From now on, you''re not allowed to interrupt when I''m speaking." He sternly told them, "You''re both youngdies. Instead of learning to fight, why not do something more constructive? Xian''er, continue your mission to kill Xu Wenchang. As for you, Eldest Miss, let''s get back to tying the red thread."


    Both women were momentarily stunned. What a unique way to defuse the situation! Despite themselves, they both burst outughing, then realizing the awkwardness of their shared mirth, they exchanged nces and huffed dismissively through their nostrils.


    The Eldest Miss blushed and retorted, "Who said I''m going to tie the red thread with you? You''re so shameless."


    Qin Xian''er clenched her little fists, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, and said, "You two go ahead and tie your red thread, I''ll go do my killing."


    From somewhere nearby, a voice called out, "Where''s junior sister? Where is she? We need her help."


    Their eyes turned in the direction of the call, only to see the fight had intensified. The White Lotus cult wasunching fierce attacks, but Xu Wenchang''s numerous guards were steadily arriving to surround them.


    "This White Lotus cult is really loosely organized," Lin Wanrong sighed. Qin Xian''er bit her lip and said, "Young Master, I must go now, take care."


    Seeing her pitiful expression, Lin Wanrong took her hand and advised, "Xu Wenchang is not easy to kill. You should just try to intimidate him. Don''t actually kill him, and don''t get yourself hurt either. If you can''t beat them, run." He was well aware that with Xu Wenchang''s numerous skilled guards, the White Lotus cult stood little chance of sess, but he was also confident in Xian''er''s formidable martial arts skills to protect herself.


    Joy appeared on Qin Xian''er''s face, but tears began to fall steadily. "Young Master," she said, "there''s no red thread binding us. Will you remember Xian''er?"


    Upon hearing these words, the Eldest Miss felt a mixture of embarrassment and irritation. How could this demoness from the White Lotus cult utter such words so brazenly, truly shameless!


    Having spoken, Qin Xian''er gazed deeply into Lin Wanrong''s eyes, turned on her heel, and with a light tap of her lotus feet, she dashed off into the distance.


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 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168


    Chapter 168 Deceiver


    Upon observing a touch of mncholy in Qin Xian''er''s countenance, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but sigh. This Xian''er, when not constantly engaged in fights and skirmishes, was incredibly gentle and endearing. If only she would change her fiery temperament, it would be such a wonderful thing. Yet, he soon pondered, if she did change, would she still be Qin Xian''er? It was quite a contradiction.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong and the demoness from the White Lotus cult whispering together and the severed red thread, the Eldest Miss felt rather disquieted. She blurted out angrily, "You demoness, you are so detestable."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Eldest Miss, don''t me her. She too is a person with a sad fate."


    The Eldest Miss snorted and retorted, "She''s your sweetheart, naturally you would take her side."


    Surprised, Lin Wanrong looked at Xiao Yuruo and said, "Eldest Miss, I didn''t expect you to use such crude words as sweetheart."


    The Eldest Miss blushed and retorted softly, "Why do you care? I''ll say what I want. This demoness, whatever her enchanting tricks, has managed to bewitch you, the scoundrel."


    In his heart, Lin Wanrong thought, Isn''t she Qin Xian''er, the most famous courtesan in Jinling? Just an enchantress indeed. But he decided to keep this secret to himself.


    With Qin Xian''er''s support, the situation was vastly different for the White Lotus cult. Qin Xian''er was a master martial artist, worth ten regr fighters. She single-handedly took down several guards, rapidly tilting the bnce back in favor of the White Lotus cult.


    Seeing Qin Xian''er risking her life in such a manner, Lin Wanrong began to worry. You foolish girl, are you not concerned about your own life? Xu Wei''s aggressive approach to dealing with the White Lotus cult was well-known. Why persist like this? Have your fellow disciples hold them off while you escape. Among the White Lotus Sect, Lin Wanrong only had affection for Qin Xian''er, as for the others... whatever happens, happens.


    The Eldest Miss was witnessing a person being killed for the first time. With a shriek, she hastily turned her head, unable to bear the sight of the bloodshed.


    "Quickly turn around, don''t look," Lin Wanrong said, rushing to shield her with his body.


    The Eldest Miss gave a faint nod, feeling significantly relieved with his body shielding her. However, upon seeing the half-severed red thread still tied around his foot, she couldn''t help but tremble slightly. She nced at Qin Xian''er who was still in the midst of battle, bit her lip, and huffed angrily. Her gaze was so mixed with emotions that even she could not understand.


    The number of guards surrounding Xu Wei continued to grow, and severalrge ships quickly approached. Countless soldiers aimed their arrows at the ship, ready to fire at the signal.


    Xu Wei yelled, "White Lotus Cult rebels,y down your weapons and surrender, I will spare your lives."


    As he spoke, several more of the rebels fell. Out of the dozens, only four or five remained to fight. These few, however, fought fearlessly, retreating while resisting, and even made their way toward Lin Wanrong.


    The man in the front was the same who had earlier attempted to assassinate Xu Wei. Lin Wanrong recognized him immediately as Lu Zhongping, the youngster whom he had once thoroughly humiliated.


    In the midst of the chaos, Lu Zhongping had no time to deal with Lin Wanrong. He shouted, "We are defeated today, flee immediately!" The other four followed, leaping towards theke in an attempt to escape.


    Only Qin Xian''er seemed to have not heard the call. She gave Lin Wanrong a nce, her expression somewhat deste. Then, with a long, piercing yell, her beautiful figure vaulted into the air, charging directly at the archers.


    "Fire the arrows!" At Xu Wei''smand, countless arrows shot towards Qin Xian''er who was twirling in mid-air.


    Even though Qin Xian''er was an unparalleled martial artist, she was helpless against the dense shower of arrows. This move was like a moth flying into a me, surely a one-way journey.


    She suddenly turned her head, giving Lin Wanrong a smile. Her eyes were filled with helplessness, infatuation, but also, a great deal of hope.


    Lin Wanrong saw it all too clearly. Ah, this is bad, he thought, this girl is seeking death. Damn it, at such a young age, why not learn something useful instead of learning how tomit suicide? Recalling the times when Qin Xian''er risked her life to warn him and saved him several times in their of the White Lotus cult, he knew she had deep feelings for him. He couldn''t just stand by and watch her suffer.


    In his urgency, he had no other ns. He had a sudden inspiration, yelled, "The demon of the White Lotus Cult, prepare to meet your death!" With these words, he rushed forward.


    The Eldest Miss saw him running into the shower of arrows and cried out in rm, "Lin San, no"


    But Lin Wanrong had already rushed to the front, too far to hear her cry. The Eldest Miss wondered, who was this masked woman to make him disregard even his own life? Seeing Lin Wanrong rushing forward without any hesitation, the Eldest Miss clenched her teeth, took a light step, and followed him.


    Xu Wei, who had a high opinion of Lin Wanrong, was shocked to see him rushing out. He quickly waved his hand andmanded, "Stop" The rain of arrows immediately halted.


    Qin Xian''er, still in the air, saw Lin Wanrong rush out disregarding his own life. Her eyes filled with tears, but a smile broke across her face. She seemed to suddenly gain strength, her long sword swung swiftly, deflecting the arrows. She quicklynded, standing unharmed at the bow of the ship, directly across from Lin Wanrong.


    "We''ve caught them, we''ve caught them" A burst of shouting came, and Lin Wanrong turned back to see the few bandits who had escaped earlier, including Lu Zhongping, were trapped in a huge fishing. They jumped around on the, all dressed in ck, looking from a distance like a few big ck fish.


    A faint smile appeared on Xu Wei''s face. Lin Wanrong thought, this old man has good tactics. Judging by the current situation, this must have been his n all along. The reputation of Xu Wenchang was indeed well-deserved. He never had a good impression of the White Lotus cult, so seeing the people in the made him happy. However, with Xu Wei''s tactics, he wouldn''t let Qin Xian''er off easily, which made him worry.


    "Little brother Lin,e back quickly," Xu Wei, seeing Lin Wanrong so close to thest bandit of the White Lotus cult, called out anxiously.


    Lin Wanrong nced at Qin Xian''er and said softly, "Why are you so desperate, even willing to risk your life?"


    Qin Xian''er''s beautiful eyes welled up with tears, yet a smile appeared on her face. "I wanted to see if I was in your heart, to see if you would worry about me. If you care about me, you would save me. If I don''t matter to you, then living in this world is no longer interesting to me. It would be better to die."


    God, this girl has more character than I do, thought Lin Wanrong. All this reckless behavior, only to test me, to see if I would save her. Darn it, is it worth risking your life for such a trivial matter? This is just too much.


    "Do you know now?" Lin Wanrong asked, half amused and half annoyed. Dealing with a woman as gentle yet stubborn as Qin Xian''er left him feeling quite helpless.


    "I treat you as you treat me," Qin Xian''er replied with a sweet smile. Even through the light veil, he could sense her radiant smile. Seeing Lin Wanrong rush into the rain of arrows, she had felt relieved. Her heartfelt words came naturally.


    It''s over, it''s over. The words of this girl moved me greatly. What can I do, her charm is just too irresistible.


    Qin Xian''er''s eyes were filled with tenderness as she stared at him. If they weren''t surrounded by people, she might have already thrown herself into his arms. They were whispering to each other in front of everyone, but to the outsiders, they were still enemies. The thrill of it was like having a secret affair.


    At this moment, apart from feeling touched, Lin Wanrong also felt a strange sense of joy. Having such a girl who cares about you, gets a little jealous from time to time, can be quite appealing to a man. Of course, it would be even better if she only gets jealous and doesn''t kill. Men''s thoughts can be so cheap.


    "Little brother Lin, don''t risk your life. Come back quickly," Xu Wei called out loudly. The Eldest Miss Xiao had been moving slowly and wanted to follow Lin San, but she was immediately stopped by Xu Wei''s guards.


    Ah, this is not the time for romance. Lin Wanrong thought. Now that Lu Zhongping and hispanions were caught by Xu Wei, the priority was to find a way to help Xian''er escape.


    Xu Wei''s words reminded him. He winked at Qin Xian''er and shouted, "The demon of the White Lotus cult, you plundered our Xiao family in the past, today I won''t spare you."


    Upon hearing this, Qin Xian''er let out a soft giggle. Quickly, she pulled a stern face to y along, "If you want to fight, then fight. Why so much talk?" After saying this, she thrust her long sword towards Lin Wanrong, but her aim was miles off.


    Lin Wanrong quickly sidestepped, retreating to stand at the edge of the ship.


    Eldest Miss Xiao knew what was going on. These two were definitely putting on a show. How could that woman harm Lin San when she was so infatuated with him? "You liar," Eldest Miss Xiao muttered under her breath, stamping her foot in frustration.


    "Little brother Lin, do not engage! Come back quickly!" Xu Wei urgently shouted.


    But his warning came a moment toote. Thest remaining bandit of the White Lotus cult had swiftly closed the distance to Lin San. With a swift move, she wrapped her arms around Lin San. Lin San let out a startled shout as they both plummeted into theke.


    "Where is the felt?" Xu Wei hurried to the edge of the boat and yelled. The felt, initially prepared for the capture, had already been used to arrest the other White Lotus cult bandits. Where could they find it now? Seeing the soldiers about to shoot arrows into the water, Xu Wei quickly waved them off, "No!"


    Eldest Miss Xiao saw the White Lotus demoness nestled in Lin San''s arms as they fell into the water together. It didn''t look like a hostage situation, but rather an intimate moment. "Liars, all liars," she muttered through gritted teeth, her heart filled with resentment.


    However, seeing Lin San fall into the water still triggered an involuntary surge of concern in her heart. This scoundrel, she wondered, does he even know how to swim? And if he doesn''t... did he risk his life just for her?


    The more Eldest Miss Xiao thought about it, the more frightened she became. She focused her gaze on theke, scanning the calm water for any signs of the two. But the surface was serene, revealing no trace of their figures.


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 Chapter 169

    Chapter 169


    Chapter 169 I''m Not One to Be Taken Lightly


    In a state of urgency, Xu Wei instructed those around him, "Deploy all our best swimmers to search for Little brother Lin in theke. We must conduct a thorough search along thekes shores. We must find him alive" Noticing the Eldest Miss'' troubled expression, Xu Wei quickly halted his words, asserting, "We must find him."


    The Eldest Miss heaved a sigh, her gaze lingering on the broken red thread in her hand. Her demeanor was profoundly somber, and no one could discern her thoughts.


    As soon as Lin Wanrong hit the water, he knew something was amiss. Qin Xianer clung to him like a mermaid, limiting his movements.


    He hastily opened his eyes underwater, only to see Qin Xianer tightly embracing him, her eyes shut, her face colored with a hint of shyness.


    He was sweating, worried if this young girl couldnt swim well. Carrying such arge person, she might very well drown. As he mulled over this, he suddenly remembered that Qin Xianer had been lurking underwater for quite a while, suggesting she was capable of swimming.


    This realization brought him considerable relief. Knowing his own underwater skills weremendable, he gently tapped Qin Xianers shoulder. Realizing his intent, she quickly let him go, shed an embarrassed smile, then spun around and took off, swimming ahead like a nimble mermaid.


    He hadnt expected the girl to have such underwater skills. He wondered how she''d look in a swimsuit. Smirking at the thought, Lin Wanrong noticed Qin Xianer signaling him to keep up. It appeared as if she was quite familiar with the currents of the West Lake.


    The light rain scattered across theke, much like a gentle maidens touch, soothingly caressing his face.


    Having swum a considerable distance, Qin Xianer signaled again. They were touching the sandyke bed, indicating they were about to surface.


    Emerging from the water, Lin Wanrong took a deep breath. The long underwater journey had been exhausting, only asionally interrupted by a few secretive breaths at the surface.


    However, theke shore was densely forested. Lin Wanrong was perplexed. "Xian''er, is this the gathering ce of your White Lotus Sect?" He needed to ascertain this. He certainly didnt want to unwittingly stumble into a den of the White Lotus Sect. It would be a death wish, an act of impatience with life.


    Xianer turned to him with a smile. "Don''t worry, Young Master. Only I know this path, how could I harm you? I noticed that you are an excellent swimmer, much better than me. Where did you learn to swim?"


    With a cheeky grin, Lin Wanrong replied, "I used to have a nickname, ''Tiger on Land, White Dragon in the River''. It wasn''t for nothing."


    Covering her mouth, Qin Xianer chuckled gracefully, "Young Master, you speak in such a yful manner. It''s hard to tell which of your words are true and which are false."


    Seeing her radiant, joyful countenance, Lin Wanrong vaguely remembered their first encounter. She was undercover as a courtesan, adept at poetry and music, full of charm, and seemingly indifferent to everyone. But now, she was genuinely warm and moving. The most unpredictable and multifaceted thing in the world, he thought, was indeed a woman.


    Qin Xian''er''s veiled scarf had long been lost in the water. Laughing, she stripped off her soaked robe, revealing the graceful curves of her body. Though she was dressed, her form was alluringly pronounced - both the prominent and the pert, exceptionally tempting. This girl, so pure and shy in the bawdy atmosphere of Miaoyu Pavilion, had returned to the White Lotus cult and was suddenly unrestrained and bold. It seemed she was indeed a natural siren.


    Lin Wanrong found himself swallowing hard. Damn it, was he a gentleman after all? How else could he resist the urge to pounce upon seeing such tantalizing beauty?


    Qin Xian''er noticed his intense gaze and felt her heart race. Her pretty face flushed crimson and she squealed, "Young Master, what... what are you looking at?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Xian''er, are you cold?"


    Although Qin Xian''er was still in her soaked robe, Lin Wanrong had plunged directly into the water without even removing his clothes, the sticky dampness ufortable against his skin. Even a skilled warrior like him couldn''t withstand such torment. He silently cursed his luck.


    "I''m not cold," Qin Xian''er replied quietly.


    "You may not be, but I am feeling a bit chilly," Lin Wanrong replied with a grin.


    Qin Xian''er gasped, suddenly remembering she wore her water garment while he did not. Seeing him drenched from head to toe, she hurriedly suggested, "Young Master, we need to find a ce to change into dry clothes."


    Lin Wanrongughed off her concern, "Don''t worry about it. This minor issue won''t get the best of me. All I need is for you to agree to one little condition, a simple one, and I won''t be cold anymore."


    "What condition?" Qin Xian''er asked anxiously.


    Lin Wanrong revealed his wolfish intentions, "Give me a hug, Xian''er. If you hug me, I won''t be cold."


    Qin Xian''er lowered her head shyly, her face flushed. This Young Master, she thought, he turns wicked as soon as he opens his mouth.


    Though she had been exceptionally bold in Miaoyu Pavilion as part of her cover, upon returning to the White Lotus Sect, she had be a free and wilful little witch. Her nature, however, was shy and passionate, abination that left Lin Wanrong itching for more.


    "Young Master, I am not a frivolous woman," Qin Xian''er said, her face reddening. When they had fallen into the water, it was a life-and-death situation, but now that they were safe, she felt the need to be a bit more reserved.


    "Of course, and I''m not a casual person either," Lin Wanrong replied, grinning mischievously as he took her small hand and whispered into her ear, "When I be casual, I''m not myself anymore."


    Qin Xian''er''s face turned redder at his teasing. Her heart was racing and she couldn''t break free from his grip. Seeing him smiling at her made her even more flustered, all her poise as a skilled warrior lost.


    It was now winter, and Lin Wanrong, soaked to the skin, shivered as a light breeze swept over him.


    Qin Xian''er was taken aback. Although he had always been smooth-talking, his words were frivolous, he never truly overstepped the boundary. She was filled with gratitude and emotion, and lightly supported herself against his arm. Surprisingly, she leaned her delicate body into his embrace willingly, utterly unconcerned with his soaked clothes, and softly cried, "Young Master, you risked your life to save me earlier. Xian''er is eternally grateful."


    Sweat, he thought. There was no need for him to risk his life to save her, she was the one testing him, and taking credit for it was somewhat embarrassing. He quickly patted her shoulder and said, "It wasn''t me who saved you, actually, I haven''t thanked you yet for the several times you saved me."


    Qin Xian''er rubbed her head against his chest gently and murmured, "Earlier, seeing you and Miss Xiao getting along so warmly, Xian''er was prepared to die. Who would''ve thought that you, Young Master, would risk your life for Xian''er? If you treat Xian''er so kindly, even if I were to die, I would want to repay the grace of your acquaintance."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, he and Miss Xiao were cozy with each other? Where did thise from? The next time she saw him in the same carriage with her, would she immediately nder him for having spent the wedding night with her? This girl loved to be jealous unnecessarily and even liked to throw tantrums. This was absolutely intolerable.


    At that moment, with a beautiful woman in his arms, Lin Wanrong was invigorated. He reflected on Qin Xian''er''s past as a courtesan who captivated thousands,pared to the gentle beauty in his arms now, she seemed like twopletely different people.


    Qin Xian''er had a perfect figure, well-proportioned and curvy. Her full, soft bosom was pressed against Lin Wanrong''s chest, the faint warmth emanating from her body subtly stirred his heart, as if it could dry his soaked clothes.


    When a beauty was in his arms, he could hardly contain himself, this was Lin Wanrong''s creed. He gently extended a hand to stroke her back a few times and said, "Xian''er, you''ve be even more beautiful."


    Xian''er blushed deeply and softly replied, "Young Master sure knows how to tter. You have Qiaoqiao and Xiao Qingxuan, why would you ever think of me, a pitiful creature? If it weren''t for our chance encounter today, I fear you would''ve forgotten who Xian''er was long ago." As she spoke, her expression turned mncholic, on the brink of tears.


    Sweat, he thought, this girl was hard to appease. Qin Xian''er''s words were true to the core. Lin Wanrong remembered Qiaoqiao, Qingxuan, the Second Miss, but he just couldn''t recall Qin Xian''er. Could it be that he wasn''t passionate enough? Heaven, how could he have such a w? It seemed that he had to work harder to be more affectionate.


    There was no need to ponder over how to tter a girl. Lin Wanrong solemnly said, "Xian''er, you''re mistaken. Although we''ve been apart more than together, our hearts are close, even if we''re worlds apart. Once a person leaves a mark in your heart, you can miss them daily even without seeing them. Don''t you think that''s true?"


    Being held by him, Qin Xian''er was already somewhat bewildered, unable to pay attention to the ws in his words. She lightly said, "Whatever Young Master says, Xian''er believes."


    The more he said these words, the harder it became to deceive her. Lin Wanrong decided to ignore her words, and instead just held her tightly in his embrace. Xian''er''s body trembled lightly, her petite figure burning hot, as if unable to withstand the intensity of his embrace.


    Lin Wanrong, on the other hand, felt increasingly ufortable. His clothes were soaking wet, and his whole body felt icy cold, except for the burning heat in his arms. The searing heat in his lower abdomen felt like he was experiencing both ice and fire simultaneously.


    "Young Master" Xian''er murmured shyly in his arms, her bashful and gentle demeanor made Lin Wanrong feel as if his entire body was ignited with fire. He extended his arm, hugging her petite figure tightly, as if wishing to melt her entire being into his embrace.


    Qin Xian''er''s heart thumped wildly, her body weak without any strength. Before she could utter a word, she felt something hot touching her lower abdomen.


    Though she was an innocent woman, she had heard quite a few things from Miaoyu Pavilion. Naturally, she knew what it was. Her breathing became more rapid and heated. Subconsciously, she wanted to pull away from his embrace, her mouth slightly ajar, she said shyly, "Young Master, you are so wicked."


    There was no aphrodisiac better than these words in this world. Lin Wanrong was ovee with lust, tightly hugging her full and delicate body. He breathed into her ear and chuckled, "Xian''er, I''m innocent. It''s it that has betrayed me"


    Qin Xian''er couldn''t bear to hear any more, her whole body trembling lightly. As she was about to struggle away, she felt his embrace tighten, and that wicked thing became evenrger, pressing against her lower abdomen.


    "Ah" Qin Xian''er let out a soft gasp, her face as red as fire, her entire body trembling violently. Even her breathcked strength as she copsed weakly into his arms.


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 Chapter 170

    Chapter 170


    Chapter 170 The Temptation of Qin Xian''er


    Qin Xian''er had risked her life to save him time and again, with deep affection and profound sincerity. Even if he were as emotionless as a rock, he would have been moved by her actions, let alone that Lin Wanrong was such a mischievous man, who wouldn''t pass up an opportunity for a bargain? This was like a spark to dry kindling, igniting immediately.


    Lin Wanrong''srge hand gently explored her back, although separated by clothing, he could still appreciate the softness and smoothness of her skin. He wondered what kind of skin care method this girl used, as her skin was as tender as water. Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly while his hands yfully unfastened the row of sps on her clothing, allowing his hand to slide in.


    Qin Xian''er''s body trembled. She gave him a gentle nce, her eyes as soft as water, her face flushing with an infinite bashfulness. Her lips parted slightly, exhaling a breath as fragrant as an orchid, a faint scent that made Lin Wanrong''s heart itch with anticipation.


    He slowly traced his hand down Xian''er''s shoulder, experiencing a sensation as delicate and smooth as silk. Her skin was translucent like jade, incredibly smooth, without a single w. Touching her felt like caressing the softest silk, an utterly soothing sensation.


    Darn it, I''ve hit the jackpot, Lin Wanrong thought. Even if one put aside Xian''er''s iparable beauty, her exquisite skin alone was a rare treasure, something that few could match, and could evenpete with Qingxuan. This Xian''er was indeed a great treasure. Lin Wanrong swallowed, feeling entirely justified in his attraction toward her. His hand gently stroked her back, slowly sliding down, touching her soft and slender waist.


    The moment he touched her waist, Qin Xian''er froze, unable to move, her body trembling slightly. Her face turned as red as the sunset, her luscious lips parted slightly, releasing a soft moan, like a barely audible whisper. A sensation as hot as fire quickly spread throughout her body.


    Her eyes shimmered like water, her face tinged with an unusual pink blush. She gazed at Lin Wanrong in a daze, her lips parted slightly, even her breath was hot.


    "Young Master" Qin Xian''er''s voice came in a breathy moan. Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat, he pulled her tightly into his embrace, feeling the pressure of her chest against his own through the fabric. His heart burned with desire, his hands instinctively moving forward, just about to reach under Xian''er''s intimate clothing, when he spotted arge official ship slowly approaching from the distantke.


    Lin Wanrong quickly came back to his senses from the heat of desire. What''s going on with me? he thought, Getting carried away in the heat of passion, all while still in wet clothes? Xian''er is still in danger. Recently, his resistance to beauty was declining, and he was letting his lower bodymand his upper body - truly shameful.


    However, the scenery in this forest was indeed good. Next time, when the mood strikes, he would bring Xian''er here with all the necessary preparations, to do what lovers do - surely that would be a marvelous feeling. He chuckled to himself twice, somewhat admiring his own lewdness.


    Qin Xian''er felt the wandering hand on her body abruptly stop. In a rush, she stole a nce at him and found his eyes slightly squinted, a smirk of satisfaction surfacing on his face. She couldn''t fathom what wicked idea was brewing in his mind.


    Even though Qin Xian''er was filled with countless affections for him, she couldn''t allow herself to surrender to him so recklessly in the wilderness. What on earth would that lead to?


    Heat flushed her face, a mix of embarrassment and joy. At least the Young Master knows to show me some consideration, she thought to herself, oblivious to the fact that Young Master Lin was contemting their next fun-filled rendezvous in this familiar spot.


    "Xian''er, quickly get dressed. Don''t catch a cold," Lin Wanrong said with a grave face, as if it was someone else who had unbuttoned her just moments ago. He wore the soaking wet clothes of a household servant, yet managed to look so decent and refined, which was quite amusing.


    Inwardly blushing, Xian''er sneaked another nce at him, wondering how thick-skinned he could be, so effortlessly shrugging off his recent actions. But what she found most endearing about Lin Wanrong was this very character of his, seemingly never serious, yet exceedinglyforting. Talking to him, one could hardly know what sorrow was. In contrast, she could not find the same appeal in any of the prim and proper Young Masters who often appeared before her.


    Qin Xian''er lowered her gaze, her face was as red as a beet. Lin Wanrong, knowing her shyness, grinned cheekily, "Let me help you." She let out a soft hum in response, her head still bowed low. He started fastening the buttons he had undone.


    However, the buttons on a woman''s attire of this era were not easy to unfasten and even more difficult to re-fasten. Without knowing the knack, he expended a tremendous effort to fasten just one button, which was quite an embarrassment.


    Watching his clumsy actions, Qin Xian''er wanted tough but managed to hold it back. Her heart was filled with warmth and joy. If no other woman was to entangle with him, spending her entire life in this manner wouldn''t be a waste of her existence.


    Lin Wanrong was frustrated by these confounding buttons, heined, "Xian''er, where did you buy this dress? Its quality isn''t very good."


    Holding back herughter, Qin Xian''er replied, "It''s made by Xiao''s tailor shop, the material isn''t really the best."


    Embarrassed at his own remark, Lin Wanrong grumbled, "Forget about what I just said." Seeing him dete for once, Qin Xian''er covered her mouth, giggling delightfully.


    Lin Wanrong was slightly flustered by herughter. He thought to himself, ''Didn''t thedy who designed this dress ever consider us men? Is it not deliberately making things difficult for all men? This is a serious issue. I''ll have to suggest to the designer when I get back. Women''s clothing should be vastly improved. All women should know, not only are they understanding, but us men can also "understand clothing".''


    In the end, it was Qin Xian''er who had to do up all the buttons herself. Blushing, she looked at him and said, "Young Master, the official ship will catch up with us soon. We should leave quickly."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Well then, let''s go. But I must dere in advance that I absolutely won''t be visiting the stronghold of the White Lotus Cult." Qin Xian''er giggled and took the lead, guiding Lin Wanrong along their path.


    They ventured out of the dense forest, walked for a good half hour, and as the path twisted and turned around the mountains, thendscape suddenly opened up. An endless expanse of fieldsy before them, soothing to the heart and the soul. Nestled within was a narrow path, nked by a smattering of burnt wild grass. The path, however, led straight to a serene and peaceful vige. The intersectingnes of the fields, the green willows, the red mulberries, the crows of roosters, the barks of dogs, fishing, and farming activities, a few tendrils of cooking smoke gently curling up in the fine drizzle, all presented a picture of tranquil idyll.


    Lin Wanrong, puzzled, inquired, "Xian''er, where are we?"


    Qin Xian''er gave him a sidelong nce and answered with a faint smile, "This is Longhong Vige."


    "Longhong Vige?" Lin Wanrong queried, unfamiliar with the name.


    "This is my hometown," Qin Xian''er softly stated.


    "Your hometown?" Lin Wanrong was genuinely surprised. He had interacted with Qin Xian''er numerous times at Miaoyu Pavilion and had been impressed by her refined manners, schrship, and perception. He had assumed that she was from a wealthy family, not from a small vige.


    "I was born by the Yangtze River, Xian''er was born by the West Lake. We''re quite a match, I guess," Lin Wanrong grinned cheekily.


    Qin Xian''er responded with a slight nod, "This is my mother''s hometown. Although I wasn''t born here, my mother''s hometown is also my hometown."


    Xian''er''s mother? That would be my mother-inw, then. Is Xian''er bringing me here to meet her parents? he pondered.


    Sweat, I''ve met so many aunts sinceing to this world, but I''ve never officially visited my mother-inw. Xian''er is rushing things a bit too much, isn''t she? We haven''t even sealed the deal yet. After we''ve consummated our marriage and the rice has been cooked, then I can pay a visit to my mother-inw in a dignified manner.


    "Xian''er, is your mother at home now?" Lin Wanrong inquired.


    "My mother passed away many years ago," Qin Xian''er''s eyes brimmed with unshed tears as she spoke softly.


    Lin Wanrong gently took her hand, "Don''t be sad. Your mother''s spirit must be watching over you from heaven. Otherwise, how could you have met me?"


    Qin Xian''er, teary-eyed, chuckled, "You really do have a thick skin."


    Seeing her cry andugh simultaneously, with a delicate charm in her demeanor, Lin Wanrong''s heart fluttered slightly, prompting him to ask, "Is your father home then?"


    Qin Xian''er''s face turned stern as she fiercely responded, "I have no father."


    Her determined expression, the rage zing in her eyes, took Lin Wanrong aback. Xian''er had always been gentle and pleasing; why would she change so drastically upon the mention of her father?


    Seeing Qin Xian''er gritting her teeth, her face pale, tears trickling down her cheeks, Lin Wanrong understood that there must have been some distressing matter involved. He tenderly stroked her hand, "Xian''er, I was wrong to ask about this, I apologize."


    Qin Xian''er, however, swiftly covered his mouth, "Young Master, it''s not your fault. I''m the one who is wrong, please don''t be upset with me." Seeing Lin Wanrong nod with a gentle smile, Qin Xian''er continued, "I have never had a father, only my mother. This Longhong Vige is my mother''s old residence, and it''s the only home I have. Every year, I return to stay for some time. Over the years, you are the first guest to visit here."


    Lin Wanrong nodded with a slight smile, "So you''re saying, this house, it only has you living in it?"


    Qin Xian''er hummed in affirmation, her face blushing slightly, as if she had thought of something.


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, ''If it''s just Xian''er living there, then wouldn''t it be a case of a lone man and woman, like dry tinder meeting a raging me, like an adulterous couple? ''Heavens above, it seems you''ve destined me to finish the work left undone by theke.''


    Qin Xian''er''s face turned bright red, and she darted forward a few steps. Suddenly, she turned back, shing a charming smile at Lin Wanrong, "Young Master,e quickly!"


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 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171


    Chapter 171 A Taste of Your vor


    Longhong Vige was an extremely serene hamlet, with several dozen households scattered in different locations. The most secluded corner, nestled against the hill, was the home of Qin Xian''er - a small, quaint wooden house. The beams of the house were sturdy, and on the front of the roof, hung thin bamboo tubes of varying lengths. Small pieces of copper and iron clung to the bamboo, and when a breeze blew, they nged against the tubes, creating a soft, melodic chime that was immensely pleasing to the ears.


    Lin Wanrong was stunned, recognizing them as wind chimes. He marveled at the creativity and craftsmanship of the one who had made such delightful objects.


    Next to the wooden house was a waving bamboo grove, the tall stalks leaning on one another and swaying gently in the wind, casting intriguing shadows. With the bamboo grove, the wind chimes, and the veil of misty rain, the house radiated an indescribable air of tranquility and elegance.


    Initially, Lin Wanrong had assumed Xian''er came from a simple background. However, seeing this setup left him confused. The house, with its aesthetic simplicity and sophisticated ambiance, was definitely not the work of an ordinary individual.


    Xian''er approached the wind chimes and gently stirred them, causing a series of crisp tones to ring out. She turned to Lin Wanrong and asked softly, "Young Master, these are called wind chimes. Do you find them pleasing?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up and replied, "Not only is the chime pleasing, but even the name is incredibly beautiful. Did you make these wind chimes?"


    Qin Xian''er nodded, "Yes, my mother taught me when I was a child. She said the wind has a voice. I didn''t believe her, so she made me a wind chime to prove it. It turns out the wind really does have a voice."


    As she spoke, tears began to fall from her eyes, a sight of sorrow Lin Wanrong had never seen before. He realized that this girl had kept a lot to herself. He felt a pang of sympathy as he knew her well. They often exchanged poems and songs, alwaysughing and enjoying each other''spany, yet he had never seen her this sad. He knew little about her background despite all the time they had spent together. As guilt welled up within him, he took her hand firmly and said, "Xian''er, don''t dwell on the unhappy past. Your mother would have wanted to see you smiling. Don''t let her down."


    Wiping away her tears, Qin Xian''er managed to smile, "You''re absolutely right, Young Master. I''ve let myself get carried away, and I''ve embarrassed myself in front of you."


    Seeing her delicate, pitiful figure, Lin Wanrong''s heart stirred again. His fleeting sense of guilt had vanished. He gently caressed her hand and chuckled, "Xian''er, do we still need to talk about these things? Let''s hurry into the bedroom... I mean, into the house."


    Hearing this, Qin Xian''er''s cheeks flushed. She wondered what this man spent his days thinking about. She wanted to have a serious conversation, but could never find the right moment.


    Qin Xian''er opened the door to reveal a neatly arranged interior, simple yet elegant. A few bamboo tables and chairs were set up immactely, clean and dust-free. In the center of the room hung a portrait of a woman, whose age was hard to discern. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, her eyes like spring water. She exuded an air of serene elegance, bearing a striking resemnce to Qin Xian''er herself.


    "Is this your mother?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Qin Xian''er gazed at the figure in the painting in a trance before nodding, "Yes, it is."


    Since this was his mother-inw, Lin Wanrong made a respectful bow to the painting. Turning to Xian''er, he chuckled, "Xian''er, you''re just as beautiful as your mother." With one phrase, heplimented both women, a ttering remark that went unnoticed. Overjoyed, Xian''er''s face flushed as she gently rebuked, "Young Master, don''t tease me."


    Qin Xian''er brought out a set of men''s clothing for Lin Wanrong to change into. The schr''s gown was in stark contrast to his wild and arrogant demeanor. He looked out of ce, like a bear in a suit, feeling incredibly awkward once he put it on.


    "I guess I wasn''t born to be a schr," Lin Wanrong sighed, troubled.


    Qin Xian''er looked at him, a hint of surprise in her eyes, before chuckling, "Young Master, you look even more charming in this gown than those schrs."


    "I thought so too," Lin Wanrong grinned shamelessly.


    "Young Master, I''m not just praising you," Qin Xian''er sighed, "I''ve met countless people in Miaoyu Pavilion. I''ve seen many sons of nobles, and while some had extraordinary temperaments, none possessed your charisma."


    "What charisma, just say I''m thick-skinned," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Xian''er, whose clothes are these? Are they made especially for me?"


    Qin Xian''er gave him a nce andughed, "These are my (maternal) grandfather''s clothes. He once served as a Deputy Minister of the War Department. After retiring, he lived here. These are his clothes."


    "So Xian''eres from a noble family," Lin Wanrong said in surprise, exining why Xian''er and her mother were both so educated. However, with such a grandfather, Xian''er shouldn''t have ended up in the White Lotus cult. Something must have happened, perhaps rted to her father whom she never mentioned?


    In the backyard of the wooden house was a small pavilion. Feeling refreshed after changing his clothes, Lin Wanrong stood in the pavilion, gazing at the distant misty rain, blurredndscapes, feeling extremely rxed.


    My grandfather-inw sure knew how to pick a ce. The lush mountains and green water are indeed a great ce to live. No wonder Xian''er and her mother both have such good temperament, like fairies. If I ever get tired of working, I''ll buy a plot ofnd here, build some wooden houses, construct a few swimming pools, chat with Qingxuan, Qiaoqiao, Second Miss, and Xian''er, and look at the scenery. If I get tired, I can sleep under the sky and on the ground, and enjoy the pleasures of making babies. Wouldn''t that be beautiful?


    Standing behind him was Qin Xian''er, fresh from grooming herself, dressed in an elegant white gown. Her long hair naturally fell, her cheeks flushed, her face as beautiful as a peach blossom.


    The beauty of the mountain, the beauty of the water, and the beauty of the woman. With such a beautiful setting, it would be a shame not to do something even more beautiful. Lin Wanrong felt a tickle in his heart. Grinning, he teased, "Xian''er, why didn''t you invite me when you were changing clothes?"


    Qin Xian''er was taken aback, asking, "Why would I need to call for you?"


    With a solemn face, Lin Wanrong replied, "To protect you, of course! Otherwise, some miscreants might peep at you, and I would be at a huge disadvantage."


    A blush rose in Qin Xian''er''s cheeks, her head dropping shyly. She thought to herself, He dares to speak of miscreants, when he himself is the biggest one.


    Lin Wanrong noticed a delicate little teapot and four porcin cups on the bamboo table in front of Qin Xian''er, with a pot of boiling water ced beside them.


    Seeing him stare, Qin Xian''er couldn''t help but smile. "If you visit Longhong Vige without tasting its Longhong well water and Longjing tea, wouldn''t that be a wasted trip?" she asked.


    "Longhong well? Longjing?" Lin Wanrong sprang to his feet. "This is Longjing Vige?"


    Qin Xian''er nodded. "This is Longhong Vige, named after a pond at the front of the vige, which looks like a dragon''s well. Outsiders call it Longjing Vige."


    "Oh my! So this is Longjing Vige. I''m in and of fortune and didn''t even realize," Lin Wanrong eximed. Even though he was ignorant about the tea culture, he had certainly heard of West Lake Longjing.


    So, this was the birthce of West Lake Longjing. Lin Wanrong marveled, "Longjing Vige is indeed serene and beautiful. Xian''er, you are so beautiful, you must be a fairy from these tea gardens."


    Qin Xian''er chuckled, her slender fingers pouring hot water into the teapot, warming it before discarding the water. She then took freshly picked Longjing tea leaves, dropped them into the pot, and poured hot water over them from a height. A delicate fragrance began to permeate the yard.


    Lin Wanrong had no clue about tea, but the smell of Longjing tea ignited his curiosity. Mother''s, the genuine West Lake Longjing tea! I''ve got to try it, he thought.


    Qin Xian''er poured the tea from the teacup, filling it to about seventy percent full. The Longjing tea buds looked like little green bullets, appearing very even and bnced in the cup. It was indeed a high-quality tea.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t understand the subtleties of it all. Seeing Xian''er''s fair hands, cherry lips, and petite nose, the dimples in her cheeks appearing with her smiles, he was utterly taken in. He grinned at her lecherously as she served the tea.


    Qin Xian''er held the cup and presented it to Lin Wanrong, saying softly, "Please taste the tea, Young Master."


    He knew that good tea required appreciation, but how to do it was aplete mystery to him. With a spirit of fearless ignorance, he grinned and said, "Xian''er, I won''t lie to you. If you tell me to drink tea, I can, but to taste it, that''s a bit difficult for me. Could you teach me?"


    Qin Xian''erughed, saying, "The method to taste tea is simple. Sip it slowly, swish it around in your mouth before swallowing. As you sip, shrink your oral cavity, and as the tea settles below your tongue, it''ll produce saliva, and you will feel like you''re standing near a spring. This is called ''whistling spring'' in tea tasting."


    "Whistling Spring? What a creative name. I like it." Lin Wanrong chuckled heartily.


    Qin Xian''er held the cup in both hands, sipped a bit of the tea, demonstrating the process for Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong admitted, "Xian''er, for an expert like you, this method of tasting tea is naturally easy, but for me, it''s too difficult. I have an idea, however, that might greatly simplify the process."


    "How would you simplify it?" Qin Xian''er asked, intrigued.


    Lin Wanrongughed wickedly, "It''s quite simple. It''s called, you taste, I sample."


    "You taste, I sample?" Qin Xian''er frowned, puzzled. Before she could reply, she felt a tightness as he pulled her into his arms. A hot,rge mouth covered her petite cherry lips.


    Her body went limp, and a mischievous voice echoed in her ears, "This is called, you taste, I sample."


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 Chapter 172

    Chapter 172


    Chapter 172 Heart''s Secrets


    Qin Xian''er had already wholeheartedly given herself to him, with no defenses up. Even though she was an excellent martial artist, her unguarded state allowed him to catch her off guard.


    The waves of masculine scent that wafted from his body left Xian''er feeble and breathless, her delicate body trembling slightly. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, and her soft, supple lips were imed without resistance.


    Her lips were as sweet and tender as freshly peeled lychees, exuding a faint fragrance of Longjing tea, irresistibly sweet. As it was her first encounter of this kind, she was unbearably shy, not daring to meet his gaze, merely nestled timidly in his arms, allowing him to explore her soft lips.


    Seeing Xian''er''s charmingpliance, Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. The robe she had recently changed into was loose, inadvertently making things easier for him. He was itching with anticipation; his hand slipped under her robe, gently caressing the enigmatic smoothness of her skin.


    At his touch, Xian''er''s body trembled lightly, her face flushed as if on fire, her ears burning. She dared not lift her head and had no choice but to let him have his way.


    Lin Wanrong moved his hands slowly, exploring from her shoulder down her back to her waist. Xian''er''s skin, as smooth as water, was irresistible to him.


    "Ah" A soft moan escaped from Qin Xian''er as Lin Wanrong''s burning hands slowly moved to her chest, gently caressing her. Though she was the belle of Miaoyu Pavilion, she maintained her purity. If she hadn''t fallen deeply for him, she would never have allowed him such liberty.


    The sight of her reaction spurred on Lin Wanrong''s lust. Xian''er''s skin was unrivaled, her breasts full and firm. The touch was as smooth as milk, the two rosy spots on her chest were extraordinarily tender and enticing.


    Swallowing hard, Lin Wanrong thought remorselessly, Even if I were offered kingdoms, I wouldn''t exchange them for a treasure like Xian''er.


    "Young Master, no" Qin Xian''er breathed, her voice frail. Even she found her reaction strange. Was that really her voice? How embarrassing.


    In Lin Wanrong''s understanding, when a woman said no, she meant yes. He chuckled, pressing his thumbs against the pink buds on her chest. Qin Xian''er whimpered, her voice a mixture of pain andint but filled with infinite desire. Her longing surged like a tidal wave.


    "Young Master" Qin Xian''er''s lips parted slightly, her breath as hot as fire, her cheeks flushed, her eyes moist, as if about to weep. Panting, she said, "Young Master, please listen to Xian''er."


    At this point, what else was there to say? If there was something to discuss, they could talk tomorrow morning. Ignoring her, Lin Wanrong was about to proceed when he felt her body shake violently. Looking up in surprise, he saw Qin Xian''er''s face pale, staring nkly at him. Tears welled up in her eyes and spilled over in the next instant.


    Damn, what happened? Who dared to hurt Xian''er? Lin Wanrong hastily withdrew his hands, pulled her into his embrace, and said, "Xian''er, my precious sweetheart, don''t look so upset. Who bullied you? I''ll make them pay."


    Upon hearing his words, Qin Xian''er cried even more pitifully, her voice choking, "Does Xian''er seem like such a loose woman in your eyes?"


    ''Good heavens, you''re not a loose woman, but I''m sure I am an indiscriminate man.'' Seeing Xian''er crying incessantly, Lin Wanrong hastilyforted her, "Xian''er, don''t cry. In my eyes, you are the most innocent and beautiful woman in this world." Having said this, he secretly added two words in his mind: one of. ''Mercy of Buddha'', he thought, trying to appease her. ''Qingxuan, Qiaoqiao, Second Miss, and all the other wives who I have yet to meet, please don''t me me.''


    Wiping her tears, Xian''er replied, "Xian''er has you in her heart, thinking of you, loving you, and letting you be frivolous with my body. But this matter of casual intercourse is not what Xian''er wishes for. Please listen to my words." The implication was, she was willing for him to be flirtatious, but he could not break thest line of defense, else it would be considered an inappropriate act.


    Lin Wanrong was sweating profusely. He held certain reservations towards premarital intimacy - against others, not himself. But did he truly need to marry Xian''er before they could be intimate? He hadn''t found Qingxuan yet. Besides, if he were to marry, it would be like serving one dish for everyone. How could he choose only one? This Xian''er appeared gentle and submissive, but in fact, she was very assertive, principled, and had a strong personality. She was hard to coax, impossible to deceive, and truly a headache.


    Seeing his troubled expression, Qin Xian''er shyly asked, "Do you remember what Xian''er told you when west parted in Jinling?"


    Upon pondering, Lin Wanrong remembered her saying something about killing Qingxuan. At first, he thought it was an offhand remark, but considering her intent to kill Eldest Miss today and her previous threats towards the otherdies, her words didn''t seem to be a joke.


    Cold sweat covered Lin Wanrong as he realized his error. Ovee with desire, he had overlooked a serious issue. This Qin Xian''er was a ticking time bomb, set to explode at any moment. However, her figure was truly attractive, and he couldn''t help but admire it. His cold sweat and drool mixed as they trickled down his face.


    "Xian''er said, once I''ve killed that Xiao Qingxuan, I would devote everything to you." Qin Xian''er sighed deeply. "However, seeing you today brought me such joy, I almost lost control. It''s not entirely your fault."


    ''Well, there is some element of your seduction involved,'' Lin Wanrong shamelessly defended himself in his mind.


    "Truth be told, if you truly desired me just now, Xian''er wouldn''t have held a grudge. I would have been overjoyed." Qin Xian''er suddenly said shyly.


    "Overjoyed?" Lin Wanrong was puzzled. "You were crying so profusely earlier. How could I see any joy? What was supposed to be a mutual act of love nearly turned into something coercive. I couldn''t feel any joy."


    Seeing his dejected look, she knew he didn''t believe her. Her feelings for Lin Wanrong were genuine, and seeing him in such a state made her heart ache. She unexpectedly took the initiative to hold his hand and said, "Don''t disbelieve, Young Master. Once Xian''er has told you her feelings, you will understand."


    Lin Wanrong suddenlyughed, saying, "Actually, Xian''er, I was just testing your limits earlier. You know I''m a decent man. How could I do such a morally reprehensible thing?"


    Qin Xian''er almost spat out blood, feeling both shy and angry. You rascal, you do wrong and yet speak so righteously. If that''s your version of morality, then my White Lotus Sect must be the saviour of the masses, she thought to herself. She shot Lin Wanrong a reproachful look and murmured, "You''ve taken advantage of mepletely, you''re absolutely awful."


    Seeing her stop crying, Lin Wanrong prayed for Buddha''s protection, d she had finally stopped. He sessfully shifted the topic again. "Xian''er, what did you want to tell me earlier?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "Young Master, I said earlier that I want to kill Xiao Qingxuan--"


    "Stop, stop, not that one--" Lin Wanrong hastily interrupted her, saying with frustration, "Xian''er, let''s not talk about murder anymore."


    Qin Xian''er bit her lip, her eyes filling with unshed tears. "I understand, you don''t value me. I''m the demoness of the White Lotus Sect, a ruthless killer. How can Ipare with Xiao Qingxuan, such a noble and puredy?"


    Lin Wanrong felt helpless at her words. "Xian''er, where is thising from? I may not have many virtues, but my love for all is something I take pride in. I feel the same way about you and Qingxuan."


    Qin Xian''er said, "Young Master, although I am a demoness, I have clear likes and dislikes. I hate Xiao Qingxuan, and I openly want to kill her. I love you, and I''m willing to give my life for you, wishing to grow old together with you. Where have I gone wrong in doing so?"


    Lin Wanrong was at a loss. Qin Xian''er was gentle, but she also had a stubborn temper and would easily resort to killing. Yet she was also clear about love and hatred. He didn''t know how to describe her.


    "Can''t you get along well with Qingxuan? You two are both skilled in martial arts. You should have a lot inmon and could certainly be good sisters," Lin Wanrong suggested.


    Being a man with multiple wives was not easy. Besides being a good husband, he also had to y the role of a political officer, doing timely ideological work for his wives, otherwise, there would be chaos.


    "Why should I be sisters with her?" Qin Xian''er snorted. "I''m more likely to kill her."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t know what to say. Seeing his helpless look, Qin Xian''er sighed softly and said, "As I said before, if you had wanted me just now, I would have been more than happy. Whether you believe it or not, every word I said was true."


    Lin Wanrong was puzzled by her words, but as he listened to Qin Xian''er continue, he began to understand. "Xian''er once told you that she only has a mother, not a father. Do you remember, Young Master?"


    Lin Wanrong remembered well. Seeing Qin Xian''er''s sad look, he knew there must be a story there. He quickly interrupted her, saying, "Xian''er, don''t say anymore. I believe you."


    Qin Xian''er became visibly agitated, a tear falling down her cheek. Gratefully, she nced at him and said, "Young Master, you are so kind to me." Sometimes, Qin Xian''er was astute and hard to coax, but Lin Wanrong''s casual remark moved her to tears. It indeed held true, as the old saying goes, that a woman''s heart was as unpredictable as a needle at the bottom of the sea.


    "Given your kindness towards me, Young Master, it would be wrong for me to keep secrets from you," Qin Xian''er said, her face firm with resolve. "You already know my (maternal) grandfather''s identity. After resigning from his official position, he chose to live a simple life in Longhong Vige, content despite its hardships. My mother, from an early age, was recognized near and far as a gifteddy. Unfortunately, she had a tragic fate and was given in marriage to a man in the capital who was no better than a brute. This man had many wives who constantly conspired andpeted against each other. My mother, indifferent by nature and unwilling to engage in such conflicts, frequently fell victim to their schemes. The man treated her withplete disregard. Thankfully, her life gained some sce when she gave birth to me. The brute, having few children, showed me great affection. I initially thought him to be the best father in the world. But when I was eight, my mother and I happened to be in the garden when the man''s enemy came seeking revenge. To protect himself, he... he..."


    Qin Xian''er shuddered violently, choking on her words. Sensing the impending tragedy in her story, Lin Wanrong hurriedly patted her shoulder and said, "Xian''er, darling, don''t be scared, we don''t have to continue."


    "He used my mother as a human shield, letting her take a fatal blow meant for him. I... I lost my mother forever... Oh, my poor mother..." Qin Xian''er fell into his arms, sobbing uncontrobly, her grief so intense it seemed to rob her of breath.


    The news was indeed shocking. A couple, who should have been inseparable, resulting in such a brutal act for the sake of self-preservation. Xian''er''s father was truly the most heartless man in the world.


    The poor girl! Lin Wanrong gently patted her shoulder and sighed. He was beginning to understand Xian''er''s feelings. To think she had suffered so much! Imagine an eight-year-old girl not only seeing her mother endure countless cruelties but also witnessing her own father using her mother as a shield to save himself. The blow was indeed merciless.


    "Xian''er, it''s all in the past now, don''t be afraid. I promise to take good care of you," Lin Wanrong said softly.


    "Young Master..." Ovee with emotion, Qin Xian''er clung to him, sobbing in his arms, as if seeking a reliable pir of support.


    Lin Wanrong held her tight in his arms. Considering what she had gone through, her previous actions became understandable.


    After what felt like an eternity, Xian''er''s emotions finally began to stabilize. A flush appeared on her face. She nced at Lin Wanrong, a mix of happiness and shyness shing across her face, before she quickly buried her head back into his chest.


    "Xian''er, how did you end up with the White Lotus Sect?" Lin Wanrong asked softly.


    Qin Xian''er hummed in affirmation, saying, "By chance, my master was in the capital on business that year. Seeing my pitiful state, she took me in as her disciple and brought me back to the sect. From then on, I became the little demoness of the White Lotus Sect. Young Master, do you detest demonesses?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I don''t know about other demonesses, but I quite adore this little demoness, Xian''er."


    A glimmer of joy flickered in Qin Xian''er''s heart as she sighed, "I never wanted to be a demoness. But my master, who raised me from a young age, has been overwhelmingly kind to me. Whatever she asks me to do, I must aplish it, even at the cost of my life."


    "I understand that," said Lin Wanrong, "You should follow your own path. Do you remember what I once told you? If it''s for your loved ones, what does it matter if the world stands against you?"


    "Young Master, I''ve held on to every word you''ve said," Qin Xian''er murmured, resting her head on his chest. Her small chest was pink, her face still wet from her tears, yet her shyness was overwhelmingly endearing, causing Lin Wanrong to feel an itch in his heart. He cursed inwardly, contemting the harshness of fate. Xian''er was so well-behaved and had suffered so much. It made him feel reluctant to push her too far.


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 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173


    Chapter 173 To Proceed or Not? A Dilemma!


    "Ever since my mother''s tragic death, I''ve harbored deep resentment for those who betray love and trust. I once made a vow that whoever I would find as my husband could only love me and me alone. I yearned for his undivided attention, a devotion that wouldst a lifetime, never to abandon me." Qin Xian''er nced at him, her wordsing out softly.


    So that was it. This young maiden was undoubtedly marked by the horrific events she''d witnessed as a child. That was why she bore such resentment towards others, anyone remotely connected with Lin Wanrong was a target of her ire. Her actions might have been domineering, but they were also profoundly passionate.


    "When I met you, it felt like past life''s grievances found me. Life is short, true friends are hard to find, and it''s even harder to meet someone to love passionately. Xian''er''s encounter with you is a tremendous destiny. Although I''m just a woman, I know that although marriage is arranged by heaven, everything is subject to human efforts. That''s why I cast aside my shame and decided to stay by your side, hoping you won''t despise Xian''er''s simplicity." Qin Xian''er blushed as she spoke with utter shyness.


    Listening to a girl confess her feelings was quite a unique experience, particrly when it was a stunning beauty like Qin Xian''er. This greatly satisfied Lin Wanrong''s vanity.


    He gently caressed Xian''er''s hand and said, "Xian''er, let''s be together henceforth, sticking by each other''s side, never to leave or forsake each other, how does that sound?"


    A blush tinged Qin Xian''er''s cheeks as she whispered, "Your wish is my wish as well."


    Her charming shyness and exquisite appeal ignited a fire within Lin Wanrong. He scoffed at any thought of propriety, thinking to himself, ''I shall make my move first and figure out the restter, what of it?''


    His hands gently started exploring her body, edging into her delicate clothing. Xian''er, having shared her deepest feelings, began to open her heart. Seeing him behave thus, she sighed inwardly, thinking, ''Oh well, since I''ve promised him my life and to never leave him, giving myself to him now wouldn''t make any difference.''


    With this thought, she ceased to resist him. As his gentle caresses swept over her, her body responded like it was aze, soft and warm. Her mouth slightly open, exhaling a sweet fragrance, she whispered, "Please treat Xian''er with kindness"


    Hearing her faint words, a thrill of joy surged in Lin Wanrong''s heart. ''So, she''s given her tacit consent. Pre-marital rtions, such a noble and glorious pursuit! I must persevere.''


    While his mind raced with these thoughts, his hands didn''t pause. Gently, he caressed her firm and smooth skin, his movements slow and deliberate.


    Xian''er, her heart open, passionately embraced him, pressing her voluptuous chest into his arms, her face flushed with vibrant color. She exhaled soft, fragrant sighs, lowered her head and whispered shyly, "Not here, please"


    The mes of desire soared within Lin Wanrong. Suddenly, he scooped her into his arms and hurried back into the room,ying her on the neatly made wooden bed.


    Her heart pounded wildly, her eyes tightly shut, too shy to look at him. Lin Wanrong, an expert at undressing, quickly removed Xian''er''s generous robe. Just one glimpse was enough to make his nose bleed.


    Xian''er''s beautiful hair was strewn across the bed, her eyes tightly shut, longshes trembling slightly. She did not dare to open her eyes. Her exquisite nose and cherry lips breathed heavily, gasping incessantly, which was utterly enticing. Her neck was pale and slender, her skin as clear and radiant as snow. Both of her exposed arms were frost-fair and as smooth as lotus roots. She was tightly d in a scarlet undergarment, enveloping her curvaceous figure. Her bosom heaved tumultuously due to her shyness, creating an undting and rollingndscape. Even the two points of bright red seemed ready to burst forth. Her long, jade-like legs were smooth and tightly sped together, adding to her overwhelming allure. Xian''er''s body was tender yet full, wless from head to toe, like a divine gift from heaven, perfect in every measure.


    Lin Wanrong struggled to swallow his saliva. His hands began to tremble slightly as he slowly untied Xian''er''s scarlet undergarment. Her two mounds, like rabbits released from their cage, surged forth, their rosy tips glistening as if they had been washed in water, shining with tempting radiance.


    Xian''er let out a startled yelp. Her heart beat more violently, making her plump breasts tremble. The two crimson points vibrated like alluring little cherries. Xian''er''s slender legs clenched tightly together, yet the hints of hidden paradise were still visible.


    Lin Wanrong''s body was burning. Damn it, Xian''er was born so beautiful, isn''t she trying to take my life?


    "Young Master" Xian''er''s beautiful eyes were tightly shut, her earlobes flushing red. Her face was as colorful as the freshly gathered rosy clouds, enhancing her snow-white skin and cherry lips, rendering her beyond description. Feeling his hot gaze roaming all over her body, Xian''er was overwhelmed with shyness, quickly closing her legs, her delicate hands instinctively covering her chest. She was torn between wanting to refuse and her shy eptance, making her even more enchanting.


    With a few tugs, Lin Wanrong shed his own clothes, holding Xian''er''s delicate body tightly against his chest. The soft touch from her tender points was enchanting. He pulled her body close to his, a wave of hot breath washed over her, and Xian''er''s body started to tremble violently.


    Lin Wanrong''s hands lightly slid down her waist, slowly reaching her inner thigh. The curve was exquisite, smooth and protruding. As soon as he touched her, Xian''er let out a low cry:


    "Don''t" Her eyes were hazy, looking at Lin Wanrong, she said, "Young Master, will you always only love Xian''er?"


    Damn it, she is asking this even now? Her jealousy is too profound. Heh heh, after experiencing how impressive I am, let''s see how you can still be jealous. Lin Wanrong did not answer her question, but instead, his hands slipped to cover her soft breasts. At the two bright red points, he pressed lightly, tweaking and kneading gently.


    Xian''er''s passion burned fiercely, yet she held onto thest shred of her lucidity. "Young Master, answer Xian''er quickly. Xian''er doesn''t want to hurt Young Master."


    Hurt me? If I don''t take you now, that''s what would really hurt me. Lin Wanrong, while gently pinching the two red tips, smiled and thought


    Xian''er''s ample bosom heaved rapidly, her soft voice saying, "Young Master, my master was a Miao woman. Ever since experiencing the change of my parents, I''vee to despise heartless and unrighteous people. All I desired was a devoted husband, so I asked my master to nt the Lovebug inside me."


    The Lovebug? What was the Lovebug? Nothingpared to the reality of Xian''er''s ample bosom and curvy hips. Lin Wanrong thought dismissively, his hands moving eagerly, eliciting soft gasps from Xian''er.


    "The Lovebug is a symbol of mutual affection between a man and a woman. After sharing a bed with me, you''ll have my Lovebug inside you. From then on, we''ll live or die together, depend on each other, never to part," Xian''er said hurriedly. She felt his considerable heat pressing against her lower abdomen, her breathing bing rapid. "However, if you sleep with another woman, the Lovebug will transfer to her. Her life and death would then be in my hands."


    "What?" Lin Wanrong was about to surge forward, his little brother standing tall, when he heard this. Even though the scenery was tempting, he couldn''t advance a single step.


    Damn it, what''s going on? At this critical moment, this happens. I might be impotent. Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat and quickly checked a certain ce. Seeing that it was still sturdy, he sighed in relief. It was good to be a "stand-up" man.


    Xian''er felt his fiery manhood pressing firmly against her private area. Her heart felt like it was about to jump out. The gentle friction made her whole body weak and heated, a secret spring flowing within her. Her body seemed to lose all strength, like a cocoon being unwound.


    "What is this Lovebug? Xian''er, exin clearly," Lin Wanrong dared not make any reckless movements, holding her body tightly, he asked urgently.


    Xian''er replied softly, "Miao women are passionate, skilled in using bugs. In order to find a devoted husband, I asked my master to nt the Lovebug inside me when I was young. If I have performed the marital rites with you, and the Lovebug has entered your body. You are the bug''s host, and my life is in your hands."


    Sweat! What kind of bug is this, hidden inside one''s belly? Can''t it be expelled by taking some medicine? Damn it, do I have to have an abortion? Is there any justice in the world?


    However, Xian''er was willing to put her own life and death in Lin Wanrong''s hands. This level of devotion, it was hard not to be moved.


    "The so-called Lovebug is a sign of lifelong devotion. If you perform the marital rites with another woman, the bug will transfer to her, and the one in me will be the bug''s host. That woman''s life and death would then be in my hands."


    Hearing these clear words, Lin Wanrong felt cold sweat trickling down his forehead.


    Oh heavens, earth, are you ying with me? I''m fully undressed, about to begin the final act, and now there''s this Lovebug? Is it because my prowess is too strong that you''re deliberately messing with me? Xian''er''s master, teaching all kinds of things, why bugs? Xian''er was so young, didn''t know anything, and just said something casually, and you took it seriously? Damn, either you''re morally corrupt, or you''re a pervert.


    To thrust or not? Lin Wanrong waspletely dumbfounded. He was now faced with a choice between a single tree and an entire forest. People always said that you shouldn''t sacrifice a forest for one tree, but this tree, Qin Xian''er, was different. Her figure was truly exquisite, and he would fight to the death rather than abandon her. One tree, two trees, an entire foresthe wanted them all.


    After pondering for a while, he asked, clutching at a strand of hope, "Xian''er, is there a way to get rid of this Lovebug?" Qin Xian''er shook her head with a slight smile.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, realizing why Xian''er had said that if he made love to her, she would be too delighted to care about anything else. It was true. If he indulged in her once, his other womenQingxuan, Qiaoqiao, and Yushuangwould have to remain celibate, their lives in Xian''er''s hands even if he risked his life to indulge with them again. Damn it, did they expect him to live like this?


    Seeing his troubled face, Qin Xian''er couldn''t help but burst into tears. "My love for you, Young Master, is as constant as the sun and the moon in the sky, and it would persist even if mountains crumbled and rivers dried up," she sobbed. "My purity will always belong to you, Young Master."


    You have put me in a real fix, Xian''er, thought Lin Wanrong. He couldn''t devour her or scold her; this was indeed a tricky situation. After pondering for a while, he decided it would be best to consult someone about this. Qingxuan was as skilled as Xian''er in martial arts, and she would surely have a solution. Maybe they could get rid of the bug with some medicine.


    He marveled at the twist of his fate; he was flirting with the idea of using a potion to rid himself of this predicament. Surely, he thought, this was an unprecedented predicament.


    Lin Wanrong developed a newfound understanding of Qin Xian''er. This woman, she truly had an extreme personality. Her hatred was fiery, her love was fervent. With a sigh, he looked at Qin Xian''er, who was anxiously watching him, and said with an awkward smile, "Xian''er, don''t worry. I will find a solution to this problem."


    Qin Xian''er lowered her head, asking softly, "Young Master, are you angry with Xian''er?"


    "Angry, of course I am," Lin Wanrong replied loudly. Seeing her terrified eyes, heughed and said, "I''m angry because my Xian''er is so beautiful and adorable, she makes my head spin. I can''t even think straight, and though I want to spank her little bottom, I just can''t bring myself to do it."


    "Young Master" Qin Xian''er was bashfully charming, but she could feel hisrge, warm hand caressing her backside. He indeed wasn''t willing to spank her, but he was more than willing to touch.


    "Xian''er, I want you to know that I''m a very decent man," Lin Wanrong said seriously, "I''m not the kind of person who only seeks physical pleasure. What I value more is a spiritual connectionwhat wemonly refer to as mutual understanding." He lied, hands gently exploring Xian''er''s body, with his hot arousal pressing firmly between her thighs, more fervent than before.


    As Lin Wanrong talked nonsense, Qin Xian''er was too shy to speak, only managing a slight hum, letting him have his way with her.


    "To prove that I''m a man of high moral character," Lin Wanrong said with a slight smile, "I have decided that tonight, we''ll sleep together naked. To further test my self-control, I have a small request for you, Xian''er."


    "What request?" Xian''er asked, nestled tightly in his arms, her voiceden with bashfulness. At this moment, their naked bodies were entwined, feeling the heat emanating from him, especially the fiery dragon beneath, growing increasinglyrger and only a hair''s breadth away from prating her.


    "I want you to do your best to tease me, as proof of my noble character," Lin Wanrong chuckledsciviously. If he couldn''t have her, he should at least reap some interest, or else, wasn''t the disrobing for naught? He had never been one for futile efforts.


    "Young Master" Xian''er whimpered, hiding herself in his chest, her face burning hot, and she didn''t dare to lift her head for a long time.


    Lin Wanrong waited for a while but found no response. After frantically exploring her body, he sighed internally. This girl would need further training.


    Just as he was thinking this, he felt a small, warm hand, trembling ever so slightly, slowly reaching towards the heat below his waist. The extreme pleasure made Lin Wanrong feel both joy and sorrow. Liuxia Hui, he thought, I am on par with you this time. [Note: Liuxia Hui is known in Chinese history as a man of great restraint, particrly with regard to sexual temptation.]


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 Chapter 174

    Chapter 174


    Chapter 174 Mncholy


    Embracing a naked beauty in his arms, yet only allowed to look and not taste, was indeed a form of excruciating torment for a man. Holding the soft, delicate body of Qin Xian''er, Lin Wanrong was overwhelmed with a sense of helplessness. Thinking about the Lovebug in her body, aside from taking small liberties, he could only resign himself to being a good man.


    For the sake of future happiness, I ept it, Lin Wanrong thought indignantly, idly giving a gentle pinch on Xian''er''s jade breast. A soft moan escaped from the sleeping Qin Xian''er, extremely tantalizing.


    By the time he awoke, there was a fine drizzle outside the window, lending an even greater atmosphere than yesterday. But Qin Xian''er was nowhere to be found by his side. The room still held her lingering fragrance, and a notey gently pressed against the pillow. The ink was not yet dry, inscribed with several graceful small characters: "Urgently summoned by the sect, I must depart first. This house belongs to you and is also my home. Day and night, I think of you, your heart is my heart."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, Qingxuan had left, and now Xian''er was gone too. The same haste, the same absence of trace. He stood in the courtyard pavilion, looking at the note, sighing silently. On the elegant paper, there were a few new, dried tear stains. Thinking of Xian''er''s exquisite face, her tearful appearance, the soft whispers beside the pillow fromst night, it was like this misty rain, dreamlike, a surreal illusion.


    "Gone, gone, all gone," even the usually cheerful Lin Wanrong could only muster a bitter smile in the face of such a scene. Luckily, he still had Qiaoqiao and Yushuang by his side, which gave him a slightfort.


    In just over a month, the New Year would pass, and then he would head north, determined to find that girl Qingxuan, find a way to rid Xian''er''s body of the Lovebug, marry the four girls, then build a house by West Lake, to enjoy hister years. That was his life goal.


    Despite his unique experiences, he never thought about saving the nation or the people. I''m just an ordinary guy, those lofty, intangible things have nothing to do with me. Ideal? Ideals are worthless. If you can live a stable life, you should be thankful.


    Leaving Longhong Vige, his mood remained low. He followed the path from yesterday, returning to the West Lake. Even though it was a misty drizzle, there were still boatsing and going on theke. Most were official boats, with people diving underwater from time to time, seemingly looking for something.


    These must have been sent by Xu Wei, huh? They have been searching for a whole day and night, and they haven''t stopped, Lin Wanrong thought with a smile. This old Xu, he treats me well, I''m a little touched.


    "Is that Young Master Lin ahead?" a voice came. A group of soldiers searching by theke saw him, and the one leading them was the guard who had been looking for a boat for Xu Wei yesterday. Despite changing his clothes, Lin Wanrong was recognized by him instantly.


    "It is indeed Lin San," Lin Wanrong responded with a fist and palm salute. "Are you looking for me, brother? You have worked hard. I am really sorry."


    "Is it really Young Master Lin?" the guard said joyfully, "Someone, go and inform the boss, we found Young Master Lin."


    Lin Wanrong nodded slightly and asked, "I appreciate your hard work, brother. May I ask your name?"


    The guard chuckled, "You''re too polite, Young Master. I''m just a simple man, my surname is Gao and my given name is Qiu."


    Gao Qiu? Lin Wanrong paused for a moment, then said, "There''s a man named Gao Shou who works under our Jiangsu Governor Luo. Your names are quite simr, I wonder if there''s any rtion?"


    Gao Qiuughed, "He''s my elder brother." Gao Qiu, Gao Shou. Goodness, their father was quite creative, monopolizing all the benefits in the world. (TL: Qiu in Gao Qiu means Chief or Chieftain)


    "Did you also work in the pce, brother?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Gao Qiu nodded, "I did serve in the pce. Later, I wasmanded by the Emperor to protect Mr. Xu, and have been doing so for quite a few years now." It seemed that just like Luo Min, Xu Wei was also a trusted aide of the current Emperor, otherwise, the Emperor wouldn''t have sent so many pce guards to apany him.


    Seeing so many people searching for him, Lin Wanrong sighed, "Because of me, so many brothers have been troubled. I''m really sorry."


    "You shouldn''t say that, Young Master," Gao Qiu said, "You knew you weren''t strong enough, yet you bravely fought the White Lotus bandits. We really admire you."


    God, what a way to p me in the face, Lin Wanrong thought, chuckling to himself.


    In the meantime, a group of people was hurrying over. Leading them was Xu Wei. From a distance, Lin Wanrong saluted, "Mr. Xu, did you sleep wellst night?"


    Arriving at his side and seeing him safe and sound, Xu Wei finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Little brother Lin, you''ve really worried us sick."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Really? You and Miss Su were finally reunited after a long separation. Last night was the perfect opportunity for you two to enjoy each other''spany. How could you possibly have insomnia?"


    Xu Wei, a man in his fifties or sixties, blushed when teased by this young man in his twenties. But he was not an ordinary person. Even though he had only met Lin Wanrong a few times, he liked him very much. He bowed deeply to Lin Wanrong, "I am grateful for your help, Little brother Lin."


    "Where did I help?" Lin Wanrong asked in surprise.


    "There are two ways you helped. Publicly, you helped me capture the White Lotus and bravely fought the bandits. You are truly a model of courage. Privately, you helped me fulfill a long-cherished wish. My reunion with Qinglian is all thanks to you. In both public and private matters, you deserve my gratitude," Xu Wei stated seriously.


    "Haha, never mind, never mind. I just couldn''t stand the arrogance of the White Lotus cult, that''s why I wanted to help. I didn''t expect the bandits to be so weak. They fell into the water, and what''s worse, they caught me off guard and pulled me down too," Lin Wanrong shamelessly bragged.


    "Indeed, it''s exactly as you said." Xu Wei stroked his beard andughed lightly. This Lin Wanrong was not only more knowledgeable than him, but his thick skin was also quite rare. "But I wonder, how did you manage to escape?"


    Xu Wei''s eyes flickered, naturally doubtful of Lin Wanrong''s words. Heughed and asked, "Little brother Lin, you possess good skills. But, tell me, was the bandit who escaped male or female?"


    "This... I didn''t touch," Lin Wanrong answered without blinking.


    Xu Weiughed heartily, "Losing one doesn''t matter. Their leader has fallen into our hands, the lesser minions can''t cause any trouble." While they were speaking, someone came to report, "Minister Xu, Miss Xiao has returned to Jinling."


    "When did she leave?" Xu Wei asked in surprise.


    "I''ve just returned from conveying your order, sir. I informed Miss Xiao that Young Master Lin has safely returned, and upon hearing this, she said she was setting off for Jinling immediately."


    "Miss Xiao left?" Xu Wei said, puzzled, "Last night, Miss Xiao was so anxious that she and Qinglian stayed on the ship overnight without sleep, asking me to inform her as soon as there was news of Young Master Lin. Now that Young Master Lin is back, why did she leave without even seeing him?"


    Damn, thisdy is indeed heartless. Yesterday she was all smiles. I return, and she doesn''t even greet me before running off. Once we get back to Jinling, I''ll settle the score with you. We haven''t even split the silver we''ve made these days.


    "Did Miss Xiao say anything about what I should do?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "Miss Xiao said that after Young Master Lin has settled the affairs here, he should return to Jinling at his own convenience."


    Settle the affairs? I''m just a mere servant in the Xiao family, what affairs could I possibly handle? You obviously don''t want to see me and are using such poor excuses.


    Xu Wei looked at him meaningfully and said, "Little brother Lin, forgive my bluntness, but with your talents and knowledge, it is indeed a waste for you to be a small servant in the Xiao family. If you don''t mind, I can make some rmendations for you. With your talents, you are sure to achieve great things, your future is bound to be bright."


    "A bright future?" Lin Wanrong said with a faint smile, "And what would that future be?"


    Xu Wei said, "To serve in the court, to serve the country, to benefit the people."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Mr. Xu, was this your dream when you were young?"


    Xu Wei paused. Lin Wanrong''s question was loaded, implying that this was only his youthful aspiration. Indeed, at Xu Wei''s age, having seen so much darkness and having used so many tactics, his youthful passion had long faded, and where could he find traces of that ideal?


    Ideal? What was the use of an ideal? If one asked the old farmers who work in the fields, their biggest ideal was to have food and clothing. Serving the country and benefiting the people? Such slogans sounded great, but corruption and exploiting the people were the reality for these educated men. If there were one day when there were no officials in this world, then that would be true peace.


    Lin Wanrong took a deep breath and said, "Mr. Xu, I am just an ordinary man. I have not studied the sage''s books, nor have I thought about saving the country or the people. As long as no one bullies me, I simply wish to live a peaceful and stable life. That''s my ideal. It''s just like being a servant in the Xiao family. The Madam and the youngdies of the Xiao family treat me fairly well. Being with them is fulfilling and stress-free, much more rxed andfortable than being an official. People, after all, shouldn''t have too many aspirations. Living each day peacefully and steadily is a grace from the heavens."


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s words, Xu Wei couldn''t help but sigh. The younger man had outrightly rejected a chance that countless people dreamt of. Lin Wanrong was truly a character, full of unexpectedness, embodying a sense of grandeur in his actions.


    To live each day peacefully and steadily? Perhaps, that was nothing more than a luxury. Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, a sense of mncholy washing over his features.


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 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175


    Chapter 175 Picking on the Weak


    "By the way, Mr. Xu, what do you n to do with those rebels from the White Lotus cult?" Lin Wanrong suddenly asked with keen interest.


    "Question the bandit leaders, show them no mercy." Xu Wei responded concisely.


    "I do know who leads them, a man named Lu Zhongping, right? I was a ''guest'' of the White Lotus cult in the past, and I have deep feelings toward him," Lin Wanrongughed. After all, how could there not be deep affection between a grandfather and grandson?


    "You recognize this Lu Zhongping?" Xu Wei asked, "He indeed leads this time, but he is definitely not the one behind the scenes."


    Xu Wei''s words carried profound implications, to which Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Mr. Xu, you probably already have some deductions in your mind, why bother wasting energy inquiring?"


    "To catch a couple in adultery, to seize a thief and his booty, one must have clear evidence to convince others, and silence those puppet masters behind the scenes." There was a glint in Xu Wei''s eyes, his wordsced with deeper meaning.


    "Regrettably, I left in such a hurry this time, bringing only skilled bodyguards with me. They''re not experts in interrogation, and this Lu Zhongping is indeed quite stubborn, yielding little useful information." Xu Wei seemed to be talking to himself.


    Damn, isn''t this an obvious invitation? Knowing I have a vendetta against the White Lotus Sect, he knew I''d be interested. This old Xu is really thoughtful. I haven''t personally done any interrogation before, but haven''t I seen a pig run even though I''ve never eaten pig''s feet? Waterboarding, torture chairs, just a few measures should make the grandson talk.


    I''ve never interrogated anyone before, but I came today for that turtle Lu Zhongping. I specialize in beating the fallen.


    Hearing about such a good opportunity, Lin Wanrong''s previously gloomy mood evaporated, Damn, being a cop, missing such an entertaining job would be foolish.


    "Well, Mr. Xu, I would like to observe" Lin Wanrong began, feigning shyness. Xu Wei looked at him and burst intoughter.


    The ce where Lu Zhongping was locked up was a dimly lit room. He was shackled, looking pale and extremely haggard.


    When Lin Wanrong and Gao Qiu walked in, Lu Zhongping lifted his head from the torture rack and shot a look of fury at Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, what are you here for?"


    Damn, still so arrogant after being captured? Do you think this is your kitchen? Lin Wanrongughed, "I came to visit family."


    "Visit who?" Lu Zhongping retorted angrily.


    "Visit my grandson." Lin Wanrong grinned.


    Lu Zhongping''s face twitched, and he yelled, "Lin San, you and I are irreconcble!"


    Damn you, you abducted me to the White Lotus cult. If it weren''t for Xian''er rescuing me, I would have died at your hands and that turtle Tao Dongcheng''s. When have I ever reconciled with you?


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, turning to Gao Qiu, "Brother Gao, I heard this kid is a martial arts master, right?"


    Gao Qiu nodded, and Lin Wanrongughed, "A martial arts master, such a terrifying title. What''s the way to break this martial arts master''s skills?"


    "Pierce the Dantian, lock the shoulder des." Gao Qiu responded sinctly.


    [TL: Dantian traditionally located in the lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel and inwards towards the spine]


    "Hmm, sounds quite interesting. Brother Gao, please try each method a hundred times." Lin Wanrong said leisurely.


    Lu Zhongping jumped in shock, eximing, "Lin San, you dare?"


    Gao Qiu was also taken aback. This Young Master Lin was ruthless. Even one trial of each method would leave Lu Zhongpin crippled. Yet he demanded a hundred times as if he were slicing vegetables.


    "What the hell would I not dare to do?" Lin Wanrong mmed his fist on the table and roared, "Have you ever seen me afraid to do anything? I''m not even afraid of your master, so why should I fear you, grandson?"


    Lu Zhongping''s face turned pale. Lin San was even more arrogant this time than when captured that day. Today, with the roles reversed, why wouldn''t he be arrogant? Lu Zhongping wasn''t afraid of the many skilled warriors by Xu Wei''s side, but facing Lin San, who carried an evil aura, it was hard not to fear.


    "You, you dare? Lin San, if you have guts, fight me one-on-one" Seeing Gao Qiu gradually closing in, Lu Zhongping began to shout in a trembling voice. He wasn''t afraid of physical torment, but losing his martial arts was worse than death.


    "One-on-one, is it?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, turning to Gao Qiu, "Brother Gao, bring in ten highly skilled fighters."


    Soon, Gao Qiu brought in ten men, each with a gleam in their eyes, clearly no ordinary people.


    Standing before the ten men, Lin Wanrong pointed at Lu Zhongping, "Don''t say I didn''t give you a chance. Do you choose a group fight or one-on-one?"


    Lu Zhongping didn''t understand his meaning, "What is a group fight, and what is one-on-one?"


    "A group fight is when all of us beat you up." Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    "Then one-on-one? I choose one-on-one."


    "One-on-one? That''s when you fight all of us."


    Lu Zhongping roared, "Lin San, you are utterly shameless."


    Lin Wanrong gave him a swift kick, "I''ve never imed to be noble. You chose this path. Gentlemen, let''s all join in. Wherever a man is most vulnerable, aim there!" With that, hended another solid kick in Lu Zhongpin''s groin. Lu Zhongping let out a scream that could be heard ten miles away.


    Lin Wanrong was in a bad mood that day. After the kicks, he felt an immense satisfaction seeping through every pore of his body.


    Even Gao Qiu thought that this Young Master Lin was truly shameless. Lu Zhongping was tied up, and even a maiden could beat him, yet this Young Master Lin showed no mercy. Upon learning that Lin Wanrong had once been captured by the White Lotus cult, he understoodYoung Master Lin must have suffered greatly back then, he thought, unaware that Lin Wanrong had been livingfortably.


    After this series of shouting, beating, and scaring, Lu Zhongping turned pale and dared not speak. Gao Qiu asked, "Lu Zhongping, will you confess or not?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "Brother Gao, let''s not ask if he''ll confess. I still have many interesting things to do."


    Gao Qiu, truly admiring this Young Master Lin, yed along, "What else haven''t you done?"


    "I heard of a particr method of skinning, quite intriguing, I wonder if Brother Gao has heard of it?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "What sort of skinning method?" Gao Qiu asked curiously.


    "Well," Lin Wanrong started, "you chop off a person''s limbs, make him a meat pole, and bury him upright in the sand under the scorching sun. Then, you cut arge hole in his scalp, sprinkle some flower nectar, honey, pepper powder, salt, star anise, and countless flies, butterflies, mosquitoes, and bugs will crawl on him. He will itch all over, his scalp numb, struggling only makes it itch more, the itch causing him to struggle more. In the end, unable to bear it, with a ''pop'', the person springs out from the scalp slit, leaving the skin behind. It''s a fun method that I''ve yet to try. If Brother Gao ever feels interested, we could give it a go."


    "Is there really such a method? We must try it." Gao Qiuughed but nced at Lu Zhongping seemingly unintentionally.


    Lu Zhongping felt a tingling in his scalp, angry at himself for not thinking of these methods when he had captured Lin San. He cursed Tao Dongcheng, that dog-headed strategist, for his pacification strategy whichnded him in this mess. He knew Lin Wanrong was trying to scare him, but who knew if someone would really give it a try. He wasn''t afraid of death, but such a brutal way of dying filled him with extreme fear.


    "Actually, that''s not the most interesting part." Lin Wanrongughed, "Brother Gao, I heard there''s a drug called aphrodisiac in the Jianghu, the one that can make women...excited after consumption."


    At the mention of the aphrodisiac, Lu Zhongping shuddered, thinking of how he ignited the spring fragrance of the youngdy that day. Indeed, it was retribution in this life.


    Gao Qiu said, "Well, there is. The most effective and famous ones include ''My Love Hammer'', ''Erotic Joy Powder'', ''Guanyin Undressing'', ''Buddha''s Large Stick''"


    "Guanyin Undressing, Buddha''s Large Stick? Damn, I''ve never heard of these two. Truly, lewdness knows no bounds." Lin Wanrongughed, "Brother Gao, what would a man do if he took this aphrodisiac?"


    "Of course, he would seek a woman for intercourse."


    "And what if a male dog took an aphrodisiac?"


    "Of course, it would look for a female dog to mate."


    "And what if a man who took an aphrodisiac and a male dog who took an aphrodisiac were put in the same room? What would happen?" Lin Wanrong asked, seemingly lost in thought.


    Gao Qiu got goosebumps. Even this kind of thing could be thought of. In terms of wickedness, if Young Master Lin admitted to being second, no one in the world would dare to admit being first. Lu Zhongping trembled with shock, his body shaking like chaff.


    "Ah, it would be best to put this room on the main street, so that more people can witness this astonishing scene. I''m really looking forward to it," Lin Wanrong mused to himself.


    Lu Zhongping''s face turned purple, he stammered, "I, I confess"


    "Should have said it sooner, damn it." Lin Wanrong kicked Lu Zhongping and snapped, "Made me disgust myself for so long."


    Lin Wanrong strode out, feeling exhrated. Damn, it was satisfying to be a policeman. The frustration of the day had been thoroughly dispelled. As for Lu Zhongping, he was a bit miserable, and Lin Wanrong wondered if he would have nightmares that night.


    Xu Wei was standing at the door, smiling at him. "Little brother Lin, your knowledge spans the ancient and the contemporary. I am truly in awe. If you were to enter the court, with your eloquence, wit, and tactics, even bing a king or prime minister wouldn''t be impossible."


    tter away, Lin Wanrongughed, "A little trickery, I can manage. But when ites to grand conspiracies, I''m no match for you, Mr. Xu."


    Having be acquainted with Lin Wanrong, Xu Wei was unbothered andughed heartily, "Little brother Lin, are you sure you won''t reconsider?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Mr. Xu, let''s not discuss this anymore, I prefer a simpler life."


    Xu Wei knew that he couldn''t persuade him and could only sigh. "In my younger years, I was not as enlightened as you are now. I was rash and sought false reputation, which wasted many years of my life. At the age of sixty, when I finally woke up, I found myself already at such an age, still entangled in worldly affairs, unable to extricate myself. Who will pity me for the lost youth, for the fallen leaves in the twilight dream of a fisherman and a woodcutter. My life has been in a muddle, aplete muddle."


    As Xu Wei continued, he grew increasingly mncholic. Lin Wanrong thought to himself, Who isn''t living their whole life before understanding this? You''re doing pretty well; some people don''t understand this truth even until death.


    "Different people have different aspirations. Little brother Lin, you prefer a tranquil life, I won''t force you. But if you evere to the capital, pleasee to my house for a drink. It would give me and my wife a chance to express our gratitude."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Of course. I told Miss Su yesterday that she would thank me in the future, didn''t that predictione true today?" Xu Wei stroked his beard and smiled, feeling very gratified.


    Suddenly, Lin Wanrong remembered something. He turned to Xu Wei and said, "Mr. Xu, you have a widework in the capital. Have you ever met a woman in her twenties, beautiful, extraordinary, probably from a prominent family, whose maiden name is Xiao Qingxuan?"


    "Xiao Qingxuan?" Xu Wei frowned in thought, "Which family''s youngdy is she? I''ve never heard of her. What''s your rtionship with her?"


    Lin Wanrong answered seriously, "She''s my wife."


    "You''re married?" Xu Wei was surprised, thenughed, "With your talents, Miss Xiao must be endowed with both beauty and virtue. But since you''re already married, why don''t you know about your own wife''s background?"


    Damn it, do you think I want it this way? I''m also confused now, Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly. He gave a detailed description of Xiao Qingxuan''s appearance, but Xu Wei still didn''t know: "There are many distinguished families in the capital, and countless youngdies from each. There are indeed quite a few surnamed Xiao, but I don''t know which one you''re looking for?"


    Lin Wanrong removed the jade pendant that Xiao Qingxuan had left him from his neck and handed it to Xu Wei, "Mr. Xu, have you ever seen this?"


    Having seen much of the world, Xu Wei was astounded by the jade''s crystal rity and radiant color, eximing, "This is Hetian jade! Where did you get such a treasure, Little brother Lin?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "It was left to me by Qingxuan."


    "This is the finest Hetian jade, a rarity in the world. Even in the pce, it is difficult to see such a treasure. Little brother Lin, your wife must certainly be from a wealthy and noble family," Xu Wei sighed.


    Seeing that even Xu Wei couldn''t ascertain Xiao Qingxuan''s origin and identity, Lin Wanrong felt somewhat disappointed. However, being naturally cheerful, heughed and said, "In that case, I will go to the capital myself after the New Year to find my wife."


    Xu Wei nodded, "Little brother Lin, with your talents, you will surely stand out in the capital. There are many old schrs there who write a few poems, draw a few paintings, and think highly of themselves. With your wit and talent, you can challenge them and show these old folks what a young genius looks like. There will be quite a show then. It''s been many years since the capital had such excitement. I''m really looking forward to your arrival."


    Lin Wanrong broke out in a sweat upon hearing this. Wasn''t this old man Xu Wei also an aplished poet and painter, and also one of these so-called old schrs? Having spent more time with Xu Wei, Lin Wanrong found the old man quite interesting. He was ruthless when it came to power struggles but affable when discussing poetry. In the end, it seemed politics had stripped away his schr''s gentleness, resulting in this contradictory character.


    After parting ways with Xu Wei, Lin Wanrong didn''t know where to go. The Eldest Miss Xiao had run off and left him alone. He wondered what was wrong with her; her temperament was getting stranger.


    After walking a few steps, he noticed a familiar carriage stopped ahead. Si De, Xiao Feng, Xiao Cui, and others were all standing by the carriage. When they saw him, they all cheered happily, "Brother San, we''ve been waiting for you! Hurry, we''re heading back to Jinling."


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 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176


    Chapter 176 An Unexpected Encounter


    Lin Wanrong walked over with a smile, saying, "Everyone''s here, eh? Why didn''t you follow the Eldest Miss back to Jinling?"


    Xiao Feng responded, "Brother San, it was the Eldest Miss'' instruction to stay and wait for you."


    Lin Wanrong felt a little relieved. The girl still had some conscience, not only did she leave the others to wait for him, but she also left her carriage for him to use.


    Comforted, he considered himself the highest ranking amongst those present, naturally the carriage should be his to enjoy. He stepped up to enter the carriage, but as he reached to pull back the curtain, he heard a voice from within, a blend of shyness and anger,manding, "Get down."


    Startled, Lin Wanrong found the voice oddly familiar, like that of the Eldest Miss. Hastily pulling the curtain aside, he saw the woman inside frowning at him. If it wasn''t Xiao Yuruo, then who else could it be?


    "Get down, get down, get down now," the Eldest Miss hadn''t expected such impudence from him, climbing into the carriage in front of so many servants. She was naturally upset and hastily spoke out in her soft voice.


    With an awkward smile, Lin Wanrong descended from the carriage, wondering, hadn''t this girl left? Why did she suddenly appear here? And here he thought she had generously left the carriage for him.


    "Brother San," Xiao Cui spoke, "the Eldest Miss says that since we came together, we should leave together."


    Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong felt a warmth in his heart. Toe together, and naturally to leave together. He hadn''t expected the Eldest Miss to be so considerate, making him feel that his efforts for her family hadn''t been in vain.


    Initially, Lin Wanrong thought that the Eldest Miss, uttering such heartwarming words, would greet him with a warm smile. However, the reality was quite the contrary. On the return journey to Jinling, the Eldest Miss did not speak a single word to him, as if he waspletely nonexistent, her coldness surpassing even that of their journey out.


    After their trip to Hangzhou, after their shared experiences and the red thread incident, there had been obvious signs of an improvement in their rtionship. However, after the events of the previous day, it seemed to have reverted to its prior state.


    Lin Wanrong had tried initiating conversations with the Eldest Miss several times, but she simply ignored him. After a few attempts, he too lost interest and resorted to quietly riding his horse.


    When they reached the border region of Zhejiang and Jiangsu, the high mountains and dense forests made for a dangerous journey. On their way there, they had met many merchants, but perhaps due to the rain, there were very few pedestrians on their return.


    Feeling depressed, Lin Wanrong was leading on his horse when suddenly, arge stone rolled down from the mountain, blocking their path.


    Frightened by the sudden event, Lin Wanrong''s horse let out a long neigh and began to spin, nearly throwing him off. He quickly grabbed the saddle, pressing his body against the horse''s back, barely maintaining his bnce. His heart pounded wildly. Was this andslide or a mudslide? How could such arge stone fall?


    The people behind him were also drenched in cold sweat. If the stone had hit them, it would have been catastrophic.


    "Lin San, are you alright?" The Eldest Miss''s voice carried a slight tremble,ing from inside the carriage. This was the first time she had spoken to Lin Wanrong since they had left Hangzhou.


    "I''m fine, just almost got crushed by a rock," Lin Wanrong replied with a grin.


    "You and your silly remarks," the Eldest Miss huffed but did not say anything more.


    Lin Wanrong looked around. There was nondslide, but therge stone hade out of nowhere, aplete mystery. As they pondered this, several figures suddenly appeared on the mountainside, their faces covered with ck veils. From afar, the glint of their knives shimmered, radiating a threatening aura. A nce was enough to understand their intentions  a robbery was imminent.


    This was Lin Wanrong''s first encounter with mountain bandits. There was a certain excitement in his heart, but he wondered whether these viins were after wealth or women. Damn it, he thought, I hate bandits iming authority by blocking paths and robbing people, such a low-ss way of survival.


    "Mi-miss, it''s mountain bandits..." Xiao Cui''s face paled as she stammered.


    Xiao Feng quickly stepped in front of her, "Don''t be afraid, I''ll deal with these bandits, ensuring your safety, Sister Cui..."


    Sister Cui Lin Wanrong felt a shiver run down his spine, an icy coldness enveloping him. What a pair of immoral lovers.


    The Eldest Miss frowned. She had traveled this route countless times, never encountering any mountain bandits. What was happening today?


    With a shout, dozens of figures rushed down from the mountains, their physiques and vigor quite intimidating.


    Escaping was no longer an option. Lin Wanrong quickly dismounted his horse and picked up a stone, instructing everyone, "Guard the carriage, don''t let the bandits harm the Eldest Miss."


    In a blink of an eye, the bandits were right before the carriage. One of them shouted, "This mountain is mine, this tree is mine..."


    "Shut your mouth," Lin Wanrong yelled in anger, hurling the stone in his hand at the bandit. With his strength and uracy, the stone hit the bandit square in the face, knocking him down like a split watermelon, cutting his words short.


    Everyone was taken aback. The bandits certainly hadn''t expected such ferocity from their opponents; one of them had already been felled before they could even make a move.


    Si De, Xiao Feng, and the others, shouted in surprise, their voices tinged with excitement.


    Lin Wanrong was carrying many treasures. Not to mention his mysterious martial arts prowess, the poisoned needles from Qin Xian''er, and the firearm from Xiao Qingxuan were more than enough to deal with these bandits. He had been itching for a chance to use them, and today, the bandits were indeed out of luck.


    Seeing one of his bandits fall, the leader-like figure next to him red at the stone, anger shing in his eyes, "Seize them quickly."


    Real bandits would have shouted something like, "Brothers, charge," not using a refined phrase like "Seize them." Noticing some bandages on the bandit leader''s hand and recognizing the familiar voice, Lin Wanrong had a sudden realization. Damn it, he thought, how did this peaceful ce spawn bandits? It turned out to be that rascal Tao Dongcheng ying tricks.


    On that day, when Tao Dongcheng had set the scheme to "rescue" Eldest Miss Xiao, it had been foiled by a single stone thrown by Lin Wanrong. Naturally, he remembered it vividly. No wonder he was fuming when he saw Lin Wanrong using the same technique again.


    Beside Tao Dongcheng, a petite figure said, "Just capture Lin San, don''t make it hard for Miss Xiao." Judging by the voice and appearance, it was Tao Wanying, that fiery little pepper.


    Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong was livid. Damn it, these siblings were not only coborating to rob, but they also specifically targeted him, as if he was the easy prey. This Tao girl was supposedly a public official, what a waste of food she was.


    "Catch them all," Tao Dongcheng ordered loudly. Tao Wanying let out a soft protest, "Brother, you said we would only catch Lin San and not make things difficult for Sister Yuruo"


    A glint of malice shed in Tao Dongcheng''s eyes: "Capture them, capture them all."


    Listening to the siblings bickering, Lin Wanrong understood. Tao Wanying held a grudge against him, was close to Eldest Miss Xiao, and therefore wanted only him captured. Tao Dongcheng''s intention was as clear as day to everyone but a fool like Tao Wanying.


    A dozen bandits charged at once. Lin Wanrong shouted, "Protect Miss Xiao," and promptly picked up two stones to hurl at the attackers. His strength and uracy were top-notch, especially since he aimed at the faces, giving the bandits no chance to dodge. Two more fell victim to his stones.


    Seeing his men being so useless, Tao Dongcheng was agitated. "Attack together. Capture Miss Xiao first"


    Although Lin Wanrong was skilled in martial arts, he was inherentlyzy. If he could sit, he wouldn''t stand; if he could lie down, he wouldn''t sit. With his poison darts and firearm, he could easily deal with them. Only a fool would engage in hand-to-handbat.


    It was about time to practice his marksmanship. Lin Wanrong chuckled, about to reach for his firearm in his bosom. Suddenly, he heard a long whistle. A figure came rushing like lightning, and engaged the bandits. This man''s martial arts skills were extraordinary. Despite being outnumbered, he held the upper hand, quickly defeating several bandits, causing Tao Dongcheng and his sister to nch.


    Lin Wanrong could see clearly. This man, the one who came to their aid, was Gao Qiu, the bodyguard from Xu Wei''s side.


    Damn, the bodyguard had arrived. Lin Wanrong was quite excited. It must be Xu Wei who sent him to protect me. The old man was a good friend indeed. It''s a pity I missed a great chance to practice my shooting.


    Gao Qiu was an elite guard from the pce, his skills far surpassing Tao Dongcheng''s men. In a few moments, he had subdued half of the dozen men.


    When Tao Dongcheng saw the situation turning unfavorable, he turned to escape. Tao Wanying, however, was braver than her brother. Looking at Lin Wanrong, she said, "I will capture the viin Lin San."


    Tao Dongcheng, seeing his sister''s determination, urgently grabbed Tao Wanying to escape. Lin Wanrong, however, wouldn''t let them leave easily. Damn it, weren''t they swaggering just a moment ago, with all their talk about opening mountains and nting trees? If I let them escape today, I might as well write my name backwards.


    He always did the unexpected, ying by his own rules. Seizing the opportunity, he dashed forward to catch up with Tao Dongcheng and shouted, "Young Master Tao"


    Without thinking, Tao Dongcheng turned his head, only to be met with a blur. Lin Wanrong''s heavy fistnded on his temple. Reeling from the blow, Tao Dongcheng silently crumpled to the ground.


    "Brother" Seeing her brother fall unconscious, Tao Wanying let out a mournful cry. She tightly clung to Tao Dongcheng''s hand and red at Lin Wanrong. Her eyes were filled with intense fury. "Lin San, what do you want?" she demanded.


    "What a joke, Miss Tao. It''s clear you came to rob me, but you''re asking what I want?" Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Since you brought it up, I might as well tell you. You folks are doing an excellent job as bandits. It''s so entertaining that I''m itching to try it out myself, to y the part of a robber."


    "You, what do you want to rob" Tao Wanying asked in rm.


    Lin Wanrong smirked and replied flippantly, "I n tomit a bit of robberyof a romantic kind!"


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 Chapter 177

    Chapter 177


    Chapter 177 Better to Cross the King of Hell than Cross Brother San (Part 1)


    "Lin San, you dare?" eximed Tao Wanying in a mix of shock and anger. Despite her defiance, she couldn''t help but step back in haste.


    Ever since she was humiliated by Lin San in the heart of Jinling City, she had developed a certain sense of fear for Lin Wanrong. On top of that, it was this same Lin San who had caused her brother to lose his shop and his dignity at the Sunshine and Rain Restaurant in Hangzhou, and even injured his finger. It was in her burning rage that she dared to confront him.


    "You should know, I am a wicked man; there''s nothing I wouldn''t dare to do," Lin Wanrong replied with augh. He found her wordscking in substance. He chuckled smugly, pressing forward toward Tao Wanying.


    In terms of fighting, Tao Wanying was never a match for Lin Wanrong, especially under such dire circumstances. She cried out in fear but nheless held onto her brother Tao Dongcheng''s hands tightly, unwilling to let go. In her fear, she had forgotten all about her elegant martial arts skills and had reverted back to being a terrified little girl.


    Looking at her coldly, Lin Wanrong asked, "Miss Tao, are you surrendering, or do you want me to force you?"


    Having experienced his might, Tao Wanying knew escape was impossible today. She gritted her teeth and said, "Lin San, I will stay, but you must let my brother go."


    Even though Tao Wanying was fraught with faults, she refused to abandon her kin in a crisis. This admirable trait left a somewhat positive impression on Lin Wanrong.


    Laughing heartily, Lin Wanrong said, "Miss Tao, do you think you''re in a position to negotiate? How amusing. Wasn''t it the Tao family that ambushed us today? Howe it''s your turn to plead with me now?"


    Tao Wanying bit her lip and remained silent. Lin Wanrong took a few steps forward, lifted her chin, and with a frivolous touch to her face, he teased, "Miss Tao, aside from your figure, it''s hard to say what other parts of you are attractive."


    With an exmation, Tao Wanying recoiled, her eyes welling up with anger and shame. "Lin San, if you dare to bully me, I will haunt you even in death."


    "Bully you?" Lin Wanrongughed, "Forgive me for being blunt, Miss Tao, but even if I were blindfolded by pig fat and the lights were out, I wouldn''ty a finger on you."


    "Go to hell!" Tao Wanying blushed and shouted in shame and fury.


    "Whether I live or die has nothing to do with you. But you, clinging to me so desperately, could it be that you''ve taken a fancy to me? Damn, I must be cursed to be sought after by a madwoman like you. I must burn incense when I return to ward off evil spirits," Lin Wanrong teased.


    Humiliated beyond endurance, Tao Wanying, disregarding the gap in their strengths, screamed and charged at him.


    Her movements were without form in her fury. Seeing her approach, Lin Wanrong neatly chopped his hand on the back of her neck, causing her to faint and copse limply.


    "Lin San, did you kill her?" An anxious voice came from behind. Turning, Lin Wanrong saw Eldest Miss Xiao had arrived.


    "Do I look like an executioner?" Lin Wanrong responded with a bitter smile. "Miss Xiao, is your impression of me really so poor?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao was relieved to know that he hadn''t killed anyone. She red at him, remarking, "Even if you''re not an executioner, taking advantage of others like you did makes you a rogue, a shameless person."


    Gao Qiu approached with a smile, "I apologize for myte arrival, causing Miss Xiao and Young Master Lin to be startled."


    Xiao Yuruo thanked him, "I appreciate your timely assistance, Mister Gao."


    Lin Wanrong also expressed his gratitude, "Where''s the need for such formality, Brother Gao? We are more than grateful for your rescue. Had we known you were watching over us, our journey would have been much less tense."


    Gao Qiu responded, "Young Master Lin, you''re quite skilled yourself. The stone you threw was precise, your technique and strength first-rate. Even if I hadn''te, you could have handled the situation alone. Before I left, Minister Xu repeatedly instructed me to protect everyone discreetly, not to rm anyone. Were it not for the boldness of the bandits, I would have escorted everyone to Jinling without revealing myself."


    Having dealt with the band of bandits from the Tao family, the dilemma was how to handle the Tao siblings before them.


    Miss Xiao pondered for a moment before saying, "Tao Dongcheng and Miss Wanying should be treated separately. Tao Dongcheng, having made multiple attempts on our lives, is undoubtedly guilty. Wanying, althoughplicit in sheltering Dongcheng, was ultimately motivated by sibling affection. Moreover, she hasn''tmitted any grave crimes, so we shouldn''t pressure her unduly. In my opinion, we should apprehend them and bring them before thew. I don''t believe anyone would dare shield them then."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong''s brows furrowed in thought. She was indeed naive. Report to the authorities? Was this a matter to be dealt with in that manner? Women tended tock political sensitivity - it was a natural limitation, something that couldn''t be rushed.


    He sighed and replied, "Miss Xiao, I agree that we should treat the Tao siblings differently. But as for turning them in, I''m afraid that''s going to be difficult. Have you taken a good look at where we are?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao answered, "We''re at the border between Jiangsu and Zhejiang, is there a problem?"


    Lin Wanrong questioned, "To whom would you turn them over, Jiangsu or Zhejiang?"


    Her mind whirred at this reminder. Tao Dongcheng was cunning indeed. Their choice to strike at the border between two provinces was intentional, taking advantage of the ambiguity of jurisdiction. In case of an incident, both provinces could easily pass the buck. Given (Tao Dongchengs father) Tao Yu''s standing in Suzhou and his influence, it wouldn''t be easy to resolve this matter in either province. Not to mention, only the Xiao family witnessed the robbery, making it difficult to prove in court. She realized that her initial idea was naive.


    Seeing Lin San''s faint smile, Eldest Miss Xiao thought, ''So, he had a n all along and deliberately made me look foolish.'' She snorted and shot him a reproachful nce, then fell silent.


    Gao Qiu pulled Lin Wanrong aside and whispered, "Young Master Lin, how do you propose we handle this?"


    Lin Wanrong smirked, rubbing his neck, and said slyly, "This ce is surrounded by dense forest and tall mountains"


    Gao Qiu, startled, cut him off, "Young Master, you mustn''t"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Why? Did Minister Xu leave any instructions before he left?"


    Gao Qiu hurriedly said, "The Tao siblings being here would undoubtedly have been noticed by some. If we were to end them here and now, the trouble that the Xiao family would attract would be immense."


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, The trouble we''ve attracted is already far from small. After all, our rtions with the Tao family have already deteriorated beyond repair, what''s a dead pig to fear from boiling water?


    "If the Tao siblings were to die, Tao Yu and his allies would surely retaliate desperately, resulting in a bloodbath in Jinling. Minister Xu had a message for you, Young Master Lin. If there is trouble in Jinling, the Xiao family will certainly be the first to bear the brunt. Please consider your actions carefully," Gao Qiu pleaded, folding his hands in front of him.


    Xu Wei, deeply immersed in the political field for many years, had a clear understanding of power struggles. If Tao Yu and Cheng De were to join forces and flex their power, while the crafty Luo Min might manage, but the Xiao family, given their standing, would inevitably bear the brunt. The only way for the Xiao family to survive was either to maintain the current equilibrium or help Luo Minpletely bring down Cheng De. This was something Lin Wanrong understood very well.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and pped Gao Qiu''s shoulder, "Brother Gao, I was just joking with you. Do you think I''m that cruel?"


    Recalling Lin Wanrong''s interrogation methods that morning, Gao Qiu shivered. Although Lin Wanrong himself wasn''t cruel, his tactics were the cruelest in the world.


    "However, as you know, I''m not one to easily tolerate being bullied. Tao Dongcheng has repeatedly used underhanded tricks against our Xiao family. If I don''t retaliate, I''d be letting myself down. Don''t you agree, Brother Gao?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "Of course, a real man must return grievances and avenge wrongs," Gao Qiu replied.


    Lin Wanrong nodded and asked, "I like to hear that. Brother Gao, in your opinion, when is a man happiest?"


    After a moment''s thought, Gao Qiu replied, "Visiting a brothel."


    Stunned, Lin Wanrong thought, ''Old Gao has no ambition, he''s just the type to frequent brothels.'' He chuckled, "Brother Gao, your insight is indeed profound. Now, what would be the best way to ensure a man can''t visit brothels or enjoy women for the rest of his life?"


    "Castrate him?" Gao Qiu blurted out, then recoiled in shock at his own words. ''Was Young Master Lin nning to castrate Young Master Tao?'' He quickly added, "Young Master Lin, that''s not right. It''s practically the same as killing him."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Brother Gao, where are your thoughts going? I''m someone who can''t even bear to kill a chicken, let alone engage in such bloody business as castration. If I were to do something, it would be much more subtle. You, Brother Gao, are a martial arts master. Is there a technique that can cut off a certain part of him without him noticing immediately, only to gradually realize over time, rendering him impotent for life?"


    Gao Qiu hesitated and said, "There are some methods, but they''re somewhat sinister."


    Gao Qiu was somewhat helpless. Encountering this astonishing Young Master Lin, anyone who dared to match his cunning was simply courting death. He could only nod in agreement to employ a certain technique.


    Lin Wanrong dragged Tao Dongcheng over, tossing him onto the ground. Gao Qiu said, "The pain caused by this technique is quite severe. I''m afraid it might rouse Young Master Tao to consciousness."


    "That''s easily solved." Lin Wanrong smiled, producing from his pocket a dose of knockout drug that had been gifted to him by Xiao Qingxuan. Fortunately, the drug had been wrapped in parchment and hadn''t gotten wet when he''d fallen into the water the day before.


    Gao Qiu, who had roamed the Jianghu for many years, recognized the substance at a nce. He wondered about Lin Wanrong''s origins. He carried such valuable items with him that he seemed more like a thief than Tao Dongcheng did.


    Lin Wanrong instructed Si De to bring a water bottle and a small bowl, poured clear water into it, and sprinkled half a bag of the knockout drug in. Being his first time employing such methods, he wasn''t sure how much to use. Gao Qiu was secretly shocked; this dosage could knock out a bull. Once Tao Dongcheng drank it, he wouldn''t wake up for at least three days.


    Lin Wanrong found a twig on the ground, stirred the mixture nonchntly, and said, "Done. This is a top-notch potion, an essential for wanderers and yboys of the Jianghu. I wouldn''t typically use it so freely."


    Gao Qiu used a technique to open Tao Dongcheng''s throat, and Lin Wanrong poured down the bubbling brew into Tao Dongcheng''s throat,ughing, "Alright, Brother Gao, you may begin."


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 Chapter 178

    Chapter 178


    Chapter 178 Better to Cross the King of Hell than Cross Brother San (Part 2)


    Gao Qiu said, "Young Master Lin, the method I employed is a unique one, deeply insidious and malevolent. It targets and damages his meridians. This Tao fellow won''t notice for a month, and then the symptoms will gradually start to appear. He will have no idea what''s happening to him. Even if a great deity descended to help him, he would still be left impotent. This technique is highly despised among our peers, I ask that you keep this confidential."


    This must have been a method of damaging the penile spongiosum, a genius solution, permanent and effective. Lin Wanrong chuckled with delight, and said solemnly, "Brother Gao, rest assured, our actions are in the service of justice and we fear no gossip. Speaking of which, no matter how cunning we are, could we be more so than this Tao fellow? He simply reaps what he sows, we are merely agents of karma."


    Gao Qiu nodded without saying another word. He retrieved two long needles from his person, found the right spot, and swiftly inserted them into Tao Dongcheng''s groin. Tao Dongcheng''s abdomen started to swell gradually. Gao Qiu gathered his strength and pped Tao Dongcheng''s stomach hard. A pained expression crossed Tao Dongcheng''s face, before he returned to slumber.


    Wiping away his sweat, Gao Qiu chuckled, "There, in a month, he will probably no longer be a man."


    Lin Wanrong suddenly asked, "Brother Gao, do you have any aphrodisiacs on you?"


    A blush crept onto Gao Qiu''s face as he asked, "What does Young Master Lin want with an aphrodisiac?"


    Grinning wickedly, Lin Wanrong replied, "I fear Young Master Tao hasn''t had enough fun. Let''s give him another round."


    A shiver ran through Gao Qiu. Tao Dongcheng''s penile meridians were already broken. Adding an aphrodisiac might cause them to burst immediately. Young Master Lin was indeed a man who could y a person like a god.


    Gao Qiu, embarrassed, took out a packet of powder and said, "This is all that''s left, ''The Buddha''s Big Stick''. I used up ''The Guanyin Disrobing'' the other day at a brothel."


    Taking the powder, Lin Wanrongughed, "Oh? Brother Gao, you have such interests? You must have had a st the other day, haha."


    Tao Dongcheng had conspired with Lu Zhongping to ruin the Eldest Miss''s innocence with an aphrodisiac. Little did he know that he would be receiving retribution so soon. Lin Wanrong fed Tao Dongcheng ''The Buddha''s Big Stick''. In his unconscious state, he would experience three days of implosion, followed by three days of explosion. With the aphrodisiac working on his already damaged penile spongiosum, he wouldn''t evenst a month, half a month at most, before he would be impotent.


    The aphrodisiac certainly lived up to its reputation. Even in his unconscious state, Tao Dongcheng responded immediately. Lin Wanrong nced at Tao Dongcheng''s groin and sneered disdainfully. "Damn, with that little thing of yours, you dare to call yourself a man?"


    Once they hadpleted their mission, Lin Wanrong and Gao Qiu shared a nce and burst intoughter. Gao Qiu thought, after spending only a few hours with Young Master Lin, he had somehow be more wicked.


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong and Gao Qiu return, the Eldest Miss noticed that Tao Dongcheng was lying stiffly halfway up the hill. Unaware of their scheme, she asked, "Lin San, have you and Gao Qiue up with a n?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Guided by a principle ofpassion, we don''t want to make things difficult for Young Master Tao. Let him live or die here on his own."


    The Eldest Miss looked at him in disbelief. Letting Tao Dongcheng off so easily wasn''t his style. Lin Wanrongughed and said, "A dog can bite a man, but a man shouldn''t bite a dog."


    The Eldest Miss scoffed, wrinkling her little nose. She knew him well enough, that he was born to never take a loss. If a dog bit him, he would hit back with even greater force than the bite. With this thought, she burst into softughter. She looked at him crossly, but her heart was filled with an indescribable emotion.


    After calming her feelings, she saw that Lin Wanrong really wasn''t going to do anything more to Tao Dongcheng. Saying that he would leave and then doing it only made her more puzzled.


    Traveling with Tao Wanying, who had been knocked unconscious, was a burden. ording to Lin Wanrong''s suggestion, they just put her on a horse. However, the Eldest Miss had some affection for Tao Wanying and insisted on cing her in the carriage. Lin Wanrong was somewhat uneasy, unsure of when this young woman would wake up and what she might do.


    After they had been traveling for the length of a tea ceremony, Lin Wanrong surmised that Tao Wanying was about to wake up. He chuckled, saying to Xiao Yuruo, "Miss, let me deal with that Tao''s girl."


    Seeing his lecherous smile, the Eldest Miss hurriedly said, "Lin San, I''m warning you, don''t think of doing anything bad."


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Miss, don''t you trust me, or your own judgment? I was the one you personally chose, how could you be wrong?"


    Seeing the Eldest Miss''s puzzled expression, Lin Wanrong added, "Rest assured, Miss. This Tao Wanying is a fiery little pepper, I would never be so unrefined. Xiao Cui, youe with me too."


    Carrying Tao Wanying and apanied by Xiao Cui, Lin Wanrong climbed up the hillside and found a pile of dry grass in the bushes. He threw the fiery girl onto the ground and said to Xiao Cui, "Xiao Cui, undress."


    Xiao Cui was startled, her face flushing with embarrassment. She said in a cutesy voice, "Brother San, why are you telling me this now? Don''t you know how much I like you? But now, it''s toote, I''ve already given myself to Brother Feng."


    Chills ran down Lin Wanrong''s spine. It''s troublesome being too attractive, he thought. He stopped Xiao Cui who was acting coquettishly and said, "Sister Xiao Cui, I want you to undress Miss Tao."


    "Ahh!" Xiao Cui let out a shriek, not daring to look at Brother San. She hurriedly and clumsily began to undress Tao Wanying.


    Lin Wanrong directed from the side, "Don''t undo it, tear it. Tear half, leave half. Use strength, be wild"


    Startled and embarrassed, Xiao Cui finished undressing Tao Wanying. She had torn off half of Miss Tao''s clothing, leaving her half-exposed. With a bashful attempt to cover herself, she used the torn robe to cover her body.


    "Pinch hard on her neck, chest, and inner thigh" Lin Wanrong instructed again, "Especially the inner thigh, it must hurt when she wakes up"


    Xiao Cui had no idea what Brother San was up to, but she followed his instructions and pinched hard until Miss Tao''s legs were ck and blue. Only then did she stop.


    Seeing that everything was set up, Lin Wanrong smirked, about to leave, when he suddenly felt that the scene wasn''t convincing enough. There was something missing. He pondered a moment, returned to Miss Tao, and taking a needle, pricked her finger. He squeezed a few drops of blood to fall beneath her.


    "Little girl, I''ve been nothing but merciful to you, yet you keep provoking me. It''s better to mess with the King of Hell than to mess with me, Brother San. The wicked have their own retribution. If this doesn''t scare the life out of you, you won''t realize that Lord Horse has three eyes." Lin Wanrong chuckled, then left the hillside with Xiao Cui.


    Xiao Yuruo, seeing him descend after such a long time, couldn''t resist looking at him and saying, "I have no idea what scheme you''ve been hatching."


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Eldest Miss, I''m being wronged. I really didn''t do anything. If you don''t believe me, you can ask Sister Xiao Cui."


    Xiao Cui blushed as she ryed what Lin Wanrong had told her to do. Xiao Yuruo listened, her face turning red. Though it was a small trick, it was incredibly cunning. With Wanying''s stubborn personality, she would certainly fall for it, and she would likely be scared to death.


    However, Lin Wanrong had not actually touched Wanying, he had simply exploited a universal female fear. There was no way to me him; if anyone was at fault, it was Wanying for provoking Lin Wanrong. Eldest Miss sighed internally, waved her hand, and the carriage continued to move forward.


    Gao Qiu rode alongside Lin Wanrong, curiously asking, "Young Master Lin, what did you do to that Miss Tao? You didn''t feed her the ''Buddha''s Big Stick'', did you?"


    The Buddha''s Big Stick? Lin Wanrong thought, None can match your lewdness. He was about to speak when they heard a high-pitched scream from the distance, "Ah". It was the voice of a woman, incredibly bleak and terrifying.


    Eldest Miss knew that it was Tao Wanying waking up. Hearing her cries, she felt a pang of guilt, and she couldn''t help but re at Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong spread his hands, saying helplessly, "I am innocent, truly innocent."


    This time, Lin Wanrong had thoroughly messed with the Tao family. He had been holding this grudge for quite some time. Today, it was Miss Tao who hade looking for him, so she could only me herself.


    On the way back to Jinling, with Gao Qiu as an escort, their journey was very peaceful, even mosquitoes dared not bite them.


    As Jinling city was just within sight, Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh of relief. Going out was indeed tiring, home was much better. He could eat when he wanted, sleep when he wanted, and after a good meal, he could flirt with the Second Miss, chat with Qiaoqiao, and have a tea party with Luo Yuan, Qingshan, and Young Master Guo, what a delight.


    It was past midnight when they entered the city. The streets were extremely quiet. Gao Qiu, worried about his elder brother, made ns to meet Lin Wanrongter and went straight to the governor''s office.


    Once inside Jinling city, Lin Wanrong felt like he was back on his own turf, feelingpletely at ease. Eldest Miss instructed the driver to slow down. When Lin Wanrong walked up to the carriage, she leaned out of the window and said, "Lin San, you should rest early today. Get up early tomorrow, and we can discuss how to take over the Tao family''s shop."


    Having traveled all day, he had forgotten about this matter. Now that Eldest Miss had brought it up, Lin Wanrong suddenly realized, Aiyo, the Xiao family is going to make a fortune this time. In any case, they had already fallen out with the Tao family. Tao Dongcheng was probably still lying erect on the hillside. Tomorrow, he would take his men to take over the Tao family''s shop. "Damn, today was truly a fantastic day."


    Lin Wanrong grinned at Xiao Yuruo and said, "Eldest Miss, it''s all well and good to take over the shop, but don''t forget about the bet we made that day on the top floor of Sunshine and Rain Restaurant."


    Eldest Miss blushed and huffed, "Who remembers any bet, I''ve forgotten it long ago." With that, she pulled the curtain down and wouldn''t look at him again.


    "Aiyo, you''re using your authority to bully people, right? Despicable." Lin Wanrong huffed as the carriage entered the Xiao residence. Servants came to wee them. It was not worth mentioning.


    Just as Lin Wanrong, with a sore waist and aching back, was about to return to his own humble abode for sleep, he saw Xiao Cuie over and say, "Brother San, Eldest Miss said that if you have any dirty clothes that haven''t been washed, you can pack them up. She will send someone to get them tomorrow and have the maids wash them."


    Lin Wanrong looked at Eldest Miss, but saw her face flushed, pretending not to see him, conversing with the others. Damn, this little girl, you''re deliberately trying to provoke me, right? What was the original wording of the bet again?


    He returned to his small room, pushed the door open, only to be taken aback by the sight. The room was bright and clean, dust-free, with the bed tidied neatly. In the room, a sliver of sandalwood incense burned, emitting a serene and transcendent aroma.


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 Chapter 179

    Chapter 179


    Chapter 179 Dispute (Part 1)


    Was this really his dwelling? How had it transformed so drastically in just a few days of his absence? Lin Wanrong took a stroll around the room, only to spot several thread-bound books on the table. Picking one up, he found them to be copies of the Diamond Sutra.


    A faint smile touched his lips. Who else but the Second Miss could have been reciting sutras in this Xiao mansion? Without question, she must have sneaked in to tidy up his room.


    This youngdy, so devoted to her Buddhist practice, naturally hoped that Lin Wanrong would join her in reciting scriptures. Little did she know that Lin Wanrong held no interest in the Diamond Sutra. Perhaps he might have been intrigued had it been the Jade Maiden Heart Sutra [TL: From one of Jin Yongs novels, Return of the Condor Heroes].


    The next day, Lin Wanrong indulged in a long, leisurely sleep. He was now the favored one in the eyes of the Madam and her daughters. His gardening duties had long been discarded. Apart from the Madam and her two daughters, no one dared order him around, allowing himplete freedom. To sleep until naturally awakened, to count money until his fingers cramped  truly, this was a life he''d always dreamed of.


    "Brother San, Brother San, the Eldest Miss invites you to the council hall for a meeting," he heard the maid''s familiar voice calling from outside, still half-asleep.


    Unconcerned, Lin Wanrong yawned and asked, "What time, oh, what hour is it, sister outside?"


    "It''s noon," the maid outside giggled.


    "It''s still daylight, let me sleep a little longer," Lin Wanrong muttered to himself.


    The maid outside grew impatient at his words and huffed, barging in to say, "Lin San, hurry up and get out of bed."


    Gazing at Xiao Yushuang''s face, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Second Miss, why are you in such high spirits today, pretending to be a maid? I''m not sure I can handle it."


    Xiao Yushuang knew he had recognized her voice long ago. Obviously, he was teasing her on purpose. Her face flushed with embarrassment, she huffed, "You, you returnedst night and didn''t even tell me. You made me worry all day."


    Lin Wanrong had already risen from bed, chuckling, "When we returned yesterday, everyone in the mansion knew. With suchmotion, howe no one informed you?"


    Embarrassed, the Second Miss admitted, "I''ve been reciting Buddhist scriptures for the past few days, not allowing anyone to disturb me. I was tidying up your roomst night and fell asleep reciting, unaware that you had returned."


    This girl, she was truly devout. Ultimately, all for his sake. Touched, Lin Wanrong took her small hand and said, "Don''t worry. If you''re tired, rest. You don''t have to read those scriptures. The Bodhisattva in heaven feeds on incense and requires silver, not sutras. I''ll earn more silver and offer more incense, that should suffice."


    Quickly, the Second Miss covered his mouth with her hand, "Lin San, don''t say such things. Last time you and my sister were safe and sound, it was the Bodhisattva showing mercy. We must not disrespect them. Reciting sutras for a month for your sake is nothing. I''d be willing to recite for a lifetime."


    Smelling the faint fragrance on her fingertips, Lin Wanrong felt a jolt in his heart and in surprise, asked, "Second Miss, are you using perfume?"


    Xiao Yushuang''s face flushed red. "I used some of Mother''s rose perfume. Lin San, does it smell good?"


    Good? It was intoxicatingly delightful. The fact that all three Xiao women had a fondness for rose perfume was incredibly amusing.


    Pulling her hand towards him, Lin Wanrong said, "It smells wonderful, absolutely heavenly. Second Miss, you seem to have lost some weight these past few days."


    Xiao Yushuang nodded, "I''ve been eating vegetarian dishestely, so naturally, I have slimmed down a bit."


    Fixing his gaze on the blossoming form of her chest, Lin Wanrong seriously advised, "Second Miss, you are in the prime of your adolescence. Many parts of you are growing rapidly. Relying solely on a vegetarian diet won''t suffice. You must bnce your diet with meat, which can promote the growth of your chest, ahem, your entire body. Come, let me embrace you and see how many pounds you have lost."


    The Second Miss fled, her cheeks blushing crimson. "You''re such a tease. I hate you so much. My sister told me that a woman''s body is precious as her life, and shouldn''t be touched by others."


    Lin Wanrong recalled the night he had overheard the Eldest Miss teaching Yushuang self-defense in her room. He chuckled, "Second Miss, carrying that dagger on you is quite dangerous. Why don''t you let me keep it safe for you? I''m a very proper man and never take advantage of others."


    The Second Miss mumbled an acknowledgment, a blush creeping up her cheeks. She lowered her head slowly and said, "Lin San, you don''t need to be afraid. The dagger is for my self-defense, against others, not you. Even though you''re a rogue, I''m used to being bullied by you. Even if you bully me to death, I won''t hold any grudges."


    Feeling deeply touched, Lin Wanrong could only marvel. Who said this girl was only sixteen or seventeen? The words she spoke were so profound that not even a woman of twenty-six or twenty-seven could necessarily utter them. She moved him deeply.


    After all, Xiao Yushuang was still young, like a blooming bud. Lin Wanrong, with the intent of ''fattening the pig before ughtering,'' did not overly tease her. They talked, he asionally flirted, and they enjoyed their time together.


    Lin Wanrong regaled Yushuang with the tales of his journey to Hangzhou. Being a master storyteller, his voice ebbed and flowed with the twists and turns of the narrative. The Second Miss listened with rapt attention. "Had I known it was so exciting, I would have gone too. Yesterday morning, Sister had sent people ahead to report what had happened. Lin San, you''ve done a great deed this time. Mother can''t stop praising you, calling you the pir of the Xiao family, destined for great achievements."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. The Xiao household was run by women, and yet, this time, he, a man, had be the ''half the sky.'' He became increasingly curious about Madam Xiao. From what Xu Wei had said, Madam Xiao was a figure of importance in the capital years ago. Even a personage like Xu Wenchang held her in high regard. He wondered what her story was.


    "Oh no" Xiao Yushuang, who had been chatting with him, suddenly cried out. "What a disaster. Lin San, my sister is waiting for you in the council hall for the meeting. I forgot about it when I saw you. Hurry to the council hall."


    However, Xiao Yushuang seemed to understand his thoughts. She looked at him with a shy smile, whispering, "You should speak nicely to Sister and Mother when you go there. Don''t be as reckless asst time. If you get punished again, there won''t be anyone to plead for you."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and left the cottage, heading towards the council hall. On the way, he bumped into the long-absent Young Master Guo Wuchang. Guo Wuchang was heading out, apanied by Si De and a few tall and sturdy servants, looking rather enthusiastic. Seeing Lin San, Guo Wuchang immediately beamed, "Lin San, what you did this time was really satisfying!"


    Confused, Lin Wanrong observed the spring-like enthusiasm on Guo Wuchang''s face, wondering what he was up to. He jokingly said, "Young Master, it''s still early. The Miaoyu Pavilion hasn''t opened yet. You''ll have to wait until evening for your... ''exchange''."


    Guo Wuchang chuckled awkwardly, "Lin San, I''m not going for an ''exchange''. I''m going to browse the Tao family''s store. Oh, I''m sorry, it should be the Xiao family''s store now. Very satisfying, really satisfying! Let''s see how that turtle Tao can boast now."


    So, the Young Master was eager to seize the Tao family''s property, Lin Wanrong thought, amused. He knew Guo Wuchang held no goodwill towards Tao Dongcheng. Naturally, Guo Wuchang couldn''t wait to kick someone when they were down.


    He wondered if someone had saved Tao Dongcheng. Experiencing the Sky-Holding Pir was no fun. At least, Tao Dongcheng would need to visit the brothel to find three girls to solve the issue. Lin Wanrong smirked, concerned for Tao Dongcheng''s delicate corpus cavernosum.


    When Lin Wanrong arrived at the council hall, both the Eldest Miss and Madam Xiao were present, and the stewards from all over the Xiao estate were also sitting upright, seemingly waiting for his arrival. Upon seeing him, Madam Xiao stood up with a smile, "Lin San, you''ve worked hard."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Madam, you''re too kind. I''m just a messenger. The hardest work has been done by the Eldest Miss." Xiao Yuruo nced at him, saying nothing.


    "I''ve heard about the whole incident from Yuruo. This trip to Hangzhou not only allowed our Xiao family to reim the leading position in the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, but also to acquire the Tao family''s cloth shop. Lin San, you have made the greatest contribution, and I will certainly reward you handsomely," Madam Xiao said with a smile.


    "Oh, not at all, Madam. You''re too kind. It''s because of your strategic insight,bined with the Eldest Miss''s pragmatic and diligent style, that we''ve achieved such significant sess. I just yed a tinytiny role in this, insignificant really," Lin Wanrong responded, with faux modesty.


    Struggling to contain herughter at Lin Wanrong''s antics, the Eldest Miss addressed the managers in the hall, "Lin San has made the greatest contribution this time. After discussing with Mother, we have decided that from now on, Lin San can freely participate in discussions in this council hall. Does anyone object?"


    Those present were all rtives of the Xiao family. Seeing a lowly servant on equal footing with them naturally caused some discontent. However, the story of Lin San''s duel with Tao Dongcheng in the Sunshine and Rain Restaurant had already circted widely. Especially the mysterious technique of ''oil pan hand washing'', which had startled them, hence, no one voiced opposition.


    Lin Wanrong found a seat and sat down. ncing around, he thought to himself, ''Have I, old Lin, finally joined the Xiao family''s board of directors? I wonder when I can be the chairman of the Xiao family board?''


    Seeing Lin Wanrong settled, the Eldest Miss slightly nodded and said to the crowd, "Regarding the takeover of the Tao family''s cloth shop, I would like to hear your opinions on how to proceed smoothly." The managers present were all rted to the Xiao family, but the Eldest Miss was assertive in business matters, referring to them simply as managers, not uncles.


    One of the managers stood up and said, "Niece Yuruo, taking over the cloth shop of Master Tao is absolutely not eptable."


    Lin Wanrong recognized this man. He was the one who had obstructed him when he heroically saved the Second Miss. He remembered having a verbal spat with this man, who seemed to be the patriarch''s cousin, as Madam Xiao had once referred to him as "Fourth Brother."


    Sure enough, upon hearing his words, the Eldest Miss''s expression changed, and she coldly retorted, "Why is it uneptable? I''d like to hear your reasons, Fourth Uncle."


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 Chapter 180

    Chapter 180


    Chapter 180 Dispute (Part 2)


    Fourth Uncle argued persuasively, "Niece Yuruo, Tao Yu, the Tao family''s patriarch, is the Chief Weaving Officer in Suzhou, in charge of all textile affairs in Jiangsu Province. Our Xiao family has operated textile shops for years, and our rtionship with the Weaving Officer of Suzhou is of great significance, allowing us to coexist peacefully all these years. Our business still relies heavily on Tao Family''s favor; how could we possibly go against them? Now, because of this incident, not only have we offended Young Master Tao, but we have also displeased Tao Yu himself. If the Chief Weaving Officer makes a decision against us, the survival of our textile shops will be in jeopardy. This could be disastrous for the Xiao family."


    Survival? If it weren''t for Lin San, they would have been swallowed by the Tao family long ago. Where was the room to talk about survival? Xiao Yuruo scoffed and bit her lip, asking, "So, ording to Fourth Uncle, what is the best way to handle this?"


    Fourth Uncle replied, "Miss, I have lived longer and seen more than you. In my humble opinion, it might be best to return the textile shop to the Tao family. This would show the sincerity of our Xiao family and our desire for reconciliation."


    So shallow, ridiculously shallow. ording to this old man, it seems he''d like nothing more than for Miss Xiao to enter into a marital alliance with the Tao family, all in the name of "reconciliation." Lin Wanrong despised this so-called distant rtive of the Xiao family, Fourth Uncle. A typical appeasement policy, yet delivered so grandiosely.


    The Eldest Miss suppressed her anger and said, "Fourth Uncle, since the Tao family started operating the textile shop, we''ve had more than one or two conflicts with them. You speak of reconciliation with the Tao family, but I must ask, when have they ever sought reconciliation with us? Thest time, they forced us into a joint operation. This trip to Hangzhou, taking advantage of their status as the leader of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce, they colluded with the Hangzhou Chamber of Commerce to target our Xiao family. If it were not for Lin San''s assistance, I fear I would have already"


    The Eldest Miss gritted her teeth and said no more. Lin Wanrong knew what she meant. These rtives of the Xiao family just sat around, only waiting for their silver to roll in. How could they understand the hardships a weak woman had to go through while struggling abroad? If it were not for his cunning, the Xiao family would have been ruined by Tao Dongcheng this time.


    As Fourth Uncle was about to speak again, Lin Wanrong suddenly stood up andughed, "May I know your esteemed surname?"


    Fourth Uncle arrogantly replied, "I am the fourth in the Xiao family''s genealogy, you may call me Fourth Master."


    "Ah, so you''re surnamed Xiao. After listening to you speak for so long, I thought your surname was Tao," Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    Fourth Master Xiao''s face changed color, and he angrily retorted, "How dare you, this is no ce for your insolence."


    Seeing Lin San taking the lead, the Eldest Miss looked at him gratefully. She said bluntly to Fourth Uncle, "Fourth Uncle, your words are inappropriate. Allowing Lin San to participate in the meeting was a decision made by my mother and me. As the managers have already epted him, his status is now equal to yours. What''s wrong with him speaking here?"


    The manager rolled his eyes in frustration, unable to counter. He recognized Lin Wanrong and red at him angrily but remained silent.


    Arguing was something Lin Wanrong had never been afraid of. He gave a coldugh and said, "Fourth Master Xiao was just proiming his intent for reconciliation with the Tao family, looking out for their interests. I had assumed that Fourth Master was a part of the Tao family, but it turns out you are one of us, from the Xiao family. As a member of the Xiao family, eating and drinking of the Xiao family, instead of thinking about how to serve the Xiao family, you spend your days defending others, willing to harm the interests of the Xiao family to please others. This is truly astonishing."


    Fourth Master Xiao said in an angry tone, "I''m considering the long-term interests of the Xiao family, unwilling to watch the ancestral legacy be ruined in your hands."


    Damn it, you''re just a distant rtive of the Xiao family, someone we had to look up in the family tree, barely rted at all, yet you dare speak about considering the ancestral legacy of the Xiao family. It seems more likely that you covet the Xiao family''s wealth. Lin Wanrong had a discerning eye. This Fourth Master Xiao had several times spoken up in favor of the Tao family, nearly causing trouble for Yushuang and himselfst time. Everyone else remained quiet, but he spoke up again. Was he truly just an outspoken individual? Bullshit. With a nce at his triangr eyes, it was clear he was no good, either epting benefits from the Tao family or eyeing the wealth of the Xiao family.


    "Considering the interests of the Xiao family? Fourth Master, the Madam is the daughter-inw of the old patriarch, and the youngdies are the direct granddaughters of the old patriarch. When you im to act in the interest of the Xiao family, are you implying they deliberately make things difficult for the Xiao family? Returning the shops as a gesture of reconciliation? These are easy words to say, but they would bring great shame upon Old Master Xiao. The Tao family''s ambitions are clear, always making life difficult for the Xiao family. Their forced alliancest time, and even more so this trip to Hangzhou. Their alliance with Zhejiang merchants, their bullying of the Xiao family, were witnessed by the entire Jinling Chamber of Commerce. Everyone was outraged on behalf of the Xiao family. Did you, Fourth Master, not hear of this? Everyone knows that the Tao family wants to exterminate the Xiao family, yet someone here continually speaks up for the Tao family. Their strange actions and inscrutable intentions suggest they might be hoping to gain some advantage." Lin Wanrong stared at Fourth Master, making his point emphatically.


    In recent days, the matter of the Sunshine and Rain Restaurant in Hangzhou had circted throughout the Jinling business world. The Xiao family, by their sole power, had resisted thebined pressure of the leaders of the Jinling and Hangzhou Chambers of Commerce. This was widely known. Although the merchants did not openly discuss it, they secretly admired the Xiao family''s resistance and weed them once again as the leader of the Jinling Chamber of Commerce. Those present were all business people who had certainly heard a great deal about these matters. Lin San''s words made perfect sense, while Fourth Master Xiao''s continued defense of the Tao family aroused suspicion.


    "You''re talking nonsense. When have I ever received any benefits?" Distant rtive Fourth Master Xiao suddenly jumped up, a sh of darkness in his eyes, shouting, "Yuruo is a fatherless young girl with a helpless widow as a mother, easily exploited. You, a mere servant, have entered the inner chamber. If it''s not you bewitching them, then what is it?"


    "How dare you." Before the Eldest Miss could respond, Madam Xiao, who had not spoken for a long time, mmed the table and stood up.


    Madame Xiao''s face was icy, her eyes swept across the room, and everyone fell silent as if a chill had crept over them. The Fourth Master Xiao darted a quick nce at her before quickly bowing his head, daring not to utter a word.


    Madame Xiao coldly stated, "We of the Xiao family, a widow, and an orphan, focus on our business without courting trouble. However, if anyone presumes we are afraid, they are sadly mistaken. Though I am but a woman, I have been to the imperial court in the past, held meetings with the six ministries, and even met the emperor. Who have I ever feared? Although the Xiao family may consist of women, we are not at everyone''s disposal. Today, in this assembly hall, before the ancestors of the Xiao family, if anyone dares to belittle the Xiao family, I will certainly not let them off lightly."


    At the Madam''s words, the remaining elder and junior members of the Xiao family no longer dared to make a sound. Although the Eldest Miss Xiao had some spirit, her youth meant her prestige could not match that of her mother. Madame Xiao''s expression was as still as water, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. No one dared to meet her eye, a testament to her formidable reputation.


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, Madame Xiao indeed had an air of authority. From her words, she imed to have been to the imperial court in the capital in her younger days, though he wondered whether this was true. Given her age, she would have been less than twenty years old when she was in the capital. How could she have been presented at court? This Miss Guo was not as simple as she seemed.


    Seeing that no one else dared to speak, Lin Wanrong could not help butugh inside. In a society where men are superior to women, this group of grown men had been silenced by a few words from mother and daughter, making them too scared to even lift their heads. It was quite the dull scene.


    Of the dozens present, only Lin Wanrong appeared at ease. He had met all sorts of people, from high-ranking imperial officials to regional leaders. He was not intimidated by anyone.


    While Madame Xiao was observing others, Lin Wanrong was observing her. Despite being in herte thirties, she had a radiantplexion, rosy cheeks, and a slim figure. She was enchanting, appearing like a woman not yet thirty. Under the influence of her anger, her phoenix eyes and slightly trembling bosom gave her an elegant and exquisite demeanor, which was extremely refined.


    Madame Xiao''s gaze was sharp as she scanned the room. When her eyesnded on Lin Wanrong, however, they softened considerably. A hint of a smile appeared on her face as she gave him a slight nod of approval.


    She snorted, saying, "Today, in the hall of discussion, in front of the ancestors of the Xiao family, someone dared to speak out of turn, insult my daughter and me, and insult the Xiao family. I will not forgive him."


    At Madame Xiao''s words, everyone''s gaze fell on the Fourth Uncle Xiao. When Second Miss Xiao had brazenly burst into the assembly hall, Madame Xiao had been ready to have her own daughter beaten with a rod. Let alone a distant rtive.


    "Fourth Brother," she began, addressing Fourth Uncle, "Your father and our elder master were of the same n. ording to our family tree, I invited you to participate in Xiao family affairs and appointed you as a steward in the hope that you would put your heart and soul into the family''s affairs out of respect for our shared n. However, you''ve shown no ambition, you have been reckless in your conduct, and you even took silver from others behind our backs. You reced our high-quality silk with substandard fabric, tarnishing the reputation of the Xiao family. Out of respect for your father, I have spared you several times in the hope that you would mend your ways. But your actions are truly disappointing. Today, you even insulted me, my daughter, and the ancestors of the Xiao family. It would be unjust if I did not punish you. Today, I relieve you of your duties as a steward and order you to be flogged a hundred times. Do you have anything to say?" Madame Xiao sternly asked the Fourth Uncle.


    The Fourth Uncle of the Xiao family had a pale face as he shouted, "How dare you? I am a kinsman of the Xiao family, nobody can treat me like this. You ignore my words, to your own detriment. Today, Lord Tao has arrived in Jinling, cooperating with him is the right path. Otherwise, the only way is death "


    "Take him away, punish him with a hundred severeshes and expel him from the family," Madam Xiao retorted angrily.


    Several brawny servants rushed in, dragged Fourth Uncle out, and before long, bloodcurdling screams echoed throughout.


    So he really was a traitor. Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly. This man had long been notorious for his vile deeds, Madam Xiao had shown remarkable patience to tolerate him. If it were up to him, he would''ve sent the man packing a long time ago.


    Madam Xiao''s face hardened as she addressed everyone in the hall, "The Xiao family is already cornered, where else can we retreat? All of you in charge should think of a solution to assist Yuruo in taking over the Tao family''s textile shop. Disregard everything else."


    She nced at Lin Wanrong, a gratified smile creeping onto her face. Her red lips parted slightly as she whispered, "Lin San,e with me."


    Once the two of them had entered an adjoining room, Madam Xiao smiled at him and said, "Lin San, what do you think of Yushuang?"


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 Chapter 181

    Chapter 181


    Chapter 181 Madam''s Conspiracy


    It''s happening, it''s happening, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, Isn''t this obviously a temptation? Asking me about my opinion of the Second Miss, is she nning to matchmake me with her? But for the mother-inw to personally y matchmaker, that''s not ording to the custom, it sounds inappropriate.


    Feigning sincerity, Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "The Second Miss? Everyone has always found her to be delightful, lively and innocent, beautiful and kind, everybody adores her."


    He stated it as though it were a fact. If the maids and servants of the Xiao family had heard his words, they would have been furious. Everyone knew well what the Second Miss was like before Brother San arrived at the Xiao mansion. How could he speak as though they had always been close?


    The Madam smiled and nced at him, "I was asking what you think of her?"


    "Ah, well, madam, my rtionship with the Second Miss has always been quite cordial." Lin Wanrong responded vaguely, a thinyer of perspiration forming on his forehead. The Madam''s question was a bit too direct, he wasn''t prepared for it yet. Though he had a thick skin, he found it difficult to broach this topic.


    Seeing his unnatural expression, the Madam couldn''t help butugh, "Lin San, this is the first time I''ve seen you so shy. Could it be that I''ve been ignorant in the past?"


    How dare you flirt with me just because you''re the mother-inw, that''s really unfair, Lin Wanrong thought indignantly. He was no pushover either and chuckled, "Madam, in truth, people have misunderstood me. They only see my wild and unrestrained exterior, but they don''t know that my true self is very fragile and in need offort."


    Even though Madam Xiao was typically serious, she couldn''t help butugh at his audacious reply. After a while, she said, "Lin San, I have often heard Yuruo say that you have a silver tongue. I didn''t quite believe it until now."


    Seeing herugh so charmingly, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, Of course, this is the first time you''ve seen me talk like this. This is the unique Lin Wanrong style, unparalleled in the world. Where else would you hear it, if not from me?


    "Lin San, where are you from? Who is in your family?" Madam Xiao asked again.


    If he remembered correctly, this was the second time Madam had asked this question. The first time was when he first entered the mansion. Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "I am from Jingchu. I have nond or house, no wife or food, only myself left."


    Madam softly said, "You are quite pitiful." After a sigh, she continued, "Although you''re pitiful, my Xiao family isn''t much better off than you."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t respond, simply listening to her continue, "My Xiao family, a widowed mother and fatherless daughters, have been striving for many years. Though we have achieved some sess, every step is still fraught with difficulty. We have no one in the court and no men in the house. No matter how diligent Yuruo and I are, we are still aughingstock to others."


    A shadow of despair flickered across the Madam''s face. In this era, business people were already of low social status. And after the death of the patriarch, the Xiao family had no more male members. They were in dire straits, relying solely on the women of the family to hold everything together. No matter how strong the Madam and her daughter were, how could they not be ridiculed in this tide?


    Lin Wanrong nodded, thinking to himself, All this talk is pointless. You should be hurrying to find a husband, or perhaps let the Eldest Miss attract a prospective son-inw. As for ns regarding the Second Miss - I, a Lin, will never stoop to marrying into her family. It''s right and proper for Yushuang to marry into the Lin family.


    The Madam sighed deeply, then lifted her head andughed, "Why am I discussing these things with you, spoiling the mood? Let''s talk about Yushuang instead. Lin San, you''re a clever man. I know that Yushuang harbors some feelings for you."


    The Madam paused at this point, ncing at Lin Wanrong as if to gauge his reaction.


    But Lin Wanrong was a seasoned man who couldn''t be easily swayed by her words, so he acted as if he hadn''t heard her, waiting for her to continue.


    Seeing hisck of response, the Madam sighed, "I wasn''t very supportive of this initially. Yushuang is still young, it''s not time for her to be involved in these matters. Moreover, the difference in your social statuses is too great. If word gets out, I''m afraid it will be an even greater cause for ridicule."


    What rubbish about status, thought Lin Wanrong. Your fancy words are just an excuse those so-called noble families use. In my eyes, status is nonsense. What''s wrong with me having feelings for the Second Miss? It''s fashionable for a servant to romance the Eldest Miss. I enjoy it. Worstes to worst, I''ll just quit this job, elope with the Second Miss, and then we''ll see what you have to say about status.


    Noticing his contemptuous look, Madam Xiao seemed to understand his thoughts andughed, "Don''t be impatient. Those were my previous thoughts. As a mother, I naturally consider my daughter''s best interests. I hope you can understand that. But recently, I''ve noticed your speech and conduct. Although they''re not exactly by the book, you do have some talent-"


    She paused, then continued, "During your time in our Xiao family, you''ve truly put in effort and provided many ideas. Not to mention the soaps and perfumes, your rescue of Yuruo alone was deeply touching. Your recent triumph over the Tao family in Hangzhou has restored our family''s honor. Your achievements aremendable. If I were to unreasonably hinder you, it would not only be overly oppressive, but also unjustifiable."


    Lin Wanrong felt a surge of happiness inside, although he didn''t show it on his face. Madam Xiao''s words were much more pleasant to his ears, unlike the unreasonable and harsh Eldest Miss who even taught Yushuang some self-defense techniques against ''wolves'', clearly indicating her suspicion of him, causing him to be on tenterhooks.


    Madam Xiao then said solemnly, "However, Lin San, don''t think that I''ve given in to you. Yushuang is still young and can''t discern many things clearly. I hope to see her develop freely, making her own choices, and you mustn''t resort to force."


    Good, I''d be worried if you didn''t allow her freedom, thought Lin Wanrong. In fact, he had already considered all that Madam Xiao had said. When courting a woman, he detested using force. First, steal the heart, then steal the person - this was his personal maxim.


    The Second Miss was only sixteen, the age when feelings of love first stir, and also an age that was easy to deceive. Lin Wanrong was confident that as long as he treated the Second Miss kindly and spoke a few sweet words, he could make her follow him devotedly. He had absolute faith in his skill of charming women.


    Lin Wanrong took a deep breath, smiling and saying, "Madam is too kind to me. I''m truly grateful. If you weren''t so young, I would have ced you on an altar and worshipped you regrly."


    Madam Xiao smiled charmingly and said, "Lin San, don''t try to fool me with the same tricks you use on others. I''m not falling for them."


    Seeing her smiling like a blooming flower, cheeks faintly flushed, it was clear that his ttery had hit the mark. He chuckled to himself, thinking, You''re not falling for it? If I believed that, I''d be the fool.


    "Then I thank you, Madam," Lin Wanrong replied modestly.


    Madam Xiao shook her head, saying, "Don''t rush to thank me yet. I must rify my earlier statements. I believe you understood my meaning. As for the matter between you and Yushuang, I neither support nor oppose it."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong nod, Madam Xiao continued, "Yushuang is young, and she has her older sister, Yuruo, above her. The sisters have a deep bond and Yushuang respects Yuruo greatly. If you hope for a good oue between you and Yushuang, you must find a way to win over Yuruo. I will not interfere either way. Whatever attitude Yuruo adopts toward your rtionship, I am powerless to influence."


    Lin Wanrong let out a long, "Oh." Damn, a plot, a grand scheme. Madam Xiao had circled around so much, and it turned out to be a game of Tai Chi. She had seemingly handed the initiative to the Eldest Miss, requiring Lin Wanrong to utilize all his strategies to win over Xiao Yuruo. But in essence, she wanted Lin Wanrong to work tirelessly for the Xiao family.


    Snaring Lin San with the Second Miss and controlling her through the elder sister was indeed a masterstroke. The intention at the heart of it all was to tie Lin San, a talented individual, to their household. It could be said now that sess or failure hinged on the Eldest Miss. Her role had never been this pronounced.


    Madam Xiao had said so much, but in reality, it amounted to saying nothing. Yet, she managed to make it seem like she had done Lin Wanrong a great favor. Truly, her years of managing the Xiao family were evident in her shrewdness.


    Lin Wanrong, an experienced hand, saw through the situation in a nce. Using Yushuang as bait for me? Heh, it''s not yet certain who''s baiting whom. Dealing with the elder sister was a greater challenge and offered more intrigue, and he liked that. No matter what schemes she had, as long as it involved ady, he was never one to back down.


    Seeing the faint smile on Lin San''s face, Madam Xiao knew she couldn''t fool this astute man. She managed a bitter smile, thinking to herself, If only our Xiao family had even half a man like Lin San, I wouldn''t need to resort to these tricks.


    Madam Xiao sighed, "Lin San, I heard that you met Master Wenchang in Hangzhou. I also heard that he thinks highly of you. I hope he is doing well?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Mr. Xu is doing well. He even asked me to convey his regards to you, Madam."


    Madam Xiao looked out the window, sighing gently, "It''s rare that Master Wenchang still shows such concern. Since we parted in the capital, twenty years have passed, yet there''s no date set for our reunion. Time can be so heartless."


    Seeing the Madam so sentimental, Lin Wanrong wondered if she had an old me left in the capital. Observing her expression, though tinged with mncholy, her gaze was clear and bright. It didn''t seem like she was reminiscing about a particr person, but more of a general reminiscence. Madam Xiao truly was a woman of stories, Lin Wanrong thought to himself.


    When he stepped out of the room, the Eldest Miss was pacing outside. Seeing him emerge, she quickly asked, "Lin San, what did my mother talk to you about?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Nothing much, just some talk about marriage."


    The Eldest Miss paused, "What marriage?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Madam suggested marrying the Second Miss to me."


    Xiao Yuruo''s face changed, scoffing, "In your dreams!"


    Just as he expected, her reaction was predictably negative. Lin Wanrongughed helplessly. But before he could speak, he saw Si De running in from outside, panic-stricken and yelling, "Brother San, Eldest Miss, disaster has struck!"


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 Chapter 182

    Chapter 182


    Chapter 182 Taking Over (Part 1)


    "Si De, don''t panic. You must remain calm. Even if the sky were to fall, it is the Madam and the Eldest Miss who would bear it first. Only then it would be our turn." Lin Wanrongughed heartily. The Eldest Miss red at him bitterly.


    Si De was panting heavily, struggling to catch his breath. In a state of urgency and panic, he stammered, "Brother San, Miss, it''s terrible. Young Master Guo... Young Master Guo has been beaten..."


    "What? Beaten?" Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise.


    Although Young Master Guo was a bit of a rascal, he wasn''t one to provoke trouble. Moreover, with the material wealth of the Xiao family, even in Jinling, they weren''t a family to be trifled with. How did someone dare to beat Young Master Guo? After all, one must consider the owner before hitting a dog. Didn''t they know that Young Master Guo was under Brother San''s protection?


    "Who, who hit Cousin Biao?" The Eldest Miss asked hastily.


    Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered that Young Master Guo had gone to Tao Family''s shop with Si De and others, acting pompously. Could it be the people of the Tao family who had beaten him?


    Si De anxiously said, "We went with Young Master Guo to take over Tao Family''s shop. We ran into Master Tao there. They didn''t say a word before they started beating us, and they captured Young Master Guo. I managed to escape at the risk of my life, just to inform the Madam and Eldest Miss. Now, I must return to save Young Master."


    To save him? You simply ran away, yet you try to sound noble. But you didn''t do entirely wrong. If you can''t win, then run. That''s being quick-witted. Or should you wait to be beaten?


    After hearing his words, the Eldest Miss anxiously said, "We were still discussing how to deal with this matter. How could Cousin Biao act so rashly? He couldn''t wait for a while?"


    "Master Tao? Is it Tao Yu, the silk manufacturer from Suzhou?" Lin Wanrong asked the Eldest Miss. As it turned out, what Fourth Uncle had said earlier was correct. This Tao Yu had indeed hurriedlye to Jinling, but he wondered what had happened to Tao Dongcheng and that Tao family girl.


    The Eldest Miss, flushed with anger, said, "Exactly that person. Cousin Biao may be a bit rash, but that Tao family shop already belongs to our Xiao family. It''s only right for Cousin Biao to take over. How could Tao Yu beat and capture people at will? I''ll go argue with him."


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly pulled her back and said, "Eldest Miss, have you lost your mind? You''re going to reason with an official? There are two mouths in the character for ''official''. How could you reason with him?"


    Lin Wanrong was no fool. He knew that at this time, talking was useless. If you wanted to fight with an official, you had to prove your strength.


    "Lin San, what should we do?" After a moment''s hesitation, the Eldest Miss agreed that Lin was right. She might have all sorts of strategies for doing business, but when it came to dealing with wicked people, it was Lin San who had to step in.


    Young Master Guo might be a little showy, but he was still kind to Lin Wanrong. Besides, he was Yu Shuang''s cousin. Under no circumstances could they let the Tao family bully him. Damn it, the Tao family was clearly abination of official and merchant, ying both the referee and the athlete, and fooling the people.


    "Si De, go immediately to Governor Luo''s mansion and find Brother Gao, who came back with us. Tell him what has happened here. Then ask Brother Gao to pass the message to Governor Luo. Ask him to go to Tao Family''s shop and see how his subordinate official oppress the good and exploits themon people," Lin Wanrong instructed.


    Upon hearing him speak this way, the Eldest Miss hurriedly said, "Lin San, how can you be so sure that Governor Luo wille?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a mysterious chuckle, "Both Old Luo and Little Luo are like brothers to me, and I am their benefactor. It would be strange if Governor Luo didn''te."


    Ignoring the Eldest Miss''s words, he turned to Si De and said, "Go quickly. You must find Brother Gao. If this matter is resolved, I will request the Eldest Miss to increase your sry."


    "Thank you, Brother San, thank you, Eldest Miss." Si De excitedly went on his way.


    Seeing his mysterious demeanor, the Eldest Miss couldn''t help but say, "Where do you get the audacity to promise benefits to others? You are bing more and more presumptuous."


    Seeing that Lin San had made appropriate arrangements, she felt a lot calmer. Being stubborn and soft-hearted, she didn''t want to lose face, and thus, she huffed and no longer spoke.


    When Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss arrived at the Tao family''s shop, they saw a crowd of people gathered at the entrance, watching themotion. Young Master Guo was bound by a few of the Tao family''s servants and was cursing loudly.


    Lin Wanrong''s gaze swept the crowd, but he didn''t see Tao Dongcheng and his sister Tao Wanying. Instead, he saw a plump man in official robes standing in the center, bearing some resemnce to Tao Dongcheng, with a fair amount of official prestige. This man was likely Tao Yu, the silk manufacturer from Suzhou. The Tao family''s servants were continually moving bolts of fabric from the shop to a carriage outside.


    "Shameless," the Eldest Miss whispered angrily. The Xiao family hadn''t yet had time to transfer ownership with the Tao family. For every bolt of fabric the Tao family moved, the Xiao family suffered a loss.


    "They''re moving this fabric to leave us with an empty shell. It''s absolutely despicable," the Eldest Miss said resentfully.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Their methods might be despicable, but we can''t stop them. The fabric is certainly a source of ie, but it isn''t the most important thing. The more valuable assets are the shop and real estate. These are fixed assets, their sales channels. Without these, no matter how much fabric they have, it''ll just rot at home."


    The Eldest Miss knew he was right. She nodded, and upon seeing her Cousin Biao''s miserable state, sighed, "Cousin Biao''s actions were indeed reckless. He suffered this time, but I hope he learns to be smarter next time."


    "I don''t think it''s necessarily a bad thing. It might even be a good thing. Small conflicts are inevitable when we take over the Tao family''s shop. After thismotion caused by Young Master Guo, it became well known, which can work in favor of the Xiao family. Sometimes, bad things can turn into good ones," Lin Wanrong analyzed calmly.


    The Eldest Miss thought for a moment, seeing some reason in his words, and remained silent.


    Just as Lin Wanrong was growing impatient, he felt a pat on his back. A hearty voice said, "Young Master Lin, I have arrived." He turned around to see the Gao brothers standing behind him with a smile.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Thank you for your effort, Brother Gao. Are you clear about the current situation?"


    Gao Qiu nodded, "Young Master Lin, please rest assured. Before leaving, Minister Xu had already exined that Tao Dongcheng has written proof and Minister Xu himself as a witness. The Tao family cannot deny this."


    "So, aren''t our actions extremely just? Extremely legitimate?" Lin Wanrong asked with augh, a trace of mischief twinkling in his eyes. The Gao brothers burst intoughter at his words.


    Lin Wanrong followed the Eldest Miss out, and upon seeing them, Young Master Guo immediately shouted, "Cousin, cousin,e and save me. Lin San,e and save me"


    The Eldest Miss approached, giving Tao Yu a respectful bow, "Themoner Xiao Yuruo pays respects to Master Tao."


    Tao Yu sneered, "Miss Xiao, what a grand air you disy, sending people to seize my Tao family''s shop. Have you stopped considering me, an official, in your sight? I cannot ept such a bow."


    You, a corrupt official, using your power for personal gain, and still expecting respect? I''ve seen shameless people, but never one as shameless as you. Lin Wanrong looked at the fat Tao Yu and thought with a coldugh.


    Miss Xiao said seriously, "Master Tao, why would you say such a thing? Having been in business for many years, I have always acted within thew. Every word and action have been in ordance with our Great Hua''sws. I don''t understand the meaning of your words."


    Tao Yu said coldly, "Miss Xiao, you sent people today, iming that you want to take over my Tao family''s ancestral property. Do you not understand the logic? As the Silk Manufacturer of Suzhou, overseeing the textile industry of a whole province, my duties are incredibly busy. How can I tolerate such insolence?"


    Xiao Yuruo huffed, "Master Tao, the matter of the Xiao family taking over the Tao family''s fabric shop is known to everyone in the Jinling Chamber of Commerce. Could it be that you truly don''t know? At the annual meeting in Hangzhou, your son wagered the Tao family''s fabric shop in a bet with my Xiao family. Unfortunately, your son lost twice, and ording to the agreement, he lost the Tao family shop to us. We have his written documents as evidence, witnessed by hundreds of merchants from both Jinling and Hangzhou, and even witnessed by the Chief Senior Schr of the Hall of Literary Brilliance, Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, Master Xu Wei. No falsehood is possible in this matter. From the moment your son put down his written statement, the Tao family''s shop already belonged to my Xiao family. We are here to collect the property ording to the agreement, which iswful and reasonable. What''s wrong with that? Although you are the head of the Silk Manufacturer of Suzhou, you have no right to arbitrarily arrest people. My cousin Biao is innocent, why have you beaten and arrested him without reason?"


    Although Xiao Yuruo spoke gently, her words were passionate and forceful, resonating with the crowd. The spectators, hearing that this was the legendary Miss Xiao, admired her fearlessness and elegance. Since ancient times,moners did not fight with officials, but today Miss Xiao publicly argued her case with reason and vigor, which pleased themon people. When she finished speaking, several voices burst out from the crowd with a resounding "Thats right!"


    Tao Yu''s eyes darted around, and he changed his expression, "Miss Xiao, the bet in Hangzhou was a setup to frame my son, Dongcheng. This matter requires thorough investigation. I''ve already reported to the Commander-in-Chief of Jiangsu, Master Cheng De, who will soon personally send people to inquire about this matter and clear my Tao family''s name. Your bet can''t be counted."


    Damn, true to the reputation of an official, his skin was thick to such a degree. Cheng De was from the military faction and he was from the political faction. Even if a thorough investigation was to be reported to the higher authorities, it should be reported to the Governor of Jiangsu, Luo Min. What did this have to do with that old turtle Cheng De? Moreover, this incident was witnessed by so many people. Could it just be overturned by his say-so? Damn, a dog official was a dog official, speaking such lofty words while steeped in corruption.


    Hearing Tao Yu''s tant distortion of truth, Miss Xiao''s pretty face turned red with anger. "Master Tao, what is the meaning of your words? Are you doubting the sight and wisdom of hundreds of merchants from Jiangsu and Zhejiang? Or are you questioning the fairness of Xu Wei, the Minister of the Ministry of Revenue? Then, I would like Master Tao to bring out your son. I, Xiao Yuruo, am willing to debate him in front of all the elders of Jinling present here"


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 Chapter 183

    Chapter 183


    Chapter 183 Taking Over (Part 2)


    In haste, Lin Wanrong grabbed the Eldest Miss'' arm, Have you lost your wits, Miss? We have the written promise given by Tao Dongcheng himself. All we need to do is take over the Tao family''s estate. Why are we arguing about this? Even if the Xiao family is fraudulent, the Tao family has no choice but to ept it. Tao Dongcheng has done plenty of wrongs. If I swindle him just once, does he dare to bite me?"


    Tao Yu responded, "My son, Dongcheng, was unfortunately ill yesterday. He is currently resting at home. Once he recovers, it will not be toote for us to confront each other."


    Resting? Probably frolicking in some damsel''s belly, Lin Wanrong thought amusingly, recalling his own masterpiece.


    The Eldest Miss huffed, "Master Tao, I''m just amon woman, while you''re an official appointed by the imperial court. Naturally, you are more familiar with thews and regtions than I am."


    She took out a contract from her bosom. It was the document Tao Dongcheng had signed at the Sunshine and Rain Restaurant, "This contract was made by Young Master Tao at the Sunshine and Rain Restaurant. It bears Young Mater Tao''s signature and seal, and it also has the autograph of the top schr, Master Xu Wei, as his personal notarization. This contract serves as clear evidence, with all the facts presented. Master Tao, would you also deny this?"


    "How dare you, Xiao Yuruo! Are you trying to deceive me? Master Xu is a virtuous minister of the court, his status highly prestigious. How could a woman like you know Master Xu? I suspect that this seal is a forgery." Tao Yu snapped.


    "How audacious!" Gao Qiu stepped forward, pointing at Tao Yu and shouting, "You insignificant official, dare to doubt the authenticity of Minister Xu''s seal? Are you so lofty to overlook the truth?"


    "Who are you?" Seeing that the man was tall and robust, with sharp eyes, Tao Yu asked in rm.


    Gao Qiu drew a golden token from his waist, waving it in front of Tao Yu, "I am a royal bodyguard, armed with a sword, serving under the imperial order to protect Master Xu Wei. The seal on this document was personally made by Master Xu Wei. He feared someone might y tricks, so he specially instructed me toe to Jinling to rify this matter. You, as an official, pretend not to recognize his seal. Are you nning to rebel?"


    Being a royal guard, Gao Qiu was ustomed to dealing with princes and high-ranking officials. To his eyes, the local official Tao Yu was no more than a minor character. Even without an official title, anyone close to the emperor deserved extra respect. Tao Yu naturally fell silent under Gao Qiu''s scolding.


    The Eldest Miss didn''t waste her breath on Tao Yu either. She handed the contract to Lin Wanrong. He took it, paraded around in front of the onlookers, and rustled the contract, "Ladies and gentlemen, take a good look. This is Tao Dongcheng''s personal signature and seal, indicating his intent to transfer the Tao family''s cloth estate to our Xiao family. Our Eldest Miss, kind and benevolent, didn''t wish to trouble the Tao family unnecessarily, thus gave them a day to relocate. Who would''ve thought that the Tao Family would be so audacious today, not only assaulting our appointed representatives but also trying to deny the contract''s existence? Even the contract Tao Dongcheng personally signed, he''s denying now? Master Tao is an official, but I want to ask all of you here, can officials freely bully usmoners? Today, they bullied the Xiao family; tomorrow, would they bully the Zhang family or the Li family? Is there no ce for justice in this world anymore?"


    The words of Lin Wanrong were a mix of truth and fabrication, and Young Master Guo was transformed under his tongue into the righteous messenger of the Xiao family, a brave incarnation. Guo Wuchang listened, heart swollen with satisfaction, and he puffed up his chest, shouting, "Let go of me, let go quickly."


    Lin Wanrong''sst few words were provocatively designed to stir up unrest between the officials and citizens. Almost immediately, the crowd erupted with cries of "Release him, release him." The shouts stirred a resonance in the crowd and they swelled even louder.


    The Eldest Miss spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd, those who seemed to be servants of the Xiao household. She even recognized Xiao Feng and Si De, who were among the most enthusiastic in the crowd. Lin Wanrong gave her a knowing look and a subtle smile. Yes, they were nts.


    Seeing the rising public sentiment, Tao Yu''s face changed and he stepped back, shouting, "Close the gates"


    "Governor Luo has arrived" A loud call broke the uproar, a sedan chair slowly approaching from a distance.


    Lin Wanrong secretly let out a sigh of relief. That old fox Luo Min always made his entrance at the critical moment, likely trying to give me a scare. Without a doubt, the old rascal must have been lurking in some dark corner watching the drama unfold. He only revealed himself once he saw the young mistress had left Tao Yu without a word to say, swooping in to pick the ripe fruit.


    Upon hearing the Governor had arrived, the crowd quieted down. Lin Wanrong signaled Si De, who quickly withdrew with the others.


    Luo Min, sporting a big belly, alighted from the sedan chair, feigning a stern survey of the surroundings, his face stern, "I was leaving the city on official business, passing by here, but seeing this crowd, what exactly has happened here that it is so noisy?"


    "Subordinate Tao Yu greet the Governor." Tao Yu, seeing it was the Governor himself, hurried forward to greet him. He secretly conspired with Cheng De, but he also understood that Luo Min was not someone he, a mere Suzhou silk manufacturer, could afford to offend.


    "Oh, so Tao Yu is also here? When did you return from Suzhou? Why did my office not receive news of it?" Luo Min spoke with official airs. If an official abandoned their post without permission from a superior, the punishment would not be light. If Luo Min reported this, it would be enough to make Tao Yu suffer.


    Tao Yu hurriedly said with respect, "I had to return to Jinling due to an urgent matter at home, as the situation was urgent, I didn''t have time to take leave. I was just about to report this to the Governor''s mansion, but I didn''t expect to meet you here."


    Luo Min let out a long "Oh", saying, "So it was like that. Tao Yu had urgent family matters, that''s understandable, my office will not pursue it. But what is the reason for this crowd gathering in front of your residence today?"


    "That''s just some minor issue among themon people, I have already dealt with it, I wouldn''t dare trouble you to worry about it," Tao Yu said respectfully.


    "A minor issue? Master Tao, you make it sound so trivial." The Eldest Miss sneered, stepping forward slowly, and respectfully saluted Luo Min, "Common woman Xiao Yuruo greets Governor Luo, I plead for you to stand up for my Xiao family, and give us justice."


    Luo Min nced at Tao Yu, asking, "Why would Miss Xiao say such a thing? You are a descendant of Elder Xiao, who would dare to bully you? Could there be some misunderstanding?"


    Xiao Yuruo held up the written contract with both hands and respectfully said, "This seal on the contract was penned by Mr. Xu Wei himself. The bet was presided over by Mr. Xu in person. Mr. Xu even specially sent Gao Qiu, a first-ss guard from the pce, to Jinling to verify this matter. Please check it carefully, sir."


    Gao Qiu saluted, reporting, "Informing Governor Luo, this matter of the bet was witnessed by Mr. Xu himself, who wrote the contract. I was specifically dispatched here for this reason."


    Luo Min nodded, ncing at the seal, surprised, "Indeed, it was penned by Mr. Wenchang himself."


    After reading the contents of the contract, Luo Min''s brow furrowed. He pulled Tao Yu aside and softly asked, "Mr. Tao, is this really your son''s seal?"


    Tao Yu nodded gritting his teeth, "Yes, it is."


    Luo Min sighed, "Mr. Tao, not to criticize you, but your son has indeed acted recklessly this time. How could the Tao family''s shops be used so casually for a bet? Signing a contract and adding a seal, creating irrefutable evidence?"


    Tao Yu sighed heavily. Tao Dongcheng had always been mature andpetent from a young age, always making him feel reassured. But why had he met with a setback with the Xiao family this time? He couldn''t figure it out.


    Luo Min continued in a cating tone, "Mr. Tao, you and I both serve in the same province, and we have the camaraderie of our subordinates. Normally, I would definitely help you to suppress this matter. But the problem is, your son has offended Mr. Xu Wei. Even if I tear up this contract now, Mr. Xu is already aware of the situation. Who is Mr. Xu? We both know very well. To be blunt, ourbined power is not enough to match even a fraction of Mr. Xu''s influence. How can I help you?"


    With his eyes squinted, Luo Min put on an air of deep concern, appearing to be genuinely worried for the Tao family. Tao Yu remained silent, his spirit deted. Both men seemed troubled, and aside from Lin Wanrong, who could tell that they were putting on a show, each for their own purposes?


    Luo Min whispered a few more words to Tao Yu, who turned even paler. He nced at the Eldest Miss, grunted harshly, pondered for a long time, and finally, gritted his teeth and nodded.


    Luo Min walked over, smiling at Xiao Yuruo, "Miss Xiao, there seems to have been some misunderstanding. I have exined things to Mr. Tao. Since Mr. Xu Wei himself is guaranteeing, there surely won''t be any discrepancies. Mr. Tao has agreed to transfer the Tao family''s cloth shop to the Xiao family. I hope you will manage it well in ordance with Mr. Tao''s teachings and not let him down."


    "In that case, Yuruo thanks Mr. Tao for his magnanimity and also thanks Governor Luo for his just decision," the Eldest Miss said with a gentle smile. Tao Yu grunted in anger and stormed off.


    Lin Wanrong secretly gave Luo Min, the cunning old fox, a thumbs-up. Luo Min chuckled and returned to his mansion; this matter was exactly why he hade.


    The rest of the matters were much easier to deal with. With Tao Yu gone, the servants of the Tao family naturally wouldn''t stay either. The Tao family''s cloth shop property, along with the cloth, all became the property of the Xiao family. ording to Lin Wanrong, they had indeed struck it rich this time. "Damn, I could marry a hundred wives, make a hundred clothes for each, and still not run out of this cloth."


    Inventory check, goods verification, and reception, the Eldest Miss was busy with all these tasks in a diligent and efficient manner. As for Lin Wanrong, he had no interest in such trivial matters, considering himself naturally suited for a chairman''s role, he watched the Eldest Miss'' figure and chuckled.


    He felt rtively at ease when he was busy. But as soon as he was idle, he felt ufortable. The weather was getting colder and colder, and in a month, it would be the New Year. After the New Year, he would head north to the capital to find Qingxuan. The Second Miss could apany him to study in the capital, but what about Qiaoqiao? Was he supposed to leave that girl alone in Jinling? That would be asking for trouble.


    As he was lost in thought, he found himself downstairs at the Food for Immortals. Qiaoqiao''s surprised voice came from upstairs, "Big brother, you''re back?"


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 Chapter 184

    Chapter 184


    Chapter 184 The Astute Qiaoqiao


    Lin Wanrong looked up to see Qiaoqiao dash down the stairs like a small bird and sprinted toward him. "Big brother, you''re back?" she eximed joyfully.


    A hint of tears of longing shone in Qiaoqiao''s eyes. Despite not having seen each other for days, she still looked as charmingly bright as ever, though her cheeks had noticeably thinned, and her eyes twinkled with excitement.


    Grasping her small hand, Lin Wanrong nodded and said with a grin, "I returnedtest night. Had to deal with some matters this morning and only now found some free time. Little darling, have you missed me these past days?" He teased her by gently tickling the palm of her hand.


    The restaurant was bustling with diners. Lin Wanrong shamelessly held Qiaoqiao''s hand and flirted with her, causing her to blush crimson and lower her head, unable to meet anyone''s gaze. Still, the sweetness in her heart overflowed onto her face.


    Qiaoqiao led Lin Wanrong straight to the fourth floor. Upon entering, he saw old Dong and Qingshan were present, and the renowned beauty from Jinling, Luo Ning, was also there, smiling at him.


    "What a gathering! Are you all here to wee me? You''re all too kind," Lin Wanrongughed. Seeing Luo Ning''s amused smile, he added, "Miss Luo, it''s been a few days since west met. How have you been?"


    Luo Ning thought to herself, ''From the moment you had that confrontation with Young Master Hou to your return from Hangzhou, it''s been merely five or six days. Do you really need such a contrived greeting?'' Smiling, she replied, "Brother Lin, I''ve been well these past few days, though surely not as exciting as you. Word of your deeds in Hangzhou has already spread throughout Jinling: your discernment of diamond, your bravery in washing your hands in boiling oil, these unheard-of exploits are almost magical. I wouldn''t be surprised if they''ve been turned into storybooks. I''m sure you can hear about them in restaurants and tea houses." Covering her mouth, she giggled, "Later, Brother Lin, you must give us a good telling." Qiaoqiao looked on, her eyes filled with admiration.


    Feeling embarrassed, Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Good deeds are seldom heard, while bad news travels fast. That''s the saying, isn''t it? Miss Luo, your dedication to public welfare, your aid to the orphaned and disabled, these are the deeds that should be praised." Luo Ning blushed, feeling too shy to say more.


    Turning to Qiaoqiao, Lin Wanrong asked, "Everyone seems to be here today, Qiaoqiao. Are you all discussing something?"


    Qiaoqiao smiled sweetly, guiding him to a chair and said, "Big brother, your return is timely. Indeed, we were discussing something. Since Sister Ning had something to discuss as well, we asked her to join us."


    Lin Wanrong noticed the way Qiaoqiao spoke was still charming and coquettish, but there was a newfound maturity andpetence in her. Although she was not as experienced as Xiao Yuruo, he was pleased to see her progress. Managing a restaurant was indeed a great test of one''s mettle. Qiaoqiao, from being a simple young girl, was slowly transforming into a sessful business manager.


    "Oh, what matter would call for our boss Qiaoqiao to summon such a meeting?" Lin Wanrong teased, his hand stealthily reaching under the table to hold Qiaoqiao''s hand.


    Qiaoqiao''s face was flushed with embarrassment as she tightly held his hand. "Big brother, you are making fun of me. It is you who is the boss," she said, her voice soft.


    Luo Ning watched their yful exchange and couldn''t help but interject, "There is no need for you two to deny it. One of you is the boss, and the other is the boss''s wife, hehe."


    Lin Wanrong adjusted his hat, smiled coquettishly, and dered, "That''s how it should be. Miss Luo has voiced exactly what''s in my heart."


    Both delighted and embarrassed, Qiaoqiao nced at Luo Ning and cooed, "Sister Ning, you''re teasing me too." Despite her words, everyone could see the happy blush that colored her face. Everyone burst intoughter. Qiaoqiao bowed her head, her hand still tightly holding onto her big brother''s hand.


    Seeing her shyness, Lin Wanrong deflected, "Qiaoqiao, let''s first talk about what you wanted to discuss this time, shall we?"


    Seeing the encouraging look on Lin Wanrong''s face, Qiaoqiao nodded, tidied the hair by her ear, and said seriously, "This time, we are discussing expanding the restaurant."


    Remembering thest time this topic was discussed, Lin Wanrong was delighted. "Qiaoqiao, have you found a ce?"


    Seeing Qiaoqiao nod, Lin Wanrong was overjoyed,ughing, "So, our second restaurant is about to open? Qiaoqiao, you''re really capable."


    Luo Ning, watching himugh, said, "Brother Lin, Boss Lin, you are mistaken, it''s not the second restaurant"


    Lin Wanrong was puzzled. "What do you mean by that, Miss Luo?"


    Luo Ning giggled, covering her lips. "Brother Lin, how can you be clever all your life, but confused for a moment? These days, Qiaoqiao has been selecting suitable locations with me, and she has chosen two ces. What is about to open is not the second, but the second and third restaurant, both at once."


    "Opening two at once, what a good omen," Lin Wanrong looked at Qiaoqiao in surprise and delight, "Is this true, Qiaoqiao?"


    Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Qiaoqiao said, "Big brother, I found two ces and we''ve negotiated the prices. We''re just waiting for you to decide."


    With a sweep of his hand, Lin Wanrong said, "Why wait for me? You manage the restaurant, I don''t interfere. Everything is up to my little darling."


    Qiaoqiao''s face flushed with surprise and joy. She quickly stole a nce at Old Dong, seeing that he seemed to have heard nothing, she rxed. Her big brother was so bad, how could he say such affectionate words out in the open? Couldn''t he have said them in private? The more she thought about it, the hotter her face felt.


    Luo Ning was used to Lin Wanrong''s outrageous remarks. Seeing his trust in Qiaoqiao, she couldn''t help but sigh inwardly, Lin Wanrong was a good schr, had good insight, and good skills. Qiaoqiao was lucky to have such a husband.


    Unfazed, Lin Wanrongughed, "Qiaoqiao, tell us where these two ces are that you''ve chosen? When will we start the renovation? I can offer some suggestions."


    Qingshan piped up, "Big brother, sister is amazing. The two ces she chose, one is on the Qinhuai River and the other is in the Confucius Temple, both are renowned locations. Together, they cost twelve thousand silver taels."


    Twelve thousand taels of silver? This was quite a hefty sum. He hadn''t expected his delicate Qiaoqiao to be so capable. He had truly underestimated his little treasure. But where had she obtained such a sum? Lin Wanrong knew about the restaurant''s financial status. Although it was making money hand over fist, since its opening, it had probably earned about eight or nine thousand taels of silver. However, to buy two restaurants at once, it would surely be stretched thin.


    Qiaoqiao understood his doubt and smiled, "Big brother, do you remember the method you used to buy this restaurant?" Lin Wanrong nodded, how could he forget, it was a mixture of cunning and coercion, coupled with taking out a loan.


    Qiaoqiao whispered, "I used the reputation of our restaurant as coteral, negotiated with the owners of the two locations, paying half of the sum upfront, with the agreement to repay the remaining half within half a year, with monthly interest."


    So that''s how it was. This girl had immediately put into practice what she learned. It was truly endearing, Lin Wanrong mused. Thest time, he had taken this ce by cunning and coercion. This time, Qiaoqiao took advantage of his experience. She didn''t need to employ the same drastic measures, instead, she leveraged the greatly appreciated asset of the restaurant for financing. This maneuver was one that Lin Wanrong often used, having seen it plenty of times. Real estate developers yed even dirtier games, taking something out of nothing was not a myth. But in this era, to have such courage and insight, especially for a young woman, it was really remarkable. It was such a pity that Qiaoqiao wasn''t in real estate.


    Lin Wanrong was inwardly very pleased, my eye for talent is truly not to be underestimated, this move of Qiaoqiao''s was brilliantly executed. In the blink of an eye, I''ve be the owner of a chain of three restaurants.


    Luo Ning gave Lin Wanrong a meaningful look,ughed and said, "I was there with Qiaoqiao when we negotiated with the two owners. When Qiaoqiao proposed this idea, the two owners didn''t dare to agree initially. Luckily, our restaurant has a very good reputation, coupled with Qiaoqiao''s willingness to use the restaurant as coteral and offer a high interest rate, they reluctantly agreed. I was extremely worried at the time. This way, we not only borrowed arge amount of debt, but the monthly interest alone was several hundred taels of silver, the pressure was immense. If things went wrong, we might even lose the restaurant. Later when Qiaoqiao said someone had sessfully employed this method before, I wondered, who came up with this mad idea."


    That madman was me, wasn''t it? Lin Wanrong coughed awkwardly and asked, "Qiaoqiao, now that we''ve done this, how much silver do we have left for liquidity?"


    Qiaoqiao replied, "Since you have no objections, Big brother, I will immediately sign the contracts with these two owners, paying out six thousand taels of silver first. The remaining cash, deducting the one thousand taels you promised for the poetrypetition sponsorship, we''ll have about three thousand taels left."


    Speaking of the poetrypetition, Lin Wanrong pped his forehead. Ah, that was why Luo Ning hade to see him; the sponsorship money hadn''t been paid yet. Now with the opening of two new restaurants and sponsoring the poetrypetition, these good deeds converging presented a golden opportunity for advertising. He had to part with that thousand taels of silver. Damn it, being a big boss and still so poor. Luckily, there was themission from the Xiao family''s perfume and soap, otherwise, he would have been a very pitiful boss indeed.


    Lin Wanrong did a quick calction. The poetrypetition was scheduled for the end of the month, still more than twenty days away. If the renovation of these two restaurants was hastened, they should be able to open before thepetition. Damn, those so-called schrs and poets would cost him a thousand taels of silver, but he intended to advertise, to advertise like there was no tomorrow. The money he spent would have to be earned back from them, tenfold, even a hundredfold.


    Lin Wanrong shared this idea with Qiaoqiao, who smiled sweetly and said, "Big brother, I had the same thought. The materials and artisans have already been prepared in advance, all awaiting yourmand."


    Having Qiaoqiao around certainly made his life as a boss easier, Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Then let''s proceed with this n. Also, Miss Luo, rest assured, I will not be a penny short of the thousand taels I promised you. I''ll have Qiaoqiao collect it from the ounts room for youter. But don''t forget my request, hehe, from therge paintbrushes and paper, down to every piece of toilet paper in the restroom, the emblem of my restaurant must be everywhere."


    Luo Ning blushed slightly and retorted, "Brother Lin, I have never doubted your credibility. I didn''te today for this matter, but for another reason, which also concerns you."


    Lin Wanrong responded, "Concerns me? That''s quite strange, my name is usually only associated with silver."


    Luo Ning covered her mouth and giggled, "Brother Lin, I have some good news for you." She pointed gracefully to the couplet hanging in the restaurant and said with a radiant smile, "Someone has managed to match your couplet."


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 Chapter 185

    Chapter 185


    Chapter 185 The Absolute of Brother Lin


    "Has someone matched it?" Lin Wanrong looked at Luo Ning with a puzzled expression. "Miss Luo, could it be you who found the match? But I wonder which verse you''ve matched? Don''t tell me you''ve matched all four. I''d go mad if that were the case."


    Upon hearing his humorous remark, Luo Ning stifled augh. "Brother Lin, are you joking with me? If I could have matched them, would I have waited until now? Someone has indeed matched one of the verses."


    So only one out of four verses was matched. That was a relief. Lin Wanrong was momentarily startled. If all four had been matched, his life would have been in shambles. He knew well that while these four verses were uniquely superior, the more superior they were, the likelier they''d be matched. The world was so vast with so many extraordinary individuals, it was only a matter of time before someone matched them.


    After all, he was not the author of the verses. If someone had indeed matched them, he could just invite this person for a grand disy of their wealth and talent. This was a tremendous opportunity for publicity. All he had to do was invite this talented individual to the restaurant, hold a symposium with a group of talented men and women, and not only would it create a buzz, but also the Food for Immortals chain restaurant would be known worldwide, bing the dream destination for countless talented individuals.


    He had to hype it up; the hotter, the better. Thinking of this, Lin Wanrong immediately chuckled, "Someone has matched it? That''s wonderful! Ever since Food for Immortals was established, we''ve never invited talented individuals. As long as the match is indeed correct, we''ll announce to the world, not only hanging the paired verses, but also inviting the talented men and women of Jinling to the restaurant, celebrating this poetic event together."


    Luo Ning nodded. "The lower verse has been matched. But I can''t make any judgments about its quality. Since you, Brother Lin, came up with the upper verse, you should be the one to evaluate the lower one."


    She pulled out a letter from her sleeve, extracted a clean sheet of white rice paper, and handed it to Lin Wanrong. "Brother Lin, please have a look."


    Lin Wanrong took the white rice paper; a subtle musky fragrance wafted over. On the paper were two lines of elegant small characters: "Smoke Trails Along The Vibrant Eaves, Mirrored In The Eyes Of Swallow. Fog Veils The Darkened House, Wherein The Objects Fade."


    [TL: The first line sounded as Yn yn yn yn yn yn yn, while the second line sounded as W w w w w w w.]


    These two verses were well-matched, with clear and definite tones. Lin Wanrong studied them for a while, then nodded in approval. "Excellent, very excellent."


    Qiaoqiao, a little poet herself, raised her eyes and looked at the two verses. She also nodded, "Perfectly matched, the meanings align. Sister Ning, who is the talented individual that matched these?"


    Lin Wanrong, who had been eager to use this opportunity for publicity, hurriedly added, "Indeed, Miss Luo. These verses are superb. I wonder who this talented individual is and where theye from. As we at Food for Immortals promised, we definitely want to invite this talented individual to be our guest."


    Luo Ning replied, "Brother Lin, it''s not that I''m being stingy. The one who matched the verse is from the capital. She was my mentor and friend when I studied there years ago. She''s not in Jinling, so I can''t invite her over."


    Lin Wanrong felt a bit disappointed. Money... this would be a loss of money. If this talented person was in the capital, how would they have known about these four verses? Lin Wanrong felt disappointed for a while, then grew a bit puzzled.


    Luo Ning, as if she had seen through his thoughts, smiled and said, "Brother Lin, you needn''t doubt it. Your four couplets have already gained fame far and wide, and not only are the schrs of Jiangsu and Zhejiang talking about them, but even those in the capital have also heard of them. They''ve been enthusiastically trying to match them for fun, but no satisfactory matches had been found until now."


    He hadn''t expected his fame to have spread all the way to the capital. Lin Wanrong let out a long "Oh" and asked, "Then, Miss Luo, can you tell me the name of this talented person? I want to frame their name along with the couplet and announce it to the world."


    Luo Ning shook her head, "Brother Lin, it''s not that I don''t want to tell you. It''s just that this friend and mentor of mine is inherently indifferent to fame and keeps a low profile. She doesn''t want to ride this wave. She had specifically instructed me so when she sent the matched couplet."


    "Indifferent to fame?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "This talented individual sent a letter thousands of miles, just for this?" It wasughable that someone who had matched the famously difficult couplet was trying to pretend they were indifferent to fame.


    Luo Ning shook her head, "No, my mentor didn''t match this couplet to show off. In her own words, she did it to vindicate the schrs of the world."


    "To vindicate the schrs of the world?" Lin Wanrong was puzzled, "What does that mean?"


    "My mentor said that while your challenge to the world with these four couplets is a good story, it also seems a bit pretentious and artificial, as if you had ulterior motives and wanted to gain fame from this."


    As Luo Ning spoke, she nced at Lin Wanrong''s face to gauge his reaction. Seeing his expression unchanged, she quickly added, "Brother Lin, my mentor is a person of high moral standing and straightforward nature. She''s like this to everyone and everything. Her words can sound harsh sometimes, so please don''t take offense."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Why would I take offense? Your friend is right. I indeed had ulterior motives with this pretentious act. To put it bluntly, it was a way to attract customers. Your friend has seen through this quite urately. So, what else did your friend say?"


    Luo Ning continued, "She said she matched this couplet with no ulterior motive and not to get invited to your restaurant. She did it to puncture your arrogance and make you stop underestimating the schrs of the world."


    Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat. He had put out the couplet primarily to attract attention and make money, a marketing strategy of sorts. But he hadn''t expected it to provoke such indignation from this talented person, even earning him the reputation of belittling schrs. Goodness, this individual had quite the audacity to im to represent all schrs!


    "Oh, Miss Luo, may I ask what your friend does in the capital?" Lin Wanrong humbly asked. This person, who was bent on educating him because she didn''t like him, reminded him of a political science teacher.


    "She''s a teacher at the Capital''s Jinghua Academy and the youngest ceremonial officer at the Imperial Academy, quite famous in the capital. When I was young and studying in the capital, we were both friends and mentors. We lived together, and this elder sister helped me a lot," Luo Ning said, her face full of admiration as she spoke of her mentor.


    No wonder, it turned out she was a university professor, a mainstream educationalist. Seeing my audacity, of course, she''d be upset. Lin Wanrong sighed, shaking his head helplessly. Suddenly, recalling Luo Ning''s words from before, he asked with surprise, "Miss Luo, did you say you live with her?"


    "Yes, I do. What''s so strange about that?" Luo Ning replied. Noticing Lin Wanrong''s puzzled gaze, she realized he had misconstrued her words. A mix of embarrassment and annoyance flickered in her eyes as she rified, "Brother Lin, where are your thoughts wandering? My mentor is a woman." (Note: She/Her and He/Him in Chinese sounded the same)


    "Ah, a woman. My apologies for misunderstanding," Lin Wanrongughed awkwardly, wiping the sweat off his forehead. What a haughty woman, he thought, she despised me without any reason or provocation. If Xu Wenchang had been the one to match the couplet, it wouldn''t have been surprising. But the one who matched it now was a woman, a professor, which was truly interesting.


    Dong Qiaoqiao, who had been listening to their conversation all this time, was surprised to learn that the person who had matched the couplet was a woman. "Sister Ning, is it really this sister who matched the couplet? That''s amazing," she eximed.


    Luo Ning nodded, "Absolutely. My mentor''s knowledge and talent are unparalleled in the capital. Everyone knows her. Brother Lin, if you visit the capital in the future, you should drop by Jinghua Academy to see her."


    Visit her? What would I talk with her about? Discuss her contempt for me, and my respect for her in return? No thanks. I''m not interested in female ceremonial officers or professors. I''m a predator, not a schr. Making money is my priority.


    Luo Ning smiled gently, "Brother Lin, my sister also mentioned that if you''re willing, she has a couplet for you to match. And she promises that it will be as challenging as the one you proposed, absolutely fair. If you do match it, she will hang it high on the tower of Jinghua Academy, where it can reflect the brilliance of your couplet from the north, creating an interesting contrast."


    This proposition was a bit tempting. Having it hung on the university tower, that would be a legacy. Lin Wanrong was intrigued and wanted to give it a try. However, knowing that the woman was highly talented and that her couplet would not be easy, he hesitated.


    "Brother" Qiaoqiao gently took his hand and said, "Let''s not match this couplet. I''m satisfied with ''Food for Immortals'', I don''t seek any north-south brilliance."


    Lin Wanrong knew that Qiaoqiao was subtly looking out for him. He squeezed Qiaoqiao''s hand andughed, "Miss Luo, what''s the couplet? Let''s hear it."


    Luo Ning pulled out a scroll from her sleeve, nodding slightly, "My sister instructed me to unroll this couplet only after you agreed. So, I have no idea what it is either."


    What is it? Why so secretive? This professor knows how to create a mystery, Lin Wanrong thought.


    Luo Ning unrolled the scroll. As she read the seven characters written on the snowy white paper, she froze.


    Qiaoqiao quickly peeked at the paper. To her surprise, it carried the same seven characters  "Smoke Trails Along The Vibrant Eaves, Mirrored In The Eyes Of Swallow."


    Lin Wanrong was also stunned. The couplet was his own, yet it was also presented by that woman. No wonder the female professor repeatedly insisted it was absolutely fair. There was no exaggeration in her im.


    The couplet was an absolute masterpiece across the ages. For the woman to match one was already extremely rare. Now, Lin Wanrong was being forced to think of another one. This was difficult, extremely difficult.


    Lin Wanrong paced back and forth for the time it took to steep a pot of tea. Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning watched him anxiously, not daring to utter a word.


    Suddenly, Lin Wanrong chuckled, picked up a pencil, and swiftly wrote sevenrge characters following the initial couplet. Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao nced at each other, then eximed in unison, "Incredible."


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 Chapter 186

    Chapter 186


    Chapter 186 The Proposal


    The seven characters Lin Wanrong penned were, "Fog Dances Over The Horse Stable, Veiling My Abode". The phrase was already extraordinarily difficult to correspond with, but what made it even more challenging was that it was a homonym to the second phrase created by the professor, yet its artistic conception was a notch higher.


    [TL: It read W w w w w w w.]


    Luo Ning eximed in admiration, "Brother Lin, no one under heaven could surpass you with just this phrase alone." Qiaoqiao nestled closely against Lin Wanrong, clutching his arm with her small hand, her eyes shimmering with happiness.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss Luo, please convey this phrase to your teacher. I do not desire to be exalted high in the tower. All I ask is that she refrains from specting about others'' thoughts at will."


    Luo Ning nodded, "Brother Lin, your uniqueness never ceases to amaze me. I promise to deliver your message."


    After exchanging some pleasantries, Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao both expressed surprise at his exploits in Hangzhou. Lin Wanrong recounted his journey and the trials he''d faced, particrly his confrontation with Tao Dongcheng at the Sunshine and Rain Restaurant. The tale had already made its rounds in the Jinling businessmunity, but hearing it directly from him made it all the more thrilling.


    The logic of washing hands with boiling oil left Luo Ning in awe, "Everything follows thews of physics, which isn''t wrong. However, knowing and mastering thosews is no easy task. Brother Lin, you indeed have a wealth of experience and knowledge. Tao Dongcheng, crafty and cunning as he is, was ignorant of thesews and thus, it''s only natural that he suffered. By the way, Brother Lin, does the diamond brought by the Westerner truly hold such great allure?"


    With a faint smile, Lin Wanrong retrieved the agate diamond given by Tavernier from his chest. Both Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning gasped in surprise, even Qingshan and old Dong, who were resting with their eyes closed, were left staring in disbelief.


    The diamond was transparent and brilliant, radiating a splendid array of colors under the light. It was an absolute weapon against women. Even a disinteresteddy like Qiaoqiao couldn''t resist its charm. Luo Ning, despite being the most talented woman in Jinling, was also visibly excited, her eyes filled with affection for the gem.


    "Big brother, where did you get this stone? I want to mine some too," Dong Qingshan drooled over the gem.


    "You could try mining in South Africa," Lin Wanrong mopped his forehead in exasperation. He hadn''t expected the diamond to have such an immense appeal, even to Qingshan. Revealing the diamond so early was a bit of a mistake. He only had this one diamond, but he was betrothed to three or four women. The allure of diamonds to women was undeniable. What would he do if Qingshan, Second Miss, and Qiaoqiao all wanted a diamond? Would they start a fight over it?


    "Big brother, is this a diamond? It really is stunningly beautiful," Qiaoqiao said in a daze.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Indeed. This gem is known as the Agate Diamond. It''s extremely rare, even in the West. I only have this one piece."


    Luo Ning sighed, "It truly is iparably transparent and regal. As Brother Lin said, a diamond is forever, one gem is passed down eternally. There couldn''t be a more fitting statement."


    Seeing Qiaoqiao''s love for the diamond, Lin Wanrong handed it over, "My darling, this diamond, I''ll give it to you."


    Qiaoqiao was stunned for a moment, forgetting even to chide him for flirting with her in public. She asked in a mix of surprise and joy, "Big brother, what did you just say? Are you really giving this to me?"


    Luo Ning, who had heard everything, looked at the sparkling diamond with a hint of envy in her eyes.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, smiling gently, "Yes, it''s for you." Qiaoqiao was the first girl he fell in love with in this world, and she was so endearingly innocent and devoted. It was only fitting that the diamond was gifted to her.


    A deep wave of joy flickered in Qiaoqiao''s eyes as she snuggled against him, whispering softly, "Big brother, you''re so kind."


    She held the diamond in her hands, gently caressing it. A fleeting reluctance flickered in her eyes before she handed the diamond back to Lin Wanrong, saying firmly, "Big brother, I can''t ept this diamond."


    Surprised, Lin Wanrong asked, "Why?"


    Blushing, Qiaoqiao looked at him and said, "Big brother, you said yourself there''s only one diamond. I can''t be so selfish. The diamond should be given to Sister Qingxuan. She''s of noble birth, and this diamond suits her perfectly."


    Touched, Lin Wanrong wondered where he could find another girl as adorable and considerate as Qiaoqiao. She was already looking out for her sisters, even before they were married. She was truly a gem.


    Seeing Qiaoqiao''s refusal, Luo Ning felt curious and asked, "Qiaoqiao, who is this Sister Qingxuan you mentioned?"


    With a shy nce at Lin Wanrong, Qiaoqiao whispered, "She is big brother''s intimate friend."


    Luo Ning gave Lin Wanrong a look, murmured an acknowledgment, and then fell silent.


    Lin Wanrong tightened his grip on Qiaoqiao''s small hand, whispering in her ear, "My sweet girl, you don''t need to worry. When the next batch of diamonds arrives, I''ll save one each for Sister Qingxuan and Sister Yushuang. I promise they won''t be any less beautiful than this one. This one is meant for you, and it carries a special meaning. You must ept it."


    Tavernier had already left for Hainan with some Great Hua artisans, arranged by Xu Wei, to repair his irond ship. Lin Wanrong had already made arrangements with Tavernier to use Hainan as a port for exchanging silk, fabrics, perfumes, and soaps for diamonds. The remaining diamonds with Tavernier were small and nowhere near as good as this one. To find another diamondparable to this agate diamond, they had to wait for Tavernier''s next visit.


    Finally, Qiaoqiao gave him a look and hummed softly in acknowledgment, her face blushing as she clutched the diamond tightly in her hand.


    Lin Wanrong turned his head and addressed Dong Rende, "Uncle Dong, I have a favor to ask, I wonder if you could oblige?"


    Dong Rende chuckled, "Wanrong, just speak your mind, why the formalities?" Ever since the rumors of an intimate rtionship between Qiaoqiao and Lin Wanrong surfaced, he had dropped the formal address and had started to refer to him simply as "Wanrong".


    Lin Wanrong then dered loudly, "I wish to ask for Qiaoqiao''s hand in marriage, Uncle Dong. Please betroth her to me, with this diamond as the betrothal gift."


    Qiaoqiao let out a small gasp, her face flushed like a red me. She quickly lowered her head in embarrassment, not daring to look at him. Holding the diamond tightly in her hand, she nestled quietly against Lin Wanrong.


    Their daughter had already run away with this man, what more could Old Dong say? Thereupon, he nodded with a smile, "This should have happened long ago. Now that Qiaoqiao has epted the betrothal gift, is there any need for me to say anything more?"


    Laughter filled the room. Qiaoqiao was already engulfed by a great wave of surprise and sweetness. Hearing everyone''sughter, she ran off like a startled rabbit, darting towards her room upstairs.


    As Lin Wanrong watched Qiaoqiao''s charming retreat, joy welled up in his heart. Turning to Old Dong, he said, "Uncle, after the New Year, I have to go to the capital. Consider today as the formal betrothal. When I return from the capital next year, I will marry Qiaoqiao."


    A slight noise echoed from upstairs, as if something had fallen. Lin Wanrong hurried up the stairs, only to find Qiaoqiao clumsily cleaning up a broken tea cup.


    Seeing him, Qiaoqiao could no longer contain her emotions. With a sob, she threw herself into his arms, murmuring, "Big brother, are you leaving?"


    Lin Wanrong knew she must have overheard him downstairs, and her surprise had led to the broken teacup. Feeling both guilt and concern, he held her softly, whispering, "Silly girl, I''m not leaving until after the New Year. Why are you worrying so much?"


    A sob caught in Qiaoqiao''s throat, tears streaming down her face as she said, "Big brother, I''m afraid"


    "Afraid of what?" Lin Wanrong asked, surprised.


    "Afraid you won''t want me anymore when youe back from the capital" Qiaoqiao choked, her face wet with tears.


    "You silly girl, always overthinking things," Lin Wanrong kissed her forehead, whispering, "You''re my little treasure, gentle and obedient. I barely have enough time to cherish you. How could I not want you?"


    Qiaoqiao lifted her head to look at him, saying, "There are plenty of beautifuldies in the capital, and you''re so talented. I fear you won''t want toe back."


    "Silly girl, why would you worry about that? I''ve already asked your father for your hand today. You''re already my wife. When I return from the capital, we''ll get married." Wiping the tears off her face, Lin Wanrong smiled, "I''m going to the capital to find Qingxuan. Once I find her, I''ll bring her back and marry both of you."


    Qiaoqiao''s face turned a shade redder. Nestling against him, she whispered, "Big brother, whether youe back or not, Qiaoqiao will always belong to you. In life and in death, I''m always yours, always waiting."


    Touched and exasperated, Lin Wanrong gave her a light pat on the bottom, "You silly girl, stop spouting nonsense. What''s all this about life and death? Do you think I''m that heartless? I might have a broad love, but my principle has always been to honor the old while weing the new. I''ll never let you down."


    Blushing, Qiaoqiao buried her head in his chest, whispering, "Big brother, I was wrong. You''re always the best to Qiaoqiao. I''ll always belong to you."


    Even though Qiaoqiao was clever, her humble background made her feel inferior whenpared to Second Miss Xiao and Xiao Qingxuan. Her deep love for Lin Wanrong had amplified her fears, making her worry he might not return.


    Hearing Qiaoqiao''s words, Lin Wanrong''s heart surged with emotion. Gently lifting her chin, he leaned down and captured her rosy lips in a kiss. Qiaoqiao responded shyly, her heart pounding as they embraced tightly. Lin Wanrong slid his hand under her clothes, slowly tracing down her waist, continuing until he held her soft and round bottom, smooth and warm as jade. A slight tremor passed through Qiaoqiao''s body, but she allowed him to continue without protest.


    It was fortunate that it was only afternoon and Old Dong and Luo Ning were still outside. That was the only reason Lin Wanrong, reluctantly, had to stop his roving hands. Afterforting Qiaoqiao, he felt a wave of relief. It was good that he had exined the situation to her beforehand; otherwise, if he had suddenly left for the capital, the poor girl might have been distressed enough to throw herself into the Qinhuai River.


    When Lin Wanrong came out with Qiaoqiao, her face was still flushed red. Luo Ning looked at them with a smile, saying, "Congrattions, Brother Lin, and congrattions, Sister Qiaoqiao."


    Shyly, Qiaoqiao replied, "Sister Ning, you''re also teasing me."


    With a charming smile, Luo Ning looked at Lin Wanrong, "Brother Lin, tomorrow is my grandmother''s birthday. I hope you''ll arrive early."


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 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187


    Chapter 187 The Birthday Celebration


    Lin Wanrong paused at the mention of the birthday celebration, then quickly remembered. Both Luo Yuan and his sister had told him about it, and he''d promised to attend. But he''d been so busy these days with his business in Hangzhou and fighting against Tao Dongcheng that he had simply forgotten.


    He smiled, saying, "Rest assured, Miss Luo. I will definitely go and wish the birthday elder well. I didn''t see Luo Yuan today; is he busy with the preparations?"


    Luo Ning nodded, "It''s our grandmother''s seventieth birthday. There''s a lot to prepare, and my father has assigned many tasks to my younger brother. He can''t get away. If it weren''t for a letter from a friend of mine today, I''d probably still be busy at home."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Thanks to my presence, you have a legitimate excuse to bezy. Shouldn''t you be thanking me, Miss Luo?"


    Luo Ning smiled gently, replying, "Brother Lin, you really have a way with words."


    Noticing Luo Ning''s radiant appearance - rosy cheeks, beautiful face, and sparkling eyes - Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. He thought, ''This girl knows I''m not interested in her, yet she insists on smiling at me every time we meet. Is she trying to tease me? Damn it, my self-control is getting worse. Seeing a beautiful woman makes me lose my senses. How sinful.''


    After parting ways with Luo Ning, Lin Wanrong considered the situation. He had a good rtionship with the Luo siblings, and old man Luo was very decent. He decided to prepare a generous gift - a small diamond that he had traded with Tavoni. He was sure the elderlydy would give the diamond to her beloved granddaughter, thus indirectly fulfilling Luo Ning''s wish to possess a diamond.


    Early next morning, Lin Wanrong was still asleep when the Eldest Miss sent someone to find him.


    When he arrived in the main hall, Young Master Guo and the Eldest Miss, both dressed in fresh new clothes, were already waiting for him. Seeing him still in his everyday outfit, the Eldest Miss frowned slightly and said, "Today is Governor Luo''s mother''s birthday, shouldn''t you be in a new set of clothes?"


    Suddenly remembering that the Young Master Guo and Eldest Miss had also been invited, Lin Wanrong pped his forehead andughed, "I''m just a humble servant. It doesn''t matter what I wear. With the Eldest Miss here to represent our house and disy our graceful image, it''s more than enough. If I dressed up too handsomely and stole your limelight, I would be embarrassed."


    "Stop it," the Eldest Miss said shyly but happily.


    Young Master Guo, who had been saved by Lin Wanrong yesterday, pped him on the shoulder and said, "Lin San, well done. I''m d I didn''t misjudge you."


    The Eldest Miss nced at Lin Wanrong, thinking to herself, ''His trick of ying dumb and cute could only fool my cousin.''


    Young Master Guo and Lin Wanrong rode horses, while the Eldest Miss took a sedan. The three of them proceeded grandly towards the Governor''s mansion.


    Though Lin Wanrong had a good rtionship with the Luo siblings and was acquainted with Luo Min, this was his first time visiting the Governor''s mansion. Not far from the mansion, he saw arge gate painted red, with two majestic stone lions standing by its side. Above the gate hung a gold-inscribed que  Luo Mansion of Jinling.


    Still some distance from the mansion, the Eldest Miss alighted from her sedan, urging the two men to dismount. Lin Wanrong, puzzled, asked, "Miss, we''re still a long way from the mansion. Why dismount so early?"


    She gave him a look and said, "Can''t you read? Can''t you see for yourself?"


    "See what?" Lin Wanrong was confused, and so was Young Master Guo.


    The Eldest Miss sighed, "The que of Mr. Luo''s mansion was bestowed by the Emperor himself. It is extremely prestigious. It is customary for schrs to leave their sedans and warriors to dismount when they pass this ce. How could you not know this?"


    Lin Wanrong let out a long, understanding ''oh.'' ''Just because the Emperor inscribed the que, it even trumps traffic lights?'' He looked around and indeed, those who came to celebrate the birthday all dismounted from their sedans or horses from afar and walked forward.


    The governor''s mother was celebrating a milestone birthday, a grand event indeed. Which officials in Jiangsu would dare to be negligent? They were all scrambling to present their generous gifts. As Lin Wanrong was talking with the Eldest Miss, several groups of officials passed by, each with their family members, carrying birthday gifts with great pomp.


    The Eldest Miss whispered, "Lin San, you assaulted Young Master Hou. It was Mr. Luo who suppressed the matter. He has done our family a great favor, and we should not fail to repay it. The birthday gift cannot be light."


    The Eldest Miss took out a box of longevity peaches, longevity noodles, and arge, sealed package from her sedan and handed them to Lin Wanrong, saying, "You should take care of these. Give them to the steward at the entranceter."


    The package was quite heavy in his hand, yetpared to therge and small boxes carried by others, it seemed rather insignificant. Lin Wanrong didn''t know what was inside. Heughed and followed the Eldest Miss and her cousin toward the entrance.


    When they reached the gate, the Eldest Miss respectfully handed over her name card. The ceremonial officer epted it with a bow and announced, "From the Xiao family of Jinling, one pair of birthday peaches, a load of longevity noodles, ten bottles of perfume, and a hundred bars of soap. Wishing the esteemed elder fortune as vast as the Eastern Sea, and longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountain."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback at the list of items, surprised that therge package contained all these things. Ten bottles of perfume and a hundred bars of soap, worth nearly two thousand taels of silver. All were priceless items in the market. Wow, Old Luo is making a fortune this time, he thought. Just by selling these gifts, he can easily make three thousand taels.


    The Eldest Miss lightly tugged at Lin Wanrong, pulling him out of his astonishment. Fine, he thought, Old Luo may be a bit cunning, but he is a good official and has been kind to me. I''ll let him profit from this.


    The Eldest Miss asked softly, "Lin San, what''s the matter?" Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs-up, "Miss, you are truly sharp and generous. A true merchant at heart."


    "Stop it!" The Eldest Miss blushed and huffed, then took the lead into the mansion.


    Offering perfume and soap as birthday gifts was an idea unique to the Eldest Miss. Indeed, these gifts were carefully selected. Many offered jade and antiques, but the Xiao family''s exclusive recipe for the perfume and soap, famous throughout Jiangsu, was priceless and unique. It served not only as a unique gift but also as a brilliant advertisement for the Xiao family. The Eldest Miss was indeed shrewd.


    Upon their entrance, Luo Min, his face glowing, greeted them, "Miss Xiao, I apologize for my tardiness."


    As a governor, Luo Min held an esteemed position, yet he had personallye out to wee the Xiao family, a significant show of respect. The Eldest Miss was both ttered and surprised, "I am just a humble girl. I''m unworthy of such a grand wee."


    Luo Yuan, standing next to Luo Min, grinned at Lin Wanrong, "Big brother, you''ve arrived." He turned to Guo Wuchang, "Young Master Guo, it''s been a while. Please,e inside."


    As the three were escorted into the mansion, Lin Wanrong noticed the mansion''s spaciousness, the courtyard was filled with tables and many local officials. They were surprised to see a merchant family being personally received by the governor and his son.


    What was even more surprising was when Luo Min personally escorted the three into the main hall. This hall had only about ten tables, each upied by the most prominent figures in Jiangsu. How could a merchant family sit alongside them? The Eldest Miss, though she had seen many things in business, had limited interactions with officials. Now, suddenly surrounded by so many high-ranking figures, she felt a bit anxious.


    Lin Wanrong, noticing her unease, leaned in and whispered, "Don''t worry, they can''t eat us." The Eldest Miss cracked a small smile, her heart settling somewhat, and she took her seat.


    Luo Yuan approached him, "Big brother, your status is not ordinary, please have a seat."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and chuckled, "I''m just a small servant of the Xiao family. My ce is beside the Eldest Miss." He knew better than to draw attention to himself. Pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger, that was his best option.


    In the grand hall, he recognized several familiar faces, one of whom was Tao Yu, a high-ranking official he had met just the day before. Tao Yu asionally nced at the Eldest Miss with anger in his eyes.


    Another familiar face was the beaten Young Master Hou. In just a few days, the bruises on his face had faded, restoring his handsome, debonair appearance. He red at Lin Wanrong, his teeth gritted and eyes spitting fire. But he was a weak schr and dared not make a scene here. Moreover, he still felt some fear towards Lin Wanrong''s ferocity.


    Seeing Young Master Hou''s constant re, Lin Wanrong became impatient. He red back fiercely, causing Young Master Hou to quickly lower his head. Seeing his cowardly reaction, Lin Wanrong snorted disdainfully, He''s less of a man than a woman.


    Speaking of women, Lin Wanrong suddenly thought of Tao Wanying, who had repeatedly stood up for Hou Yuebai. Despite being a woman, she had far more spirit than this monkey. On his way back to Hangzhou, he had teased the girl so much, he wondered how she was doing now. Surely she hadn''t been so distressed as to take her own life? Guilty, guilty, he thought to himself, he had done nothing, it wasn''t his fault.


    At the head of the table in the center of the hall sat a man with a dark face and thick eyebrows, his presence intimidating. Cheng Ruinian, whom Lin Wanrong had encountered a few times before, stood beside him. Could this man be Cheng De? A chill ran through Lin Wanrong. In the territory of Jiangsu, the one who could sit at the head of the governor''s banquet must be none other than Cheng De.


    In secret, Cheng De and Luo Min had been battling each other relentlessly. However, in public, he was still controlled by Luo Min, and both men appeared harmonious. No one knew that these two men were like fire and water in private, utterly ipatible.


    Just as Lin Wanrong was getting bored, the sound of drums and music filled the air. The master of ceremonies loudly proimed, "The auspicious time has arrived. Please wee the birthday star."


    Amid the drum and music, Luo Ning, dressed in a red shirt and with a blush on her face, slowly walked in, supporting an elderly woman with a radiant face and kind eyes. Luo Min and Luo Yuan followed them, revealing three generations of the Luo family to the onlookers.


    "May the birthday star''s blessings be as vast as the East Sea, and her life as enduring as the South Mountain." Everyone in the hall stood up and sang in unison.


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 Chapter 188

    Chapter 188


    Chapter 188 A Betrothal for the Talented Lady?


    Luo Ning helped the elderlydy sit down on therge chair at the front of the hall. The old woman smiled and nodded to the crowd, saying, "Thank you all foring. Please, take a seat."


    Before anyone could reply, a servant rushed in, flustered. "My lord, the Emperor has sent a birthday couplet"


    Before he could finish, a shrill, thin voice rang out from the entrance: "Celebrating Lady Luo''s great longevity, the Emperor sends his congrattions, bestowing ten eastern pearls, a hundred taels of gold, and a thousand bolts of brocade."


    A small eunuch in a yellow robe, holding the imperial edict, strode through the hall. The Luo family members quickly knelt and thanked in unison, "We thank His Majesty for his grace."


    The eunuch stood in front of the hall and announced loudly, "The Emperor has decreed that in respect to the celebrant''s advanced years, no kneeling is required. Lady Luo is celebrating her seventieth spring. This is a blessing from the heavens, protecting our great nation. The Emperor has personally written a birthday couplet as a gift."


    The Emperor''s personal couplet was an immense honor. Everyone in the hall was filled with envy. Luo Min, holding the couplet high above his head, knelt to receive it. He unfolded it in front of everyone to reveal the imperial handwriting gleaming with gold: "Cranes signify a thousand years of longevity, pines symbolize eternal spring."


    Luo Min quickly ordered it to be framed and hung up, then thanked the eunuch. Only then did the crowd dare to sit down. With the Emperor''s gifts and the couplet, the olddy''s face was flushed with joy and good fortune.


    Luo Min knelt at the olddy''s feet, respectfully saying, "Your son wishes you health and longevity, prosperity for a long life."


    Luo Ning and Luo Yuan, brother and sister, knelt behind their father, chorusing, "Your grandchildren wish our respected grandmother eternal youth, and a longevity as long as a crane''s." The olddyughed heartily, nodded, and said, "Children, please rise."


    In ancient times, birthday blessings were taken very seriously. After the filial son and virtuous grandchildren had paid their respects, it was the guests'' turn. There were so many tterers for Luo Min''s mother''s seventieth birthday, it was impossible to count them. The guests paid their respects ording to rank. Cheng De, with a dark face, was first in line, and he stood up to say a few words of praise. This made Lin Wanrong, who was watching, secretly amused. Everyone in the hall paid their respects one after another. Only the Prefect of Jinling, Marquis Hou, remained unmoved, sitting steadily with a smile on his face, his thoughts unknown.


    Among the crowd, the Xiao family, who held no official posts, naturally had Xiao Yuruo demurely cedst in line. It wasn''t until the Eldest Miss had paid her respects and there was no one else in the hall that Hou Yuebai rose to his feet. He approached the olddy and respectfully kowtowed, "Yuebai and his father wish the long-lived one blessings of longevity and peace, to flow forever." While others had simply bowed in ce, this young man went up to kowtow. It was clear he wanted to please Luo Ning.


    The olddyughed, "Young master and his father are too polite. Min, help Young Master Hou up." Luo Min, on behalf of his mother, helped Hou Yuebai up and said, "Nephew, please rise."


    Hou Yuebai stood and said, "I learned that the birthdaydy likes couplets. Today, being her auspicious birthday, I dare to present a personally written birthday couplet to express my admiration."


    Suddenly, there was a loud apuse in the hall, and everyone understood Hou Yuebai''s intention. The reason why the Hou family was thest to pay their respects was to use this couplet as a grand finale. Most of the guests were officials who loved couplets and poetry, so this was considered very appropriate.


    The elderdy of the Luo family seemed interested, "In that case, young master, please write quickly so this old woman can admire it." From the way the olddy spoke, it seemed she too was from a distinguished family. No wonder she was able to raise such talented children and grandchildren as Luo Min and Luo Ning.


    A servant had alreadyid out paper and ink. Hou Yuebai bowed to the olddy and nced at Luo Ning before he picked up the brush. After a moment''s thought, he wrote, "The rarest of ages is respected, from now on we enjoy the remaining years."


    The couplet subtly reflected the old woman''s rare age, and was extremely appropriate. The olddy nodded and said, "Young master indeed has a good talent. This old woman is very grateful."


    Luo Ning whispered something in the olddy''s ear. The olddyughed until she couldn''t close her mouth, saying, "Young master, though this old woman is a mere woman, she is also a lover of couplets. Today, since the young master has this interest, this old woman will present an upper couplet for all the poetry friends in the hall to enjoy."


    The birthdaydy presenting a couplet was both ttering and pleasing. The crowd in the hall was filled with regret, wondering why they didn''t have the thoughtfulness of young Master Hou to inquire about the old birthdaydy''s preferences.


    The olddy thought for a moment andughed, "Today, as you all celebrate this old woman''s birthday, I will present a topic of crane longevity for the upper couplet ''Crane''s age adds, decade opens clear and robust.''"


    The birthdaydy had offered the upper couplet, and it was a happy one at that. Most of the people in the hall were literati. Couplets and poetry were their strengths, and they immediately began to think hard. Hou Yuebai had started this couplet round to grab this opportunity. He smirked at Lin Wanrong and also began to ponder.


    Lin Wanrong watched with amusement and leaned over to Guo Wuchang, whispering, "Young Master, can you match this couplet?"


    The young master shook his head, "I haven''t practiced this before, I can''t think of it right now."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and whispered a few words in Guo Wuchang''s ear. The young master''s face lit up and he immediately stood up and said, "Old birthdaydy, I have a matching couplet."


    Hou Yuebai was startled, but when he saw that it was not Lin Wanrong who matched it, he rxed. He knew Guo Wuchang''s reputation, typically a good-for-nothing who ate well but didn''t work, and doubted that he coulde up with a good couplet.


    Seeing everyone''s attention on her cousin, the Eldest Miss was surprised and whispered, "Lin San, what did you teach my cousin?"


    Lin Wanrong innocently said, "I didn''t teach him anything. It''s the young master''s overflowing talent, he came up with it on his own."


    The Eldest Miss red at him, worried, but then heard Guo Wuchang recite, "Crane''s age adds, decade opens clear and robust, deer carriage jointly pulls a hundred years of longevity."


    Brilliant! Everyone in the hall sighed. Hou Yuebai did not expect Guo Wuchang to be so quick-witted. Now the spotlight was stolen by him, making him deeply regretful.


    The Eldest Miss knew her cousin''s weight very well. Seeing Lin Wanrong standing there with a smug smile, she knew it was his idea. She couldn''t help but re at him, but her face was full of smiles.


    Luo Ning was also puzzled. When she saw Lin Wanrong, she smiled and spoke to her grandmother. The olddy nced at the people from the Xiao family andughed, "This young master has matched the couplet very appropriately. I feel delighted. Since today is for birthday celebration, this old woman will simply offer another couplet. Please, young master, try to match it."


    Havinge into the spotlight, Guo Wuchang was overjoyed and couldn''t care less. He hastily nodded, "Please present the topic, old birthdaydy."


    Both Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss were surprised. They thought this kid, with his little wit, should have been content with the sess he had. How could he wish for more?


    The olddy slowly recited, "Sun and moon shine together, only the benevolent have longevity."


    Guo Wuchang anxiously looked at Lin San for help. Lin Wanrong thought to himself, You deserved it for showing off. With so many people watching, how could I guide you?


    Seeing Guo Wuchang''s pale face, Hou Yuebai was secretly pleased. After a brief thought, just as he was about to speak, he heard Lin San call out, "Our young master has the matching line"


    All eyes fell on Guo Wuchang again. Lin Wanrong walked over to him andughed, "Sun and moon shine together, only the benevolent have longevity. Our young master''s matching line is Yin and Yangbined, such virtue is rare since ancient times."


    Guo Wuchang silently wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and nodded, "Exactly, exactly. Sun and moon shine together, only the benevolent have longevity. Yin and Yangbined, such virtue is rare since ancient times."


    Luo Ning nced at Lin Wanrong, covering her mouth to smile, obviously seeing through the trick. Hou Yuebai grew increasingly annoyed. Being outshone by Guo Wuchang twice was extremely frustrating.


    The olddy nodded andughed, "Indeed, it''s very neat. Young master, your talent is admirable. This old woman thanks you for these two fine couplets." She nced at Luo Ning next to her and suddenlyughed, "My little granddaughter Ning, has been outstanding in poetry since she was a child and has high standards. Today, as this old woman celebrates her birthday, let Ning present a few topics for all the young gentlemen present to discuss. What does everyone think?"


    While the olddy''s words were implicit, Lin Wanrong was shocked, Oh, this seems like a poetrypetition for a marriage proposal. Crude, unbearably crude.


    Everyone in the hall seemed to perceive the underlying meaning, causing amotion. Especially the young masters, if they could win the favor of both the olddy and Miss Luo by taking this opportunity, it would naturally be much easier to aplish something good.


    Luo Ning didn''t expect her grandmother to suddenly propose this idea. She blushed deeply and couldn''t help but coquettishly say, "Grandma"


    The olddyughed and patted her hand, "Ning, juste up with the topics. Grandma will decide everything for you." These words set the hall bustling even more. Although the olddy didn''t disclose anything, her words sparked endless spections. Luo Ning hadn''t considered the issue of choosing a husband yet, and she felt both shy and anxious, but she couldn''t help but nce at Lin Wanrong.


    Luo Yuan knew his sister''s thoughts and quietly slipped to Lin Wanrong, grabbing his arm, "Big brother, I beg you"


    Lin Wanrong was surprised, "Little Luo, what''s the matter?"


    Luo Yuan anxiously said, "Later when my sister presents her couplet or poem, you must be the one to respond. You absolutely cannot let anyone else take the opportunity."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Regardless of whether he could respond appropriately, he couldn''t even if he could. He wore a distressed expression and said, "Little Luo, you know I''m not interested in your sister."


    With an awkward expression, Luo Yuan replied, "I know, big brother. Rest assured, my sister is also only slightly interested in you. It''s unlikely the two of you will end up together. But you must help with this. You know as well as I do, none of the schrs in Jinling appeal to my sister. I''m afraid if our grandmother is in high spirits today, in a fit of joy she might"


    Lin Wanrong suddenly understood. Today, the old birthday woman was celebrating her big day and had been granted an imperial favor. She was in high spirits and also loved presenting these tricky couplets. If she got overly excited and betrothed Luo Ning, this joyous feast would probably turn into a funeral.


    After Luo Yuan left, Lin Wanrong remained hesitant about whether or not he should help. The Eldest Miss at his side had heard their conversation and red at him, "Lin San, you''re not allowed to speakter!"


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 Chapter 189

    Chapter 189


    Chapter 189 Luo Ning''s State of Mind


    "Why so?" Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise.


    "You''re meddling in a poetry match designed to choose a suitor. What''s your role in it?" The Eldest Miss red at him, a blush creeping onto her face as she gently warned, "If you dare to speak out, I will ensure Yushuang ignores you forever. Let''s see how you''ll handle that."


    ''Good heavens! What a threat,'' Lin Wanrong thought to himself, amused. ''The Eldest Miss''s threat is weak at best. Does she really think that by uttering a single sentence, Yushuang would ignore me forever? I understand my little darling better than that. If anything, I would be surprised if I believed her. But if she indeed bad-mouthed me in front of Yushuang or instigated some other nonsense, it could be a problem. On one hand, I am bound by Little Luo''s request to do whatever it takes for my brethren. But on the other hand, I''m dealing with Yushuang''s sister. For the sake of a beautifuldy, am I supposed to stab my brethren in the back?''


    Noticing his prolonged silence, the Eldest Miss snapped irritably, "Did you hear what I said? Are you, perhaps, smitten by Miss Luo''s beauty? You...you" She clenched her teeth, grumbling, "Where do you ce myour Xiao family?"


    ''Dear me, how does the Xiao family fit into this?'' Lin Wanrong thought. ''You''ve had your say, both good and bad, how am I supposed to respond?'' He managed a wry smile and softly exined, "Eldest Miss, there''s something you don''t understand. Miss Luo is ady of high standards. None of the talented gentlemen of Jinling have caught her eye. Her grandmother''s actions today stem from concern for her, but Miss Luo is not interested. She is simply looking for ways to reject these gentlemen. My rtionship with Miss Luo is nothing more than cordial. However, she is a good friend of Qiaoqiao and has helped me in the past. One should never forget a favor, right? My presence here is purely out of obligation, a friendly cameo. You heard what Little Luo said earlier. Miss Luo and I are from two different worlds, utterly mismatched."


    The Eldest Miss pondered for a long while before snorting, "Then you better not answer casuallyter. If someone wants to answer, you block them. If no one answers, you must keep your mouth shut."


    ''Good Lord! Does she think I''m a prodigy, capable of providing answers instantly?'' Lin Wanrong forced a smile, "Eldest Miss, I might stumble upon an answer or two asionally, but I can''t promise to have all the answers."


    She conceded the point. Although he had some schrly ability, she had perhaps been overestimating him. With a small smile, the Eldest Miss fell silent.


    As the two conversed, Luo Ning grew anxious. When she saw Luo Yuan turn back towards her and then nce at Lin Wanrong, who was smiling, she felt a bit more at ease.


    Upon hearing that Miss Luo was seemingly choosing a suitor, the young men seated outside the hall hurriedly flocked in. Luo Min chuckled at the sight. Seeing his mother in high spirits, he didn''t wish to dampen her enthusiasm, so he gestured grandly, inviting the young schrs and gentlemen to take a seat inside the hall.


    "Ning''er, all the talented young masters from Jiangsu are here today. Go ahead and pose your question," the olddy said with a chuckle. Suddenly, the hall fell silent as everyone eagerly awaited Miss Luo''s first question.


    Luo Ning was both embarrassed and surprised, with no avenue of retreat. She bit her lip, looking towards the courtyard pond, and softly recited, "The green water is naturally calm; a wind ripples its surface." The metaphor mirrored her current state of mind  having no intention to choose a suitor, but her grandmother''s eager affection had disturbed the tranquillity of her life, like wind stirring a peaceful pond.


    After hearing Luo Ning''s words, the Eldest Miss let out a sigh of relief. Miss Luo truly didn''t seem interested, and Lin Wanrong hadn''t been dishonest. However, the other schrs and gentlemen had different thoughts. Upon seeing Miss Luo pose her question, they couldn''t help but start thinking rapidly, especially Hou Yuebai, who saw this as a golden opportunity.


    Yet, Lin Wanrong paid no attention to Luo Ning''s posed question. Smiling, he said to Xiao Yuruo, "Eldest Miss, Miss Luo''s main worry is likely that Young Master Hou. All we need to do is block him."


    The Eldest Miss could understand Luo Ning''s feelings, and she too couldn''t help worrying for her. Seeing Hou Yuebai eager to answer, she pushed Lin Wanrong urgently, "Lin San, quickly answer". But as soon as the words were out, she regretted it, ''What am I doing?''


    Seeing the Eldest Miss so anxious, Lin Wanrong thought something must have happened. He quickly stood up and said, "Miss Luo, I will answer." He nced at Hou Yuebai in the distance, who was deep in thought, not ready to respond at all. ''What is the Eldest Miss up to? Isn''t this just causing trouble for me?'' He looked at Xiao Yuruo, who turned her head away, seemingly unwilling to pay him any attention.


    ''Damn it! You were the one who asked me to answer, and now you''re the one who''s angry. I''m really caught in the middle here,'' he thought.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong stand up, Luo Ning felt a thrill of surprise and quickly said, "Please, Young Master Lin, proceed." Luo Yuan secretly gave Lin Wanrong a thumbs-up. His big brother was truly reliable.


    Feeling a bit embarrassed, Lin Wanrong scratched his head, "Miss Luo, there were too many people talking just now, and I didn''t hear clearly. Could you repeat your question?"


    At his words, both the Eldest Miss and Luo Ning almost fainted. Luo Yuan and everyone else in the hall were simrly dumbfounded. ''What kind of person is this? He didn''t even hear the question clearly, yet he imed he had an answer. He''s clearly here to cause chaos. The Xiao family is so wicked to send a mere servant to ruin Miss Luo''s event. This is just too much.''


    The Eldest Miss was shocked but also couldn''t help feeling a little delighted. She shot him a quick nce, her voice soft and chiding, "You... don''t you see how beautiful Miss Luo is? You didn''t even pay attention to her question. What''s the point in standing up to answer? Isn''t this damaging the reputation of our Xiao family?"


    Upon hearing the Eldest Miss''s words, Lin Wanrong broke out in goosebumps. ''It''s true what they say, good men don''t fight with women. Women are just too unpredictable. She''s the one making all the rules.''


    Frustrated, Luo Ning''s cheeks flushed a bright red. Such a public affront was utterly embarrassing. Even the day when he harshly criticized her painting hadn''t been this bad.


    Looking at Lin Wanrong with a frosty expression, she gritted her teeth, and said word by word, "In that case, please listen carefully, Young Master Lin. The question I posed is ''The green water is naturally calm; a wind ripples its surface.''"


    "Oh, it''s this couplet" Lin Wanrong quickly contemted. His eyes drifted past the door curtain to the lush green mountains in the distance. He smirked and said, "Miss Luo, here''s my response to your couplet ''Green mountains are not aged by time; snow renders them white-haired.''"


    Brilliant! It was unclear who first praised him, but soon the hall erupted with apuse. This couplet, whether in terms of rhyme or imagery, was perfectly matched. Especially thetter half, which not only bore a beautiful meaning but also subtly implied a marriage proposal. It was indeed an exceptional masterpiece. It was astonishing that a mere servant of the Xiao family could exhibit such extraordinary talent. When someone brought up that this was the same Lin San who had contended against the Tao family at Sunshine and Rain Restaurant in Hangzhou and made friends with Xu Wei, the entire hall gasped in awe. Even the learned schr Mr. Wenchang looked at him with new respectthis servant was profoundly unpredictable.


    As Lin Wanrong recited the words, he realized his blunder. "Snow renders them white-haired." These words would clearly lead Luo Ning to misunderstand. ''Damn it! I didn''t mean that. It was a slip of the tonguebeing too knowledgeable can indeed be a curse.''


    Before his response, the Eldest Miss had been worried for him, but once he answered, his couplet seemed to be openly flirting with Miss Luo. Xiao Yuruo turned pale and turned her head away, refusing to look at him directly.


    His couplet was full of ambiguity. Even Luo Ning, usually outgoing and bold, couldn''t help but blush, casting a nce at Lin Wanrong, unsure of what to say.


    "Good, good, very good." The first to speak was the birthday celebrant, the olddy. She held Luo Ning''s hand, gave Lin Wanrong a smiling look and said, "Young man, your response was splendid. Ning, you should pose two more questions today. Let''s see if these young gentlemen''s talents can satisfy you."


    Luo Ning dared not go against her grandmother''s good intentions. She stole a nce at Lin Wanrong, her cheeks blushing, and softly replied, "Yes."


    Lin Wanrong was in a tight spot, neither able to stand nor sitfortably. Young Master Guo, who was straightforward, said to him, "Lin San, you should answer two more. Take Miss Luo home as a maid. Having a talenteddy as a servant, you as the master, you can do whatever you want. It must feel great. Heh heh." Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat from his forehead. Young Master Guo''s thinking was too modern and lecherous. ''I like it,'' he thought.


    The Eldest Miss red at Guo Wuchang, who immediately nched and fell silent. Just as Lin Wanrong was about to speak to Xiao Yuruo, he heard the Eldest Miss snort and turn her head away.


    Luo Ning cast a nce at Lin Wanrong, her heart filled with an indescribable emotion. This man seemed to be talented yet not, crude yet not; it was difficult to read him. She sighed and gazed at the pond as she softly recited, "Autumn water reflects the silver hall, mandarin ducks share the same wing"


    The first couplet showed some rejection towards a partner, but the tone had already changed in the second. Even Luo Ning herself probably didn''t understand her feelings at this point. Lin Wanrong couldn''t dare to respond casually this time; once could be considered an ident, but twice would be nothing less than grant flirting. After all, he had already helped once; this time, he wouldn''t stick his neck out unless necessary.


    Luo Ning noticed that everyone in the hall was deep in thought, while only Lin Wanrong was nonchntly looking around, seemingly indifferent. She sighed silently, lowering her eyes and falling quiet.


    In the midst of his contemtion, Hou Yuebai suddenly pped his hands and shouted excitedly, "I have the answer! Miss Luo, I have the answer!"


    Luo Ning softly sighed, "Has Young Master Hou figured it out? Then, please share. Luo Ning is all ears."


    The Eldest Miss did not speak. Noticing Luo Ning''s look of defeat and unwillingness, she felt a pang of sympathy. When she raised her head to see Lin San''s indifferent attitude, she couldn''t help but snap at him, "You bad man, didn''t I ask you to keep an eye on that Hou fellow? How did you let him answer?"


    Other than surprise, Lin Wanrong had no words to say. With women, there was never any logic to be had.


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 Chapter 190

    Chapter 190


    Chapter 190 The Young Prince


    Seeing no one vying with him, Hou Yuebai was secretly pleased. Hastily, he recited, "Autumn water reflects the silver hall, mandarin ducks share the same wing; Azure sky meets the green water, ying the lute together." Though his couplet was quicklyposed and met the standards of bnce, the link between mandarin ducks and lute-ying was somewhat strained. It could barely be considered an average couplet.


    Seeing the furrowed brow of Miss Luo, the Eldest Miss couldn''t bear it. She couldn''t help but ask Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, can you answer this couplet?"


    Lin Wanrong, feeling somewhat apologetic towards Luo Ning for not keeping a better eye on Hou Yuebai, nodded and replied, "I should be able to."


    "Can you do better than him?" The Eldest Miss asked again.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I''m self-taught, unrestricted and free-spirited. How could his coupletpare to mine?"


    The Eldest Miss gritted her teeth and said, "If that''s the case, then you should rise and respond. Suppress this monkey prince." [TL: The characters Hou in Hou Yuebai and Monkey sounded the same]


    Startled, Lin Wanrong thought, "Did I hear her wrongly? Is the Eldest Miss delirious?"


    Seeing his disbelief, Xiao Yuruo said angrily yet embarrassingly, "Miss Luo has done us a favor. It''s only right for us to repay her. But don''t get any ideas. If you do, you will not only be betraying Qiaoqiao and Yushuang, but also the Xiao family and me."


    Feeling dizzy from her words, Lin Wanrong thought that betraying Qiaoqiao and Yushuang made some sense. But betraying the Xiao family and her? The Eldest Miss blushed, huffed and stopped looking at him.


    Seeing no one else answering, and that Lin Wanrong was having a lively chat with Miss Xiao, Luo Ning sighed softly. Just as she was about to speak, Lin Wanrong''s voice sounded, "Miss Luo, I have a couplet too."


    Delighted, Luo Ning was about to respond when Hou Yuebai quickly interjected, "This couplet was originally answered by me."


    Annoyed, Lin Wanrong retorted, "Young Master Hou, don''t be impatient. Listen to my couplet first. Miss Luo''s couplet was ''Autumn water reflects the silver hall, mandarin ducks share the same wing,'' and my response is, ''Heavenly wind under the jade universe, phoenix harmoniously chirps.''"


    Everyone present understood that Lin San''s lower couplet was more imaginative and apt than Master Hou''s. Indeed, this time, the servant of the Xiao family was victorious.


    Luo Ning, blushing with both embarrassment and happiness, gave Lin Wanrong a grateful nce. Beaming with pride, Lin Wanrong nodded at her, while the Eldest Miss next to him snorted, "Don''t get too proud. Don''t forget what I told you earlier. You cannot betray Yushuang."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled in response. Meanwhile, Luo Ning, with a blush on her face, coyly put forth the third couplet, "On the branches of parasol trees, two phoenixes perch"


    It seemed to continue from the previous couplet, both sharing the theme of romantic unity, whether it was the mandarin ducks or the perching phoenixes. Was this Eldest Miss really in love? Lin Wanrong looked at Luo Ning with puzzled eyes.


    The Eldest Miss''s face darkened considerably. The implication in Luo Ning''s words was somewhat suggestive of courtship. Grinding her teeth, the Eldest Miss snapped, "Lin San, you don''t have to worry about this couplet."


    "Should I worry about the monkey prince?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    The Eldest Miss said, "You don''t need to worry about him either, leave him to me." No sooner had her words fallen than she stood up and said, "Miss Luo, I have the matching line to your couplet, ''On the branches of parasol trees, two phoenixes perch, amidst the lotus blossoms stand a pair of mandarin ducks.''"


    "Wonderful, truly wonderful," Lin Wanrong started pping, seemingly stirring up trouble. Both the Eldest Miss and Luo Ning, without any prior agreement, shot him a look of disdain. The people in the hall were excited to see Miss Xiao match the couplet; a face-off between the two legendary women of talent was not a sight easily witnessed.


    Luo Ning, surprised to see that Xiao Yuruo had answered the couplet, blushed in embarrassment. She stepped forward, took the Eldest Miss''s hand and said, "Sister Xiao, are you also teasing me?"


    Xiao Yuruo, not wanting to offend someone with aughing face, especially Luo Ning who was kind to Lin San, held her hand back and smiled, "Miss Luo, you''ve put forth three couplets, it''s time to choose the one you like."


    Luo Ning gave a light smile, intentionally or not, nced at Lin Wanrong and giggled, "Of course I''ve chosen. I choose you, sister Xiao." Both women began tough and jest. Watching this scene, Lin Wanrong sighed. They had just been at each other''s throats, yet now they were as amiable as ever. Indeed, women and tigers were the most fearsome creatures in the world.


    Luo Yuan pulled Lin Wanrong to the olddy''s side, affectionately introducing, "Grandmother, this is big brother Lin Wanrong, whom I know. He also knows father and is very close with my sister and me."


    After bowing respectfully, Lin Wanrong stood up and asked with a smile, "Grandmother, is it your fiftieth birthday today?"


    The olddyughed, "What are you saying, child? I''m already in my seventies, not fifties."


    Stunned, Lin Wanrong eximed, "But you look so youthful and vibrant, with such rosy cheeks and youthful hair, that you seem to be a fifty-year-old. Ipletely forgot it was your seventieth birthday. My apologies."


    Luo Yuan sucked in a breath at Lin Wanrong''s audacious ttery. The olddy, though amused by his extraordinary wit and talent despite being a mere servant, was pleased. She chuckled, "You sure know how to charm with your words, and you were quite clever and interesting with your couplet exchange with Luo Ning earlier. You should visit more often."


    Blushing, Luo Ning quickly responded, "Don''t worry, grandmother. I will certainly seek guidance from Brother Lin."


    Lin Wanrong felt an icy re from behind. He understood Hou Yuebai''s resentment, but why was the Eldest Miss so infuriated? If anyone should be angry, it should be Yushuang. It was all too confusing.


    Chuckling, Lin Wanrong said, "On your special birthday, I wish you eternal youth, good temper, healthy teeth, good appetite, fragrant meals, blooming flowers, a virtuous wife for your grandson soon, a good husband for your granddaughter soon, numerous descendants, wealth, and a house filled with blessings."


    Upon hearing his lengthy blessing, the people in the hall were left either dazed or sweating profusely. They had seen shamelessness before, but never to this extent. They wondered from where this Xiao family''s servant, who acted without the slightest regard for decorum, had sprung. The Eldest Miss found it both infuriating and amusing. But seeing how delighted the olddy from the Luo family was, she couldn''t help but shake her head and smile. This scoundrel, blessed with the gift of the gab, seemed to be able to appease anyone in the world.


    The olddy''s spirits were lifted by his words. Laughing, she said, "Very well, reward him."


    In his mind, Lin Wanrong was ted, My diamond hasn''t been presented yet, and I''m already making money. He pulled out a small diamond from his pocket. It was only a third of the size of the one he''d given to Qiaoqiao, but it still caused a stir among the people in the hall.


    The diamond was crystal clear, brimming with unique colors. One nce was enough to know that it was no ordinary gem. Those present, already aware of the story from Sunshine and Rain Restaurant, instantly understood that this was the famed diamond from the West. It was indeed an extraordinary piece of craftsmanship.


    Luo Ning covered her mouth in surprise, staring at the gleaming diamond. She hadn''t expected him to present such an extravagant gift. Although it couldn''tpare to the one he had given Qiaoqiao the previous day, it was extremely precious. Few such diamonds could be found throughout the entire Great Hua.


    The appeal of diamonds to women was undeniable. Luo Ning''s heart pounded, while the Eldest Miss appeared dazed. This Lin San, always so generous, had never given her a diamond despite having some in his possession.


    With a sly smile, Lin Wanrong presented the diamond to the olddy, "Elderly one, this diamond was acquired from a Westerner in Hangzhou. On the asion of your birthday, I hadn''t prepared anything better, so please ept this little stone as my token of respect. Given your graciousness, I trust you won''t mind that it is a small gift."


    The olddy inspected the diamond, her face bursting with joy. She chuckled, "You, child, have given such a grand gift and yet call it small. Luo Ning, I''m old. This diamond is a token of Brother Lin''s affection. I''ll give it to you. You should cherish it and not disappoint Brother Lin''s goodwill."


    Lin Wanrong nearly choked at the olddy''s words. He saw the Eldest Miss''s murderous gaze sweeping over him repeatedly. But how could he be med for this? The olddy, nearing her eighties, was indeed not as sharp in her thinking and speaking. It had nothing to do with him.


    Understanding the implication of the olddy''s words, Luo Ning was half embarrassed, half annoyed, and didn''t dare to respond. However, she loved the diamond so much that she epted it without a word, holding it in her hand and examining it closely.


    Lin Wanrong''s generous gesture didn''t surprise anyone since they knew about his escapade in Hangzhou. But the sight of the Eldest Miss''s sullen face did stir some curiosity. Yet, they could only keep their questions to themselves.


    Ah, I always strive to keep a low profile, but I''ve never truly achieved it. Life is so frustrating, thought Lin Wanrong when he suddenly heard an announcement from outside the door, "His Highness Prince Chengs son, Young Prince Ning has arrived..."


    The hall erupted into a low buzz as murmurs spread among the crowd. This young Prince Ning was apparently an important figure, and even the alwaysposed Cheng De and Tao Yu had looks of delight on their faces.


    Upon hearing about some young prince or heir, Lin Wanrong felt a bit dizzy. "What nonsense," he thought, "riding on the coattails of their ancestors, swindling food and drink, showing off... Damn, I disdain you."


    Luo Min had already gone out to wee a neer into the residence. The man, in his twenties, wore a purple-gold crown and a yellow robe embroidered with dragons. His physique was slender, his face handsome. He carried himself with grace and elegance, his warm smile appearing even before he spoke, his demeanor refined. At first nce, one could tell he was no ordinary person.


    Was this the so-called Young Prince Ning? The so-called prince, the dragon''s grandson, did indeed look quite impressive. Suddenly, Lin Wanrong thought of the master of Tao Dongcheng, whom he had encountered at the White Lotus cult. Could this be the same person? Lin Wanrong promptly rose to his feet.


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 Chapter 191

    Chapter 191


    Chapter 191 The Talented Woman


    Young Prince Ning sauntered, presenting his fist in salutation and bowing respectfully as he walked. His smile charmed the room, his demeanor exceptionally courteous and gracious. It didn''t take long for him to win over the crowd with his congeniality.


    Lin Wanrong remembered what Luo Yuan had once shared about Young Prince Ning''s father, Prince Cheng, a well-known and virtuous ruler, adept at forging alliances with talented and unusual individuals. It seemed the prince had indeed learned from his father.


    Luo Min invited Young Prince Ning to take a seat. With a humble smile, the prince replied, "How could I presume to sit before my elders? I''vee today specifically to wish the Old Lady a happy birthday."


    As a royal prince and grandson of the emperor, it was inappropriate for Young Prince Ning to kneel, so he stepped forward and bent deeply at the waist, "Prince Chengs son, Young Prince Zhao Kangning pays respects to the Old Lady. May her longevity rival the heavens and her blessings and prosperity be endless!"


    The Old Lady chuckled, "How could I ept such a grand gesture, Young Prince? Please, take a seat."


    "Thank you, Old Lady," said Zhao Kangning modestly. With a wave of his hand, one of his attendants brought forth a brocaded box. Zhao Kangning held it with both hands, reverently presenting it to the Old Lady. "I had to rush my visit to Jiangsu, and had not made proper preparations for the Old Lady''s birthday. Last year, when I was on a mission to Goryeo, the King gifted me a thousand-year-old ginseng. I present it to you as a humble birthday gift, wishing you eternal youth and vitality."


    Everyone in the hall had heard of Goryeo ginseng and its reputed miraculous effects, including the ability to resurrect the dead. Such a generous gift was being described as modest, making Young Prince Ning appear extremely humble.


    A thousand-year-old Goryeo ginseng? Quite a im. As a modern man, Lin Wanrong knew exactly what ginseng was. Bluff all you want, he thought to himself.


    Zhao Kangning''s extravagant gift was not lost on the people in the room. They were well aware that he was trying to curry favor with Luo Min. Zhao Kangning''s father, Prince Cheng, once served as Minister of Personnel, with protgs throughout the realm. A third of the high-ranking officials across the numerous provinces owed their positions to him. Luo Min, however, was an exception. Given that Jiangsu was the granary of the empire, it made sense that Zhao Kangning was investing heavily to win him over.


    Zhao Kangning''s eyes brightened when he saw Luo Ning standing beside the Old Lady. He smiled and asked, "Might this be Miss Luo Ning, the renowned genius of Jinling?"


    Luo Ning blushed and shook her head, "I am but a simple, unlearned girl. I dare not im such a title."


    Zhao Kangningughed heartily, "Miss Luo is too modest! Your talent and renown have been the talk of the capital for a long time. Meeting you today is like basking in the warmth of spring or a long-awaited rain, bringing much joy."


    Well, this young prince surely knows how to charm, Lin Wanrong thought. His sweet talk wasn''t too shabby, and it was pretty clear he was somewhat smitten with Luo Ning. But he couldn''t help but wonder, would Luo Ning be moved?


    With a soft smile, Luo Ning replied, "Young Prince, please do not jest at my expense."


    Shaking his head, Zhao Kangning signaled his servant to bring forth a scroll of painting. He smiled, "You may not believe what I''ve said, Miss Luo. But once you see this scroll, you will understand."


    He slowly unfurled the scroll. The figure in the painting was that of a delicate woman, with eyebrows as delicate as willows, almond-shaped eyes, and a slender figure. She stood under a peach tree, holding a book, observing it closely. The woman seemed warm and natural, her eyes gentle, exuding a quiet grace, even though she was silent. The resemnce between her and Luo Ning was striking; they could have been mistaken for each other.


    Luo Ning wondered aloud, "Young Prince, could this woman in the painting be me?"


    Zhao Kangning nodded, "Indeed, Miss Luo, it is you. This scroll was inked by me personally three years ago, always hoping that one day I could present it to you myself. Today, finally, my wish hase true."


    "Three years ago? Are you saying you''ve seen me three years ago?" Luo Ning frowned, "But I don''t remember ever meeting you."


    Zhao Kangning gave a charismatic smile, "Three years ago, I had a chance encounter with Miss Luo at the Imperial Academy. We were a distance apart and before I could greet you, you had already left. When I returned home that day, I couldn''t sleep, so I spent the night creating this painting."


    Luo Min, who had been silent for a while, looked at the prince with a faint frown. He understood why Zhao Kangning was trying to win them over, and seeing his daughter being charmed continuously, his worry deepened.


    He painted this picture three years ago, and brought it personally on the asion of the birthday celebration. What a clever move! Lin Wanrong thought to himself, this prince was no fool. His courtship strategy was first-rate, starting with a story of unrequited love to elicit sympathy, then presenting the painting as a token of his affection, expressing his longing in front of everyone. He left an unforgettable impression. If it had been an ordinary woman, she would have been moved. This man was not to be underestimated, Lin Wanrong reminded himself.


    Zhao Kangning handed the scroll over with both hands, speaking softly, "I have no other intentions, other than to fulfill my long-cherished wish with this scroll. I hope Miss Luo will ept it."


    Clever, very clever. He insisted he had no ulterior motives, but his actions spoke otherwise. If I were a woman, I''d be moved, He thought. Seeing Lin Wanrong shaking his head and smiling, Eldest Miss couldn''t help but speak up, "Seems like you''re thinking again. This is the young prince''s chosen one."


    Oh please, the young prince is nothing. You really think that with just a painting and a few words of affection, you can win over Luo Ning? You''re too naive. Lin Wanrong had spent some time with Luo Ning, and he knew that she was a woman of principles and not easily swayed by wealth or nobility. She had high standards for her future husband; a man of letters and a warrior. A painting and a few sweet words were not enough to fool her.


    Luo Ning sneaked a nce at Lin Wanrong and slowly said, "Thank you, Young Prince, for your kind treatment of me. But this painting, which you have put so much effort into, should be a keepsake for you."


    Her words were highly significant, and everyone in the room understood. Zhao Kangning''s face remained unchanged, and he sighed in disappointment, "It''s truly regrettable that my long-cherished wish could not be fulfilled today."


    Lin Wanrong studied the prince''s demeanor andpared it to the mysterious master he encountered in the White Lotus cult. He was now seventy percent certain that the master was indeed this Young Prince Zhao Kangning. No wonder Cheng De and the others were so pleased to see him.


    He pondered for a while when he felt a gentle tug on his clothing. He turned around and saw it was Luo Yuan. Luo Yuan spoke softly, "Big brother,e with me. My sister has something to say to you."


    Luo Ning wanted to speak with him? What could they possibly have to discuss? He looked around and sure enough, Luo Ning was nowhere to be seen. He had no idea where she had slipped off to. He must have been deep in thought for quite a while.


    Luo Yuan led him to the backyard of Luo''s residence. It was a private area for the Luo family, off-limits to outsiders. Luo Yuan ushered Lin Wanrong in and said, "Big brother, my sister is waiting for you inside. Go in quickly."


    Sweat trickled down his brow. This little Luo was acting mysterious. If anyone didn''t know any better, they might think he was trying to court his sister. Lin Wanrong entered the garden. It was early winter, the garden was bare and the flowers gradually withered. In a corner of the garden stood a solitary figure. Upon closer inspection, it was none other than Miss Luo Ning who had just recited three linked couplets.


    Luo Ning stood serene, gazing nkly at the remaining flowers in the garden, a stark contrast to her usual open and cheerful demeanor. Lin Wanrong walked over and softly called out, "Miss Luo--"


    At his voice, Luo Ning turned around. Seeing him, she said joyfully, "Brother Lin, you''re here?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded. "Miss Luo, you called me here. Is there something you wish to discuss?"


    Luo Ning stared pensively at the wilting flowers in the garden and said slowly, "Brother Lin, which do you think is more vibrant and enduring: women or flowers?"


    Where did thate from? She had been so lively while reciting poetry earlier, why the sudden mncholy? Lin Wanrong was puzzled about the change in her.


    "Brother Lin, do you think I''m strange?" Seeing Lin Wanrong''s furrowed brow as he tried to decipher her intentions, Luo Ning couldn''t help butugh.


    Lin Wanrong nodded solemnly, "Very strange. I find it hard to reconcile you with the eloquent Luo Ning from earlier."


    Luo Ning said shyly, "Brother Lin, people are multifaceted. My confidence in front of others doesn''t mean I can''t be shy, because, at the end of the day, I am a woman."


    "Women and flowers are actually the same. Their blooming period is the most beautiful and vibrant moment of their lives. But once spring is over, they wilt and fall like fallen leaves, ground into dust, forgotten and no longer fragrant." Luo Ning''s words were so quiet and profound that it felt like they were drifting in from afar. Lin Wanrong couldn''t grasp her thoughts at all.


    This time, things were getting serious. He might be the one getting courted, Lin Wanrongmented internally. Luo Ning giggled and said, "Brother Lin, don''t be surprised. These are just some thoughts I had a while ago."


    "Miss Luo, a tiny thought can change your life," Lin Wanrong stated gravely.


    Luo Ning spoke softly, "Brother Lin, you''re right, a small thought may indeed change my life, but it might already be toote. I don''t even know when the change began."


    Luo Ning looked at him and smiled faintly, "Brother Lin, do you know, when the Young Prince showed me his favor earlier, I suddenly felt very scared."


    "Scared? Of what?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    Luo Ning blushed as she giggled, "If I may be frank with you, Brother Lin, when I was young, I made a vow that my future husband should be an outstanding man. He should not only have schrly talent but also be a brave warrior capable of killing enemies on the battlefield. I''ve aimed for this goal all these years."


    Lin Wanrong grunted in acknowledgment, thinking, I knew about your lofty ambition. Your younger brother warned me about it early on. When ites to wisdom and bravery, I can''t evenpare.


    "Young Prince Zhao Kangning, I''ve heard of him before. He''s not only known for his literary talent but also his martial arts. And he seems to have a liking for me. In theory, he should be my ideal match," Luo Ning said shyly, "But even though he''s had feelings for me for three years, I haven''t felt anything. Not just for him. I realized that even if the man of my dreams appeared before me, a man who excelled in both literature and martial arts, I still wouldn''t ept him. I''m really scared. I suddenly discovered that the goal I''ve been aiming for isn''t what I want at all."


    Perspiration dripped down his forehead. Lin Wanrong understood her meaning. In professional terms, it was called a copse of faith, quite cruel. Lin Wanrong silently mourned for her. Little girl, the gap between dreams and reality is enormous.


    "Just like you told me before, Brother Lin, I might want to travel the world, but that doesn''t mean I can. The wish to travel is beautiful, but the actual process of traveling might not be."


    Luo Ning''s words made Lin Wanrong''s head spin. The minds of women were indeed hard to decipher. First, it was the Eldest Miss, now Miss Luo. Women who read too much are troublesome. My Qiaoqiao is the best behaved.


    "Um, Miss Luo, are you saying that your beliefs have subtly changed, is that right?" Lin Wanrong carefully chose his words, even more carefully saying them. He actually wanted to say that her choice of spouse had gradually changed, but when the words reached his lips, they turned into the vague term ''belief''. If he identally misled a youngdy, that would be a serious offense.


    Luo Ning let out a small sigh, "Yes, Brother Lin, that''s right. It changed even when I hadn''t noticed it myself."


    Crap, this meant the little girl didn''t even know who she liked now. This was indeed a serious problem. Lin Wanrong cautiously said, "Miss Luo, you don''t really not know who you like, do you?"


    Luo Ning''s face flushed, and she scolded, "Brother Lin, what nonsense are you spouting? Of course, I know who I like."


    "Oh" Lin Wanrong drew out the word, then said, "I see, Miss Luo, you''ve fallen for someone who is entirely different from the ideal person you once yearned for. That''s why your old beliefs have crumbled, isn''t it?"


    Luo Ning''s face turned scarlet, she didn''t confirm, but she didn''t deny it either.


    Lin Wanrong''s heart was enlightened. It was indeed astonishing that someone could make this youngdy abandon her original beliefs. He chuckled and said, "Falling for someone often happens without realization. All those stories about love at first sight, they are all deceptive lies."


    Luo Ning''s face reddened in embarrassment and she quickly said, "Brother Lin, it''s not that I like him, it''s just that I enjoy talking with him."


    Lin Wanrongughed out loud, "It''s the same thing. Miss Luo, I''ll repeat my earlier words, life is short, do what you like, change as you wish. Don''t force anything, contentment lies where the heart finds peace."


    After their conversation, Luo Ning felt as if she had let go of a significant burden. She giggled and said, "Brother Lin, talking with you is always rxing, and I learn a lot. I enjoy talking to you the most."


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 Chapter 192

    Chapter 192


    Chapter 192 The King of Couplet


    Luo Ning''s smile bloomed like a flower, a stark contrast from the mncholy air she had carried just moments ago.


    Upon seeing her return to her lively self, Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. Why did all these girls like to share their worries with him? Miss Luo was no different. If he ever left the Xiao family, he mused, he should start a psychology clinic, specializing in women''s hearts. He chuckled at the thought.


    Suddenly, Luo Ning stretched out her small hand, cing it on his. "Brother Lin," she asked, "do you feel like I''ve changed?" Her hand was warm and soft, slightly trembling.


    A ripple went through Lin Wanrong''s heart. This little girl was no simple creature, learning so quickly to take advantage of him.


    Luo Ning was pure-minded. Despite the slight trembling of her hand, there was not a trace of impurity. Lin Wanrong brushed her hand unintentionally, it felt smooth as jade. Her hand was really soft, he wondered who would benefit from it in the future. He sighed inwardly, gently pulled her hand, and pretended to be chaste. "Miss Luo, under my brilliant guidance, you have gained a new life. Bless you. Now, let us share a pure hug."


    Luo Ning giggled, her feet moving like she was flying. After a few steps, she turned her head and smiled, "Brother Lin, even though you''re a bit naughty, I really enjoy talking with you." With that, she ran offughing, leaving Lin Wanrong standing alone.


    This was frustrating for him. He had spent so much time advising a girl, and gained nothing in return. Today''s business was a big loss.


    In the garden, the flowers were already wilting. Lin Wanrong picked up a small petal, gently pinched it, thinking about Luo Ning''s words, his mind in a foggy state. He didn''t quite understand what this young girl was up to, and felt like he was being yed.


    Feeling irritated, Lin Wanrong wandered back to the main hall, only to find Luo Ning standing next to the olddy, smiling at him.


    The Eldest Miss saw him return and whispered, "Where have you been? I''ve been looking for you and couldn''t find you."


    Caught off guard by Luo Ning''s antics and feeling down, Lin Wanrong nced at her and snickered, "I went to relieve myself. I guess you didn''t look in the right direction for the restroom."


    The Eldest Miss blushed, spat lightly, red at him, and didn''t say anything more.


    By now, Luo Min had invited Zhao Kangning to sit in the main seat, smiling, "The arrival of Young Prince Zhao has indeed graced our humble abode. We, the Luo family, are truly grateful."


    Zhao Kangningughed, "Oh, not at all. Governor Luo is too modest. My father always speaks highly of you in front of me. He says that you govern Jiangsu province diligently and love your people, everyone sings your praises. He even instructed me to learn from you."


    Governor Luo responded humbly, "Young Prince, you''re too kind. I am unworthy of such praise."


    Zhao Kangning nced around and suddenlyughed, "By the way, Governor Luo, when I was outside your residence, I heard cheers from within. I am curious about what you were all doing."


    Luo Minughed, "Just now? My mother had prepared a few celebratory couplets. All the young talents were matching couplets and having quite a good time."


    "Matching couplets?" Zhao Kangning seemed intrigued. Heughed, "I am quite fond of this too. I even have an expert in couplets with me. Why don''t I take the opportunity to contribute today, allowing my teacher to exchange views with the talents present? What do you all think?"


    Seeing that the Young Prince also enjoyed matching couplets, the crowd instantly burst into cheers. Luo Min hesitated, but seeing the high spirits all around, he found it difficult to object.


    Zhao Kangningughed, "If we are to match couplets, there must be a wager. How about this? If I lose, I will offer a painting ''Returning Home in Wind and Snow'' by Master Xu Wenchang. If Governor Luo''s side happens to lose, I would like a prize as well"


    Zhao Kangning nced at Luo Ning, who had just returned to the living room, andughed, "I will ask Miss Luo to ept a ''Portrait of a Court Lady'' that I painted three years ago. What does Governor Luo think?"


    On the surface, it seemed as if the prince would lose either way and have to present a painting. However, the truth was far from this. Luo Ning had openly rejected the prince, and now Zhao Kangning was using this opportunity to try to present his painting again, essentially forcing her to ept it. Luo Ning huffed quietly and didn''t speak.


    The paintings of Xu Wei were extremely valuable. Seeing that Prince Ning was offering Xu Wei''s ''Returning Home in Wind and Snow'', the people in the hall were suddenly interested, and their cheers grew louder. Lin Wanrong remembered that he also had a painting by Master Xu, ''Misty Rain over West Lake''. It was a new work and bore Xu Wei''s signature, which was rare. It was probably more valuable than ''Returning Home in Wind and Snow''.


    Luo Min was somewhat torn. While Zhao Kangning proposed to match couplets in a yful spirit, it was in fact a contest. If they lost this match, they would lose face for his daughter.


    Zhao Kangning waved his hand, and a middle-aged man dressed like a schr in white robes emerged from his entourage. The man bowed and said, "I am Shen Banshan, the leader of the Seven Northern Provinces Literary Alliance."


    Leader of the Seven Northern Provinces Literary Alliance? Lin thought, What sort of organization is this? Are they some sort of bandit group?


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s confusion, the Eldest Miss quietly exined, "The Seven Northern Provinces Literary Alliance is a spontaneous organization formed by schrs from the North before they pass the imperial examination. It''s veryrge-scale. Every time there''s an examination, if the champion is from the North, he must be from this alliance. That''s why it''s also known as the ''Champion Alliance''. This Shen Banshan is a leading figure in the alliance. Although he is just a schr and hasn''t passed the examination for many years, he is known as the ''King of Couplets'', famous throughout the North and the South. His skills in couplets are unmatched."


    A ''Champion Alliance'', ''Leader of the Seven Northern Provinces Literary Alliance'', aren''t they just a student council? More like a high school student council. The names sound like they''re from a bandit group, Lin thought to himself.


    Shen Banshan bowed to the crowd and proudly dered, "I, Shen Banshan, represent the talents of the Seven Northern Provinces, extend my greetings to my southern colleagues. Today, during our match, there''s no limit to the number of people. As long as you can match the couplets, anyone from the south can respond."


    Shen Banshan was an arrogant man, and his words quickly provoked the schrs from the South. The previously humiliated Hou Yuebai was instantly infuriated. He clenched his fists and announced, "I am Hou Yuebai from Jinling. I am pleased to meet Mr. Shen. I am ready to learn from you."


    Shen Banshan gave a slight nod, "Nice to meet you, Young Master Hou. I wonder if you''ve passed the Imperial Examination?"


    "I am waiting to make my mark on the gold list thising autumn," Hou Yuebai replied.


    "And what position do you aspire to hold if you enter the court?" Shen Banshan asked with a smirk.


    After a moment of contemtion, Hou Yuebai responded, "Cab Elder."


    Shen Banshan chuckled and delivered a couplet, "Before you''re old, you''re dreaming of being an elder." It was a spur-of-the-moment satirical couplet. Shen Banshan truly was the king of couplets with his quick wit and clever mind, unmatched by ordinary people. The couplet was extremely difficult to respond to; the matching structure was secondary, the real challenge was toe up with a response that would also satirize Shen Banshan. The Southern schrs were instantly at a loss, and Hou Yuebai''s face turned as red as a pig''s liver. He didn''t know whether to stand or sit.


    Luo Ning pondered for a while, but couldn''t find an answer. She couldn''t help but feel anxious. Were they about to lose the first round? She involuntarily stole a nce at Lin Wanrong, only to find him with his eyes closed, apparently deep in thought. Her heart sank in disappointment.


    Seeing that no one was able to respond, Luo Min was about to admit defeat. Suddenly, a voice rang out, "May I ask if Mr. Shen is a schr (TL: Schr here refers to Xiucai, those who have passed the county-level imperial examination)?"


    Shen Banshan turned to see a servant in a green robe with a jolly smile. His dark skin indicated good health. Shen Banshan had been known as the best in couplets, but he had failed to pass the imperial examinations for many years, which was his biggest humiliation. Lin Wanrong''s question had hit him right where it hurt. Through gritted teeth, he replied, "Indeed."


    Lin Wanrong walked over to Hou Yuebai, gently pressed him down into his seat, and smiled at Shen Banshan, "Excellent. Since Mr. Shen is the leader of the Seven Northern Provinces Literary Alliance, I will represent the Eight Southern Provinces Literary Society Xiao Family Gardener Division, and respond to your couplet, ''A novice acting as a schr.''"


    "Bravo!" Guo Wuchang was the first to stand up and apud. The rest of the hall soon erupted in apuse. "Before you''re old, you''re dreaming of being an elder. A novice acting as a schr." It was truly a marvelous retort. Even Hou Yuebai''s face showed excitement. This time, Lin Wanrong had clearly redeemed his honor.


    Eldest Miss was surprised and delighted at the mention of the Eight Southern Provinces Literary Society and Xiao Family Gardener Division, even if it was a fabrication. She joined the others in apuse.


    Shen Banshan had suffered a great loss in his carelessness. Seeing Lin Wanrong''s yful smile, he snorted and said, "Even a mere servant wants to engage in couplets. I have a word of advice for you, ''The idle is free to enter; the wise should refrain.''"


    Lin Wanrong, the scoundrel, chuckled twice at Shen Banshan''s insult and said, "Mr. Shen, your distinguished presence here at the olddy''s birthday celebration is indeed noteworthy. It''s just as the saying goes, ''The righteous have yet toe; the thief is already here.''"


    "Hold on, you misunderstood my couplet," Shen Banshan protested. He took up his brush and wrote on the paper, "The wise should refrain; the idle is free to enter." Although he had reversed the order of the wise and the idle, he was still subtly insulting Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "And you, Mr. Shen, misunderstood my couplet." He took a pencil from his pocket and swiftly wrote, "The thief is already here; the righteous have yet toe"


    The two couplets, with their words reversed, became authentic insult stickers. They were seamlessly fitting, andughter broke out in the hall, apanied by thunderous apuse. Luo Yuan and Guo Wuchang cried out together, "Brother Lin, well done!"


    Seeing the so-called king of couplets turn livid, Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Brother Shen, it''s just a game of couplets. It''s just for fun. Why so serious? How about tonight, I''ll treat you to some fun at Qinhuai River. We can visit some courtesans, sing some risqu songs. That''s way more fun than this."


    Under the public gaze, he spoke lewdly, clearly insulting the schr. Shen Banshan angrily retorted, "Ignorant boy, unfamiliar with the three dynasties of Xia, Shang, and Zhou."


    Lin Wanrong,ughing, replied, "Handsome schr, only reads the four categories of ssical poetry."


    Shen Banshan saw that Lin Wanrong did have some skills. Gradually calming down, he pointed at a withered tree in the courtyard and said, "Inside the Governor''s mansion, this ancient tree is quite beautiful. Here''s my couplet: A thousand-year-old tree used as a coat rack." By alluding to using the Governor''s ancient tree as a coat rack, he was subtly belittling Luo Min.


    Damn it, Old Luo may be a bit crafty, a bit cunning, but he has done a lot for the people. He is a good official, much better than your dog-fart young prince, Lin Wanrong snorted and replied, "A thousand-year-old tree used as a coat rack, Mr. Shen, you truly are talented. The south is filled with rivers andkes, all along the Yangtze River. Here is my reply to your couplet: The vast Yangtze River used as a bathtub."


    This couplet helped regain face for Luo Min. The old foxughed withoutmenting.


    Shen Banshan looked around, seeing red walls and green tiles of the Luo mansion, and the schrs of the south seated in the courtyard. He said, "A pomegranate split open, many sour seeds inside the red gate."


    "Biting into a ginkgo, a big heart inside the white robe," Lin Wanrong chuckled, which subtly agreed with Shen Banshan''s white robe and trousers.


    The crowd burst into wild apuse again. This time, even Luo Min couldn''t help but turn his back to hide hisughter. Luo Ning was smiling as she watched Lin Wanrong, a faint blush on her face.


    Shen Banshan realized Lin Wanrong was indeed shrewd and intelligent. He couldn''t afford to underestimate him anymore. As he paced back and forth, a pond outside the door caught his eye, with little ducks swimming. He said, "Seven ducks on a pond, count three pairs and one."


    Lin Wanrong pondered a moment, noticing one duck holding a small fish in its beak. Suddenly inspired, he replied, "A foot-long fish jumps out of the water, measure nine inches and ten points."


    Shen Banshan sighed, saluting, "Little brother, your literary talent is admirable. I, Shen Banshan, admit defeat. In today''s couplet contest, I have lost." This Shen Banshan had talent and some schrly dignity. He lost, but he lost graciously.


    The schrs of the south erupted in cheers. This Lin San was truly miraculous. With his own wit and talent, he had single-handedly defeated Shen Banshan, the king of couplets from the Seven Northern Provinces Literary Society.


    The Eldest Miss bit her lower lip, her face full of smiles, as radiant as the blooming flowers in May. Luo Ning, covering her mouth, whispered to Luo Yuan, "Little brother, go and ask Brother Lin where he learned all these couplets. I can''t believe he was able to match them all." She couldn''t finish her sentence before she burst into sweetughter.


    Shen Banshan''s brows darkened, and he nodded, "Little brother, your talent is heaven-sent. I, Shen Banshan, am wholly convinced by my defeat. I ask for your name, so that I may remember it in my heart."


    Lin Wanrong was soaked in cold sweat. Damn it, this is too miraculous, he thought, Did the spirits of Li Bai and Du Fu possess me at this moment? Or did I take some sort of performance enhancer? How did I defeat this ''King of Couplets''? Damn, I''m too talented.


    With a casual toss of his head, he straightened his servant''s cap, and chuckled, "I dare not. I''m just a humble servant of the Xiao family in Jinling, known as Lin San. Brother Shen, my earlier words still stand. Tonight, we will enjoy ourselves by the Qinhuai River; eating, drinking, and entertaining ourselves to our hearts'' content, and it''s all on me."


    Shen Banshan shook his head with a wry smile and returned to Zhao Kangning''s side. The Young Prince stood up, pping andughing, "Splendid! Truly splendid! An outstanding entrance, and even more outstanding couplets. I didn''t expect such a talent from the Xiao family of Jinling. Lin San, I must re-evaluate my impression of you."


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 Chapter 193

    Chapter 193


    Chapter 193 Immortal Master Lin San (Part 1)


    Damn it, I''m well aware of your antics, don''t y your tricks in front of me. So, you want to show off, huh? I can y the game better than you. Lin Wanrong muttered under his breath, though his face feigned confusion. He looked at Zhao Kangning, feigning puzzlement, and said, "Oh, is the Young Prince speaking to me? Could it be that the Young Prince recognized me from before? This, this is indeed an honor."


    Zhao Kangning chuckled, "Even if we were strangers before, I''m afraid no one is ignorant of you today. Lin San, your column couplet skills are indeed extraordinary. If you have leisure time in the future, I''d like to have a good chat with you."


    "Thank you for your kindness, Young Prince," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "But you are a Young Prince, the Emperor''s grandson, the essence of our nation, dealing with a myriad of affairs every day, truly tireless. I, Lin San, am merely amoner. How dare I strike up a conversation with you?"


    Zhao Kangning naturally didn''t catch the sarcasm in his words. He simply nodded, waved his hand, and his attendant promptly brought forth a painting. Zhao Kangning received it and said with a smile, "Governor Luo, I admit defeat in today''s coupletpetition. This is ''Returning Home in Wind and Snow,'' a painting I obtained from Mr. Wenchang years ago. Let''s take this as a prize and give it to you."


    Luo Min quickly declined, "I can''t ept it. The couplet contest was between Lin San and Mr. Shen, unrted to me. How could I ept such a reward without contributing?"


    Zhao Kangning nodded and chuckled, "I gave my word, and I must honor it. Lin San, I''ll give ''Returning Home in Wind and Snow'' to you instead."


    Lin Wanrong, eager for the opportunity to profit, epted the painting, saying jovially, "Thank you, Young Prince, for this excellent painting. However, being a crude man, I can hardly appreciate such fine art. It would be impolite to hoard your generous gift. So, how about this: today is the olddy''s birthday. I''ll ''borrow flowers to present to Buddha,'' giving ''Returning Home in Wind and Snow'' as a birthday gift to the birthdaydy."


    A gasp echoed from the crowd. Lin San''s maneuver was impressive; how could a mere servant receive a gift from the young prince? But by quickly giving it to the olddy, he pleased both parties, satisfying everyone involved.


    The olddy, being a connoisseur herself, chuckled and said, "Oh, Brother Lin, you are too courteous. How could I ept this?"


    Lin San replied seriously, "Honorable birthdaydy, this is your due. Today, my match with Brother Shen was not only for entertainment but also to celebrate your birthday. Your blessings are as immense as the sky. Offering a beautiful painting to you, the birthday star, is the right thing to do."


    Luo Ning smiled sweetly and added, "Grandma, this is Brother Lin''s heartfelt gift. Please ept it."


    The olddy was overjoyed, unable to contain her smile. "Well, since you insist, I won''t stand on ceremony."


    She had someone take the painting. The hall immediately buzzed with excitement. Today, Young Prince Ning brought his entourage to celebrate her birthday, and Lin San defeated the couplet king Shen Banshan. The talented men from the South were genuinely pleased.


    As the guests had a few cups of water wine, and seeing their high spirits, Zhao Kangning said, "With such lively festivities today, I''d like to join the fun. I''ve brought a few entertainers with me. Why not let them perform some tricks to liven up the atmosphere? What do you think, Governor Luo?"


    Seeing that Zhao Kangning wasn''t proposing a challenge, Luo Min felt relieved and smiled, saying, "Your Highness is very polite. I''m much obliged."


    With a wave of Zhao Kangning''s hand, several street performers appeared, setting up their acts in the courtyard. There were rope jumpers and tightrope walkers. Cheers and apuse filled the air, and the ce was instantly abuzz with activity. The olddy was naturally delighted by the spectacle, and even Luo Ning found it fascinating.


    From the sidelines, Lin Wanrong nodded to himself. It was clear that Zhao Kangning hade prepared. Not only had he brought the couplet king Shen Banshan, but he also arranged for quite a few street performers. His intentions to curry favor with Luo Min were inly apparent. Lin Wanrong wondered what Luo Min thought of all this.


    Seeing that everyone was engrossed in the spectacle, Zhao Kangning felt satisfied. He waved his hand again, and the performers retreated. In their ce, a Daoist priest, an image of immortal refinement with white beard fluttering, entered the courtyard. He greeted the olddy, saying, "I am Xuan Xuanzi from Songyun Temple, here to wish you a happy and long life."


    The olddy quickly smiled and said, "Please, honorable Daoist priest, you mustn''t bow."


    Zhao Kangning stood and introduced him, "Old Madam, this is Daoist Xuan Xuanzi, renowned for his spiritual power. I invited him to perform a ritual blessing for your birthday."


    Xuan Xuanzi, his hair and beard all white, had the air of a true Daoist immortal. Lin Wanrong thought to himself, Damn, just by dyeing your hair and beard white, you can pass as a Daoist priest? Damn, this incense money is really easy to earn.


    The olddy, being a devout believer, was thrilled to see such a dignified priest blessing her longevity. She quickly offered him some ritual cakes and blessings. Xuan Xuanzi said, "On the grand asion of your birthday, I have nothing to offer. So, I will perform a ritual, and thereby establish a good rtionship with everyone here."


    He asked for a bowl of clear water and three wooden chopsticks of equal length. He dabbed some water on the chopstick tips and between the chopsticks. He then stood the chopsticks together and smiled, saying, "Please, everyone, watch closely."


    In the attentive gaze of the crowd, he slowly inserted the chopsticks into the water-filled bowl.


    The chopsticks were somewhat skewed. Xuan Xuanzi walked around the bowl several times quickly, muttering incantations, "Supreme Elder, Three Pure Ones, swift like the wish-grantingmand, stand-"


    Strangely enough, the three chopsticks stood upright together in the bowl.


    The sight of chopsticks standing upright in water was considered an auspicious omen. A murmur rippled through the hall. This Xuan Xuanzi was truly a magical priest with extraordinary powers.


    The olddy excitedly said, "Honorable priest, please have a seat. Someone, quickly bring incense for the priest."


    With a stroke of his long beard and a smile on his face, Xuan Xuanzi looked like an enlightened immortal.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. Damn, this ''priest'' is even better at pretending than me. What kind of bullshit mystical abilities and divine skills are these? Could you please show us something more advanced? I stopped ying this ''chopsticks standing in water'' trick when I was ten.


    The Eldest Miss noticed hisck of respect for the priest and whispered to him, "What are youughing at? Be careful, or the priest might punish you."


    Ah, this is how feudal superstition was bredimmortal master, what aughable title! If he could im such a title, then I might as well dere myself as the Supreme Venerable Lord Lao. Lin Wanrong chuckled until his belly hurt, yet out of his respect for the codes of the jianghu, he didn''t expose the charade.


    Zhao Kangning was smiling when he suddenly noticed the disdainful look on Lin Wanrong''s face. He couldn''t help but snort softly, and then smiled, Lin San, do you have any objections to the immortal master''s methods?


    To be frank, Lin Wanrong''s tricks were just as cunning as cing a chopstick upright in a bowl of waterboth were tricks of the trade. He and the so-called Xuan Xuanzi were both making a living out of these arts; traveling the jianghu, not revealing others'' wsthat was a matter of principle.


    "Well, very good, very good," Lin Wanrong said with augh, yet his face betrayed no respect. All were in the same line of work, as long as no one was exposed, no one could fool another.


    Seeing Lin San in his green clothes and small hat, Xuan Xuanzi realized he was merely a servant. He slightly shook his duster and said, Ignorant boy, how dare you disrespect the Three Purities, my Daoist deities.


    Luo Ning, noticing the animosity from the immortal master towards Lin Wanrong, hurriedly approached him and said, Big brother Lin, this immortal master might possess some magical powers. Don''t offend him carelessly, be careful he might cast a spell on you.


    Hmm, this girl isn''t too bad, she''s worth the care I''ve given her, Lin thought. He chuckled, "No worries, he is Immortal Master Xuan Xuanzi, and I am Immortal Master Lin Santhe two of us worship in the same temple, we won''t be in each other''s way."


    Luo Ning covered her lips and giggled, "Brother Lin, I can''t tell which of your words are true, and which are false."


    The Eldest Miss overheard their conversation and gave a small cough, "Lin San, the Young Prince is watching you."


    Luo Ning was startled and looked up, indeed the Young Prince, Zhao Kangning, was watching them with a smile.


    Zhao Kangning signalled Xuan Xuanzi with his eyes. Xuan Xuanzi stared at Lin Wanrong and said, Young benefactor, could it be that you harbor some doubts about the Three Purities? I would advise you, with your current cultivation level, it is better to doubt yourself than doubt the Daoist deities.


    Lin Wanrong raised his eyebrows, Damn, I was being considerate of you, and your master instigated you to provoke me? He snorted, then whispered something to Luo Ning.


    Luo Ning asked with confusion, "Brother Lin, what do you need brine for?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Nothing much, I just want to y the part of an immortal. Ask Luo Yuan to find a tofu shop and prepare some brine. As for the rest, you''ll know soon."


    Luo Ning left with lingering doubts, while Lin Wanrong nced at Xuan Xuanzi and chuckled, "Is the immortal master addressing me?"


    Xuan Xuanzi gave his duster a slight shake and said, "Indeed."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head. Why bother? He originally intended to avoid Xuan Xuanzi, but this fake immortal master, encouraged by the young prince, deliberately sought him out to provoke trouble. Lin Wanrong took a step forward and said, "I am a humble servant who holds the utmost reverence for the Three Purities. And of course, I am also full of admiration for you, Daoist Master."


    Immortal Master Xuan Xuanzi''s face showed a self-satisfied grin, his right hand habitually stroking his long beard. Then Lin Wanrong continued, Immortal Master, is the trick of the standing chopstick in the water a result of your magical powers?


    Xuan Xuanzi nodded and said, "I have been practicing diligently since childhood, over sixty years now. Only through multiple divine instructions from the Supreme Venerable Lord Lao in my dreams, was I able to attain such minimal power. I''m ashamed, truly ashamed."


    He''s a sham, and I despise him. Lin Wanrong initially wanted to let him off, but the old man directly initiated conflict under Zhao Kangning''s instigation. He had no choice but to reveal some of his real skills.


    "Having attained such power after more than sixty years of practice, the Immortal Master is indeed formidable!" Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up with augh.


    The old Daoist smiledcently, but then heard the servant say, "I''ve been practicing diligently for the duration of a tea ceremony. Today, I take the liberty of trying this magical trick of standing a chopstick in the water."


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s words, everyone in the hall was shocked. They had all just witnessed the immortal master''s magic firsthandwasn''t this Lin San courting his own doom? The Eldest Miss looked anxious, stamping her foot lightly, thinking, You''re so rash.


    Xuan Xuanzi''s expression changed upon hearing this. Lin Wanrong chuckled and picked up three clean square-headed wooden chopsticks, nodding to the crowd and saying, "Please watch closely."


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 Chapter 194

    Chapter 194


    Chapter 194 Immortal Master Lin San (Part 2)


    Lin Wanrong, imitating the style of Xuan Xuanzi, dipped the square ends and bodies of three wooden chopsticks in water. The chopsticks, of equal length, werebined and slowly inserted into a water cup.


    As he watched the chopsticks sway gently, a taut sensation gripped Lin Wanrong''s heart. "I haven''t practiced this for several days," he thought, "and I feel a bit rusty."


    Chuckling to himself, he imitated the fake immortal master''s behavior, circling the cup while chanting, "The Buddha, the Bodhisattva Guanyin, the greatpassion mantra, please show your divine power!" With a slight nt, the chopsticks swiftly stabilized, standing straight up in the water.


    The sight left the onlookers dumbstruck. When Xuan Xuanzi, the Immortal Master, performed this miracle, it was a result of sixty years of arduous cultivation. But how could Lin San, at such a young age, possess such a skill? Could he also be an immortal master?


    Luo Ning and the Eldest Miss both covered their mouths in disbelief, unable to trust their eyes. Old Lady Luo, in a state of delighted surprise, eximed, "Little Brother Lin, where did you learn this magic? It is exactly like the old Immortal''s."


    Her words were a p in Xuan Xuanzi''s face. His expression oscited between shades of red and white, and he snorted dismissively, "Just a parrot imitating human speech."


    Lin Wanrong was about to take his leave upon achieving his goal, but upon hearing this, he couldn''t help but shake his head. "This Western Immortal is stubbornly unconvinced." Smiling coldly, he retorted, "Immortal Master, I haven''t learned any magic, I just took a shortcut. I wonder if this small trick can enter your esteemed eyes?"


    The room was filled with chatter, strange things happened every year, but this year seemed particrly abundant. It was beyond belief that a mere servant of the Xiao family could perform magic.


    Xuan Xuanzi''splexion paled, he remained silent. Lin Wanrong smiled, "Immortal Master, I have learned your magic. But I have a small trick of my own. I wonder if you can learn it?"


    Xuan Xuanzi didn''t dare to respond. ncing at Zhao Kangning, the Young Prince''s face was emotionless. With an almost imperceptible nod, Xuan Xuanzi had no other option but to grit his teeth and ept, "Go ahead and use it then."


    Lin Wanrong saw their gestures and sneered inwardly, Damn it, they''re trying to gang up on me. This damn little prince is truly a cunning man.


    Just then, Luo Yuan rushed in from outside, nodding at Lin Wanrong. Feeling reassured, Lin Wanrong smiled at the old Daoist, "The trick I''m going to perform today is called ''Burning Cotton Thread.''"


    As he was speaking, Luo Yuan handed him a piece of cotton thread. Lin Wanrong touched it, it seemed freshly dried. Nodding at Luo Yuan, he waved the cotton thread around, announcing, "Everyone, what I have in my hand is a regr cotton thread. May the Young Prince and the Daoist check it."


    Zhao Kangning and Xuan Xuanzi both felt the cotton thread, it was slightly warm and damp, but nothing else seemed unusual. Both nodded. Lin Wanrong took back the cotton thread and grinned, addressing Old Lady Luo, "Old Birthday Star, could you please give me a copper coin?"


    The olddy handed him a copper coin. Lin Wanrong threaded the cotton through the hole in the coin, tying it to a metal frame. The coin slid to the middle of the thread.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, handing a candleholder to old Lady Luo, saying, "Today is the birthday of the Old Birthday Star, please grant us some fire."


    The olddyughed, "Little Brother Lin, are you asking for fire to burn this cotton thread?"


    "Exactly," Lin Wanrong replied.


    Luo Ning smiled as she nced at Lin Wanrong, then assisted her grandmother over to the metal frame, holding up the candleholder, she lit both ends of the cotton thread.


    Something peculiar happened. Even though both ends of the cotton thread were lit and were burning until they were charred ck, they refused to break. The copper coin remained steady in the middle of the cotton thread, unmoving.


    The people in the hall were greatly astonished. If the trick with the chopsticks in the water could be understood by some clever minds, this burning cotton thread was inexplicable. The olddy expressed her surprise, "Little Brother Lin, could you really be an immortal master?"


    Immortal Master Lin San? Heh, you tter me, olddy. My goal is to be a con artist. Lin Wanrong grinned without a word, cryptically saying, "I''ll exin it to everyer. Immortal Master Xuan Xuanzi, would you like to give this a try?"


    Before he could finish speaking, Luo Yuan and Guo Wuchang, holding two bundles of cotton thread, walked up to Xuan Xuanzi, smiling. Damn, these two kids, they love to stir up trouble, Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself.


    Xuan Xuanzi knew that Lin San had yed a trick, but he couldn''t guess what it was. He looked at the cotton thread before him, moved his fingers a few times, wanted to take the thread, but finally refrained, saying, "I''ve never learned this immortality."


    "Immortality? Where did thise from?" Lin Wanrongughed out loud, "Look at me, do I look like someone who has learned immortality?"


    Seeing his green outfit and little hat, everyone saw him as nothing more than a lowly servant, definitely not resembling someone who could perform immortality, and they all burst intoughter.


    By this point, everyone in the hall understood. If even Lin San could do it, it was certainly not immortality, but a sleight of hand trick from a street performer. However, everyone was still clueless about how the trick with the burning cotton thread was done.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "There''s no such thing as immortality in this world, it''s all just simple principles. Take this burning cotton thread, for instance, the principle is worth less than a penny. Everyone knows brine, right? The kind used for making tofu. This brine contains certain special substances. Soak the cotton thread in it for a while, then dry it over a fire, and the special substances from the brine will adhere to the thread. When you tie a coin with this thread and set it on fire, it seems like it''s burning, but in fact, only the surface of the thread is burning. The interior is protected by these special substances, cutting off the air, so it doesn''t burn off. If you don''t believe me, you can try it for yourself when you get home."


    Most of the people in the hall were sons of officials from various ces, very few of whom had ever made tofu, and some didn''t even know what brine was. They only understood after this exnation.


    Luo Ning let out a long "oh," so it turned out that when Brother Lin sent Luo Yuan to the neighboring tofu shop to find brine, it was for this purpose. Luckily, Luo Yuan had dried the cotton thread, or else it wouldn''t have lit up, and he wouldn''t have been able to fool the Young Prince and the fake Daoist. Luo Ning saw him blowing his own trumpet, couldn''t help but giggle.


    "As for standing a chopstick upright in water, it''s even simpler, using only the viscosity and buoyancy of the water. It''s all a matter of practice," Lin Wanrong exined the principles behind the two tricks to the crowd. It was then that they finally understood. Had it not been for this contemptible so-called immortal master''s repeated provocations, Lin Wanrong wouldn''t have chosen to be the vanguard in debunking feudal superstitions. After all, street performers depended on such tricks for their livelihood.


    Even though Prince Zhao Kangning was known for his self-restraint, he was visibly embarrassed at having mistaken a street performer for an immortal master. His face fell as he turned to Xuan Xuanzi and demanded, "How do you exin this?"


    Xuan Xuanzi, who no longer held the air of an immortal master, fell to his knees in fear, pleading, "Forgive me, Your Highness, I beg for mercy..."


    Zhao Kangning''s face turned pale as he ordered, "Ignorant rat! You dared deceive me! Take him away..."


    "Hold on, hold on..." Lin Wanrong hastily intervened, bowing respectfully and saying with a smile, "Your Highness, today is the olddy''s birthday, and this Daoist priest came to bring her good luck and cheer. Just like the earlier horse and tightrope performances, it was all for entertainment. Please do not take offense."


    I wouldn''t have bothered with this if it weren''t for the olddy''s birthday and the rule against bloodshed. I would''ve dealt with him straight away. Putting on a show in front of me, he must be tired of living.


    Luo Ning, not wishing to see the Young Prince embarrassed, quickly followed Lin Wanrong''s lead and said, "Lin San is right, the old Daoist came to wish my grandmother a happy birthday. I beseech you, Your Highness, to spare him for my grandmother''s sake."


    Zhao Kangning took the way out they provided, "So be it, I won''t be unreasonable. Xuan Xuanzi, never again use these petty tricks to deceive people, or I won''t let you off lightly. Now get out!"


    Xuan Xuanzi scurried away asughter filled the hall. The celebration at the Luo residence was indeed worthwhile, not only had they witnessed an exciting battle of couplets, but also two intriguing performances.


    Zhao Kangning forced a smile despite his embarrassment at losing twice in a row. He exchanged a few words, then took his leave. The birthday feaststed until evening, wrapping up with a lively conclusion.


    As Lin Wanrong was about to leave, his mind filled with concerns about Zhao Kangning''s connections with the White Lotus cult, a clear voice called out, "Brother Lin..."


    He looked up to find Luo Ning approaching. She smiled softly at him and asked, "Brother Lin, are you worried that the Young Prince will hold a grudge against you?"


    Lin Wanrongughed it off. Hold a grudge? He and I have never been on good terms. He was behind my abduction by the White Lotus cult. I''ve offended him countless times; one more time today won''t matter.


    "Yeah, I''m really scared. After all, he''s royalty," Lin Wanrong said with augh.


    Luo Ning gritted her teeth, "Brother Lin, don''t be scared. Although the Young Prince is tyrannical, there are plenty of people who can keep him in check. Even my father may not necessarily fear him."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled but didn''t respond. Suddenly, Luo Ning softly said, "Brother Lin, thank you for the gift you sent today, I really like it."


    "Gift? What gift? When did I give you a gift?" Lin Wanrong asked, surprised.


    "The painting, ''Returning Home in Wind and Snow'', has already been gifted to me by my grandmother," Luo Ning dered, then raised an object in her hand, smiling, "And this too..."


    The brilliant object she held was the diamond that Lin Wanrong had given to the birthday celebrant. Oh no, I gave that to the olddy, not to you, he thought. Luo Ning seemed to read his mind and cheekily smiled, "You gifted it to my grandmother, and she passed it on to me. I consider it as a gift from you."


    This line of reasoning is a bit far-fetched, Lin Wanrong thought, shaking his head with a wry smile. Well, let''s say it''s my gift to you then. I just hope it won''t attract any thieves.


    "Brother Lin, can you tell me where you learned these tricks?" Luo Ning asked, her curiosity piqued by the strange events that had transpired.


    "Well, when I was young, I read an odd book called ''A Hundred Thousand Whys'', filled with interesting stories," Lin Wanrong made up on the spot.


    "''A Hundred Thousand Whys''?" Luo Ning frowned, "Who wrote this? Howe I''ve never heard of it? Brother Lin, you''ve read so much."


    Seeing Luo Ning''s thirst for knowledge, Lin Wanrong felt a bit overwhelmed and was just about to make his escape when Guo Wuchang hurried over, calling out, "Lin San,e outside quickly. My cousin wants to consult you on a matter."


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 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195


    Chapter 195 Tears


    "Consult matters with me?" Lin Wanrong was surprised. "This must be something important. Miss Luo, let''s chat another day. Now I must attend to important matters with Miss Xiao."


    Luo Ning managed to suppress herughter. "Brother Lin, you go ahead and attend to your business. But, if you have some free time in the future, could you exin to me that ''A Hundred Thousand Whys''?"


    "Of course, I will definitely make time to teach you." Lin Wanrong said carelessly. Luo Ning covered her mouth tough, saying no more, simply watching him and Guo Wuchang depart.


    "How strange, Miss Luo seems to have changed a bit." Guo Wuchang muttered after taking a few steps, seemingly talking to himself.


    "Changed how?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    Guo Wuchang shook his head, "I don''t know, just a hunch."


    Rubbish, how well do you know her to get such a hunch! Lin Wanrong chuckled and said no more.


    The Eldest Miss had already seated herself in the small sedan, waiting for them. Seeing them approach, she said nothing, just quietly ordered, "Lift the sedan." The soft sedan began to sway gently as it moved into the distance.


    Lin Wanrong mounted his ck horse and followed the sedan, feeling puzzled. Weren''t they supposed to discuss important matters? Why had the Eldest Miss walked away without a word? He patted Guo Wuchang and asked, "Young master, didn''t the Eldest Miss say she had something important to discuss with me?"


    Guo Wuchang seemed stunned for a moment. "Yes, earlier, when she saw you talking with Miss Luo, she sent me to find you, saying there was important business to discuss. She didn''t mention what it was about, I thought you would know. Why don''t you ask her?"


    I don''t know shit! The Eldest Miss seemed a bit off today, I wonder if it''s that time of the month. Women are unreasonable during this period, I''d better keep my distance. If she really has something important to discuss, she''ll tell me.


    Thus, the three of them became silent, and they kept moving forward.


    After a while, a voice emerged from the sedan, "Cousin..." Guo Wuchang promptly responded.


    The Eldest Miss said, "You go ahead, when you return, inform my mother that I''m feeling a bit fatigued today. Regarding the takeover of the Tao family''s storefront, just let the stewards handle it. No need to report everything to me."


    Oh, it was rare to see the Eldest Miss willingly let go of work. Her mood indeed didn''t seem to be the best today.


    Guo Wuchang was very obedient. After receiving the order, he sped away on his horse, showing more enthusiasm than he had for the Miaoyu Pavilion.


    As Xiao Yuruo gave the orders, the sedan had already stopped by the roadside, right next to Xuanwu Lake. The dusk was growing darker, and the sound of gentle wavespping against the shoreline echoed in the chilly wind. Several pleasure boats had lit rednterns in the distance, the lights twinkling like dim stars in the clear night sky. In the dim light of the impending darkness, everything appeared blurred and gloomy. The Eldest Miss stood by theke, staring at the water, without uttering a word.


    Seeing Xiao Yuruo not moving, Lin Wanrong had to dismount from his horse. The atmosphere was a bit tense for a moment. Not knowing what the Eldest Miss was thinking, he said awkwardly, "Eldest Miss, earlier I heard from Young Master Guo that you had something to discuss with me. May I ask what the important matter is?"


    The Eldest Miss didn''t turn her head, her voice soft and distant. "Is that so? Seeing you and Miss Luo having such a pleasant conversation earlier, I didn''t want to disturb your joyous gathering. One thing led to another and I''ve forgotten what the matter was."


    Lin Wanrong felt dizzy, Damn, what an excuse, as if you could forget. The Eldest Miss asked again, "Lin San, how long have you known Miss Luo, and how did you meet?"


    Sweat, are you doing a background check? Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Eldest Miss, don''t misunderstand. My rtionship with Miss Luo is purely tonic, nothing happened between us. As the saying goes, ''the friendship of a gentleman is as light as water'', and mine with her is even more so." He spat out internally, When the hell did I be a gentleman? This upation is too noble, it doesn''t suit me.


    Xiao Yuruo was ustomed to his bluffing, taking his words with a grain of salt. She nced at him and said lightly, "I just asked how you met her, I didn''t ask you to talk about being a gentleman or not. Besides, if you were a gentleman, then the Tao family would be sages."


    That''s right, I''ve never been a gentleman, Lin Wanrong didn''t take offense, heughed, "My acquaintance with Miss Luo was very ordinary. We met at Qiaoqiao''s ce, nothing special." He picked out some significant events to tell her. He was known for his knack of avoiding sensitive topics. Anything that hinted at ambiguity with Luo Ning was circumvented, only the conflicts were mentioned.


    After hearing him, the Eldest Miss sighed, "On the riverbank, in front of so many people, and Miss Luo, known as a talented woman in Jinling, you don''t hold back your words." Although she said this, the expression on her face seemed much better.


    "Eldest Miss, as you know, I''m always impartial, straightforward, and honest. I speak as I should. If that talented Miss Luo cannot ept my criticism, she can''t be considered a true friend." Lin Wanrong said righteously. The words he uttered made even himself believe a little. There was no tax on bragging, so why not?


    The Eldest Miss snorted, "You treat Miss Luo so rudely, yet I see that she treats you very well, considering you in everything, even in the matter of offending the Young Prince. What kind of trick did you use?"


    Those words were spoken previously by Luo Ning to him, with the Eldest Miss sitting right there, there was no denying it. He didn''t even think of denying it, he innocently replied, "That''s why I say, someone like Miss Luo is a real friend, sharing weal and woe, never leaving or forsaking..."


    A light "plop" interrupted his words, the Eldest Miss had kicked a stone into the river.


    Seeing the Eldest Miss looking upset, Lin Wanrong thought that this youngdy cared a lot about Yushuang. Heughed and said, "Eldest Miss, rest assured, I''m sincere to Yushuang. As for Miss Luo, she is high and mighty, there has never been a spark between us"


    "What do you mean by ''spark''?" the Eldest Miss asked confusedly.


    "Oh, a ''spark'', to put it simply, is like, for instance, the way you and I look at each other, with deep affection, that''s called a ''spark''"


    Lin Wanrong was busy exining the ''spark,'' when he heard the Eldest Miss let out a light spit, her face flushed to the ears. She murmured, "What nonsense are you talking about? Who has a ''spark'' with you?"


    Sweating, Lin Wanrong saw the Eldest Miss blushing uncontrobly, he hurriedly said, "Don''t misunderstand, Eldest Miss, it''s just an analogy. It''s true that there''s no ''spark'' between Miss Luo and me. Moreover, she has personally told me that she already has someone she likes. Although I am generally affectionate, I haven''t developed to the point of promiscuity yet. I would never intrude as a third party, you can be at ease, Eldest Miss."


    The Eldest Miss found his words strange, but she could understand his central idea: there was nothing going on between him and Miss Luo. After a moment''s thought, Xiao Yuruo said, "Then you must promise that you will not be involved with Miss Luo in any romantic way"


    Damn, she wanted more. Even though you are Yushuang''s elder sister, you can''t just use me of this, demanding a promise. Why should I make a promise to you? Lin Wanrong shook his head and said seriously, "Eldest Miss, I think you have misunderstood. The reason I''m telling you about Miss Luo is just to state a fact, not to exin anything, and there''s no need for any exnation. To ask me to promise about something that doesn''t exist is absurd. You''re being too suspicious. Even Yushuang wouldn''t talk like this."


    The Eldest Miss was both embarrassed and angry, tears spinning in her eyes. "You, you, you bad man" She couldn''t continue, her shoulders shaking violently, tears rolling down her beautiful cheeks.


    Lin Wanrong was usually slightly put off by her arrogance, but seeing her crying so hard now, her voice choked with sobs, she looked like she had been bullied terribly. She didn''t have the strong, proud demeanor of her usual self. The Eldest Miss crying, her tears flowing, was as charming and touching as pear blossoms in the rain or begonias covered in dew.


    Damn, even crying, she could be so pitifully beautiful, isn''t this trying to steal my soul? Damn it, I''m not a saint, Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat, he quickly turned his head away to avoid looking at her.


    Seeing that he didn''t even want to nce at her, the Eldest Miss felt even more sorrowful, her crying intensifying. She sobbed, "You''re a mean person, you only know how to say harsh words to me. Does talking to you harm you in any way? You heartless, wicked man."


    Although the Eldest Miss had a peculiar temperament, she would never harm herself, this much Lin Wanrong was sure of. She was just too stubborn and often insisted on her point of view.


    The Eldest Miss continued sobbing, "At today''s banquet, who was worried for you when you made the Young Prince look bad? Wasn''t it me? My Xiao family cares the most for you, you heartless, thoroughly wicked man."


    The title was too long and didn''t sound right. Lin Wanrong had never seen the Eldest Miss cry so intensely before. Compared to her usually fierce and strong demeanor, she was infinitely more gentle now. If he could see her crying like this every day, looking so womanly, that might not be a bad thing. This sudden thought startled him. He chastised himself, My apologies, Eldest Miss. I didn''t mean to wish you to cry every day.


    Seeing him silent, the Eldest Miss felt increasingly wronged and choked up, "The Young Prince merely oppressed you a few times, and you could have simply avoided him. Why did you have to provoke him? You''re normally so clever, where did all your smarts go this time? Did you use them all up on deceiving Luo Ning?"


    Sweating, Lin Wanrong found the first part of her words touching, but thetter part was amusing. The Eldest Miss didn''t know about the rtionship between Zhao Kangning and the White Lotus cult, and she thought that if the Xiao family didn''t provoke him, he wouldn''t trouble the Xiao family.


    Poor Eldest Miss, how could you know about the danger we''re in? We''ve long provoked him. He''s been deliberately targeting us. Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile. Ever since the White Lotus incident, whether it was the Xiao family or himself, they were all in the same boat and nobody could escape.


    Suddenly, Lin Wanrong said solemnly, "Eldest Miss, stop crying. I need to discuss something serious with you."


    The Eldest Miss blinked in surprise, softly asking, "What serious matter?" But as soon as she spoke, she realized she''d admitted defeat. Two spots of red appeared on her face as she wiped away her tears and snorted, turning her head away from him.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Eldest Miss, this matter is crucial. Besides you and me, we cannot mention it to anyone else. Can you do that?"


    Seeing his unusually solemn expression, the Eldest Miss knew that this must be very important. After spending so much time with Lin Wanrong, quarreling andughing, she knew him well. He was always joking around with trivial matters, but when it came to serious matters, he was always meticulous and never careless. If he said it was important, then it indeed was.


    "If you want to say it, just say it. Who can stop you from talking?" the Eldest Miss grunted, her face flushing in embarrassment. She couldn''t believe that she had just been sobbing so openly in front of him.


    "Eldest Miss, you saw it today. It wasn''t me who provoked the Young Prince; it was the Young Prince who targeted us," Lin Wanrong said in a deep voice, "Do you know why?"


    Seeing the Eldest Miss shake her head, Lin Wanrong continued, "Do you remember what happened during those few days when we were abducted by the White Lotus cult?"


    The Eldest Miss nced at him, "Of course I remember. I''ll never forget it in my lifetime. It was Tao Dongcheng colluding with the White Lotus cult, nning to swallow up my family''s wealth."


    "Eldest Miss, it wasn''t that simple," Lin Wanrong said with a bitter smile, "Have you ever wondered why, after they had kidnapped you, they also seized me? And do you know what happened to me while you were held captive?"


    Why the White Lotus cult had kidnapped Lin Wanrong had always been a mystery to the Eldest Miss. She always thought that even Lin Wanrong himself didn''t know, but it turned out he knew much more than she did.


    Lin Wanrong detailed the events he''d encountered during those few days to the Eldest Miss. The more she listened, the more her heart quivered with shock, having long forgotten their previous argument. She eximed in astonishment, "Lin San, they took you away that day for the perfume form you held? Did you suffer a lot then? Did they torture you?"


    It seemed the Eldest Miss still retained some conscience as a capitalist. Seeing her tear-streaked face and her persistent and serious expression, which presented a unique charm, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but feel a stir in his heart. He chuckled, "Yes, they beat me mercilessly. Had I not been thinking of the Eldest Miss''s unparalleled beauty, I might have confessed."


    The Eldest Miss shot him a nce, saying, "You, always speaking such nonsense when others are worried about you." After a moment of silence, she suddenly looked at him and sighed, "Don''t do such foolish things in the future. If they want the form, just give it to them. At most, we won''t make money, but as long as we''re alive, that''s more important than anything else."


    Her words warmed his heart. Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, thinking that giving away the form would be equivalent to giving away his life, and only a fool would do that.


    "You know what happened next. Qingxuan appeared just in time and saved us," Lin Wanrong said, giving all the credit to Xiao Qingxuan, as it was inconvenient to mention Qin Xian''er.


    After some thought, the Eldest Miss finally said, "Lin San, are you suspecting the Young Prince..."


    "It''s not a suspicion, but a certainty. This Young Prince Ning, he''s the puppet master hiding behind Tao Dongcheng," Lin Wanrong said with a stern face.


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 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196


    Chapter 196 Who Looks Better?


    "Why would they want the perfume form? Young Prince Ning is of dragon lineage (Late Emperors grandson), basking in eternal wealth and prosperity. Why would he collude with the demonic people of the White Lotus cult?" The Eldest Miss was puzzled, and after a moment of contemtion, a hint of horror flickered in her eyes. "Could it be that they..."


    The Eldest Miss''s face turned pale. She bit her lower lip, unable to continue. No wonder they wanted the perfume form and to seize the wealth of the Xiao family. When you boiled it down, it was all to amass wealth in preparation for their grand n.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, saying, "Eldest Miss, you are not mistaken. There is no other reason for their actions."


    Upon hearing his words, Xiao Yuruo''s brows furrowed even more, her face revealing deep worry. Seeing her concern, Lin Wanrong consoled her with a chuckle, "Eldest Miss, you should consider it this way: we''re rather fortunate to have encountered such a once-in-a-lifetime event. Others would be envious."


    The Eldest Miss gave him a reproachful look. "You! I''m on the brink of despair, and yet, you''re making light of the situation. How can our Xiao family handle such a cmity?" With that, she sighed involuntarily.


    Lin Wanrong replied with augh, "Eldest Miss, I''m not being insincere. The ancients have taught us that it''s pointless to worry about something that''s either a blessing or a disaster. Overthinking can disturb one''s peace."


    She nced at him and quietly said, "Lin San, in that case, when you were captured by the White Lotus cult, it was my family''s fault. If you hadn''t been involved in the affairs of the Xiao family, you wouldn''t have attracted their attention, much less been taken by them."


    Lin Wanrong responded with a heartyugh, "Eldest Miss, this has nothing to do with you. It''s mainly because I am too outstanding. No matter where I hide, I can be easily identified. Like a vigorous tree standing tall amongst shrubs, I am always the focus. As a naturally outstanding person, being noticed and admired is inevitable, and I just have to get used to it."


    With a "pfft", the Eldest Miss couldn''t help butugh, "You sure have a thick skin." Every conversation with him was both amusing and frustrating. Was this man naturally oblivious to worries?


    "Eldest Miss, there''s no need to panic. While the Xiao family is indeed embroiled in this situation, it''s not as dire as you think. In my opinion, the Young Prince is not only after the Xiao family. The southern regions have always been wealthy with robustmerce in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Powerful merchants in Jinling and Hangzhou are unlikely to be uninvolved. What he wants is the money and grain of the South. When the scope expands infinitely, there''s nothing to fear. We''re all in the same boat. As the saying goes, ''when a nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken''. That''s the principle." Lin Wanrong exined slowly.


    The Eldest Miss pondered for a moment and nodded lightly, "Lin San, you''re right. When disaster strikes, no one can resist, and worrying is useless." A hint of determination shed in her eyes, "As my mother used to say, even though we, the Xiao family, are women, we will not be bullied. If the Xiao family is pushed into a corner, I''d rather shatter like a precious gem than remain intact like amon tile."


    Xiao Yuruo spoke with a fierce determination that was so reminiscent of her mother that one could see they were undoubtedly two strong women cut from the same cloth. Lin Wanrong secretly admired her spirit. "Miss," he said after some thought, "When we were in Hangzhou, I heard Mr. Xu say that the Madam had many old friends in the capital. If something were to happen, they would surely not sit idly by."


    Eldest Miss Xiao shook her head. "I asked my mother about this when we returned from Hangzhou. She said that she had only casual acquaintances in the capital and couldn''t call them close friends. Besides, she''s been away from the capital for many years and we have no idea where these old friends are now. We can''t pin our hopes on others in times of cmity. Our Xiao family, thoughposed of women, has always conducted business with integrity. We do not fear retribution for we''ve done no wrong. Even in death, we would die with dignity, refusing to engage in any servile or ttering behavior."


    Impressed by her steadfastness, Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Miss, I''m a bit of a coward, so don''t scare me with talk of ghosts and death. You make it sound as grave as a parting of life and death."


    A smile lit up Xiao Yuruo''s face. "If I don''t sound serious, how can I keep you in line? We, the Xiao family, do not engage in things against our conscience. As for you, I''m not so sure. I wouldn''t be surprised if you''ve done many bad things."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "You know me well, Miss. My intention in revealing today''s behind-the-scenes maniptor is to warn you to be vignt against falling into the traps of the wicked."


    Miss Xiaoughed lightly. "I''m not afraid of anyone, only of falling into the trap of a scoundrel like you."


    Lin Wanrong returned her smile. "Since Miss is so enlightened, I don''t need to worry. On another note, offending this ''Prince'' today might not be a bad thing. This incident is well-known in Jinling, and the Prince and his son are reputed to be virtuous and upright, unwilling to let others have any bad opinion about them. In my opinion, the Xiao family is safer now than before, when we were under their scrutinizing gaze." Lin Wanrong continued calmly, "If they really intend to rebel, that''s beyond our control. What wille, wille. Worrying is useless. We should just carry on with our business and make money."


    Eldest Miss Xiao nodded, her heart steadying and mood gradually improving after their conversation. She looked at him with a smile. "So, you had this devilish n all along. No wonder you were so brazen."


    "Brazen? Me?" Lin Wanrong protested, "Miss, as you can see, I''ve always been conservative, I don''t usually strike unless provoked."


    Eldest Miss Xiao fell silent, gazing at the gently ripplingke, she sighed lightly, "How wonderful it would be if there were no troubles in this world."


    "People are born to endure hardships," Lin Wanrong responded with a philosophical smile. "The more you think, the more pain you feel. It''s better to not think at all. Life is short, if everyone was like Miss, always furrowing their brows and preupied with work, life would be meaningless."


    Suddenly, Eldest Miss Xiao''s face brightened with a smile. "Lin San, do you think Miss Luo is beautiful?"


    Exasperated, Lin Wanrong wondered how they had circled back to this topic. Seeing Eldest Miss Xiao''s hopeful eyes, he didn''t want to hide the truth from her and nodded, "Yes, she is beautiful. Extremely so."


    Eldest Miss Xiao''s eyelids lowered, two spots of pink rising on her cheeks as she softly asked, "Then, who is prettier, Miss Luo or me?"


    This was a troublesome and unfruitful question, and Lin Wanrong found it difficult to answer. Heughed it off, "Both are beautiful, both indeed."


    Objectively speaking, Eldest Miss Xiao and Luo Ning were twopletely different types of women. Both were extremely beautiful in their own rights. Luo Ning was charming and amiable with her outgoing nature, whereas Xiao Yuruo exhibited the air of a strong woman, proud, resilient, and hard to conquer.


    Miss Xiao frowned slightly at his evasive response, discontented, "I spoke so kindly with you just now, and this is how you answer me? Are you trying to avoid offending me or her?"


    Why would I need to mollify you when I am not your husband? Lin Wanrong thought.


    "Um, Miss," he hesitated, "Do you really want me to tell the truth?"


    "Of course," Xiao Yuruo replied shyly, "Who has time for your nonsense?"


    "Well, to be honest, when Miss Luo smiles" Xiao Yuruo''s heart skipped a beat before hearing him continue, "she looks just as beautiful as Miss Xiao."


    A soft hum escaped Xiao Yuruo. A blush spread across her face, she bit her lower lip, and whispered, "You really know how to sweet talk." She hadn''t realized he had merely rephrased the samepliment, and the effect waspletely different. The mind of a woman was indeed unpredictable.


    "However," Lin Wanrong added with a smile, "you look more beautiful when you cry."


    Startled, Xiao Yuruo retorted, "Why are you saying this? I don''t want to hear itwhen did you see her cry?"


    "Exactly," Lin Wanrongughed, "I''ve never seen Miss Luo cry, that''s why I think you look prettier when you do."


    Only then did Eldest Miss Xiao realize she had been fooled again. Hadn''t she just cried in front of him for a long time? Had he taken her lightly because of that? Embarrassed and angry, she admonished, "You''re not being serious after only a few words. As for today, we won''t mention it again."


    Eldest Miss Xiao''s mood had be quite unpredictable, blushing after just a few words. She got into her sedan chair and returned to the Xiao household without speaking another word to Lin Wanrong. Recalling her tear-streaked face by theke, andparing it to her current stern expression, Lin Wanrong felt a strange sensation. Was she being yed by two different people? Her mood swings were too quick.


    However, Lin Wanrong didn''t have time to ponder it further. He was exhausted from the day''s events at Old Luo''s house, full of matching couplet games and other activities. Just as he was about to rest, he heard the maid, Xiao Cui, calling from outside the door, "Brother San, Brother San"


    As Lin Wanrong opened the door, Xiao Cui handed him a package, "Brother San, Eldest Miss sent me to deliver some clothes to you."


    Taking the package, he found the dirty clothes that Eldest Miss Xiao had taken from him after their return from Hangzhou, now returned clean and fresh. The clothes carried a faint scent of soap.


    Lin Wanrong epted the clothes, expressed his thanks, andughed, "Xiao Cui, which sister washed these for me? A good amount ofundry soap has been used, costing quite a few silver taels, I presume."


    Xiao Cui shook her head, "I don''t know, they were kept in Eldest Miss Xiao''s room all this time."


    Kept in Eldest Miss Xiao''s room? Good heavens, could Miss Xiao have washed these herself? Had the girl changed her ways? Lin Wanrong found himself growing suspicious.


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 Chapter 197

    Chapter 197


    Chapter 197 Undercurrent


    In the following days, the Eldest Miss seemed to forget the incident by Xuanwu Lake and returned to her formidable self, spending her days discussing with the stewards about taking over the Tao family''s storefronts. The worries brought by Young Prince Ning seemed to havepletely vanished.


    Lin Wanrong, who originally wanted to ck off, found that the Eldest Miss had her eyes set on him, involving him in every matter big or small. She thoroughly exined to him the business process, making it apparent that she was grooming him to be the pir of the Xiao family.


    Did she intend for me to be the third inmand? Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. These fundamental business principles were more than familiar to him. The Eldest Miss should be learning from him, not the other way around. However, given her care for him, he decided to y along, putting on the face of a humble learner. It greatly satisfied the Eldest Miss''s vanity.


    The past few days had indeed been busy. The soap workshop had been in operation for several days, and Lin Wanrong finally had time to inspect it. Seeing that the entire production was in line with his ideas and ns, he felt a great relief. The process of making soap was far simpler than that of perfume, and it was much easier to mass-produce. In a few days, it would be massively released to the market.


    Soap was indeed a wonder. As soon as it wasunched, it was hotly pursued by thedies. Drawing on her previous experience, the Eldest Miss priced it high, yet it still fell short of demand. Following the sessfulunches of lingerie, perfume, and soap, the Xiao family had made a huge ssh in Jiangnan [Note: The region south of the lower and middle reaches of the Yangtze River; Both Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces are within this region]. When people spoke of the Xiao family, they thought of perfume and soap, overshadowing their main business of fabrics and silk. The Xiao family had subtly be synonymous with cosmetics and women''s fashion.


    The prestige of the Xiao family soared after their grand disy of talent at Old Madam Luo''s birthday celebration. It was well-known in Jinling,bined with the incident at Sunshine and Rain Restaurant in Hangzhou. No one in Jinling dared to underestimate the Xiao family, and the Eldest Miss''s reputation significantly increased. This boosted the Eldest Miss''s confidence, and she was considering converting the Tao family''s shops into specialty stores for perfume, soap, and women''s lingerie. For a time, the Xiao family''s business was thriving, its momentum unparalleled.


    Life seemed pleasant, but Lin Wanrong was well aware that the better the Xiao family''s business performed, the closer the day of going to the capital was. There was less than a month left before the New Year. After the New Year, he would head north to the capital to find Qingxuan, and Yushuang would also go to the capital to study. The only one he was worried about was Qiaoqiao. This girl was sweet and likable, and he really didn''t want to leave her behind. He couldn''t be at ease. Although Qingshan and Luo Yuan would take care of her, Luo Min did not hold absolute power in Jiangsu, and Cheng De was still eyeing them. Qingshan and Luo Yuan''s Hung Hing gang was in conflict with the ck Dragon Association backed by Cheng De. Although Luo Min had arranged for people to protect them secretly, how could they look after Qiaoqiao when even the old fox couldn''t guarantee his own safety?


    The more Lin Wanrong thought about it, the more worried he became. Qiaoqiao was his darling, and he would not allow anything to happen to her. The best thing would be to take down Cheng De, then nobody in Jinling would dare to mess with Qingshan, ensuring Qiaoqiao''s safety, and allowing him to leave without worry. However, it wouldn''t be easy to topple Cheng De; even Luo Min wasn''t certain he could do it, let alone with Young Prince Ning backing Cheng De.


    As he walked, he missed Qiaoqiao more and more and couldn''t stand being at the Xiao family''s any longer, he hurriedly went towards the restaurant.


    Upon reaching the entrance of the restaurant, he saw Qingshan rushing out. Seeing him, Dong Qingshan paused, "Big brother, why are you here?" Lin Wanrong had been busy spinning around at the Xiao family for the past few days and hadn''t visited the restaurant. He wondered what Qingshan and Luo Yuan had been up to.


    Seeing Qingshan''s stern expression, Lin Wanrong joked, "Qingshan, what are you up to? Going to fight?"


    Qingshan pulled him aside and said in a low voice, "Big brother, your timing is impable. Luo Yuan and I were just about to find you."


    "What''s wrong?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "Wu Zhenghu and his gang seem to be losing patience. They''ve been moving their pieces these past few days, looking like they''re about to make a move on us," Qingshan said softly.


    Lin Wanrong nodded. It was the end of the year, a time when the underworld was most rampant, gathering funds for the uing activities - a tradition from ancient times. He nced at Qingshan, "So, what are you and Luo Yuan nning to do?"


    Dong Qingshan fiercely tightened his wrist and said, "We''re going to beat the hell out of them." Seeing Lin Wanrong''s smile, Qingshan hurriedly added, "Big brother, we''re not being reckless. This is a decision Luo Yuan and I made after careful consideration. Hung Hing has been growing fast recently. We have the strength to face Wu Zhenghu. Even if we can''t win, we can make life difficult for him. Luo Yuan agrees with me."


    One was an established gang, the other a rising power in the jianghu. A collision seemed inevitable, but Lin Wanrong was more concerned with what was hidden behind it all. Was Wu Zhenghu''s rush to eliminate opposition instigated by Cheng De? If so, did it mean Cheng De was nning something big? Especially since Young Prince Ning coincidentally arrived in Jinling recently, what had they discussed?


    Lin Wanrong had already left the affairs of Hung Hing to Luo Yuan and Qingshan. With the cunning Luo Yuan strategizing in the background, he had no worries. Lin Wanrong nodded, "Qingshan, proceed with your n. You have my full support. But remember this, once you move forward, never regret your actions. Be ruthless, eradicate the problem from its root, show no mercy. Convey this message to Luo Yuan as well, and remember it well."


    Qingshan chuckled, licking his lips, "Big brother, I understand. Don''t worry, we won''t show any mercy."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. This kid Qingshan might not be good at anything else, but when it came to fighting, he was fierce and feared no one. One needed that kind of vigor in the underworld. Maybe letting Qingshan and his gang make a fuss would lead to unexpected gains. No matter what, before leaving Jinling for the capital, he had to find a way to solve these hidden dangers. Only then could he set off in search of Qingxuan with peace of mind.


    "By the way, Qingshan, is your sister here?" Lin Wanrong finished giving his instructions and suddenly remembered the real reason for his visit.


    "Big brother, my sister has been worried about the restaurant business these past few days," Qingshan said, furrowing his brows.


    "What happened? Is there a problem?" Lin Wanrong asked anxiously.


    "The restaurant by the Qinhuai River that my sister wanted to acquire has run into trouble. She''s been fretting over it," Dong Qingshan exined.


    "Oh, what kind of trouble?"


    "We had already signed a contract with the restaurant. They initially agreed to hand it over to us for renovations within the next few days. However, when my sister went there the day before yesterday, their tune had changed. They now im that the restaurant was sold too cheaply and they want my sister to pay more," Qingshan summarized the issue.


    Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong instantly understood. Clearly, the restaurant owner''s greed had gotten the better of him, and he was trying to increase the price. With a smile, Lin Wanrong asked, "But the contract was already signed, wasn''t it?"


    Dong Qingshan nodded. "The same day I finished discussing it with you, my sister signed the contract with the owner overnight. But this man has a bit of a bad reputation in Jinling, and my sister didn''t dare to push him too hard, afraid that he might seek revenge in the future."


    Revenge? That seemed ridiculous. Their family was not involved in organized crime; why would they fear a thug? Poor Qiaoqiao, she was just too kind.


    Lin Wanrongughed. "A thug? Qingshan, is there anyone more viinous than you?"


    Qingshan smirked. "Big brother, I understand now. Before, I was afraid of my sister scolding me, but with you backing me, I fear nothing. Tomorrow, I''ll go and collect the protection money with the boys."


    Good grief, that Qingshan, always sticking to his routine. Lin Wanrongughed and tapped him on the head. "You fool, who collects protection money from themselves?"


    "Big brother, I don''t quite understand" Qingshan confessed.


    Frustrated and amused, Lin Wanrong said, "Qiaoqiao has already signed the contract, so the restaurant belongs to us. Whose protection money are you trying to collect?"


    Dong Qingshan pped his forehead. "Oh, I didn''t think of that. Big brother, I understand now. Tomorrow, I''ll take a few of the boys over there, pull that bastard out, and see how he dares to act arrogant."


    Lin Wanrong nodded in approval. "That''s more like it. It''s your home you''re going back to tomorrow, what''s there to be afraid of? Bring the contract. If he dares to resist, throw him out. Even if the authorities show up, you have nothing to fear. There''s now or justice if he thinks he can encroach on our territory."


    Qingshan left in high spirits to carry out his orders. Lin Wanrong went upstairs to find Qiaoqiao sitting by the window, her beautiful eyebrows knitted in worry, a small brush in hand, jotting something down.


    As Lin Wanrong approached, he noticed that she was keeping the books. Her penmanship was neat and elegant, pleasing to the eye. Seeing her troubled, he couldn''t help but shake his head and smile. She was just too kind.


    He leaned in and whispered into Qiaoqiao''s ear, teasing her gently, "Little darling, are you thinking about your big brother?"


    A warmth at her ear and a familiar voice from behind made Qiaoqiao''s heart leap with joy. She quickly turned her head and said, "Big brother"


    Lin Wanrong gave her a peck on her cheek, then with a gleeful grin, took her hand and said, "Silly girl, when you have problems, why don''t you tell your big brother?"


    Qiaoqiao felt a mix of joy and embarrassment. "Big brother, you''re so naughty! You have so many things going on with the Xiao family, how could I add to your worries?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled heartily. "We, as husband and wife, are one entity. If you don''t tell me, that''s when I''ll worry. Next time, if you have a problem and don''t tell me, I''ll spank you." As he spoke of them being ''one entity,'' his devilish hand had already subtly traced the slender curve of Qiaoqiao''s waist, gently caressing it.


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 Chapter 198

    Chapter 198


    Chapter 198 Xu Wenchang''s Arrival


    Upon hearing his words of their marital unity, Qiaoqiao blushed deeply, warmth spread through her body, and she leaned limply against him, without an ounce of strength left in her.


    Observing the girl''s gentleness and her deep affection for him, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. If he left for the capital one day, wouldn''t this girl lose her spirit? My poor darling, he thought. His concern for Qiaoqiao, along with his resolve to topple Cheng De, only grew stronger.


    "Qiaoqiao," he turned her to face him, gently kissing her lips. "Your benevolence is a virtue, but if it exceeds moderation, it will lead to indulging viins. Especially now, as we''re conducting business. We won''t partake in the unscrupulous activities of the business world, but we also won''t allow ourselves to be bullied."


    Qiaoqiao gave him a shy smile. "Big brother, I understand. It''s not that I''m lenient towards the wicked, it''s just that the owner of the tavern by the Qinhuai River is trying to extort more silver from us. He''s somehow got connections with the son of the Commander-in-Chief, which is why he''s acting so arrogantly. I''m just worried that it might cause trouble for you."


    Holding her close, Lin Wanrongforted her, "Little darling, don''t worry. Big brother is afraid of many things, but not trouble. From now on, let me handle suchplex matters. You just focus on running the restaurant."


    Qiaoqiao nodded, her cheeks flushing as she nestled against his chest, whispering, "Big brother, you''re so good to me."


    Lin Wanrong felt a pang of guilt. Just a few sweet words and she was content. She was too easily pleased. Truth be told, since his arrival at the Xiao family, he hadn''t spent much time with Qiaoqiao. She remained infatuated, yearning for him day and night, while he was preupied with Yushuang, Qingxuan, and Xian''er. Upon reflection, he felt a touch of shame.


    Sigh, being a romantic doese with its troubles, he mused, smirking as he held Qiaoqiao even closer. The faces of Yushuang, Qingxuan, and Xian''er shed before his eyes. If being a romantic was a mistake, then he was doomed to repeat it.


    As they shared a tender moment, Qiaoqiao suddenly looked up and asked, "Big brother, did you give Sister Ning a diamond?"


    Startled, he thought, Rumors really do spread like wildfire. It was clearly a gift for the olddy, yet it somehow turned into a gift for Luo Ning. Lin Wanrong quickly retorted, "No, absolutely not. It was a gift for Old Madam Luo''s birthday, which she then gave to Luo Ning. I had nothing to do with it."


    Suppressing a smile, Qiaoqiao said, "Big brother, why are you so flustered? I was just asking. Sister Ning came over a few days ago to discuss sponsoring the poetry gathering. I noticed a pendant around her neck with a diamond. I''m not sure who set it for her, but it looked splendid. I thought it was a gift from you."


    A diamond ne? Lin Wanrong was impressed. Luo Ning was quite clever toe up with such an idea. Regardless of the pendant style, a diamond added exceptional taste. Laughing, he said, "Her diamond is very small, not even a third of the one I gave you. Tomorrow, I''ll ask her where she got it set. We''ll get a pendant made for you too. Once you put it on, my darling Qiaoqiao will look like a fairy descended from the heavens, making everyone drool in envy."


    Listening to his smooth talk, Qiaoqiao''s face bloomed with a red hue. She replied softly, "Big brother, I''m not as beautiful as you say. Sister Ning, she is truly beautiful."


    "In my heart, my Qiaoqiao is the most beautiful." He yfully responded without missing a beat, secretly appending ''one of them'' to his sentence.


    Even though she knew he was saying sweet words to please her, Qiaoqiao was thrilled, leaning into his arms and saying, "Big brother, I heard about what happened at the birthday celebration from Sister Ning."


    "Oh? Little darling, do you remember what I told youst time? When others badmouth me, you should listen to them as if their words have been reduced a hundredfold, because nine times out of ten, they are false. If they praise me, you should amplify their words a thousand times, because ten times out of ten, they are true." Lin Wanrong gave a mischievous smile. "I wonder if Miss Luo''s words are true or false?"


    Qiaoqiao giggled, "Sister Ning is so good to you, how could she be lying?" Good to me? She took a thousand taels of silver from me to organize a poetry meeting, is that considered good? But since she is Qiaoqiao''s close friend, I just let it slide. As long as the poetry contest ends up being just an announcement meeting, that will be fine.


    "Sister Ning said that you fought alone against the best poet from the Seven Northern Provinces that day, earning glory for our southern schrs. Everyone admired you. She also said that you were brave and clever, exposing the deceptions of that arrogant Daoist, proving you to be a true schr." Qiaoqiao gazed at him, her eyes filled with deep affection.


    "Little darling Qiaoqiao, as you know, I''m a humble and low-profile person, extremely sincere in dealing with people and matters. The things your Sister Ning talked about might have been downyed a bit, but they''re still quite close to the truth," Lin Wanrong said with a sense of righteousness.


    "Sister Ning also praised you for your unique insights into things, and although you seem mischievous when dealing with people, you''re actually sincere. She said you are a true man of honor." Qiaoqiaoughed as she ryed this.


    "Qiaoqiao, bring me the ount book," Lin Wanrong suddenly said.


    "Big brother, what do you want the ount book for?" Qiaoqiao asked, puzzled.


    "This girl ttered me in front of you with so many sweet words to make you happy. Let me see if she tricked you out of another thousand taels of silver," Lin Wanrong joked.


    Qiaoqiao covered her mouth, giggling, "Big brother, it''s not as bad as you''re making it out to be. Sister Ning really meant the praise. She also said you have a keen sense of people''s feelings and sincere affection. It''s the first time I''ve ever seen her praise someone like this."


    This was a bit too much. How could she describe me so well, especially in front of my wife? Isn''t this clearly meant to stir up trouble in our rtionship? But as soon as Lin Wanrong saw Qiaoqiao, all his troubles seemed to fade away. They chatted and yed little games like ''whoever loses has to kiss the other'', and seeing Qiaoqiao blushing and shyly squirming was more wonderful than words could express.


    When Old Dong came upstairs and saw Lin Wanrong happily chatting with Qiaoqiao, he immediately greeted him with a beaming smile, "Son-inw!"


    A shiver ran down Lin Wanrong''s spine. God, he thought, this appetion is truly ufortable. Old Dong took his hand and said, "My dear son-inw, I hear you were invincible at the Governor''s banquet. The neighbors are all envious. Now you''re a celebrity in Jinling City, everyone saying you''re a prodigy. This has truly brought honor to your father-inw."


    Here he was, atst finding some leisure time to share sweet whispers with Qiaoqiao, only to be interrupted by his doting father-inw. Lin Wanrong, in his haste, pulled Qiaoqiao to descend the stairs. But as he nced upwards, he spotted a slender figure standing by the window on the third floor, gazing out at the Xuanwundscape, the persons silhouette vaguely familiar. The figure''s clear and melodious voice arose, reciting: "I envy you, drifting on a void vessel, a ten-day tour in Qinhuai is but a spell. Waters wash Zen heart to eye''s delight, mountains offer verses, yet eyebrows tight. Amidst snow, finding joy in the now, at spring''s end, homeward thoughts won''t allow. When, oh when, will I follow Fan Li''s feat, in Five Lakes, nt myriad fish, and harvest oranges sweet?"


    Whose schrly yboy was this, unting such poetic ir? Lin Wanrong, preupied with his romantic conversation, had no mind to spare for the poet. He was about to lead his beloved further down the stairs when he saw a man standing before him, grinning, "Young Master Lin"


    Lin Wanrong looked up to see Gao Qiu, a first-grade guard with a sword. He hadn''t seen him for a few days since he had driven Tao Yu away. Wasn''t he supposed to have returned to Xu Wei by now? Lin Wanrong greeted him with augh, "Brother Gao, what brings you here? Haven''t you returned to Hangzhou?"


    Gao Qiu chuckled, "I''ve been staying here in Jinling. I witnessed your grandeur at the olddy''s banquet."


    Lin Wanrongughed in embarrassment, "I''m not as formidable as you think. Brother Gao, are you here for a drink? Wonderful, this round is on me."


    Gao Qiu had seen him handle Tao Dongcheng and knew this man couldn''t be judged by normal standards. Heughed and said, "Thank you, Young Master Lin, but I didn''te here to drink. Someone wants to meet you."


    Recalling the familiar figure from before, Lin Wanrong pped his forehead. Ah, of course! It was the Great Mr. Xu Wei. He quickly turned to see the figure at the window turning and giving a smirk. If it wasn''t Xu Wei, who else could it be? Xu Wei looked at him, stroking his beard and smiling, "Little brother Lin, how have you beentely?"


    The Young Prince Ning had just left, and now here came old Xu. Lin Wanrong chuckled and stepped forward to pay his respects, "Mr. Xu, I''ve been well these days. And how have you been? How''s your wife?"


    Xu Wei knew he was referring to Su Qinglian. At his age, being teased by this young man caused him to blush. He quickly responded, "We''re both well, thanks to your blessing, Little brother Lin."


    Lin Wanrong was thrilled. With the arrival of Xu Wei, who was a world-renowned schr and the emperor''s first favored, loyal, and heavy minister, dealing with Cheng De would not be a difficult task. This old Xu was indeed a savior. He couldn''t let him slip away.


    Regardless of Xu Wei''s purpose for being there, Lin Wanrong knew he could be of use. He quickly took Qiaoqiao''s hand, "Qiaoqiao,e quickly and greet Mr. Xu Wenchang."


    "Mr. Wenchang?" Qiaoqiao was taken aback. As a well-read woman, how could she not recognize the renowned name of Wenchang? Seeing the amiable demeanor and smile on the face of the elderly man before her, she quickly bowed and said, "This humble girl, Dong Qiaoqiao, pays her respects to Mr. Wenchang."


    With a grin, Lin Wanrong introduced, "Mr. Xu, this is Qiaoqiao, my wife."


    Xu Wenchang drew out a long "Oh," winked at him, and said with a smile, "Miss Qiaoqiao indeed possesses a beauty as fine as jade and as charming as a flower. She pairs well with Little brother Lin."


    On hearing her Big brother address her as his wife in front of others, Qiaoqiao''s heart fluttered with a mixture of shyness and joy. She quickly and obediently stood by her Big brother''s side.


    Lin Wanrong invited Xu Wei to take a seat, then asked, "Mr. Xu, what brings you to Jinling? Have matters in Hangzhou been settled?"


    "Half of them have been settled." Xu Wei looked at him, his smile carrying profound meaning.


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 Chapter 199

    Chapter 199


    Chapter 199 The Drama Unfolds


    Xu Wenchang''s words were heavy with implications. However, Lin Wanrong acted as though he hadn''t heard, chuckling as he said, "Since Mr. Xu hase to Jinling, perhaps you will stay a while longer and witness the beauty of Xuanwu and Qinhuai. I believe it will be a worthwhile trip. Ahem, the scenery of the Qinhuai River is quite enchanting, Mr. Xu, as a man of taste, I believe you won''t miss it."


    Xu Wenchang gave a dryugh, replying, "This old man is pressed for time on his visit to the south. Although the sights of Qinhuai are splendid, I''m afraid Ick the leisure to enjoy them." He paused for a moment, surveying the surroundings before whispering, "To be honest with you, during my handling of the White Lotus case in Hangzhou, I found new clues rted to Jinling. Thus, I hurriedly made my way here."


    Lin Wanrong let out a heartyugh, "Mr. Xu, as a pir of the state and deeply trusted by the Emperor, it is inevitable that you are always on the move. By the way, Mr. Xu, how did you know I was here?" He beat around the bush, tactfully avoiding any mention of the White Lotus, disying great finesse.


    Xu Weiughed, "The reputation of ''Food for Immortals'' is well-known throughout Jiangsu and Zhejiang, how could I not know? This restaurant not only has a flourishing business but also has four extraordinary couplets hanging. I have some interest in business and couplets, so how could I not pay a visit when in Jinling? As they say, seeing is believing, and today, I''ve seen its unique and ingenious arrangement. Here, I also happened to meet you. It seems I have some destiny with ''Food for Immortals''."


    Xu Wei had traveled the world, seen many things, and the praise he gave to ''Food for Immortals'' indeed lived up to its reputation. However, when he mentioned this coincidence, Lin Wanrong didn''t believe it. Gao Qiu''s brother, Gao Shou, served under Luo Min and shared some responsibility in protecting the restaurant. Xu Wei and Luo Min were good friends, so figuring out the real rtionship between himself and ''Food for Immortals'' wouldn''t be hard for him. His so-called coincidence was clearly a nned rendezvous.


    "Especially these four world-ss couplets, even I, Wenchang, find myself incapable of matching them, it''s embarrassing." Xu Wenchang looked at the four couplets regretfully, apparently genuinely helpless. Lin Wanrong was somewhat smug, probably the first person in the world to stump Xu Wenchang.


    "By the way, Little brother Lin, this match for the first half of the couplet ''Smoke Trails Along The Vibrant Eaves, Mirrored In The Eyes Of Swallow. Fog Veils The Darkened House, Wherein The Objects Fade'' - who came up with it? It''s quite well done. The world is indeed full of talented people," said Xu Wenchang, referring to the second half of the couplet that Luo Ning had brought that day. It had already been mounted together with the first half, eliminating one of the four unmatched couplets in the world.


    "Oh, that," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "It was matched by a good friend of Miss Luo Ning, the daughter of Governor Luo Min, during her time in the capital." He continued, "I heard she''s no ordinarydy, a teacher at the Jinghua Academy in the capital, and also the youngest ceremonial officer at the Imperial Academy. Quite a big title."


    "A friend of Miss Luo?" Xu Wei gave a long "Oh," and with a mysterious smile, said, "So it''s her, that exins it."


    Upon Xu Wei''s arrival, Lin Wanrong, the wily merchant, wouldn''t let such a golden opportunity slip by. He chuckled to Qiaoqiao and said, "Qiaoqiao, Master Xu is a highly esteemed figure that can''t be invited even with antern. Go and prepare the ink, brush, and paper. We must have him write a few words for our ''Food for Immortals.''"


    Xu Wei''s calligraphy was renowned and worth its weight in gold. Qiaoqiao needed no exnation from her big brother and excitedly went to prepare the stationery.


    Xu Wei and Lin Wanrong''s rtionship was quite harmonious, as Lin Wanrong had acted as the matchmaker for him and Su Qinglian. Writing a few words naturally was not an issue. Heughed and said, "My young friend, are you trying to embarrass me? With your four masterful couplets ahead, how could this old man dare to perform?"


    But Lin Wanrong didn''t mind, he wasn''t the type to let an opportunity to make money pass by.


    Xu Wei hesitated for a moment, seeing that the ink and paper had been fully prepared. He reluctantly shook his head, picked up the brush, pondered for a moment, and wrote with a smile, "This ce sings and dances with wine in spring, and the capital''s celebrations are not yet over. The banquet is served with jade soup, and the flying cups shatter the moon, gathering in the literary tower."


    Damn, this Old Xu really had talent. He could whip up a poem in the blink of an eye. Especially thest two lines, they not only praised the food but also highlighted the prosperity of the local literary scene. The lines were a stroke of genius. Others might find these lines pointless, but who was Xu Wenchang? He was the number one schr in the world. With this poem as a topic, wouldn''t the money roll in from all over the world?


    "Qiaoqiao, hurry and frame this poem well, hang it in the most conspicuous position in the hall, this is our treasure, to be shared with the schrs of the world," Lin Wanrong enthusiastically called out.


    Xu Wei bowed repeatedly, "I am ttered, ttered, Little brother Lin, you are overpraising."


    Having sessfully extorted a poem from Xu Wei, Lin Wanrong then sat down, leisurely drinking tea with him.


    Xu Wei nced at him and smiled, "Little brother Lin, a few days ago in Hangzhou, I was already convinced of your extraordinary talent. Sure enough, upon returning to Jinling, you''ve made a name for yourself."


    "Oh? What are you referring to, Mr. Xu?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    Xu Wei dered, "Little brother Lin, do not be modest. A few days ago at Old Lady Luo''s banquet, you single-handedly defeated Shen Banshan, the king of couplets. Each of your couplets is a ssic, much talked about by the schrs in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. Didn''t you know?"


    "Oh, that...I''ve never paid much attention to the rumors about me." Lin Wanrong shyly said.


    Xu Wei burst intoughter, "Little brother Lin, you really are no ordinary person, I admire you. However..."


    His voice lightened, "Little brother Lin, although your reputation precedes you, you have inadvertently offended some people. Like the other day, when Young Prince Ning personally attended the birthday celebration, you contradicted him. Aren''t you afraid of offending him?"


    "Mr. Xu, you aren''t trying to scare me, are you? Think about it, I, Lin San, am just a small servant, without power or influence, at most, I just do some small business. Who is the Young Prince? The son of a Prince, a royal rtive, his vision is so far-reaching, his mind so broad, I only exchanged a few skills with his doorman, to mutually promote each other, how could he bother with me?" Lin Wanrong replied with a guffaw.


    "Little brother Lin, you indeed have a broad mind. I admire you to no end," Xu Wei said, smiling at him. "However, there is one thing, have you carefully considered it?"


    Seeing that Lin Wanrong was all ears, Xu Wei continued, "Little brother Lin, you have a feud with the White Lotus cult, and you detest them deeply. The Imperial Court has tried to suppress them several times, with great determination. Yet there are many twists and turns, and after several attempts, they''ve always returned empty-handed. Why is this? The White Lotus cult originated in Shandong, so why are they so rampant here in Jiangsu? Are there other reasons behind this? The White Lotus case in Hangzhou, although it involves a wide range, is still within a controble scope. But why has Jiangsu lost control?"


    Xu Wei seemed to be talking to himself, but he was intentionally speaking for Lin Wanrong to hear. Lin Wanrong chuckled, thinking, ''Old Xu, you''re so cunning, deliberately enticing me to speak. If I don''t give you something, wouldn''t I be letting your goodwill go to waste?''


    He frowned, and said, "When Mr. Xu puts it this way, I do find it odd. Why is there such rampant banditry in Jiangsu?"


    He recounted some of the important events of that day, then continued, "On that day when Miss Xiao and I were captured by the White Lotus bandits, there were many dubious points. First, how could Young Master Tao find the White Lotus bandits so easily when the authorities had been unable to detect their tracks for many days? Second, how was he able to borrow troops from the Mounted Infantry Battalion, and why did he attack just as the bandits were retreating? Third, with so many soldiers from the Mounted Infantry Battalion surrounding them, why did the White Lotus bandits manage to disappear without a trace? These three points of suspicion have been lingering in my mind, and I still don''t have a solution. Besides, when I was among the bandits, I had contact with three of their leaders. One of them was Lu Zhongping, who was arrested by Mr. Xu. The other two were of simr age to him, and one of them was their master. From the way he spoke, he must have been of extraordinary origin. There are indeed many mysteries in this, and I can''t figure it out."


    His words were half-hidden, half-revealed. Xu Weiughed and said, "Little Brother Lin is an extremely clever person. How could you not understand the ins and outs of this? You just don''t want to exin it. Well then, I''ll be straightforward. My trip to the south this time, attending the annual meetings in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, is only surface work. The real pressing matter is..." He raised his hand, grinned slightly, then made a sharp chopping motion, saying, " to wipe out this White Lotus."


    "Good, good," Lin Wanrong pped his hands andughed. "Mr. Xu, you think for the people. I truly admire you to the utmost."


    Xu Wei spoke with stern seriousness, "In the case of Hangzhou, you''ve seen it yourself, Little brother Lin. This White Lotus cult is nothing more than a disorderly mob. Aside from their ability to deceive themon people with their mystical pretenses, their other skills are quite ordinary. It shouldn''t be difficult to exterminate them."


    "Then why is it that every year there are attempts to eradicate them, yet they always fail?" Lin Wanrong asked, his voice full of implication.


    Xu Wei nodded, "That''s precisely the heart of the matter you''ve been questioning. Our Great Hua Dynasty has countless loyal ministers andpetent generals, but there are also treacherous, cunning individuals. This White Lotus menace thrives due to the covert collusion and support from these individuals with ulterior motives. Currently, we are dealing with formidable enemies invading from the north, while the White Lotus cult creates internal chaos. This is a time of internal strife and foreign threats for our dynasty. In theing spring, the North will wage war, and if the White Lotus menace remains, it will be like a seeping sore on the body of the state, causing pain throughout. I havee to the South firstly to eradicate the White Lotus cult and secondly to sever the ws of the dark forces that support them from behind, thereby restoring peace to our Great Hua. Together with all our citizens, we will drive away the invaders, jointly resist the barbarians, and rebuild the golden age of our heavenly empire."


    His words were fervently impassioned, revealing his extraordinary oratory skills.


    The national enmity and familial hardship were not yet Lin Wanrong''s concern. He only wished for tranquility in Jinling, and most importantly, to keep Qiaoqiao safe from any danger.


    However, the situation was bing more intriguing. The Young Prince hadn''t left, Xu Wei had arrived, and there was the old fox Luo Min too. He chuckled to himself, anticipating the drama that was about to unfold.


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 Chapter 200

    Chapter 200


    Chapter 200 Cunning Defense


    After a brief conversation with Xu Wei, Lin Wanrong felt at ease, understanding that this old man Xu was here specifically to eliminate the menace of the White Lotus rebels. From his words, he gathered that Xu Wei intended to eradicate not just the rebels, but also corrupt officials, the implications of which were evident.


    Before leaving, Xu Wei said solemnly, "Little brother Lin, I speak today with sincerity and hold nothing back. In this region of Jiangsu, there are only a few individuals I trust, and you are one of them. If I ever face challenges in the future, I hope that you can lend me your support."


    This, Lin Wanrong figured, was Xu Wei''s purpose for seeking him out. As Xu Wei himself stated, the influence of the White Lotus cult in Jiangsu was rampant, and the only people he could trust were Luo Min and Lin Wanrong.


    Appreciating Xu Wei''s candor, Lin Wanrong stopped beating around the bush. "Mr. Xu," he said, "I have no expertise in military affairs and dare not speak freely about them. However, since you are aware of the individuals supporting these rebels, I assume you know to keep this information confidential. Furthermore, I suspect you can no longer rely on the soldiers from Jiangsu. You should think this through carefully."


    Xu Wei''s eyes shed as he responded, "You are indeed astute, Little brother. As you''ve mentioned, for this suppression, I hold the imperial order and will mobilize the foot soldiers from Zhejiang and Shandong. Not a single soldier from Jiangsu will be moved. I am curious to see who exactly is interfering behind the scenes, colluding with the White Lotus."


    Rolling his eyes at Xu Wei''s feigned ignorance, Lin Wanrong scorned the old man inwardly. Everyone knew what was going on; only Xu Wei was ying the fool.


    Chuckling, Xu Wei said, "I presume you understand what''s going on. However, we must talk about evidence. If there''s no proof of guilt, even if I hold the imperial edict, it would still be difficult to act."


    These words, half spoken to himself and half as a reminder to Lin Wanrong, caused a sudden realization. Proof of guilt! That was what Xu Wei had been hinting at all along. Trust a government official to be crafty, Lin Wanrong thought, it''s just as the old saying goes: women are part wolf, officials are entirely foxes. No wonder Xu Wei was so audacious, armed with the imperial edict and backed by troops from Hangzhou and Shandong. He was simply waiting for proof of someone''s guilt to make his move.


    As Lin Wanrong pondered, he knew that Luo Min and Cheng De were mortal enemies. Luo Min must have some evidence against Cheng De. When the time came, Lin Wanrong would employ some petty tactics and let Xu Wei storm in with his men to capture them red-handed. Let''s see how they''ll cunningly defend themselves then. Thinking this, Lin Wanrong was filled with satisfaction. Xu Wei seemed to see through his thoughts. As they caught each other''s gaze, they both burst intoughter.


    Qiaoqiao nced at Mr. Xu, then at her big brother. She couldn''t help but feel that theirughter was remarkably sly.


    Following Lin Wanrong''s suggestion, since Master Xu rarely came to Qinhuai, it was only right that he, as the little brother, hosted him at Miaoyu Pavilion to enjoy some music and merriment.


    Lin Wanrong enjoyed a good rtionship with old Xu, considering him not as a high-ranking official, but more like a bosom friend. Of course, he would never stoop to traditional rites like kowtowing and swearing brotherhoodonly the most tasteless would perform such rituals. Could cutting a chicken''s head and drinking blood wine assure their living and dying together? Nonsense, he thought. Blind loyalty could lead to death.


    True irond friendships were those that had been through gunfire together, that had been sent to rural areas together, that had shared thepany of courtesans together. These were the bonds that couldnt be broken, much more effective than any oath of brotherhood sealed with the beheading of a chicken and drinking of blood wine. So, one might say, indulging in the delights of the Qinhuai River was the true way to form such bonds.


    Upon hearing this, Xu Wei was bathed in cold sweat. He hurriedly exined he had important matters to attend to, and that they would enjoy another gathering in the future. With Gao Qiu, he quickly departed.


    When Lin Wanrong emerged from the restaurant, it was already dusk. A figure rushed towards him, yelling, "Brother San, Brother San, hurry home. The Eldest Miss is looking everywhere for you."


    Lin Wanrong focused his gaze on the approaching person. It was Si De. Lin Wanrong grabbed him,ughing, "What does the Eldest Miss want me for? Has the shop acquisition beenpleted? Are they gathering for a meal?"


    "No, no..." Si De panted, "The Eldest Miss told me to tell you to be careful, something has happened."


    "Something has happened? What could possibly have happened?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled. He wasn''t the violent type nor did he peep at youngdies bathing, what could he possibly have done?


    Si De fumbled out a letter from his bosom, "The Eldest Miss insisted I find you quickly and give you this letter. She said to be very careful and return home as soon as possible."


    Lin Wanrong pulled out the letter, seeing four beautifully written yet hasty characters: "Wanying is here--"


    Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment, then remembered. With all the recent events, he had almost forgotten about Tao Wanying and her brother. What could that girl do to him? He hadn''t done anything wrong, he was always justified wherever he went, never guilty, why would he fear a ghost knocking at his door?


    Lin Wanrong folded the letter, smiling, "Go tell the Eldest Miss, I understand. Once I''m done with my tasks, I''ll return home immediately."


    Si De nodded, "Brother San, the Eldest Miss insists you must be careful." Lin Wanrong nodded his head and sent Si De on his way.


    By now, the twilight had turned into darkness. Lin Wanrong thought of going to see Luo Min to discuss finding evidence. As he was making his way towards the Governor''s Mansion, he recognized a small alley. He vaguely remembered it was the same ce where Tao Dongcheng had brought a few people to attack him. He snickered, it had been a while and Gao Qiu''s tactics must have taken effect by now. Little Tao was probably sitting at home, thinking about how he could enhance his size.


    His smug thoughts made him burst intoughter. As he was about to walk away, a low growl rang out, "Lewd thief, prepare to meet your maker." A bright sword light, like a venomous snake spitting out its core, darted towards his chest.


    Lin Wanrong sighed helplessly. Why did every female assassin have to shout something like that before attempting to kill their target?


    Dodging the sword, Lin Wanrong quickly closed the distance to the assassin. His hands moved with lightning speed to grab her wrists. Laughing, he said, "Oh, isn''t this Miss Tao? What happened? In a few days'' time, you''ve turned from a heroine to an assassin?"


    Tao Wanying was dressed in all ck, herplexion pale and thin, her face as white as a sheet. Anger shed in her eyes as she strained to thrust her sword forward. But Lin Wanrong''s strength was far too great; he held her so firmly she couldn''t move an inch.


    "Lewd thief, just kill me!" Tao Wanying cried, tears glistening in her eyes.


    Damn, she wanted him to kill her? That wasn''t going to happen. Such a headstrong woman, why didn''t she kill herself?


    Pretending to be confused, Lin Wanrong asked, "Lewd thief? Miss Tao, where do these usationse from?"


    "You, you--" Tao Wanying''s teeth nearly crushed in her anger. She stared at this shameless man and spat, "You lecher, you defiled me. Today I will kill you, then die to atone for the world."


    A soft sound echoed as Lin Wanrong''s palm shattered her sword. Tao Wanying let out a scream, only to hear Lin Wanrong bellow, "Enough!"


    His voice, full of strength and fearlessness, startled Tao Wanying, who had been prepared to die. Lin Wanrong snorted, "Miss Tao, you keep calling me a lewd thief, can you exin how I have been lewd?"


    How could a woman voice such a thing? Tao Wanying''s eyes were bloodshot, pointing at him she used, "You, you scoundrel, that day you knocked me unconscious, what... what did you do? Today, I will fight you to the end--"


    With a look of righteous indignation, Lin Wanrong insisted, "Miss Tao, please rify, what exactly did I do?"


    "You, you vited me, you deserve a thousand cuts, I will kill you, I will kill you--" Tao Wanying began to sob, wishing she could devour his flesh and blood to feel satisfaction.


    "Vited?" Lin Wanrong opened his eyes wide in innocence, "Where did thise from? Miss Tao, you must have misunderstood. That day, I knocked you unconscious and left your brother on the roadside, all with peaceful intentions for your sake. I know you and your brother hold a grudge against us due to the events at the Hangzhou Sunshine and Rain Restaurant. But how generous is the heart of our Eldest Miss? She would never stoop to your petty level, she simply wanted to let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, given your attempted robbery that day, even if I killed you on the spot, you wouldn''t have any grounds to argue."


    Lin Wanrong was eloquent, painting ck as white, sounding very sure of himself without revealing a single w.


    Seeing his innocent expression, as if he was not lying, Tao Wanying felt a sudden thump in her chest, a more ominous feeling rose within her. She shouted, "You''re lying--"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I''m lying? Miss Tao, I, Lin San, swear to the heaven, if I did defile Miss Tao''s purity that day, may my future son have two penises."


    Outraged and embarrassed, Tao Wanying retorted, "You are shameless--"


    Lin Wanrong was utterly unperturbed. Heughed heartily and said, "Miss Tao, on the day we returned from Hangzhou, there were many of us in the group, and I was always with the Eldest Miss. We were rushing on our journey. Where would I have had the leisure or inclination to vite you? Is our Eldest Miss the sort of viin who would allow such behavior? In the wild, even if you were fond of wilderness battles, I would still fear snakes, insects, rats, and ants. Besides, while I may not have noble tastes, I''m definitely not without standards. I don''t entertain just any goods. Your groundless usation against me is a great insult to my reputation. If you do not apologize, I will go to the magistrate''s office tomorrow, beat the gong to air my grievances, and sue Miss Tao Wanying, the female constable of Jinling, for defaming my innocence. I demand justice from the Magistrate."


    When it came to verbal duels, no one in the world could match Lin Wanrong. Tao Wanying did not believe him, but she absolutely trusted Xiao Yuruo. Miss Xiao was not the kind of person who would tolerate servantsmitting atrocities.


    Could it really not be him? Was it someone else after she fainted? The thought was terrifying, so much so that she couldn''t hear anything else. She pointed at Lin Wanrong and stammered, "You...is what you''re saying true--"


    Damn, this girl was too easy to deceive. Lin Wanrong was delighted, but maintained a serious face. "Miss Tao," he said earnestly, "you see, you can''t beat me in a verbal fight, let alone a physical one. Do I have any need to lie to you? Moreover, I''m someone who is naturally incapable of lying."


    "You...you really didn''t do it--" Tao Wanying''s voice trembled as she looked at him with extreme tension. If it really wasn''t him, as Lin Wanrong imed, then the reality was even more horrifying. If she had known this, she would have preferred to let Lin Wanrong off easy. Her face drained of color, and she began to tremble slightly...


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 Chapter 201

    Chapter 201


    Chapter 201 Despicable? Magnanimous?


    "Miss Tao, I have made it perfectly clear. After you fainted, the Eldest Miss, fearing your embarrassment upon waking, ordered to have you ced in a certain grove, and then we departed. As for the rest, I''m utterly unaware. Frankly, I haven''t seen many people like our Eldest Miss, who is so grievance-bearing yet virtuous. Meeting her, you''re very fortunate," Lin Wanrong said.


    Upon seeing Tao Wanying''s continually changing expression, Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. There was a saying, a scoundrel often grinds another scoundrel. Perhaps this young girl was finally understanding the bitterness of being bullied.


    When they initially left the valley, they had heard Tao Wanying''s sharp scream as she awoke. This was a matter Lin Wanrong had personally arranged, and he was well aware of theplications. Of course, he wouldn''t voluntarily disclose this. He feigned surprise and said, "Miss Tao, you repeatedly im that you were vited. Could something have happened afterward?"


    Tao Wanying trembled, tears streaming down her face like rain. If it was as Lin San said and they had abandoned her after cing her down, then who was responsible for the bruises on her body and the blood under her when she woke up? Was it the work of a passing bandit? Her face turned pale, not daring to think any further. If that were the case, she would prefer that it was Lin San who had vited her.


    Lin Wanrong had no idea about these strange thoughts running through the young girl''s mind. He chuckled, "By the way, Miss Tao, the day we left your brother on the roadside, do you know what happened afterward?"


    At this point, Tao Wanying was somewhat inclined to believe his words. Holding back her grief, she said, "After I woke up in the woods, I was terrified and had no idea what had happened. I returned the same way I came and found my brother unconscious by the roadside. Soon after, our family''s guards who came to rescue us arrived. They said my brother had been drugged and it would take a day or two for him to regain consciousness. They took him back home, and he''s been recuperating since then."


    "Hmm," Lin Wanrong grunted. He had given Tao Dongcheng half a bag of knockout drug that day. It was no surprise the boy fell unconscious. With Gao Qiu''s unique methods, Tao Dongcheng was ruined for life, which could be considered retribution for his evil deeds.


    "Lin San," Tao Wanying started, her voice shaking. "That day, when I woke up in the woods, my clothes were torn, and my body was bruised... I fear I was" Unable to hold back any longer, she cried out, " I fear I was vited."


    Tao Wanying was originally obstinate, always favoring those close to her. But the unbearable torment had worn down her fiery temper. This incident could not be known to others and she had been suppressing it. Today, upon encountering Lin, who was aware of the situation, she seemed to forget her past grudges against him and burst into tears.


    Tattered clothes? Bruises all over the body? The thing that scared you most must have been those few drops of blood under you, he thought. Sigh, spreading knowledge about physical hygiene is really important.


    "Oh, oh, this," Lin Wanrong stifled augh and said, "How could that be possible? When we left, there was no one in sight nearby."


    He paused for a moment, muttering to himself, "Could it have been a woodcutter gathering firewood nearby? A wild man in the woods? Or perhaps, a passing small snake?"


    Tao Wanying could no longer hold back, slowly squatting down and bursting into tearful sobs.


    Am I too despicable? Seeing the young girl crying in despair, Lin Wanrong questioned himself, then immediately argued, This girl has tried to kill me numerous times, and I''ve merely pretended to vite her once. Does that make me despicable? Ah, in this world, none could be more magnanimous and kind-hearted than me.


    "Miss Tao, please stop crying for now. I have a few questions to ask you." Lin Wanrong said gently.


    Having been through a rollercoaster of emotions, Tao Wanying surprisingly found herself growing fond of this usually irksome servant. Sobbing, she said, "Go ahead."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled. "Miss Tao, how did you determine that you were vited? Was it simply because your clothes were torn and you were bruised? Ah, that day, in order to avoid suspicion, our Eldest Miss sent a few maidservants to take care of you. They left you in the woods. As you''re aware, your behavior that day was indeed quite atrocious. Our Eldest Miss might not hold it against you, but these maidservants are very loyal. They certainly wouldn''t think the same way. Although they couldn''t kill you, they couldn''t let you off easily either. It wouldn''t be surprising if they pinched you a few times or hit you, causing your clothes to tear and your body to bruise. Doesn''t that make sense?"


    As Tao Wanying thought about it, she recalled that on that day, she had treated them terribly, so it would be understandable if the maidservants had taken the chance to retaliate. Choking, she said, "It wasn''t just that. When I woke up, I found that..."


    "What did you find..." Lin Wanrong was inwardly gleeful. This normally wild and headstrong girl was finally showing some docility. He couldn''t let this opportunity to tease her pass by, given all the grievances that the Eldest Miss had suffered.


    Blushing and bitter, Tao Wanying found no one else to confide in but Lin San. Gritting her teeth, she sobbed, "I found blood...on myself..."


    This girl was really naive, Lin Wanrong could no longer contain hisughter. "So, it''s as simple as that. What can the blood prove? Could it not be the blood of a random animal? Miss Tao, judging by my extensive experience with countless women on the battlefield, you seem perfectly fine. Your body is natural, without any signs of vition. Are you overthinking this?"


    "Lin San, are you telling the truth?" Tao Wanying lifted her head, asking incredulously, "What do you mean ''countless women''? Are you speaking the truth? How could you tell when even I couldn''t..."


    Her face flushed deeply, and she could not continue. However, the look in her eyes when she gazed at Lin Wanrong was filled with hope. His words had managed to reignite the hope she had thought was forever lost.


    I strongly advocate for the establishment of a girls'' school, where I can personally teach gynecological knowledge, Lin Wanrong mused to himself. He shook his head and chuckled, "Miss Tao, don''t concern yourself with how I can tell. This matter is in fact quite simple. When you get back, find a few older women and have them quietly examine you. Everything will be clear. Why scare yourself here for no reason?"


    After Tao Wanying woke up, she had assumed that she had been vited and dared not let any women inspect her. However, after hearing his reasoning, she felt that it made a great deal of sense. She looked at him, her spirits somewhat lifted, and asked earnestly, "Lin San, are you really certain that I haven''t been vited?"


    Nonsense, wouldn''t I know about something that I did myself? Lin Wanrong grinned, "Stop asking. Once you go back and check, you''ll know. I assure you, you still have your chastity intact."


    Biting her lower lip, Tao Wanying''s tears flowed freely, "Lin San, thank you. I really wronged you this time. It''s rare for you to be so magnanimous, I... I... am eternally grateful" With these words, she turned and briskly walked away, quickly disappearing into the night.


    Lin Wanrong looked at the half of the longsword left on the ground and sighed, "This poor girl really is pitiable. I hope this incident has finally changed her temperament."


    Tao Wanying''s interruption had caused him to arrivete at the Luo residence, and to his surprise, Luo Min wasn''t home. Lin Wanrong surmised that it must have been Xu Wei who dragged the old fox away to discuss some matters.


    Just as he was about to return disappointed, a woman walked through the door and eximed with surprise, "Brother Lin, why are you here?"


    Lin Wanrong noticed the pendant hanging on her white cor. The small diamond sparkled under themplight. Smiling, he said, "Miss Luo, you truly have a unique aesthetic. The diamond setting on this pendant is exquisite."


    Luo Ning shyly responded, "I can''t take credit for that, Sister Liu Yue''e from the antique shop in town gave me the idea. Her craftsmanship is truly remarkable."


    Lin Wanrong vaguely remembered Liu Yue''e helping the Xiao family in Hangzhou. If she had such excellent skills, could he provide her with diamonds to set on nes and earrings to bring to the capital after the New Year? Wouldn''t that create a sensation?


    Seeing him deep in thought, Luo Ning asked softly, "Brother Lin, what are you thinking about?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "Oh, it''s nothing. I initially wanted to discuss some matters with Mr. Luo, but he wasn''t at home. It''s ratherte, why hasn''t Miss Luo retired for the night?"


    Luo Ning excitedly replied, "Brother Lin, I''ve been preparing for the poetry contest these past few days. I just received news from the Chief Senior Schr that this year''s contest is not only seeing eager participation from talents across Jiangsu and Zhejiang, but also a significant number of talents from the north. It''s going to be a lively event."


    Lin Wanrong had no interest in these academic events, his only concern was his own announcement. Upon hearing this, he merely responded with an uninterested "oh" and said nothing more. Knowing his temperament, Luo Ning covered her mouth and giggled, "Don''t worry, Brother Lin. I''ve prepared all the promotional materials you arranged. I assure you, your thousand taels of silver won''t be spent in vain."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "That''s the spirit. Miss Luo truly understands me."


    Luo Ning chuckled, then suddenly asked, "Brother Lin, Qiaoqiao mentioned that you''ll be going to the capital after the New Year, is that true?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Exactly, I''m going to look for someone."


    Luo Ning lowered her head and asked, "Brother Lin, is the person you''re looking for a woman? Is she beautiful?"


    Lin Wanrong thought of Xiao Qingxuan''s face, their first meeting by the Xuanwu Lake, thete-night conversations in the quiet courtyard, their rescue from the bandits'' den, and the intimate moments in the hidden cave. Although they had been apart for a while, the memories remained vivid. He sighed softly, saying, "She''s as beautiful as a heavenly fairy, unparalleled in this world."


    Luo Ning bit her lip lightly and asked, "Then, Brother Lin, will youe back?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Miss Luo, isn''t Qiaoqiao asking you to probe me? Qiaoqiao is my wife-to-be, she is still here, how could I not return?"


    Luo Ning let out a soft sigh, "Brother Lin, although the capital is bustling and lively, with a myriad of sights, there are many people here who care for you. You muste back."


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 Chapter 202

    Chapter 202


    Chapter 202 A Suburban Outing (1)


    Lin Wanrong noticed an undertone of loneliness in her demeanor and thought to himself that this girl''s life wasn''t easy. Her standards were so high that it was difficult for her to find a suitable match, and right now, she was undoubtedly in turmoil. He felt sorry for her.


    Upon not finding Luo Min, he saw no reason to stay any longer. As Lin Wanrong made his move to leave, Luo Ning walked him to the door and suddenly said, "Brother Lin, are you free tomorrow?"


    "Free?" Lin Wanrong was puzzled. If Eldest Miss didn''t need him for any tasks the next day, then yes, he would be free.


    "Miss Luo, what do you need me for? Could it be that you''re inviting me for tea, a drink, or some amusement?" Lin Wanrong joked.


    Luo Ning chuckled lightly. "Brother Lin, you always know how to tease me. If I were to invite you for tea, I fear you would refuse again. We''ve all been so busy preparing for the poetry contest at the literary club recently and it''s been tiring. We thought to make use of the sunny day tomorrow to go on an outing. Everyone is eager to meet the mastermind who humbled Shen Banshan that day, so I''m extending an invitation on their behalf."


    A suburban outing? Indeed, these literati and literatas had a wide array of activities. It instantly reminded Lin Wanrong of his university life. Interesting, very interesting, he thought, smiling before yfully asking, "Miss Luo, are you trying to get me to sponsor it again?"


    Luo Ning shot him a nce, barely holding back herughter. "Brother Lin, where did thate from? This outing is purely for rxation, it has nothing to do with money."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "I apologize, it''s a professional habit, just a professional habit."


    In a soft voice, Luo Ning asked, "Does this mean you agree, Brother Lin?"


    "Well, with free food and drinks, I can''t think of a reason to refuse," Lin Wanrong replied with a grin. Dealing with matters of the Xiao family these days had been very bothersome. It would be good to go out and have fun. After all, it was free, so why not enjoy it?


    Seeing his eptance, Luo Ning was delighted. She softly said, "Brother Lin, in that case, I''ll wait for you at the entrance of the Xiao residence tomorrow morning. Oh, I forgot to tell you. Our literary club has recently expanded, and even Young Master Guo Wuchang has joined."


    What? Even Young Master Guo could join the literary club? This indicated a significant drop in the club''s quality. The club seemed to be doing good business - recruiting new members and collecting their fees. Indeed, expansion came with benefits.


    Upon returning home, Eldest Miss quickly asked him, "Lin San, are you alright?"


    "As long as one has a clear conscience, there''s nothing to fear. What could possibly happen to me?" Lin Wanrong smirked.


    Eldest Miss shot him a nce, "You call that a clear conscience? Let me tell you, Miss Wanying came to look for you today. She lingered at our door for a while but finally left withouting in. I sent San De (Si De) to find you. You should be careful from now on."


    "Eldest Miss, don''t you understand? This is all part of a scheme. I''d actually be more worried if she didn''te looking for me," Lin Wanrong smirked again.


    Indeed, for Tao Wanying, this was a trap within a trap. Initially, she had suspected Lin San of tainting her purity, fiercely seeking to confront him. Yet, as Lin Wanrong unfolded his eloquent argument, he managed topletely clear his name. Wanying, in her confusion, couldn''t even figure out who the real offender was, which was nothing short of a tragedy.


    This was a part of his sequential attack strategy. If he''d been more ruthless that day, firmly denying any knowledge of future events, given Wanying''s confusion, she might have gone insane on the spot, without even knowing who had "sullied" her.


    As Lin Wanrong exined the situation, and came to the part about physical hygiene, the Eldest Miss Xiao Yuruo blushed, ring at him, "How can you just say whateveres to your mind? You are such a natural rascal."


    Lin Wanrong answered earnestly, "I''m simply promoting scientific knowledge. Miss Tao should be thanking me in the future."


    The Eldest Miss snorted, "I don''t know where youe up with these terrible ideas. Wanying was a good woman until you scared her to this state. Whoever offends you is really seeking their own death."


    Proiming his innocence loudly, Lin Wanrong said, "Eldest Miss, I did this entirely out of my loyalty to you, without any selfish motives, you must understand me. Besides, I had warned her today, by now, she must have figured out what really happened. What I did was toughen her up, a meritorious deed."


    Xiao Yuruoughed, "I can''t argue with you. You turned a bad deed into a good one. You are truly unique in that. What will you do if Wanying discovers everything was your secret maniption?"


    Do what? thought Lin Wanrong. I merely scared her a bit, whichpared to her killing habit, is much kinder. Not wanting to continue the discussion, he smiled and said, "Tomorrow, I need to take a leave."


    "You''ve just done a few days of work and you''re already thinking of cking off. You should study well these days. Our Xiao family will be depending on you in the future." The Eldest Miss said gently.


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat. Depend on me? What does she mean? Although I like the Second Miss, I never thought about marrying into her family. She shouldn''t rely on me for everything. He chuckled, "These days, the affairs at home and the factory have been less hectic, I also want to get some fresh air. Coincidentally, Young Master Guo''s schrly achievements have skyrocketed recently, and he has been epted as a member of the Jinling Literary Society. Tomorrow, they have an outing event, and under Young Master Guo''s cordial invitation, I reluctantly agreed to apany him. Therefore, I''m here to ask for your permission."


    Considering the Eldest Miss''s attitude towards Luo Ning, he couldn''t say that he was invited by Luo Ning. Otherwise, it would be as bad as getting mud on his pants, it''d be an issue either way. By putting the me on Young Master Guo, he was rid of all responsibilities.


    "Jinling Literary Society?" The Eldest Miss frowned slightly and asked softly, "Is Miss Luo also going?"


    "That... I didn''t hear about her going." Lin Wanrong said without blinking, adding in his heart, "And I didn''t hear that she''s not going either."


    "Understood," the Eldest Miss responded with a gentle nod, "Then you should go, but remember to take good care of Cousin Guo, don''t let him be bullied by others." The Eldest Miss knew very well what her cousin Guo Wuchang was capable of. His admission to the famous, sophisticated society must have been bought with a hefty donation. Among the schrs of Jinling, he would be nothing more than aughingstock. With Lin San by his side, however, he was unlikely to be taken advantage of.


    Lin Wanrong replied enthusiastically, "You can rest assured, Eldest Miss. Considering these circumstances, I made time amidst my busy schedule to apany Young Master Guo. Hah, let''s see who dares to bully him - even a dog, er, young master, is under the protection of Eldest Miss, right?"


    The Eldest Miss gave him a nce andughed, "You do love to talk nonsense." She sighed softly, "If only Cousin Guo had half your wit and courage, my mother wouldn''t have to worry so much about him."


    The following morning, as promised, Luo Ning was waiting outside the mansion gate. It was indeed a sin for a man to have a woman waiting for him on a date.


    After washing his face and donning his stylish green outfit and hat, Lin Wanrong confidently strode towards the gate. The green outfit was quite the trend in Jinling, and the servants of the Xiao family wore it with pride. Lin San''s reputation resounded across Jinling, and it would be a shame not to strut about in these clothes.


    Young Master Guo, for his part, was dressed quite properly in a white robe, gently waving a small fan. A red flower was tucked under the brim of his schr''s hat, making him look every bit the poser of a schr. Having paid his way into the literary society, he was now showing off his newfound status. Lin Wanrong approached him with augh, "Young Master, I''m here."


    Guo Wuchang and Lin San had a long-standing rtionship. Guo Wuchang, as the senior official, had received numerous benefits from his subordinate. Pulling Lin Wanrong by the sleeve, he said, "Lin San, I just heard from Miss Luo that you also received an invitation. This is great, we can look out for each other."


    Lin Wanrong understood the Young Master''s intent and nodded, "Indeed, indeed. Today, I will certainly protect the Young Master."


    From her pnquin, Luo Ning peered out and said, "Brother Lin, since you''re ready, let''s get going."


    Seeing that the sky was just beginning to brighten, Lin Wanrong was startled, "Miss Luo, is it necessary to go on an outing so early? Let''s find a ce to have breakfast first."


    Luo Ning shook her head with a smile, "We have an appointment with a prominent person today, and as the younger generation, how can we afford to bete? We need to go early and wait for that gentleman."


    Prominent person? Lin Wanrong gave Luo Ning a puzzled look. She hadn''t mentioned anything about a prominent person yesterday. Damn, as a small fry, thest thing he wanted was to meet some big shot.


    Seeing his troubled expression, Luo Ning couldn''t help butugh. She beckoned him over, and when he approached, she took out a box of pastries from her pnquin, "Brother Lin, these are eight treasure cakes I made this morning. Please make do with these."


    Inside the box were seven or eight pastries, half of which Luo Ning had already bitten into. Her face turned red as she quickly retrieved the half-eaten pastry and held it in her hand.


    Lin Wanrong asked in surprise, "Miss Luo, did you really make these?"


    Luo Ning shyly replied, "I lost my mother at a young age and my father has been busy with his work. I''ve picked up a few skills on the sly, I''m afraid it might not be up to your standards."


    Lin Wanrong picked up a pastry and took a bite, remarking with admiration, "Not only do they look good, but they also taste excellent. Miss Luo, I didn''t expect that apart from writing poetry, you are also skilled at making pastries. Truly, you can grace the drawing room and rule the kitchen..." He added to himself, Andmand the bedroom


    Recalling their previous conversation about the qualifications of a potential spouse - ''capable in literature and war'', Luo Ning understood his joke and blushed, saying softly, "Brother Lin, you''re teasing me again."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, devouring the pastries with great relish. Luo Ning watched him with a smile, then signaled for her pnquin to proceed.


    As the outing was organized by the literary society, the meeting point Luo Ning arranged with the schrs was at the entrance of Jinling Literary Society. When the three of them arrived, about thirty people had already gathered, both men and women.


    As soon as the crowd spotted the young man wearing a servant''s hat and green cloth shoes following Luo Ning''s pnquin, they started whispering amongst themselves. A few of the women who recognized him from a previous encounter joyously waved and called out, "Brother Lin San, Brother Lin San..."


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 Chapter 203

    Chapter 203


    Chapter 203 Suburban Outing (Part 2)


    Being famous really made a difference. Everywhere there were enticing temptations like butterflies and bees. Lin Wanrong felt restless in his heart and thought to himself that as he approached, sping his fists and smiling, "Are you calling for me,dies? Greetings to all of you. I am Lin San. I have seen all of you,dies."


    For those who didn''t know Lin San, upon seeing his unique and distinctive appearance, they also came to know that this must be the popr household servant, Lin San, who had been making waves recently. Apart from his decent looks, they couldn''t see any remarkable skills.


    A few youngdies who had met Lin San at the literary society before grabbed hold of him and chattered away, "Brother Lin San, we heard that you single-handedly defeated the King of Couplets from the Seven Northern Provinces. You''re amazing!"


    "Brother San, Brother San, that Before you''re old, you''re dreaming of being an elder. A novice acting as a schr. How did youe up with it? How did you feel at that time? Did you feel insulted? Are you standing up for our talented schrs from the Jiangnan region?"


    "Brother San, where did you learn your magic tricks? Can you demonstrate them on the spot?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled wryly and shook his head. These young girls were quite open-minded when they gathered together, but their looks were a bit unattractive.


    As for the other talented schrs, not many of them had attended the banquet that day. They hadn''t personally witnessed how Lin San defeated Shen Banshan; they had only heard the rumors. Now, as they looked at this insignificant household servant, they felt a mixture of curiosity, disdain, and jealousy.


    Oh, the various forms of human nature, how intriguing they are! Lin Wanrong observed the expressions of the crowd one by one, sighing inwardly. Luo Ning smiled and said, "Brother Lin, how do you feel having so many followers?"


    "Well, it seems that I should publish a collection of poems and couplets next time, titled ''Lin San and the Couplets.'' It might sell quite well." Lin Wanrong joked.


    Luo Ning chuckled and said, "Do you really need to think about that? Someone had already thought of it. The storytellers in teahouses and wine shops havepiled stories about your achievements at the Sunshine and Rain Restaurant in Hangzhou and my grandmother''s birthday celebrations. They are currently performing it in teahouses."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. It sounded good to have free publicity, but deep down, he really wanted to keep a low profile.


    Lin Wanrong pointed at a few talented schrs in the distance who were eyeing him hungrily and asked, "Miss Luo, where are those gentlemen from? They don''t seem to be schrs from our Jinling."


    Luo Ning nodded and said, "Brother Lin has sharp eyes. The Jinling Poetry Competition is about tomence, and those gentlemen havee from the north. They joined us today for an outing and exchange."


    Lin Wanrong eximed, "Could they also be members of the Seven Northern Provinces Literary Alliance? Aren''t they here to find a ce for Shen Banshan?"


    Luo Ning nodded, "The Seven Northern Provinces Literary Alliance is open to aspiring schrs who haven''t ranked in the imperial examinations. I believe they are part of it as well. Brother Lin, let me tell you, ever since you defeated Shen Banshan, more schrs who wish to participate in the Jinling Poetry Competition havee, including many elites from the north. The rivalry between the north and the south seems inevitable."


    "Competition leads to development, which is a good thing," Lin Wanrong said with a smile. Schrs should not be divided by north and south, but organizations like the Seven Northern Provinces Literary Alliance have drawn geographical boundaries and sparked the so-called north-south rivalry.


    "But our Jinling Poetry Society, as the host of this poetrypetition, cannot afford to lose face," Luo Ning said with a smile. "That''s why I wanted to bring you in as the treasure of our society."


    Treasure of the society? Ha, can I really earn such a title? Lin Wanrongughed heartily and said, "Well, then I''ll shamelessly be your treasure. I hope I won''t disappoint you."


    Hearing his nonsensical words, Luo Ning lightly scolded him, her cheeks blushing with shyness. She dared not speak to him any further.


    The group, consisting of schrs from the Jinling Literary Society and several talented individuals from the north, marched out of the city with a sizeable entourage. Among them, Lin Wanrong stood out the most, whether it was his attire or hisplexion, naturally attracting many gazes. Several youngdies walked by his side, constantly presenting their newly written poems for his guidance. asionally, a hint of flirtatiousness could be seen in their expressions.


    Lin Wanrong had no such thoughts in mind. He casually tossed the youngdies'' notes to Young Master Guo and said with a smile, "The little knowledge I possess was taught by my Young Master. You should seek his guidance instead"


    Guo Wuchang picked up the notes and pretended, "This youngdy, the phrase ''the spring breeze teases my heart'' is not appropriate. It would be better to change it to ''the spring breeze caresses my chest''"


    Luo Ning had already alighted from the sedan chair and walked beside Lin Wanrong, smiling as she said, "Brother Lin, in a few days, the youngdies in Jinling City will likely be infatuated with your talent."


    Infatuated with what? I''d rather they be infatuated with my strong chest muscles, Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "Miss Luo, you mentioned that a distinguished figure would being today. I wonder how important this person is?" He pondered for a moment. Could it be Xu Wei? That''s impossible. The old man is busy suppressing the White Lotus cult and cleaning up the government in Jiangsu. His whereabouts are highly confidential. How could he make a public appearance? Could it be someone else trying to be ''low-key'' like me?


    Luo Ning smiled and said, "It''s my Teacher from the Jinghua Academy in the capital. She is a renowned female schr in the north and has some fame among the schrs from both the north and the south. For those of us who have studied poetry and literature, she is indeed a distinguished figure."


    "A female schr?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment. "How old is she? Could it be the female officer who brought the coupletst time?"


    Luo Ning shook her head and said, "No, it''s not her. The person who came is my Teacher. She is already in her fifties or sixties and specially came from the capital to participate in this Jinling Poetry Competition. She arrived yesterday, so we invited her to join us for the outing today."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. Another person from Jinghua Academy. This Jinghua Academy is probably equivalent to the Peking University of this era. Even an ordinary old woman whoes out of it dares to call herself a schr, regarded as a distinguished figure in the eyes of Luo Ning and the others. Truly unfathomable. If there''s an opportunity, I could send Second Miss there for further education.


    As the group chatted, they arrived outside the city. Although it was early winter, the scenery was still filled with lush green mountains and clear waters, with vast fields stretching as far as the eye could see. In the misty fog, several early-rising farmers were diligently tilling thend with their plows and hoes, exuding an air of tranquility.


    Lin Wanrong took a deep breath of the fresh morning air. Going out early in the morning, the air felt so refreshing.


    The group stopped in front of a pavilion, and in the distance, two figures slowly approached. Leading the way was a woman in a white flower-patterned robe, around fifty or sixty years old. Her temples were gray, and her expression was stern, with a cold and disdainful gaze that seemed to find fault with everyone.


    Luo Ning hurriedly lifted her long skirt and ran over, respectfully bowing. "Ning''er pays respects to Teacher."


    This is Luo Ning''s teacher? She looks like Miejue Shitai (A character from Jin Yong''s novel "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber.") I guess she''s not a kind person. Lin Wanrong thought. The schrs quickly stepped forward to pay their respects, saying, "Students pay respects to Teacher Mei, the renowned schr."


    Looking at the respectful appearance of the schrs, this renowned schr Mei seemed to be quite a prominent figure. Lin Wanrong pulled Guo Wuchang, who was next to him, and asked, "Young Master, do you know this renowned schr Mei?"


    "Well, I don''t move around in the capital, so I''m not familiar," Guo Wuchang said shamelessly.


    But a youngdy who was following closely behind Lin San said, "Brother San, this Teacher Mei Yanqiu is a famous schr in the capital. Many renowned talents havee from her tutge. Even many high-ranking officials in the capital are eager to be her disciples."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. So this Mei Yanqiu even epted disciples from high-ranking officials. Then why was she wearing such an unfriendly expression, as if he owed her money?


    Mei Yanqiu helped Luo Ning up and said, "Good, good, Ning''er, you''ve be even more beautiful after being away for a few years." Luo Ning shyly responded, blushing on her face.


    Mei Yanqiu nodded and said to Luo Ning, "Ning''er, after you left the capital, I epted a new disciple. You shoulde and meet him." She nodded towards the person behind her and smiled, "Come out and meet Ning''er."


    A person walked out from behind Mei Yanqiu and greeted Luo Ning, saying, "I am Zhao Kangning. Greetings, Miss Luo."


    Luo Ning was taken aback, never expecting that this young prince would appear here and inexplicably be her teacher''s disciple.


    Mei Yanqiu said, "The young prince is kind-hearted, knowledgeable, and outstanding in his studies. I epted him as a disciple in the capital. You should all get closer to him in the future."


    The talented men and women of the Jinling Poetry Society were shocked when they saw this handsome and elegant Young Prince Ning, who was renowned throughout the world. The youngdies who were previously surrounding Lin San quickly flocked to the young prince. Compared to the household servant Lin San, the young prince''s identity was clearly more like that of a golden son-inw.


    The lively scene around Lin San just a moment ago suddenly became empty. Lin Wanrong sighed, thinking to himself, damn it, the prince''s faction indeed has its charm. Even if it''s a piece of dog shit, if it''s associated with the royal family, it bes fragrant.


    Guo Wuchangined indignantly, "What''s so great about the young prince? He''s not as handsome as me, and his talents can''t evenpare to Lin San''s. Isn''t it just because he has a good father?"


    Luo Ning stood in front of her teacher, not knowing what to doneither staying nor leaving. On the other hand, Zhao Kangning conducted himself politely, charmingly engaging in conversation, which caused the surrounding talented men and women to cheer.


    Damn it, he''s just fooling around. I need some rest. Lin Wanrong found a spot, plopped down with Young Master Guo, andy down to take a rest. Both of them were feeling frustrated.


    Time passed, and suddenly a warm round of apuse erupted. Lin Wanrong opened his eyes and saw many talented men and women surrounding Zhao Kangning and Mei Yanqiu.


    Zhao Kangning smiled and said, "Since my colleagues appreciate it, I''ll show my modesty." After a brief pause, he looked towards a group of people approaching in the distance, and with a slight smile, he said, "For my couplet, ''A ewe leading twombs.''"


    Lin Wanrong followed his gaze and immediately felt his anger rise.


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 Chapter 204

    Chapter 204


    Chapter 204 Desire to Kill


    It turned out to be a peasant woman who had risen early. Arge water bowl was hanging around her neck, a hoe trailing behind her, and she was leading young children to work in the fields early in the morning. One child was three or four years old, the other had just learned to walk. The three of them staggered along the field path. Zhao Kangning''s remark about "A ewe leading twombs" was meant to mock this peasant woman and her children.


    Mei Yanqiu chuckled and said, "Young Prince has a unique interest, drawing lessons from these lowly people."


    Lin Wanrong, who had been led around by his parents in his early years in a simr way, found this scene rather familiar. When he heard Mei Yanqiu''s words, his eyes red up. He grumbled under his breath, moved to the woman''s side, and said, "Sister, let me help you."


    Seeing the crowd mocking her, the peasant woman was terrified. She shook her head repeatedly, "No, spare me, sir..." She hurriedly left with her children after saying these words. The hoe scraped the ground, the water jug nged, and the two small children, frightened, fell to the ground. They began to cry loudly, and the woman too was scared into crying out loud, daring not to raise her head.


    Zhao Kangning, Mei Yanqiu, and a group of literati watched the mother and children with amusement,ughing out loud. Luo Ning frowned slightly and sighed helplessly.


    Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth, his fists tightly clenched, his face as ck as coal. Guo Wuchang came over and pulled him aside, "Lin San, are you alright?"


    Lin Wanrong quietly said, "I''m fine, Young Master, it''s just... I kind of want to kill someone."


    Young Master Guo was startled, hastily pulling him away, "Lin San, watch your words. If someone heard that, would you still want to live?"


    Though usually inept, Young Master Guo was surprisingly understanding at this moment. Lin Wanrong sighed slightly without speaking.


    Luo Ning saw his unusual demeanor and rushed over, asking with concern, "Brother Lin, are you alright?"


    Lin Wanrong replied indifferently, "I''m fine, Miss Luo. You''d better go back."


    Over there, Mei Yanqiu called out, "Ning''er,e here, I have something to say to you."


    Teacher''s orders were paramount. Luo Ning looked anxious, whispering, "Brother Lin, I originally thought only my Teacher wasing, I didn''t expect that Young Prince woulde too, I didn''t mean to hide this from you."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "I know, it''s not your fault. Go on." Luo Ning nced at him one more time before turning away.


    When Luo Ning returned, Mei Yanqiu took her hand and said with a smile, "Ning''er, can you answer the couplet that Kangning just recited?"


    Luo Ning, worried about Lin Wanrong, had no mood for answering riddles. She hesitated before responding, "Teacher, I can''t answer it."


    The other schrs anddies who hade with her were also lost in thought, but no one answered. Zhao Kangning turned his gaze to Lin Wanrong and smiled, "Lin San, your couplet exchange with Mr. Shen Banshan the other day was quite interesting, why not give it a try?"


    Lin Wanrong replied expressionlessly, "Sorry, I''m not interested."


    "How dare you! Who are you to speak to the Young Prince in such a manner?" Mei Yanqiu, Luo Ning''s Teacher, raised her eyebrows in anger and eximed.


    Lin Wanrong smirked dismissively, "And who are you, to speak to me like this? If it weren''t for Luo Ning''s sake, I wouldn''t give you the time of day."


    "You, you..." Mei Yanqiu was so angry she couldn''t find the words to retort. Luo Ning looked anxiously at Lin Wanrong, trying to send him a silent message. Zhao Kangning then interjected, "Teacher, please calm down. This man is Lin San, a servant of the Xiao family who defeated Shen Banshan the other day."


    Suppressing her rage, Mei Yanqiu said, "What skills could a mere servant possess? That Shen Banshan must be very pathetic."


    "Yes, Mr. Shen indeedcks skills. He can onlye up with clever verses, unlike Teacher Mei, who has many rich and influential disciples, and enjoys high esteem. I admire that," Lin Wanrong said tly. The sarcasm in his voice was obvious to all.


    Regardless of Mei Yanqiu''s abilities, judging by the rich and noble students she taught and her derisive remarks toward themon people today, her character was questionable at best. Her disciples, who were from privileged backgrounds, were likely just after a degree to embellish their resumes.


    Seeing Lin San and Teacher Mei confront each other, some people were worried, some were cheering, and most were just watching the spectacle. Luo Ning was caught in the middle, finding it difficult to take sides.


    In the capital, Mei Yanqiu was highly respected. She had never been teased like this and was so angry that she turned pale. "I won''t waste words with a lowly person like you. If you''re capable, answer Kangning''s verse," she snapped.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I fear that this lowly person may dare to respond, but the high and mighty may not dare to listen."


    Zhao Kangning snorted, "Ridiculous. There''s no verse my Teacher would fear. Lin San, my verse is ''A ewe leading twombs'', try to answer it."


    Arrogant bastard! Lin Wanrong retorted coldly, "A meaningless and unphilosophical verse, it''s not hard to match. Listen well, I match it with ''two pigs share one trough''."


    The expressions on Zhao Kangning and Mei Yanqiu''s faces changed instantly. This was a naked insult to both of them, especially to Zhao Kangning, a royal prince, who was beingpared to a pig. He could hardly swallow this insult. Zhao Kangning blurted, "How dare you, Lin San! You insult the royal family"


    "Young prince, how have I insulted the royal family?" Lin Wanrong retorted coldly.


    Zhao Kangning was rendered speechless. He couldn''t say that Lin San had insulted him by calling him a pig, yet everyone understood the meaning behind the verse. Mei Yanqiu shouted, "Lin San, stop the sophistry! We all witnessed you insult the young prince and the royal family today, that''s a capital offense!"


    Infuriated and indignant, Lin Wanrong gave a desteugh, "Insulting the royal family? What a big usation, Teacher Mei, you are really capable. It''s a pity you''re biased. From what I see, someone is making malicious allegations, insulting our founding emperor and the foundation of our great nation."


    Mei Yanqiu asked, "Lin San, what do you mean by that?"


    Lin Wanrong snorted, "A ewe leading twombs! What a concept, a ewe leading twombs! That peasant woman,boring hard with her child from dawn to dusk, sustains herself by the sweat of her own brow. How is she beneath you? If you were not born into a good family, you wouldn''t even match up to half of her."


    "You, you" Mei Yanqiu, upon hearing his offensive words, nearly fainted from anger. Luo Ning hurriedly supported her while giving Lin Wanrong a desperate look for help.


    "A nation''s foundation lies in agriculture, its people its root. Themon folk are the bedrock of our great Hua Dynasty. What right do you have to scorn them? Teacher Mei, with your great schrly background, you hail from the imperial city, a ce of prosperity and glory. Perhaps your lineage has remained there for generations. To your eyes, everyone else must seem ignorant and lowly. Fine, very good, you are proud and noble. But I am utterly baffled. When your ancestors, eight or eighteen generations ago, emerged from the crevices of rocks, were they residing in cities then? Don''t spew such nonsense! They, like our ancestors, were allmon farmers, the ''lowly'' ones in your eyes. Who was it that started categorizing people as city dwellers and country folk, noble and humble, creating this absurd hierarchy?"


    Furious, Lin Wanrong kicked hard at a stone before him, splitting it in two with a resounding crash. Everyone present was intimidated by his intensity and kept their silence. Despite his coarsenguage, there was undeniable rity in his words that left even Mei Yanqiu and Zhao Kangning without a retort. "When you ridicule and deride them, you are ridiculing your own ancestors and forgetting your roots. The founding emperor of our great Hua Dynasty was a farmer himself, who took pride in tilling the fields and earning his keep. If you insult themon folk, aren''t you insulting the founding Emperor, our dynasty, and our heritage? Young Prince, you may hold the status of a royal descendant, but your disrespect towards your forebears and the sage emperor is beyond belief. You are certainly bolder than I."


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s pointed rebuke of the Young Prince, everyone fell silent. The story of the founding Emperor of the Hua Dynasty, who rose from a cattle-herding boy to a great monarch, was known to all and seen as a role model. Now, the young prince''s disdain for the peasants was equivalent to disrespecting his own ancestors, an argument none could deny. Despite Lin San''s foulnguage, his arguments were irrefutable. It was no wonder that Shen Banshan was defeated by him; there was no injustice in it.


    Zhao Kangning was covered in cold sweat. Lin San had a sharp tongue and a quick mind. If he used him of disrespecting the royal lineage, Lin San would retort by using him of disrespecting the founding Emperor. It was a losing game no matter how it was yed. All he could do was to swallow the insult and the embarrassment.


    The northern schrs, enraged by Lin San''s audacity, not only had he insulted the Young Prince but also the universally respected renowned schr Mei, one of them stepped forward and said, "Brother Lin has quite the sharp tongue, daring to be so presumptuous even in front of Teacher Mei. Though I am not as talented, I have a couplet to offer - a mantis blocking a chariot, a tiger relying on a river, how can an ordinary man speak of bravery?"


    To which Lin Wanrong, ring angrily, retorted, "An ant travels along a locust tree, a bug shakes a tree, the fool falsely ims to be heroic."


    Upon meeting Lin Wanrong''s gaze and sensing his superior wit and charisma, the schr fell silent, no longer daring to speak. Lin Wanrong grunted and said, "Since this gentleman here respects Teacher Mei so much, I have a couplet for him. The first line is, ''The Cockb has yet to bloom''"


    The schr, showing some quick wit, instantly responded, "Mr. Dog tail grass (Note: F*ck Teacher)" As the words left his mouth, he realized his mistake. Ah, wasn''t this essentially an insult to Teacher Mei?


    The crowd burst intoughter, recognizing that the poor schr had fallen into Lin Wanrong''s clever trap. Lin Wanrong cupped his fist in a salute, grinning mischievously, "Brother, your insight is admirable. I''m impressed."


    Mei Yanqiu was both infuriated and embarrassed. As a renowned schr admired by many, she couldn''t bear being ridiculed by Lin Wanrong. She flicked her sleeve and said, "Two apes cut wood in the mountains, this monkey can also answer"


    "A horse stuck in the mud, how can this beast move its hoof?" Lin Wanrong responded without hesitation. The schrs were stunned. He was the first person who dared to insult Teacher Mei in public. This Lin San had something of a rogue in him, but given his wit and learning, he could insult anyone and get away with it.


    Seeing the renowned schr Teacher Mei, fluctuating between flushes of red and white, Lin Wanrong felt a great satisfaction in his heart. He had enjoyed the exchange immensely, giving and receiving insults in stride. Let this arrogant woman look down on everything; if he didn''t put her in her ce, she might believe she was the most superior person in the world.


    With a cold smile, Lin Wanrong said, "Among all the learned in the world, the one I respect the most is Master Xu Wei. His character, temperament, and schrship are all impable. As for you, the renowned schr Teacher Mei, pardon my frankness, even if you were to continue your studies for another hundred years, you would not match up to a tenth of Mr. Xu. As for the term ''renowned schr'', perhaps you shouldn''t im it at all."


    He sighed, appearing exhausted, and said to Guo Wuchang, "Young Master, this is not where we belong. Let''s go home."


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 Chapter 205

    Chapter 205


    Chapter 205 Once I Could Pee Ten Feet Against the Wind


    Lin Wanrong heaved a quiet sigh within his heart. This deeply entrenched hierarchical mindset that had existed for millennia - could he single-handedly shatter it? Though he possessed great strength, he had no direction to apply it, or perhaps he was simply toozy to do so. Facing these privileged, schrly men and women, what could he say? Should he discuss with them about natural rights and equality for all beings? Ridiculous! Those who tread different paths cannot make ns together. He was fundamentally different from them. Moreover, even if he were to promote the idea of equality for all beings, would anyone in this era believe it? Would anyone ept it?


    The more Lin Wanrong thought about it, the more helpless he felt. He eventually shook his head andughed bitterly. Forget it. He wasn''t trying to save mankind nor guide the course of history. How could he manage these things? That was enough. Whatever these schrly men and women chose to do was their business. He didn''t have the time to y games with them.


    He arrived and left as he pleased, toozy to bid anyone farewell. With Guo Wuchang in tow, he prepared to leave. His standing in Guo Wuchang''s heart was akin to a deity. Seeing Lin San''s gesture, Guo Wuchang didn''t ask any questions and promptly followed him.


    "Brother Lin" Luo Ning, ignoring her teacher''s presence, hurried to catch up with him, her eyes welling with tears. "Brother Lin, I''m sorry, it''s all my fault"


    "Miss Luo," Lin Wanrong said with an air of righteousness, "I''ve told you, it''s not your fault. I just couldn''t stand certain things. s, I can''t help it. I was born to be upright."


    Luo Ning didn''tugh at his joke as she usually would. Instead, tears rolled down her cheeks. "Brother Lin, I know you are kind and don''t me me. But it all started because of me. If I hadn''t insisted on bringing you here, none of this would''ve happened"


    Lin Wanrong replied with a mncholy smile. "No, it''s my own fault. Perhaps I don''t belong with you all."


    His words crushed Luo Ning''s heart, and her tears flowed more freely. "Brother Lin, I know you look down on me. I''m all talk and no action, just a sham schr. Aside from causing trouble, I can''t do anything else."


    "Miss Luo," Lin Wanrong said thoughtfully, "you mustn''t belittle yourself. Everyone has dreams; it''s just that the ways we pursue them are different. At least you have dreams. I, on the other hand, have lost even the right to dream."


    Tears welled up in Luo Ning''s eyes as she looked at him. "Brother Lin, I don''t understand what you''re saying."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head with a smile. "You don''t need to understand. Ah, I''m really tired today, and a little hurt. Miss Luo, let''s hug. A pure one, just forfort."


    Luo Ning was startled, her heart pounding. This Brother Lin had quite a unique way of thinking. She had no idea how his mind worked.


    After teasing Luo Ning a bit, Lin Wanrong, for some reason, felt stifled. Today''s bitterness and indignation were too much. As he recalled his past life, he sighed gently. "Once, I could pee ten feet against the wind. Now, even with the wind, I dampen my shoes. Such is life"


    He suddenly came out with such a brusque, nonsensical remark that everyone was startled. They had no clue what he meant by his words. Looking at his demeanor, it was one of utter destion and dejection. Nobody could understand it. Luo Ning saw it all and felt that the distance between them had inexplicably widened further.


    "Brother Lin," Luo Ning gently held his sleeve, "The words you speak, though rough, always make me feel that they are,pared to the poetry we write, the truly profound and refined."


    A true friend indeed, Lin Wanrong thought, feeling deeply touched. This woman could see his crudeness as something refined. "Don''t idolize individuals, I detest such practice," he said with a chuckle. "Offering some real gold and silver would be more practical." His mood shifted quickly; he was quick to feel and quick to forget. His mncholy disappeared in a blink of an eye.


    Seeing Lin San''s coarsenguage and unruly behavior, Mei Yanqiu couldn''t hold back any longer. She snapped, "Lin San, do you think you can just leave like that? Do you believe that speaking a few couplets makes you invincible? You insult me, and you insult the entire schrly world. If you dare to set foot in the capital, you will surely find it impossible to move forward."


    "Insulting you is insulting the entire schrly world? You represent all of schrly knowledge?" Lin Wanrong responded with disdain, "Teacher Mei, you overestimate yourself."


    Seeing the schrs around him staring at him, Lin Wanrong said scornfully, "To represent the entire schrly world, you need to have the ability to represent all the knowledge in the world. I''ve known Mr. Wenchang for a long time, and even he, as a first-ss schr, doesn''t dare to im to represent all schrs. Teacher Mei, you may talk big, but your knowledge is far from sufficient."


    People at Jinling Literary Society had all heard about the Sunshine and Rain Restaurant incident in Hangzhou and knew that Lin San was indeed acquainted with Xu Wenchang. His words were most likely true. Xu Wenchang was a figure of great repute, an exemr for schrs throughout the country, and an idol in the hearts of all schrs. Mei Yanqiu, though also a reputed schr, was simply not in the same league as Xu Wenchang.


    Seeing Mei Yanqiu turn pale, Lin Wanrong sneered, "If you don''t believe me, I''lle up with a couplet today. If Teacher Mei cane up with a matching response, I''ll admit defeat. I will personally go to Teacher Mei to apologize."


    Young Master Guo chimed in appropriately, "And what if Teacher Mei can''te up with a response?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "If Teacher Mei can''t respond, my request is simple. I''d ask her to personally plow a few acres of good fields, acting as an old ox, to see how us ''inferior'' people in her eyesbor to make a living. If she can''t answer in three years, then I''d ask her to stop disgracing the term ''renowned schr''."


    His words were wildly arrogant, but nobody doubted him. After several rounds of confrontation, everyone understood that Lin San indeed had some talent. His previous triumph over Shen Banshan was certainly genuine. He had always been the one responding to couplets, but today, he was the oneing up with the couplet. Needless to say, it was going to be extremely difficult.


    Mei Yanqiu knew she had met her match today. In front of so many students, she could not back down. Gritting her teeth, she said, "In that case, I await your enlightenment."


    Luo Ning had just exchanged a few words with Lin Wanrong, her heart was already filled with trepidation. Seeing the situation between her mentor and Lin Wanrong be more tense, she was scared. In a hurry, she stood between the two and said, "Brother Lin, youe up with the couplet, and I''ll respond on behalf of my teacher. If I can''t respond, I''ll go down and plow the fields on her behalf."


    Although Lin Wanrong appreciated her understanding just now, he wouldn''tpromise on principles. Heughed out loud and said, "Miss Luo, you misunderstand. Asking your teacher to plow is not to harm or humiliate her. It''s to let her experience the life of us ordinary folks. Honestly, it''s actually a way of honoring her. If she behaves as haughty as usual, she wouldn''t even be fit to carry shoes for the woman in the fields."


    Before Luo Ning could respond, Lin Wanrong sighed, "Miss Luo, everyone has a point they can''t tolerate being trespassed, and I''m no exception. Your respect for your teacher is one thing, but her character is another. Please don''t say more."


    Mei Yanqiu also had some backbone and called out, "Ning''er,e back, don''t beg him."


    Luo Ning was the one having the hardest time among everyone present. She didn''t want her teacher to lose and go plow the fields, nor did she want Brother Lin to lose and apologize. She found it incredibly hard to make a decision between the two.


    Lin Wanrong said loudly, "Today, when Teacher Mei created a couplet, she didn''t use any palindrome technique, and I will do the same. Whether it''s fair or not, everyone will know after seeing it."


    With no further words, he took a pencil from his bosom, swiftly wrote a few characters on a piece of white paper, and handed it over. Everyone looked at it and saw the unrestrained words, "Chickens and dogs cross the frosty bridge, all the way are plum blossoms and bamboo leaves."


    Luo Ning took one look and furrowed her brow. It was a metaphorical couplet. Both the plum blossoms and bamboo leaves as well as the paw prints of chickens and dogs on the frost were scenery. It wasn''t some sort of palindromic genius, but it was intricate enough to be difficult to match. However, as Lin Wanrong had said, the couplet was fair and did not intentionally make it difficult for Mei Yanqiu.


    Seeing Lin San''s skill so effortlessly disyed, and considering his earlier performance, everyone was immediately clear about the situation. They feared Teacher Mei was going to lose this round.


    Mei Yanqiu stared at the upper couplet for a long time, her face alternating between red and white. This metaphorical couplet, even if Xu Wei were present, he might not be able to match it, let alone her. She bit her lip in silence, her face a picture of gloom.


    Everyone, looking at her expression, knew the result without needing to say it. Naturally, it was Teacher Mei who lost. After this wholemotion, no one in Jinling dared to discuss couplets in front of Lin San again.


    Young Master Guo stealthily tugged at Lin San''s clothes and looked at him with admiring eyes, "Lin San, where did you learn this couplet skill? Can you teach me?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a faint smile, took a sigh, and said, "Young Master Guo wants to learn? Of course, you can. Starting from tomorrow morning, read 800 volumes of the ssics, history, philosophers, and collections every day. In ten years, you can seed."


    Young Master Guo stuck out his tongue and murmured, "That''s so difficult. Luckily my family has Lin San, so we don''t need ten years."


    Mei Yanqiu suddenly eximed, "Lin San, I can''t respond to your couplet. Did you copy it from an unmatched masterpiece? Asking me toe up with a response instantly is truly unjust."


    Lin Wanrongughed coldly, "If you im it''s an unmatched masterpiece, then naturally no one can answer it now, can they?"


    Seeing his sharp gaze, Mei Yanqiu felt some fear in her heart, but she forced herself to reply, "Naturally, no one can."


    Lin Wanrongughed out loud and with swift strokes of his pen, wrote, "Swallows and orioles prate the embroidered curtain, half a window of jade scissors and a golden shuttle."


    He gave a cold smile and said, "Teacher Mei, this unmatched masterpiece you mentioned, I have answered. What do you say to that?"


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 Chapter 206

    Chapter 206


    Chapter 206 Falling from the Horse


    The scene fell into absolute silence. ording to the agreement, if Mei Yanqiu lost, she would have to plow the fields. Mei Yanqiu represented the literati, a group who considered themselves noble and utterly despised these farmers who toiled on thend. Mei Yanqiu''s loss was akin to a resounding p in the face for these arrogant, poetry-reading schrs.


    The long silent Zhao Kangning suddenly snorted, "Lin San, what if you won this round? You indeed have mastery over couplets, but by using your strengths to attack my teacher''s weaknesses, don''t you feel it''s a bit unfair?"


    Lin Wanrong replied with a faint smile, "Fair? The Young Prince speaks well. Has there ever been fairness in this world? Just now, you all spoke freely, mocking the hardworking woman. On what basis? It''s nothing more than believing you are superior! Have you ever considered ''fairness'' at that moment? Now that the situation is unfavorable to you, you seek fairness. You want all the good things in this world."


    "Well, what a silver tongue you have," Zhao Kangning huffed, "Since you''re skilled at couplets, you dared to criticize my teacher through them. Today, I will stand up for my teacher. Lin San, I challenge you to a duel, don''t say I am bullying you."


    Damn, when he can''t win he brings out his prince status, Lin Wanrong snorted in his mind, but heard the Young Prince continue, "Just now, you dueled with my teacher in a battle of wits, now I shall duel with you in a battle of..."


    Before he could finish, Luo Ning eximed, "No-"


    All eyes fell on her. Luo Ning blushed and said, "Thepetition between Lin San and our teacher was fair. A physical contest may result in injuries. We came here today for leisure, we should not spoil our mood because of this." She knew Lin Wanrong was knowledgeable, but when it came to physicalbat, he certainly wouldn''t be a match for the Young Prince, so naturally, she wanted to stop it.


    Zhao Kangningughed heartily, "Miss Luo misunderstood my intentions. The martial contest I mentioned is not a one-on-one fight, but a different kind ofpetition." Zhao Kangning waved his hand andmanded loudly, "Bring the bow!"


    Several followers immediately knelt to present a golden longbow. Zhao Kangning took it, strung the bow, and pointed to the forest ahead, "Everyone, watch carefully. There is a big tree a hundred steps away. Today, Lin San and I willpete in archery. We will ride and shoot arrows at the tree from a hundred steps away. Whoever hits the tree wins, and the one who fails loses."


    The crowd suddenly understood that he was challenging Lin Wanrong to a horseback archery contest. Young Prince Ning was known to excel in both literature and martial arts, and many in the field had heard of his fame. As schrs, they had never witnessed such a scene of shooting a tree on horseback, so they began to cheer loudly, eager to witness the legendary archery that could prate willows at a hundred steps.


    A hundred steps? The steps of the ancients were small, Lin Wanrong estimated the distance to be about fifty meters. Damn, knowing I''ve never shot an arrow, he came up with this harmful idea, Lin Wanrong thought secretly.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s troubled expression, Zhao Kangningughed aloud, "Lin San, you used your strengths to slightly surpass my teacher. As his student, I should also use my strengths to defeat you. Do you dare to ept the challenge?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Young Prince, I am but a humble servant. I''ve hardly ridden a horse, let alone shot an arrow from horseback. Thispetition of yours is indeed very ''fair''."


    Zhao Kangningughed, "If you haven''t shot an arrow before, that''s fine. You don''t have to use an arrow. Just ride on the horse and from a hundred steps away, regardless of the method, even if you throw a stone and hit that tree, I will admit defeat. What do you think?"


    The crowd buzzed at once. The Young Prince was willing to admit defeat even if a stone was thrown and hit the target. The Young Prince''s reputation for benevolence was indeed well deserved. These were all weak schrs who didn''t understand the trick to this. To throw a stone and hit a tree from a hundred steps away was much more difficult than shooting an arrow at a hundred steps.


    "Cunning," Lin Wanrong muttered to himself. The Young Prince was making a show of defending his teacher, not only expressing his filial piety but also suggesting that this method ofpetition was extremely favorable to Lin San. This once again showed his benevolence. Damn, he is even more hypocritical than me.


    "Lin San, can you shoot an arrow?" Young Master Guo asked, tugging Lin Wanrong''s sleeve and whispering, "Shall we skip this contest?"


    "I can''t," Lin Wanrong shook his head. "Young Master, can you shoot arrows?"


    Guo Wuchang shook his head, "If it were a contest of peeing, I would have confidence inpeting. But an archerypetition is not my strong suit."


    "Lin San, have you made your decision?" Zhao Kangning asked with a smile, "If you choose to give up, I won''t make things difficult for you. The bet you made with my teacher will be erased. We will also admit that your couplet was excellent."


    "What if, by some chance, I win?" Lin Wanrong asked, grinning, "What then?"


    "You win?" Zhao Kangning chuckled lightly, "I haven''t considered that. How about this, if you do win, from then on, whenever I see you, I will make a detour. If I can''t avoid you, I will treat you with the respect due to a teacher. Everyone here can bear witness."


    Thinking of making me his teacher, damn, he''s dreaming. Lin Wanrongughed, "Since the Young Prince is so sincere, alright then. I willpete in this round, even though I''m certain to lose. But in order to fulfill the Young Prince''s filial piety, I have to try."


    When the crowd saw Lin San agree, they cheered instantly. Luo Ning walked up to Lin Wanrong, gently tugged his sleeve, and voiced her worry, "Brother Lin, Zhao Kangning has been learning archery since he was a child. Don''t overdo it. Be careful not to hurt yourself and worry Qiaoqiao."


    Lin Wanrong nodded seriously, "Miss Luo, don''t worry about me. Although I''m a bit brutish, I''m not stupid. If I can''t beat him, I''ll certainly run."


    Luo Ning gave him a worried look. Meanwhile, Zhao Kangning had already ordered his men to bring out two horses, one ck and one white. He said to Lin Wanrong, "For fairness, Lin San, you can choose a horse first. The one you leave behind will be mine."


    The two horses, one ck and one white, were both tall, mighty, and handsome. It was hard to choose between them. Lin Wanrong took out a bottle of perfume from his pocket and rubbed it hard on his right hand. Smiling, he said, "If my hands smell nice, maybe God will help me choose a good horse."


    Young Master Guo looked puzzled, "Can perfume help you pick a good horse? Next time I go to Miaoyu Pavilion, I''ll wear some perfume too."


    Applying some perfume to your own thing might be more like it, Lin Wanrongughed heartily, walking up to the two horses. He had a knack for judging people, but his skills in appraising horses were rudimentary. He touched the ck horse with his left hand, and the white horse with his right, feeling their heads and bodies for quite a while, but was still unable to decide. However, the two horses reacted differently under his hands. The ck horse on his left was quiet, while the white horse on his right kept neighing, shaking its head as if it found him disagreeable.


    A northern schr impatiently said, "It''s not like you''re choosing a wife, why are you touching them so much?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Oh? I wonder how many times this gentleman touched his wife when he was choosing? Could it be even longer than me?" The crowd erupted inughter, thedies present all blushed, covering their mouths and chuckling. The schr''s face turned red and he didn''t dare to say another word. When it came to witty retorts, he was no match for Lin San.


    After feeling them again, Lin Wanrong finally pointed at the ck horse, "This one has healthier skin and is as handsome as me. I''ll take this one."


    Zhao Kangningughed, "Very well, then I''ll use the white horse. Lin San, what will you use? An arrow?"


    Use cheap tricks? Lin Wanrong chuckled, bending down to pick up a small stone from the ground, "I''ll try this."


    Everyone looked on in wonder as he truly intended to throw a stone at the tree. But they had long grown ustomed to his unconventional techniques. Zhao Kangning walked up to the white horse and gently stroked it a couple of times. The horse was not very tame, and kept shaking its head. Meanwhile, the ck horse next to Lin Wanrong appeared rtively calm.


    "Lin San, who will shoot first?" Zhao Kangning asked, taking the longbow handed to him by his attendant.


    "Of course, you should go first. I can hold out for a long time," Lin Wanrong said with a grin, leaving the crowd puzzled by his words.


    "Alright." Zhao Kangning shouted, grabbed the reins with his left hand, swung onto the horse, and gripped the horse''s back with his legs. The white horse neighed instantly. Zhao Kangning, in his silver outfit and on his silver horse, looked more majestic and heroic than ever. Thedies present watched the Young Prince with envy.


    Lin Wanrong whispered something in Guo Wuchang''s ear, and Young Master Guo nodded slightly. Luo Ning, standing next to him, asked, "Brother Lin, what are you and Young Master Guo discussing?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and chuckled, "Ah, our Young Prince is indeed the epitome of grace, just like a prince on his white steed."


    As he spoke, Zhao Kangning saluted everyone from atop the white horse. With the longbow in his right hand and the reins shaken with his left, the horse shot off like an arrow. The duo, man and horse, emanated an imposing aura.


    Zhao Kangning spurred his horse to gallop parallel to the big tree. The white horse seemed a bit fiery, gently shaking its head, but he paid it little heed. As he dashed towards his target, steadied his body, and released the reins, his bow was held horizontally with a golden-feathered arrow already on the string.


    Seeing him mount, draw his bow, and notch his arrow all in one fluid motion, the crowd cheered at his clean and efficient action. Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. Thed indeed had some skill.


    Zhao Kangning locked onto his target, pulled back the bowstring, and with a soft shout, the golden-feathered arrow was instantly let loose. Unexpectedly, the white horse suddenly neighed loudly, shaking its head while its front hooves lifted off the ground. The arrow, released in the instant the horse leapt, deviated considerably, grazing the edge of the tree, causing a few pieces of bark to fly off. He had missed the target by a fraction.


    At the time of the shot, Zhao Kangning relied solely on his body to maintain bnce. The sudden leap of the horse caught him off guard, and he began to fall rapidly. His excellent equestrian skills saved him from a face-first fall as his feet caught the stirrups just in time, preventing him fromnding in a most embarrassing manner. Even so, he ended up half of his face down in the dirt, hair disheveled, looking utterly pitiful.


    "The Young Prince has fallen from his horse! Everyone, quickly, go save him!" Lin Wanrong, watching with glee, saw that Guo Wuchang had already started shouting for help.


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 Chapter 207

    Chapter 207


    Chapter 207 Departing in Confidence


    Guo Wuchang''s perfectly timed, chaotic yell jolted the dumbfounded crowd out of their stupor. The first to charge in were the guards of the Young Prince. They had been with Zhao Kangning for many years, and were well aware of his equestrian skills. They could not have predicted today''s urrence, an incident that could potentially cost them their heads.


    The crowd, witnessing the Young Prince''s fall from his horse, surged forward in a flurry of different emotions, with renowned schr Mei being the most frantic of all.


    Lin Wanrong wiped his hands on his clothing to remove the heavy scent of perfume, then pulled something from his bosom. After carefully inspecting and confirming it was ready for use, he slowly stepped forward.


    The Young Prince had already been pulled up from the ground. His white clothes were tattered and dusty, half his face was smeared with mud, and a few pieces of dead grass were entangled in his hair. His appearance was a far cry from the handsome, dashing prince who had been astride his horse just moments ago.


    Zhao Kangning clenched his teeth, his face ashen. He red furiously at the servants prostrated on the ground. No matter how good his temper, he couldn''t bear losing face in front of so many people, especially with the woman he admired present. Unable to contain his rage, heshed out, ignoring any notion of dignity. He kicked a guard and bellowed, "You insolent dog, how dare you"


    "Begging your pardon, Young Prince, begging your pardon. I deserve to die, I deserve to die" the terrified servant pleaded.


    Zhao Kangningnded his horsewhip across the man''s face and roared, "You insolent cur, I treated you well, fed you fine food, tasked you with caring for two horses, yet you conspire against your master! Take this wretch away"


    "Spare me, Young Prince, spare me. I''ve taken care of these two horses for a long time, they''ve always been gentle. It must have been because they''re in a new ce, unustomed to the environment, that they stumbled. Please, Young Prince, give me another chance" the servant begged, bowing continuously.


    Mei Yanqiu proposed, "These are indeed fine horses, it must be this servant who was instigated by someone to sabotage them, causing the Young Prince to stumble." She nced deliberately at Lin San, trying to direct suspicion towards him. Seeing his indifferent demeanor, she boldly imed, "Lin San, was it you who interfered?"


    Zhao Kangning regarded Lin San suspiciously. Just earlier, Lin San had been in contact with the horses. Could he have done something?


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and responded, "Teacher Mei, you''re making quite the assumption. The Young Prince himself hasn''t spoken, yet you''re using me. Which eye of yours saw me tamper with anything? My selection of the horses was done in in sight,pletely above board. When did I ever do anything suspicious?"


    His words were righteous and severe. There was no sign of guilt. Everyone present had seen him choosing the horses, and there had been no visible anomalies. They couldn''t really me him.


    ying nice when things were in one''s favor was Lin Wanrong''s nature. He solemnly said, "Young Prince Ning was kind and generous today, volunteering to test the horse first. I am greatly indebted. From my point of view, someone definitely wants to smear the Young Prince''s reputation. Imagine, if I were to ride first and fall immediately, although no one would say it out loud, they would certainly question Young Prince Ning''s character. Is this not a smear?"


    Zhao Kangning''s face was ashen. At a loss for words, Lin Wanrong sighed reluctantly and said, "Young Prince, you are a good man. It would be better not topete today to prevent viins from taking advantage and tarnishing your lifelong reputation."


    Young Prince Ning kicked away the horse-feeder, gritted his teeth, and loudly said, "Lin San, I keep my word. Today, my arrow only grazed the bark. If you can hit that tree, then you win."


    Lin Wanrong pretended to be moved and said, "The previous arrow was somewhat unexpected, and you were affected, Young Prince. Why don''t you shoot another arrow? This time, please choose a horse first, and shoot first as well."


    Zhao Kangning snorted, "Do you think I''m a man who doesn''t keep his word? Lin San, it''s not that I''m underestimating you, but even if my arrow was slightly off, it''s still a hundred times better than yours. Just give it a try."


    Lin Wanrong, appearing troubled, said, "Since Young Prince insists, I can only reluctantly give it a try."


    He took the reins of the ck horse and awkwardly mounted. Seeing his clumsy actions, everyone shook their heads and chuckled. Could he reallypete with the Young Prince in this state? Luo Ning approached him and whispered, "Brother Lin, be careful."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "I shouldn''t fall off." Among everyone, apart from Young Master Guo, only Miss Luo genuinely cared for him.


    On the horse, Lin Wanrong mimicked the Young Prince''s salute, but almost lost his bnce and fell off, causing an outburst ofughter.


    Nonchnt, Lin Wanrong chuckled, whipped the horse, and the ck steed trotted forward.


    Zhao Kangning, seeing his inexperienced actions, felt relieved. Even if his shot was not good, Lin San hitting thatrge tree seemed impossible.


    Lin Wanrong rode the ck horse, making twops without showing any signs of shooting. Some impatient schrs shouted, "Lin San, hurry, hurry"


    Seemingly prodded, Lin Wanrong elerated, made a few strides. Just as everyone thought he was about to shoot, they heard him exim as his body seemed to disappear beneath the horse.


    Luo Ning thought he had fallen and shrieked, "Brother Lin" She lifted her skirt and ran towards him. Barely two steps in, they heard two loud "bangs." Therge tree and the smaller one beside it shook, their leaves and branches trembling, creating an intimidating scene.


    The ck horse Lin Wanrong was riding got startled. With a long neigh, it reared its front hooves. Lin Wanrong was originally lying under the horse, invisible to others, but the horse, startled by the loud sound, threw him off. Luckily, he was prepared. He somersaulted off the horse, quickly hid something in his bosom, and watched as the ck horse raced away like a mad creature.


    "Darn, that was a close call," he muttered, a few beads of cold sweat appeared on his forehead.


    Seeing him standing there in a daze, Luo Ning hurriedly ran to his side, grabbing his arm anxiously. "Brother Lin, what''s wrong with you? You''re scaring me..."


    Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh and wiped his forehead with his right hand. "I''m fine. It''s just this ck horse getting spooked."


    Luo Ning noticed ayer of what appeared to be soot on his wrist, and a few ck spots on his face. Worriedly, she asked, "Brother Lin, your hand, your face, what happened?"


    Looking at the traces on his hand, Lin Wanrong gave a helpless bitter smile. "This Western gadget, the quality really isn''t up to scratch. Lucky it didn''t ruin my face."


    Luo Ning was confused. "Brother Lin, what does this have to do with Westerners?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "I''m just joking around. Miss Luo, who won the contest?"


    Before Luo Ning could answer, she heard someone shouting from the side, "He hit it, he hit it, Lin San hit it" Everyone followed his gaze and saw the big tree peppered with holes. Even the smaller tree beside it was riddled with holes.


    Everyone was left speechless. Although Lin San''s riding posture wasn''t particrly graceful, he not only hit the target, he practically shattered it. It was a bit too exaggerated. How did he hit it? What did he use to hit it? And what were those two loud bangs? All these questions were swirling in people''s heads.


    "Could this be the legendary ''One-Yang Finger''?" Guo Wuchang''s terrified voice arose, slightly trembling. [Note: A skill from Jin Yongs Legend of Condor Heroes]


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong burst intoughter. Damn, this Young Master Guo was impressive. He had only taught him a single phrase and yet he managed to perform so vividly. It was a shame he didn''t pursue acting.


    "Thank you, thank you." Lin Wanrong, his face and hands covered in soot and looking utterly disheveled, walked back into the crowd with a smile.


    "Lin San, how did you hit it? Do you really know the ''One-Yang Finger''?" Zhao Kangning could hardly believe his eyes. The holes on the tree did resemble those caused by a cannon, but a cannon''s power would have been ten, a hundred times greater. And where could Lin San have possibly gotten a cannon? But he remembered his martial arts teacher mentioning a skill called ''One-Yang Finger''could Lin San be a hidden master?


    Lin Wanrong pretended to be mysterious. "Young Prince, you said before that all I needed to do was hit it. As for how I did it, I''m afraid I can''t tell. How would you interpret this contest?"


    In thispetition, although Lin Wanrong also fell off his horse, and looked even more disheveled than the Young Prince, the undeniable fact was that he had hit the target. Lin San always seemed to carry a touch of magic about him. Having already given his word in front of everyone, Zhao Kangning could not deny it now. He bowed to Mei Yanqiu, saying, "I have proven my ipetence. Please forgive me, Teacher."


    Wherever Lin San went, Zhao Kangning always seemed to be on the losing side. He climbed back onto his horse and, turning to Luo Ning, said, "Miss Luo, my feelings for you are as clear as day. When I find the time, I wille to visit you again."


    Having said his piece, he waved his hand, and in the blink of an eye, he and his men had disappeared from everyone''s sight.


    Mei Yanqiu''s face turned pale, her body shaking uncontrobly. In her heart, the prospect of having to work in the fields that day, and the humiliation she would feel in the face of numerous dignitaries and schrs thereafter, was a burden far worse than death.


    Luo Ning softly said, "Brother, I am willing to fulfill my Teacher''s bet on her behalf."


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively and gave a coldugh. "Miss Luo, let us put an end to today''s matter. If a person of Mei Yanqiu''s standing were to work in the fields, it would be an insult to the countless farmers andmon people. I hope you can teach her to remember this."


    Having said his piece, he didn''t linger. With Young Master Guo in tow, he left in the face of everyone''s gaze. Luo Ning watched his retreating figure, a mix of indescribable feelings welled up in her heart. Unconsciously, tears began to brim in her eyes.


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 Chapter 208

    Chapter 208


    Chapter 208 Comfort


    The two of them had walked the entire way in silence. Lin Wanrong hadn''t spoken a single word. Seeing Lin San''s furrowed brow, Guo Wuchang also dared not break the silence.


    When they returned to the Xiao mansion and he came to his small room, Lin Wanrong didn''t even bother to wash his face. He flung himself onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. He felt as if something were lodged in his chest, an unpleasant sensation that he could not shake. Yes, he had thoroughly enjoyed the shouting and the fighting earlier in the day, but aside from that, he found nofort. ''Damn it,'' he thought, ''have I been seeing myself as more noble than I really am?'' He mocked himself with a bitter smile.


    He rummaged in his pocket and pulled out the double-barreled pistol that Xiao Qingxuan had given him. The gun barrel, which had recently been fired, still carried the faint scent of burnt gunpowder. Surprisingly, it smelled slightly pleasant. This western-style pistol was exquisitely crafted, and the one Xiao Qingxuan had given him was truly a masterpiece. Such a firearm was rare even in European royal courts. Given the current technology in Great Hua, manufacturing even arge cannon would pose significant challenges, let alone creating this pistol. Judging by the surprised expression on Prince Zhao Kangning''s face, he hadn''t seen such a gun before. Could Xiao Qingxuan''s status be even more noble than Zhao Kangning''s?


    He pondered this for a while and then toyed with the pistol again. He had used this gun for the first time today and nearly embarrassed himself. He had no confidence in his marksmanship, fearing that he might miss. So, he had fired two shots deliberately. The recoil from the gun was significant. Although the first shot hit the target, the second one was off. This indeed made him feel ashamed. However, seeing the power of the pistol gave him more confidence. No matter what kind of martial arts master he might encounter, in the face of this gun, they were all inferior.


    ''Qingxuan has been very good to me,'' Lin Wanrong finally understood Xiao Qingxuan''s good intentions. With this gun in his hand, he feared no one. He sighed softly, reminiscing about the days he spent with Qingxuan. Although their time together was short, it had left a profound impression. He wondered when he would see her again.


    He didn''t know what was going on today. He felt exceptionally down, and his mind was full of chaotic thoughts. He unknowingly drifted off into sleep while lying on the bed.


    He didn''t know how much time had passed when he was awakened by a soft knock at the door. When Lin Wanrong opened his eyes, the sky waspletely dark. He had slept through the entire day without noticing.


    Shaking his head and chuckling bitterly, Lin Wanrong thought, ''How have I be as sleep-prone as a pig?'' He opened the door, and a soft female voice from outside asked, "Why aren''t you lighting themp?"


    "Because the night is the best time for thinking," Lin Wanrong replied, chuckling as he stepped aside to let the Eldest Miss into the room.


    "You always have a slick tongue," Xiao Yuruo rolled her eyes at him, then she found a match and gently lit the oilmp in the room. The dim light of themp cast a faint glow on her beautiful face and graceful figure, rendering her more charming than ever.


    Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned, then smiled and asked, "Eldest Miss, why have youe?"


    Xiao Yuruo didn''t respond. Seeing the dark marks on his face and hands, she frowned and scolded, "Why don''t you wash yourself? You''re covered in dust and look absolutely unsightly."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head andughed, "I''m tired, I don''t feel like moving at all."


    "Always tired when there''s work to do, I think you''re just finding excuses to bezy," Eldest Miss Xiao shot him a reproachful nce. Rising from her seat, she walked a few steps gracefully and fetched a warm towel for him from outside the room. "Here, clean yourself," she said softly.


    Taking the towel, Lin Wanrong wiped himself in a haphazard manner. Grinning, he said, "Eldest Miss, I am deeply touched by your kind gesture of serving tea and attending to my needs."


    Miss Xiao looked at him and scoffed, "You''re always causing trouble, whether it''s in front of me or others. Today you''ve offended Teacher Mei Yanqiu. You have no idea how influential she is in the capital. We haven''t even made our trip to the capital, and you''ve already managed to provoke someone of her stature."


    Lin Wanrong looked at her and said, "You knew about it?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao nodded, "Cousin Guo had told me the entire situation when he came back. As for the Young Prince, I won''t speak of him. He''s never had good intentions toward the Xiao family, and this isn''t the first time you''ve embarrassed him. But Mei Yanqiu''s disciples are influential figures in the capital. You''ve offended her, and after the New Year, we''ll surely face trouble in the capital. All this mess is because of Luo Ning"


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile of resignation, "What has Miss Luo got to do with this?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao huffed, "If it weren''t for her inviting you, none of this would''ve happened. I think you''re besotted with her. You even deceived me yesterday, saying she wouldn''t go."


    Sweating, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, ''Did I really deceive you? Or did you just not get the hint?'' He shook his head and said, "This has nothing to do with Miss Luo. With my personality, I was bound to sh with Teacher Mei sooner orter."


    Knowing his words rang true, Miss Xiao sighed softly, "Us merchants, we''re seen as less than peasants in the eyes of those nobles. This isn''t about one or two families, it''s the attitude of the entire Great Hua Dynasty. It''s not something that can be changed with a few words from you. You''re usually so clever, why can''t you understand this?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "When I see injustice, I cannot just walk away. If I don''t stand up to it, I feel uneasy."


    Eldest Miss Xiao said pensively, "I''ve been doing business with my mother since I was thirteen or fourteen. We were two women alone, constantly traveling. We faced numerous humiliations and put-downs, too many to count. If we reacted like you, we wouldn''t be alive today."


    Tears glistened in her eyes as she remembered their past hardships, "Can''t you learn to bear it a little? What good will it do to fight back? Did you really win this battle? You might''ve felt good yelling, but you also ruined your own mood. You look so dejected now, nothing like the Lin San I knew. I used to worry about the Xiao family''s affairs, feeling miserable all the time. You told me, whether we''re sad or happy, a day will still be a day. We need to learn to enjoy life. You were the one who advised me, so why are you the one falling into depression now?"


    These words warmed Lin Wanrong''s heart. He looked at Xiao Yuruo and said, "Eldest Miss, I thought you came to scold me, but instead, you''re here tofort me. I''m so moved, I feel like crying."


    Xiao Yuruo''s cheeks flushed as she retorted stubbornly, "What are you grateful for? I''m here to reprimand you. I want to see if you dare offend people recklessly in the future."


    Eldest Miss Xiao was tough in speech but soft at heart, a trait Lin Wanrong understood well. He felt a touch of warmth in his heart and nodded, "Eldest Miss, rest assured. That Teacher Mei will be punished by heaven for her unkindness. Even if she has many rich and powerful disciples, we aren''t pushovers." While saying this, Lin Wanrong''s thoughts oddly drifted to the elegantly dressed middle age man he had met outside the Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, and of course, to Xu Wei, the most powerful man in the current court who was likely hiding somewhere in Jinling. With his current rtionship with Old Man Xu, anyone who wished to harm Lin San or the Xiao family had to think twice.


    "Lin San, the Xiao family has no way out now. You''ve offended so many people, and they will take it out on us. You can''t just wash your hands of it, and you''re not allowed to abandon us. If you do, I won''t forgive you, even as a ghost," Miss Xiao said softly.


    Sweating, Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile, "Eldest Miss, it''s not as serious as you think. The contract I signed with you is only for one year, you can''t hold me responsible for a lifetime."


    "Who wants to depend on you for a lifetime" Eldest Miss Xiao retorted, "All these affairs of my family, good or bad, were caused by you. You are not allowed to go anywhere until you resolve them. If you want that contract, I can sign for ten years, a hundred years for you."


    So she wanted to trick him into renewing the contract. This youngdy was both domineering and cunning. Lin Wanrong chuckled and changed the subject, "Eldest Miss, how is the consolidation of the Tao family''s shops going?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao nodded, "I''ve discussed it with the stewards, and everything is going ording to n. You''ve beenzy today, but you''re not allowed to run off tomorrow, or I''ll dock your sry." As she mentioned docking his sry, she couldn''t help covering her mouth andughing.


    At the mention of sry, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered something and asked, "Eldest Miss, I should be getting a share of the perfume earnings, right?"


    Eldest Miss Xiaoughed, "Don''t worry, how could I forget about you? The profit from our perfume this month is around thirty thousand taels. Your half would be fifteen thousand taels."


    "Better than nothing, I guess. Eldest Miss, are you cooking the books?"


    "I''m so annoyed with you" Miss Xiao huffed in exasperation, flicking her sleeve in a huff. But she identally knocked over the oilmp on the table. With a soft pop, the wick flickered a few times before going outpletely, plunging the room into darkness.


    Eldest Miss Xiao cried out in surprise, thrown off by the sudden darkness.


    "Don''t be afraid," Lin Wanrong gently reassured her, taking her hand, "I''m here."


    There was a long silence from Eldest Miss Xiao in the darkness. Lin Wanrong could hear her breathing, which sounded somewhat irregr. He turned towards her and saw her staring at him, her eyes glimmering like droplets of water in the dark.


    Lin Wanrong was puzzled and quickly asked softly, "Eldest Miss, are you alright?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao shook her head and smiled, "What could possibly be wrong? I''m already used to getting annoyed by you several times a day."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I speak like this because I''m familiar with you. I wouldn''t even bother joking with others."


    "Lin San, you should rest well. I''lle for you early tomorrow, and you''re not allowed to ck off." Eldest Miss Xiao turned her head, pulled open the door, and walked out. As Lin Wanrong was puzzling over this, he saw Eldest Miss Xiao turn back and say, "I almost forgot. This letter was delivered to our residence this afternoon. It''s addressed to you."


    She took an envelope from her bosom and handed it to Lin Wanrong. Lin Wanrong asked in surprise, "A letter for me? Who wrote it? I don''t have many friends in Jinling."


    "You''ll know when you read it," replied Eldest Miss Xiao.


    The room was too dark, and after much fumbling, Lin Wanrong managed to light the oilmp. When he looked outside, Eldest Miss Xiao was already gone without a trace.


    He took out a sheet of paper from the envelope. It was a small piece of white paper, with two lines of small characters written on it: "I appreciate your honesty and integrity, and I shall repay it with a token of my gratitude."


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 Chapter 209

    Chapter 209


    Chapter 209 Fallen Ill


    Honest? Someone had actually called him honest; now that was unusual. Lin Wanrong was so amused he wanted tough. He nced at the note several times, front and back. It bore neither a salutation nor a signature, leaving him uncertain of the author. The only thing he was sure about was that it was a woman''s handwriting.


    He knew only a few women in Jinling City, and even fewer who would send him such a note. After giving it some thought, an idea urred to him. Could it be her? He chuckled at the thought, finding it all rather interesting.


    The next morning, Xiao Yuruo indeed arrived early to call on him. The two discussed with the stewards about how to expand after taking over the Tao family''s shop.


    The Tao family''s cloth shop was only slightly smaller than the Xiao family''s, and with this acquisition, the scale of the Xiao family''s business had significantly improved. It was now an unrivaled giant in Great Hua. Of course, the profits from the silk and satin business were shrinking, and at this stage, it was no longer the Xiao family''s focus. The booming business of perfumes and soaps filled everyone from Madam Xiao and her daughters to the various servants of the Xiao family with confidence about their future.


    The perfume and soap business was practically a monopoly. Due to the limitations in supply, it was currently only operated in the nearby provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui. Once production caught up next year, it would rapidly expand to over a dozen provinces nationwide, which would present an even grander spectacle. Under these circumstances, the Eldest Miss was increasingly looking forward to her uing trip to the capital. She had mentioned it several times to Lin Wanrong. She nned to set off for the capital on the third day of the Lunar New Year.


    Lin Wanrong naturally had no objections. His only concern was his beloved Qiaoqiao.


    When Dong Qingshan arrived, Lin Wanrong had just finished discussing business with the Eldest Miss and her associates. Qingshan excitedly grabbed his arm and said, "Big brother, we have acquired the restaurant by the Qinhuai River."


    Would this even be a question? You guys are practically underworld figures. Who could possibly outdo you? Lin Wanrong nodded and asked, "Any trouble?"


    Qingshan replied, "A bit of a hassle. The owner somehow got connected with Cheng Ruinian. When we arrived, he was still quite arrogant, boasting about how powerful Commander Cheng and the ck Dragon Society are. But after Beidou lost his temper and broke his leg with a stool, the guy was scared out of his wits. He didn''t dare make a sound and just packed up and left."


    That''s just how the underworld operates. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "You guys need to keep a close eye on the ck Dragon Society and Wu Zhenghu these few days. It''s the end of the year; times are tough. Everyone''s hoping to make a big score for the New Year."


    Dong Qingshan hummed, "Who gets to score is still uncertain."


    Lin Wanrong asked, "Where is Little Luo? Is his father at home these days? I need to discuss some things with Old Luo."


    Dong Qingshan replied, "Little Luo probably won''t be able to make it today. Miss Luo seemed to have had some trouble yesterday. She cried for a long time when she got home, and no one could console her. Later, she came down with a high fever and kept talking nonsense. By dawn, she still hadn''t regained consciousness. As it happens, Old Luo has been away from home these few days. Little Luo is staying home to look after Miss Luo."


    Lin Wanrong was startled, "What happened to Miss Luo? Wasn''t she just fine yesterday? How did she fall ill so suddenly?"


    Dong Qingshan said, "Little Luo sent someone to deliver the message this morning, but didn''t rify the details. I also don''t know what happened. However, judging by the anxious expressions of his family, her illness must be quite serious. By the way, big brother, didn''t you go out with Miss Luo yesterday? What exactly happened? Miss Luo is such a cheerful person, how could she be like this?"


    Thinking back to Luo Ning''s demeanor yesterday, Lin Wanrong knew that her concern for him wasn''t faked, and her respect for her teacher was genuine too. Perhaps it was the old woman surnamed Mei who had med her. She was caught between him and her teacher, which made it understandable for her to be troubled. Thinking of this, Lin Wanrong sighed, "It might be rted to her teacher, I can''t really say."


    Dong Qingshan said, "Miss Luo is such a good person. If I knew who had bullied her, I would not let the bastard off. I would beat him until he was searching for his teeth."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "I would join you in beating him up. Ah, howe we haven''t seen Old Luo for so many days?"


    Dong Qingshan hummed in agreement, "Little Luo also hasn''t seen Old Luo for several days. But ording to him, Old Luo often does this. After all, he is such a high-ranking official, it is natural for him to be busy. Even our Hung Hing gang, with nearly a thousand brothers who need to eat, drink, and have fun every day, keeps me and Little Luo busy. Let alone Old Luo who is the head of the province, with countless subordinates, clerks, and servants under his hand, all living on the government''s provisions. He has to manage so many people''s daily food, drink, gambling, and opium needs, it''s even harder."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, Dong Qingshan was quite insightful despite his rough speech. He thought of Luo Ning''s illness, and found it odd. She was such a vibrant beauty yesterday, how could she fall ill so suddenly?


    He had a good rtionship with Luo Ning, and should have visited her right away, but he was worried about meeting that annoying olddy Mei at the Luo mansion, which would put Luo Ning in an awkward position.


    After some hesitation, Lin Wanrong asked Qingshan, "Has Qiaoqiao visited Miss Luo?"


    Qingshan shook his head, "When Little Luo sent the message this morning, your wife had already gone to the new restaurant at Confucius Temple to arrange the decoration. However, if she knew about it, she would definitely rush over immediately."


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "Qingshan, go to Little Luo''s house for me and find out if that teacher named Mei is staying there."


    "Alright, I will go immediately. Big brother, do you have a disagreement with that olddy Mei?" Qingshan asked as he nodded.


    Lin Wanrong gave a helpless smile, "It''s a long story. Just go and find out. Also, tell Little Luo to take good care of his sister. I''ll visit Miss Luoter."


    Watching Qingshan''s retreating figure, Lin Wanrong sighed lightly. Although Luo Ning''s ideas were sometimes impractical, she was truly a girl with aspirations. This girl, she wouldn''t have fallen ill because of what happened yesterday, would she? If so, it would indeed be his fault.


    Old Luo had vanished into thin air and for several days, no one could find him. Lin Wanrong''s days in Jinling were numbered, every day spent there shortened the remaining time. If he couldn''t resolve the matter concerning Cheng De, it would leave behind a lingering threat to Qiaoqiao and the Dong family. This was a scenario that Lin Wanrong couldn''t bear to imagine.


    His heart raced with anxiety. The elusive old Xu Wei had also disappeared, and there was no news about the eradication of the White Lotus rebellion. The Jiangsu bureaucracy remained silent as well. What exactly was going on behind the scenes?


    Lin Wanrong was so fraught that he kicked a pebble into theke in the garden, stirring up ripples. A soft chuckle, followed by a delightful voice, reached his ears. "Second Miss, I''m d to see you finally emerged," Lin Wanrong greeted, a hint of joy spreading across his face upon seeing her youthful, slightly shy countenance. Xiao Yushuang had sequestered herself in the prayer room for several days, insisting on maintaining a pious mindset undisturbed by anyone for the final days of her prayer. Hence, it had been quite a while since hest saw her. Seeing her smiling face suddenly was indeed a delight.


    Xiao Yushuang pouted, "I''ve been standing next to you for quite a while, and you didn''t even nce at me. Were you thinking about someone else?"


    His heart raced. Indeed, he had been thinking about Luo Ning. It seemed that the tender Yushuang was following her elder sister''s footsteps. "Who else would I be thinking about?" Lin Wanrong chuckled without batting an eyelid, "I was worried because I hadn''t seen Yushuang in a few days and missed you terribly."


    "Really?" Xiao Yushuang''s face lit up with joy, her eyes twinkling as she bashfully asked, "Then why didn''t youe to see me these past few days?"


    Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat off his forehead. Girls her age were the easiest to please. Seeing no one around, he stealthily held her small hand, "I wanted to see you every day, but your sister told me that for thest few days of your prayers, you mustn''t be disturbed in order to keep your mind pure. After much contemtion, I finally managed to resist the urge to visit."


    Blushing furiously at his words, she responded shyly, "When others visit me, of course it''s a distraction, but if you visited, I would be happy. You bad man, you must have found someone else, that''s why you forgot about me"


    Startled by her directness, Lin Wanrong thought that she must''ve been reading romance novels in her room again. Xiao Yushuang gave him a profound look, "You naughty man, I don''t know what''s so charming about you. When I was in the prayer room, I thought about you every day, and it was unbearable. Even if you didn''t think about me, I was always thinking about you."


    He was amazed at how her words had be so enchanting. Lin Wanrong, slightly taken aback, tentatively asked, "Second Miss, what did you mean when you said I might have found someone else?"


    Xiao Yushuang hummed in affirmation, "You''re very naughty, tormenting me like that. Who knows if you''ve done the same to others? If you have, doesn''t that mean you have someone else?"


    Lin Wanrong was sweating profusely. This child''s logic was so simple, yet quite practical. Second Miss leaned her head on his shoulder, saying, "Sister said that you men are always plotting to take advantage of us women and that I should guard against you. But there is no one I would rather guard against less than you. Even if you have someone else, I think of you every day, I pray for you every day. Mother said that a woman''s first time is the most precious and that one must remain faithful to her first love. Given what has transpired between us, who else could I follow if not you?"


    What exactly transpired between us, Lin Wanrong screamed inwardly. They had just kissed, held hands, and swatted each other''s rear ends. They were still far from "that." However, seeing her blushing little face, he couldn''t bring himself to utter such brutal wordsall he could do was to transform them into actions.


    He gently pulled Second Miss''s slender waist towards him. Xiao Yushuang let out a soft yelp as she nestled her feverish body against his.


    Lin Wanrong kissed her little earlobe gently, about to take it further, when suddenly San De came running towards them, shouting from a distance, "Brother San, Brother San, the governor is summoning you"


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 Chapter 210

    Chapter 210


    Chapter 210 Cut Him Down


    Was Luo Min looking for him? The old man always seemed to appear and disappear at will. When Lin Wanrong needed to find him, he was nowhere to be found, and when he wanted to see Lin Wanrong, he would show up immediately. It was rather queer indeed.


    The Second Miss had just met with him and they were enjoying their conversation. Seeing him about to leave, she hastily gripped the sleeve of his robe, a hint of reluctance in her heart. Dismissing Si De, Lin Wanrong whispered into Yushuang''s ear, "Don''t worry, we''ll continue our conversation once I''ve finished discussing matters."


    "Continue what with you?" the Second Miss replied, her face blushing, "I just wanted to talk with you. You always think of mischief, no wonder my elder sister said you''re the worst man, she was absolutely right, hehe."


    After exchanging a few words with the lively and adorable Yushuang, Lin Wanrong felt much better. However, upon entering the great hall, he was met with Gao Shou, the elder brother of Gao Qiu.


    Lin Wanrong saluted, "Brother Gao, it''s been a while. What wind blew you here today?"


    Gao Shou returned the salute with a smile, "Young Master Lin is too kind. I''m here by the governor''s order to discuss some affairs."


    Old Luo wanted to discuss affairs with me? Damn, I was just about to look for him. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "You could have just sent a bailiff to invite me, there was no need to trouble Brother Gao with this." The Gao brothers, Gao Qiu and Gao Shou, used to be the Emperor''s personal bodyguards. Compared to the bailiffs, their status was unquestionably of a different caliber.


    Gao Shou just smiled and didn''t say anything. Leaving with him, Gao Shou had already prepared horses. They mounted up and headed directly for the outskirts of the city.


    Lin Wanrong was surprised, "Brother Gao, isn''t the governor in the residence? Why are we heading out of the city?"


    Gao Shou replied, "The governor has been busy with public affairs and hasn''t been in the residence for several days."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Does the governor know that Miss Luo is ill?"


    Gao Shou was shocked, "Ill? How could Miss Luo fall ill? Where did you hear this from? The governor doesn''t know about it."


    Lin Wanrong sighed. Old Luo truly was a workaholic; he didn''t even know his own children were ill. It made him wonder whether Luo Yuan and Luo Ning should beughing or crying to have such a father.


    They traveled a considerable distance from the city. If hispany hadn''t been Old Luo''s trusted Gao Shou, Lin Wanrong might have suspected someone was taking him to a remote ce to silence him permanently. After about half an hour, they finally arrived at the foot of a mountain. The mountain was steep and difficult to climb, yet teeming with lush, verdant pines and cypresses, and brimming with chattering animals and birds. A small stream gurgled nearby, showing no signs of the impending harsh winter.


    Old Luo had chosen a nice ce, surrounded by beautiful mountains and rivers, a fitting ce to rest one''s loyal bones. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Brother Gao, what is the Governor doing here? Could he be emting the hermit of Taoyuan, perhaps taking up fishing and farming?"


    Gao Shouughed, "Your words are indeed amusing, Young Master Lin. If he truly could live secluded from the world here, it would indeed be a delightful thing. But I''m afraid the Governorcks the time for such a leisurely pursuit."


    A chill went through Lin Wanrong''s heart. ording to Gao Shou, Old Luo was not living in seclusion here, but rather hiding away from prying eyes. Was he nning something major? Thinking about major ns, he felt a spark of excitement. What else could Luo Min''s major ns involve, but the removal of Cheng De and the eradication of the White Lotus?


    Gao Shou led Lin Wanrong straight up the steep cliff. Thanks to Lin Wanrong''s skilled martial arts, he managed to ascend without much difficulty. Upon reaching the hillside, they were met with numerous strong men, dressed and ready for action, numbering about a hundred or so. Their eyes were sharp, and at a nce, it was clear that their martial arts skills were not to be underestimated.


    They were patrolling various critical points. Seeing Gao Shou return, they all nodded slightly to him but said nothing. Looking at these men''s demeanor, Lin Wanrong ventured a guess, "Brother Gao, these brothers share the same extraordinary aura and dignified appearance as you. Could they also be skilled masters from the pce?"


    This hidden ttery was pleasing to Gao Shou''s ears, heughed, "Young Master Lin has sharp eyes. Since you''ve noticed, I won''t hide it. These are my subordinates from my time in the pce. This time, they''ve followed a significant figure to Jinling."


    A significant figure? Pce guards? Could it be the Emperor? Lin Wanrong was taken aback. However, he quickly dismissed this idea. If it were the Emperor himself, it wouldn''t be possible for there to be no stir, and he certainly wouldn''t be staying on this weather-exposed hillside. Gao Shou must be referring to Xu Wei. Xu Wei was the first minister of the current court, and the importance of security during this trip to the south was paramount. Luo Min must have been here discussing matters with Xu Wei these past few days.


    Lin Wanrong followed Gao Shou down the hillside and saw several neat little houses in front of him. Luo Min, his stomach protruding, walked out of one of the houses, grinning, "Young Master Lin, I apologize for not greeting you further away. This ce is humble and you''ve traveled far, I hope you won''t take offense."


    Damn, this old man''s official rhetoric was full of hypocrisy. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Not at all, Governor Luo, you dwell in a humble abode while worrying about the world, truly an exemry model for us younger generations."


    After exchanging a round of mutual disdain, Luo Min weed Lin Wanrong into the house. The interior was simply furnished, only a few tables and chairs. Lin Wanrong asked curiously, "So, Governor, you''ve been living here these past few days? It''s indeed very modest."


    Luo Min sighed, "I have no choice. To perform my duties for the court, I must devote myself fully, even unto death. The Emperor has entrusted me with many tasks, and I fear that the slightest oversight could lead to errors, so I''ve had to find a ce with fewer distractions. This location, with its clear mountains and water, is suitable for burying my old bones."


    Old Luo had a knack for boasting loyalty. Lin Wanrongughed, "I wonder why Governor Luo summoned me here. What tasks do you have for me?"


    Luo Min replied, "I wouldn''t dare to give you tasks. I wanted to discuss some matters with you." He smiled mysteriously, "A few days ago, I was reunited with an old friend. He spoke highly of you, praising your graceful demeanor and extraordinary talents and foresight. He said you''re destined to be a dragon among men, and advised me to form a good rtionship with you. Do you know who he is?"


    "Oh? Truly, such a matter exists? Yet I do not know which esteemed personage holds me in such high regard. I am truly humbled, truly humbled," Lin Wanrong feigned ignorance.


    Luo Min gave a slight smile. "Young Master Lin, there is no need for us to talk in riddles. Over the past few days, Master Xu Wei and I have been living reclusively here, discussing matters of great importance. Would you be interested in hearing about it?"


    "So it was Master Xu, my sincere apologies." Lin Wanrongughed. "What matter of great importance does he wish to discuss with me? I am but a minor character, hearing such matters, wouldn''t he consider silencing me? Haha, perhaps it would be better not to listen."


    "Young Master Lin, you jest," Luo Min chuckled. "You are a man protected by many of the nobility, who would dare to oppose you?"


    With that, he pulled back a curtain on the wall to reveal a military map.


    Although crudely drawn, the map clearly marked mountains, rivers, and the distances between locations. Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Had Old Luo and Xu Wei, two schrs, been studying a military map all these days? Could they understand such a thing, being civil officials, not military generals?


    Seeing through his thoughts, Luo Min smiled, "Mr. Wenchang is well-versed in both the pen and the sword, he personally drew this map. In the past few days, he has gathered several generals to study this map, seeking strategies to annihte the enemy. I have been here apanying them."


    This confirmed Lin Wanrong''s guess; Xu Wei had indeed been discussing this matter with Old Luo these past days.


    Luo Min sighed. "Young Master Lin, you are no outsider. When Mr. Wenchang left today, he said that there was no need to hide anything from you. The White Lotus bandits are bing increasingly rampant, posing a great threat to our Great Hua. It hase to the point where they must be eradicated. I believe you must understand that there must be a significant figure backing the White Lotus cult for it to persist despite prohibitions. Furthermore, this figure is not simple. Apart from the White Lotus, ording to our knowledge, he has connections with the northern barbarians."


    "Barbarians?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. This was bing more serious. It was one thing to cause internal strife, but colluding with foreign enemies was a death sentence.


    Luo Min nodded solemnly. "Indeed. The barbarians will rise again next spring, and at the same time, there will be the White Lotus causing chaos from within. Under the attack from both sides, not to mention our state, even our Hua nationality is in peril. The schemer behind this is truly cunning and malevolent. For his own gain, he not only disrupts the court but also leads the wolf into the house, disregarding our people. We, the sons of Hua, must exterminate such treachery."


    Lin Wanrong remained silent. Such matters weremon in history books, so he was not surprised.


    "The root of the White Lotus disaster must be eradicated," Luo Min dered, raising his hand firmly. "This winter, in the next few days, the infantry and cavalry in Shandong and Zhejiang will act in concert, led by Master Xu, determined to annihte the White Lotus once and for all. Only by eliminating the internal threats can we resist the external invasions."


    Luo Min revealed both the time and the map to Lin Wanrong, clearly treating him as an insider. Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "Governor Luo, I don''t doubt your and Mr. Xu''s determination at all. But there is one thing I''d like to ask. Why are the soldiers from Jiangsu not mobilized, but instead, troops from the distant Zhejiang are called upon? I am genuinely perplexed."


    Luo Min gave a bitter smile. "Young Master Lin, do not mock this old man. Aren''t you aware why we are not mobilizing the troops from Jiangsu? Cheng De hasmitted countless crimes, but I can''t seem to topple him. It speaks to my ipetence, I have orders I cannot execute, troops I cannot mobilize. I have truly let down the Emperor and the good people of Jiangsu."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Governor Luo, you''re being too modest. In my opinion, bringing down Cheng De is not so difficult a task. In fact, there is a great opportunity right now."


    Luo Min quickly urged, "Please, Young Master, do tell."


    Lin Wanrong asked, "Governor Luo, you''ve been at odds with Cheng De for years. Do you have any evidence of his corruption and misconduct?"


    Naturally," replied Luo Min. "If it wasn''t for some people in the court covering for him, I would''ve brought him down long ago."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, a glint of cold light shing in his eyes. "No matter if you can''t impeach him, you can directly cut him down."


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 Chapter 211

    Chapter 211


    Chapter 211 The Deceivers and The Righteous


    "Bring him down? How do we bring him down? Surely you''re not suggesting that we should follow Cheng De''s footsteps and ally with those high-seas pirates?" A spark of surprise shed in Luo Min''s eyes as he chuckled.


    "If toppling Cheng De requires allying with these high-seas pirates, then I see no problem in doing so," Lin Wanrongughed, ncing at Luo Min. "Governor Luo, Cheng De hasmitted numerous atrocities, why haven''t you managed to bring him down yet? Logically speaking, even if there are people behind Cheng De, there is an Emperor standing behind you. Regardless of how powerful his backer may be, it could never surpass the Emperor. On the day of the old madam''s birthday, the Emperor personally gifted a que and arranged numerous pce guards to protect your safety. From what I see, the Emperor greatly values you. So why does he remain indifferent despite the corrupt official whom he values so highly is being constantly reported?"


    A gleam shed in Luo Min''s eyes, he said, "Young Master Lin indeed has extraordinary insights. To be honest, Mr. Xu also mentioned the reason behind this to me, although it was quite vague. He even specifically mentioned your name, indicating that Mr. Wenchang had known that you could alleviate my worries. Please, do continue."


    Damn, I wondered why Luo Min, this old fox, hastily summoned me. So it turned out Xu Wei had given him some tips. Xu Wei must have things he can''t say outright, and that''s why he asked me to convey the message. This old man is quite cunning.


    Lin Wanrong said, "In that case, have you ever carefully considered the reason behind this, Governor Luo?"


    Luo Min sighed, "As officials, how could we not fathom the Emperor''s will? Cheng De''s corruption and disregard forw are indisputable. Yet, the Emperor pretends not to see it. It''s not just me, but many of my peers find it strange too. A few years ago, when the Emperor''s power was not yet solidified and the time was not ripe, it made sense not to move against Cheng De. But now, the Emperor is no longer fearful of Cheng De''s master. It is the time to cripple him, yet the Emperor doesn''t take any action. What''s more, Cheng De colludes with the White Lotus cult, threatening the foundation of our Great Hua. If he is not dealt with, it is truly indefensible."


    Lin Wanrong paced a few steps, suddenly turned and said, "Governor Luo, I don''t think it''s because the Emperor is not anxious. This country is his, he cares about it more than anyone else. How could he possibly tolerate the threat posed by Cheng De? We are gued by domestic traitors and foreign enemies. From what I see, it''s not that the Emperor is not anxious, he is more anxious than you are."


    Luo Min''s eyebrows knitted in surprise, "More anxious than me?" He hurriedly paced two steps, deeply pondering for a moment. His face suddenly brightened, turning around, he said, "I understand now. Young Master Lin, just as you said, the Emperor is not neglecting this matter, instead, he wants to deal with Cheng De more than anyone else. But to take down Cheng De is not the work of a day, my method of reporting is slow to take effect. Dragging on like this is harmful to the court. That''s why the Emperor has been dragging " Excitement shed in Luo Min''s eyes, " He wants me to strike a decisive blow."


    "So he neither takes action against Cheng De nor stops praising you. His aim is to encourage you to continue your efforts," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "If I''m not wrong, the more ruthless your methods, the more the Emperor will like it. He would probablyugh in his dreams if you could solve Cheng De in one go."


    "The more ruthless, the more he likes it? The Emperor wants me to kill" Luo Min suddenly pped his forehead. "I understand now, no wonder Mr. Xu was reluctant to speak inly to me."


    Luo Min gave a formal bow to Lin Wanrong. "Young Master Lin, your words have truly awakened me from my dream. I''m deeply in awe. If you were to join the court, you''d surely rise rapidly. Your ascension to bing a king or a high-ranking official is just around the corner."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I have no interest in being an official. As long as I have money to spend my whole life and live peacefully, I''ll be content."


    Luo Min nodded, "Young Master Lin, your ambition is lofty. I fall short indeed. But, could you please teach me how to deal with Cheng De?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "What did Mr. Xu Wei bring with him when he came to Jinling this time?"


    "Imperial edicts, gold medallions, and military tokens," Luo Min replied.


    "Mr. Xu has some things he''s not at liberty to say. Actually, these items should be enough to deal with Cheng De," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Mr. Xu has been moving the troops from Zhejiang and Shandong. He holds heavy troops in his hands and has the golden medallion. As long as Governor Luo can provide the evidence of the crimes, Mr. Xu will directly take Cheng De. Even if Cheng De controls the Jiangsu Infantry and Cavalry camp, what about it? If he dares to resist, there''s no need for excuses, just wipe him out."


    "What if he doesn''t resist?" Luo Min asked hurriedly.


    "Not resist?" Lin Wanrong gave a sinister smile, "Governor Luo, can''t you think of a way to provoke him into resisting? Tell me, what''s the one thing the Emperor abhors most?"


    "Of course, it''s rebellion," Luo Min said.


    "That''s correct," Lin Wanrong pped his hands, "Cheng De, as the Commander-in-Chief of Jiangsu, must have arge residence, right? I see that you have numerous extraordinary people under yourmand, Governor Luo. Perhaps if you look around his backyard, you might find some interesting items like golden knives or jade seals. Military men, in control of (the symbol of) military power, would always draw suspicion. If such a thing were to happen, would Cheng De let you take him, or would he fight back desperately?"


    Luo Min took a sharp intake of breath. This Young Master Lin, who hasn''t even joined the bureaucracy, was ying a deeper game than him.


    "Cheng De doesn''t have many soldiers, and his military strength is weak. If we use him of rebellion, I''m afraid no one in the court will believe it," Luo Min frowned, "Moreover, how do we exin it to the Ministry of Justice and the court if we really kill him?"


    Lin Wanrong said, "Governor Luo, whether they believe it or not is one thing, but what needs to be done must be done. You now understand why Mr. Xu can''t speak inly to you, don''t you? I think he must also have a message for you"


    "What message?" Luo Min asked urgently.


    Lin Wanrong said, "I think when he deals with Cheng De, he definitely wants him dead, not alive" He nced at Luo Min, changed the tone of his voice, and chuckled, "Governor Luo, I''m just saying this casually. Just listen and let it go, don''t take it to heart."


    Luo Min''s eyes narrowed as he smiled, "I naturally understand that. But, if Cheng De were to be dealt with on the spot, how am I supposed to exin it to the Ministry of Justice?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Once a person dies, everything ends. Whether he really rebelled or whether anyone believes it bes insignificant. Besides, didn''t you ''find'' certain things in his house? You also have evidence of his corruption andwbreaking."


    Luo Min shook his head, "Young Master Lin, you underestimate his master''s determination. If Cheng De dies, his master will not let things rest."


    Suddenly, Lin Wanrong asked, "Governor Luo, what''s your opinion on the Emperor''s favor towards you?"


    The question seemed toe from nowhere, and Luo Min was momentarily taken aback. Yet, being a seasoned official, he quickly grasped the implications of the question. Sweat trickled down his forehead, and his face turned pale. He remained silent for a while before finally nodding, "Young Master, I understand."


    Lin Wanrong took a breath, "Governor Luo, it may not be as pessimistic as you imagine. You hold evidence of Cheng De''s corruption andwbreaking. There''s also ''evidence'' of his rebellion. Even if you step slightly out of line, it''s not a big deal. The crime is not a capital one; at most, you''ll lose your official title. However, consider this, who would be the happiest if you aplish this deed, disregarding the benefits to the people? Of course, it''s the person backing you. Even if you were temporarily dismissed due to circumstances, your position in his eyes would be anything but ordinary."


    He sighed softly, "Of course, these are all my spections, which could be very naive. Having been in the court for a long time, you naturally understand the ins and outs better than me. Take my words as a reference, and don''t take them to heart."


    Although these were Lin Wanrong''s conjectures, such stories had been acted out countless times in novels and on TV. It was not too difficult for him to guess the gist. Luo Min, an old hand at bureaucratic affairs, naturally understood this very well. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.


    "Thank you, Young Master Lin, for your guidance." Luo Min sighed, a determined look in his eyes, "I know what I must do."


    Seeing Luo Min''s enthusiasm, Lin Wanrong felt a bit guilty. His previous words were somewhat self-serving. However, Cheng De''s collusion with the White Lotus cult was undoubtedly true, and by dealing with him, they were indeed doing a good deed for the people of Jiangsu.


    "Governor Luo, perhaps you should consult Mr. Xu again." Lin Wanrong said earnestly.


    Luo Minughed heartily, "I''ve already consulted Mr. Wenchang. Although he didn''t say it outright, I could guess part of his meaning from his words. The Emperor has shown me tremendous grace, bestowedvish gifts upon me, and protected my family. Even at the cost of my life, I must fulfill his task. Moreover, removing Cheng De is for the welfare of the people. Although I, Luo Min, am somewhat cunning, I believe I have some sense of loyalty and righteousness, and it is right to do things for the benefit of the people."


    Seeing the rity and righteousness in his eyes, Lin Wanrong thought to himself that he had indeed underestimated Luo Min in the past. The old man did have some backbone. He chuckled, "Governor Luo, though you are somewhat crafty in your official dealings, you are still a good official."


    Luo Minughed heartily, "Young Master Lin, I love hearing you say that. How can an official not be crafty? The better the official, the more cunning they must be. As for you, Young Master Lin, with such great learning and meticulous thinking, if you were to enter the world of officialdom, you would certainly be a sight to behold."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Why would I be an official, to turn into a crafty man? I''m already crafty enough. But, like Governor Luo, although I am crafty, I am also a good man."


    The two men looked at each other, feeling a sense of camaraderie, and suddenly burst intoughter.


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 Chapter 212

    Chapter 212


    Chapter 212 The Visit


    Having left Luo Min''s ce, it was already gettingte. Suddenly, Lin Wanrong remembered that he hadn''t yet informed Old Luo about Luo Ning''s illness. The old man, in these past few days, was so busy discussing important matters with Xu Wei that he certainly didn''t have time to take care of domestic affairs. With this thought, he turned to Gao Shou, who was escorting him down the mountain, "Brother Gao, could you please convey the news of Miss Luo''s sickness to Governor Luo, and see how he intends to handle it?"


    Gao Shou nodded, "Naturally. But given what I know of Governor Luo, he probably won''t leave here so readily at such a critical time."


    As a close aide of Luo Min, Gao Shou was naturally in the know about his affairs. Old Luo, cunning in appearance but upright at heart, would surely not allow family matters to hinder state affairs. Lin Wanrong sighed, feeling a bit sympathetic for Luo Ning and her sibling. Having such a father might not necessarily be a blessing.


    "By the way, why didn''t I see Brother Gao Qiu?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "Oh, he followed Master Xu early this morning to coordinate military affairs between the two regions," Gao Shou replied, not concealing anything, knowing the rtionship between Lin Wanrong, Xu Wei, and Luo Min.


    Xu Wei didn''t have it easy either, already in his fifties or sixties, recently took Su Qinglian as his concubine, had barely spent any romantic time with her, and probably hadn''t had many wedding nights before he was rushing around again. Being an official was truly troublesome, it was better to be a simplemoner like himself.


    After the conversation with Luo Min, Lin Wanrong felt at ease. Moved by Old Luo''s integrity, he wished to do something for him. Never mind then, if you old man have no time to care for your own daughter, I will go and visit on your behalf.


    As soon as the thought urred, he turned his horse around and headed directly to the Governor''s residence. The sky was dark, and the Luo mansion was quiet. Just as Lin Wanrong was about to enter, he suddenly remembered Teacher Mei, unsure if she was also residing in the Luo mansion. If he were to enter rashly, wouldn''t it cause more trouble for Luo Ning? As he hesitated at the gate, a small sedan stopped at the mansion''s entrance. A few maids and old women helped an elderlydy out. It was none other than Luo Min''s mother - Old Madam Luo.


    On the day of her birthday, Lin Wanrong had been especially ttering towards her, even gifting her a diamond and Xu Wei''s "Returning Home in Wind and Snow". His couplets were unrivaled, so even if the olddy was dazzled she could still recognize him. Seeing him lingering at the gate, she waved from a distance, "Isn''t that Young Master Lin? Come here, let''s chat."


    Lin Wanrong dismounted and approached, giving his greetings, "Lin San greets Old Madam."


    Old Madam Luo looked him up and down, nodded with a smile, "Good, good, has Young Master Lin been well these days?"


    Lin Wanrong responded with a smile, "Thanks to your blessings, Old Madam, I eat well, sleep well, and y well."


    Old Madam chuckled, "Young Master Lin is truly eloquent, and so talented. I wonder which fortunate girl is promised to you."


    "Old Madam, you''re joking. I''m just a small servant in the Xiao family, without wealth or power, no youngdy would look favorably upon me," Lin Wanrong humbly replied.


    Old Madam Luo shook her head, saying, "Young Master Lin, a hero doesn''t fear humble beginnings, you must not underestimate yourself. My ancestor was once a mere cowherd, but he followed the Founding Emperor in battles to conquer the world, eventually being conferred as Marquis. You are young now, as long as you''re willing to work hard, sess is only a matter of time."


    "You are the descendant of a noble family, Old Madam. My apologies for my ignorance." Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise. No wonder the olddy seemed so distinguished and poised, she was a descendant of a founding general. Luo Min, the fat old man, surprisingly had such a glorious ancestor.


    The olddy took his hand and said, "All of that is due to the grace of my ancestor, I merely bask in his glory."


    Seeing the maids carrying incense burners and Buddhist scriptures by her side, Lin Wanrong curiously asked, "Old Madam, where were you from?"


    Old Madam Luo sighed, "It''s all because of my poor Ning. I don''t know what kind of grievance she suffered yesterday, but she came home weeping bitterly. I tried to ask her about it, but she wouldn''t talk. I don''t know who the damned person is who made my Ning so sad, if I find him, I''ll make him pay."


    Despite the olddy''s aggressive words, Lin Wanrong felt a strangefort. Hecked nothing at the moment, but he was missing this kind of familial affection, like that of a doting grandmother.


    "Ning is very heartbroken. She started talking deliriously in her fever. The siblings lost their mother when they were young, and I, this old woman, personally raised them. Especially Ning, she has always been strong since childhood. She not only had to take care of her brother, but also me, a lonely old woman. She also had to study hard. She has truly suffered a lot. Yesterday, when she fell ill like that, it was heartbreaking for me to see. I woke up early today, went to the temple, and prayed all day to the Bodhisattva to bless my little Ning to recover soon." The olddy wiped away two tears.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Old Madam, may I ask you something? Miss Luo has a mentor named Mei Yanqiu, does she also live in your mansion?"


    The olddy snorted, "That Mei is Ning''s childhood teacher. Unlike other schrs who grow in wisdom with age, this Mei is going the opposite direction. Over the years, she''s been acting more and more out of line, neglecting schrship, busy recruiting rich students, but making no progress in her learning. In my view, she falls far shortpared to you, Young Master Lin. How could she live in my mansion?"


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, It''s quite normal for a teacher to build connections and attract funding for projects. It''s just unfortunate that this Teacher Mei has touched my sore spot. If I don''t deal with you, I would not be doing justice to my burning heart.


    "Young Master Lin, I''ve noticed that Ning is fond of you and treats you quite differently. Please go see her andfort her. I, as her grandmother, am just wishing for my dear girl to get better soon." The olddy grabbed Lin Wanrong''s sleeve without any further ado and walked into the mansion, her steps filled with urgency.


    Lin Wanrong felt a sense of admiration in his heart. While Luo Ning''s father might not be up to par, her grandmother was an object of envy. Every loss has itspensation; this girl hadn''t been treated unfairly after all.


    As the elderlydy walked a few steps ahead, Old Madame Luo pointed to a small building aglow with dim lights and said, "That is Ning''s boudoir, Young Master Lin, you should go up and see her."


    The boudoir of a maiden, can I simply waltz in? Lin Wanrong hesitated for a moment. Turning around, he found the olddy had already walked off into the distance. Wasn''t she a maiden once, too, not taking such things into ount? To go or not to go, Lin Wanrong loitered beneath the building for a while, finally gritting his teeth and dering, "Hesitation isn''t my style, it''s just entering a girl''s room. What''s there to fear? If I want to go in, I need to do it confidently and admire my bravery."


    With a mischievous chuckle, he climbed the stairs, just about to push the door, when, with a squeak, the door was opened from within, and a beautiful figure emerged from the room.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment and called out, "Qiaoqiao"


    Upon lifting her head and seeing that familiar face, Dong Qiaoqiao couldn''t help but exim with joy, "Big brother, why are you here too"


    Lin Wanrong pointed to the room and whispered, "Is Miss Luo inside? Did you rush over to take care of her?"


    Qiaoqiao nodded and gently replied, "She just drank some medicine and fell asleep. Sister Ning treats me like her own sibling; it''s only right for me to take care of her. Big brother, did youe to see Sister Ning?"


    The bond between these two girls is truly remarkable, Lin Wanrong thought, taking Qiaoqiao''s hand and smiling, "What else do you think I came for? How is Miss Luo''s condition? Has she improved at all?"


    Qiaoqiao sat next to him, shaking her head with a sigh, "There''s no improvement, the doctor says she''s suffering from an anxiety disorder, and that she needs rest and recovery."


    "Anxiety disorder?" Lin Wanrong furrowed his brows. "Then let her rest properly. The poetry event and suchborious tasks should be delegated to others."


    Qiaoqiao shook her head, "Big brother, you don''t understand Sister Ning. Though she may be a frail woman, she''s high-spirited. She''s been managing the poetry event single-handedly, she wouldn''t trust anyone else with it. If Sister Ning ever felt unwell in the past, she would tell me, but this time, I don''t know what upset her. She''s been crying, talking nonsense in her sleep, but when asked, she refuses to say anything. I''ve known her for a while, but I''ve never seen Sister Ning like this."


    Seeing the worried look on her face, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but smile, pulling her into his arms, "Silly girl, everyone has their own worries. Even if you are close sisters, she can''t share everything with you. On the other hand, little darling, you''ve been working so hard these days without taking care of yourself, you''ve lost quite a bit of weight."


    "Big brother" Qiaoqiao blushed, snuggling into his arms, "I''m not tired at all. I feel content having things to do every day. I don''t want to be a burden to you, I will manage the restaurant well so you won''t have to worry."


    Lin Wanrong pinched her nose, nting a kiss on her rosy lips, andughed, "What burden, stop talking nonsense. You''re my treasure, and also thedy boss of the restaurant. If you don''t manage it, who will?"


    Qiaoqiao gave a soft hum, burying her head in his chest with immense joy.


    Seeing her adorable demeanor, how could Lin Wanrong resist? He gently unbuttoned her small coat, his hands venturing to her chest, beginning a tender exploration. Her delicate skin was silky smooth, exuding a faint fragrance. Lin Wanrong held her tightly, letting her curves transform into various enticing shapes in his hands. Qiaoqiao was panting, too embarrassed to utter a word.


    With a gentle touch on her pink bud, Qiaoqiao immediately breathed out hot air from her nose, her face flushing, and she copsed weakly into his arms, panting, "Big brother, not here, Sister Ning is still in the room"


    Her words only fueled Lin Wanrong''s desire. How stimting was it to be in someone else''s room with a maiden inside and such an enticingly sweet girl outside? He knew that this kind of thought was beastly, but weren''t all humans evolved from beasts? Pretending to be pure would probably earn the contempt of even God.


    Lin Wanrong gave Qiaoqiao a lustful smile and said, "Little darling, let''s give it a try."


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 Chapter 213

    Chapter 213


    Chapter 213 Almost Impotent


    As the evening deepened, the oilmp glowed dimly. In Lin Wanrong''s heart surged a burning desire. The thought of the beautiful woman asleep inside, Qiaoqiao''s intimate friend, and this being her boudoir made him chuckle. Unconsciously, that desire began to hint at a seductive darkness.


    "What are you trying?" Qiaoqiao asked shyly. She felt weak and limp. Her brother''s hands gently teased and caressed her, as if intending to melt her body.


    Lin Wanrong slid her small jacket aside, revealing the fiery red lingerie beneath. He whispered softly, "Just trying some interesting things"


    "Big brother, don''t" Qiaoqiao cried out, her breath hitching. Her voice trembled with fear and carried a hint of enchantment that even she struggled toprehend. "This is sister Ning''s boudoir"


    ''If it wasn''t her boudoir, I wouldn''t bother. We men, don''t we all like this?'' Lin Wanrong''s heart itched like a cat''s scratch. Damn, sneaking around is exciting. With a gentle push, he raised Qiaoqiao''s lingerie, exposing a piece of crystal-clear skin and her trembling delicate breasts.


    Qiaoqiao let out a soft cry, her face burning like fire. She buried her head in her brother''s chest, not daring to look at him. Although this wasn''t the first time her brother had taken advantage of her, it was the first time she had been so openly exposed to him, especially in the bedroom of her best friend. She was both scared and embarrassed, a strange feeling rising within her, and she didn''t dare to raise her head again.


    In the dim light, Qiaoqiao''s tender skin appeared even whiter. The bright tips of her breasts trembled slightly, and her red lips panted lightly, slightly parted, as if saying something, incredibly tempting.


    The roaring desire in his heart made Lin Wanrong''s breathing more hurried. He swallowed hard and thought, ''My little darling, you''re killing me.'' He gathered strength and lifted Qiaoqiao onto hisp. Out of modesty, Qiaoqiao tightly wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes dared not open, her delicate legs slightly bent. Her knees, whether intentionally or not, pressed against Lin Wanrong''s crotch.


    ''Teasing, this is definitely teasing,'' Lin Wanrong screamed inwardly. ''My little darling is teasing me. And in another beauty''s room. Damn, it feels so good to be a beast. Should I be even more beastly and take her right here in Luo Ning''s room? The thought is too tempting.''


    Qiaoqiao''s body was hot all over, her breasts exposed, and a faint pink flush spread over the white skin of her chest. Having never experienced such a situation, she trembled slightly and said, "Big brother, you''re the worst. What if sister Ning wakes up and sees us?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said softly, "My darling, what do you think I want to do? I just have a very pure idea to try something interesting with you."


    How could Qiaoqiao dare to answer him? What he called pure, in Qiaoqiao''s eyes, was something not even a loose woman would dare to do easily.


    Lin Wanrong gently caressed her chest and said, "My darling, do you remember the wish you made thest time I was drawing a portrait for Eldest Miss Xiao?"


    Qiaoqiao blushed and said, "How could I forget? I wished for big brother to paint a portrait of me too."


    Lin Wanrong replied with a mysterious smile, "Today, I will fulfill your wish."


    "Really, big brother?" Qiaoqiao asked, surprised. She was so overjoyed that she didn''t even try to cover the blossoms on her chest. Her cherry-like peaks quivered, causing Lin Wanrong to have a dry mouth.


    Using his immense self-control, he replied, "Indeed. I want to create a masterpiece for my darling, a painting that is unparalleled in history and will be unforgettable for us. However, tonight, you must listen to everything I say."


    Qiaoqiao had no idea what Lin Wanrong was nning, but she had no thought of resisting in front of him. She would do as he said.


    Lin Wanrong quickly fetched a nk piece of paper and a pencil, and then said, "Darling, I''m going to start now. Sit properly and don''t move."


    "Like this?" Qiaoqiao asked in surprise. Her bare bosom was exposed at the most delicate moment for a woman. How could she be portrayed in a painting like this?


    "Just like that," Lin Wanrong affirmed. He kissed her cheek lightly and said, "I''m going to create an incredible masterpiece that only we can appreciate."


    Qiaoqiao was such an obedient girl that she instantly understood his intent. Her face flushed, and her body felt weak. Big brother intended to capture her current appearance in a painting. The thought of being observed by him in her friend''s room, with her half-exposed breasts, was truly as he said - a scene unparalleled in history, truly extraordinary, and unforgettable. Only they, as a couple, could appreciate this painting.


    "Big brother," Qiaoqiao began, surprised and shy all at once. She didn''t have any intention of resisting. Biting her lower lip gently, she murmured, "Then please make it quick, so as not to wake sister Ning. Ah, this is too embarrassing."


    In ancient times, the chastity of a woman was as important as her life. If Qiaoqiao didn''t deeply love him, she would never agree to his audacious request.


    Lin Wanrong''s thoughts were somewhat dark that day, but seeing Qiaoqiao''s softness, he felt gratitude. With this painting, their bond truly felt solidified.


    Qiaoqiao''s bare chest was exposed. Her face was a deep shade of red from embarrassment, and her heart was worried about Ning waking up. As she grew weak from her mixed emotions of shyness and concern, a feeling of enchantment emerged from her heart, and her face was gradually flushed with color.


    Lin Wanrong, filled with gratitude, worked enthusiastically with his brush. In no time, the shy and partly concealed beauty of a woman was portrayed on the paper. The woman in the painting had her robe half undone and her hairpin in disarray. The fresh cherry-like peaks on her chest were tantalizing. The entire image was shy and beautiful, with an underlying sensual tone. It was truly a masterpiece that could spice up the mood in a boudoir.


    Qiaoqiao sat ufortably, unable to hide her enchanted thoughts. She wanted to look but dared not. She bowed her head low, her face flush with a light pink. Her exposed breasts were tinged with a light pink hue. Her delicate fingers held her chest, revealing a peek of her tender peak through her fingers. It was an enticing image of a shy girl''s springtime.


    Lin Wanrong finished hisst stroke, flung his pen with a sharp snap, and before Qiaoqiao could even say, "Big brother", she found herself engulfed in the warmth of her big brother''s embrace.


    Lin Wanrong gently caressed her back, savoring the smooth sensation her delicate chest created against his body. He lowered his head and tenderly kissed her supple breast, swallowing hard before saying, "Qiaoqiao, let''s consummate our marriage here"


    Under his influence, Qiaoqiao was already on the verge of submission, overwhelmed by his fiery passion. She had forgotten where they were, whimpering in reply and daring not to speak.


    Already ovee by desire, Lin Wanrong moved his hands towards her pert buttocks, just about to fulfill his lust, when he heard a startled cry from within, "Brother Lin"


    The shout was like a sudden p of thunder that exploded beside Lin Wanrong''s ears. He was in the throes of intense passion, and the shock nearly robbed him of his vigour. Recognizing the voice as Luo Ning''s, he thought, "Has Luo Ning woken up? Damn, that scare nearly left me impotent. Even in an affair, one couldn''t handle such a fright."


    Qiaoqiao quickly sprang off him, her face flushing a deep red. She hurriedly adjusted her clothes, sneaking a nce at him, shyly saying, "Big brother, you''re naughty! What if Sister Ning saw us?"


    I wouldn''t mind if Luo Ning saw me, but it would be disadvantageous for my Qiaoqiao. I must think of a way to get even, he thought, utterly unaware of his own imprudence. He turned back to see the door slightly closed, with no sign of Luo Ning.


    I definitely heard Luo Ning''s voice just now. What''s going on? Lin Wanrong cast a puzzled nce at Qiaoqiao. The young girl, her face still a brilliant red, exined, "Sister Ning was talking in her sleep."


    Damn, even in her sleep, she''s calling out my name? That nearly left me impotent! Lin Wanrong chided himself. He wanted to suggest they continue, but Qiaoqiao''s gaze had already drifted toward the painting they had just finished.


    The woman depicted in the painting, blushing and filled with the vigor of spring, was that really her? Qiaoqiao blushed, lowering her head, yet her eyes sneakily observed the painting. They held a mix of embarrassment and joy; such a painting of bedroom delights would surely be the sweetest memory for them both.


    Today I paint a boudoir scene for Qiaoqiao in Luo Ning''s room, tomorrow, I''ll paint one for Yushuang in Qiaoqiao''s room, and another for Qingxuan in Yushuang''s room, he thought, the beastly blood boiling within him.


    A dark wave of desire rose in Lin Wanrong''s heart. Qiaoqiao seemed to sense it, as she bashfully rolled up the painting, gripping it tightly in her hand and nestling into Lin Wanrong''s embrace, saying, "Big brother, Qiaoqiao is yours. You can paint as many pictures as you wish."


    To paint while consummating the marriageLin Wanrong only thought about it and he already felt a nosebleeding on. The wedding night, the wedding night, I want the wedding night! He pulled Qiaoqiao back into his arms, shouting in his heart, I must take care of this little girl before leaving for the capital. I can''t let my precious darling spend her nights alone, nor can I let my little brother do the same.


    Qiaoqiao nestled in his embrace for a while before whispering, "Big brother, let''s go in and check on Sister Ning. I don''t know what kind of dream she was having, but she called your name."


    "It must have been a dream about a prince on a white horse," Lin Wanrong replied seriously.


    Qiaoqiao covered her mouth, giggling. She shot him a nce, her cheeks, still flushed from their intimate moment, blushing a deeper red. Lin Wanrong watched, his eyes practically glowing green, as he took her hand and whispered in her ear, "My darling, where should we spend our wedding night?"


    At his words, Qiaoqiao felt weak in her knees, and she hurriedly ran into the house. All Lin Wanrong heard was her yful scolding, "Big brother is so naughty"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and followed her inside. Luo Ning was lying on the elegant bed, her eyes tightly shut. Tiny beads of sweat covered her forehead, and her cheeks were pallid with an unhealthy flush. She looked incredibly weak.


    Just one day apart, and she''s already like this, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, feeling a wave of pity rise within him. Even the scare that nearly left him impotent didn''t seem worth ming her for anymore.


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 Chapter 214

    Chapter 214


    Chapter 214 Deep Affection (Part 1)


    Luo Ning''s boudoir was simply furnished. There was a small dressing table by the window, on which were ced various items typical of ady, such as rouge and powder. Most noticeable was a petite ss bottle, a perfume gifted to her by the Eldest Miss. The fluid level had lowered slightly, indicating Luo Ning''s frequent use.


    Next to the dressing table stood a desk, neatly arranged with the ''four treasures of the study'': brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. A bookshelf was also ced on the desk, piled high with thick volumes of ssics, historical works, anthologies, and various written excerpts. Each book was lightly creased, clear evidence of frequent perusal, manifesting Luo Ning''s diligence.


    Beside the bookshelfy an immacte zither, wiped clean of dust, exuding a sense of antiquity and simple elegance.


    Ady''s boudoir was traditionally herst line of defense, a sanctuary that no strange man could casually enter. However, Lin Wanrong disregarded this rule. After all, it was Old Madam Luo who had invited him up. He considered his visit as carrying out an order. It was his first time in Luo Ning''s boudoir, and even a brief nce around made him feel rather emotional. The ssics, the zither, painting, and calligraphy - Luo Ning had studied it all. Her reputation as a talenteddy was indeed well-earned.


    The room carried a faint fragrance, not that of sandalwood, but a natural scent unique to a girl. This aroma was different from Qiaoqiao''s, it was a refreshing scent that lifted his spirits.


    To know a woman by her scent was indeed a true statement, Lin Wanrong mused with a sigh. Every girl had a different scent, and it was for the discerning to discover and experience.


    Within the pink mosquito, Luo Ningy quietly on the bed. Herplexion was pale, with a hint of pink, and her breathing was faint yet steady. From a distance, she resembled a sleeping beauty, awaiting the prince''s summons.


    Lin Wanrong nced at Luo Ning and thought to himself, this girl looked beautiful even in sleep, truly deserving the title of the most beautifuldy in Jinling. Being in Luo Ning''s boudoir gave him a strange sensation, as if he was the master of this ce. This feeling was especially pronounced after the covert intimacy with Qiaoqiao, stirring up his emotions and bringing about a special sentiment towards this ce.


    "Poor sister Ning..." Qiaoqiao sighed softly, "If I were ill, I would have my big brother caring for me. When she is ill, she doesn''t even have a person to speak kindly to her. Compared to her, I am far luckier. Big brother, you are so good to me."


    Lin Wanrong gently squeezed Qiaoqiao''s hand, at a loss for words. With Luo Ning''s intelligence, talent, and beauty, the number of gentlemen pursuing her could block the Qinhuai River. From the distant Hou Yuebai to the recently emerged Zhao Kangning, if she held no feelings for Hou Yuebai, why wasn''t she moved by Zhao Kangning, who was both talented in literature and skilled in martial arts? Recalling the words Luo Ning had shared with him on the olddy''s birthday, Lin Wanrong could only smile helplessly. The thoughts of a woman were indeed hard to fathom.


    His eyes scanned the room and eventuallynded on a pair of embroidered shoes under Luo Ning''s bed. The shoes were scattered, suggesting a hint of disarray.


    Qiaoqiao frowned and said, "Strange. When I left earlier, sister Ning''s shoes were well-ced. I wonder who moved them." She bent down and put the shoes back in order.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Perhaps the wind blew them."


    In the bed, Luo Ning murmured and twisted slowly, showing signs of regaining consciousness. Qiaoqiao said with joy, "Sister Ning is about to wake up."


    As she spoke, Luo Ning slowly opened her eyes, looked around, nced at Qiaoqiao, gave a faint smile, and softly said to Lin Wanrong, "Brother Lin, you are here."


    Qiaoqiao eximed with surprise, "Sister Ning, are you awake?"


    Luo Ning''s face flushed as she shyly responded, "I just woke up. I heard you and Brother Lin talking."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I learned this morning that Miss Luo was ill, and I wanted toe and visit. I just got here and saw Qiaoqiao, so we exchanged a few words. I fear our voices might have awakened Miss Luo. My apologies."


    His lie came out so naturally that it didn''t need a second thought. He had clearly done unspeakable things in her room, but imed he had just arrived. Qiaoqiao felt her heart pounding, she lowered her head, daring not to look at him.


    Luo Ning blushed even more, seemingly lost in her thoughts. She quietly said, "Your voices were not loud. I didn''t hear much, and you didn''t wake me. I was just tired and woke up on my own."


    Seeing Luo Ning regain some color and strength, Qiaoqiao asked, "Sister Ning, are you hungry? I can make you some lotus seed porridge, your favorite."


    Luo Ning nodded lightly, "Qiaoqiao, thank you so much."


    Qiaoqiao smiled warmly, "Why be so formal with me, sister Ning? Big brother, can you stay with sister Ning? I will go make some porridge."


    Lin Wanrong nodded in agreement. Qiaoqiao gave him a small smile and rushed out.


    "Qiaoqiao is such a good girl." Luo Ning gazed at Qiaoqiao''s retreating figure and sighed softly, "Brother Lin, you must treat her well."


    "Of course," Lin Wanrong said with a smile. "This girl, she''s so endearing. If I don''t treat her well, who else would I treat well?"


    Seeing his affectionate words for Qiaoqiao, Luo Ning bit her red lips, a sh of sadness in her eyes. She turned her head away, not speaking anymore.


    Once Qiaoqiao left, only Lin Wanrong and Luo Ning remained in the room. It was Luo Ning''s boudoir, and it was somewhat inappropriate for Lin Wanrong to linger there, especially given his actions outside. He didn''t know what to say, and the atmosphere quickly became awkward.


    Seeing his difort, Luo Ning said slowly, "Brother Lin, thank you for visiting me. I thought you wouldn''te."


    "How could I note?" Lin Wanrong said with a smile. "When I heard you were sick, I was really worried. But I was too busy during the day and only managed toe now. Governor Luo treats me well, Luo Yuan is my brother, and Miss Luo got sick because of me. How could I not visit you? That wouldn''t be human."


    Luo Ning''s face flushed a delicate pink, and she softly asked, "What are you talking about, Brother Lin? How did I fall ill because of you? I don''t quite understand."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Miss Luo, I know you''re proud and hate to see your mentor outdone. However, the situation between your mentor and me is genuinely irreconcble. Frankly, she and I are not cut from the same cloth. Your illness, induced by this situation, is truly unwarranted."


    Casting him a nce, Luo Ning lightly bit her lip and somberly said, "Brother Lin, you''re right. It is indeed unwarranted for me to fall ill over this matter." She sighed, adding softly, "Today''s sickness has sapped all my strength, like drawing out threads from a cocoon. I feel an emptiness inside and don''t know who to talk to."


    Luo Ning seemed burdened by heavy thoughts. Lin Wanrong said, "Miss Luo, if I may be so bold, you have very few friends. Apart from Qiaoqiao, I fear there isn''t anyone else you can chat with."


    Luo Ning looked at him and said softly, "And aren''t you in the same boat, Brother Lin? You''re exceptionally talented, but there are not many people you can converse with either. I suspect your burdens are even heavier than mine."


    Surprised, Lin Wanrong gave her a long look. This Luo Ning, she understood him so well. Since arriving in this world, though he seemed to ride high and be cocky, there were few people with whom he could actually talk. Considering his past, it seemed his only friend could be God.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Miss Luo, my situation is different from yours. My experiences are unique, something no one couldprehend. It''s quite normal for me to have few friends."


    Gently, Luo Ning said, "Brother Lin, I would like to listen to you. Would you be willing to share your burdens with me?"


    Determined, Luo Ning''s face flushed a faint pink as she bravely met his gaze. Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile. Tell you? How could I tell you? You would think me mad. He shook his head, "Everyone has secrets in their heart, secrets that can''t be shared. This privacy is not meant for others."


    Seeing his polite rejection, Luo Ning''s expression fell, "Brother Lin, do you remember what you said during our outing?"


    "What did I say?" asked Lin Wanrong.


    "You said, you and I belong to two different worlds" Tears trickled down Luo Ning''s cheeks, "Do I really mean so little to you, Brother Lin? Am I so undeserving, even unfit to talk with you? Do you know how it felt to hear you say that? I felt like dying."


    Strictly speaking, they indeed belonged to two different worlds, Lin Wanrong said pensively, "Miss Luo, if you were in my shoes, what would you have said? Your mentor, your friends, they mocked and humiliated a helpless peasant woman. What was I supposed to do? I don''t have many talents, but when something needs to be done, I do it. I can never belong to their world."


    Tears streamed down Luo Ning''s face as she choked, "Brother Lin, my mentor and friends were indeed wrong. But you know me; I''ve never looked down on anyone. Even if sometimes my ideas are unrealistic, I''ve never wished harm upon anyone. I want everyone to be well. Why can''t you forgive me just this once? I''ve never done anything wrong. Brother Lin, I don''t want to exist in a world separate from you"


    As Luo Ning spoke, her voice quickened, and a passionate flush spread across her face, inducing a fit of soft coughing.


    Seeing her so distressed, Lin Wanrong''s heart ached. He hurriedly patted her back gently.


    Despite her weakness, Luo Ning found strength from somewhere. She suddenly reached out her arms and tightly embraced him, whispering, "Brother Lin, Brother Lin, I like you, I really like you"


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 Chapter 215

    Chapter 215


    Chapter 215 Deep Affection (Part 2)


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. This girl couldn''t possibly be delirious, he wasn''t the object of her affection, was he?


    Luo Ning was as if ame. Her face was flushed, her eyes tightly shut, but she was clinging to him and wouldn''t let go. She whispered, "Brother Lin, I like you."


    Cold sweat ran down Lin Wanrong''s body. This young miss didn''t seem to be joking. Oh no, he had unintentionally charmed another woman rted to him. How was he going to exin this to little Luo?


    Luo Ning''s body was hot and clung tightly to him, surrounding him like a fiery sphere. Her figure was rather appealing. Given the chance, why wouldn''t he hold her? Lin Wanrong pulled her closer into his embrace and said, "Miss Luo, please let go of me. Let''s talk properly."


    Listening to him, Luo Ning felt both embarrassed and annoyed. It was clearly him who wouldn''t let her go, but he was asking her to release him. How infuriating! The words she had just spoken had drained her of all her energy. She dared not say another word. She hastily slipped out of his arms, dived under the quilt, and wrapped it tightly around her face, not uttering a single word.


    Seeing her blush so vividly, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but cough awkwardly twice. "Uh, Miss Luo, I think you might be mistaken. Don''t worry, I won''t remember anything you''ve just said."


    Luo Ning''s heart pounded in anxiety. As she pressed the embroidered quilt against her face, her little leg kicked out in irritation. She uttered in an embarrassed whisper, "Brother Lin..."


    Oh damn, it seemed like this was indeed real. Lin Wanrong couldn''t believe his ears. Based on his understanding of Luo Ning, this gifted woman was haughty and had high standards. She once said she wanted a husband who could serve as a minister in court and also be a warrior on the battlefield. Lin Wanrong knew he was neither. How could she possibly like him? Then he remembered what Luo Ning had said during the old madam''s birthday, that her criteria for choosing a husband had changed and that she even had someone in mind. Could she have been referring to him?


    As Lin Wanrong stayed silent for a while, Luo Ning anxiously peeked out from under the quilt. She found him in a daze, disbelief written all over his face. Luo Ning felt a mix of embarrassment and sweetness. She bit her silver teeth and said, "Brother Lin, please put out themp."


    "Put out themp?" Lin Wanrong eximed, his voice trembling. Was this girl nning to take advantage of him in the dark? He had never been in such a situation. He wasn''t prepared, neither physically nor psychologically.


    "Brother Lin," Luo Ning''s voice trembled, "I will feel morefortable speaking with you once the light is out."


    He broke into a sweat. If she was so timid, where did her courage from earlier go? Lin Wanrong had no choice but to put out themp. The room was plunged into darkness, and they could no longer see each other clearly.


    Luo Ning whispered softly, "Brother Lin, a gentleman would not take advantage of someone in the dark. I trust your integrity."


    A gentleman would not take advantage of someone in the dark? More like a fool wouldn''t. He replied sternly, "Miss Luo, you know very well that I despise the gentlemanly conduct. To avoid any unintended wrongdoings, I think I should leave."


    Luo Ning quickly stopped him, her voice filled with embarrassment, "Brother Lin, you I just wanted to share my feelings with you. Are you going to ridicule me for it too? Haven''t you had enough of toying with Qiaoqiao in the outer room earlier?"


    Sweat dripped down his body. He had indeed been caught in the act, and Luo Ning had witnessed it. No wonder the embroidered shoes had been scattered around. He couldn''t let Qiaoqiao know about this; otherwise, she''d never let him try anything interesting ever again.


    "Um, Miss Luo, aren''t you angry about it?" Lin Wanrong chuckled sheepishly.


    "And what good would that do? I have long known what kind of man you are. Wild and unconventional, there''s hardly anyone in this world who would dare to offend you. If it weren''t for that, how could I possibly like you?" Luo Ning whispered softly. Thest few words were so faint he could barely hear them.


    "Miss Luo," he began, feeling the urgency of the situation, "I must rify. What you saw earlier was real but also wasn''t. You see, I am a painter, and I used to have a nickname - Touch-and-Grab. Everything I did earlier was merely for the purpose ofpleting a unique and unparalleled painting. As an expert in painting yourself, you should know that it''s crucial for both parties to be in character to create the perfect piece. Earlier, Qiaoqiao and I were ying an intriguing game, just so we could quickly get into character. The ultimate goal was toplete that wonderful painting." He said without a hint of shame.


    Luo Ning was too embarrassed to speak. Were you nning on having Qiaoqiao strip for your so-called painting and then touch and grab her? Not only did you dare to do such a thing, but you also had the audacity to do it in my room. It''s absolutely mortifying! Qiaoqiao, who followed you around, must have been led astray by you.


    "Brother Lin," Luo Ning stammered, "please don''t say such frivolous things anymore. I can''t bear it."


    "But Miss Luo," Lin Wanrong felt wronged, "I haven''t said anything frivolous yet."


    Hearing this, Luo Ning dove back under the quilt, her face burning. This girl, she was too shy. Lin Wanrong found it rather amusing.


    With the lights out and a shy beauty lying on the bed, while a confused man sat on the edge, the ambiance in Luo Ning''s room was palpably charged.


    Lin Wanrong felt stifled. You little minx, if you''re chasing after me, then speak up. Do you expect me to make the first move? What a world we live in, he thought indignantly.


    "Brother Lin, there are things I dare not say in front of you. Only when the lights are off, and I cannot see you, can I find the courage to speak. Please don''tugh at me." Luo Ning spoke softly, but her words were filled with an indescribable tenderness.


    "Do you remember the first time we met, Brother Lin?" Luo Ning said, her voice soft. Perhaps it was the darkness that allowed her to express her deepest feelings. There was a tremor in her voice that was tinged with an affectionate tone, "The way you treated Qiaoqiao that day, in front of everyone, made me realize that you are a man who is fearless and sentimental. Any woman would be envious of Qiaoqiao to have you by her side. Although, you were indeed a bit impolite that day."


    "When I saw the couplets you presented, I was naturally overjoyed. Although you openly admitted they were not your own work, I found it strangely fascinating. I thought, ''This man may not have any remarkable talents, but he possesses an admirable honesty and straightforwardness.''" Luo Ning''s voice was calm,ced with a hint of joy, as if she was reliving the day they first met.


    "Later, when nning the poetry contest, I came to you for help. You, however, made so many outrageous demands that I was both furious and resentful, considering you the most cunning and shameless man in the world. Considering the four virtues  propriety, justice, integrity, and honor  you seemed tock at least two of them," she said. Despite her words, Luo Ning chuckled softly, shooting him a nce.


    "But then you shared with me many insights on management and strategy, which made me see that you did have some abilities. Later, when you stood alone in Hangzhou''s Sunshine and Rain Restaurant, you crushed the Tao family single-handedly. I heard about your fascinating schemes and even Mr. Xu Wenchang saw you in a new light. Given that Mr. Wenchang''s wisdom is the best in the world, and his ability to judge character is unmatched, my curiosity grew. Every day, I hoped for your return. I visited Qiaoqiao several times. Sometimes, I even dreamed about you."


    Even though the darkness shrouded her features, Lin Wanrong could sense the happiness and shyness on Luo Ning''s face. Ah, such was the power of his charm, he thought wryly.


    "Then at grandmother''s birthday, you shocked everyone. You defeated Shen Banshan in the couplet contest and exposed the tricks of the fake Taoist. My heart was filled with wonder and delight. When grandmother gave me the diamond, I took it as a gift from you. I was so happy that I had it set in a ne by Sister Liu (Liu Yuee), just so you could see it," Luo Ning admitted, blushing.


    Ah, so this youngdy had been secretly in love with me all along, Lin Wanrong thought, a teasing smile ying on his lips. "Miss Luo, I''m not as good as you think I am. I have many ws. For example, I''m eager to do good, I''m selfless, I sympathize with the weak, and I love and respect women. I''ve been trying to correct these shorings for years, but I just can''t seem to manage it."


    Shyly, Luo Ning replied, "Brother Lin, I love hearing you talk. And I would love to have your ''shorings.''"


    Laughing heartily, Lin Wanrong thought, This girl is learning to tease, just like me. That''s quite impressive.


    Softly, Luo Ning continued, "Brother Lin, I told you before that the husband I dreamed of would be a well-rounded schr and warrior, a man above all others. But after meeting you, for some reason, I always find you lingering in my thoughts. You''re unlike anyone else  you speak your mind, yet your words carry a wisdom, a knowledge and insight that sets you apart. No one canpare to you. I don''t know what''s happening to me. I just want to hear you talk, to see you. The nonsensical things you''ve said to me have sometimes infuriated me, other times delighted me."


    "I invited you to the outing with the idea of introducing you to my mentor. Little did I know it would end in such a disaster. You and my mentor had such a terrible falling out that I was filled with regret. When I heard the things you said to me, I wished I could just die. When I returned home, I felt so miserable that I became like this." By the end of her confession, Luo Ning was softly sobbing.


    Having listened to Luo Ning''s heartfelt confession, Lin Wanrong was somewhat dumbfounded. So, her illness was indeed because of him. Who said that ancient women were always demure and shy? Once their feelings were ignited, they could be as passionate as a raging fire.


    As a flirtatious man, he was naturally overjoyed to be pursued by a beautiful and talented woman like Luo Ning. But to be honest, he had never been particrly attracted to aloof women, let alone thought about having a romantic rtionship with Luo Ning. Her sudden confession had left him at a loss.


    Once Luo Ning finished speaking, she fell silent, waiting for his response.


    Clearing his throat, Lin Wanrong cautiously said, "Miss Luo, as you know, I''m not a frivolous man. This matter requires serious consideration."


    Softly, Luo Ning replied, "Brother Lin, I will wait for you. In this lifetime, it''s you or no one else for me."


    Both of them remained silent. In the quietness of the boudoir, the soft sound of footsteps came from the stairs. Judging by the time, it should be Qiaoqiao returning.


    Startled, Luo Ning quickly said, "Brother Lin, you mustn''t tell Qiaoqiao about what I told you today. If she knew, I, I would die of embarrassment"


    Perspiring, Lin Wanrong thought, Not tell Qiaoqiao? Does that mean we''d have to carry on a secret affair behind Qiaoqiao''s back? An affair with the talented Miss Luo? This was getting more and more thrilling.


    Uneasily, Lin Wanrong said, "Well, well, Qiaoqiao will find out sooner orter."


    Luo Ning''s body jerked slightly, too embarrassed to lift her head. She whispered, "Let''s tell herter, okay?"


    "Tell her what?" Qiaoqiao''s voice came from outside the door. "Oh, Brother Lin, Sister Ning, why have the lights been extinguished?"


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 Chapter 216

    Chapter 216


    Chapter 216 Encirclement


    "Oh, a gust of wind blew through just now and extinguished themp. I was just about to light it again," Lin Wanrong said with a chuckle. Luo Ning, however, buried herself in the quilt, too embarrassed to speak.


    Qiaoqiao ced the freshly-made lotus seed porridge on the table andughed, "What an ill-timed wind, themp was extinguished as soon as I returned. Big brother, what were you and Sister Ning talking about?"


    With a click, Lin Wanrong struck the flint, immediately illuminating the oilmp. Luo Ning had already regained herposure, her hands gripping the edge of the quilt tightly, her face flushed like a radiant maple. She dared not look at Qiaoqiao, let alone Lin Wanrong. Naturally beautiful, her embarrassmentbined with the pitiful fragility of illness made her endearing. Lin Wanrong felt his heart jump a few times. This girl, she was certainly enticing, clearly trying to seduce him.


    "Sister Ning and I were just talking about some interesting things. Qiaoqiao, this porridge smells wonderful, Sister Ning should eat more," Lin Wanrong said, ncing at Luo Ning.


    Qiaoqiao handed a bowl of lotus seed porridge to Luo Ning, helping her sit up. Seeing her face flushed with her eyes gently gleaming, she seemed to have recovered a great deal from her illness, prompting her to exim, "Sister Ning, are you feeling better?"


    Luo Ning''s face turned even redder, and she quietly responded, "After talking with Brother Lin for a while, I feel much better."


    Luo Ning''s illness was essentially psychosomatic. Once her worries were alleviated, her recovery was swift. Having regained some strength, she consumed a bowl of lotus seed porridge in one sitting. Seeing Lin Wanrong smiling at her, she couldn''t help but blush again, shyly suggesting, "Brother Lin, the lotus seed porridge that Qiaoqiao made tastes incredibly good, you should try it as well."


    Qiaoqiao chuckled, "If you look at her a bit longer, Big brother, I''m sure Sister Ning can eat two more bowls."


    "You mischievous girl, what nonsense are you talking about?" Luo Ning, feeling somewhat guilty, couldn''t help but lightly pat Qiaoqiao''s arm at her words. ncing at a rolled-up painting on the table, she asked in surprise, "Oh, where did this paintinge from? Why haven''t I seen it before?"


    Suddenly realizing, Qiaoqiao recalled that the painting Lin Wanrong had been working on when she left was still on the table. What would happen if Luo Ning saw it? She quickly ran over, her face turning crimson, hiding the painting behind her and saying, "This is just a random sketch I made. It has nothing to do with Big brother."


    Seeing this, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but chuckle inwardly. He couldn''t pretend to be foolish with these two girls around. At this moment, the room was exceptionally peaceful, with two beautiful women, one his betrothed, and the other who had secretly developed feelings for him. Indeed, he was the master of this boudoir. Remembering his flirtation with Qiaoqiao in the outer chamber, he couldn''t help but grin. If he had known this would happen, he would have been more upfront, instead of sneaking around.


    How could Luo Ning not know what the painting was? She snuck a nce at Lin Wanrong and immediately bowed her head in extreme embarrassment.


    Seeing Qiaoqiao, then Luo Ning, Lin Wanrong felt like bursting intoughter. Zhang San draws Li Si in his room, Li Si draws Wang Wu in his room, this was truly delightful. [TL: Zhan San, Li Si, Wang Wu are ceholder names like John Doe or Jane Smith.]


    Both girls were keeping secrets, too afraid to speak. Seeing their expressions, Lin Wanrong found it amusing, but he was also moved. Women of this era were so innocent and adorable.


    After a long pause, Qiaoqiao finally lifted her head, her blush gradually fading. She was genuinely happy to see Luo Ning recovering so quickly, and she turned to Lin Wanrong, saying, "Big brother, you should visit Sister Ning more often. This way, she can recover faster."


    "No, don''t" Luo Ning suddenly cried out in rm. Seeing both of them looking at her, a wave of sweetness and worry welled up inside her. She softly said, "Brother Lin is very busy, he can''t spend all his time on a weak woman like me. Seeing him today is more than enough for me, I don''t dare trouble him further."


    Women''s thoughts are hard to guess. One moment this girl was bold, and the next, she was shy. Lin Wanrong was quite confused about what she was thinking.


    Luo Ning''s condition had improved considerably. As the two girls chatted quietly, Lin Wanrong was left to the side. He didn''t know whether he should stay or leave.


    Luo Ning tightly grasped Qiaoqiao''s hand and said, "Dear sister, I''m a bit scared being in this room alone. You should stay tonight, and we can have a heart-to-heart talk."


    Qiaoqiao softly agreed, smiling, "Then I''ll stay and apany you, sister."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself. If Qiaoqiao was staying to keep Luo Ningpany, should he stay to apany Qiaoqiao? Seeing the two women with their delicate faces smiling, radiant as flowers, Lin Wanrong felt a stir in his heart. This Luo Ning, was he also supposed to ''consume'' her? Damn, was he supposed to be a stallion? That would be a bit too exhausting.


    Seeing it was gettingte, Lin Wanrong had to bid farewell and head downstairs. Luo Ning watched him, unsure what to say. When Qiaoqiao escorted him downstairs, she suddenly giggled and said, "Big brother, I think Sister Ning is quite fond of you. You should remember to visit her often."


    Seeing that there was no one around, Lin Wanrong pulled the young girl into his embrace and kissed her. Heughed, "Don''t you want me to visit you often?"


    "Yes!" Qiaoqiao murmured in his embrace, "Big brother, I think about you every day. If you go to the capital, I don''t know how I''ll go on."


    Lin Wanrong sighed deeply. The ancients said that the grave of a hero lies in a woman''s boudoir, and it wasn''t wrong. Lin Wanrong, without great ambition and not much of a hero, found himself wanting nothing more than to hold Qiaoqiao, with no desire to go anywhere else. He patted Qiaoqiao''s shoulder and said, "Darling, once I find your sister Qingxuan in the capital, we''lle back, and then I''ll marry you."


    Qiaoqiao softly agreed, burying her head even deeper into his chest. As he left Luo Ning''s chamber, Lin Wanrong was still contemting these matters. Suddenly, a figure rushed towards him, nearly colliding with him. Looking closely, he realized it was Luo Yuan.


    "Big Brother, what are you doing here?" Upon seeing Lin Wanrong, Luo Yuan was also startled, asking hurriedly.


    Lin Wanrong pped him on the shoulder a couple of times, saying nothing. Little Brother, I have nothing to say. Your sister has charmed me, and I have failed your expectations. But you can''t me me for this. I''m quite innocent in all this.


    Lin Wanrong shed a peculiar smile, revealing his teeth. "I heard that Miss Luo is ill, so I came to visit her. Looking at your flustered manner, what''s the matter that has you so worried?"


    Luo Yuan anxiously replied, "Big Brother, do you know where my father is? Oh, I''m so anxious!"


    Seeing the usually calm Luo Yuan in such a state, the matter couldn''t be simple. Lin Wanrong asked, "What''s the matter, Little Luo? Why are you looking for your father?"


    Luo Yuan responded, "Big Brother, you don''t know. Cheng De, covered in armor, suddenly came to visit, saying he has urgent military matters to report to my father. He also brought the soldiers from his infantry and cavalry regiments and has surrounded our residence."


    "What?" Lin Wanrong was greatly surprised. Bringing troops to surround the governor''s residence? Was Cheng De really nning a rebellion? Dammit, he''d only mentioned it in passing. Old Cheng, don''t you rebel so prematurely.


    He forced himself to calm down. Jiangsu, situated between Zhejiang, Shandong, and Anhui provinces, was not an easy ce for a rebellion. Moreover, Cheng De''s forces were not numerous; any rebellion would be a death wish. Could it be that Cheng De caught wind of something and knew Luo Min wasn''t home, so he deliberately came to probe?


    His mood settled, he patted Luo Yuan on the shoulder. "Little Luo, don''t panic. Cheng De doesn''t have many soldiers, he won''t dare to act recklessly. Your father isn''t at home today, and you are the man of the house. Go out boldly and meet him. Say what needs to be said. If you can''t knock him down, at least scare him a bit."


    Luo Yuan nodded. "What Big Brother says is true. I will go out and meet him. Big Brother, please hold the fort in the side hall for me."


    The two men went outside. Upon reaching the front hall, they saw hundreds of soldiers standing at the entrance, torches aze, their armor gleaming, gs waving. Standing in front was Cheng De, a man they had met before. d in armor atop a horse, Cheng De''s face was stern, his eyes shing with a hint of menace.


    Luo Yuan stepped forward and gave a bow. "Nephew Luo Yuan greets Uncle Cheng. I didn''t know you would be visiting my humble abode, so I apologize for myck of reception."


    Cheng De replied, "There''s no need for such formalities, Nephew Luo Yuan. I have urgent official business to report to Governor Luo. Is he at home?"


    Luo Yuan answered, "Uncle Cheng, your timing is unfortunate. My father went out to visit a friend tonight, and I don''t know when he will return. If you have military affairs to discuss, I suggest you report them at the yamen tomorrow."


    Cheng De stated, "The military situation is urgent and cannot be dyed. Since Governor Luo is not here, I''ll wait for him here." As soon as he finished speaking, he dismounted his horse, and his soldiers gathered behind him.


    Lin Wanrong had a hunch. Although Cheng De brought his soldiers with great bravado, he seemed more bark than bite. He must have sensed something and intentionally came to test Luo Min.


    Luo Yuan stepped forward. "If that''s the case, Uncle Cheng, I invite you into the residence for some tea."


    Cheng De waved his hand dismissively. "There''s no need. I''m a soldier by profession, and I can certainly wait here for a while." As he spoke, soldiers had already brought forward arge chair. Cheng De settled himself in the chair and didn''t move.


    Dammit, this Cheng De was quite audacious. He certainly wouldn''t dare to act this way without a master backing him. Cheng De''s brazen probing indicated that both he and his master behind the scenes had sensed something. If old Luo didn''t return today, it would likely make them even more suspicious.


    Lin Wanrong pulled out his firearm from his robe, aimed at Cheng De, and was tempted to shoot him dead on the spot. But ultimately, he refrained. If he really killed Cheng De, Old Luo''s mansion might turn into a river of blood tonight. Old Luo, when you were beating the dog, did you not think you might get bitten? As Lin Wanrong was contemting this, suddenly a loud shout came from a distance: "Bold! Who dares to cause amotion in front of the Governor''s Mansion?"


    From afar, a group of people approached. The one leading the group, dressed in a yellow robe and holding a shimmering steel de, had an impressive air of authority. It was Gao Shou, the de-wielding bodyguard. In the middle of the group, a man with a protruding belly walked. If it wasn''t Luo Min, who else could it be?


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 Chapter 217

    Chapter 217


    Chapter 217 Probing


    Old man Luo Min, you''re finally back. Had you been anyter, your residence might have been torn down. Lin Wanrong wiped a bead of sweat off his forehead and thought to himself, This old fox, always fond of mystery.


    "Make way" Gao Shou, walking in front, shouted loudly, kicking aside a soldier who was obstructing him. He was an Imperial Guard, a man at the Emperor''s side. His audacious attitude was well within his rights, and to stand in his way was to seek one''s own death.


    Though Cheng De had brought many soldiers, none dared to challenge this haughty Imperial Guard. At the sight of Gao Shou''s status and demeanor, they felt a certain amount of trepidation.


    Gao Shou''s group, all pce guards, feared no one. With an air of forceful determination, they strode forth like dragons and tigers, quickly shielding Luo Min as they arrived at the front of the residence.


    Luo Min, with his big belly, looked at Cheng De and said coldly, "Cheng De, youe armored and armed, leading troops and surrounding my residence. What do you intend?"


    Seeing Luo Min had returned, Cheng De quickly rose from his chair, saluted with his fists and said, "Your Excellency, I had urgent business and was in a hurry. I forgot to remove my armor. I hope you will forgive me."


    "Forgive?" Luo Min was furious and shouted, "I, the Governor of Jiangsu, was personally appointed by the Emperor and hold many responsibilities over military and political matters in Jiangsu. You, as themander of Jiangsu, are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War and are subject to my orders. Without permission, you cannot mobilize the troops. Now you, a subordinate, defy orders, leading troops and openly besieging my official residence. This is clear to the people and officials of Jiangsu. Can your hurriedness excuse this? Where do you ce me, the officials of Jiangsu, and the Emperor?"


    Luo Min''s voice was loud and full of authority as he expressed his anger. As the chief official of a province, his aura was not faked. Cheng De''s soldiers couldn''t help but show a bit of fear in face of such grandeur.


    Luo Min''s words were stern and righteous, with profound implications. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, You old fox, you really know how to y the game, pretending to be so angry to dispel Cheng De and his men''s suspicions.


    "Where is Gao Shou?" Luo Min shouted.


    "Here!" Gao Shou stepped forward in response.


    "I order you to lead my mansion''s servants and confiscate all weapons from these soldiers, return the warhorses to the stables, and wait for my report to the Emperor for further action," Luo Min ordered loudly, apparently intending for Gao Shou to disarm these several hundred soldiers.


    Seeing Luo Min''s fiery temper, Cheng De felt somewhat reassured. He quickly saluted and said, "Please calm down, Your Excellency. I truly have urgent military matters. I ask for your understanding."


    Luo Min huffed, "Rules are rules, regardless of your reasons, you cannot act so recklessly. If I do not take action today, how can I face the officials of Jiangsu? Where is my credibility? Gao Shou, why aren''t you moving already?"


    "At yourmand!" Gao Shou shouted loudly, leading his several dozen brothers into action. They were all born pce guards. As men who had served by the Emperor''s side, they were truly like a group of tigers and wolves, fearing no one. Seeing their ferocious approach, Cheng De''s infantry and cavalry readied their weapons for confrontation. Gao Shou and his men didn''t care; they kicked those soldiers, who wailed in pain. With a signal from Cheng De, no one dared to resist any further.


    The sound of weapons hitting the ground resonated. Luo Min''s expression remained as dark as before, seeming truly irritated. His residence had been surrounded by his own subordinatesa chaos never before seen in any province. If this news reached his colleagues in other provinces, it would be truly embarrassing.


    Cheng De covertly watched Luo Min''s expression. Seeing his clenched fists and ashen face, he realized the governor was genuinely enraged this time.


    Seeing Luo Min so concerned about the immediate losses, Cheng De felt somewhat relieved. Seeing his troops had dropped their weapons, he saluted Luo Min again, "My sincerest apologies, Your Excellency, the military situation today was truly urgent, which caused mypse in judgment."


    Luo Min grunted, "Cheng De, today''s matter will be reported truthfully to the Ministry of War and the Emperor for their judgment. Now, what''s your urgent military matter? Speak up quickly."


    Clearly irritated, Luo Min didn''t even invite Cheng De inside the residence and asked him to report right there. Cheng De, who had been contesting with Luo Min for years, was not bothered by this old trick. He saluted and reported, "I received information that the White Lotus followers, entrenched in Jining, will soon move, likely entering Jiangsu. The previous White Lotus disturbance greatly affected our people in Jiangsu, causing widespread discontent. As soon as I received this information, I didn''t dare dy and rushed here overnight to discuss countermeasures with Your Excellency."


    Luo Min''s expression improved slightly, he frowned, "The White Lotus is stirring again? That''s strange. It''s nearly winter, every year at this time the White Lotus cultists would usually retreat and rest in their dens. Why are they venturing out this year? Cheng De, are you sure about your information?"


    Cheng De nodded, "Absolutely certain, it''s intelligence I gathered personally. From my estimate, they are short of food and supplies, unable to sustain through the harsh winter. That''s why they n to enter Jiangsu again, to plunder wealth and food."


    Luo Min hummed in response, "In your opinion, how should we guard against this?"


    Cheng De was prepared with an answer, "In my view, why don''t we both report this to the court, inform them of the situation here, and request for a directive from the Ministry of War? I will then move the majority of the infantry and cavalry to the border between Shandong and Jiangsu to guard strictly, preventing the White Lotus bandits from entering Jiangsu."


    Upon hearing Cheng De''s suggestion, Lin Wanrong understood that it was another test. Moving Jiangsu''s troops to the border of Shandong ostensibly appeared as a preventative measure against the White Lotus sect infiltrating Jiangsu, but in reality, it was a deliberate blockage of the route to eliminate the sect. If Luo Min disagreed with Cheng De''s move, it would only arouse the heightened vignce of the White Lotus sect and their hidden master,plicating the extermination effort. If Luo Min agreed, Cheng De would conveniently use this as leverage, stationing troops at the border, allowing White Lotus bandits disguised as official army to hide amongst Cheng De''s troops undetected. This was indeed a well-devised scheme, presumably Cheng De had smelled something and was continuously probing Luo Min.


    Luo Min pondered for a while and said, "Your point does make some sense. Therefore, tomorrow I will submit a memorial to the court along with your report to the Ministry of War and the Emperor. We can wait for themand from the court before mobilizing troops."


    Luo Min''s swift agreement surprisingly stunned Cheng De. He was a man who seldom showed his emotions. He respectfully responded, "I appreciate Your Excellency''s understanding. It is gettingte. I will take my leave now and bring the troop deployment memorial to your mansion tomorrow."


    Cheng De was quite straightforward. He came when he said he would and left just as swiftly. Leaving behind the weapons and horses scattered on the ground, he led his bare-handed troops back to their camp.


    Luo Yuan approached and said, "Father, you''re finally back. If you were a bitter, our home would have been torn apart by Commander Cheng."


    Luo Min patted Luo Yuan''s shoulder and nodded, "Little Yuan, your earlier responses to Cheng De were well thought out. I''m very pleased." Luo Yuanughed and said, "That''s all thanks to Brother Lin. He told me to say what needed to be said and to at least intimidate Commander Cheng if we couldn''t beat him."


    Luo Minughed heartily, "Young Master Lin is quite right. Little Yuan, you''ve chosen the right person to follow."


    Lin Wanrong stepped out from the courtyard and modestly saluted, "Yourpliment is too generous, Governor. It was merely a minor effort on my part."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong, Luo Min was taken aback and then bowed deeply, "So Young Master Lin is here. I must thank you for your excellent advice."


    Damn it, you old Luo, why are you offering such a deep bow? Are you trying to shorten my life? Lin Wanrong quickly helped Luo Min up and said with a smile, "Governor Luo, what is this? Weren''t you fine at noon?"


    Luo Min sighed, "As a father, I have terribly neglected my duty. My daughter Ning fell so ill, and I was entirely unaware. If it weren''t for your message through Gao Shou, I would still be in the dark."


    "Did youe back just to see Miss Luo?" Lin Wanrong was somewhat surprised. ording to Gao Shou''s judgement, this old Luo was not one to abandon national affairs for family matters. What caused his change in character?


    "I''m ashamed to admit," Luo Min spoke softly, "I received a letter from Mr. Wenchang, who said there was unusual movement in Cheng De''s troops, which is why I rushed back overnight. I did not expect to run into him bringing troops to surround my mansion. This Cheng De is bing more and more presumptuous."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, thinking, ''So, you did note just for your daughter, it''s still all about official business. Poor Luo Ning, it seems like it''s up to me, her big brother, to care for her.''


    "Rest assured, Governor. I just visited Miss Luo. Her fever has subsided, and she is gradually recovering. She even ate some lotus seed porridge. Judging by her spirits, I suspect she will improve in the next couple of days," Lin Wanrongforted the elder Luo.


    Luo Min''s expression dimmed as he murmured to himself, "Ning has always been strong since childhood. I have always been busy with official duties and haven''t properly taken care of her these years." He sighed softly, "I''m afraid I''m going to let her down again this time."


    Lin Wanrong was puzzled by his words. Luo Min offered a bitter smile and shook his head. Apologizing, he hurriedly left to visit Luo Ning.


    Thinking of Luo Ning, Lin Wanrong also sighed inwardly. He already had several wives, including Qiaoqiao, Yushuang, Qingxuan, and a prospective one, Qin Xian''er. This Luo Ning, a talented woman from a prestigious family, was a well-known social activist. She had ideals and aspirations, was enthusiastic about charity work, and was not easy to please. If he were to marry her, just supporting this talented girls endeavor would cost a significant amount of money. However, her figure was indeed superb, a match for Qingxuan. Touching her was a delight. Although she had a somewhat proud temperament, couldn''t he conquer her with a man''s charm? Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself. Taming Luo Ning would indeed be a challenging task.


    Lost in his thoughts, he returned to the Xiao residence, only to find Xiao Feng anxiously pacing at the entrance. Upon seeing him return, Xiao Feng''s face lit up. He rushed forward and cried out, "Brother Lin, something terrible has happened. They started fighting, they''re fighting"


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 Chapter 218

    Chapter 218


    Chapter 218 The Mobilization of All Servants


    "What''s going on? Where did it happen? Brother Xiao, you need to stay calm, learn from me. If the sky falls, the madam and the Eldest Miss will hold it up. There''s no need for us to panic," Lin Wanrong consoled Xiao Feng.


    Swallowing hard, Xiao Feng said, "There was trouble at our perfume workshop. Si De led our brothers to fight back. The Eldest Miss and the Madam rushed there, leaving me to wait for you, Brother Lin."


    "Trouble at the perfume workshop?" Lin Wanrong eximed. "Good heavens, I was only away for a day, and all this has happened? The perfume workshop has been running smoothly until now. What happened today? The perfume business is the lifeblood of the Xiao family, who dares to mess with us? I am a godfather in the underworld."


    "Which gang was it? How many of them were there? What weapons did they have? Did you alert the authorities?" Lin Wanrong asked anxiously. "The Eldest Miss and the Madam aredies. What could they possibly do there? Isn''t that just adding chaos?"


    He paced in agitation while Xiao Feng struggled to understand his questions. "Brother Lin, what does ''gang'' mean?"


    Lin Wanrong grabbed his arm and said, "Come, let''s walk and talk. ''Gang'' is a ng term we use on the streets to refer to which group they belong to."


    Xiao Feng responded, "The Eldest Miss has already reported to the authorities. We still don''t know which group they are. There are dozens of them, armed with iron rods, some even with knives..."


    "Dozens of them?" Lin Wanrong paused. "This is arge scale conflict. Go quickly and gather all the male servants in the mansion. Regardless of their age, rank, or what they are doing, even if they are in their wedding chamber, get them all. Tell them that I, Brother San, have given the order to assemble within the time it takes to burn half an incense stick. Whoever doesn''t make it can go straight to the ounting room to collect their wages and leave."


    "Understood." Xiao Feng, unusually resolute, was about to run off when Lin Wanrong called out again, "Come back."


    Xiao Feng turned back, looking at him puzzled. Lin Wanrong said, "Make sure everyonees armed, with whatever they can find. Swords, spears, clubs, axes, halberds, anything that can be used to fight. We are not going there to y; we''re going to fight. Let everyone remember, to defend the Xiao family is every man''s duty."


    "To defend the Xiao family is every man''s duty," Xiao Feng shouted the rallying cry, then dashed off towards the inner courtyard.


    Brother San''s status in the Xiao family was no small matter. He was the banner of the Xiao family, somewhat like a patriarch, and a point of pride in the world of Jinling''s domestic servants.


    At hismand, the Xiao mansion sprang into action. In less than half the time it takes to burn an incense stick, all the servants had assembled, amounting to a force over a hundred strong.


    Lin Wanrong had never counted the number of servants in the Xiao family. Seeing so many now, he was indeed taken aback. Good heavens, what a bloated organization, he thought.


    Most of the assembled servants were hastily dressed, obviously having been roused from their beds. They held a variety of weapons, from clubs to brooms. The household items used for heating were all present, from iron pots to cleavers anddles, all brought without omission.


    Xiao Feng, however, held a chamber pot in his hand. Lin Wanrong shivered at the sight, then gave a thumbs-up, "Brother Xiao Feng, you''re truly talented."


    Xiao Feng sheepishly said, "I was so focused on gathering everyone that I forgot to grab a weapon. This was all that was left." The servants erupted inughter.


    Lin Wanrong too chuckled briefly. As his gaze swept over them, silence fell. As the saying goes, ''Man is known by reputation, trees by their shadow.'' Brother San''s reputation in the Xiao family and among Jinling''s servants was unsurpassed. His deeds had been turned into stories and circted everywhere by storytellers. Tales of his adventures - his confrontation with the cunning Tao Dongcheng in the Sunshine and Rain Restaurant, his encounter with the illustrious Master Wenchang on the banks of Qiantang River, his couplets battle at the noble banquet, and his discourse on the passing years at the Jinling Literature Association - were all celebrated.


    In the past, the Xiao family was ruled by women, and the servants couldn''t even lift their heads in public for fear of ridicule. But since the arrival of Brother San, the tables had turnedpletely, and the servants now strutted down the street with their heads held high. Moreover, Brother San''s fame was derived entirely from his external battles against the likes of the Tao family and Young Prince Ning, and his association with Xu Wei, a grand schr renowned throughout thend. He wasn''t one to curry favor with the master and mistress for his status. He was genuinely strong and amiable, a role model for the Xiao family''s servants.


    Now, at Brother San''s call, everyone was quick to respond.


    Lin Wanrong let out a heartyugh, "I suppose everyone knows by now. Someone''s causing trouble at our perfume workshop. Perfume is the foundation of our Xiao family. With perfume, the Xiao family thrives and everyone has money to spend and food to eat. Without it, we''re nothing, and everyone is left destitute. So those who make trouble for the Xiao family are essentially making trouble for us all, challenging our livelihood. If someone tries to ruin our livelihood, what do we do?"


    "Beat them!" came the resounding response, apanied by the tter of various household items. Lin Wanrong waved his hand and everyone fell silent. He shouted, "Alright, enough talk. Everyone, follow my lead. When I say fight, we all fight. We''ll beat those scoundrels to a pulp. No one better hold back. I, Lin San, assure you that I won''t let my brothers suffer. Anyone who dares to stab us in the back or hold us back, don''t say I didn''t warn you. Remember, to defend the Xiao family is every man''s duty."


    "To defend the Xiao family is every man''s duty," over a hundred voices echoed in unison.


    With a wave of his hand, Lin Wanrong, along with Xiao Feng, led the group of more than a hundred servants. Armed with a wide variety of weapons, they headed straight for the perfume workshop. Passersby on the road were startled to see the force of over a hundred servants in their green clothing and small hats marching past them. Times had indeed changed when even servants could parade on the streets.


    The site of the perfume factory was personally selected by Lin Wanrong, an old residence of the Xiao family in the city, just a fewnes away, not too far from the Xiao residence. The perfume and soap factories were located in the same courtyard. When he first established the soap factory, Lin Wanrong had considered security and had even asked Si De to select about ten sturdy men from the Xiao family''s servants to live in the perfume factory as a security team, in case of trouble.


    When he arrived at the perfume factory with his men, he found the factory door tightly closed. Around forty or fifty men dressed in ck surrounded the entrance, shouting loudly at the door and a few even tried to break in using arge piece of tree trunk.


    "Damn, it''s like a damn siege," Lin Wanrong thought angrily. "The gangsters are pushing me too far. Do they really think they can rob me?"


    These men in ck were armed with iron bars and wooden sticks, their attire unified, clearly prepared for this. The factory''s main gate remained tightly closed. Lin Wanrong''s heart filled with anxiety. Where were the Eldest Miss and the Madam?


    "Brother San, I fear the Eldest Miss and the Madam are trapped inside. We reported this to the authorities already, but no one has shown up yet," Xiao Feng said nervously to Lin Wanrong. As a decent young man, he had some sense of justice, but it was still unnerving to face a professional team of about fifty henchmen.


    Reported it to the authorities? Trusting in the police is like expecting pigs to climb trees, Lin Wanrong thought, scoffing. He turned to his men and said, "Don''t be afraid. We outnumber them two to one. Two against one, they can''t beat us. Tonight, anyone who performs well, I will rmend to the Eldest Miss for promotion and a raise. To defend the Xiao family is every man''s duty."


    "To defend the Xiao family is every man''s duty!" the crowd echoed in unison.


    With a wave of his hand, Lin Wanrong charged into the crowd. His skill and strength were far beyond that of these gangsters. A few punches and kicks took down several men. With theirrger numbers and diverse arsenal, the Xiao family''s servants followed him, their momentum intimidating. They broke the line of the men in ck, who were too shocked to react. In an instant, over a hundred Xiao family servants were standing in front of the door.


    This was the effect Lin Wanrong wanted. Once they took back the main gate, they stood on invincible ground. What was left was just mopping up these mongrels.


    "Who are you?" a man in ck shouted angrily.


    "Who am I? Who the hell are you?" Lin Wanrong retorted, kicking a stone at the front door. A man in ck shrieked and fell to the ground.


    "Lin... Lin San... Is that you?" came the anxious voice of the Eldest Miss from inside.


    "It''s me," Lin Wanrong shouted back, "Are you alright, Miss? Is the Madam with you? Are you both safe?"


    "We''re both fine," the Eldest Miss''s voice was a mix of anxiety and excitement. "But Si De was beaten by them"


    "Brother San, avenge me," came Si De''s painful cry from inside.


    With a creak, the factory door opened, and the Eldest Miss stepped out. The Xiao family''s servants let out a cheer of relief, shouting, "Miss"


    Xiao Yuruo gave a slight nod, saying, "Thank you all" She moved next to Lin Wanrong and whispered, "Don''t go too hard on them and don''t take any lives. If you get arrested, who''s going to bring you food?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "With so many people in the Xiao family, it shouldn''t be hard to find someone to bring me food. But what about you and the Madam? You risked your lives to rush into such a dangerous situation. Are you courting death?"


    The Eldest Miss sighed, "At that moment, there was no time to think about all that. This factory is our lifeblood, even if it costs us our lives, we need to protect it. Otherwise, we can''t face our Xiao family ancestors, and I couldn''t face you. I''ve already reported to the authorities, but no one has shown up. Thankfully, you came back early. If you''d been anyter, who knows what might have happened."


    Lin Wanrong felt a pang of guilt. He had lingered a bit with Luo Ning. If not for that, he would have returned earlier and the Eldest Miss and the Madam wouldn''t have had to worry.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "I''m here now, you should go inside. The situation may get violentter, it''s best if you don''t watch."


    Xiao Yuruo gave him a reproachful look, saying softly, "Now that we''ve been pushed this far, it would be overly sentimental of me to stop you. Just be careful, don''t act tough, and be wary of the wicked."


    Seeing the Eldest Miss return to the house, Lin Wanrong let out a sigh of relief. Xiao Feng and Si De were good friends. Hearing Si De''s pained scream, he gritted his teeth and said, "Brother Lin, what should we do?"


    Without answering, Lin Wanrong stepped forward and sneered at the ck-d leader, "Did you do this?"


    Lin Wanrong, known as the godfather of the Hung Hing gang in Jinling City, had connections with both high officials andmoners. He spoke with a smirk, exuding an impressive aura. The leader of the men in ck retreated a few steps, saying, "What if I did? You dare to oppose my ck Dragon Society?"


    The ck Dragon Society? Lin Wanrong''s eyebrows raised slightly. Very well, very well, I hadn''t even targeted you, yet you came knocking. Earlier today, your boss, Cheng De, targeted Luo Min, and now you target the Xiao family. It''s obvious who''s pulling the strings.


    "The ck Dragon Society, eh? Is Wu Zhenghu your boss?" Lin Wanrong''s smile carried a trace of darkness.


    "What if he is? Who are you? Do you dare to oppose my ck Dragon Society?" The man in ck, taken aback by Lin Wanrong''s imposing manner, unconsciously softened his tone.


    "My name is Lin San, didn''t your boss tell you?" Lin Wanrong gave a chilling grin.


    "Lin San, you are Lin San?" The man in ck gasped in surprise.


    Lin Wanrong delivered a hard p to his face, "Is Lin San a name you can call?"


    The ck Dragon Society''s men collectively gasped, closing in, while the Xiao family''s servants also pushed forward. The two factions faced off, neither daring to make the first move.


    The man in ck was stunned. This Lin San was even more arrogant than the rumors suggested.


    Lin Wanrong seemed oblivious to the tense standoff between the two sides. With a smack, he delivered another p, "Those who were beating my Xiao family brothers just now, step forward."


    The man in ck, having failed to dodge two ps in a row, quickly realized that his skills were leagues behind Lin Wanrong''s.


    "You, you, Lin San, if you oppose our ck Dragon Society, we won''t let"


    "Smack" Lin Wanrong interrupted with another p, "I''ll ask again, who was bullying my Xiao family brothers?"


    The ck Dragon Society members were dumbfounded. Despite being the underworld, how was this Lin San more ruthless than they were?


    Si De, inside the workshop, hearing Brother Lin standing up for him, was moved to tears, "Brother Lin, it''s this bastard who brought people to beat me"


    "You, youthe incident today wasn''t initiated by us, but by your men" the man in ck hurriedly said.


    "Oh, tell me about it," Lin Wanrong said with a sardonic smile.


    The leader of the ck Dragon Society hurriedly said, "Today, one of our brothers went missing nearby, and we were ordered to conduct a search. When we arrived here, your people wouldn''t let us in, which led to a conflict. Our intention was only to conduct a search"


    To enterto search? Hearing this phrase, Lin Wanrong felt a surge of anger. Dammit, of all the things to imitate, why mimic the little devils? [A derogatory term for Japanese soldiers during the Sino-Japanese War and World War II] Unable to contain his fury any longer, he picked up a stone and hurled it at the man''s face.


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 Chapter 219

    Chapter 219


    Chapter 219 Chaos


    In his zing anger, heshed out with a random strike that smashed into the face of the man in ck. Blood spattered in all directions as the leader of the ck-d men fell to the ground, rolling in agony and crying out in pain.


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong starting the fight, Xiao Feng immediately shouted, "Brothers, strike these dogs"


    Seeing their Brother San bravely initiate the fight and take down the enemy''s leader with a single punch, the Xiao household servants surged with fervor. "Strike them!" Hundreds of them yelled in unison, holding various weapons and charging at the members of the ck Dragon Society.


    It had been a long time since Lin Wanrong had enjoyed such a brawl. He bellowed, "Brothers, if any of these bastards dare fight back, beat them to a pulp. Make sure they remember, the Xiao family is not to be trifled with. We have our Eldest Miss and Madam supporting us. Charge, everyone!"


    His words were extremely provocative, and the servants of the Xiao family were stirred to a boiling passion. As servants, they spent their days serving others and rarely had an opportunity to explode like this. This battle was bright and just, motivating everyone. Under the warm gaze of the Madam and the Eldest Miss, and under the direct leadership of Brother San, fighting such a battle would surely make them famous. They would show Jinling who dared to bully the Xiao family.


    Naturally, Lin Wanrong was at the forefront. While the brothers of the Xiao family were fervent and united, theirbat experience was extremelycking. They needed Lin Wanrong to clear the path and instill confidence in them. Therefore, he targeted the ringleaders of the ck Dragon Society, picking the toughest bones to crack.


    His heart was ame with anger, showing no mercy in his blows. In a couple of moves, his opponents would either have broken hands or legs. The servants following him picked up the ready-made victories, beating the fallen enemies with delight.


    In a single breath, Lin Wanrong took down a dozen tough characters from the ck Dragon Society, making him an unstoppable force. The Xiao family''s momentum was even greater. Xiao Feng smashed a chamber pot over a thug''s body and yelled, "Brothers, don''t let these scumbags escape."


    With Brother San single-handedly taking out half of the ck Dragon Society, the other rogues had no courage to stay. They turned to run.


    The Xiao family servants were many and powerful. Four or five of them could take on one opponent. There was no chance for their enemies to escape. For a moment, the field was filled with howls and cries, the servants'' faces glowing red with excitement as they brandished their kitchen utensils. Following Brother San even made a fight this thrilling.


    Having vented his anger, Lin Wanrong saw a group of men rushing towards them from a distance. There must have been one or two hundred of them, all in ck, led by none other than Wu Zhenghu of the ck Dragon Society.


    "Who dares to oppose my ck Dragon Society?" Wu Zhenghu shouted loudly. His two hundred men joined him in a threatening chorus.


    Damn it, even the underworld was this rampant. The city of Jinling was indeed in chaos. Despite the fight going on for so long, no one from the city government showed up, surely it was Cheng De''s doing again.


    With a wave of his hand, Lin Wanrong ordered the Xiao family''s servants to retreat back to the courtyard. Just then, a tumultuous uproar came from behind Wu Zhenghu. A robust voice shouted loudly, "Defeat the ck Dragon Society, chop off Wu Zhenghu, brothers, charge"


    Damn, this Qingshan has quite the knack for timing, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, his heart swelling with joy. Let chaos reign. If I get the chance to take down Wu Zhenghu today, it''s as good as cutting off one of Cheng De''s arms.


    Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou were at the front, leading a group of two to three hundred brothers from Hung Hing. The two factions shed in the alley. This was a real gang fight, a scene straight out of a movie that Lin Wanrong had always imagined. It was even more intense than he had anticipated.


    Hung Hing was at the height of its power, and today they hade specifically for Wu Zhenghu. Whether it was in terms of numbers or morale, they had the upper hand. Lin Wanrong felt a thrill of satisfaction. After eliminating Wu Zhenghu, then Cheng De, who would dare to bully Qiaoqiao and Old Dong in Jinling city?


    The servants of the Xiao family had already retreated back into the perfume workshop. The Eldest Miss held on to Lin Wanrong, quickly nced at him, and whispered, "Are you alright? Are you hurt?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Back when I was trapped in the midst of the White Lotus cult, killing the enemy was like picking something out of a pocket. These small-time thugs are no match for me."


    The Eldest Miss giggled at him, and with a mock scold said, "You''re always bragging. They may be small-time thugs, but you''re a big-time thug, leading our Xiao family''s servants into a fight. Wait till I see how I''ll punish you."


    "Hey, miss, I''m fighting for the Xiao family," Lin Wanrongughed. "Not only that, but through handling this sudden incident, the unity of our Xiao family has also been elevated a notch. Even if I don''t deserve any merit, I should at least get some recognition for my hard work."


    "Brother San, Brother San!" Si De limped over, his head wrapped up like a panda, "Luckily you came just in time, or else our perfume workshop might have been destroyed by these men."


    Lin Wanrong patted him on the shoulder, "Si De, you''ve done well, making your Brother San proud. The Eldest Miss said, when we get back, everyone''s efforts will be rewarded. We won''t let our brothers down."


    "Thanks, Eldest Miss," the members of the Xiao family who had worked through the night were waiting for this very sentence.


    Since the moment Lin San entered, Madame Xiao had been fretting, a trace of worry on her beautiful face. The Eldest Miss tugged at Lin Wanrong''s sleeve, "Mother is terribly worried about the events of today. She suspects that someone''s behind this. Do you have any solution?"


    A solution? Wasn''t I just thinking about that? Lin Wanrong approached Madame Xiao and smiled, "Madam, are you worried about tonight''s incident?"


    Madame Xiao nced at him and sighed, "Lin San, thank you. If you hadn''t arrived in time today, I fear our Xiao family would have been finished."


    "Madam, you''re being too formal. All I did was my duty," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Yushuang is my wife, you are my mother-inw. If someone bullies you, as a dutiful son-inw, I should certainly step up. Besides, I own half of this workshop, so both in terms of public duty and private interest, I have no reason to evade."


    "Lin San, what do you think about these people? Who are they? They are so audacious, brazenly burrizing homes in front of everyone in Jinling city. Don''t they fear the authorities?" The Madam spat out, "It''spletelywless."


    Lin Wanrong spoke solemnly, "Madam, there''s an old saying that it is better to struggle against a gentleman than to fight with a petty man. From my point of view, the events of today were deliberately incited by such petty men, seeking to ruin the foundation of our Xiao family."


    Madam Xiao nced at him and sighed, "How could I not know that? Recently, our Xiao family has encountered a streak of misfortunes. First, our business management faltered and we were almost taken advantage of by the Tao family. Then, Yushuang was kidnapped, and it was only after several hardships that she safely returned. Then came our trip to Hangzhou, where we faced further tribtions. Despite these adversities, we''ve managed to turn danger into safety each time, and even managed to rise to a higher level. Now, the reputation of our Xiao family in Jinling is at its peak, almost equivalent to the old master''s time. Lin San, your contribution is paramount."


    Good grief, Lin Wanrong thought, She is elevating my status without reason. Is she nning to y hard-to-get tricks again? He sneaked a nce at Madam Xiao. Her delicate brows rxed, her face as white as jade tinged with a soft pink. When she smiled, two small dimples appeared. Her cherry lips opened and closed as she spoke, her chest gently rising and falling, exuding an indescribable charm. The mature elegance and noble grace she possessed were something a naive young girl couldn''t match.


    Madam is truly beautiful, Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment. The Eldest Miss hurriedly tugged his sleeve and said, "Lin San, what''s the matter? Mother is speaking to you."


    "Oh, oh." Lin Wanrong regained his senses and quickly asked, "What did the Madam say?"


    The Eldest Miss gave him a nce, "You, mother is speaking to you and you are not listening properly. I wonder what you are thinking."


    Lin Wanrongughed bitterly, "Miss, you can''t me me for that. When the Madam stands next to you, she looks as beautiful as your older sister. Anyone who sees you two would be stunned."


    "Lin San, what are you bbering about?" The Madam''s face flushed slightly as she said with a helplessugh, "Your eloquence has been well-noted by our staff, but you''re not allowed to tter us in the future."


    Madam Xiao was educated and refined, gentle and generous. Despite being a widow for many years, she had a spotless reputation and lived a life of utmost integrity. Though she didn''t interact much with Lin Wanrong, she knew of his temperament and dismissed his jests without taking them seriously.


    Xiao Yuruoughed and said, "Mother is naturally youthful and beautiful, well-known near and far. She doesn''t need your ttery. I think you are afraid of her punishment and deliberately saying nice things to make amends."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and said, "The one who knows me best is Eldest Miss. Could Madam repeat what she said earlier?"


    Madam Xiao responded with a stern expression, "Today''s trouble, although caused by petty men, should also serve as a wake-up call for us. Our Xiao family has recently been too prominent, easily inviting envy. Lin San, Yuruo, you must be cautious in your actions in the future, and not give people any handles to grab."


    Lin Wanrong thought to himself, If others are targeting the Xiao family, you can''t avoid it by being careful. Madam Xiao sighed, "This time, thankfully Lin San arrived in time, preventing a major disaster. But I''m worried if this continues. Especially after you two go to the capital, if there are any changes in Jinling City, where will I find someone to discuss matters with?"


    This was also a concern of Lin Wanrong''s, and his expression became somber. Madam Xiao sighed helplessly, her voice low as she said, "Our Xiao family... we''re stillcking a man who can take on responsibilities."


    Madam Xiao''s gaze fell on Lin Wanrong, intentionally or unintentionally. Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. What did Madam mean by this? Is she considering betrothing the second miss to me? If she has something to say, why not just say it straight? What is the point of being so secretive? She should know that I''m quite sought after. If she doesnt act, I might be snatched up by someone else.


    While he was immersed in these thoughts, a sound of hurried horse hooves approached from outside, stopping at the workshop door. A frantic female voice rang out from outside, "Sister Yuruo, are you inside?"


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 Chapter 220

    Chapter 220


    Chapter 220 Repaying a Kindness


    The voice seemed vaguely familiar to Lin Wanrong, who was in the throes of puzzlement, when the Eldest Miss frowned and said, "Doesn''t it sound like Wanying''s voice? Why is she here?"


    No wonder the voice seemed familiar. Was it not the voice of Tao Wanying, the little girl? Had her emotional wounds healed? Why would shee here at this time?


    Outside, two major factions were engaged in a fierce firefight. The Eldest Miss dared not carelessly open the door and instead called out gently, "Which Eldest Miss is outside?"


    "Miss Yuruo, it''s me, Wanying!" Tao Wanying''s voice came back, filled with anxiety, "There was a dy on the way, I arrived a bitte, Miss Yuruo, please forgive me."


    "It''s Wanying with the people from the Yamen," the Eldest Miss dered excitedly.


    Lin Wanrong merely grunted in acknowledgment. This girl surnamed Tao recovered pretty fast, already back to work at the Yamen. However, their efficiency as constables was far too low. He had already solved the problem, what did he need them for now?


    The Eldest Miss ordered the door to be opened and there stood Tao Wanying, dressed in a bright red official uniform, who darted in as soon as the door was ajar.


    Xiao Yuruo, seeing her all alone, queried, "Miss Wanying, why have youe alone?"


    Tao Wanying gasped a few times before speaking, "Miss Yuruo, as soon as we received your message, we wanted to rush over immediately. But as we were leaving the Yamen, we received news that the Commander''s troops were conducting drills up ahead, and all the intersections were blocked. We couldn''t get through no matter how we tried. Thankfully, my family has a longstanding rtionship with Official Cheng. He kindly allowed me to pass, but the others are still waiting in ce."


    Cheng De was indeed behind this, Lin Wanrong sneered in his heart. Tonight was filled with continuous disturbances. First, Cheng De surrounded the governor''s mansion with troops, and then the ck Dragon Society harassed the Xiao family. This was all part of their step-by-step probing.


    Though the situation seemed calm now, the bloodshed between the two factions outside was still undecided. The Eldest Miss saw that Tao Wanying had risked her own safety toe to their aid, and felt grateful. She had already forgotten the mean prank Tao Wanying and her brother Tao Dongcheng had yed on her. She took her hand and said, "Little sister Wanying, my family and I are deeply grateful for your disregard for personal safety and your help."


    Tao Wanying shook her head and said, "Sister Yuruo, don''t say that, I''m extremely ashamed. After the way my brother and I treated you that day, you won''t hold it against me, will you?"


    The Eldest Miss knew she was referring to the incident of the staged highway robbery and smiled gently, shaking her head. "It''s been so long since that happened, why bring it up again? Besides, you didn''t intend to hurt me then. How could I hold it against you?"


    Tao Wanying''s eyes reddened as she said, "Sister Yuruo, the more I think about it, the more I feel I was terribly wrong that day. I don''t know what came over me to do such an evil thing. It seems like retribution is happening. After you released my brother and me that day, my older brother''s behavior has been getting stranger and stranger. He''s always angry at home, throwing things around. He hits and yells at the servants, and is nasty to me as well. It''s like he''s be a different person, and even my father can''t control him. As for me, I thought I had been defiled that day"


    Tears streamed down her face, and she could not continue speaking. Upon hearing these few sentences, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but grin broadly. Well, ording to Tao Wanying''s ount, that Tao Dongcheng must certainly be impotent. Perhaps he is secretly preparing an embroidery needle, emting the notorious Invincible East. This is precisely what should happen to evildoers. Brother Gao''s move was indeed ruthless, and I truly am a genius.


    Upon seeing her tears, Miss Xiao knew that Tao Wanying wasmenting her own experience. Her heart softened, and she gently said, "Little sister Wanying, don''t worry. There''s nothing wrong; it''s all just someone''s trick"


    "Cough, cough" Lin Wanrong hastily coughed twice, preventing Eldest Miss Xiao from potentially spilling the beans. Suppressing augh, Eldest Miss Xiao shot him a yful nce. You viin, you''ve frightened an innocent girl into this state, aren''t you proud?


    Seeing the teasing in Eldest Miss Xiao''s eyes, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, You little imp, the moment your wound healed, you''ve forgotten the pain. After the girl apologized twice, you''re ready to sell me out. Your kindness is rather excessive.


    Tao Wanying whispered to Miss Xiao, "Sister Yuruo, I had the maids and old women at home check me, and I hadn''t been vited. It seems that when you left me in the roadside grove that day, I must have sustained some scratches, leading to the difort. Sister Yuruo, I cannot express my gratitude enough."


    Lin Wanrong, blessed with excellent hearing, had already caught every word. A thrill of joy ran through him; deceiving the young girl was such a delightful task.


    Eldest Miss Xiaoughed, "There''s nothing to thank us for. It was all Lin San''s idea. He said that ''A grievance should be addressed, not deepened.'' We had no profound hatred with you, so why create a life-and-death situation? Thus, we let you go and returned straight to Jinling."


    On seeing Lin San, Tao Wanying''s face flushed, full of embarrassment. That day on the street, she had nearly forced Lin San to admit the crime of defilement. Now, thinking back, she felt quite uneasy. But as a woman, how could she easily admit to such a crime? Her lips moved silently for a moment before she lowered her head and murmured, "Are you... well?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, responding with a significant air, "Thanks to Miss Tao, I have been quite welltely. I wonder if Miss Tao has been well these past few days?"


    Biting her lip, Tao Wanying replied, "I''ve been well these past few days. Thank you for what happened that day, otherwise I" Her eyes reddened, and she couldn''t continue.


    He thought, ''I merely staged a scene, and she was scared into this state. Will she develop a fear of bridal chambers in the future? s, that''s quite unfortunate for her future husband.''


    "There''s no need for formalities, Miss Tao," Lin Wanrongughed, "Helping others is my one weakness. As long as misunderstandings are resolved, and everyone is safe, there''s no need for thanks."


    Tao Wanying didn''t dare to continue the conversation with him. She turned to Xiao Yuruo, "Sister Yuruo, with the fight going on outside, it''s better to wait a while before leaving. I''m here today, they wouldn''t dare harm you."


    ''As if the underworld fears the police? This girl is too naive,'' he thought. But Tao Yu and Cheng De were in the same faction, so Wu Zhenghu should not dare touch Tao Wanying. Eldest Miss Xiao turned to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, what should we do about the current situation?"


    Lin Wanrong saw that the forces led by Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou had engaged in a melee with the ck Dragon Society. Although the Hung Hing seemed to have the upper hand, it looked like it wouldn''t be over anytime soon. Tao Wanying brought important news: Cheng De''s troops were nearby, so it would be wise to resolve the situation here quickly.


    With that in mind, Lin Wanrong turned to Tao Wanying seriously, "Miss Tao, your arrival is timely. Those in ck who came to cause trouble at my home today are part of the so-called ck Dragon Society. You''ll be a witness for us, won''t you?"


    Tao Wanying nodded, "ck Dragon Society, Wu Zhenghu, I''m aware."


    "Good, you know," Lin Wanrong gave a sly smile. "Eldest Miss, those who are obstructing the ck Dragon Society outside, I''m not sure which group of righteous men they are, but we must express our gratitudeter."


    "They are not any righteous men," Tao Wanying corrected, "They''re another gang in town, Hung Hing. They are no better than the ck Dragon Society."


    "Hung Hing on the same level as the ck Dragon Society? Impossible," Lin Wanrong gave her a sharp look. "Miss Tao, don''t make recklessments. Those righteous men are all brave and impressive. How could the ck Dragon Societypare? They helped us in our time of need. We must reciprocate."


    The Eldest Miss nced at him meaningfully, "So, what do you suggest we do?"


    Lin Wanrong said, "The ck Dragon Society is already at a disadvantage. We have about a hundred brothers in the house, why not we rush out and assist those righteous men?"


    "No--" Tao Wanying eximed in shock, "These two gangs are the scourge of Jinling City. If we rashly rush out and assist Hung Hing, and they harbor ill intentions, won''t that be inviting the wolf into the sheep''s pen?"


    Inviting the wolf in? The biggest wolf was standing right in front of her, what else did she need to worry about? Lin Wanrongughed, "Miss Tao, we can''t afford to dy. If the ck Dragon Society wins, we''ll be in even more danger."


    Tao Wanying saw his eyes filled with amusement as he looked at her. She remembered the day she forced him to admit he had sullied her. Embarrassed, she lowered her gaze and dared not speak anymore.


    The Eldest Miss frowned, "Our men are not suited for a fight. What if someone gets hurt? It''ll be a huge mistake."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Eldest Miss, don''t worry. The ck Dragon Society is already at the end of its rope, how could they dare to entangle with us? If we rush out, just to show our force and without any intent to fight, they''ll surely run."


    The Eldest Miss considered this. Gritting her teeth, she said, "If that''s the case, Lin San, let''s do as you suggest. None from the ck Dragon Society are good people. We can trust Hung Hing."


    Lin Wanrong was somewhat surprised by her decisiveness. What made her so certain? Had she been involved in the underworld too?


    The Eldest Miss looked at him, her cheeks reddening in shyness, "Why are you standing there dumbfounded? The leader of Hung Hing is Qiaoqiao''s brother, do you think I dont know? These men must be the ones you called, hmph! You''ve been keeping so much from me. I''ll need to interrogate you thoroughly when this is over."


    This Eldest Miss wasn''t foolish, Lin Wanrong realized, breaking out in a cold sweat. Hastily, he called over Xiao Feng, "Tell the brothers to get ready. We''ll all rush out together and give those dogs from the ck Dragon Society a thrashing."


    The men of the Xiao family had tasted the thrill of battle just moments ago, and the prospect of beating an enemy when they were down stirred their blood once again. Instantly, they all became excited.


    Just as Lin Wanrong was about to lead the charge by opening the door, Tao Wanying caught hold of his sleeve.


    "Miss Tao, what do you mean by this?" Lin Wanrong asked in surprise.


    "In gratitude for your honesty, I ought to repay it with my humble efforts," Tao Wanying murmured. Then, with a swift movement, she darted ahead of Lin Wanrong, charging toward the outside.


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 Chapter 221

    Chapter 221


    Chapter 221 Dethroned


    Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned. He hadn''t expected that the letter had indeed been written by this young girl. [TL: From chapter 208]


    Tao Wanying, with a delicate cry, sprung into action like a swift swallow, leading the charge. The Xiao family''s servants, following behind Brother Lin, charged ahead with a cacophony of drums and gongs.


    The ck Dragon Association and Hung Hing were locked in a fierce battle when suddenly, a thunderous wave of gongs and drums echoed in the air. The forge''s iron gate was flung open and the Xiao family''s servants charged out, brandishing their weapons and chanting a resounding slogan: "Overthrow the ck Dragon Association, Down with the ck Dragon Association"


    Wu Zhenghu and his underlings were taken aback. They were already stretched thin dealing with Hung Hing and were on the brink of defeat. The unexpected intervention of the Xiao family''s servants, who had astonishinglyunched an offensive, left the ck Dragon Association defenseless and on the verge of disintegration.


    Lin Wanrong, leading the charge, effortlessly took down several of the ck Dragon Association''s minions. Tao Wanying stayed close to him, her martial arts might not have been as proficient as Lin Wanrong''s, but they were more than enough to handle the thugs of the ck Dragon Association.


    "I am a public servant of the Jinling Prefecture," Tao Wanying dered after knocking down two members of the ck Dragon Association. Her voice was firm and authoritative, her demeanormanding. Yet she never strayed from Lin Wanrong''s side, resolutely protecting him.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, thinking how naive this young girl was. If a few shouts could solve their problems, the underworld was truly disappointing.


    Seeing Tao Wanying, Wu Zhenghu hesitated for a moment, but seeing the fierce momentum of the Xiao family and the relentless onught of Hung Hing, he knew he had lost this battle. With a grimace, he yelled, "Retreat, quickly retreat"


    With that, he turned and fled, his movements quick and agile. The remaining ck Dragon Association members, seeing their leader fleeing, promptly followed his lead and began their hasty escape.


    Tonight was an excellent opportunity to obliterate the ck Dragon Association. Dong Qingshan wouldn''t miss such a chance and promptly shouted: "Overthrow the ck Dragon Association, take down Wu Zhenghu, Brothers, charge"


    The morale of Hung Hing was high, and this rallying cry fueled their fervor. Hundreds chased after Wu Zhenghu. Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou led the way, relentlessly pursuing Wu Zhenghu, refusing to let him escape easily.


    The ck Dragon Association hadpletely lost tonight''s battle. Hung Hing wouldn''t give them another chance to rise. Cheng De''s arm had been permanently disabled. In retrospect, this was a great gift that Cheng De had unwittingly delivered. His mistake was underestimating the strength of the Xiao family and Lin Wanrong''s power. The defeat of the ck Dragon Association might just be the first step to Cheng De''s downfall.


    Seeing Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou cornering Wu Zhenghu, Lin Wanrong realized they had him on the ropes. But Wu Zhenghu was formidable, single-handedly fighting off two opponents without showing any signs of defeat. If they didn''t take down Wu Zhenghu soon, it would be difficult to get rid of him once Cheng De arrived to turn the tide.


    Lin Wanrong was anxious. He wanted to rush over and assist Qingshan, but saw Tao Wanying stubbornly sticking to his side, not moving an inch.


    With a bitter smile, Lin Wanrong said, "Miss Tao, you''re a public servant. There should be more important tasks for you to perform. Why are you always following me?"


    Tao Wanying responded earnestly, "Right now, the scene is chaotic and dangerous everywhere. If I stay by your side, you can have an extrayer of protection."


    Protect me? Lin Wanrong could not help butugh. "Miss Tao," he said, "you''ve fought with me before. Let''s be frank, even ten of youbined couldn''t defeat me. Now you say you want to protect me, isn''t that a bit exaggerated? You don''t have any ulterior motives, do you? I am a decent man."


    Both embarrassed and annoyed, Tao Wanying retorted, "Who would have any designs on you? I''m repaying a favor. If it weren''t for you telling me the truth that day, I might not be alive right now. You were so kind to me, and I remember it well. Even though I''m just a woman, I can''t just not return a favor. Despite your excellent martial arts, you can''t possibly defend against treachery everywhere. With me by your side, we''ll have a better chance. Regardless of how you see me, I won''t be able to rest easy if I don''t repay this favor."


    Great, he thought, she''s like a piece of bubblegum, I can''t get rid of her. Do I need to knock her out again? Lin Wanrong said helplessly, "Miss Tao, I appreciate your kindness, but what you call a favor is just a trivial matter to me. I enjoy helping others and don''t expect anything in return, let alone needing your protection. You''d better go and talk to the Eldest Miss."


    Tao Wanying was stubborn. She turned her head to the side as if she hadn''t heard him and didn''t move an inch.


    What was he supposed to do now? He''d heard of hard selling, but not hard buying. Did he have to resort to his killer move again? He was afraid that if he did it one more time, she might actually lose her life. Lin Wanrong asked, "Miss Tao, how long do you n to guard me?"


    Tao Wanying was taken aback. After pondering for a long time, she shook her head, "I haven''t thought about it yet!"


    Frustrated, Lin Wanrong retorted, "Miss Tao, I need to go to the toilet, are youing?"


    Tao Wanying''s face turned red. She nced at him, clenched her teeth, and said, "If you go, I go"


    Damn, he thought, I am defeated. Lin Wanrong covered his head and shouted in frustration, "Please, Miss Tao, let me go. I can''t stand your torture. I don''t need your protection, go protect someone else. Right, don''t you like Young Master Hou Yuebai? Go protect him. He''s weak and can satisfy yourpassionate heart. You''re a match made in heaven."


    Tao Wanying''s face turned redder, and she quickly refuted, "What nonsense are you talking about? Who said I like Young Master Hou?"


    "Everyone knows it." Lin Wanrong grinned, "If you don''t believe me, ask Miss Luo and the Eldest Miss. See if I''m lying to you."


    With a soft sigh, Tao Wanying said, "You confuse me. My sisters say that when you like someone, you can''t stop thinking about him. Although I asionally think about Young Master Hou and have spoken up for him, I wouldn''t say that I miss him; it''s quite indifferent. How can Sister Yuruo conclude that I like Young Master Hou?"


    Lin Wanrong, seeing that time was running out, made a quick decision. Little girl, you forced me to do this. If I have to knock you out this time, I''ll just leave you by the side of the road for someone else to pick up.


    Tao Wanying gave him a nce and suddenly smiled, "Lin San, sometimes you''re quite detestable, but at other times, you don''t seem all that bad. If you''re so insistent, I won''t force my assistance on you. Once today''s events are over, I won''t mention protection again. Does that sound okay?"


    "Stop Wu Zhenghu!" A furious shout from Qingshan cut through the air. Lin Wanrong looked in the direction of the cry, just in time to see Wu Zhenghu, his arms marred by numerous injuries, disying intense ferocity. His eyes were bloodshot as he struggled desperately to break free from the encircling Hung Hing members and flee. Wu Zhenghu, leading the ck Dragon Society of over a thousand people, indeed had some skills. His bravery, driven by ferocity, injured several Hung Hing brothers and seemed poised to escape the encirclement.


    He didn''t have time to banter with this girl any longer. Lin Wanrong dashed forward, positioning himself in front of Wu Zhenghu. He sneered, "What''s this? You rob the Xiao family and think you can just leave?"


    Wu Zhenghu looked at him, his eyes red, and said, "Are you Lin San?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Your eyes are sharp indeed, but unfortunately, you''ve chosen the wrong target."


    In the meantime, Dong Qingshan and Li Beidou had encircled him, and Tao Wanying stood by Lin Wanrong''s side. Wu Zhenghu bellowed angrily, "Is it honorable to gang up on one person like this?"


    "You want to y the hero? Fine by me," Lin Wanrongughed. "I have the utmost respect for heroes. But don''t say I didn''t give you a chance. Do you prefer a mob fight or a duel?"


    "What''s a mob fight?" Wu Zhenghu asked hurriedly.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "A mob fight is when all of us take on just you."


    "You" Wu Zhenghu fumed, "Then what''s a duel?"


    "A duel? That''s you against all of us," Lin Wanrong said casually. The spectators, both the Xiao family servants and the Hung Hing brothers, erupted intoughter. Even Tao Wanying couldn''t help but grin.


    A glint shed in Wu Zhenghu''s eyes. Seizing the moment when everyone was unprepared, he thrust his sharp knife toward Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong sneered, ready to react, when a sudden scream sounded. Wu Zhenghu was kicked down by someone, and his knife ttered onto the ground.


    Tao Wanying''s face was icy as she scolded, "Wu Zhenghu, you dare attempt tomit a violent act in my presence?"


    Wu Zhenghu was exhausted from the fight, his strength depleted. He had hoped to sneak an attack, but Tao Wanying was on guard. The moment he moved, shended a heavy kick on his leg. Wu Zhenghu, already severely injured and weakened, was taken down by the force of her blow. He gasped heavily for breath, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.


    "Not bad at all," Lin Wanrong chuckled and cupped his fist in salute. "Thank you, Miss Tao, for saving my life. Now we''re even."


    Wu Zhenghu was drained of his energy. This was a golden opportunity to beat a dog when it''s down, one that was hard toe by. Si De, who had apanied the others, could no longer restrain himself at the sight of the main culprit. He yelled, "Brothers, this is the man who bullied our Xiao family. Let''s get him!"


    A mob fight was what everyone excelled at. They swarmed Wu Zhenghu, punching and kicking, their shouts of outrage echoing in the air.


    This was the way it should be. What use was a solo fight? Individual heroism could be deadly. Mob fighting was the kingly way. Lin Wanrong chuckled and called out, "Everyone, stop! It''s not good to kill. By the way, no one dies from a butt-kicking, but faces and waists are a bit more fragile"


    "Hit his face and waist!" Someone in the crowd echoed, and everyone suddenly grasped the meaning behind Brother San''s words. Their blows were directed at these two spots. Lin Wanrong shivered; this kid Wu Zhenghu was done for.


    The man who had been making a racket gave Lin Wanrong a thumbs-up. Lin Wanrong gave him a disdainful nce. "Qingshan, you beast, you just love causing trouble. But  I like it."


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 Chapter 222

    Chapter 222


    Chapter 222 I Hate You To Death


    Among the crowd, a few key members of the Hung Hing faction were the most ruthless. They savagely kicked at Wu Zhenghu''s legs. Wu Zhenghu''s terrible screams resounded in the air, and Lin Wanrong could even hear the sound of his leg bones breaking.


    "Sigh, it seems that the ck Dragon Association has truly provoked public outrage," said Lin Wanrong in feigned sympathy. "Miss Tao, you see, I kept reminding everyone not to use violence. But this Wu fellow provoked the crowd''s wrath to such an extent that we couldn''t stop it." Seeing that Wu Zhenghu was barely breathing, more inhaling than exhaling, he knew that even if Wu Zhenghu didn''t die, he was close to it.


    Tao Wanying gave him a nce but said nothing. Seeing Wu Zhenghupletely subdued, Dong Qingshan nodded at Lin Wanrong. He waved his hand, and the Hung Hing''s men swiftly and silently moved away.


    Just as the Hung Hing members disappeared from sight, a loud battle cry was heard in the distance. A team of cavalry was approaching. Leading them was Cheng Ruinian, son of Cheng De.


    The rescuers had arrived, but toote. Lin Wanrong chuckled and signaled to a few members of the Xiao family. Their house guards promptly retreated back to their workshop. Only Wu Zhenghu, with his broken limbs and frothing mouth, was left lying on the ground. Even if he were lucky enough to survive, he would be a cripple.


    Cheng Ruinian led his cavalry to the scene. The area was already devoid of people. Looking at the scattered ck clothes, the bloodstains, and the nearly dead Wu Zhenghu, Cheng Ruinian turned pale. Riding his horse around twice, he scanned the area unwillingly before finally gesturing harshly: "Let''s go" Two soldiers stepped forward to pick up Wu Zhenghu, and the group quickly retreated.


    Miss Xiao, who was in the workshop, had seen everything clearly. She breathed a sigh of relief when everyone had left. Looking at Lin Wanrong, she asked, "What should we do now? Should we just go back?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head. Cheng Ruinian had just retreated, and the outside situation was still unstable. After a moment of thought, he said, "Let''s send someone clever to scout the area. If there are no more soldiers nearby, we can return to our mansion."


    This was a prudent n, and Madam Xiao also nodded, "Lin San''s proposal makes sense. We should wait a little longer before leaving. Yuruo, although today''s events happened suddenly, our house responded appropriately. Xiao Feng and Si De have rendered meritorious service, and Lin San is the mostmendable. After returning to the mansion, we should reward them heavily."


    "Madam, you tter me," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "The Xiao family and I, we''re like fish and water, sharing the same breath and destiny. None of us is superior to the other. I was simply doing my duty."


    Miss Xiao gave him a smile, "You always know how to say the right things, but don''t think I don''t know what you''re up to."


    What am I up to? If it were the Second Miss Xiao using me, it might make sense, but you, forget it, I wouldn''t bother with your suspicions.


    Tao Wanying held Xiao Yuruo''s hand and said, "Sister Yuruo, there should be no more trouble here. I should also take my leave. We failed to guard you properly today and caused you some rm. I hope you won''t me us."


    Under such circumstances, Tao Wanying hade to help, alone. Though she could not provide much physical assistance, her intentions were pure. Miss Xiao was moved and held her hand tightly, saying, "Wanying, thank you for today. Whatever happened before, let''s put it behind us. From now on, we''re close sisters. We should spend more time together and no more misunderstandings shoulde between us."


    Tao Wanying didn''t know why, but she felt incredibly aggrieved. At these words, she threw herself into Miss Xiao''s arms and sobbed, "Sister Yuruo, I, I, thank you."


    She had always thought that she had been defiled and that life held no more joy for her. It was Lin San who had awakened her, finding experienced midwives to check her condition, revealing that her fears were just her own imagination. The shock and relief made her emotions roller-coaster from the abyss to the sky, a contrast too extreme for ordinary people toprehend. With no one to share these feelings, and Miss Xiao''s words being especially heartwarming, Tao Wanying recalled her experiences during this period and could not help but weep.


    How much better has her Xiao family fared than her? Seeing her cry, Eldest Miss Xiao couldn''t help but feel sad. Her own tears started to fall, and the two women held each other, crying together.


    Damn, why are you crying for no reason when the situation hasn''t been resolved? Lin Wanrong was quite annoyed. He couldn''t help but cough twice and say, "Miss, let''s focus on the matter at hand."


    Miss Xiao quickly wiped her tears, gave him an embarrassed look, and said to Wanying, "Dear sister, you should go home for today. Once things calm down, we''ll have a proper chat."


    Tao Wanying simply hummed in agreement, wiped her tears, and walked towards the door. She mounted her horse, nced at Lin Wanrong, and said, "Lin San, I''ll forever remember your kindness." With a clench of her teeth, sheshed the reins, and the horse took off. In no time, she disappeared from everyone''s sight.


    This girl seems to have changed quite a bit, Lin Wanrong thought, watching Wanying''s retreating figure.


    Miss Xiao gave him a look and sighed, "Look at the mess you''ve made. A perfectly good woman scared into such a state by you."


    "Eldest Miss, aren''t you too sympathetic? When Miss Tao was doing evil before, you didn''t say she was a perfectly good woman," Lin Wanrong smirked. "Now you see her changed and consider her a good woman in your eyes, and I be the viin? That doesn''t make sense. Besides, if I hadn''t done a good deed, could she have be as obedient as she is now? Curing her illness without charging her was already a bargain."


    Eldest Miss Xiao looked at him and smiled, "Alright, I can''t win against you. You''ve done a great service today, how would you like me to reward you?"


    "Forget it, I''m used to doing such things every day. If you really want to reward me, you''d never finish," Lin Wanrong shook his head and declined.


    From creating perfumes and soaps to stabilizing the situation at the Sunshine and Rain Restaurant in Hangzhou, Lin San''s contributions were clear for all to see, and Xiao Yuruo was no exception. It could be said that Lin San had saved the Xiao family single-handedly. As for rewards, she truly didn''t know what would be appropriate.


    However, Eldest Miss Xiao was very clear about Lin Wanrong''s "wild ambitions". She nced at him and said quietly, "Our family has managed to bounce back, all thanks to your efforts. But I wonder how long you can stay with the Xiao family?"


    This was a tough question. With Lin San''s capabilities, he couldn''t possibly stay with the Xiao family forever. Miss Xiao''s tone was somewhat deste, and Lin Wanrong could only sigh. Despite their frequent disagreements, their long-term coboration had forged a strong friendship.


    "No one can predict the future. But rest assured, Eldest Miss, even if I leave the Xiao family someday, my heart will always be here. You can always count on me if there''s trouble. As you know, I''m quite extraordinary. There''s hardly anything I can''t handle," Lin Wanrong said, grinning cheekily.


    "What''s this about leaving but keeping your heart here? That sounds unpleasant," Eldest Miss Xiao''s mood lightened a bit hearing his yful tone. "You''re the type who lies nine times out of ten, I don''t trust you. I bet you''ll forget all about us the moment you step out of the Xiao family."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, refusing to continue this topic, and earnestly said, "Eldest Miss, considering the situation tonight, I fear something significant will happen in Jinling. This workshop is our foundation. To avoid disaster, we need to strengthen our defenses."


    "Exactly," Xiao Yuruo agreed, raising her eyebrows. "We should pick some loyal and capable people from our family servants to guard this workshop. We should also hire martial artists to train them. We cannot afford any mishaps here."


    Once this n was mentioned to Madam Xiao, she readily agreed and urged Eldest Miss Xiao to get to it. Lin Wanrong had calcted this all along. The perfume and soap businesses were his industries, and the basis for his future wealth. He could only entrust them to his own people. His key yer was Hung Hing, whom he had nurtured personally. He nned to have Qingshan select some loyal and capable brothers to join in. Hung Hing was his man, and the Xiao family was his. He intended to form an alliance of triads and merchants. Let''s see who dared to provoke him then.


    "Second Miss is here, Second Miss is here" There was amotion outside, and a carriage screeched to a halt in front of the workshop. Xiao Yushuang hastily jumped off and shouted, "Lin San, Lin San, where are you"


    Eldest Miss Xiao rushed forward, rmed, "Yushuang, why are you here? It''s not safe outside, why did youe out?"


    Second Miss Xiao threw herself into her sister''s arms, urgently saying, "Sister, where''s Lin San, where is he?"


    Xiao Yuruo gently patted her sister''s shoulder, asking with concern, "Why are you looking for him?"


    Tears brimmed in Xiao Yushuang''s eyes as she said, "Sister, Lin San has taken some people out to fight. By the time I got the news, they had already disappeared. That man, he always bullies me in his free time, he''s not one to fight. What if he gets hurt? He''s such a scoundrel. Doesn''t he know how worried I am? Sister, please save him, sister"


    Bully you? Am I that bad? Lin Wanrong wiped his cold sweat. Seeing the young girl cry like a pear tree in the rain, he was deeply moved.


    Upon seeing Yushuang''s deep affection for Lin San, Eldest Miss Xiao let out a slight sigh, her expression somewhat gloomy. Catching Lin San hiding in the corner and chuckling, she bit her lip in irritation, "Are you very pleased? Lin San, I hate you!"


    "Lin San?" Second Miss Xiao eximed, quickly lifting her gaze. Lin Wanrong adjusted his small hat nonchntly, waved, and said casually, "Hi, Second Miss, I''m here"


    "Lin San" Second Miss Xiao was both shocked and delighted. She covered her cherry lips with her hand, stared at him for a few moments, and then the tears started falling. "You scoundrel, you''re absolutely awful"


    Eldest Miss Xiao''s eyes zed with fury. She red at Lin San, then lightly patted her sister''s shoulder, "He is indeed a scoundrel, Yushuang, don''t be afraid. From now on, I''ll help you deal with him."


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 Chapter 223

    Chapter 223


    Chapter 223 The Scheme


    "Sister, are you serious?" Xiao Yushuang eximed in excitement, "That''s wonderful. He is a terrible person. I can''t defeat him on my own, but together, we can teach him a lesson. Let''s see if he dares to bully me again or harass girls outside. Beware, we might not let you in the door."


    The Eldest Miss''s face flushed. She gently patted her younger sister''s face and scolded, "You impudent girl, watch what you''re saying. How can you speak so recklessly?"


    Xiao Yushuang yfully scrunched her nose at Lin San, her teary eyes sparkling with mischief. Lin Wanrong burst intoughter. "The two of you against me? That''s the funniest joke I''ve ever heard."


    Madam Xiao stepped forward and grabbed the hand of Second Miss Xiao,ughing, "You insolent child, always speaking out of turn. After the New Year, when you go to the capital, let''s see how you''ll manage."


    "Mother" The sight of her mother made the Second Miss Xiao instantly shy. She snuggled into Madam Xiao''s arms, behaving like a spoiled child. A genuine smile spread across Madam Xiao''s beautiful face. The three of them huddled together, exchanging intimate conversations.


    All three were stunning beauties in Jinling, sharing a strong family resemnce. Standing together, they looked like siblings, born of the same mother. The two daughters acted coyly in their mother''s arms, Madam Xiao''s lips slightly parted, her bosom rising and falling rapidly. The trio resembled fairies frozen in a painting, their beauty natural and unpretentious, a truly captivating sight.


    Looking at the three identical beautiful faces, each maturely enchanting, elegantly refined, or innocently pure, Lin Wanrong felt a subtle sense of sentimentality. Beauty was fleeting, and the sight of this mother and daughtersughing carelessly was even more rare and ephemeral. These three exceptionally beautiful women, proud and noble in front of others, hid behind them a vulnerability and bitterness that no one could fathom.


    Ah, all this trouble because theyck a man, he sighed to himself. This vacancy...I guess it''s up to me to fill it temporarily. After all, who else but I, Lin San, could do the job in the Xiao family?


    Seeing the charming allure of the threedies, Lin Wanrong admired them with a purely appreciative gaze, wiping the corner of his mouth. Just as he was about to continue admiring the beautiful sight before him, Si De approached and spoilt the mood, "Brother San, the wounds on my body are paining badly. With your wisdom, do you have any quick remedies?"


    Interrupted at the most enjoyable moment, even by a brother, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "A quick remedy, you say? I have one. Go back, get some child''s urine, and rub it all over your body. I assure you, by tomorrow morning, you''ll feel fresh and exceptional."


    Lin San was regarded as a godlike figure, so Si De had no doubts about him. He hastily excused himself, taking Xiao Feng to find the odd remedy.


    After all themotion, it waste into the night. Seeing no further disturbances outside, Madam Xiao, with her two daughters, climbed into the carriage. Surrounded by their household guards, they departed in a majestic procession, heading back home.


    From the outskirts of the city where Luo Min had hidden, to Luo Ning''s embroidered chamber, and then to the perfume workshop, Lin Wanrong had had a busy day. He felt somewhat exhausted,gging at the end of the group, yawning incessantly.


    "Heehee" A light giggle suddenly rang in his ear. Opening his eyes, he saw the Second Miss Xiao, Xiao Yushuang, standing nimbly in front of him, her face blooming in a smile.


    "Second Miss Xiao, why aren''t you in the carriage?" Lin Wanrong asked in surprise.


    Xiao Yushuang held his hand, blushing as she replied, "I told my sister that I was tired of sitting in the carriage and wanted to walk. She agreed."


    "Oh, I see," Lin Wanrong nced towards the front of the procession. The curtain of the carriage was slightly lifted, revealing a pair of bright eyes fixed on the two of them. As Lin Wanrong looked back, the curtain was hastily dropped.


    "So, you missed me?" Lin Wanrong grinned as the procession turned a corner, out of sight. He pulled Yushuang into his arms and whispered softly.


    Startled, Yushuang quickly looked ahead. Seeing her sister and mother''s carriage had already rounded the corner, she rxed. She bashfully scolded him, "You naughty man, always teasing me. This morning, I wanted to have a good talk with you, but you rushed off. By evening, you hadn''t returned and I heard you went out and got into a fight. Are you deliberately making me worry? What if you got hurt? That would be the death of me."


    Feeling somewhat moved, Lin Wanrong slid his hand under her clothes, gently caressing the delicate flesh of her waist. "Sweetheart, don''t worry. I''m skilled in fighting, no one can hurt me."


    His words were fiery, his actions even bolder. Yushuang, only sixteen or seventeen, was no match for him. Her breath quickened, her small mouth opening and closing in response to his words. "You boastful man, what skills can you have in fighting? You''re best at dealing with my Great General, and bullying me." As she spoke, she remembered their early encounters, her tone growing softer. She pressed her radiant face against his chest, listening to his powerful heartbeat, allowing his hands to explore her waist. A blush crept from her face to her ears.


    Sweat broke out on Lin Wanrong''s brow. This girl thought I only fought dogs, not people. Seeing her gentle demeanor, Lin Wanrong felt a surge of affection for her. He didn''t admonish her, instead tenderly caressing her body.


    It waste into the night, quiet and peaceful. They stood in the dark corner, Lin Wanrong''s heart ame. His hands moved upward from Yushuang''s waist, softly saying, "Sweetheart, let me examine your body, to help promote your growth."


    "What growthoh, not here" She was still puzzled by his new term, but felt the warmth of his hands, lifting her small clothes, touching her tender chest.


    The ce they stood was secluded, tucked into a corner. Although no one was around, they were still outdoors. Xiao Yushuang''s heart pounded like a frightened deer, her delicate body trembling slightly. She buried her face into his chest, too shy to lift her head. All she did was whisper into his ear, "Scoundrel"


    Her breasts, fresh and tender, were beginning to take shape, changing constantly under Lin Wanrong''s hands. He chuckled and said, "Not bad, in another two years, they will develop even more beautifully."


    Second Miss Xiao''s face burned, and she buried her head deeper into his chest. In a shy voice, she said, "You scoundrel, always teasing me. Are we like a married couple now?"


    "Of course," Lin Wanrong replied with a thick-skinned grin. Luring young girls was his specialty.


    "When will I grow as big as my sister?" The young girl looked at him for a long time before finally speaking, asking her question with boundless bashfulness.


    "Oh, is your elder sister''s very big?" Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat. It was fortunate that Second Miss Xiao had met a lecherous but restrained gentleman like him. Otherwise, her sister would have been questioned inappropriately about her proportions.


    "Much bigger than mine," Second Miss Xiao blushed as she said, "But not as big as mother''s."


    Boom, Lin Wanrong hit a wall! My little darling is too candid. This kind of talk should only be shared with me, and should never be said carelessly to others. It could ruin the reputation of your mother. I am an upright man, and I won''t dwell on what I''ve heard. But then again, did these women oftenpare sizes? That game sounds quite interesting.


    While his mind was in a whirl, his hands gently massaged her, keen on aiding Second Miss Xiao''s swift development. A tingling sensation spread through Second Miss Xiao, a soft light glowing in her eyes. Her lips slightly parted, and she asked in a shy voice, "Lin San, are you going to do that thing...the one that makes babies?"


    Making babies, by heavens, he had only touched her a little. There was a huge distance between this and making babies. Yet, why did he feel an overwhelming sense of guilt hearing Miss Xiao''s words? It wasn''t as if he was with an underage girl! The fires of desire in Lin Wanrong plummeted to freezing point. Ignorance could be deadly. He firmly believed that a course on physical health should be provided for girls above twelve to eradicate such misconceptions.


    Second Miss Xiao, too embarrassed to lift her head, whispered, "My sister said if a man was being this intimate with me, he was definitely trying to take advantage of me, and I should stab him with a knife."


    He had forgotten about that in his lustful haze. Lin Wanrong hastily checked for a knife on Second Miss Xiao, making her giggle and softly say, "You scoundrel, I came to see you willingly, to be teased by you. Why would I need a knife?"


    Only then did Lin Wanrong breathe a sigh of relief. The Eldest Miss Xiao had such a bad idea, making him nervous even during tender moments with his sweetheart.


    Second Miss Xiao tightly held him and said, "I feel anxious every day I don''t see you. Talking to you, being teased by you, that''s what makes me happy. My sister said that when you have someone you like, you''ll feel this way. The intimacy we shared just now is only eptable with one''s husband. But now I''ve let you take advantage of me. And you still want to make a baby with me"


    "This...this...my little darling, let me exin. The process of making babies isn''t as simple as you think." Sweat began to form on Lin Wanrong''s forehead. In these times, women only received some vague knowledge from their mothers on the eve of their wedding night. Now, he had to exin the process of making babies to a young girl. It was a truly challenging task.


    Well, he thought, I''ll just keep it simple and easy to understand. Lin Wanrong chuckled a few times and said, "Well, making a baby is a joint effort between a man and a woman. To put it simply, a man has something called a ''handle'', and a woman has something called a ''hole''. Only when the handle fills the hole can a man and a womanbine to produce a baby."


    Second Miss Xiao seemed to understand, but also not quite. She bashfully said, "What''s this about handles and holes? Your exnation is so obscure and difficult to understand. How am I supposed to get it?"


    Fearing she might ask something like "Where is your handle?", Lin Wanrong quickly pulled her into his arms and chuckled, "It''s okay if you don''t understand. When the timees for us to have a baby, you''ll understand."


    Second Miss Xiao softly hummed in acknowledgment, then nestledfortably into his arms with a radiant smile. After sharing a few words of intimacy, Lin Wanrong behaved himself. Apart from some light touching, he didn''t do much else.


    When they returned to the Xiao household, the Eldest Miss Xiao was waiting at the door. Seeing Yushuang tightly holding Lin Wanrong''s hand, the Eldest Miss Xiao red at him and said, "If you dare to bully Yushuang in the future, I will die just to spite you."


    What strange logic! Lin Wanrong could not understand. He gave a helpless smile. He was extremely tired today, and as soon as he returned to his room andy down on his bed, he fell asleep.


    In his half-asleep, half-awake state, he suddenly felt something was amiss. Forcing his eyes open, he was shocked by the sight before him, and all his hairs stood on end.


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 Chapter 224

    Chapter 224


    Chapter 224 Guidance


    Before a dimly lit window stood a thin silhouette, swathed entirely in ck, appearing as a reanimated mummy, unmoving as a statue.


    Lin Wanrong felt his entire body freeze, his eyes wide with terror. He was on the brink of crying out. Though he prided himself on his courage, he found his breath hitching at the sight before him.


    "Whwho''s there?" he stuttered, his voice shaking slightly. Cold sweat drenched his body, his skin prickled with chills. He yelled out in an attempt to embolden himself.


    At the sound, the mummy-like figure stirred slightly, and a raspy voice questioned, "You''re awake?"


    So, you can talk, Lin Wanrong thought, his heart somewhat relieved upon hearing the mummy speak. As long as it was a human, he had nothing to fear. He could not discern the figure''s face in the darkness, but the voice was vaguely familiar. He hesitated before asking, "Who...who are you?"


    The figure chuckled hoarsely, "What, you don''t recognize me after just a few days apart?"


    He stepped forward. The bright moonlight seeping through the window cast upon his face, the first thing Lin Wanrong noticed was the hollowed-out eye sockets.


    "Uncle... Uncle Wei?" Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise, hardly daring to believe his eyes.


    Old Wei chuckled, "At least you haven''t forgotten me entirely."


    How did Uncle Wei learn to move so quietly and eerily? Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat from his brow. Thest time he had been this startled was when he had encountered Qingxuan, which had been a mixture of fear and admiration. But this time, it was pure fear. People were truly iparable.


    "Uncle Wei, your theatrics are enough to scare the daylights out of someone. If it was someone else, they might have fainted already," Lin Wanrong said with a relieved chuckle. Old Wei was his savior and his first rtive here. Naturally, seeing him brought immense warmth.


    Old Weiughed a few times, "Wanrong, surely you aren''t that easily frightened? From what I''ve seen, you''re quite the daring one."


    "Not at all, not at all, I''m naturally timid. Uncle Wei, where have you been these past days? When did you return to Jinling?" Lin Wanrong got up from the bed and gestured for Old Wei to sit.


    Moonlight cast a spectral glow on Old Wei''s face. His wrinkled, pale cheeks were frightful, and his hollow gaze stirred fear. But to Lin Wanrong, he appeared infinitely endearing.


    "I only arrived in Jinling tonight. Remembering you were working at the Xiao''s, I thought I''de and see you. Light amp, or my face might scare you in the dark," Old Wei jested.


    At least the old man has a sense of humor, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Doesn''t matter whether we light amp or not, I am happy just to sit and chat with you, Uncle."


    Having lived in darkness for many years, Old Wei was ustomed to it. Hearing Lin Wanrong''s words, he felt touched. Despite being somewhat crafty, the young man was indeed straightforward in his dealings. He sighed, "I''m only passing through Jinling this time, just wanted to see you before leaving."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "Uncle, you''ve only just arrived, why are you leaving so soon? Don''t worry, Uncle, I''m earning a decent amount of money now. I can fully support you in your old age without any problems. You don''t need to worry about me."


    Old Weiughed heartily, his heart filled with satisfaction. He sped Lin Wanrong''s hand, "Wanrong, I''ve lived a life without children. Coming to know you in my twilight years must be fate."


    Lin Wanrong was already familiar with Old Wei''s peculiar character from their time together. Hearing his words, Lin Wanrong sighed, "Uncle Wei, although I might be thick-skinned and asionally ruthless, I hold a deep respect for kindness and righteousness. You saved my life, treating me like your own kin. If I were not to repay you, would I still be human? Don''t worry, Uncle, I have earned quite a bit of money. In the future, I will marry a few more wives, have more children, and pick one to be your grandson, carrying the Wei surname. What do you think?"


    In Lin Wanrong''s mind, Old Wei saved his life, and repaying him was only natural. With multiple wives, he would have plenty of children, and giving one the Wei surname would be no issue.


    Having a unique status and having experienced many hardships, Old Wei had long been ustomed to the myriad ways of the world. He had encountered countless sycophants over the years, but Lin Wanrong was different. Even without knowing his true identity, Lin Wanrong had shown him genuine kindness, which deeply moved him. His lips moved a few times, and finally he burst intoughter, "Good, good, Wanrong, I was not wrong about you. You have virtue, courage, and cunning. Indeed, you are a fine young sprout."


    Lin Wanrongughed at his peculiar praise, "Uncle Wei, please stop ttering me. These are the traits I dislike most about myself."


    Old Wei raised his thumb in approval, "I forgot one thing, you have a thick face." Both the elder and the younger man broke into heartyughter. Lin Wanrong felt as if he had returned to the time when he first arrived in this world, spending his days freely chatting with Old Wei. Yet the world had changed much since then, and he himself had also changed, gradually adapting to this new world. It was a poignant realization.


    Uncle Wei said, "Wanrong, I''ve heard about your work at the Xiao household. You''ve thwarted others'' schemes, helped revive the Xiao family, and even made friends with Xu Wei. You are far more clever than I ever imagined."


    Feeling bashful, Lin Wanrong responded, "Uncle, those are just people exaggerating. I''m not that great, at most only ten times more intelligent than you imagined."


    Hearing Lin Wanrong joke with him, Old Wei felt a wave of fondness. Heughed, "Regardless of who''s exaggerating, and no matter how many times more intelligent you are, it''s widely known that you''ve done a great job at the Xiao household. Even the master has had his eye on you for a while."


    "The master? Which master?" Lin Wanrong inquired, puzzled.


    Old Wei gave him a meaningful nce, "The master I''ve mentioned to you."


    Suddenly, Lin Wanrong realized he was referring to the offer to be the son of a wealthy household. But he was already in the Xiao family, which was also very wealthy. He had no need for this mysterious master.


    Old Wei seemed to see through his thoughts, heaving a small sigh, "Wanrong, no one can choose their own destiny. You''re in the midst of things now, and it''s impossible to extricate yourself. Do you know why I brought you to the Xiao family?"


    "I don''t know," Lin Wanrong responded honestly, shaking his head.


    Old Wei smiled at him, "The Xiao household is not an ordinary ce, and it holds a significant meaning for that master. Have you met Madam Xiao?"


    Of course, I am now a member of the Xiao Family board. How could I have not met Madam Xiao? But it seems your words are reversed. Considering my current position, it should be Madam Xiaoing to see me, heh.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong nod, Old Wei continued, "After seeing Madam Xiao''s present appearance, you should have an idea of how beautiful and captivating she was when she was young, right?"


    Why bring up Madam Xiao? Is there some gossip between her and this master? Madam Xiao seems dignified and elegant. Could she have been a flirtatious character back in the day? Damn, Old Wei, you''re a gossip, aren''t you? This ruins the lovely image of thedy in my heart.


    Old Wei naturally didn''t know his thoughts. He sighed, "Back in the capital, Miss Guo was only sixteen but already blooming like a jade flower. She was proficient in all arts and considered a beauty of the capital. She captivated countless talented young men. When that master first saw Miss Guo, he was amazed. Despite being much older, he couldn''t help but be infatuated."


    As he recalled the past, a nostalgic look shed across Old Wei''s face. Hearing the gossip about Madam Xiao, Lin Wanrong suddenly thought of the Eldest Miss Xiao. Thisss, Xiao Yuruo, had inherited around seventy or eighty percent of her mother''s charm. Would someone gossip about her in the same way in a few years?


    "That master is a man of great deeds. Upon the advice of his counselors, he had to put aside his feelings and concentrate on important matters. The situation in the capital was chaotic at the time, and before he knew it, Old Master Guo had betrothed Miss Guo to the son of Elder Xiao. They were married and left the capital the next day. By the time the master heard the news, Miss Guo had already followed her husband to the far south."


    Old Wei''s voice was hoarse, "That master truly loved Miss Guo. Seeing her marry someone else naturally caused him great pain, and Miss Guo became his lingering regret. So, as I said, your assistance to the Xiao family could bring you enormous benefits."


    Sweating, Lin Wanrongughed, "So, did Miss Guo shift her affections? This master seems rather lovestruck."


    Old Wei shook his head, "It wouldn''t be urate to say she shifted her affections, because at that time, the master and Miss Guo were merely friends through poetry. Their age gap was significant, and Miss Guo had never considered anything beyond that. In fact, it was the master who had unrequited love for Miss Guo. He wanted to wait until his affairs were settled, then propose marriage. Little did he know that he would miss the opportunity."


    After all this chatter, it turned out to be unrequited love. Lin Wanrong thought disdainfully, I once had a crush on Lee Jiaxin too, heh. [TL: a Hong Kong actor who married a wealthy businessman in 2006, coincidentally, this novel was published around 2007.]


    "Uncle Wei, what exactly do you do? Howe you know so much about these internal affairs?" Lin Wanrong asked directly.


    "You''ll naturally find out if the opportunity arises," Old Wei chuckled. "For now, you just need to keep one thing in mindthe more you help the Xiao family, the more advantageous it will be for you in the future."


    I don''t need you to tell me that. Yushuang is my wife now. I have to help regardless.


    "Wanrong, how well do you get along with Xu Wei?" Old Wei suddenly asked.


    "Oh, pretty well, I suppose." More than okay, in fact. I even yed a major role in his marriage.


    Uncle Wei nodded, "Being on good terms with Xu Wei can be a tremendous asset to you. Once you reach the capital, all these connections wille in handy." Seeing Lin Wanrong nod, he continued, "Have you remembered all that I''ve told you?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "Of course, I have, Uncle Wei. I''ve always been doing as you suggested."


    Old Wei replied meaningfully, "Good, very good. Wanrong, you must look at the bigger picture. Remember, your real rivals are not here, but in the capital."


    Rivals? The capital? What does he mean? Lin Wanrong was puzzled, but Old Wei had already risen to his feet,ughing, "I came to see you today, and I''ve said all I needed to. The rest is up to you. I should leave now."


    He pped Lin Wanrong on the shoulder and swiftly walked out, vaulting over the high wall and disappearing into the moonlight in the blink of an eye.


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 Chapter 225

    Chapter 225


    Chapter 225 Miss Luo to Hold a Matchmaking Session?


    This old man, hees and goes as he pleases, just like a blind man, yet so much more nonchnt than I ever was. Lin Wanrong gazed in stupefaction at the fading figure of Uncle Wei. The old man Wei, he was not ordinary by any means. Not only was he able to scale high walls with such an ease, but his familiarity with the people and affairs of the capital was also uncanny. He was definitely no insignificant character.


    Recalling Uncle Wei''s words, they were rife with implications, yet they were not entirely clear. Assisting the Xiao family and befriending Xu Wei, these wereprehensible. But his remark about adversaries residing in the capital, that was baffling. I do not know a soul in the capital, so who could possibly be my rival? This blind old man, he always had such a faltering way of speaking.


    Lin Wanrong pondered for a while but could not make heads or tails of it, so he ceased to ponder. After all, he would be heading to the capital sooner orter. The truth would reveal itself then. Today, with all the running around, the horse riding, and the fighting, he was thoroughly exhausted. He fell asleep as soon as he hit the bed and began dreaming.


    He slept till noon the next day, undisturbed. In the past few days, the Eldest Miss would alwayse to call him to work early, but today was an exception. It seemed she had thoughtfully considered his fatigue.


    Sleeping in was indeed a pleasure. Lin Wanrong stretched his arms, got up, and took a leisurely stroll around the garden. The maids and family servants he passed by all hastily greeted him: "Brother San, good morning." A few of the prettier ones even dared to cast flirtatious nces at him. Lin Wanrong joked around with them, feeling invigorated and full of life.


    These leisurely days would notst long. The year wasing to an end, and after the New Year, he would head north to the capital. There, he would have to start all over again from scratch. Lin Wanrong sighed a little, then decided to enjoy this rare leisure time, slowly strolling around the garden.


    It was already mid-winter. All the flowers had withered, fallen leaves nketed the ground, and the garden appeared deste. After taking a few steps, Lin Wanrong suddenly felt the ce was rather dull.


    "Spring is not for studying, and the scorching summer is for sleep. With the arrival of autumn and then winter, it''s best to postpone studying till next year." A loud reading voice drifted into Lin Wanrong''s ears. Good heavens, what a talented poem, suggesting one could avoid studying all year round!


    Following the sound, he saw Young Master Guo holding a book in his left hand and pacing back and forth, nodding and shaking his head. This brilliant poem hade from his very lips.


    "Young Master, good morning. It''s not time for lunch yet, why not sleep a little longer?" Lin Wanrong approached and said with a grin.


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong, Young Master Guo instantly brightened up. He grabbed Lin Wanrong''s hand and asked, "Lin San, Lin San, what do you think?"


    "What do you mean?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    "The poem, the poem I just recited. What do you think?" Young Master Guo excitedly asked.


    "In one word, it''s fantastic!" Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs up. "For your level, Young Master, this poem is nothing less than a timeless masterpiece. I wonder where you copied - oh, I mean, heard it from."


    Looking incredibly pleased, Young Master Guo replied, "Heard it from somewhere? You''re in for a shock. Iposed it myself. Yesterday, I entered this poem in the poetry contest, and it passed on the spot."


    A poetrypetition? Ah, he''d almost forgotten that little rascal Luo Ning was using his money to hold a poetrypetition at the end of the month. He nced at Young Master Guo and said, "What, do you need to sign up for the poetrypetition? I thought anyone who wanted to attend could."


    Young Master Guo snorted, "How could that be possible? The poetrypetition is a high-level literary event. Talented individuals from several provinces in Jiangzhe (Jiangsu and Zhejiang), as well as from the capital, will have to present a poem on the spot to qualify. How could any random, no-name individuals simply waltz in? The poem I recited is the one I submitted to thepetition yesterday. Well, how was it? Does it have a certain grandeur?"


    This kind of doggerel poem, I could churn out ten of them while taking a piss, thought Lin Wanrong, chuckling softly. Deciding not to dete Young Master Guo''s enthusiasm, he changed the topic, "By the way, Young Master, there was a big incident in the mansionst night. Do you know about it?"


    Guo Wuchang nodded, "I heard about it when I returned to the mansion this morning. Thatd, Si De, was beaten up pretty badly. Damn, it''s a good thing I wasn''t there. If I had been, I''d have made sure those bastards couldn''t even find north while looking at the sun."


    Lin Wanrong gave him a thumbs-up. He made it sound more impressive than he could: "Oh, I see. Young Master, you weren''t in the mansionst night?"


    Guo Wuchang gave a sly grin, ncing around before whispering, "Lin San, we''re old friends, there''s nothing I need to hide from you. Last night my sweetheart at Miaoyu Pavilion brought along her younger sister. They both attended to me, wanting me to taste something different. I stayed the whole night. Tch tch, the experience, it was even better than being an immortal."


    God, he was out enjoying a threesome, a perfectly lecherous pair. I despise you, from your head to your toes.


    "Lin San, when I signed up at the literature association yesterday evening, I heard some good news." Young Master Guo grinned and said, "It seems that this year''s poetrypetition is not just about poetry."


    "It''s not just a poetrypetition?" Lin Wanrong asked with augh. "What else is there, a song and dancepetition?"


    "No, that''s not it. The poetrypetition is held every year, but this year it''s going to be more interesting." Young Master Guo looked around mysteriously, then whispered in Lin Wanrong''s ear, "Yesterday I spent half a tael of silver to get some exclusive insider news. It''s said that this year''s poetrypetition is more than just apetition. Miss Luo Ning, the number one talenteddy in Jinling, is going to use thepetition to select a suitor."


    "Select a suitor?" Lin Wanrong was shocked. Just yesterday, the girl had confessed her feelings to him, and now she was selecting a suitor?


    "Absolutely true," Young Master Guo said confidently. "The news has already been circting within the Jinling academicmunity, and everyone is discussing it. Think about it, who is Miss Luo? Not only is she as beautiful as a flower, but she''s also the most talenteddy in Jinling, and the daughter of Governor Luo. Whoever marries her will be embracing a golden child. All those hopeful young men have already gone into seclusion, striving toe out on top in the poetrypetition and win the beauty."


    Seeing that Lin Wanrong still did not believe him, Young Master Guo grew somewhat impatient: "What''s the matter, don''t you believe me? You know Hou Yuebai, right? Young Master Hou whom you had beaten up, have you not seen him around recently?"


    Indeed, Lin Wanrong had not seen Hou Yuebai during the recent outing, so he nodded. Young Master Guo triumphantly said, "Exactly, let me tell you, he has been hiding at home, not stepping out at all. He''s reading poetry and literature every day, studying with relentless determination, all with the aim of marrying Miss Luo."


    Young Master Guo spoke with such conviction, as if he had witnessed these events with his own eyes. If anyone could outdo him at pulling a fast one, it would certainly be Young Master Guo. This kid was wasting his talent by not bing a journalist for the Sun Newspaper.


    Laughing, Lin Wanrong said, "Young Master Guo, if Miss Luo really is choosing her husband based on poetry, then you certainly have a chance."


    Young Master Guo replied with a righteous air, "I am loyal to my cousins. How could I possibly engage in such fickle behaviour? I signed up purely for schrly pursuit, not for the vulgar reasons you mentioned - oh, Lin San, do you think I really stand a chance?"


    "If you go, there''s a chance. If you don''t go, there''s no chance at all," Lin Wanrong coaxed.


    "That''s true," Young Master Guo nodded. "Lin San, you''re skilled in creating couplets, but how about poetry? Can youpete with me? Oh, I don''t mean the ones you''ve copied."


    Damn it,posing poetry is like making love; both require passion, which I am not so frivolous to possess. Lin Wanrong shook his head, and Young Master Guomented, "What a pity, what a pity. Without yourpany, Lin San, even if I am renowned as a poetry master, I might be very lonely at the poetrypetition."


    Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat. You''re more like a poetry monster, he thought. This shameless look of Young Master Guo is quite reminiscent of his past self.


    "Brother San, Brother San," Si De''s voice echoed from afar. Lin Wanrong and Young Master Guo looked up to see Si De carefully carrying arge bowl.


    Seeing the bruises on Si De''s face, Young Master Guo said, "Si De, if anyone dares to cross you in the future, you just mention the name of Young Master Guo, and don''t forget to mention Lin San. I guarantee you''ll be safe."


    Si De respectfully replied, "Thank you, Young Master."


    Seeing him cradle the bowl as though it was a treasure, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but chuckle, "What are you holding so preciously?"


    Si De looked at him with admiration and said, "Brother San is indeed knowledgeable. I tried the method you mentionedst night, and indeed, the pain eased a lot. So, I went out to find some more this morning."


    "Find what?" Lin Wanrong yawned.


    "Boy''s urine," Si De said.


    Lin Wanrong and Young Master Guo took several steps back in horror, their faces a picture of astonishment. Boy''s urine? Were there even any boys left in this world? Unaware of their reaction, Si De continued, "Brother San, Young Master, when I went out earlier, I heard that this year''s poetrypetition will start at the end of this month."


    Young Master Guo covered his nose and said, "Oh, I''ve heard about it. I''ve even been shortlisted."


    "Congrattions, Young Master," Si De hurriedly ttered, "I just heard that this year''s poetrypetition is going to be exceptionally lively. Not only are there talents from several provinces such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang, but even Young Masters from the capital are rushing over. This kind of scene is indeed rare to see."


    Rare my ass, the more people thate, the more money I end up wasting. Damn it, do they think I''m a charity? Lin Wanrong found it somewhat amusing to see Si De clutching the boy''s urine so tightly. He said, "No matter how many talentse, they''re just reciting a few poems. At most, the business of the women by the Qinhuai River might slightly improve. What else could happen?"


    "Brother San, you might not know, but after much probing and inquiries, I finally learned about a huge piece of good news," Si De mysteriously said, "I heard that the talented Miss Luo is seeking a husband."


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 Chapter 226

    Chapter 226


    Chapter 226 Scare You to Death


    Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned as he heard the news. "Where did thise from? Young Master Guo got it through bribery, but where did you, Si De, hear this?" he asked, casting a perplexed nce at Si De. "How did you manage to uncover such important news while you were out looking for boy''s urine?"


    Si De chuckled ingratiatingly, "This news has long been circting in Jinling City. As soon as I heard it, I rushed back to inform you and the Young Master. The way I see it, it''s better to believe that it''s true than to risk overlooking it. You and the Young Master are brilliant, unparalleled talents. With the two of you taking action, won''t Miss Luo be easily captured?"


    Young Master Guo shook his head earnestly, "I merely intended to exchange knowledge and learn from each other at this gathering. Please don''t degrade me with such presumptions."


    Had this matter really stirred up such amotion that everyone in Jinling City knew about it? Damn it! Was Luo Ning, that little minx, ying me? Unlikely, she held onto me so tightly when she embraced me. Besides, with my charm, could anyone who fell into myp run away? It was all so confounding.


    When something was handed to you, you didn''t want it, but when someone took it back, you felt a twinge of desire. Men were such lowly creatures, and Lin Wanrong, being a real man, was no exception. A little annoyed, he quickly found an excuse to console himself. Just as he was about to step out, Xiao Feng came running over, panting heavily. "Brother Lin, Brother Lin, something bad has happened."


    "What else has gone wrong?" Lin Wanrong asked irritably. "Brother Xiao Feng, remember not to panic when things happen, as the sage once taught us."


    Xiao Feng steadied himself, gasping for breath, "Brother Lin, Commander Cheng has sent troops to arrest people."


    "Commander Cheng? Cheng De?" Lin Wanrong was startled, "Arrest who?"


    "They''re iming that our Xiao family was involved in a brawl in the cityst night and want to take us in for questioning," Xiao Feng hurriedly exined. "Right now, Commander Cheng''s son is waiting in the main hall with his men. Our Eldest Miss is currently negotiating with them."


    "Commander Cheng''s son? Cheng Ruinian? He led the troops here?" Lin Wanrong grunted, asking.


    "It''s him!" Xiao Feng spat out, "The Eldest Miss asked me to find you, telling you to stay put and let her handle everything. Any issues can be addressed after today."


    She''s handling it? That silly girl, did she think she could easily shoulder this matter? Dammit, this Cheng Ruinian was clearly looking for trouble. He was in a foul mood today, and he decided to give him a piece of my mind.


    "Si De, put down your boy''s urine. Brother Xiao Feng, let''s go." Si De tossed the boy''s urine he held to the ground, and Lin Wanrong grinned wickedly as he led the two toward the main hall.


    Young Master Guo hastily dropped his book and sprinted after them, shouting, "Lin San, are you going to fight? I''lle with you, you have to protect me."


    You are shameless enough, I despise you, Lin Wanrong thought, flipping Young Master Guo the bird. He pondered for a moment, then pulled Si De over and whispered some instructions into his ear. Si De nodded repeatedly, "Brother San, you''ve entrusted the right person with this task. I''ll take care of it perfectly." The two broke into heartyughter.


    Long before they had approached the hall, they heard a man''s coldughter echoing. "Miss Xiao, servants of your Xiao family participated in a city brawlst night. This was witnessed firsthand. How can you deny it?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao responded, "Young Master Cheng, I have reiterated multiple times. Last night, someone attempted to infiltrate our Xiao family''s old mansion and destroy our workshop. The members of the Xiao family defended our property and fought against the thief. Additionally, Miss Tao Wanying, an official of the Jinling Prefecture, was present and witnessed the incident. By all ounts, my Xiao family was simply acting in self-defense. Where is there any mention of a brawl?"


    Cheng Ruinian grunted, "So you im self-defense, and it bes self-defense? There was a mob fight, and people were maimed. There are eyewitnesses. Your sophistry will not work today. Since Miss Xiao is unwilling to hand over the criminal, I''m afraid I have no choice but to offend you. Come, take Miss Xiao to the Commandant''s Yamen."


    "Hold on, hold on." Lin Wanrong sauntered into the hall with a cheerfulugh, ncing around. "Oh, so many people. Quite lively, eh?"


    Upon seeing him enter, Eldest Miss Xiao''s expression tightened. She hurriedly signaled to him, but Lin Wanrong pretended not to notice. He caught sight of Cheng Ruinian, who was strutting about in the Xiao family''s grand hall with a dozen of his personal guards.


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong, Cheng Ruinan gave a disdainful snort. "Lin San, do you still recognize me?"


    "You''re standing too close. I can''t see clearly." Lin Wanrongughed heartily, then stepped back to stand beside Eldest Miss Xiao before saying, "This gentleman is quite tall, fierce, and heroic. He looks somewhat familiar. I wonder which familys uncle he might be?"


    "How dare you!" A guard next to Cheng Ruinian barked, "This is the son of Commander-in-Chief Cheng De, Young Master Cheng Ruinian. You''re just a lowly servant. What right do you have to speak here? Step aside."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I was wondering why he looked so familiar. It turns out to be Young Master Cheng. My apologies for myck of recognition. Howe I haven''t seen you at the Miaoyu Pavilion recently? I was hoping to exchange ideas with you."


    Mention of Miaoyu Pavilion stirred up new resentments in Cheng Ruinian. A sh of anger crossed his face, "Lin San, I have no time for idle talk today. The Xiao family was involved in the city brawlst night, and you were the ringleader. Come, take both Lin San and Miss Xiao back to the Yamen."


    Lin San appeared shocked, "Brawl? What are you talking about? We are allw-abiding citizens. The incident yesterday was a catastrophe for our Xiao family. Look at our brother here--" Lin Wanrong pointed at Si De. Si De, very cooperative, raised his head, revealing the bruises, "Those thieves broke into our Xiao mansion, smashed whatever they found, and shed at whoever they met. This brother here almost lost his life. Our Xiao family suffered property damage, our workshop was destroyed, and we lost tens of thousands of taels of silver. We were in despair over our grievances. How can Young Master Cheng mistake us, the victims, for the perpetrators of a brawl? This is an enormous misrepresentation."


    Cheng Ruinianughed coldly, "So you are wronged when used of brawling, huh? I have an eyewitness. Come, bring the witness--"


    As he spoke, a skinny man with a shifty gaze swiftly entered the grand hall. He bowed to Cheng Ruinian, ttering, "I am Chen Xiaosong. It''s an honor to meet you, Young Master Cheng."


    Cheng Ruinian nodded, saying, "Chen Xiaosong, recount what you saw yesterday in front of everyone. Remember, you must tell the truth."


    Before Chen Xiaosong could respond, Si De pointed at him, his fingers trembling. Fury zed in his eyes. He tried to speak, but anger rendered him speechless. Suddenly, his body shook, and he began to fall backward.


    Lin Wanrong, quick as lightning, caught him, eximing, "Si De, what''s wrong? My good brother, what happened to you? You mustn''t die."


    "It''s him... it''s him," Si De managed to gasp out, his face pale as a ghost. He red at the witness with a look of pure fury, proiming loudly, "Brother San, Miss Xiao, it was this man who barged into the Xiao housest night, smashing and stealing. Here, here, and here," Si De gestured to various parts of his body, pain evident in his voice, "all were hit by him. He even shed me with a knife, nearly taking my life. You heartless beast! After harming the Xiao family and attempting to kill me, I''ll fight you to the death!"


    A few crocodile tears sprang from Si De''s eyes. Lin Wanrong gave a quiet thumbs-up while his face remained a picture of grief. He hurriedly grabbed Si De,forting him, "Don''t worry, brother. We will take care of this murderer. Xiao Feng, go report this to the Jinling Prefectural Government immediately. Say we''ve identified the robber who barged into the Xiao mansion and injured people with a knifest night. Si De, remember his appearance to describe it to the court artistter, so they can issue a wanted notice. You murderer, you''ve walked right into hell''s gate. Let''s see where you can run to now."


    Before Chen Xiaosong could speak, he was doused with a bucket of dirty water. Unable to restrain himself, he protested, "You''re lying. I didn''t kill anyone. It was Brother Long who shed you. He led the attackst night. I was only keeping a lookout outside. I never set foot in the Xiao mansion."


    "Oh" Lin Wanrong, Si De, Xiao Feng, and Young Master Guo all eximed together, "So it was Brother Long who did the shing, and you were keeping watch. We understand. And where is this Brother Long now?"


    "Brother Long is at Young Master Cheng''s..." Chen Xiaosong was interrupted by a sudden coughing fit from Cheng Ruinian. Cheng Ruinian red at Chen Xiaosong, yelling, "Chen Xiaosong, what nonsense are you spouting!"


    "Oh, we understand!" Lin Wanrong chuckled, turning to Cheng Ruinian, "Young Master Cheng, we understand. Do you?"


    Cheng Ruinian turned an unhealthy shade of green but remained silent. Miss Xiao saw through the situation and looked at Cheng Ruinian with a cold smirk, "Young Master Cheng, is this the witness you brought? How convenient it is that your witness turns out to be the culprit who wreaked havoc in my Xiao housest night, and he admitted it himself. Guards!"


    At Miss Xiao''s delicate shout, Xiao Feng and Si De promptly responded, "At your service!"


    Miss Xiao elegantly pointed her slender finger at Chen Xiaosong, saying, "Arrest this thief and deliver him to Jinling Prefectural Government for investigation."


    At this moment, Si De was far from his earlier dispirited state. He was energized and was about to join Xiao Feng and others to rush forward, but Cheng Ruinian interrupted, "Hold on, I dare anyone to try."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Young Master Cheng, I am naturally timid. Please don''t scare me."


    Miss Xiao raised her delicate eyebrows, her voice stern, "Young Master Cheng, today you brought witnesses to my residence to use us, suggesting that the Xiao family was involved in a brawl. However, as everyone witnessed, this man you brought confessed that he was the thief who attacked the Xiao mansionst night. What''s wrong with us arresting him? Or, are you intending to shelter him? If you, Young Master Cheng, are covering up for criminals with such fervor, my Xiao family, although weak, will not allow ourselves to be bullied. I''m ready to see the officials with you."


    "The right and wrong are convoluted. It''s not something that can be exined with a few simple words. The court will decide. You bettere with me to my father''s yamen and exin everything properly," Cheng Ruinian snorted.


    He gave a signal to his personal guards behind him. They immediately lunged forward to seize Miss Xiao and Lin Wanrong. Even though Miss Xiao had a thousand reasons, Cheng Ruinian was clearly just stirring up trouble, never allowing her a chance to argue her case. She was both startled and angered, and was about to shout, but Lin Wanrong grabbed her sleeve and offered a reassuring smile.


    Xiao Yuruo looked at him and felt a sense of calm. She stopped struggling. As the guards were about to grab the corner of her dress, Lin Wanrong mmed the table and roared, "Cheng Ruinian, you are quite bold!"


    This sudden outburst, fueled with his inner strength, sounded like a thunderp, leaving Cheng Ruinian pale and copsing into his chair.


    "Lin San, what, what are you trying to do?" Seeing Lin Wanrong''s cold smile and dismissive gaze, Cheng Ruinian stuttered nervously.


    "What am I going to do? I should be asking you what you''re trying to do!" Lin Wanrong smirked, "You barged into the Xiao mansion with your soldiers. Are you nning to rebel?"


    This usation was so severe that even a stone statue might be frightened. The few guards, who were about to advance, hastily stopped, looking at each other, no longer daring to take another step.


    "Rebel?" In his shock, Cheng Ruinian''s heart pounded, and he could no longer sit still. He jumped from his chair, stuttering, "What rebellion? Lin San, you, you, are really bold."


    Lin Sanughed, "Cheng Ruinian, my dear Young Master Cheng, when I use you of rebellion, do you think I''m falsely ming you?"


    Everyone in the hall was frightened into silence. Lin Wanrong''s usation was indeed terrifying. Anyone would be overwhelmed. Cheng Ruinian turned pale and said, "Lin San, don''t nder me. Be careful, or I''ll take you to court."


    Lin Wanrong snorted dismissively, "Going to court? At least you, Young Master Cheng, remember your ce and know that you are not an official. In in words, even though you have amander as a father, you should remember your own status. You hold no official post and have no achievements. Like me, you are just amoner."


    "Heh, a mere civilian, yet you march in with soldiers who serve the court, trespassing into other''s residences, kidnapping, and evenmitting murder. What''s more, the ones you''ve abducted are nomon folk, but descendants of the esteemed Mr. Xiao, a man awarded by the Emperor himself. The Emperor''s very own title for Mr. Xiao hangs above the doors of the Xiao residence, revered by countless individuals. Who dares to behave so brazenly in front of his house? Yet, here we are today, Young Master Cheng, you openly defy the Emperor, leading soldiers to attack. Heh, you must''ve enjoyed killing, tantly standing against the Emperor. If this isn''t treason, then there''s no justice in the world! Heh, you''ve done well, quite arrogant, even more so than myself."


    Si De and Xiao Feng broke into cold sweats as they listened to these words. From a small arrest operation, their brother had made such a grand case, implicating Cheng Ruinian in treason; it was indeed an extraordinary talent. The Eldest Miss gave him a nce, sighing internally. Such a gift of the gab was wasted if not employed as a diplomat.


    Listening to this, Young Master Guo on the side gave Lin San a thumbs up, "Lin San, you''re truly amazing!" Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself, considering himself quite the silver-tongued devil.


    Cheng Ruinian, breaking into a cold sweat, hadn''t expected thating here to arrest a few people would lead to such an usation. If his father were to find out about this, it would be disastrous.


    "Lin San, you have quite a sharp tongue" Cheng Ruinian gritted his teeth, "These soldiers are my family, not an army!"


    "Family members in armor? Are you raising a private army?" Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened in surprise. "That''s even worse, Young Master Cheng, seems like you''re ready tomit to this path of no return. s, may Buddha bless you."


    When it came to verbal sparring, who could be a match for Lin San? Cheng Ruinian wiped the sweat from his brow, hurriedly trying to justify himself, "No, no, they are infantrymen; I''ve only borrowed them temporarily." He was in such a state of panic that his words barely made sense.


    "Infantrymen, temporarily borrowed, oh, I see." Lin Wanrong sneered. "Young Master Cheng, let''s say, hypothetically, the Xiao family was indeed involved in a brawl, it''s not within the jurisdiction of the city''smand post to handle, it''s a local issue, not military. It should be managed by the local prefecture or governor''s office. The citymander''s post only governs provincial military matters and cannot interfere with politics. It is under the regtion of the governor to prevent someone from exploiting military power to plot a rebellion. Now, not only have you privately mobilized the infantry, but you''ve also interfered in local affairs and provoked the imperial might by trespassing the Xiao residence. Tsk tsk, if this news reaches the Ministry of War, the censor, and the Emperor''s earsAh, these are all grievous offenses, Young Master Cheng. I must say, your ambition might be a tad too grand."


    Lin Wanrongmented, showing a sympathetic face, and patted Cheng Ruinian on the shoulder. "Brother Cheng, my condolences."


    Darn it, he would scare him to death if need be. Lin Wanrong chuckled darkly; it was satisfying to dump all the me on someone else. While physically eliminating an enemy was gratifying, destroying an enemy mentally was the highest realm, a direction he was moving towards. However, today''s incident was indeed strange. Given the cunning nature of Cheng De, why would he send his son to make a fool of himself? It was likely that this Chengd had secretly slipped away from his father to stir trouble.


    Cheng Ruinian was as pale as a sheet, unable to utter a single word. He was an inept fool, not evenparable to Tao Dongcheng, who had been stripped of his power. Lin Wanrong had seen through him that day at Miaoyu Pavilion when he was vying for the attention of Qin Xian''er out of jealousy.


    The Eldest Miss gently tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "You''re always good at fabricating reasons, and they sound rather terrifying."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Eldest Miss, it''s not about scaring people. The struggle within the court is thousands of times more intense than this. Take today''s matter, for instance. To us, it seems like a trivial issue of the Chengd arbitrarily arresting people. But if it falls into the hands of scheming old foxes, they would magnify this incident infinitely, raising it to a matter of national and ethnic importance. Just as I had exined earlier, once the report is submitted, a seemingly simple issue bes serious. The Emperor would read of private military mobilization, interference in government affairs, and contempt for imperial power. Goodness, aren''t those allegations serious whenbined? I tell you, most of the impeaching memorandums the Emperor sees are like this. Therefore, deceiving the Emperor is the easiest thing."


    The Eldest Miss covered her lips and chuckled, her cheeks flushed, eyes filled with softness. She softly said, "You say others are old foxes, but I see you as an unmistakable little fox. If you decide to deceive the Emperor, nobody could beat you at that."


    The Eldest Miss looked incredibly alluring. Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded wildly. If he was a little fox, she was a seductive little fox spirit, and her sisters were no less fox-like.


    "What are you gawking at?" The Eldest Miss blushed and scolded him lightly, lowering her voice, "You''re not afraid others will see."


    "Heh, deceiving the Emperor doesn''t interest me. I''m more into fooling princesses and concubines," Lin Wanrong teased.


    The Eldest Miss''s face changed, her alluring aura gone, and she turned away, saying, "You vulgar man, I won''t talk to you anymore."


    This girl, her mood changed faster than flipping a book. Lin Wanrongughed heartily. While he and the Eldest Miss bantered, Cheng Ruinian stood awkwardly nearby, unsure whether to stay or leave.


    What, are you expecting me to invite you for lunch? Lin Wanrong was about to urge Cheng Ruinian to scram when suddenly, there was a mor of gongs and drums outside the mansion. A servant rushed in, his face filled with joy, and shouted, "Miss, Brother San, great joy, great joy!"


    The Eldest Miss''s face, which had just returned to normal, was immediately flushed again. She chastised the servant, "You know not how to speak; who''s joyful with him?"


    Lin Wanrongughed awkwardly, "What great joy? The time for great joy hasn''t arrived yet."


    The servant, panting heavily, said, "Brother San, it''s a grand celebration. Both the Prefect and the Governor havee together to bestow a farewell upon our Xiao family."


    "A farewell?" Lin Wanrong kicked him on the backside,ughing, "What bestow a farewell? Be clear next time, it''s bestow a que." [TL: Homonym words]


    "Right, right, bestow a que, bestow a que!" The servant quickly corrected himself.


    The Eldest Miss looked at Lin Wanrong in confusion, and talked to herself as if asking him, "Why would the Prefect and the Governor bestow a que on us?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "If someone doesnt talk to me, even if I know, I wouldn''t tell her."


    The Eldest Miss huffed, about to retort when the sound of drums and music filled the courtyard, announcing the arrival of a group of visitors. Leading the procession from the Governor''s Mansion was Luo Min''s messenger, whom he had met at the opening of Food for Immortals, and standing next to him was the grinning Luo Yuan, who was making a bow towards Lin Wanrong.


    The one leading from Jinling Prefect was a young miss, followed by a group of officials. Recognizing a few of them, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help butugh. Weren''t these the very men he had fought with in Hangzhou that morning? Why had they willinglye to his door today? The young miss, bearing the surname Tao, gave Lin Wanrong a slight smile, a touch of blush gracing her features.


    Oh dear, why was this Tao girl here again? Didn''t they finish their conversation yesterday? Before Lin Wanrong could finish his thought, he heard the Eldest Miss ask, "Wanying, what''s going on?"


    Tao Wanying responded with a smile, "Yuruo, no need to ask just yet. Prepare to receive the que."


    [TL: A gue here is a type of signboard, often rectangr and made of wood, that is typically inscribed with calligraphy. These ques are often hung in ces of honor, such as above the door of a home or business.]


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 Chapter 227

    Chapter 227


    Chapter 227 Extortion


    Several people from the Jinling Prefecture office and the Governor''s office were carrying a que each, swathed in red silk, the content of which remained unknown.


    The Eldest Miss didn''t want to converse with him. She gave him a nce, her delicate hand pointed towards him, then towards the que from the Jinling Prefecture office, indicating that he should unveil it.


    Realizing she wasmunicating in signnguage, Lin Wanrong grinned, thinking to himself, You think you''re the only one who can do this? I''m an expert. He mimicked her actions, pointing towards her and then the que from the Governor''s office, meaning, You should unveil that one.


    Upon seeing him mimic her, Xiao Yuruo blushed uncontrobly, a mix of shyness and anger causing her to stamp her foot furiously, This fool, utterly annoying.


    "Miss Tao," Lin Wanrong cheerfully asked, "Shall I unveil yours? Would that be alright?"


    Tao Wanying gently nodded and replied, "This is my gift to you; of course, you should be the one to unveil it."


    In the midst of heartyughter, Lin Wanrong and the Eldest Miss simultaneously pulled back the red silk, revealing the eight gilded characters on the two ques to the crowd: "Loyal and Honest; Wisdom and Bravery." []


    "Ah, who''s praising me like this? How embarrassing," Lin Wanrongughed heartily. Tao Wanying said to Xiao Yuruo, "Sister Yuruo, I have reported your family''s heroic stand against the thieves yesterday to the Prefect. The Prefect was very pleased and ryed it to the Governor. Both highly appreciate the significant effort your family has made to maintain peace in Jinling city, and they present these ques as tokens of theirmendation."


    ''Loyal and Honest; Wisdom and Bravery?'' Lin Wanrong smirked inwardly, ''Did this little girle up with these four words? She''s still pondering over that incident. This que gift is pure nonsense, probably Governor Luo''s effort to legitimize the Xiao family after hearing aboutst night''s event. Good thing he''s so considerate, it wasn''t in vain that I advised him.'' He nodded with a smile towards Wanying, "Miss Tao is too kind. I thank you on behalf of my Eldest Miss."


    The messenger from Governor Luo''s mansion added, "As Miss Tao said, Governor Luo deeply appreciates the Xiao family''s courageous and heroic actions. Not only that, he was greatly impressed when the Xiao family defeated the king of couplets from the Seven Northern Provinces at the olddy''s birthday banquet, bringing glory to the schrs of the south. Hence, this que is given to show gratitude."


    Luo Yuan bowed with a grin, "Exactly, Miss Xiao, brother Lin, allow me to congratte you both first!"


    The Eldest Miss responded, "Thank you, Young Master Luo, Miss Tao. Your kind gestures towards my family fill us with gratitude." Servants presented red packets, which she personally handed to the bearers of the ques from both mansions.


    Upon seeing Luo Yuan''s gleeful expression, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, ''Your father has yed a good card. He silenced that Cheng Ruinian, leaving him to eat humble pie. However, your sister is looking for s suitor, you could have at least informed me, causing me such embarrassment yesterday.''


    The magistrate of Jinling Prefecture and the Governor of Jiangsu had already concluded yesterday''s event as a brave act of self-defense against thieves. Cheng Ruinian felt even more awkward, deeply regretting his presence here today. However, with all eyes upon him, he had no idea how to react and could only stand there, his face sullen, without uttering a word.


    Luo Yuan feigned surprise as if he was just noticing Cheng Ruinian. He eximed, "Ah, isn''t this Brother Ruinian? What brings you here? Are you here to offer congrattions too?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled slyly, "Young Master Cheng hase to rebel"


    "To pay a visit, I''vee to pay a visit," Cheng Ruinian, beads of cold sweat forming on his forehead, hastily interjected, overtaking Lin Wanrong''s words.


    "Oh, to pay a visit?" Luo Yuan queried with a smile, "Since when have you and the Xiao family been acquainted? This is news to me."


    "We weren''t acquainted before," Lin Wanrong mysteriously smiled and added, "But since he visited today, he is now. Isn''t that right, Young Master Cheng?"


    Under such circumstances, Cheng Ruinian had no choice but to nod in agreement. Lin Wanrong continued, "Young Master Cheng and I are old friends. We''ve had our share of drinks together in Miaoyu Pavilion. He came here today with no grand intentions. He''s just a bit tight on cash recently and looking to secure some silver. Isn''t that so, Young Master Cheng?"


    "Indeed, indeed," Cheng Ruinian nodded, "I''m running short on money recently. I came to borrow some silver from Brother Lin. Now that I have the silver, I won''t overstay my wee. I''ll take my leave."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Brother Cheng, why be so formal? We share a bond over drinks; there''s no need for such courtesy. Besides, this sum of fifty thousand taels of silver, I am merely the guarantor. You borrowed it from Miss Xiao, so it''s her you should thank."


    Fifty thousand taels of silver? Everyone present secretly gasped. Such a colossal sum! What did Young Master Cheng need so much money for? And would Miss Xiao agree to lend it? The more astute ones began to sense the game afoot.


    Hearing Lin Wanrong brazenly name such a huge sum, Cheng Ruinian paled with shock, he protested angrily, "You"


    "You what?" Lin Wanrong shot back with a sinister tone, "Didn''t youe to visit?" He deliberately blurred the pronunciation of "visit" with "rebel". [TL: The two words are simr in pronunciation zaofang and zaofan.] Others may not have noticed the difference, but it was enough to unsettle Cheng Ruinian. ''Thisd wants my life,'' he thought, realizing the so-called witness was still present, and Luo Yuan, his nemesis, might reveal his intentions. That would be a colossal blunder.


    Cheng Ruinian, seething with anger, lowered his voice so only the two of them could hear, "Lin San, is this extortion?"


    "Extortion?" Lin Wanrong replied with a strange smirk, "From where do you get that? I wouldn''t dare coerce the esteemed Young Master Cheng. You came here today solely to ''rebel,'' didn''t you?"


    Cheng Ruinian suppressed his rage with tremendous willpower, grinding his teeth, he conceded, "Fine, if that''s the case, I thank Miss Xiao. I assure you, I will repay the fifty thousand taels promptly."


    Enraged, he didn''t wait for anyone to reply and hurriedly began to leave with his entourage. Lin Wanrong called out after him,ughing loudly, "Why the rush, Young Master Cheng? There''s no need to hurry."


    Cheng Ruinian turned back, glowering at him, "Is there anything else?"


    Lin Wanrong put on a benevolent face and said, "Young Master Cheng, it''s not for me to say, but one must be decent. Having borrowed fifty thousand taels of silver from Miss Xiao, you should at least make a note of debt. Miss Xiao is kind and upright. She lent the money willingly, but we should still be conscious, shouldn''t we?"


    Cheng Ruinian felt like his lungs were about to explode. He was extorting him for fifty thousand taels and demanding a note of debt? Was there no justice in this world? However, since he had allowed Lin San to obtain some leverage over him, and the situation had escted to such a point, he could only ept the loss and find a way to make it up in the future. With this in mind, he remained silent, swiftly penned a note of debt for fifty thousand taels of silver, signed his name, and left in a huff.


    Lin Wanrong held the note, inspecting it with satisfaction. ''You think you''re wicked?'' he thought, ''I can be even more so.'' Eldest Miss Xiao approached him and whispered, "You, even scamming a high-ranking official''s son. Aren''t you afraid of his revenge?"


    Startled, Lin Wanrong replied, "Eldest Miss, you''re speaking to me again?"


    using him of being an ingrate in her mind, Xiao Yuruo felt a mix of anger and embarrassment. As she turned to leave, Lin San caught her sleeve,ughing, "Don''t be angry. It''s just a joke. I like teasing you, don''t I?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao retorted, "I kindly converse with you, and you persist in mocking me. I''d be a fool to trust you in the future."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "This Cheng De, he''s fully fixated on us now. Cheng Ruinian''s visit today is likely just the beginning."


    Hearing him speak of the serious matter, Eldest Miss Xiao stopped her antics. She frowned and asked, "Then why do you continue to provoke Cheng Ruinian?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile, "My dear Eldest Miss, why don''t you understand? Even if I didn''t provoke Cheng Ruinian, would Cheng De let us go? Our Xiao family is already a thorn in their side. They won''t rest until we''re removed."


    Eldest Miss Xiao sighed softly, "My Xiao family seems cursed, attracting such formidable foes."


    "The taller the tree, the harder the wind blows. Our soap and perfume business is flourishing, and they''re green with envy. If they can''t join us, they''re naturally left with destruction," Lin Wanrong calmly exined, "In any case, we''re already at odds. Instead of being oppressed by them, we might as well oppress them first."


    With Xu Wei''s troops on hand, and Luo Min soon to take action against Cheng De, Lin Wanrong wasn''t afraid. He chuckled, shaking the promissory note in his hand. ''With this note, in a few days, I''ll have Si Dee to your door to collect the debt. If you refuse to pay, I''ll go to the yamen to beat the drum and air my grievances. Luo Min would probably love to see this, making a spectacle that everyone in Jinling City knows about. Let''s see what you can do then, old dog.''


    Miss Xiao had her people hang the two ques. The Xiao family, of course, was overjoyed, especially the household servants who had fought alongside Brother San the night before. Not only did they enjoy the fight, but they also received ques personally bestowed by the City Prefect and the Governor - a supreme honor. ''Living the life of a servant, yet managing to erect an archway as an emblem of virtue - Brother San truly is a model for our times.''


    Tao Wanying nced at Lin Wanrong before timidly stepping forward, "Lin San, there is something I want to ask you."


    "Miss Tao, you''re toopolite. Helping others brings joy, so feel free to speak your mind," Lin Wanrong replied, his mood buoyant after having dealt with Cheng Ruinian. This made him regard the young Tao Wanying much more kindly.


    "If I ask, promise not to get angry," Tao Wanying ventured, carefully watching him as she spoke in a low voice.


    "Miss Wanying, since when have you be so courteous? It was not like this before," Lin Wanrong teased with a flirtatious smile.


    At the mention of the past, a blush crept up Tao Wanying''s cheeks. Biting her lip, she queried, "Tell me, did you do something to my brother?"


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 Chapter 228

    Chapter 228


    Chapter 228 The Good Man, Lin San


    "Your brother? Doing underhanded tricks? Miss Tao Wanying, where did you get that idea? Do you see me as that kind of person? Look at how straight my spine is, how honest my gaze. Do you really think I''m that kind of man?" Lin Wanrong opened his eyes wide in innocence: "I am as innocent as a spring onion sleeping with tofu!"


    "Spring onion sleeping with tofu?" Tao Wanying asked in confusion, "What does that mean?"


    "Spring onion sleeping with tofu  it means we''re bothpletely transparent, nothing hidden!" Lin Wanrong said with a mischievous grin.


    Blushing furiously, Tao Wanying lowered her head in embarrassment: "Lin San, why are you talking nonsense again? Weren''t you always so honest?"


    Honest? Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat off his forehead. He used to tease and scold this girl and she thought he was honest. Now when he was speaking nicely, had he suddenly be indecent? He had heard of some people having a masochistic streak. Could they be referring to her? Perhaps, whips and candle wax might be suited for this girl.


    Laughing heartily, Lin Wanrong said, "Miss Tao, I am still the same old Lin San. It''s just that your mood when speaking with me has changed, so your perception of me has changed as well. Oh, by the way, Miss Tao, you mentioned something about your brother? What tricks did he y? Do share, I might be able to offer some advice."


    Tao Wanying sighed lightly and said, "It''s a long story. It began on the day you set us free," she nced at Lin Wanrong and quickly asked, "Lin San, are you really not angry with me for what happened that day?"


    "Not at all!" Lin Wanrong generously replied, "It was a moment of anger that led to your impulsiveness. It''s understandable, who doesn''t have a beastly side? Besides, didn''t you also pay the price for your impulsiveness?"


    Tao Wanying''s eyes welled up with tears, "Lin San, thank you. I never expected you to be such a kind-hearted person. I robbed you, yet you bore no grudge. I wronged you, yet you kindly exined on my behalf. Lin San, you truly are the most benevolent person in the world."


    Goosebumps erupted all over Lin Wanrong''s body at her words. If it was about being gullible, this girl could take second ce, and no one would dare im the first. All she could think about were his good deeds. Why didn''t she remember when he had tripped her on their way to Hangzhou? This girl really had a masochistic streak.


    "Of course," Lin Wanrong replied unabashedly, "I have a nickname, the Honest Young Man. Being known as the ''Seven Times a Night'' man isn''t without reason."


    Hearing his absurdity, Tao Wanying couldn''t help butugh, "You''ve never known modesty."


    Tao Wanying might not have the beauty of ady, but her ample buttocks and bosompensated for that. Lin Wanrong stole a nce at her, wondering if she had been eating hormones to grow. Her body was voluptuously appealing; she likely belonged to the category of a ''grip the railings, tear the sheets'' kind of woman, too exciting for words. That Hou kid was too lucky.


    Seeing the conversation with this girl was getting nowhere, Lin Wanrong quickly changed the topic, "Oh, Miss Tao, let''s get back to the main point. What exactly happened to your brother?"


    Tao Wanying didn''t know how she had strayed so far from the topic. Sheughed sheepishly, then continued, "After I woke up that day, I walked back a distance and found my brother. He was lying on a slope, his body burning hot but unconscious. I had no idea what happened to him. And at that time, I thought that I..." She blushed and lowered her head, "...you know what I thought. I believed something terrible had happened to me. Then seeing my brother in that state, unresponsive despite my calls, I couldn''t help but cry. It wasn''t until our house soldiers arrived and woke him with cold water..."


    Having been drugged, of course, he would need to be sshed with cold water. Lin Wanrong feigned sympathy, "Ah, poor Young Master Tao, he must have been soaked through, right? How unfortunate! Catching a cold wouldn''t be good. s, it''s all my fault."


    Tao Wanying hurriedly interjected, "Don''t misunderstand, I''m not ming you. We were enemies at that time; you knocking my brother out was inevitable. Besides, you kindly let him goter. None of this is your fault."


    This girl is bing more considerate, thought Lin Wanrong with inward glee. "Then what happened next?" he asked.


    Tao Wanying''s face was so red it looked like it would drip. She said softly, "After my brother woke up, he didn''t seem to recognize anyone. He would hug anyone he saw, and he spoke nonsense"


    Lin Wanrong knew exactly what sort of nonsense she was referring to. He acknowledged her exnation with a grunt and let her continue, "Later, one of our soldiers figured it out and said that he was... desiring women" Her face was a deep shade of red, and she couldn''t continue.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "I see. But why would your brother act that way? I only knocked him out and left him by the roadside. Could some beast have bitten him?"


    Tao Wanying forced herself to suppress her embarrassment, "I don''t know. Later, we quickly took him to a small town and found a brothel, and then he"


    "What did he do?" At the climax of the story, Lin Wanrong shamelessly asked.


    Covering her face with her hands, Tao Wanying blushed even deeper, "He shamelessly indulged himself with those women until the next morning."


    "Those women? How many were there? Be specific, were there ten?" Eager to know the potency of the drug, Lin Wanrong asked with concern.


    "Perhaps four or five, all of them were shameless women," Tao Wanying said softly.


    What the hell! Was the potency of the drug so strong? Could Tao Dongcheng, that little worm, entertain four or five women and enjoy himself until dawn? That was nearly half as many as him, it was outrageous. Gao Qiu, that big lecher, why didn''t he contribute more of this fun stuff? Next time, he must take several doses of the "Buddha''s Big Stick" for personal use. However, considering that Tao Dongcheng had already been severely impaired, with this additional torment, even an iron rod would be incapable of withstanding it, let alone the fragile corpus cavernosum. This kid was undoubtedly done for.


    "Well, Miss Tao, you know me as a man of honesty and integrity. I swear I didn''t do anything to your brother. Besides, his beastly behavior of tormenting women is something that couldn''t be induced by any of our deeds. I suspect it''s the result of his own thoughts." Lin Wanrong spoke with a righteous air, his heart already ted.


    "I don''t know either," Tao Wanying sighed softly. "But ever since that day, my brother haspletely changed. He indulged himself in pleasure every day, his health worsened, and he eventually stopped going out. He would invite courtesans to our home, only to drive them away after a short while. He grew more and more irritable, throwing things around. Neither my father nor I could persuade him, and he lost all his vitality, bing thin and frail."


    As Tao Wanying recounted the tale, she began to cry softly. Lin Wanrong listened with great satisfaction. The fact that he hadn''t allowed this Tao guy to start embroidering was already being generous.


    "Because of all this, my father has turned white with worry and lost interest in everything. He had a good rtionship with Mr. Cheng De, but recently it has also cooled down." Tao Wanying sobbed, "Lin San, you''re so smart, is there any way to save my brother? I don''t want to see my father and brother be like this. Can you help them?"


    Save him? Damn, how was he supposed to fix what was broken? Could he perform an organ transnt, recing it with a dog''s part? Honestly, considering her brother''s actions, recing it with a dog''s part would be an insult to the intelligent canine species.


    "Miss Tao, I sympathize with your situation deeply, but I''m afraid I can''t help with this. s, your brother, smart as he was, has been misguided. I hope he will turn around soon and redeem himself," Lin Wanrong said with feignedpassion.


    Tao Wanying acknowledged his words with a faint hum, "Thank you, Lin San, you really are the best person in the world. I''ve kept all these things to myself and didn''t know who to talk to. Sharing it with you today has lightened my heart."


    With a gloomy expression, Tao Wanying left. Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh and thought, My strategies are growing more diverse. Luo Yuan came over and patted Lin Wanrong on the shoulder, a mysterious smile on his face, "Big brother, I am utterly impressed by you."


    "Impressed by what?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    Pointing towards Tao Wanying, Luo Yuanughed, "Miss Tao, crying andughing in front of you, I think she might have fallen for you."


    Damn, that''s the funniest joke I''ve ever heard. If this girl could fall for me, that would be an injustice to the universe. But Little Luo, your sister really does like me. Lin Wanrong chuckled, replying casually, "My rtionship with Miss Tao isn''t what you imagine. There''s been a misunderstanding, which we''ll clear up soon. Speaking of which, how''s your sister?"


    Luo Yuan excitedly replied, "You wouldn''t believe it. Big brother, after you saw her yesterday and she had sister Qiaoqiao''spany, she started feeling much better. She was talking andughing, and by this morning, she''spletely recovered. If I didn''t know that my sister wasn''t into you, I would have thought it was your strength that helped her."


    Doesn''t fancy me? Lin Wanrong shot him an exasperated nce, "You underestimate me,d. If I wanted to, not even a bitch could escape my grasp in this world. Yet Luo Ning''s mixture of words andughter left him wondering, was it because of him or was she just excited about her choice of husband?


    With a mysterious look, he asked Luo Yuan, "Little Luo, have you heard any rumorstely, about your sister?"


    Luo Yuan looked puzzled, "No, I''ve been at home for the past few days and haven''t heard anything. Big brother, is there some news?"


    Damn, this matter was indeed strange, even Little Luo didn''t know. Of course, he couldn''t indulge in gossip about Little Luo''s own sister in front of him, so heughed it off with a few vague words.


    Having bid farewell to two separate parties, the Eldest Miss was somewhat tired and headed straight back to rest. Lin Wanrong was about to leave when he saw two figures approaching from outside the hall. The man in the lead, lightly stroking his beard, greeted him with a smile from afar, "Little brother Lin, it''s been a while."


    Upon seeing this man, Lin Wanrong''s heart swelled with joy. Here ites, the big event was finally unfolding. Damn, Cheng De, I wonder how much longer you can continue your arrogance. Heughed heartily and stepped forward to greet him, "Oh my, Master Xu, I''ve missed you dearly."


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 Chapter 229

    Chapter 229


    Chapter 229 The Military Strategist


    Xu Wei clearly was not used to such an enthusiastic embrace, heughed awkwardly and said, "Little brother Lin, you needn''t be so formal. You''re going to embarrass an old man like me."


    Lin Wanrong let out a heartyugh and released him. He noticed Xu Wei''s face was full of dust and weariness, indicating that he had just traveled a great distance to get here. Behind Xu Wei was Gao Qiu, the guy Lin Wanrong had been thinking about. Gao Qiu held a riding whip, suggesting a journey conducted in haste without much rest. Lin Wanrong greeted him with a salute, "Brother Gao, I trust you have been well!"


    Gao Qiu, an old acquaintance of his, returned the salute and said, "Thank you for your concern, Young Master Lin. Following Mr. Xu these past few days, everything has been quite well."


    Lin Wanrong weed the two into the hall, invited them to sit down, and casually took a seat beside them, making no pretense of being an outsider. A servant girl promptly brought in tea. Xu Wei took a sip of the fragrant brew and chuckled, "Little brother Lin, I saw people sending over ques with much fanfare as I arrived. It seems the reputation of the Xiao family is ever on the rise."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled in response. Xu Wei was no outsider, so he didn''t hide the events that had transpired the night before and during the day. Xu Wei stroked his beard and burst intoughter after hearing the story, "So that''s how it is. It seems Mr. Cheng De had the misfortune of crossing you."


    After a brief conversation, Lin Wanrong asked, "Did you, Mr. Xu,e specifically to find me today?"


    Xu Wei nodded and said, "Indeed, I came to find you, Little brother Lin, and also to visit an old friend, Miss Guo, whom I haven''t seen in many years."


    So, you came specifically for the wife, with just a side visit for me. You old man, you dare to y these games in front of me? I despise you. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Why didn''t you say so earlier, Mr. Xu? I will inform the Madam right away."


    Xu Wei stopped him, "There''s no need to trouble yourself, little brother. We already announced our presence at the entrance. Otherwise, we wouldn''t have been able to enter this hall and sit down for tea."


    That was true; they couldn''t havee in without an announcement. Lin Wanrong chuckled again when suddenly they heard the soft jingle of a waist ornament from outside. A series of light yet hurried footsteps echoed into their ears, followed by the delighted voice of Madam Xiao, "Mr. Wenchang, where is Mr. Wenchang?"


    The three men in the hall quickly stood up. Xu Weiughed loudly, "Miss Guo, I, Xu Wei, am here."


    Madam Xiao rushed in, carefully examined Xu Wei for a few moments, and then joyfully eximed, "Mr. Xu, it is indeed you who havee. I, Guo Junyi, am pleased to meet you, Mr. Xu." So, thedy''s maiden name was Guo Junyi, a rather elegant name indeed.


    Seeing Madam Xiao about to kneel, Xu Wei hurriedly gestured to stop her, "Miss Guo, there''s no need for such formalities. Little brother Lin, please help Miss Guo up."


    Lin Wanrong walked over, helped Madam Xiao up, and smiled, "Indeed, Madam, if old friends like you and Mr. Wenchang greet each other with such formality, it might create an awkward atmosphere. I''m sure Mr. Xu would feel ufortable."


    Xu Weiughed heartily, "Little brother Lin, you truly understand my heart."


    Madam Xiao didn''t kneel again. She looked at Lin Wanrong and smiled, "You do know how to say pleasing things."


    The host and guest had seated themselves, and Xu Wei looked at Madam Xiao with a sigh of wonder, "It has been over twenty years since we parted in the capital. I have aged from a man nearing forty to now being in my sixties, a figure of decay. Yet Madam, you retain your youthful looks and grace."


    Madam Xiao also sighed, "Where is the grace of old? Mr. Wenchang, you jest. Truly, time spares no one. When I left the capital, I was just in the bloom of youth at 18. Now in a blink, I have a house full of children. Time is indeed a cruel knife."


    Xu Wei stroked his beard and nodded, "When Miss was 18, your knowledge surpassed all in the capital, your skills were admired by all. Even the emperor himself heard of Miss''s name and summoned you to court, which was the talk of the era. These memories seem just like yesterday. It''s poignant that we meet again here in the south, twenty years since we said goodbye in the capital."


    Seeing Madam Xiao and Xu Wei both sighing, Lin Wanrong felt a bit disdainful. What did their parting amount to? If they knew about his experiences, they would surely shut their mouths. s, his experiences were secrets he was destined to keep, buried deep within him.


    Madam Xiaoughed, "Back in the day, all the schrs in the capital held great admiration for Mr. Xu, taking you as a role model. Now, twenty years have passed, and your fame has spread throughout the world, even surpassing those years. It is truly something to be happy about."


    Xu Wei shook his head, a touch of sadness crossing his face, "Don''t talk about fame, it''s all about the two words, fame and profit, that mislead people. At my age, I''vee to understand this. Fame and profit are like floating clouds in the sky, they seem beautiful but are actually harmful. I wonder how many people''s happiness and marriages have been ruined by these two words."


    Madam Xiao looked puzzled at his words, but Lin Wanrong knew that the old man was speaking from experience. He had sacrificed Su Qinglian''s happiness for his own selfish desires, and only realized it in his old age. But it was toote, and his remaining good days were few.


    Not understanding the meaning of his words, Madam Xiaoughed, "Has Mr. Wenchang been well all these years? Are your wife, son, and daughter well?"


    Xu Wei replied, "My wife passed away years ago, my son has his own family, as for my daughter... ah, better not to mention her."


    Madam Xiao''s face turned mncholy, "Your wife has passed? Such a virtuous woman, heaven is truly blind. By the way, Mr. Xu, what about your daughter?" A small smile appeared on her face, "I remember when we left the capital, she was a ten-year-old girl with braids. I wonder how she looks now. Who is she betrothed to?"


    Xu Wei shook his head with a bitter smile, "Ah, my daughter... better not to mention her. Miss Guo, if you ever visit the capital, could you please advise her? She was with you when she was young, she might listen to you."


    Xu Wei''s daughter? Lin Wanrong vaguely remembered a mention of her as a person of extraordinary knowledge. Seeing Xu Wei''s anxious expression, there clearly was some unspeakable difficulty. Was Xu Wei''s daughter so formidable that even Xu Wei himself couldn''t handle her?


    Madam Xiao and Xu Wei began to discuss old acquaintances and events in the capital; which gentlemen had retired, who held senior positions in which provinces; which youngdies married whom, who had been granted imperial edicts; which sages had passed away, and what posthumous titles the emperor had granted them.


    Madam Xiao revealed a side that Lin Wanrong had never seen before. Speaking with Xu Wei, the current leading figure, she remainedposed and didn''t fall short, revealing a hint of her past glory.


    Lin Wanrong remembered what the blind old man, Wei, had said. There had been a significant figure secretly in love with Madam Xiao in the past. Having listened to their half-day conversation, there had been a lot of talk about young men and women, but he had no idea who it could be.


    Bored of their chatter, Lin Wanrong excused himself and stepped outside with Gao Qiu, saying, "Brother Gao, I have good news for you."


    Gao Qiuughed, "What good news? Why are you being so formal, Young Master? Just say it, we''ve dealt with each other before."


    Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs up, "Brother Gao is straightforward, I admire that." He chuckled, told Gao Qiu about what happened with Tao Dongcheng, and Gao Qiu burst intoughter. "Brilliant! That boy is ruined, ''immortalized'' seems tailor-made for him. Truly a masterstroke, Young Master."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "I''m not brilliant, Brother Gao is the true genius. That ''Buddha''s Big Stick'' you concocted is truly the number one aphrodisiac in the world. Even a creature as weak as Tao Dongcheng became incredibly potent, it''s truly a wonder drug."


    Gao Qiu beamed with pride, "Of course, the Buddha''s Big Stick is very difficult to make. I used many precious ingredients, such as goji berries, angelica, saffron, tiger penis, deer penis, and bear penis. Even a eunuch could gain some potency after taking it."


    Saffron too? As if you''re treating a gynecological disease. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself, then whispered, "You used so many good ingredients? Indeed, a wonder drug, it stirs up one''s blood and directs one''s thoughts. I wonder if Brother Gao could provide me with a few kilos for self-defense."


    A few kilos? Gao Qiu gasped. When it came to bold moves, Lin Wanrong was indeed extraordinary. Most people would already be overwhelmed with a few ounces, but he asked straightaway for a few kilos. And for self-defense, who uses aphrodisiacs for that?


    Gao Qiu patted his shoulder, nced around, and when he saw no one was watching, he softly said, "Little brother, not to criticize you, but you''re too young to be ying these games. You can''t exhaust yourself like this. We men can fail at everything, except in this respect we must stay strong."


    As if you need to tell me that, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Don''t worry, Brother Gao, I was born unique and powerful, known as the ''bane of women, invincible among men''. Speaking of performing seven times a night, that''s me being modest. On average, without eight or nine times, I can''t sleep. In my free time, I used to y drums with that thing, changing the drum every three days, and only beating it for two hours a day. You know the saying, ''Always ready, always standing''? That''s talking about me."


    Gao Qiu was taken aback and it took a while before he managed to say, "If you''re really that formidable, brother, why would you need these stimnts?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "It''s just to be prepared for any eventuality. As you''ve seen, I am quite skilled in many ways and thus invite a lot of jealousy. Should I encounter a situation like Tao Dongcheng''s again, I won''t be as amicable. I''ll give them a good dose of this and let a mad dog loose in their house..."


    A shiver ran down Gao Qiu''s spine. He recalled how Lin Wanrong had made Lu Zhongping surrender with just a single sentence during his interrogation. In a flurry, Gao Qiu took a small white bag from his bosom and handed it to Lin Wanrong. "Little brother, no more words. This is all my stock, it''s all here."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and was about to put the bag away when the Eldest Miss''s voice echoed, "Lin San, what are you holding there?"


    "Flour," Lin Wanrong responded calmly. This girl, wasn''t she supposed to be resting? Why was she out here again, almost exposing him?


    "What kind of flour? Let me see," the Eldest Miss smiled as she approached, extending her hand to grab the small bag.


    Oh no, she couldn''t get hold of this. Lin Wanrong quickly hid the bag in his clothes and asked, "Why would the Eldest Miss be interested in flour?"


    Gao Qiu was breaking out in a cold sweat on the side. Lin Wanrong''s audacity truly left him no choice but to admire.


    "Sneaky, I can tell it''s not something good," the Eldest Miss pouted, then smiled at him, "I heard from the servants that Mr. Xu is here, so I hurried over. Why aren''t you talking to him?"


    "Madam is catching up with Mr. Xu. I was just chatting with Brother Gao." Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    Gao Qiu quickly added, "Indeed, Young Master Lin and I were having a lively conversation when we saw Eldest Miss approaching."


    Upon hearing that her mother was speaking with Mr. Xu, Eldest Miss decided not to rush in. She stayed in the yard, chatting with Gao Qiu. She seemed a bit absent-minded, repeatedly ncing at Lin Wanrong as if wanting to say something but then swallowing her words.


    Being a sharp man, Gao Qiu understood that Eldest Miss and Lin Wanrong had important matters to discuss. So, he hurriedly excused himself, "I''ll go attend to Mr. Xu. You two continue your chat."


    Only after Gao Qiu had left did Lin Wanrongughingly ask, "Eldest Miss, is there something you wish to discuss with me?"


    Xiao Yuruo nodded, pondered for a long while, and finally said, "Lin San, have you heard about that matter?"


    "What matter? Which matter?" Lin Wanrong replied, confused, "Eldest Miss, could you be more specific?"


    "Dummy," the Eldest Miss yfully scolded, "I mean the matter of Miss Luo seeking a marriage proposal. Have you heard of it?"


    Damn, this was the third person today who brought this up, yet even Little Luo himself had no idea. It was truly strange. Lin Wanrong nodded, "I heard from Young Master Guo and Si De about it."


    Xiao Yuruo bit her lip lightly, "So, what are you going to do?"


    "What do you mean, ''what am I going to do''?" Lin Wanrong asked, "What does this matter have to do with me?"


    Miss Xiao saw his determined attitude and a hint of a smile appeared on her lovely face. "Right, it really doesn''t concern you, so we don''t need to concern ourselves with her."


    Why did Eldest Miss Xiao seem so pleased? Where had Miss Luo offended her? Was she eager to see her married off? Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "Actually, I asked Little Luo about it today. Since even he doesn''t know, it can''t be true."


    "Really?" Miss Xiao nodded, "Then it must not be true. I only learned about it when I went back to my room and heard the maids discussing it."


    Everyone in the mansion knew. This matter really made waves, smoke without fire. He didn''t know who had started the rumors and what their intentions were. Miss Luo was still sick and now these rumors made her situation pitiful, which angered him.


    "Lin San," Eldest Miss Xiao lowered her head and softly asked, "If this matter is true, would you go to the poetrypetition?"


    She gently asked, and when she didn''t hear his answer, she repeated the question, but still, there was no response. Looking up, she saw Lin San staring at the withered flowers in the courtyard, deep in thought. He hadn''t even heard her question.


    "Lin San, Lin San," Eldest Miss Xiao called out several times before Lin Wanrong came back to his senses. He quickly asked, "What did you say, Eldest Miss?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao had spoken so softly, and he was so lost in thought that he hadn''t heard a word. Eldest Miss Xiao huffed through her nose, her face frosty. She turned her head away and wouldn''t look at him again.


    Well, he was just lost in thought for a moment. Why had he offended her again? He chuckled, not bothering to apologize to Eldest Miss Xiao. The two of them stood silently in the courtyard, the atmosphere bing cold once again.


    "Lin San," as they were engaged in their silent standoff, they saw Madam Xiao walk out smiling. She waved at Lin Wanrong, "Come with me."


    Eldest Miss Xiao was startled and softly asked, "Mother, what do you need him for?"


    Madam Xiao replied with a smile, "I have something to tell him. Yuruo, go chat with Mr. Xu. It''s good to know him better. We could use a friend in the capital next year."


    Eldest Miss Xiao did as she was told, but before she left, she shot him a re. Lin Wanrong found her expression quite amusing. This wasn''t the demeanor of ady, but rather a girl who had lost an argument. This Eldest Miss Xiao could be rather cute. Lin Wanrong chuckled and followed Madam Xiao, who was still smiling and waving him over.


    Perhaps because of the reunion with an old friend, Madam Xiao was full of joy today. Her smooth face was flushed with a light pink, not resembling a mature woman, but more like a maiden in love. She was dressed in a pink satin dress that clung tightly to her full figure. Her hair was coiled high with a gold hairpin sticking out, revealing her delicate and smooth neck. It was as smooth and soft as ayer of warm jade.


    Lin Wanrong followed behind her, inhaling her faint rose perfume scent. Noticing her light footsteps and radiant smile, he couldn''t help but sigh. This Madam Xiao, who had once been a Miss Guo, seemed not to be truly happy after marrying into the Xiao family. Xu Wei was just an old friend, yet his visit could elicit such joy in her. It was evident what her years had been like.


    "Madam, do you miss the capital?" Lin Wanrong asked lightly.


    Madam Xiao was taken aback, she halted and nced at him, chuckling, "Miss? It''s more reminiscing about those carefree days, a little nostalgia. The capital surely has its allure, but Jiangnan also has its charm. No matter where you are, life isborious." She paused before adding with a smile, "Lin San, your perceptiveness is indeedmendable. No wonder Mr. Wenchang highly values you."


    "Perhaps for others, being valued by Mr. Wenchang is an honor, but for me, it''s as simple as eating and sleeping," Lin Wanrong replied with a grin.


    "You certainly are thick-skinned." The Madamughed and opened the door to her chamber, ushering him in. It was a quiet room, simply furnished. What caught his attention was the portrait of a young woman hanging in the center of the room. He studied it closely, noticing the striking resemnce between the subject and the woman in front of him.


    "Is this your younger sister, Madam? She appears to be around the same age as you," Lin Wanrong shamelessly ttered.


    Such tant ttery amused Madam Xiao and she couldn''t help but giggle, "Lin San, what nonsense are you spouting? This was painted when I was sixteen in the capital."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, speaking in disbelief, "Madam, can you tell me how you''ve managed to maintain such youthful beauty over the past twenty years? If you were to market this secret, our Xiao family would surely make a fortune."


    Madam Xiao could barely contain herughter, she held it in and chided, "You talk without a filter. If you continue this nonsense, I''ll have to punish you." Given her usual demeanor, treating him with such leniency was a rare act of kindness.


    "Lin San, do you know why I''ve called you here?" As they turned to serious matters, Madam Xiao''s smile faded. She looked at Lin Wanrong sternly.


    "Could it be a raise? Oh, Madam, I would be too embarrassed. A humble tenfold increase would suffice," Lin Wanrong replied, feigning surprise.


    "You jest." Madam Xiaoughed, "Actually, the reason I''ve called you here is that Mr. Xu would like to borrow you for a few days."


    Borrow me for a few days? That''s quite ambiguous. Lin Wanrong asked seriously, "Madam, do you mean that Mr. Xu wants me to transfer over to him over for a few days, is that correct?"


    "Exactly, he will borrow you for a few days, and once the task ispleted, you will return," Madam Xiao confirmed.


    What a turn of events! Couldn''t she use a different phrase? Lin Wanrong thought grudgingly.


    "Oh, did Mr. Xu mention what I will be doing?" Lin Wanrong asked. At this point, he could only guess it had something to do with the White Lotus cult and Cheng De. This old Xu, he really thinks highly of me.


    "He didn''t mention that," Madam Xiao pondered, "However, knowing Mr. Xu, he wouldn''t ask you to do anything dishonorable. Moreover, you''re not that sort of person."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled at herst statement. Madam Xiao then added with a smile, "Lin San, I''ve always been grateful for your contributions to my family. Without you, the Xiao family would have ceased to exist long ago. My daughter and I are both aware of this. Rest assured, when the time is right, I will reward you as you deserve."


    Her cunning was more pronounced than her daughter''s. At least Eldest Miss asionally showed genuine emotion. Aside from throwing smoke bombs, Madam Xiao had yet to show her true colors. Irritated, he entertained the thought of having his way with her second daughter and making her his wife.


    Grinning mechanically, Lin Wanrong responded, "Thank you for your reward, Madam."


    "Your status in the Xiao family is indeed unique, and because of this, I didn''t dare to agree to Mr. Xu''s request without consulting you. I value your opinion," she said, dimples appearing on her smiling face.


    Big deal, he thought, I have curls on my forehead. She''s trying to fool me with her sweet talk? I am a master at this game.


    With an innocent smile, Lin Wanrong asked, "And, Madam, what would be the consequences if I were to decline?"


    Madam Xiao hesitated, then reluctantly said, "Well, there won''t be any, of course. I will exin to Mr. Xu on your behalf. Honestly, Lin San, many in the court wish for Mr. Xu''s support, yet he has never shown favoritism. Now he shows interest in you. You should consider this carefully. It would be greatly beneficial for your future."


    "Oh," Lin Wanrong drawled, "I see, it''s for my benefit. But I am a loyal and kind person. If this is only beneficial for me and not for everyone else, I wouldn''t do it."


    "Of course, it will also be beneficial for the Xiao family," Madam Xiao hurriedly said, "After the New Year, you and Yuruo will be going north to the capital. If you help Mr. Xu on behalf of our family now, when you get to the capital, he will certainly help us in return. Our family''s affairs would be much easier. Isn''t this a win-win situation?"


    "I see," Lin Wanrong nodded, trying to hold back hisughter. "Madam, I prefer it when you speak the truth."


    Madam Xiao paused, "Why is that?"


    "Because, when you speak the truth, you really look like you''re sixteen," Lin Wanrong said, chuckling.


    Madam Xiao blushed, and before she could reprimand him for his audacity, Lin Wanrong was alreadyughing heartily as he pushed the door and exited.


    Madam Xiao sat stunned for a moment, then suddenly broke intoughter. She knew Lin San was exceptionally intelligent. Why did she bother devising such intricate strategies to outsmart him? Why not just say it directly benefits the Xiao family? Instead, he saw through her maniptions, and she even managed to lose some respect in his eyes.


    Having teased the Madam, Lin Wanrong felt quite pleased with himself. If she''d spoken honestly with him, being sympathetic to Yushuang, he would''ve known what to do. However, she tried to outsmart him, treating others like fools. Despite being a mother, your cleverness is still far behind me; you are but a fledgling chick in my presence.


    After three bursts of heartyughter, he walked into the garden, only to see Xu Weiing over with a smile. "Little brother Lin, how did your conversation with Miss Guo go?"


    Miss Guo? What Miss Guo? She''s already married, and should be referred to as Madam Xiao, you old reprobate. His irritation with the Madam shifted onto the innocent Xu Wei. Lin Wanrong didn''t bother with pleasantries. "We did talk, it''s just that..."


    "Just what?" Xu Wei quickly asked, "Little brother Lin, I must admit that I am desperately seeking assistance and I greatly anticipate your help."


    Patting his shoulder, Lin Wanrong responded, "My dear Mr. Xu, if you wanted Madam to speak to me, you should have rified what it was about. If it''s for going to a brothel or listening to music, I wouldn''t hesitate."


    Xu Wei chuckled awkwardly, "That''s my oversight. The matter is of utmost secrecy, it couldn''t be ryed through Miss Guo. Honestly, with your intelligence, do I even need to exin my intention?"


    "Mr. Xu, if you don''t say it, how would I know what it''s about?" he pretended to be clueless. After all, Xu Wei was the one asking him.


    Xu Wei smiled subtly and whispered into his ear, "I want to invite you to join me in eradicating the White Lotus."


    Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. Although he had already suspected as much, hearing it directly felt quite different. War, this was something he had never experienced. It did sound exciting, though. After a brief pause, he said, "Mr. Xu, are you sure you''ve got the right person? I''m just amoner, without authority or office. How does that rte to war?"


    "Patience, patience," Xu Wei smiled, pulling a piece of paper from his pocket. "Themand has been given. I ask you to serve as my military strategist."


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 Chapter 230

    Chapter 230


    Chapter 230 A Misunderstanding


    A Military Strategist? What sort of position was that? Lin Wanrong hesitated for a moment, "I must tell you, Mr. Xu, that war involves deaths. I was born a coward, deathly afraid of dying. How could I step onto a battlefield?"


    Xu Wei burst intoughter, "Little brother Lin is indeed straightforward. I won''t hide from you, I too fear death. But in our uing campaign against the White Lotus cult, we hold an absolute advantage. Furthermore, as a Military Strategist, there''s no need for you to personally engage inbat. You just need to n in the army. Also, I will assign the high-ranking Gao Qiu to guard you closely. Feel free to proceed, little brother."


    He had witnessed Gao Qiu''s skills - the Emperor''s personal bodyguard, how could his skills becking? In that case, it was indeed an imperial kind of treatment. This old Xu Wei didn''t seem to mind spending a hefty sum. Lin Wanrong pretended to be reserved and said, "Mr. Xu, your army is full of talented individuals. Why do you insist on having me join? I''ve never been on a battlefield, and the sight of arge de frightens me. The sight of blood makes me dizzy. I''m afraid I won''t be of much help if I go."


    Xu Wei shook his head and said earnestly, "Little brother, you''re too modest. I''ve witnessed your talents. You are skilled in astronomy, geography, physics, mathematics; you are capable in every aspect, and I admire you greatly. What does it matter if you haven''t been to the battlefield? Isn''t every soldier a first-timer at some point? Currently, although I have elite soldiers and good generals at my disposal, Ick strategists. Relying solely on my own strength, even if I exhausted all my efforts, I wouldn''t be able to take care of everything perfectly. That''s why I particrly invite you to be my Military Strategist and offer me advice."


    Hearing him say this, Lin Wanrong felt more at ease. It was thrilling to be able to experience a battlefield without danger. However, this was a matter of life and death, so he had to be careful. He thought for a moment and asked, "Mr. Xu, how many soldiers do you currentlymand?"


    Xu Wei waved five fingers in front of him and grinned smugly.


    "Five hundred thousand?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback, this was a massive scale! With just a few rounds of urination, they could flood Jinling City.


    Xu Wei almost fainted, he hastily shook his head, "No, no, it''s fifty thousand. Forty thousand infantry, ten thousand cavalries, and five thousand in divine machine unit [TL: Siege unit.]"


    Fifty thousand? Lin Wanrong wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, feeling a bit embarrassed. Having read too many novels, he was used to seeingrge-scale battles involving millions. To eliminate the White Lotus cult with five hundred thousand soldiers, wouldn''t that beughable? However, Xu Wei''s ostentatious gesture of five fingers would naturally be interpreted as five hundred thousand by anyone.


    "So, how many troops does the White Lotus cult have?" Lin Wanrong asked again.


    Xu Wei shook five fingers again, this time Lin Wanrong was careful and asked directly, "Fifty thousand?"


    Xu Wei almost bit his tongue. He was now starting to doubt whether hiring Lin Wanrong as a Military Strategist was a huge mistake. This young man didn''t seem to have any military knowledge. They were on a mission to suppress the White Lotus cult. If it were fifty thousand against fifty thousand, what suppression would that be?


    "Five thousand!" Xu Wei said, his cheeks flushed red.


    "Only five thousand?" Lin Wanrong could hardly believe his own ears, he was stunned for a moment before muttering to himself, "Five thousand people, that wouldn''t even be satisfying to fight."


    Xu Wei was left without an ounce of patience by Lin Wanrong''s few words. This was a war where people could die, not a child''s ytime. He sighed and said, "The White Lotus cult entrenched in Shandong province ims to have tens of thousands of followers. However, the actual number of those who can really fight is only around five thousand. Moreover, they are all soldiers who have never received training, theirbat power is iparable to my infantry and cavalry. Our fifty thousand against their five thousand, ten men to one, is a guaranteed victory."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Mr. Xu, if wars were just about numbers, there wouldn''t be any need to fight, just directly send troops to engage in bloodybat. Wars are won on timing, geographical advantage, and harmony of people. There are countless examples of the few defeating the many. One should never underestimate the enemy."


    These words had the air of a Military Strategist, which slightly relieved Xu Wei. He nodded and said, "Little brother, your words are very true. I am worried about making mistakes in my unteral decisions, hence why I have invited you to join me. With my infantry and cavalry, plus the divine machine unit, if we can''t win this war, I would be too ashamed to face the people of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces upon my return."


    "Divine machine unit?" Lin Wanrong suddenly got interested, "Do you have any red cannon?"


    [TL: The red cannon, formerly known as the Hongyi cannon, is a cannon made in Europe in the 16th century. It was introduced to China in thete Ming Dynasty. Soldiers often covered these cannons with red cloth symbolizing auspiciousness.]


    Xu Wei nodded and said, "In the divine machine unit, besides strong bows and crossbows, there are also ten improved red cannons. Speaking of which, we have to thank you for the improvement of these red cannons."


    "Oh? How so?" On hearing about artillery support, Lin Wanrong immediately perked up. As Xu Wei had said, fifty thousand against five thousand, with the red cannon bombing like crazy, if they still couldn''t win, he might as well crash into a block of tofu and die.


    "Do you still remember the Frenchman Tavernier? The one caught by Tao Dongcheng," Xu Wei said.


    Of course, how could he forget Tavernier? The old man promised to bring two French beauties when he came to Great Hua next time, and also promised to give him the sole agency of the diamond business. In return, Tavernier got the exclusive rights to sell perfume and soap in Europe, and he also followed through with the tea and silk trade. By this count, he, Brother Lin, could be considered the first person in the Eurasian trade. The Silk Road on the sea wasid by him. It would be unjust if he didn''t make a name in history.


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "I remember, I remember, that brother looked so peculiar, it would be hard to forget. By the way, is Tavernier still in Haian? Has their irond ship been repaired? Have they returned to France?"


    Xu Weiughed, "Last time, little brother, you asked me to find more skilled craftsmen to help the French repair their ship in Haian. I chose about ten from the divine machine unit to go with them. The irond ship of these foreigners was indeed incredibly strong and cleverly structured, suitable for ocean voyages. Their cannons,pared to ours in Great Hua, were much more urate and powerful. Our craftsmen stayed there for about ten days, thoroughly understanding the structure of the cannons before returning. Based on this, they were able to improve the cannons of Great Hua, their power just barely matching those of the Western cannons."


    "So that''s how it was. When I asked you to send someone, it was because I wanted you all to observe the skill level of the Westerners and advance Great Hua''s industrial development. It seems we have gained some results after all." Lin Wanrong nodded, asking, "So what did you think of the Westerners'' irond ship?"


    Xu Wei sighed, "The craftsmen I sent, they''re the best from the divine machine unit, but they were utterly helpless against that irond ship. ording to their estimations, the armor on that ship is something beyond the capabilities of any cksmith''s workshop. We have no idea how these Westerners aplished it."


    Lin Wanrong heaved a sigh. The Westerners were in the machine age while they were still in the manualbor era. The gap in basic industry couldn''t be bridged in a day or two. He''d shown Xu Wei the way, done what he had to do. Whether they could learn well or not, it waspletely up to them now.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong suddenly be solemn for no apparent reason, Xu Wei hurriedly said, "Little brother Lin, for this campaign, would you be willing to lend me a hand?"


    Xu Wei had shared such important military secrets without holding anything back, a sign of tremendous trust in him. In this world, if there was anyone who could match Lin Wanrong in perspective, it would have to be Xu Wei.


    Fine, helping him is the same as helping myself, eradicating the White Lotus cult, clearing up internal unrest. Let Xu Wei further improve those cannons, next spring, head up north, fire a few rounds, and knock those barbarians down. With a cannon in hand, the world is free of worries, why fight the barbarians? Let them go back home to herd sheep.


    Having made up his mind, Lin Wanrongughed, "Mr. Xu, I have no problem acting as your chief strategist. However, you know, I''ve deeply offended Cheng De. If I leave, they mighte to take revenge on the Xiao family, and my restaurant. If there''s no one to look after them, I would be very worried."


    Xu Weiughed, "You can rest assured about this. Governor Luo has already thought about these issues. Didn''t Cheng De volunteer to move the infantry and cavalry of Jiangsu to the border of the two provinces? I just obliged him, moving his troops, let''s see if he goes or not."


    They were all old foxes, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. Xu Wei was indeed taking advantage of Cheng De''s mentality and turning the tables. If the troops of Jiangsu moved to the border of the two provinces, they would fall into Xu Wei''s army of fifty thousand. If they didn''t leave Jinling, Xu Wei would be more at ease to eliminate the White Lotus cult. Meanwhile, with hisrge army around, Cheng De wouldn''t dare to act rashly.


    "Regarding the Xiao family and your restaurant, not only will Governor Luo''s experts secretly protect them, but I will also assign elite troops to protect them secretly. With myrge army nearby, I don''t believe Cheng De would dare to openly mobilize his troops. You can rest assured, little brother," Xu Wei added.


    With Xu Wei''s sincerity at this level, what else could Lin Wanrong say? He immediately made a fist salute and said, "Alright, since Mr. Xu values me this much, if I still refuse, it would be posturing. Please inform your wife for me, Mr. Xu, that I have epted this task. I''ll go help you out."


    Xu Wei let out a heartyugh, "I am deeply grateful for your willingness to lend a hand, little brother. In that case, prepare yourself tomorrow. The day after, we will set out early in the morning."


    The two agreed upon a time and ce to meet, and then Xu Wei sent Gao Qiu to inform Madam Xiao, before departing.


    It was twilight by then, and as Lin Wanrong considered the uing battle, he paced around his room, unable to settle due to a mixture of anxiety and excitement.


    "I should see Qiaoqiao," he said to himself. He was about to go to war, and there were things that needed to be said. Qiaoqiao was his betrothed, and she deserved some exnation.


    By the time he arrived at the Food for Immortals, it was closing time. He quietly ascended the stairs, noticing the bright lights in Qiaoqiao''s room, wondering what she was doing.


    His heart filled with tenderness, spreading warmth throughout him. Stealthily, he entered her room, only to see a woman with her back turned,pletely engrossed in some embroidery under themplight.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled quietly, sneaking up like a cat, suddenly encircling her waist from behind. Heughed lightly, "Little darling, did you miss me?"


    The woman tensed, about to shout, but upon recognizing his voice, she froze, trembling slightly, "Big brother, is it you?"


    The moment Lin Wanrong''s hands touched her waist, he knew something was wrong. He was an expert in such matters, and the feel of this woman was different from Qiaoqiao''s. This woman''s waist was smooth and stic, even a bit slimmer than Qiaoqiao''s.


    Oh no, I got the wrong person, he thought quickly, but his hands still lightly squeezed her waist as he chuckled, "Qiaoqiao, isn''t it me, Big brother?" It was a well-practiced tactic, one any man would know. It''s called "persisting in a mistake," leaving no room for suspicion.


    The woman turned around, looking at him faintly, and softly said, "Big brother, it''s me, Ning!"


    Lin Wanrong jumped back three steps in surprise, a look ofbined horror on his face, "Miss Luo, how could it be you?"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong retreat from her as if she were a dangerous beast, Luo Ning bit her lip and softly asked, "Big brother, were you looking for Qiaoqiao?"


    "Yes. Oh, I''m sorry about just now, I got it wrong," Lin Wanrong exined without a blush.


    Luo Ning blushed from her face to her neck. Her hands didn''t know where to go, so she bowed her head, too embarrassed to speak.


    Little girl, just say you liked me touching you, Lin Wanrong shamelessly thought. Luo Ning''s confession the previous night had stirred him, but today''s rumors about Miss Luo looking for a husband made him feel somewhat deceived, his thoughts inevitably twisted.


    In the end, he was disappointed. Luo Ning''s skin wasn''t that thick, and she didn''t dare say a word as she lowered her head. He didn''t know where Qiaoqiao had gone, and for a while, neither spoke, making the atmosphere in the room quite awkward.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t know what to say, seeing Luo Ning holding a piece of red silk-like satin in her hand, which she had been embroidering.


    "Miss Luo, you''re embroidering!" Lin Wanrong thought he found an opening for conversation and thus he forced a smile.


    Luo Ning let out a gasp, hastily hiding the red satin behind her. Already flushed from embarrassment, her face now became as red as a beetroot, looking as though it would drip with moisture.


    Lin Wanrong carefully thought for a moment, suddenly realizing, Oh, I''m really naive. That''s not just any satin, it''s a woman''s lingerie! No wonder the design looked so strange, and I couldn''t tell whether it is fastened at the front or the back.


    At this point, the air between the two had reached a stalemate. Havinge so far, Lin Wanrong didn''t care anymore. He chuckled awkwardly and said, "Well, Miss Luo, such clothes are not beneficial to your body''s development, they might lead to sagging. Our Xiao family has recently introduced some new women''s underwear, scientifically designed for health and fitness. Tomorrow, I''ll send you ten or eight sets to switch around as you like."


    "Big brother" Luo Ning couldn''t stand his teasing anymore. With a delicate cry, she quickly buried her head in her bosom. Lin Wanrong took the opportunity to nce at her. She was biting her silver teeth, her face burning like fire, her white neck tinted with a soft pink. Her full chest heaved dramatically, the twin peaks almost breaking free from her clothes.


    "Well, Miss Luo," Lin Wanrong swallowed hard and started to speak out of the blue, "How did youe to be here?"


    Luo Ning hummed softly in reply, "I felt much better today and didn''t want to stay home alone, so I came here with Qiaoqiao. I didn''t expect to run into Big brother."


    "Oh, I see." Lin Wanrong wanted to ask about the proposal, but then thought better of it. It would seem self-deprecating for him, as it was she who had pursued him. He needed to maintain some dignity as a man.


    "Are you really feeling better? Do you still have a fever? How''s your appetite?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    The redness on Luo Ning''s face had faded significantly. She lifted her head and smiled sweetly, "I am feeling much better. Qiaoqiao made many delicious dishes for me today. You''ll be in for a treat from now on."


    Qiaoqiao''s culinary skills were certainly top-notch, but where had that girl gone? He had been here for a while, and she had not shown up to take care of her husband. Just as he was about to ask Luo Ning, she preemptively asked, "Big brother, will you participate in the poetry contest?"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Before he could bring it up, she had already mentioned it. Heughed and said, "That poetry contest is for schrs and literary women like you. I am just responsible for sponsoring it. Whether I attend or not doesn''t make much difference."


    Luo Ning''s face turned pale, "Big brother, didn''t we agree on this? You must participate."


    Lin Wanrong smiled. When Luo Ning had invited him to the poetry contest, he had joked that even if he attended, it would only be to eat and drink and that it would serve no other purpose. Moreover, he wasn''t particrly interested in the poetry contest. Lin Wanrong helplessly said, "Miss Luo, there''s no use in me going. I have no interest in these things, and it would only make me aughingstock."


    Luo Ning clenched her teeth and looked at him, "Big brother, you muste. You muste, or else, Ning" Her eyes welled up with tears, and she couldn''t say another word.


    Was the poetrypetition really that significant? Could the proposal rumors actually be true? However, why wouldn''t she just speak up to him? He was baffled. Seeing Luo Ning in such a pitiful state, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but sigh, "Miss Luo, do you have something you need to tell me?"


    Tears welled up in Luo Ning''s eyes as she said, "Big brother, everything I said to youst night was true, you must believe me."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "I know. But I have urgent matters and will have to leave Jinling the day after tomorrow. I don''t know if I''ll be able to return in time for the poetrypetition." He had already be Xu Wei''s military advisor; his military duties were of great importance. He didn''t know how long the campaign against the White Lotus would take, he simply didn''t have time for a poetrypetition.


    Upon hearing this, Luo Ning''s face turned pale, and she nkly asked, "Big brother, you''re leaving Jinling?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Yes, I have some important matters to attend to."


    "When will you be able to return?" Luo Ning asked softly.


    "Well, I''m not sure," Lin Wanrong hesitated. The timing of warfare was uncertain, "It might be three to five days, or maybe..."


    "Big brother, you muste to the poetrypetition" Luo Ning cut him off. She was sobbing, her dress already soaked by her tears.


    She insisted that he muste? This girl was too domineering. Lin Wanrong felt helpless, looking at Luo Ning''s tear-streaked face, her teardrops gently rolling down her white neck, appearing innocent and pitiful.


    He couldn''t bear to see her like this. Seeing her crying softened his heart. Well, fine. If he had to, he could request leave from Xu Wei and rush back from Shandong. Damn, how did he fall for this beauty scheme? He scorned himself for a moment, then said with a smile, "Alright, alright, don''t cry. I promise you, I''ll make sure to return in time."


    "Really?" Luo Ning perked up immediately. Her pale face brightened, her long eyshes trembled with glistening teardrops under the dim light, shimmering attractively.


    "If I don''t promise, won''t I be drowned by your tears?" Lin Wanrong joked.


    Luo Ning blushed slightly, her watery eyes nced at Lin Wanrong, softly saying, "Big brother, you are so kind to me."


    Sweat, that was Qiaoqiao''s favorite phrase, when did Luo Ning pick it up?


    "Big brother, today is the thirteenth of the twelfth lunar month, there are seventeen days until the poetrypetition. You must return, I''ll be waiting for you by Xuanwu Lake," Luo Ning calcted by counting her fingers, her demeanor was hardly that of a renowned talent in Jinling.


    Done for, my greatest weakness is finally exposed. If an enemy were to employ the beauty scheme against me, I would certainly surrender without a fight. Lin Wanrong sighed in resignation. Only then did he see clearly what Luo Ning was embroidering on the undergarment in her hand, it was a pair of bird-like creatures.


    Seeing his gaze fixed on the undergarment, Luo Ning''s face reddened with embarrassment. Biting her lip, as if making a huge decision, she nervously held up the undergarment for his inspection, burying her face in her chest, listening to her own heartbeat.


    "Miss Luo, did you embroider these birds? They are truly beautiful," Lin Wanrong said, his eyes wide open, his voice pure and innocent.


    "Big brother, these are not just birds, they are mandarin ducks, ah" She stopped abruptly, realizing she had been tricked. It was improper for ady to mention mandarin ducks in front of a gentleman. Moreover, given his erudition, how could he not recognize mandarin ducks? Blushing, she covered her cheeks with her hands and softly said, "Big brother, you''re so naughty"


    [TL: In Chinese culture, Mandarin ducks are believed to be extremely faithful to their partner, and are symbols of love, devotion, affection, and fidelity.]


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. Usually, when a girl said "You''re so naughty," what she really meant was, "I hope you''re even naughtier." Should he be even naughtier? Last night, he had been teasing Qiaoqiao in Luo Ning''s room, and tonight, he was teasing Luo Ning in Qiaoqiao''s room. Truly, what goes aroundes around. Retribution, indeed, retribution!


    Lin Wanrong cleared his throat awkwardly, "Well, Miss Luo, I didn''t do it on purpose, just like when I mistook you for someone else earlier, it wasn''t intentional."


    "Big brother" Luo Ning lowered her head, her voice trembling slightly, "Please, no more frivolous talk. I can''t bear it. You are the nemesis in my life."


    Her words sent a thrill through Lin Wanrong''s heart. Nemesis? Damn, hearing such words from a pretty girl was simply unbeatable, it was downright provocative.


    Luo Ning let out a soft whimper, her head nearly dropping to her ankles in embarrassment. Lin Wanrong chuckled, about to speak, when a delicate voice echoed from upstairs, "Sister Ning, I''ve finished bathing, could you please bring me my clothes?"


    The voice was unmistakably familiar, it was his darling Qiaoqiao. Luo Ning nced at him, her voice shy as she said, "Sister Qiaoqiao is bathing upstairs, I''m about to bring her clothes."


    "Is that so?" Lin Wanrong''s voice took on a suggestive tone, "No rush, Miss Luo, let me apany you."


    Luo Ning''s heart fluttered, her hands trembled, and in her surprise, she dropped the clothes onto the floor.


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 Chapter 231

    Chapter 231


    Chapter 231 Picking Flowers and Speaking Sweetly (Part 1)


    Upon seeing such a strong reaction from Luo Ning, Lin Wanrong could not help but burst into silentughter. This little girl had been so courageousst night, why was she acting so shy today? He let out a small chuckle and sighed, "Miss Luo, do you think I''m a frivolous person?"


    Hearing his words, Luo Ning was taken aback. She finally mustered the courage to lift her gaze to meet his and softly responded, "Big brother, it''s not like that..."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head with augh, "In fact, Miss Luo, I''d be quite pleased if you thought of me in that way."


    "Why?" Luo Ning curiously asked.


    "Because, in this world, most people are virtuous gentlemen. If there are no rakes like me, wouldn''t it be boring?" Lin Wanrong said with augh, "People like me exist to emphasize the greatness of gentlemen. So, even if I end up being the green leavesplimenting the red flower, I''d still feel pretty grand."


    Luo Ning bit her lower lip lightly, a faint blush spreading across her face. "It''s not like that, Big brother. You are a true gentleman who never conceals his inner thoughts. Even when you do something wrong, you do it openly. You are far better than those hypocritical gentlemen. You are not the green leaf; those who can''t understand you are."


    "Ah," Lin Wanrong sighed softly, "My w is so well hidden, I didn''t expect Miss Luo to see through it. It seems honesty is not always the best policy."


    Luo Ning stared at him nkly, "Big brother, your words are always strange, yet I like them so much. What''s wrong with Ning?" Her eyes glowed with a dreamy luster under the dim light, irresistibly alluring.


    "Big brother, can you... can you hold me?" Luo Ning stammered out with all the courage she could muster, her face flushed with bashfulness akin to the setting sun. She slowly closed her eyes, her long eyshes fluttering, wanting to look at him but too shy to do so.


    "Th-that might not be... very appropriate," Lin Wanrong hesitated, "I''ve always been quite proper... okay, just a hug, but don''t hold too tight, I''m afraid I might hurt you."


    "Stop it..." Luo Ning blushed even deeper, her heart pounding fiercely. She murmured, "Brother, Qiaoqiao is still upstairs..."


    Those words only served to further pique his interest. A primal fire lit in Lin Wanrong''s heart as he gently pulled her into his embrace. Luo Ning''s body trembled lightly, and she copsed against his chest.


    Seeing the famed beauty of Jinling nestled closely in his arms, her eyes shut tight and cheeks burning with embarrassment, Lin Wanrong''s heart was set aflutter. He was just about to take some liberties when a voice called from upstairs, "Sister Ning, are you there?"


    Ah, he almost forgot his precious Qiaoqiao. He was to leave for a campaign the day after tomorrow; he should be spending quality time with her tonight. Luo Ning, the neer, should wait her turn. He suppressed his desires, gave a light pat on Luo Ning''s buttock, and gently said, "Miss Luo, what''s wrong with you?"


    "Ah, Big brother" Luo Ning was feeling incredibly shy, and hadn''t even heard Qiaoqiao''s words. When he called out, she was suddenly startled, unable to resist peeping open her eyes, only to see him looking at her with a smile. Luo Ning emitted a soft sound, hurriedly burying her head into his chest again.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Miss Luo, you should rest here. I''ll go check on Qiaoqiao."


    He usually liked to take advantage of the situation when he had nothing better to do, but today he seemed to change his style. Luo Ning felt a pang in her heart, setting aside her shyness, she looked up to see his eyes clear, his expression firm, as if he wasn''t infatuated with her at all.


    "Big brother, do you dislike me?" Luo Ning saw his indifference toward her, her heart filled with sorrow. Her lips quivered, tears dropping down, her petite body twisted a few times in his arms, her full bosom unintentionally brushing against his chest.


    Lin Wanrong''s facial muscles twitched a few times, forcing a stiff smile, "Where does thate from? I was just born upright and unyielding, and take the charms of a woman lightly."


    At his words, Luo Ning broke into a smile, "Big brother, listening to you talk like that, it''s as if you''re a monk in a temple. Anyone who believes you would either be a fool or an idiot." She was naturally charming, and her yful banter, with rosy lips and white teeth, and a face as radiant as a peach blossom, made her appear even more lovely than the flower. Lin Wanrong felt an unbearable itch in his heart, but thinking that tonight belonged to Qiaoqiao, he gritted his teeth, forcibly suppressing his lust.


    "Big brother, what do you have on you? It''s hard and..." Luo Ning was pressed very close to him, she could feel a hard object pressing against her, both thick and warm, she couldn''t help but ask in confusion.


    "Oh, it''s a drumstick. I''ve been practicing drumming recently. Look, it can even move!" Lin Wanrong replied, his face unchanged and heart not skipping a beat.


    Luo Ning was not a nave girl like the Second Miss. She was an adult woman, at first she didn''t understand, but after thinking about it, how could she not? She couldn''t help but let out a startled cry, hurriedly stepping back, her hands covering her cheeks, unable to utter a single word.


    Lin Wanrong''s face also reddened, he chuckled awkwardly, "This... unexpected, purely unexpected, I''m not usually like this." Luo Ning didn''t dare to listen to him, letting out a soft sound and lowering her head.


    Seeing how shy she had be, how could he linger? He quickly said, "Miss Luo, I''m going to bring some clothes to Qiaoqiao, you should rest early."


    With her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, Luo Ning didn''t dare to look at him. She heard his footsteps thump up the stairs, it was a long time before she dared to open her eyes, only to see that there was no one in sight. Recalling his words before he went upstairs, telling her to rest early, what did he mean?


    After Lin Wanrong left the room, his heart was still agitated. This young girl''s body was really soft, touching it felt like satin, her buttocks taut and full of sticity, no wonder Big brother Lin was so restless.


    Thinking of Qiaoqiao bathing upstairs, his excitement grew. He quietly went upstairs, only to see themp in the room was still lit, the door was slightly ajar, a beautiful figure was sitting in the tub, her jade hand lightly sshing water droplets onto herself. Who else could it be but Qiaoqiao?


    Lin Wanrong gently pushed the door open. Qiaoqiao, hearing the sound of the door opening,ughed without turning her head, "Sister Ning, are you so engrossed in embroidering that pair of mandarin ducks? I called you, but you didn''t hear. I wonder which young master is so lucky."


    Qiaoqiao was facing away from the door. Her long, elegant hair was piled high, with a jade hairpin inserted horizontally into her bun. Her bare back, skin as clear as jade, shimmered enticingly under themplight.


    Silently, Lin Wanrong walked up behind her. He chuckled softly, his voice filled with an unspeakable allure, "Miss, I''ve brought you some clothes."


    Startled by the sudden male voice, Qiaoqiao let out a small cry. Recognizing the familiar voice, she quickly turned around, joyfully eximing, "Big brother"


    As she turned, her body, soaked in the bath, sshed a brilliant spray of water. In Lin Wanrong''s eyes, it shed into a dazzling silver. Her chest, half-hidden in the water, was even more enticing than if it were fully exposed.


    How could Lin Wanrong miss such a great opportunity? He stared at Qiaoqiao''s crystal-clear chest, swallowing hard, "Darling, I came to see you."


    Only then did Qiaoqiao realize she waspletely naked. With a soft cry, she quickly submerged herself deeper into the water, leaving only her head exposed. Embarrassed, she said, "Big brother, don''t look"


    How could he not look? Lin Wanrong''s eyes were fixed on her, his face serious, "I''m not looking, Qiaoqiao. Have you put on your clothes?" Seeing her big brother behaving so shamelessly, Qiaoqiao felt both shy and delighted, hiding in the bathtub and not daring toe out. Lin Wanrong didn''t care about that. He hade specifically for her tonight. He chuckled, walked over to her, reached his hands into the water, and gently ced them on her delicate shoulders, whispering, "Darling, can''t Big brother look?"


    His hands carried a strange magic. Qiaoqiao trembled slightly, "Big brother"


    "Sigh" Lin Wanrong sighed softly, "Qiaoqiao, do you know, I''m leaving Jinling the day after tomorrow"


    "What?" Shocked, Qiaoqiao had forgotten where she was and stood up from the bathtub.


    A perfectly formed, beautiful female body was fully presented before Lin Wanrong. Her hair, like clouds, was tied into a high pce bun, lively and charming. Her bright eyes were slightly misty, carrying a hint of fresh moisture, utterly captivating. Her cheeks were tinged with a faint pink, her cherry lips exhaled an orchid-like fragrance, and her full bosom heaved due to excitement. Her round and firm breasts were extraordinarily full, their vibrant pink gently trembling with her breath, causing one to be dazzled. Her smooth and tender long legs stood tall, and below her round buttocks were jade dewdrops, an endless spring scenery, all within sight.


    Beautiful, so beautiful, Lin Wanrong stared nkly at this beautiful body, constantly sighing in his heart, Heaven has been kind to me, first there was Qingxuan, then Qiaoqiao, having them, this life has not been lived in vain.


    Qiaoqiao was both shy and anxious, quickly squatting back into the water to cover her spring scenery, but she tightly held Lin Wanrong''s hand and said, "Big brother, it''s not time to go to the capital yet, where are you going? Don''t you want Qiaoqiao anymore?"


    Seeing the tears shimmering in Qiaoqiao''s eyes, Lin Wanrong gave a helpless smile. This silly girl, even at this time, was still having wild thoughts. Heughed, leaned into her ear, and gently said, "Silly girl, look at your big brother''s lecherous face, where does it look like I don''t want you?"


    "Big brother" Qiaoqiao, in her surprise, shed tears, choked up and said, "Where are you going? I''ll go with you."


    "Silly girl, your big brother is going to do something important, something that will let my little treasure have no worries." Lin Wanrongughed, "You can''t help if you go with me, it''s better to stay at home and take good care of our restaurant, wait for your big brother toe back and pamper you."


    Qiaoqiao''s beautiful eyes were filled with tears, she bit her silver teeth, and resolutely stood up from the bath, letting her beautiful and proud body fully disy in front of him. Her cheeks were burning like fire, her trembling breasts slightly shaking, her eyes shot out a sea of deep affection, "Big brother, take Qiaoqiao."


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 Chapter 232

    Chapter 232


    Chapter 232 Picking Flowers and Speaking Sweetly (Part 2)


    Lin Wanrong swiftly lifted the young girl sideways, causing her to let out a startled cry. She mped her legs tightly, her hands covering herp, her cheeks as red as if they were on fire. Her body was covered in droplets of water, instantly soaking both of them. The girl''s soft, boneless body was pressed tightly against him, her beautiful face against his chest, her delicate body trembling slightly. Her smooth skin was as clear as jade, casting a tempting pink hue.


    Lin Wanrong smiled slightly, took a neatly folded towel from beside him, and gently wrapped her exquisite body in it.


    "Big brother" the girl, Qiaoqiao, eximed in surprise, "Don''t you want me?"


    "Silly girl," Lin Wanrong gently teased her nose andughed, "Of course I do. But you are my treasure, how could I treat you like this?"


    He took the pink dress that Luo Ning had prepared for Qiaoqiao, draped the robe over her fragrant shoulders, and whispered a few words in her ear.


    Qiaoqiao bit her lip tightly, her face flushed pink, tears shimmering in her eyes. She suddenly threw herself into his arms and said, "Big brother, you are so good to me."


    Shame, shame, this girl was too easy to coax. Lin Wanrong despised himself a bit.


    Following his instructions, Qiaoqiao moved lightly, her face flushed with embarrassment. She took out tworge red candles from the wardrobe and handed them to him. Lin Wanrong gently lit the red candles, and the faint red light reflected on Qiaoqiao''s charming face.


    Lin Wanrong pulled Qiaoqiao to kneel in front of the candles. He loudly dered, "I, Lin Wanrong, swear to the heavens that in this life and the next, I will treat Qiaoqiao well, love and cherish her. If I break this oath, may I be struck by lightning and never have peace"


    Qiaoqiao quickly covered his mouth and softly said, "Big brother, don''t make such vows. No matter how you treat Qiaoqiao, Qiaoqiao will have no regrets."


    The two of them bowed to the red candles twice, then bowed to each other once, thuspleting the ceremony. Qiaoqiao was both shy and happy. Although the ceremony was simple, it was witnessed by heaven and earth, and she now belonged to him in this life. She had originally nned to give herself to him tonight, but he turned out to be so considerate and serious. She was even able toplete the ceremony before Xiao Qingxuan, which made her overjoyed. With these three bows, even death would be worth it.


    Lin Wanrong pecked her lips and gently said, "Little treasure, today''s events were a bit rushed, I''m sorry for the inconvenience. Once we find Qingxuan, I will formally marry you both."


    Qiaoqiao nestled in his arms and shyly said, "Big brother, you treat me with such deep affection, Qiaoqiao is willing to serve you for all eternity."


    Lin Wanrong''s hands slipped into the open bath towel, gently stroking her smooth back. Her tender body, which had just been bathed, carried a faint fragrance of flower petals, which was refreshing.


    Qiaoqiao blushed, her cherry lips slightly parted. A scent like orchids wafted into Lin Wanrong''s nose, further igniting his desire. His hands, with a bit of strength, slid down her soft waist, and with a grasp, he held Qiaoqiao''s fragrant buttocks.


    "Oh" Qiaoqiao let out a soft cry, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, her neat white teeth biting her red lips, panting lightly, the scent of lotus flowers gently exhaled. A faint blush appeared on her face, her eyes were like silk, half-open and half-closed, and a strong sense of spring spread throughout her body. She felt the mischievous hand gently kneading her buttocks, the hot sensation prating her skin and entering her body. Qiaoqiao''s body felt as if it was on fire, her slender waist, just enough to hold, unconsciously swaying gently. She let out an unconscious moan from her mouth, as if struggling, but more like teasing.


    After the two of them had paid their respects to heaven and earth, they were truly husband and wife. Lin Wanrong had no more reservations, one hand stroking her buttock, the other handing back, with two fingers lifting Qiaoqiao''s beautiful chin.


    Qiaoqiao raised her cheek, feeling his fiery gaze, her face flushing in waves, her cherry-like mouth opening and closing slightly, as if expressing the difort in her heart. Faced with such a beautiful scene, Lin Wanrong could no longer bear it, he lowered his head abruptly and kissed her red and sweet lips.


    The girl''s mouth carried a faint fragrance of sesame flowers, like tempting pastries. Lin Wanrong greedily sucked her petal-like tender lips, feeling soft and slippery. He was already an expert in this, prying open her closed teeth, gently sucking her timid little tongue, a few strands of sweet and light fragrance, bit by bit, seeping into his heart.


    He used his single palm to squeeze her soft buttocks tightly together. Qiaoqiao let out a light "uh" from her mouth, her slender neck raised high, desperately sucking his tongue, the hot breath from her nose hitting his face, her body bing even hotter. She had already forgotten to struggle, her slender arms tightly hugging his body, immersed in the joy of male and female pleasure.


    "Little darling, after paying respects to heaven and earth, what should we do next?" Lin Wanrong pressed Qiaoqiao''s body tightly against his chest, sticking out his tongue and blowing a breath on her hot earlobe. Qiaoqiao let out a sound, as if an electric current had passed through her body, her body numb and tingly, she was so stiff that she couldn''t speak.


    "Big brother," Qiaoqiao controlled herself with great willpower, not daring to look at him, and whispered, "Sister Ning is still downstairs."


    What a good sister, even thinking of her during their wedding night. Lin Wanrong chuckled, teasing her ear: "Or, call her up, and we can have our wedding night together?"


    Qiaoqiao let out a surprised cry, her crystal clear little hand covering her blushing face in shame: "Big brother, you''re so bad, who wants to have a wedding night with you" When she said the words "wedding night", she was already weak all over, her voice trembling slightly, she turned around and disappeared into the inner room.


    Such an obvious lead, if Lin Wanrong still couldn''t see it, he would be wasting his time. He chuckled a few times, lifted the curtain and entered the room, calling out softly, "Darling, I''m here"


    The inner room was a ce specially prepared by Qiaoqiao for Lin Wanrong, but he rarely stayed there. When Luo Ning came here, this was Qiaoqiao''s boudoir, and also the most private space between her and her big brother. Tonight, it would witness the most important moment of her life.


    Lin Wanrong hummed a tune as he entered the room, a fragrance as rich as musk and as delicate as orchids gently wafted into his nostrils. This scent was fresh and elegant, carrying a faint fragrance that emanated from a young girl after her bath, causing him to involuntarily take a few sniffs, and his passion rose a few degrees. A wisp of sandalwood slowly rose, the smoke curling, adding a touch of charm to the elegance.


    The pink silk curtains gently fell, rendering the exquisite bed tranquil and cozy. The silk bedding on the pink bed was clean and fresh, spotless. A pretty figure had already burrowed into the silk quilt, her bosom heaving rapidly due to nervousness, causing the soft fabric of the quilt to bulge, even the shape of her breasts was clearly visible.


    The young girl''s legs were tensely slightly arched, propping up the silk quilt a bit, revealing a hint of spring light, her pair of slender feet bare and exposed, as charming as white jade. She had already covered her cheeks with the quilt out of embarrassment, her hair like a cloud piled on the jade pillow, her white jade-like hand tightly gripping the edge of the quilt, half of her buttocks exposed, as shiny as jade.


    From the soft satin shape on the exquisite bed, one could imagine how soft and curvaceous her devilish figure was. The pink curtains, brocade quilts, and the undting waves under the satin, this was the best aphrodisiac. Lin Wanrong swallowed hard, gently pulled open the quilt, and softly said, "Little darling, I''m here"


    "Big brother" She let out a soft cry, quickly closed her eyes, her hands tightly covering her legs, her body trembling, presenting her most perfect naked body in front of him.


    The little beauty in front of him, her face like powder, her jade bodyid out, her body whiter than snow, countless beautifulndscapes, her trembling jade peaks proudly erect, the buds on the top of the peaks were bright red and charming, shining with a tempting luster, breathtaking. Her two pink and greasy slender jade legs were tightly wrapped, covering thest trace of spring light. Her smooth skin was white with a hint of red, and there was a faint fragrance on her body, extremely charming and tempting.


    This was her own boudoir, and also the love nest between her and her big brother. Feeling the fiery invasive gaze of her big brother, she breathed rapidly, the blush on her face bing even more gorgeous.


    Lin Wanrong''s breath was rapid, his hands gently stroking her long and round firm legs, slowly moving towards the inside of her thighs. The feeling of smooth and delicate jade instantly spread throughout his heart, carrying a strong fragrance, intoxicating.


    "Ah, big brother" Her beautiful eyes half-closed, feeling his hot hand pressing on her own, about to break through thest line of defense, she tightly held the pair of mandarin duck pillows, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, she couldn''t help but let out a soft cry, making a soul-stirring moan, her wonderful body unconsciously moving. It was as if she had jumped into a pile of fire, her body burning hot, a stream of clear spring flowing down, moistening her legs.


    Lin Wanrong kissed her bright little lips, lingering on her full breasts for a while, gently squeezing, letting the nipple change shape in his hand, dyeing a beautiful color.


    Qiaoqiao''s delicate body trembled, her beautiful eyes almost spouting fire. Her body gently arched, tightly matching her big brother''s movements. Her mouth gasped continuously, the burning passion had long made her abandon all restraint.


    "Big brother" Qiaoqiao eximed in surprise, but it was her big brother who turned her over with his hands, her back facing him. His devilish hands kneaded and twisted on her soft and delicate buttocks.


    Such a pure woman, who had never been yed with in such a way, Qiaoqiao''s face was like it was on fire. Shey weakly on the bed like mud, Lin Wanrong closely attached to her buttocks, holding her in his chest and said, "Darling, I''ming"


    With a gentle thrust, the hot meat spear had already prated this weak woman''s body. A bright little flower bloomed on the white silk scarf.


    Qiaoqiao let out a light hum, her face was both painful and happy. Her back tightly pressed against her Big brother''s chest, she proudly cried, "Big brother, Qiaoqiao will always be yours!"


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 Chapter 233

    Chapter 233


    Chapter 233 Teasing


    The warmth of the lotus tent, the waves of red pleasure, Qiaoqiao tightly wrapped around her big brother,pleting her transformation from a girl to a woman.


    She nestled in her big brother''s arms with infinite satisfaction, her pure white body still retaining a faint pink hue from the excessive pleasure. She pressed her hot little face tightly against Lin Wanrong''s chest, full of deep affection, and said, "Big brother, Qiaoqiao is the happiest woman in the world"


    Lin Wanrong pulled her body closer into his arms, allowing her soft, tender breasts to press against his chest. He smiled and said, "Silly girl, this is just the beginning. The good days are still ahead. Wait until you''re ny years old, when your teeth have all fallen out, then say these words. That''s the real deal."


    Qiaoqiao smiled joyously, pushing her body as hard as she could into his arms. "Big brother, I love listening to you talk."


    Nonsense, who wouldn''t like sweet words? Qiaoqiao''s little face was pink, her smile blooming like a flower. Her white and tender breasts were pressed together, the delicate buds gently rubbing against his skin, and the desire that had not yet subsided slowly rose again.


    Qiaoqiao was so close to him that she could feel the heat of his desire. She let out a surprised cry and quickly buried her blushing face in his chest.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, leaned into Qiaoqiao''s hot ear, and whispered, "Little darling, how did it feel just now? Was itfortable?"


    Qiaoqiao let out a soft moan, not daring to raise her head. Her face was flushed, slowly rubbing against his chest, and she said in a voice as thin as a mosquito''s, "Big brother, you''re so bad. You teased Qiaoqiao so much earlier, it was so embarrassing."


    Lin Wanrongughed, slowly kneading and rubbing her buttocks, and said with a lecherous smile, "Little darling, where is this teasing? The joy of the marital chamber is a major principle of human rtions, the most private pleasure. Even the saints like to do this."


    Listening to his nonsense, Qiaoqiao felt shy in her heart, but she held him tightly. Her big brother was her world, and she liked whatever he said.


    Lin Wanrong took out a small colored booklet from his clothes. It was the dual cultivation manual that old man Wei had given him, and he began to read it slowly.


    "Big brother, what are you reading?" Qiaoqiao poked her little head out and asked.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I''m reading a good book, hehe, you''ve seen it before."


    Qiaoqiao took a look and immediately saw the two naked little figures on the booklet. She let out a soft cry and quickly buried her face in his chest, not daring to raise her head. She had indeed seen this booklet before, and it was also when her big brother was up to no good. Seeing it again now, she was still extremely shy.


    Lin Wanrong knew that this little girl was shy and would definitely not study this erotic manual with him. s, the capable have to work harder. It seems I''ll have to learn it myself and then experiment with my little darling.


    Qiaoqiao covered her cheeks and said, "Big brother, you must not look at these things in the future. They''re so embarrassing."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Little darling, you know, your big brother is a very diligent and studious person. My desire for new knowledge is like my desire for my little darling, sincere and passionate, full of fervor."


    His sweet words were like a deadly poison to Qiaoqiao. Overjoyed, she clung to him tightly, her full breasts rubbing against his body. Her beautiful eyes were brimming, as if they were about to overflow with tears.


    "The ancients said, ''One should learn as long as one lives.'' Now, facing thispletely unfamiliar knowledge, how can we be stuck in our old ways? Of course, we should absorb it like nutrients," he said confidently. As he flipped through the booklet, he taught Qiaoqiao: "Tonight, the wind is high and the night is dark. We are both naked. Let''s study this knowledge together. s, I haven''t reviewed for a long time, I''m rusty. Today, I only used one position, a failure!"


    Qiaoqiao''s face turned red with embarrassment. She pressed her cheek against his chest, her body burning like fire. She softly said, "Big brother, you can read if you want." She covered her cheeks, shyly saying, "However you want to tease, Qiaoqiao will follow you."


    Was there a better aphrodisiac than this? Lin Wanrong flipped her over and pressed her under him. He kissed her lips andughed, "Little darling, the position we just used is called ''Chanfu.'' There are some better ones"


    Qiaoqiao was pressed under him. She had just be a bride today, her whole body was extremely sensitive. Their intense affection and this naked contact stirred up a passionate fire. Her cherry-red lips slightly parted, she was panting and trembling, "Big brother, Qiaoqiao will always be yours"


    Facing such a docile and cute girl, what else could Lin Wanrong say? He kissed her cherry lips fiercely, but his hands were surprisingly gentle, holding her tightly in his arms, gently caressing her.


    Qiaoqiao''s nose twitched, waiting for a long time without any movement. She opened her eyes and saw her big brother smiling at her. Lin Wanrong lovingly stroked her hair and whispered in her ear, "Silly girl, it''s your first time today. Do you think your big brother is that kind of person who doesn''t know the limits?"


    "Big brother" Qiaoqiao was both surprised and delighted, her eyes filled with joyful tears. Her face was full of happiness. She felt that she had married the best husband in the world.


    This girl is really easy to satisfy, Lin Wanrong sighed in his heart. Qiaoqiao was a virgin, how could she withstand another wave of grace? He said these words to add some fun to their bedroom. Although he was always joking, his love for this girl was from the bottom of his heart.


    Lin Wanrong smiled slightly, pulled Qiaoqiao into his arms, and stroked her smooth back and jade legs, taking a little advantage. The two of them spoke sweet and intimate words, making the girl both shy and happy, clinging to him even more passionately. Their deep affection was evident.


    Listening to Qiaoqiao''s soft whispers in his ear, Lin Wanrong felt a sense of contentment. What does one ask for in a lifetime? This simplest joy is the most precious. He sighed softly in his heart, kissed Qiaoqiao''s face, and endless tenderness surged in his heart. The tenderness of this night was not to be shared with outsiders.


    The next morning, Qiaoqiao got up early. She sat in front of the dressing table, her face shy. She buttoned up her long shirt and slowly tied up her long hair [TL: A sign of a married woman.] From today on, she was a real wife. Her face was shy and smiling, her eyebrows like distant mountains, her eyes like spring water. Her face, like a jade te, was dyed with two blushes. Her eyes were tender and clear as water, still carrying some lingering spring feelings.


    Overnight, Qiaoqiao matured both mentally and physically. She became more charming and alluring, with a hint of maturity. Her eyes were filled with the allure of spring, making her even more captivating. She waspletely different from the naive girl she used to be. Lin Wanrong looked at her exquisite body hidden under her robe, her perky chest, and her curvaceous hips, all of which were the highlights of their love from the previous night. Imagining the silky softness, he couldn''t help but swallow, "My little darling, how did you be so charming overnight? The results of my effortsst night are truly astonishing."


    Qiaoqiao seemed to feel his gaze and turned to smile at him, "Big brother, are you awake?" Her lips were painted with a fresh red, enticingly bright. Her curvaceous body was as tempting as it had been the previous night. Was this girl trying to tempt me? Doesn''t she know that my morning arousal is always prominent?


    Lin Wanrong walked behind Qiaoqiao, embraced her slender waist, and chuckled, "Darling, you are incredibly beautiful." Qiaoqiao was now his wife. Hearing his passionate words, she felt a mix of surprise and shyness, "Big brother, why did you wake up so early? Why didn''t you sleep a bit more?"


    Lin Wanrong reached into her small clothes, gently pressing her soft breasts, "I wanted to see my little darling." Qiaoqiao let out a soft sigh, her body going limp. She was no longer the naive virgin she used to be. The passion of the previous night had ignited the me in her heart. Now, on the morning of their wedding, facing his mischievous hands, how could she resist?


    Qiaoqiao let out a soft sigh, her fragrance filling Lin Wanrong''s nostrils, "Big brotherdon''toh, I heard sister Ning already got upoh, she willugh at meoh" Lin Wanrong was in high spirits, ready to exercise with his little darling in the morning. Hearing Qiaoqiao''s words, he remembered that Luo Ning was still downstairs. He thought, Did this little girl really sleep downstairsst night? She must have suffered. I''m always vigorous when I''m in the mood. She must have felt the vibration of the floor.


    "How do you know she''s up?" Lin Wanrong stopped his yful hand andughed, "Do you have x-ray vision?" Qiaoqiao picked up a new robe she had made herself and gently helped him put it on. She softly said, "I''ve been with sister Ning for many years, so I naturally know her habits. She gets up early every day to write and paint. When she''s in a bad mood, she ys the zither. I just heard her moving on the stairs. I wanted to go see her, but" She blushed and didn''t finish her sentence. Lin Wanrong understood. This little girl was shy. She had just be a wife and was shy about being affectionate with him under the watchful eyes of her close friend.


    Lin Wanrong held her hand and lovingly stroked her hair, "What''s there to be embarrassed about? We are in love and married. There''s nothing to hide." Qiaoqiao blushed like a blood jade, lightly pinched his hand, and looked at him helplessly. In Lin Wanrong''s eyes, her look was full of teasing.


    As the two of them were sharing a loving moment, Qiaoqiao had already helped him dress. She carefully smoothed out the wrinkles in his clothes. Just as Lin Wanrong was about to tease her, he heard the soft strumming of a string instrument. A mncholic female voice gradually approached, gently entering his ears:


    "Dispelling all worries, Su E prepares for the night.


    No dust rises, the ground is as smooth as cream.


    The path is revisited, as if it were a scene before amp.


    Love is like water, the small building is filled with the scent of the quilt, and the spring dream is in the song."


    The song of resentment from the boudoir was sung with such poignant beauty that it twisted one''s heartstrings. It was as if the mncholic face was right before one''s eyes, allowing one to see the tear stains on her face.


    Qiaoqiao sighed softly, "Why would Sister Ning sing this song?"


    Lin Wanrong was surprised, "Is this sung by Luo Ning?"


    Qiaoqiao nodded and held his hand, "Big brother, it seems Sister Ning has a lot on her mind. Let''s go down and talk to her."


    If you saw me and Luo Ning in bed, you would definitely not be able to bear it, Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. Luo Ning, this little girl, why would she listen to such a lewd soundst night? Now she''s upset. I have to admit, I''m also to me. I''m too outstanding, it would be hard for her not to hear. Being too strong as a man is also a sin.


    Qiaoqiao held his hand and they descended the stairs together. Luo Ning was sitting in front of a gauze window, a guqin in front of her. Her slender fingers lightly plucked the strings, her eyes like autumn water were shrouded in ayer of mist, her beautiful face carried a hint of sadness as she quietly gazed out of the window.


    Lin Wanrong naturally knew what was on her mind, but he couldn''t be med for this. Qiaoqiao and he were husband and wife, and this day would havee sooner orter. Last night just happened a bit earlier, and they made a bit too much noise, and it just so happened that Luo Ning was here to hear it.


    "Sister Ning" Qiaoqiao called out shyly.


    Luo Ning''s body trembled slightly, and she slowly turned around. The first thing she saw was Qiaoqiao''s high bun.


    She looked at Lin Wanrong withplex eyes, and smiled, "Congrattions, Sister Qiaoqiao."


    Qiaoqiao blushed, lowered her head, and quickly walked a few steps to hold her hand, "Sister Ning, you''re teasing me too."


    Under her shy and charming demeanor, her eyebrows were like a painting, her face was pretty, and she was filled with joy and shyness. The strong sense of spring unintentionally radiated from her eyes. In just one night, she had transformed from a naive girl into a radiant young woman. This change surprised Luo Ning, who was familiar with her. With Qiaoqiao''s pure and charming appearance, conquering any man wouldn''t be difficult. Just look at how Brother Lin was leering at her.


    Luo Ning gave a bitter smile, nced at Lin Wanrong, and said meaningfully, "I''m not teasing you. Seeing how happy and fortunate you are, I don''t even have time to be envious!"


    Qiaoqiao didn''t understand the meaning of her words, but she knew from her song that Sister Ning was troubled. She held her hand and bravely said, "Sister, you''re beautiful and a renowned talented woman. There''s no need for you to envy anyone. If you give the word, all the good gentlemen in Jinling City are waiting for you to choose. I''m afraid you''ll be spoiled for choice."


    Upon seeing the happy faces of her sister in the boudoir, Luo Ning''s lips moved as if she wanted to speak, but in the end, she dared not utter a word.


    This little girlcks courage. If it were me, I would have grabbed Qiaoqiao and loudly dered, ''I don''t fancy anyone else, only your husband. I want topete with you for him.'' Then my dear Qiaoqiao would be in a dilemma. Given Qiaoqiao''s personality, she would definitely notpete with Luo Ning. She would surely say, ''Sister Ning, since you also like big brother, why don''t we share him? I can''t handle him alone. He kept me up half the night yesterday, oh, it''s so embarrassing. We, like the two empresses, could share one husband and create a beautiful story. What do you think?''


    Lin Wanrong''s face was full of spring light as he thought about this, but then he was startled: Damn, if Luo Ning also followed me, wouldn''t I be slept by Qiaoqiao one day and then by Luo Ning the next? It''s really difficult. It''s better for the three of us to sleep together. He grinned andughed lewdly, causing both Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao to be startled.


    "Big brother, what are youughing at?" Qiaoqiao asked curiously as he remained silent.


    "Sleeping together, oh, I mean the poetrypetition. I was saying that Miss Luo will surely find a good husband at the poetrypetition and return satisfied." Lin Wanrong wiped his cold sweat, d that he was quick-witted, otherwise, he would have given himself away.


    Qiaoqiao giggled and said, "Big brother is right. There will be countless talents at the poetrypetition. Sister Ning will surely get what she wishes for. I''m looking forward to hearing good news from you."


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong mention the poetrypetition, Luo Ning suddenly remembered what he had promised herst night. She felt much better and grabbed Qiaoqiao''s hand, but her gaze fell on Lin Wanrong.


    A blush spread across Luo Ning''s face, and she bit her silver teeth shyly, "Big brother, I will always remember what you said to me."


    "Big brother, what did you say to Sister Ning that she can''t forget?" Qiaoqiao asked teasingly.


    Lin Wanrongughed carelessly, "Oh, nothing much. I just told her to sleep early."


    Upon hearing the words ''sleep early'', Luo Ning seemed to remember something. She whimpered softly, and her face turned even redder.


    Sure enough, this little girl heard it. I''m at a loss, Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself. Qiaoqiao had no idea that Luo Ning had eavesdropped on their intimate moment. Seeing Luo Ning''s shy look, she couldn''t help but ask, "Sister Ning, what''s wrong?"


    Luo Ning didn''t dare to lift her head. Her face was flushed red. She hurriedly said, "Oh, nothing. Big brother, did you sleep wellst night?"


    That question doesn''t seem like something you should ask. Lin Wanrong looked at Qiaoqiao awkwardly andughed lightly, "Little darling, did you sleep wellst night?"


    "Ah" Both women screamed in surprise, their faces turning red. Qiaoqiao nestled in Lin Wanrong''s arms, not daring to lift her head.


    Luo Ning''s cheeks were burning, but she didn''t know where she got the courage from. She stretched out her little hand and, while Qiaoqiao wasn''t looking, she sneakily scratched Lin Wanrong''s waist lightly. Her hand was warm and slightly trembling. The smooth touch was so enchanting that Lin Wanrong felt his bones soften.


    This is too much, too much! My wife is right here, and you''re openly teasing me? How can the women of this era be like this? I''m a decent manI should at least wait until my wife leaves before doing anything.


    The atmosphere in the room was awkward yet romantic, and for Lin Wanrong, it was even more stimting. Having an affair, especially in front of his wife, was something no man could resist. Luo Ning seemed to feel this atmosphere too. Her delicate body trembled slightly, and she was about to copse into his arms.


    "Big brother, big brother" A rough voice suddenly called from downstairs, instantly waking up the two engrossed women.


    Luo Ning''s face turned red, and she quickly straightened her body, saying hurriedly, "Big brother, I''m going back first." She didn''t dare let Qiaoqiao see her flushed face. With a twist of her body and light steps, she hurriedly ran downstairs.


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 Chapter 234

    Chapter 234


    Chapter 234 A Strange Pleasant Dream


    Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, his eyes fixed on the sky, Qingshan, you bastard, couldn''t you have dyed your arrival by a quarter of an hour? Such a rare opportunity to be enveloped by warmth from both sides, and you had to disturb it. Do you think its easy for me to do this?


    Dong Qiaoqiao stared at the retreating silhouette of Luo Ning, her brow furrowed. "Sister Ning is acting very strange today. Just now she seemed burdened with worries, how has her mood suddenly shifted?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, taking her small hand in his, "What''s so strange about that? Women, you know, they have those few days every month. One gets used to it."


    Dong Qingshan ascended the stairs energetically. Spotting Lin Wanrong, he rushed over in excitement, "Big brother, I knew you were here. I heard from father that you didn''te homest night. I could hardly believe it, as you''re not one to be so careless."


    Lin Wanrong, dripping with sweat, grinned awkwardly, "Qingshan, I strongly agree with yourst point. Where were youst night? I didn''t see you when I arrived."


    Dong Qingshan sheepishlyughed, lowering his voice, "Big Brother, did you know? They say that Wu Zhenghu hasn''t woken up yet. Even if he does, he''s bound to be aplete idiot. The guy is thoroughly ruined."


    Damn, how could I not know about that? You young ones did it, Lin Wanrong nodded, "I heard. Sigh, I''m a kind-hearted person, I never advocate for violence. Our main goal should be peaceful development. Wu Zhenghu was indeed a tyrant,mitting all sorts of evil acts, but he was someone''s child after all. Seeing him in this state is truly heartbreaking. Qingshan, tomorrow take ten taels of silver to his family as a constion. After all, he was one of us. It''s only right to lend a hand."


    Dong Qingshan gave a thumbs up, "Big brother, you''re so benevolent. We''ve always adhered to your principle of peaceful development, which is widely praised throughout Jinling city."


    The two burst into heartyughter. Qingshan, looking pleased, said, "Upon hearing the newsst night, we were so happy and wanted to find you, Big brother, to celebrate. But when we arrived at the Xiao family, they said you had gone out. So, Luo Yuan and I led the brothers to the Qinhuai River, rented a few flower boats, had some drinks, and then, well... we got drunk, and..."


    A flush spread across Qingshan''s dark face, too embarrassed to continue. Lin Wanrong, now realizing, thought, This youngster, could it be he got drunk and lost his virginity? Qiaoqiao knitted her brow, whispering, "Qingshan, how could you run out and make a mess like that. Big brother, you should scold Qingshan."


    Ah, this girl knows how to act coy. Just married and she''s already demanding I discipline my younger brother-inw. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Qingshan''s a grown man and knows what he''s doing. Don''t treat him like a child. Besides, I guess he just got drunkst night, he wouldn''t do anything bad. Isn''t that right, Qingshan?"


    As he spoke, he winked at Dong Qingshan. Qingshan quicklyughed, "Exactly! I was just drunkst night. Luo Yuan and I spent the night on those flower boats, sleeping sofortably."


    Damn it, while I''m here keepingpany with the sisters of the two of you, you''re out enjoying yourselves. How do you justify my hard work bringing you up? And you didn''t even think to involve me in such good times, Lin Wanrong grumbled.


    Dong Qingshan nced at Qiaoqiao and suddenly eximed, "Oh my, sister, you''ve changed!"


    Qiaoqiao anxiously replied, "Changed? How have I changed?"


    Dong Qingshan scratched his head, "Can''t quite put my finger on it. You seem to have be even prettier. Big brother, did you do something to my sister? Howe after just one night she''s be so beautiful?" He pointed at them with sudden realization, "Oh, I get it. Have you already be my brother-inw?"


    Dong Qiaoqiao''s face turned a deep shade of red, overwhelmed with embarrassment. She softly scolded, "Little boy, what nonsense are you talking about?"


    This kid was too blunt, but Lin Wanrong merelyughed heartily. Holding Qiaoqiao''s hand, he reassured Dong Qingshan, "Qingshan, you can rest easy. Your sister will be even more beautiful in the future."


    Even though Dong Qingshan was impetuous, seeing his sister''s blissful smile touched his heart. He sped Lin Wanrong''s hand tightly and said emotionally, "Big brother, thank you. Our family''s fortune today is all thanks to you."


    Qiaoqiao also held Lin Wanrong''s arm tightly. Lin Wanrong patted her shoulder gently, whispering, "We are family now. There''s no need for such talk."


    Qiaoqiao looked deeply at Lin Wanrong, murmured an acknowledgment, smiled sweetly, and nestled closer to him.


    "Qingshan, I''m leaving Jinling for a bit tomorrow. You and Little Luo need to handle this restaurant and Hung Hing carefully," Lin Wanrong seriously instructed. "Don''t think you can rest easy now that Wu Zhenghu is out of the picture. Remember, Cheng De is still behind them. Now that the ck Dragon Society is gone, Hung Hing has be a prime target. Cheng De''s attention will surely shift to you and Little Luo. You must be very cautious."


    Dong Qingshan nodded, "Big brother, where are you going? Why haven''t you mentioned this before?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "I''m off to do something big. It''s thrilling and fun."


    At this, Qingshan perked up. "Big brother, what''s the fun thing? Can you take me with you? I can bring some brothers along to protect you."


    Lin Wanrong grinned at this creative idea of bringing the underworld into the fight. He chuckled, "I agreed to help someone else out. If I brought all of you along, what would that be?"


    Dong Qingshan chuckled awkwardly. Lin Wanrongughed, "You just rx and stay home with Little Luo. Guard against Cheng De, protect your sister and the restaurant. Knowing you''re taking care of things back home is the biggest support you can give me."


    Dong Qingshan said, "Big brother, I understand. Cheng De surely sees us as thorns in his side now. But we''re not afraid of him. Cheng De and Governor Luo are arch-enemies. If he wants to touch us, he''d have to think twice."


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "That''s right, Cheng De wouldn''t dare act openly now, but we should still be wary of any underhanded tactics. You all be careful. Cheng De won''t be able to cause trouble for much longer."


    Qiaoqiao snuggled into her big brother''s arms, listening to their discussion. She didn''t fully understand, but a sweet warmth bloomed in her heart. Perhaps this was what it meant to be a husband and wife.


    Lin Wanrong, along with Qiaoqiao, went downstairs to pay respects to Old Dong. Everyone was well aware of the situation. As a new son-inw, Lin Wanrong formally greeted his father-inw. Old Dong heartily epted the honor, then patted Lin Wanrong''s shoulder, "Wanrong, I only have this one daughter. She is straightforward and easily fooled. You must treat her well."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Rest assured, Father-inw. I will certainly take good care of Qiaoqiao. Recently, we''ve been quite busy, which might have been tough on her. After returning from the capital next year, I will ensure a grand weing for Qiaoqiao to our home."


    Old Dong eximed joyfully, "Good, good. May Qiaoqiao bear you a child soon. That will fulfill my wishes."


    "Dad..." Qiaoqiao uttered shyly, her face flushing red. She hid behind her big brother.


    Soon after their wedding, Lin Wanrong had to leave. He was reluctant to part with Qiaoqiao, but for their long-term peace, he had to depart temporarily.


    All morning, Qiaoqiao was busy preparing things for his big brother. Lin Wanrong looked at the massive bundle Qiaoqiao had prepared, and forced augh, "Little darling, I''m going to war, not vacation. Carrying such arge package would not only burden me but also the horses."


    Looking at the stuffed bundle, Qiaoqiao looked worried, "Then what should we do? These are all things you''ll need. New clothes and shoes for daily use, towels and robes for bathing at night, two bars of soap, three water bags, two sets of bedding, some medicinal wine for bruises, sunblock"


    Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat. Was she packing for a journey or a house move? She was so considerate.


    "Little darling," Lin Wanrong embraced Qiaoqiao from behind, gently caressing her slender waist. "I only need two sets of clothes. Leave the rest. I''m rugged and tough, not delicate."


    Suddenly, Qiaoqiao turned and tightly held him, her face against his chest. Her tears rolled down, "Big brother, you muste back soon. Without you, I can''t live another moment."


    s, his poor girl. It was only a few days, and she was already like this. What would she do when it was really time for him to leave for the capital? Lin Wanrong gently patted her on her round buttocks, blew into her ear, "Little darling, be good. Big brother wille back soon. Then we can do what we should do. You know, the happy thing we didst night. My little darling will bear me a few children. Wouldn''t that be wonderful"


    How could Qiaoqiao endure such teasing? With a few words from her husband, she was left flushed and feverish. She melted in his arms, lips slightly parted, allowing his hands to roam freely over her body, giving in to his desires


    When Lin Wanrong left the restaurant, he felt light as a feather. Indulging in pleasure in broad daylight was indeed exhrating. In Qiaoqiao''s chamber, there were no interruptions. The young woman had set aside her shyness and responded to him over and over again, re-experiencing the peak of bliss they had shared the previous night. Thinking about her whimpers beneath him and her willing reciprocation stirred a fiery heat in his heart. If he had stayed any longer, he doubted he could have left the following morning. s, being in the army was like being in a monastery; hoping for such gentleness was pure folly.


    While she slept, exhausted, he quietly left the restaurant and returned to the Xiao residence in the afternoon.


    Lin Wanrong immediately summoned Si De, Xiao Feng, and Fubo, painstakingly instructing them on the production of the perfume and soap during his absence. Seeing the workshop functioning normally and all operations proceeding methodically, he finally felt at ease.


    "By the way, where did the Eldest Miss go? I haven''t seen her all day," Lin Wanrong asked, grabbing hold of Si De.


    Si De looked puzzled, "You haven''t seen her all day? That''s strange. I just reported the workshop''s progress to her, and she was asking about you, wondering why she hadn''t seen you all day."


    This little girl is actually concerned about me? Or maybe she wanted to check if I was cking off. Lin Wanrong blushed slightly. He had spent the entire day at the restaurant, the afternoon spent making love to Qiaoqiao, energetically "exercising". Pretending he hadn''t seen the Eldest Miss was rather hypocritical.


    "Brother San, should I inform the Eldest Miss that you''ve returned?" Si De cautiously asked.


    "Ah, no need for that," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Don''t forget my principle of life - stay low-key, always low-key."


    Having dismissed them, he was left alone and feeling tired. ording to his agreement with Xu Wei, Gao Qiu woulde for him early the next morning, and they would leave the city together. Lin Wanrong checked the bundle Qiaoqiao had prepared: the sketchbook, knockout drugs, the Buddha Big Stick, the musket, and the poisonous bee needle from Qin Xian''er. All were crucial protective talismans, none could be left behind.


    After settling his belongings and contemting whether to disturb the Eldest Miss, he felt two soft hands gently covering his eyes. A tender voice whispered in his ear, "Guess who I am. You only have one chance."


    "Ah Hua?!!" Lin Wanrong eximed.


    A hand pinched his waist tightly, and the young girl angrily retorted, "Who is Ah Hua? I''ll give you another chance."


    "Ru Yu?!!"


    She seemed about to explode, her fingers digging into his waist, growling, "Who is that vixen, Ru Yu? I''ll give you onest chance."


    "Jia Xin?!"


    ...


    "Yang Er?!"


    ...


    "Fu Rong?!"


    ...


    The girl fell silent, shaking all over. She let go of his eyes and, covering her face, she began to cry.


    This girl was so susceptible to fright. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Second Miss, don''t cry, I was just teasing you."


    Seeing him utter her name, Xiao Yushuang''s heart ached. She lightly hit his back and cried out, "You faithless man, you can''t even remember who I am, how can you justify your actions towards me?"


    Here it came again. This girl must be hiding in her room reading romance novels all day, otherwise, why would her words send a wave of tingles through him? Lin Wanrong gathered her into his arms andughed, "Forget you? That''s impossible. Forgetting you would be like forgetting myself."


    Hearing his sweet nothings, Xiao Yushuang''s heart pounded, her cheeks turning bright red. She managed to stop crying, shot him an annoyed look and pouted, "Then why did you call out so many women''s names, but not mine?"


    "That was just a small joke!" Lin Wanrong defended himself with a shy expression. "Forgetting my little Yushuang is not possible. Your hands are delicate and white, your body soft and fragrant, your eyes pure and bright. You are the one and only, unmatched in the world, Second Miss. How could I not recognize you?"


    "I''m not as good as you make me sound." Xiao Yushuang responded with a blush, "You''re just ttering me."


    "Second Miss, you should know," Lin Wanrong stated seriously, "I am a man of integrity, I never lie. My words are heartfelt. If you don''t believe me, I can swear. A really poisonous oath..."


    Second Miss''s face turned rosy. She nestled in his arms, her delicate finger pressing his lips, "Don''t swear. I will always trust you." Although she still looked somewhat innocent, her body had already matured, voluptuous and inviting like a tempting apple.


    That day, Lin Wanrong had passionately enjoyed his time with Qiaoqiao. Now with Second Miss offering herself so readily, his lust was provoked further. He drew her tender body close, lightly rubbing her smooth back andughed softly, "Second Miss, why did youe?"


    Xiao Yushuang felt his hands sliding down from her waist, heading towards her legs, and couldn''t help but let out a soft cry, she backed away, her face red with embarrassment, "You rascal!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled a couple of times. Second Miss slowly returned to his side and sat down on the stool next to him. She shyly asked, "I heard from my mother that you''re going on a trip tomorrow, is it true?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Yes, I might be gone for a few days. Did youe to see me just for this?"


    A worried look spread across Second Miss''s face as she quietly nodded, "Then you should return soon. Don''t dy too much on the outside, I..." She lowered her head and whispered, "I miss you a lot." She was shy, yet her gaze was earnest and passionate.


    "I''ll miss you too," Lin Wanrong smiled, "Little darling,e closer, let''s have a good talk."


    Second Miss lightly hummed in agreement and moved her stool closer to him. Lin Wanrong shook his head, "No, it''s still too far. Let me find you a three-legged stool." He patted his legs, "Come sit here."


    Xiao Yushuang''s face flushed with a rosy hue. She nced at him and muttered under her breath, "You scoundrel." After saying that, she obediently walked over. Blushing, she sat on hisp.


    Although Second Miss was young, her body had already developed fully. Her soft little buttocks pressed against him as she sat down, causing Lin Wanrong to let out afortable sigh. This girl''s skin was truly delicate.


    "It''s clearly a two-legged stool, but you insist on calling it a three-legged one," Xiao Yushuang embraced his arm, snuggling up to him with a slightly red face. She pouted and grumbled, "This will soon be a three-legged stool." Lin Wanrong chuckled mischievously. While Second Miss was still puzzled, she suddenly felt a warmth between her legs, and indeed, a third leg had emerged.


    "Ah!" Xiao Yushuang eximed, springing up from his legs. She covered her face with her hands and said, "You scoundrel, you big scoundrel! All you know is to bully me."


    "Don''t me me for this. Who made my precious Yushuang so beautiful?" Lin Wanrong employed his thick-skinned and cheesy tactics, unparalleled in the world. He pulled Second Miss back onto his legs and changed the subject, "Did youe here today specifically to see me?"


    Upon hearing him mention the matter at hand, Xiao Yushuang''s shyness subsided a little. She nodded and said, "Of course, I came here just for you. But fromst night until today, I haven''t even caught a glimpse of you. You heartless person, who knows where you''ve been gallivanting around. How could you remember me?"


    This girl was quite resentful. Lin Wanrong used all three legs to lightly poke her, teasingly saying, "How could I be gallivanting around? I merely went to resolve some life issues, that''s all."


    Under Lin Wanrong''s teasing, Xiao Yushuang''s face burned like fire. She nced at him with a hint of resentment and said softly, "You can say whatever you want, but no matter what, I''ve already decided to spend my whole life with you. You won''t be able to shake me off. Hmph! If you dare to bully me, I''ll let my sister deal with you. She said you''re most afraid of her."


    Huh, is that so? Eldest Miss thinks a little too highly of herself. Lin Wanrong gently caressed her smooth, tender face and said teasingly, "If I were to bully you right now, would you go tell your sister?"


    "Annoying!" Second Miss blushed, and she pressed her firm little buttocks hard against his legs. Her small hand lightly patted his chest while she muttered, "After you''re done bullying me, I''ll go tell her."


    Hehe, this girl speaks with double meaning. She must have deliberately provoked me. Damn it, times have changed. The littlemb willingly approaches the wolf''s mouth, but all I can do is look and not devour. How frustrating!


    Second Miss was still too young and shouldn''t indulge in matters of love prematurely. She should wait until the fruit is ripe and ready to taste, for that''s when the vor is most exquisite. However, teasing this green apple-like little girl, her partially understanding, partially unfamiliar appearance, adds a different kind of pleasure.


    "You scoundrel!" Second Miss saw the lewd grin on his lips and couldn''t help but blush in shyness. She reached out her small hand, unfastened a jade pendant from around her neck, and handed it to Lin Wanrong. "Here, wear this!"


    "What is this?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously. The jade pendant was pure and translucent, warm to the touch, and carried a faint fragrance of the young girl.


    "This is the protective charm I''ve been wearing since I was young. It was prayed for by my mother for the well-being of my sister and me. Tomorrow, when you set off on a long journey, carry this charm with you. May it ensure your safety and a speedy return." Second Miss looked at him tenderly as she spoke.


    "I''d rather not. I''m a fortunate person with great destiny. I''m not afraid of anything," Lin Wanrong said, holding her small hand.


    "No, you must take it. Whenever you see it, you''ll think of me," Xiao Yushuang pouted.


    This girl is so overbearing, Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly as Xiao Yushuang hung the jade charm around his neck. After Second Miss hung the charm, she nced and noticed that he already had a sparkling jade pendant hanging from his neck. The quality and color of the jade were extraordinary.


    A mist rose in her eyes, and she pouted, feeling aggrieved. "You scoundrel! No wonder you didn''t want my jade charm. So someone had already given you one. Who gave you this jade pendant? Was it that person you mentioned, Yang Er or Fu Rong?"


    Damn it, you can''t talk nonsense about this. It will lead to gossip. The innocence of my rtionship with these two sisters is purer than tofu. Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "It''s not them, definitely not them. Speaking of the person who gave me the jade, it''s your sister."


    "Nonsense, my sister would never give you something like this," Second Miss huffed.


    Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "I''m not talking about Eldest Miss. The person who gave me the jade will be your sister after she enters the house." [TL: i.e. marriage]


    Speaking of marriage, the Second Miss instantly blushed, burying her face in his chest, too shy to look up. She whispered, "You scoundrel, who knows how many women you''ve seduced. I, however, am already too deeply ensnared to extricate myself, so I''m at your mercy. This sister has given you such a precious jade, her feelings for you are indeed profound. You mustn''t let her down."


    "My little darling is also very good to me." Lin Wanrong kissed her on the cheek and whispered, "Don''t worry, once you be part of the family, I will treat everyone equally. You know, I am very inclusive!"


    Second Miss, unusually understanding this time, made Lin Wanrong extremely happy. He embraced her and said sweet words, soothing the girl until she was content. The only regret was that despite taking advantage of the situation, with the girl willingly offering herself, he couldn''t ignore her age. Lin Wanrong had to suppress hisscivious thoughts.


    That night, Lin Wanrong had a peculiar dream. He dreamt that he was about to marry Qingxuan, Qiaoqiao, and Second Miss. Suddenly, a woman burst in, iming to steal the bride, and the bride she was after was none other than the groom, Lin Wanrong himself. He desperately tried to see the woman''s face clearly, but it remained blurry, and he couldn''t make it out.


    In anger, he stood up, only to wake up from the dream, drenched in cold sweat. He still didn''t know who that woman was.


    He took a deep breath and nced out the window. The eastern sky had begun to show a hint of pale light. The time had finallye for his departure.


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 Chapter 235

    Chapter 235


    Chapter 235 Reluctant Farewell


    Having packed his bags and taken onest look at his modest room, Lin Wanrong turned to leave. However, after only a few steps, he saw a petite figure standing ahead; it was none other than Eldest Miss Xiao. Thedy stood expressionless, giving him a slight hum.


    "Why, Eldest Miss, you''re up so early. I appreciate your dedication." Lin Wanrong greeted her with a yfulugh.


    Eldest Miss Xiao hummed again, ncing at his well-packed bag, "Aren''t you the one who woke up even earlier? I had no idea where you vanished to yesterday. I wanted to discuss something with you, but you were nowhere to be found."


    "Busy  that''s all," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Whatever you wanted to discuss, you can tell me now. I assure you, I am all ears."


    Eldest Miss Xiao sighed softly, looked at him, and asked quietly, "So, you''re leaving?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "So, you know?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao nodded, "How could I not know about such an important matter? My mother exined it to me in detail yesterday. I tried to find you, but you were nowhere to be found. Where on earth did you wander off to?"


    Sweating a little, he thought to himself, ''I wasn''t wandering aimlessly; I was in the bridal chamber, which is quite legitimate.'' Before he could reply, he heard Eldest Miss Xiao''s gentle voice, "Did you pack everything, got everything prepared? Don''t forget any important items. The weather is getting cold; bring more clothes to avoid catching a cold."


    With a surprised look, Lin Wanrong replied, "Yes, I have packed everything. Thank you for your concern, Eldest Miss."


    Eldest Miss Xiao looked at him helplessly, "Conducting business outside is not the same as at home, where you can get away with everything. You''rezy and like to draw attention. You need to be more discreet and avoid provoking others unnecessarily. Although Mr. Xu values you, you should remain humble and avoid conflicts whenever possible. If you encounter any difficulties, don''t argue with others; just bear it. When you are away, it''s not wealth or honor that matter, but safety. Remember this well, don''t make us... worry."


    His heart warmed at these words. Uncharacteristically, Lin Wanrong nodded earnestly, "Thank you for your concern, Eldest Miss, I understand."


    "Return as soon as you finish your task. There are many things at home to handle, between the workshop and the store, I can''t manage it all by myself," said Eldest Miss Xiao, with a mncholy tone. She knew that Xu Wei had taken Lin Wanrong to handle some business, but she didn''t know exactly what.


    ''How could I say that this is a military affair?'' Lin Wanrong replied with a wry smile, "I will try to return as soon as possible. As for the workshop, you can give orders to Si De and Xiao Feng. If anyone dares to disobey you, I will deal with them when I return."


    Eldest Miss Xiao couldn''t help butugh and feel a little frustrated. She red at him lightly, "You''re the most disobedient one. If someone needs to be disciplined, it should be you first."


    "Discipline me? Would Eldest Miss be willing to do that?" Lin Wanrong brazenly chuckled.


    Eldest Miss Xiao''s heart fluttered, and a blush tinged with a hint of anger flushed her face. "You! After a few words, you start fooling around again. Who said I couldn''t do without you? I might feel sorry for a stray cat or dog, but certainly not for you."


    "Fine, I concede that I might have a soft spot for you." Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Eldest Miss, I''ve been around you for some time and I''vee to realize that you''re actually not too bad. You''re beautiful, have a great figure, and are capable and sometimes quite thoughtful. Of course, there are some shorings, such as being a bit too prideful, a tad cold, and having a poor temper. But those, I think, can be tolerated."


    Upon hearing the first part, Xiao Yuruo''s face bloomed with shyness, but upon reaching thetter part, her face turned exceedingly grim, gritting her teeth as she said, "You, do you ever feel at peace without annoying me once a day?"


    "Alright, alright, I was just kidding." Lin Wanrongughed and nced at the sky, whispering, "It''s gettingte. I fear that Brother Gao Qiu has already arrived. I must be going."


    Hearing his words, Eldest Miss Xiao dropped her annoyance and nodded slightly, whispering back, "I will apany you out."


    They entered the main hall together where Gao Qiu had indeed already arrived, with even Eldest Miss Xiao''s younger sister waiting there. Lin Wanrong greeted Gao Qiu with a fist-in-palm salute and turned to Xiao Yushuang, speaking softly, "Didn''t we agree yesterday that you wouldn''t see me off today?"


    The Second Miss Xiao''s eyes turned red, "I just wanted to see you."


    Lin Wanrong gave her a soft smile. Given the presence of Eldest Miss Xiao and Gao Qiu, he couldn''tfort her openly and instead chuckled, "I understand. I promise to return as soon as possible."


    Eldest Miss Xiao addressed Gao Qiu formally, "Mr. Gao, we entrust Lin San''s journey to you. He is honest and straightforward but not very eloquent. We ask that you look after him. The Xiao family is deeply grateful."


    Gao Qiu broke out in cold sweat. Honest, straightforward, not very eloquent? Did that describe Lin San at all? Regardless, he had to y along with Miss Xiao''s im. He nodded, "Rest assured, Miss Xiao, Brother Lin and I share simr interests. We will take care of each other."


    Grateful, Eldest Miss Xiao smiled. The sisters joined hands and saw the two men out.


    As Lin San swung himself onto his horse, the Second Miss Xiao''s heart ached. She ran to him and threatened, "If you dare to forget about me, beware that I might ignore you forever."


    Startled by her forceful warning, Lin Wanrong winked at her, "Don''t worry, I will remember you two."


    Upon hearing his "you two", The Eldest Miss face turned a bit bashful. She nced at him but said nothing.


    Lin Wanrong and Gao Qiu mounted their horses and addressed the sisters, "Eldest Miss, Second Miss, it''s cold outside. Please go back and rest. I will return soon."


    After riding some distance and turning back to look, the two lovely figures were still standing outside the mansion, gazing at them.


    Gao Qiuughed, "Brother Lin, the Xiao sisters indeed care deeply about you. I envy you so much."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "I''ve tried my best to restrain my charm. It seems I''ve utterly failed."


    Gao Qiu burst intoughter. Indeed, Lin San''s words could shock the heavens and make ghosts weep.


    The two spurred their horses out of the city. Before long, they reached the foot of Zijin Mountain, where Gao Qiu suddenly halted his horse and suggested, "Brother, let''s take a short break here."


    A break? Lin Wanrong was startled. They had just left the city, why would they need a rest? As he wondered, he heard the faint twang of a stringed instrument and a delightful song drawing near, slowly reaching his ears.


    The ancestral feast ends in a parting song, and the long pavilion bids farewell to the banquet. The scent of dust, already separated, still turns one''s face.


    The neigh of a horse echoes in the dwelling, and the oar of the departing traveler follows the waves'' turn.


    This was a woman''s voice, and Lin Wanrong quickly cast his gaze into the distance. Upon the long pavilion at the foot of Zijin Mountain, there stood a delicate and slender figure. Even though the woman''s face was indistinct, Lin Wanrong already knew who she was. This girl, she was truly thoughtful. She had made the effort to climb up Zijin Mountain amidst the deep night''s cold and heavy dew, just to perform a farewell song for him. In ancient times, there were Boya and Ziqi, now there were Lin San and Luo Ning. If this were to be known, it would certainly make a good story.


    [TL: The story of Boya and Ziqi is a famous tale from ancient China, often used to symbolize deep friendship and mutual understanding. It''s also the origin of the Chinese idiom "" (zhyn), which literally trantes to "knowing the tone" and is used to describe a confidant or a bosom friend.


    Boya was a skilled musician who yed the guqin, an ancient Chinese string instrument. One day, while he was ying a piece that was meant to evoke the grandeur of mountains, a woodcutter named Ziqi happened to pass by. Ziqi, upon hearing the music,mented that the music made him envision a towering mountain. Later, when Boya yed a piece intended to evoke flowing water, Ziqi remarked that he could envision a vast, flowing river.


    Boya was amazed that Ziqi was able to understand his music so deeply, as no one else had ever been able to perceive the emotions and images he tried to convey through his music. They became close friends due to this mutual understanding.


    However, when Ziqiter passed away, Boya was so grief-stricken that he smashed his guqin, dering that without Ziqi, there was no one left who could truly appreciate his music. This story is often used in Chinese culture to represent the ideal of spiritualmunication, understanding, and friendship.]


    He shook his head helplessly and smiled bitterly. Thinking about his past interactions with her, he felt that human rtionships were indeed strange. Two people who seemed impossible to be together were somehow entangled. Was this what they called fate?


    The soul of the painting tower is gone, eyes break off from the departure tower. The nting sun only sends the t waves away.


    Infinite is the sorrow of departure, searching thoughts at the ends of the earth.


    Luo Ning''s gentle singing, filled with a hint of mncholy, twirled around his heart like a heavenly tune, lingering for a long time. Lin Wanrong sighed and said, "Brother Gao, did you tell Miss Luo that we would be passing through here?"


    Gao Qiuughed, "Miss Luo heard that you were going on a journey, iming to have a deep understanding with you, and insisted on seeing you off. I couldn''t resist her and agreed. The night is cold, and Zijin Mountain is deserted. I don''t know how she managed to climb up."


    Such a deep understanding, such a Luo Ning. Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh. This girl, did she want me to feel guilty for a lifetime?


    "Brother Gao, what do you think we live for in this life?" Lin Wanrong asked, looking at Luo Ning''s exquisite figure.


    His face was pale and profound. Gao Qiu had only seen him joking and not being serious. He blinked a few times, wondering if this was really the same Brother Lin.


    "I can''t say for sure. Having food to eat, clothes to wear, and loved ones to apany, and making them always happy. That should be good enough," Gao Qiu said hesitantly after a moment.


    "Brother Gao, well said!" Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Making the people who like you and those you like always happy, that''s what we men should do. Then tell me, how many wives should a man have?"


    "Isn''t it obvious?" Gao Qiu perked up at this topic. "As long as you can afford it and you both love each other, you can marry as many as you want. Even if you bring them home and don''t look or touch, it''s better than her being with someone else."


    Gao Qiu''s words were crude but true, speaking the heart of men. Lin Wanrong chuckled and stared at Luo Ning''s figure in the distance. Regardless of whether she could hear him or not, he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, "Miss Luo, take care of yourself. I will return as soon as I can."


    Luo Ning''s song paused for a moment before it slowly resumed, the melody filled with a poignant sorrow, as if there were a multitude of feelings she yearned to express.


    Lin Wanrong knew that if he hesitated at this point, he might really not be able to leave today. With a determined heart, he refrained from looking at Luo Ning''s figure and raised his hand to Gao Qiu, saying, "Brother Gao, let''s go!"


    Gao Qiu agreed with a nod, and at the same time spurred on his horse. The two of them, on their respective horses, moved as swiftly as lightning, traversing through the breaking dawn''s morning fog. Within moments, their traces had vanished.


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 Chapter 236

    Chapter 236


    Chapter 236 Organizing the Troops?


    The two left Jinling city, setting their course and racing their horses towards the northwest. After less than four hours of travel, they left Jiangsu and entered Anhui territory.


    Lin Wanrong, unfamiliar with thendscape, saw that Gao Qiu was silent as they pressed on, so he urged his horse to ride alongside him and asked loudly, "Brother Gao, where are we going?"


    Gao Qiu slowed his horse''s pace, chuckling as he responded, "We''ve been rushing so much that I forgot to tell you, brother Lin. We''re heading towards Chuzhou, where several units of men and horses are waiting for us."


    "Chuzhou?" Lin Wanrong was familiar with this ce. It was several hundred miles from Jinling city, connected to areas such as Fengyang and Tianchang, and served as the eastern gateway of Anhui. It faced Jiangsu across the river, and its strategic geographical location was of utmost importance.


    "What are we going to Chuzhou for? Is Mr. Xu there too?" Lin Wanrong questioned, furrowing his brows.


    Gao Qiu answered, "Master Xu is not in Chuzhou. He has already hurried off to Pei County in Xuzhou due to urgent military matters. He only instructed me to bring you, brother Lin, to Chuzhou to meet up with the troops there. From there, we are to head towards Xuzhou via Suzhou."


    As Xu Wei''s military strategist, Lin Wanrong was supposed to stay by Xu Wei''s side. Little did he know that the old man had run off alone. It seemed that the frontline indeed had an emergency. However, given Lin Wanrong''s current mental and physical state, he wasn''t prepared to head directly to the frontline. It would be better to first get to Chuzhou and familiarize himself with the atmosphere after meeting the army.


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "That sounds reasonable. Brother Gao, how many troops are stationed in Chuzhou? How did Mr. Xu arrange it?"


    Gao Qiu shook his head, "I''m not entirely sure. I heard there are troops from Zhejiang and Shandong, as well as soldiers from the divine machine unit. I''m only in charge of ensuring your safety, brother Lin. Master Xu is the one to consider troop deployment, and I have no say in it."


    Lin Wanrong knew that to avoid drawing attention, Zhejiang''s infantry and cavalry had passed through Anhui to reach Shandong. Hearing that there were troops from these three locations, it seemed like the ce should be well-defended and rtively safe.


    "In that case, let''s hurry to meet the troops," Lin Wanrong said impatiently. He had never seen tens of thousands of soldiers training together. It should be quite a lively scene.


    Gao Qiuughed, "There''s no rush. It will be enough if we arrive today. Master Xu also left a message for you, brother Lin."


    "Old Xu, oh, what did Mr. Xu say?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    Gao Qiu ryed, "Master Xu asks that you familiarize yourself with military matters as soon as possible and fulfill your duties as the military strategist."


    Of course, he needed to hurry. he was even more anxious than old Xu. He had several wives at home waiting forfort.


    "Master Xu also said," Gao Qiu continued leisurely, "that the soldiers in Chuzhou are specifically left for you, brother Lin. He asks that you get them into shape and bring them to the frontline."


    "Organize the troops?" Lin Wanrong was puzzled. He was just a little military strategist with no real power or position. The title ''military strategist'' was a mere ttery. At most, he could give Xu Wei, some bad ideas. How could he be able to organize troops?


    He gave Gao Qiu a puzzled look, "Brother Gao, you must have heard wrong. I have neither an official position nor any military experience. How could Mr. Xu ask me to organize the troops?"


    Gao Qiu shook his head,ughing, "I heard clearly, I couldn''t possibly be mistaken. Master Xu did instruct you to go to Chuzhou and organize the troops."


    Tens of thousands of troops were stationed in Chuzhou, yet Mr. Xu wanted him, a mere servant, to prepare them for war. Was Xu Wei intentionally trying to make things difficult for him? Xu Wei trusted him, but he didnt trust himself. Seeing his hesitation, Gao Qiu chuckled, "Brother Lin, don''t worry. I believe in Master Xu''s judgment. He wouldn''t have picked the wrong person. You surely have the ability."


    Even Gao Qiu is saying this. Damn, don''t I trust myself? It''s just a few tens of thousands of people. Even if I haven''t tasted pork knuckles, haven''t I seen pigs run before? I''ll just give it a try and have a taste of directing people. That being said, Xu Wei trusted me enough to leave the organization of such arge force in my hands.


    Heughed, "Fine, I''ll give it a try. Actually, in my humble opinion, though the task of organizing the troops is difficult, it''s not insurmountable. Brother Gao, do you know what the most difficult thing in the world is?"


    Gao Qiu shook his head curiously, "What is it?"


    Lin Wanrong responded with a mysterious smile, "If you, brother Gao, marry more than a dozen wives, then you will understand what the most difficult thing is."


    Gao Qiu was stunned for a moment, then understanding dawned, he gave a thumbs up, "Profound wisdom, brother Lin, that is indeed profound wisdom." The two men exchanged nces and shared a burst of sciousughter only men could understand.


    The journey to Chuzhou was neither long nor short. With Gao Qiu by his side, Lin Wanrong had nothing to worry about. All the way, he was nning about his arrival in Chuzhou, what kind of authoritative demeanor he should put on, and what impressive tactics he should use to impress the unruly soldiers. The thought of wielding authority in front of tens of thousands of people excited him. It would surely feel satisfying.


    By the time they reached Chuzhou, the sun was already setting. Bathed in the nting rays, the ancient city of Chuzhou was peaceful and calm, hardly looking like a ce where arge army was stationed.


    In Lin Wanrong''s imagination, a ce where tens of thousands of troops were stationed should at least have brightly shining weapons, a bustling camp, neighing warhorses, and constant shouts of battle. But looking at the bustling crowd that resembled a dispersed marketce, Lin Wanrong couldn''t associate the scene before him with arge army.


    "Brother Gao, are we sure we haven''t taken a wrong turn?" Lin Wanrong asked, perplexed.


    "There''s no chance of that. I''ve traveled this route at least four or five times." Gao Qiu pointed at the two characters on the city gate andughed, "Look, isn''t that Chuzhou?"


    Lin Wanrong looked up and saw the two bright red characters  Chuzhou, under which was a small inscription: Commemoration by Ouyang Yongshu.


    "Who is this Ouyang Yongshu?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "I heard Master Xu mention him once," Gao Qiu exined, his head bobbing with the rhythm of his words. "It seems he was a man of the previous dynasty, named Ouyang Xiu. He was the governor of Chuzhou. I heard that the fellow liked to drink, and a monk from Langya Mountain, to please him, built a pavilion named the ''Drunken Old Man Pavilion.'' There''s also a Fengle Pavilion at the foot of Feng Mountain west of Chuzhou city, also built by him." Gao Qiu''s words carried an air of pride as he rarely had the chance to disy his knowledge before Lin Wanrong.


    [TL: Ouyang Xiu, courtesy name Yongshu, was a Chinese historian, calligrapher, epigrapher, essayist, poet, and politician of the Song dynasty.]


    Lin Wanrong nodded, recognizing the name Ouyang Xiu. He thought these literate people enjoyed creating confusing aliases to bewilder others.


    "Brother Gao," he said as they led their horses into the city, ncing around. "You said arge army is stationed in this city, but it doesn''t look like it." Despite its age, Chuzhou City held a strategic geographical position. Although it couldn''tpare to the prosperity of Jinling, its stores, restaurants, brothels, and clubhouses stood tall, depicting a picture of bustling activity.


    "There should be troops stationed here," Gao Qiu said, his confidence wavering as he noticed theck of armored soldiers on the streets. "Master Xu specifically asked you toe to Chuzhou to organize the troops, but why can''t we see any trace of them?"


    They stopped several passers-by to ask about therge army, but none had heard of it. Damnit, tens of thousands of soldiers, enough to rain down saliva or thunder with their farts. Had they evaporated? Or was Xu Wei ying tricks on him?


    "Brother Gao, didn''t Mr. Xu tell you who to find when we get here? We can''t just blindly crash around," Lin Wanrong said.


    "Master Xu said that once in Chuzhou, observing carefully would lead us to them," Gao Qiu replied, wiping away sweat. He held blind faith in Xu Wei, following his instructions to the letter.


    Observe? Observe what? This was a busy part of Chuzhou City. No soldiers were to be seen anywhere. Could they all be hiding in brothels? What riddle was this old man Xu ying?


    "Move, move" Their ponderings were interrupted by rough shouts. Two war horses galloped toward them like arrows, causing pedestrians to scatter like ghosts.


    Gao Qiu brightened, pulling on Lin Wanrong''s sleeve, "Brother Lin, look, aren''t they soldiers?"


    Lin Wanrong looked and saw that the riders on the galloping horses indeed wore grand military uniforms. Their reckless demeanor suggested they were Xu Wei''s soldiers, but from which province, he had no idea.


    "They''re in such a hurry, could there be some urgent military matter?" Gao Qiu wondered aloud.


    "Is that so?" Lin Wanrongughed, "I think they''re headed to that Lixiang Pavilion. Could they be delivering messages to the girls there?"


    As they spoke, the horses indeed stopped in front of Lixiang Pavilion. A madam with a heavily powdered face came out to greet them, her mouth wide in a smile. "General Zhao, General Fu, ah, why have you only just arrived? Little Yu and the others have been waiting for you for a long time."


    The officer leading the way, his face dark as obsidian, let out augh as he casually ced a hand on the madam''s shoulder. "Oh, really? Has Little Yu not had enough of my prowess fromst night? Seems she''s eager quite early today. How about this, Madam, why don''t you join us tonight as well? I assure you, it will be a night of intense pleasure, as intoxicating as the elixir of the immortals."


    The soldiers trailing behind the leading officer broke into raucousughter at this. The madam flirted coquettishly for a moment before leading the group inside.


    Damn it, Lin Wanrong thought to himself with a bitter smile, they really dide to report to the girls. The audacity of these men to visit a brothel in their military uniforms! He turned to Gao Qiu and said, "Brother Gao, could this be a part of the massive army we''ve been searching for?"


    Gao Qiu responded with an embarrassed expression, "It seems likely. Brother Lin, what do you suggest we do?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Visiting a brothel, well, that''s quite an enjoyable affair, all men fancy it! How about this, Brother Gao, let me host, and we''ll have a visit as well."


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 Chapter 237

    Chapter 237


    Chapter 237 The Dilemma


    Gao Qiu jumped in shock, hurriedly shaking his head. "Brother Lin, that is uneptable, absolutely uneptable. In our Great Hua army, we have rules. If a soldier indulges in drinking, gambling, or prostitution on his own, at best he''d be flogged, at worst beheaded."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Brother Gao, are you afraid of being flogged, or of losing your head? The generals we met earlier didn''t seem afraid at all."


    Gao Qiuughed awkwardly. If it were normal times, he would be quite good at visiting brothels himself. However, things were different now. They were in the army, and they were in the midst of marching and battling. Military discipline had to be strictly followed, otherwise, what kind of war could they wage?


    Seeing that Gao Qiu remained silent, Lin Wanrong realized he was hesitant. With a mischievous smile, he led his horse toward the Lixiang Pavilion. Despite being only a minor military strategist, Xu Wei''s orders allowed him to control the soldiers in Chuzhou. As Gao Qiu was responsible for protecting Lin Wanrong, seeing him stride into the brothel, Gao Qiu had no choice but to follow.


    When the elderly madam of the brothel saw two more guests leading their horses over, she perked up. The man in the lead was young and healthy-looking, handsome; the one following was tall and sturdy, like a bodyguard. Having spent years in this line of business, she had a keen eye for clients. Her eyes gleamed as she wiggled her way over, "Oh, sirs, you''ve finally arrived!"


    Lin Wanrong pped her ample backside, grinning, "Do you happen to recognize us, sister?"


    The madam swiveled her hips, fluttering her eyshes flirtatiously, "Never seen you before, but I know you now, don''t I? Look at you, both so handsome and strong, you must be important men. Your presence brightens up our little ce."


    Lin Wanrong tossed half a tael of broken silver onto her ample bosom, grinning, "Sister, you do have a sweet mouth. I like it." He tugged Gao Qiu forward, "This big brother of mine is a very important man. Be sure to take good care of him."


    Seeing Gao Qiu''s imposing stature, the madam thrust her bosom towards him, giggling, "My lord, you''re so tall and strong."


    Gao Qiu gave her waist a light squeeze, pping her backside, "Big sister, not only am I tall, I''m also quite sturdy. Fancy a try?"


    "Oh, my lord, you''re so naughty!" The madam feigned shyness but leaned even closer into him.


    It turned out Gao Qiu was a fan of mature women. Watching the two exchange flirty nces, Lin Wanrongughed heartily. The madam let out a loud call, "Girls, upstairs and downstairs, make sure to treat our two lords well--"


    As she spoke, a servant led the two men inside. Gao Qiu turned back, "Big sister, make sure toe and keep mepanyter."


    The madam''s heavily painted lips parted, "My lord, my only fear is that you''ll forget about me when you see the young and pretty girls."


    Goosebumps broke out all over Lin Wanrong''s body, what a pair of debauchees, getting on so quickly. He pped Gao Qiu on the shoulder and said, "Brother Gao, you are truly impressive. In my experience of visiting brothels across thends, it''s usually the madams who are the most difficult to approach. They might be rotund, but they are also very coquettish. I didn''t expect you to charm her so quickly. You have my utmost admiration. It seems you have a special affection for older women."


    Gao Qiu, already well-acquainted with him,ughed and replied, "To be honest, Brother Lin, I have a preference for older women, especially those around forty or fifty. As the saying goes, they start to get wild at thirty, wilder at forty, peak at fifty, and it''s a wave upon wave at sixty. These women are experienced, know how to cater to a man''s needs, and offer a level offort those young vixens can''t match." As they had shared the battlefield and now shared the brothel, their bond was truly iron-d, allowing them to speak without any inhibitions.


    Their sharedughter echoed loudly as they entered the main hall. It was early evening and the hall was already filled with diverse, jovial guests, arm in arm with courtesans, drinking, jesting, and flirting. Vulgar jokes were thrown around amidst the lively atmosphere.


    Before entering the brothel, Gao Qiu had been somewhat reluctant. But once they found a quiet spot to sit, he becamefortable, wandering around and taking in the sights. Suddenly, he tugged at Lin Wanrong''s sleeve, "Brother Lin, look over there."


    Following his gaze, Lin Wanrong saw several of the soldiers they had just met sitting not far away. Each held a woman in his arm, their hands already exploring the women''s chests, making crude jokes, half their armor discarded next to them.


    True to their military nature, they were truly unrestrained. Gao Qiu turned to Lin Wanrong, "Brother Lin, what should we do?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Let''s wait and see. These men are so audacious, they must have some backing. We should find out which province''s soldiers they are first. If their backing is too strong, we may want toy low and stay out of their way."


    His words were casual, implying that if the men had strong backers, they should just ignore the situation. If any upright person heard him, they would sneer and refuse to associate with him. But Gao Qiu, who had seen all manner of shady dealings in the pce, simply gave a thumbs-up and said, "Brother Lin, you are truly wise. No wonder Master Xu values you so much."


    Laughing, Lin Wanrong replied, "Brother Gao, I''m just being a coward, yet you see it as being smart."


    Gao Qiu, speaking seriously, said, "Brother Lin, I grew up in the pce and have witnessed countless instances of infighting. I''ve seen many honorable and deceitful characters. It''s often said that good men die young while viins live for a thousand years - a seeming iron rule in our Great Hua. But has anyone ever wondered why good men die so young? To my mind, it''s because they are too upright, too willing to face danger head-on, too averse or too inexperienced to engage in schemes and plots, making them easy targets. These people are naively idealistic, exposing themselves even when they are outmatched, essentially waiting to be struck down. To be a good man, one must first learn to protect oneself. Brother Lin, you are truly wise. To deal with deceitful people, you must outsmart them."


    Gao Qiu''s words resonated deeply with Lin Wanrong. He had initially thought of Gao Qiu as a man interested only in brawling and carousing, yet here he was expressing profound insights. Lin Wanrong raised his cup and said, "To your wise words, Brother Gao. You are truly a kindred spirit. I toast to you."


    The two men downed their drinks in one go, just as two carefully selected courtesans joined them, sitting by their sides. The splendor of Chuzhou City paled inparison to Jinling, as did the quality of the courtesans. Lin Wanrong, having a beautiful wife and several exquisite women waiting in the wings, found these powdered women ordinary.


    After some light flirtation with the courtesan, Lin Wanrong gestured to the soldiers at the other table. "Huh, Brother Gao. Those generals look familiar. It seems I''ve seen them somewhere before."


    Gao Qiu, engaged in singing a bawdy song with his courtesan, paused at Lin Wanrong''s words. He nced at the table and pretended to be surprised, "Isn''t that so? These generals do look very familiar."


    The courtesan at Lin Wanrong''s side ran her hand along his arm and asked coyly, "Kind sir, you wouldn''t happen to be from the capital, would you?"


    "The capital?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback, quickly saying, "Ah, yes, yes. Could it be that these generals are from the capital as well?"


    Gao Qiu''s courtesan gave him a flirtatious look and said, "No wonder you''re so robust, you''re from the capital."


    Did that have anything to do with being from the capital? Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile, listening as the courtesan continued, "Those men are generals from the capital, something about a ''Divine'' something ''Unit''..."


    "Divine Machine Unit?" Gao Qiu quickly interjected.


    "Yes, that''s right, the Divine Machine Unit. You''re not only robust but also quick-witted." The courtesan giggled, "That General Zhao, I heard he''s a Hundred-Man Commander in the Divine Machine Unit. They''ve been stationed here for several days already."


    A mere Hundred-Man Commander daring to openly wear his armor while visiting a brothel - where was his superior? The Thousand-Man Commander? Lin Wanrong wondered aloud, "Oh, so he''s a Hundred-Man Commander. Miss, I''m just passing through this city. Why are the soldiers of the Divine Machine Unit stationed here? Could it be that there''s a waring?"


    "A war? What war?" The courtesanughed, "ording to the Hundred-Man Commander, there are only a few hundred of them. Where would they go to fight a war? But now that you''re here, you could engage in a different kind of battle with me." With a burst ofughter, the courtesan leaned in closer to Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, yfully patting the cheek of the woman by his side. But he was puzzled. Why were there only a few hundred men? If he was to takemand, wouldn''t Xu have the decency to give him at least several tens of thousands of soldiers?


    After probing a little more, he found that the two courtesans knew little else, only confirming for him and Gao Qiu that there indeed wasn''t arge army stationed in Chuzhou. The two men exchanged nces, their doubts deepening.


    Seeing that the Hundred-Man Commander Zhao from the neighboring table was having a great time with his courtesan, Lin Wanrong signaled to Gao Qiu. Gao Qiu nodded, and Lin Wanrong approached, patting Commander Zhao''s shoulder and saying with augh, "General Zhao, what a coincidence!"


    General Zhao, thoroughly enjoying himself as he fondled the girl at his side, turned around in response to the call, only to see a young man winking and smiling at him. He paused, confused, and asked, "You are...?"


    "Do you not remember me? Capital City... The Eight Alleys..." Lin Wanrong suggested, pretending to jog his memory.


    [TL: During the middle andte Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911 AD), the Eight Alleys used to be the red-light district near the Forbidden City, attracting many officials. In that time, there were nearly hundreds of brothels, with many ssy ones, distributed in the eight alleys. At present, it was called Eight Great Hutongs.]


    At the mention of the Eight Alleys, General Zhao''s eyes lit up, "Ah, you are...you are that...who?"


    "I am Lin..." Lin Wanrong responded with a salute, "Also a frequent visitor of the Eight Alleys."


    "So it really is you, Master Lin," General Zhao suddenly seemed to understand, yet he struggled to remember exactly who this Master Lin was and from which influential family he hailed, "Why are you here in Chuzhou?"


    "Oh, I am traveling the world. Today, I happened upon Chuzhou. An old habit red up, and I decided to have a drink here. I didn''t expect to run into General Zhao. It''s indeed a pleasant surprise."


    At this point, Gao Qiu silently stood behind Lin Wanrong, his eyes gleaming as he surveyed the room. It was clear he was Lin Wanrong''s bodyguard. Although General Zhao was only a Hundred-Man Commander, he came from the Divine Machine Unit stationed near the capital and had a keen eye. Seeing the tall and fierce-looking Gao Qiu, he quietly wondered about Master Lin''s background and why such a formidable man was his bodyguard.


    General Zhao invited Lin Wanrong to sit down, and Gao Qiu took his position behind him. As they talked, Lin Wanrong, unfamiliar with theyout of the capital, let Gao Qiu fill in the gaps. As a guard in the royal pce, Gao Qiu was more than familiar with the city''s topography and affairs. The number of doors in the pce, which concubine the emperor favored, where the houses of the Secretaries were, which house in the Eight Alleys the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel had stayed inst night, who had impregnated the daughter of the Inspection Censor, all the gossip was shared.


    A few sentences in, General Zhao was convinced that Master Lin was indeed from the capital, even though he couldn''t remember where he had seen him. However, seeing Lin Wanrong''s darkplexion, he was reassured that he likely wasn''t the descendant of any high-ranking officials.


    General Zhao, whose full name was Zhao Liangyu, was a Hundred-Man Commander in the Divine Machine Unit stationed near the capital. This time, he led two Hundred-Man squads, escorting tworge cannons to the front lines in Jining. Those who came with him today were his banner leaders. Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong felt a slight disappointment. This Zhao Liangyu only had a couple hundred men under hismand. Commanding an army? That was a joke.


    Zhao Liangyu chatted with Lin Wanrong for a bit and felt they were fairly acquainted, especially since they had "met" in the Eight Alleys. So he rxed and began to joke around again, draping his arm around the woman by his side. Gao Qiu, observing all of this, shook his head in private. For soldiers from the Divine Machine Unit, which was essentially a royal guard near the capital, they sure had an intriguing character.


    "General Zhao, looking at your spirited eyes and your powerful presence, I can tell you are from a distinguished family. May I ask about your ancestors?" Lin Wanrongughingly said.


    "The current Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Wart, Master Tie, is a distant uncle of mine," Zhao Liangyu said with pride.


    "Oh, so you are the distant nephew of Master Tie. My apologies for not knowing," Lin Wanrong chuckled. No wonder he was still just a Hundred-Man Commander. It turned out his uncle was a distant one.


    "May I ask what you do in the capital, Master Lin? I seem to remember you mentioning it once in the Eight Alleys. But I have forgotten," Zhao Liangyu inquired about Lin Wanrong''s background.


    "Oh, my family owns a cloth store. Just a small business," Lin Wanrong responded honestly.


    Hearing this, Zhao Liangyu felt even more at ease, and he slightly sneered, "So you''re a merchant. That exins it."


    Damn it, thought Lin Wanrong, I earn my money honestly through business, which is far better than using military funds for debauchery.


    "General Zhao, doesn''t it seem inconvenient for you toe to a pleasure house dressed in military armor?" Lin Wanrong asked, smiling.


    "What''s so inconvenient about that? We, the soldiers of the Divine Machine Unit, have fought hard on the front lines. What''s so outrageous about visiting a brothel?" Zhao Liangyu responded casually and dismissively nced at Lin Wanrong, thinking that he was such a meddler.


    "Aren''t you supervised by anyone?" Lin Wanrong asked with a grin. "I''ve heard a very important person ising to Chuzhou to lead you to a glorious victory."


    "Important person, my ass! It''s just some junior Military Strategist. I don''t even know where they dug him up from. I bet he has never seen a real battlefield. And he dares to lead an army? We''ve been waiting here for him for days," Zhao Liangyu shouted, clearly displeased. His subordinates echoed him, "That so-called Military Strategist is nowhere near as good as our General Zhao. He isn''t fit to lead an army. It should be General Zhao who takesmand."


    Seeing them protesting loudly, Lin Wanrong leaned in to whisper to Gao Qiu, "Brother Gao, can Mr. Xu handle this Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Wart?"


    Gao Qiu smiled, "A petty Deputy Minister can''tpare to Mr. Xu. Moreover, thisd is just a Hundred-Man Commander. His rtionship with Deputy Minister Tie surely can''t be that good."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong whispering with Gao Qiu and recalling his previous question, Zhao Liangyu''s face changed. "Who are you? How do you know someone ising to Chuzhou?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "Well, I am but a humble Military Strategist, also known as Lin San."


    "Military Strategist?" The faces of everyone present paled. If that was the case, wasn''t this the man supposed tomand the troops in Chuzhou? The g bearers were especially upset. They had just criticized the Military Strategist! While their Hundred-Man Commander Zhao had the backing of the Deputy Minister, they, however, weren''t so lucky.


    Zhao Liangyu, after all, was a Hundred-Man Commander. After a moment of panic, he suppressed the anxiety in his heart and said, "You have no proof. Do you have an imperial edict?"


    Gao Qiu snorted, "The Imperial Edict of Marshal Xu, it''s not for someone of your rank to inspect. Once you have gathered your soldiers, someone will read it out."


    Zhao Liangyu didn''t dare to make a sound. He was a man of the military and understood the importance of obeying orders. Although this Military Strategist didn''t hold a formal position, he did have the power tomand troops. If he offended him, one military order could lead to his execution without anyone daring to object.


    Lin Wanrong, with a sinister smile, asked, "Commander Zhao, do you know your crime?"


    Zhao Liangyu, with cold sweat rolling down his forehead, dared not speak. Lin Wanrong said with a sneer, "Brother Gao, ording to our Great Huaws, what should be the punishment for fraternizing with prostitutes while on military duty and ndering superiors?"


    "ording to thew, it''s death!" Gao Qiu said decisively.


    Zhao Liangyu and his fellow g bearers hurriedly knelt down and pleaded, "Please spare us, General Lin. We were confused waiting for you in Chuzhou. That''s why we came to this pleasure house. Please consider Deputy Minister Tie''s face and spare us."


    "Harassing the civilians, visiting a brothel in armor, any of these offenses can be punished by death." Lin Wanrong sighed, "Commander Zhao, you''re putting me in a difficult position."


    Hearing that there seemed to be room for negotiation in his tone, Zhao Liangyu quickly bowed, "I was confused. Please forgive me, General Lin. I will never dare to do this again."


    Lin Wanrong snorted, "In that case, remove your armors. Return to the camp and await your punishment."


    Gao Qiu acted ordingly, ordering them to remove their armor, holding them in his own hands. They were left wearing only their undergarments. Seeing that this new Military Strategist seemed to have some fear of his distant uncle, Deputy Minister Tie, Zhao Liangyu felt a bit relieved. With this rtionship at his disposal, he was not afraid.


    The crowd saw the once noisy soldiers suddenly calm down, take off their armors and be utterlypliant. They didn''t know what had happened. It was only after this group left the Lixiang Pavilion that they began to chatter.


    Lin Wanrong ordered the g bearers to bring the horses, leaving only Zhao Liangyu, "Commander Zhao, where are your troops stationed?"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s polite approach, Zhao Liangyu felt much more at ease. He replied, "General, my two hundred men are stationed at the foot of Langya Mountain."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Are only your Divine Machine Unit soldiers stationed in Chuzhou? By rights, there should also be soldiers from Shandong and Zhejiang. Where are they stationed?"


    "In response to your question, General, there is a Hundred-Man Commander from both Shandong and Zhejiang. They lead two groups of hundred soldiers each, stationed at Langya Mountain, very close to my Divine Machine Unit," Zhao Liangyu answered.


    Shandong and Zhejiang each had over two hundred men? By that count, in Chuzhou City, including the Divine Machine Unit, there were just over six hundred soldiers. No wonder there was little activity. Xu Wei, the old man, had tricked him. He had thought he would be leading an army of thousands. Who knew it would be just a tiny group of men? Such a force would barely be enough for a single charge on the battlefield. And yet, they wanted him to lead this? He sulkily thought this was a far cry from themand he had imagined.


    "What are those more than two hundred men each from Zhejiang and Shandong doing here? Surely they are not also here to visit brothels." Upon learning the truth, Lin Wanrong''s spirits deted significantly, his words nowcking energy. He thought to himself, ''I was too naive. I should have known that Xu Wei wouldn''t trust my abilities that easily. He probably handed these six hundred men to me as a test. Damn, if he wanted to observe me, he should have said so earlier. All these roundabout ways, and I even yed matchmaker for him. However, if Xu Wei had rashly handed over tens of thousands of soldiers to him, then this old man wouldn''t have been worth helping.'' With this thought, he felt slightly better.


    "The troops from Zhejiang are here to transport supplies, and those from Shandong are here to meet them. Although there are over four hundred of thembined, they areposed of remnants selected from various garrisons," Zhao Liangyu exined.


    Transporting supplies? Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened. The rule of ''supplies move first, then the army'' was as basic as it could be. Xu Wei had used only four hundred men for supply transport, and they were the leftovers? It had to be a joke. If the White Lotus cult received this information, they would bepletely finished.


    "What kind of supplies?" Lin Wanrong managed to steady his mood and asked.


    "As winter ising, they are transporting dry grass for the warhorses. The main supply transport troops have already passed. What remains now is only supplementary, with or without, it wouldn''t matter," Zhao Liangyu''s words eased Lin Wanrong''s doubts. No wonder Xu Wei trusted him with such a "great responsibility."


    In that case, those who had remained in Chuzhou to wait for Military Strategist Lin, were a motley crew and mixed units, numbering over six hundred in total. Lin Wanrong managed a bitter smile. Xu Wei, the old man, was indeed good at setting difficult tasks.


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 Chapter 238

    Chapter 238


    Chapter 238 Night Patrol of the Three Camps


    Lin Wanrong and Gao Qiu, apanied by Zhao Liangyu and several g bearers, spurred their horses into a gallop. They arrived at the base of Langya Mountain in one breath, where from a distance, they could see a few tents lit up, bustling with shadows of people, presenting a lively scene.


    "Commander Zhao, your camp seems quite lively. It appears that the brothers have a rather vibrant off-duty life!" Lin Wanrong said with a yful grin.


    Zhao Liangyu, the hundred-menmander, awkwardlyughed twice without giving a reply. They hadn''t even approached the camp when they began to hear the nonstop mor, coupled with the sound of dice hitting cups. Several soldiers were loudly yelling, "Roll, roll, one, two, three, six, small, house wins all!"


    Having spent a long time in the pce, Gao Qiu knew that gambling with the guards wasmon, but he was surprised to find that the soldiers had the audacity to hold public gambling events while in the army camp.


    Lin Wanrong squinted his eyes and asked, "Commander Zhao, what is that noise?"


    Zhao Liangyu''s face turned alternately red and pale, feigning ignorance, he said, "Reporting to the general, I don''t know. Perhaps the soldiers are just making a ruckus out of boredom during the march."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. If the officials were out whoring, the soldiers would be in the houses gambling. This Divine Machine Unit was indeed chaotic from top to bottom, covering all forms of indulgence.


    As they dismounted, they saw two massive cannons ced in the center of the camp. A soldier waszily leaning against a carriage, dozing off, oblivious to their approach.


    Lin Wanrong carefully examined the tworge cannons, made of pig iron, with long and thick barrels that bore no signs of firing. These must be the improved cannons that Xu Wei had mentioned. He stroked the cold barrel, his interest piqued. He wondered about the power of these cannons and thought that he might fire a couple of rounds himself when he had the chance.


    Zhao Liangyu saw the newly arrived Military Strategist, General Lin, staring intently at the two cannons he was transporting, and seemed very interested. He promptly boasted, "These two cannons are thetest creations of the ingenious craftsmen of our Divine Machine Unit and have not been used yet. It is said that these cannons are extremely powerful and urate. Once on the frontline, they will surely obliterate those White Lotus rebels."


    urate firing? Even the most urate cannon would be a decoration in the hands of these tofu soldiers, thought Lin Wanrong as he sneered, "Oh, is that so? In that case, I''m looking forward to seeing the power of these cannons tomorrow. I won''t hide it from you, Commander Zhao, I''ve never seen a cannon fired."


    Lin Wanrong, apanied by Gao Qiu, entered the central tent, where about twenty soldiers surrounded a small table, engrossed in their gambling.


    Lin Wanrong signaled to Gao Qiu with a nce. Gao Qiu strode forward in three steps, grabbed the cup of dice, and loudly announced, "Who dares to gamble with me?"


    The crowd, seeing his towering and intimidating figure but noticing hisck of armor, didn''t know where he came from. A few soldiers yelled, "You audaciousd, this is the sacred ground of the Divine Machine Unit, not a ce for the likes of you to trespass."


    Zhao Liangyu hurriedly said, "Watch your manners. These two are the newly arrived Military Strategist, General Lin, and his apanying officer. Shouldn''t you all pay your respects?"


    The soldiers were terrified at the revtion, hastily bowing and paying their respects to the two high-ranking officials. Lin Wanrong,ughing, said, "No harm done. Since you brothers enjoy gambling with dice, then allow mypanion, Officer Gao, to join in on the fun. However, to make it truly interesting, we should add a little something extra."


    Seeing the newly arrived Military Strategist speak, everyone fell silent and listened attentively. The General continued, "Here''s the deal. All the brothers participating in the gambling here will each get a turn to gamble individually with Officer Gao. If you win, then the matter of today''s gambling within the army has nothing to do with you. But if you lose," General Lin smirked, "you''ll have to ept the military punishment of fifty heavy strokes. Oh, and I think Commander Zhao should be the one to personally administer the punishment."


    At these words, the people in the tent began discussing amongst themselves. ording to thews of the Great Hua army, gambling in the army was a serious crime, punishable even by beheading. However, the soldiers of the Divine Machine Unit, who were ustomed to being arrogant, didn''t really care about these military regtions. The sudden arrival of the Military Strategist threatening real consequences had left them somewhat afraid.


    Lin Wanrong had already guessed their thoughts. He smiled and said, "Brothers, don''t worry. My rule is very fair. Since everyone enjoys gambling, I''ve specially opened this game. If you win, that''s your skill, and I, as a general, have nothing to say. But if you lose, then you must ept the loss. We soldiers, what''s a flogging to us?"


    Upon consideration, the men realized that indeed, the ones who agreed to gamble must ept the loss. Moreover, the general had given everyone a chance, so why not go up and test their luck? Several brave soldiers stepped forward to challenge Officer Gao.


    Gao Qiu, a master of gambling and a martial arts expert, could easily manipte the dice. Whether he wanted big or small, he got what he wished for. These soldiers were no match for him, and after one round, they were defeated. Within moments, all the twenty soldiers in the tent had lost.


    Seeing all the soldiers dejected, Lin Wanrong swept his gaze over them and loudly asked, "Who else wants to gamble?" After witnessing Gao Qiu''s prowess, none of the soldiers dared to act out. They all remained silent.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I''ve given everyone a chance. This rule will always be in effect. If anyone can beat Officer Gao, at any time, any ce, even if it''s in the middle of a battlefield, I won''t mind at all. But if you lose, the flogging is inevitable."


    He smirked at Zhao Liangyu, "Commander, these brothers are all yours. Twenty people, if you break five rods, that''s eptable."


    Upon hearing this, the soldiers drew in a sharp breath. The Military Strategist was smiling, but his actions were brutal. The fifty heavy strokes would leave them bedridden for several days. But rank scares the brave, and with these being military rules, they considered themselves unlucky to have crossed paths with this general today.


    General Lin had given Commander Zhao an unyielding order to break five rods, and given that Zhao Liangyu himself was at General Lin''s mercy, he dared not hesitate. Gathering all his strength, he personally carried out the punishment. These soldiers, bold enough to publicly gamble in the camp, were all Zhao Liangyu''s confidants. However, today they had to endure their Commander''s harsh punishment, which naturally left them extremely unsettled.


    Listening to the wails from outside, Gao Qiu worriedly said, "Brother Lin, punishing so many people at once, could it cause any trouble or mutiny?"


    "Mutiny?" Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile and shook his head, then sighed. "Brother Gao, I''m not afraid of them mutinying. If they did mutiny, it would indicate that they still have some of a soldier''s spirit. I''m afraid that they don''t even have the courage to mutiny."


    Gao Qiu contemted his words and found them quite insightful. These soldiers of the Divine Machine Unit were usually arrogant and overbearing, appearing fierce but truly they were bullies who feared the tough. Speaking of soldier''s spirit, they indeed seemedcking. Brother Lin''s view was indeed unique, seeing right to the heart of the issue. No wonder Mr. Xu held him in such high regard.


    After a while, a heavily sweating Zhao Liangyu came in to report, "General Lin, all twenty men have been punished, and five rods have been broken, please verify." Immediately, the banner officers following him presented the five broken rods, which were spotted with blood.


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively, smirked, and said, "Good job, Commander Zhao. Pass the order down. From now on, anyone found gambling in the camp will be punished in the same way. Also, pass mymand. Tomorrow morning, the Divine Machine Unit will hold an exercise with live fire. I want to personally inspect it."


    The few men answered in unison, and the banner officers arranged the tasks overnight. Lin Wanrong stopped Zhao Liangyu and said, "Commander Zhao, where are the soldiers from Zhejiang and Shandong stationed? Lead me to inspect them."


    Zhao Liangyu had apletely new understanding of this smiling general. Swift in action and ruthless in method, he was not someone to be trifled with.


    The tent of the Divine Machine Unit was on the far left, and a mile away was the camp of the two hundred soldiers from Zhejiang. A mile further was the camp of the Shandong soldiers. The three groups, each led by a hundred-men Commander, didn''t interfere with each other, forming three small clusters.


    When Zhao Liangyu led Lin Wanrong and Gao Qiu to the Zhejiang camp, it was not as noisy as the Divine Machine Unit. The camp was brightly lit, with several carts loaded with food and grass stationed there, and soldiers were moving about.


    Lin Wanrong carefully observed the soldiers and found that they were indeed as Zhao Liangyu had described: old or young, weak and emaciated.


    The two hundred men from Zhejiang were led by a hundred-men Commander named Du Xiuyuan. When Du Xiuyuan learned of General Lin''s arrival, he hastily came out of the camp to greet him. Commander Du, with a clean-shaven face and lively eyes, saluted Lin Wanrong, "I am Du Xiuyuan, honored to meet General Lin."


    "Commander Du, it''s interesting," Lin Wanrong said with a smile, "This is my first visit to your camp, yet it''s so quiet. There seem to be no guards. Could it be that all the soldiers in the camp are asleep?"


    "General Lin, you misunderstand," Du Xiuyuan hurriedly exined. "It''s not that I haven''t arranged for any defense, it''s just that the soldiers under mymand, both from the old regiments and the newly recruited, vary greatly in age, with the oldest being in their forties and the youngest barely fourteen or fifteen. With such disparity and no unified training, if we were to openly disy our formation, the enemy would instantly gauge our strength. That would be unwise."


    "Oh?" Lin Wanrong looked at Du Xiuyuan with interest. This clean-shaven man seemed to have some ideas. "What''s your strategy?"


    Instead of exposing our weakness, it''s better to hide in the dark," Du Xiuyuan exined. "Although my troops are weak, they can still prove their worth." He pped his hands thrice, and from the camp, around seventy soldiers emerged, old and young, yet physically stronger than expected. They formed a defensive formation, with spearmen on the outside and swordsmen inside.


    Du Xiuyuan continued, "These are the elite troops I''ve chosen from the more than two hundred soldiers under mymand. They secretly guard the camp, far stronger than those openly unting their strength."


    So it was a strategy of appearing rxed while maintaining tight internal control. This Du Xiuyuan did have some ideas. However, observing his troops, their formation was good, but their individual abilities were quitecking. Lin Wanrong sighed and said, "Commander Du, you have ideas, and that''s good. However, your soldiers need more training." He walked up to a spearsman, pulled him with both hands, and the soldier lost bnce, falling sideways.


    Zhao Liangyu''s troops, even though they were from the Divine Machine Unit, were much better than these Zhejiang soldiers. Seeing the flimsy formation of the Zhejiang troops, he couldn''t help but burst outughing.


    Lin Wanrong shot him a sharp re, What''s so funny? Wait until tomorrow morning when the Divine Machine Unit tests the cannons. I''ll give you something tough about then. Du Xiuyuan''s face turned red and white, not knowing what to do. Soldiers from the south were physically weaker than those from the north, not to mention these were the leftovers.


    Looking at Du Xiuyuan, this Commander seemed to have a strategy but was not good at training troops. Lin Wanrong nodded and patted Du Xiuyuan''s shoulder, "Brother Du, don''t worry. Training troops is not an overnight task. Your strength lies in strategy, focus on that. You seem to be educated, what does your family do?"


    Du Xiuyuan answered, "General, I''m from Hangzhou, my family has been in business for generations. But under my management, our fortunes declined, and since I was interested in the military, I joined the army."


    "A businessman?" Lin Wanrong was very interested when he heard this. No wonder Du Xiuyuan had some strategic acumen. Businessmen are cunning, bringing that to the military might not be a bad thing. "We are colleagues then, I''m also a businessman in Jinling, and this time Mr. Xu asked me to take on this temporary duty."


    After touring the Zhejiang camp, Lin Wanrong noted that Du Xiuyuan''s soldiers, though individually weak, were somewhat skilled in formation, reflecting Du Xiuyuan''s hard work.


    Not one to back down from a challenge, Lin Wanrong, apanied by two hundred-men Commanders, decided to head straight into the Shandong camp. They were still a considerable distance away from the camp when they heard the cacophony of a massive skirmish, punctuated by the asional whinny of a war horse. Startled, Lin Wanrong eximed, "What on earth is going on? Has a fight broken out?"


    Du Xiuyuan by his side exined, "General Lin, you may not be aware, but this is how Hu Bugui, the Commander of Shandong camp, trains his troops. He does this morning and night, relying solely on brute force. I fear it may be of little help on the battlefield." The disdain in Du Xiuyuan''s voice was evident; it seemed he was not in agreement with Hu Bugui''s methods.


    Before Lin Wanrong and his entourage could approach the Shandong camp, several soldiers sprang from the roadside, challenging them: "Who dares to trespass on our camp at night?"


    Gao Qiu shouted back, "Quickly inform your Commander. General Lin is here on a night patrol." Immediately, one of the soldiers went to ry the message while the rest kept a wary eye on Lin Wanrong and his party, as though they were the enemy.


    Noting that these soldiers were merely fourteen or fifteen years old but already possessed a certain hardness, Lin Wanrong nodded slightly. "Young fellows, how long have you been in the army?" he asked.


    One of the boys, who appeared to be the leader, responded aggressively, "Don''t try to extract information about our army."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily at this spirited young man. Looking toward the camp, he saw dust swirling under the brightmplight, with two toons of men engaging in fiercebat on horseback, while others trained vigorously against wooden dummies. Despite beingposed of leftovers from other units, they possessed a certain ferocity. From these sentries alone, one could see that Hu Bugui certainly had a knack for training troops.


    While he was musing over this, a burly, dark-faced military officer in his forties approached, his fast and urgent stride exuding an air of authority. Before the man arrived, his gruff voice could be heard, "Which of you is General Lin?"


    Lin Wanrong stepped forward with a smile, "I am Lin San. Are you the illustrious and valiant Commander Hu Bugui?"


    Upon seeing this youthful, joking man of about twenty who seemed to be ttering him openly, Hu Bugui felt a wave of disdain. However, noticing that both Zhao Liangyu and Du Xiuyuan were following Lin Wanrong, he figured that this man''s status must be genuine. Bowing respectfully, he said, "Hu Bugui greets General Lin."


    "There''s no need for formality, brother Hu. I just arrived in Chuzhou today and thought I''d take a look around. I hope you won''t take offense at my intrusion," Lin Wanrong replied cheerfully.


    Hu Bugui thought to himself, as my superior, it''s only natural for you to inspect my camp. Still, you have to pretend to be modest and talk about intruding. This man is incredibly insincere. Hu Bugui internally sneered at General Lin, and said out loud, "General Lin, you''re too polite. Please, follow me."


    As they walked past the young soldiers, Lin Wanrong turned to the young man who had previously rebuffed him, asking, "Young man, what''s your name?"


    The young soldier thought his previous words and actions had offended Lin Wanrong, and a hint of fear shed across his face. However, he quickly recovered, raising his chin in defiance and dering, "My name is"


    Hu Bugui, unable to decipher Lin Wanrong''s intentions but noticing the young soldier''s expression, preemptively intervened, "General Lin, these soldiers are under mymand and act only upon my orders. If there is any me to beid, it should fall on me."


    Though Hu Bugui was somewhat brash, he was loyal to his troops. Lin Wanrongughed and responded, "Why would I punish anyone, Hu? This youngd has shown courage andmitment to his duty. He should be praised, not reprimanded."


    Hu Bugui couldn''t fathom the true intentions behind the grinning general''s words. Whether genuine or not, he quickly guided Lin Wanrong further into the camp. Throughout their journey, the camp was disciplined, with sharp weapons and stern soldiers. The atmosphere was a stark contrast to that of the Divine Machine Unit and Zhejiang Camp. Even though the two hundred Shandong soldiers were of varied ages, their physical strength and size far surpassed the soldiers from the south. Hu Bugui''s training prowess was impressive; in such a short time, he had transformed this motley crew into formidable fighters.


    The two groups of soldiers practicing nighttimebat were Hu Bugui''s trump card. They were expert horsemen with lethal swordsmanship, presenting a formidable spectacle. Lin Wanrong, intrigued, asked, "Commander Hu, how long have you been training these soldiers?"


    "About a month," Hu Bugui replied.


    Lin Wanrong was astonished. A mere month of training had produced such a formidable force. Despite being in his forties, Hu Bugui''s talents were undeniable. However, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but wonder why someone as skilled as him was only a hundred-men Commander.


    "Brother Hu, in your opinion, is there really such a significant difference between the soldiers from the south and those from Shandong?" Lin Wanrong asked, his tone hinting at something deeper.


    Hu Bugui responded, "The southern soldiers are generally softer and physically weakerpared to those from the north, due to their geographical nature. However, this isn''t a deciding factor. If the southern soldiers were under mymand, I could make them just as fierce as my Shandong warriors. My years of military experience have proven that there are no weak soldiers, only weak generals."


    The implication of his words directed at Du Xiuyuan was clear. Du''s face reddened as he retorted, "Your focus on individual soldiers and neglect of group tactics and formation training will cost you on the battlefield."


    "And you believe those delicate soldiers of yours, who couldn''t even squish an ant, will win the battle by showing off some shy moves?" Hu Bugui retorted.


    Though they hailed from Zhejiang and Shandongregions not typically at oddsthey somehow found themselves in a heated argument. Lin Wanrong, however, found this technical debate intriguing. As someone who had little patience for ttery, the candid exchange between Du Xiuyuan and Hu Bugui was exactly what he wanted.


    Observing these Commanders'' incessant quarreling, Lin Wanrong suggested with a smile, "Gentlemen, there''s no need for this dispute. Coincidentally, I am scheduled to inspect the Divine Machine Unit''s artillery tomorrow morning. Why don''t we seize the opportunity to conduct a live drill? Both of you should bring your troops and engage in a battle simtion. That way, we can settle the argument once and for all."


    The idea was good, and the two Commanders had no objections, so they agreed to hold a joint training session the following morning.


    General Lin Wanrong was intrigued by the quality of the soldiers under Hu Bugui''smand; they were clearly superior in their individual abilities. He was especially curious about the man with the big beard. Grasping his arm, he said, "Brother Hu, I see that you have a unique way of training and leading soldiers. How is it that you are still only a hundred-men Commander? You should at least be a thousand-men Commander, or even a garrison Commander."


    Hu Bugui gave him a wary look, unsure whether he should answer. Lin Wanrongughed and said, "It seems I''ve overstepped our acquaintance. Perhaps Brother Hu is not yet familiar with me. I am a straightforward, honest, modest, and studious man. It was for these qualities that Mr. Xu sent me to lead troops in Chuzhou. Though we''ve just met, I have a weakness for seeing talents mistreated. That''s why I dared to ask, wishing to speak up for you."


    Seeing him boast, Hu Bugui found it amusing. But he had to admit that this man was genuinely open-hearted, so he replied, "To tell you the truth, General Lin, I am a man of Jining."


    "Jining?" Lin Wanrong furrowed his brow. Wasn''t that the origin ce of the White Lotus cult? He continued to ask, "Brother Hu, did you get involved because of this White Lotus cult?"


    Hu Bugui nodded, "The White Lotus cult deceives the people and does evil, and I find them contemptible. I was originally fighting against the barbarians in the north, and was promoted to a thousand-men Commander. But when the White Lotus incident happened, the court distrusted all the officers from Jining, and I was called back and demoted to a hundred-men Commander."


    No wonder Hu Bugui was proficient in leading troops; he had once fought against the barbarians and had served as a thousand-men Commander. Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "The court is absurd. How can they distinguish between loyal and treacherous officials based on region? These people only think with their asses."


    Although his words were coarse, they appealed to Hu Bugui, who quickly changed his opinion of General Lin. Heughed, saying, "It seems General Lin shares my sentiments. While the White Lotus cult is evil, they are simply a rabble and easy to deal with. The true enemies of our Great Hua Empire are the nomadic barbarians from the north. Although I am from Jining, my ancestors lived in the north. My father died under the hooves of the barbarians, and I bear a deep grudge against them. My original name was Hu Shouxin, but I changed it to Hu Bugui, meaning ''the barbarians shall not return,'' to express my resolve to resist them."


    So the name Hu Bugui was one he had chosen for himself. Lin Wanrongughed and gave him a thumbs-up, "Brother Hu, you have such grand ambitions. I admire you. Don''t worry, I have a good rtionship with Old Xu. When I have a chance, I''ll speak on your behalf. It distresses me to see talents being mistreated."


    Hu Bugui was shocked when he heard him refer to Marshal Xu as Old Xu. He wondered who this Military Strategist, General Lin, really was. His tone was so big, could it be that he was really close with Marshal Xu?


    Lin Wanrong, newly arrived in Chuzhou, had visited three camps in one breath and was truly exhausted. Among the three camps, aside from thex discipline of the Divine Machine Unit, the other two were passable, which brought somefort to his mind.


    Spending his first night in the military camp, the sound of patrolling soldiers intermittently walking past kept him awake for a long time. Life was indeed strange. From the moment he entered the Xiao family, his life had inexplicably changed. He had done a lot of messy things, met many people, and now, as a mere servant, he was leading hundreds of soldiers to the frontline. Who would believe it if the news were spread?


    He sighed, a multitude of faces shing across his mind. Where was Qingxuan? Did she know that he had been dragged into the army inexplicably? Was Qiaoqiao, the little girl, sound asleep? She must be thinking about him. The Second Miss was probably praying for him again. And Luo Ning, was that girl counting the days for his return? And the Eldest Miss, he wouldn''t see her for a while. He was not used to not having his daily banter with her.


    Upon reflection, they were all women, women with whom he had ambiguous rtionships. He couldn''t help butugh at himself. Having entangled himself with so many wives and potential wives, he was indeed quite a character.


    As he was drifting between sleep and wakefulness, he suddenly heard a soft voice whispering in his ear, "Young master, young master..."


    He turned over groggily, intending to sink back into sleep when he suddenly became aware. He was in the army camp. Where would a woman be talking to him?


    Startled awake by the surprise, he quickly sat up on the bed. To his astonishment, there was a woman sitting by his bed, smiling at him with alluring charm.


    "Xian''er?!" Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise, softly calling out.


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 Chapter 239

    Chapter 239


    Chapter 239 The Stubborn Xianer


    The seated woman possessed the beauty of a masterpiece painting, her face adorned with a gentle smile, filled with affection. Wasn''t she the charming Qin Xian''er?


    "Young Master, have you awakened?" Qin Xian''er looked at him, gracing him with a smile.


    Could he not wake up when this youngdy called him a few times? Lin Wanrong sat up,ughing as he said, "Xian''er, how did youe here?"


    Having said that, his body was already drenched in cold sweat. It was not the first time someone had invaded his room in the middle of the night. First, it was Xiao Qingxuan, then it was Old Wei, and now it was Qin Xian''er. He hadn''t expected that even Old Wei was a top expert, just like Qin Xian''er and the others. If they wanted to take his life, it would be as easy as slicing a watermelon. Luckily, one of these three was his wife and Old Wei wasn''t bad to him, which was why he had managed to live peacefully until now.


    Thinking about this, he suddenly remembered Gao Qiu. Wasn''t this guy supposed to be an imperial guard? How did he not notice someone breaking in? Was this the mark of a skilled fighter? He was fortunate it was Xian''er; if it had been anyone else, he would have been killed long ago.


    "I have been staying in Chuzhou for the past few days." Qin Xian''er smiled and said, "When I saw you tonight, I was delighted. I found out where you were staying and came to see you."


    Qin Xian''er said these words lightly, but the more Lin Wanrong heard, the more rmed he became. To discover his dwelling ande to see him, was it easier than a casual visit? Damn, it seemed he had unknowingly died hundreds of times.


    His heart tightened, and he grabbed Xian''er''s hand, "How did you get in? There are soldiers guarding here."


    Qin Xian''er blushed and giggled, "The security here is tight. I changed my clothes and disguised myself to get in." It was then that Lin Wanrong noticed she was wearing light armor; she had disguised herself as a soldier.


    Qin Xian''er smiled again, "Actually, with my martial skills, entering your camp is not too difficult. But there''s a guard in your tent whose skills are good. I didn''t want to cause you any trouble, so I disguised myself."


    The guard she mentioned must be Gao Qiu. Lin Wanrong felt a bit relieved. Hearing her say that she didn''t want to cause trouble for him, he was moved and held her hand jokingly, "This armor is too heavy for you. Let me take it off."


    Qin Xian''er''s face flushed a deep red, "Young Master, you''re naughty." But even as she spoke, she had gently removed her armor, revealing her petite and voluptuous body.


    Being bored on a long night, and suddenly being visited by a great beauty, how could Lin Wanrong resist? He whispered in her ear, "Xian''er, sitting can be tiresome. Let''sy down and talk."


    Qin Xian''er emitted a soft sound, lowered her head to expose her long and white neck, blushed a few brilliant shades of red, "Young Master, you''re always teasing me." They had already shared a bed in Longhong vige in Hangzhou, whispered sweet nothings, and done everything except thest act. Therefore, a rekindling of their dream was not too bold.


    Lin Wanrong pulled her down to lie with him, and Qin Xian''er''s body snuggled tightly against him. The two of them squeezed together on the campaign bed, but it had its own charm.


    Lin Wanrong gave her a soft kiss on the ear, "Oh, Xian''er, the bed is a bit small. I''m sorry for the inconvenience. Would you like to sleep on me? Or perhaps, I should sleep on you?"


    Qin Xian''er lightly pounded her small fists against his chest, blushing as she said, "Young Master, don''t misbehave. It''s not that I am unwilling to give myself to you, but I fear you may not want me."


    Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered the ''Love Bug'' curse she was afflicted with; she was a beauty he could gaze upon but not consume. Ah, he didn''t know when he would find a solution. If he couldn''t consume, was he not allowed to touch? Lin Wanrong''s hands slowly moved beneath her clothes, cupping her delicate breasts. After a moment''s fondling, he sighed, "I apologize, Xian''er, I must confess. Every time I''m with you, seeing your beautiful face, your splendid figure, I have these unspeakable thoughts... I want to hold you, to touch you, to take advantage of you..." As he gently squeezed her tender buds, a wave of soft pleasure flowed through him, and he moaned indecently, "Can you forgive me?"


    Seeing his shameless actions and hearing his unscrupulous words, Qin Xian''er found herself without the slightest bit of annoyance despite his hands wandering all over her body. On the contrary, she felt ted, lightly biting her lip and blushing as she said, "Since the day I met you, I knew what kind of person you were, but I like you as you are, Young Master."


    Lin Wanrong smirked, caressing her smooth and slender stomach, he asked softly, "Among the White Lotus Sect, who else, apart from you, could infiltrate our camp so easily?"


    Her cheeks flush, Qin Xian''er pressed her ample bosom against his arm, panting, "Apart from me, only Master could... Oh, Young Master, please..."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong felt reassured, his hands exploring her smooth and exquisite long legs, reaching for the inside of her panties. Qin Xian''er let out a soft yelp, her jade-like legs mping onto his hands. She looked at him, her face as red as a sheet of paper, and sighed lightly, "Coming to find you, Young Master, I''ve been thinking about you every day, each passing day felt like a year. Despite your impertinence today, I have no regrets."


    A rosy hue rose to her smooth, white neck. She parted her legs slightly, closed her eyes, surrendering herself to him for exploration.


    Yet, Lin Wanrong simply held her in his arms, giving her a gentle kiss on her forehead, "Silly girl, do you think I''m a man without restraint?" Damn, if it weren''t for your ''Love Bug'' curse, I would have restraint... Not!


    Her face lit up in joy, Qin Xian''er opened her eyes wide and gave him a quick peck on the lips,ughing, "Thank you, Young Master, for your kindness. You''re wonderful."


    Lin Wanrong coughed awkwardly twice to cover his embarrassment, "Xian''er, howe you''re here in Chuzhou?"


    Qin Xian''er sighed, "We''ve been trying to rescue Senior Brother Lu recently, so I stayed in Hangzhou and didn''te back."


    "You''re trying to save Lu Zhongping?" Lin Wanrong nearly burst intoughter. This girl probably didn''t know that Lu Zhongping, out of fear, had already confessed everything.


    Qin Xian''er nodded, "Indeed, Master told us to save Senior Brother Lu at all costs. However, he was imprisoned by Xu Wei in a high-security prison. We''ve been waiting for a long time but haven''t found a solution. Recently, we heard that the military in Shandong was making strange movements, and an army was passing by Chuzhou, so we detoured here hoping to investigate. But we were a stepte. Only tonight did we get news that tens of thousands of troops from Zhejiang and Shandong have surrounded Jinan. I fear they intend to wipe out our White Lotus sect."


    She received this news far toote. It seemed that Xu Wei''s secrecy was quite effective. It will be hard for the White Lotus cult to escape this time.


    Seeing him deep in thought, Qin Xian''er leaned her face against his chest, "Young Master, weren''t you at the Xiao family''s residence? How did you end up here in the military camp?"


    Lin Wanrong was a bit troubled. Xian''er was a member of the White Lotus cult, the very group he was ordered to exterminate. He represented the imperial army, the embodiment of justice. Didn''t this create a dichotomy between good and evil? Would he have to stand in opposition to Xian''er? This was a troubling predicament; Xian''er, with her beauty, couldn''t be evil. He sighed, "It''s a long story. Why don''t you tell me first how you found me?"


    Qin Xian''er nced at him with a smile, "Have you forgotten my origins?"


    Lin Wanrong''s mind lit up, "The Lixiang Pavilion?"


    Xian''er nodded, "The brothels of several provinces like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui are mostly our informants. I got the news about the siege in Jinan tonight and was about to depart, but then I saw you entering Lixiang Pavilion."


    Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat. He would need to be cautious if he ever married Xian''er; otherwise, he might be discovered if he ever visited a brothel.


    "Xian''er, I went to Lixiang Pavilion for official business. You know, I am always serious." Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    Qin Xian''er covered her mouth andughed, "I know very well what kind of person Young Master is. How could you possibly have interest in those courtesans when you have women of iparable beauty by your side?"


    "Well, that might not be true. Remember when I visited Miaoyu Pavilion? Didn''t the most beautiful courtesan there take a fancy to me?" Lin Wanrong took her hand and looked at her with a smile.


    Upon hearing his reference to their past, Qin Xian''er was both shy and delighted. She softly said, "It wasn''t that I took a liking to you. You somehow deceived me, and I''ve been unable to free myself from you ever since."


    Of all the women Lin Wanrong had been intimate with, Qin Xian''er was the one he thought of least. Seeing her so attached to him, he felt both touched and a little guilty. He looked at her small face and seriously said, "Xian''er, you shouldn''t go back to Jinan this time."


    "Why?" Xian''er nced at him, her voice low.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "You see, I am now in a military camp,manding hundreds of soldiers."


    Qin Xian''er nodded. Lin Wanrong continued, "And these are just the third-rate reinforcements. Ahead, there are elite infantry and cavalry, as well as the Divine Machine Unit. Tens of thousands of troops have already surrounded Jinan. The court has made up its mind to eradicate your White Lotus Sect this time. If you go back now, it will be a path to self-destruction."


    Tears sparkled in Qin Xian''er''s eyes as she said, "Young Master, are you worried about me?"


    "Of course I am, Xian''er. This is war, not a game. I cannot bear to see you get hurt. Otherwise, I will live with heartache for the rest of my life."


    Upon hearing this, Qin Xian''er fell into his arms, sobbing, "Young Master, thank you. With your words, even death would leave me content."


    "Dear, don''t cry. Listen to me, don''t go back," Lin Wanrong tried to console her.


    However, Xian''er shook her head in his embrace. "I can''t. My master is still there. She raised me for many years, her kindness heavier than a mountain. I cannot abandon her. Young Master, you need not worry about me. You know, my martial arts skills are good; no one can hurt me."


    Frantically, Lin Wanrong patted her on the shoulder, "Silly girl, even with your good martial arts skills, they will be useless against our dozen or so giant cannons bombarding the area. Our cannons are very powerful, even more powerful than the cannon I carry."


    Tears poured down Xian''er''s face like rain, but a sweet smile graced her features. Through her sobbingughter, she said, "With your words, Young Master, Xian''er can die without regrets. But I cannot leave my benefactor. Without her, there would be no Xian''er today."


    "What about me then?" Seeing Xian''er''s stubbornness, Lin Wanrong resorted to charm. "You know, this time I am with the official army, and you are with the White Lotus Sect. Once we begin fighting, we be enemies. If we meet on the battlefield, what then? Although I enjoy being physical with you in bed, how could I raise my hand against you in battle? Xian''er, you''re asking for my life. Better you kill me with your sword right nowone strike, two if the first doesn''t do it, three if two don''t"


    Xian''er, terrified, quickly covered his mouth, eximing, "Young Master, don''t talk nonsense. Even if it costs me my life, I could never harm you. If we meet on the battlefield, I would rather die under the bombardment than draw my sword against you." She held Lin Wanrong tight, softly but firmly dering, "Young Master, you are my lifeline. Without you, I wouldn''t want to live."


    This stubborn girl, Lin Wanrong sighed in resignation. Though she was outwardly gentle and obedient, Qin Xian''er had a strong will of her own, something he had experienced firsthand. No matter how much he persuaded her, it was all in vain. She had already made up her mind.


    "Xian''er, you really do want to take my life," Lin Wanrong gently said, stroking her silky hair.


    Tears had soaked his chest as she held him tighter, "Young Master, could you hold me tighter?"


    Lin Wanrong held the delicate woman in his arms, caressing her smooth back. Thinking of her lonely fate and her profound love for him, he felt an intense surge of emotion. Holding her soft, boneless body, he found no lust arising within him.


    My realm had elevated once again. As he gazed at Xian''er, who had fallen asleep in his arms, her lovely mouth curved into a slight smile. Dewy tears clung to her long eyshes, and her delicate eyebrows furrowed faintly. It seemed as if some unresolved matter weighed on her even in her dreams, causing one''s heart to ache at the sight. He couldn''t help but sigh deeply, holding her body closer. An inexplicable sense of unease welled up within him.


    "Xian''er, you mustn''t get hurt! I will not allow anything to harm you!" He softly kissed her forehead and said with determination. The two of them then fell asleep, nestled together on the narrow military cot.


    In the lonely silence of the midnight, he felt a sudden chill, as if something was missing. Hurrying to open his eyes, he saw the gentle moonlight streaming in, illuminating the bed. But where was Xian''er? Her faint fragrance lingered on the pillow, a few strands of her long hair evidence that the previous moment wasn''t merely a dream.


    A small piece of paper slipped from the head of the bed, on it a line written in delicate script, "I would rather die than see you hurt!"


    Lin Wanrong held the piece of paper, silent for a long time. Xian''er had left! The silly girl!


    A sudden wave of frustration hit him. Noticing that the hour was past the fourth watch of the night, he gritted his teeth and barked, "Gao Qiu, gather everyone. Everyone, assemble now."


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 Chapter 240

    Chapter 240


    Chapter 240 Fire the Cannon


    Gao Qiu, startled by the suddenmotion, hurried over from his quarters nearby. Though he had just woken up, his face bore no trace of sleepiness. In a rush, he asked, "Brother Lin, what is it?"


    Lin Wanrong spoke in a deep voice, "Have Zhao Liangyu lead the Divine Machine Unit, Du Xiuyuan take charge of the army of Zhejiang, and Hu Bugui lead the Shandong troops, to assemble urgently at the Divine Machine Unit''s camp. There can be no mistakes."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s serious demeanor, Gao Qiu assumed there was an emergency military situation. Not daring to dy, he agreed and went out to deliver the orders.


    Lin Wanrong rose to his feet and paced back and forth in the tent. The thought of Qin Xianer''s predicament gripped his heart. Qin Xianer was bound to enter the battlefield to defend her master, but she was virtually invulnerable to des and swords due to her martial prowess. The most lethal threat was the artillery. He had no idea how powerful the upgraded Cannon would be. Damn, he thought, I should have known better than to improve the cannon when I knew I might have to face Xianer.


    The sounds ofmotion from outside indicated that Gao Qiu had already delivered the orders to the Divine Machine Unit. The soldiers in the camp, roused from their sleep before dawn, naturallyined.


    Displeased with Zhao Liangyu''sx defenses, Lin Wanrong spent the night in the Divine Machine Unit. If not for Xianer''s timely warning, an assassin could have easily infiltrated the camp to target General Lin.


    Upon the call for an emergency assembly, the quality of the three camps became evident. Although Hu Bugui''s Shandong Camp was thest to be notified, they were the first to arrive. The soldiers, despite their varied appearances, were uniformed and their weapons were gleaming. Their ferocious and fearless demeanor demanded respect from anyone who saw them. The bearded Hu Bugui was indeed a seasonedmander, superior in the art of training soldiers.


    Du Xiuyuan''s Zhejiang Camp arrived second. While they could notpete with Hu Bugui, their marching and defensive formations were meticulous.


    In contrast, the Divine Machine Unit, despite being the closest, was thest to assemble. By the time Zhao Liangyu managed to organize his troops, both Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan had already led their teams through an exercise. Seeing Lin Wanrong''s stern expression, Zhao felt a sense of foreboding, but did not dare to voice it in front of the silent General Lin.


    With Gao Qiu''s help, Lin Wanrong had donned a suit of armor and battle boots. His angr face, coupled with his attire, made him appear intimidating and imposing. The armor he wore was unusually light, and under normal circumstances, he would have been interested in studying it. But his mind was consumed by distress that day. With his face as dark as charcoal, he had no mind for such things.


    Seeing General Lin''s grim expression and the urgency of the assembly order, the threemanders were filled with anxiety. They couldn''t help but wonder if something had gone terribly wrong at the front.


    Lin Wanrong climbed to a higher vantage point and surveyed the area. He saw that the soldiers of the three camps before him were most imposing in Hu Bugui''s formation, followed by Du Xiuyuan''s, while the Divine Machine Unit was in disarray. The Divine Machine Unit was the Imperial Guard from the capital, with soldiers selected for their exceptional qualities. Compared to the ragged troops of Hu and Du, these soldiers were physically superior several times over. Yet, their sloppy and fatigued appearance was a sight hard to believe of an Imperial Guard.


    With a cold smile, Lin Wanrong walked a few steps forward to the stage, dering loudly, "Some of you may not know me yet. I''m Lin San, a Military Strategist under Marshal Xu, and I''ve been assigned by him toe to Chuzhou to reorganize the army for war. Some of you should have already remembered my name fromst night."


    The news of General Lin disciplining more than twenty soldiers from the Divine Machine Unit by breaking five nks had spread the night before. Today, seeing this Military Strategistmanding six to seven hundred men in person, the soldiers were astounded to find him to be in his twenties.


    "Brothers, you may be wondering why someone as young as me is responsible formanding the army. Honestly, I''ve asked the same question to Marshal Xu. Marshal Xu said, although I don''t excel at anything in particr, I do have three excellent traits: loyalty, strategy, and ruthlessness."


    Lin Wanrong surveyed the crowd, a smile creeping onto his face, "Upon careful consideration, I realized Marshal Xu''s words were absolutely precise. I used to loaf around in Jinling, where I had a bit of a reputation. For those who are interested, feel free to ask around about what kind of person I, Lin San, am. Find out how I treat my brothers. Once you understand that, you''ll know why I prioritize loyalty."


    The threemanders exchanged nces, unable to suppress their amusement as they listened to General Lin''s frank speech. It sounded as if they were dealing with a gangster. Only Gao Qiu, having interacted frequently with Lin Wanrong, wasn''t surprised anymore.


    "Today, as soldiers, there''s no distinction between north and south, old and young among us, we''re all brothers. We need to look out for each other. On the battlefield, to protect your brothers is to protect yourself. If anyone dares to stab theirrades in the back, I, Lin San, have a myriad of ways to deal with such treachery. If you think I''m ruthless, just try me," Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth, radiating a deadly aura. Gao Qiu broke a steel de in two with a snap, and then crushed one piece in his hand, leaving everyone in awe. His demonstration was shockingly effective, silencing the previously raucous soldiers of the Divine Machine Unit.


    "While serving under me, I don''t demand much, just two simple things. First, you need to master your skills as a soldier. I don''t expect you to shatter boulders with your strengththat''s nonsense. I want you to perfect the basics. How do you do that? It''s simple. If you hold a sword, sh fiercely. If you hold a spear, thrust firmly. If you operate a cannon, aim urately. This isn''t for my benefitit''s for your survival on the battlefield. Brother Gao, show them,"manded Lin Wanrong.


    Gao Qiu took a half-foot length of wood and set it upright on the ground. With a light shout, his de shimmered, splitting the wood straight down the middle. The soldiers looked on, awestruck. If they could master such a skill, it would indeed prove invaluable on the battlefield.


    Seeing Gao Qiu stun the crowd with a single move, Lin Wanrong felt immensely satisfied. Despite knowing countless methods for training soldiers, he realized that under the circumstances of this era, ideas about advanced training ideologies or creating firearms, high-tech training, or making a technologically advanced nation, though they sounded impressive, were in reality utter nonsense. Cold weapons were just that: cold weapons. Mastering sword and spearbat, this was the hard truth of survival on the battlefield, there was no alternative.


    "The second point is also simple," Lin Wanrong''s voice rang out, resonant and loud. "You must obey themander''s orders. If Imand you to charge, you must charge. If Imand you to retreat, you must retreat. If Imand you to visit a brothel, even if you''re a eunuch, you''d better manage to produce a cock."


    Laughter erupted from the soldiers in the three camps below the stage. Their general was utterly crude, but they found it endearing.


    "I will not gamble with your lives. On the battlefield, if we can''t beat them and I order you to run, you''d better run like hell. If you run too slow, I well, there won''t be a need for me to do anything, you''ll have been chopped down already."


    Laughter echoed again from the audience as General Lin continued: "When I order you to retreat, you must not hesitate. All responsibility falls to me alone. To survive in this world, righteousness stands central, with morality on both sides. Your lives, my brothers, are as precious and valuable as those of any officials. I will not let you sacrifice needlessly."


    These soldiers, sons of poverty, were roused by Lin Wanrong''s words, their blood boiling as they erupted into cheers. They felt that this general was truly different, caring for his soldiers like his own children.


    The threepany Commanders exchanged nces. Even just this speech before the formation was enough to make them willing to die for him. This Military Strategist was no ordinary general.


    "To promote the enthusiasm of my brothers in training, I will now announce some new military regtions." Lin Wanrong announced loudly. "Effective immediately, the Divine Machine Unit, the two hundred Zhejiang soldiers, and the two hundred Shandong soldiers will train together. Every morning, each brother will be provided with ample food, but only ny percent will have lunch, and only eighty percent will have dinner. These brothers will be those who pass the evaluations after their training. As for the brothers who don''t pass, they''ll have to go hungry and train harder the next day."


    Upon hearing this, the crowd was taken aback. It was practically a devil''s regtion, wouldn''t everyone have to struggle to be in that ny and eighty percent? Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan hurriedly protested, "General Lin"


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively. "There''s no need to say more. Our troops are weak. If we don''t resort to harsh methods, I fear we will copse before we even reach the frontline."


    The harsh measure proposed by Lin Wanrong was akin to the elimination system of modernpanies. He was all too familiar with this method and intended to apply it to the training regimen, weeding out the weak from every drill. Though it seemed extreme, was there a better approach for such a group?


    Next up was the live training that had been agreed upon the night before, featuring the Shandong soldiers and Zhejiang soldiers. Hu Bugui''s meticulously trained elite cavalry of forty yed the role of the attackers, while Du Xiuyuan''s Zhejiang army acted as defenders.


    ording to the assumptions of Lin Wanrong and others, Hu Bugui''s troops were robust and far superior in individualbat ability than Du Xiuyuan''s soldiers. It should have been a quick defeat for the Zhejiang Battalion.


    However, the reality proved otherwise. The formation set up by Du Xiuyuan was very effective against Hu Bugui''s trained cavalry. Although his soldiers were physically weaker, the formation was tightly knit. Whenever a man fell, another quickly took his ce, maintaining the integrity of the formation and confining Hu Bugui''s cavalry within a narrow space. This had undeniably seized the cavalry''s lifeline. After a standoff of an hour, the Zhejiang Battalion was eventually dispersed due to the vast difference inbat strength by the elite cavalry.


    As a modern man, Lin Wanrong had initially scoffed at such battle formations. But after witnessing this exercise, he realized the profound wisdom in these ancient strategies which had been passed down through the ages. This discovery gave him a fresh perspective on Du Xiuyuan and Hu Bugui. One was skilled in training soldiers, and the other in orchestrating formations - a perfect duo.


    Next was the drill of the Divine Machine Unit. Lin Wanrong ordered the construction of two earthen mounds at a distance from each other, with about thirty meters in between. Then, arge Shenji cannon was set up in the distance aimed to fire specifically at the rear mound.


    Loading ammunition into the cannon was cumbersome, and the cannonballs were solid, unlike the shrapnel ofter times, thus, their destructive power was much less. As Lin Wanrong watched, he grew impatient, shouting, "The first shot from this cannon must be precise and effective. There can be no ck."


    Zhao Liangyu hurriedly said, "As themander of the Divine Machine Unit, allow me to operate this first shot."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, standing behind him to observe the operation. Once Zhao Liangyu had adjusted the cannon''s elevation and distance, and was satisfied, he lit the fuse. Everyone covered their ears, waiting for the loud bang.


    Lin Wanrong waited for a while but heard nothing. He began to wonder if the first shot was a dud, which would be an incredibly inauspicious start. Just as he was about to instruct Zhao Liangyu to inspect the cannon, a soft whistle was heard, followed by a loud boom. Smoke and dust rose in the distance as the cannonball exploded, but it was a hundred or two hundred meters away from the mound.


    "Commander Zhao, what happened?" Lin Wanrong asked with a stern face.


    Sweat broke out on Zhao Liangyu''s forehead. This cannon had been recently improved and was said to have greatly increased its precision, but he had never tested it. Today, the first shot was far from satisfying, which was bound to anger General Lin. Recalling being caught in the brothel the day before, he feared that this new Military Strategist was about to take this opportunity to settle the score.


    Lin Wanrong was seething inwardly. He demanded the cannon to be urate in its trial fire for a significant personal reason. If they were to enter the battlefield in the future, he was bound to encounter Qin Xian''er. He had no desire to hurt that girl, so the least he could do was ensure the cannon was well-calibrated and urate. As long as he was inmand, the shots would never hit Xian''er. This was his primary motivation for practicing the cannon. As for the ordinary members of the White Lotus cult, if they chose to participate in revolutionary activities without remorse and were subsequently blown to pieces, it was not his concern.


    Seeing how ipetent Zhao Liangyu was, Lin Wanrong snorted, then walked to the first mound and shouted, "Damn it, I''ll stand here now, and you aim at the small mound behind me. If you hit it, you''re a hero. But if you identally hit me, you''re guilty of murdering a superior officer. Marshal Xu will report to the Emperor, and your whole family, nine generations, will be punished!"


    Zhao Liangyu was terrified. He rushed over and said, "General Lin, this can''t be done. Cannon fire is indiscriminate. If it harms your valuable body, I can''t bear the responsibility."


    Lin Wanrong nced at him and said, "Commander Zhao, by your meaning, my body is more precious than yours, isn''t it?"


    Zhao Liangyu hurriedly nodded, "Yes, yes! You are themander of the troops, naturally, you''re more precious than me."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Well, since I am more precious than you, Commander Zhao, I''ll trouble you to stand in my position as a target, and I''ll try firing a few shots."


    Zhao Liangyu was so frightened that he almost copsed. To be a target for General Lin? With the General himself shooting? This was akin to suicide.


    "Stand still, it''s a military order. Don''t move around, or else I might miss and hit who knows where," Lin Wanrong sneered. You have yet to be punished for your misconduct yesterday, and today your cannon fire is inurate. If I don''t give you a hard time, you might think I''m easy to be pushed around.


    Lin Wanrong returned to the cannon tform. Zhao Liangyu, trembling all over, dared not move an inch on the mound. He turned to the Divine Machine Unit soldiers and loudly asked, "Who is the most proficient with this cannon?"


    The soldiers all pointed at one man, a man in his thirties. The respect in their eyes was evident. The man held considerable prestige among them.


    The man saluted Lin Wanrong and said, "Reporting to the General, my name is Li Sheng, and I participated in the modification of this cannon."


    "Oh?" Lin Wanrong asked joyfully, "You''ve been to Hai''an and seen the French irond ships?"


    Li Sheng respectfully replied, "Yes. Marshal Xu mentioned you to us. He said that the improvements to the cannon were all thanks to General Lin."


    "Good, good, you try to fire a shot," Lin Wanrong said with delight.


    Li Sheng nodded, climbed onto the tform, and calmly loaded, aimed, and lit the fuse. With a thunderous boom, the cannonball soared through the air and hit the mound behind urately. As the cannon roared, Zhao Liangyu was so scared that he copsed and fainted on the mound.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Good. By mymand, Li Sheng is promoted to a hundred men Commander, leading the two hundred soldiers of the Divine Machine Unit. This shall be reported to Marshal Xu immediately." Li Sheng''s skill was exceptional, and he held a high prestige within the Divine Machine Unit. When Lin Wanrong gave this order, everyone, except for a few of Zhao Liangyu''s close followers, cheered.


    Du Xiuyuan and Hu Bugui had long lost their respect for the uneducated and ipetent Commander Zhao. They were pleased to see Lin Wanrong''s decisive action and immediately came forward to congratte Li Sheng.


    Lin Wanrong looked at Du Xiuyuan and Hu Bugui, speaking seriously, "Brother Du, Brother Hu, I am entrusting the training of the soldiers to both of you. Brother Hu is responsible for individual training, and Brother Du is responsible for formation drills. I hope you won''t quarrel. See each other''s strengths, cooperate sincerely, and guide these six to seven hundred brothers. It is not about how many enemies they kill, at the very least, they should have the ability to save themselves on the battlefield."


    Both Du Xiuyuan and Hu Bugui werepetent men. Although they disapproved of each other, it was only academic disagreement, not a despising of character. Seeing that Lin Wanrong''s words were simple but sincere, they saluted together, "Rest assured, General Lin, we will do our best."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "That''s very good. Actually, it''s not that I don''t want to train the soldiers myself, it''s just that there are more important things to do." His face showed a look of sorrow, like a man burdened with the worries of the country and people. Du Xiuyuan and Hu Bugui were quite impressed.


    Gao Qiu came to his side and whispered, "Brother Lin, what is the more important thing you have to do?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "To take a nap, drink some tea, visit the brothel, take a bath. Which of these is not more important than training soldiers?"


    Gao Qiu was stunned for a moment, then burst into heartyughter. This Brother Lin was indeed the most amusing person under the heavens.


    The orders from Xu Wei finally arrived. The troops from Chuzhou immediately set off, heading to the boundary between Shandong and Anhui. Lin Wanrong''s gaze was fixed in the distance, where the direction of Suzhou and Xuzhouy. The mes of war at the frontline had already started to burn.


    Am I really going to fight against Xian''er? He sighed lightly, a sense of loss he had never experienced before creeping into his heart.


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 Chapter 241

    Chapter 241


    Chapter 241 The Assault


    Hundreds of men, hauling several carts of provisions and two heavy cannons, were bound to travel slowly. Furthermore, General Lin intentionally dyed their march, causing them to stop and start, dividing their time between marching and training. It was a very leisurely journey.


    Du Xiuyuan and Hu Bugui had put in great efforts to train these few hundred soldiers into an elite force. Both men seemed to have their own unique approach; after training individual soldiers, they began to practice formations, refusing to let anyoneg behind. Their strict implementation of a st ce elimination'' system was upromising. Indeed, on the first day, nearly twenty percent of the soldiers didn''t get dinner. This fueled a marked rise in enthusiasm for training on the second day, and even more so on the third. The two officers were delighted by the progress, giving a thumbs-up and praising General Lin''s methods as an exemry model for soldiers.


    Lin Wanrong, however, held a different perspective; he trained his soldiers not for the purpose of killing the enemy, but to have a fallback n in case they needed to retreat. He entrusted Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan with his men, allowing himself a rxed and leisurely attitude.


    They made slow progress on this journey, passing through Fengyang, Suzhou, Huaibei, and other ces, and only reached Xuzhou after five days. Upon arrival, they learned that Xu Wei had set out the previous night for Feng County. With no other choice, Lin Wanrong had to lead his troops forward, embarking on what seemed more like a sightseeing tour than a military expedition.


    "Starting from yesterday, Master Xu led cavalry and infantry from Zhejiang and Shandong, attacking from the north through Yuncheng, Ningyang, and Sishui, and from the south through Dingtao, Tengzhou, and Shanting. They are squeezing the White Lotus Sect''s forces between Ju Ye, Jining, and Zou Cheng, effectively surrounding them. Master Xu just sent thetest orders, instructing us to reach Feng County tomorrow to join his main force," Hu Bugui exined, pointing at the crude military map.


    Having been born and bred in the field, he was quite familiar with the topography and took the lead in exining the current situation to Lin Wanrong, Li Sheng, and Du Xiuyuan.


    The current position of Lin Wanrong''s three camps was in Pei County, just a few dozen li away from Xu Wei''s frontline camp in Feng County. Lin Wanrong wasn''t particrly interested in these geographical details, yet he listened to Hu Bugui''s exnation, all the while suppressing several yawns.


    Du Xiuyuan said, "We''re only fifty to sixty li away from Master Xu''s camp. If we march early tomorrow, we can deliver the provisions and cannons to Master Xu, and our mission will be aplished."


    Hu Bugui, however, had a different view: "Looking at the situation, our army just closed in yesterday. The White Lotus Sect didn''t even have time to resist. By the time we deliver these supplies tomorrow, Master Xu might have already reached Jining and wiped out the White Lotus Sect''s stronghold. Ourds have trained hard these days, yet they haven''t had the chance to test their skills in battle. It''s quite a disappointment."


    Lin Wanrong patted Hu Bugui''s shoulder,ughing: "Brother Hu, I understand how you feel. But war means people die, and these are all our brothers. I would grieve if any of them got hurt. It''s better for everyone to be safe and sound. Ideally, this war would never reach us, and everyone could go back home to celebrate the New Year in peace."


    Although General Lin was efficient in his duties, these words revealed ack of ambition. Hu Bugui couldn''t help but shake his head, a hint of disdain seeping into his thoughts.


    "Brothers, give the order. We will camp here today. We''ll set up camp in the formations practiced under Du Xiuyuan''s guidance and reinforce our defenses, especially outside the generals camps. We must strengthen our patrols. After all, this is a war zone. It''s always good to be prepared. In case there''s any disturbance, the safety of our general is paramount. Ah, haha, let''s leave it at that," Lin Wanrong said earnestly.


    "Just admit you''re scared of dying instead of making excuses," Hu Bugui muttered disdainfully, a hint of contempt shing in his eyes. In contrast, Du Xiuyuan voiced his agreement, "General Lin is absolutely correct. This ce is currently under the control of the White Lotus Cult and is located close to Weishan Lake. These bandits are familiar with the terrain and could potentiallyunch a sneak attack under cover of night, which would be difficult to prevent."


    Hu Bugui was candid, and despite his demotion from amander of a thousand men to amander of a hundred, he hadn''t be any more restrained. But then again, anyonepetent tended to have a strong personality. Just like me, thought Lin Wanrong with a smirk as he ordered his troops to set up camp securely.


    Pei County was adjacent to Weishan Lake. It was dusk, and as the setting sun cast itsst light and the cool breeze blew, Lin Wanrong exhaledfortably. Suddenly remembering a popr old song, he began to sing in a loud voice, "Oh, Weishan Lake, shimmering golden light, fluffy clouds floating like cotton  "


    He had only sung a few lines whenughter erupted from his soldiers, who were practicing their drills and found his unusual tune amusing.


    General Lin was well known for his camaraderie, and hisck of pretentiousness, sincere treatment of his soldiers, and willingness to share their daily lives had earned him a reputation for cherishing his men like his own children. While hisst-ce elimination system may have seemed harsh, the improvement that the soldiers could feel in themselves through these days of training had actually ignited their passion. They no longer resented the system as much.


    "Laugh all you want. Anyone who can sing better should step forward. I bet you guys are only good at singing in the brothels," Lin Wanrong jested lewdly.


    Hearing the general joke with them, the soldiers cheered loudly, creating a lively atmosphere. Lin Wanrong had already taken Hu Bugui''s advice, mixing the soldiers from Zhejiang and Shandong in a one-to-one ratio for training, and the results had been excellent. Among the cheering crowd were the educated soldiers from Zhejiang and the rugged ones from Shandong.


    Seeing the young soldier who had stopped him during a night patrol, Lin Wanrong smiled and asked, "You''re Xu Zhen, right?"


    "Reporting to the general, I am indeed Xu Zhen," replied the boy, who was a standard-bearer despite being only fourteen or fifteen. He waspetent enough to train a group of men much older than him.


    Patting his shoulder, Lin Wanrong said, "Good job, Xu Zhen. At such a young age, you have shown great ability. You have a promising future. Keep training the men well. If you do well, I will rmend you to Marshal Xu to lead a group of a hundred or a thousand soldiers."


    Xu Zhen was deeply moved by this young general''s magnanimity and kindness, and he voiced out loud, "I am grateful for the general''s nurturing kindness."


    Lin Wanrong nodded approvingly, thinking to himself that although he was not particrly adept in battlefield warfare, nurturing talents were well within his capabilities. Fortunately, the three Commanders under him were all capable individuals, and Xu Zhen was an emerging talent. He definitely needed to rmend Xu Zhen to Xu Wei.


    Gao Qiu, who followed Lin Wanrong closely, noticed a satisfied grin on his face. Unable to contain himself, he chuckled, "Brother Lin, you seem particrly cheerful today."


    Lin Wanrong let out a heartyugh, "Brother Gao, the beauty of Weishan Lake is simply delightful. Why not enjoy a little boat ride with me?" Seeing Lin Wanrong in such high spirits, Gao Qiu didn''t protest, and found a small boat nearby. Hu Bugui, noticing the two were about to venture onto theke, quickly warned, "General Lin, it''s gettingte and Weishan Lake might not be safe. If there are bandits lurking, it would spell trouble."


    Lin Wanrong, with a face of righteousness, responded, "Brother Hu, you misunderstand. My intention in exploring theke is to investigate the potential bandit presence. I suspect..." His eyes flickered, then he mysteriously added, "Theke could be a hiding ce for the enemy."


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s conjecture, Hu Bugui expressed his skepticism, "General Lin, there''s something you don''t understand. It''s already winter. If these bandits were hiding in Weishan Lake, it would certainly be a dead end for them."


    "Why is that so?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    "Please look, General," Hu Bugui pointed at the dense reeds in theke and dered loudly, "I was born near Weishan Lake and I''m very familiar with its terrain. Theke stretches tens of miles, and the reeds are a good hiding ce. But now it''s winter and the reeds have withered. If they are truly hiding in Weishan Lake, all I have to do is set the reeds on fire, and they will have nowhere to hide. Even if we can''t annihte them all with fire, as long as our army stands firm and adopts a scorched-earth policy, within a month, when the heavy snow falls, the bandits hiding in theke will die from hunger and cold. They won''t be able to survive this winter, even without us hunting them down. Therefore, I don''t believe they would be foolish enough to choose a path to their own deaths." Hu Bugui''s reasoning seemed sound.


    Damn, all I wanted was a leisurely boat ride, and here''s Hu giving me a myriad of reasons not to, Lin Wanrong thought. He responded with a serious face, "Brother Hu, your words make sense. But you''re applying conventional wisdom here. These White Lotus rebels are cunning and deceptive. Perhaps they might exploit your line of thought, swiftly moving in and out of theke, catching us off guard. It''s a possibility."


    Hu Bugui hesitated for a moment. General Lin''s words also seemed to carry a lot of weight. He nodded and said, "Then I will apany the general on this venture."


    Seeing Hu Bugui''s determined expression, Lin Wanrong, not wanting to refuse, nodded back with a smile. The three of them embarked on the small boat and set off into the distance. Although Hu Bugui was known for his brashness, he was an excellent swimmer, so he was entrusted with the task of rowing the boat, which moved very steadily. Gao Qiu, despite his martial prowess, was a poor swimmer, so he stood firmly by Lin Wanrong''s side.


    Nowhere was there a divide between theke and the sky; they merged into one under the setting sun, which cast a bloody red hue onto the water. A gentle breeze blew, causing the reeds to sway and rustle softly, sounding much like the whimper of a baby. A fewte-returning waterbirds pped their wings, disappearing into the dense clusters of reeds in the blink of an eye. Besides their little boat, theke was deste. The soft sshing of their oars against the water seemed to echo from an infinite distance. In the midst of the crimson sunset and lone waterbirds, Weishan Lake appeared as tranquil and serene as a shy maiden.


    Lin Wanrong yawnedzily. The continuous marching over the past few days had exhausted him. Today''s boat trip on theke offered a bit of rxation. Seeing Gao Qiu continuously scanning their surroundings, Lin Wanrongughed and asked, "Brother Gao, under such scenery, what is it that you wish to do most?"


    "Drink wine, visit a brothel!" Gao Qiu answered without hesitation. Hu Bugui, who was rowing the boat, burst into heartyughter, "Indeed, Brother Gao is a man of forthright character!"


    Damn, you two crude individuals, amidst such beautiful scenery, can''t you think of something more refined? A bath with your partner would suffice; why would you want to visit a brothel? Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly. He was indeed more cultured than these two youngsters.


    As dusk set in, the trio rowed their boat farther from the shore, close to a reed bed. Hu Bugui began to search the surroundings seriously. The area was deste and eerily silent, not even a bird''s shadow in sight. After listening carefully for a while, he shook his head and said, "General Lin, there''s no one in the reeds."


    Damn, of course, I know there''s no one there. I originally came out to enjoy the scenery, not to look for people. He was about to respond when a soft sound reached his ears. The sound seemed toe from afar, but Lin Wanrong''s martial arts skills were decent, and his hearing was exceptional. Although the sound was faint, he could hear it clearly.


    "Brother Gao, do you hear any sounds?" Lin Wanrong asked Gao Qiu.


    Gao Qiu nodded, "It sounds like the sshing of oars, some distance away from us."


    The three looked around but saw no trace of any boats. However, the sound of the oars was bing increasingly clear and louder. It didn''t sound like a single oar, but rather like millions of small oars simultaneously striking the water''s surface.


    In the distance, several waterbirds that had settled in for the night suddenly flew out from the reeds, their pping wings making a rustling sound.


    "Look!" Hu Bugui eximed.


    Following the direction of his pointing hand, Lin Wanrong saw countless small boats emerging from the reeds hundreds of yards away. Each boat held dozens of men, holding steel des, looking murderous. A rough sweep of his gaze estimated at least a hundred boats, nearly a thousand men.


    "Brother Hu, for this clearance operation, did Marshal Xu bring any naval forces?" Lin Wanrong asked, his voice shaking slightly.


    "Yes, but they are allrge ships. This group doesn''t match our navy''s scale. They look like" his eyes widened as he realized, "White Lotus Cult, these are members of the White Lotus Cult!"


    Damn, you''re a bit slow on the uptake, old man, Lin Wanrong thought as he swallowed hard.


    "What do we do, Brother Lin?" Gao Qiu asked urgently.


    "Escape!" General Lin answered promptly, "Brother Hu, what are you waiting for? Start rowing!"


    Coming to his senses, Hu Bugui took up the oars and turned the boat around,ughing heartily as he rowed, "General Lin, your foresight is remarkable. As you predicted, the White Lotus Sect indeed set an ambush on theke. I''m thoroughly impressed." He seemed to grow more gleeful as heughed, ncing back and spitting excitedly into theke, "Damn it, I was just worried about not finding those bastards. Who would''ve thought they''d deliver themselves to us? Myds finally have their chance. Today, I will wipe them all out."


    Damn it, Lin Wanrong finally lost his patience, delivering a swift kick to Hu''s rear, "If you dy any further, instead of us wiping them out, we''ll be the ones to get ravished by them."


    Hu Bugui, admiring Lin Wanrong''s foresight, simplyughed it off, putting more strength into his strokes. The boat shot towards the shore like an arrow.


    Looking back, Lin Wanrong saw hundreds of boats also pushing forward, rapidly closing the distance.


    Dammit, he pped his forehead in frustration. He had only casually suggested a boat ride on theke, he hadn''t anticipated attracting the White Lotus cult, and especially not a thousand of them. Were they trying to kill him?


    The three of them pulled their boat ashore, with Lin Wanrong leading the charge. He yelled, "Du Xiuyuan, form up! Li Sheng, aim the cannons, target theke, prepare to fire--"


    "Charge--" A thunderous roar erupted from the White Lotus soldiers chasing them. Hundreds of boats lunged forward. Lin Wanrong and hisrades had just reached the shore when they turned to see an army pressing toward them.


    Breathing heavily, Du Xiuyuan arrived, and hundreds of Divine Machine Unit soldiers quickly formed up, bows and arrows aimed at theke.


    "General Lin, where did these enemiese from? There are so many of them!" Du Xiuyuan asked anxiously.


    Lin Wanrong''s face was ashen. Dammit, they''ve sprouted out of nowhere, if it wasn''t for my bad luck today, I wouldn''t have known until they had stabbed me in the ass.


    "General Lin saw iting. He foresaw this enemy attack." Hu Bugui truly admired General Lin at this point. Despite hisid-back appearance, General Lin had been prepared. Waving his hand, Hu said, "My boys, ready your weapons--"


    At the critical moment, the daily drills came into y. The soldiers quickly formed their ranks, their eyes fixed nervously on theke.


    Dammit, they''re all green recruits, Lin Wanrong thought, watching his six to seven hundred men. Most of them were newly enlisted young soldiers, their faces still showing traces of youth. Although their formation was solid, their eyes betrayed their fear.


    "Brother Du, did you send for help?" Lin Wanrong shouted.


    "General, as soon as we discovered the enemy attack, I dispatched a fast horse to request aid from Marshal Xu, sixty li away," Du Xiuyuan hastily replied.


    General Lin nodded approvingly. This Du Xiuyuan was reliable and instilled a sense of confidence.


    Hu Bugui cast a serious nce at the approaching White Lotus army and said, "General Lin, the formation of the White Lotus Army is well-organized and disciplined, certainly not a motley crew. They appear to be their elite troops."


    "Elite?" Lin Wanrong almost fainted, "I only have a few hundred straggling soldiers and some hay. What do these elites want with me? They should go to Old Xu if they dare. Damnit, picking on us fresh recruits does not make them heroes."


    "Brother Gao, what''s the punishment for deserting in the face of battle?" Lin Wanrong quietly asked.


    "Immediate execution!" Gao Qiu whispered back.


    Damn it, who made such an inhumane rule? Is there no justice left in the world? He thought to himself, If we can''t win, I''m certainly going to lead my men to escape.


    "General Lin, we''re just spare troops transporting warhorses and fodder. We''re few in number. How could the elite troops of the White Lotus Armye for us? They seem to have been lurking for quite some time" Du Xiuyuan asked, furrowing his brows. Always calm in the face of crisis and adept at strategizing, he had the makings of a military advisor.


    Lin Wanrong was watching Li Sheng adjust the cannon''s angle when he abruptly cut his own sentence short, his face turning pale, "The cannons, they''re after the cannons"


    Jolted by this realization, Du Xiuyuan said, "We''re by theke. After seizing the cannons, they could conveniently transport it away by boat"


    "Maybe it''s not as simple as fleeing far away" Lin Wanrong shook his head, "We''re only fifty or sixty miles from Marshal Xu''s main camp. If they turned around and fired the cannon at the main camp"


    "Their target is Marshal Xu" The sudden realization made Gao Qiu, Du Xiuyuan, and Hu Bugui jump in surprise. It was a bold conjecture, one that could onlye from a person with exceptional intelligence like General Lin. But upon reflection, it made perfect sense.


    Originally, Hu Bugui didn''t think highly of this seemingly carefree young general. But upon hearing his incisive remarks, he was impressed by Lin Wanrong''s true ability. He bowed in reverence, sincerely saying, "General Lin, I, Hu Bugui, acknowledge your superiority wholeheartedly. I will follow yourmand."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, holding Hu Bugui up, and loudly said to his soldiers, "Brothers, do not panic! This is a stratagem nned by Marshal Xu. He lured the White Lotus Army here on purpose. Marshal Xu, leading tens of thousands of soldiers, has already encircled the enemy. In an hour, they will be wiped out. All we need to do is hold for an hour! My Divine Machine Unit camp has prepared several giant cannons and thousands of cannonballs. Let''s show them the might of the cannons. Li Sheng"


    Seeing that the White Lotus Army had entered the range of the cannons, Lin Wanrong shouted, "Fire the cannon"


    Li Sheng had already adjusted the angles of the two cannons. Hearing General Lin''smand, he lit the fuses simultaneously. The cannonballs roared into the sky, carrying a whistling sound, striking two of the advancing boats. Amidst the thunderous noise, the wooden boats shattered, killing more than twenty White Lotus soldiers instantly.


    "Well done!" Li Sheng''s sessful shot greatly boosted the morale of the troops. The soldiers from the three camps cheered in unison, their fear of the enemy dissipating like smoke.


    Li Sheng continued to fire several rounds. Each shot hit its mark, sinking over a dozen of the White Lotus Army''s boats in the blink of an eye. At the same time, over a hundred rockets from the Divine Machine Unit wereunched simultaneously, causing dozens more White Lotus rebels to fall into the water. In this round of relentless assault, the White Lotus Army had already lost nearly twenty percent of its forces before they could even reach the shore. The fervor of the soldiers from the three camps rose dramatically, itching to join the fight and engage in a fierce battle with the enemy.


    "Brothers, the time hase to make our mark. Hold for an hour, and you''ll be promoted tomand hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands. You will have countlessnds and beauties at your disposal. What are you waiting for? Charge with me!" Lin Wanrong bellowed.


    General Lin''s stirring words were brazen and effective. Most of the soldiers were in their mid-teens, brimming with youthful vigor. They couldn''t resist such instigation. Their blood was already boiling. Seeing General Lin, holding a short weapon with two barrels, charging bravely at the forefront, they felt greatly encouraged. They charged toward the enemy like a group of fierce tigers descending from the mountain.


    "General Lin, you''re the leader of the army. You shouldn''t rashly charge into battle," Hu Bugui sprinted a few steps to catch up with Lin Wanrong, grabbing his sleeve tightly.


    Damn, this guy finally catch up. Otherwise, I would have had no choice but to charge ahead.


    "Let go of me, let go of me," Lin Wanrong took a few steps back, his face expressing passionate resolution. "My brothers need me, the country needs me, Great Hua needs me"


    "A brave man" Hu Bugui''s eyes filled with tears. He forcefully pushed Lin Wanrong back a few steps and raised his hand, "Brothers, charge with me!" His robust figure, like a mountain, lunged forward.


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 Chapter 242

    Chapter 242


    Chapter 242 Burning Beast Blood


    "Brother Lin, on the battlefield, your short weapon might be inconvenient. Try this instead," said Gao Qiu, who was close to Lin Wanrong, handing him a gleaming steel de.


    Damn, you think I''m really going to charge into the battle, I''m a man with a brain. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Brother Gao, please take your de back. I can''t stand such a lethal weapon."


    Seeing Lin''s smiling face, seemingly devoid of fear, Gao Qiu couldn''t help admiring him. "Facing a formidable enemy, yet Brother Lin can remain so calm andposed. I truly admire you," he said.


    As they were conversing, the White Lotus Army''s boats were overturned again by Li Sheng''s artillery fire. However, they had many boats and people, and dozens of vanguard boats had reached the shore. Hundreds of White Lotus soldiers charged forth.


    Having experienced numerous battles, Hu Bugui had already formed a formation with his soldiers. Watching the enemy charge, he shouted, "Release the arrows!"


    The arrows from the Divine Machine Unit flew like locusts toward the White Lotus soldiers who hadnded first. The rigorous training of the Divine Machine Unit over the past few days had paid off, as White Lotus soldiers fell one after another, their screams of agony echoing around.


    After five rounds of arrows, the White Lotus soldiers who hadnded first suffered heavy losses. The boats still in theke kept advancing. This time they were smarter, with the remaining dozens of boats attacking from different directions, clearly attempting to disperse the government troops'' firepower. The White Lotus Army had lost nearly thirty percent of its force, but the remaining numbers still outnumbered the government troops, and their attacks had be even fiercer and braver. Their speed had increased, making it difficult for Divine Machine Unit''s cannons to hit their mark.


    Lin Wanrong, guarded by Gao Qiu, was some distance from theke. After carefully observing for a while, he located a boat in the middle with only four or five people on it, seeminglymanding the White Lotus Army.


    "Brother Gao, my vision isn''t great. Can you tell me if there''s a woman on that boat?" Lin Wanrong asked Gao Qiu.


    Gao Qiu also noticed this boat. He stared for a while before shaking his head, "There doesn''t seem to be a woman, Brother Lin. What do you want with a woman?"


    Damn, what else would you want with a woman other than to make her your wife? Knowing that Xian''er was not on the boat, Lin Wanrong heaved a sigh of relief and shouted to Li Sheng, "Aim for that boat. Fire both cannons simultaneously. You must hit it, sink it!"


    "At yourmand!" Li Sheng roared, quickly turned the cannon, aimed at the boat Lin had pointed out, and fired two shots. Unfortunately, the enemy leader''s boat moved swiftly, and both shots missed.


    Damn, these guys are even craftier than weasels. Lin Wanrong drew a musket from his pocket. He aimed at the few people on the boat from a distance. Unfortunately, the distance was too far, and the musket was of no use for now. Gao Qiu, seeing him pull out that mysterious short weapon again, asked curiously, "Brother Lin, what kind of weapon is that?"


    "A peerless hidden weapon in the world," Lin Wanrong chuckled. He loaded the gunpowder, carefully checked it, and put it back into his pocket.


    Gao Qiu was puzzled and confused, about to speak, when he heard Hu Bugui''s loud voice from ahead, "The enemy hasnded, brothers, prepare"


    Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong hurriedly looked in the direction of the sound. After paying a heavy price, the small boats of the White Lotus Army finally reached the shore. Soldiers surged forward like a tide. These soldiers had white turbans wrapped around their heads, their movements were swift, their expressions fierce, and at a nce, one could tell they were no ordinary men.


    Damn, who designed this hairstyle for the White Lotus Sect, trying to look like Arabs? Lin Wanrong quickly walked up to Hu Bugui and asked, "Brother Hu, what''s the situation?"


    A solemn look crossed Hu Bugui''s face as he said, "General Lin, this White Lotus Army is well-trained. Today''s battle will be particrly difficult. But our soldiers are not easy to deal with either. Today, we will fight them to the end, without any retreat."


    No, no, don''t fight to the end. If we can''t win, we should run. That''s the smart thing to do. As for the heavy and ugly cannons, if we lose them, we lose them. At worst, we''ll have Old Xu move quickly. What can the White Lotus Army do?


    While he was lost in thought, he heard Du Xiuyuan shout, "Change formation"


    After several rounds of arrow rain, the White Lotus Army had desperately charged to the front of the official army. The arrows of the Divine Machine Unit were no longer effective, and the long spear soldiers of the Infantry Camp were the first line of defense.


    Hu Bugui pointed with his sword and shouted, "Boys, charge with me" He led the charge, casually knocking down two enemy soldiers. His full beard stood on end, making him look like a fierce Zhang Fei with a ck face, his aura was intimidating, truly impressive. Following him was the young Xu Zhen. Despite his youth, he was not sloppy, his sword whirling, and in the blink of an eye, he had cut down several White Lotus soldiers. Following them were the elite soldiers trained by Hu Bugui, based on Shandong soldiers and mixed with the best of Zhejiang soldiers. They were paired in twos, cooperating with each other, and were the most powerful force in Lin Wanrong''s three camps.


    [TL: Zhang Fei, a character from the Three Kingdoms story]


    When the two armies shed, the collision of swords and spears created a huge noise. The shouts of the soldiers from both armies echoed in the ears, interspersed with a few piercing screams. A young Zhejiang soldier and a White Lotus bandit fell at the same time, their blood flowing freely, staining the riverbank red. The fallen soldier''spanion, a boy of sixteen or seventeen, saw his brother, who had beenughing and joking with him just the day before, fall under the sword. His face was filled with shock and unwillingness. He seemed to go mad, his eyes bloodshot, and with a loud shout, he threw himself at his opponent with his sword, cutting down the bandit. But in the blink of an eye, he too was cut down by the enemy.


    The brutal melee had finally begun. A ragtag government army against the elite of the White Lotus Sect, no one knew what would happen. These young soldiers were about to face a test of life and death. Those who fell would never rise again, and those who survived would be phoenixes reborn from the ashes.


    This was Lin Wanrong''s first experience in such a true and brutal battle. Although he had fought with Hung Hing before, those were brawls that couldn''tpare to the violent spectacle unfolding before his eyes. He had already made up his mind that he would flee if they couldn''t hold the enemy back, but he was not one tock courage. Looking at the heart-wrenching and tragic scenes in front of him, he felt a strange sense of integration, as if it was only at this moment that he truly blended into the army he was leading. If he ran today, he would be utterly unworthy of being a man.


    Gazing at the young faces, watching their bodies slowly fall, seeing their blood-soaked bodies, Lin Wanrong felt as if a massive fire was burning within him, his blood boiling. He suddenly had the urge to scream aloud.


    Biting his lip, he suddenly asked, "Brother Gao, what do you think of me?"


    Gao Qiu was taken aback, not knowing why he asked this out of the blue. Seeing Lin San''s eyes zing red, his body exuding a fierce heat, he couldn''t help but give a thumbs-up. "Brother Lin, you''re the most extraordinary person I''ve ever met."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Well said, Brother Gao. Today, I want to share something about my wives with you. I have a wife in the capital, her name is Xiao Qingxuan. I also have a young wife in Jinling, named Qiaoqiao. And, I have some involvement with the Second Miss of the Xiao family. If I were to fall gloriously today, please tell them to remember me forever."


    Gao Qiu eximed, "Brother Lin, why are you talking about this out of nowhere? What are you going to do?"


    "Do?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Haven''t you seen an old man kill before?"


    He shrugged off his coat, and gripped a sword in his hand, radiating killing intent. He yelled, "Brothers, follow me into battle! Whoever dares to retreat is no son of mine."


    While everyone was stunned, General Lin darted forward like the wind, charging straight into the White Lotus sect. Gao Qiu was the first to snap back to reality, shouting "Attack!" and closely followed Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong and Gao Qiu led the charge, meeting two White Lotus soldiers head-on. With a swing of his arm, Lin Wanrong''s sword brought a gust of wind that cleanly severed their necks. A gush of blood sprayed into the air, staining his armor.


    Seeing this hot, red blood, Lin Wanrong shivered all over. He witnessed a young soldier before him, his spear piercing an enemy''s chest, only to have his own abdomen sliced open by an enemy de, blood and intestines spilling out. "Ah" Lin Wanrong shouted, swiftly swinging his sword, cleaving the sneaky enemy into two.


    Seeing General Lin''s bravery, Hu Bugui and his soldiers were greatly inspired, their fighting spirit increased tenfold. Though they were new soldiers who had just stepped onto the battlefield, they were evenly matched with the enemy. Both sides'' casualties skyrocketed, and in a short period, the ground was awash with blood, turning Lake Weishan a horrifying shade of red.


    Lin Wanrong''s troops were all fresh recruits, mere greenhorns. Even though they had gone through training, the harsh realities of their first battlefield had dwindled their ranks by more than half within an hour. As he watched the young bodies falling one after another, their unwilling eyes and pained expressions haunting him, a tremor swept over Lin Wanrong. A surge of hot blood rushed to his head, threatening to explode. The burning primal instinct within him made him forget everything else. Only one thought echoed in his mind  Kill!


    "Screw your ancestors Lin Wanrong roared in fury, his eyes bloodshot. His sword swished into a wall of des that chopped down several men in the blink of an eye. His internal strength was monstrous, his sword swing fierce, and he stormed into the enemy ranks, unstoppable. None could stand in his path. Gao Qiu, drenched in the blood of their enemies, loyally guarded his side. Together, they were like gods of death descended from heaven, cutting a swath through the enemy lines. In such a bloody battle, martial arts skills had long since lost their importance, leaving only raw stamina and brutal force.


    The attacking elite troops of the White Lotus sect hadn''t expected such a fighting force from a ragtag army of elderly, weak, sick, and disabled soldiers. As the two sides were locked in stalemate, a loud shout echoed from the White Lotus ranks. A tall and imposing figure leaped into the air, shouting, "I am Meng Du, the bravest warrior of the White Lotus Sect. Who dares to fight me?"


    "Fight your head." Lin Wanrong, already seeing red, shouted back. He pulled out his musket without bothering to aim, relying on instinct alone to fire. With a loud bang, a blossom of blood bloomed on the chest of the brave warrior, who crashed to the ground from mid-air.


    The soldiers on both sides could hardly believe their eyes. How could Meng Du, the bravest warrior, be killed before the fight even truly began?


    "General Meng is dead." The White Lotus army was suddenly plunged into panic as they lost their leader. Fear was evident on everyone''s faces. Lin Wanrong paused, thinking how useless this so-called general was to be taken down so easily.


    Hu Bugui, seeing that General Lin had killed the enemy leader, was overjoyed. He shouted, "General Lin''s courage is unmatched. He has in the enemy leader. The enemy will surely be defeated, and we will surely be victorious. Charge!"


    The soldiers turned to look at General Lin. With a musket in his right hand and a sword in his left, his uniform stained red with blood, he stood there like an indomitable god of war.


    "Burn the beast blood within you. Avenge our fallen brothers," Lin Wanrong rasped, his voice carrying a hint of chilling cruelty that seemed invincible.


    "Avenge them!" The soldiers, emboldened by the rallying cry, charged like unleashed tigers at the White Lotus army. With their leader dead and their morale at an all-time low, the White Lotus army crumbled swiftly, bing spirits beneath the des of the Three Camps'' soldiers.


    "General Lin, our reinforcements have arrived." Du Xiuyuan, drenched in blood and grinning widely, came over to report.


    "So they''ve arrived, but what do they expect, a weing party from me?" Lin Wanrong threw his long sword on the ground, not a hint of joy in his eyes. After this fierce battle, out of the initial six to seven hundred soldiers of the three camps, less than four hundred survived. Fighting against more than a thousand elite enemy troops with a makeshift army, and in an ambush at that, not only did they annihte the enemy forces and kill their leader, but they also only suffered slightly over three hundred casualties. It could be seen as a glorious victory.


    Yet, Lin Wanrong''s face betrayed no signs of exultation. The faces of the three hundred or so fallen brothers were imprinted in his eyes. They were so young, yet they had died before they could even taste the sweetness of life.


    A soft sobbing sound echoed ahead, apanied by angry curses. Lin Wanrong looked to see Xu Zhen, his body drenched in blood, quietly weeping, while Hu Bugui was berating him, "What''s there to cry about? People die in wars. If you want to avenge our brothers, kill more enemies next time."


    Lin Wanrong approached them, "Xu, what happened?"


    Through his tears, Xu Zhen managed, "General Lin, all my g bearers are gone."


    After all, Xu Zhen was just a fourteen or fifteen-year-old kid. The thought of his sixty g bearers dying so suddenly was devastating.


    "You are a soldier fighting for our nation, sobbing like this, what kind of example are you setting?" Hu Bugui scolded.


    "Cry, so what? Who said soldiers aren''t allowed to cry? I want to cry too, so what?" Lin Wanrong roared back, his eyes reddening.


    Seeing General Lin on the brink of tears, the other soldiers could not hold back their own sorrow. The ferocity of the battle had turned them from fresh soldiers into veterans overnight.


    Feeling a sting in his nose, Lin Wanrong called out, "Du Xiuyuan, Du Xiuyuan."


    "Here, General!" Du Xiuyuan hurriedly replied.


    "Gather the bodies of our fallen brothers. Leave nothing behind, not even a single hair, or you will face martial punishment," Lin Wanrongmanded sternly. Du Xiuyuan quickly acknowledged the order and set off to fulfill it.


    Hu Bugui approached and reported, "General Lin, the Deputy General of the Cavalry Unit, Zhai Canghai, has brought five thousand reinforcements."


    As Hu Bugui finished, the sound of hooves thundered from the distance, and countless cavalry rushed in. The general in front, with his clean, proud face, spurred his horse forward, "Are you the ones who requested reinforcements?"


    Annoyed at the man''s presumptuous face, Lin Wanrong grunted and remained silent. Hu Bugui responded, "General, we have just had a fierce battle with several thousand elite troops of the White Lotus Sect, and have annihted all the bandits. We are now tallying the results of the battle."


    "Annihted? You, a bunch of forage transport?" Zhai Canghai and his officers burst intoughter at the report.


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 Chapter 243

    Chapter 243


    Chapter 243 No One Can Humiliate My Brother


    Hu Bugui''s face turned ashen, ready tosh out. But he was stopped by a tug on his sleeve. Turning his head, he saw General Lin shaking his head expressionlessly and walking away without a word. Hu Bugui let out a disgruntled grunt and followed behind Lin Wanrong.


    Seeing that the two men in front of him ignored him, Zhai Canghai shouted, "You two are audacious! How dare you disrespect this general. What are your names?"


    Without turning his head, Lin Wanrong continued forward. One of Zhai Canghai''s officers flew into a rage, spurred his horse, and raised his whip at the two men, "How audacious of you! Our general is speaking to you"


    "Shut your!" Lin Wanrong turned around suddenly, pulled the captain off his horse, and mmed his fist into his face. The wind from his furyden punch sent the officer reeling backward, a cry of agony echoing through the air as a bloom of blood erupted from his face. Lin Wanrong then kicked him away, a cruel glint in his eyes. His action stunned everyone. The cavalry soldiers were immediately riled up, and Zhai Canghai bellowed, "You dare to assault my subordinate, you worthless officer. Seize him"


    Lin Wanrong had already returned to Li Sheng''s side. Hu Bugui gritted his teeth, "This dog of mixed breed insulted my soldiers, I wish I could end him with one stroke."


    Lin Wanrong''s face was steely, and with a coldugh, he said, "Brother Li, turn the cannons toward this cavalry, and let''s have a couple of shots"


    At this order, not only Li Sheng but also the chattering Hu Bugui was taken aback. Li Sheng hurriedly said, "General Lin, we mustn''t. If we start infighting, we''ll be the ones to suffer."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled coldly, "Brother Li, just fire when I tell you to. I''ll bear all the responsibility."


    Hu Bugui''s face flushed, "General Lin, you are the person I admire most. Fire at that son of a bitch. Count me in."


    Gao Qiu said, "This Zhai guy is just a petty cavalry general, nothing to be impressed with. Fire a few shots, let him have a taste." As an imperial guard, he had seen countless senior officials and naturally looked down on someone as insignificant as Zhai Canghai.


    Li Sheng gritted his teeth, aimed the cannons at the cavalry, and carefully fired two shots. The shells exploded just in front of the cavalry, only a few yards away from Zhai Canghai. His horse, frightened by the noise, reared up and almost unseated him. The horses of the cavalry soldiers who were about to seize Lin Wanrong also began to neigh and prance, nearly throwing their riders off.


    "You''ve got some nerve, firing at my cavalry!" Zhai Canghai roared in rage, "If I don''t teach you cowards a lesson today, I"


    Just as he was speaking, he saw several toons of soldiers approaching from afar. Their uniforms were tattered, and their bodies were covered in wounds. In pairs, they carried the bodies of fallen soldiers, slowly cing them in front of the camp. The surviving soldiers, their faces grimy and blood-stained, couldn''t even maintain formation, looking like the true remnants of a battered army.


    Then they looked at the fallen soldiers, their bodies bearing no unscathed spot. Some had lost limbs, heads, their innards ripped apart, some eveny entwined with their foes, dead yet inseparable. Most of these fallen warriors were but adolescents, their faces still bearing youthful innocence. The pain and resentment in their eyes pierced everyone''s hearts like sharp needles.


    The troop that had been responsible for delivering the supplies only consisted of six to seven hundred men. Yet, within one night, half had perished. The horrific scene sent a shiver down the spine of every cavalrymander.


    "Reporting to the general, we lost 303 soldiers in this battle, and another 75 are seriously injured," Du Xiuyuan reported, his face grave.


    Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth so hard they could''ve shattered. He stared at Zhai Canghai and asked through gritted teeth, "Is your surname Zhai?"


    Zhai Canghai, unsure of his intention, arrogantly replied, "Yes, I am General Zhai-"


    "Kneel!" Lin Wanrong suddenly roared.


    Zhai Canghai paused, not knowing who he was addressing. Lin Wanrong pulled out his musket and fired a shot into the ground, creating a cloud of dust in front of Zhai''s horse. "I told you to kneel!" he growled. Fresh from battle, his body was covered in blood, his expression ferocious, he looked like a god of death descended from the heavens.


    "Kneel!" The surviving soldiers from the three battalions, clutching their notched steel des and spears, despite the blood flowing from their bodies, screamed together at the cavalry. The resounding roar even startled the cavalry. These men, mere novices yesterday, had now transformed into grim reapers. They had never retreated when faced with enemies outnumbering them, never showing fear. Their fervor made them oblivious to the pain of their wounds. Though they were battered and bruised, the potent aura of death they emitted after the bloody battle was unstoppable, stunning the cavalry.


    Startled, Zhai Canghai quickly backed away, "What are you doing? I am the deputy general of the cavalry,manding five thousand soldiers-"


    Ignoring him, Lin Wanrong lunged forward and yanked Zhai Canghai from his horse, growling, "I told you to kneel!"


    "Kneel!" Gao Qiu, standing beside Lin Wanrong, bellowed and kicked Zhai Canghai in the knee. Canghai let out a scream and fell to his knees.


    The cavalrymanders came to their senses and quickly surrounded the two men, "Arrest them, arrest them all-"


    "For General Lin, charge!" Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan yelled together. The remaining three hundred warriors, their eyes bloodshot, charged into the cavalry''s encirclement, protecting Lin Wanrong. The bloody battle the night before had united these soldiers who previously had held some reservations about each other. No matter where they came from - Zhejiang, Shandong, or the Divine Machine Unit - they wererades-in-arms, and General Lin was their war god.


    Unfazed by the encirclement, Lin Wanrong kicked Zhai Canghai, who had fallen on the ground, stepping on his face. He smirked and coldly ordered, "Tell your cavalry to dismount."


    "How audacious! Are you nning a mutiny?" Several officers from the Cavalry Regiment surrounded the three hundred ragtag soldiers, shouting loudly.


    Gao Qiu shed his golden token and bellowed, "Nonsense! I''m a first-ss imperial guard given by the Emperor himself. I am here to protect General Lin. Who dares to cross swords with me? Anyone not afraid of having their family seized maye forth!"


    Upon revealing his identity, the cavalrymen fell silent. Everyone knew the stature of a pce guard. If this General Lin had a first-ss guard protecting him, his status must be significant indeed.


    The trampled Zhai Canghai cried out, "You disrespect a superior officer, I will discipline you--"


    "Your superior--" Lin Wanrong shouted, abruptly kicking out and yelling, "All cavalrymen, dismount at once!"


    Upon witnessing this young general who appeared fearless, the cavalrymen were shocked. However, with their leader held captive, they had no choice but to follow the order. Five thousand men dismounted their horses.


    Lin Wanrong roared, "Look carefully! Remember my face. I am Lin San, a military strategist under Xu Wei''smand. Don''t pretend not to recognize me in the future."


    "This Zhai cur dared to insult my fallen brothers who gave their lives for the country. If I don''t punish him today, I would be betraying the spirits of my countless brothers. My seven hundred brothers fought valiantly against thousands of White Lotus elites. We broke through enemy ranks, killed the bravest warrior of the White Lotus, Meng Du, and numerous brothers fell here. Many were just teenagers, just teenagers!" Lin Wanrong cried out loudly, his eyes zing red like a stack of dynamite ready to explode, kicking fiercely at Zhai Canghai''s face. "Which one of my brothers wasn''t a hero? Who gave you, this Zhai cur, the right to insult them? Damn it, what right do you have? I''ll chop you up!"


    In his fury, Lin Wanrong snatched a long saber, preparing to sh at Zhai Canghai''s face. Gao Qiu desperately held him back, pleading, "Brother Lin, calm yourself!"


    Tears filled the eyes of the three hundred ragtag soldiers as they recalled the bloody battle of the previous night. They all held their heads high, gazing at this young general they revered with utmost admiration.


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s im of killing the bravest White Lotus warrior, Meng Du, the cavalrymen were taken aback. Meng Du and his elite forces were formidable fighters of the White Lotus Army. It was shocking that they were defeated by this group of weak and weary soldiers, and Meng Du himself had been killed. This revtion filled them with awe.


    No wonder this young general was so brave. If he could kill Meng Du, how could he be weak? Even if he beheaded General Zhai, none would question his action. Soldiers had always revered the strong, and there was no longer any disdain for this battle-hardened regiment. The fallen soldiers on the ground represented the glory of the Great Hua Army in their eyes.


    "Hu Bugui!" Lin Wanrong tossed his saber aside, calling out loudly.


    "Present!" came the reply.


    "Strike this Zhai cur in the mouth and break both his legs. Let him see who the hell is the real waste. No one can bully my brothers!" Lin Wanrong wiped away his tears, his voiceced with chilling menace that carried far into the distance. The remnants of the three camps cheered thunderously, while the Cavalry Regiment''s soldiers remained as silent as cicadas in winter. None dared to respond.


    "Understood!" Hu Bugui grabbed a nk and rushed forward,mencing a brutal assault on Zhai Canghai. Beating a superior officer was an indescribably satisfying experience.


    Lin Wanrong pulled out the saber from Gao Qiu and, with a swift motion, beheaded Zhai Canghai''s mount. Blood spurted out, "Insult my soldiers, I will behead your horse. Offend again, and I will take your dog life."


    Despite their numbers, no one from the Cavalry Regiment dared to speak up. With this young general having killed Meng Du, his merit was unquestionable. Who couldpare to him?


    Lin Wanrong gazed at the fallen brothers and knelt down. Hu Bugui, Gao Chieftain, Du Xiuyuan, Li Sheng, and the remaining soldiers followed suit and knelt beside General Lin. The solemnity in the air was profound, even the warhorses didn''t dare to neigh.


    Afterpleting the formal salute with utmost respect, Lin Wanrong rose to his feet, and bellowed, "Li Sheng, Hu Bugui, Du Xiuyuan--"


    "Present!" the three answered loudly in unison.


    "See our brothers off." Lin Wanrong said through gritted teeth.


    The four men lifted the bodies of the fallen soldiers high above their heads and slowly proceeded forward. A line of ragtag soldiers followed behind, moving slowly. The well-disciplined five-thousand-strong Cavalry Regiment watched this tattered yet unified force, and they were struck by a strange sensation. This weak group seemed invincible.


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 Chapter 244

    Chapter 244


    Chapter 244 The Unsurpassable


    Mounds of yellow soil covered the bodies of the young, drowning the remains of the fallen soldiers in the earth. The surviving three hundred soldiers, supporting each other, fell to their knees in the dirt, breaking into uncontroble sobs.


    Lin Wanrong took a jar of wine from Xu Zhen''s hands, pouring the aromatic liquor slowly onto the ground. As he watched the crystal-clear liquid seep into the soil, he clenched his teeth. A sudden wave of sorrow hit him, bringing him to his knees and triggering a flood of tears, like a child.


    The cavalry soldiers in the distance watched in silence, their gazes fixed on the weeping of more than three hundred soldiers. No one dared to speak. A few hot-blooded thousand-manmanders took the lead, and five thousand soldiers followed suit, raising their fists in a distant salute, paying their respects to these brave warriors.


    Lin Wanrong lifted his head, downed the remaining wine, and with a ''pop'', he smashed the jar onto the ground. The crisp sound echoed far and wide.


    "Stand up, all of you stand up!" He wiped his face haphazardly, shouting aloud.


    At General Lin''s call, the more than three hundred survivors of the camps struggled to their feet. His eyes sweeping over them, he roared, "Straighten your backs, stand like men"


    The wind blew harshly, and each of the three hundred remaining soldiers stood tall, heads held high, their eyes filled with a determined glow.


    "Our fallen brothers, they died standing, they never fell. Regardless of whether they were from Zhejiang or Shandong, young or old, they are all heroes of our Great Hua. The soldiers under mymand, not one of them was a coward. Remember this, it''s better to die standing than live kneeling."


    "Better to die standing than live kneeling!" The three hundred echoed in unison. Their voices were hoarse, but they emanated an awe-inspiring, rainbow-like momentum. It was a sight both tragic and heart-shaking.


    Hu Bugui, Du Xiuyuan, and Li Sheng, bare-chested against the cold wind, carried arge stone from the foot of a distant mountain and ced it in front of the soldiers'' graves. A craftsman from the Divine Machine Unit, hands trembling and eyes filled with tears, delicately carved the familiar names onto the stone. Lin Wanrong, expressionless, looked at each of those names, his cheeks twitching involuntarily.


    "Dammit" He roared, striking a tree beside him with his sword. Amidst the rustling sound, the tree slowly fell. All the soldiers looked at their young general, feeling that serving such apassionate and righteous general, even death was worth it.


    A few thousand-manmanders from the cavalry came over on foot. They raised their fists to Lin Wanrong and said, "General Lin, please allow us to pay tribute to our fallen brothers."


    Lin Wanrong returned the salute, "Thank you."


    One of the leading thousand-manmanders sighed, "General Lin, your bravery is unmatched, and your loyalty is unquestionable. You are truly a role model for us all. We admire you greatly. We shouldn''t bring this up, but we came here today following General Zhai to reinforce your army. Now that General Zhai is unconscious with broken legs, how should we report this to the Marshal?"


    Seeing the sincerity in thesemanders'' demeanor, Lin Wanrong understood they were not ill-intentioned. He saluted everyone around him, "Please be assured, the events of today are my responsibility alone. It has nothing to do with my brothers, and I will not make things difficult for you all. In front of Master Xu, I will reveal everything truthfully. I, Lin San, have no other requests, I only hope that you all will report what you saw today to Marshal Xu as it is."


    "General Lin, your righteous spirit reaches the heavens. We admire you greatly," said themanders, saluting Lin Wanrong in unison. Seeing Lin Wanrong shoulder all the me, themanders couldn''t help but admire him even more.


    The three hundred soldiers at Lin Wanrong''s side were unable to continue fighting. To prevent another attack, the cavalry of five thousand settled there, waiting to set off with them to Feng County at dawn to meet with Marshal Xu.


    As the thousand-manmanders departed, Du Xiuyuan voiced his concerns, "General Lin, Deputy General Zhai Canghai of the cavalry is a student of Deputy Minister Tie from the Ministry of War. Today you beat him; how are you going to exin this to Marshal Xu? Will there be trouble?"


    "What''s the big deal about hitting him? In my opinion, even beheading him would be too lenient," Hu Bugui scoffed. "If things really escte, count me in. I''ll take that dog down. See what he dares to do then. You, Du Xiuyuan, always so timid and afraid after reading some books."


    Despite his schrly nature, Du Xiuyuan had proven himself in battle,manding effectively and fighting at the front lines. His face turned red at Hu Bugui''s words, "Old Hu, what are you talking about? When did I show fear? Is it only you who can stand up for the General? If anyone dares to harm the General, I, Du Xiuyuan, am ready to give my life to protect him."


    "Always being so cautious, how can you achieve great things?" Hu Bugui retorted.


    "And you, always acting recklessly, how will you ever achieve greatness?" Du Xiuyuan shot back.


    Seeing the two bickering again, Lin Wanrong shook his head and smiled helplessly. The two of them were a perfect match, yet they were always at odds.


    Gao Qiu, who had fought side by side with Lin Wanrong and shared life-and-death situations, couldn''t help butugh, "Don''t worry, brothers. Who can outsmart Brother Lin? He''s always the one tricking others, no one can trick him"


    What kind of statement is that? Am I that bad? I only asionally y tricks on others.


    After burying the three hundred brothers, as the sky started to brighten, Lin Wanrong stood by theke in silence, his sleepless eyes reflecting the cold glow of the water. Du Xiuyuan and the others stood behind him, watching his contemtive silhouette, no one dared to speak.


    Finally, after hesitating for a long time, Gao Qiu asked, "Brother Lin, what''s the matter? This doesn''t seem like you."


    Lin Wanrong turned around and smiled, "Brother Gao, I''m still the same, it''s just that the battlest night was heartbreaking. I feel uneasy."


    Hu Bugui smirked mysteriously, "General Lin, you''re not still worried about Zhai Canghai, are you? To be honest, I had it all nned when I beat himst night. I put hidden nails in that nk, and I shattered his leg bones. He won''t be able to stand again in his lifetime. Let him dare to insult my brothers, let''s see how he''ll harm others again."


    Lin Wanrong grimaced. So, Hu Bugui could y dirty too. He had underestimated him. Du Xiuyuan gave him a thumbs-up, "Old Hu, this is the best thing you''ve ever done."


    "Of course. Today''s actions were absolutely thrilling. In my entire life, I''ve never done something so satisfying," Hu Bugui proimed with immense pride.


    Lin Wanrong smiled gently and said, "Brother Hu, you and Brother Du should stop arguing in the future. The two of you, one versed in literature and the other in martial arts, make a perfect team. If you cooperate well, it''s nothing to conquer territories and achieve great feats. Brother Li, you need to focus on further improving the firearms of our strategic battalion. Once we meet with Marshal Xu today, I will rmend you all for promotion. There''s no question about your promotion to the rank of thousand-manmander, considering your contributions in killing Meng Du."


    The three hastily thanked him for his mentorship. Lin Wanrong heaved a slight sigh, "Last night''s battle resulted in heavy losses among my brothers. However, the phoenix rises from its ashes. Those who survived are the elites. You must take care of them in the future. And Xu Zhen, he''s also a talented individual; make sure you cultivate him."


    Hu Bugui nodded in agreement, saying with emotion, "We may have won the battle, but it was a Pyrrhic victory. The White Lotus rebels are fierce, but they''re also our fellow countrymen. At its core, this battle was a civil war within our great nation. Even though we won, I''m not exactly jubnt. But the idea of driving out the nomads in the North, that''s been my dream for many years. I just don''t know when I''ll see it realized."


    Hu Bugui was from Jining, and many of the vanquished White Lotus rebels were his fellow townsmen, so his sentimentality was inevitable.


    "I suddenly have an idea," Du Xiuyuan suddenly announced, excitement visible on his face. "General Lin, you''re brilliant and full of strategies, a born military leader. The brothers respect and admire you deeply. Could we ask Marshal Xu to submit a petition to the Emperor, assigning you to lead us in resisting the Northern nomads? You treat the soldiers like your children andmand them superbly. Everyone''s seen it. As long as you''re leading, we brothers have a backbone. Then, we can protect our borders, y the nomads, and make remarkable achievements for our great nation."


    "Yes, indeed," Li Sheng and Hu Bugui agreed enthusiastically. "With General Lin''s brilliant strategies and cunning tactics, annihting the nomads would be a cinch. Please lead us, General Lin."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Dammit, my so-called ingenious strategies were merely fortuitous idents. If I used these tactics in a battle against the nomads, it wouldn''t matter if I lost my life, but if it led to the deaths of so many brothers, it would be utterly unforgivable. He quickly interjected, "Well, I don''t particrly enjoy war. Plus, casualties are inevitable on the battlefield. Seeing my brothers fall every day would be more painful than death. If you genuinely care about me, please don''t bring up these topics. You''re all talented individuals. I''ll vouch for you in front of Master Xu, and I''m sure you''ll have promising futures. From now on, you must take care of these brothers."


    Everyone was startled upon hearing the hint of a departure in his words and quickly started to reassure him. Only Gao Qiu seemed undisturbed, he thought, When you were invited to fight the White Lotus, you were also hesitant, weren''t you? Eventually, someone will find a way to persuade you to go.


    Lin Wanrong had formed deep bonds with these brothers, spending days and nights together, sharing life and death. Chatting by thekeside with the four of them, listening to Hu Bugui''s stories about resisting the nomads, inevitably caused his blood to boil once again, especially after the bloody battle they had endured the previous night.


    The team set off early in the morning, heading straight for Feng County. Despite their tattered uniforms and the camp full of wounded soldiers, Lin Wanrong''s three battalions walked at the forefront with heads held high and faces radiating confidence. No one would dare to believe that, just the night before, this had been a ragtag army.


    More than seventy severely wounded brothers were supposed to be lying on the horse carts, but the extreme jostling caused unbearable pain. Seeing this, Lin Wanrong dismounted, his heart burning with concern. He ced one of the severely injured soldiers on a new stretcher made the previous night, and together with Gao Qiu, one at the front and the other at the back, they carried the man forward.


    The injured brother struggled emotionally, "I deserve to die, how dare I burden the general?"


    Lin Wanrong retorted angrily, "What nonsense are you spouting? You''re my brother, what''s wrong with me carrying you? If you utter another word, I''ll toss you off this stretcher."


    The soldier burst into tears, "The kindness the general has shown me is as vast as the sky and bright as the moon. My life is in the general''s hands."


    "You cheekyd, talking too much!" Lin Wanrong muttered, secretly wiping the corner of his eye.


    When Hu Bugui and the others saw General Lin''s actions, they finally came to their senses. They quickly dismounted, and everyone helped to put the severely injured brothers on stretchers and carry them forward. The team became scattered, instantly growing in size, but the hearts of the three battalions'' soldiers became even more united.


    Several thousand-manmanders of the cavalry who were following behind, all seasoned military men, were deeply moved by the scene in front of them. They raised their arms andmanded, "All dismount! Cavalry bes infantry, we march with our brothers"


    "We march together" Five thousand cavalrymen roared in unison. When they saw the battered soldiers in front, they saw their own reflections. With tears brimming in their eyes, they willingly dismounted, closely following behind the injured soldiers, not daring to take a single step beyond them.


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 Chapter 245

    Chapter 245


    Chapter 245 A Letter from Home


    From Pei County to Feng County, a distance of several dozen li, it had taken them four to six hours to traverse. Upon reaching an area about ten li away from Xu Wei''s main camp, they suddenly heard the sound of several cannons firing. Racing towards them from the front were about a dozen elite cavalry. Leading them was an elderly man, his beard streaked with white - none other than Xu Wei, the suprememander leading the campaign against the White Lotus Army. Following him were several individuals, d in armor and radiating an aura of deadly intent - evidently, these were all high-ranking generals under Xu Wei''smand.


    Xu Wei and his men dismounted from their horses from a distance and walked hurriedly toward them. Xu Wei, sping his hands in a traditional salute, said, "Little Brother Lin, I trust you''ve been well?"


    After a few days apart, Xu Wei seemed to have aged somewhat; it was clear that the campaign was taking a toll on him. Lin Wanrong shook his head and replied, "Mr. Xu, look at my brothers behind me. Do I look unharmed? I am, indeed, harmed. Very much so."


    Xu Wei noticed that the soldiers under Lin San''smand had worn and tattered uniforms. All of them bore scars of battle - the evidence ofst night''s fiercebat was ubiquitous. Hastily gesturing with his hand, he ordered his men to take over and carry the severely wounded soldiers into the camp for treatment.


    Heaving a sigh, Xu Wei turned to Lin Wanrong with a bitter smile, "Little Brother Lin, the battlest night was truly beyond my expectations. I had ordered a strict defense on Lake Weishan, yet I never expected that the enemy would bypass our defensive lines so cunningly."


    Strict defense? Hundreds of small boats, thousands of soldiers spread out on theke''s surface, simply counting heads would show a sea of men. Even a blind man could see the reality. How could Xu Wei''s navy have been so negligent?


    Anger welled up inside Lin Wanrong, but seeing the elder''s worn-out expression, his hair seemingly whiter, he couldn''t find it in himself tosh out. He grunted and decided to remain silent.


    The generals following Xu Wei were surprised that the person their Marshal had personally gone to greet was a young military strategist barely in his twenties.


    Xu Wei took Lin Wanrong by the arm, turned to face the generals, and introduced him, "Gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to someone I often mention - our military strategist, Little Brother Lin. His knowledge and courage are remarkable, and I hold him in high esteem. After several invitations, he finally agreed toe and assist us."


    Seeing the Marshal hold Lin San in such high regard, the generals courteously responded with a salute, "An honor to meet you!"


    What honor indeed, Lin Wanrong thought, understanding his own position. These generals, eachmanding troops, were ferocious individuals who wouldn''t readily admit inferiority. They might be saying ''an honor,'' but they probably didn''t even bother looking at his face.


    Xu Wei introduced Lin San to each of the generals in turn. Lin Wanrong, with a good memory, quickly became familiar with their faces. Among these generals, he paid particr attention to Tong Cheng, the leader of the cavalry camp. The reason was simple - Zhai Canghai, the man whose leg he had broken and mouth he had smashed the previous night, was Tong Cheng''s deputy. These generals, all men of high standing, naturally felt a degree of contempt towards a young military strategist receiving such attention from the Marshal. Their faces couldn''t help but show a hint of pride.


    Having developed a keen understanding of human nature, Lin Wanrong was well aware of their thoughts. He chuckled coldly and, gesturing grandly to his men, Hu Bugui and others behind him, ordered, "Bring it forward"


    Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan strode in, their steps resolute as tigers, and threw a corpse in front of the gathered generals. The corpse bore a fierce countenance, with a gaping hole in the chest the size of a baby''s fist. It was an rming sight.


    "Meng Du? Is that Meng Du, the bravest warrior of the White Lotus Sect?" A few of the generals who had previously crossed swords with Meng Du eximed in unison, their faces pale with shock.


    "Oh, so this is Meng Du, who is reputed to be able to tear tigers apart alive?" Xu Wei nced at the corpse and said.


    "Marshal, this is indeed him. Meng Du is a native of Yanzhou, born with tremendous strength. He once tore a fierce tiger to pieces on Jingyang Ridge, earning him the title of the bravest warrior of the White Lotus Sect. Our forces battled him just a few days ago, during which several of the generals under mymand fell to him. I didn''t expect to see his dead body before us today," the man speaking was the left nk general under Xu Wei, whose name Lin Wanrong remembered was Zuo Zongyou.


    Zuo Zongyou bowed slightly toward Lin Wanrong and said, "Brother Lin, was it Meng Du whounched a sneak attack on your campst night?" He had initially disyed a certain arrogance, but upon seeing Meng Du''s body, his demeanor had changed significantly, his words now carried a hint of respect.


    Pride was an inevitable part of being amander, which Lin Wanrong understood all too well. He nodded and said, "Indeed, it was him. Last night, he led thousands of elite White Lotus soldiers to sneak attack our camp from Lake Weishan. Fortunately, we were able to detect them in advance. After a bloody battle, we were finally able to y him."


    Many of the generals around Xu Wei had heard of Meng Du''s reputation, some even having personally battled him and understood his prowess. His men were the most loyal and fearless elites of the White Lotus Sect, known for their ferocity. It was hard to believe that a supply convoy could not only defeat such arger force but also y Meng Du.


    A look of admiration appeared on Zuo Zongyou''s face, "Brother Lin, your military strategies are extraordinary. I am impressed. But I am curious as to what kind of weapon inflicted this wound on Meng Du. I''ve been in wars for many years, but I''ve never seen such a wound."


    "Oh, it''s the result of my family''s secret technique - the One Yang Finger. I may have practiced it too intensively, which increased its power. During the chaos ofst night''s battle, I inadvertently caused thisrge wound. I apologize if it''s rming," Lin Wanrong said with a straight face.


    [TL: One Yang Finger, one of the supreme skills in the novel Condor Heroes by Jin Yong]


    Gao Qiu, hearing his flippant lie, chuckled internally. It was clearly a hidden weapon; this Brother Lin was quite good at bluffing.


    Everyone else seemed astounded, indeed, this military strategist was unfathomable.


    Lin Wanrong pointed to Hu Bugui, Du Xiuyuan, and Li Sheng and said, "Marshal Xu, inst night''s bloody battle, these three brothers were at the forefront, their contribution was the greatest. I would like to request a merit for them."


    Xu Weiughed heartily and said, "Indeed, it should be so. The battlest night not only wiped out the elite of the White Lotus Sect but also killed Meng Du. It is the greatest victory since our army began the suppression campaign, greatly boosting our morale. Brother Lin, leading a weak troop, achieved such a brilliant result. He should indeed be rewarded. Pass on my order: the three whom Brother Lin rmended shall each be promoted two ranks, and appointed as a thousand-manmander mander of 1000 soldiers). Troops will be reassigned to them tomorrow. The rest shall each be promoted one rank, reward them ording to their merits."


    "Thank you, General!" Hu, Du, and Li were overjoyed and quickly saluted in gratitude.


    "Little Brother Lin, you''ve brought me quite a significant gift," Xu Wei said, leading Lin Wanrong towards the main camp, his face full of deep emotion. In recent days, Xu Wei''s forces had indeed pushed the White Lotus Sect back to the Jining front, but the White Lotus army had used its familiarity with the terrain and avoided direct confrontations with the government forces. As a result, the progress of the suppression campaign had been very slight over the past few days.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Of course, if I were the White Lotus army, I would also avoid going head-to-head with the government forces. However, once we have them surrounded, there''s no need for daily battles. We just need to progressively advance, slowly shrinking the encirclement, leaving them no room to maneuver. Then we attack and upy Jining, capturing their base and cutting off their retreat. By the time the harsh winter arrives and the heavy snow falls, the White Lotus Sect will inevitably copse."


    Xu Wei was ted, "Little Brother Lin, your thinking aligns perfectly with mine. My choice for a military strategist truly couldn''t have been better."


    As Lin Wanrong followed Xu Wei into the main camp, he saw countless tents stretching out into the distance, so many they seemed to blur into the horizon. Teams of soldiers were engaged in rigorous training, with several elite units patrolling the camp''s perimeters - the defenses were extremely tight. Seeing this army of tens of thousands, their weapons gleaming and troops in high spirits, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but nod in approval. This old Xu Wei might look frail and schrly, but he was indeed adept at leading an army. The title of the number one schr in the world was not unjustified.


    Xu Wei led him into a tent, chuckling, "Brother Lin, you fought without restst night and attended the meeting today. There''s no need for you to join in the camp''s duties today, rest well. I apologize for the simplicity of this big tent."


    Lin Wanrong thought wryly, If I were toin, would you provide me with a mansion? He then asked Xu Wei, "Mr. Xu, how have my brothers been settled?"


    Xu Wei gave him a thumbs up, "Little Brother Lin, you are truly a man of integrity. Rest assured, these soldiers are all heroes of great merit. I will not treat them unfairly, the best things in this camp will be given to them."


    Lin Wanrong finally rxed. Although he was brash and cunning, he was absolutely genuine when it came to these brothers he had fought and bled alongside. Xu Wei continued, "Little Brother Lin, with your care for your subordinates and your exceptional talents, why not consider a permanent position in the military? Your brothers would be overjoyed. I would certainly rmend you to the Emperor."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Damn, did this old man understand his lofty aspirations? His yful bouts with the Eldest Miss of the Xiao family, his ndestine activities with the Second Miss - these were pleasures Xu Wei couldn''tprehend. Xu Wei had no ambition!


    "Let''s discuss thatter," Lin Wanrong replied, yawning. After the battle of the previous day, a sleepless night, shedding blood and tears, and carrying stretchers over 50 miles this morning, he was utterly exhausted.


    Seeing Lin San''s fatigue, Xu Wei sighed and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something. He pulled out a letter from his robes, "I almost forgot something, Little Brother Lin, here''s a letter from your home."


    "A letter from home?" Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened in surprise. Could someone have written to me? Could it be Qiaoqiao? Impossible! That girl had no idea why he had left, even if she had a million thoughts, the letter couldn''t have reached Xu Wei.


    "Mr. Xu, are you sure there''s no mistake? I left Jinling less than ten days ago, my wife at home doesn''t even know where I went. How could there be a letter from home?" Lin Wanrong asked, skeptical.


    "There''s no mistake!" Xu Wei replied, handing the letter to him with a smile. "Little Brother Lin, you''ll know once you look at it."


    What was this old man up to, being so mysterious? As Lin Wanrong watched Xu Wei''s retreating figure, he stood in a daze for a long while before he finally shifted his gaze to the envelope in his hand.


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 Chapter 246

    Chapter 246


    Chapter 246 The Letter from the Eldest Miss


    He had turned the envelope over and over several times, but it was nk with no hint of who had written it. Hastily opening the letter, he was greeted by a faint, ethereal scent. His keen senses, akin to a dog''s, caught a whiff of a rose-like perfume after a few sniffs.


    There were only a few lines on the pristine paper, with neither salutation nor valediction. His eyes scanned over the beautifully written characters: "Since your departure, news has been scarce, and my younger sister is anxious, having sought me out multiple times to ask about you. She''s requested me to write you a letter. With a childlike worry, she asks you to eat meat when hungry, add clothes when cold, avoid raw and cold food, keep away from strangers, avoid disputes, and stay away from young women! All is well at home, so you may assist Mr. Xu without worry. Do not dwell on home matters. Safety is paramount when abroad. Do not act impulsively; be prudent and circumspect. Do not seek prosperity, only a safe return. Once you receive this letter, write back, to put Yushuang''s mind at ease. Even a few words will suffice, don''t write too much, so as not to trouble me. All the instructions given above are Yu Shuang''s words, not mine. If you hold her in your heart, you must take care of yourself and return as soon as possible. If you forget, even as a ghost, I won''t let you off! Remember!"


    Lin Wanrong read the letter several times over. Its content was puzzling - a mix of concern and irritation that was difficult to grasp. One thing, however, was clear: the letter was written by the Eldest miss. It waspletely unexpected. He couldn''t figure out how she had managed to get it to Xu Wei. No wonder that old Xu had referred to it as a "family letter."


    The letter, peculiar as it was, fit the Eldest miss''s character. Lin Wanrong could almost see Xiao Yuruo, frowning under themplight, huffing in exasperation. Without a doubt, the girl must have been upset with him. Having spent so much time with the Eldest miss, he had developed feelings for her. After days without seeing her, his longing was strong. Overwhelmed with emotion, he grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil. Without thinking, he wrote hastily, "Eldest Miss, I miss you; Second Miss, I miss you; Madam, I miss you, too."


    His letter was indeed sinct and startling, just as the Eldest miss wanted, and he didn''t feel like writing more. He sealed the envelope and summoned a soldier on guard outside his tent, instructing him to deliver the letter to Marshal Xu and onward to the Xiao family in Jinling.


    After writing the letter, he felt overwhelmingly tired. He yawned several times before copsing onto his bed, quickly falling asleep.


    The next morning, he was awakened by the sounding of the military training horn. As he remembered what he had done the day before, a cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He urgently called for the messenger from the previous day, "Hurry, hurry to Marshal Xu''s tent and retrieve the letter I wrote yesterday."


    The messenger returned after a moment, saluting, "General, Marshal Xu sent the letter to Jinling by express courier yesterday. It''s toote to retrieve it now."


    "Darn it!" Lin Wanrong sprang up instantly. That old Xu, who never showed enthusiasm for anything else, was surprisingly prompt in sending the letter. Wasn''t this creating trouble for him? Thinking back to the content of his letter from the previous day, he was filled with regret. He didn''t know what hade over him to make him pen such strange words. Missing the second miss was one thing, but missing the eldest miss and even the madam - what the hell was that about? The eldest miss couldn''t see the letter, neither could the second miss, and certainly not the madam. If itnded in their hands, he could only wonder what their reaction would be. Upon his return, would they y him alive?


    As he sat there, helpless and worried, Gao Qiu walked in with a smile, "Brother Lin, did you sleep wellst night?"


    "Don''t even mention it. I was sleeping just fine until I realized that I''ve done something foolish, now I''m filled with regret," Lin Wanrong said with a wry smile.


    Gao Qiu shook his head, hardly believing it, "With your wit and wisdom, Brother Lin, how could you have done anything foolish? Don''t be overly modest."


    Whether it was foolish or not, time would tell. Lin Wanrong sighed and asked, "Brother Gao, have you ever been interested in a woman?"


    "Interested in a woman?" Gao Qiu was surprised. "What would I need that for? Oh, Brother Lin, are you missing a wife? That''s easy to solve. Tomorrow, I can apany you out of the camp, we can visit some local brothels and that should rid you of your worries."


    A cold sweat formed on Lin Wanrong''s brow as he hastily replied, "Brother Gao, how could a brothel girlpare to a woman one is truly interested in?"


    Gao Qiu nodded in agreement, "That''s true. Finding a woman you''re interested in is time-consuming and hard. It''s not as easy and enjoyable as being with a courtesan. I still prefer courtesans."


    There was clearly nomon ground for conversation. Seeing that it was gettingte and Xu Wei should have set up hismand tent, Lin Wanrong quickly put on his armor. Just then, Hu Bugui, Li Sheng, and Du Xiuyuan, dressed in brand-new armor, walked in looking quite formidable. They saluted him, "Greetings, General!"


    Lin Wanrong returned the gesture with a grin, "Good morning, thousand-manmanders!" All three men had been newly promoted to thousand-manmanders and their faces radiated joy. They hade early to pay their respects to General Lin.


    Hu Bugui''s dark face was flushed with excitement, "Thank you for your guidance, General. We swear to follow you to the death!"


    "We swear to follow you to the death!" Du Xiuyuan and Li Sheng echoed in unison, their faces stern with determination.


    Knowing that he would not stay in the army for long, yet sharing a deep bond with these hundreds of soldiers, Lin Wanrong found it hard to let go. He simply smiled and asked, "So, how does it feel to be promoted to thousand-manmanders?"


    Du Xiuyuan gave a bitter smile, "Without your guidance, General, even if we were promoted to ten thousand-manmanders, it wouldn''t be enjoyable."


    Seeing their earnest words, Lin Wanrong didn''t know what to say. He excused himself, mentioning that themand tent had been raised, and left with Gao Qiu. Xu Wei''smand tent was situated at the center of therge camp. When Lin Wanrong entered, everyone was already in ce. The military discipline was strict, and upon seeing Lin Wanrong, everyone nodded but no one dared to speak.


    Lin Wanrong, serving only as a military strategist, held no formal rank and didn''t even know where to stand in themand tent. Therefore, he had no choice but to take thest seat. Gao Qiu, his personal bodyguard, stood at his back without a care for the stares of those present. The other generals, surprised to see that this military strategist had brought a bodyguard into themand tent, fell silent as they noticed the suprememander, Marshal Xu Wei, smiling without a word.


    Once everyone was present, Xu Wei nodded and loudly asked, "Does anyone have any important reports to deliver?"


    The leader of the cavalry, Tong Cheng, suddenly stepped forward and reported, "Marshal, my deputy Zhai Canghai, who was ordered to rescue General Lin and his party, returned yesterday with both legs crippled and his tongue injured. We ask for your justice, sir."


    "Oh? Something like this happened?" Xu Wei''s eyes narrowed as he said, "Zhai Canghai is a deputy of the cavalry, in charge of five thousand men. Who would dare touch him? Do they have a death wish?"


    Lin Wanrong stepped forward, fist to palm, and admitted, "Marshal, I am responsible for this."


    Tong Cheng, enraged, asked, "May I ask, General Lin, why you would order such harm to a man who was sent to rescue you? Even as a military strategist, what right do you have to punish my deputy?"


    Damn it, everyone knows what happened, Lin Wanrong snorted and responded, "Everything has its cause and its root. I, Lin San, always act justly and stand straight. No one can frame me. Deputy Zhai Canghai of the cavalry, while rescuing our army, waste and that''s tolerable, but he insulted our soldiers who had fought to the death and disrespected our fallenrades. This offense is detested by both humans and gods, and it chills the hearts of our soldiers. Breaking his legs was already letting him off easy."


    After recounting the previous night''s experience, Lin Wanrong asked, "This is all witnessed by the soldiers and cavalry. I ask all the generals here, what would you have done if you were me?"


    Every general in the tent was amander. As they heard of Zhai Canghai''s words and deeds, they started to curse. Zuo Zongyou, the general of the left nk, cursed, "Serves him right! I''ve disliked this Zhai Canghai for a long time. Just because he is a protege of Minister Tie, he acts high-handedly. How dare he insult our fallen soldiers? If I were there, I would''ve killed him with a single strike. Brother Lin, you did right. It''s a great relief to us all."


    Xu Wei asked with a poker face, "Tong Cheng, has Lin Wanrong said anything untrue?"


    Tong Cheng clenched his teeth and replied, "Even if General Zhai was wrong, how can Lin San, a mere military strategist, punish my deputy? I request you to enforce strict military discipline, Marshal."


    Xu Wei nodded and agreed, "Enforce strict military discipline? General Tong, your words align with my intentions. Zhai Canghai insulted our fallen soldiers, chilling the hearts of our army, he should be beheaded ording to the rules. But considering his disability, I''ll spare his life and strip him of his deputy position, sending him back to till the fields."


    Ah, this old Xu is quite just, thought Lin Wanrong, nodding in approval. However, he heard Xu Wei continue, "As for military strategist Lin, the punishment should indeed be severe for taking thew into his own hands, a flogging is inescapable."


    Lin Wanrong jumped up, cursing inwardly, Damn it, Old Xu, if you think I''m going to let you whip me, I''d rather turn tail and run. I can''t bear that shame.


    Xu Wei smiled slightly and said, "However, Zhai Canghai was the one at fault first. Lin San, in his effort to uphold the army''s morale, struck out in anger. His actions are somewhat understandable. Just a few days ago, he fought nearly a thousand of the White Lotus elites single-handedly and even killed Meng Du, our army''s first war merit. Bncing this merit against his mistake, the two offset each other. As Marshal, I will neither reward him nor punish him. What do the rest of you generals think?"


    "All hail to the Marshal''s wisdom and fair judgment!" the generals chorused in unison. General Lin had courageously held off the enemy''s elite forces and valiantly in their greatest warrior. These heroic deeds far overshadowed the minor transgression of breaking the leg of a foul-mouthed deputy general. Though it was said the merit and fault were bnced, any discerning eye could see that the merit far outweighed the fault. Naturally, there were those who sympathized with him.


    Xu Weiughed and asked, "Lin San, do you have any objections?"


    "Marshal Xu is wise and heroic, honest and upright. I have the utmost respect for you," Lin Wanrong replied.


    "Don''t be so quick to feel relieved," Xu Wei interjected. "Having broken the legs of their deputy, the cavalry of five thousand is now without a leader. This cannot be simply dismissed." He pped the armrest of his chair and shouted, "Lin San, hear mymand!"


    "I''m here!" Lin responded.


    "You''ve crippled the cavalry''s deputy, leaving thousands without leadership. This is your fault. I''m punishing you by putting you in charge of these five thousand elite horsemen. I''ll integrate them with your original troops, and assign an additional five thousand infantry and Divine Machine Unit soldiers to yourmand. I order you to lead these ten thousand elite soldiers as the vanguard of our right wing, heading straight for Jining. Are you willing?"


    "This..." Ten thousand soldiers? The vanguard of the right wing? General Lin was momentarily stunned.


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 Chapter 247

    Chapter 247


    Chapter 247 Trouble


    If there''s no great general in the army, Lin San bes the vanguard? Such a thought suddenly shed through Lin Wanrong''s mind, causing an immediate wave of displeasure. ''Damn it,'' he thought. ''Why such a crazy idea? Am I not more handsome than Liao Hua? Do I not have more skills in courting women? I am far superior to him.''


    [TL: Liao Hua was a minor military general who served under the warlord Liu Bei in thete Eastern Han dynasty andter in the state of Shu Han in the Three Kingdoms period; The first sentence seems to express a sentiment that in the absence of strong, well-known leaders, less renowned individuals may step up and y important roles, which in Lin Wanrongs mind seems topare him to Liao Hua, a minor general.]


    "Well, Marshal Xu, that may not be the best idea. I am both inexperienced andcking in knowledge. I haven''t fought many battles, and aside from being somewhat decent looking, I don''t have much else to offer. Maybe it''s best to let someone else take the vanguard position on the right nk. I''d be content to serve as a military strategist," Lin Wanrong modestly proposed.


    Xu Wei smiled without uttering a word. Instead, Zuo Zongyou spoke up, "Ah, Brother Lin, you are too modest. As the saying goes, ''ambition is not a matter of age.'' Even though you are new to the military, you fought extraordinarily well in your first battle and even killed Meng Du. Who canpete with such aplishments? Saying that youck knowledge and experience is a clear understatement. You have outsmarted thousands. I bet those damned dogs from the White Lotus Sect tremble at the sound of your name. If you don''t take the lead on the right nk, then who will?"


    Coughing twice to conceal his embarrassment, Lin Wanrong thought, ''Zuo Zongyou sure knows how to tter.'' He was pleased with thepliments. Xu Weiughed, "General Zuo is right, and he speaks my mind. Brother Lin, considering your achievements and the loyalty of your soldiers, no one canpare to you. The vanguard position on the right nk is rightfully yours."


    ''Ah, I have always been modest, but Old Xu insists on pushing me into this situation. Is he trying to make others jealous of me?'' Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, "In that case, I must obey yourmand. I am young andck experience in leading troops. I hope you, respected generals, will guide and help me in the future. I would be extremely grateful."


    "Great, then it''s settled." Xu Weiughed loudly, "Hear mymand, all officers!"


    "Present!" They responded.


    "After breakfast today, our army will march forward. In three days, we will capture Jinan. Whoever conquers Jinan first, I will rmend him to the Emperor for the highest merit!"


    "Understood!"


    After dismissing the meeting, Xu Wei retained only Lin Wanrong,ughing as he spoke, "Little Brother Lin, the right nk is now in your hands. I await news of your triumphant return."


    Lin Wanrongughed bitterly, "Mr. Xu, it seems you had this nned from the start. You tricked me into bing a military advisor, only to end up making me lead troops into battle. This difficult task is really troubling."


    Difficult task? The position of the right nk general is a desirable job that many yearn for but cannot get. This kid gets a good deal and still acts coy. Xu Wei felt rather disgruntled. Shaking his head, he said, "Little Brother Lin, what are you talking about? I invited you here to lend me your strength. Sending you to Chuzhou tomand the remnants was also a way to let you umte some experience. I didn''t expect so many things to happen, let alone for you to disy such valor,pletely annihting thousands of Meng Du''s troops. With just this battle, you''ve be the foremost meritous officer and the bravest warrior in my massive army."


    The foremost meritous officer and the bravest warrior? ''I am ashamed,'' thought Lin Wanrong. ''If it were not for the musket, my brothers and I would have been doomed in that battle. I should thank Qingxuan, my beloved wife, for this.''


    "Perhaps you''re unaware, but the story of your righteous fury on behalf of your brothers has already spread throughout the army. Everyone praises your leadership and your affection for your troops. At this moment, your prestige is unparalleled. If we didn''t assign you as the vanguard general, I''m afraid the tens of thousands of soldiers wouldn''t spare me. Naturally, I need to recognize and utilize your talent," Xu Wei told him.


    "Well, prestige and fighting wars arepletely different matters. To be frank, Mr. Xu, my so-called tactical foresightes purely from luck. I''m afraid I might end up messing up your ns," Lin Wanrong modestly replied.


    Xu Wei roared withughter, "Opportunity doesn''t favor the unprepared, Little Brother Lin. As long as you can win battles, who cares if it was by luck or not? If you have the ability, then you''re a hero."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly. The situation was escting. How he missed his freedom when he was just a servant in the Xiao family. Although he now had many brothers-in-arms in the army, he felt more restrained, shackled. He missed the Xiao family and missed her. Lin San sighed heavily as he looked up at the sky.


    Seeing through his thoughts, Xu Wei said seriously, "Little Brother Lin, to be honest, I recruited you to serve in the army to provide us with a strategic advisor and also for your own benefit. While you had freedom as a servant in the Xiao family, you were burdened with trivial matters every day. Hanging out with Miss Xiao, Miss Luo, and Miss Qiao didn''t do any good for your ambition. It even made you the butt of jokes."


    Hang on, Hanging out? He would call it interaction. Wooing virtuous women was merely a by-product.


    "With your talent and wit, if you spent all your days in women''spany, your ambition would likely be whittled away. Men of our great nation are born as heroes and die as valiant spirits. I couldn''t bear to see you waste away like this, so I took the trouble to invite you to help me in the army." Xu Wei exined with great effort, but Lin San''s face was expressionless, as if he wasn''t listening at all.


    This young man was truly unique, Xu Wei sighed inwardly, "Actually, there''s another reason why I brought you into the army. With some military experience under your belt, when the timees to go to the capital with Miss Xiao, you''ll have quite a bit of assistance."


    What''s all this about being born a hero and dying a valiant spirit? He wasn''t that noble. However, the reason of providing help in the capital was somewhat eptable. Regardless, Xu Wei was looking out for him and didn''t harbor any ill intentions.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "In that case, I really must thank you, Mr. Xu. However, let''s get this straight: this is thest time. I don''t want to be promoted again, I have a phobia of high-ranking positions."


    Xu Wei thought, ''Can I even promote you again? You''re already the vanguard of the right nk. If you were to be promoted again, you would have to be the Marshal.''


    "Oh, by the way, Mr. Xu, thank you for sending the letter yesterday." Lin Wanrong said with a forced smile, wishing he could give the old man a good beating. Xu Wei was too eager to meddle in trivial matters but wasn''t concerned with serious issues. He didn''t know what kind of torment awaited him when he returned home.


    "Little Brother Lin, having performed such an extraordinary feat, it''s only right for an old man like me to attend to these trivial matters. That letter was personally delivered by Gao Shou a few days ago. Miss Xiao sought out Luo Ning in order to deliver this letter, yet she had no idea of our whereabouts. Afterward, Miss Xiao found Luo Min and pleaded with him to get the letter to me. As you know, our whereabouts are absolutely confidential. Aside from Luo Min, his own children were clueless. But Miss Xiao beseeched him daily, looking pitiful. Luo Min had no choice but to send Gao Shou, specifically to deliver this letter." Xu Wei sighed.


    So that was the story behind the letter. Xiao Yuruo, that little minx, usually likes to keep a cold face, but when it was important, she was remarkably righteous. She had prejudices against Luo Ning, but for this matter, she put her pride aside and asked both Luo Ning and Luo Min. Thinking of the Eldest Miss'' thin face and the content of the letter, Lin Wanrong was suddenly moved. If he had known this before, he should have written a grand letter yesterday. How could he have known that his yful mood would produce such an unusual thing? He was truly regretful.


    "Little Brother Lin, your deep affection for the Xiao family and Miss Xiao''s kindness towards you have earned my utmost envy. You must not let her down," Xu Wei said with augh.


    Let her down? When had he ever let anyone down? When he got back, he wouldn''t argue with the Eldest Miss. He would speak to her properly to repay her caring heart.


    When Lin Wanrong left the big tent, several people had already surrounded him with congrattions. Not to mention Du Xiuyuan and others, even a few of the thousand-manmanders from under Zhai Canghai''smand came to pay their respects. They had all been reassigned under the Right Vanguard General Lin, and after witnessing General Lin''s bravery and righteousness yesterday, they were genuinely respectful.


    Xu Wei hadn''t lied this time. The five thousand infantry and cavalry soldiers assigned to Lin Wanrong were all elite troops, far superior to the previous supply troops. Lin Wanrong had Du Xiuyuan ce the original brothers in various ranks, conveying the intentions and spirit of General Lin.


    The story of General Lin''s power to split Meng Du and his rage against Zhai Canghai had already spread throughout the army. Once the supply troops who had experienced the battle spread this, the tens of thousands of soldiers immediately admired and respected him, raising the fame of Right Vanguard General Lin to the peak.


    Du Xiuyuan, Hu Bugui, and Li Sheng had all been promoted to thousand-manmander, but General Lin had been promoted to Right Vanguard General overnight, which excited them enormously. Their training enthusiasm surged, vowing to train their soldiers to be capable of taking on ten enemies at once.


    Originally, beforemanding the troops, Lin Wanrong had thought of the prestige of leading tens of thousands of men. But when the day came, he lost his interest. Looking at the tens of thousands of soldiers with their shining weapons and strict discipline, and recalling the bloody battle of that night, Lin Wanrong sternly told his thousand-manmanders, "In the art of training troops,ziness is absolutely forbidden. As for the elimination system, you must implement it strictly. I do not wish to see a repeat of the Battle of Pei County."


    Hu Bugui and the others nodded their agreement, deeply understanding his sentiment. The thousand-man cavalrymanders had personally witnessed the horror of the soldiers who had died in the battle that night, and they strongly agreed with this concept of training elite troops.


    Watching tens of thousands of soldiers training, the drill ground filled with the constant sound of weapons shing and clouds of dust billowing, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but sing: "In the beginning, when my team was first established, there were only about a hundred men and a few dozen guns" Gao Qiu, following behind him, broke out in goosebumps all over his body.


    [TL: A butchered version of an opera song titled: ; google this to listen to the song.]


    ---


    Xu Wei gave the order with all seriousness that Jinan should be captured within three days. The armies from the north and south advanced together, implementing a tactic ofyeredpression, forcing the elite of the White Lotus Army, who had no route of retreat, to withdraw into the city of Jinan.


    The right-wing army led by Lin Wanrong adhered to General Lin''s usual principle: to train strong soldiers and create happy warriors. They practiced military drills morning and evening, and traveled during the day, leading a life that was quite leisurely andfortable.


    However, the closer they got to Jinan, the more uneasy Lin Wanrong became. The battle had been going on for days now, and ording to the news from the left-wing and central armies, the White Lotus Army had been continuously defeated and had already retreated back into the city of Jinan. However, no matter how much he inquired, he hadn''t heard any news of Xian''er. Could she still be in the city of Jinan? That would indeed be a problem.


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 Chapter 248

    Chapter 248


    Chapter 248 Siege Drills


    Having marched continuously, within less than two days, they heard the distant roar of cannons, signaling their approach to Jining City.


    General Lin was leisurely discussing with Gao Qiu whether the courtesans of Nanjing or Hangzhou hadrger buttocks when Hu Bugui hurriedly arrived. He reported, "General, Jining City is about twenty miles ahead. The armies from the left and center have already encircled the north and east gates of Jining. The navy has also blocked off the southern gate leading to Weishan Lake, thus the soldiers from these three routes are already shing with the rebel White Lotus Army inside the city. All that is needed is for our army to head north and trap them at the western gate, then the White Lotus Army will bepletely surrounded and unable to move."


    Jining City was situated by Weishan Lake, serving as theke''s northern origin point. With naval blockades, the White Lotus Army naturally had no escape route.


    Lin Wanrong sneered, "Naval blockade? Can we really trust that? Remember when we were in Pei County, wasn''t there supposed to be a blockade then, too? But those damned White Lotus rebels still managed to sneak attack us by sailing along theke unnoticed."


    Du Xiuyuan, standing beside him, replied, "What the general may not know is that after the attack on Pei County, Marshal Xu thoroughly investigated the navy at Weishan Lake and appointed a newmander. This time, the rebels will have no chance to escape via Weishan Lake."


    So Old Xu has done this, why didn''t I know? It seems that the old man didn''t intentionally use me as a pawnst time, Lin Wanrong nodded, "If that''s the case, tell our brothers to slow down. We''ll rest every five miles and build a fire every ten miles, so that everyone can take their time on the road."


    Hu Bugui eximed, "General, how can that be eptable? The three armies are currently besieging the city and are all waiting for us toplete the encirclement."


    "Encircle? Encircle my ass." Lin Wanrongughed, "After encircling, weunch the siege?"


    Hu Bugui asked puzzled, "Are we not going tounch a siege?"


    Lin Wanrong, stillughing, said, "Brother Hu, even though I''ve never been to Jining, I know the White Lotus has been entrenched there for many years. If this city was so easily conquered, would Marshal Xu need to personally lead tens of thousands of troops to subjugate it?"


    As a native of Jining, Hu Bugui agreed, "What the general said is extremely urate. The White Lotus has entrenched themselves in Jining for many years, having fortified it like an iron bucket. The city is robust, easy to defend and hard to attack. Moreover, it''s theirst stronghold, where all their elite troops have gathered. They would not give up the city easily, if we forcefully attack, we would face fierce resistance and our army would suffer heavy losses."


    Du Xiuyuan chuckled, "Old Hu, your analysis is indeed quite sound. It seems you''ve be quite clever recently."


    Beaming, Hu Bugui replied, "Of course, being with General Lin, how could I not be clever?"


    Lin Wanrong,ughing and chiding, said, "Enough with the ttery from you guys. Slow down the march, let the brothers eat and drink well, and get plenty of rest."


    Du Xiuyuan cautiously asked, "The other three forces are all hoping for us to encircle Jining, why does the general want to slow down the pace?"


    Hu Bugui added, "Yes, hasn''t General Lin forgotten that Marshal Xu said, whoever first breaches Jining City would be the one he rmends for the first merit before the Emperor?"


    "Seeking merits? I''ve never cared for such," Lin Wanrong said with augh, though he knew Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan still depended on their military achievements for promotion. He turned to Du Xiuyuan, "Brother Du, I have a question for you. If you were themander of Jining City''s defense force and sawrge armies attacking from three sides, with only the west quiet, what would you think?"


    Du Xiuyuan took a moment to consider before answering, "I certainly would not let my guard down. No movement does not mean there is no danger. On the contrary, the quieter it is, the more vignt I should be. If I were the defense force, I would surely reserve an elite force to guard the west. Ah, I understand now. General, your idea is to block the west, to surround but not attack. This not only minimizes our army''s sacrifice but also restricts the enemy''s movements, preventing them from deploying all their forces to the other three sides."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "You''ve only got half of it right. By surrounding and not attacking, it puts tremendous pressure on the White Lotus Army, causing them to panic and reducing theirbat effectiveness. Of course, our brothers on the other three fronts might have someints, but half of our ten thousand brothers are cavalry, unsuitable for sieging a city. If the remaining five thousand infantry were toy siege, the White Lotus would surely mobilize all their forces for defense. Even if we managed to break the city, our losses would be heavy. This trade-off doesn''t make sense. We might as well hold the western gate, asionally performing attack and defense drills, keeping these bandits on edge, and thereby somewhat alleviating the pressure on the other three sides. Someone will understand our painstaking efforts."


    "Attack and defense drills?" Du Xiuyuan asked, "What do you mean by that?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a mysterious smile but did not answer. Instead, it was Hu Bugui who asked, "What if the enemy chooses to break out?"


    "Break out? That would be great," Lin Wanrong said with a grin. "Our five thousand cavalry have yet to be put to use. I look forward to making the enemy work while we rest. If they dare break out, we can surround them with our cavalry and storm the city with our infantry, killing two birds with one stone. Hehe, in that case, won''t it still be our brothers who first breach the city?"


    It was only then that Du Xiuyuan understood the ingenious n. General Lin was indeed far-sighted.


    Leading his right-wing soldiers, Lin Wanrong slowly pushed forward. The twenty-mile journey took them until noon. By this time, the soldiers from the other three fronts were battling the city with drumbeats reverberating in the air.


    From a distance, Jining City indeed appeared to be fortified exceptionally well. The White Lotus soldiers defending the city, their heads wrapped in white gauze, held swords and spears, fiercely resisting thedder-climbing soldiers. These White Lotus soldiers were well-trained, and though they numbered only about ten thousand, they were repelling wave after wave of attacking soldiers by making use of the city''s high walls and natural defenses.


    Lin Wanrong recalled what Xu Wei had said before they set off from camp, iming the White Lotus sect had only five thousand soldiers, all of them ragtag. Clearly, that wasn''t the case. Looking at the White Lotus''s forces, there must be over ten thousand of them, and they were far from ragtag. He wondered where they got such well-trained soldiers.


    Upon seeing the arrival of arge army from the west, the White Lotus defenders became tense. Thousands of soldiers stood on the city wall, not daring to ck off in the slightest.


    Lin Wanrong had a chair brought over and a cup of tea prepared. He leisurely sat down, sipped some tea, and yawned a few times facing the west gate of Jining. Suddenly, he called out loudly, "Li Sheng, where''s Li Sheng?"


    "Here, general!" Li Sheng responded hastily.


    "Target your five cannons at the top of the western city wall," Lin Wanrongmanded. "Fire a few good rounds and let those bastards know that my formidable right-wing army has arrived."


    The cannons yed a huge role in the suppression of the White Lotus. Originally, the ten cannons of the Divine Machine Unit were not enough. Xu Wei had mobilized twenty newly modified cannons from Anhui and Shandong, transporting them to the frontline. During the reorganization in Feng County, Lin Wanrong''s right-wing army received five cannons, and the left-wing army under Zuo Zongyou also got five. The central army led by Tong Cheng, having more cavalry, was given the remaining twenty cannons by Xu Wei, kept for their use in city sieges.


    Li Sheng turned the muzzle, aimed at the west gate of Jining, and fired a series of powerful volleys. Amid the thunderous noises, chunks of dust fell from the western city gate, and several White Lotus soldiers who were hit fell from the wall.


    Lin Wanrong gave Hu Bugui a knowing look. Hu Bugui dismounted and loudly ordered, "Boys, charge with me!"


    Behind him, thousands of elite cavalry and three thousand infantry let out earth-shattering roars and charged with him.


    The White Lotus soldiers defending the city hurriedly fired a shower of arrows, but they fell to the ground far away, causing no harm to the soldiers.


    Mid-charge, Hu Bugui suddenly waved his hand. The soldiers behind him all stopped, changing their formation. The cavalry and infantry split, no longer charging forward. To the surprise of the defenders, they brazenly started to drill right before their eyes.


    The White Lotus soldiers on the city walls dared not ck off. They watched the government forces'' movements nervously, only to see them finish their drills after a while and orderly return to camp.


    The defenders finally let out a sigh of relief. Suddenly, another round of thunderous cannon fire resonated. The government''s cannons roared again, causing a part of the city gate to copse. As the firing ceased, Du Xiuyuan led another wave of soldiers to charge forward, but they too, just like Hu Bugui, stopped mid-charge and began to drill.


    The White Lotus soldiers were at a loss but dared not ck off because no one knew when this drill would turn into a real attack. Anxiety pervaded the city walls.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. I have plenty of cannonballs, let Li Sheng bombard day and night and keep you restless. With ten thousand soldiers divided into three waves, taking turns to drill, let''s see if you''re scared or not, defend or not. Damn it, don''t me me for having more men. Yes, I am bullying you, so what?


    Hu Bugui returned, dismounted andughed, "General, your n is ingenious indeed. With our mix of real and feigned attacks, we didn''t lose a single soldier, but those bastards from the White Lotus must be scared shitless."


    The sounds of cannons and fierce fighting became even more intense on the other three sides, clearly entering the siege phase.


    "General, a messenger from General Tong Cheng, themander of the Central Army, requests our cooperation in the siege!" a courier reported.


    "Reply to General Tong," Lin Wanrong said. "Tell him our army is in the middle of siege training."


    Watching the courier rush off, Hu Bugui chuckled, "I only learned yesterday that the man whose leg we broke, Zhai Canghai, is actually General Tong''s nephew by marriage. Zhai Canghai''s sister is the beloved concubine of General Tong."


    His actual nephew? Damn, I made a casual guess and didn''t expect to hit the nail on the head. So Tong Cheng stood up for Zhai Canghai, and it indeed had a good reason behind it. Lin Wanrong nced towards the Central Army''s direction. Twenty or so giant cannons were firing continuously at Jining City. The sts of fire were blinding, and the dust stirred up by the explosions shrouded the city walls in smoke. This Tong really does have powerful artillery. If he aimed a few rounds at me, even with my skills, I''d be done for.


    With ten thousand soldiers performing these back-and-forth drills several times, the White Lotus soldiers defending the city became increasingly tense and dared not let their guard down.


    Listening to the rumble of cannons and the sounds ofbat from the other three sides, Hu Bugui anxiously said, "General, it seems Jining City is about to be taken. If we don''t attack now, someone else will seize the merit..."


    Before his words had fallen, a deafening war cry was heard. The west gate of Jining City swung open, and a flood of soldiers charged out.


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 Chapter 249

    Chapter 249


    Chapter 249 You Killed My Master...


    "Here theye!" Lin Wanrong eximed in great excitement. Hurriedly, he rose from his chair and gazed into the distance.


    The approaching army seemed to be in the thousands, predominantly cavalry, their warhorses tall and majestic. The warriors atop these horses were fierce and aggressive, emanating an aura of lethality. At a single nce, it was evident that they were not ones to be easily trifled with.


    Lin Wanrong scrutinized the army for a few moments, then turned to Gao Qiu and Hu Bugui, asking, "Brothers, can you help me look for any women among their ranks?"


    After surveying for a while, Gao Qiu and Hu Bugui shook their heads, "We see no women."


    Nodding, Lin Wanrong ordered, "Alright, Li Sheng, fire at mymand"


    Cannons boomed simultaneously, and in a blink, dozens of cavalrymen were knocked from their horses. However, these men were notably tenacious. In an instant, they rushed forward a considerable distance. Lin Wanrong smirked, about to order another volley, when suddenly, two to three hundred infantrymen surged out from the cavalry formation. With white turbans around their heads, their upper bodies bare, and faces smeared with paint depicting monstrous figures, they struck a terrifying image.


    "Oh White Lotus Holy Mother, shield your faithful followers, where des and spears fail to prate, and cloud-riding prevails" These oddly dressed White Lotus warriors, brandishing their massive cleavers, chanted slogans as they charged toward the front lines.


    Several soldiers shot arrows at them. The arrows hit and prated their flesh, but these White Lotus fanatics seemed oblivious to the pain. Their faces showed no signs of suffering as they bravely charged forward.


    An expression of horror spread across the soldiers'' faces. Were there really people in the world who did not know pain? Could it be true that des and spears could not prate them?


    This was probably the White Lotus Sect''s suicide squad. Damn, I despise these chatans, Lin Wanrong muttered under his breath. He didn''t believe the im about invulnerability; they must be using some sort of pain-suppressing concoction. But his disbelief alone wouldn''t change anything. The power of faith was deeply rooted in people''s hearts, and the sight before them had dealt a significant blow to his soldiers. This pseudo-sorcery needed to be debunked.


    Lin Wanrong drew the musket from his pocket, and with two quick shots, two of the chatan warriors fell. One was hit in the chest, the other had his head blown apart. Seeing these warriors copse, the soldiers erupted in cheers.


    Gao Qiu was also swift to act. With a swift movement, he dashed into the enemy ranks as fast as lightning. His de shed, decapitating more than ten foes in an instant.


    "Brothers, fear not," Lin Wanrong yelled. "These chatans are ying tricks. Aim your arrows at their eyes, their heads"


    Hu Bugui, wielding a powerful bow, sent an arrow whizzing through the air, hitting one of the monstrous figures squarely in the forehead. The arrow pierced through the skull, and the warrior dropped dead without a sound.


    "Aim for their heads" The soldiers suddenly came to their senses and adjusted their targets, focusing on the enemies'' eyes and heads. The White Lotus suicide squad fell one after another. The soldiers'' morale soared, and in a short while, they had felled the two hundred enemies with their arrows.


    After this assault, Li Sheng''s artillery fire ceased momentarily, and the remaining enemy, the cavalry advanced further. It appeared they were determined to carve out a path through bloodshed.


    The leader of the enemy cavalry had a broad, ck face that suggested a significant presence. Hu Bugui suddenly eximed, "General, look! That man is the White Lotus Holy King, Lu Kanli."


    White Lotus Holy King? And he was surnamed Lu? Lin Wanrong''s mind raced. Could it be that Lu Zhongping was his son? That would exin why Xian''er''s master had insisted on rescuing Lu Zhongping. He wondered about the origins of Xian''er''s master. Since the Holy King had chosen to flee, it indicated that the fall of Jining City was imminent. However, Xian''er was still missing, which made Lin Wanrong incredibly anxious.


    "Aim at the Holy Kingfire!" Lin Wanrongmanded furiously, his wrath stoked by his failure to locate Xian''er. His wrath was directed towards this Holy King, Lu Kanli.


    Li Sheng lived up to his reputation. He aimed the five cannons at Lu Kanli. In an instant, another hundred White Lotus cavalrymen were annihted. However, the soldiers surrounding Lu Kanli shielded him with their own bodies, ensuring his temporary safety.


    "Archers, prepare" Seeing that the cavalry had left more than two hundred corpses behind and were already near the government army''s front lines, Li Sheng stopped the cannons and ordered loudly.


    The Divine Machine Unitunched volley after volley of arrows from repeating crossbows at the remaining White Lotus cavalrymen, killing another three to four hundred. Only the Holy King, Lu Kanli, narrowly survived, protected by his guards who used their own bodies as shields. Faced with the remaining five hundred cavalries, Hu Bugui, licking his lips excitedly, requested, "General Lin, allow me to fight!"


    "Allow us to fight!" Several thousand-manmanders also requested to participate.


    If it was a fight of five thousand against five hundred, even Lin Wanrong would have jumped at the opportunity. Heughed and said, "If that''s the case, Brother Hu, as well as the other thousand-manmanders, each of you lead a thousand elite cavalrymen to capture Lu Kanli. Whoever captures him first will be rewarded."


    "Understood!" The thousand-manmanders excitedly epted the order. They all knew what it meant to capture the White Lotus Holy King, Lu Kanli. In a fight where they outnumbered the enemy ten to one, who wouldn''t be excited? Five thousand elite cavalrymen charged forward, shaking the ground with the thunder of their horses. They kicked up a cloud of dust and in the blink of an eye, the five hundred White Lotus members were swallowed in a sea of men.


    Leisurely sipping his tea, Lin Wanrong knew that no matter who captured the Holy King, the credit would go to him, the General of the right wing vanguard. Ah, with so many aplishments, would he really have to rece Xu Wei and be a marshal? Such a thought was not honorable.


    Turning to Du Xiuyuan, Lin Wanrong asked, "Brother Du, does the White Lotus Sect have only one top leader, the Holy King? Capturing him is not satisfying enough."


    Watching Hu Bugui battle fiercely against the guards of the White Lotus Holy King in the distance, Du Xiuyuanughed and said, "This Lu Kanli was originally a powerful warlord from Shandong. After he was persuaded to join forces with the Holy Mother of the White Lotus Sect, they founded the sect together. As for the top leaders, besides him, there''s only the Holy Mother."


    White Lotus Holy King and White Lotus Holy Mother? Were they a couple? Could this Holy Mother of the White Lotus be Xian''er''s master?


    In the midst of their conversation, they saw Hu Bugui sever the legs of Lu Kanli''s horse with a single strike. The White Lotus Holy King tumbled to the ground, struggling and with a look of terror on his face. Hu Bugui charged forward on his horse, leaned over and hoisted Lu Kanli above his head single-handedly. He bellowed, "Lu Kanli is captured! You White Lotus rebels, surrender now!"


    Lin Wanrong rose to his feet andughed heartily. "Excellent, Brother Hu has performed a great deed. We have surely stolen the limelight this time."


    Du Xiuyuan respectfully said, "General, now that Lu Kanli is captured and the west gatecks strong troops, I request permission to attack! Let us seize Jinan and create new victories for our army."


    "Good, permission granted!" Lin Wanrong eximed.


    Du Xiuyuan shouted, "Brothers, the White Lotus Holy King Lu Kanli has been captured by our army. We''ll breach Jinan City next, and our army will be highly honored. Into Jinan City, then home for the New Year! Charge"


    Five thousand foot soldiers surged towards the city like a tidal wave, excitement on their faces. With the west gate virtually undefended, capturing it was as good as done.


    Triumphant, Lin Wanrong mounted his horse, ready to join the battle. Suddenly, he heard a light whistle. A woman leaped out from the city, effortlessly soaring several feet into the air. She appeared like an ethereal fairy walking on waves. The woman was indescribably charming, with peach-like eyes and an alluring face. Her curvy body was mature and enticing, like a fully ripened peach.


    Caught off guard, Lin Wanrong wondered, Who is this seductress, so dangerous to men? Her movements seem to defy thews of gravity. He turned to Gao Qiu and asked, "Brother Gao, is this the legendary lightness skill?"


    Gao Qiu solemnly nodded. "Indeed. Brother Lin, this woman is highly skilled, I fear I am no match for her."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Who cares if you''re no match? We have cannons and repeating crossbows. Why should we fear her?"


    This littledy thinks she can y with lightness skills, huh? He waved to the back andmanded, "Li Sheng, aim at that woman. Repeating crossbows, cannons, let them all loose!"


    At Li Sheng''smand, thousands of arrows from repeating crossbows shot toward the woman. No matter how skilled she was, facing a swarm of arrows, she had no chance to fight back. After she was forced to retreat under the arrow rain, Li Sheng adjusted the cannon. In the booming sound, several cannonballs whistled out. The woman narrowly escaped being scorched by the cannonballs, and her state was incredibly disheveled.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled darkly. A martial arts expert, huh? And a beautiful one at that. Well, I too am half an expert, but I''ve never been as ostentatious as you, showing off your skills as if you''re afraid people won''t recognize your expertise. A few cannon shots from me and see how ''high'' you can be.


    Under the barrage of crossbows and cannons, the woman could no longer withstand the assault. After a thunderous cannon st, the beautiful martial arts expert screamed and copsed to the ground.


    Leading the army, Du Xiuyuan furiously stormed toward the city gate. In the blink of an eye, they broke into the city.


    "Jinan City has fallen, Jinan City has fallen" Lin Wanrong, leading thousands of soldiers, roared in unison. The White Lotus Army, still resisting, was terrified and quickly subdued.


    "Master" From the west gate, a young woman suddenly rushed out, running frantically towards the fallen female expert.


    "Xian''er" Lin Wanrong jumped up instantly. My little treasure, you finally showed yourself.


    "General, should we attack this female thief?" Li Sheng asked.


    "Attack your head! That''s my wife!" Lin Wanrong snapped, spurring his horse, and darted toward Qin Xian''er like an arrow.


    As he approached, he leaped off his horse to see Qin Xian''er with her hair disheveled, her face pale and haggard. Her pretty cheeks were stained with tears, and she looked dazed and foolish, kneeling on the ground, staring nkly at the female martial arts expert who had been bombarded by the cannons.


    "Xian''er, Xian''er" Lin Wanrong called out softly.


    Qin Xian''er turned around and looked at him nkly. A flicker of joy crossed her face, then tears started to stream down again. She covered her face with both hands and said, "Young Master, you killed my master"


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 Chapter 250

    Chapter 250


    Chapter 250 Duped


    "No, I didn''t kill her, it was the cannon" Lin Wanrong hastily defended himself, inwardly cursing his misfortune. s, the beautiful martial arts expert was really Xian''er''s master. He had aimed his cannons too urately, satisfying as it was, it was immensely regrettable for Xian''er. He med the female master, her training seemed so fragile, having been taken down by just a couple of shots.


    He feigned seriousness, saying, "Xian''er, we are one and the same, your master is also mine. How could I possibly attack her with a cannon? Something must have gone awry in between!"


    Qin Xian''er was dazed and tearful, uncertain if she understood his words as she cried relentlessly.


    Lin Wanrong took a few steps forward, held her small hand, and Xian''er copsed into his arms, sobbing, "Young Master, what should I do, my master is no more, what should I do...?"


    Lin Wanrong dered righteously, "Of course, I''ll take care of you for the rest of your life, Xian''er. You know I love you the most. By the way, your master was the Holy Mother of the White Lotus Sect, right?"


    Qin Xian''er nodded, "Yes, she was. Since I was a child, I''ve depended on my master. She cared for me like my birth parents would, teaching me to read and write, and also trained me in martial arts. Without her care in the White Lotus Sect, I fear I would have suffered much humiliation."


    Lin Wanrong recalled Lu Zhongping, who harbored lustful intentions towards Xian''er, and felt gratified. Dammit, he dared to have designs on my Xian''er, his fate is deserved.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Mmm, Xian''er, rest assured. Lu Zhongping has already been dealt with by me. No one will dare to bother you again. But wasn''t Lu Zhongping your master''s son? Didn''t your master see him falling for you and decide to help her own son?"


    As he spoke, he couldn''t help but nce at the female master lying on the ground. Her mature, curvaceous body was hidden beneath her long skirt. Her cheeks were pale, but her oval face was stunningly beautiful. Her smooth skin was fair and rosy, and her rxed body lying on the ground was like an enchanting curve, like a sultry woman asleep, unconsciously revealing anguid, seductive charm.


    Damn, the Holy Mother must be of considerable age, yet she looked so young, even in death, she looked stunning. Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly averted his gaze from her body.


    "Young Master, don''t talk nonsense. Who said Brother Lu is my master''s son?" Qin Xian''er pouted.


    "He''s not your master''s son?" Lin Wanrong asked in surprise, "Lu Kanli is the Holy King of the White Lotus Sect, Lu Zhongping is his son, your master is the Holy Mother of the White Lotus Sect. Isn''t she Lu Zhongping''s mother? The Holy King and the Holy Mother are supposed to be a couple, aren''t they?"


    Qin Xian''er''s face flushed as she said, "What do you mean ''couple''? Why are you saying it so distastefully? My master, although known as the Holy Mother of the White Lotus, has never married or had a child. She intended to use Lu Kanli''s power for the growth of the White Lotus Sect and hence pretended to be his wife, but they never lived together. Brother Lu is the son of the Holy King''s concubine. To stabilize the Holy King, my master took Brother Lu as a disciple."


    Once Qin Xian''er had finished speaking in one breath, Lin Wanrong finally understood the full picture. So it appeared that Xian''er''s master was truly the head of the White Lotus Sect. The gods above and below must be thanked - his cannons had struck their target with precision, bringing down the head of the White Lotus Sect.


    While they spoke, Lin Wanrong''s army had already charged into the city, fully seizing Jining. The passing soldiers were all amazed as they saw theirmanding general cradling a beautiful woman. Qin Xian''er''s face blushed red, she softly said, "Young Master, please let me go."


    "Why should I let you go? My Xian''er is precious, I can hold you whenever I wish," Lin Wanrong pulled her closer, shamelessly insisting.


    "Brother Lin, I will enter the city with the army first," Gao Qiu called from a distance with an exaggerated wave and smile. Gao Qiu and Li Sheng were preparing to enter the city with their camp, thest batch of troops from the right wing. The battles on the other three sides were still fierce, but with the fall of Jining, it was just a matter of time before the remaining White Lotus Sect members would be dealt with.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Brother Gao, you all go ahead, I can handle things here."


    Gao Qiu and Li Sheng chuckled heartily a few times, leading their troops into the city.


    Qin Xian''er looked at the army entering the city and let out a soft sigh, "I''ve lived in Jining for many years. I didn''t expect that the city would fall today, even my master..."


    Her voice broke into soft sobs. Lin Wanrong could understand her feelings. She had been an orphan since childhood, growing up under her master''s care. Now the city had fallen, her home was lost, her master was gone. The heartache was unimaginable.


    "Xian''er, do you know, I''ve been worrying about you these past few days. I didn''t want to meet you on the battlefield, that''s why I was slow in leading my troops. Today, we only surrounded Jining without attacking, because I was worried about you. The fire of our cannons is fierce and extremely dangerous. If you were to get hurt, I would feel guilty for the rest of my life," Lin Wanrong spoke sweetly.


    "I know you care for me" Qin Xian''er cried even harder, "Today, the west gate was surrounded, but there was no attack on the city. My master said it was your trick, iming that the leader of the army was cunning and vile, trying to disrupt our morale. But only I knew, you cared about me, and you didn''t want me to get hurt."


    Damn, Xian''er''s master was too wicked, how could she attribute the actions of a gentleman to such sinister intentions. If only everyone saw him the way Xian''er did.


    "What happened afterward? How did you break out?" Lin Wanrong asked again.


    "After being surrounded on all sides, my master insisted on defending the city, while the Holy King wanted to break out. They disagreed greatly. But the White Lotus Sect''s troops were loyal to the Holy King, and my master had no way to control them," Xian''er exined.


    At this point, Lin Wanrong suddenly interjected, "Right, where did the White Lotus Sect get so many well-trained troops?"


    Qin Xian''er sighed, "Our White Lotus Sect has been umting resources for decades, and we''ve always had people helping us train troops. If it wasn''t for the government forces bypassing Jiangsu andunching a surprise attack from Anhui and Shandong, surrounding us, the White Lotus wouldn''t have fallen so easily."


    Someone was assisting the White Lotus Sect in training their soldiers? The realization dawned on Lin Wanrong in an instant. Damn, no wonder the White Lotus Sect''s military prowess was exceptional, it almost cost him his life. As for the identity of the one assisting them, even Lin Wanrong could venture a guess  Xu Wei and Luo Min, those two old foxes, must undoubtedly be well aware.


    "So, in the end, the so-called White Lotus Holy King decided to break out?" Lin Wanrong continued.


    Qin Xian''er nodded: "Despite my master''s earnest dissuasions, the Holy King was determined to break out. Left with no choice, my master agreed. However, they disagreed again about the route for the breakout. My master suggested choosing any one direction from the other three to break out. She said, even though the battles on those sides were fierce, it actually indicated that the government forces had no reserve forces left, making a breakout worth attempting. The problem was the military general at the west gate, whose tactics were strategic and psychological, choosing to surround without attacking and always ready to strike. Therefore, she deemed breaking out from the west gate the worst option."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. This master of Xian''er seemed to have a clear understanding of him, quite the female Zhuge. It was a pity, though. She, who was as beautiful as a flower, had been bombarded by his cannons. His skills at ruining beauty would probably be world-renowned.


    [TL: Zhuge here referred to Zhuge Liang, the renowned strategist from the story Three Kingdoms.]


    "So, what did the White Lotus ''great king'' think?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Upon hearing him refer to the Holy King as the ''great king'', Qin Xian''er found it odd. She wanted tough but felt it was inappropriate. "The Holy King''s thoughts werepletely opposite. He said that you surrounded but did not attack out of cowardice. He also spected that you might be at odds with the other government forces, deliberately wanting them to suffer more casualties. Therefore, he chose to break out from the west gate, thinking he could catch you off guard and achieve a great victory."


    Creative and bold, Lin Wanrongughed heartily. This Holy King must have received some secret intelligence, knowing about my dispute with themander of the central army, Tong Cheng, and so he made this diagnosis. He unknowingly gave me the advantage, not only did I capture the thief''s head, but I also took Jining.


    "So, your master knew the west gate was not feasible, and seeing the Holy King captured by me, why did she still choose to break out from the west gate?" Lin Wanrong was puzzled, sensing that something was amiss.


    "I don''t know either," Qin Xian''er said, "I told my master that you, Young Master, would never harm her or me. I had barely finished speaking when she rushed out. I didn''t know what had happened, but I followed her out. But as soon as I stepped out, I saw my master" Qin Xian''er choked and could not continue.


    Lin Wanrong quickly embraced her shoulder, "Xian''er, don''t cry, it was purely an ident. I will investigate immediately to find out which damn person fired that cannon. I clearly told them not to fire at any women."


    At this point, Qin Xian''er, who had nothing else to hold on to, saw his loving care for her, which made her eyes well up with grateful tears. She threw herself into his arms, "Young Master, your great kindness to Xian''er, even if my bones are crushed and my ashes scattered, I could not repay you."


    Lin Wanrong yfully lifted her chin and said with a lecherous smile, "Why talk of crushing bones and scattering ashes? Just keep mepany every day, eating, drinking, and sleeping with me."


    Qin Xian''er felt both shy and happy, initially wanting to throw herself into his arms and act spoiled. But remembering her master''s body was still nearby, she dared not overdo the frivolous behavior with her beloved, "Young Master, my master she"


    Seeing Qin Xian''er''s mournful expression, General Lin pped his chest and dered righteously, "Xian''er, we have a long time ahead of us. Let''s put aside our feelings for now and give your master a proper burial today."


    Qin Xian''er nodded tearfully. Lin Wanrong stepped forward to support the body of the beautiful female master. The moment he touched her, he found her skin to be delicately smooth and still slightly warm, which was delightfully pleasant. He couldn''t help but wish to feel her more.


    Even in death, she was still so attractive, it was outrageous! He chuckled to himself, ready to lift her up, when he suddenly remembered the mysterious manner in which the female master had rushed out. A thought shed through his mind, "Not good, it''s a trap"


    His reaction was swift, reaching for the musket pistol in his embrace. However, he felt a chill on his chest, where a sharp dagger was now pointed.


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 Chapter 251

    Chapter 251


    Chapter 251 General Lin''s Mysterious Weapon


    "Master" Qin Xian''er let out a joyous exmation: "You''re not dead?"


    Damn it, she is alive, but I am on the brink of death, thought Lin Wanrong, a flicker of anxiety racing through his mind. He blinked and responded with a grin: "Xian''er, don''t blurt out such nonsense. Thisdy here is so young and beautiful; she can''t possibly be your master. She appears more like your elder sister."


    A gentle, seductive female voice chuckled, "Silly girl, your master hasn''t yet seen you get married. How could I die so easily?"


    The woman nudged the short dagger in her hand against Lin Wanrong''s chest,ughing as she said: "So this is General Lin, a true youthful hero. No wonder my dear Xian''er is so infatuated with you."


    Feeling the chilly sensation of the dagger pressing against his chest, Lin Wanrong silently cursed his carelessness. Damn it, both an enemy leader and a formidable expert - who would have thought it''d be so challenging to take her down? If he''d known, he would''ve let Li Sheng bombard her with hundreds of rounds after defeating her, let the cavalry trample over her thousands of times, and finally, let the infantry finish her off, shing her body into a hundred thousand pieces.


    Regret was useless now. Lin Wanrong pressed the muzzle of his pistol against the woman''s temple, chuckling: "Oh, sister, you''ve awake, have you?"


    The woman giggled, her bosom subtly quivering, creating waves of enticing curves, emanating a seemingly endless heat. She slightly advanced her dagger, "Little brother, what kind of hidden weapon is this? It''s so hard, I can''t quite handle it."


    "Little brother?" Lin Wanrong eximed, "That''s quite imaginative. Sister, my hidden weapon might leave your body numb. I wonder if you have any precious artifact that could counter it?"


    Qin Xian''er watched in horror as her master held a short knife to the Young Master''s chest, while his mysterious double-barrel weapon was aimed at her master''s head. They were at a stalemate.


    "Master, Young Master, please stop" Qin Xian''er urgently cried out. Her joy at finding her master alive had evaporated. These two were mortal enemies, and injury to either one would devastate her.


    "Foolish girl," the woman sighed lightly, staring at Qin Xian''er, "this young man is a smooth talker, deceiving you at every turn. Yet, you are blindly in love with him."


    "Hey, sister, you can''t nder me like that. Xian''er and I share a deep mutual affection. Though we''ve spent considerable time together, we''ve kept our propriety intact. Even Liu Xiahui would notpare to me. I''ve never deceived her. As for you, sister, you feigned being shot to lure Xian''er out. You knew I would never harm a hair on her head, so you exploited my affection for her, trying to catch me off guard. Isn''t that true?" Lin Wanrong spoke with an air of righteous indignation.


    "Little brother, you really do understand me," the woman chuckled charmingly.


    Little brother? Lin Wanrong broke out into a cold sweat. Just how old was this master of Xian''er, to look so dangerously attractive? It was a good thing he had a strong resolve; otherwise, he''d have been beguiled by her long ago.


    Qin Xian''er, seeing the two of them in a standoff, felt a surge of anxiety. She actually dropped to her knees, pleading, "Master, please let him go. He is a man of honor and kindness, his graciousness to me is as vast as a mountain. Even if he''s been deceiving me, I am willing."


    Seeing her disciple so enamored, the beautiful woman could not help but sigh. "Foolish girl, all the men in this world are heartless. If you treat him this way and he discards youter as one does with chaff, wouldn''t that cost you your life? Besides, at this very moment, even if I wanted to let him go, he might not let me."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Sister, you can rest assured. Other than my excessive honesty, I have no other ws. As long as you put down the dagger in your hand, I will naturally withdraw my secret weapon."


    "Excellent!" The beautiful woman giggled. "Then I will count to three, and we both drop our weapons at the same time, how does that sound?"


    "Sounds perfect to me," Lin Wanrong sincerely smiled.


    "One-"


    "Two-"


    "Three-"


    As soon as the word ''three'' fell, Lin Wanrong fiercely jabbed his firearm forward, only to feel an intensifying chill on his chest. Looking down, he realized that the dagger had pierced through his winter clothes, pressing against his flesh.


    "HahahaSister, you''re quitedevious!" Lin Wanrongughed heartily, his grip on the firearm tightening.


    "Pot calling the kettle ck, Little brother, I really like you more and more." the beautiful woman flirtatiouslyughed, her voluptuous body twisting like a me, her face blushing, her eyes emitting traces of seduction, perfectly demonstrating the charm of a mature woman.


    Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded. He knew well enough that this woman wasn''t attracted to him, this was a charm technique. The same one Xian''er used at the Miayu Pavilion, but now being performed by this sultry woman, its power had magnified. No wonder that so-called White Lotus Holy King was willingly manipted by her for so many years without gaining an advantage. A flirtation like this could kill any man.


    "Sigh, us being at a stalemate like this isn''t a solution. How about we both give our secret weapons to Xian''er, she is ourmon kin. What do you think, Sister?" Lin Wanrong generously suggested.


    "As long as you behave, I have no objection." The beautiful woman smiled sweetly, this time without using her charm technique, yet it set Lin Wanrong''s heart ame. Have I never seen a beauty before? He scolded himself silently, but upon looking at her again, his mind had be much calmer.


    Upon closer observation, although the woman was smiling brightly, herplexion was as pale as paper, and her body was slightly trembling. Lin Wanrong suddenly realized that the previous attacks hadn''t killed her, but had seriously injured her. That exined why she was being so polite to him and only ying with a small knife  she simply didn''t have the energy left. With this realization, he found his courage surging.


    Xian''er, hearing the agreement between the two, was naturally overjoyed. She approached them and whispered, "Master, Young Master, I apologize in advance." She extended her hand, grabbing the dagger with one hand and the firearm with the other, taking both weapons into her possession.


    The beautiful female warrior seemed to have expended herst bit of strength. She copsed backward in a soft heap, and Xian''er hurriedly caught her. rmed, Xian''er eximed, "Master, what''s wrong with you?"


    The woman forced a grim smile, replying, "The impact of the cannon earlier was massive. It shook my internal organs. With a few days of rest, I''ll be alright."


    Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong was secretly delighted, thinking that this was indeed a heaven-sent opportunity. He gathered his strength discreetly, but heard the womanugh, saying, "General Lin, Young Master Lin, are you nning to strike me down now?"


    "Of course not!" responded Lin Wanrong, his face filled with righteousness. "I was just wondering where to find a pharmacy to treat your injuries!"


    Xian''er, who by now hade to understand his tendencies, looked at him with tear-filled eyes and said, "Young Master, the White Lotus sect is defeated, and my master''s years of efforts have been destroyed in an instant. Can you please show her mercy and let her go?"


    Damn, do I have a choice now? With Xian''er present, he had to carefully consider whether or not to act. Lin Wanrong nodded, saying, "Northern barbarians are invading, threatening the lives of our Great Hua. The purpose of the military is to quell the White Lotus internal chaos so that next year we can focus our military power on resisting the barbarians. As long as Master Sister doesn''t cause more trouble, I will pretend I never saw her here."


    The beautiful female expert let out a bitterugh. "Twenty years of hard work, destroyed in an instant. And my senior sister in the sect willugh at me, An Biru. Why does heaven always treat me so harshly?"


    Lin Wanrong realized that this beautiful female expert was named An Biru. A rather elegant name, he thought, while he saw Xian''er hugging An Biru, their expressions full of destion.


    With the fall of Jining City and the destruction of the White Lotus sect, the war was over. But what about Xian''er? Lin Wanrong sighed, wondering if she would leave with her master.


    As he was thinking, a long howl echoed in the air.


    "What''s that sound?" Lin Wanrong wondered aloud.


    An Biru gave a charming smile, saying, "Howe, General Lin? Didn''t you hear it earlier? You even used this thing against me."


    "Cannon?" Lin Wanrong jumped up as he said this. As he spoke, the cannonball exploded a few yards away from the three of them. The st created arge crater, and the hot wave from the explosion rushed toward them.


    Damn, who is firing? Don''t they know I''m still here? He thought to himself with a surge of anger. But then he heard Xian''er saying, "Young Master, why would the military cannon be aimed at you?"


    "Oh, it''s nothing, just a stray cannonball. Don''t worry, it won''t happen again"


    Before he could finish, the sound of numerous solid cannonballs falling around them filled the air, the smoke from the explosions left Lin Wanrong covered in dust. This was not a stray cannonball, someone was deliberately firing at him, Lin Wanrong realized. As the booming sounds of the cannons rang out, the sharp whistles engulfed them all in dust.


    Looking up, Lin Wanrong saw Tong Cheng''s central army firing twenty cannons simultaneously. Amidst the dazzling red light, a volley of cannonballs flew toward them, instantly turning the surroundings into a sea of fire.


    He''d been ambushed!


    "Tong Cheng, I curse your eight generations!" General Lin, with bloodshot eyes, jumped up and yelled, but amidst the booming of the cannons, no one could hear him.


    "Young Master, what should we do?" Qin Xian''er anxiously asked. An Biru was severely injured, and they were surrounded by cannon fire. Every step they took was fraught with danger.


    Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth, jumped into therge crater created by the first cannonball, and shouted, "Xian''er,e down quickly."


    Qin Xian''er hadplete trust in him, and without hesitation, she clutched An Biru and jumped down. Even at this moment, she couldn''t bear to leave her master behind. Lin Wanrong sighed; the girl indeed had deep feelings.


    The crater left by the cannonball was quite small to amodate all three of them. An Biru struggled to sit up. The three were closely huddled together with Lin Wanrong in the middle.


    The cannons'' bombardment intensified, making it nearly impossible to move within a hundred yards. The heat from the burning fires reddened their faces. Cannonballs exploded around them, covering the area in dust, but their little sanctuary in the crater was spared from direct hits.


    "Young Master, will we die like this?" Qin Xian''er asked softly, leaning against him. Her face was burning hot.


    Slyly, Lin Wanrong slid his hand into her clothes, gently caressing her chest and said, "No, we won''t die."


    Despite her master''s presence, his bold action startled Xian''er. She was unable to move due to their close proximity and flushed deeply as she let him proceed. An Biru''s back was turned against them, her voluptuous body pressed tightly against Lin Wanrong. Her rounded bottom sat slightly lower, exactly between Lin''s legs, causing him to gasp. Damn, I''m sandwiched between two beauties, what a wonderful feeling, he thought.


    "General Lin, you''re quite cunning," An Biru chuckled. However, her voice held a hint of anger.


    "Cunning?" Lin Wanrong, who was still caressing Xian''er''s soft chest, paused, "Master Sister, we''re in this together right now, and I''ve done nothing to you. Why call me cunning?"


    "You''re not cunning?" The beautiful expert retorted, "We agreed to give all the weapons to Xian''er, but you kept one hidden. Isn''t that cunning?"


    "Weapon? I don''t have any!" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. The musket pistol was with Xian''er, and the bee needle was on his chest. What other weapon could she be referring to?


    "What is this hard thing pressing against me then?" An Biru asked, her voice still alluring but with a hint of undeniable anger, as she pressed her body back against his hidden "weapon".


    "Young Master, what is it" Qin Xian''er gasped, biting her lip hard to prevent her master from noticing any inappropriate behavior.


    "Oh, that''s a naturally urring weapon that reacts when faced with irresistible forces," Lin Wanrong blushed as he spoke.


    Intrigued, Xian''er was about to reach for this "weapon," but Lin Wanrong, startled, quickly caressed her soft chest again and asked, "Xian''er, have you ever heard of the ''crater theory''?"


    Xian''er cried out softly, copsing weakly in his arms, her mouth gasping for breath. An Biru quickly asked, "Xian''er, what''s wrong?"


    Flushing deeply, Xian''er avoided her master''s gaze and quickly asked, "What''s the crater theory? I''ve never heard of it before."


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "The ''crater theory'' is actually quite simple. Let''s use cannonballs as an example. In terms of probability, the chance of two cannonballsnding in the same hole is less than one in ten thousand. Therefore, hiding here should be safe."


    An Biru chuckled and replied, "General Lin, you seem to make some sense. It appears we might not be buried under these cannons after all."


    "Of course " Lin Wanrong began to reply with a grin. But before he could finish, a sharp whistling sound erupted in the air. A solid cannonball was flying directly toward them.


    "Danger, move " Lin Wanrong, his heart filled with terror, hastily wrapped his arms around the two women and, using all his strength, jumped out of the crater. He instinctively sprawled himself over them to shield them from harm.


    There was a deafening explosion. The crater they had just been upying was upended, and Lin Wanrong felt as if he''d been struck with a heavy hammer on his back.


    "Young Master " Xian''er cried out in rm. She quickly hugged him, tears streaming down her face. An Biru clenched her teeth but remained silent.


    One in ten thousand. Such odds, and he had to be the one to encounter it. With a cry of despair, General Lin''s vision faded to ck, and he knew nothing more.


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 Chapter 252

    Chapter 252


    Chapter 252 Captured? Wedding Ceremony?


    "General Lin, General Lin..." Thousands of swift horses galloped out of the western gate of Jining, heading straight to where Lin Wanrong had previously been seen. Leading the charge were Gao Qiu, Hu Bugui, and the others. The armies had entered the city and everyone thought the battle was over. No one could have imagined that a surprise attack on General Lin would beunched from the rear. Seeing the figure of General Lin disappear in the dense smoke, Hu Bugui and others spurred their horses onward with frantic desperation, their eyes red with fury.


    After the cannon fire, the smell of charred dirt filled the air, with raging mes everywhere. The remains of the soldiers from both armies, who had died in the battle before the cannon fire, were scattered everywhere. Everyone looked around, but there was no sign of General Lin.


    "Brother Lin, Brother Lin..." Gao Qiu called out, his voice filled with sorrow and destion. He was filled with regret. If only he hadn''t been so careless, Brother Lin wouldn''t have met such a fate.


    "General Lin..." Thousands of soldiers cried out, dismounted from their horses, and started searching the burning battlefield, hoping to find traces of General Lin.


    "Look, General Lin''s helmet..."


    "General Lin''s saber..."


    Cries of surprise echoed as Du Xiuyuan picked up the helmet and the saber, examining them closely with a mournful look. He handed them to Gao Qiu, saying, "Brother Gao, please take a look. Aren''t these the General''s belongings?"


    "Brother Lin..." Gao Qiu epted the items and fell to his knees with a thud, shouting, "It''s my fault, Brother Lin!"


    Seeing Gao Qiu''s reaction, Du Xiuyuan knew these items indeed belonged to General Lin. With his teeth gritted and his body trembling, he cursed, "It''s all my fault for advancing into the city and leaving the General alone outside. Tong Cheng, you son of a bitch..."


    "Mount up..." Hu Bugui roared, kicked the stirrups, and got on his horse. Thousands of elite riders followed suit, their armor nging against the saddles.


    With a wave of his broadsword and tears welling up in his eyes, Hu Bugui roared, "Kill Tong Cheng, avenge General Lin!"


    "Kill Tong Cheng, avenge General Lin!" echoed thousands of elite soldiers, their blood boiling, horses neighing in unison, their cries of sorrow and war cries shaking the heavens.


    Hu Bugui pulled the reins, and his steed neighed loudly, rearing and spinning. With bloodshot eyes, he said to Du Xiuyuan, "If you''re a real man,e with me..."


    Du Xiuyuan''s eyes were also red. With a grunt, he got on his horse, "Old Hu, let''s go!"


    Li Sheng also roared, "Brothers, don''t forget me..."


    "Kill Tong Cheng, avenge General Lin!" The threemanders and Gao Qiu, all aze with anger, led the army of ten thousand from the right wing, leaving the empty city of Jining, heading straight for the camp of Tong Cheng of the central army.


    Due to General Lin''s wisemand, the right-wing army had easily captured the Holy King of the White Lotus Sect in today''s battle, effortlessly upied the city of Jining, and previously killed the bravest warrior of the White Lotus. Their military exploits were truly remarkable, causing astonishment among all the armies.


    General Lin, the master strategist who destroyed formidable enemies with just a smile, was already a war god and an idol in the hearts of the soldiers. After the city was broken that day, all the soldiers had entered the city, awaiting the inspection of themander-in-chief. Little did they know that suddenly from outside the city, there would be a burst of cannon fire. Many soldiers saw General Lin''s body disappearing into the sea of mes with their own eyes. The invincible war god did not die on the battlefield but instead fell to a scheme from his own people. This was heartrending for all of them.


    Led by Gao Qiu and severalmanders, tens of thousands of soldiers, their hearts filled with rage, rushed towards Tong Cheng''s camp. The sight, the scale, was enough to chill anyone''s heart.


    Seeing tens of thousands of soldiers from the right-wing army rushing towards them, the central army hastily turned their cannons towards them, ready for battle. Standing on a high tform, Tong Cheng shouted, "What are you doing? Are you rebelling?"


    "Tong Cheng, you son of a bitch, you dared to fire cannons from behind and plot against General Lin. I, old Hu, will take your life today to avenge General Lin." Hu Bugui''s face was flushed red, his eyes cracked wide open as he shouted, "Brothers, charge"


    In the right-wing army, General Lin was a god. Upon hearing this call, the soldiers were filled with righteous indignation and shouted in unison, "Charge" Tens of thousands of soldiers rushed like a tidal wave towards the central army''s camp.


    "Rebellion, they''re rebelling" Tong Cheng, terrified, didn''t expect that Lin San had such a strong appeal. In a panic, he shouted, "Artillery battalion, fire"


    As the two armies were on the brink of a massive battle, a loud shout rang out, "Everyone, stand down" Gao Qiu and the others turned their heads and saw hundreds of horsemen rushing from a distance. The one leading the charge, with white hair and an angry face, was none other than Xu Wei, the suprememander of the expedition against the White Lotus.


    Xu Wei, having received news of the fall of Jining City, was overjoyed and hurriedly rushed from the rear. He didn''t expect toe upon the internal conflict between the central and right-wing armies. Not knowing what had happened, he was furious. With a full beard and an authoritative aura, he quickly arrived at the front of the two armies on his fast horse.


    "Master Xu" Gao Qiu Gao hurriedly dismounted and ran to Xu Wei, falling on his knees and crying, "It''s my fault, it''s my fault!"


    "Gao Qiu, what''s wrong with you? Stand up and talk." Xu Wei quickly responded. Gao Qiu was a guard by the emperor''s side, a person of high pride and indomitable spirit. When had he ever shed tears in front of others? Today, he was such in distress and despair that Xu Wei didn''t know what had happened.


    "I am to me. I failed to protect Brother Lin, and he fell victim to a traitor''s plot. I beg you, Master Xu, to avenge Brother Lin," Gao Qiu cried out. In recent days, he had shared meals and travels with Lin Wanrong, going through life and death together, and their bond was extremely deep. He considered Lin Wanrong as his own brother. Today, due to his own negligence, he had cost his brother his life. How could he not regret and wish to die?


    "What happened to Little brother Lin?" Xu Wei was so shocked that he almost fell off his horse. His attendants quickly supported him and helped him dismount.


    With a pale face and a solemn expression, Xu Wei loudly said, "What exactly happened to Brother Lin, Gao Qiu, tell me quickly."


    Gao Qiu pointed angrily at the hurriedly approaching Tong Cheng, shouting, "It''s this damned Tong Cheng. When our grand army entered the city, and General Lin was left behind, he took his private revenge. With heavy artillery firing in unison, Brother Lin"


    "What happened to Brother Lin?" Xu Wei roared.


    "The artillery fired all at once, we didn''t even find Brother Lin''s remains" Gao Qiu cried out in anguish. Normally an outspoken and straightforward man, his public disy of tears at this moment showed how deeply he was connected with General Lin.


    "We plead with the Marshal to take action for us, execute Tong Cheng, and avenge General Lin" Du Xiuyuan, Hu Bugui, and Li Sheng all knelt down in their armors, their faces streaked with tears.


    "We plead with the Marshal to take action for us, execute Tong Cheng, and avenge General Lin" Tens of thousands of soldiers from the right-wing army prostrated themselves on the ground, beseeching themander.


    Xu Wei''s face turned ashen. He threw his marching order token on the ground with a tter, yelling, "Tong Cheng, you have some nerve!"


    Tong Cheng hurriedly knelt on the ground, saying, "Commander, do not listen to their nonsense. As co-leaders of two separate armies, how could I intentionally harm General Lin?"


    A cold glint shed in Xu Wei''s eyes, he shouted, "Are you saying this heavy artillery fire wasn''t your doing?"


    Tong Cheng kowtowed, saying, "Commander, indeed the artillery fire was ordered by me, but it was not aimed at General Lin."


    "What did you say?" Gao Qiu, Hu Bugui, and Du Xiuyuan instantly wanted to charge forward, but Xu Wei held them back. Xu Wei asked, "Then who was it aimed at?"


    "Seeing the right-wing army break into Jining, I was delighted and ready to take the central gate. But then a woman emerged from the west gate. Our scouts reported that this woman was none other than the Holy Mother of the White Lotus Sect. But at this point, the right-wing army had already entered the city, and we were too far away to take her down. In order not to let this criminal escape, I ordered heavy artillery fire. When I ordered the firing, I didn''t see General Lin. If I am guilty, it''s merely of overstepping bounds, not of intentionally harming someone." Tong Cheng defended himself.


    "You dare to deceive the Marshal," Gao Qiu rose in anger, "At that time outside the city, besides General Lin, there were no other people. The Holy Mother of the White Lotus was killed by our cannons the moment she rushed out. What need was there for your cannons? It was you, this bastard, who deliberately harmed General Lin, trying to avenge your nephew. All the soldiers know this."


    Tong Cheng retorted, "Nonsense. The situation changes every moment during a battle. When I ordered the fire, I only saw the White Lotus leader, not General Lin."


    Xu Wei coldly grunted, "Tong Cheng, you''re the leader of the central army. Do you have irvoyant eyes, constantly keeping an eye on the right-wing army? You say the cannons were targeting the Holy Mother of White Lotus, but all the soldiers saw that the Holy Mother was already killed by General Lin before you fired the cannons. What need was there for you to fire? However, your artillery bombing of General Lin was seen by everyone, what do you have to say now?"


    Tong Cheng argued, "These are all allegations from the right-wing army. One side''s ount, can it be trusted so easily?"


    Xu Wei shouted in anger, "How dare you! The facts are there for all to see, yet you still dare to quibble! Strip him of his armor, and wait for the Emperor''s judgement."


    Seeing the soldiers escort Tong Cheng away, Hu Bugui and the others saluted, saying, "Thank you, Marshal."


    Xu Wei said, "Where did Little brother Lin fall in the line of duty? Quickly, take me to see."


    Gao Qiu and the others quickly took Xu Wei to the outside of the western gate. Xu Wei carefully examined the scene, looking at the shell craters left by the cannons, and asked, "Did you find Little brother Lin''s body?" Du Xiuyuan reported, "Marshal, the cannon fire was intense at that time. I''m afraid General Lin''s remains are untraceable"


    Xu Wei burst into heartyughter and said, "Don''t worry, don''t worry. There are no signs of General Lin''s remains in the vicinity. All we have found are a helmet and a sword, nothing more. In my opinion, General Lin did not perish."


    "Marshal Xu, are you telling the truth?" Gao Qiu eximed in disbelief, as did Hu Bugui and the others.


    Xu Weiughed and said, "Haven''t you understood Little brother Lin''s abilities from the time you''ve spent with him? Given his intelligence and resourcefulness, how could he have suffered such a misfortune? He must be inconvenienced at the moment and will surely return safely in a few days."


    Themanders were overjoyed at this. Xu Wei was considered the top schr in the world, and if he said that General Lin was still alive, his word was highly credible. In no time, this good news spread throughout the right-wing army, and all the soldiers were overjoyed, looking forward to General Lin''s early return.


    "Damn," Hu Bugui kicked severalrge stones scattered at his feet andughed, "I knew it. General Lin is wise and valiant, a paragon of chivalry. If he were to be so easily harmed by a treacherous person, it would be too outrageous."


    Xu Weiughed loudly, "Now that the city of Jining has been broken, and the White Lotus has scattered, the right-wing army led by General Lin has made the greatest contribution. They have in the bravest warrior of the White Lotus, captured the bandit leader Lu Kanli, bombarded the Holy Mother of White Lotus, and were the first to breach the city of Jining. The merit list is endless, all earned through the hard-fought battles by General Lin and all of you. ording to the promise I made before, I will reward you immediately. Li Sheng, Du Xiuyuan, Hu Bugui, step forward to receive your titles!"


    "We are here"


    "All of you, who have followed General Lin in suppressing the bandits, will be promoted to the rank of five-thousand-manmander today, each in charge of five thousand men, and will be assigned under my camp. All other officers and soldiers are promoted by one level, and those who have made contributions will be rewarded separately. I will immediately report this great victory to the Emperor," Xu Wei announced loudly.


    These rewards were expected by everyone. After all, the contributions of the right-wing army in this suppression campaign were obvious to all, and the bestowal on these men was unanimously epted by all soldiers. The threemanders exchanged nces. They had followed General Lin in his campaign for less than half a month, and had risen from the ranks of hundred-manmander to thousand-manmander, and now to five-thousand-manmander. Although their bravery andbat contributions were undeniable, the most significant credit was due to General Lin.


    The three of them bowed together and said, "Thank you, Marshal, for the honors. We are undeserving. As long as General Lin has not returned, we dare not ept the reward."


    Xu Wei sighed and said, "Do not worry. General Lin is blessed by destiny and nothing will go wrong. If he were here, he would certainly hope to see you receive these honors and continue to achieve new sesses for our Great Hua. Do not let his efforts be in vain."


    Du Xiuyuan gritted his teeth and said, "In that case, please grant us three days, Marshal. Within these three days, we brothers will scour every corner of the city of Jining, searching for General Lin. After three days, regardless of whether we have found him or not, we will return to yourmand."


    Xu Wei nodded and said, "Good. Passionate and righteous men should act this way. I grant your request! In three days, the army will march. I await your good news."


    "Thank you, Marshal!" the three of them eximed in unison.


    With Lin Wanrong''s fate uncertain, Gao Qiu wasn''t sure what to do next. Xu Wei pulled him aside and said in a low voice, "Tong Cheng is a cavalrymander, subordinate to the governor''s office. I can''t simply deal with him; I need to report to the Ministry of War and the Emperor before we can take action. Tong Cheng has a close rtionship with the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of War. If this case is taken up with them, who knows when it will be settled. That''s why Tong Cheng is so confident."


    Gao Qiu wasn''t entirely rash. After some thought, he said, "Master Xu, this matter is strange. Even if Tong Cheng bears a grudge against Brother Lin, he shouldn''t risk the great me of the world by bombarding a meritorious officer."


    Xu Wei''s eyes flickered with cold light. "Tong Cheng''s mother, Lady Yu,es from the household of Prince Cheng."


    Understanding dawned on Gao Qiu. "No wonder. So, this dog was acting under orders."


    Xu Wei sighed, "I used Tong Cheng intentionally, hoping he would leak some false information. I never imagined he would go so far. I failed to notice, and allowed him to harm Little brother Lin."


    Only then did Gao Qiu understand the intricate machinations at y. Xu Wei said with regret, "Today''s incident is partly my fault. If I don''t deal with Tong Cheng, I would be letting Little brother Lin down."


    Gao Qiu''s eyes shed. "I understand. But won''t this get you into trouble?"


    Xu Wei said, "Doing something for Little brother Lin is not a burden. We can''t let him return and find that Tong Cheng is still free. That would break his heart. A cavalrymander killed by soldiers loyal to General Lin while in custody... it''s not an unreasonable oue. I may be reprimanded by the Emperor, butpared to the credit of eliminating the White Lotus, this is nothing. This minor fault is insignificant."


    Gao Qiu gratefully said, "On behalf of Brother Lin, thank you, Master Xu."


    Xu Wei shook his head, "I should be the one thanking Little brother Lin. The victory over the White Lotus was his doing, he deserves the most credit. Now that the White Lotus is taken care of, we should address the matters in Jiangsu. I wanted to discuss ns with him, but I don''t know where he is."


    Gao Qiu added, "There''s something charismatic about Brother Lin. Having traveled with him, it''s unsettling not seeing him around."


    That night, news came that the cavalrymander, Tong Cheng, had been killed by a cold arrow through his forehead while in transit at Feng County, suspected to have been executed by soldiers loyal to General Lin.


    At the time of the incident, the generals of the right-wing army including Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan were in discussions with Marshal Xu Wei about withdrawing the army, all with an alibi corroborated by the Marshal himself. Upon hearing the news, all the generals, including Hu and Du, expressed their shock.


    ---


    Lin Wanrong only felt his body floating as if on waves, sometimes being tossed up to the pinnacle, sometimes thrown down into the valley. Amid his astonishment, a beautiful woman approached him, gently wiping the sweat from his forehead, and shyly said, "Young Master--"


    The woman''s eyes were as beautiful as a painting, her smile radiant. She seemed both near and far, her image vivid before his eyes. He quickly reached out to hold her, calling out, "Qingxuan--"


    But his hand met only air. The woman''s face vanished instantly, and he rolled up from the bed, sweat dripping from his forehead, awakened from his dream.


    "Young Master, are you awake?" Qin Xian''er''s voice, filled with joy, rang in his ear. A smooth arm, as tender as a lotus root, slowly came to rest, gently twining around his neck.


    The soft and smooth body beside him was like a burning me, snuggling in his arms. Her high and firm breasts, as smooth as ivory, gently brushed against his chest. A faint, alluring fragrance wafted over. The woman moaned softly, her emotions apparent.


    Lin Wanrong reached down, caressing her long, jade-like leg. Just as he was about to yfully knead it, he suddenly became lucidhe and Xian''er were lying naked together in bed. Recalling the story of the love bug in Xian''er''s body, he shivered all over.


    Bad news! Lin Wanrong let out a miserable yell. He hurriedly used the quilt to cover his body, his eyes wide open, "Xianer, what exactly did you do to me?"


    Qin Xianer''s face flushed, and she shyly retorted, "Young Master, you''re terrible, what else could I have done to you?"


    It''s over, it''s over. Xian''er had always been coveting me, using any means to possess my body, in order to monopolize me. I was sleeping soundly, my innocence was certainly vited, otherwise how could I be naked in bed with Xian''er? It''s over. Qingxuan, Qiaoqiao, Second Miss, I can''t hand over your lives to Xian''er.


    His destion made Qin Xian''er quite amused. She couldn''t help but hold his arm and ask, "Young Master, what''s wrong with you?"


    "Xian''er, be honest, while I was sleeping, how many times did you torment me?" Lin Wanrong asked in despair.


    "Torment? Why would I torment you?" Qin Xian''er replied, sounding surprised. Her face turned red as she slowly moved her body closer to him, "Young Master, you risked your life to save me. I haven''t even had time to express my gratitude, why would I torment you?"


    She didn''t torment him? A glimmer of hope arose in Lin Wanrong''s heart. He checked his body carefully but found no traces. Damn it, life is so unfair. Why don''t men have hymen? Now I can''t even tell if I''ve been vited. This problem is too serious, it rtes to my lifetime of happiness.


    "Xian''er, how did the two of us end up sleeping together? Oh, don''t misunderstand, though I do want to sleep with you, as you know, if a person faints, then wakes up to find himself lying naked with another woman, anyone would find it strange. Can you tell me, what exactly happened? Were you... oh, did anything special happen?"


    Qin Xian''er lowered her head in coy shyness and said, "Young Master, I would never harm you. You risked your life to save me and my master. Even if I became a workhorse in my next life, it would be hard to repay you. My master said that since you were willing to risk your life for me, I must be number one in your heart."


    A colossal misunderstanding, he thought. If it was Qiaoqiao, Qingxuan, Yushuang, Eldest Miss - ah, why would he think of Eldest Miss? If it were any of these women, he would have risked his life too. Not because he put someone first, but because of his broad love. "Xian''er, you didn''t take advantage of my unconsciousness to... you know..." Lin Wanrong''s voice trembled, nervously looking at Xian''er. His good fortune, which any man would relish, he couldn''t enjoy.


    "Disgusting" Qin Xian''er blushed, "Am I that kind of casual person?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed. Lying naked in my bed, indeed she is not a casual person like me. Qin Xian''er''s words relieved him but also saddened him. When will the matter with Xian''er be resolved? Did Qingxuan have a solution?


    Qin Xian''er seemed to understand his thoughts, sighed faintly and said, "Young Master, you are so kind and righteous to me. I will never do anything you dislike. After you fainted that day, my master and I braved cannon fire to carry you here. My master said it would be hard to find another man as kind and righteous as you, so she told me to conduct the marriage rites with you"


    "Your master?" Lin Wanrong eximed. Damn, what kind of master asks her disciple to take advantage of a man when he''s unconscious? Isn''t there anyw left?


    Qin Xian''er nodded and blushed, "Master did it for my sake. She said that once we conducted the marriage rites, you would bepletely devoted to me, never thinking about another woman again."


    This was undoubtedly a cunning n, Lin Wanrong realized. Xian''er''s current habits were all learned from her master. An Biru was indeed dangerous.


    "I love you, Young Master, but I don''t want to make you unhappy. Pressured by my master, I sleep naked with you every day to deceive her. But Xian''er is not such a shameless woman," Qin Xian''er cried.


    This silly girl, sleeping naked together can deceive your master? Lin Wanrong thought it was amusing. He held her hand and said, "How could I not believe you? In my heart, you''ve long been my wife."


    Qin Xian''er was overjoyed, "Are you serious, Young Master?"


    "I swear by Heaven and Earth," Lin Wanrong dered loudly.


    Qin Xian''er wiped the tear stains on her face, overjoyed. Her delicate body rubbed against his. With a trembling voice, she whispered in his ear, "Husband"


    The word was both numb and crisp, striking straight to his heart. They were already naked and embraced each other, this flirtation threatened to ignite a me. He warned himself over and over again, he must not give in.


    Having received the promise, Qin Xian''er was overjoyed. Slowly, she got up, her skin smooth and luminous like a delicate jade, glimmering with a gentle radiance. Her full bosom, slender legs, and perky derrire were all disyed before him like a jade sculpture of a goddess. Gently, she concealed her exquisite body under a long dress before turning around and smiling, "Husband, do you find me pleasing to the eye?"


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes nearly popped out, swallowing hard before he hurriedly said, "Very pleasing, exceedingly so."


    Qin Xian''er broke into a smile, "Then, I will let you feast your eyes every day." This devilish girl knew that he couldn''t have her yet still deliberately tried to tantalize him. How tragic!


    "Husband, I know what you''re thinking." Qin Xian''er giggled, leaning towards him and nting a kiss on his cheek. "If one day you can''t help yourself and want to take me, that won''t be on me."


    This impudent girl, if I cant stand it, I have countless ways to satisfy myself! Leather whip, dripping wax, wooden horse, which one would you choose?! Fuming internally, Lin Wanrong grudgingly bore his teeth at the seductive whispering in his ear, clearly an attempt to ensnare him.


    Only then did Lin Wanrong realize that they were on a small boat. The faint sound of wind rustling through reeds floated in from outside, creating an atmosphere of serene quietness.


    "Xian''er, where are we?" Lin Wanrong struggled to sit up. His body was still sore, but he gritted his teeth and persisted.


    Xian''er quickly held him steady, whispering, "Husband, your injuries are not yet healed, you need to rest for a few more days. We are currently on Weishan Lake."


    Weishan Lake? Lin Wanrong was startled and hastily asked, "Did the imperial troops retreat?"


    Qin Xian''er replied, "They seemed to have been looking for you, only retreating yesterday afternoon. However, the navy on theke had already withdrawn a few days ago."


    They were looking for me? Seems like these fellows had a little wisdom, knowing that this general is an invincible cockroach. If they had killed that dog Tong Cheng for me, that would have been even more satisfying.


    As they were talking, someone lifted the curtain and entered from outside the cabin. Dressed in coarse floral clothing, disguised as a fisherwoman, she could not conceal her voluptuous, mature figure. Her face wore an alluring smile as she sauntered in like a captivatingndscape that captured the heart.


    "Hey, Sister, could you show a bit of decorum? I''m not dressed," Lin Wanrong was greatly startled and hurriedly reached for his pistol by the pillow. Damn it, how could I forget about this woman? I even sted her with a cannon a few days ago.


    An Biruughed charmingly, "What''s the big deal about not wearing clothes? Your clothes were taken off by Xian''er and me. Besides, when have you ever worn clothes while you and Xian''er spend all day in the cabin?"


    Damn, is this really Xian''er''s master? She''s even more uninhibited than me. Lin Wanrong lifted the gun in his hand and said, "Master Sister, as you know, I have a potent hidden weapon in my hand. I suggest you stop having ideas about me."


    An Biru smiled and said, "Of course I know that. Meng Du died by the hand of your secret weapon. But if I had wanted to kill you, you would have died hundreds of times in these past days."


    Her words struck true. Lin Wanrong sighed and put away the firearm, saying, "Alright, let''s make peace."


    An Biruughed and said, "Oh, my dear little brother, that''s more like it. You led the army that destroyed my White Lotus Sect, even bombarded me with cannons, yet I haven''t settled ounts with you. You needn''t be so petty. I expected more from a man."


    Xian''er, grabbing his hand, said, "Husband, my master has been healing your wounds these past days, exhausting much of her energy. Please, do not misunderstand her intentions."


    Misunderstand? Bullshit. Does this ''sister'' look like someone who fears misunderstandings?


    Lin Wanrong asked with a start, "Sister, were you the one who undressed me?"


    An Biru chuckled, her beautiful eyes twinkling as she teasingly replied, "And what if I did? Little brother, you don''t seem like the shy type."


    Shy? Bullshit. I''m more concerned about her looting the treasures in my possession. I''d be in deep trouble then. He nced around, relieved to see that everything - the knockout drug, the miniature painting, the gold medal, the Buddha Big Stick - were still beside him.


    An Biru looked at him, holding two red candles and a thick rope in her hand, slowly walking towards him.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t understand and asked, "Sister, what are you nning to do?"


    "What do you think?" An Biru answered with a mysterious smile.


    Bondage? Wax y? Domination? Lin Wanrong was terrified. He cried out, "No!" His wounds had yet to heal, leaving him weak. After struggling for a bit, he ended up coughing violently.


    Xian''er hurriedly held him and asked, "Husband, are you okay?"


    Upon seeing his reaction, An Biru couldn''t help but burst intoughter, her ample chest threatening to burst out of her thin clothing. "General Lin, didn''t you look quite pleased with yourself when you besieged my White Lotus sect? Howe today, with just two red candles and a piece of rope, you''re terrified to this extent?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "The war was the war, a matter between two armies. We both had different identities then, even if it ended in a death match, we would have epted it willingly. Today, however, we''re drifting on ake, having shared hardships. We have put our worries aside, the situation is quite pleasant. But for some reason, sister, you''re bringing up those past incidents. It''s not entertaining at all. Had I known, I''d rather have perished in that bombardment, instead of going through all this."


    An Biru paused, taken aback. This young general, once her sworn enemy, was not only clever and impudent but also demonstrated an unexpected depth and wisdom, something quite unusual for his age.


    "Master, what are you doing?" Qin Xian''er also asked curiously.


    "Silly girl, I''m doing this for your own good." An Biru smiled, "These past days you''ve been sharing a bed with him. Did you think you could hide that from your master? I didn''t force you while he was unconscious. Now that he''s awake, you can consummate your marriage. After tonight, there''ll be no more worries."


    "Consummating our marriage?" Lin Wanrong eximed in shock. "Sister, I''m still young, my body hasn''t fully developed, and I''m not psychologically prepared either. Can''t you just let me off for now?"


    An Biru surveyed him from head to toe, then giggled. "Still young? In what way? I''ve never seen one as big as yours. With such a lustful look in your eyes, you must have lost your virginity long ago. Are you still afraid of consummating your marriage?"


    Lin Wanrong was utterly defeated. He had encountered strong women before, but none as domineering as this. Even in his previous life, An Biru would be considered shocking. No wonder Xian''er was such a little enchantress; her master was a greater one, truly following in her footsteps.


    An Biru lit the two red candles, casting a soft glow on her jade-like face, adding to her allure. She turned to Lin Wanrong and said, "What do you say, Mr. Lin, will youe willingly or shall I tie you up?"


    Faced with the thick rope in her hands, General Lin could only imagine himself being bound and subjected to wax y by this demoness. He had been adies'' man all his life, yet never in his wildest dreams did he expect to be coerced into a wedding. It was utterly beyond his expectations.


    "Sister, now that it''se to this, I won''t hide from you. Besides Xian''er, I have several other wives. We''re deeply in love, but none of us have held a formal wedding ceremony yet."


    "I know," An Biru replied with a mischievous smile. "But there''s nothing wrong with you and Xian''er having your ceremony first. Tonight, you will be the lucky one. What do you say?" Holding the rope, she slowly moved towards General Lin''s bed, her face growing more alluring.


    Although he could see that she loved Xianer very much, he knew about the Love Bug in Xianer. Thinking she was trying to bluff him, Lin Wanrong realized the sadistic delight she took in building Xian''er''s happiness upon his own difort.


    "That might not be the best idea. This boat is too small, and my capabilities are toorge. And with you here, Sister, I''m a shy person, how could I just consummate the marriage like this?" Seeing her draw nearer, Lin Wanrong hurriedly protested. His heavy wounds had left him powerless.


    "No worries, no worries," An Biru said. "You two can consummate your marriage inside the cabin while I guard the entrance, just in case Xian''er pities you and decides to put on a good show."


    y voyeur? Unbeatable! This An Biru was indeed a fox, an enchantress, a witch, and one with a personality!


    Seeing her master advancing relentlessly, Qin Xian''er couldn''t help but blush. She knelt before An Biru and said, "Master, my husband and I are deeply in love. Whether we have a ceremony or not makes no difference. I am his in life and in death. Please, stop pressuring him."


    "Silly girl" An Biru quickly helped her up and said softly, "Why are you doing this to yourself?"


    "Master" Qin Xian''er began sobbing in An Biru''s arms. Perhaps only she understood her own bitterness.


    Fine, just to end this ordeal. Lin Wanrong sat up and said, "My love, let''s have our ceremony"


    An Biru nced at him, her face flushing as sheughed. "Hurry and get dressed. You''re hard to look at when you''repletely naked."


    Lin Wanrong nced down at himself. Damn, I am merely bare-chested, the vital parts are still concealed, yet it frightened you to this extent? Aren''t you the hot-tempered one?


    Qin Xian''er helped him into his clothes. He was incredibly frail, causing a pang of heartache in her. Abruptly, she embraced him and said, "Husband, I will serve you in this life and every life toe."


    An Biru, watching the young couple''s tender exchanges, felt out of ce within the cabin. She threw a flirtatious look at Lin Wanrong, giggled, and walked out.


    A seductress! She thought to seduce me? Not a chance! Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat, he quickly averted his gaze from her bosom. Having already had the experience of a wedding ceremony with Qiaoqiao, he smoothlypleted the three bows with Xian''er, solidifying their status as husband and wife.


    Fulfilling her wish, Qin Xian''er, overwhelmed with joy, fell into his arms and said, "Husband, today is the happiest day of my life."


    "Naive girl, this is only the beginning, we have a long journey ahead." Lin Wanrong consoled, a phrase tried and tested, enough to make even the iron tree bloom.


    Qin Xian''er hummed softly, finding bliss in his embrace.


    Having been unconscious for several days due to his severe injury, Lin Wanrong had woken up that day and held a ceremony with Xian''er. His heart was restless, so he whispered, "Xian''er, can you help me step outside for a moment?"


    With a sweet smile, Xian''er fetched a robe to cover him, then assisted him outside the cabin.


    The moon was shining brightly, casting a delicate silver glow on theke. A gentle breeze stirred waves that traveled toward their small boat, and dissipated upon reaching it. The softpping of water against the hull and the slight rocking of the boat felt like a serene cradle.


    The vastke under the night sky was a sight of solitude, with their small boat floating upon the surface. An Biru sat at the bow, her thoughts unknown. Seeing the couple emerge, she greeted them with a faint smile.


    With Qin Xian''er''s support, Lin Wanrong sat down next to An Biru. As the three sat together, the world around them seemed to quieten.


    Gazing at the seamless merge of the sky and theke in the distance, Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, "Life is so beautiful, yet I am forever adrift. Happiness is right before your eyes, yet you can''t always see it."


    Snuggling close to him, Xian''er asked, "Husband, is this a verse youposed?"


    "Suppose you could say that," Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    An Biru questioned, "Young Master Lin, you''re so young, from wherees such sentiment?"


    Lin Wanrong responded with a slight smile, "I''m young and naive, whats wrong with writing new verses filled with mncholy?" Qin Xian''er giggled, recalling their first encounter in the Miaoyu Pavilion. It all seemed like it happened just yesterday.


    An Biruughed, her gaze flitting flirtatiously over him as she said, "This youthful facade of yours is indeed a deception. Had I not witnessed your misdeeds, I would have surely fallen for your act."


    "The feeling is mutual, sister," Lin Wanrong chuckled, ncing at her. His eyes caught the sight of a golden hairpin adorning her updo, shimmering under the moonlight. Beneath her coarse clothes, her body had all the right curves, irresistibly seductive. Her rounded, firm legs tapped lightly against the boat, her eyes sparkling yfully. She appeared as both an indifferent young girl and a disenchanted young wife. Her enticing smile under the moonlight was incredibly bewitching.


    Lin Wanrong''s heart throbbed in his chest. Clearly, this sister was testing me, he thought. His gaze fell upon Xian''er, his newly wedded wife, blooming like a flower, her face adorned by faint dimples as she smiled at him.


    Admiring beauties under the moon, the more he admired, the more entranced he became. He sighed lightly.


    "Master Sister, wife Xian''er, is Jinan your home?" Lin Wanrong gazed towards the north, softly asking.


    "Home?" An Biru nced at him, shaking her head, "I am alone, everywhere can be home."


    Softly, Xian''er said, "Husband, when I was young, I followed my master to Jinan. The first night we spent on a small boat on Lake Weishan. If we talk about home, Lake Weishan is my home."


    "Naive girl," An Biru gently stroked Xian''er''s hair, "Now that you are married, you have a husband who cherishes you, there is no need for this nomadic life. Following me earlier caused you much hardship."


    Xian''er quickly grabbed An Biru''s hand, "Master, Xian''er''s home is your home, we will never be apart. Husband is such a kind person, he will not treat you unfairly. Isn''t that right, husband?"


    "That''s right, sister, the more people we have, the more chopsticks we''ll use. We have lots of chopsticks at home." Lin Wanrong joked. This Master Sister was skilled; having her at home would certainly provide protection, after all, so why not?


    An Biru offered a faint smile, her long, strong legs lightly tapped against the side of the boat. The rhythmic thudding resonated within Lin Wanrong''s heart.


    "I don''t have a home either." Lin Wanrong sighed, his gaze deep and far-reaching. The cool breeze swept by, and as he was still recovering from serious injuries, he trembled slightly, unconsciously leaning into Xian''er. Since Qin Xian''er had known him, she had only seen his yful and carefree demeanor. Seeing him in such a fragile state moved her. She held him tightly and whispered, "Husband, don''t be afraid, Xian''er is here! Xian''er will always protect you!"


    Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile. When had I be so vulnerable? His eyelids grew heavy as he settled in Xian''er''s arms, his heart was at peace. "Xian''er, I feel like singing a song."


    Gently stroking his hair, Xian''er replied, "Husband, please sing, I am listening."


    "In this world, only mothers are good, a child with a mother is like a treasure." Lin Wanrong''s voice was weak and halting, gradually fading until it was no longer audible.


    An Biru held back augh. How old was this guy? She turned to tease him, but to her surprise, the young man who had been singing, with a sweet smile gracing his lips, had quietly drifted into slumber.


    An Biru stared at Lin Wanrong''s face, lost in a daze for a moment, unable to utter a single word.


    Qin Xian''er held him tightly in her arms, one hand gently caressing her husband''s cheek, while the other hand covered her lips. Tears streamed down her face as she said, "Master, I really do love my husband. His heart carries so much sorrow, and yet, I am unable to share his burdens. I want to break this love bug and make him happy forever. Master, do you have a way? Please, help me!" Qin Xian''er''s tears continued to fall.


    "Foolish girl, foolish girl," An Biru murmured, stroking her hair and sighing softly. Qin Xian''er, holding her soundly sleeping husband and sobbing, nestled into her Master''s embrace.


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 Chapter 253

    Chapter 253


    Chapter 253 The Enchantresses, Young and Older


    At dawn the following day, Lin Wanrong opened his eyes slowly, only to find himself lying in bed. A warm shaft of sunlight was entering through the window, its warmth spreading across his body, leaving him feeling thoroughlyfortable. After a night''s rest, he felt much of his strength returning. Sitting up, he cast a look around the room and saw a beautiful figure leaning by the bedside, her captivating eyes were watching him with a smile.


    "Wow" Lin Wanrong eximed, shrinking back into the bed, "Sister, what are you nning to do?"


    "You''re awake?" An Biru seemed to disregard his words, pulling up the nket corner for him with a smile, "What else could I be doing? I''m treating your injuries."


    "You don''t need to be by my bedside so early in the morning just to treat my injuries. It can scare someone to death, sister!" Lin Wanrong said.


    "Are you so faint-hearted? Stop joking! Now, behave yourselflie down!" An Biru held two silver needles in her hand, issuing themand with a smile. The shiny needle tips radiated strands of dazzling light in the sunlight.


    "Lie down for what? Only when a man is serious does he lie downI surrender, I surrender, I''m afraid of you" Seeing this Master Sister poised with the silver needles ready to puncture, the normally wilful General Lin chose to submit. He turned over, offering his bare back to An Biru.


    An Biru''s face turned serious, and with a swift motion, she had already inserted several needles into his back in the blink of an eye.


    The needles, though seemingly icy cold, ignited a warm sensation as they entered his body, stimting the cirction of his blood and easing his entire body. His injuries seemed to have healed a bit more.


    An Biru''s palm gently patted his smooth back, the soft touch stirring waves of sensation within him. Lin Wanrong groanedfortably, every pore of his body radiating satisfaction.


    An Biru thought he was in pain, and said, "What are you crying out for? If not for Xian''er''s plea, I wouldn''t bother exerting this effort for you. It''s time-consuming and exhausting. Moreover, I''ve even lost my disciple to you. I really made a bad deal."


    "Not a bad deal, not a bad deal." Lin Wanrong was lying on the bed, letting out afortable sigh, smiling, "Xian''er is my wife, you''re my Master Sister. I wouldn''t mind supporting you for a lifetime. Everyone living happily together, leisurely drinking tea, ying mahjonghow rxed it would be."


    An Biru giggled. A hint of coyness shed across her face, her voice, brimming with allure, "Little brother, are you really willing to support me for a lifetime? Oh, I''m so grateful to you"


    All of Lin Wanrong''s hairs stood on end. Just how old was this Master Sister of his, and why was she so tempting, just like a young maiden?


    "No need to thank me, no need to thank me. It''s only right, it''s only rightOh" While speaking, he suddenly felt a sharp pain on his back. An Biru had twisted one of the silver needles deeper.


    Lin Wanrong felt weak all over, and sweat started to bead on his forehead, "Sister, you''re not nning to kill me, are you? Oh no, I should''ve consummated my marriage with Xian''erst night. She''ll be a widow before she even has a taste of marital bliss."


    An Biru chuckled, "Little brother, don''t think I''m oblivious to your cunning schemes. Be straightforward with me. Just because I didn''t kill you a few days ago doesn''t mean I won''t do so in the future. If you dare mistreat Xian''er, I swear I''ll tear you limb from limb and grind your bones to dust. Remember, I won''t be merciful."


    "Ah" Lin Wanrong let out a cry as An Biru''s delicate hand moved swiftly, embedding two more silver needles into his acupuncture points. It was a massive effort, and beads of sweat glistened on her forehead.


    After the intense pain, Lin Wanrong felt relieved all over. His grave injuries seemed to have healed significantly. Astonished, he said, "Master Sister, I didn''t expect you could heal. I owe you my life; I should really thank you."


    An Biru wiped off her sweat and smiled seductively, "Don''t try to sweet-talk me. Do you think I''m as easy to appease as Xian''er? If it weren''t for your selfless act of saving me, I would have killed you long ago."


    Lin Wanrong paused, indeed. He and this sister should have been enemies fighting to death. But the rtionship had strangely evolved into him saving her, and she not killing him. It was truly inexplicable.


    An Biru removed the silver needles from his body and said, "In a few days, you should be fully recovered. Saving your life has taken quite a lot of my energy."


    Lin Wanrong responded, still in a daze, "Sister, did I actually die that day?" It puzzled him as well. He had instinctively shielded her and her disciple from the cannon st, which exploded behind him. In his subconscious, at that moment, he was already dead.


    Seeing his nk expression, An Biru remembered the incident andughed, "Life and death are only a line apart. Originally, I didn''t intend to save you, my enemy. Despite your despicable and shameless nature, which could harm countless people if you survived, Xian''er pleaded so desperately that I couldn''t refuse her. It''s your good fortune."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, Am I that bad? Your White Lotus Sect deceives the public, engages in anti-revolutionary activities, and harms the people. It''s you who are causing harm. He forced a smile and said, "Sister, if you saved me, why tarnish my reputation? Sure, I''m not good, but neither is your White Lotus Sect. We''re two of a kind; there''s no need for either of us to tter the other."


    An Biru giggled, her voluptuous body gently trembling like a swaying flower branch, dizzyingly mesmerizing. Lin Wanrong quickly averted his eyes. Damn, what kind of enchantress was this woman? It was terrifying. Once An Biru finally stopped giggling, she said, "Little brother, you''re right. I run this White Lotus Sect to do bad thingsthe more, the better. With so many good people in the world, if I don''t act the viin, who will highlight their nobility?"


    Lin Wanrong approved of this theory. He gave a thumbs-up and said, "You dare to think what others can''t. You''re so audacious about being a viin. Sister, you''re indeed a woman who matches men in gantry. I admire you greatly."


    An Biru nced at him, her expression changing to one of grievance. "However," shemented, "my cherished ns have been foiled by you, Little brother Lin. How am I to proceed?"


    "I was only jesting, Master Sister," Lin Wanrong chuckled, inching stealthily towards his musket lying nearby. "I merely set off a few cannons to startle you all. The one you should be seeking is the Emperor himself." He knew An Biru''s vtile nature; she would lovingly call him little brother, yet be ready to strike at any moment. Vignce was necessary.


    "That won''t do," An Biru countered yfully, casting him a sultry nce. "As they say, he who tied the bell must untie it. You created this mess, it is only fitting that you should help clean it up."


    "Hold on, Sister, let me rify," Lin Wanrong responded urgently, "I have no interest in your rebellious antics. Please, do not involve me. If you truly harbour such intentions, it''d be more merciful to kill me."


    She burst into delicateughter. "You know full well I wouldn''t harm you, as it would hurt Xian''er. But, you pretend to be scared regardless. If you aren''t bad, then there are no bad people in this world."


    "But," she changed her tone, "my not killing you does not mean I have no other means of persuasion. Since Xian''er is so fond of you, I''ll simply break your legs and ensure you remain by her side forever. Let''s see if your fair weather friends will still want you then. Are you scared now, little brother?"


    Cursing inwardly at her wicked proposition, Lin Wanrong retorted, "Sister, don''t scare me. Xian''er, Xian''er,e in and protect your husband"


    An Biru cut him off, chuckling, "General Lin, you are quite clever. You''ve used Xian''er''s infatuation with you to manipte me."


    "That''s not fair," Lin Wanrong sighed lightly. "You''re Xian''er''s master, and she is my wife; we are family. Why bring up maniptionXian''er,e in and pour tea for your Master Sister"


    A strange light flickered in An Biru''s eyes as she replied coldly, "I''ve put years of effort into nurturing the White Lotus Sect, only to have it ruined by you. I won''t let you off easily. If you help me, well and good. If not, I will"


    "Xian''er!" Lin Wanrong yelled. Qin Xian''er, dressed in a simple gown, hurried in from outside, looking at him in surprise, "Husband, you''re awake?"


    "Yes, yes, I''ve been awake for a while, missing you. You look so beautiful today, my good wife. I just want to hold you and sleep." Lin Wanrong grinned.


    Qin Xian''er, now a married woman but still a maiden, had changed her dress. Her long hair was elegantly coiled up, tied in a simple knot with a piece of silk. Her delicate face, pale yet faintly flushed, sparkled with joy, her almond eyes brimming with happiness. Her slender figure stood erect, graceful as a willow tree, her curves subtle yet prominent. Even dressed in a fisherwoman''s simple attire, she was breathtakingly beautiful. Her unmatched beauty, enhanced by the inness of her clothing, was truly heart-stirring.


    Lin Wanrong could no longer shift his gaze, nkly stating, "Xian''er, let us consummate our marriage tonight. Even if I were to die in your embrace, I would be content."


    Qin Xian''er''s face flushed, and she hurriedly lowered her head, shying away, "Husband, you''re being so impertinent. Master is still here, can''t you wait a while longer to say such things?" Upon hearing his words, her heart was filled with immense joy, and a hint of pride; her eyes brimmed with affection as she looked deeply at her husband.


    Seeing her disciple being thoroughly imed by another, An Biru let out a girlishugh, "General Lin, you certainly know how to handle things."


    "No, no, Master Sister, you too have many... ''savage'' strategies," he mischievously muttered the words, intentionally blurring the pronunciation between ''savage'' and ''numerous.'' Qin Xian''er couldn''t discern his meaning, but An Biru understood all too well.


    "Husband, what are you talking about with Master? I heard you call my name several times," Qin Xian''er walked to his side and helped him sit up.


    "Oh, nothing much, Master Sister was just telling me ghost stories, which frightened me. You know, I''m quite a timid person, so naturally I''m a bit unsettled. Xian''er, ever since I was injured, I''ve been feeling weaker. I can''t handle any more shocks" General Lin said pitifully.


    Qin Xian''er recalled his state from the night before and couldn''t help but tear up, "Husband, don''t be afraid, Xian''er is here. I''ve learned many techniques from Master, and I will protect you in this life and all lives toe. If anyone dares to harm you, I will fight them to death."


    "Xian''er, my wife, you''re simply the best." Lin Wanrong gratefully embraced Xian''er, shedding a few tears, then he sneakily grinned at An Biru.


    An Biru could onlyugh bitterly at his antics; this man, always resorting to childish tricks, yet she was helpless against him. Despite her many experiences, her usual independent, carefree attitude was futile in the face of this unconventional and cunning General Lin. Remembering his vulnerable state from the night before, she couldn''t help but wonder, was this really the same military general who had once brilliantly strategized against her?


    As Qin Xian''er held her husband, she wiped his tears and asked, "Husband, are you hungry? I''ve prepared a fresh fish soup for you. Master and I caught the fish ourselves from thekest night. It''s very fresh, let me bring it to you!"


    "You caught it yourselves?" Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise, ncing at the pair. Damn it, he thought, why did I sleep so earlyst night? I missed Master Sister and Xian''er''s swimming exhibitionwhat a regret.


    "Xian''er was worried about your health, so she insisted on catching the fish. If you disappoint her, how will you face her?" An Biru looked at Xian''er with adoring eyes.


    "Sweetheart, once my injuries heal, let''s go swimming in theke together, alright?" Lin Wanrong whispered into her ear, his breath tickling her.


    Qin Xian''er''s body went limp. She hummed in agreement and then giggled as she went to fetch the fish soup.


    "You are indeed cunning, tricking Xian''er like this, making her wholly devoted to you," An Biru huffed.


    "Sister, have you never heard the phrase ''mutual affection''?" Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Come to think of it, it''s thanks to your fine instruction that my little Xian''er is so gentle and considerate. I''m indebted to you, sister."


    An Biru gave a bitter smile of resignation. Who knew how thick this man''s skin was? She had been getting along well with Xian''er, but now this man had fallen from the sky, intruding into their lives,pletely disrupting the harmony between the two of them. Who could predict what might happen in the future?


    "Sister, how old are you?"


    "Thirty...ah, why are you asking? Are you looking for trouble?" An Biru''s eyebrows shot up as she raised her voice in annoyance. She had been lost in thought, and upon hearing a question, she responded instinctively, nearly revealing a secret. How could she not be angry?


    A woman''s age is indeed a secret, Lin Wanrong thought, nearly seeding in his little scheme. He gave a dry chuckle, "Sister, don''t tease me. You''re as beautiful as a celestial being, with an incredible figure. I guess you''re twenty-one, just a year older than me."


    "Little brother..." An Biru''s face broke into a strange smile. She leaned in close to him, her body almost touching his. Sheughed softly, "Why don''t we try something new? Your tricks may work on Xian''er, but don''t try to use them on me."


    The two were extremely close, so close it felt like a piece of paper could barely fit between them. Lin Wanrong could see her smooth, jade-like cheek, her chest rising and falling gently like surging waves, and the unique, mature fragrance wafting from her body.


    As they drew closer, Lin Wanrong swallowed hard, feeling the burning heat emanating from this mature woman, "Sister, what are you doing? I''m married. Don''te closer, I''m going to call for help, ah--"


    Upon hearing her husband''s cry, Xian''er hurriedly rushed in, only to see her master smiling, a silver needle in her hand. "Xian''er, I just gave him another needle, used a bit of force. He should recover by tomorrow."


    "Really, master?" Xian''er eximed in joy.


    An Biru nodded with a smile. "Of course, when have I ever lied to you?"


    "Husband, did you hear that? You will recover tomorrow." Xian''er was overwhelmed with joy, tears streaming down her face.


    Lin Wanrong ground his teeth, this wicked woman, why did she have to jab the needle into his backside?


    "Husband, what''s wrong?" Xian''er noticed his upset face and anxiously asked.


    "It''s nothing, Xian''er, I''m just too happy. It''s so good that you''re here, so good--" Lin Wanrong repressed his inner turmoil and managed to say sorrowfully.


    "Husband, have some soup. It will help you recover faster." Xian''er scooped up a spoonful of fish soup, blew on it a few times to cool it down, and brought it to her husband''s lips. The delicious soup warmed his heart a bit, and he red at An Biru, who was struggling to contain herughter.


    "Husband, how does it taste?" Xian''er eagerly asked.


    "The taste is amazing, Xian''er, you''re wonderful. Let''s try something new tonight. Oh, Master Sister,e and have some soup. Xian''er, feed me a mouthful, then feed your Master...Sister, do you object? In that case, Xian''er, feed your Master a mouthful, then feed me."


    An Biru chuckled. With a swoosh, a silver needle flew from her hand, embedding itself seven parts deep into the cabin beam. "Xian''er, how do you find your master''s skill?" Lin Wanrong obediently lowered his head and drank the soup, uttering no more words.


    Life aboard the boat was odd. He and Xian''er were all lovey-dovey, while An Biru watched them unabashedly, without the slightest hint of shyness.


    Lin Wanrong, holding Xian''er''s hand, whispered, "Xian''er, does your master have some sort of mental issue?"


    Qin Xian''er giggled, "Husband, you mustn''t speak nonsense. Master has always been this way. Sometimes, she''s even more delightful when she holds a head in her hand."


    Sweat, nothing but sweat! Xian''er was a little witch, and Master Sister a big witch. The witch family wasplete.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t nce at An Biru. Xian''er helped him walk a few steps. Gradually, strength returned to his body, and he was able to walk unaided. Could one shot in the backside really be this miraculous?


    "It''s the recovery of your own inner energy. I simply helped guide it." An Biru seemed to see through his thoughts andughed.


    Lin Wanrong was wary of this Master Sister, preferring to respect her from afar.


    "Master, my husband is gradually healing, and it''s nearing the end of the month. Shall we go ashore tomorrow to buy some things?" Qin Xian''er suggested.


    End of the month? Lin Wanrong felt a chill in his heart and hurriedly grabbed her small hand. "Xian''er, what date is it today?"


    "It''s the 28th of the winter month! What''s wrong, husband?" Qin Xian''er asked, puzzled.


    The 28th of the winter month? Lin Wanrong abruptly jumped up, shouting loudly, "To shore, to shore, hurry to shore!"


    Xian''er anxiously asked, "Husband, what happened?"


    "There''s a thing, waiting for me to do a thing--" Lin Wanrong sweated profusely, unsure of how to exin to Xian''er. He knew all about her jealousy, even though they were now married, her killer instinct couldn''t be easily rubbed off!


    "Husband, wouldn''t it be good to spend a few happy days on this boat? Do you despise me so much?" Qin Xian''er sobbed.


    Just as he expected, Xian''er had started. In the past, he could ignore this, but now that they were married, he couldn''t just brush it aside. Lin Wanrong hurriedly wrapped his arm around her waist, "Sweetie, I can''t exin right now. Once I''ve dealt with this, I''ll exin everything to you, okay?"


    An Biruughed, "You look so anxious. Are you going to save some sweetheart? Xian''er, if he doesn''t tell you, don''t let him go ashore."


    How Lin Wanrong hated her, deeper than the waters of Weishan Lake. He wished he could pull out a gun and end her with one shot.


    Qin Xian''er stole a nce at her husband, seeing his silence and dark expression, she felt a pang in her heart, "Husband, Master was only joking with you. Don''t be upset, we''ll go ashore now."


    The small boat, which had been drifting on Weishan Lake for several days, gently made its way to the shore. Lin Wanrong quickly surveyed the surroundings, recognizing Pei County where he had once led his troops against the elite forces of the White Lotus. Days had passed, and there was no longer any trace of battle, only a few lonely water birds soaring low over theke.


    In his impatience, Lin Wanrong, just recovered, jumped off the swaying bow of the boat. He hastily walked a few steps before feeling something amiss and quickly turned to look back. He saw Xian''er, her red lips lightly bitten, tears in her eyes, silently watching him.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "Xian''er, what are you standing around for? Let''s go"


    "Do you want me to go with you? Husband" Like a swallow returning to its nest, Qin Xian''er threw herself into his arms, crying softly, "You were in such a hurry to leave, I thought you didn''t want me."


    Damn, this girl was too sensitive, such a small matter could lead her thoughts astray. Reflecting on their time together, Xian''er had always been gentle and agreeable, never refusing him. Lin Wanrong tightly held her small, jade-white hand and smiled, "Silly girl, we''re husband and wife, of course, wherever I go, you go."


    "Husband, Xian''er will forever be your shadow!" Qin Xian''er hid in his arms and whimpered.


    Moved to tears, Lin Wanrong wiped away the teardrops on his face and held her delicate, boneless body, "Sweetie, let''s go back to Jinling!"


    Qin Xian''er gave a small nod, then looked back, her voice tinged with reluctance, "What about Master?"


    Master? She can go and have fun wherever she wants! The first woman to dare to stick a needle in his backside was surely gifted.


    "Going to Jinling? Great!" An Biru lightly tapped her foot, stepping forward without stirring a grain of dust, she gave Lin Wanrong a teasing smile, "Young Master Lin, you promised to take care of me for life. Have you forgotten?"


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 Chapter 254

    Chapter 254


    Chapter 254 The Return Journey


    Is Master Sister going with us? Is this some kind of joke? Isn''t that like carrying a time bomb? Lin Wanrong had always maintained a respectful distance from this sister. Her presence made him feel entirely insecure.


    Xian''er grasped his arm, pleading, "Husband, can Mastere with us to Jinling, please?"


    Feigning a smile, Lin Wanrong replied, "Master Sister apanying us to Jinling? Oh, that would be great. I am all hands and feet in favor. But, Master Sister, on our way back to Jinling, please, no more ghost stories. My courage has already been shattered. I really can''t stand your torment."


    An Biru nced at him, chuckling, "As long as you don''t y ghost, I won''t scare you."


    Both were speaking in veiled words. Qin Xian''er was somewhat perplexed, but seeing Mastering along with her and her husband made her happy. She decided not to delve deeper.


    This Pei County was the battleground of General Lin''s first battle. More than three hundred soldiers lost their lives here that day. Today, they returned to the old battlefield, inevitably paying their respects.


    Lin Wanrong kowtowed before the gravestones. An Biru noticed the engraved characters on the big stone, humming disapprovingly. This was understandable. These soldiers were brothers to Lin Wanrong, but to An Biru, they were enemies. Her reaction was not surprising.


    "Master Sister, why did your people ambush me that day?" Lin Wanrong voiced a question that had been lingering in his mind.


    An Biru smiled faintly, "General Lin, you are so clever, can''t you guess?"


    Lin Wanrong ventured, "Was it for the cannon?"


    An Biru nodded, "Half correct." Time had changed. The two former enemies stood together, discussing their strategic aims. It seemed like they were able tough away past grudges.


    "You took the cannon, traveled tens of miles in haste, and bombarded Marshal Xu Wei?" Lin Wanrong proposed.


    An Biru looked at him in surprise, sighing lightly, "You do have some insight. Meng Du and Lu Kanli deserved their defeat at your hands."


    Lin Wanrong fiercely responded, "They all targeted me, treating me like a soft persimmon to squeeze. If I didn''t deal with them, there would be no justice."


    An Biruughed lightly, "I saw through the whole situation, but I underestimated you, a mere supply troop general. The White Lotus Sect''s defeat at your hands must have been predestined."


    The White Lotus Sect, established by An Biru herself, had failed. Although her face held a trace of regret, there was no sign of anger. This had always puzzled Lin Wanrong. This Sister An couldn''t possibly be so magnanimous, could she?


    Xian''er tugged at his sleeve, "Husband, I didn''t know about the ambush that day. Only after Meng Du was defeated did Master tell me. You won''t me me, will you?"


    An Biruughed, "Silly girl, I didn''t tell you because I feared your impulsiveness would ruin my n. If he mes you for this, he isn''t worth your lifelongmitment."


    Damn, couldn''t you just say less? Lin Wanrong red fiercely at An Biru, but she behaved as though she hadn''t noticed, her gaze deep and unreadable, leaving him to wonder what she might be plotting.


    Qin Xian''er bowed deeply in front of the tomb, saying, "Brothers, although Xian''er was your enemy, you protected my husband, and so you are Xian''er''s benefactors. I pay my respects here."


    News of the imperial army''s extermination of the White Lotus Sect had already spread throughout the surrounding provinces. Pei County, located south of Jining, had suffered from the cmity of the White Lotus Sect for many years. Now that the White Lotus was gone, the citizens were ted, setting off round after round of fireworks. As Lin Wanrong walked along the bustling streets, he couldn''t help but sigh softly. An Biru, being the mastermind behind the White Lotus Sect, watched the scene with a calm expression, leaving him to wonder what was on her mind.


    After asking around, he learned that Xu Wei''s army had passed through Pei County a few days prior and entered Jiangsu. With the White Lotus eradicated, everyone in Jiangsu knew. There was no need for the army to hide. Remembering what Xu Wei had told him, Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded. Having dealt with the White Lotus, the next step was to tackle Cheng De. He wondered what Luo Min and Xu Wei were nning and whether Cheng De had noticed any impending threat. What had be of Jinling? Thinking about this made him even more anxious, wishing he could fly back to Jinling to see how Qiaoqiao and the Xiao family were doing.


    Xian''er understood his feelings. Holding his hand, she gently said, "Husband, you''ve just recovered from a severe injury. Don''t worry so much. We''ll find some fast horses and return to Jinling as soon as possible."


    There were several hundred miles from Pei County to Jinling. Impatient, Lin Wanrong was not willing to dy and wanted to ride back directly. However, both Qin Xian''er and An Biru disagreed. Since he had just recovered from a serious injury, he needed rest and could not endure too much jolting. Despite his objections, the master and disciple hired a carriage, put him in it, and slowly set off for Jinling.


    Having just recovered from severe injury, Lin Wanrong had no capacity to resist and let the two women arrange things for him. An Biru looked at his sullen face and couldn''t help butugh. "Little brother, who are you angry with? Xian''er is just worried about you, that''s why she''s considering all this. If it were up to me, whether you live or die would be none of my business."


    Xian''er gently lifted the robe on his back, "Master, it''s time for his acupuncture."


    With his body still healing from severe injuries, Lin Wanrong relied on this miraculous acupuncture therapy to quickly regain vitality. An Biru gave him acupuncture three times a day, enabling him to recover so quickly over several days.


    Stripping in front of two women didn''t bother Lin Wanrong; after all, one was his wife, and the other was a barefoot doctor, seeing her was seeing nothing. However, seeing An Biru''s teasing smile as she held the silver needle, he couldn''t help but shiver. Damn it, she isn''t going to stick him in the butt again, is she?


    [TL: "Barefoot doctors" were rural health care providers in the People''s Republic of China during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). The term "barefoot"es from southern farmers who would often work barefoot in the rice fields. In this context, "barefoot doctors" were farmers who received basic and minimal medical and paramedical training and worked in rural viges in China.]


    "General Lin, are you ready?" An Biru asked with a mysterious smile, her teasing demeanor making Lin Wanrong''s hair stand on end.


    "Xian''er" Lin Wanrong grasped his wife''s hand tightly and said, "When Sister Master gives me injections, you must stay with me! Watch over me closely!"


    Xian''er, unaware of his past history with her master, chuckled at his use of the term "injection" instead of "acupuncture". She stroked his hair,forting him, "Husband, don''t be afraid, I''m here. Master''s technique in acupuncture is excellent, it doesn''t hurt at all"


    Whether it hurt or not, the needles were being inserted into his body. Could she really know the pain? His buttocks were still aching even then. Lin Wanrong shivered as he epted treatment from his former enemy.


    This time, An Biru did not make it hard for him. Her hands were much gentler, the needles prating his skin with smooth precision. Warm, sour heat spread across Lin Wanrong''s body, a surprisinglyforting sensation. Xian''er, afraid he might truly be in pain, extended her petite hand to lightly massage his back.


    Her warm, soft, and slightly moist hand glided slowly over his skin, sending a tingling sensation straight to his heart. "Ah" Lin Wanrong let out afortable sigh, "Sweetheart, a little lower. Go lower, press harder, don''t stop"


    Upon hearing his unusual groans, Xian''er''s face flushed crimson. She was too shy to move. Lin Wanrong quickly seized her wandering hand and called out, "Sweetheart, not here, go lower, even lower"


    As her hand reached for his buttocks,ughter bubbled up from her, "Here?"


    "Yesah" Lin Wanrong let out a loud yell, hearing an unexpected sound that nearly frightened him out of his wits. Twisting his head, he saw An Biru holding a silver needle with a faint smirk on her face. His own hand was still grasping An Birus hand, pushing it lower.


    Damn it. Lin Wanrong quickly let go of her hand, his face pale. He was on the verge of a terrible mistake, nearly injecting himself with a needle.


    "Don''t want it anymore?" An Biru sneered.


    Xian''er giggled, her face turning red, "Husband, let Master properly give you acupuncture. Stop messing around and saying such things. It''s embarrassing for me to hear."


    Lin Wanrong''s face reddened slightly. He took hold of Xian''er''s petite hand, "Sister Master, feel free to prick as you please. Xian''er, let me read your palm."


    Xian''erughed lightly, "Husband, when did you acquire such skill? Howe I''ve never seen you use it before?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "My skills are vast, they can''t be easily exhausted. Sweetie, you''re blessed to be with me."


    An Biru, who was currently administering the acupuncture, chuckled, "Little brother, it''s only after meeting you that I realized my deeds with the White Lotus Sect pale inparison to your swindling."


    Pretending not to hear her words, Lin Wanrong held Xian''er''s hand in his, examining it closely. He yfully caressed and tickled her hand, making Xian''er blush. "Xian''er, what a great palm you have! Excellent!"


    "Where is it good?" Xian''er asked excitedly.


    "Look, everyone''s palm has three lines, they''re known as the career line, love line, and life line."


    Xian''er followed the direction of his finger and indeed, there were three thin red lines in the palm of her hand.


    "Your life line is robust and lush, your love line presses forward bravely, and your career line has twists but swiftly aligns. Especially hereyes, right hereall three major lines converge. This predicts a significant event in your life has taken ce."


    "What important event?" Xian''er asked, gazing at him with deep affection.


    "It must be the appearance of the most important person in your life. This person is wise and valiant, tall and courageous, charming and romantic, like a majestic tree in the breeze." Lin Wanrong shamelessly continued, "Ever since this person appeared, your life, career, and love have undergone drastic changes. They converge here, enduring and unyielding. The appearance of this person is like a rainbow piercing the sun, illuminating your life. From then on, you eat well, sleep well, marry better, bring honor to your husband and ancestors, wealth and prosperity, a hundred sons and a thousand grandsons, happiness fills your household Ah, your little hand, so white and tender, even a thousand touches a day wouldn''t be enough"


    Xian''er, moved at first by his words, quickly retracted her hand in embarrassment when they turned flirtatious, "Husband, you''re terrible. Master, won''t you do something about him?"


    His wife''s words gave Lin Wanrong goosebumps. He was her husband, touching her was perfectly reasonable andwfulwhy should her master intervene?


    "General Lin, would you read my palm next?" An Biru extended her lotus-like arm before him, waving her delicate hand. A dazzling sh of silver glinted in his eyes. On closer inspection, there was a shiny silver needle held between her verdant, slender fingers.


    Damn it. Lin Wanrong quickly recoiled. He was flirting with his wife, what right did An Biru have to threaten him? It was outrageous.


    "General Lin, your insight is indeed extraordinary. You exined Xian''er''s palmistry very well. Would you be so kind as to interpret mine as well?" An Biru giggled, unintentionally revealing the ominous needle tip. To the uninformed, it would seem like a lover''s coquettish behavior, but only Lin Wanrong knew how terrifying this sister could be.


    "Ah, yours represents the ''Three-Line Thistle'', a poor omen. Though you hold a sharp weapon in your hand, it appears formidable, the very force of it blocks the progress of the three lines of your fate. It''s a destructive sign, considered to be very unlucky. Because of this, your past years have been full of hardship. You have no family, no descendants, and your three endeavors are fruitless. I advise you, sister, to quickly throw away the ominous weapon and return to your true self. That is the correct path." Lin Wanrong shook his head, feigning a serious demeanor while bluffing.


    The words Lin Wanrong had spoken were a mix of truth and falsehood. This left An Biru momentarily stunned, but she soon burst into a high, girlishughter. The more sheughed, the more threatening it seemed. She couldn''t seem to stop herself. Her jade-like cheeks turned bright red, her gorgeous lips gasping for breath, her shoulders trembling slightly. Her chest moved vigorously in time with her body, creating dazzling waves. It was as if two lively white rabbits were about to burst through the confines of her clothes at any moment.


    Good Lord, they can''t be fake, can they? They might fall off. General Lin quickly swallowed his saliva and turned his gaze to his beautiful wife beside him. Leaning into her ear, he said, "My dear, hers, yours, they''re so big!"


    "Husband" Xian''er''s body softened and she gasped slightly, "Don''t behave like this, master is still in the carriage."


    An Biru finally managed to stopughing with considerable effort and said, "General Lin, my White Lotus Sect opposing you is truly foolish. With your silver tongue alone, you could rival an army of a hundred thousand. Xian''er having a husband like you is indeed a blessing, but I worry for her more. If you ever mistreat her in the future, she might not even be able to voice her suffering."


    "I''ll certainly never mistreat her in the future. She''s my wife, I would be more likely to be too caring." Lin Wanrong gave a sly grin, "Master Sister, rest assured, I will cherish Xian''er all my life. You''ll never see a day where sheins."


    Xian''er gave a sweet smile and nestled into her husband''s arms. An Biru sighed slightly and fell silent. The carriage was quiet as they hurried towards Jinling.


    To amodate the recently injured General Lin, the carriage moved at a very slow pace. Xian''er would not let him suffer even the slightest jolt. They traveled for what felt like an eternity, with Lin Wanrong on the brink of sleep, when suddenly Xian''er eximed in delight, "Husband, Jinling! We have arrived at Jinling!"


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 Chapter 255

    Chapter 255


    Chapter 255 The Two Madams


    Lin Wanrong anxiously poked his head out of the carriage, still some ten li from Jinling. In the vast twilight, the city walls of Jinling loomed impressively high. Thenterns of the night patrol slowly roamed, bathing the city in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace. Although he had only been gone for half a month, it felt like he had been away for a much longer time. "Qiaoqiao, Eldest Miss, how have you been?"


    Qin Xian''er was also revisiting old grounds. She was once a member of the White Lotus Sect, but now she was returning home with her husband, a naturally different experience. Thinking about past events, her heart was filled with both emotion and joy. Grabbing Lin Wanrong''s hand, she looked at him seductively and whispered into his ear, "Husband, have you visited Miaoyu Pavilion again since I left"


    "Absolutely not," Lin Wanrong denied fervently, his face serious. "Xian''er, you know that I only went to Miaoyu Pavilion because of you. With you gone, why would I go there? How can thosemon rouges therepare to my dear wife, Xian''er?"


    Qin Xian''er covered her lips and chuckled lightly, "If there was someone who could surpass me, would you have gone then?"


    Cough, cough. This girl really knew how to twist words. Lin Wanrong hadn''t even responded when An Biruughed, "Xian''er, you must keep a close eye on your husband. He seems to have quite the charm with young women; you can''t spoil him too much. Oh yes, General Lin, I heard there''s ady named Xiao Qingxuan who seems to have a favorable opinion of you, is that true?"


    Hearing the mention of Xiao Qingxuan, Xian''er turned her head and pouted, lightly humming from her nostrils. Lin Wanrong nced at An Biru, this woman, she knew Xian''er''s personality, yet she deliberately brought up the one person Xian''er didn''t want to hear about.


    Lin Wanrong pulled Xian''er close andughed, "Yes, I have a very good rtionship with Qingxuan. Xian''er, you will be good sisters with her in the future. Stop fighting each other and be caring towards each other, understand?"


    "That woman, I just can''t stand her. Why would I be sisters with her? It would be better to kill her." Qin Xian''er turned her head away and pouted slightly, carefully stealing a nce at her husband.


    Xian''er was absolutely obedient to him, but she was not as kind to others. Lin Wanrong let out a wry smile. This girl, what problem did she have with Qingxuan that she had to make things difficult?


    Qin Xian''er remembered something, her face suddenly turned red, she nestled in his arms and whispered in his ear, "Husband, have you and that vixen Xiao... Have you ever had...that?"


    "That? What is that?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "Annoying!" Qin Xian''er''s face flushed deeper, and she yfully hit his chest twice, "Husband, you''re so bad. How can you not know? I''m asking if you have... if you have made love with her! Ugh, you''re so naughty, Husband!"


    Sweating, why would she ask such an embarrassing question? He was such a modest person. He really didn''t want to answer. Lin Wanrong groped her chest and lewdly chuckled, "Made love, huh? We did have that, you know. As you know, I am quite good at it. However, with Qingxuan, we have only tried one position. It is quite regrettable. Next time, I must continue our exploration. Ah, Xian''er, why are you biting me"


    Qin Xian''er nipped gently at his chest, her braided hair falling neatly. "Don''t tell me about your affairs with her," she said, a touch of irritation seeping into her tone. "The more you speak, the harder it is for me to bear. If I end up killing her, you''ll die of heartache."


    This massive predicament seemed impossible to solve. It couldn''t be that he''d let his two wives stay at home and fight every day. Given their skills, even if he built the Great Wall himself, these two women could easily demolish it. Being a man caught between two women was indeed difficult!


    "Before you pamper that vixen next time," Qin Xian''er said, her delicate white teeth nibbling her crimson lips, "I will follow you."


    "Why?" Lin Wanrong asked, taken aback. He was not foolish enough to think that Xian''er wanted to join in some sort of love triangle.


    "Hmph, no reason! I just can''t stand seeing that vixen being pampered," Qin Xian''er dered, her face glowing a vibrant red, a hint of sensuality in her eyes. "Next time, take me first, then go favor that vixen. Is that okay?"


    "Is that... right?" Lin Wanrong shivered slightly. So this was her n. She seemed to harbor deep resentment towards Qingxuan.


    "Tell me," Qin Xian''er whispered softly, her breath sweet and fragrant. Her small hands tightened around his neck and her ample chest rubbed gently against his. "Is there anything that vixen can do that I can''t? Whatever she can do, I can do too. Whatever she can''t, I can learn. I''ll serve you better than she ever could. Promise me, alright? At most, I won''t kill her. I''ll just put a small bug on her to keep her in check."


    Sweat trickled down Lin Wanrong''s face. So, Xian''er was really determined to deal with Qingxuan. As he mulled over this, he felt a slight kiss on his neck. A warm sensation rippled through his body, as if hundreds of ants were crawling over him, making him itch unbearably. He caressed Xian''er''s upturned bottom, pulling her clothes tight against her form, enjoying the feel of her natural curves. An Biru, however, was watching the two with a mischievous smile, a glint of satisfaction shing in her eyes.


    "Hey, Sister An, seeing all these inappropriate things, don''t you feel embarrassed?" Lin Wanrong quickly covered Qin Xian''er with his robes, holding her close.


    "Inappropriate?" An Biruughed, a provocative smile tugging at her lips. "Little brother Lin, I quite like the words you''ve chosen. Xian''er is my disciple. The more intimate you two are, the happier I am. Watching you doesn''t hurt, it doesn''t take a piece of flesh from you. If a woman like me doesn''t mind, why should a man like you be so coy?" She turned to Xian''er, "Silly girl, if you ever don''t understand something, feel free to ask me. Don''t let this rascal bully you. I''ll teach you a few tricks to make sure he enjoys every moment with you and never wants to leave."


    With a soft moan, Qin Xian''er''s face flushed and she nestled from her husband''s arms into those of An Biru. "Master, you''re also teasing me"


    An Biru whispered something into Qin Xian''er''s ear. Her face reddened as though water was about to drip from it. An Biru let her gaze travel up and down Lin Wanrong''s body,ughing as she fixed her eyes on a certain part of him.


    Speechless, Lin Wanrong marveled at An Biru''sck of distinction between right and wrong, who boldly joined her disciple in roasting him with their gaze. It was powerful, far too powerful.


    Watching the master and disciple pair before him, bothughing coquettishly, Lin Wanrong was suddenly ovee by a sense of fear. Marrying Xian''er wasn''t a problem, but the issue of the apanying dowry in the form of her master was far moreplicated. For the past few days, dealing with her had caused major disruption.


    "General Lin, since you''re so close with Xiao Qingxuan, you must have seen her master too, right?" An Biru suddenlyughed. "How does she look? Is she prettier than me?"


    "I haven''t met her. Noment!" Lin Wanrong denied hastily, unsure of her intentions. Every time he spoke more than a few words to this peculiar woman, he felt a sense of impending disaster.


    "You haven''t seen her? Yet you''ve stolen her disciple?" An Biru giggled, amused. "Interesting, this is too interesting. Little brother, I''m growing more fond of you. You''re exceedingly handsome!" An Biruughed heartily, her voluptuous bosom swaying like flower branches in the wind, enough to captivate any man''s eyes.


    "Xian''er, protect me, otherwise, I might be devoured by a beautiful snake," Lin Wanrong pleaded.


    Qin Xian''er immediately grabbed his hand. "Husband, Master is just joking with you. I''ve grown used to her temperament since childhood. You''ll get used to it too."


    Hopefully not in the future, Lin Wanrong thought. He had roamed the sea of love for decades without fail, but in the face of this bold woman, he waspletely out of his depth. It seemed he had met his match.


    "Sir, Madams, we''ve arrived at Jinling City" The driver announced courteously from outside.


    "What did you say?" Before Lin Wanrong could speak, An Biru, who was justughing charmingly moments ago, furrowed her eyebrows and snapped back.


    The driver was taken aback and hastily replied, "Madam"


    "I''ll kill you" An Biru flipped her hand and was about to lunge forward.


    Damn, still want to revolt? Lin Wanrong thought, amused. He grabbed An Biru and sternly said, "What are you yelling about? Wasteful woman! Where do you get off interrupting when I''m speaking? You''ve got no manners!"


    An Biru was stunned, but Lin Wanrong had alreadyposed himself and courteously asked the driver, "Sir, she''s impudent and ignorant. I''ll deal with her when we get home. Ah, we''re already at Jinling City? That was quick, only two days! This carriage rides as smoothly as a sedan chair. I''ll patronize your business next time. How much is the fare altogether?"


    The driver promptly replied, "Sir, Madams, it''s ten taels of silver in total."


    "Here are twenty taels of silver, a reward from the madam and me. Take it and head home early." Lin Wanrong smiled as he handed over the silver. He, along with Xian''er and her master, disembarked the carriage and watched as the driver departed.


    "Home, sweet home!" Standing beneath the towering walls of Jinling City, Lin Wanrong stretched leisurely. Despite thete hour, his heart thrummed with excitement. Xian''er leaned into him, her eyebrows unfurling in a lightugh, equally joyous.


    An Biru humphed, "You felt quite pleased with yourself when you were scolding me earlier, didn''t you?"


    "Not at all, not at all," Lin Wanrong quickly dismissed, "We should spare others when we can. The driver just misunderstood, so, Sister An, don''t hold a grudge. After all, who can me him when you''re so youthful and beautiful? If I were twenty years older, I''d definitely be a match for you. Xian''er, let''s get going"


    It took An Biru a moment to grasp his words. This little brat is saying I''m old. She gritted her teeth, seething, "Little brother Lin, if you dare, don''t run"


    "If you dare, don''t chase" Lin Wanrong shouted, leading the way.


    After a few steps, An Biru''s fury gradually subsided. She halted, gazing at the receding figures. A soft chuckle escaped her lips as a wave of tranquillity washed over her.


    "Husband, I''m afraid you''ve angered my Master," Qin Xian''er giggled. They had reached the outskirts of the city. In the distance, there was a shelter for sending off travelers. Despite thete hour, several figures could still be seen.


    With her keen sight, Qin Xian''er noticed that in the pavilion stood a woman gazing into the distance, like a wife longing for her husband returning from battle. Now a married woman herself, Xian''er empathized with this poignant sentiment and couldn''t help but sigh, "Whoever her husband is, he''s far too heartless and ungrateful, leaving his wife to pine for him like this."


    "As long as it''s not my wife" Lin Wanrong chuckled. But before his words could fade, a call came from the pavilion, "Brother San, Brother San"


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 Chapter 256

    Chapter 256


    Chapter 256 The Xiao Mansion is Not My Home


    Lin Wanrong looked toward the direction of the voice. The speaker had already sprinted toward him, and it turned out to be the Xiao family''s servant, Si De: "Brother San, Brother San, you''ve finally returned"


    Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "Si De, what are you doing out here thiste instead of sleeping at home? Are you sightseeing?"


    Si De quickly replied, "Brother San, it wasn''t my choice toe here, it was the Eldest Miss who brought us."


    "Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong paused, "Where is she?"


    Si De pointed to the woman in the pavilion, "Isn''t that Eldest Miss right there!"


    Lin Wanrong focused his gaze on the woman standing in the pavilion. Her figure was elegant and upright, wasn''t that Eldest Miss Xiao? Her face was slightly blurred in the dark night, her body seemed a bit thin, and she was looking deeply in his direction. Her body seemed to tremble slightly, her eyes shining brightly.


    Si De''s voice continued, "For some reason, Eldest Miss has been down these few days. Shees here every day after finishing her tasks, staying until dawn. No one knows what she is looking at. Even little Cui doesn''t know."


    Every day? Could she be waiting for me? Lin Wanrong thought smugly, he then turned to Xian Er, "The Eldest Miss is waiting over there, let''s go and see."


    An Biru had already caught up, and she chuckled, "So that is Eldest Miss Xiao, I have heard much about her. I''m curious to see her." The downfall of the White Lotus Sect started when this Eldest Miss Xiao was captured. It was Lin San who ruined their ns, naturally, An Biru wanted to see what this Xiao Yuruo looked like.


    Lin Wanrong nced at her, "Sister Master, look all you want, but don''t start anything."


    An Biru chuckled flirtatiously, "What, can''t bear it? Xian''er is still here, and you''ve already started defending others. You heartless boy, Xian''er cares so much for you."


    Against this Sister An, Lin Wanrong was utterly helpless. He let her words go in one ear and out the other. To Xian''er, he whispered, "Your Master is quite strange. Dear wife, better stay away from her. If she corrupts you, I''d be heartbroken." Qin Xian''er heard his instigation, but didn''t reply. She merely pursed her lips and smiled in response.


    After jesting with the two beauties, just as he was about to go meet Xiao Yuruo, he saw the Eldest Miss look their way a few times. Suddenly, she stamped her foot, turned and left the pavilion, quickly boarding a pnquin andmanded in a soft voice, "Return to the mansion!"


    Although her voice was not loud, it was clear enough for them to hear. There seemed to be a hint of anger in her words. The pnquin then set off, leaving in a hurry.


    Lin Wanrong was stunned and said in confusion, "Si De, the Eldest Miss wasn''t here waiting for me, was she?"


    Si De was also puzzled, "I''m not sure. The Eldest Miss has been waiting here every day. She''s never returned this early before. It''s not even the third watch, why did she leave?"


    Lin Wanrong no longer bothered with these matters. He had fought hard in the war, nearly killed by a bombardment, and had narrowly escaped death to return. He certainly hadn''t returned to amodate her moods. Since he was back, he should quickly report to Madam Xiao, and then settle Xian''er and Sister An. That was the priority.


    At that moment, Si De led the way, with Lin Wanrong and the two beauties following him, heading straight toward the Xiao household. The Eldest Miss''s pnquin hurriedly sped ahead, seemingly trying to avoid them, growing farther and farther away.


    Lin Wanrong, however, was unconcerned. After much difficulty, he had finally returned to Jinling, naturally in high spirits. Having conflicts with the Eldest Miss was not a new urrence and it was nothing major.


    Jinling was a major town in Jiangnan, endowed with remarkable individuals and natural resources. It was prosperous, rivaling the capital. Even though it waste, brothels and taverns were still brightly lit, beauties moving back and forth, a scene of bustling activity.


    Ah, it was indeedfortable staying in Jinling. Looking at the brilliant lights, Lin Wanrong heaved a sigh of relief, an indescribable sense of joy in his heart.


    Qin Xian''er, returning to the old ce, naturally felt nostalgic. She stayed close to her husband, not leaving his side for a single step. An Biru looked at the bustling night view of Jinling and couldn''t help but sigh: "Jinling''s beautiful scenery remains unchanged after so many years, indeed it''s the capital of prosperity!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Sister, you''re only this young, where did all this sentimentalitye from? Are you pretending to be worried like me?"


    An Biru nced at him, snorted, "You may mock me now, but there will be a time when I deal with you. At that time, Xian''er won''t be able to protect you!"


    "Master" Xian''er looked pitifully at An Biru, her face full of pleading. Sister Anughed, "Alright, alright, you girl, you just got married, and already you''re siding with your husband. If you want me to spare him, you better control your husband. Today is your lucky day since I''m in a good mood. Otherwise, on a regr day, we, master and disciple, would take him down together, hahaha"


    By the time she finished, she was alreadyughing, her face slightly flushed, her eyes seductively yful, her gaze rippling like water waves, full of charm and allure. Her mature charm made people''s hearts beat faster.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "If you won''t take me down, then I will take you both down. Xian''er, you have no objections, right?"


    Xian''er giggled. An Biru gave him a nce, herughter carrying a hint of flirtation: "Little brother, let''s see if you can take us down then."


    Si De listened and silently stuck out his tongue. Brother San''sdy was extremely beautiful, but her master was extraordinarily seductive. Hearing their strange names for each other  sister, master, wife  it was all mixed up. Was Brother San nning to have his way with both the young and the old? Impressive!


    "Brother San, let''s walk faster. The brothers at home are eagerly waiting for your return. Maybe the Eldest Miss is leading everyone in a wee line," Si De cheerfully suggested.


    "There''s no need for such grandeur. Just a line of men and women, some drums and firecrackers, and a wee procession will do. I''m not much for formality," Lin Wanrongughed.


    "With your smugness, if I were Eldest Miss Xiao, I''d have kicked you out of the Xiao house by now. What wee procession, you''re dreaming," An Biru said. Lin Wanrong was used to An Biru''s teasing. Finding nothing strange, heughed and didn''t speak. Soon, they arrived at the front door of the Xiao residence.


    What was strange was that although they had just seen the Eldest Miss enter the house, in the blink of an eye, the Xiao house was shut tight. Even the night watchman at the door was nowhere to be seen.


    Lin Wanrong looked around, puzzled. There was nothing unusual. How could this be? Didn''t they know that Brother Lin had returned? Strange!


    Qin Xian''erughed, "Husband, is this what you call a warm wee? I see very few people around."


    "Oh, this... it could be that everyone was too overjoyed to hear of my return and forgot to open the door. It''s understandable," Lin Wanrong replied with a forcedugh, giving Si De a meaningful look.


    Si De hurried forward and banged on the door, shouting, "Who''s on duty? Open the door quickly. Brother San is back. Open the door!"


    The house remained silent. After waiting a while, still no one opened the door. Just as Si De was about to knock again, a woman''s voice from inside said, "Si De,e in by yourself, I have some things to tell you."


    Si De quickly acknowledged and slipped through a crack that opened in the door. Then the door creaked shut again.


    Lin Wanrong was stunned. He had clearly heard the voice of Eldest Miss Xiao. She called Si De back but left him standing outside in the cold. What was this all about? Damn, he was still wounded, how could she treat him like this?


    An Biru nced at him and giggled, "General Lin, it seems Miss Xiao has quite theint against you. This Xiao family has treated you rather poorly. Why don''t you follow me? I can restore the White Lotus Sect and make you a little Holy King, ensuring you live in luxury."


    Damn it, she really was a notorious female bandit. Wanting to keep him as a kept man, did she think he was that easy? Lin Wanrong sneered, his gaze sweeping across her chest, in mock confrontation.


    Qin Xian''er stared at the pitch-ck door, her face angry, her small fists clenched, and her eyebrows furrowed, "This Xiao girl is too unappreciative. My husband went through great hardship to help her, even risking his life, and she treats us so poorly. Hmph, if one day she falls into my hands, she''ll get what she deserves."


    "I''m afraid someone can''t bear it, Xian''er. Your husband is quite thedies'' man. I''m sure he and this youngdy are very close--" An Biru, always one to stir up trouble,mented.


    Lin Wanrong ignored her, about to knock on the door himself, when the door creaked open a crack. Si De, with a troubled expression, stepped out and called out timidly, "Brother San--"


    "What is it, Si De?" Lin Wanrong felt something was wrong.


    Si De made a face, "The Eldest Miss asked me to give you a message. She said, she said--"


    Seeing Si De stammering, Lin Wanrong impatiently interrupted, "Just spit it out, what did the Eldest Miss say--"


    Si De hesitated, ncing at Qin Xian''er and An Biru, "The Eldest Miss said, it''ste and the dew is heavy, it''s not convenient for the Xiao family to entertain female guests. She asks these twodies to leave quickly, and then she''lle out to wee Brother San back."


    Damn, what kind of talk was that? Was she being disrespectful? He had been so eager to finish his duty that he rushed here with Xian''er, only for this girl to give him the cold shoulder. Qin Xian''er''s lovely face instantly hardened, her eyes murderous. She pulled out a small sword from nowhere, causing Si De to let out a shout and retreat several steps in fright.


    Qin Xian''er''s fury surged, "This audacious girl! How dare she speak to my husband like this. I''ll take her life!"


    She swiftly brandished her short sword, executing a flourish of quick strokes that shed and dazzled. Poised to charge inside, Lin Wanrong was rmed and quickly restrained her. "Xian''er, what are you doing?"


    Qin Xian''er fumed, "This girl insults my husband, how can I let her go? If I don''t take her life, my heart''s anger will not be quelled."


    Sweating bullets at her intensity, Lin Wanrong hurriedly caught her hand. "Why would you kill her? That''s just the way she is. Gentle as water when she''s kind, and as stony-faced as a rock when she''s stubborn. There''s no need to take her seriously!"


    Qin Xian''er pouted, tears welling in her eyes. "Husband, you stop me and speak well of her...could it be that you truly have some connection with this girl?"


    An Biru chimed in, "I would say it''s highly likely. General Lin, you''ve yed the thief with the youngdy, no wonder you''re defending her so fiercely. So there are such interesting affairs going on, hehe, fascinating, utterly fascinating."


    Between the master and disciple''s dialogue, Lin Wanrong''s face turned crimson. He had indeed stolen the heart of a youngdy, but it wasn''t this mysteriously entric Eldest Miss Xiao, but the recently matured Second Miss, whom Qin Xian''er had once almost struck down with her sword.


    He had no idea which wire in Eldest Miss Xiao''s head had crossed, creating such a chaotic situation. Lin Wanrong, already exhausted, no longer had the energy to deal with her. Thinking of all the experiences he''d had in the Xiao Mansion - the joy, the disappointment - his heart was filled with aplex mix of emotions. After a long silence, he sighed dejectedly, "This Xiao Mansion...it''s not my home after all." With that said, he didn''t linger. Grasping Qin Xian''er''s hand, he turned and left.


    Seeing her exuberant husband instantly turned deste due to Eldest Miss Xiao''s words, Qin Xian''er''s heart ached. Biting her lower lip, she flicked her wrist and her short sword lodged firmly into the beam of the Xiao Mansion gate.


    "Brother San, don''t go! Miss, it''s bad, Brother San is leaving" Si De eximed in a startled voice, nearly tripping over his feet.


    The doors of Xiao Mansion flew open and Xiao Yuruo, holding up her long skirt, rushed out, shouting, "Lin San, Lin San, where are you going? Come back,e back quickly"


    Lin San seemed not to hear her call, leaving arm in arm with the two beautiful women, not once looking back. He moved quickly, cutting through streets and alleys, and in a blink of an eye, he was gone.


    "Youe back to me,e back" Seeing his unwavering departure, Eldest Miss Xiao stomped her feet in desperation, crying out with all her might, tears welling in her eyes, her voice gradually weakening, "Who said this isn''t your home? You arrogant man! I hate you"


    In her irritation, she flung out the small booklet she had been holding. A gust of wind flipped open a few pages, revealing a vivid portrait that caught her eye. It was one of the three versions of Lin San''s painting that she had confiscated when he first entered the mansion.


    Eldest Miss Xiao clenched her teeth, her nose sniffled, and she bent down to pick up the small booklet. She gently brushed off the dust on it, staring at her own frowning face on the cover, she remained silent, seemingly lost in thought...


    Lin Wanrong, full of emotions, walked swiftly, ignoring the Eldest Miss'' calls from behind. Qin Xian''er followed him quietly, seeing his mncholic expression, she felt a pang of sadness. She gently held onto his sleeve, cautiously asking, "Husband, where are we going?"


    Lin Wanrong paused and looked around. In his rush, he hadn''t paid attention to his direction, and unknowingly had ended up at the edge of Xuanwu Lake. The ce where he now stood was exactly where he first met Xiao Qingxuan. It was here that he first encountered Xiao Qingxuan, and a series of stories that followedpletely changed his life.


    Sighing softly while looking at the tranquilke, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but think, ''I was really screwed over by fate.''


    Qin Xian''er nestled by his side and softly said, "Husband, let''s not think about that detestable Eldest Miss Xiao anymore. Shall I tell you a joke?"


    "My little darling knows how to tell jokes?" Lin Wanrong showed interest and said, "Oh, let me hear it."


    Qin Xian''er smiled, "Once, a turtle and a rabbit were racing. The rabbit quickly took the lead. The turtle could only crawl slowly behind. On the way, it saw a snail moving very slowly and offered, ''Climb on, I''ll carry you.'' Then, the snail climbed on. After a while, the turtle saw an ant crawling slowly and invited it too. After the ant got on, it greeted the snail. Husband, do you know what the snail replied?"


    "I can''t guess," Lin Wanrong shook his head.


    "Little brother, how have you be so dull? The snail said, ''Hold on tight, this turtle is so fast, hehe...''" An Biru interjected,ughing.


    Well, these two women are really trying to stump me with a tricky question. Looking at Xian''er''s caring and gentle face, he was moved. He embraced her delicate waist and rubbed his head on her beautiful hair, "Xian''er, my good wife, you''re really great."


    As Qin Xian''er felt her husband''s hand roaming over her chest and leg, a rush of heat surged within her. Her lips parted slightly, panting, "Husband, don''t... Master is still here..."


    Lin Wanrong lifted his head and looked at An Biru discontentedly, "Master Sister, my wife and I have some business to attend to. Could you please leave us for a moment?"


    "You''re really dull. You were so mncholic just now, and after Xian''erforted you, you''re eagerly taking advantage of her. It reallycks taste," An Biru said, unfazed.


    "Hey, sister, I''m not in a good mood today. Don''t provoke me. Otherwise, be careful, I might strip you naked, tie you up, and spank you. I''m capable of anything," Lin Wanrong threatened fiercely.


    An Biru snorted through her nose, and said disdainfully, "Look at your behavior. Just now, you didn''t show this kind of arrogance in front of Eldest Miss Xiao. Now you''re acting tough with me. Humph, do you think I''m afraid of you? If you''ve got the guts, just try and see what you can do. Let''s see who ends up getting tied up and spanked." As she spoke, a strange smile spread across her face. She looked him up and down, seemingly confident that she had him figured out.


    Dammit, Lin Wanrong thought, somehow, he had suffered the ill fortune of being defeated twice by women in one day. He kept his mouth shut, choosing a clean spot on the shore, and flopped down. Qin Xian''er nestled against him and asked, "Husband, where shall we lodge tonight? You''ve just recovered from serious injuries; rest is essential."


    Returning to the Xiao family''s residence was out of the question, and he didn''t have the audacity to invade Qiaoqiao''s space with two women at such ate hour. As he pondered, he pped his hands and asked, "Xian''er, doesn''t your Miaoyu Pavilion own a pleasure boat?"


    Qin Xian''er nodded, "Yes, husband, what do you want to do?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Let''s find a boat. Just us two- oh, the three of us- will drift on Xuanwu Lake overnight, and sleep there too. Roaming around Xuanwu Lake at night, sipping fine wine, and observing the beauty; what a carefree existence."


    Qin Xian''er pped her hands,ughing, "Well, Husband, since you''re in such high spirits, I will apany you. Master, the three of us will rest on the pleasure boat. You help take care of my husband for a moment while I arrange everything."


    With her swift nature, Xian''er gave her husband a quick smile and rushed off to secure the boat. An Biruughed, "This child, all in an effort to please her husband, she''s even assigned her own master. The foundation I worked so hard to build has be a ything she gave to you. Mr. Lin, General Lin, your ability is too great."


    "Oh, that, I''m quite surprised too." Lin Wanrong sighed, "I thought I had to support my dear Xian''er, but it turns out she''s wealthier than I am. It''s as if I''ve picked up a golden ingot."


    "Of course." An Biru said proudly, "My White Lotus Sect has been operating for many years. Though now in decline and not as lucrative as before, the ie from just this brothel is enough to keep Xian''er prosperous for ten lifetimes. If you mistreat her, I won''t spare you."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled twice, pretending not to hear her words. He thought, Damn, it''s not like I married into her family. I have plenty of money too; I don''t need you nagging.


    "Little brother," An Biru changed the topic, noticing his silence, "You risked your life rushing back to Jinling, was it to be rejected by Eldest Miss Xiao? She''s quite heartless. How about I use some means to capture her and let you have your way with her? I have plenty of tricks that can turn a virtuousdy into a libertine. You can have your way with her, get bored, discard her, and I''ll find you someone new, maidens from prestigious families. You''d like to see these normally proud and chastedies turned into used goods, wouldn''t you?" An Biru''s eyes swirled with seductive intent, a charming smile yed on her face, her cherry lips parted slightly, and her words were shockingly bold. Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat listening to her. This enchanting and attractive sister, was she really a woman?


    "Heck, you needn''t worry about Xian''er. These women are just for fun, not to marry. I promise Xian''er won''t be jealous. In fact, she''ll delight in seeing you torment thisss. Whatever you want to do, Xian''er will obedientlyply with you. I guarantee it, in the name of her Master."


    Defeated, Lin Wanrong sighed, "Master Sister, there is no woman in this world more entric than you."


    "Really? I like being entric!" An Biru''s eyes sparkled with a captivating light as she lightly licked her bright red lips. She lifted her chin, as smooth as jade, and her beautiful, spring-flower-like face gradually moved closer to his. Lin Wanrong could feel her hot, fragrant breath lightly brushing against his face, causing his cheeks to burn.


    "Stop, stop, sister, if you have something to say, just say it. Don''t frighten me anymore." Lin Wanrong bitterlyughed. His arousal was akin to a gpole standing tall, painfully hard.


    "Little brother, you really are smart, and you''re also very well-endowed!" She nced at his lower body, a flirtatious gleam in her eyes, "Hehe, my Xian''er is indeed fortunate  do you want to break the Love Bug on Xian''er?"


    At thest sentence, his arousal twitched, and Lin Wanrong felt his heart jolt. He knew this Master Sister all too well  she would never let him gain the upper hand without a catch.


    "Master Sister, please be direct, state your conditions!" Lin Wanrong said with righteous indignation.


    "You little rascal-" Sister An gently tapped his forehead with her delicate, leek-like finger, giggling, "I knew you were smart. Sister wants you to do something advantageous. Will you do it?"


    "Sigh, I''m a very upright person, I only asionally do advantageous things- why not tell me what it is? I''ll consider if it''s morally justifiable or not."


    "To you, it won''t be unjust, but it will be very... stimting. Truly very stimting," An Biru lightly licked her red lips and seductively said.


    Damn, nothing could be more stimting than you seducing your disciple''s husband, Lin Wanrong thought as he swallowed hard.


    "Husband, Master, it''s time to get on the boat-" Qin Xian''er''s voice carried from afar. A pleasure boat was slowly approaching the shore, with Xian''er waving from the bow, smiling...


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 Chapter 257

    Chapter 257


    Chapter 257 The Poetry Contest


    Although General Lin was feeling mncholic that night, a boat ride on theke, under the hazy night sky with a beautiful woman by his side, managed to lift his spirits. As an inherently free-spirited man, a few sips of fine wine, the taste of Xian''er''s soft lips, and a yful banter with his Master Sister seemed to have eased his mood. He could no longer remember what had upset him.


    Awakening the next morning, the day was already bright. Golden sunlight streamed through the ornate windows of the pleasure boat, casting shimmering pools of light on the floor - a sight of sublime beauty. The couple in bed, bathed in the golden light, felt a warmth andfort beyond words.


    "A brand new day!" eximed Lin Wanrong, full of life, a beaming smile on his face. He stretched his arms and neck, causing the nket that had been draped over him to slide off.


    Xian''er, nestled in his arms, moaned softly. Her long eyshes quivered as she slowly opened her beautiful eyes. Her pretty face was flushed, and her white arm reached out, wrapping tightly around his neck. "Husband," she breathed out sweetly, "it''s still early. Let''s sleep a bit more."


    Lin Wanrong, running his hand over her softness, chuckled, "The day''s n lies in the morning, and a touch of Xian''er brings spring. No more sleep, we''ll bask in the sun."


    "Stop it!" Xian''er squealed, blushing, but her eyes revealed her delight. "Husband, are you feeling better?"


    "Of course, I am. What could possibly be wrong with me?" Lin Wanrong responded with augh.


    "Husband, I admire your fearless nature the most," Xian''er said, giggling.


    Lin Wanrong whispered in her ear, "Sweetheart, should I bring Qiaoqiao over? You two can take care of your husband together tonight."


    "You''re always teasing me!" Xian''er responded, her face flushed crimson, unable to utter another word. Although she was not one to share her husband with other women, she didn''t harbor any resentment towards Qiaoqiao. Perhaps, it was Qiaoqiao''s gentle and adorable nature that won her over.


    After a round of yful banter, seeing her husband''s high spiritspared to his despondency the night before, she felt a sense of relief. She obediently helped him dress and bathe.


    Surveying their opulent pleasure boat, Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Xian''er, your dowry is indeed abundant. When I get some free time, I''ll buy some properties here in Jinling. We can live in a few, and the rest we can lease out. We''ll drive up the prices in Jinling''s real estate market and make a fortune."


    Xian''er giggled and asked, "Husband, do you have that much money?"


    "You dare to underestimate me, huh?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, giving her soft hips a teasing pat, "Your husband is rich, you know. My wealth is just deposited with the Xiao family for now. In a few days, I''ll start buying properties. Then I''ll marry a few more wives, have a bunch of kids, and lead a carefree life like a deity."


    "How many wives do you n to marry? I won''t let them in," Xian''er protested.


    Whether you let them in or not is not up to you, thought Lin. The couple continued their yful teasing, and as they left the cabin, they saw An Biru standing at the bow of the boat, brandishing a treasured sword in the wind, with the elegance and power of a dragon. Her sword technique was fierce, creating a gust of wind with each move.


    "Excellent technique, excellent technique," Lin Wanrong apuded, "Sister, you''ve truly mastered the art."


    An Biru sheathed her sword and stood still, noticing the mischievous smile on Lin Wanrong''s face. She knew well that he was up to no good. Smiling in response, she said, "My swordsmanship surely can''tpare to your mastery in ''mischief''. You are the real master, the lovable rogue."


    Lin Wanrong was at a loss for words with her. Qin Xian''er, her lips curled into a soft smile, asked, "Husband, didn''t you mention you had urgent business in Jinling? What is it that you need to do?"


    At her reminder, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered that it was the day of the poetry contest''s opening. He had promised Luo Ning that he would attend, but he didn''t even know where the contest was being held. As for the sponsorship, Qiaoqiao had always been assisting Luo Ning, and he hadn''t involved himself.


    "If I told you, you wouldn''t believe it," Lin Wanrong sighed. "Actually, I rushed back to Jinling to attend the poetry contest."


    "Pfft." Qin Xian''er and An Biru bothughed delicately. Xian''er managed to retain herposure, while An Biru couldn''t help but tease, "A poetry contest? Little brother, do you have such refined interests? I don''t mean to underestimate you, but do you know how topose poetry?"


    "I''m a natural at it," Lin Wanrong gave a dryugh, his face scrunching up. "I know I''m not good at it, but someone insisted Ie. Once I''ve given my word, I must keep my integrity, it''s my principle."


    "Husband, the person you promised must be a woman. Otherwise, you wouldn''t have rushed back risking your life," Qin Xian''er pouted.


    Xian''er knows me so well, thought Lin Wanrong, grinning widely. "Well, I''ll tell youter. For now, I need to go out. Xian''er, would youe with me?"


    Qin Xian''er bit her red lip and huffed, "You''re going to meet your sweetheart, what am I to do there? Wouldn''t I just upset you? I also have errands to run today. You can frolic around outside, but do not bring that woman home. Our Lin family has a high threshold, not every woman can enter."


    Upon hearing her fiery reply, Lin Wanrong could onlyugh. The disciple truly mirrors the teacher. Finding Xian''er uncharacteristically nonchnt about not apanying him, he felt something was amiss. He wondered what could be more important to her than her husband.


    He moored the pleasure boat and disembarked, bidding goodbye to Xian''er and her teacher. Only when the two women were out of sight did he nod to himself. Upon his return, he decided to let Qiaoqiao buy a few vis in Jinling. He didn''t need too many rooms for his wives and sons, just a hundred would suffice.


    He had left Jinling on the third day after marrying Qiaoqiao. A month had passed without sending her a single letter. After returning yesterday, feeling distraught, he spent the night in Xian''er''s arms. He felt guilty, realizing he had been unfair to Qiaoqiao. So, he headed straight toward the restaurant.


    As he walked down the street, he was surprised to see banners of the poetry contest everywhere, each adorned with the "Food for Immortals" logo. True to his expectations, there were advertisements everywhere.


    The inns on either side were filled with schrs from all over, not only were the food and lodging fully booked, even the businesses along the Qinhuai River had seen a surge in profits, doubling their usual takings. The veteran brothel keepers were beaming, their delight giving life to the old adage of prosperity through vice. The streets bustled with diverse intellectuals. Some had resided for a few days, while others had just arrived from afar, their reunions punctuated by gasps of surprise. The schrs greeted each other with eloquentnguage and poetic verses. For a time, the city of Jinling resonated with the sound of poetry.


    Could this poetrypetition in Jinling have such enormous allure? Even the literati along the Yangtze River, from Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, all the way to the capital, all who could recognize a few characters, had seemingly arrived. The atmosphere was extraordinarily fervent.


    He pondered over this briefly then chuckled, the more the merrier. His aggressive marketing campaign was not for naught, as the second restaurant in Jinling was about to open. In a few days, he would discuss ns with Qiaoqiao to open several branches in the capital, find Qingxuan, resolve the love bug on Xian''er, and realize the dream of reuniting the family in the capital.


    Walking forward gleefully, he arrived at the restaurant only to find no trace of Qiaoqiao. Even Dong Qingshan and his father-inw seemed to have disappeared. After asking a few of the restaurant''s staff, he found out that due to therge number of participants in this year''s poetrypetition, the preparations for the sponsors had significantly increased. From yesterday, Qiaoqiao and the others had been dispatched to arrange things at thepetition.


    So, that was it. Lin Wanrong sighed in relief. A single poetrypetition had attracted such a swarm, these schrs really knew how to create a scene.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t have much interest in this grand poetic event. If not for Luo Ning''s genuine concern, he wouldn''t have bothered with it. However, now that he was back, he should at least check it out. Whether he could write poetry was another matter altogether, as the old saying goes, participation is key!


    After descending the stairs, he was clueless about where to go. Where was this poetrypetition being held? All along, he knew of the event but had no idea where this grand literary event was taking ce. This realization brought a blush of shame to his face.


    Just as he was about to ask someone, he heard a gong sound, and two teams of public officials, each with over fifty people, carrying various banners side by side, advanced in a spectacr procession. One of the leading officers struck a gong and announced loudly, "The grand event of the literary world, held in Jinling. The poetrypetition in Jinling, its fame spreads across the great Hua Dynasty. Governor Luo of Jiangsu and Prefect Hou of Jinling wee schrs from all over to grace us with their presence."


    These officials, dressed in bright red uniforms and marching in a lengthy procession, were quite an eye-catching sight. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself, it was just a poetrypetition, but this old Luo had advertised it everywhere, fearing people wouldn''t know. He was quite a show-off. There were hundreds of these officials, and looking at this striking red procession, he suddenly thought of Tao Wanying. In such a lively scene, why hadn''t she appeared? Could it be that she had a date with Young Master Hou?


    "Hey, brother," Lin Wanrong caught hold of a passing servant. This blue-d figure looked quite amiable. Servants were always a good source of gossip, which was why he chose this individual, "I''m Lin San, may I ask..."


    "Snort" The servant sneered at him, "With your appearance, you dare impersonate Lin San, the idol of our Jinling servants? You should take a good look at yourself. I saw Brother San at the Xiao familyst month and even drank with him. He has a handsome face and a myriad of charming manners that a kid like you could never imitate"


    "Oh, yes, yes. Brother San is so tall and gant, so charming, and something I could never pretend to be. I got it wrong. My name is San Lin. I was just wondering, dear brother, what''s so special about this poetrypetition? Why is it so lively?" Lin Wanrong replied humbly.


    The servant nodded in satisfaction, patting him on the shoulder. "You must have just arrived in Jinling?"


    "Indeed, indeed. Brother, you truly have an insightful gaze," Lin Wanrong said, giving a thumbs up.


    "Naturally, I drank with Brother San." The servant swelled with pride, "Our Jinling has always been rich in resources and full of talented people. Miss Luo, the number one beauty and talent in Jinling, and our Brother San, are among the finest."


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly interrupted him, "Brother, could you please focus on the poetrypetition? Why are there so many talented individuals participating?"


    The servant nced at him, "Miss Luo Ning is not only the number one talent of Jinling, she''s also the number one beauty, and the daughter of the governor of Jiangsu, Luo Min. She''s of high birth and as beautiful as a flower. If she''s choosing a husband, wouldn''t the talents from all over the world rush topete?"


    "You''re saying that Miss Luo might choose a husband through this poetrypetition?" Lin Wanrong asked. He had heard this news before he left but wasn''t certain of it then.


    "Not might, definitely. The announcement has been made, and everyone in Jinling knows it," the servant said.


    An announcement? Poetrypetition to choose a husband? That''s a high-difficulty task. He can''t do that. Miss Luo has high standards, and Governor Luo came up with such a weird idea. Father and daughter, both are entric.


    "What does the announcement say?" Recalling the scene of Luo Ning''s farewell on the hilltop before he joined the army, his heart warmed up again, and he eagerly asked.


    "The announcement states that Miss Luo is in her twenties, loves poetry, and has a deep admiration for schrs. She wishes to use this opportunity of the Jinling poetrypetition to choose a suitable partner. Anyone of the appropriate age and who thinks they are a schr can sign up. That''s why talents from all over are rushing hereeh, you''re not here to participate in the poetrypetition, are you?" the servant asked.


    "How could I? How could I? I can barely recognize a few characters, wouldn''t participating in this poetrypetition just be embarrassing?" Lin Wanrong quickly said.


    "Well, that''s true. Thepetition only hosts schrs from various ces. If you sign up, I''m sure people wouldugh their heads off. Do you think it''s easy to pass Miss Luo''s test? There are three conditions she set: one, to be talented; two, she must like you; even if you meet these two criteria, she will personally test you. Only if you pass, can you pair with her. Do you think you can do that?" The servant looked at him with disdain.


    Being a man, what couldn''t he do? Lin Wanrong chuckled twice, patting the servant''s shoulder. "Thank you, brother. I''ll have Brother San treat you to a drink another day."


    After learning these details, though Lin Wanrong was still puzzled, he was no longerpletely in the dark. He walked a few steps forward and saw a sign that read - "Poetry Competition Reception". A few schrly-looking men were sitting straight-backed. Seeing him approach, they quickly stood up and said, "Please give us your number and name card, sir!"


    Number and name card? What number? Lin Wanrong was confused, and the schr exined, "Oh, it''s the number issued to you when you passed the preliminary round. Please show it."


    Preliminary round? Damn, when did he go through a preliminary round? Miss Luo didn''t mention this. Seeing that he could not produce a number, the schr''s face changed, "Another one trying to bluff his way through. Get lost, I don''t have time to deal with you"


    Damn, you eat and drink on my dime, and you treat me like this? I''ll fire you. He was about to explode when someone sneaked over and pulled him aside, "Brother, need a number? A number for ten liang silver, the lowest price in the city, fair and square, guaranteed no deception."


    Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment, then immediately understood. This was the legendary scalper. No matter how difficult the ticket, they could get it. Seeing his hesitation, the man said, "Brother, I hired several schrs to queue up and write a few poems to pass. I had to establish connections and give gifts during holidays, this price is very fair. Hundreds of schrs enter the city every day, not all of them can pass. These numbers are hotmodities, hurry up, the poetrypetition is about to start. If you''re anyter, Miss Luo might end up in someone else''s arms."


    Thest sentence was damn crucial. Lin Wanrong, being a big bull himself, gritted his teeth, "Three liang of silver, take it or leave it!"


    The man reluctantly said, "Alright, you''re so straightforward, so be it, three liang." Lin Wanrong took the number card, which was in the form of an invitation. The most eye-catching symbol on it was that of ''Food for Immortals'', which didn''t seem counterfeit.


    Heh heh, not bad, the printing is pretty good, Lin Wanrong handed over the silver and was about to move forward when someone else pulled him aside, whispering, "Brother, need a number? Lowest price in the city, one liang of silver, eight qian is also eptable"


    Damn it! Lin Wanrong roared, turned around to find the other man, but he was nowhere to be seen.


    Today''s venture started on an ill note, already having been fleeced before even entering the arena, and Lin Wanrong was not pleased. With a gloomy face, he walked towards the reception.


    It was the same two schrs, seemingly unaware that they had met him before. They took the number card from him, nced at it, and smiled sycophantically, "The number card is correct. Please give us your name card, sir, so we can log you in."


    Name card my ass. Lin Wanrong took out a pencil and wrote two characters, stating, "This is my name, a local."


    "San Lin? Oh, so you''re the Third Young Master. We''ve long heard of your reputation. Here is yourpetition number that corresponds with your name. Please keep it safe." Goddamn, even this could warrant a reputation? Lin Wanrong pocketed the number without even looking at it and strode inside.


    "Hold on, hold on--" One of the schrs hurriedly stopped him, chuckling, "Third Young Master, ording to the rules of thispetition, please do us a favor--"


    "Favor? What favor?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "Uh--" The schr pointed behind him. Lin Wanrong turned around to see arge sign: "Contestants, please prepay five liang for tea."


    Damn, daylight robbery, Lin Wanrong recoiled, turning back, "What''s this about? Isn''t ''Food for Immortals'' sponsoring the poetrypetition? Why are you charging again? Is there now left?"


    The schr sneered, "Whether they sponsor or not, we don''t know, but this is a rule set by relevant parties of thepetition. If you wish to participate, you mustply. We''re only in charge of collecting the money; for anything else, you can consult the relevant parties."


    Speechless. Miss Luo was quite skilled at milking money. Heh, you''ve squeezed eight liang out of me today. I will surely make you pay back manifold in the future.


    "Take it, no need for change." Lin Wanrong flicked his wrist, and a piece of silver, gleaming in the light, fell into the schr''s hand. With that, he proceeded inside, leaving the schrs behind.


    The schrs exchanged looks as they held the silver, thinking: You gave us exactly five liang, what change were we supposed to give?


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 Chapter 258

    Chapter 258


    Chapter 258 A Cup of Wine Bolsters Courage


    Upon entering, Lin Wanrong found that the ce was right next to the Qinhuai River, with a pavilion several miles long built along the river, divided into several sections.


    As Lin Wanrong entered, a page boy led him to the center of the pavilion, presenting him with a cup of tea and some pastries before respectfully taking his leave. The hospitality was quitemendable, Lin Wanrong thought to himself as he picked up a pastry to nibble on.


    The pavilion, constructed entirely of bamboo, was built along the river. The surface of the Qinhuai River shimmered in the sunlight, with small boats zipping back and forth, presenting a truly captivating scene. Sitting in the pavilion, with the reflective water surface and gentle breeze, was quite serene.


    There were already forty to fifty schrs gathered in the pavilion, each one looking vibrant and full of confidence. Lin Wanrong took a chance to ask a somewhat modest schr sitting nearby: "Brother, how does this poetrypetition work?"


    "You don''t know the rules of the poetrypetition?" The schr looked at him curiously, saying, "That is indeed interesting."


    "I''m afraid my literary talent iscking," Lin Wanrong hurriedly replied, "I came here more for the experience, not so much concerned with the rules. But I''d appreciate it if you could enlighten me. Oh, and my name is San Lin, may I ask your name, brother?"


    "Yan Shenghui," the schr replied, nodding, "so you are Brother San. The rules are rather simple. In the pavilion, we are divided into groups of ten, and we randomly draw a poem topic. Within the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, each personposes a poem on the same topic. The top two of each group advance automatically. After the poems are written, those who feel they are not up to par may withdraw. If there is a dispute, three renowned judges will decide. For fairness, these three judges vote individually, and a contestant can advance only if all three agree. The ones who advance get to board a decorated boat and enter the Qinhuai River. That is where the true gathering of talent takes ce."


    So it''s a preliminary selection and then judging, Lin Wanrong thought. This was equivalent to selecting the top contenders from each region, and then proceeding to the finalpetition. It was a ssic talent show style, indeed straightforward and practical. Ten people working on the same topic, thepetition seemed fair, leaving no room for cheating.


    "For those who do not advance," Yan Shenghui added, "they have one more chance to re-enter a group of ten andpete again. But if they are eliminated a second time, they must leave."


    This was the revival round. Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. This was a clever trick indeed. "That seems fair," he said. "Oh, and Brother Yan, have youpeted yet?"


    Yan Shenghui gave a wry smile, "I have to admit to Brother San that I did not perform well in the previous round. I ranked third in a group of ten, losing my opportunity to advance. Now, I''m waiting for myst chance."


    Third among ten? That was indeed a disheartening ranking. Lin Wanrong shook his head sympathetically, "Brother Yan, don''t be so despondent. I believe you''ll advance in the next round."


    After chatting for a while with Yan Shenghui, Lin Wanrong realised that he wasn''t too clear about the procedures after the advancement. However, this first round seemed the most critical.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly, appreciating the well-organized poetrypetition. This young woman, Luo Ning, indeed had a knack for promotion.


    Just as Lin Wanrong had suspected, every item in the pavilion, even the tables and benches, was branded with the mark "Food for Immortals". The eliminated schrs each received amemorative item sponsored by "Food for Immortals" - a paper umbre.


    Based on his own abilities, Lin Wanrong estimated that he''d likely be eliminated in the initial auditions, but he was rather unconcerned. Luo Ning had merely asked him to participate, without specifying that he needed to progress in thepetition. As long as he gave it his all, it was enough. He sat there leisurely drinking several cups of tea, even taking a nap. Watching as the other contestants either advanced or were eliminated, he finally saw a break in the action, and joined Yan Shenghui to make up a team of ten.


    One person from their group was delegated to draw the test topic for their round. The man tasked with this was so nervous he was practically drenched in sweat, his walk unsteady. Lin Wanrong watched with a shake of his head, wondering how someone with such poor nerves could participate in such apetition.


    A thought urred to him, and he patted Yan Shenghui on the shoulder. "Brother Yan, I''ve heard that Hou Yuebai, the top schr of Jinling, is also participating in thepetition. Is this true?"


    Yan Shenghui nodded, "Indeed, it''s true. Master Hou is quite smitten with Miss Luo, he wouldn''t miss this opportunity. He is also a strong contender to win the poetrypetition. But he''s not in our district. With his abilities, advancing shouldn''t be a problem."


    Lin Wanrong had heard that this Hou Yuebai was a studious recluse, and wondered what he had learned to feel confident enough to vie for the championship. However, Yan Shenghui shook his head. "I don''t think Master Hou will win."


    "Oh? Why is that?" Lin Wanrong asked, curious.


    "Because of Miss Luo''s matchmaking, this poetrypetition is attracting talented individuals from all over. Although Hou Yuebai is recognized as the top schr of Jinling, there are countless other talented individuals, not just from the provinces of Anhui and Zhejiang, but also many from the capital. It''s not certain he will seed. Moreover, I''ve heard that Prince Cheng''s son, Zhao Kangning, is fond of Miss Luo and is also participating in thispetition. With his participation, Master Hou''s chances of winning are even slimmer," Yan Shenghui said.


    So Zhao Kangning is also here, well that''s going to make things exciting, Lin Wanrong chuckled. He has to address me as a teacher. However, he couldn''t help but wonder what exactly Old Luo was nning with all of this? Gathering all this attention here, what was his endgame? His eyes scanned the area and suddenly his face paled, Oh no, Old Luo is making his move.


    This thought filled him with both excitement and worry. Was Old Luo ying a joke on everyone, using his daughter as bait to draw everyone''s attention, all the while nning something in secret? That was a bold move.


    As the man drew the topic for the round, Yan Shenghui turned to Lin Wanrong, his voice tinged with nervousness. "Brother San, this is myst chance. I don''t know if I can make it."


    Lin Wanrong patted his shoulder, "Rx, Brother Yan. What''s meant to be yours will be yours. Nobody can take that away from you. If it''s not meant for you, you can''t force it to be."


    As they spoke, the man who had drawn the topic revealed the slip of paper, his trembling voice reading, "Compose a seven-character quatrain on the theme of...of...of spring and summer!"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head internally, Can''t you read it fluently? Writing a seven-character quatrain on the theme of spring and summer was a challenging task for him, but it wasn''t unattainable as he had feared.


    As soon as the topic was announced, the ten schrs got to work. While the old saying ofposing a poem within seven steps was a bit exaggerated, creating a poem within the time it takes to finish a cup of tea was not an easy task.


    "I''ve got it, I''ve got it!" Yan Shenghui was the first to exim loudly. The other schrs were startled by his outburst, those with weaker mental fortitude breaking out in a cold sweat.


    "What''s all themotion?" A woman''s voice drifted over. It sounded familiar to Lin Wanrong. As he lifted his gaze, he saw an old woman seated on the judging panel, her face full of anger, ring in their direction. Oh dear, how was it her? Lin Wanrong nearly jumped to his feet.


    "Oh, isn''t this the renowned schr Mei? Howe you haven''t returned to the capital yet? How have you beentely? Have you been plowing the fields again?" Lin Wanrong''s mind raced, even as he put on a seemingly pleasant face. This was truly a terrible day. Not only was he being ughtered, but he had also encountered this insane woman on the judging panel. Oh, Miss Luo, don''t me me for this.


    Mei Yanqiu, who was judging at this station, was already quite weary and had yet to notice Lin San beforehand. Seeing him suddenly pop up before her eyes, she was startled and stood up abruptly. "You... you... what are you doing?" she stammered.


    "What am I doing?" Lin Wanrong smiled. "Isn''t it obvious? I''m here to participate in the poetrypetition. Since you''re a judge, you should be kind to me."


    When she heard he was participating in thepetition, Mei Yanqiu regained some of her confidence. "That will depend on your abilities," she said haughtily.


    "Don''t you already know about my skills, Teacher Mei?" Lin Wanrong squinted, slowly extending one finger andughing. "This skill of mine is known as ''One Yang Finger,'' a secret family technique. You witnessed it that day, didn''t you?"


    Mei Yanqiu''s face turned pale, and she sat back down on her chair, too scared to say a word. Yan Shenghui, in awe, grasped Lin Wanrong''s arm. "Brother San, you actually know renowned schr Mei?"


    "I do, somewhat. She has a very strong impression of me." Lin Wanrongughed, casting a teasing nce at Mei Yanqiu.


    "Time''s up!" another judge shouted. The remaining schrs were sweating profusely. This group, all eliminated in the first round and hoping for a second chance, were already under tremendous psychological pressure. Hearing the announcement, some were pale and unsteady. Lin Wanrong, by choosing to join this group, had deliberately taken advantage of the situation.


    "Since you''vepleted your poem, let''s hear it," a judge said to Yan Shenghui.


    "Yes. The theme is spring and summer. My poem is: ''Melons float on cool water to beat the summer heat, lotusyered on a tray of ice to ward off the chill. Near the steps, crooked stones with dense bamboo shoots, in the small pond, lotus leaves emerge.'' " Yan Shenghui, beads of sweat dotting his forehead, recited hurriedly.


    "Good poem, good poem!" Even before the judge had time to speak, Lin Wanrong began pping andughing.


    Yan Shenghui shot a grateful look at Brother San, whom he had just met. He was self-aware enough to realize that his seven-character quatrain was just passable: coherent in wording, bnced in rhyming, barely qualifying as a mediocre work, and far from being a great poem.


    The judges nodded to each other, discussed for a while, and simultaneously held up signs saying, "Satisfactory. Advance to the next round!"


    Overwhelmed with excitement, Yan Shenghui screamed, throwing his arms around Lin Wanrong. "Brother San, I made it. I made it to the next round."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Congrattions, Brother Yan."


    The judges nced around and called out again, "Who else haspleted their poem? Please, step forward quickly."


    The remaining candidates wore troubled expressions, none daring to speak. The judges shook their heads in disappointment, "If there''s no one else, we will"


    "Damn, these guys," Lin Wanrong thought to himself, "They must have spent all their time chasing after women, even I am better." He chuckled and said, "Wait, wait, if no one else has a poem, I, despite being unremarkable, have one to share. Please, esteemed judges, correct me if needed. ''The chilled, green pool of ice bites the teeth, teeth soaked in fresh spring dew in the cold day. Fragrance drifts in the quiet wind, clear as silk, listening to cicadas through the paper window.''"


    "Great poem, great poem!" Yan Shenghui echoed in enthusiasm, shouting aloud.


    Lin Wanrong gave a small smile and raised a finger to Mei Yanqiu, "Renowned schr Mei, this gesture is known as ''One Yang Finger,'' a secret family technique, it''s quite powerful"


    The color drained from Mei Yanqiu''s face as she trembled, raising the card in her hand


    ---


    Meanwhile, on arge flower boat in the Qinhuai River, Luo Ning leaned on the railing, gazing at the schrly men bustling on the neighboring boats. She sighed softly, "Standing alone by the railing, autumn river''s misty rain seems cold. The wind suddenly rises, yet the person is not back!"


    She coughed lightly, hurriedly covering her small mouth with her hand. Her face turned a shade of red. Dong Qiaoqiao, who had juste out from the cabin, gently patted her on the back, "Sister Ning, why have youe out again? You have been working too hard these days, the doctor told you to rest."


    It wasn''t overwork, Luo Ning thought with a bitter smile. She grabbed Qiaoqiao''s hand and asked, "Qiaoqiao, Brother Lin promised toe back today. Do you think he will lie to me?"


    Qiaoqiao gently patted her hand, "Sister Ning, don''t worry. If Brother Lin promised toe back, he will definitely return. Brother Lin never breaks his promises."


    After coughing lightly, Luo Ning looked at Qiaoqiao, her face filled with envy, "Brother Lin is your husband, of course, you would be protective of him."


    Qiaoqiao giggled, "Sister Ning, what do you want Brother Lin to hurry back for? He likes to wander around. Even if he''s back now, he''s probably sitting in a pavilion somewhere having tea with others, treating this poetrypetition as entertainment. Sister Ning, among the schrs now, many are handsome and talented. Which one do you like? We could let Governor Luo speak to them for you."


    Luo Ning''s face turned a deep blush. She softly said, "Dear sister, can we be sisters for a lifetime?"


    "Of course, we can," Qiaoqiao replied with a sweet smile. "But first, you need to take your medicine and rest properly. Otherwise, when it''s your turn to perform, the schrs will see a pitifully sick beauty instead."


    Luo Ning stared at the calm river and sighed softly, "If he does not return today, I will have no desire to live!" Qiaoqiao froze, eximing, "Sister." She saw Luo Ning''s eyes filled with tears, staring nkly into the distance. Her frail figure looked so deste in the wind, it filled one''s heart with pity


    ---


    "There''s no need to raise it..." Lin Wanrong suddenly waved and shouted.


    "Why?" A judge called out loudly.


    "Isn''t this simple?" Lin Wanrongughed. "ording to the rules, the top two from each group will automatically advance. Among the ten of us, only Brother Yan and I have created a poem, so doesn''t that mean we have advanced automatically? Esteemed judges, perhaps it would be best not to raise the cards. I fear it might damage the confidence I have barely managed to establish."


    The two judges nodded, their faces breaking into smiles. "You''re certainly modest. Even if you have advanced, we still need to raise the cards"


    Simultaneously, they flipped their cards: "Advanced" "Advanced"


    Left with no other choice, Mei Yanqiu gritted her teeth and raised her card: "Advanced"


    Upon seeing all three judges unanimously raise their cards, Yan Shenghui eximed excitedly, "Advanced, Brother San, you''ve also advanced."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Brother Yan, don''t get too excited. This was expected." Yan Shenghui thought for a moment and had to admit, Brother Lin was right. The judging was essentially meaningless. He bowed and said, "Brother San, your calmness and wisdom surpass us all. I admire you greatly."


    Seeing how easily Lin Wanrong and Yan Shenghui had advanced, the others regretted their hesitation. If they had known this earlier, they wouldn''t have worried about producing mediocre poetry and losing face. They would''ve spoken up without hesitation, but now it was toote.


    The first round was over. Lin Wanrong and Yan Shenghui walked arm in arm onto the showboat, sailing straight towards the Qinhuai River. The schrs who passed the first round split into two flower boats, each carrying fifty to sixty people the elite chosen from the masses.


    The flower boat they were on paled inparison to the one Xian''er had stayed on the previous night, but it was still extraordinarily luxurious. There were pens, inks, papers, inkstones, chess, and paintings everything one could need. A few famous performers sat in the middle of the stage, plucking the strings of the qin and singing softly. The schrs below the stage pped in rhythm, sang along, and cheered loudly. It indeed felt like a gathering of schrs.


    "Gentlemen" A man who looked like a steward stood up. "Today''s poetrypetition is all about the joy of drinking andposing poems. The fact that we can gather here today is a great fate. Please, let us all drink a toast to thank the destiny that brought us together."


    "Cheers" The schrs downed their drinks in unison, adding to the jovial atmosphere.


    The steward continued, "Since you all have passed the first round, you are all undoubtedly learned men. The second round is fairly simple. We, more than fifty people, will be divided into five groups. Each group will take turns giving a drinkingmand. Thismand must match one word to the previousmand. Those who fail to match will kindly move aside to enjoy their drink while the others continue. Thest one standing will be the victor."


    Lin Wanrong vaguely understood the rules and thought it was interesting. This method seemed fun. Ten people were giving drinkingmands, from onemand to multiplemands. It was less about talent and more about wit and drinking capacity.


    He picked up a teacup and found a spot near the railing to sit, looking out over the river. He noticed two other painting boats floating nearby but couldn''t identify which one Luo Ning was on. While he was idle, he saw a small boat rowing towards them in the distance. On the boat were two men, one a tall, dark figure, and the other a middle-aged man with a clean-shaven face. They stood close together, whispering about something.


    "Oh damn, am I seeing things?" He rubbed his eyes vigorously and let out a gasp of surprise. He tossed away his teacup and called out loudly, "Brother Du, Brother Hu"


    The ship was quite far away at first. They couldn''t hear his call, but as they got closer, they heard his voice. The two men on the ship looked over and were taken aback upon seeing Lin Wanrong''s silhouette. They were overjoyed instantly. Hu Bugui, a towering figure, with tears streaming down his cheeks, shouted, "General Lin. General Lin, you''re alive, damn it, you''re alive!"


    Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, wiping his nose, and leapt towards the edge of the ship, about to jump into the river. Yan Shenghui quickly grabbed him and asked, "Brother San, what are you doing?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "A few of my brothers are over there, and I want to go see them. Damn, I missed them."


    Yan Shenghui said, "Since your brothers are within sight, why worry about this short amount of time? It''s winter now. If you swam over there, you would catch a chill, and that wouldn''t be worth it. Wait until this poetry contest is over, then you can have a good drink with them. Wouldn''t that be beautiful?"


    True enough, why was he in such a rush? Lin Wanrong grinned sheepishly, waving wildly at the two men. Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan understood his gesture and quickly stopped the small boat that they were rowing. They waved vigorously at him, hopping excitedly on the boat. Their joy was indescribable.


    Basking in the warm sentiment, Lin Wanrong was just in time for the drinking game. He eagerly joined a group of ten unfamiliar faces. Unfazed, he raised his cup and drank two rounds, still basking in his joy.


    The others were stunned, looking at this madman who''d appeared out of nowhere and chugged two cups without a word. They all secretly stuck out their tongues.


    No one knew each other, anyway. It was all about outdrinking and outsmarting each other, and Lin Wanrong had never been afraid of a challenge. He was slightly red-eyed, his excitement couldn''t be concealed.


    "Drink up!" the first person proimed, draining his cup.


    "Drink up!" echoed the second person, also draining his cup.


    "To the wind and flowers!" the third person dered.


    "Drink freely!" the fourth person said.


    When it was Lin Wanrong''s turn, he had already downed two more cups. Someone ahead had proposed "Deep affection under the moon", and heughed heartily, dering loudly, "Endless love in a dream. You drink, and I drink too"


    All ten people finished the first round without any dropouts. Lin Wanrong drank freely, not caring who was next, draining each cup as it came.


    The second round required six-word phrases.


    "Drunkenness easily reveals beauty"


    "Don''t speak of sorrow in the scent of wine"


    The longer the sentences, the harder it was. Before this round was over, four people were already out. When it was Lin Wanrong''s turn, a schr before him recited, "Breathtaking beauty, exquisite wine, at a beauty''s lips."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and responded, "Bronze skin, iron bones, a heroic horse, in front of the general''s formation." He tilted his head back and gulped down the strong liquor as if it was water, not even changing color. Seeing his bravado, a few schrs were impressed. He was no weak schr, but a man of genuine mettle.


    By the end of the third round, there was no one left topete with him. Lin Wanrong''s eyes were slightly red, his body swaying, yet he remained standing. He sang out, "Brothers are born of the same flesh, their heroic spirit fills the universe. Who dares tough at my battlefield drunkenness? In armor, we harbor grand ambitions. Here''s a toast to the heroic with a cup of wine. Please, gentlemen, let us drink three hundred more cups!"


    Who could follow up on that? Everyone else had already conceded defeat, their faces filled with admiration and respect for Lin Wanrong. Seeing that no one else could continue, Lin Wanrong felt a tinge of disappointment. He picked up two cups from the table and, bending his elbows to the left and right, drained both in one go. Yet, he seemed not quite satisfied. He smashed the cups on the ground and, lifting the bottle, took a hearty swig. With a few gulping sounds, the clear liquor dripped from the corners of his mouth.


    Everyone around was stupefied. These were all learned schrs, well-versed in poetry and literature. They had never encountered such a wild and unrestrained character. Whether it was his drinking or his poetry, both were mboyant and free-spirited, with a hint of an invigorating murderous aura that left everyone awestruck.


    Over there, Yan Shenghui had already stepped down, showing signs of drunkenness. Seeing Lin Wanrong in this state, he suddenly shouted, "Brother San, well done! Life should be lived as you do, half awake, half drunk, carefree, and expressive. Bring on the wine"


    With one hand on the bottle, he tried to mimic Lin Wanrong''s actions, gulping a few times. However, before he could take more than a few sips, he suddenly copsed on the floor, unconscious.


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 Chapter 259

    Chapter 259


    Chapter 259 The Four Rounds of Poetry Contest (Part 1)


    "Ding!" The gong rang out, struck by the officiating officer who then boomed, "The winners of the first group of the wine-poetry challenge have been decided. Gentlemen, you have employed your love of wine and words to create an entertaining spectacle. Please, indulge yourselves and drink heartily!"


    The drinking challenge, though seemingly simple, was far from it. Firstly, one had to have a tolerance for alcohol. Secondly, one had to have the schrly ability. Eachmand was a poem and after a round of these, the one who persevered to the end would have recited at least four to five poems. Lin Wanrong, groggy and oblivious to theplexity of the task, simply found it enjoyable, saying whatever came to mind. It was only after winning first ce in his group that he sobered slightly, still feeling immense pleasure.


    As per the rules, the winner of each wine-poetry group could advance to the next round. The rest would lose the privilege to enter the main ship. While it might have been a disappointment, they could still indulge in the poetic arts on the flower ship, using predetermined lyrics and verses to hold their poetry gatherings. There was no need for them to worry about advancement anymore. Surrounded by fine wine and food, they would be free to let loose and recite their poetry in an unending flow.


    The officer summoned the five winners aside, bowed, and congratted them. "Congrattions, gentlemen. Winning this round allows you entry into Miss Luo''s flower ship to exchange verses with her. If you manage to win her favor, you may take the beautiful woman home. Great sess awaits you."


    Lin Wanrong, with the effects of the alcohol still lingering,ughed, "Simply writing a few verses could lead to sess? This is truly amusing." The other schrs red at him upon hearing his dismissive words, but seeing his slightly drunk state, they chose not to argue.


    The officer continued, "The five gentlemen from the other ship have also advanced sessfully. In addition to our own Young Master Hou Yuebai from Jinling, there is Young Master Zhao and the most famous schr from the capital, Wu Xuean. While you may not have as notable names, I can see your schrly abilities are equally extraordinary. There''s no guarantee you cannot surpass them. Shortly, someone will escort you to the main flower ship. I wish you all good luck."


    Under the influence of the alcohol, Lin Wanrong paid little attention to who the others were. Under these circumstances, making it to the top ten was a considerable achievement.


    Yan Shenghui, who had drunkenly fallen over, wobbled over to him, grabbing his hand. "Brother San, I''m sorry I cannot apany you further on this journey. You must win Miss Luo''s hand and restore some pride for us powerless schrs."


    This Yan Shenghui was a man of integrity. An idea came to Lin Wanrong. He could introduce him to Xu Wei; it could be a good opportunity for them to meet. He pped Yan Shenghui on the shoulder,ughing, "Brother Yan, wait for my good news."


    As they were talking, the flower boat they were on drew close to Luo Ning''s boat. Drums and gongs were sounding, firecrackers exploding, a carpet wasid across the gangnk bridging the two ships, inviting the qualifying schrs onto Miss Luo''s boat.


    The remaining schrs, mostly humble literati, admired the scene. They apuded and cheered, offering encouragement to those they were acquainted with who had made it to this stage.


    On the ship, aside from Yan Shenghui, Lin Wanrong did not know anyone else. Nevertheless, the other ninepetitors in the same group were impressed by his courage. They waved frequently, saying, "Brother San, you muste back victorious." Lin Wanrong returned their salute with a small smile and followed the others over the footbridge.


    The majesty of Luo Ning''s flower boat was truly magnificent. Flying eaves and walking walls, carved railings and jade masonry, rednterns and green hangings, the boat was bustling and filled with color. The five schrs from the other boat were already waiting for them. Lin Wanrong nced around and indeed saw the Young Prince Zhao Kangning smiling at the head of the group. But his gaze did not waver, he hadn''t even given the other five a nce. Behind him was a young man also smiling, very handsome, swaying a folding fan with grace and elegance. He seemed to be chatting with Prince Zhao, ignoring the others.


    The long-absent Master Hou Yuebai stood third, his gaze riveted on the two men in front, apparently viewing them as his most formidable opponents. The others simply didn''t enter his sight.


    Walking at the end of the group, Lin Wanrong went unnoticed by the trio of Zhao Kangning. The ten schrs were divided into two groups and proceeded inward.


    Upon entering the main gate, they saw a screen with a small door in the center that could amodate one person at a time. They didn''t know who should enter first. This was called "entry", a deliberate obstacle to test the schrs. The order of entry didn''t matter in theory, but the proud schrs wouldn''t easily give way. They needed a contest.


    Zhao Kangning, leading the other group, smiled and said, "There is a wall in front of us, with a door in the middle. If I don''t go in first, it will be like a dog climbing the wall."


    The schr leading Lin Wanrong''s group nched. Zhao Kangning was metaphorically berating them, implying that anyone who dared enter before him was a dog climbing the wall. Intimidated by Young Prince Zhao''s power, the schr didn''t dare to retort, and Zhao Kangning smirked, ready to enter.


    "Hold on, hold on," Lin Wanrong stepped forward,ughing, "Young Prince, do you still recognize me?"


    Zhao Kangning nced at him, his face instantly changed, "You, you... weren''t you killed in that massive explosion?"


    Lin Wanrong''s expression darkened. So, it was this bastard who was backing Tong Cheng. He smiled ominously, "Young Prince, are you that eager for me to die? Ha, I, Lin San, have nine lives. No one can just take it away with a little scheme."


    Laughing heartily, Lin Wanrong recited loudly, "I''ll climb the wall if I need to, I won''t be as reckless as you. If the teacher hasn''t entered, you should go home and ask your mother!"


    Zhao Kangning had once said that he would treat Lin Wanrong as his teacher if they met again. So, how could he enter before his teacher? Despite Lin Wanrong''s sarcastic verse even scolding his mother, he was in the right. Zhao Kangning''s face turned from red to white, but with so many witnesses present, he couldn''t argue.


    With a disdainful snort, Lin Wanrong was about to step in, but he heard the handsome man behind Zhao Kangning say, "Wait"


    Lin Wanrong turned to look at him, and the man saluted, "I am Wu Xue''an from the capital. May I know who you are?"


    "Wu Xue''an?" Lin Wanrong frowned, "I''ve never heard of you. I am known as Lin San."


    "You''re Lin San?" Wu Xue''an was surprised. He nced at Zhao Kangning, who remained silent, then coldly said, "You''re too arrogant. Do you really think you, amoner, have the right to lecture the young prince?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Whether I can or cannot, it''s not for you to decide. The young prince should speak for himself. Isn''t that right, young prince?"


    Zhao Kangning clenched his teeth. He had harshly reprimanded Tong Cheng, even suggesting to kill Lin San amidst a sea of bullets to appease the prince, but unexpectedly, while Tong Cheng had be a ghost, Lin San was still standing alive right before him.


    Zhao Kangning remained silent, but Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "All this fuss over who goes first through a door. What does it matter if I let you go first? The Great Wall still stands today, yet the Emperor Qin who built it is long gone. Isn''t that right, Brother Wu Xue''an? The process of entering the door is like seeking the truth. Even though you''ve entered, you haven''t found the truth, so your reading of poetry and books is in vain. Let me give you the honor of going first."


    With that, he stepped back with augh, yielding the doorway. Wu Xue''an nced at Zhao Kangning, unsure what to do. Young Prince Ning gritted his teeth and said, "Mr. Lin, after you."


    With a slight smile, Lin Wanrong turned to the man leading the group and said, "Brother, let''s go in."


    ---


    "Sister Ning, the newly chosen ten schrs will be here soon, you should go take a look." Qiaoqiao spoke to Luo Ning, who was daydreaming in front of the mirror.


    Luo Ning shook her head, "Why should I look at them? This is all just a farce arranged by my father, it has nothing to do with me. He even made me keep it a secret from everyone, causing Brother Lin to misunderstand me. He hasn''t been willing toe, he must be angry with me. Qiaoqiao, what should I do?"


    Qiaoqiao looked at Luo Ning up and down, biting her red lips, "Sister Ning, could it be that you have feelings for Big brother?"


    "No, Qiaoqiao, don''t get me wrong. Brother Lin and I are just good friends. We haven''t... " Luo Ning''s face turned red as she said this, feeling ufortable to deceive her close friend.


    Qiaoqiao sighed lightly, "Big brother may seem shrewd on the surface, but he is clueless about a woman''s feelings."


    Luo Ning snorted, "He''s not clueless. He knows exactly what he''s doing, but he pretends not to. He''s extremely annoying and detestable."


    Qiaoqiao shook her head andughed softly, "Regardless of whether he''s truly clueless or just pretending, he''s the bane of us women. When I first met Big brother, I loved listening to him talk. Even though he never spoke seriously, I enjoyed hispany very much. Every day, I thought of him and worried about him, and I could only sleep well after seeing him. Sister Ning, do you feel the same?"


    "Exactly... no, no..." Luo Ning hurriedly denied it, her face turning crimson. Embarrassed, she lowered her head shyly.


    A slight bitterness filled Qiaoqiao''s heart as she forcefully held back the tears welling up in her eyes. "Sister Ning," she said, "If Big brother knew how much you cared about him, he would be overjoyed. Even at the cost of his own life, he would surely rush back."


    Hearing a choke in Qiaoqiao''s voice, Luo Ning quickly raised her head to see the young girl''s eyes brimming with unshed tears. She was biting her lip in a desperate attempt to keep them from falling. "Qiaoqiao, what''s wrong?" Luo Ning asked hurriedly.


    Qiaoqiao let out a sigh. "Big brother, he really has caused so much trouble. Sister Ning, if you truly love him, I can have a serious talk with him. He might act tough, but he has a soft heart. I guarantee he will fulfill your wishes."


    Unable to respond, Luo Ning leaned closer to whisper a few words into Qiaoqiao''s ear. Qiaoqiao blushed in surprise, covering her cheek with her small hand. "Sister Ning, you''re terrible. How could you eavesdrop like that? I absolutely despise Big brother!"


    Bitterness and sorrow filled Luo Ning''s heart. Angrily, she retorted, "Doing such wicked things in my own bedroom, Brother Lin must be the worst man in the world."


    ---


    So this was the venue for the grand finale? As Lin Wanrong entered the main cabin of the painted boat, he carefully observed the surroundings. Hangingnterns illuminated the colorful murals on the walls. The room was already filled with the elite and influential figures of Jinling City. Arge charcoal furnace in the center warmed the fine wine, while servants hustled back and forth, making the ce extremely lively.


    A steward announced, "The top ten schrs of the Jinling Poetry Contest have been selected. Please take your seats"


    At the swish of the door opening, all eyes turned to the entrance. The schr leading the group had never seen such an assembly of eminent figures. The weight of their collective gaze made his hands tremble unconsciously. Lin Wanrong, who was fifth in line, wasn''t frightened by the scene; he had faced such situations countless times before. Moreover, his battlefield experience had bolstered his courage. It should be the others who were afraid of him.


    "Brother Lin, Brother Lin" A woman''s coarse voice called out. Lin Wanrong turned his head to see that it was none other than Liu Yue''er, who had once helped the Xiao family in Hangzhou City. She was now waving vigorously at him, looking happier than when she herself had entered thepetition.


    "Sister Liu" Lin Wanrong greeted back with a wave and a slight smile. If the Liu family was invited, then the Xiao family must be here as well.


    As he surveyed the crowd, he heard someone call out, "Lin San, Lin San" Looking in the direction of the voice, he saw Young Master Guo standing on a chair in the second-tost row, frantically waving at him. The excitement on his face was hard to miss.


    Smiling broadly, Lin Wanrong walked over and asked, "Young Master, what brings you here? Weren''t you also participating in this poetry contest?"


    Guo Wuchang answered regretfully, "Don''t even mention it. I bribed the judges in my section with a hundred or so taels of silver to get onto this flower boat. But then I lost in the first round of the winemand. Ah, if only I''d known... I should have just stuck with you. I could have at least made it into the top ten."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. Speaking with Young Master Guo felt like a return to old times, except now Xian''er was his wife and Eldest Miss was drifting further from him. Life truly was full of unexpected changes.


    "Lin San," Guo Wuchang leaned in closer, whispering confidentially, "I heard you upset cousin Yuruost night?"


    "No, it''s just a personality sh, a temporary separation. We all need to cool down a bit," Lin Wanrong said with a chuckle.


    Guo Wuchang sighed lightly, "My cousin''s temperament is indeed a bit too strong. She dares to scold anyone. Considering the immense contributions you''ve made to the Xiao family, I really don''t know what the consequences will be if this continues. How could my cousin be so confused?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed gently, "Let''s not talk about this. How''s the Second Miss doing?"


    Guo Wuchang said, "Cousin Yushuang has been hoping for your return every day. But as soon as you returned, you argued with Yuruo, and she had to keep it a secret from her. Poor Yushuang, marking off the days on the calendar, unaware that you''re just outside the door. How did things be like this?"


    A sour feeling arose in Lin Wanrong''s heart. ncing at the empty seat next to Guo Wuchang, the Young Master seemed to understand his thoughts. "This is Cousin Yuruo''s seat. She said she woulde, but we have yet to see her despite the time. We had no idea that you made it to the top ten of this poetrypetition, otherwise I would have brought Si De, Xiao Feng, and everyone from the mansion here to cheer you on."


    Despite hisck of education, Young Master Guo''s words warmed Lin Wanrong''s heart. Lin Wanrong gave him a light pat on the shoulder, cast a nce at the vacant seat beside him, sighed silently, wondering how things got so out of hand.


    "Lin San, you must give it your all, marry this talented woman of Jinling, make her serve tea, wash clothes, cook, and give her a good torment. Show her we men are not to be underestimated," Young Master Guo grumbled.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. Before he could reply, someone shouted, "Big brother, Big brother--" The excited voice of Dong Qingshan came from the side. Looking over, he saw Qingshan and Luo Yuan racing towards him.


    Lin Wanrong stepped forward, "Qingshan, Little Luo, how are you?"


    Dong Qingshan embraced him, "Big brother, brother-inw, you''re finally back."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Qingshan, where''s Qiaoqiao? Why don''t I see her?"


    Qingshan replied, "My sister is helping in Miss Luo''s room. Miss Luo has been overworked these days and is somewhat ill." Luo Ning was sick again? Ah, women are prone to illnesses when they have too many worries.


    Luo Yuan said, "Big brother, where have you been these days? You''ve gotten much darker."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "I went to do something very important. Little Luo, how''s your sister?"


    Luo Yuan shook his head, "Not great, she''s been frowning all day. My father is too much. Knowing my sister''s standards are sky-high, he still arranges such a vulgar poetry contest for a marriage proposal."


    Qingshan added, "Exactly. Miss Luo is like a celestial being, far beyond the reach of these impoverished schrs. Brother-inw, I think you should put in some effort, defeat these guys, marry Miss Luo and also be Little Luo''s brother-inw."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. This Qingshan, always so blunt. The three brothers wereughing when an official called out, "The top ten schrs, pleasee forward and take your seats."


    Lin Wanrong walked up to the front of the stage and took a vacant seat. Looking down, he saw the eyes of all the prominent figures of Jinling focused on the individuals on stage. Among them, Zhao Kangning, Wu Xue''an, and Hou Yuebai were undeniably the most eye-catching. As for Lin Wanrong, this dark horse, only Young Master Guo and Liu Yue''e had confidence in him; others naturally regarded him as mere apaniment.


    An official stepped forward and announced loudly, "The Jinling Poetry Contest, the grand duel of verses, is about to begin. Present today, in addition to Jinling''s notables, we also have Governor Luo, Commander-in-chief Cheng, and the Educational Commissioner Tong from Jiangsu, along with other local officials."


    ncing around, Lin Wanrong indeed saw Luo Min seated on a high tform in the distance, smiling at him. Next to Luo Min was Cheng De, his expression unreadable under his stern facade.


    The official continued in a booming voice, "In this duel of verses, the format is as follows: from ten, six will proceed, then four, then two, with the two finalistspeting against each other. A total of four elimination rounds." This arrangement made sense; there was no second ce in the literary world, and in martial arts, there was no first. The pursuit of this poetry duel was to emerge as the ultimate victor.


    "For the first round, Educational Commissioner Tong will set the theme," the official loudly announced, and apuse echoed through the crowd.


    Commissioner Tong stood up, bowing to the crowd, "Today, we gather many talents, a grand event for the literary world. I shall put forth a challenge to start the poetry topic. Among the noble four: plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, the plum takes the lead. I invite the talents here topose a verse on a plum in the snow."


    Many of those present had a decent knowledge of literature. Upon hearing that the first round was about a plum in the snow, they inwardly groaned. This was because the number of famous ssic poems on the plum was countless, and surpassing a ssic was always a challenge. Composing a fine verse on the plum in such a short time was indeed difficult.


    After a moment of thought, the Jinling schr Hou Yuebai was the first to stand. "This student, Hou Yuebai, presents a verse on the plum: ''The warmth startled the plum, spreading fragrance first, a myriad of spring treasures following the night. The remaining winter snow, meeting the warm air again, beautified the famous garden.''"


    "Good!" No sooner had Hou Yuebai finished his verse than an approving "Good" exploded from the crowd. Being the first to recite and a local of Jinling, Hou Yuebai was naturally given due respect.


    Young Prince Zhao was not to be outdone and stood up to recite his verse, "This student, Zhao Kangning, also presents a verse on the plum: ''Spring''s chill locks the courtyard, a few plum treesment the east wind, clear buds yet to bloom, its hidden fragrance distant.''"


    "Good!" This time, it was the stern-faced Cheng De who shouted approval first. Luo Min beside him couldn''t help but chuckle. This stern man, who could hardly recognize a few characters, where would he understand the underlying meaning?


    The talented schr from the capital, Wu Xue''an, was already prepared and was the third to stand. "This student, Wu Xue''an from the capital, presents a verse on the plum: ''Heaven frowned at the snow''s pallor, casually embroidered a plum blossom. When winter arrives next year, it will bloom again in the same ce.''"


    The first three people were indeed well-known for their talent. Their verses on snow and plum were expertlyposed, not quite masterpieces, but certainly excellent lines. The rest, having witnessed their performances, felt somewhat ashamed. Of the remaining six, only three followed the previous schrs with their verses on the plum, but their efforts paled inparison. The remaining three could not produce any lines, and needless to say, they were eliminated.


    Lin Wanrong sat respectfully at the end of the table, his head heavy from the wine. He was now a little drowsy, yawning continuously on this stage. Everyone watched, stifling theirughter. If this schr didn''t have a world-shocking talent, then he certainly had a world-shocking ailment.


    Young Master Guo and Dong Qingshan, among others, watched with increasing anxiety. This was an elimination round! Regardless of whether he could craft a timeless masterpiece, at the very least, he should be able to recite a poem about a plum blossom!


    The other nine had finished their turn, andstly, it was Lin Wanrong''s turn. He nced over at the seat next to Guo Wuchangs, but it was still empty. He sighed silently in his heart and rose to his feet.


    ---


    "Sister, sister--" Luo Yuan ran into Luo Ning''s room panting, announcing loudly, "Good news, good news--"


    Luo Ning was gazing at her reflection in the mirror, sighing quietly. She seemed not to hear his words. Instead, it was Qiaoqiao who asked, "Luo Yuan, what''s the good news--"


    "Big brother Lin, he--"


    "What happened to Brother Lin--" Luo Ning''s hand mirror crashed to the ground at his words. The two women eximed in unison, "What happened to Big brother?"


    "Big brother participated in the Poetry Contest and made it into the top ten!" Luo Yuan announced loudly.


    "Big brother--" The two women gasped simultaneously, tears falling down their cheeks. Supporting each other, they hurried outside.


    They were just outside the room, still behind the curtain, when they heard Lin Wanrong''s voice saying, "As forposing a poem that involves the word ''plum,'' I am incapable--"


    "Big brother--" Upon hearing these words, Luo Ning stiffened and fell backward, fainting on the spot.


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 Chapter 260

    Chapter 260


    Chapter 260 The Four Rounds of Poetry Contest (Part 2)


    "Sister Ning, what''s wrong with you?" Qiaoqiao was startled and quickly held her, gently kneading her Renzhong acupoint.


    [TL: The point between the nose and middle upper lip.]


    Luo Ning took a deep breath, slowly opened her eyes, and said weakly, "Qiaoqiao, big brotherdid big brother lose?"


    Before Qiaoqiao could shake her head, they already heard heckling from outside, "If you can''tpose a poem, then step down quickly, don''t impede others''petition."


    Zhao Kangning and Wu Xue''an saw that Lin San showed signs of weakness in the first round, and their faces immediately disyed a trace of disdain. Only Hou Yuebai was puzzled; the Lin San he knew wasn''t someone who admitted defeat easily. Or rather, he had never lost before.


    Lin Wanrong nced at the hecklers, smiled, and said, "I cannotpose a poem with the word ''plum'', but that doesn''t mean I can''t write about plums."


    He drained the wine in his cup, paced a few steps, and, with a slightly drunken tone, recited, "Thousands of ridges and mountains carry my white hair, heaven blesses me with rouge lightly applied to my cheeks. Asking from afar where spring lies in orchid and bamboo, from the jade bone and icy skines a hidden fragrance."


    "Bravo" This time it was Luo Yuan, Qingshan, Guo Wuchang who led the cheers. The hall was filled with connoisseurs, and immediate apuse erupted.


    The educationalmissioner nodded in approval and said, "From distant to close, good use of metaphor. The whole sentence has neither snow nor plum, but it praises the plum in the snow. There is indeed some cleverness. This poem about plum should be considered the best."


    The faces of Zhao Kangning and Wu Xue''an were unpleasant. They hadn''t expected Lin San to take the lead in the first round. They dared not underestimate him again. Remembering his reputation for couplets, Zhao Kangning berated himself for his stupidity. How could a person good at couplets not be skilled in poetry? Only Hou Yuebai, who was ustomed to Lin San''s exceptional abilities, was not greatly surprised.


    Hiding behind the curtain, Luo Ning lightly patted her chest andined, "Big brother scares people to death, I will ignore him"


    Qiaoqiao giggled and whispered, "Ignore him? I wonder who will be the quickest to see him afterward?"


    Blushing, Luo Ning retorted, "He is your husband, of course you speak for him. On the wedding night, I didn''t see youughing at others."


    The two women giggled together. Qiaoqiao said, "Sister Ning, big brother despises this type of poem. It was not easy for him to write this today, and especially to take first ce in the first round, but it was all for you. Now you can rest assured, no need to faint again."


    "Annoying." Luo Ning''s cheeks turned pink as she whispered, "Qiaoqiao, don''t misunderstand. Big brother and I didnt, didnt, didnt" She became too embarrassed to continue. Denying it further would convince no one, not even a fool.


    Qiaoqiaoughed, "Sister Ning, if you have these feelings, you should have told me earlier. It would have saved a lot of trouble and spared you some hardship. Don''t you know big brother? If you show him a bit of kindness, he will repay you a hundredfold."


    Luo Ning gave a small nod, too embarrassed to speak. Qiaoqiao sighed lightly, her heart filled with a touch of sadness.


    The first round of the ''top ten to six''petition waspleted. Lin Wanrong took first ce. Zhao Kangning, Wu Xue''an, and Hou Yuebai, along with the other two talents, all made it into the top six.


    Everyone was taken aback as the most underestimated young man had unexpectedly be a dark horse, naturally, this caused a wave of surprise, and people began to inquire about his identity. When they learned that this man was Lin San, the servant from Xiao mansion who had bested the king of couplets at the Luo family banquet, they were astounded. This servant truly had talent, managing to break into the top six of the Jinling poetrypetition as a mere servant, how could that not amaze people?


    The second round was apetition to narrow the field from six to four. The two talents seated next to Lin Wanrong had just scraped through the first round. After witnessing the performances of others, they became disheartened, acknowledging that their knowledge was indeed inferior to the four ahead.


    Seeing their despondency, Lin Wanrong understood their feelings and chuckled, "Gentlemen, don''t be disheartened. Poetry, after all, is meant to be yful. If you take it too seriously, you will lose the joy of it."


    Upon seeing his unconcerned demeanor despite his seeming intoxication, and his friendly attitude toward others, the two men genuinely admired him. They raised their sses in respect, drank the wine before them in one go, and found their spirits uplifted.


    The educationalmissioner announced loudly, "Only four talents can advance in this second round. I invite Commander-in-Chief Cheng De of Jiangsu to set the topic!"


    Cheng De, a man with a darkplexion, stood up and announced loudly, "I, Cheng De, am a simple military man and not proficient in poetry. I find it challenging to propose a topic today. Seeing the fine wine and food on this boat, why don''t we take ''wine'' as the topic?"


    The assembled talents understood that this topic given by Commander-in-Chief Cheng was broad, leaving ample room for creativity. Whether a poem would be good or not would depend on the intended mood.


    For this round, young master Zhao Kangning was the first to stand up and say, "My name is Zhao Kangning, here is my poem about wine: ''Inebriated but not sleepy, petals stain my green robe. Waking up to see the creek''s moon, birds have flown, and people are scarce.''" Zhao Kangning''s wine poem had some vor, describing the beauty of drinking by a flowered creek at night. It was quite decent.


    Hou Yuebai also stood up and said, "I also have a poem about drinking wine: ''Desiring to pick pear blossoms to make new wine, the smoke and waves of Qinhuai never cease in the rain. Applying makeup in front of the mirror as the wind rises, half of the face is hidden, and it signifies parting sorrow.''" This poem was a lovement, with an unconventional conception, even stronger than Zhao Kangning''s by a few notches.


    Wu Xue''an smiled slightly and recited loudly, "The flying rain hits the chessboard near dusk, the light clothing and delicate dance bemon dust. Let''s drink while the jade flute is ying, sit in seclusion under the moonlight that shines on the soul."


    The educationalmissioner and Luo Min nodded in agreement, judging by momentum and conception, among the first three people, Wu Xue''an was the best.


    Everyone''s gaze then naturally fell on Lin Wanrong, this servant held many surprises, and nobody knew what he woulde up with. Lin Wanrong stood up and smiled, "Could someone please pass me some paper"


    A young servant was already eager to hand him paper and a writing brush. However, Lin Wanrong casually put the writing brush and inkstone aside, pulled out a pencil, and swiftly wrote a few words: "During the Qingming festival as the rain pours down heavily, travelers on the road feel their spirits breaking, asking where there might be a tavern, a shepherd boy silently points towards Apricot Flower Vige."


    [TL: In the original text, there are nomas or punctuations, so the trantion here was made to smoothly flow to form a sentence.]


    When the servant hung up the scroll, everyone curiously looked at it, some even quietly reading it out loud.


    Luo Ning pulled back the curtain, sneaking a peek at the scroll. She frowned, contemting for a long time, then suddenly pped her hands joyfully and eximed, "I get it! My big brother has won again."


    Qiaoqiao asked with a puzzled look, "Big brother won? I didn''t see how."


    Luo Ning whispered a few words into her ear, and after a closer look, Qiaoqiao saw it too. She was overjoyed and said, "Big brother loves to y these odd tricks, always keeping us guessing."


    Lin Wanrong looked around, his gaze falling on Wu Xue''an. He said with a smile, "Young Master Wu, you''re a schr from the capital, could you do me a favor and recite this poem for me?"


    Wu Xue''an scornfully replied, "That''s hardly a challenge.


    Rain during Qingming, it falls,


    On the road, in profusion, it calls.


    Soul-breaking is the human''s hall!


    Where, pray tell, is a tavern tall?


    Where can a shepherd boy be found?


    Towards Apricot Flower Vige, he''s bound!


    [TL: In the original text, there is punctuation in each line.]


    Your poem, though it has some vor, still doesn''t surpass mine."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Those who can''t appreciate poetry naturally find this poem ordinary."


    He pulled out a pencil and marked punctuations in the middle of the poem, then turned to Young Master Guo with a smile, "Young Master Guo, could you please read it now?"


    Seeing Lin San marking punctuations and then calling out his name, Guo Wuchang immediately stood up, full of pride, and read out,


    During Qingming festival, rain pours down,


    On the road, travelers'' spirits drown.


    Where might there be a tavern found,


    A shepherd boy points, no sound, to Apricot Flower''s ground.


    [TL: Same as previous, in the original text, there is punctuation in each line.]


    Everyone in the hall was stunned for a moment, then erupted in apuse. The poem turned out to be a suspended verse. The different punctuations made twopletely different poems. The more amazing thing was that both versions were extremely rhythmic, far from ordinary. This way, Wu Xue''an was outdone.


    Having suffered such an embarrassment, Wu Xue''an''s face turned red as a pig liver. After a while, he said, "Resorting to such tricks is not what a schr should do."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "I wish topete in a hundred poems, sleeping in a pub in Jinling City. The Emperor calls me but I don''t board the ship, for I call myself a wine fairy! What''s the difficulty in reciting a hundred poems about drinking wine? It''s just that I disdain to win over you with such means." Only Lin Wanrong himself understood this statement, while others did not.


    Everyone heard him casually reciting good sentences, who could deny his talent? Young Master Guo and others were already pping so hard the tables echoed with noise. Lin San was truly a blessing to the Xiao family. In this round of thepetition, Lin Wanrong was undoubtedly the winner.


    Luo Ning''s little face turned bright red in excitement, her eyebrows forming a flower-like smile. Qiaoqiao mimicked her tone, "Big brother and I really have no, no, no rtionship"


    "You naughty girl, making fun of me like this," Luo Ning gently patted Qiaoqiao, her eyes full of charm.


    Qiaoqiao sighed softly, "Sister Ning, don''t get it wrong. Big brother is my husband. If you want to enter my house, you must first pass this little sister''s test."


    Luo Ning''s face turned as red as her neck, she whispered, "Who wants to enter your dear sister, I forgot about the good things you and Big brother did in my boudoir. Please spare me, alright?"


    The third round, the four to two, was the crucial stage. Judging by the previous two rounds, Lin Wanrong had outshone everyone and had already evolved from the dark horse to the hot favorite. Aside from Lin Wanrong, the remainingpetitors were the three schrs.


    The official said, "The third round of the poetrypetition begins. This round, please Governor Luo Min propose the topic."


    Governor Luo Min slowly rose, patting hisrge belly as he spoke, "Today''s poetrypetition has showcased the brilliance of so many heroes and talents, truly a splendid disy. As the Governor of Jiangsu and head of the province, I am deeply gratified to see such a multitude of talent emerge from thispetition. Coincidentally, my daughter Luo Ning has just turned twenty and has a fondness for poetry. I also wish to use the asion of this poetrypetition to find her a good family, fulfilling my long-held wish."


    Upon hearing Luo Min mention the legendary matchmaking event for Miss Luo, everyone immediately became excited. This was the main highlight of the poetrypetition, a tale of a schr and a beauty was about to be born. Although most schrs could only watch the spectacle, to witness such an event was a fortune in itself.


    Luo Min continued, "There are two criteria for my daughter''s future husband. First, he must be extraordinarily talented, and second, my daughter must approve of him. She will personally set and assess a test, only then will he be considered eligible. As for my daughter''s virtues and looks, I need not say more, the citizens of Jinling City can testify."


    "Hey, Governor Luo, can you please set the test quickly? I''m getting hungry," Lin Wanrong interrupted Luo Min''s lengthy speech with augh, elicitingughter from the crowd.


    "Big brother is always so naughty..." Luo Ning, watching Lin Wanrong from behind the curtain, said, her cheeks reddening.


    Luo Min said, "Very well, I will not waste everyone''s precious time, here is the test. This is a chain poem and palindrome poem called ''Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.'' Each line should sing of a season. I will recite the first line.


    Orioles cry, riverside willows y in spring''s sunny day, moonlit night is bright.


    Upon hearing this line, all the schrs'' expressions changed. Not only was it a palindrome poem about spring, but it also contained a seven-character verse. If you read it separately and add a palindrome, it became,


    Orioles cry, riverside willows y in spring''s sunny day;


    willows y in spring''s sunny day, moonlit night is bright;


    bright moonlit night, sunny spring ys with willows;


    sunny spring ys with willows, on the riverside, the oriole cries.


    Lin Wanrong also secretly stuck out his tongue, This old Luo, writing a line of poetry, with so many tricks inside, damn, clearly he didn''t want anyone to answer. But I won''t let you have your way.


    Following Luo Min''s line, the next line should be about summer. But this poem was indeed difficult. Wu Xue''an and Zhao Kangning looked at each other, not daring to answer. This Luo Min, truly deserving of a top schr''s talent.


    Governor Luo nced around and chuckled, "Gentlemen, can anyone continue?" Seeing no one answering, he asked again, his smile deepening.


    Backstage, Qiaoqiao anxiously said, "Why did Governor Luo set such a difficult question? Doesn''t he want to find a husband for Sister Ning?"


    Luo Ning also stomped her foot and said, "What is Father doing? It''s clear that I don''t want to get married. He forcibly brought me here. Now that Big brother has made it to the final four, he is making it difficult for him with such questions. It''s infuriating!"


    Qiaoqiao stuck out her adorable little tongue andughed inwardly, ''Governor Luo is not just making it difficult for Big brother. Why don''t you say that?''


    Luo Ning sighed softly, "Qiaoqiao, the matter is not as simple as you think. After my grandmother''s birthday celebration, Young Prince Ning, surprisingly, sent someone to propose marriage"


    "Propose marriage?" Qiaoqiao eximed. "Did you ept, sister?"


    Luo Ning gave her a bitter smile. "Silly girl, if I had agreed, would we be holding this matchmaking event?"


    Qiaoqiao nodded. "I see. So, you''re using this poetry contest to reject the young prince."


    Luo Ning softly replied, "That''s part of it. There are moreplexities in the background, those are for my father to deal with, not something we women should concern ourselves with. After my father announced the matchmaking event, I was kept in the dark. In my opinion, I would never be willing to be part of such an uninteresting affair. But father had his considerations, and in the end, he promised me that the selected groom would be the one I chose."


    "I understand. That''s why you insisted that big brother must attend this poetry contest. Whether he''s talented or not, whether you like him or not, it''s all up to you." Qiaoqiao said, realization dawning on her.


    Blushing, Luo Ning nodded but dared not say more.


    "Is there any gentleman who canplete this verse?" Luo Min asked again with a smile.


    The crowd exchanged nces. They had been looking forward to a fiercepetition in the second round of the four, but they didn''t expect that the governor''s question would stump all the talents. Not only Young Prince Ning and Wu Xue''an were left speechless, but even the dark horse Lin San fell silent. If it went on like this, wouldn''t it be impossible for anyone to advance?


    "Big brother, hurry up" Luo Yuan and Qingshan were secretly anxious, urging continuously.


    Seeing Luo Min''s self-satisfied expression, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but smile. Seeing the hall so silent, he stood up and said with a smile, "Governor Luo, I would like to recite a poem."


    The crowd was in an uproar when they saw someone stand up, especially because it was Lin San, who had been advancing through all the rounds. But when they heard he was going to recite a poem, some felt disappointed. This was a game of chain verse, why was he reciting a poem? If he couldn''t continue Governor Luo''s poem, the contest would be unnecessary.


    Wu Xue''an, who had been embarrassed in thest round, held a grudge against Lin San. Hearing his words, he couldn''t help but sneer, "This is a chain verse, what''s the use of your poem?"


    Lin Wanrongughed loudly, "Whether it''s useful or not, you''ll know after you hear it."


    Luo Min nced at Lin Wanrong andughed, "Mr. Lin, what good poem has inspired you? Please recite it for us to hear."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and recited aloud,


    Fragrant lotus stirs the emerald waters in the cool breeze,


    Waters stir in the cool breeze as the sun and moon endure;


    Enduring sun and cool moon stir the breeze across the waters,


    Cool breeze stirs the water, carrying the fragrance of the emerald lotus.


    The crowd hadn''t yet understood, but Wu Xue''an''s face had turned pale. Zhao Kangning and Hou Yuebai immediately understood, their faces filled with disbelief.


    Luo Ning silently repeated the verse twice, then suddenly eximed, "Big brother Lin has won."


    "Shush" Qiaoqiao raised her slender index finger, signaling her sister Ning to listen in secret and not let anyone know. She was already used to her big brother''s extraordinary abilities, so she didn''t ask any more questions. Instead, she giggled and said, "Sister Ning, you can rest assured now. I told you, big brother never disappoints."


    Luo Min pped his hands andughed, "Good, good, young master Lin indeed possesses extraordinary learning. You''re the only one who passed this round."


    Apart from a few individuals, most of the attendees didn''t understand the knack of it. A young man from the audience stood up and asked, "Governor Luo, why did Lin San win this round? I don''t quite understand."


    Luo Min smiled and said, "Well, let me exin it to you all. The first line I posed was about spring, so the second line should be about summer. The lines recited by Young Master Lin are the reverse of the original poem. His verse about summer is


    Fragrant lotus stirs the cool breeze over the emerald water as the sun and moon endure."


    Upon further reflection, the crowd understood. Suddenly, apuse broke out like a tidal wave and continued for quite some time. The difficulty of the challenge posed by Luo Min was clear, and this servant Lin San''s abilities were indeed impressive.


    Lin Wanrong stood up, made a polite salute to the crowd, andughed, "A fluke, a fluke."


    The poem about the four seasons was supposed to be in four lines, and now there were only verses for spring and summer, with none for autumn and winter. It was indeed a pity that the other three couldn''t continue. Lin Wanrong saw Luo Min''s gaze wandering, frequently drifting towards him. Could this old man be hoping for him toplete verses for autumn and winter? Please, don''t toy with me, he thought anxiously. Out loud, he hastily asked, "Governor Luo, who won this round?"


    Given that he was the only one who answered the chain verse poem, the oue was obvious. What was initially a four-to-two yoff turned into a one-to-win scenario, hence prematurely ending the contest. Naturally, there were those who were discontented with Lin San iming theurels.


    Just as Luo Min was about to reply, Cheng De rose and said, "Hold on, Governor Luo, gentlemen, we agreed on four rounds ofpetition. How can it end after just three rounds? In my humble opinion, for the sake of fairness, we should have another round. It would also provide us with a chance to feast our eyes on the talent of these young schrs, don''t you agree?"


    Everyone present didn''t want such an exciting poetrypetition to end prematurely. They readily agreed, causing Luo Ning backstage to stomp her foot in frustration, "These people, how can they go back on their words?"


    Luo Min looked at Lin Wanrong as if seeking his opinion. Lin Wanrong thought resentfully, This old man, does he not care about his daughter''s happiness? Why is he hypocritically asking me?


    Zhao Kangning sent a signal to Wu Xuean, the schr from the capital. Wu Xuean then stood up and said, "Thank you, Commander Cheng and Governor Luo, for giving us schrs another opportunity. On behalf of Young Prince Ning and Brother Hou, I would like to challenge Mr. Lin."


    Just as Hou Yuebai was about to speak, Zhao Kangning shot him a stern nce. Fearing Young Prince Ning''s power, Young Master Hou dared not speak and was naturally represented.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "Young Master Wu, this poetrypetition is fair in itself. In this final round, you all yielded, allowing me to win. Young Master Wu, you have already lost your chance, how can you challenge me?"


    With their defeat witnessed by the crowd, Wu Xuean was left speechless by Lin Wanrong''s words. The onlookers became restless, shouting, "Another round, another round"


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "However, since everyone is so enthusiastic and Brother Wu is so sincere, it would be against my nature to refuse. But rules are rules, they cannot be broken. How about this? I propose apromise. Brother Wu, pour me a cup of tea, hand it to me personally, call me Teacher Lin, and then we can have another round."


    This proposal was to force Wu Xuean to concede and honor Lin Wanrong as his teacher. Even if Wu Xuean managed to turn the tables in the final round, he would still not truly win, having already paid respect to Lin Wanrong. Schrs held themselves in high esteem, and right now, in front of an audience, it was a battle of poetry. How could Wu Xuean lower his head? He snorted but said nothing.


    The audience below wasn''t pleased. Luo Yuan started chanting, "Pour the tea, pour the tea"


    The atmosphere below the stage was heated. Luo Min stroked his beard, smiling, while Cheng De kept his face dark and silent. Zhao Kangning was constantly giving Wu Xuean eye signals. Finally, Wu Xuean, feeling helpless, gritted his teeth, stood up, poured the tea, and handed it to Lin Wanrong, saying, "Teacher Lin, please have tea."


    Lin Wanrong sat carelessly in his chair, didn''t stand up, took the tea cup, and nodded like an old schr, saying, "A promising youth indeed."


    The master of the ceremony loudly announced, "This is the final round. The two schrs can choose their own topics."


    Wu Xuean gritted his teeth in frustration, waved his hand, and said, "No need for that. I will write one poem with the time to finish a cup of tea as the limit. Mr. Lin, please respond with a poem of your own. If you answer correctly, I will admit defeat."


    Everyone knew the most critical moment hade. It seemed that this schr from the capital waspletely infuriated, and the drama was about to unfold. Everyone held their breath, waiting for him to set the topic.


    Wu Xuean took a few steps in the hall, thinking of the humiliation he had experienced that day, and his heart was filled with indignation. He recited loudly,


    "Even with wood, it''s a game of chess; without wood, it''s still part of it.


    Remove the wood from the chess, add ack, it bes deceit.


    Dragons swim and prawns y in the murky waters,


    A tiger in the open field is bullied by dogs."


    This was a true portrayal of his mood today. He was a famous schr in the capital, invited to participate in this poetrypetition in Jinling. He thought he would be greatly glorified, but first he misread a poem, and then he publicly acknowledged Lin San as his teacher. For a proud and arrogant schr like him, with a reputation outside, it was unbearable.


    As soon as Wu Xuean''s voice fell, someone in the hall began to apud. His poem was implicitly insulting but also showed great wit. He was indeed a schr from the capital, truly knowledgeable. Lin Wanrong nced at the hall, seeing those who apuded were surreptitiously eyeing Zhao Kangning. Clearly, they were the Young Prince''s spies. Damn, you want to y this game with me? When I was ying this game, you were still ying in the mud and urine, Lin Wanrong sneered.


    Boosted by the audience''s encouragement, Wu Xuean felt the "humiliation" he had previously suffered had lessened. He mustered up the courage and loudly said, "Mr. Lin, the time to finish a cup of tea is almost up. Can youe up with a response?"


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "This is merely a poetry contest, purely for entertainment. Brother Wu, you need not take it too seriously. I will not respond to this poem."


    Overjoyed, Wu Xuean asked, "How so? Could it be that you, Brother Lin, are admitting defeat? This is indeed a rare sight!"


    "Admit defeat?" Lin Wanrong snorted coldly. "Brother Wu, I must tell you, the word ''defeat'' does not exist in my dictionary. I''m afraid that if I were to respond to your poem, it would cause you too much embarrassment."


    Zhao Kangning stood up and said, "Lin San, stop spouting nonsense and recite your poem. If you can''t respond, just step aside."


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened in anger, and he shouted, "Lin San is a name you can call? Young prince, have you forgotten the promise you made?"


    Zhao Kangning''s face turned red with anger, and he gritted his teeth, "Then please, Teacher Lin, recite your poem."


    Many in the hall knew the story behind their exchange, but the majority were confused. However, seeing that even the young prince did not dare to retort after being reprimanded by Lin San, they were utterly surprised.


    Lin Wanrongughed. "Since Brother Wu and the Young Prince insist, I will give it a try. Brother Wu''s poem was indeed interesting, with dragons and tigers, shrimps, and dogs, truly mighty. It seems as if schrs from the capital like you are dragons and tigers, and us schrs from the south are mere shrimps and dogs in your eyes. This severely underestimates us, the schrs of the south."


    Wu Xuean''s poem was meant to mock only Lin Wanrong, but Lin Wanrong had cleverly expanded it to insult all the Southern schrs. Many in the hall were Southern schrs. Now, Lin San had be their representative, and Wu Xuean''s insult had backfired terribly.


    Wu Xuean hadn''t considered any of this when he recited his poem. He hadn''t expected Lin San to be so cunning as to rally the Southern schrs to his side. Wu Xuean wiped the cold sweat off his forehead and dared not speak again.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Since Young Master Wu looks down on us Southern schrs so much, I will not be polite. Today we are here on the Qinhuai River, so I will use flowing water as the theme:


    With water, it''s a brook; without water, what is it?


    Remove water from the brook, add a bird, and it bes a chicken.


    A satisfied cat is mightier than a tiger,


    A plucked phoenix - not as good as a chicken."


    "Bravo, bravo" Thunderous apuse filled the hall, echoing across the Qinhuai River. It was a genuine expression of admiration. In this final round, Lin Wanrong showed greatposure and not only stood up to Wu Xuean, the schr from the capital, but also gave him a taste of his own medicine, which was brilliantly done.


    Wu Xuean turned pale, and Zhao Kangning''s face was ashen. They were both speechless.


    Lin Wanrong wiped the cold sweat off his forehead. Damn,posing these damn poems was more exhausting than fighting a battle. For this girl Luo Ning, this schr had truly put in a lot of effort.


    Luo Min pped his hands andughed. "Excellent, excellent! The poetry contest has sessfully concluded in four rounds. Young Master Lin''s talent is extraordinary, and it is well-deserved that he stands at the top."


    Lin Wanrong was calm inside. Besides winning, which was unexpected, everything else was within his expectations, with nothing to be surprised about.


    Guo Wuchang was cheering for Lin San, but a servant from the Xiao family rushed over, whispered something in the young master''s ear, and Guo Wuchang dropped his tea cup in shock.


    "Governor Luo, may we ask for Miss Luo''s opinion of our Young Master Lin?" someone in the hall shouted, causing a wave ofughter. The hall was filled with uproarious noise. This was the highlight of the poetrypetition. How could it be overlooked?


    "Well" Luo Min stroked his beard and smiled. "The matter of choosing a suitor ultimately lies with my daughter. Servant, please invite the youngdy"


    Before Luo Min had even finished speaking, a young maid walked out from behind the curtain, holding a hibiscus tent and an embroidered handkerchief adorned with mandarin ducks. She approached Lin Wanrong, bowed gracefully, and said with a smile, "Young Master Lin, these two items are gifts from my young miss. She also asks if you couldpose a poem using them."


    What did this mean? Lin Wanrong looked at the hibiscus tent and the mandarin duck handkerchief as if seeing the blushing face of Luo Ning peeking at him from behind the curtain. He grinned roguishly, his heart pounding with excitement. This girl was interesting. Even a fool could see her affection. Clearly, she was expressing her feelings for him, yet she still wanted him to express his feelings for her. Ah, women, their skins were much thinner than his.


    At this moment, Lin Wanrong was feeling inspired, andposing a few lines was not an issue. He swiftly grabbed a brush and began to write. But before he could finish, he saw Young Master Guo Wuchang, his face filled with urgency, rushing towards him. Guo Wuchang whispered something in his ear.


    "What?" Lin Wanrong dropped the brush in surprise and headed towards the cabin door as swiftly as a bird in flight.


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 Chapter 261

    Chapter 261


    Chapter 261 Encounter with Brigands


    "Big brother, Big brother!" Qiaoqiao hastened from behind the curtain, calling out with her charming voice. But Lin Wanrong, in his hurried pace, had already left with Guo Wuchang through the cabin door, not even hearing her call.


    "Sister Ning, what do we do? Big brother seems to have encountered some urgent matter and abruptly left without exining anything." Qiaoqiao returned to the room, stealthily casting a nce at Luo Ning.


    Luo Ning seemed not to hear her words, her expression vacant, her face pale, lost in her thoughts. The maid came rushing back with a scroll that Lin Wanrong had written before his departure, handing it to Luo Ning, "Miss, this was left by Young Master Lin."


    Frantically, Luo Ning grabbed the scroll to read. The writing was powerful, dragon and phoenix dancing in the characters, a poem that had only two linespleted:


    Hibiscus form a tent ofyered brocade, side by side they coo in the jade dew.


    Luo Ning clenched her teeth, her eyes turning red. Picking up the brush, she added two lines to the unfinished poem:


    People say the Jade Pool in spring is like a sea, under the bright moon, a pair of mandarin ducks descend.


    Now the poem about the hibiscus tent and mandarin ducks wasplete. Luo Ning tossed aside the brush, looked at the verses onest time, then abruptly copsed on the desk, weeping bitterly...


    The people in the main hall, having seen Miss Luo send out two items, had already discerned her affection for Lin San. They were all anticipating a beautiful love story between a talented man and a beautiful woman. Yet, unexpectedly, Lin San, the victor of the poetry contest, abandoned Miss Luo and left hastily, causing considerable astonishment. For a moment, everyone was murmuring, wondering what had transpired.


    Luo Min stood up,ughing heartily, "Gentlemen, there''s no need for surprise. You all must have seen my daughter''s feelings toward Young Master Lin. It seems Master Lin had to attend to an emergency at home, so it''s understandable that he had to leave in a rush. Tomorrow, I will personally announce the oue of this matter to everyone in our hometown. Now that the poetry contest is over and night has just begun, let''s enjoy fine wine on this Qinhuai River and return only when we''re drunk. Young Prince, Commander Cheng, esteemed guests, do grant me this favor."


    Seeing the governor personally exin, everyone felt relieved, believing his words. The entertainment was over for the day, and now it was time to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Qinhuai River. In a moment, the atmosphere in the cabin became lively again. Zhao Kangning and Cheng De exchanged nces before taking their seats.


    ---


    Lin Wanrong quickly walked out of the cabin. Young Master Guo followed him anxiously, "Lin San, my aunt and cousin Yuruo have met with trouble. What can we do?"


    Lin Wanrong said, "Young Master, don''t be anxious. Tell me the details."


    Young Master Guo nodded, "Today''s poetry contest, Governor Luo and the Prefect specially sent invitations. Every influential family in Jinling received one, and our Xiao family was no exception. Due to thepetitions, I left home early. My aunt and cousin said they would arriveter. But they didn''t show up after a long time. Just as I was getting worried, a servant came to report that they found the carriage my aunt and cousin were supposed to be in, in the city. But the two of them were nowhere to be found. It looked as if they were kidnapped. Lin San, what should we do? You must find a way to save my cousin and aunt"


    Lin Wanrong''s heart zed with fury. Damn it, what in the world is this? I haven''t been home for just a few days, and these two were abducted. Not only the Eldest Miss was taken, but even the Madam was taken as well. Without these two, the Xiao family is practically disassembled. What kind of grudge does this person have against the Xiao family?


    "Weren''t there any servants apanying the Eldest Miss and the Madam when they went out?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "They were with Xiao Feng and Little Cui, but these two were knocked unconscious. When they woke up, they couldn''t remember anything. Lin San, who do you think bears such a grudge against us that they''d act so viciously?"


    Knocked unconscious? Lin Wanrong paused. If someone were seeking revenge, like the White Lotus Sectst time, they would kill on sight and not leave survivors. So why had the culprits merely knocked out Xiao Feng and the others? What was their purpose? He initially thought it might have been the work of Zhao Kangning and Cheng De, but given Xu Wei''s character, his ns were always thorough, and Cheng De and the others were likely being secretly monitored by Xu Wei, denying them such an opportunity. So, who could these viins be?


    The two talked at the prow of the ship for a while. The ship was originally in the middle of the Qinhuai River, and the surrounding flower boats had long since departed. They waited a long time without seeing a single ferry boat.


    Lin Wanrong thought back to his encounter with Du Xiuyuan and Hu Bugui earlier that day and realized, Oh no, Xu Wei and Luo Min, these two old foxes, are probably going to make their move against Cheng De tonight. The waters of the Qinhuai River must have been sealed off by now.


    Thinking of this, he became even more anxious. Damn it, if we can''t get out of the Qinhuai River, where can we find the two of them? Two weak women, as beautiful as flowers and jade, falling into the hands of viins, if we can''t find them by tonight, everything will be over. Xiao Yuruo, what was she thinking, acting so capriciously. Next time I see her, I''ll have to give her a good spanking to teach her a lesson.


    "A boat, a boat, Lin San, there''s a boating." Young Master Guo suddenly pointed into the distance and shouted.


    Lin Wanrong quickly looked in the direction he was pointing. It was already dusk, and the surface of the water was misty. A small wooden boat was approaching in the distance, with two people on the boat waving at Lin Wanrong.


    "Brother Hu, brother Du" Lin Wanrong recognized the two figures and shouted happily.


    Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan rowed faster and soon reached the foot of the ship. Lin Wanrong didn''t wait for the boat to steady before he jumped down,nding in the middle of the boat. Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan each grabbed an arm and eximed, "General Lin, we thought we had lost you."


    Lin Wanrong excitedly said, "Brothers, I missed you too. How are the men, are they well?"


    Hu Buguiughed, "They are all good, hiding around here, ready to do something big tonight."


    Just as expected, Lin Wanrong nodded to himself. Now that he was no longer in the military, Hu Bugui had openly shared even this secret with him. This bond of life and death, this trust, was iparable to anything else.


    With tears in his eyes, Du Xiuyuan said, "General Lin, when Tong Cheng cowardly fired cannons behind our backs that day, we all thought you were... After that, the tens of thousands of brothers from my Right Wing Army sought out Tong Cheng to avenge you. Had it not been for Marshal Xu stopping us, we would have chopped up that Tong Cheng to feed the turtles long ago."


    Hu Bugui said, "And what if we didn''t chop him up? I sent Xu Zhen to ambush him along the road. Just one arrow pierced his skull. It was an easy end for this son of a bitch."


    Lin Wanrong clung to the two men''s arms, expressing his gratitude. "Thank you, my dear brothers. I cannot express how grateful I am."


    "General Lin," Du Xiuyuan began, "how did you escape that bombardment? We saw the intensity of the cannon fire, we all thought you were..."


    "Ah--" Hu Bugui cut him off. "General Lin has great fortune and a big destiny. He wouldn''t be easily harmed by the wicked. I, old Hu, knew this from the beginning. See, I wasn''t boasting, was I?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "The circumstances wereplex, and it''s difficult to summarize. I''ll have a proper chat with you two about it someday."


    Hu Bugui nodded, "Right, we have plenty of time. General Lin, Marshal Xu and the brothers are waiting for you. We should go see them."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, and they took Guo Wuchang aboard. Hu Bugui rowed the boat, and they proceeded straight ahead. When they reached the shore, they saw the shore brightly lit, with bright weapons shining. It was Xu Wei with thousands of men personally weing them.


    "Little brother Lin, I''m so d to see you again!" Xu Wei''s voice came from far away before they evennded. It was the first time Young Master Guo had seen the number one schr in the world, Xu Wenchang. His hands were shaking slightly, and his legs were trembling.


    Lin Wanrong greeted, "I apologize for causing you worry, Mr. Xu."


    The boat reached the shore, and they jumped off. Xu Wei took Lin Wanrong''s hand, "It''s not worry, I sincerely thank you, Little brother Lin. Your contribution in the White Lotus Sect affair was monumental, well-known to all. The officers you promoted also showed great merit and capability. You not only made contributions but also fostered talents. How can I not express my gratitude?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, thinking This old man has quite a high opinion of me. But what''s the use of some sweet words? It would be more practical to give some silver as a reward.


    Xu Wei looked him up and down for a long while before asking, "Little brother Lin, were you injured in the bombardment that day? If your injuries were due to my mistake, I wouldn''t find peace for the rest of my life."


    "Well, I didn''t suffer any significant injuries. I just got a bit dizzy from the st and couldn''t sleep at night because of nightmares. Sometimes I cough up a bit of blood, but other than that, I''m fine. The doctor said that with some good nourishment, I should recover in about thirty years."


    Listening to his nonsense, Xu Wei didn''t argue, but smiled slightly, "Little brother Lin, for our Great Hua, you devoted yourself entirely, risking your life to fight against the enemy''s leader, the Holy Mother of the White Lotus cult, and killed her amidst the cannon fire. Such spirit and courage are truly a model for our soldiers. I must report to the Emperor and request a hefty reward."


    The old man was clearly being sarcastic. Even though Lin Wanrong had an exceptionally thick skin, he couldn''t help but feel a bit embarrassed. However, since Xu Wei pretended to be unaware of the truth, he yed along,ughing and said, "Mr. Xu, are you nning to take action today?"


    "Indeed. I''ve been in the Jiangnan region for a while now, and there''s a lot waiting for me in the capital. The matter at hand in Jiangsu will mark the end of my visit here. Once it''s taken care of, I intend to return to Beijing to report to His Majesty." Xu Wei nced at Lin Wanrong, "Little brother Lin, how would you have dealt with the situation tonight if you were in my shoes?"


    Dammit, he''s the strategic mastermind here, why''s he asking me? He''s just making fun of me, isn''t he? Lin Wanrongughed, "I''m not adept at such things. Aren''t these situations where you excel, Mr. Xu? Isn''t it all about condemning crimes and taking decisive actions? Surely, you''ve already prepared for everything. Where would you need my input?"


    Xu Wei nodded and sighed, "Little brother, you were born smart. usation and execution, indeed, are the tricks of the trade in the world of politics. Many people go their whole lives without grasping these concepts, and yet you''ve pointed them out in a single statement. If you chose to pursue a political career, I fear no one could match you."


    Not interested in his ttery, Lin Wanrong responded, "As for tonight''s affair, I look forward to hearing your good news, Mr. Xu. Oh, and another thing. Since you were nning on acting, you must have started keeping an eye on Cheng De and his men. Have they done anything unusual today? Have they kidnapped anyone?"


    Xu Wei slowly shook his head, "Indeed, I have been discreetly observing Cheng De and his subordinates. But so far, they haven''t made any strange moves today. Why do you ask?"


    Lin Wanrong told Xu Wei about Madam Xiao and her daughter''s abduction. Xu Wei was shocked, "Such audacity! Who would dare to kidnap Miss Guo? Aren''t they afraid of execution to the ninth degree of kinship?"


    Kidnapping Madam Xiao equates to execution to the ninth degree of kinship? You must be joking! Lin Wanrong shook his head. He counted on his fingers, the enemies of the Xiao family boiled down to two factions. One was the group led by the unsessful intimidator, Young Prince Ning, and the other was the White Lotus cult. Zhao Kangning and Cheng De couldn''t pull any tricks under Xu Wei''s watch, while the White Lotus cult was practically extinct, leaving behind only two "remnants".


    Remnants? Lin Wanrong paused for a moment, recalling all the clues rted to the kidnapping of the mother and daughter, suddenly understanding dawned on him. He called out loudly, "Mr. Xu, please prepare a fast horse for me"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s anxious expression, Xu Wei didn''t dare dy. He quicklymanded, "Prepare a fast horse for General Lin. Hu Bugui, you take a thousand elite riders, under General Lin''smand. Ensure Madam Xiao is rescued unharmed."


    By the time Xu Wei had finished arranging, Lin Wanrong was already impatient. As soon as the horse arrived, he didn''t bother about Guo Wuchang, quickly mounted, shouted, and spurred the horse onwards. He sped off towards Xuanwu Lake, swift as an arrow released from its bow.


    Hu Bugui, leading a thousand elite riders, followed closely behind, their hooves thundering, breaking the silence of Jinling City.


    Once he reached Xuanwu Lake, Lin Wanrong dismounted. Looking across the vastke, there was no sign of any boats to be seen.


    "Xian''er, Xian''er," Lin Wanrong called out across theke.


    Waterfowls nestled in the bushes pped their wings and took flight, amplifying the destion and silence of theke. There was no sign of Xian''er''s pleasure boat.


    "General Lin" Hu Bugui arrived leading a thousand cavalrymen, dismounted hurriedly, and announced loudly, "I am at your disposal, General."


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand, "Brother Hu, split your men onto small boats and search the Xuanwu Lake for a pleasure boat. If there are people aboard, tell them"


    Before he could finish his sentence, Hu Bugui, pointing towards theke, asked, "General, is it that one?"


    Lifting his head, Lin Wanrong saw arge pleasure boat slowly approaching from across theke. A woman of remarkable beauty was standing at the bow, looking towards the shore and smiling...


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 Chapter 262

    Chapter 262


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    Chapter 262


    For the sake of the patient''s stability, Micalin allowed no one other than himself and Yuder to follow. Yuder shot a nce toward Kishiar, then followed Micalin directly up to the upper floors.


    Inside the room they entered, following a corridor cluttered with broken items, several wounded magesy asleep.


    "These are the ones who were injured at dawn. I put them to sleep with magic for a quick recovery."


    With that exnation, Micalin moved towards the innermost bed. As he gently touched the shoulder of a sleeping mage, the man slowly opened his eyes.


    "Leader... are you here?"


    "Yes, Skelly. How are you feeling?"


    "I''m fine. I apologize for causing you concern and being unable to help....."


    "The wounded needn''t trouble themselves with unnecessary thoughts."


    At Micalin''s response, the mage called Skelly sighed.


    "How can I not, knowing everyone is injured and struggling. But who is that behind you... I seem to see a new face."


    To the young mage''s anxious and defensive gaze towards Yuder, Micalin extended a reassuring hand.


    "He''s a coborator who agreed to help ovee this situation. Just listen to our conversation, no need to worry."


    "A coborator?"


    "Yes, Skelly. Actually, the reason I came to see you today is to hear more about the crack in the air phenomenon you mentioned yesterday. Do you remember what you said then?"


    At Micalin''s words, Skelly widened his eyes.


    "If you mean the one I saw at the ruins... Wasn''t it concluded that I was just being overly sensitive?"


    "It was. But I thought that it might not be a false rm."


    "Pardon?"


    "The crack you saw appeared again today. So, I thought we should revisit your ount."


    The mage, his arm bandaged, alternated his gaze between Micalin and Yuder, then slowly sat up.


    "If that''s the case... I understand. It was too strange to simply dismiss as a figment. I''ll tell you everything I remember."


    Skelly began to slowly recount the previous day''s events.


    "It was in the afternoon when I went to do my shift at the ruins. Gemma and Shail were repairing the barrier, and I was monitoring the changes in the distribution of magic power. It had definitely increasedpared to a few days ago. While I was recording that, something strange caught my eye. At first, I thought it was the shadow of a tree, but upon closer inspection, it was a long crack that had appeared in thin air."


    The crack that Skelly described was almost identical to what Yuder had seen.


    ''So, it wasn''t the first time it appeared today.''


    The crack witnessed before the disaster in his previous life wasn''t a one-time urrence. During the earthquake in the south, more than ten witnesses imed to have seen something simr to the crack in different areas on different dates.


    While not all of their statements might have been true, even the number of witnesses found after the incident suggested the possibility that cracks might have appeared and disappeared without anyone noticing.


    Tracking the crack alone was difficult, so he had left it as a hypothesis. Now, knowing the truth quickened his heartbeat.


    Fearing a monster might emerge, I had hurried off to summon Gemma and Shail, but by the time I returned, the crack had vanished. Gemma spected I might have seen an illusion. Shail too suggested that some had been seeing such illusions at the ruins recently and advised me to take a break from research for a while. I had agreed, but just in case, I reported it to the Leader.


    However, Micalin, upon hearing Skelly''s report at that time, did not take the matter too seriously. It wasmon for mages, weary from long research, to asionally see things. And not long after, the surprise attack by monsters that appeared with the darkness of night had robbed them of all leisure, and the story of the strange crack in the air soon faded from their minds.


    "Thanks for telling me. Now rest a bit more."


    After speaking, Micalin put the weary Skelly back to sleep and looked back at Yuder.


    "What do you think?"


    "It seems that the crack he saw is not much different from what I''ve seen."


    "So, there is indeed a connection between these phenomena..."


    Micalin frowned and fell into thought. Yuder, watching his expression, hesitantly spoke up.


    "You just mentioned that there were mages who have seen illusions at the ruins recently, could it be possible that these illusions include such cracks?"


    "Hmm, I knew that the number of people seeing illusions had increased, but I assumed it was due to the strain of recent advances in research."


    Yet, Micalin fell silent, seemingly considering the point valid.


    "We should look into it."


    They headed back down the stairs. Yuder followed Micalin, mentally preparing what he would report back to the party.


    "Leader, have you finished speaking with Skelly?"


    "Yes, it seems what he saw was the same phenomenon as the strange crack that appeared today."


    At Micalin''s brief exnation, everyone gasped.


    "So, ..."


    "Although you''re all busy with cleaning up the site, there''s something you need to investigate immediately."


    Micalin gave orders to the mages under him, including Lorna.


    "Weren''t there quite a few who imed they saw illusions while exploring the ruins recently? Ask them what they saw, where they saw it, and if they felt anything strange at the time. Anything they can remember, even vaguely."


    The mages nodded solemnly.


    "Understood."


    It didn''t take them long to find answers. The responses they gathered while circling around were astonishing.


    "It seems like two really saw illusions, while about half a dozen saw something like a crack in the air that could be mistaken for a shadow, like Skelly did. If we include those who are currently out in the vige or those in the western base, the number may even increase."


    The mages who had retrieved the answers also looked surprised, as if they hadn''t expected such a result. The expression on Micalin, their Leader, grew even more grave.


    "...So, did you also find out when this was first seen?"


    "It''s not certain, but among those present here, the first one to see it... it seems like at least a month ago. At the time, it appeared very briefly and vanished, startling them with the thought of a possible monster appearance, but when nothing happened, they soon forgot about it."


    "Was it also near the ruins?"


    "Yes."


    Micalin, who seemed dumbfounded, raised his voice toward the mages.


    "But how did not a single one of you think to pay attention to this until now? You should have reported to Tainu immediately!"


    "I-I apologize."


    "No... no, it''s not your fault. It''s probably because we''ve been constantly moving between Tainu and the Great Sarain Forest, with no one consistently staying put. Even I have not visited in the past few months, so who can I me?"


    Micalin, tucking back his tousled hair, turned his keen, saffron-colored eyes towards Yuder.


    "It seems we, who imed to be in pursuit of truth, have turned a blind eye to the phenomenon that was already unfolding. We''ve shown a shameful image."


    "That''s not true."


    "About a month ago, coincidentally, significant changes in the distribution of magic power were observed at the ruins we were studying. It seems highly likely there''s some sort of connection, but... right now, due to the crisis, it''s difficult to go there."


    "Then could you at least exin a bit more about what you were studying at the Magic Spring Ruins? I''m not sure what you mean by a change in the distribution of magic power, but if I understand what it is, it might help."


    "Well..."


    Micalin looked thoughtfully at Yuder and the rest of the Cavalry, struggling with what to say. Even though they had decided to cooperate, discussing the details of the research was obviously causing him some consternation.


    However, he quickly made his decision.


    "Have you ever heard that the number of mages entering the Pearl Tower every year is dwindling?"


    The words, heavily uttered by the old mage, made all the Cavalry blink in unison. Yuder had vaguely heard about the issue in his previous life, but feigned ignorance for the moment.


    "I think I''ve heard something about it... but I''m not quite sure."


    "Among us mages, this has been one of the big problems that have been going on for at least several hundred years. Especially in the past few decades, it has gotten worse. There are even rumors that at this rate, mages might disappear altogether."


    "..."


    "The only reason why the number of mages is dwindling and the number of those who can''t use offensive magic is increasing is simple. The magic power in this world is slowly thinning."


    Upon hearing Micalin''s direct exnation, the expressions of the mages standing behind them darkened.


    "We were excavating the Magic Spring Ruins to find a solution to this. Although, by now, even the Pearl Tower doesn''t have much hope for our research."


    The research was on a muchrger scale than Yuder had anticipated. As he listened to theplex exnations that followed, he tried to recall what the mages of the Western Mage Union had previously said about the Magic Spring.


    Kishiar had told the Cavalry that there was a legend that the earliest mages drew their power from the Magic Spring. It seemed that the mages of the Western Mage Union had been excavating ruins presumed to be this Magic Spring in an attempt to find a way to restore their power.


    ''It''s unclear whether the ruins they discovered really are the Magic Spring or where it once existed... But it''s certain that, even unknowingly, more magic power has pooled there than anywhere else. Just like the mountain range where the Red Stone was found.''


    Yuder didn''t know much about magic, but thankfully, he now had Kishiar, who was knowledgeable on the subject, with him. When he subtly shifted his gaze, he saw the tall man still standing motionless, showing no reaction. He was fully focused, not missing a word of Micalin''s exnation.


    The mere thought that he didn''t have to find the answers on his own made him feel significantly better.


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 Chapter 263

    Chapter 263


    Chapter 263 The Surprise Kiss from a Maiden


    Upon the Qinhuai River, the afterpetition atmosphere of the poetrypetition was in full swing among the participating schrs. Freed from the constraints of rank and wealth, they appeared exceptionally carefree. Amid the cycle of cups and goblets, the atmosphere was incredibly heated.


    With a smile, Luo Min said to Cheng De and Zhao Kangning, "Young Prince, Commander Cheng, this poetrypetition has been held several times, and this year''s is by far the most lively. Not only have we attracted many schrs, but even the Young Prince has graced us with his presence. Truly, it is an honor for Jinling."


    Zhao Kangning snorted, "I think the most exciting part is that you, Governor Luo, have managed to attract a good son-inw!"


    "Is that so?" Luo Minughed heartily, "Nothing is decided yet, and I cannot make promises. As for the young ones, let them sort things out themselves."


    Cheng De said, "Having been on military campaigns for many years, I am not much of a poetry person. I came here today merely to show my support for the Young Prince and Governor Luo."


    Gao Shou, standing outside the cabin, gave Luo Min a slight nod. A glint of joy passed through Luo Min''s eyes, and he turned to Cheng De with a smile, "Speaking of military campaigns, Commander Cheng, reminds me. News came yesterday from the Capital that Marshal Xu Wei led tens of thousands of troops against the White Lotus sect, eliminating all the bandits lurking in Jining, Shandong. Marshal Xu has captured the leaders of the White Lotus bandits, Lu Kanli and his son, and executed the Holy Mother of the White Lotus. The White Lotus sect has been entirely wiped out. The bandit problem that has gued us for years was exterminated overnight, truly a cause for joy. It is said that the Emperor was greatly pleased and ordered this news to be sent to all provincial officials. I suppose, the imperial edict to celebrate this great victory will soon reach Jiangsu..."


    Cheng De and Zhao Kangning exchanged nces, a hint of ruthlessness shing in their eyes. Cheng De nodded, "Indeed, the White Lotus has been a menace for years and it deserved its fate. It''s a pity though, given Jiangsu''s proximity to Shandong, our cavalry and infantry from Jiangsu made no contribution to the campaign. It is somewhat regrettable."


    Shaking his head with augh, Luo Min replied, "Commander Cheng, there''s no need for modesty. Everyone contributed to the eradication of the White Lotus. If it weren''t for your men guarding the borders of Shandong and Jiangsu, wouldn''t the White Lotus bandits have slipped into Jiangsu? In this respect, your contribution is far from minor."The words between them carried underlying messages, which others failed to understand. Sitting in the center, Zhao Kangning chuckled, "Both of you need not be modest. This was a collective effort by all provinces. When ites to credit, neither of you can be excluded. Let''s just wait for the Emperor''s decree. I believe everyone will be rewarded."


    The three men burst into heartyughter. Each had his own thoughts, understood only by themselves.


    "Governor, the Emperor''s jubnt news of the victory over the White Lotus sect has arrived," a messenger hurried in, reporting to Luo Min.


    "Oh, speak of the devil! Today''s poetrypetition is full of surprises indeed!" eximed Luo Min, delighted. Turning to Cheng De, he added, "Commander Cheng, let''s go receive this good news together."


    Cheng De gave a slight nod, and they both left the cabin. As Young Prince Ning wasn''t involved in the political arena of Jiangsu, he didn''t need to personally greet the news. Watching Luo Min''s retreating figure, a cold glint shed in Zhao Kangning''s eyes.


    Luo Min led Cheng De into a side room, which was entirely empty. Where was the sight of the imperial envoy who had supposedly brought the good news? Cheng De, puzzled, asked, "Governor Luo, where is the envoy?"


    "The envoy? Oh, he''ll be here soon," Luo Minughed, no longer able to hide the murderous intent in his eyes.


    Cheng De sensed that something was amiss. He demanded loudly, "Governor Luo, where is the envoy? Why have you led me here? What are you trying to do?"


    "Cheng De, are you aware of your crimes?" a stern voice echoed. From behind the curtain, a man emerged. His hair was white as snow, and he radiated an imposing aura. It was none other than Xu Wei, the greatmander who led the crackdown on bandits in Shandong.


    "Minister Xu? You... you... why are you here?" Cheng De was shocked. He backed away quickly, his voice trembling. His hand instinctively reached for the saber at his waist.


    Behind him, the figures of Gao Qiu and several armed guards appeared, effectively trapping Cheng De.


    Driven by shock and fear, Cheng De''s hand pressed onto his saber. Gathering his courage, he asked, "Minister Xu, what are you doing? What crime have Imitted?"


    "You''ve been corrupt, using troops arbitrarily, colluding with the White Lotus, and plotting rebellion. Are these crimes not enough?" Xu Wei responded with a coldugh.


    "Nonsense! I''ve led troops for many years. My loyalty to the court is as clear as day and night. How could I possibly rebel? You should not nder me!" Cheng De defended himself. "You are just trying to pin a crime on me. I will report this to the military department, to Prince Cheng, and to the Emperor himself!"


    "Enough with your excuses!" Xu Wei shouted, "Your deeds have been thoroughly investigated by Governor Luo. The evidence is undeniable, and it''s all in my possession. You''ve been colluding with the White Lotus bandits, and your eldest son, Cheng Ruinian, was sent by you to deliver messages to Lu Kanli of the White Lotus. He''s now in my custody, and we''ve found a letter bearing your personal signature. Cheng Ruinian has confessed, and he said it was you who sent him to inform you about our military movements. Do you still dare to deny it? What''s more, an hour ago, I personally led soldiers to search your mansion. You''ve hidden a golden knife and a jade seal in your back garden. Cheng De, are you nning a rebellion?"


    "That''s impossible!" Cheng De yelled, "You are framing me. I did not hide any golden knife or jade seal. That letter wasn''t written by me, it was¡­" He paused, remembering something, and dared not continue.


    "Who wrote it, then?" Xu Wei gave a cold smile, "We have irond evidence. Are you still trying to deny it? Bring in Cheng Ruinian!"


    Two soldiers pushed Cheng Ruinian out from the inner cabin. His hands were tied behind his back, his body covered in bruises, his face deathly pale. It was evident that he had been tortured. A cloth was stuffed in his mouth, and upon seeing Cheng De, he began to wail, struggling desperately.


    "Cheng De, now that we have both the material evidence and the witness, what else do you have to say?" Xu Wei''s voice was stern, his demeanor imposing and invible.


    In agony, Cheng De screamed, "Luo Min, you... you and Xu Wei conspired against me. I will report you to the Emperor, I will use you!"


    Luo Min scoffed, "Cheng De, you havemitted countless atrocities alongside your master over the years, and you are well aware of them. Did you truly believe that you are untouchable? As for today''s matter, even your master won''t be able to save you."


    Xu Wei pulled out an imperial edict from his sleeve and read, "The Commander-in-Chief of Jiangsu, Cheng De, has been found guilty of corruption, collusion with traitors, and plotting rebellion. He is to be executed immediately, by the Emperor''s decree!"


    "No, this can''t be. This is a forged edict. You''remitting treason. I''ll report you, Prince Cheng--" Cheng De screamed madly, drawing his sword and waving it frantically, his face a mask of despair.


    Xu Wei gave a signal to Gao Qiu. Holding a steel de, Gao Qiu slowly advanced.


    Fear was etched on Cheng De''s face as he let out a scream and charged forward. He was the Commander-in-Chief of Jiangsu and a veteran soldier; his sword strike was strong. However, it was nowhere near enough against Gao Qiu.


    Gao Qiu deflected his attack easily and pushed back, positioning his steel de on Cheng De''s neck, about to finish him off, when a loud shout from outside the cabin interrupted, "Fire, we''ve got a fire¡ª"


    ¡ª---


    Lin Wanrong stared nkly at the firecracker soaring into the sky, the whistling, bright light, burning out, and falling, a vague unease creeping in his heart.


    Seeing his strange demeanor, Qin Xian''er asked anxiously, "Husband, what did you say? What''s happening?"


    An Biru gave him a meaningful nce and said, "With the destruction of my White Lotus, Xu Wei''s next step would be to clean up the Jiangsu bureaucracy. I fear today is Cheng De''s death anniversary."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. This Sister An was really not simple, guessing the attack on Cheng De with a single sentence, he absolutely couldn''t underestimate her. He couldn''t help but look at An Biru more carefully. He had only seen the coquettish side of Sister An before, never witnessing such insightful analysis from her. Thinking back to the fall of Jining City, if not for the White Lotus King Lu Kanli''s refusal to heed her advice, how could Jining have been conquered so easily? This Sister An, although seemingly flirtatious, was in fact extremely wise. Her insights far surpassed many men.


    "Why are you staring at me? What are you plotting?" An Biru smiled, caressing her hair subtly, her charms were evident. She leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Little brother, do you want to hold me? Wait till Xian''er is away, and I''ll let you hold me. He he, I wonder what it feels like to be in a man''s embrace. I really want to know."


    This enchantress knew men all too well, tantalizingly out of reach, making him yearn for her, despite his frustration. Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth, acting as if he hadn''t noticed her seduction. He sighed slightly, "Sister, I''ve only just realized how incredibly lucky I was to capture Jining that easily. If the entire White Lotus Army had followed your advice, the battle would have been tough."


    An Biru, thinking of the past, gave a bitter smile, "What''s the use of saying that now? I spent twenty years on a task, only to fail at thest hurdle. However, you weren''t bad yourself, besieging without attacking, feigning reality, and then striking when our morale was low, turning the false into real. You''re really cunning. You little rascal, you ruined my n, I hate you, he he¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong shivered, this fox was mocking him by talking like Eldest Miss Xiao, wasn''t she?


    Xian''er snuggled against him and said, "Husband, you and Master met under adversarial circumstances, yet now we three are together, and isn''t it quite nice? Master and I will leave it to you to take care of us for a lifetime."


    Sweating, Lin Wanrong thought to himself, ''This little imp Xian''er is intentionally tempting me, doesn''t she know that I and her master are both desirous of each other? A little slip could lead to something beyond friendship. By then, when your Husband bes your Master, you''ll be toote to cry.''


    "Even a tiger caught napping is still a tiger. Little brother, from the looks of it, your ns must be foolproof," An Biru said with augh.


    Suddenly, Lin Wanrong remembered that Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning were still on the ship. His face changed, he sprang up and rushed toward the deck.


    "Husband, what are you doing?" Xian''er eximed in surprise.


    "I need to go to the Qinhuai River. Xian''er, you and Master Sister wait for me on the boat," Lin Wanrong hastily replied without looking back.


    Thankfully, the swift horse left behind by Hu Bugui was still tied up on the shore. Lin Wanrong untied the reins, and as he was about to mount the horse, he felt a soft body lightly float onto the horse, her arms tightly wrapping around his waist, her full chest rubbing against his back.


    "Husband, I will apany you, I want to protect you," Qin Xian''er said with deep affection, pressing her cheek against his broad back.


    This girl, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but smile, fondling her buttock. In his anxiety, he didn''t bother to stop her and spurred the horse into a gallop.


    An Biru watched as the young couple rode away, shaking her head and sighing softly. Her gaze lightly fell on the water surface, her thoughts inscrutable.


    When they arrived at the Qinhuai River, the ce was already sealed off by Xu Wei''s soldiers, permitting entry but no exit. These soldiers, mostly elite troops drawn from the right-wing army that Lin Wanrong oncemanded, recognized him instantly. Seeing Lin Wanrong, they shouted, "General Lin, General Lin has returned!"


    From the camp, a young officer rushed over excitedly, "General Lin, General Lin, so you''re really alive¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong and Qin Xian''er dismounted. He patted the young officer''s shoulder and said, "Xu Zhen, you''ve done well. It''s been only a few days and you''re already an officer. I see you and Brother Hu are on the fast track to bing topmanders."


    When Lin Wanrong was harmed by Tong Cheng, his subordinates plotted revenge for him. It was Xu Zhen who Hu Bugui had assigned to assassinate Tong Cheng, so naturally, Lin Wanrong wanted to thank him.


    Xu Zhen gratefully said, "General Lin, you were the one who saw my potential and promoted me. All that I have today, I owe to you. I''m ready to risk my life at yourmand."


    Back when Lin Wanrong was themander of the Chuzhou army, Xu Zhen was still somewhat immature. Now, with a few days'' passage and the experience of war, the boy had shed his youthful naivety and grown into a true soldier.


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Let''s save that forter. Xu Zhen, quickly arrange a boat for me to get to therge ship in the middle of the river."


    Xu Zhen urgently said, "General Lin, today Marshal Xu has ordered that passage through this river is only allowed inwards, not outwards. There seems to be serious trouble brewing. The area ahead is very dangerous, you must not risk your personal safety."


    "You''re regressing,d, having fought so many battles yet still speaking of taking risks," Lin Wanrongughed, "Hurry and prepare a small boat, I worry that a mishap may ur if we dy."


    Somewhat embarrassed, Xu Zhen quickly smiled and made arrangements. Qin Xian''er stood close to him, her face lighting up in a sweet smile, "Husband, your soldiers are very loyal to you."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed. This loyalty was won with life and death battles; how could they not be faithful?


    Xu Zhen was in charge of sealing off the waterway, and thus he had numerous fast boats at his disposal. He found a sturdy wooden boat for Lin Wanrong, and personally rowed it, ferrying Lin Wanrong and his wife towards the flower boat of Luo Ning.


    They had covered just over half the distance when Xu Zhen suddenly eximed, "General, look, it''s on fire!"


    "What?" Lin Wanrong was startled. Looking ahead, he saw thick smoke billowing out from Luo Ning''s flower boat and the two adjacent schr''s leisure boats. All three had caught fire simultaneously. Someone had intentionally started the fires. This night was destined to be anything but peaceful.


    Lin Wanrong yelled, "Go, we must hurry."


    ¡ª---


    "Where''s the fire?" Xu Wei, whomanded an army of tens of thousands, heard of the fire. He felt a jolt of surprise but maintained hisposure and shouted outwards.


    "Reporting to Marshal Xu and Governor Luo, the adjacent two boats and the upper room of this boat have caught fire. The people are panicked, and the situation is chaotic. We need your decision," came the reply.


    Luo Min sneered, "Cheng De, so you had prepared for this."


    Cheng Deughed heartily, "Governor Luo, I''ve been a cautious man ever since I was in the army. While your extravagant courtship on behalf of your beloved daughter may be due to deep affection, it cannot but arouse suspicions. My preparation was necessary. If I''m not mistaken, this fire probably started in Miss Luo''s boudoir."


    Before Luo Min could respond, a crashing sound was heard as two agile shadows burst through the window. Their steel des gleamed as they lunged toward Luo Min and Xu Wei.


    "Protect the two masters¡ª" Gao Qiu, the head of the pce guards, reacted calmly. He held the de to Cheng De''s throat and shouted. His guards hurriedly formed a human shield around the two masters. The two assassins made a feint before they both attacked Gao Qiu. Their target, naturally, was to rescue Cheng De.


    "Behead Cheng De¡ª" Luo Min shouted.


    "Behead Cheng De¡ª" Gao Qiu bellowed, bringing his steel de down. Cheng De''s head separated from his body instantly, with blood spurting out several feet high from his neck.


    The two assassins did not expect that in such a dangerous situation, Luo Min would disregard his own safety and overstep his authority by ordering Cheng De''s execution without a second thought. Seeing Cheng De''s body fall apart, the two assassins paused momentarily. Gao Qiu, with blood on his de and a murderous aura surrounding him, pounced forward and killed one of the assassins. The guards rushed forward and surrounded the remaining assassin.


    "Quickly, extinguish the fire, ensure Miss Luo''s safety, and keep an eye on the Young Prince--" Xu Wei urgentlymanded.


    Luo Min smiled, "Mr. Xu, I wouldn''t worry too much about my daughter. With Gao Shou there, nothing will go wrong."


    Xu Wei nodded, "This arson, I fear, isn''t the work of Cheng De. Today, you seized the opportunity amid chaos to kill Cheng De, indeed removing a future threat, but exining this to the Ministry of War might not be so easy."


    ¡ª---


    Lin Wanrong anxiously nced at Luo Ning''s burning ship. The fire seemed to have originated from the main cabin. He suddenly remembered Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao were in the cabin, his heart pounded with fear. "Row faster--" he shouted.


    Seeing his urgency, Xian''er took his hand, "Husband, don''t worry, let me help you."


    Qin Xian''er stood at the bow of the boat, exerting force from her feet. Her energy turned sharply, and the boat shot forward like an arrow released from a bow.


    "My God, why didn''t I think of this before? That sister An always used this trick to row, and I can do it too." His heart filled with urgency, Lin Wanrong moved forward and grabbed Xian''er''s small hand, "Wife, I''ll help you."


    Qin Xian''er smiled sweetly, holding her husband''srge hand. Both of them together exerted their energy. Lin Wanrong''s power was exceptional; with thebined efforts of husband and wife, the boat instantly sped up even more. Xu Zhen and several soldiers watched in awe as the general and his wife rowed without oars, truly miraculous.


    Du Xiuyuan had long led several thousand soldiers on small boats. Holding high torches, they illuminated the water surface like daylight, and surrounded the threerge ships. The two boats carrying the schrs had already plunged into chaos. The soldiers rapidly approached therge boats, bailing water and fighting the fire.


    On the boat carrying Luo Ning, which was full of influential figures and officials from Jinling City, the sight of the weapons and open mes caused widespread panic. Zhao Kangning sat among the crowd,pletely calm. A smirk yed on the corner of his mouth as he periodically nced upstairs at Luo Ning''s boudoir.


    Just as Lin Wanrong''s small boat neared the painted boat, he was about to step aboard when Qin Xian''er suddenly pulled him back, "Husband, wait--"


    Lin Wanrong turned back, confused. Xian''er took a handkerchief from her clothing, covered her face, and shyly said, "In the past, when I was at Miaoyu Pavilion, I had to deal with various people for the sect''s greater cause. Many in Jinling might recognize me. Now that I''m married to you, if they were to recognize me, it would surely bring trouble for you."


    Such thoughtful consideration. Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, watched as she concealed her face, then took her hand and stepped aboard.


    Lin Wanrong, anxious for Qiaoqiao''s safety, had rushed here. He scanned the crowd, chaos and noise everywhere. After several sweeps, he could not spot Luo Ning or Qiaoqiao.


    "Husband, look!" Xian''er pointed, her voice urgent.


    Lin Wanrong looked up and saw that the mes in the upper cabin were raging. The paper windows had all caught fire, popping and crackling. Two shadowy figures were sneaking along the edge of the cabin, so well hidden that, if not for Xian''er''s keen eyes, they would have been hard to spot.


    "Dammit, there''s foul y indeed," Lin Wanrong yelled, leading Xian''er upstairs in a rush. With a rustling sound, a burning piece of wood fell before them, nearly igniting his clothes.


    Seeing her husband risking himself like this, Xian''er hastily shielded him. Lin Wanrong looked up to see two shadowy figures being intercepted by a burly man. The three stood together, allowing Lin Wanrong to recognize the man who had stopped the two thieves - it was Gao Shou, the expert fighter.


    "Big brother, big brother¡ª" a sweet call came from the room.


    Lin Wanrong spun around to see Qiaoqiao at an intact window, waving her hand animatedly, shouting towards him with excitement.


    "Qiaoqiao, wait for me¡ª" Lin Wanrong shouted back, leaping to his feet. Only when he saw Qiaoqiao safe did he feel relief in his heart.


    Just as he and Xian''er were about to continue upstairs, Luo Min and Xu Wei emerged from a room, swiftly walking towards them, saying, "Little brother, don''t be anxious. I have already sent guards to protect the youngdies. They will not be in danger. You must not risk yourself; just wait calmly."


    ¡®Not anxious? Damn, that''s my wife. Of course, you wouldn''t worry.¡¯ He felt contempt for the two old foxes; a good plot to catch a turtle in a jar turned into a messy porridge by them, yet they had the nerve to tell him not to worry. His gaze swept over to Zhao Kangning, who sat leisurely with a cup of tea in his hand, his face disying a self-satisfied, sardonic smile.


    ¡®Son of a bitch, he''s even showing off now.¡¯ Lin Wanrong whispered something into Xian''er''s ear. She gave a light smile, broke a bamboo chopstick in half, and with a flick of her slender finger, a light ''pop'' was heard. Zhao Kangning''s chair disintegrated beneath him, and hended t on his butt, the scalding tea spilling all over him. Zhao Kangning let out a pained yell, silencing the chaotic crowd in the cabin.


    With a smug grin, Lin Wanrong hurried upstairs with Xian''er amidst the confusion. They found Gao Shou and a dozen guards surrounding four assassins. Damn, there were two more hidden. Luckily Luo Min and his men were prepared, otherwise today''s matter wouldn''t have ended well. These assassins were skilled and fought stubbornly, even though they were surrounded. A single nce was enough to tell that they were loyal to the death.


    Lin Wanrongughed loudly, "You ignorant fools, your master has already been captured, yet you still resist in the corner."


    Although the assassins were well trained, human instinct made their gaze involuntarily drift toward Zhao Kangning.


    ¡®As expected, it''s this bastard.¡¯ Anger red within Lin Wanrong. Should he let Xian''er use a divine needle to kill this bastard while he was unprepared? This reckless thought gave him a start. He couldn''t deny, it was a tempting idea. But if he did that, Xu Wei and Luo Min would be in trouble.


    He suppressed the idea with resentment, but on the other hand, Xian''er wasn''t idle on the side. With a flick of her fingers, the four assassins inexplicably froze, giving Gao Shou the opportunity to capture them all at once.


    "Qiaoqiao, Qiaoqiao¡ª" Lin Wanrong rushed into Luo Ning''s boudoir, Qiaoqiao, her eyes teary but a smile on her face, hurled herself into his arms and sobbed, "Big brother, big brother, you''ve finallye!"


    "My little treasure, you''re the apple of my eye, of course I had toe," Lin Wanrong said softly in her ear, while sneakily ncing at Xian''er. He saw his usually jealous sweetheart smiling at Qiaoqiao, surprisingly tranquil. The often vinegar-eating Xian''er being this peaceful with Qiaoqiao was indeed a twist of fate.


    "Qiaoqiao, this building is on fire, it''s so dangerous, why didn''t youe downstairs?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "It''s not that I didn''t want to, but Sister Ning..." Qiaoqiao paused here, surreptitiously ncing toward the bed. "She said she would onlye downstairs when you arrived¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong followed her gaze, only to see Luo Ning sitting on the bed, traces of tears still visible on her face. However, she showed no emotion, staring at him nkly without uttering a word.


    Feeling a bit creeped out by her gaze, Lin Wanrong thought, ''What''s gotten into this girl? She''s not looking for a fight, is she? I did have an urgent matter, didn''t I just rush back?'' Feeling a little guilty, he suppressed his unease, walked over, squatted in front of her, and asked softly, "Miss Luo, are you... are you alright?"


    Suddenly, a warm, fragrant softness threw itself into his arms. Luo Ning''s voluptuous, fiery body pressed tightly against his chest, her hands circled around his waist. Her soft, hot lips forcefully covered his, a scent like orchids and musk filled his nostrils, leaving him a little dazed and dizzy.


    Caught in a state of surprise and confusion, Lin Wanrong''s mind buzzed. ''Holy crap, did this girl just kiss me?''


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 264

    Chapter 264


    Chapter 264 You''re Mine Now


    ¡®Dammit, this is so sudden, so terrible, with my two wives standing right there. Please, miss, have some decency.¡¯ He leaned against Luo Ning''s chest, thinking helplessly.


    Luo Ning''s lips were soft and warm, like the sweetest honey, simply irresistible. The scent filled his mouth, apanied by a sweet aroma. Miss Luo''s breath was hot, the gentle whimpers from her mouth signaled she had forgotten where they were!


    ¡®Kiss then, let''s see who is scared.¡¯ Lin Wanrong embraced Luo Ning with a swift move, pulling her body into his arms. He gently kneaded her back with his warm hands, savoring the sweetness of her lips with delight.


    "Big brother, you are mine now." Luo Ning, nearly suffocated by his kiss, felt both startled and thrilled. She struggled slightly, her almond-shaped eyes slightly open, her emotions bewildered, and she whispered.


    "Eh? What?" General Lin, immersed in the sweetness, paused, his mind not yet catching up. His intuition told him something was off with what she said.


    Realizing her words were inappropriate, Luo Ning bashfully punched him a few times, murmuring, "It''s all your fault, always making me say the wrong things. Big brother, I belong to you."


    His mood lifted at these words. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss Luo, if you don''t mind, shall we continue¡ª"


    "Big brother (Husband)¡ª¡ª" Qiaoqiao and Qin Xian''er called out simultaneously, their faces slightly aggrieved.Suddenly, Lin Wanrong remembered they were still on the burning boat, the cabin could copse at any moment. He had lost his mind! Luo Ning was also dangerously reckless.


    "Husband, this room is on fire, we should leave soon. This is no ce for lingering," Qin Xian''er huffed, her lips puckered.


    Reluctantly kissing Luo Ning one more time, Lin Wanrong cleared his throat to hide his awkwardness, "Exactly, exactly. What Miss Luo and I just did was a temperature test experiment in high heat, don''t take it seriously. We act on affection, but also respect the proprieties. Qiaoqiao, Xian''er, Miss Luo, let''s go down."


    Hearing his glib exnation, all three women scoffed lightly, their faces blushing. Luo Ning, most embarrassed of all, had acted out of character, far beyond her usual limits. Hearing his teasing, she let out a soft whimper, lowering her head, not daring to look at them.


    Xian''er pulled Qiaoqiao, Lin Wanrong grabbed Luo Ning, and they rushed downstairs. After a few steps, Luo Ning suddenly looked up at Lin Wanrong, whispering, "Big brother, I have something to say¡ª"


    "Speak in bed¡ªoh, no, I mean, speak on the deck," Lin Wanrong hurriedly said.


    Luo Ning firmly stopped, softly saying, "Big brother, I need to say it now, otherwise, I fear I might change my mindter."


    ¡®Clever girl, expressing her feelings on a burning ship, so bloody thrilling, my heart''s pounding.¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed bitterly, "Speak quickly, or we''ll end up as roast ducks."


    Luo Ning, utterly unafraid of the raging inferno around them, turned to face Lin Wanrong and asked, "Big brother, when I gave you the mandarin duck handkerchief and the hibiscus tent, why did you hastily leave?"


    "Busy...I was...," Lin Wanrong said, ncing nervously at the leaping mes. "I had urgent matters to attend to, life and death affairs. Look, I just dealt with that, and didn''t I rush back here without a pause? Just so you know, on the way back here, I didn''t think about Qiaoqiao at all, only you."


    "I don''t believe you," Luo Ning said, her cheeks flushed ¡ª whether from the heat or embarrassment, he couldn''t tell. "Today, in front of so many people, you abandoned me. Even with urgent matters, you didn''t even have time to finish the poem? As a young maiden, I gathered enough courage to give you the handkerchief under the hibiscus tent, and this is how you treat me. If you were in my ce, wouldn''t you be angry, wouldn''t you feel wronged?"


    Lin Wanrong knew she was right, but he couldn''t admit it. "It was really urgent, and I had no choice. Miss Luo, please forgive me this once," he implored hastily.


    Luo Ning shook her head. "Whose life were you saving? In your eyes, am I not as important as that person?"


    He hadn''t considered that, and her question left him somewhat dumbfounded.


    "No matter what," Luo Ning said, sounding hurt, "I lost face in front of everyone today. You mustpensate me, Big brother."


    "Compensate? How?" he asked, curious.


    Blushing, Luo Ning said, "Since we''ve been seeing each other, it''s always been me making the moves, and you''ve never shown any sign of affection. Even though I know how you feel about me, others might think I''m shamelessly chasing you. Today, you came to save me on the burning ship, and I threw caution to the wind, expressing my love for you. I know in my heart, in this life and the next, I belong to you. But you have so many beautiful women who fancy you. I don''t know where I stand in your heart, and it troubles me. If you don''t feel the same about me, I''d rather spend the rest of my life alone than cause any animosity between you and your otherdies. But if you do feel the same about me, I''ll be waiting for your message. I want everyone to know that you and I are a pair of loving mandarin ducks."


    Lin Wanrong understood what she was implying: in their rtionship, she had always been the one taking the initiative while he yed the passive role. This time, she wanted him to pursue her and save her some face.


    Such was the unique thinking of this talented woman. But her wanting him to take the initiative? ¡®Miss, I''m very busy, with beautiful women lining up to marry me. If I pursued them all, how could I possibly manage? And besides, you were the one who pursued me in the first ce. If I took the initiative now, it''d be like adding fuel to the fire. If I devour you whole, you wouldn''t even know it. Silly girl, don''t you see I''m trying to protect you?¡¯


    Lin Wanrongughed softly, feigning ignorance, "Miss Luo, I''m not quite sure what you''re getting at."


    "You''re so annoying, Big brother," Luo Ning reproached him, her eyes full of yful shyness. She pouted, "You know exactly what I mean, yet you y dumb. If you don''te... I''ll proim to all of Jinling that you have abandoned me for another, having had your fill of me, yet tossing me aside..."


    "Had my fill of what? What is it?" Lin Wanrongughed, ying along.


    "You''re so naughty!" Luo Ning yfully pped his chest a few times before standing on her tiptoes to nt a light kiss on his lips. "So, it''s settled then. Big brother, I''ll be waiting for you..." With those words, she cast him a shy yet coquettish smile. With a flirtatious sway of her body, she scurried down the stairs.


    Qin Xian''er watched Luo Ning''s retreating figure, grumbling, "That sly little fox, taking advantage of my distraction to bewitch my husband."


    Qiaoqiaoughed as she took her hand, "Sister Xian''er, it''s not Sister Ning who''s the fox, you''re the one who seems more like it."


    Xian''er, who was fond of Qiaoqiao, asked curiously, "Why?"


    Qiaoqiao responded with a giggle, "In just a few days of Big brother''s absence, you became his wife, no one can match your speed. Isn''t it you who bewitched him? Besides, sister, you''re so beautiful, there''s nothing wrong in being a vixen and captivating Big brother, right? Hehe¡ª"


    Watching Luo Ning''s graceful figure descend the stairs, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but admire her. His gaze lingered on her swaying hips before he swallowed hard.


    Xian''er hurriedly came over, grabbing his arm, "Husband, what''s the matter? What did that Luo girl say to you to leave you so entranced?"


    He couldn''t tell her. Not even if his life depended on it. If Xian''er and Qiaoqiao knew Luo Ning''s thoughts, they would demand the same attention, and he''d have no time left for anything else. Pretending to look around, he suddenly eximed, "Oh no, the fire is spreading! Xian''er, Qiaoqiao, you go first, I''ll cover¡ª"


    "Annoying¡ª" The two girlsughed at his theatrics, not pressing him further about what Luo Ning had said. They took him by the arm and guided him down the stairs.


    Du Xiuyuan''s soldiers, who had already boarded the big boat, were busy putting out the fire. Seeing Lin Wanrong approach, they rushed over to greet him, "General Lin, Governor Luo is waiting for you over there."


    Looking in the indicated direction, Lin Wanrong indeed saw Luo Min sitting on arge chair, smiling at him. Luo Ning, who had juste down, stood obediently next to Luo Min, her gaze straight ahead, yet a small smile tugged at her lips.


    Seated in therge chair to Luo Min''s left was the Young Prince Zhao Kangning, his face livid. His clothes were still wet from earlier and his face was contorted with anger, a stark contrast to his usual debonair demeanor.


    One of Zhao Kangning''s guards approached him, whispering something in his ear. Zhao Kangning''s hand mmed down on the table, his face turning pale with rage, "What? They dare to be so audacious? Presumptuous! Utterly presumptuous!"


    Luo Min maintained a poker face, acting as if he hadn''t heard the words. He fiddled with the teacup in his hands, a flicker of excitement shing through his eyes.


    As Lin Wanrong descended the stairs, Old Dong and Qingshan immediately surrounded him, "Big brother (Son-inw), you''re okay!"


    "I''m fine, a wildfire can''t burn out everything; with the spring breeze, it revives," Lin Wanrong replied with a chuckle. Qiaoqiao and Xian''er stood on either side of him, radiant as flowers. Even without seeing Xian''er''s face, just by her exquisite figure, one could imagine her unmatched beauty.


    Luo Yuan came over and asked, "Big brother, what''s going on with you and my sister? I noticed that she seems a bit different. You must keep the hibiscus curtain and handkerchief she gave you."


    This little Luo was really oblivious! Couldn''t he see that he had won his sister''s heart? Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Don''t worry, I''ll keep them and appreciate them every day."


    Xu Wei entered with Gao Qiu. Gao Qiu, having seen Lin Wanrong from a distance, was overjoyed. Since their parting in Jining, he thought Lin Wanrong had perished in cannon fire. Seeing him again, he was naturally extremely pleased. He disregarded formalities, waving his arm at Lin Wanrong energetically, and shouted, "Brother Lin, Brother Lin!"


    Lin Wanrong gave a yful smile, greeted him with a salute, "Brother Gao, I''m doing well."


    Seeing Xu Wei enter, Zhao Kangning''s face changed, and he yelled, "Mr. Xu, the Young Prince needs an exnation from you."


    Xu Wei, seeing Zhao Kangning, expressed joy and quickly approached, "Isn''t this Young Prince Kangning? I didn''t expect to see you here on Qinhuai River in Jinling City."


    Zhao Kangning waved dismissively and sneered, "Mr. Xu, this Young Prince also didn''t expect to run into you here, quite unexpected."


    Xu Wei squinted his eyes, smiling, "I''ve just finished subduing the White Lotus rebellion and have been appointed to work in Jiangsu by the Emperor''s decree. What brings the Young Prince to the South? Could it be official business?"


    Fumbling in his response to Xu Wei, the number one schr, Zhao Kangning admitted, "Oh, I am here in the South to visit a few old friends on behalf of my father. Mr. Xu, I don''t understand one thing, and I''d like you to rify."


    At this time, the hall had been vacated. The elites of Jinling had all been moved to another boat. Only a few soldiers putting out the fire and a handful of people remained on therge boat. Lin Wanrong smiled, pulling up a stool to sit aside and enjoy the show between these dignitaries.


    Xu Wei nodded with a smile, "Young Prince, please proceed!"


    Zhao Kangning''s face turned beet-red, "Mr. Xu, what crime has Cheng De, the Commander-in-chief of Jiangsu,mitted that you want to execute him? He is a high-ranking official of the court, in charge of the soldiers of a province. If he hasmitted any crime, he should be reported to the Ministry of War for judgment. What are you trying to achieve by doing this?"


    Xu Wei gave Zhao Kangning a meaningful nce, "The Young Prince is well-informed. Since the Young Prince has asked, I won''t conceal it. Cheng De, the Commander-in-chief of Jiangsu, has not only hidden his corruption and fraud from the court, but he has also privately mobilized soldiers, colluded with the White Lotus, concealed gold knives and jade seals, and conspired to rebel. I have obtained irrefutable evidence of his crimes. I have beenmanded by the Emperor to reorganize the officialdom of Jiangsu. Dealing with Cheng De is in line with public sentiment and heaven''s will. Is there anything wrong with that?"


    Zhao Kangning paced frantically within the cabin, suddenly mming his hand onto the nearby table. "Master Xu," he cried out vehemently, "Cheng De is a significant figure in the court. You cannot arbitrarily use him of treason. Even if there were conclusive evidence, it must be first reported to the Ministry of War before any action is taken. By executing such an important official without proper process and taking lives without a second thought, how do you intend to exin your actions to the Ministry of War, the court, and the Emperor?"


    Luo Min, sitting nearby, let out a heartyugh. "Young Prince, please don''t worry," he began, "It was my order that led to the execution of Cheng De. In the urgency of the situation, Cheng De attempted to assassinate Master Xu and me, and his aplices even burst in to rescue him. Given these circumstances, I had no choice but to order his immediate execution to prevent his escape. After this incident, I will personally report the matter to the Emperor and the officials at the Ministry of War. There''s ample evidence for every single crime Cheng Demitted; he won''t be able to evade this. If the court deems Cheng De innocent, I am prepared to bear all consequences. If the Emperor and the officials conclude Cheng De is innocent, I am ready to give my life for his."


    As he concluded, Luo Min''s face showed a defiant pride, and there wasn''t a trace of fear. The faces of his children, Luo Ning and Luo Yuan, went pale, and they both cried out, "Father¡ª"


    With a dismissive wave and a smile, Luo Min quieted them. "Ning, Yuan, your father knows what he is doing. In one''s life, it''s difficult to do the things one wishes. This time, however, I have found great satisfaction in doing what I wanted, eliminating this viin for our great nation. Even if it costs my life, it''s worth it. You both need not worry for me."


    With tears in her eyes, Luo Ning grabbed his sleeve and let out a soft sob. "Father¡ª"


    Observing the elderly Luo''s impressive stance, Lin Wanrong sighed internally. Considering his efforts in tax collection and water conservation, he thought Luo Min was a good official. The people of Jiangsu were fortunate to have such a governor.


    "Fine, fine¡ª" Zhao Kangning was so infuriated he was speechless. Gazing at the tear-streaked Luo Ning standing next to Luo Min, his grievances, both old and new, welled up within him. With a loud crack, he smashed the tea cup on the ground andughed bitterly. "Governor Luo, you have a sharp tongue indeed. I hope you''ll maintain yourposure in front of the other court officials. As for you, Master Xu, you shield Luo Min, mixing personal feelings with public duties. I will report this to the Emperor, my father, and all the court officials. Both of you had better prepare yourselves. Goodbye!"


    Xu Wei was a celebrated schr and the top official of the current regime. He was instrumental in helping the current Emperor ascend the throne. Despite his advanced age, he never lost his schrly pride. Seeing Zhao Kangning''s tant disrespect, Xu Wei broke intoughter. "Young Prince," he chuckled, "let me be frank. You''re not qualified to throw a tantrum in front of me. Even if Prince Cheng himself were here, he would need to be careful in how he spoke to me. Your father was far more formidable than you twenty years ago, and now this responsibility falls to you ¡ª s! Farewell, no need to see you out!"


    With his teeth grinding and body trembling, Zhao Kangning kicked the door frame, breaking it with a loud snap. He stormed out with his guards in tow. Luo Min and Xu Wei exchanged a nce and burst into delightedughter.


    Lin Wanrong pped twice, walked up to them, and said with a chuckle, "Well done, Governor, Minister, that was quite the scolding. If that Young Prince isn''t scared to death after this, he''ll surely die of humiliation. I have much to learn from you both."


    Xu Wei gripped his hand and said, "Little brother, don''t ridicule us old bones. When ites to the art of taunting and outsmarting others, no one in this world can surpass you."


    "You tter me," Lin Wanrong responded unabashedly, "I''m merely following your example, Mr. Xu."


    Xu Wei let out a heartyugh and pped his hands vigorously, "Brother Luo, today''s events were exhrating! I feelpelled to borrow some of your fine wine to toast. Quickly, bring out your best Daughter Red. Let us, the three of us, drink heartily and return only when we are drunk."


    "And not return even when drunk¡ª" Luo Minughed heartily, feeling extremely satisfied, though theughter induced a bout of coughing.


    Luo Ning and her brother had already fetched the Daughter Red, the finest wine. Upon seeing the seal on the wine jar, an old red paperbel with a row of tiny characters that read, "Celebrating the full moon of our Little Ning," Xu Wei eximed in delight, "Indeed, it''s a twenty-year-old Daughter Red. Little brother Lin, we are in for a treat."


    Luo Min dered heartily, "Indeed, we are. This wine was saved for Ning when she was just a month old, originally meant to be opened when she marries. But today is indeed a day for celebration, let''s drink to our heart''s content."


    Xu Weiughed heartily and cast a meaningful nce at Luo Ning and Lin Wanrong, "Today is indeed the day Miss Luomits her heart. Opening this wine couldn''t be more fitting, we should drink and enjoy ourselves. Brother Luo, you are a fortunate man."


    Luo Min roared withughter while Luo Ning stole a nce at Lin Wanrong, quickly lowering her head in embarrassment.


    ¡ª---


    The flower boat was now devoid of anyone else. The fire had beenpletely extinguished, but the doors and windows were burnt to a crisp. Soft moonlight filtered in, casting a gentle glow on the two old men and the young man.


    Discarding small cups, the three of them sat on the ground withrge bowls in hand, drinking joyfully. The crescent moon was reflected in the wine bowls, forming a beautiful shimmering image.


    The three of them drained their bowls in one gulp and wiped their mouths with satisfaction. Xu Wei said aloud, "Little brother Lin, you are our Young friend. Despite your young age, your abilities are not to be underestimated. In my life, I have only admired a handful of people, and you are one of them."


    Luo Minughed heartily, "Indeed, what an amusing title, ''Young friend''. Come, Young friend, to this chance encounter and newfound friendship, let''s drain another bowl."


    Lin Wanrong raised his bowl high and dered, "To the joy that fills Older friends'' hearts every day, cheers!"


    "It''s hard to find joy every day, not knowing whether we''re awake or dreaming. Young friend, your toast is profound. I admire, I admire, cheers!" Luo Minughed loudly and the three of them drank their wine.


    Luo Min and Xu Wei, both with snow-white hair, were essentially schrs at heart. They drank from theirrge bowls until they were slightly drunk. Amid theughter, Xu Wei set his bowl down, took up a bamboo chopstick and tapped it rhythmically, softly singing, "Empty reputation, petty gain, why all this hustle? Everything is predetermined, who''s weak and who''s strong¡ª"


    At the peak of the song, Luo Min pped his hands in understanding, and both men continued together, "¡ª take advantage of youth, before I grow old, let me indulge in some recklessness. A hundred years are nothing but a blur of drunkenness, thirty-six thousand rounds. Thirty-six thousand rounds, thirty-six thousand rounds¡ª"


    As the two men sang and sighed together, their faces were painted with mncholy, their eyes shimmering with tears. Both had entered officialdom at a young age and had attained high positions, seemingly splendid to outsiders. However, only they knew the amount of bitterness and tears thaty beneath this fa?ade.


    Lin Wanrong had never before experienced the state of mind of these talented schrs. In his tipsy state, he looked up to see the moonlight cast upon these two white-haired old men. Two elderly figures, around their fifties or sixties, had tears in their eyes as they pped and sang. The scene was full of unmatched sadness and destion.


    He too felt a wave of emotion, recalling his own experiences, a sense of sorrow welled up within him. Suddenly, he stood up and sang out loud, "Heroes like us shape the world''s events, stepping into the jianghu speeds up the passage of time. Life is like a tide, people are like water, one can hardly withstand a lifetime of intoxication. One can hardly withstand a lifetime of intoxication¡ª" He drained hisrge bowl in one gulp, his face flushed. With a smack, he mmed his wine bowl on the ground,ughing heartily while tears unknowingly fell from his eyes.


    For a moment, the old cried, the youngughed. Amidst the crying andughing, the three of them had be thoroughly drunk.


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 Chapter 265

    Chapter 265


    Chapter 265 Farewell


    That night was a blur. Lin Wanrong spent his time drinking with two old men, exchanging jokes, and listening to their intriguing tales of the court. It was rather carefree. The three were learned men, and their stories were so lifelike that he could not tell which were real and which were mere exaggerations. Lin Wanrong found it amusing. Talking with educated people was indeed refreshing.


    When he woke up early the next day, his head pounded fiercely. Upon opening his eyes, he found himself lying in Xian''er''s pleasure boat, with Qiaoqiao, the little girl, watching over him. The young girl was curled up by his side, sleeping soundly with a sweet smile on her rosy cheeks.


    Lin Wanrong reached out and lightly touched her face, chuckling, "Wake up, darling, it''s daylight."


    Qiaoqiao mumbled in response, opening her eyes to see her ''big brother'' smiling at her. She instantly squealed in joy, "Big brother, you''re awake? Xian''er, hurry, big brother is awake¡ª"


    Qin Xian''er entered, pulling back the curtains, her eyes brimming with delight. "Husband, you''ve finally woken up. Last night, you were so drunk that we had a hard time moving you here. Here, drink this hangover soup first."


    Lin Wanrong took the medicine bowl, gulped down the contents, and was immediately choked by a sour and spicy taste, causing him to cough violently. Qiaoqiao gently patted his back, her voice filled with concern, "Big brother, drink slowly. This is hangover soup, not a fine wine. With the way you drankst night, how could you not be drunk?"


    The hangover soup Xian''er had prepared was different from other remedies; it smelled strange, but its effect was astonishingly good. After a bout of coughing, his hangover seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye. Lin Wanrong held the bowl and sniffed it carefully, then asked curiously, "Xian''er, what kind of soup is this? Howe it works so well?"


    Xian''er gave him a mysterious smile, "This is my Master''s secret recipe. She said I can''t tell you, or else you would vomit the soup out."Intrigued, Lin Wanrong wondered what ingredient could make such a difference. Qiaoqiao whispered, "Big brother, I heard thatst night, Xian''er''s master had someone dig up earthworms, saying it was for medicine. I wonder if it was for this soup?"


    His face turned pale, ¡®Digging up earthworms in the dead of winter? Can you even find any? This little demon must be trying to mess with me.¡¯ He resisted the urge to vomit, gritted his teeth, and asked, "Xian''er, where''s Sister An? Is she practicing her martial arts again? I need to consult her about something. Don''t stop me, even if you try to, I''ll still find her. Are earthworms even edible¡ª"


    Qin Xian''er''s face clouded over. She shook her head slightly, "Husband, I''m afraid you can''t see my Master today. She left Jinling at dawn and headed towards the capital at full speed."


    Gone? She sure fled quickly. The New Year was just around the corner, what urgent business could Sister An have that she''d rush to the capital? Lin Wanrong blinked in surprise, "Xian''er, does your Master have an old me in the capital, calling her for a reunion?"


    Qin Xian''er looked at him with a mixture of exasperation and amusement, "Husband, what nonsense are you spouting? How could my Master be that sort of person? She said she had important matters to attend to, and I didn''t dare to stop her."


    Lin Wanrong stood up and sighed, "It''s a pity indeed. I originally wanted her to stay for the New Year celebrations. Given her modest eating habits, adding an extra pair of chopsticks would not cost much."


    Upon mentioning her Master''s departure, Qin Xian''er''s eyes were initially damp, but Lin Wanrong''s remark drew augh from her. "Husband, you are so annoying! Countless people would offer fortunes to support Master lifelong, yet she barely gives them a nce. How can you make it sound so unptable?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. His intention of making that joke was merely to distract Xian''er from her sadness. Seeing herugh, his goal was achieved, so he stayed silent with a smile.


    From her sleeve, Qin Xian''er retrieved a letter, "Husband, this is a letter from Master for you."


    "For me?" Lin Wanrong wondered. Sister An just left, why would she leave a letter for him without reason?


    Little brother, are you happy to hear that I am leaving? Hehe, I don''t have any old mes in the capital. If anything, you, a newly acquainted me, are the only one. Other suitors have not even caught my eye, don''t be jealous, okay?


    Sweat, a cold sweat appeared on Lin Wanrong''s forehead. This enchantress, could she be a worm in his stomach, guessing even this?


    You seem nonchnt about everything, yet you''re astute in reality. I told your Lady Qiaoqiaost night that I was nning to make soup with earthworms for you. I bet she has told you by now. Hehe, I''d love to see your expression. You destroyed my White Lotus, so I pranked you this once, we''re even now. Don''t me me, I was afraid you would bombard me with cannons.


    Lin Wanrong had a cannon indeed, but he would not resort to it lightly. Heughed out loud, yet sweat was forming inside, this Sister An indeed knew him well.


    The capital is a thousand miles away from Jinling, once I leave, I don''t know when we''ll meet again. Don''t forget what you promised, hurry to the capital. At worst, I will let you hold me as apensation. If I don''t let you, a little rascal, take some advantage, you wouldn''t exert yourself. Neglect of duty is your forte. Of course, if you do well, there will be extra rewards ¡ª hehe, I wonder if Xian''er will be happy to see this letter? Take care!


    After Lin Wanrong finished reading the letter, his face turned solemn. To Qiaoqiao, he said, "Qiaoqiao, bring a candle quickly."


    Qiaoqiao nodded and brought a candle. Lin Wanrong set the letter on fire, and finally took a deep breath. ¡®This enchantress, clearly trying to harm me, with this evidence destroyed, let''s see what tricks you can y.¡¯


    Qin Xian''er curiously asked, "Husband, what did Master say?"


    "Sister An asked me to do something very important and promised a big reward. But am I the kind of person who seeks advantages? There are secrets in this letter that can''t be seen by others. Even though you two are my wives, I can''t show it to you. Otherwise, I would be letting down Sister An, the people of Jinling, and the Great Hua." Lin Wanrong solemnly exined, his voice filled with "sorrow."


    He turned his lustful intentions into righteousness, exhibiting an air of justice. Seeing his resolute expression, Qiaoqiao gently nestled into his arms, "Big brother, no matter what you are going to do, Qiaoqiao will support you."


    Qin Xian''er was unwilling to fall behind, leaning into his embrace from the other side and said, "Husband, I am but your shadow, whatever you do, Xian''er will follow you."


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong drew out his reply, "That''s wonderful, my dear wives. Today the sun is shining brightly, why don''t we return to bed and explore the game of drumming? Please don''t look at me like that. Essentially, it''s a very noble game, just like my character. Many of our ancestors have tried it, give it a go and you''ll understand¡ª"


    Of the two women, Qiaoqiao was his bona fide wife, having already consummated their marriage. Xian''er, the little girl, shared his bed every night and was somewhat familiar with his temperament. Seeing hisscivious gaze, how could they not know what he was implying? Both women blushed, escaping his embrace, hand in hand, they ran out.


    The rtionship between these two sisters wasn''t bad at all, Lin Wanrong mused, pleasantly surprised. A life of bliss awaited him.


    ¡ª---


    Xu Wei had finished his business in Jinling and was to return to the capital today. Having seen Sister An off in the morning, and now with old Xu returning to the capital, for some reason, Lin Wanrong felt an increasing connection with the capital.


    As they escorted Xu Wei to the outskirts of Jinling, the old manughed and said, "Little brother Lin, it has been a great fortune to meet and get to know you on this trip to Jiangnan. It''s deeply gratifying. But there''s no feast that doesn''t end. For now, we must part ways. I''ll be waiting in the capital for your arrival."


    "Mr. Xu, I like to keep a low profile. Don''t go making a big fuss about me when I arrive in the capital. I detest that sort of thing," Lin Wanrong replied, chuckling.


    "I understand, I''ll keep it low-key," Xu Weiughed, his gaze fixed on a pnquin from the Xiao Residence, rapidly approaching.


    The pnquin stopped before them, and Madame Xiao alighted, saying, "Master Wenchang, why the hasty departure? You should have stayed in Jinling for a few more days to allow me to y the gracious host."


    Xu Wei replied, "Miss Guo, you are too kind. I''ve stayed in Jiangnan too long and there are matters pending in court that can''t be dyed. Perhaps when you return to the capital, we can catch up." He paused, hesitated, then added, "There''s something I need to convey to Miss Guo."


    "Please, do tell," Madame replied, her expression serious.


    "Miss Guo, Mr. Zhao has ¡ª for years ¡ª been missing you. I hope you can find the time to visit the capital," Xu Wei stuttered.


    "Mr. Zhao?" Madame Xiao gently brushed her hair, smiling faintly, "Time flows like water. If Master Wenchang hadn''t brought it up, I might have forgotten. For Mr. Zhao to remember me so fondly, I''m truly honored. Please convey my gratitude to him."


    Recalling what the Old Wei had said, Lin Wanrong had a vague understanding. This Mr. Zhao must be the influential person who had always held feelings for Madam Xiao.


    Xu Wei was speechless, he sighed, saluted, and climbed onto his horse. The entourage set off for the capital in grand procession. Du Xiuyuan, Hu Bugui and others waved to Lin Wanrong from a distance. They knew that General Lin would soon be heading to the capital as well, so there was no cause for sorrow, for they would be reunited soon.


    Lin Wanrong watched as the group disappeared into the distance, heaving a long sigh, "They''ve gone, all gone. Just yesterday we were drinking and singing together, but today we part so swiftly. Life truly is unpredictable."


    Madam Xiao looked at Lin Wanrong and chuckled, "Lin San, no need to sigh like that. I want to ask you, when will you apany me back to the Xiao family?"


    "Return to the Xiao family? What for?" Lin Wanrong sighed mournfully.


    "To get married, of course." Madam Xiao beamed, her smile as bright as a tree full of splendid peach blossoms, unfolding just outside the pavilion.


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 Chapter 266

    Chapter 266


    Chapter 266 Persuasion


    "Marriage?" Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise, "Madam, you jest. I am still young and it is not yet time to consider such matters. Perhaps we could discuss this in another decade or so."


    Madam Xiaoughed at his tant sarcasm, "Lin San, don''t get irritated with me. Initially, I worried that Yushuang was too young to understand the matters of the heart. I feared she might be misled or fall into deception. That''s why I spoke to you the way I did. But, in recent times, her feelings for you have not waned but intensified. During your absences, she missed you every day and prayed for your well-being. I''ve seen it with my own eyes, engraved it in my heart. She genuinely cares for you; it''s not just a young girl''s infatuation. And, seeing how capable you are, not only in helping our Xiao family out of our difficulties but also rapidly advancing under Mr. Xu, I find no reason to intervene between you and Yushuang. I am Yushuang''s mother; naturally, I want to see her happily settled. Since she fancies you, I don''t wish to create obstacles. So, why noty it all out? What do you think?"


    ¡®The Madam is quite the tactician,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought,ughing as he said, "Madam, is this proposal your idea or Second Miss Xiao''s?"


    Madam Xiao replied, "It''s my idea, but I am sure that Yushuang would not oppose. I know my daughter''s heart. She would leap with joy upon hearing this news."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, walked a few steps, and plucked a weed from the roadside, asking, "Madam, do you see what this is?"


    Madam Xiao, puzzled, nced at him and said, "This is a weed, Lin San. Why do you ask?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "A wilted weed cannot regain its vitality by merely watering it. When winter arrives, it chooses to decay, desiring a rest. Madam, you''re intelligent, you surely understand my point, don''t you?"


    Madam Xiao thought deeply for a while before sighing, "Lin San, you''re not a weed, you''re a towering tree. Even in the harshest winter, as long as your roots are intact, you''ll flourish again when spring arrives. I understand your meaning. You''re tired, aren''t you? You wish for a rest?"Lin Wanrong just smiled, not uttering a word.


    "L¨¬n San," Madam Xiao said, "If you''re tired, you can rest. However long you need. My only hope is that you don''t abandon our Xiao family."


    "Surely, you jest, Madam Xiao," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "The Xiao family is affluent and influential, it should be me begging you not to abandon me."


    Madam Xiao gave him a yful re, "One moment you speak so poignantly about the little weed, making one appreciate your candid personality. And the next moment, you''re using sarcasm? I understand better than anyone that without your aid, the Xiao family would have been reduced to someone else''s ything, let alone flourishing. Lin San, to tell you the truth, my agreement to your rtionship with Yushuang stems from my desire to keep you with the Xiao family forever."


    ¡®So you finally speak the truth,¡¯ Lin Wanrong nced at Madam Xiao.


    The Madam lightly lifted her long skirt and slowly took a couple of steps forward, gazing at thendscape in the distance with a soft sigh, "Lin San, as you see, over the past decade or so, my Xiao familycked robust men, depending entirely on Yuruo and me for support. We''re women, and even though we have achieved something, there are countless people waiting tough at us. Yuruo and I are both ambitious. We made a vow never to let anyone look down on the Xiao family, which is why she turned out to be stubborn and reluctant to yield. She started traveling with me across the south and north to learn about running a business at the age of thirteen. Her temperament is more resolute than gentle, cherishing her dignity and refusing to be looked down upon. That''s why you might think she''s too domineering, never admitting her mistakes. But I know my daughter, she''s fragile inside and often suffers in silence. I hope you can understand her, bear with her, and help her when you can. The bitterness and hardships we''ve experienced, running this big household as a mother and two daughters under the mocking gaze of others, as a man, you won''t understand."


    A faint glimmer of tears emerged in the Madam''s eyes, she softly spoke, "For over a decade, my Xiao family has endured ridicule and scorn, merely due to the absence of a male figure. To be honest, in my years of widowhood, I''ve seen countless people covet my wealth and beauty, bending over backward to please me. If I were so inclined, a single word from me would ensure no one dares tough at us again. But Guo Junyi, that''s me, is not such a capricious woman. No matter how hard or exhausting the situation is for the Xiao family, I would notpromise my integrity for wealth and honor. Lin San, I''m not shy about sharing this with you. If you want tough, go ahead. I''ve grown used to people mocking me. I hardly care anymore."


    Seeing the sorrowful expression on her face, two lines of tears flowing down, resembling pear blossoms in the rain, a picture of pitiful beauty, yet adding an additional touch of allure. Lin Wanrong thought to himself, ¡®How can I find it funny? Not bursting into sympathetic tears was already a testament to my resilience. You''ve targeted my tender heart perfectly.¡¯


    "To change the current state of my Xiao family, we need the support of a man. Not just any man, but one who is brave and resourceful, daring to shoulder the responsibility, willing to bear all hardships for a widow and her daughters. Who could this man be?" Madam Xiao nced at him with a gentle smile. Her tear-stained cheeks bloomed like peach blossoms after rain, stunningly wless.


    "Well, I''m not exactly sure. Bravery, resourcefulness, and willingness to bear responsibility¡ªdon''t most men in the world possess these qualities? Madam, you can just randomly pick one," Lin Wanrong cheekily suggested.


    The Madam''s beautiful eyes red at him fiercely, "If all men in the world had such qualities, then everyone would have food when hungry, clothes when cold, no one would steal, and there would be no need to lock the doors at night. Talking to you, every word you utter is feigned confusion, which is extremely infuriating." The Madam humphed, turning her head away, ignoring him. Her full bosom heaved, resembling a young maiden in the throes of spring.


    Lin Wanrong let out a couple of dryughs, "Madam, you do know I''m a modest man. Are you suggesting that I should immediately admit that I possess these virtues as soon as you mention them? Please, is my modesty also a fault?"


    The Madam slowly turned around, her gaze fluid, the corners of her eyes still moist. But a smile had already returned to her face, "Speaking of humility, there''s no need to bring you into the conversation amongst all the people in the world. In fact, we of the Xiao family owe thanks to our little Yushuang. If it weren''t for her unintentional rmendation of you, I can''t imagine what state the Xiao family would be in now."


    Thinking back to his first meeting with the Second Miss, the little girl unleashing her ferocious dog, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but chuckle, sighing, "Of all in the Xiao family, the Second Miss has the best judgment. Madam, no offense, but you and the Eldest Miss could learn a thing or two from her."


    Madam Xiao covered her mouth with a delicate hand, giggling softly, "You, when we talk, your ''humility'' indeed shines through." Her face was radiant with a joyous smile as she looked at Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, how old are you this year?"


    "Sixteen, I just came of age, why do you ask?" Lin Wanrong said, feigning innocence.


    The Madam chuckled, a teasing look in her eyes, "You jester. If you''re sixteen, then I''m merely twenty."


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened, and he gave her a thorough look, swallowing hard before dering loudly, "What? Madam, you''re not twenty? My heavens, that''s outrageous! You clearly look as young as the Eldest Miss."


    The Madam sighed, gazing at him, "Your words, they could bewitch all the women in the world, and I wouldn''t be surprised. But I find it strange, you look no older than in your twenties, yet speaking with you is more challenging than dealing with any old fox. I wonder where you learned such cunning. I heard that yesterday, you went through four challenges and took first ce in the Jinling Poetry Competition. Even Governor''s daughter Miss Luo gave you her mandarin duck handkerchief, wishing to be paired with you. Yet, you still act so unserious. For someone as talented as you but so unrestrained, I doubt there''s a second man like that in the world."


    "Madam¡ª" Lin Wanrong moved closer to her and said earnestly, "Life would be devoid of meaning if it''s too serious. Like you, remaining chaste for thete Mr. Xiao might seem serious, but it''s the most joyless thing in life. You are a normal person and have the right to pursue your own happiness. To give up happiness for the sake of maintaining an utterly useless chastity, that is, in my opinion, too serious, so serious that it''s unbearable."


    "You, you¡ª" Stunned by his shocking words, Madam Xiao looked horrified. Her ample bosom heaved in anger. She pointed at him with trembling fingers, "How could you say something like that?"


    "Am I wrong?" Lin Wanrong spread his hands, feigning innocence. "Everyone has the right to pursue happiness. That''s what I''ve always thought, and that''s how I''ve always acted. Is that wrong? If pursuing happiness is a mistake, then I''d rather keep making that mistake."


    Listening to his entric views, Madam Xiao shot him an angry look, swiftly boarded her pnquin, and barked, "Back to the mansion¡ª"


    As Lin Wanrong watched Madam Xiao''s retreating figure, he shook his head helplessly. ¡®I didn''t do anything, I merely engaged in an honest discussion about the definition of happiness with you. If you don''t want happiness, that''s fine, but is there any need to be so angry?¡¯


    Madam Xiao hadn''t traveled far when a sudden realization struck her. Wasn''t the purpose of her journey to persuade Lin San to return home? How was it that after exchanging only a few words with him, she had been the one to hastily retreat, unable to withstand his words? His influence was profound. After their brief conversation, she found herself questioning whether she had been persuading him, or he had been persuading her.


    Sheughed bitterly to herself, ordering the bearers to halt the pnquin. She lifted the curtain to gaze outside, only to see Lin San on a swift horse, traveling faster than her. In a matter of moments, all that remained was a blurry figure receding into the distance. Shortly thereafter, he disappeared from her sight...


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 Chapter 267

    Chapter 267


    Chapter 267 Longing for You!


    For several days, Lin Wanrong lived in leisure, undisturbed by any further events. As the end of the year neared, each joyous day passed by was one less in its stead. During the day, he yed the nonchnt boss at the restaurant. Whenever Qiaoqiao was busy keeping the ounts, he would sneak over, cheekily teasing her till her face reddened and her breaths became hurried. At night, he stayed on the pleasure boat with his two wives, indulging in their shared affection¡ªsuch was his carefree life. He had just married Qiaoqiao, and with the thought of leaving for the capital after the New Year, his love for her grew even deeper, cherishing and adoring her every day.


    The second restaurant under the Food for Immortals chain was already open for business, and the third one was being decorated. Lin Wanrong, following Qingshan''s suggestion, named the second one "Too Delicious". It was a verymon name, but he knew well thatmon things often represented elegance. After all, he had many years of experience in marketing.


    At the opening of "Too Delicious", Luo Min arrived in person. He even wrote a calligraphy piece on site, greatly honoring Lin Wanrong. Luo Minwas still the governor of Jiangsu, but everyone in Jiangsu knew his prospects weren''t promising.


    The case involving Cheng De had far-reaching implications. Some time ago, Tao Yu, the weaver from Suzhou, was dismissed from his post for forming private alliances. Lin Wanrong felt a surge of satisfaction at the downfall of Tao Dongcheng, whom he had ruined. But thinking of Tao Wanying, a hint of regret inevitably arose in his heart. He assumed she must have been paired with Young Master Hou by now. He couldn''t be bothered to meddle in that.


    The incident of Cheng De''s execution was causing a stir in the court. It was estimated that an imperial decree would be issued in a few days. Seeing Luo Min''s high spirits and even his wrinkles less prominent, Lin Wanrong admired his carefree attitude.


    "Little brother Lin, I hope my modest gift doesn''t cause you trouble," said Luo Min, ncing at Lin Wanrong as his calligraphy was taken away to be mounted.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Governor Luo, you''ve said it yourself, fortune and disaster are determined by fate. We''re all mortals, and we can''t foresee everything." He lowered his voice and chuckled, "What you''ve done, people may not understand, but the one in the Golden Pce couldn''t be clearer. Moreover, with the Number One Schr Xu Wenchang mediating, this temporary setback could lead to a decade of prosperity. Governor Luo, I should be congratting you."


    Luo Minughed heartily. "Your broad-mindedness is admirable, Little brother. You''re indeed a man of fortune. If something unexpected happens to me, I hope you can look after my son and daughter."Speaking of children, Lin Wanrong noticed that Luo Yuan was having a lively discussion with Qingshan, but he didn''t see Luo Min''s talented daughter. Recalling the conversation on the flower boat, he couldn''t help but feel a headache. Did he really have to openly pursue Luo Ning? What about Qiaoqiao, Xian''er, and the Second Miss? He couldn''t show favoritism!


    Seeing him looking around, Luo Min chuckled, "Stop searching. This is a letter from Ning''er to you. I never thought I''d be a messenger for you youngsters in my old age. I seem to be regressing the older I get, haha!"


    ¡®His daughter delivering a love letter through him? I''d die before I''d dare. This talented Lady Luo is truly talented.¡¯ But it seemed that only with an open-minded father like Luo Min would she dare to do such a thing.


    "How about it, you don¡¯t dare to open it in front of me? Well, that''s fair enough. It''s not my ce as an elder to sneak a peek at you young folks'' conversations," Luo Min said with augh, adopting a yful, irreverent demeanor.


    "Ha, why wouldn''t I?" Lin Wanrong said with a teasing grin, unfolding the letter. On it, a row of delicate, concise characters read:


    Big brother, I miss you! Miss you!! Miss you!!!


    ¡®This girl''s got nerve.¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt a warm glow in his heart. ¡®She misses me but hides from me? Seems I''ll have to make the first move this time.¡¯ Seeing Luo Min''s knowing smile, even the battle-hardened Lin Wanrong felt his cheeks warm. He rallied his righteousness, "Oh, Miss Luo sends her best wishes for a prosperous business and has included a red envelope with ten taels of silver as a token. She mentioned leaving it with you, Governor Luo. Did you bring it?"


    Xian''er, standing by his side, shot the letter an extra nce upon learning it was from Luo Ning. Seeing her husband beating around the bush with Luo Min, she huffed internally.


    Luo Min gave Lin Wanrong a thumbs-up, as if to say, "You''ve got guts!"


    The Xiao family also sent a congrattory gift, two strings of pearls and a thousand taels of silver - an incrediblyvish gift that no one else could match. The Xiao family didn''t know Lin Wanrong owned these taverns; they only knew that Dong Qiaoqiao ran them and they assumed Lin Wanrong must be involved. Just based on that, they sent a grand gift. They truly were sincere. Lin Wanrong sighed, if he had known this would happen, why the trouble before?


    First, he offended the Eldest Miss Xiao. On the day he sent off Xu Wei, Madam Xiao was furious. It seemed his rtionship with the Xiao family was over. The real question was how to smuggle the Second Miss Xiao from her sister and mother.


    The people the Xiao family sent with the gift were Si De and Xiao Feng. Seeing Lin Wanrong, they were overjoyed and rushed over, "Brother San, Brother San."


    "How have you two beentely?" Lin Wanrong asked with a smile.


    Both sighed in unison, "Brother San, when will you return to the Xiao residence?"


    "What happened?" Lin Wanrong asked in surprise. "Is there trouble at home?" Logically speaking, with the White Lotus Sect destroyed, Cheng De executed, and Zhao Kangning fled back to the capital, the Xiao family''s fortunes should be on the upswing.


    "There''s no big trouble, but things aren''t right. Madam Xiao isn''t managing things, and the Eldest Miss''s temper has been particrly badtely. She can''t tolerate any mistakes. The Second Miss spends all her time in solitude and prayer. Brother San, we miss you." Si De said, his eyes reddening.


    ¡®That Eldest Miss!¡¯ Lin Wanrong seethed. ¡®It''s easy to start a business, but hard to keep it. Do you n to ruin all my businesses?¡¯ He swallowed his anger. He was currently separated from the Xiao family, and didn''t want to deal with these matters.


    ¡ª---


    "Big Brother..." After their intimate moment, Qiaoqiao''s face was flushed with a rosy glow, her eyes filled with satisfaction. She snuggled her delicate and beautiful body tightly against him, murmuring contentedly, "Qiaoqiao is the happiest person in the world."


    Lin Wanrong gently caressed her smooth buttocks, squeezing her full breasts. Her jade-like breasts felt like a ball of smooth cream, making him hum infort. His mysterious tool inside his beloved wife swelled, and with a light spread of her small buttocks, he smirked, "Baby, let''s do it again. Just now, we could have made two sons. Now, let''s make four more. Tonight, I promise not to torture you, we''ll only do it three times."


    "Big brother." Qiaoqiao''s face turned beet red, and she snuggled even closer into his arms. Despite being his wife for some time now, every time she heard his lewd words, she still felt as shy as a maiden. It was this maiden-like shyness that excited Lin Wanrong, and he felt that if he didn''t love her properly every day, he would be letting himself down.


    "Big brother, why didn''t you sleep in the same room with Sister Xian''er? She made fun of me yesterday." Qiaoqiao whispered shyly. As soon as she finished speaking, she felt something inside her swell again, and her face turned even redder, her passion burning like fire.


    "How did she make fun of you?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Didn''t she just sneak in to peek while I was making love to my little darling? It''s no big deal, you can watch her next time."


    "Ah¡ª" Qiaoqiao suddenly covered her cheeks, not daring to look at her husband, "Big brother, don''t say it, I''m so embarrassed. How could Sister Xian''er be so naughty, not only peeking, but also squeezing into our bed, um, Big brother¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong leaned in to her ear, gently blowing a breath of air, "Little darling, don''t be afraid. In the future, I will treat her the same way, so neither of you can make fun of each other. Darling, let''s do it again."


    Qiaoqiao shyly hummed in agreement, clinging tightly to her big brother, reaching out to touch his back, but unexpectedly touched a smooth, creamy hand. She screamed in surprise, only to hear a woman''s charming voice, "Sister Qiaoqiao, why were you speaking ill of me in front of our husband just now?"


    "Sister Xian''er¡ª" Qiaoqiao eximed in surprise, only to see Qin Xian''er''s face flushed, her bodypletely bare, tightly hugging her husband''s waist, her breasts rubbing gently against him.


    "Husband, do you like it?" A hint of coquetry shed in Qin Xian''er''s eyes, hiding her inner sadness, she whispered, "This is what my Master taught me. She said, if I want you to love me, I must be willing to do anything for you."


    ¡®This Sister An is really something, how could she teach such¡ªgood techniques? One move is not enough, how dare she teach her disciple without seventy or eighty moves?¡¯ He gently patted Xian''er''s back, "Little darling, I know your hardship. When I go to the capital, I will definitely help you break the love bug, and then we can be a real couple."


    "Husband¡ª" Qin Xian''er''s cheek was pressed against his back, her voice soft and tearful, "With your words, Xian''er would be content even in death." She rubbed her cheek gently against her husband''s back, her voice suddenly bing coquettish, "Husband, then you should take good care of Qiaoqiao. Among all your beloveds, I like her the most. She and I are inseparable, you loving her is the same as loving me. Husband, I want to watch you two being intimate, my Master also taught me a lot of¡ª"


    This request was too difficult for him, Lin Wanrong was overjoyed, and the already infinitely shy Qiaoqiao was even more unbearable, she gasped, "Sister Xian''er, you, oh¡ª"


    "Little darling, this is what your Sister Xian''er forced me to do, I didn''t want to, I''m a decent person, oh, Xian''er, is this move also taught by Sister An? Could she teach me next time¡ª"


    "Naughty big brother, naughty Sister Xian''er¡ª" Knowing she couldn''t escape, Qiaoqiao''s eyes were seductive, she shyly offered her red lips...


    Although it was the cold winter, the warmth was like a blooming lotus, the red waves were rolling under the covers, the three of them, husband and wives, were enjoying the ultimate pleasure together.


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 Chapter 268

    Chapter 268


    Chapter 268 Disappearance


    Early in the morning, General Lin, buoyed by the spring breeze, woke up extremely early. His eyes were full of vigor, and his little brother, who had been busy all night, was still robust. Seeing his two wives curled up together under the brocade quilt, their exquisite figures fully exposed, he chuckled twice. He reached under the quilt and touched the women''s chests, causing them to let out a soft moan. Only then did he step out of the cabin.


    This pleasure boat was named "Happiness" by Lin Wanrong. It was Xian''er''s dowry, and from now on, it would bear the Lin surname. He didn''t feel the slightest bit like he was living off a woman.


    A few days ago, he had instructed Qiaoqiao to choose arge mansion in Jinling City. It was the former residence of a retired elder, with small bridges over flowing water and courtyards with pavilions, quite tasteful. Lin Wanrong took his two wives to see it, and he was very satisfied with it in his heart, so he decided to buy it. After all, he was rich now, and he had to indulge in corruption when he should. Money should be spent, and after it''s spent, more should be earned. This was Lin Wanrong''s consistent belief. Although the New Year was just a few days away, and he would have to go to the capital after the New Year, Jinling was his first base and the ce where he made his fortune. He had left too many memories here. If he didn''t buy a big house, he would feel like he was letting himself down, and his wives too.


    After deciding on this house, he heard from Luo Yuan''s gossip that Luo Ning, the talented woman, had also secretly gone to see the house, with a smile on her face, seemingly very satisfied. Lin Wanrong was sweating profusely when he heard this. This little girl hadn''t even married him yet, and she was already so concerned about their future living conditions. Wasn''t she a bit too anxious?


    However, he still preferred to stay on the boat. It was quiet here, with no one to disturb him. There were only three of them on the boat, and they could do whatever they wanted. When he thought about making love with his wives, the whole boat would shake. What a delightful thing that was, the glory of a man. Besides, it was quitefortable to sunbathe naked. Unfortunately, although the two wives had agreed to sleep in the same bed with him, they would never do such a shocking thing.


    "Life is so beautiful!" Lin Wanrong shouted at theke. A thinyer of mist rose from theke, carrying a bit of chill, obscuring the view in the distance. But he was bare-chested, feeling the chill of winter, and his heart was extremelyfortable.


    Such peaceful days wouldn''tst for many more days. He would soon be entering the capital. What would be waiting for him there? He didn''t want to think about it, so he started exercising. He wasn''t like Sister An who knew how to use sword techniques, so his exercise methods were inevitably a bit basic. Stretching his legs and bending his waist, he did the seventh set of radio calisthenics.


    "Lin San, Lin San--" Just as he finished a set of exercises, he heard a faint calling from theke.Did he hear wrong? Who would be calling him so early? He shook his head, his spirits high, and after finishing the radio calisthenics, he did eye exercises.


    "Lin San, Lin San--" The voice became more and more urgent, mixed with a familiar woman''s call. This time he was sure, he thought to himself, ¡®someone really is looking for me.¡¯


    The voice was getting closer, and Lin Wanrong looked intently, only to see a small boat rowing over the water. Madam Xiao, along with a few maids and servants, was hurrying over.


    "Madam, are you calling me?" Lin Wanrong shouted loudly.


    Upon hearing his voice, Madam Xiao quickly looked over. Seeing a man standing on the pleasure boat, who else could it be but Lin San? Her face instantly lit up with joy and surprise, and she said to the boatman, "Row faster, faster!"


    As the small boat approached the painted boat, Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Madam, why have youe here to find me?"


    Madam Xiao wiped the sweat from her forehead and said anxiously, "It was really hard to find you, Lin San. Is Yushuang with you?"


    ¡®The Second Miss? I indeed wanted to steal her away, but before I could act, you''ve alreadye looking.¡¯ He shook his head and said, "No, I haven''t seen the Second Miss these past few days. Madam, what happened to her?"


    Madam Xiao sighed and said, "Yesterday, a few gossipy maids were talking about you in private. They said that Yuruo had a disagreement with you, and you were driven away by Yuruo. This was overheard by Yushuang. You know, she still doesn''t know that you''re back. We''ve been keeping this from her. Suddenly hearing this, she couldn''t bear it. She looked for Yuruo, had a quarrel, and this morning, she left the mansion. We don''t know where she went."


    "Damn it!" Lin Wanrong snorted. Although the Second Miss was gentle towards him, she was also a woman with a temper. She was not someone who could be bullied. It was no surprise that she made a fuss this time when the Eldest Miss deceived her.


    "Madam, didn''t anyone see the Second Miss leave the mansion?" Lin Wanrong asked anxiously, jumping onto Madam Xiao''s small boat.


    "Can you please put your clothes on first!" Madam Xiao said, her face turning red. Seeing him bare-chested, exposing his sturdy muscles, Madam Xiao was a faithful woman. That day, when he unabashedly talked about pursuing happiness, she was ready to leave him. Today, he was again in such a disheveled state. He really was awless man. Madam Xiao gave a bitter smile. This Lin San, one could never reason with him. There was nothing he wouldn''t dare to do.


    Was it such a big deal to be shirtless? Lin Wanrong nodded helplessly.


    Qin Xian''er and Qiaoqiao had alreadye out of the cabin when they heard someone shouting. Seeing their husband in a hurry to leave, Qin Xian''er jumped onto the small boat, draped a thick shirt over him, and gently tied it for him. She smiled sweetly and said, "Husband, you go. Come back soon."


    This girl, ever since the three of them had a wild night, seemed to have mellowed a bit. Lin Wanrong was overjoyed in his heart. He hadn''t expected that event to have such an effect. He would have to do it more often in the future. He whispered in Xian''er''s ear, "Little darling, I''ll be back soon. You and Qiaoqiao, wash up and wait for your husband toe back."


    Qin Xian''er blushed and jumped onto the big boat with a shy smile. Madam Xiao saw their sweet affection and thought of her own daughter''s situation. She sighed lightly and said, "When Yushuang left today, the gatekeeper thought she was going out to do something, so he didn''t stop her. I thought she must havee to find you, but you''re always on the move, and she doesn''t know all these things. Where could she go to find you? This girl, she''s so young and has never experienced any hardship. If she runs into a bad person, what will we do?"


    As Madam Xiao spoke, she was already in tears. In the recent encounters with Madam Xiao, her tears had increased, and her formic smile had decreased significantly. Lin Wanrongforted her, "Madam, don''t panic. The Second Miss is smart and quick-witted. She''s only been gone for a few hours, and there won''t be any major problems. Once she learns that I''m in Jinling, she will definitely stay in the city to look for me. She won''t leave Jinling."


    Madam Xiao was worried and confused. After hearing his analysis, she felt that it made a lot of sense. It was rare for him to maintain such a clear mind in such an urgent situation. She had a higher opinion of him and said, "Lin San, your analysis is very urate. I and Yuruo have split up. I came to find you, and Yuruo has taken some people to search everywhere."


    As they spoke, the small boat had already reached the shore. Lin Wanrong was the first to jump up. Madam Xiao pulled her skirt and walked to the bow of the boat. Lin Wanrong extended his hand, grabbed her arm, and helped her onto the shore.


    Madam Xiao''s face turned red, and she was secretly annoyed. But seeing his clear eyes without a trace of lewdness, she held her tongue. Lin Wanrong calmly said, "Madam, have you sent people to all the ces the Second Miss likes to go?"


    Madam Xiao gave him a white look. Did he really need to tell her that? She nodded and said, "I''ve sent people to all the ces she likes to go, but we''ve found nothing."


    Lin Wanrong said, "In that case, let''s split up and search here. No matter how big Jinling City is, even if I have to dig three feet into the ground, I will find Yushuang." He was so anxious at this moment that he didn''t even call her the Second Miss. Madam Xiao heard this and felt that he was being sincere.


    After parting ways with Madam Xiao, he carefully recalled the process of getting to know the Second Miss. Their love was confirmed in the Xiao mansion, and their lovey-dovey moments also mostly took ce in the Xiao mansion. If there was a familiar ce in the city for the two of them, it would only be the Qixia Temple. That day, when he and the Eldest Miss were captured by the White Lotus Sect, the Second Miss fasted and prayed for them all day, and that ce had special significance.


    Regardless of whether Madam Xiao had sent people to look for her, he went straight to Qixia Temple. It was still early, and there were not many worshippers in Qixia Temple. Only a few monks were sweeping the rustling fallen leaves, making it very quiet.


    He asked a few monks if a beautiful female donor hade, and they all shook their heads. Only a young monk said that a beautiful female donor had gone in the direction of the Daxiong Treasure Hall.


    Damn it, he was so young, and he already recognized a beautiful female donor. When he grew up, he would definitely be a flirtatious monk. Lin Wanrong was both grateful and contemptuous, and he hurried to the Daxiong Treasure Hall.


    The Daxiong Treasure Hall had one main hall and two side halls. He went straight to the main hall, but it was empty. The Buddha statues were solemn. He paid his respects and searched from the front hall to the back hall. Not to mention female donors, he didn''t even see a single mouse.


    Just as he was getting frustrated, he heard a faint sound of footstepsing from outside the front hall. The sound was delicate and urgent, as if a woman was approaching.


    The woman entered the hall, carefully searched around, found nothing, and couldn''t help but sigh. She knelt down on the cushion in front of the Buddha statue and said, "Merciful Guanyin Bodhisattva, I beg you to ensure my sister''s safety. I am willing to exchange my life for her safety. As long as she can return safely, I will never think of that hateful man again, sob..."


    "Eldest Miss..." Lin Wanrong, who was hiding in the back hall, was startled and whispered.


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 Chapter 269

    Chapter 269


    Chapter 269 I Hate You


    Several days had passed, and the Eldest Miss seemed to have lost some weight. There was a hint of sadness in her eyes, and a faint sorrow hung on her cheeks, which were as smooth as jade. Her full bosom, slender waist, and small perky buttocks were still as upright and firm as ever. She had lost some of her arrogance, but gained a touch of mncholy. Compared to her usual self, she had a different kind of charm.


    The Eldest Miss had just finished praying to the Buddha. Her words were simple, just a few sentences, but they sounded unusual to Lin Wanrong. The "bad guy" she missed¡ª in the Eldest Miss''s mouth, who else could be this "bad guy" other than him, the notorious Lin San? Judging from her tone, it seemed that she had some feelings for him¡ª his heart suddenly started to thump. It was unexpected, too unexpected, it could be deadly.


    "Who''s there?" The hall was empty, and although Lin Wanrong''s voice was soft, it was exceptionally clear in the Eldest Miss''s ears. She didn''t expect someone to be in the back hall, and she was startled. She quickly stood up and shouted.


    Lin Wanrong secretly cursed his luck. What he feared hade true. Wasn''t this intentional harassment? He came out with an awkward smile and waved to Xiao Yuruo, "Hi, Eldest Miss, how are you? How is the Second Miss? How is the Madam? How is Fubo? How are the brothers in the mansion?"


    "Is it you?" Seeing the person who came out from behind was the one she had been thinking about in front of the Buddha, Xiao Yuruo was both shocked and embarrassed. Thinking about the words she had just said might have fallen into his ears, the Eldest Miss felt like fainting, and her heart was indescribable.


    "It''s not me, it''s the Buddha, the Buddha is speaking." Lin Wanrongughed dryly and added, "Don''t worry, Eldest Miss, I didn''t hear anything."


    "It''s you, it''s you, it''s definitely you. You did it on purpose." The Eldest Miss felt miserable. Looking at this annoying person, she didn''t know what she was feeling, it was a mix of emotions. Tears fell down her cheeks, and she sobbed, "You deliberately hid here tough at me!"


    ¡®This girl is too stubborn. I haven''t developed the habit of eavesdropping on others'' secrets.¡¯ Seeing the Eldest Miss crying miserably, Lin Wanrong didn''t know what to say. If it was like before today when he didn''t know anything, it would be fine. But he had heard some things he shouldn''t have at an inappropriate time, and was discovered by the Eldest Miss. This was really difficult to handle. He wasn''t prepared for this. He slowly walked over and said softly, "Don''t cry, I really didn''t do it on purpose. The Madam came to find me this morning, saying that the Second Miss was missing. I was anxious, so I came here to look. I didn''t know that while I was searching inside, you were checking outside. It was just a coincidence, it''s that simple. As for the words you said, I didn''t hear a single one!""Did you really not hear anything?" The Eldest Miss snorted. Looking at him, tears rolled down her cheeks, even more severe than before. It seemed that if he really didn''t hear anything, it would be even more upsetting.


    "No, no, absolutely not." Lin Wanrong hurriedly said, "Even if I heard it, I would definitely forget it all. I guarantee it with my reputation."


    Looking at this Lin San who was both familiar and strange, the Eldest Miss couldn''t hold back anymore. She rushed forward, raised her little fist, and hit his chest while crying loudly, "I told you not to hear, told you not to hear, told you not to hear, you bad guy, you won''t be satisfied until you bully me to death¡ª"


    ¡®Truly invincible. Whether I say I didn''t hear you or I did, either way, it''s wrong. I have to take your punches, do you think I have it easy?¡¯


    The Eldest Miss was crying like rain, and her little fist hitting him felt like tickling.


    ¡®So this girl really likes me a bit!¡¯ Lin Wanrong was a little stunned, not knowing whether to be happy or worried. Thinking back on his interactions with the Eldest Miss, there were indeed some indescribable feelings mixed in. But the first impression he left on the Eldest Miss was that he was despicable and shameless, and the first impression she left on him was that she was high and mighty and unrealistic. The two of them didn''t see eye to eye, like feuding enemies, neither willing to admit defeat. He never thought that the Eldest Miss would have feelings for him. If he hadn''t identally overheard today, given the state between him and the Eldest Miss, he probably would never have thought about it in this direction. So, the first impression was really important.


    He sighed lightly, feeling a sense of happy trouble. Seeing his strange expression, the Eldest Miss felt even more embarrassed and didn''t know what to do.


    After Lin Wanrong had figured all this out and thought back on the Eldest Miss''s actions, he suddenly saw the light. It turned out that the girl''s actions were not unreasonable, but rather too "reasonable".


    He fully embodied the spirit of being loved for being cheap, and chuckled, "Miss, I really didn''t hear it! Or, you can say it again, and I promise to remember every word."


    The Eldest Miss''s face turned red, and she quickly wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, and hummed, "You''re dreaming, it''s best if you didn''t hear it, who would hope you heard it." Hearing his words seemed to have a hidden meaning, the Eldest Miss was extremely flustered, she didn''t dare to look at him, her heart was pounding, and her face was burning.


    Thinking of all the things between him and the Eldest Miss, Lin Wanrong sighed slightly, took her little hand and said, "Alright, stop making a fuss, there''s enough chaos already, let''s have a good talk first." Xiao Yuruo''s little hand was warm and sweaty. Holding it in his hand was like a warm jade in warm water, incredibly soft and delicate.


    Having her hand held by him, the Eldest Miss felt as if her heart was about to jump out, her body trembling slightly. She wanted to break free from him, but she couldn''t muster the strength. It seemed as if she could hear her own heartbeat, her voice trembling slightly. She forced herself to suppress her shyness, tried to keep a straight face and said, "What¡ªwhat are you going to say¡ªyou¡ªyou''ve never been so bad¡ª"


    Her heart was beating faster and faster, and she couldn''t speak anymore. Her powdered face was flushed, and she felt like she was on fire, making her lose all her strength. After stuttering out a sentence, she didn''t even know what she had said, and she didn''t have any confidence at all. She quickly lowered her head, not daring to let him see her burning face.


    "I''m not at home, don''t be harsh on the people below. It''s easy to start a business but hard to maintain it. You should treat them well, so they can work wholeheartedly for you. Don''t lose your temper at random." Lin Wanrong said casually.


    The Eldest Miss opened her mouth, wanting to refute, but seeing his serious face, she couldn''t open her mouth. Her face was as red as if it was about to drip water, and she bit her red lips. She hummed softly through her nostrils, and then seemed to be dissatisfied and raised her head, "Where did I treat them badly? It''s just that I''ve been irritabletely, so I''ve been a bit too harsh. I didn''t do anything wrong, and these people ran toin to you!"


    Her eyebrows were like spring water, her eyes like condensed ink. As she spoke, her cheeks were flushed, her chest heaving, as bright as the peach blossoms in March. Her aggrieved expression didn''t look like a powerful woman in the business world, but rather showed all the charm of a shy girl.


    Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment. If the Eldest Miss was always this soft and watery, what a beautiful sight it would be.


    "What are you looking at!" Xiao Yuruo felt unbearably shy in her heart. She wanted to maintain her dignity, but she couldn''t keep a straight face. Her little hand, which was held by him, was full of sweat due to nervousness. "I¡ªI''m going to find Yushuang." The Eldest Miss''s face was a bright red, and she quickly lowered her head, speaking in a voice as small as a mosquito''s.


    "Let''s go together." Lin Wanrong said. Thinking of Yushuang, he also became anxious. If he couldn''t find that girl here, could it be that something really happened to her?


    Seeing the worried expression on Lin San''s face, the Eldest Miss thought of her rtionship with him, and then thought of her sister''s rtionship with him. She was in a dilemma and didn''t know what to do.


    "Who wants to go with you, you have no shame." Hearing him speak, the Eldest Miss''s heart trembled slightly. A sweet feeling surged in her heart, and she said without thinking.


    She used all her strength to pull her little hand out of his big palm. Her face was radiant, and she no longer had the courage to look at him. She said softly, "I''m going to find Yushuang, you¡ªyou don''t follow me, I hate you¡ª"


    ¡®If you hate me, you hate me. It would be strange if you don''t.¡¯ Lin Wanrong looked at the Eldest Miss and chuckled.


    The Eldest Miss felt as if he had seen through her heart, her heart trembled, and a bright pink color appeared on her face. Her delicate body twisted slightly, and she ran straight out of the main hall. Her steps were very hurried, as if staying here for a moment longer would add to the danger.


    ¡®This Eldest Miss, she sure knows how to run.¡¯ Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, watching the Eldest Miss''s graceful figure, not knowing what to feel. Life is truly wonderful. Just yesterday, he wasining about this Eldest Miss''s temper, but today, he heard her true feelings. Although it didn''t stun him, it did give him a sense of unreality.


    "Miss, you''re going the wrong way¡ª" Seeing Xiao Yuruo rushing into the temple, clearly due to her emotional state, she hadn''t discerned the direction properly. Lin Wanrong called out with augh.


    "None of your business!" The Eldest Miss''s face was flushed. She stopped and realized that she had indeed gone the wrong way in her haste. She stomped her foot in frustration, her face as red as the sunset, and turned to run out of the temple. When she got close to Lin Wanrong, she stole a nce at him, her face as bright as a peach blossom, and hummed, "You annoying person¡ª"


    She seemed to be both angry and resentful, her face flushed with a hint of embarrassment. Lin Wanrong was stunned, his heart stirred. When this Eldest Miss was enchanting, she was even more captivating than Sister An.


    Seeing his gaze as bright as a torch, Xiao Yuruo didn''t dare to stay any longer. She ran out without looking back, but her heart couldn''t calm down.


    Timing was everything. Seeing Xiao Yuruo leave the temple, Lin Wanrong smiled helplessly, turned around, and donated a silver ingot for incense. He bowed to the Buddha with unprecedented devotion, "Thank you all for your generous help. When I return from the capital, I will rebuild golden statues for you all."


    He was worried about Xiao Yushuang, so he searched carefully within the Qixia Temple, asking everyone he met, but he still didn''t see the Second Miss. The vague feelings with the Eldest Miss were originally quite pleasant, but without finding Yushuang, he couldn''t feel happy.


    When he left the temple, the Eldest Miss was nowhere to be seen. Thinking about her current state of mind, she must be in a mess, how could she calm down to look for Yushuang? It was indeed hard for her.


    While thinking about going back to call a meeting with Qingshan and Luo Yuan, and mobilizing the brothers in Hung Hing to search everywhere in the city to find Yushuang, he had alreadye to theke in front of the Qixia Temple. Thest time he was kidnapped and returned, it was here that he was about to get intimate with the Second Miss when he was caught by the Eldest Miss. At that time, he hated the Eldest Miss so much that his teeth itched. Now thinking about it, there are quite a few things to ponder and remember here.


    Theke was calm and clear. His gaze swept casually and saw a young master sitting by theke, his back to him, his face unclear. He was not tall, dressed in a light blue robe, his shoulders thin and weak, his hair bun up, revealing a long white neck and small jade-like ears.


    This figure looked familiar, which family''s young master was so handsome? Lin Wanrong took a closer look and was overjoyed. He walked over quietly and said softly, "Female donor, this poor monk has brought you tea¡ª"


    "No, no, where did this monke from, disturbing my little¡ª" The young master''s voice was clear, but he suddenly felt something was wrong. He quickly turned around and saw the face he had been longing for day and night. His eyes immediately filled with a thinyer of mist, "Lin San, is it really you¡ª"


    "Female donor, it''s indeed this poor monk. Oh, female donor, you''ve hurt the old monk¡ª"


    The Second Miss suddenly threw herself into his arms, raised her little fist, and hit his chest hard, tears falling down her cheeks, "Annoying, annoying. You annoying bad guy, woo, I told you not toe find me, I''ll kill you, and then die with you¡ª"


    He had just been beaten up in the temple by the Eldest Miss, and now he was being beaten up by the Second Miss. He could onlyugh and cry: ¡®The fate between me and these two sisters is really a bit strange.¡¯


    Holding Yushuang tightly in his arms, this girl was crying her heart out. The tears soaked both of their clothes, but the Second Miss cried even harder, like a floodgate had been opened. She sobbed almost to the point of fainting.


    ¡®Why bother?¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed in his heart, ¡®I brought this upon myself, poor Yushuang!¡¯ He gently patted Yushuang''s back and said softly, "Second Miss, don''t cry anymore, it makes me feel bad when you cry¡ª"


    The Second Miss sniffed and said, "I''m going to cry, I''m going to cry, it''s going to kill you, you heartless person. You''re having a good time outside, very satisfied, you don''t remember me at all, even if I cry to death, you won''t care."


    "How could I not think of you? I think about you every day, at night, when I eat, when I sleep." Sweet words came naturally to him, he sighed slightly and said, "Ah, Second Miss, you don''t know, this time I went out, it was a matter of life and death, I almost didn''t survive toe back."


    The Second Miss was indeed distracted by his words, and she was so scared that she didn''t dare to cry anymore. She clung to him tightly and said, "Lin San, what happened to you? Has someone been bullying you? Tell me, I''ll bring General Zhenyuan to deal with him. Let''s see who dares to bully you."


    Lin Wanrong didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry, but he was even more touched in his heart. He held her and said, "You don''t need to worry, those who bullied me have already been dealt with by me. In the future, if anyone dares to bully you, just tell me. I have many people at my disposal now, and it''s no problem to beat them to a pulp."


    "You''re bragging!" Hearing his rxed tone, the Second Miss also broke into a smile. "When have you ever not bullied me? You should settle your own ounts."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "How could I? I cherish you too much. How could I bear to bully the Second Miss?"


    "You tell me, how long have you been back in Jinling, yet you never came to see me. I''ve been praying for you every day, staying in my room, and everyone in the mansion says I''ve changed." Xiao Yushuang''s eyes were filled with tears, and she spoke in a wronged tone.


    Thinking about it, a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, who used to be so lively and loved to y pranks, had be so sentimental after meeting him. He was indeed the root cause. Thinking about this, Lin Wanrong said seriously, "Yushuang, in the future, don''t deliberately suppress yourself. Do whatever you want to do. I still like to see the carefree little girl you used to be."


    Xiao Yushuang gave a shy smile and hummed, "As long as you don''t bully me, I''ll still be Yushuang. When have you ever not bullied me?" Seeing her teary eyes and smiling face, her age was indeed not big, but she was born with bright eyes and white teeth, extraordinarily beautiful, with an expression full of earnestness. She waspletely different from the Eldest Miss, and Lin Wanrong felt a tickle in his heart. He chuckled, "Then I''ll bully you for a lifetime, are you willing?"


    Xiao Yushuang looked at him, her face full of surprise, and suddenly hugged his neck and said, "This is what you said, from now on we''ll bully each other, and no one is allowed to leave the other." She stared nkly at him, then suddenly said, "Lin San, let''s elope."


    Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat. This girl hade up with such a silly idea again. Was eloping fashionable? Heughed and said, "Eloping is a very tasteless act. We don''t need to go that far yet, do we?" This was not a lie. Madam Xiao had already hinted at this, but because he was currently in a cold war with the Xiao family, he had postponed this matter.


    "Who says we''re not there yet?" The Second Miss pouted, "You''ve already quarreled with my sister like that. She won''t even let you in the house, how could she allow our rtionship?"


    "Do you know about that? Ah, Second Miss, actually, things are not asplicated as you imagine."


    The Second Miss hummed, "I heard from my sister that you brought two women back to Jinling. My sister was worried about me, so she kept you out of the house. Is that true?"


    Regarding this matter, Lin Wanrong didn''t intend to hide it from her. He nodded and said, "Yushuang, to be honest, I already have two intimate female friends in Jinling. I will never leave them, just as I will never leave you."


    The Second Miss bit her lip and cried softly, "You heartless man, you''re always affectionate everywhere. I''ve known for a long time, but I just can''t help but like you. How can I stop you? I''ve given up my home for you. If you dare not want me, I''ll die in front of you."


    "Where, where. How could it be?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, holding the Second Miss in his arms and said, "By the way, how did you end up in this disguise and here? The Eldest Miss was just looking for you, did you see her?"


    Yushuang bit him on the arm and hummed, "You''re only asking now, I''m angry, I won''t tell you."


    "Then do you want me to marry you into my family?" Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    The Second Miss''s face flushed, and she lowered her head and said, "Now? I still want to go to the capital to study. Or, let''s get married first¡ª." She looked up and saw his teasing smile, and her face turned red. "You bad Lin San, you always bully me like this. I''ll definitely bully you enough in the future."


    After chatting with this innocent girl for a while, and letting go of his worries, Lin Wanrong was truly happy.


    The Second Miss said, ¡°Yesterday, I learned from the maids that you had returned. I was angry that my sister had been keeping it from me and had even turned you away from the door, so I went to argue with her. My sister seemed to be in a bad mood too. When I spoke to her, she also became somewhat agitated. I felt wronged at the time, so I thought toe find you.¡±


    As she spoke of the events of the previous night, a look of grievance crossed Yushuang''s face. "It waste at night, and I didn''t know where to find you, so I had to wait until dawn to leave the house. To avoid attracting attention, I changed into this disguise after leaving the house and searched for you everywhere. But you, you were nowhere to be found. I had nowhere to go, so I thought of this ce. I thought to myself, I''ll just wait here for you. If you don''te in three days, I''ll wait three days. If you don''te in three years, I''ll wait three years. If you, a heartless man, never think of me, then there''s no point in me living. I might as well freeze to death here."


    This girl had the same stubborn nature as her sister. Lin Wanrongughed and was moved. He patted her little face twice and said, "What nonsense are you talking about freezing to death? You''re still young, you haven''t tasted happiness yet. In the future, you''ll be the happiest woman in the world¡ª"


    ¡®¡ªOne of them!¡¯ These two words were only thought in his heart, but he couldn''t say them out loud.


    The Second Miss twisted him hard around the waist and hummed, "You always know how to sweet-talk people. I''m sure those two sisters of mine were also deceived by you." She leaned her head on Lin San''s chest, smiled sweetly, and said softly, "But at least you still have some conscience, knowing toe here to find me, and even recognizing me. I saw my sister when she came earlier, and I deliberately hid from her. She looked strange when she left, just like how I look when I miss you. I don''t know what''s wrong. I couldn''t bear it at the time and almost called out to her, but then I thought about how she treated you, and I held back. Lin San, I know my sister treated you like that, and you must feel wronged and upset. But I''m not feeling well either. My sister is doing this for my sake. I apologize to you on her behalf. Can you forgive her, please?"


    Forgive? The problem now was much moreplicated than that! He chuckled, "I''ve always had a bad memory. I forget everything when I wake up from sleep. Don''t you know that, Second Miss?"


    "How would I know? I''ve never slept with you¡ªuh, annoying!" The Second Miss fell for his trick, punched him, and acted coquettishly in his arms.


    Thinking about it, both of his wives were already at home, and it was only a matter of time before this girl Yushuang would join them. It was necessary for the few of them to meet and hold a joint meeting. He fiddled with the girl''s smooth and jade-like little ear, leaned into her ear and said, "Your two sisters are now in a very fun ce. There''s a big boat there, and only the few of us are on it. No one can see us, and we can do whatever we want. I and your two sisters do some very fun things every day. Do you want to go see? I''ll take you there, okay?"


    "Okay¡ªno!" The little girl was initially tempted, but then seemed to remember something, her face turned red, and she quickly denied, "You haven''t married me openly yet, why should I go to your ce? Are you nning to do something bad again?"


    Sweat, ¡®Do I look so much like a big bad wolf?¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed heartily, gave a thumbs up and said, "Second Miss, you''re really vignt. We won''t go today, we''ll go in the future."


    The Second Miss grabbed his hand and said, "You once told me to learn more skills to help my mother and sister. During the days you were away, I started studying hard. Not only did I learn poetry and conversation, but I also learned the methods of calction. When I get to the capital, I will also ask for a famous teacher. I, Xiao Yushuang, don''t believe that I can''t do what others can do."


    Her expression was resolute, and her eyes shone with determination. Looking at her, she somewhat resembled Madam Xiao, but one could also see the shadow of the Eldest Miss. Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, ¡®This girl has grown up and has her own ideas. Hopefully, she can achieve what she wants when she gets to the capital.¡¯


    "Lin San, when I get to the capital, if I neglect you because I''m busy studying, you mustn''t me me, okay?" Xiao Yushuang leaned against him and said softly.


    ¡®This girl, she''s actually giving me a preventive shot.¡¯ Lin Wanrong held her in his arms andughed, "The more serious you are about your studies, the happier I will be. If you don''t study hard, I will spank your little butt."


    "Bad guy¡ª" Yushuang''s eyes misted over, remembering the past, she felt a hot sensation on her little buttocks, and quickly whimpered, snuggling shyly in his arms.


    Holding the Second Miss, he suddenly thought of the various entanglements with the Eldest Miss in the temple today. A sense of romance rose in Lin Wanrong''s heart. He had originally intended to steal just the Second Miss, but he had identallypleted the task in excess. What should he do now? The Eldest Miss was a flower with thorns, and it hurt quite a bit to touch her.


    After gently kneading the soft body in his arms for a while, he smiled at the corner of his mouth, his thoughts already flying somewhere else...


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 270

    Chapter 270


    Chapter 270 The Eldest Miss Loves to Blush


    "Lin San, where are we headed?" the Second Miss asked curiously as she leaned against Lin Wanrong in the carriage.


    "We''re off to a nice ce, one that you''ll surely love," Lin Wanrong responded with a heartyugh. "You snuck away today without informing the Madam and Eldest Miss. They must be terribly worried. Once we''ve finished at this ce, I''ll take you home, alright?"


    The Second Miss gave a quiet nod, asking, "And what about you? Will you be going back?"


    "I''ll wander around outside for a few more days. I''ve been so tired recently, consider this a vacation. Once the New Year passes and we head for the capital, we''ll journey together," answered Lin Wanrong. The nature of his rtionship with the Eldest Miss was a mix of confusion and ambiguity, which made the decision of whether or not to return all the more difficult.


    The Second Miss obediently responded, nestling herself in his arms, "I''ll listen to you then. Once we''ve visited the ce, you can take me home. But, you must visit me every day. I still have many questions to ask you. If you dare leave me again, I''ll...I''ll scold you every day until youe to see me¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but chuckle, her threat was rather ''terrifying.''


    The Second Miss gave a snort, retrieving a cherished little note from her bosom. She nced at it, her face a mix of joy and shyness. She raised her small face, shooting Lin Wanrong a nce that was partly angry, partly whimsical, and said in a low voice, "You rascal. After being away from home for so long, you finally write a letter back, but it only has a few words, and you couldn''t even be bothered to use a full sheet of paper. Infuriating."


    Couldn''t even be bothered to use a full sheet of paper? Am I that stingy? Lin Wanrong wondered. He took the note from her hand and read the calligraphic words: Second Miss, I miss you!This note was written after he received a letter from the Eldest Miss upon arriving in Feng County. He had stayed up all night to write it, then had it specially delivered back by Xu Wei. He remembered it clearly, yet the letter was clearly three sentences long and mentioned three people. Howe it was reduced to just one sentence when it reached the Second Miss?


    "Second Miss, who gave you this note?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "Of course it was my elder sister. She said you wrote me a letter, and my heart leaped with joy. But who knew that upon opening it, it only contained these few words. You heartless man," the Second Miss retorted, her face reddening. She snatched the note back and clutched it against her heart, nestling back into his arms and murmured, "Only a few words written, but it made someone dream about you. How annoying."


    Then Lin Wanrong understood. The Eldest Miss must have thought the letter inappropriate and decided to cut the sheet into three strips, distributing one to each person. Even if the form of the paper was somewhat off, it was better than receiving nothing. ¡®Damn, why didn''t I think of that? The Eldest Miss is too smart.¡¯ Lin Wanrong wished he couldugh out loud, the Eldest Miss was so thoughtful. But he couldn''t help wondering where the strip meant for the Madam was. Could the Eldest Miss have kept it? That would be a real piece of evidence.


    The carriage they had summoned had traveled only a short distance when Lin Wanrong lifted the curtain. His eyes fell unintentionally on a dpidated hut at the foot of the hill by the Qixia Temple, where the fleeting figure of a woman in a blue cloth robe appeared and disappeared, seemingly a female ascetic.


    She was quite busty! Lin Wanrong, gifted with excellent vision, could clearly discern her form after just a brief nce. His thoughts took ascivious turn for a moment before he suddenly remembered something and urgentlymanded, "Stop, stop the carriage¡ª"


    The Second Miss was surprised and asked, "What happened?"


    Lin Wanrong said, "I am going to check on someone. Well, not someone''s chest, I mean. Second Miss, could you please wait here for a moment? I''ll be right back." Xiao Yushuang nodded in agreement.


    Lin Wanrong stepped off the carriage and approached the hut. It was decrepit, with winds whistling through the cracks. A woman dressed in a green robe had her hair piled high into a bun and concealed it with a small Buddha hat. Indeed, she seemed like a solitary female ascetic.


    As Lin Wanrong studied the woman''s face, he was taken aback and gently said, "Miss Tao, is it really you?"


    Upon seeing him, Miss Tao''s eyes widened in surprise, and she dropped the scripture in her hand. Her face turned beet red as she hurried to her feet, eximing joyously, "Lin... Young Master Lin, is it you?"


    Looking at the slightly emaciated woman in front of him, Lin Wanrong could hardly believe that he would encounter her here. Miss Tao''s voluptuous figure was obscured by arge robe, concealing her attractive figure. Remembering this woman''s previous feistiness, Lin Wanrong asked in confusion, "Miss Tao, how did you end up here? What are you doing?"


    Tao Wanying softly responded, her voice steady, "I''ve been here for a few days now. I am currently practicing my faith."


    "Practicing your faith?" This girl was in the prime of her youth, why would she want to be a nun? Had she quarreled with Young Master Hou? He quickly tried to dissuade her, "Miss Tao, you''re at the flower of your age. Why are you thinking of renouncing the secr world? Did you have a dispute with Young Master Hou? Ah, quarrels aremon among young people, but you must not do something in the heat of the moment that you might regret for life."


    Tao Wanying shook her head and said, "Young Master Lin... Lin, please don''t speak nonsense. I have nothing to do with Young Master Hou!"


    "Nothing to do?" Lin Wanrong looked at her skeptically and chuckled, "Miss Tao, everyone knows about you and Young Master Hou. Now that Miss Luo has unequivocally rejected him, it''s a great opportunity for you. You should be with him, that''s the right thing to do. But why are you here alone, practicing Buddhism?"


    "Nonsense," Tao Wanying''s eyebrows rose in anger, a glint of fury shed in her eyes, and the shadow of her old temper seemed to flicker, "I used to admire Young Master Hou, but it''s far from what you think. After all that''s happened, he and I have even less to do with each other. Please don''t misunderstand."


    Seeing the determination in Tao Wanying''s words, and sensing she was not feigning, Lin Wanrong sighed in resignation, "Alright, alright, I won''t say any more. Lest in your anger, you draw a de and charge at me."


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong teasing her about the past, Tao Wanying''s cheeks flushed. She said softly, "Lin San, what brings you here? As far as I recall, you are not particrly devout."


    "I''m here on important business. But what about you, Miss Tao? What happened? Are you really nning on bing a nun?"


    Tao Wanying sighed lightly. "There have been many issues at hometely. My father lost his position, and my brother has changed for the worse. Our family has fallen from grace; we''re not the prosperous family we once were. I realize this is due to my father and brother''s wrongdoings. We are being punished by the gods. I am here to repay their debts. I had intended to ask the temple''s master to ordain me, but they told me they do not ept female disciples at Qixia Temple. I pleaded to no avail and had no choice but to build this hut outside the temple. I hope to be a practitioner and redeem my father and brother''s sins."


    Lin Wanrong was indirectly involved in the troubles of her father and brother, but he did not feel any guiltpared to the evil they had done. He nodded, "Miss Tao, you indeed embody filial piety. However, considering your beautiful appearance and prosperous aura, I''m afraid your worldly entanglements are not yet settled. It''s unlikely that you''ll be able to be a nun."


    Tao Wanying chuckled. "You''re not a monk, yet you''re interpreting my features? If I can''t be a nun, it would be your curse. You won''t get off easily."


    Lin Wanrong had only interacted with her a few times and couldn''t im to know her well. Yet seeing this fiery young woman renounce the secr world to be a nun did not sit well with him. He exchanged a few words with her, but when he saw her wearing the wide Buddhist robe, he didn''t know what else to say.


    Tao Wanying spoke faintly, "By the way, I forgot to congratte you on your victory at the poetry contest. Now you have everyone''s admiration. You can have anything you want."


    "That was all just for fun, it doesn''t count. I''m naturally repulsed by the idea of bing a schr or a man of letters." Lin Wanrongughed.


    Tao Wanying looked at him, "Are you really going to marry Miss Luo Ning?"


    "Well, I suppose so," Lin Wanrong chuckled. He hadn''t seen Luo Ning in a while and thought he should find a way to visit her.


    Tao Wanying nodded, "Then I wish you a happy marriage. It''s remarkable that Luo Ning could captivate someone as carefree as you. The two of you are a perfect match, both talented and beautiful."


    "Miss Tao, you don''t have to tter us. Living here in the temple is hard and lonely. Take some time to go out and explore. Your mood will naturally improve. I reckon that in a few days, you won''t want to be a nun anymore."


    Tao Wanying red at him, "I won''t let you disrupt my resolve. I won''t listen to you."


    Lin Wanrongughed and started to walk away. Tao Wanying seemed a bit stunned, "Lin San, are you leaving?"


    Her voice seemed somewhat wistful. Lin Wanrong sighed lightly. It was not surprising. She must have been living outside the temple for some time and had few people to talk to. It was harsh for a young woman to keeppany with a dimmp and a Buddha statue, renouncing the world.


    "I''m not nning to be a monk, of course, I must go," Lin Wanrong turned to say, noting a shade of destion in Tao Wanying''s gaze. He hurriedly added with a grin, "But don''t worry. I''ll stay in Jinling for a few more days. If I have time, I wille to chat with you. I''ll ry any news from Miss Luo and the others. I believe they''lle to visit you. Having a chat with them will surely lift your spirits."


    Tao Wanying didn''t respond, only offering a bitter smile.


    Returning to the carriage, the Second Miss was leaning against the wall, dozing off. Lin Wanrong gently touched her nose and chuckled, "Wake up, little one."


    As the Second Miss opened her eyes to see him, her face flushed slightly. Quickly wrapping her arms around his, she said with slight embarrassment, "I was up early today, didn''t sleep wellst night, and fell asleep while waiting. Have you finished meeting your friend?"


    "I have." Compared to Tao Wanying, the Second Miss was indeed fortunate. Lin Wanrong pulled her into his embrace and softly said, "Keep sleeping, I''ll watch over you."


    The carriage entered the city, stopping in front of a grand mansion. As the Second Miss stepped out, she gazed at therge vermilion gate and asked curiously, "Lin San, whose house is this? It''s evenrger than ours!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "This is Lin''s mansion. From now on, you are part of this household."


    "Lin''s mansion?" The Second Miss paused, then understanding dawned, and she eximed, "Lin San, are you serious?"


    "Of course, this will be my home in Jinling from now on," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    Giggling, the Second Miss darted into the mansion. It was beautifully constructed, expansive, with pavilions, bridges over flowing streams, far grander than the Xiao family residence.


    Excited, she took Lin Wanrong''s hand, her face flushing as she said, "Lin San, are you nning to marry me here?"


    "Certainly," he replied, "This house is too big, it would be a waste not to bring a wife here. When the timees, I''ll even build you a dog park, where you can keep all sorts of dogs¡ªwolves, mastiffs, heh¡ª"


    At his words, her face lit up. She nestled into his chest, smiling shyly, "Alright, once I''ve finished my education in the capital, I''ll be your wife."


    "Hahaha," Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "It''s not just you, there are a few more wives waiting! Good thing I bought a big enough house, marrying ten or eight wives would be a breeze."


    He spent a delightful day with the Second Miss, flirting, taking minor advantages, utterly joyous. The Second Miss still had a bit of childish temperament, insisting on dividing the rooms. Lin Wanrong chuckled at this. Why divide the rooms? Wasn''t it better to live together? Eat from the same pot, sleep in the same bed, that was true intimacy.


    He spent a whole day with the Second Miss, making up for his negligence in the past days. Only when the nightmps were lit did he take the reluctant Second Miss back home.


    Standing at the door of the Xiao Mansion after several days, he felt a bit unfamiliar. Gazing at the vermilion gate of the Xiao Mansion, Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly. He had deceived the Second Miss, stolen the heart of the older sister. Was there a more impressive servant in the world than him? This Xiao family, was it destined to be mine?


    Upon receiving the news from the servants, Madam Xiao hurriedly stepped outside. At first nce, she saw her daughter standing at the door and eximed in surprise, "Yushuang, you''re finally back¡ª"


    With reddened eyes, the Second Miss threw herself into Madam Xiao''s arms and cooed, "Mother, I just went out to y, don''t worry."


    "You naughty girl¡ª" Madam Xiao affectionately patted her little bottom, mildly scolding, "You sneak out without notifying anyone at home, causing your sister and me to worry ourselves sick."


    The Second Miss blushed, stuck out her tongue, and nestled into her mother''s shoulder, making a face at Lin San.


    Did Madam Xiao also enjoy patting Yushuang''s little bottom? The touch was indeed pleasant. Lin Wanrong chuckled lewdly a couple of times, winked at the Second Miss, who, embarrassed, burrowed into her mother''s arms and whimpered, "Mother, he''s bullying me¡ª"


    "Lin San,e here!" Hearing her daughter''s coquettishint, Madam Xiao couldn''t help but smile. Seeing Lin San standing at the door in a daze, she called him over.


    "What can I do for you, Madam?" Lin Wanrong walked over and asked.


    Madam Xiao lovingly stroked her daughter''s hair, her eyes filled with a gentle light. She nodded, "Lin San, I owe you a lot for Yushuang. She''s young and her character is still forming. If anything goes wrong, you''ll have to bear with her. She''s been taken care of by me and Yuruo since she was little. Now, all her thoughts are on you. I have no choice but to ask you to take good care of her."


    Madam Xiao''s words were so explicit that even the tough Lin Wanrong could only nod in agreement. The matter with the Second Miss was already settled, and Madam Xiao was still reminding him in front of her, leaving him no room to refuse. Lin Wanrong smiled bitterly in his heart. Madam Xiao was best at this kind of veiled maniption. She was tying him firmly to the Xiao family.


    The Second Miss also understood the meaning of her mother''s words. Her heart pounded, but she dared not speak. She hid in her mother''s arms, not even daring to lift her head.


    "Yushuang¡ª" With a cry of surprise, the Eldest Miss rushed out of the mansion, heading straight for the Second Miss, not caring that her pleated skirt was touching the ground.


    "Sister¡ª" The Second Miss also called out and threw herself into the Eldest Miss''s arms.


    Xiao Yuruo tightly hugged her sister, wiped away the tears from the corner of her eyes, and said, "Good sister, I was wrong yesterday. I shouldn''t have med you like that. I apologize to you. Can you forgive me?"


    Xiao Yushuangughed, "Sister, I''m not ming you. I just sneaked out to y today!"


    The Eldest Miss hummed in response, saw Lin San standing there smiling at her, and her face immediately turned red. Her heart started to race, her body heating up. She took the Second Miss''s hand and asked, "Yushuang, where were you today? How did you meet him¡ªhow did you meet Lin San?"


    Xiao Yushuang shyly replied, "I met him at Qixia Temple. Sister, when you went to the temple this morning, I saw you too."


    "What?" Xiao Yuruo was taken aback, her face turning red instantly. Her heart was about to jump out of her chest. If Yushuang was there too, then didn''t she see everything that happened between her and Lin San?


    "However, at that time, I wanted to see him, so I didn''t dare toe out and talk to you. Sister, you won''t me me, will you?" The Second Miss''s words eased the Eldest Miss''s heart considerably. She hurriedly said, "You silly girl, what are you talking about? You''re my sister, no matter what you do, I won''t me you."


    As she said this, she stole a nce at Lin San, only to see him smiling at her and her sister, his gaze intense. The Eldest Miss''s heart pounded, and she quickly lowered her head, squeezing Yushuang''s hand painfully.


    Lin Wanrong looked at the two beautiful sisters in front of him, one innocent and pure, the other mature and shy. Although they were born of the same mother, they hadpletely different charms.


    The Eldest Miss was blushing more and more. He was overjoyed, thinking that he was not wronged for being a servant in this house. He was involved with both the Eldest and the Second Miss, touching and teasing. Who couldpare with him? He thanked old Wei, old Xu, old Luo, and the Madam¡ª


    In the midst of his pride, he saw the Second Miss beckoning to him, saying, "What are you looking at? Come here¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong walked over solemnly and asked, "Second Miss, what''s the matter?"


    Xiao Yushuang nced at him shyly, then said to her mother and sister, "Mother, sister, from now on, we are a family. Can we all stop being strangers?"


    The Madam looked at her daughter lovingly andughed. "Good, good, of course. What Yushuang said is right."


    The Second Miss hummed in agreement, her face flushed. She took Xiao Yuruo''s hand and said, "Sister, he likes to make trouble. That day, he deliberately angered you. Don''t take it to heart. From now on, let''s all get along well. Don''t let him provoke you anymore, okay?"


    Xiao Yuruo didn''t know what to say. She had been held by him that morning, and now seeing him made her heart beat uncontrobly. She couldn''t understand her sister''s words, didn''t dare to agree, and didn''t dare to disagree. She just stood there, head down, not speaking, a far cry from her usual strong and decisive self.


    The Madam and Yushuang saw the Eldest Miss''s current state and found it strange. Madam Xiao asked, "Yuruo, what''s wrong with you? Are you ufortable?"


    "Oh, I think the Eldest Miss might be so happy to see the Second Miss return that she''s acting like this. Isn''t that right, Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong "understandingly" made an excuse for the Eldest Miss.


    The Eldest Miss looked at him with both embarrassment and annoyance, her face turning a shade of red. Seeing his bright eyes, she quickly turned her head and whispered, "Yes, sister, it''s good that you''re back. From now on, we''ll be a family, live happily, and never part."


    Xiao Yushuang softly agreed, whispering, "Sister, Lin San is also our family. He will never leave us either, okay?"


    The Eldest Miss stole a nce at him and softly said, "If he wants to stay, he can stay. Who dares to drive him away?"


    The Second Miss giggled and hooked her finger with her sister, saying, "Then it''s settled. Lin San, you hook fingers with my sister too¡ª"


    "Okay!" Lin Wanrong agreed without hesitation, his face very serious.


    "No¡ª" The Eldest Miss''s voice was as thin as a mosquito''s, her face flushed like a peach blossom, her heart pounding like a drum. She turned to leave.


    Yushuang was quick to react, pulling her back andughing, "Sister, please forgive Lin San. Hook fingers with him!"


    ¡®Yes, hook fingers, the more the better.¡¯ Lin Wanrong was itching in his heart. The Eldest Miss was so shy that she didn''t dare to lift her head. Under the half-pushing and half-pulling of the Second Miss, her finger touched Lin San''s big hand.


    The Eldest Miss quickly withdrew her finger, red at him fiercely, her face burning. She took Yushuang''s hand and said, "Sister, don''t mind him, let''s go in."


    "It''s strange, what''s wrong with Yuruo today? Why is she blushing so much? Something''s not right!" Madam Xiao looked at her two daughters'' figures and said. Lin Wanrong chuckled, ¡®Don''t ask me, I don''t know, I really don''t know!¡¯


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 271

    Chapter 271


    Chapter 271 Five Portraits of Affection


    "How peculiar! I have never seen Yuruo look this way before," the Madam murmured to herself, her face painted with an expression of puzzlement.


    "Eldest Miss turning red in the face? Hmm, I didn''t notice," Lin Wanrong looked at the Madam in surprise,ughing, "Perhaps it''s the chill of the cold. But in my view, yourplexion is also quite rosy, just like¡ª"


    "Just like what?" the Madam queried.


    "Just like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl! Ah, my only w is my honesty. I always speak the truth, please do not take offense, Madam," Lin Wanrong sighed.


    Madam Xiao covered her mouth with a chuckle. Her mature, full-bodied figure shivered in mirth, so much so she could hardly stand upright.


    "Why are youughing, Madam?" Lin Wanrong asked earnestly.


    Madam Xiao waved her hand, trying hard to suppress herughter. Her face had turned beet-red. "Lin San, you''re never serious. In my opinion, a woman who can put up with you hasn''t been born yet. I must warn Yushuang about you, lest you take advantage of her gratitude towards you."


    It seemed the Madam had seen through him. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, offering it as his response.Once he ceased his tomfoolery, Madam Xiao spoke, "Lin San, aren''t you considering returning home? The new year is almost upon us, and everyone is missing you."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, smiling, "Madam, have you forgotten the story of the weed I once told you? These days, consider them my vacation. After working for a year, I deserve a break. When it''s time to go to the capital, I will apany the Eldest Miss and the others again."


    Seeing his resolute stance, the Madam sighed in resignation, "If you insist so strongly, I won''t force you. Yuruo is a little impatient, she has decided to leave home on the third day of the new year. You mustn''t forget when the timees."


    This date had been set by the Eldest Miss a long time ago. Lin Wanrong knew her fiery temperament; she''d sacrifice even her life for her ambitions, let alone her new year''s day? He grimaced, "The third day it is. If ady can manage to leave so early, why should I be bothered?"


    the Madam chuckled and nodded, "Thank you for your hard work. When the timees, please take good care of her. Our Xiao family is counting on you."


    Now that was a loaded statement. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Oh,e now, Madam, we are family now. We must help each other, don''t you agree?"


    Madam Xiao knew he was retaliating for her pushing him to join their family in front of Yu Shuang. She couldn''t help but giggle, "You''re something, Lin San. I asked you to look after Yushuang, and it''s obviously to your advantage, yet you y the victim. As if my Xiao family owes you by default."


    The Madam''s softughter, her blushing brows, her gently trembling body, and her captivating demeanor caused Lin Wanrong''s heart to skip a beat. Good heavens, all the women here had the same allure, clearly testing his resolve.


    He firmly believed in his nature to get carried away in the throes of desire. Daring not to linger any longer, he hastily excused himself, bid the Madam farewell, and made his way back home.


    Having spent the day flirting with the eldest sister and exchanging sweet nothings with the second one, Lin Wanrong returned to the boat with unexpected gains. His heart was astir, his face beaming with joy, humming a ditty under his breath. Yet, the pleasure boat was oddly quiet. Luo Yuan and Qingshan, the two youngsters, sprang out of the cabin at the sight of him and greeted him cheerily, "Big brother, you''re back!"


    Lin Wanrong scanned around, noticing the absence of Xian''er and Qiaoqiao. He found it odd and asked the duo, "What are you two doing here? Where are Xian''er and Qiaoqiao? It''s gettingte. They should be going home to bed."


    Even though Luo Yuan and Qingshan were fearless, they were dumbstruck by his words and gave him a thumbs up in admiration.


    Grinning, Luo Yuan said, "Big brother, I''m afraid you''ll be the only one keeping watch over the empty room tonight. Sister Luo Ning has called away the two sisters-inw for a meeting. They decided to spend the night in her tower. She sent us here to ry the message, so please don''t take offense, big brother!"


    Luo Ning had called Xian''er and Qiaoqiao for a meeting? What could those three girls possibly discuss? Could it be they were brainstorming how to serve their husband? This would be a long conversation, requiring dedicated attention. Yet, what struck him as strange was Xian''er''s calm demeanor around Luo Ning. That was the real oddity.


    "Ah, Little Luo, did your sister mention why she asked for Qiaoqiao? This ship is toorge, and without them, I''m afraid to sleep alone." Lin Wanrongughed heartily, brazenly putting his fear into words.


    "I don''t know what my sister and the two sisters-inw discussed. But judging from the look on sister Qiaoqiao, it seems like she has quite a bone to pick with you, big brother," Luo Yuan cryptically remarked.


    ¡®Qiaoqiao was upset with me?¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought for a moment, realizing that Luo Ning must have shared something with them, sparking this united front against him. It appeared that Luo Ning couldn''t wait and had taken the two wives hostage, forcing his hand. That put him in a tight spot.


    Seeing his furrowed brow, Dong Qingshan said, "Big brother, what''s bothering you? With the thousands of us from the Hung Hing, what problem can''t we solve?" After Cheng De fell and the ck Dragon Society disbanded, the Hung Hing was the most prominent gang in Jinling City. Qingshan said these words with full confidence.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and asked Luo Yuan, "Little Luo, how is your father''s situation? When will the imperial decree arrive?" The scandal surrounding Luo Min had already created a stir in the court, with many moring for severe punishment. If not for Xu Wei''s intervention, it would have be a much bigger issue.


    Luo Yuan''s face fell. "The imperial decree has not arrived yet. Judging from the current situation at court, being stripped of his title might be the least of his worries."


    Lin Wanrong patted his shoulder and said seriously, "Little Luo, I don''t aim to be a viin, but I also don''t want to be an overly good person. However, I do admire your father. In this era, good officials who have ambitions and ideals yet can protect themselves are rare."


    Luo Yuan wiped away a tear, smiling, "Big brother, I understand. No matter what, my sister and I will always stand by our father''s side."


    At the moment, he was unable to assist old Luo. Once in the capital city, he''d find a way. Lin Wanrong, always jovial by nature,ughed heartily. "Let''s not talk about this for now, let''s discuss something more entertaining. Little Luo, do you know about your sister and me?"


    Sooner orter, he would have to deal with thatss Luo Ning, who was bing a constant worry. It seemed like he would be forced to take drastic measures. Lin Wanrong shook his head in resignation, a wry smile on his face.


    When Luo Yuan heard him mention his sister, he gave a thumbs up and said, "Big brother, honestly, I am genuinely impressed by you. How did my sister, who used to be so aloof and indifferent to everyone, surrender to you so easily? She used to scare off all the talented young men by saying that she''d only marry someone who was both literary and martial. Brother, when you have time, please teach me and Qingshan. We are very envious."


    Qingshan''s eyes sparkled as he swallowed hard, nodding eagerly. Lin Wanrongughed heartily at the wolf-like gleam in the young boys'' eyes. Was it spring already? He thought he could hear a mating call.


    He chuckled, "You''re my brothers, so of course I don''t mind teaching you a few tricks. As for you, Little Luo, I n to be your brother-inw. Are you okay with that?"


    Luo Yuan shook his head, "Big brother, you should be asking my sister. She is the one who makes the decisions. Asking me wouldn''t do much good."


    "Slick kid," Lin Wanrongughed and patted his shoulder, "So, you''re saying you have no objections?"


    "Do I have a say in this? You and my sister have been flirting and acting lovey-dovey for a long time, even involving my father as your messenger. What else can I do?" Luo Yuan pretended to be aggrieved.


    So, this little guy knew everything. Lin Wanrong let out a heartyugh andmanded, "Bring me some paper."


    With the two wives away, Qingshan temporarily yed the role of a page boy, fetching a sheet of rice paper from the cabin. As Lin Wanrong pondered, he took a pencil from his pocket and recalled his encounters with thatss Luo Ning. As memories surged, his pencil danced across the paper with seemingly divine assistance. Before long, a remarkably vivid drawing appeared on the paper.


    A beautiful woman stood inside a building, gazing at four couplets hanging in the air, a smile on her face as she pondered. Nearby, a carefree young man was ying a game of finger-guessing with two boys, all clearly having a great time. The woman, with her refined features and rosy cheeks, was exceptionally beautiful.


    After scrutinizing the drawing, Qingshan eximed in surprise, "Big brother, this is our restaurant! Oh, I get it, this is when you first met Miss Luo and you put forth four absolute couplets."


    Luo Yuan nodded silently, remembering the day when his big brother had written those four couplets and drank merrily with him and his brother, seemingly unconcerned with his sister. Now, it seemed that this big brother was truly going to be his brother-inw. The mystery of fate was truly unfathomable.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t reply, only smiling faintly as he continued to draw following the first image.


    A young man stood at the podium, sweeping his gaze over the crowd with cold determination. The gathered talented young men and women were visibly astonished. Luo Ning stood in the middle, her head lifted in a daze, gently biting her silver teeth, a worried frown on her face.


    Luo Yuan pped his hands, saying, "Big brother, this pair must represent the time you gave a speech at the Jinling Poetry Association with my sister. I''ve heard astounding tales about it. I suppose that was when my sister began to be drawn to you. Wonderful, just wonderful, big brother, you must teach me more."


    The third drawing was of a woman on an embankment, looking at the hardworking peasants with a worried expression. With a swift flourish of her brush, she began to write. Standing next to her, a servant in green robes shook his head slightly, his face filled with regret.


    It was clear that the scene depicted the infamous event at Jinling, when a servant had beaten up a schr. Lin Wanrong recalled the scene on the embankment and couldn''t help but smile. ¡®This Miss Luo must have been deeply affected by the numerous blows she''d received to remember me so vividly.¡¯


    The fourth drawing depicted a young man on a flower boat, slightly tipsy, holding a jug in one hand, smiling at a poem. He stood out from the crowd. Ady stood behind the curtains, holding a silk handkerchief in her hands, her face slightly flushed and showing signs of unease.


    Qingshan eximed, "I understand this! It''s the scene when Miss Luo gave you the mandarin duck handkerchief. Big brother, you''ve depicted Miss Luo very urately."


    Lin Wanrong hesitated slightly, then continued to wield his brush. In the fifth drawing, a young man stood in the foreground, holding a piece of red silk, with a woman standing behind him. The woman''s figure was graceful, but only an outline could be seen. From a distance, it appeared to be Miss Luo, but up close, it was a woman with a red veil partially covering her face, the details of which were not carefully depicted, making it unclear who she was.


    Afterpleting these five drawings in one breath, Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh, and looked at his work closely, very pleased with what he saw.


    Luo Yuan pped his head in annoyance and said, "Big brother, where do you get these ideas? Howe I never think of them? With such ingenious ideas, which girl could resist being moved by you? Big brother, I truly admire you."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and nodded, "Qingshan, Little Luo, the rest is up to you guys."


    "Big brother, what do you want us to do?" Qingshan asked loudly, "Thousands of brothers are waiting for yourmand."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "We won''t need that many people, seven or eight hundred will suffice."


    He whispered a few words to Qingshan and Luo Yuan, which lit up Qingshan''s eyes. He eximed, "Brilliant! If we do this, Miss Luo will have to respond whether she wants to or not. Hey, Little Luo, I can''t wait to celebrate your sister''s wedding."


    Luo Yuan forced a smile and said, "Big brother, isn''t this too grand, too sensational? I''m afraid my sister will feel shy."


    ¡®Too grand? The thing your sister is most worried about is that it''s not grand enough, making everyone in Jinling think she''s chasing me. I''m sure she''ll evenugh in her sleep after what I''ve done.¡¯


    "Don''t worry! Everything is under control." Lin Wanrong said mysteriously with unwavering confidence.


    Luo Yuan could only nod andugh, "Big brother, we''ll get on these tasks tonight, ensuring both you and my sister will be pleased. But, if we''re not here, what will you be doing?"


    Lin Wanrong shrugged and said, "Just drink some wine and sleep. These are important tasks too, someone has to do them. Sigh, there''s no high or low in tasks, just different divisions ofbor." Qingshanughed heartily, grabbed the five paintings, and pulled Luo Yuan away busy with their work.


    Lin Wanrong was restless, considering that Xian''er and Qiaoqiao were both with Luo Ning. They were the ones who entered the household first; he couldn''t show favoritism. So, he grabbed a brush and paper, creating a portrait for each of the two women.


    The painting of Qiaoqiao depicted the scene from the wedding night, the young girl''s cheeks were flushed, her head slightly bowed, shyly extinguishing the candle. As for Xian''er, he painted the day he was injured by the cannonfire on Weishan Lake, a scene of deep affection between the two. These were all meaningful memories, he believed they wouldn''t cause conflict among the three women.


    When he reached a satisfying part in his work, he stared at thepletely different faces of the women, feeling a deep sense of loneliness in his heart. He yearned to fly to Luo Ning''s embroidered boudoir.


    ¡ª---


    "Sister Xian''er, did you sleep wellst night?" A freshly groomed Luo Ning, holding Qin Xian''er''s hand as she came out from the room, her face flushed as she spoke.


    Hearing the address ''sister'', Qin Xian''er was pleased and gracefully nodded, saying, "I slept very well. Miss Luo, where did you get this iplete copy of ''t Sands Falling Wild Goose''? I spent all night looking at it and could not bear to put it down." She gently stroked the somewhat worn booklet in her hand, her eyes glowing with love.


    Luo Ning saw her cherishing the booklet, her heart rejoiced and she shyly replied, "Sister Xian''er, we had such a pleasant conversationst night, you don''t need to be so formal. You can simply call me Ning''er."


    Luo Ning was a renowned talent, proficient in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Qin Xian''er''s background was even more exceptional. Despite her hardships, her knowledge and insights were no less than Luo Ning''s. Last night, when Luo Ning invited her and Qiaoqiao, they found each other''spany to their liking.


    Seeing Luo Ning trying to win her favor, Qin Xian''er knew her intentions. She gently smiled and said, "You''re the governor''s daughter, normally no one dares to casually address you by your first name¡ª" Seeing Luo Ning looking anxious, Qin Xian''er confidently smiled and continued, "However, since you''re sincere, whether in public or private, I can call you by your name. Sister Ning''er, where did you get this ''t Sands Falling Wild Goose''? This ancient music manuscript has long been lost, only a few copies survived, they are invaluable."


    Luo Ning nodded, "I received this copy while I was studying in the capital, a close friend gifted it to me. Sister, you''re a lover of music and a kindred spirit. This manuscript has no great use for me, so I give this to you, I hope you won''t dislike it."


    Qin Xian''er, her mind clear as a mirror, looked at her andughed, "Sister Ning''er, you''re truly clever. You lured me with this manuscriptst night, making me abandon my husband to talk with you. Today, you generously gift it to me. Tell me, sister, what exactly are you thinking?"


    "This is out of true friendship. Seeing sister appreciating the sheet music, I simply want to give it as a gift. There''s nothing more to it," Luo Ning''s face flushed crimson, she hesitated, unable to speak clearly. She felt a surge of resentment towards her big brother.


    "Really, no other intentions?" Qin Xian''er asked with a bitter feeling welling up inside her, pretending not to understand.


    "That''s enough, Sister Xian''er. Please stop making things difficult for Sister Ning," Qiaoqiao giggled as she walked out from the inner room, her face still flushed. "Sister Ning''s intentions are known to all in Jinling, it''s only us who are unaware...hehe..."


    "You impudent girl¡ª" Luo Ning, unable to act against Qin Xian''er, took out her frustration on Qiaoqiao, pouncing on her yfully. Both girls had stayed overnight in Luo Ning''s room, talking until dawn. Qiaoqiao was the most innocent and charming of them all.


    Both women were fond of her, often engaging in yful banter. Qiaoqiao had slept thetest and was thus thest to wake up.


    Qin Xian''er pulled at Qiaoqiao,ughing, "And you''re lecturing us about waking upte. If your husband saw this, he''d probably smack your little butt¡ª" she burst outughing as she spoke. Qiaoqiao''s face also reddened slightly. The two women were deeply in love with Lin Wanrong, their intimate banter only added to the richness of their married life.


    "Smack what little butt¡ª" Luo Ning asked, surprised. She abruptly fell silent as her face flushed, understanding the meaning behind those words.


    "I wonder what my husband is doing now, and whether he''s thinking about me?" Qin Xian''er pouted. Although she and Lin Wanrong shared a bed every night, their rtionship, influenced by the love bug, had not yet progressed beyond the physical touch, and she couldn''t help feeling insecure.


    "Of course, big brother thinks about you. Didn''t you see how he loves to touch your chest¡ªgiggle¡ª" Qiaoqiao teased. She understood Luo Ning''s thoughts well, realizing that the talented Lady Luo had no chance of escaping her big brother''s charms. All the intimate moments between herself and Lin Wanrong had been witnessed by Qiaoqiao, leaving nothing to the imagination.


    Luo Ning blushed, her gaze falling away from the two women. Qin Xian''er looked at Luo Ning''s crimson cheeks and felt a pang in her heart. She suddenly asked, "Sister Ning, do you truly love him?"


    This question rendered Luo Ning speechless. Her face burned, and it took her a while to muster the courage to whisper an affirmative answer, exhausting all her energy.


    Qin Xian''er''s eyes shone with an unusual light as she took Luo Ning''s hand, "Then let''s be good sisters. Don''t worry, he will certainly treat you well, as long as you sincerely care for him, I will never harm you."


    Neither Luo Ning nor Qiaoqiao understood her words, but Qin Xian''er seemed to have resolved a big issue and gave a charming smile, "Sister Ning, I took up your time yesterday. Today, let me y host and we''ll go to Xuanwu Lake. He''s also there, I believe he would be happy to see you."


    Luo Ning''s heart fluttered, she was about to blushingly ept the offer when a maid hurriedly burst in, her voice shrill, "Miss, something terrible has happened, terrible¡ª"


    Qin Xian''er was of extraordinary birth and knew naturally how to dodge difort. As she was about to step away, holding Qiaoqiao''s hand, Luo Ning had already seized her hand, "Sister, from now on, we are family. You and Qiaoqiao should not treat me as a stranger."


    Knowing that this woman was trying to please her for the sake of her husband, Qin Xian''er did not decline, and nodded with a smile.


    Luo Ning turned to the young maid, "What''s the matter that''s causing such a panic?"


    The maid replied, "Miss, outside our mansion, there are portraits stered everywhere. One of them is you, Miss¡ª"


    "A portrait?" Luo Ning questioned, "Who else is in the portrait?"


    The maid said in a low voice, "The other person in the portrait is Young Master Lin!"


    "Big brother (Husband)?" All three women cried out in unison.


    Luo Ning seemed to have remembered something, a hint of joy filled her heart, and a soft blush appeared on her face. She stole a nce at Qin Xian''er, quickly suppressed her excitement, and said softly, "Who''s so idle as to draw me and big brother together? Let''s go out and see." Unable to suppress her joy, she didn''t bother to greet the two sisters, lifted her long skirt, tiptoed, and pitter-pattered down the stairs, heading straight to the mansion''s entrance.


    Qin Xian''er and Qiaoqiao exchanged nces, puzzled as to why the typicallyposed Miss Luo would be so excited.


    Luo Ning opened the main door and had just stepped out when she heard amotion outside, "Miss Luo ising out, Miss Luo ising out¡ª"


    She looked up to see hundreds of townsfolk gathered at the gate, smiling at her. Looking around, her portraits with Lin San were pasted everywhere, with passersby pointing and whispering. Indistinct phrases like "poetry contest", "choosing a suitor", and "a match made in heaven" were being murmured.


    "Hey, Miss Luo¡ª" A nearly frivolous call came from the opposite building. Luo Ning looked up to see a man standing on the upper floor of the tea house across the street, grinning and waving at her.


    "That scoundrel, big brother,ughing so mischievously, utterly annoying!" Luo Ning''s face flushed, and she quickly turned her head, her heart filled with both surprise and joy.


    ¡®What''s the matter, am I not looking shy enough? Why did she turn her head away after just one nce?¡¯ Lin Wanrong examined himself from head to toe, finding nothing wrong. This was an outfit that had been meticulously scrutinized by Luo Yuan and Qingshan; he had never worn so much even when going out to fight. Describing him as handsome was an understatement.


    "Miss, Miss, you have to see this¡ª" The maid by Luo Ning''s side suddenly cried out. Luo Ning hurriedly turned her head back. A long scroll was suddenly lowered from the tea house, from left to right it consisted of five drawings.


    Upon seeing the content of the painting, Luo Ning was stunned for a moment, then her face lit up with joy, and her cheeks flushed. In the painting, she looked graceful, proud, or shy, while big brother always seemed to not care about anything. Discussing poetry in a wine shop, talking about the Dao in the poetry society, speaking about the livelihood of the people on the embankment, and standing out from the crowd in the poetry contest. This was the process of how she and big brother got to know each other and fell in love. The full scroll, though without a word, was more expressive than a thousand words.


    Especially thatst image, with the woman led by the red silk ribbon, looked just like herself, yet her face was purposefully left vague. Her "big brother" must have done it on purpose. A wave of shy delight washed over Luo Ning. She never thought that Lin Wanrong would satisfy her heart''s desire in such a way. With this, everyone in Jinling must have known.


    "Sister, how is it? Have your wishes been fulfilled?" Luo Yuan came running over, grinning from ear to ear.


    Luo Ning''s face flushed as she bit her lip, abruptly turning and darting back into the house. Luo Yuan hurriedly followed. In an instant, therge doors of the Luo estate closed.


    "No, no, don''t run!" Lin Wanrong, standing on the upper floor, panicked internally. He had never failed this kind of "pick-up" trick before. Could today be the day he capsizes in the gutter?


    "Miss Luo, Miss Luo!" Lin Wanrong hastily shouted. He had originally nned to satisfy Luo Ning''s longings with a simple show, yet he hadn''t expected her to turn and run away. It was a real failure.


    "Big brother, this move seems ineffective," Qingshan said, doubtfully, adding salt to the wound.


    "Well, perhaps Miss Luo was just too excited. Think about it, if you were suddenly faced with such a scene, how would you react?" Lin Wanrong chuckled dryly, wiping sweat from his forehead.


    Qingshan pondered for a moment, then said, "I might faint!"


    "Exactly!" Lin Wanrong pped his hand, finding somefort in Qingshan''s words. "I bet Miss Luo just went to calm down, to quell her excited emotions. Just wait, she''lle out soon, I guarantee it!"


    The two of them waited for a while, but the doors of the Luo estate remained tightly shut. There was no sign of anyone, not even a cockroach, emerging from the estate. The crowd that had gathered began whispering among themselves.


    "Brother, what should we do? Should we gather the brothers and storm in?" Qingshan suggested.


    Lin Wanrong nearly fell from the building at his words. This kid, has he gone mad with fighting? This was the woman he intended to marry. Could he really go in with swords drawn? He gave a helpless smile and was about to speak when the doors of the Luo mansion creaked open. Several maids and servants rushed out and carefully removed therge scroll hanging from the tavern, carrying it back into the house.


    What was going on? Lin Wanrong didn''t understand, and Qingshan was even more confused. "Big brother, I will go down and look for Little Luo," he suggested.


    "Looking for Little Luo for what? That''s too low! Just find a couple of agile brothers, let them climb over the wall and take a look," Lin Wanrong said solemnly.


    Qingshanughed and descended the stairs, just as the gates of the Luo estate opened once more. Luo Yuan was the first to emerge, followed by a line of servants who held up the painting.


    The first four images were unchanged, but the fifth one was vastly different. The woman led by the red silk ribbon, whose face had been somewhat vague, was now clearly drawn with just a few strokes. Her half-concealed red veil lifted at the corner, revealing phoenix-like eyes, cherry lips, and a blush on her melon-seed face. It was unmistakably an image of Miss Luo Ning.


    He''d seeded! Lin Wanrong''s heart swelled with joy, and he hurriedly rushed down from the building. The crowd, seeing this, instantly understood that Miss Luo had epted the offer of marriage. The talented man and the beautiful woman from the poetrypetition had finallye together, fulfilling everyone''s expectations. The crowd cheered loudly in approval.


    "Brother-inw, congrattions, many congrattions!" Luo Yuan changed his tone.


    "Congrattions to us all," Lin Wanrong replied with a shameless grin. "Oh, where''s your sister?"


    Helplessly, Luo Yuan said, "Afterpleting the painting, my sister couldn''t bear to face you. She''s hiding in the embroidery room right now."


    "Is that so?" Lin Wanrong queried, "Why be shy? Look at me, I''m not bashful at all." Luo Yuan and Dong Qingshan both fell silent.


    ¡ª---


    "Hmph. My husband only knows how to y favorites!" Xian''erined to Qiaoqiao after witnessing the drama unfold.


    "Who says that my husband is ying favorites?" Lin Wanrong''s voice echoed in her ear.


    "Husband¡ª" Delighted, Qin Xian''er quickly turned around.


    "Speaking ill of your husband behind his back deserves a spanking." Lin Wanrong grinned, reaching out to lightly pinch Qin Xian''er''s rear, but handed her the scroll in his hand.


    Xian''er blushed as she hurriedly unrolled the scroll, revealing a delicate portrayal of the two of them feeding fish soup to each other on a fishing boat. His hand was still exploring her body. "Ah!" She gasped, heat flooding her body as she quickly rolled the scroll back up. Her heart pounded with a mix of joy and embarrassment; all the grievances she''d felt before had vanished without a trace.


    "Little darling, this is for you. I''m sure you''ll like it." Lin Wanrong winked at Qiaoqiao and handed her another scroll.


    Unrolling the painting, Qiaoqiao saw a romantic scene under the glow of red candles. A young woman in bright red lingerie, her snow-white wrists embracing Lin Wanrong''s neck. Her slender legs were wrapped around his waist, her eyes filled with love, depicting their intimate moments on their wedding night.


    "Big brother¡ª" Qiaoqiao quickly put away the scroll, her cheeks flushed pink. She leaned weakly against his chest, speechless.


    Seeing the sess of his strategy, Lin Wanrong wished he could burst outughing. Every time he''d take a wife in the future, he¡¯d create such a "masterpiece" for her to cherish. This was art, far more sophisticated and intimate than any mundane self-portrait.


    "Oh, where is Miss Luo?" Lin Wanrong asked, pretending not to notice the blushing faces of the two women.


    "Sister Ning is upstairs!" Qiaoqiao quickly replied.


    "Well, let''s go up and see her then. While everyone is here, we should hold a meeting."


    "A meeting?" Qin Xian''er, her cheeks still tinged with blush, asked as she lifted her head.


    "A family meeting. We can schedule rotating shifts or joint shifts, and I can tell you sisters some stories!" Lin Wanrong responded seriously.


    "A story? What kind of story?" Qiaoqiao, having her hand held by her big brother as they dashed towards Luo Ning''s floor, asked curiously.


    "The story of the monk beating a drum in the temple!"


    "Ugh¡ª" The two women blushed and spat out lightly, pushing him forward, "Big brother (Husband), you go find Sister Ning by yourself. It''s not convenient for us to follow."


    Well, they made it seem like it would be more convenient if they were all together. As Lin Wanrong climbed to Luo Ning''s embroidery floor, it was quiet, but he could hear a rush of quickened breaths. This girl, why was she so shy? Where had her usual assertiveness gone?


    "Miss Luo, Ning''er, Lady Benefactor¡ª"


    Luo Ning hid in her boudoir, staring at her blushing reflection in the mirror. Her heart pounded wildly, and she barely mustered a response, "Big brother¡ª" but dared not say anything more.


    Upon entering Luo Ning''s boudoir, Lin Wanrong found the renowned beauty of Jinling sitting gracefully on a stool. Her long skirt hung naturally, and her face was as red as if she''d applied rouge. Her ruby lips parted slightly, and the soft, watery glow in her eyes was utterly captivating.


    "Miss Luo, these past few days, I''ve been trying to find a way to make all of Jinling aware of you, but without causing your displeasure. It''s truly been a troubling task, leaving me sleepless and tasteless. It wasn''t until yesterday that I thought of this method. If you think I waste, feel free to beat me up. Even if it hurts to death, I won''t utter a sound." Lin Wanrong held Luo Ning''s hand with utmost sincerity.


    Shyly, Luo Ning responded and copsed into his arms, "Big brother, thank you for caring so much for Ning''er. I''d work as hard as an ox or horse to repay you for a lifetime!"


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 272

    Chapter 272


    Chapter 272 Imperial Decree


    s, this woman was so lovestruck, even he found himself moved. Holding the talenteddy Luo in his arms, Lin Wanrong lightly patted her shoulder, saying, "Don''t speak so. From now on, we will take care of each other, love each other, strive hard, progress together, bear sons and daughters, and prosper Great Hua."


    At his words, Luo Ning''s heart pounded several times, her face flushed bright red as she shyly said, "Big brother, you''re so wicked." Fearing that he might say something more embarrassing, she quickly said, "I left Qiaoqiao and sister Xian¡¯er here yesterday, you don''t me me, do you? I just wanted to have a good talk with them."


    "Is it just as simple as talking?" Lin Wanrongughed, "It seems that I am thinking tooplicatedly."


    Seeing his gaze teasingly fixed on her, Luo Ning couldn''t hide her feelings. She couldn''t help but whimper, covering her face and saying, "It''s because Ning''er noticed big brother has been inactive for many days. I was worried, but didn''t dare to seek you out directly. So, I had to use talking with Qiaoqiao and sister Xian¡¯er as an excuse, to make you feel anxious first, and remind you of me. Otherwise, with your nonchnt character, I don''t know how long I would have to wait."


    ¡®This girl really understands me,¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled: "So that''s how it was, understood! Ning''er, what did you talk about with Qiaoqiao and Xian''erst night? I saw they treated you quite well."


    Luo Ning hit him lightly, and retorted faintly, "You are deliberately teasing me, I won''t tell you."


    "I know even if you don''t tell me. You must have bribed them with something. Hmm, not a bad idea," Lin Wanrong guessed randomly.


    Luo Ning felt a sudden warmth on her face when he urately guessed her intentions. She scratched his back vigorously, huffed, "Not at all, it''s because sister Xian¡¯er and sister Qiaoqiao are good people that they get along well with me."Knowing this girl was shy, Lin Wanrong didn''t tease her anymore. They spoke for a while and were quite cheerful.


    Feeling her long-cherished wish fulfilled, Luo Ning was filled with joy. She epted the original pictures of the five paintings that Lin Wanrong handed her, and admired them closely, her face flushed with happiness.


    "Big brother, this is the most unexpected and precious gift I have received in my life. How did youe up with the idea to paint these?" Luo Ning held the smallest brush, and meticulously depicted thest picture. Looking at the painting symbolizing their acquaintance, her face was full of reminiscence.


    "Ah, I racked my brains for three days and three nights, didn''t eat or drink, exhausted my energy, only then did I get this idea. I hope I have not failed Miss Luo''s trust. Now everyone in Jinling should know, between Ning''er and me, it was I who took the initiative, and Miss Luo agreed with a blush. Hehe, tomorrow there will be storytellers in the tavern, narrating this romantic tale, the poetry festival''s love token solidified our rtionship, the five paintings bound us for life," Lin Wanrong said earnestly.


    "Big brother¡ª" Luo Ning, hearing this, was both shy and joyful. She hurriedly held him, pressing her pretty face on his shoulder, softly saying, "Thank you, Ning''er will serve you forever."


    "Heehee¡ª" A woman''s giggling echoed from behind. "Congrattions, Sister Ning, on the fulfillment of your wishes. It was worth us staying overst night after all." Qiaoqiao strolled in, her face lit up by a joyous smile. Her close friend from the boudoir had be a lifelong sister, naturally she was overjoyed.


    Xian''er trailed behind Qiaoqiao, her face wearing an ambiguous smile. Luo Ning, for reasons unknown, felt somewhat apprehensive towards Xian''er. Upon noticing her mysterious smile, Luo Ning''s face flushed. She hastily went forward and said, "Sister Xian''er, you''ve arrived?"


    Xian''er chuckled, "Sister Ning, don''t mind us interrupting your private moment with your husband." Her words were so blunt that Luo Ning turned red with embarrassment and bowed her head in silence.


    Xian''er gave a lightugh and took Luo Ning''s hand. "Don''t be shy, sister. We are now a family, all serving our husband together. There will be plenty of days ahead for us. If you don''t believe me, ask Qiaoqiao. Our husband enjoys it the most when we serve him together¡ª"


    Xian''er, bold and daring, gave Lin Wanrong a flirtatious nce as she spoke. Remembering the passionate scenes with Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning in the past, Lin Wanrong responded with a lecherous grin and winked at Qiaoqiao.


    Luo Ning, unfamiliar with Xian''er''s style, gave Qiaoqiao a puzzled look and asked softly, "Qiaoqiao, does our husband truly enjoy our joint service? How should we serve him?"


    Qiaoqiao''s face turned a bright red. She quickly took Luo Ning''s hand and said, "Sister Ning, Sister Xian''er is just teasing us, let''s ignore her."


    Luo Ning, uncertain about the coded conversation, noticed that both Xian''er and Qiaoqiao held a painting each. She turned her attention and asked, "Qiaoqiao, what are you holding? Is that painting made by our husband for you? May I have a look?"


    Qiaoqiao turned beet red and quickly hid the painting behind her. Xian''er''s face flushed as she giggled, "Sister Ning, you can certainly have a look if you wish. But not now. Once you''ve joined our family, you can see as much as you want. Our husband will specially make beautiful paintings for you, right, husband¡ª"


    "Indeed, indeed. Anyone who sees them will receive a share. Miss Luo, tomorrow I''ll make even more splendid paintings for you to delight your heart." Lin Wanrong approved of Xian''er''s words, this girl certainly knew how to please him.


    Qiaoqiao, blushing at the flirtatious exchange between Xian''er and their husband, could no longer bear to listen. She took Luo Ning''s hand and said, "Sister Ning, let''s go downstairs to pay respects to the olddy. Husband, are youing?"


    Themotion today wasrge enough to be known throughout Jinling, and certainly Old Madam Luo and Governor Luo would be aware. The fact that neither had shown up by now could only be seen as tacit approval. Having eloped with their daughter, it was only right to give an exnation. With the approval of these two elders, Luo Ning could truly be his wife.


    Luo Ning had already taken Qiaoqiao downstairs. Before leaving, she shyly nced back at Lin Wanrong, her longing gaze clear as day.


    Lin Wanrong let out a heartyugh, about to follow, when Qin Xian''er grabbed him, pleading softly, "Husband..."


    Seeing Xian''er''s expression so pitiful, tears welling up in her eyes, Lin Wanrong was taken aback. "Xian''er, what''s wrong?"


    Qin Xian''er felt a wave of sadness welling up in her, and she suddenly flung herself into Lin Wanrong''s arms, sobbing quietly, "Husband, do you really like Miss Luo that much?"


    Lin Wanrong was well aware of Xian''er''s jealous nature. With Qiaoqiao already in the picture, and now Luo Ning too, this girl was surely feeling aggrieved. He quickly grasped Xian''er''s hand and reassured, "Xian''er, are you upset? If you''re upset, just cry it out, I''m here for you."


    Xian''er gave a soft whimper, "Husband, if you really like Miss Luo, then marry her soon, I..." She leaned in, whispering a few words into Lin Wanrong''s ear, her face flushing with embarrassment.


    At her words, Lin Wanrong was stunned, falling silent for a long while before responding, "Xian''er, how can we do this?"


    Qin Xian''er''s expression turned bitter as she hastily replied, "Husband, don''t you trust me? I''ve told you before, as long as Miss Luo is sincere towards you, I would never harm her." Her face flushed further, and she shyly lowered her head, "Husband, don''t you want to be truly husband and wife with me? My initial n was to capture that fox Xiao Qingxuan, transfer the Love Bug to her, and have her serve both of us. But these recent days, I''ve been so happy with you. The thought of not being your true wife makes me anxious. Miss Luo sincerely likes you, I can''t bear to refuse her, and once I exin the situation to her, I''m confident she will agree. After all, I won''t harm her. Husband, please agree to this, alright?"


    Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat. He had thought Xian''er unusuallypliant, but now he understood her intentions. Considering Xian''er''s rtionship with Qingxuan, if she wanted to transfer the Love Bug, she couldn''t give it to Qingxuan or Luo Ning. It had to be someone with whom she had the closest bond so that she would never have the heart to harm her. But where could such a person be found?


    Sister An?! A lightbulb went off in Lin Wanrong''s mind, and he almost leapt up in excitement, his heart pounding like a stampede. Perfect! That vixen''s beauty and figure were beyond words. But thinking about her rtionship with Xian''er, his lust was instantly extinguished. ¡®Amitabha, Amitabha, it was just a fleeting thought, no malicious intent at all. All the bodhisattvas know that I am always honest.¡¯


    He felt a teasing itch in his heart, forcefully suppressing his turmoil of emotions, as he soothed Xian''er by rubbing her fragrant shoulder, "Silly girl, haven''t I told you? When we reach the capital, I''ll find a way to resolve the Love Bug issue. I also want to be your husband, but this isn''t something we can rush, nor can we pass our pain onto others, right? Do you think of me as someone who covets momentary pleasure? I have always believed that the spirit is more important than the body. What''s that saying... if two hearts have long been in ord, is there need for touch and grab? My darling, tonight we''ll try a new method, I assure you, you won''t expect it. I wonder if your master ever taught you..."


    Lin Wanrong whispered something in Xian''er''s ear. A soft murmur escaped her lips, and instinctively, his hand found her curvaceous hip. Her body went limp, her face flushed as beautiful as the sunset''s glow.


    When the maid led Lin Wanrong into Old Madam Luo''s room, he saw Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning sitting beside the olddy, engaged in idle chat. One was charming, the other shy. Together, they resembled twin sisters, and their beauty was ineffable.


    Unexpectedly, Luo Min was also sitting beside his mother, conversing with the olddy. With the issues of the White Lotus Sect and Cheng De resolved, there were no other concerns in Jiangsu, and he, a man living under the cloud of misdeeds, finally found some peace.


    Knowing Luo Ning''s thoughts, Lin Wanrong bowed to the olddy with a cheeky grin, "Greetings, Madam Luo. I hope you are well. Are you enjoying your meals? And hello, Governor Luo."


    Old Madam Luo nodded with a smile, "Young Master Lin, your visit is timely. The girls and I were just talking about you. I hear you''ve gifted Ning some lovely paintings. Is that true?"


    Lin Wanrong cleared his throat and feigned modesty, "Oh, I wouldn''t dare say they''re good. Just some doodles, Madam. You tter me."


    The elderlydy inspected him from head to toe, then nced at her rosy-cheeked granddaughter sitting next to her, nodding her approval, "At my birthday feast, I knew you were no ordinary man. As expected, you were the champion at the poetry contest. Your future is boundless. Our Ning has good taste, picking you out from the crowd. Remarkable indeed¡ª"


    "Grandmother¡ª" Luo Ning interrupted her grandmother''s teasing, a whimper of embarrassment escaped her lips. She shot a nce at Lin Wanrong, her face bearing a shy smile before she lowered her head.


    Old Madam Luoughed, "Silly child, there''s no need to be shy. For us women, finding apatible man isn''t easy. When you find one, hold on tight, or you''ll live in regret. Back in my day, even though I was a noble princess, your grandfather was a penniless schr. He was so shy he''d dodge and weave whenever he saw me. In a fit of annoyance, I hit him with a bamboo ball. That''s how we ended up with your father and you siblings!"


    At the olddy''s nostalgic recount, Qiaoqiao covered her lips to stifle a giggle, Luo Min''s face grew awkward, and Lin Wanrong couldn''t help butugh. So, Luo Ning''s courage ran in her genes.


    Immersed in the joy of her recollections, Madam Luo beckoned Lin Wanrong over. "Young Master Lin, this is my only beloved granddaughter. She''s literate, well-mannered, and has lofty ambitions. She''s at the age to get married, but no suitable family has been found. I was fretting over this, but she had already chosen you. That sneaky girl kept it a secret from me and her father¡ª" The olddy lovingly stroked Luo Ning''s hair, then took her hand and ced it in Lin Wanrong''s. "A woman shouldn''t dy marriage. Young Master Lin, today I entrust Ning to you. Treat her well. Don''t let her suffer from cold or hunger. Pamper her, spoil her¡ª"


    Listening to her grandmother''s rambling, Luo Ning''s heart pounded. She sneaked a nce at Lin Wanrong, her small hand tightening around his, gently scratching his palm.


    ¡®This youngdy can''t wait, huh? Regrettably, I don''t have the time to wed just yet, or else I could grant her wish sooner.¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled: "Thank you for your blessing, Grandmother. I will indeed take good care of Ning''er and ensure that she leads a joyful life."


    Luo Min stood up, patting his shoulder, and said with profound meaning, "Little brother Lin, I entrust Ning''er to you. Treat her well."


    Old Luo looked somewhat disheartened. Lin Wanrong knew what he was thinking, so he remained silent, only giving him a solemn nod. The two men exchanged smiles.


    "Congrattions to Sister Ning. Brother Lin is the best husband in the world," Qiaoqiao whispered in Luo Ning''s ear, gripping her hand.


    Luo Ning hummed shyly in response. Before she could say anything, a voice from outside announced, "The imperial edict has arrived! Jiangsu Governor Luo Min, receive the decree¡ª"


    Luo Min''s body trembled slightly, his hands shaking. He managed to suppress his excitement, adjusted his official robe, and was about to go out when Old Madam Luo said sternly, "Min, prepare the incense table here to receive the edict."


    Luo Min nced at his mother and hastily agreed. Lin Wanrong pulled Qiaoqiao into the room to avoid themotion.


    After the incense burner and desk were arranged, a clean-shaven eunuch strode in, announcing, "Jiangsu Governor Luo Min, receive the imperial edict."


    "Criminal subject Luo Min, humbly receiving the imperial edict!" Luo Min knelt and kowtowed, while Old Madam Luo, aided by Luo Ning, also attempted to kneel.


    The eunuch who was delivering the edict hurriedly said, "Old Madam, you must not. The Emperor has explicitly instructed that as a descendant of a founding minister and a bestowed county princess, you, graced with a first-rankmand, and whose merit extends to three generations, need not kneel upon receiving the edict."


    "I thank the Emperor for his grace!" The olddy straightened her body, giving her thanks. As a woman of high status, the current Emperor even addressed her as aunt.


    "Upon investigation, Jiangsu Governor Luo Min, without requesting imperial decree, had arrested Jiangsu Commander Cheng De, and presumptuously executed him, causing his death. This demonstrates disrespect towards the court, overstepping boundaries, andmitting grave crimes. However, the evidence Luo Min provided about Cheng De''s corruption is undeniably true. Luo Min, though having minor merits, disruptedw and order by using private punishment. As per regtions, he should be sent to serve in the army. However, considering his ability to discern and manage people, hisck of serious faults during his tenure, and his assistance in eliminating the White Lotus Sect, Luo Min is to be stripped of his governorship and demoted to serve as the county magistrate of Jining, Shandong. His family will apany him. Depart immediately."


    The eunuch paused before continuing, "Old Madam Luo, a first-rankmand, a paragon of loyalty, filial piety, and endurance in the world. A son''s crimes do not implicate his mother. Therefore, thirty eastern pearls and one thousand taels of silver are awarded, and a close attendant will escort you back to Beijing to enjoy your remaining years. This is the Emperor''s grace!"


    Lin Wanrong, in the back, heard everything clearly. The Emperor had demoted Luo Min, but rewarded the Old Madam, a subtle bnce indeed. Jining was a stronghold of the White Lotus Sect, just recently taken over. Sending Luo Min, demoted to a minor county magistrate, there was indeed a tough task. Escorting the olddy back to Beijing clearly showed a gesture of care.


    Luo Min knelt on the ground, saying loudly, "The criminal Luo Min thanks the Emperor for his grace!" When he raised his head, there were already tears in his eyes. He stood, received the edict with both hands, then knelt before the Old Madam, sobbing, "Mother, I have failed in my filial duty to protect you. Please punish me."


    The Old Madam mmed her hand on the table, her voice echoing through the room. "A man''s knees are made of gold, they should not easily touch the ground. Min, don''t kneel there, get up quickly. The Emperor rewards and punishes with clear distinction. If you have made a mistake, you must bear the consequences. If your conscience is clear, then stand tall. Do your duty for the Emperor, serve the people, and honour the court. For generations, the Luo family has not raised spineless men. Even though I am old, I refuse to see you live on your knees."


    Although Luo Min was of considerable age, he did not dare to say a word upon hearing his mother''s admonition. He quickly got up and stood beside Old Madam Luo. Luo Ning''s eyes filled with tears, which she did not let fall, only secretly wiping them away.


    Watching all this, Lin Wanrong nodded silently. No wonder each child of the Luo family was aplished. With this Old Madam Luo in charge, it would be hard for any of them to turn out mediocre.


    Having received the imperial edict, Luo Min was now to hurry to Jining. Lin Wanrong felt a certain mncholy. Once Old Luo left, he would also have to leave. In the city of Jinling, only Qiaoqiao would be left alone and helpless. It nearly broke his heart.


    He pulled Qiaoqiao into a tight embrace, his voice soft, "Qiaoqiao, wait for me. Once I establish myself in the capital, I''lle for you. Then we''ll open branches there. Ten, or even eight branches, and you''ll be thedy boss, my most beautifuldy boss¡ª"


    "Big brother¡ª" Qiaoqiao cried out, throwing herself into his embrace.


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 Chapter 273

    Chapter 273


    Chapter 273 Destion


    "It''s going to snow." Luo Min gazed at the brooding sky, a sigh of mncholy escaped him. He moved forward, his steps, both aged and solemn, crushing the wilted grass beneath, making a rustling noise. The withered branches along the path, rattled in the chilly wind, wailing mournfully, were like skeletal fingers, reaching out to the horizon, painting a scene of destion.


    From the moment Luo Min received the imperial decree of his demotion to Jining the previous day, his household began packing. It was not until this morning that they bid farewell to the Old Madam Luo, who was returning to the capital. Luo Min seemed like a child who had been abandoned, seeming to age several years overnight, his demeanor extraordinarily deste. It was only the two tears shed by the elderly madam before her departure that truly revealed his lonely state of mind.


    The imperial decree from Emperor of Great Hua was stern, ordering Luo Min to immediately take up his post in Jining, and clearly stated that his entire family must relocate, including his children Luo Ning and Luo Yuan. For the siblings who were deeply attached to Jinling, how could they not be overwhelmed with sadness? With the New Year just around the corner, it was heartless of the Emperor to not let them celebrate the Spring Festival in Jinling.


    Jining was remote and Luo Min''s new position a demotion; everything was yet to be settled. The conditions for a minor county magistrate would naturally not be favorable. Luo Min dared not let his old mother apany him to this new post. Besides, the emperor had decreed, specially dispatching a servant to escort the Old Madam back to the capital for recuperation, which aligned with his intentions. However, as the New Year approached, while other families gathered, the Luo family was torn apart, the inevitable sadness within their hearts could not be avoided. Old Madam Luo, however, was remarkably strong and unpretentious. As she left, she only said three words to Luo Min ¡ª diligence, stability, and endurance. These three simple words embodied countless hopes and expectations, inspiring respect within him.


    Although Luo Min had served in government for many years and was ustomed to the unpredictability of the royal court, the mncholy he felt in this situation did not need to be spoken for Lin Wanrong to deeply perceive it. Seeing Old Luo''s greying hair and sad expression, he didn''t know how tofort him, he could only shake his head helplessly. Being at the Emperor''s service required enduring his whims, and being prepared for sudden changes in fortune.


    "Indeed, it''s going to snow. Without snow, it wouldn''t be winter. That''s thew set by the heavens. Nobody can stop it." Lin Wanrong said, "It''s just like humans, there are no eternal gatherings, but countless partings. If you are born into this world, it''s meant for you to suffer. Human affairs are ever-changing, and even the Emperor himself can''t change that."


    Luo Min gazed deeply at him and said, "Little brother Lin, listening to you, it feels as though I can''t tell who is older among us, and your words seem sincere, not contrived, which is strange to me."


    Lin Wanrong had been betrothed to Luo Ning, making him technically Luo Min''s son-inw. Luo Min addressing him as "little brother" might have seemed out of ce, but to both of them, it felt right. It was a testament to their close rtionship.Lin Wanrong chuckled, "These are just my wild thoughts, it has nothing to do with age."


    Luo Min shook his head helplessly, "Without people, where would there be matters to attend to? Don''t dwell on it too much. There are better days awaiting you."


    ¡®Open-minded? Is there anyone more open-minded than me in this world?¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed heartily, raised his fist to Luo Min in a gesture of thanks, and said, "I''ve learned my lesson."


    The carriage creaked slowly forward, with Luo Min and Lin Wanrong leading the way on foot, followed by Luo Yuan and Luo Ning. Luo Ning looked at Lin Wanrong, her phoenix eyes glistening with tears, but she held them back with sheer willpower.


    Luo Min had few possessions. One carriage was loaded with books of poetry, while another held a few trunks of clothes and Luo Ning''s personal belongings, including some calligraphy and paintings. Apart from that, there was nothing else. A fitting description for Luo Min would be "clean-handed".


    "Old Luo is a clean official," Lin Wanrong eximed, even though there was no crowd of citizens to send him off, nor any grandeur to speak of. However, officials like Luo Min, who knew how to hide and protect themselves best, were the truly talented and smart ones. Lin Wanrong could not help but give a thumbs up in admiration.


    "Mr. Luo," Lin Wanrong began, "The Emperor''s edict came too abruptly, and it''s exceedingly unreasonable. It''s as if he deliberately wanted to make a disy for someone. Logically speaking, regardless of the gravity of your mistake, you''ve always been fiercely loyal to the Emperor. He should understand this better than anyone else. Unless he is a thoroughly foolish and ipetent Emperor, he wouldn''t do something to hurt a loyal official''s heart. Moreover, Mr. Xu is mediating. Even if he couldn''tpletely absolve you, he wouldn''t have forced you to relocate before the Spring Festival. I suspect there''s more to this situation than meets the eye," he said, trying tofort Luo Min after seeing his lingering mncholy.


    Luo Min shook his head and smiled bitterly, "The Emperor''s mind is inscrutable. While your interpretation makes some sense, it is still spection. Outsiders will never truly know what the Emperor is thinking. That is the art of ruling. I once thought I was above it all. Though I can''t say I was never ted by possessions or saddened by personal issues, I believed I could face them with equanimity. But today, when I encountered this setback, I realized that I, Luo Min, am just an ordinary man. I can feel resentment andint, and I am far from the path of tranquility."


    Lin Wanrong sneered at the idea of not being ted by possessions or saddened by personal issues. Humans, nourished by grains, feel joy, sadness, pride, and destion. These are the basic emotions of a human being. If one were to discard all these, could they still be considered normal? They''d be closer to a stone!


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Mr. Luo, it''s normal for you to have such thoughts. We are ordinary people and naturally, setbacks would make us feel this way. However, the Emperor never does things straightforwardly. As you said, he''s naturally meant to be spected about." Lin Wanrong pulled out a pencil, found a piece of paper and began sketching, "Mr. Luo, please look. This is Jinling, and this is Jining. Further north is the capital. Tell me, is Jinling closer to the capital, or is Jining?"


    Luo Minughed heartily at the profound implication, "You indeed know how tofort me. If it''s as you said, then it would be worth it to be a humble county magistrate in Jining."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled along, helplessly shaking his head as he looked at the distances marked on the paper, thinking himself even more adept at delusions than he''d used others of being.


    Luo Min gave him a meaningful look, sighing, "For the sake of my daughter Ning''er, I sincerely hope that you won''t enter the capital. The ce is a sea of nobles and a minefield of dangers, a single misstep could lead to irreversible catastrophe, far worse than Jinling. Ning''er is deeply attached to you, if anything were to happen to you, I fear she would not survive alone in this world."


    Lin Wanrong nced at Luo Ning, who was walking beside him. Her cute little face, red from the cold, her lips slightly parted, and a trace of tears glistening in her eyes. Smiling at him, she snuggled closer to his side.


    Luo Min took a deep breath, adding, "A real man should have ambitions and you are no exception. If you''re shackled in Jinling, it would be a waste of your talent and Ning''er would surely feel discontented. It''s a real dilemma. Fortunately, you have a powerful patron. Even if you were to go to the capital, you should be able to turn bad luck into good fortune. This reassures me."


    When Luo Min mentioned the mysterious patron again, Lin Wanrong could not help but ask, "Mr. Luo, we are about to part ways, can you finally tell me who this patron is? So that I won''t be haunted by doubts. If the patron is influential enough, I would fear nothing in the capital. I could walk around with my head held high, which is what I prefer."


    Luo Minughed, "Your patron? Isn''t Xu Wei, Mr. Xu, a powerful enough patron? Isn''t that enough of a backing?"


    Lin Wanrong forced a smile. ¡®You old man are fooling me again. After bing my father-inw, you still won''t tell me the truth.¡¯


    Luo Min, knowing his thoughts, patted him on the shoulder, "It''s not that I don''t want to tell you. Given your rtionship with Ning''er, if I could, I would have told you long ago. However, you can rest assured. With this powerful figure as your patron, you can freely venture into the capital - although, even without this patron, with your character, I doubt you''d every low, would you?"


    "Don''t say it like that, I''ve always been low-key," Lin Wanrong answered earnestly. With his unique experiences, he would never demean himself. He had already faced death multiple times, why should he act like a subordinate in front of others?


    Luo Minughed and nodded, then asked, "Are you nning to head to the capital on the third day of the New Year?"


    "That''s the n, it''s what I arranged with Eldest Miss Xiao and the others," Lin Wanrong replied.


    Luo Min nced at Luo Ning and said, "The New Year is in a few days, and there isn''t much time before the third day. That''s a good n. After you''ve settled in the capital, I''ll send Ning''er and Little Yuan to visit their grandmother in the capital. You must take good care of the two of them when the timees."


    There was no need to even say that. One was his wife-to-be, and the other was his brother-inw and brother. Naturally, he would take good care of them.


    "The newly appointed Governor of Jiangsu was once a colleague of mine. He''s been in close contact with Mr. Wenchang and me, and I can assure you that after I leave, he will take care of the Xiao family and the properties in your name. Given that Mr. Xu must have given him instructions, you can rest easy." Luo Min advised meticulously.


    This wasn''t a concern for Lin Wanrong. The Emperor had demoted Luo Min, but he wouldn''t hand over Jiangsu to anyone else. The new governor was bound to be one of Xu Wei''s men. With old Xu Wei around, he was sure that the new governor would look after the Xiao family and his properties.


    Old Luo, having be his father-inw, was different. He was thoughtful about these little things. Lin Wanrong nodded, and a few light, fluff-like snowkesnded on his face, icy cold. He reached out and gently touched them, and the fluff disappeared instantly.


    "The snow... it''s finally falling," Luo Min sighed. The fluttering snowkes fell on Old Luo''s white hair and beard, frosting the edges of his temples.


    Luo Ning hurriedly draped a long robe over her father, then gently straightened Lin Wanrong''s clothes. Her gaze was full of affection as she looked at him, her eyes misting over with unshed tears.


    "You two should say your goodbyes," Old Luo said beside the long pavilion where they were seeing off Xu Wei. Looking at his children and Lin Wanrong, he couldn''t help feeling a pang of sadness. After walking a few steps, he climbed into the carriage and disappeared behind the curtains.


    Luo Yuan and Qingshan exchanged a few words on the side, both young men breaking into tears. They had built Hung Hing together, surviving life-threatening battles and forming an unbreakable bond. Naturally, they were finding it difficult to say goodbye.


    Lin Wanrong walked over, pped both men on their shoulders and said, "What are you two crying for? Jinling is only a day''s ride from Jining. If Qingshan misses Little Luo, he can lead the brothers there, and take the opportunity to establish a Hung Hing branch in Shandong, or even Jining. Doesn''t that solve everything?"


    Qingshan pped his forehead, suddenly enlightened, "Right, why didn''t I think of that? Little Luo, let''s stop crying. You''lly the groundwork in Jining, and I''ll lead the brothers to join you soon."


    Luo Yuanughed heartily, feeling touched. He grabbed Lin Wanrong and said, "Big brother, thank you for always taking care of me. Without you, there wouldn''t be the me of today."


    "I didn''t teach you anything. Drinking, gambling, swindling, robbing, it''s all self-taught, and has nothing to do with me," Lin Wanrong said earnestly. The three of them burst intoughter as snowkes gently fell around them,nding on their heads and bodies.


    Luo Yuan nced at Luo Ning standing beside Lin Wanrong. Winking mischievously, he said, "Sister, brother-inw, time is precious, you two should talk. I won''t disturb you." He then walked a few steps forward with Qingshan, leaving Lin Wanrong and Luo Ning some space.


    Luo Ning''s face flushed as she grumbled, "That Luo Yuan, he''s so disrespectful in his speech."


    "How so? Wasn''t he right?" Lin Wanrong pulled her icy cold hand into his chest, rubbing it briskly a few times, "Don''t you want to talk to me?"


    Luo Ning stole a nce at Qiaoqiao, standing far off at the pavilion, waving towards them. She gritted her teeth in secret, her eyes welling up, and could no longer contain herself as she threw herself into his arms, sobbing, "Brother, Ning''er doesn''t want to leave you¡ª" Only recently had she and himmitted to each other, envisioning a romantic future under the moonlight and blooming flowers. Yet an imperial edict shattered her dreams before they could truly be together. How could she possibly bear it?


    Lin Wanrong heaved a sigh. He and Luo Ning, the talented woman, had always been together sparingly, with very few opportunities for properpanionship. Most of the time, he had been teasing her, which, upon reflection, made him feel somewhat guilty. Patting her on the shoulder gently, Lin Wanrong managed a forced smile, "Little Ning''er, stop crying. If people see the renowned talented woman of Jinling crying like this, they might think I''ve been bullying you again."


    Luo Ning whimpered, lightly beating his chest, "You did bully me. You''ve been doing it since the first time we met. You''ve made me lose my appetite and my peace of mind. I can''t focus on anything else. And worst of all, we have hardly had a proper conversation, and yet we have to part again. Big brother, why is my life so bitter? I want to be like Qiaoqiao and the others, always by your side, listening to you speak, never parting¡ª"


    Her simple request would only be possible once he returned from the capital. These girls, he couldn''t bear to leave any of them behind. Damn, how did he develop such a bad habit of loving them all? This was really troubling.


    Seeing Luo Ning crying so sadly, he softly said into her ear, "Ning''er, didn''t you once say that you wanted a husband who was both a schr and a warrior? What do you think of me? Have I fulfilled your requirements?"


    Luo Ning chuckled, her eyes glistening with tears, she looked up at him briefly before burying her head back into his chest, "Big brother, that was when Ning''er was na?ve, with some childish thoughts. Big brother, your literary talent is unmatched, even if others spent ten years studying, they might not match up to you. Even if you don''t know martial arts, what does it matter? I love you for who you are. Even if you have nothing, I will follow you, for a lifetime, without any regrets."


    Lin Wanrong spoke seriously, "Ning''er, actually, Ipletely meet your requirements of being both a schr and a warrior. Now that we''re here, I have to tell you the truth. The Big brother Lin standing in front of you is actually a general who has fought in many battles, once following Marshal Xu Wei to quell the White Lotus Rebellion. As a Commandermanding the right nk of a hundred-thousand-strong army, I have led tens of thousands of troops, battling the enemy on the front lines of Jining. Leading my brothers, we defeated the bravest warrior of the White Lotus, captured their King, and effortlessly captured Jining City. Enemies hearing my name would lose heart; those catching my eye would only flee. People call me General Lin of a hundred victories, with an invincible spear. This is no empty boast."


    Luo Ning stared nkly at him for a while, then suddenly hid herughter in her sleeve, "Big brother, you say these things as if they were true. If I hadn''t heard so many of your jokes, I would certainly have believed you. Big brother, the things I said in the past were just naive words of a young girl. I thought I was pursuing those things. It wasn''t until I met you that I realized how shallow I was. A man like you, big brother, is truly wise. Even if you can''t go to the battlefield, you''re the hero in my heart."


    Why was it that people always believed him when he lied, but no one believed him when he told the truth? His character was never in question. Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, his face pulling into a smile that was even more painful than a cry.


    Luo Ning giggled, nced around, saw no one was paying attention, stood on tiptoes, and quickly pecked him on the lips like a dragonfly skimming the water. Her face instantly turned red as a crimson cloud, and she turned to leave.


    Remembering the day she had forcefully kissed him on the flower boat, Lin Wanrong wouldn''t let her have her way again¡ªnow it was his turn to take the initiative. He chuckled, swiftly pulled her back into his arms, found her tender lips, and kissed her fiercely. Her small, fiery tongue and sweet essence filled his mouth.


    ¡ª---


    "Big brother, always remember Ning''er. Once father settles everything, I wille to the capital to find you, wait for me!" The carriage carrying Luo Ning and her family slowly disappeared in the distance, her passionate words still echoing in Lin Wanrong''s ears.


    "Ning''er, we''ll meet in the capital!" He waved gently at Luo Ning''s receding carriage, the ground nketed with white, the swirling snowkesnding on him, encasing him like an undissolved snowman¡­


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 Chapter 274

    Chapter 274


    Chapter 274 Journey to the Capital


    The chill of spring was biting, and the cold wind was sharp as a knife. The hard, frozen ground, recently dusted by snow, was riddled with clumps of soil turned icy. As a result, the carriage traveled with a rough jolt. The air was filled with a faint scent of gunpowder from spent firecrackers. The just-thawed river flowed with a gurgling sound, its crisp and clear noise stimting the spirit.


    Every household had hungnterns at their doors. Thesenterns were of various sizes and designs, differing in shape, with their lights either bright or dim, either near or far. Seen from a distance, they looked like hangingmps in the sky, each lit and glowing, creating a magnificent spectacle.


    There were many pedestrians on both sides of the road. The maids heldnterns, their figures swaying gracefully in the cool spring wind. Youngdies walked hurriedly with shy smiles, their heads down, as if fearful that others might see their faces. Young gentlemen seeking springtime pleasures held small, casual fans, asionally appraising the women passing by with an air of nonchnce.


    The saying "fire of the 30th,nterns of the 15th" rang true. Half a month had passed since the Spring Festival, and now it was the Lantern Festival. Spring was in full swing, and the city was alight withnterns, marking a prosperous start to the year.


    At the side of the city''s moat, where ice had just begun to melt, the water flowed with a constant hum. Countless flowernterns floated on the surface, gently swaying. Their forms varied, some in the shape of lotuses, others peonies,peting in their splendor and beauty. Thenterns'' reflections danced on the water, and each one created a corresponding shadow. The surface of the water mirrored the scene above, appearing like numerous fallen stars, stunningly beautiful.


    This was the widely celebrated Flower Lantern Festival in the north. Legend has it that during the Lantern Festival at the start of spring, youngdies would write their wishes on paper, put them in specially made flowernterns, and let them float downstream. If a schr happened to pick up thentern, he was deemed the destined one. The mythical Flower Goddess would bless these couples, who were brought together by the flowernterns, to enjoy a harmonious and enduring union.


    This legend, passed down through hundreds of years, had indeed brought together several renowned couples. Over time, the Flower Lantern Festival became a unique highlight of the northern Lantern Festival.


    The Lantern Festival came early this year. With the river ice just beginning to thaw and the weather still bitterly cold, arge crowd of young gentlemen, eager to fish out the flowernterns, lined the riverbanks in thick clusters, leaving no room to pass.A boy, about eleven or twelve years old, dressed in silk, held a long bamboo pole. Attached to it was a small iron hook, which he skillfully used to hook several flowernterns, evoking a wave of admiration and envy from the other gentlemen on the riverbanks. Most of them came empty-handed, and even those who brought tools hadn''t prepared as thoroughly. Seeing this youngd, barely eleven or twelve, continuously collecting thenterns dropped by thedies upstream, they couldn''t help but respect him: "Whose young master is this? Such foresight is remarkable indeed!"


    Arge carriage slowly made its way from the distance, bobbing along the bumpy road.


    The two horses pulling the carriage were blowing hot breaths from their mouths, their bridles foamy. Despite their travel-worn state, they appeared vigorous and gant. The carriage behind them was considerablyrge, covered in ayer of dust, showing signs of a long journey.


    The carriage jolted, and from inside came a woman''s soft shout: "Hey, what are you doing? You''re pressing on me!"


    Another man''s voice rang out, "Ah, I''m sorry, it''s the bumpy ride. I didn''t mean to... Wait, what''s this soft thing? Oh, there''s another one over here¡ª"


    "You, get out!" Two women''s voices chorused from inside the carriage.


    The curtain was hastily pulled back, and a healthy-looking man with a smile on his face was pushed out by two pairs of small hands.


    Brushing off his green robe and adjusting his cap, he chuckled, "What''s there to be embarrassed about? It was an ident. Even though you''re well-shaped, there''s no need to be so domineering. Getting out is fine; I was getting tired of sitting in the carriage anyway. Walking a bit will serve as good exercise."


    The carriage hadn''t gone far before it came to a halt. A man who had been walking beside the carriage yawned, looked at the dense crowd on both sides of the river, and jumped in surprise. What the hell was going on? It was pitch-dark, and everyone was here fishing?


    The curtain of the carriage window was lifted, and a beautiful little face poked out. With a sweet smile, she curiously examined the crowd before her and asked, "Sister, why are the people in the capital so strange? It''s cold and dark, yet they are gathered by the river. Oh, there are so manynterns on the river. They''re so pretty."


    Another woman also leaned out of the window. Her face was exquisite, cheeks pink, eyes sparkling, and she exuded grace. She observed the crowd before speaking, "Ah, is it the Lantern Festival today? We''ve been on the road for so long that we''ve even forgotten about this important day. This must be the legendary Lantern Festival of the Flower Goddess. The legend states that if an unmarried woman floats antern down the river with her wish written on it and a gentleman catches it, this would be a divine matchmaking by the Flower Goddess, leading to a lifetime of happiness."


    The younger woman eximed in delight, "Really?" She sneakily nced at the man walking beside the carriage and whispered, "Then I''ll also send one and let that naughty man pick it up."


    The older, beautiful womanughed softly and said, "What''s the point of him picking it up? You could simply be together with him for a lifetime without theseplexities. Making it so roundabout justplicates things."


    The younger girl squealed, her face reddening beyond her ears, as she yfully argued with her sister inside the carriage.


    The man walking beside the carriage suddenly understood upon hearing their conversation. So, these people were here to pick upnterns, no wonder everyone was so eager, their eyes gleaming. But this activity seemed beneficial for thesezy young men and women.


    He nced around, noticing a boy of around eleven or twelve who was deftly picking up four or fiventerns in a short time. The boy nced at the messages inside eachntern, snorted, and tossed them aside. More and more disregardednterns, each bearing the heart of a charming youngdy, piled up, causing the spectating gentlemen to anxiously salivate.


    "Damn, even a little boy is catchingnterns. Is there no sense of decency left?" the man muttered, shaking his head. "So young and he''s already ying this romantic game. What a disgrace." He spat in disdain, his smile broad as he approached. With a pleasant smile, he said, "Hey, kiddo. Wow, you''re amazing, pickingnterns at such a young age. Can I y with you?"


    The young gentlemen in the crowd watched as amoner made friendly advances, instantly feeling contempt. "Whose servant is this, showing suchck of manners? Does he have no sense of propriety, swindling even a child?"


    "Sister, he''s up to no good again. Aren''t you going to restrain him?" the younger girl inside the carriage peeped through the curtain and huffed.


    Her sister chuckled. "He''s been up to mischief more times than I can count. Who can really control him? It would be a daunting task for our family."


    The younger girl retorted, "I think you just don''t want to interfere, sister. This bad man, journeying all the way from Jinling to the capital, he looks for trouble every day. Without supervision, who knows what evil he might do?"


    The older sisterughed, "Evil deeds? When he is mischievous around you, I see you enjoying it very much. Don''t think I haven''t noticed just because I''m asleep."


    "Sister!" The younger girl blushed and buried herself in her sister''s arms, speechless.


    The older sister touched her nose helplessly. "You''re still so young, but you allow him to fool around with you every day. What will you do in the future? Didn''t I give you a small knife for self-protection? If he bullies you again, stab him with it. But don''t say I taught you this. He loves to get back at me."


    As the two sistersughed and talked in the carriage, the man had already shamelessly approached the child. "So, little brother, do you agree? If you don''t speak, I''ll take it as a yes. Here, this is a piece of silver. If you can catch tennterns, this silver is yours."


    The boy hummed, not saying a word.


    ¡®He''s got character. I like that,¡¯ he chuckled, brandishing the shiny silver before the boy''s eyes. "See this? It''s shiny silver. Tennterns for a piece of silver, quite a bargain."


    The boy looked at him scornfully, took out a gold ingot from his pocket, about four to five taels in weight, and signaled with his little finger. "Here, this is five taels of gold. If you can catch antern, consider this young master''s reward to you." The crowd burst intoughter at this.


    ¡®Damn, he''s more arrogant than me? The capital really is different. Even the kids are so cocky,¡¯ he thought but, being thick-skinned, the man wasn''t bothered by theughter. He gave a thumbs-up, "Little brother, you certainly have character. I like it. Let''s be friends. My name''s Lin San. What''s yours?"


    "Lin San?" The boy frowned, shaking his head. "That''s a terrible name. Utterlymon. If your name is anything to go by, your learning can''t be much better."


    The little fellow acted like a tiny adult and had spoken at length, yet he had not revealed his own name. Lin Wanrong didn''t mind and chuckled, "True, my name was given by others, a crude and vulgar mess. I wonder, what kind of noble name do you have, little brother?"


    The child gave him a wary nce and said, "Why do you ask for my name? Hmm, among those who try to cozy up to me, eight out of ten have ulterior motives. You have the look of a crook, aren''t you nning to kidnap me? Let me tell you, I''m not to be trifled with! I could kill cats when I was three and rip apart leopards when I was five. I''ve just recently ughtered a ferocious tiger with my bare hands. You want to kidnap me? Be careful, my fists don''t discriminate!" He waved his little fist around, portraying himself as a muscr man.


    Lin Wanrong stood dumbfounded. ¡®Damn, I''ve finally met someone more shameless than me, and he''s so young too. He has potential, a promising future indeed.¡¯ Heughed slyly, "Little brother, you indeed are formidable. Fine, fine, I won''t ask for your name anymore. Tell me, why are you trying to pick thesenterns? Is it really to find a wife?"


    The boy dismissed him with a snort, "Find a wife? What would I want with a wife? You think everyone is like you, always thinking about wives!" The crowd erupted inughter. Lin Wanrong was sweating, this kid was on the mark, he indeed came to the capital to find a wife. The two sisters, hearing Lin Wanrong getting one-upped by the boy in their conversation, couldn''t help but cover their mouths with their hands and giggle in the carriage. The older sister said, "There you go. There''s always someone who can scare you, right?"


    "If you''re not looking for a wife, then why are you picking thosenterns?" One of the bystanders, having listened to their conversation, finally couldn''t hold back and asked.


    "Thenterns are nothing interesting." The boy said, "I''ve picked forty to fiftynterns, all containing the love poems written bydies. They are simply unbearable to read. I wanted to find some pastries to my taste, but failed to find any."


    The sound of countless young men gasping. This damn brat! He was picking thenterns to look for pastries and casually discarded the love poems written by thedies, utterly heartless.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. He never held a liking for such love poems anyway. This kid was amusing and made peopleugh despite themselves.


    The boy, seeing the hateful stares from the crowd, showed no fear. He tugged at Lin Wanrong''s sleeve, "Lin San, you''re not too bad!"


    "What''s not too bad?" Lin Wanrong asked, curious.


    The child said seriously, "These people are all trying to find ady through antern, utterly vulgar and shallow. Although you are of low status, you are not like them. You didn''t try to pick antern, nor did you ridicule me. Your character seems alright. So, I''ll tell you my name. I am Li Wuling. In the future, if anyone bullies you in the capital, just mention my name. I guarantee that no one would darey a finger on you."


    ¡®Damn, is he really that awesome?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled secretly, not taking it seriously. However, he had an inkling from the boy''s previous words that this kid was not ordinary. Li Wuling had a round and chubby face, with ck pupils and sparkling eyes, indeed clever and adorable. Thinking of his unique reason for picking thenterns, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help butugh, "Little brother, are you picking thesenterns for snacks? Have you been tricked?"


    Li Wuling snorted, "Yesterday, I heard people talking about this Lantern Festival of the Flower Goddess, so I asked Grandpa what the festival was about. He was busy at the time, so after I pestered him a bit, he said it was to appease the gods who crave sweets, with each family''s youngdies making pastries to offer to the River God. Hmph, he dared to lie to me. Tomorrow, I''ll show him who''s boss and let him see my power."


    Incredible, Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat upon hearing this. This little guy was likely a tyrant at home, even his grandfather wasn''t spared from his audacity.


    "Look, look, it''s the Flower Goddess Lantern!" A shout echoed from upstream.


    "Flower Goddess Lantern, Flower Goddess Lantern!" Young men on both banks echoed in unison, their voices filled with excitement and fervor. The two youngdies hidden in the carriage, hearing themotion, couldn''t help but peer out.


    "What''s this Flower Goddess Lantern?" Lin Wanrong looked at Li Wuling, puzzled.


    "You''re asking me? How would I know, I''m just a kid!" Li Wuling rolled his eyes.


    ¡®Damn, this kid''s a tough one,¡¯ Lin Wanrong smirked, and turned his gaze upstream. There, slowly approaching, was antern the size of a person, shaped like a beautiful woman. Thentern figure was coy, smiling, with fluttering skirt ribbons, lifelike in every way. This beautifuldyntern radiated a gentle yellow glow all over, surrounded by dozens of small lights forming a lotus shape. From a distance, it looked like a celestial being floating within a lotus.


    So, this was the Flower Goddess Lantern? Lin Wanrong silently admired it. Aside from the concept, to make such argentern float on the waves without tipping over was a great challenge, not something an ordinary person could achieve.


    "What Flower Goddess Lantern? Watch me hook it up just the same." Li Wuling said dismissively.


    People on both sides of the river had long been captivated by the breathtaking Flower Goddess Lantern, with many prostrating in worship. Only Li Wuling and Lin Wanrong were fearless, after all, it was antern released by upstream maidens, might as well hook it up and have a look.


    Li Wuling was standing at a narrow part of the river, the best spot forntern fetching. He extended the bamboo pole, gauging the direction the Flower Goddess Lantern was drifting from, and pulled hard. Despite thentern''s height, it was quite stable in water, Li Wuling''s pull tilted it slightly but didn''t hook it over.


    Lin Wanrong, quick on his feet, grabbed the bamboo pole and yanked, finally hooking the beautifulntern over.


    Once thentern was ashore, Lin Wanrong closely examined its base. There was a circr support bracket holding themp with several wooden wheels attached, allowing thentern to change direction freely ording to the water flow. Thentern came from upstream with the wheels following the water flow, thus, to hook thentern over was to change the direction of the wheels, requiring considerable force.


    Amazed by the ingenious mechanical design, Lin Wanrong nodded approvingly, acknowledging that the capital truly was filled with talented people.


    Seeing the Flower Goddess Lantern was hooked up, the crowd flocked over. The two youngdies in the carriage couldn''t help themselves either, they elegantly moved closer, standing beside Lin Wanrong.


    The two women were gracefully proportioned, stunningly beautiful, even surpassing the celestial fairies depicted in paintings. Onlookers were momentarily stunned, mouths agape. Even Li Wuling, the youngd, seemed somewhat entranced.


    ¡®Damn it, they''re my wives, not yours to gawk at.¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt disgruntled and moved to shield the twodies. He cleared his throat and asked, ¡°Little brother, what are you going to do with thisntern?¡±


    Li Wuling rubbed his eyes, stating, ¡°These sisters are truly beautiful. Lin San, are they your wives?¡±


    That was a good question. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, ¡°Close enough.¡± Xiao Yushuang blushed ear to ear at his words, while the Eldest Miss pinched the flesh on his waist with force.


    ¡°Lin San, why do you look so peculiar?¡± inquired Li Wuling.


    ¡®Well, I was being tormented by this little minx, experiencing pain in my own flesh, yet I had to keep a smile on my face. Could I not look peculiar?¡¯ He chuckled, ¡°Stop with the chatter, Li. Check if there are any pastries in thentern. I¡¯m a bit hungry. After eating, I¡¯ll go home to sleep with my wife.¡±


    ¡°You wish! Dare to say such things?¡± the Eldest Miss gripped harder, her face as red as the evening glow. She whispered softly into his ear. The fragrant breath she exhaled was intoxicating, making Lin Wanrong''s heart flutter.


    Li Wuling nodded and examined the contents of the flowerntern. Of course, there were no pastries, but he did find a crumpled piece of paper. Disappointed, the young boy didn¡¯t even nce at the paper before tossing it to Lin Wanrong. ¡°You hooked thentern, so naturally, you should read the letter written by the youngdy.¡±


    Feeling a sharp pain in his waist, Lin Wanrong forced a smile. ¡°Miss, I didn¡¯t mean it. Don¡¯t be jealous for no reason. How about I let you read it? I won¡¯t bother.¡±


    Xiao Yuruo blushed, sneakily ncing at her younger sister, and huffed, ¡°Who''s jealous? You just love talking nonsense. Yushuang, let''s ignore him. Let him have his way.¡±


    Xiao Yushuang nodded and asked in puzzlement, ¡°Sister, what¡¯s wrong? Your face is so red.¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡± The Eldest Miss covered her cheek, her heart pounding, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s the wind. Anyway, it¡¯s all because of Lin San. Let¡¯s just ignore him.¡±


    Seeing Lin Wanrong holding the paper ball, an expression of both sweetness and pain on his face, Li Wuling couldn¡¯t help saying, ¡°Lin San, are you going to read it or not? If not, throw it away earlier to spare your wife the jealousy.¡±


    ¡®For the sake of calling her his ''wife,'' I''ll let this little guy off.¡¯ Lin Wanrong grinned and unfolded the paper, reading a line of small characters: Dragon, dragon, dragon, when will you lead the phoenix?


    This seemed like half a poem or couplet, leaving the reader puzzled. Li Wuling peeked at it, scoffing, ¡°Something about dragons and phoenixes, this youngdy from wherever sure thinks highly of herself.¡±


    That makes sense. These youngdies were always daydreaming, just like Ning''er in the past. But fortunately, with his irresistible charm, he managed to win over the talenteddy Luo. Otherwise, who knew how long she would have had to suffer?


    Insect, insect, insect, adept at taming phoenixes and dragons! Lin Wanrongughed heartily, adding a few words that seemed to capture his own image.


    Li Wuling, wise beyond his years, nodded approvingly. "Lin San, your response is fitting. A dragon conquering a phoenix isn''t impressive. But an insect doing so? That''s a real aplishment."


    Lin Wanrong tucked the slip of paper back into thentern. The two of them returned the flowerntern to the river, watching as the divinentern with its beautiful image continued to drift downstream. Li Wuling giggled, "Lin San, you''re an interesting man. Once we enter the city, I''ll treat you to some tea. Now, I have to go back and ride my horse. Until we meet again."


    Riding a horse? In pitch darkness? Was his whole family mad? Lin Wanrong was left in a daze long after Li Wuling had departed. The capital was indeed different - the people he met were all so unique.


    As they climbed back into the carriage, Yushuang giggled, "What was written on the flowerntern that held you up for so long - Sister, is this the right question?"


    "You naughty girl!" The Eldest Miss blushed and quickly turned her head away.


    Lin Wanrong discreetly drew on the Eldest Miss''s palm and replied solemnly, "Nothing much, it''s the Flower Goddess blessing us!"


    "Blessing us with what?" the Eldest Miss asked softly.


    "Blessing us with eternal harmony and the early birth of noble children!" Lin Wanrong giggled.


    Both women simultaneously gave a light scoff. The younger sister, thinking the words were about her, felt her heart pounding, while the Eldest Miss, conscious of her secret, turned crimson. She hurriedly said, "You can''t be serious for even a few words. I''ll punish you by walking into the city."


    There was no need to walk into the city. As they conversed, the carriage slowly reached the city walls. Lin Wanrong stood on the carriage shaft, looking at the vermilion city gates and the two bright red characters above them. A surge of excitement welled up in him. "Qingxuan, I''m here!"


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 Chapter 275

    Chapter 275


    Chapter 275 The Lantern Festival


    The fifteenth day of the first lunar month was the Lantern Festival,monly known among the people as the Shangyuan Festival, or colloquially as the "Lantern Festival." By tradition, the Spring Festival was considered finished only after the Lantern Festival''s celebrations had concluded. As such, the Lantern Festival was one of the most significant holidays in Great Hua.


    [TL: The name "Shangyuan" literally trantes to "first evening" or "first night" and refers to the first full moon of the lunar year.]


    The tradition of the Lantern Festival was said to have been passed down since the time of Xiang Yu, the founding emperor of the Great Chu Dynasty. During the Chu-Han contention, it was rumored that the Jade Emperor ordered the Fire Deity to set the capital city aze on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. Xiang Yu, the Emperor of Great Chu, had a dream about this and thus led his ministers and the citizens of the capital to wee the Fire Deity, pleading bitterly. The Fire Deity, unwilling to cause widespread destruction yet also afraid of defying the heavens, was caught in a predicament when a wise man proposed a strategy. That night,nterns were lit everywhere in the capital, from the imperial pce to themon people''s courtyards, making the city as bright as day. The zing light pierced through the clouds, deceiving the Jade Emperor into believing that heavenly fire had already descended. From then on, every fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the capital would light all itsnterns inmemoration. This marked the origin of the Lantern Festival''s custom. In order to pay respects to the Fire Deity, people would make balls of glutinous rice flour as offerings. Resembling pearls, they were called "tangyuan" in the South andmonly known as "yuanxiao" in the North.


    On the day of the Lantern Festival, the beginning of spring and the reawakening of all things, people who had stayed indoors throughout winter would begin to emerge, making it even more lively than the Spring Festival. However, on the fifteenth day, ording to Great Hua customs, it was the time to eat yuanxiao before one could go out on a journey.


    Lin Wanrong and the two youngdies'' carriage entered the city. The Eldest Miss, gazing at the scenery outside, sighed softly, "We''ve been traveling since the third day of the New Year until today. We''ve been on the road for over ten days, and we''ve unknowingly arrived at the Lantern Festival."


    While most people spent the Lantern Festival with family, enjoying a harmonious and joyful time, they had left on a journey since the third day of the lunar new year, which was indeed strenuous.


    The Second Miss, experiencing a long journey for the first time, had slightly red eyes as she said, "Sister, I miss mother. I wonder what she is doing alone at home, has she eaten any yuanxiao?"


    Upon hearing the two youngdies, Lin Wanrong also felt ufortable. He wondered what his wife, Qiaoqiao, was doing at the moment. Was she staring nkly at the white yuanxiao in her bowl, dropping her tears into it? He thought about their farewell when she had fainted crying in his arms. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but feel a twinge in his heart. Indeed, having a wife was to have worries. Fortunately, Xian''er had received a message from Sister An earlier and had arrived in the capital beforehand. Otherwise, who knew what kind of scene it would have been."Misses, will we have a ce to eat yuanxiao tonight? I''m a little hungry," Lin Wanrong chuckled, diverting the sisters'' attention.


    "All you think about is eating!" The Eldest Miss yfully scolded, "Once we get to the branch office in the capital, will you becking anything?"


    The carriage moved a few steps and then could no longer progress. Coinciding with the Lantern Festival, the entire capital was out to admire thenterns. The roads were unbearably congested, not just for carriages but even pedestrians found it difficult to get through.


    Yushuang, being young and after missing her mother for a while, looked at the bustling scene outside and suddenly felt an urge to join. Wiping her tears, she suggested, "Sister, since the carriage can''t move forward, why don''t we get down and walk? Today is the Lantern Festival, and it''s lively outside. Let''s go out and see?"


    The Eldest Miss was mature and steady and The Xiao family was not to be trifled with in Jinling. However, this was the capital city, where nobody knew the Xiao family, so it was better to be cautious.


    Seeing the Eldest Miss shake her head slightly, the Second Miss clung to Yuruo''s arm and cooed, "Sister, it''s rare for us to be here on this auspicious day of the Lantern Festival. Let''s go out and have some fun!"


    This youngdy... The Eldest Miss let out a helpless sigh, nced at Lin San, and sought his opinion, "What do you think?"


    Lin Wanrong let out a wry smile, "The carriage can hardly move an inch right now. Even if we didn''t want to get off, we have to. Let''s grant the Second Miss her wish."


    Yushuang gave him a sweet smile, biting her red lips. If it weren''t for her sister being nearby, she would have jumped on him and hugged his neck already. The Eldest Miss resigned herself and said, "Alright then. But this is the capital, not Jinling. We must be careful, especially you!" She red at him, a hint of reproach in her eyes. "There are many people outside. We three should stick together. We must not get separated."


    ¡®Three people together? How should we walk? I haven''t tried that before.¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, lifted the curtain, and jumped off the carriage, looking around.


    The moon was bright, rising from the east, making the capital seem draped in ayer of silver. The city was bustling, withnterns everywhere, peopleing and going like a surging tide. Each person held a smallntern in their hand. Even the sons and daughters of the rich, surrounded by dozens of servants, carriednterns of various sizes, making the street impassable.


    Both sides of the street were adorned with high-hanging colorednterns. Horsenterns, jade rabbitnterns, gourdnterns, watermelonnterns, catnterns, dollnterns, peacocknterns, and Shen Gongbaonterns. All of them were realistic and beautifully crafted, likepeting flowers in full bloom. The crowd was busy admiring and pointing at the variety ofnterns,ughter and joy filled the air, even more lively than the New Year''s Eve.


    [TL: Shen Gongbao is a character from Chinese folklore, particrly known for his role in the ssical novel "Investiture of the Gods" (also known as "Fengshen Yanyi" or "Creation of the Gods"), which is a 16th-century Chinese novel and one of the major vernacr Chinese works in the Gods-and-Demons (shenmo) genre written during the Ming Dynasty (1368¨C1644).]


    Lin Wanrong nced around and couldn''t help but shake his head. No matter the era, the capital always had the most people, it was a golden rule.


    The sisters stepped down from the carriage and also looked ahead. The younger sister was young and her face flushed with excitement, "Lin San, is this the Lantern Festival in the capital? It''s even more lively than thenterns on our Qinhuai River."


    Although the Eldest Miss had traveled to many ces, this bustling scene was her first. She looked around and sighed deeply, "Who can sit idle when the moon is seen? Who doesn''te to see thenterns? In Jinling, we used to appreciate thenterns at this time of the year. When I was a child, my mother took me to see them a few times. I thought at the time that the south of the Yangtze River was the most prosperous ce in the world. Now that I am here in the capital, seeing thisntern festival, I realize that my perspective was too narrow."


    "Crowds do not equate to prosperity. I still miss Jinling a bit more." Lin Wanrong said with a faint smile, full of profound meaning.


    A wave of the bustling crowd surged forward, leaving the two youngdies with ashen faces. Lin Wanrong quickly spread his arms to shield thedies,ughing, "Don''t be scared, that''s what happens when there''s a crowd. Besides, you two are so beautiful, it would be unusual if people weren''t drawn to you. I''ll join the pushing and shovingter on, for your sake."


    The youngerdy giggled, while the elder one gently said, "Let''s not stir up any trouble, we''ve just arrived in the capital city and should be cautious. Lin San, it''s crowded here, hold onto Yushuang. We need to stay together, we can''t get separated."


    "Look!" the youngerdy cried out suddenly, a slender finger pointing in the distance, her eyes gleaming with excitement.


    The elder sister and Lin Wanrong followed her gaze, and saw a grandly erected light city on a distant tform, towering and radiant, its glow mingling with the moonlight. The magnificently imposing gate, and the shimmering sea of lights atop the city, was a majestic sight that left onlookers in awe. At the heart of the light city, a nine-lotus treasurentern stood, surrounded by a sea of lights and throngs of people.


    "This must be the officialntern," the elder sister murmured.


    "What''s an officialntern?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously. When it came to these matters, he was utterly naive.


    The elder sister looked at him, smiling. "So, there are things you don''t know after all. I had thought nothing in the world could stymie you."


    She took this opportunity to yfully tease Lin Wanrong, who responded with a chuckle. "If one can know seventy or eighty percent of all things in the world, it would be a great fortune."


    "Blowing your own trumpet." The elder sister giggled behind her hand, a delicate blush coloring her face. "The so-called ''officialntern'' is thentern made with funds from the government. Every year at the Lantern Festival, it''s actually apetition ofnterns, where wealthy and influential households all invest in makingnterns. The government is no exception, it''s their way of participating in the public celebration. Therger and more beautiful thentern, the higher their status."


    So that''s how it was. It was essentially a group of wealthy people unting their money. Lin Wanrong scornfully shrugged it off. With a northern nomad invasion imminent, it was disheartening to see the court wasting money on such extravagances rather than on more urgent matters.


    The youngerdy, who had been unable to contain her excitement, eximed in her sweet voice, "Sister, Lin San, let''s move forward and buy some of these beautifulnterns to look at." With that, she took Lin Wanrong''s hand and led him forward, leaving the elder sister to shake her head in resignation, whispering into Lin Wanrong''s ear, "Remember, we must stay together, we can''t separate."


    A warmth spread in Lin Wanrong''s heart. Was the girl hinting at something? Heughed, nodding, "Remembered, always together, never to part, even if it kills us."


    Xiao Yuruo''s face flushed a deep shade of red. "I have no idea what you''re rambling about, I can''t be bothered with you. Yushuang, let''s go."


    The streets were packed with people, causing quite a crowd. The twodies walked ahead, and Lin Wanrong, unwilling to let them out of his sight, quickly took a few steps forward, grabbing hold of Yushuang''s small hand, eliciting a sweet smile from the youngerdy.


    Seeing the elder sister''s unchanging expression, Lin Wanrong decided not to think too much about it. He stretched out hisrge hand, reaching directly for Xiao Yuruo''s petite one.


    The Eldest Miss''s gaze fell on thenterns ahead, her face a gentle shade of pink, her small hand trembling slightly, dampened by nervous perspiration. Lin Wanrong grabbed her little hand. She anxiously nced at Yushuang, relieved to see no hint of suspicion in her eyes, before ring resentfully at Lin Wanrong, her hand making a feeble attempt to escape his grip.


    Lin Wanrong seriously said, "Hold tight, we can''t afford to get separated. It''s not easy to find each other in this crowd."


    "I hate you," Eldest Miss bit her lip silently, too scared to speak or struggle further.


    It wasn''t his intention to upset her. Lin Wanrong, sping Eldest Miss''s hand, also felt a slight tremor in his heart.


    From the beads of sweat in Eldest Miss''s palm, he could feel her anxiety and excitement. Was she his older sister-inw? Probably not. After holding the Second Miss''s hand and now the Eldest Miss''s, he was uncertain about who was who. It was all so confusing. He decided to let it be and not dwell on it too much. After all, regardless of the circumstances, they were still in this together. He chuckled, lightly tickling the palm of Eldest Miss''s hand, reveling in a sense of unspoken triumph.


    With a "boom," several splendid fireworks soared into the sky, exploding into a dazzling array of patterns. People craned their necks, cheer and apuse filling the air. Everywhere you looked, there were colorfulnterns, their radiant hues fiercelypeting for attention.


    "The Wishing Tree!" Yushuang, leading the two, suddenly cried out.


    The Wishing Tree? Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Was such a thing in existence already?


    Following the direction pointed by the Second Miss, he saw a towering ginkgo tree on the street ahead. Judging by the size of its trunk and branches, it must have been thousands of years old. The tree was adorned with a variety of exquisite littlenterns, and colorful ribbons were wrapped around its branches. Under theirbined glow, the tree was incredibly beautiful.


    A thousand-year-old ginkgo was considered a great omen. ording to the legend, making a wish under a ginkgo tree would make ite true. A multitude of women of all sorts had gathered under the tree, tying their wish-filled sachets onto the ribbons, adding colorful stones, and tossing them high onto the branches.


    Seeing that the crowd wasposed mainly of women, and therefore less dense, the Second Miss freed herself from Lin Wanrong''s grasp. She pulled her sister along and said, "Sister, let''s go make a wish. You, stay here and wait for us. Don''te over."


    ¡®Damn it, without me, who will protect you? What if you encounter a group ofscivious women?¡¯ He thought self-righteously. Disying shameless perseverance, he trailed the two Misses, blending into the crowd of women.


    Eldest Miss blushed slightly. Arguing with him was pointless, so she just let him be.


    The youngdies who were making wishes hardly even noticed the presence of the green-capped servant. Perhaps in their eyes, a servant was barely considered a man. They didn''t realize that this servant might be the most exceptional in history, having won over two sisters, indeed a role model envied by everyone in his profession.


    Shameless men knew no fear. Lin Wanrong cast his eyes around, noticing the varied wishes written in the sachets of the youngdies.


    "May I find my perfect suitor!"


    "Wishing for young master Zhang next door to return soon!"


    "Praying for the Undersecretary of the Ministry of War to take me as his eighteenth concubine!"


    Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat, deeply feeling he hade to the wrong ce.


    Yushuang whispered a few words into her sister''s ear, then stole a nce at Lin Wanrong. Her face flushed slightly as she picked up a sachet and put her wish into it.


    The Eldest Miss paused for a moment before writing down her wish as well, cing it at the other end of the rope. Yushuang lightly tossed her hand, and the sachet bearing the two sisters'' wishes hung securely from the tree.


    "We made it, we made it!" The younger sister eximed excitedly, her face full of joy. The Eldest Miss gazed gently, smiling faintly. The moonlight,nterns, and fireworks illuminated the two sisters'' flower-like faces, highlighting their graceful figures, rendering them unspeakably charming and attractive.


    ¡®What a precise throw by my little sister-inw!¡¯


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, walking over to congratte them. "Congrattions, congrattions. What did the Second Miss wish for?"


    Yushuang replied coquettishly, "You shouldn''t ask. Asking will render it ineffective."


    Lin Wanrong leaned in and whispered, "Did you wish to start a family for the Lin Household soon? You don''t have to tell me, I already know."


    Yushuang let out a yelp, embarrassedly hiding behind her sister. The Eldest Miss gave him a sideways nce. "Stop bullying Yushuang!"


    "What did the Eldest Miss wish for? Oh, forget I asked¡ª"


    The Eldest Miss huffed, "Every day I have to converse with you, my anger only increases." Lin Wanrong was ustomed to their daily bickering and the added heat. Moreover, having Yushuang by his side, this secret pursuit was more exciting than openly courting the Eldest Miss. Men always enjoyed such things, didn''t they?


    "Ladies, would you like to buynterns? Top-qualitynterns for the Lantern Festival, twenty taels each. Guaranteed to make your wishese true and bring you sweet dreams," cried a few vendors nearby. Thedies who had made their wishes were already carrying severalnterns, looking as lovely as flowers.


    ¡®Twenty taels each? Damn it, why don''t you just rob someone? You need to have morals!¡¯ Lin Wanrong, who came from a merchant background, looked down on these vendors. However, Yushuang was delighted and promptly approached, asking, "Is this a Double Fishesntern?"


    "Indeed, indeed. Miss, the Double Fishesntern is based on the story of mutual help and support. It''s perfect for a gift to your loved one," the vendors were ustomed to telling this to youngdies, and it almost always worked. Yushuang cast a shy look at Lin Wanrong, not daring to speak.


    ¡®If the wife likes it, I must reluctantly fork out the money.¡¯ Lin Wanrong stepped forward, pointing at thergest Double Fishesntern. "This one, the biggest one, how much is it?"


    "Fifty taels!" Seeing the good business of the night, the vendor raised the price exorbitantly.


    ¡®Damn it, I could buy half a bottle of perfume with that.¡¯ Lin Wanrong took out a banknote. "Here, a hundred taels. If you dare give me change, I''ll smash your stall! Second Miss, do you like it?"


    The peddler, upon hearing this, was inwardly taken aback. If he were to give him change, he''d be a fool, he thought. He wondered who this servant could be, audacious enough to flirt with a youngdy. Such gall, such audacity!


    Yushuang nodded slightly, her face flushed, her eyes full of soft affection. In a gentle voice, she said, "Lin San, thank you. Let us be like these fishes that help each other in hardship, forever together."


    She picked up a small brush, delicately inscribing a line of characters: "In heaven, may we be lovebirds flying wing to wing!" After she finished, she let out a small whimper, handed the brush to Lin San, and shyly hurried away.


    ¡®As an old married couple, what is there to be embarrassed about?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, pulled out a pencil, and added a line on the back: "On earth, forever joined like the entwined branches." He lit the candle inside thentern, and after a while, he and the Second Miss held up the Double Fishes. Thentern gradually ascended, slowly soaring into the sky. Yushuang''s face was flush with excitement, she clung to his hand with an affectionate, honeyed look of unspeakable joy.


    The Eldest Miss watched the pair and sighed softly. Lin Wanrong chortled, "Miss, whicheverntern you like, I''ll buy for you as well. The silver notes I''m carrying are quite burdensome, really bothersome. It would be nice to lighten the load a bit."


    The Second Miss chimed in, "Sister, you should choose one as well. Lin San, you can''t favor one over the other, you need to give sister antern too."


    ¡®Oh dear, Miss. That''s not how you use the idiom ''favoring one and discriminating against the other''. It could cause misunderstandings.¡¯ His mind was racing, but he felt somewhat pleased, lightly caressing the hand of the Second Miss he held.


    The Eldest Miss''s cheeks flushed, and she snorted, "Mother has ced all the silver notes with you. You''re being reckless with money, spending so frivolously. Be careful, I might report you to mother." She was getting smarter, knowing she had no way to handle Lin San, so she shifted all responsibility to Madam Xiao, which was quite a significant improvement.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "These notes are the result of my hard work, there''s no misuse of public funds. Please, feel free to choose yourntern."


    The Eldest Miss blushed slightly, walked to thentern stall, and carefully began to choose antern. Mandarin ducknterns, lotusnterns, Guanyinnterns; she looked at one after another, unsure of which one to pick.


    Lin Wanrong picked up antern and said, "Choose this one. This one is good."


    Xiao Yuruo looked at thentern in her hand; it was a Matchmaker Red Stringntern, as tall as a person. The benevolent-faced matchmaker was tying a red string around the ankles of a young man and woman, a gentle smile on his face.


    Xiao Yuruo''s heart pounded. She stole a quick nce at him and quickly turned her head away. Recalling the incident on the boat where the red string had been cut by Qin Xian''er, causing her immense pain, her eyes grew a bit moist. She bit her silver teeth lightly, nced at Yushuang, and said nothing.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t care what the youngdies were thinking anymore, and lifted the red stringntern, asking, "Boss, how much is this?"


    Seeing that he was a big spender, the owner said, "You''ve already bought antern, sir, so I can give you a bit of a discount on this one, fifty taels of silver. I''m practically losing money at that price!"


    "What?" Lin Wanrong eximed, "Fifty taels of silver?"


    The shopkeeper was taken aback. "Well, sir, there''s room for negotiation. How about I knock off another ten taels, how does that sound?"


    "Damn! How could such a nicentern only be worth fifty taels?" Lin Wanrong angrily retorted, "If you don''t increase the price to one hundred taels, I won''t buy it."


    The shopkeeper was stunned for a moment, then stammered, "O-one hundred taels?"


    "Babbling, how can you do big business like this?" Lin Wanrong shoved the banknote at him, took the red stringntern, and handed it to Xiao Yuruo, chuckling, "This is for you."


    While others didn''t understand his peculiar haggling, Xiao Yuruo understood clearly. Despite the absurdity of it, she couldn''t help butugh. Her eyes gathered ayer of mist as she quietly said, "Thank you, I really like it!"


    From her bosom, she pulled out a piece of red string¡ªthe very same one that had been cut by Xian''er. Her face blushed as she sneakily nced at him, her hands trembling slightly as she tied the red string onto the figures on thentern.


    "Sister, what are you doing?" the Second Miss asked, confused.


    "This is a poignant story. I''ll tell you after the rice is cooked," Lin Wanrong chuckled mischievously.


    The Eldest Miss picked up the brush, unsure of what to write. After much hesitation, she wrote, "Longing as endless as the dust¡ª"


    ¡®Is she waiting for me to continue? The Second Miss is still here!¡¯ Lin Wanrong grinned, about to step forward with the pencil in hand when his gaze swept towards the distance. Suddenly, there was a "tter," and the pencil in his hand fell to the ground.


    Lin Wanrong stood still as if struck by lightning, rooted to the spot, unable to move a muscle!


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 Chapter 276

    Chapter 276


    Chapter 276 A Faint Trace


    From afar, amidst the bustling crowd, there walked a woman dressed in a yellow gown, her face obscured by light veil, her steps light and graceful. Even in the throng of thousands, her figure remained exquisite and her beauty indescribable. Strangely, no one could get near her in the crowd.


    The pencil in Lin Wanrong''s hand dropped onto the ground, his mind a nk canvas. He had envisioned their reunion countless times, but when it finally arrived ¨C and so quickly at that ¨C he found himself unprepared. He stared nkly at her side profile; although her face was obscured, he couldn''t help but recognize the strange yet familiar figure. His heart pounded anxiously: "Qingxuan, is it really you?"


    "What''s wrong?" the Eldest Miss holding a kite string asked gently.


    Lin Wanrong snapped out of his daze. ¡®Have I lost my mind? How did I be speechless upon seeing Qingxuan?¡¯ Without a care for the two sisters before him, he sprinted towards the woman, shouting at the top of his lungs, "Qingxuan, Qingxuan, I''m here¡ª"


    The Eldest Miss tied the red string onto the kite, sneaking nces at him. Initially delighted, she froze upon hearing him call out another woman''s name, as if struck in the acupoint, left speechless.


    Having been kidnapped and rescued with Lin Wanrong, she knew who this Qingxuan was, and knew that he came to the capital city for this Miss Qingxuan. Although Lin San never detailed about thisdy, Xiao Yuruo could infer from his words that Miss Qingxuan held a significant ce in his heart. She was both a lifesaver and a lover, which could easily qualify as his most important person.


    They had just arrived in the capital city, hadn''t even rested their feet, were about to release the redntern kite together when he ran into the most important person in his life. Could this be fate? Recalling the scene on Su Qinglian''s boat, where the red string was severed by Qin Xian''er, the Eldest Miss''s eyes welled up with tears. Was this her fate?


    Only when he came to the capital city and suddenly saw this woman did Lin Wanrong realize how important Qingxuan was to him ¨C a significance he himself hadn''t noticed before.He shouted loudly, rushing towards the woman who strongly resembled Qingxuan. However, the distance between them was great, with people andnterns flowing like tides in between, the constantughter and cheer swallowing his cries. His voice could hardly be heard from several feet away.


    He forcefully parted the crowd, incessantly calling out and pushing forward. The moment he moved a person, another quickly filled the spot. This tide of people, like an ever-strengthening spring wall, separated him and the woman, preventing their reunion. The crowd was too dense; even if an immortal descended from heaven, they''d be helpless.


    Xiao Qingxuan, sleeves fluttering, steps light, moved forward without looking back. Without any visible effort, people couldn''t get close to her and, in the blink of an eye, she was swallowed by the crowd, her trace no longer visible.


    "Darn it!" Lin Wanrong found himself crushed within the crowd, feeling as if a ball of fire was burning within him. He had no idea how many times he had screamed, how many people he had pushed past. Staring at the disappearing silhouette of Qingxuan within the crowd, he mustered all his strength to cry out once more, "Qingxuan¡ª" The sound only resonated in his own ears. After shouting for so long, his voice had already be hoarse.


    Standing amidst the bustling crowd, staring at the glowingnterns and the crowd filled withughter, he was dumbstruck. He couldn''t believe his own eyes. "Was that really Qingxuan I just saw? Was I seeing things? How could I have so easily crossed paths with Qingxuan? And just as easily lose track of her? Damn it!"


    The anticipation and the unexpected encounter with Qingxuan, coupled with the bitter loss of losing her again so close at hand, simultaneously washed over him. Even a hardened man of steel wouldn''t be able to bear such emotions. Lin Wanrong''s hands clenched tightly as he stood in the middle of the crowded street, facing the surging crowd. He let out long cries of despair. His hoarse voice was grating to the ear, yet it carried an indescribable sense of sorrow and destion.


    Amidst the sea of people on thentern-lit street, someughed while somemented. Lin Wanrong stood there in a daze for a long while, his heart growing cold. He was usually not one to be easily disheartened, but this feeling of being so close yet so far, of having and then losing, was utterly heartbreaking, even for a man like him whoughed through his days.


    "Lin San, Lin San¡ª" Amid his daze, a soft voice calling out to him fell upon his ears. This voice was very faint amidst the crowd''s mor. Had it not been close enough, he would not have heard it.


    "Eldest Miss, Second Miss¡ª" On hearing the voice, Lin Wanrong was startled. Damn it, he hadpletely forgotten about them while he was preupied with Qingxuan.


    He quickly lifted his head to look back, only to see that not far from him, Yuruo was tightly holding Yushuang''s hand, their faces red with fear as they anxiously looked in his direction. A group of ruffians with sneering faces were slowly approaching them. Yushuang looked terrified while Yuruo appeared resolute. The sisters moved forward hand in hand, still carrying the red stringntern that they had yet to release.


    "Bloody hell," Lin Wanrong''s anger red up, and he pushed his way back to the sisters. Within a few steps, he reached their side. On seeing him, Yushuang cried out softly and threw herself into his arms, refusing to let go. Yuruo bit her lip, not uttering a word, her hand tightly gripping thentern. The branches of thentern were already scattered and on the verge of falling off due to their hurried running and pushing. Yet, the couple attached to the red string remained tightly together.


    "Hey, pretty littledies, which family''s daughters might you be?" The approaching ruffians slowly moved closer with a smirk on their faces. Seeing them, the surrounding crowd quickly dispersed as if they had seen a ghost, leaving a wide-open space.


    "Eldest Miss, Second Miss, are you scared?" Lin Wanrong shielded the two women behind him, his face expressionless.


    "As long as you don''t leave, we''re not afraid." Yuruo softly replied.


    ¡®Remember, always together, we won''t separate even at the cost of our lives.¡¯ Lin Wanrong suddenly recalled his words to the twodies when they had alighted from the carriage. Back then, he had spoken lightheartedly, never intending to break his word, yet unexpectedly, it was he who had separated from them first after meeting Qingxuan.


    "I''m sorry, it was my mistake this time," Lin Wanrong apologized, feeling a sense of shame for the first time since he had known thedies.


    The Eldest Miss softly responded, her face flushed, "What do we do now? We''ve just arrived in the capital, it''s best to avoid trouble."


    Was it him causing trouble or was trouble finding him? Guilt-ridden towards the Eldest Miss, he managed a bitter smile, "I''ll do my best."


    His mood had been dreadful that day. ncing around, he picked up two wooden sticks from the ground and smashed them together forcefully, snapping both instantly. He was a battle-hardened man; how could he take these ruffians seriously? His eyes, cold and deadly, were full of a murderous aura.


    The approaching hoodlums were taken aback. One who seemed to be the leader hurriedly said, "What are you doing? We belong to the residence of Minister Tie."


    Lin Wanrong snorted, his voice seething with killing intent, "Minister Tie of the Ministry of War? Hmm, very impressive. You dogs, if it wasn''t for Mr. Xu''smand not to stir up trouble, I would have crippled you lot tonight."


    "Mr. Xu?" the leader stuttered, "Which Mr. Xu?"


    Lin Wanrong threw a broken stick at the man, hitting him, and yelled, "How dare you question me? When Mr. Xu and I were suppressing the White Lotus rebellion, there was no ce for you dogs to speak!"


    A man''s reputation casts a long shadow. Xu Wei was the number one schr in the world, the Emperor''s favored minister, and the one who had personally led the suppression of the White Lotus Rebellion. His prestige was unmatched in the capital. These hoodlums, ustomed to their bullish ways, were actually cowards at heart. Confronted by a servant emanating such killing intent and hearing him mention Mr. Xu, they intuitively felt that angering this man would result in a terrible end.


    "Get lost!" Lin Wanrong roared. The hoodlums exchanged nces before turning tail and fleeing. The previously vacated space instantly filled with people again as if nothing had happened.


    The Second Miss gazed at him, her eyes brimming with tenderness, "Were you telling the truth earlier? Did you really fight alongside Mr. Xu on the battlefield against the White Lotus?"


    Lin Wanrong, grasping her small hand, chuckled, "It was a lie, I fooled them."


    "You trickster!" The Second Miss yfully rebuked, clinging to his hand and refusing to let go.


    Lin Wanrong turned back to see the Eldest Miss staring nkly at the red threadntern scattered in her hands. Feeling guilty, he quickly assured her, "Don''t worry, Eldest Miss. I will make sure this red-threadntern flies safely into the sky, trust me."


    Xiao Yuruo gave a slight smile, softly caressing thentern in her hand and asked gently, "Did you really see Miss Qingxuan earlier?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, his expression darkening, "I saw her, but she didn''t see me. Such is life, so unpredictable. We meet unexpectedly, only to lose each other just as unexpectedly."


    The Eldest Missforted him in a soft voice, "Such gloominess is unlike you. Consider it from another perspective: as soon as you arrived in the capital, you were fortunate enough to see Miss Qingxuan. Isn''t that a good start? As long as you continue to search, you''ll reunite one day."


    "That''s how I see it too." Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Eldest Miss, if you always speak with such tenderness, I''ll consider myself blessed."


    "Slick talker," the Eldest Miss blushed and gently scolded.


    A series of thunderous roars echoed through the air as fireworks burst into the night sky. Amid the shower of sparkling lights, a giant twin-lotusntern slowly ascended from the roof of a tavern, dancing gracefully in the air. Two pink lotus blossoms floated mid-air, radiating brilliant colors, a dazzling sight.


    A woman dressed in yellow stood atop the tavern roof. Her skin was fairer than snow, and her beautiful eyes were gently focused on the blooming lotus. A few teardrops suddenly fell, making her appear like a fairy banished to the mortal realm, breathtakingly beautiful...


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 Chapter 277

    Chapter 277


    Chapter 277 The Search


    Lin Wanrong and the two youngdies craned their necks to watch the floating lotusnterns. The three of them stood in silence, like unnoticed y beads amid a sea of people, their presence unseen.


    Looking up at the gleaming jade disk nestled in the vibrant night sky, a woman standing atop a building heaved a faint sigh. Her gaze unwittingly swept over the bustling crowd, but she failed to notice the three unnoticed y beads amidst the multitude.


    Tears shimmered in her eyes. With a light tap of her foot, she transformed into a beautiful crane under the moonlight, disappearing into the vast darkness of the night.


    Observing the twin lotusnterns leisurely floating overhead, Xiao Yushuang pped her hands in delight, "I wonder which youngdy released thesenterns. They are indeed beautiful. This sister must surely be pining for her lover."


    The lotusnterns flew higher and higher, scattering a myriad of radiant colors, dazzling and bewitching, bing the most captivating sight at thentern festival. Numerous lovesick men and women put their palms together in respect and bowed their heads, their expressions utmost sincere.


    A force seemed to beckon him from the unknown. Lin Wanrong''s gaze fell upon the rooftop. With the bright moon in the sky and the world covered in a silvery sheen, the ce seemed empty and deste, devoid of any human figure.


    "What are you staring at?" The Eldest Miss asked upon seeing his dazed expression, hurriedly whispering.


    "That tavern, I want to check it out," Lin Wanrong affirmed.The Eldest Miss hummed in agreement, "A tavern? That''s good then. After traveling for so many days, we''ve finally reached the capital. We should go there and celebrate. I will allow you some drinks, but do not let it interfere with our ns."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. The Eldest Miss''s rules were bing more humane. Things were looking up.


    The tavern they saw stood tall in the middle of the bustling street, in an ideal location, approximately five to six stories high. It was majestic, a magnificent sight, the busiest establishment on the street.


    With great effort, Lin Wanrong led the two youngdies through the crowd to the entrance of the building. The tavern was decorated from top to bottom withnterns of various sizes. In the middle was arge golden que, emzoned with four big characters ¨C Yun Lai Xian Jing [Fairnd Comes with the Clouds].


    "Hah, even a dining ce is named like this? They''ve really gone overboard with their taste!" Lin Wanrongughed.


    The Eldest Miss pulled him lightly and pointed to some smaller characters beneath therge que, "Look."


    Lin Wanrong had been so taken by the grandeur of the golden characters that he had overlooked the small ones in the corner. Reminded by the Eldest Miss, he looked up again to see some more small characters inscribed beneath the main title ¨C "Calligraphy by Xu Wei."


    "So, this ce had the old man Xu''s calligraphy? It must truly be a ce of refined taste. We should definitely check it out." Lin Wanrong nodded and said with a smile, "Ladies, let''s dine here."


    Just as the trio was about to ascend the stairs, a smiling waiter stopped them. "Honored guests, I''m afraid you''re out of luck. Our Fairnd Comes with the Clouds has been reserved for the night, and we cannot amodate other customers. I am sorry, but you''ll have to find another ce. My sincere apologies."


    It wasmon for taverns to be reserved, especially on a day as big as the Lantern Festival. The waiter was polite. The Eldest Miss nodded in acknowledgment and was about to leave when Lin Wanrong, haunted by the memory of the woman releasing the lotusnterns on the rooftop, felt a pang of regret. He felt as if missing this ce would mean missing out on many things.


    "Brother, is there truly no way to amodate us? My two youngdies have traveled from afar, particrly to appreciate thenterns here, to admire the renowned Fairnd Comes with the Clouds. Can you not even spare three seats?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    The server was caught in a dilemma, "Sir, truth be told, today, Fairnd Comes with the Clouds has been reserved for the young masters anddies from Jinghua Academy to admire and guess riddles in thenterns. They have specifically instructed to keep away themon masses. You are aware, the tempers of these young masters anddies are not easy to handle. Please, don''t make it hard for me."


    "Jinghua Academy?" The Second Miss was taken aback, then she excitedly grabbed Xiao Yuruo''s hand and said, "Sister, could it be the Jinghua Academy where I intend to study?"


    The Eldest Miss nodded, "There should only be one Jinghua Academy in the capital, it must be the one."


    Yushuang was immediately thrilled. Madam Xiao had allowed her to pursue education in the capital and the academy she was affiliated with was Jinghua Academy. Lin Wanrong was also taken aback. Jinghua Academy? Was this not the legendary university? These guys really had deep pockets, reserving such arge restaurant just like that.


    While the three could have easily settled for some other restaurant, now hearing the name Jinghua Academy, with the Second Miss looking forward to it, and Lin Wanrong himself having certain considerations, they all wished to make it to the top floor of the restaurant.


    As they hesitated, a young man dressed in splendid attire, apanied by two servants, walked directly towards the upper floor.


    The server rushed to greet him, "Young Master Tian, you''ve arrived? The other young masters anddies are already waiting upstairs."


    This so-called Young Master Tian, a dashing and debonair young man, nodded and asked, "Have Miss Zhiqing and Master Ye arrived?"


    The server hurriedly responded, "These two have not yet arrived, but the other young masters anddies have been here for a while."


    Young Master Tian acknowledged the answer, and as he was about to proceed upstairs, his eyes caught the Xiao sisters and he paused. Adjusting his robe, he turned around and elegantly greeted, "May I ask, are youdies also here to attend thentern festival at Jinghua Academy? I don''t recall seeing you before."


    His face was adorned with a friendly smile, disying a demeanor of grace and fervor. His gaze fell warmly on the two youngdies, stirring a pleasant impression at first sight. However, the likes of Lin San, being a servant, was naturally filtered out.


    Being attractive indeed had its benefits, Lin Wanrong thought in contempt. Yet, he was helpless, unable to go up and punch this audacious inquirer.


    The Eldest Miss responded graciously, "Your courtesy is appreciated, sir. We sisters are not from the capital, but came from afar. Having heard about the reputation of Fairnd Comes with the Clouds and coinciding with the Lantern Festival, we thought of joining the festivities."


    Young Master Tian responded enthusiastically, "I see. The twodies are remarkably beautiful, akin to ethereal beings, where do you hail from? Could it be that you are the fairies who have descended from the Moon Pce?"


    The Second Miss, younger in age, felt her cheeks grow warm at the public praise from the young man. Shy, she lowered her gaze.


    ¡®Damn, he''s even thicker-skinned than me,¡¯ Lin Wanrong grumbled, ¡®My wife doesn''t need your ttery.¡¯ Yushuang secretly took his hand, her face blooming into a smile as she whispered, "You scoundrel, I prefer when you tell me I''m pretty."


    The Eldest Miss responded with a gentle smile, "Your ttery is unnecessary, sir. We sisters hail from Jinling."


    Young Master Tian eximed, "So, you are the beauties of the south! No wonder you''re so fresh and extraordinary. Why don''t the two of you go up to watch thenterns?"


    "Well, my mistresses were about to do just that, but this waiter here says you and yourpanions have reserved the entire establishment, so we can''t," Lin Wanrong replied, smirking.


    Young Master Tian had wanted to converse with the twodies, but seeing this servant interrupt and cut off the mistresses, he couldn''t help but frown. He thought to himself, ''What a presumptuous servant.'' But seeing that neitherdy spoke up, he didn''t feel it was his ce to chastise the man. He managed an awkward smile and said, "I apologize for my intrusion! There must be some misunderstanding. My name is Tian Wenjing. I and my friends from Jinghua Academy have reserved this ce tonight for thentern show. We intended to enjoy it without disturbances, and to entertain ourselves with somentern riddles. ording to our rules, anyone who solves a riddle may go upstairs to view thenterns. I hadn''t anticipated it would inconvenience you, my apologies. I invite you both to join us upstairs."


    The Eldest Miss nced at Lin Wanrong. She didn''t know why he was insistent on visiting this Fairnd Comes with the Clouds, but since he had reasons, and her younger sister was eager to witness the Jinghua Academy''s talented individuals, she smiled faintly and said, "So one must solve antern riddle to go upstairs? That''s fair enough. It''s our fault for intruding, and we don''t want to break the rules. Young Master Tian, please bring antern. I''ll give the riddle a try."


    "Turns out thedy is a schr herself, my apologies for not recognizing," Young Master Tian said, a glint in his eyes and a more eager smile on his face. "These riddles are just for amusement, no need to take them too seriously. How about I host the event today and invite both of you upstairs to enjoy the beautifulnterns and celebrate this prosperous year together?"


    The Eldest Miss didn''t respond, and Lin Wanrong moved the brokenntern he was holding a bit closer. He thought, ''A prosperous year, huh? Sounds good. If anyone believes you, they''ll be celebrating New Year''s again tomorrow.''


    Seeing thedies firm in their stance, Young Master Tian had no choice but to nod. Pointing to the variousnterns hanging upstairs, he offered a polite smile, "Then, please choose antern, miss."


    The Eldest Miss turned to Yushuang and gestured, "Little sister, choose one for me."


    The younger sister nodded and stretched out her delicate finger, pointing to a butterflyntern, "I want that one."


    The waiter hurriedly used a bamboo pole to retrieve thentern and Young Master Tian handed it over to the sisters with a sincere smile, "Please open the riddle,dies."


    The Eldest Miss nodded, pulled out the slip of paper from thentern, and handed it to the waiter who then passed it to Young Master Tian.


    Upon reading the riddle, Young Master Tian paused before reciting, "Ladies, this is a word (character) riddle. Clear when meeting water, bright when meeting fire. Guess the word (character)."


    This type of brain teaser-like question was Lin Wanrong''s specialty. After a moment of contemtion, he already had the answer. Turning his attention back to the Eldest Miss, he noticed her slightly furrowed brow as she pondered. After a while, she picked up the small brush offered by the waiter and, on the te in front of her, wrote a beautiful character¡ª"µÇ".


    [TL: The character "µÇ" in English corresponds to the word "ascend" or "rise". It is used in various contexts in Chinese such as to ascend a height, rise to power, etc.]


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 Chapter 278

    Chapter 278


    Chapter 278 The Lantern Riddles (Part 1)


    "Marvelous," Young Master Tian gently tapped his palm with a small fan, his face filled with a smile. "The youngdy''s beauty is divine, like a fairy among mortals, and her talent is astounding. I am truly in awe. Please,dies, apany me upstairs."


    Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up to the Eldest Miss. Xiao Yuruo''s face reddened slightly, and with a nce at him, she took her sister''s hand and said, "Yushuang, let''s go upstairs and take a look."


    Young Master Tian led the way, guiding the two youngdies upstairs, and asionally engaging them in conversation. His refined and polite demeanor made him very charming. After a long conversation, he did not overstep the bounds of propriety by asking for thedies'' names. His elegant manners indeed left a favorable impression.


    Given Lin Wanrong''s status, he naturally trailed behind. With an unconcerned smile, he followed the group.


    Upon reaching the second floor, it was filled with bustling noise, cheering, andughter. Lin Wanrong looked around to find the Fairnd Comes with the Clouds elegantly decorated. Lanterns were hung everywhere, casting bright light, enhancing the simple yet elegant setup. Numerous tables were arranged in a circle, with youngdies and gentlemen sitting at their leisure, some writing, someposing poetry, others ying musical instruments, creating a lively atmosphere.


    Upon seeing Young Master Tian, several young schrs came over, raising their fists in greeting. "Brother Tian, why are youte? You must drink as a penalty, three cups!"


    Tian Wenjingughed, bowing slightly in return. "I was dyed by some matters, which made mete. I hope my colleagues can forgive me."


    Theughing women also ceased their chatter, approaching to greet him with a smile. One of them, noticing the Xiao sisters by Young Master Tian''s side, gasped, "Young Master Tian, where did you find such beautiful sisters? They are simply gorgeous!"Tian Wenjing nodded and smiled. "Thesedies hail from Jinling. Not only are they beautiful, but their intellect is also remarkable, leaving me in awe." He nced at the sisters and said, "Oh, I''ve been rather rude. I haven''t yet asked for your honorable names."


    The gentleman certainly had tact; his public inquiry, despite not asking their names privately, came across as natural and made refusal hard.


    Thedies, being from a business family, nodded. "My surname is Xiao, and my given name is Yuruo. This is my younger sister, Yushuang. We''vee from Jinling, drawn by the renowned beauty of Fairnd Comes with the Clouds. We hope you can pardon our intrusion."


    Young Master Tian replied, "Miss Xiao, no need for formalities. You came here openly." He then recounted the earlierntern riddle, leading to everyone praising them, causing the sisters to feel somewhat bashful.


    The purpose of Lin Wanrong''s visit to the tavern was to investigate, but noticing no stairs leading to the top floor, he felt a twinge of disappointment.


    A faint aroma of orchids wafted in the air. While others couldn''t detect it, Lin Wanrong was particrly sensitive. This orchid perfume was of his own making, hence he recognized it instantly. In the entire establishment, only the Xiao sisters used this perfume. The sisters, like Madam Xiao, all preferred the rose perfume, with the exception of Qingxuan who used this unique orchid fragrance.


    He took a few deep sniffs, a surge of joy filling his heart, and quickly started searching around.


    The upper floor was wide open, allowing everyone to see clearly. Lin Wanrong slowly moved closer to the window, the faint fragrance seemed to be wafting from the rooftop. He peered out to scrutinize the surroundings, only to find the moonlight as serene as a pool of water. Where could he spot Qingxuan''s silhouette? Remembering the twin lotusntern, Lin Wanrong stood dazed for quite some time, realizing that Qingxuan indeed had been here.


    Young Master Tian was incredibly courteous, introducing the young masters anddies from the Jinghua Academy one by one to the two Miss Xiaos. The Eldest Miss, contemting future ventures in the capital, knew these individuals were valuable resources, so they greeted them with gracious smiles.


    Seeing the gentle, logical, and elegant Eldest Miss Xiao from Jinling, Young Master Tian''s heart was filled with delight. He smiled, "Miss Xiao, these individuals are renowned talents from Jinghua Academy, including schrs well-versed in literature and brilliant students. Some have even been to the royal court to listen to state affairs, they are the future pirs of our Great Hua. There are two more who have yet to arrive, their fame is unmatched in Jinghua, once they arrive, I will introduce them to you."


    Young Master Tian''s enthusiasm upon their first meeting made Eldest Miss Xiao a bit embarrassed. She thanked him and said, "Young Master Tian, you are quite knowledgeable and modest, a gentleman indeed. May we know from which distinguished family youe from?"


    A young master standing next to him named Yu Hangughed, "Miss Xiao, you might not know that our brother Tian Wenjing is the son of Minister Tian of the Ministry of Public Works, a true blueblood."


    "Oh?" Eldest Miss Xiao eximed in surprise, "So you are the son of Minister Tian, forgive me for my ignorance."


    Tian Wenjing quickly humbled himself, "Miss Xiao, you tter me. My father always taught me to be modest and respectful, to never bully the weak or the disadvantaged. I have always followed his teachings, I strive to keep a low profile." His face was full of humility, but a glint of pride flickered in his eyes.


    Though Lin Wanrong was preupied with thoughts of Qingxuan, he couldn''t help but chuckle upon hearing Young Master Tian''s words. A low profile? This young man truly embodied that, much more than himself.


    Eldest Miss Xiao gave a slight smile, not as eager as Tian Wenjing had imagined, which left him slightly disappointed, but also sparked his interest even more.


    Noticing Lin Wanrong''s low spirits and silence, Eldest Miss Xiao quietly walked over, gently tugged at his sleeve, and whispered, "What''s wrong?"


    Lin Wanrong looked up and smiled, "Nothing, I''m just a little hungry, Eldest Miss. Let''s have dinner¡ªyou''re treating tonight!"


    Eldest Miss Xiao feigned annoyance, "Eat if you want to, who''s going to stop you?"


    Before ascending the stairs, the ''low-profile'' Young Master Tian had offered to host the evening. Knowing that this young master wanted to impress Miss Xiao and was prepared to foot the bill, Lin Wanrong didn''t hold back and ordered some of the pricier dishes.


    Knowing that Lin Wanrong wasn''t in the best of spirits that day, Eldest Miss Xiao poured half of the jug of fine wine before handing it over to him, "You''re not allowed to drink too much today, be careful not to cause trouble."


    Seeing Miss Xiao treat a servant with such courtesy, Young Master Tian was slightly taken aback. Yu Hang, standing next to him, noticed this and started formting a n in his mind.


    Yu Hang rose from his seat, lightly patting the table as he dered, "My friends, as Brother Ye and Miss Zhiqing have yet to arrive, let''s entertain ourselves. Today is the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the perfect time to admirenterns and guess riddles. With my modest abilities, I''ll start by offering a riddle for everyone to guess. Here it is: ''A pig savors fine wine while a cat learns to walk,'' and the answer pertains to something within this hall."


    As soon as his words fell,ughter erupted among the people in the hall. The servant from the Xiao family was pouring wine into a cup, intending to taste it, when this anecdote from Yu Hang was obviously a riddle hinting at something in the hall, designed to embarrass the Xiao family''s servant.


    Seeing his cryptic riddle eliciting praise from the crowd, Yu Hang, tall and skinny, swaggered about, acknowledging the apuse andughing, "I yield, I yield." His movements made him look like a monkey bowing, causing suppressedughter from the onlookers.


    Everyone knew the answer without guessing. Amidst the chuckles andughter, the Eldest Miss Xiao, her pretty face flushed with anger, was about to stand up when Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, gently grasping her hand, and said, "Let me handle this. I''m quite good at such matters."


    Second Miss Xiao was already fuming at the people insulting Lin, and she tightly grasped Lin''s hand, saying, "Those bullies! Teach them a lesson!"


    Lin Wanrong lightly scratched her hand, stood up, andughed out loud, "So you''re Yu Hang, the esteemed son of Yu, what a grand name, and an impressive presence. Earlier, you presented a riddle that I, in my dullness, didn''t understand."


    Yu Hang sneered, "A crude servant like you wouldn''t understand. It''s not your ce to sit in front of your master."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Whether or not I sit isn''t your call. But since you''re so talented, Mr. Yu, I wasn''t able to solve your riddle. However, I also have a riddle. I wonder if you could solve it. Your riddle was ''A pig savors fine wine while a cat learns to walk,'' mine is, ''A monkey stretches its arm while a dog bows.'' It corresponds to your riddle and pertains to something in this hall."


    Everyone froze for a moment, but Second Miss Xiao of the Xiao family burst intoughter. A tit-for-tat retort, Lin Wanrong''s riddle was brilliant!


    Yu Hang, the so-called talented schr, was beet-red and speechless. The young men and women from the Jinghua Academy exchanged nces, none daring tough aloud. They didn''t expect this from the Xiao family ¨C not only was the Eldest Miss exceptionally talented, but even a servant was so quick-witted. They really couldn''t afford to underestimate them.


    Lin Wanrong returned to his seat, and the Eldest Miss softly scolded him, "Always causing a ruckus." But her face broke into a broad smile.


    The silent Tian Wenjing, seeing the atmosphere cooling, quickly intervened with a smile, "That was just a little joke earlier, everyone, please don''t mind it. Since today is about admiringnterns and guessing riddles, let''s start with thenterns hanging in this hall. Have you noticed the jade tassels hanging from thesenterns? They''re of different colors, each representing a different level of difficulty. There are orange, red, and blue. Orange is the most difficult, these are riddles personally crafted by Miss Zhiqing, and you can imagine the level of difficulty."


    Upon hearing that Miss Zhiqing had personally crafted the riddles, the people in the hall showed a mix of excitement and apprehension. Lin Wanrong, unaware of who this Miss Zhiqing was, pulled Xiao Yuruo aside and asked, "Eldest Miss, is this Miss Zhiqing a tiger? Why do so many people look pale at the mention of her name?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao didn''t respond, but Yushuangughed, "I understand now. Miss Zhiqing must be a schr superior to others. Everyone is unable to answer her riddles, hence their respect and fear for her. Hmph, if they can''t even solve a riddle proposed by a woman, these people are really gutless. You, on the other hand, rogue, have guts."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, leaning close to her ear and whispering, "Why don''t you also propose a few riddles and I''ll try to solve them? If I get them right, I get to kiss you as a penalty. If I get them wrong, you get to kiss me as a penalty. How about that?"


    Second Miss Xiao snorted lightly, while the Eldest Miss Xiao blushed at his words. Despite the tension, the trio had to maintain a serious demeanor in front of others, which only added to the excitement.


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 Chapter 279

    Chapter 279


    Chapter 279 The Lantern Riddles (Part 2)


    "In order to make this more fun, anyone who can''t solve the riddle has to drink a cup as a penalty. And if someone can solve Miss Zhiqing''s riddle, when sheester, let''s invite Miss Zhiqing to share a drink with him. What do you all think?"


    The crowd responded enthusiastically, their eyes filled with eager anticipation. It seemed that Miss Zhiqing held quite the charm. The Eldest Miss was surrounded by people, and it was toote for her to intervene.


    Tian Wenjing was the first to pick a red-tasseledntern and handed it to a servant. The servant took out the riddle and read, "A man cannot stand without trust. Guess one character."


    Tian Wenjingughed, "It seems I picked the easiest one. It''s the character for ''word''." The crowd apuded, showering him with praises. The ttery was endless.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself. Even a ten-year-old child could solve such a simple riddle.


    Next, it was Yu Hang''s turn. He climbed up adder himself, took down a red-tasseledntern, and unveiled the riddle - "Biting off a cow''s tail in one go."


    This riddle was a bit challenging. As Yu Hang racked his brains, the Second Miss lightlyughed, "So dumb, isn''t it the character for ''announce'' from ''announcement''?"


    Although the Second Miss''s voice was soft, it reached everyone''s ears. Yu Hang blushed, and all the young gentlemen anddies who saw the Second Miss''s radiant eyes and bright smile were absolutely smitten. They broke into apuse.Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs up. ¡®Indeed, worthy of being my wife, a true reflection of my teachings.¡¯ Yu Shuang''s beautiful face turned red, and she hid in her sister''s arms, not daring to lift her head.


    Then it was Xiao Yuruo''s turn to guess. She hesitated between the orange, red, and bluentern tassels. She softly asked Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, which one should we choose?"


    Seeing the Eldest Miss hesitate, Tian Wenjing said with augh, "Miss Xiao, why not choose a red-tasseledntern? Given your exceptional learning, this red tassel will not trouble you. If worstes to worst, I will join you in guessing this riddle."


    At his words, the Eldest Miss'' face changed. To guess together? This son of Minister Tian had been polite before, but this statement was almost frivolous. She couldn''t take it and gave a cold huff without saying a word.


    Tian Wenjing, who had been proud of himself, realized he had made a big mistake as soon as the words left his mouth. He hastily said, "Miss Xiao, don''t misunderstand. I didn''t mean it that way."


    Lin Wanrong, who couldn''t tolerate any offense towards him, was a man feared by many. Seeing the Eldest Miss teased before him, if he could endure this, he might as well jump from the building.


    Lin Wanrong stood up swiftly. ¡®Dammit, if I don''t teach you a lesson, you won''t understand that you can''t mess with me, Brother San.¡¯


    The Eldest Miss, seeing his expression, knew that he was about to blow up. She hurriedly pulled him, giving him a sincere look, indicating not to be reckless. Lin Wanrong snorted coldly, "When he insults you, he insults me. Sit tight and don''t talk."


    Seeing his domineering attitude, Xiao Yuruo felt a little wronged, but also a bit sweet. She dared not speak, pulling her sister to sit next to her, watching how he would handle this.


    "Miss Xiao, please don''t misunderstand, I meant no disrespect earlier¡ªjust expressing my concern¡ª" Tian Wenjing regretted his words deeply and was about to exin to Miss Xiao when he saw a servant of the Xiao family rise, grinning and with mocking eyes, and said, "This must be Mr. Tian Eyesses, right?"


    [TL: Tian Yanjing (Eyesses)]


    Tian Wenjing would not be demeaned in front of a servant and with a stern face, replied, "My name is Tian Wenjing, not Tian Eyesses."


    "Oh, I apologize for the mistake. Lately, I''ve been so busy traveling andck of sleep has weakened my memory. Mr. Tian Eyesses¡ªoh, Mr. Tian Wenjing, you must not me me." Lin Wanrong spread his hands in a show of apology, all the while grinning and blocking Tian Wenjing''s path.


    "What are you trying to do?" Tian Wenjing had to hold his anger in check because the man was a member of Xiao''s household, and he needed to maintain a good impression.


    "I''m doing nothing much. Didn''t you want to solve a riddle with our Miss? I''m here on her behalf to evaluate you, Mr. Tian, and see if you''re worthy." Lin Wanrong spoke with a jocr expression, but his words caused a stir amongst the crowd.


    It was a shock that a mere servant was sent to evaluate Tian Wenjing, even if he had misspoken earlier. What capabilities could a mere servant have?


    Tian Wenjing nced at Miss Xiao and seeing her silently smiling without denying Lin Wanrong''s words, he knew she had approved it. Tian Wenjing, an instructor at Jinghua Academy and the son of the Minister of Public Works, Minister Tian, was a man of reputation. He was being looked down upon, right in front of the woman he admired¡ª it was enough to make his blood boil.


    Seeing the furious expression on Tian Wenjing, Lin Wanrongughed coldly. To dare to flirt with Miss Xiao in front of him, the guy was asking for trouble. "What, are you scared?" Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    Tian Wenjing retorted coldly, "What qualification do you, a mere servant, have to solve riddles with me? And I won''t even bother guessing the blue tasseledntern with you, you can just exchange riddles with my servants."


    The people of Jinghua Academy burst intoughter at Lin Wanrong''s audacity in challenging Tian Wenjing.


    Lin Wanrong shrugged nonchntly, "Initially, I didn''t deign to engage in riddles with you. But since you want to y riddles with our Miss, and our Miss is peerless in talent, it''s not just anyone who can approach her. Reluctantly, I have to be the pioneer. If you can defeat me, then you''re qualified to speak with our Miss. This is what we call fairness. As for the choice ofnterns, you''re right, Mr. Tian, the blue one is inauspicious, we cannot choose that. We should choose something more pleasing, let''s make do with the orange one."


    "Insolent!" Yu Hang was the first to protest, "The orangentern was chosen by Miss Zhiqing, and who in this world could solve it? You''re a disgrace."


    Lin Wanrong''s expression changed, and heughed coldly, "Excellent, very excellent. Even Xu Wei, the great Mr. Xu, never dared to call me ignorant. You, a simpering monkey, dare to be so bold."


    Upon mention of Xu Wei, everyone was taken aback. How could a mere servant recognize the top schr of the realm? Surely, he was a fraud.


    Upon noticing the man''s uniqueplexion, the confidence in his posture despite his simple green garb, Tian Wenjing began to feel some doubt. This servant showed none of the humility expected from someone of his station.


    This name-drop of Old Xu seems quite effective, Lin Wanrong mused with secret delight. He was not overly confident in guessing the riddle of the orangentern, but seeing as no one else dared to attempt it, he knew their confidence was equallycking. If they were to attempt a redntern of moderate difficulty, Tian Wenjing could probably guess a few correctly. Therefore, he concluded, it was better to guess the hardest - the orangentern. At worst, everyone failed, and he would lose nothing.


    After hesitating for a long while, Tian Wenjing finally said, "Very well, you do have some courage. Let''s y this guessing game then. To prevent others from saying I am taking advantage of you, I give you another chance to choose between the orange and redntern."


    "I have already chosen orange. I like challenges," Lin Wanrong replied with a smile.


    Tian Wenjing nced at Miss Xiao, then gritted his teeth. "Orange it is. We''ll both guess, and whoever gets it right first wins."


    Seeing his tense expression, Lin Wanrong chuckled heartily and dered, "As it should be."


    Thentern riddles set by Miss Zhiqing always consisted of four parts, representing auspicious beginnings. Although they were only four questions, they were notoriously difficult to decipher, with few ever seeding. Over the years, everyone had grown apprehensive of Miss Zhiqing''snterns. They were a challenge no one dared to undertake.


    But now, spurred on by Miss Xiao from Jinling, Young Master Tian dared to take on the challenge. The crowd was both nervous and excited.


    The servant selected to administer the game carefully took down an orangentern and read out loud, "The first three riddles are to guess a single character. The first riddle is - the person in the mirror!"


    As soon as the words fell, Tian Wenjing''s brows furrowed in deep thought.


    Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong paused before breaking into a smile. ¡®Damn, isn''t this just a brain teaser? Who can outy me in this?¡¯


    Eldest Miss Xiao noticed his alternating bewilderment and smiles. Her palms were sweaty with anxiety, not knowing what he was up to.


    Lin Wanrong took out a pen and paper, wrote down four characters, and turned to Tian Wenjing with a smile. "Young Master Tian, have you figured it out? I will yield the opportunity of the first round to you. If you know the answer, go ahead and say it. Please, don''t stand on ceremony."


    Tian Wenjing was sweating bullets from the tension but dared not respond, fearing that speaking would disrupt his concentration.


    Handing the paper to the servant, Lin Wanrong instructed, "Read these four characters!"


    Confused, the servant unfolded the paper and read aloud, "Peace in going out anding in. What does this mean? Could this be your answer?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "Don''t rush, don''t rush. Read the second character in this phrase."


    Reluctantly, the servant said, "The second character is ''in,'' from ''Peace in going out anding in.''"


    Lin Wanrong pped his hands and announced, "Correct! ''In'' from ''Peace in going out anding in'' is the answer to the riddle."


    The crowd in the hall paused, but before long, someone reacted, "Isn''t the answer just the character ''Èë''?" [TL: In or Enter]


    "Lin San, you are truly impressive!" Xiao Yushuang cheered, full of smiles. She rose to her feet, pping vigorously. The youngdy also offered him a smile, nodding slightly in acknowledgment.


    Lin Wanrong was in tears, silently thanking his physics and mathematics teachers for teaching him about virtual images and projection theory.


    [TL: The riddle Person in the mirror ¡ú ¾µÖÐÈË, the character for person here is ÈË and if put in the mirror is simr to the character Èë]


    Tian Wenjing hadn''t expected this minor servant to guess the first riddle right off the bat. He was anxious and quickly ordered, "The second question, read the second question quickly!"


    The steward was also flustered and hurriedly pulled down the second riddle, which read, "Beside flowers and willows."


    Sweat rolled down Tian Wenjing''s forehead while Lin Wanrong sneered coldly. Just by the virtue of mental fortitude, you''ve already lost, he thought.


    "Bring me a paper!" Lin Wanrong called out lightly with a smile. Tian Wenjing stared at him in horror. Could it be possible that he''d guessed the second one as well?


    "Don''t be nervous, just wiping off some sweat." Lin Wanrong chuckled and epted two sheets of white paper from the steward. He wiped his hands with one, and then wrote down four characters on the other.


    Everyone nced and saw the four characters were¡ª"Lantern Festival!" [ÔªÏü¼Ñ½Ú]


    "What does this mean?" the steward asked.


    "Look at the fourth character!" Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    "Festival!" [½Ú] The steward turned pale, and the crowd understood. The Xiao family''s servant had won again.


    Tian Wenjing didn''t dare to ask for the next riddle. He now realized why the servant from the Xiao family was so audacious. When it came to solving riddles, this man indeed had a knack for it. The riddles from Miss Zhiqing, which nobody dared to attempt, he solved as if he was picking things out of his pocket. He had guessed two in a row, which was indeed shocking. If a mere servant possessed such skill, what about Miss Xiao herself? Could she be on par with Miss Zhiqing?


    "Young Master Tian, do you want to continue?" the steward whispered to Tian Wenjing.


    Before Tian Wenjing could respond, someone in the hall called out, "Miss Xiao, let your servant guess all four questions. Every year Miss Zhiqing gives four riddles, but no one has ever solved them all. Today, let your servant test his luck."


    The Eldest Miss nced at Lin Wanrong, uncertain of what to do. Because of his penchant for showing off, he''d guessed two correctly and was now in an awkward position, neither able to advance nor retreat. She wondered how he''d extricate himself. Despite this, her smile was impossible to conceal.


    ¡®Do they think I''m some street performer? Who would do this demanding yet thankless task without any reward?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was about to step down when Xiao Yushuang suddenly rushed to his side. Her cheeks flushed, she whispered, "You naughty man, just guess two more. At most, I''ll let you kiss meter."


    ¡®This girl, trying to seduce me? Well, I fall for this kind of thing,¡¯ Lin Wanrong teased her, whispering into her ear, "And where should I kiss? I won''t settle for just any ce, hehe."


    "Stop it!" Yushuang''s face turned a deep red, and she ran to hide behind her sister, daring not toe out.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Alright, for a great and glorious mission, I''ll guess again. But please, no oneugh."


    "Good!" This time, it was the crowd from Jinghua Academy who cheered him on. It was rare to see someone daring enough to challenge Miss Zhiqing in those days.


    The steward hurriedly took down anotherntern with an orange tassel, respectfully announcing, "The third question, also a word riddle."


    He unfurled the paper, and everyone gasped in surprise. The white paper was clean and empty, without a single word written.


    Everyone nced at each other, wondering what this meant. Could Miss Zhiqing have made a mistake?


    The steward didn''t dare say anything else and could only look at Lin Wanrong, hoping he would speak.


    A nk sheet of paper? Lin Wanrong was taken aback. What kind of game was this? He paced anxiously, slowly moving around the hall. Seeing him silent, everyone else fell quiet, afraid of disrupting his train of thought.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t believe that this was a mistake. There were plenty of people who loved to be mysterious these days. Perhaps this Miss Zhiqing liked to give riddles without any words.


    A riddle without words? An idea shed across his mind, and he almost jumped with joy. ¡®Oh, isn''t this a wordless riddle?¡¯ He grabbed a brush and, with flourishing strokes, wrote down four big characters.


    ...


    Note: The second character riddle, "½Ú", has significant differences between the traditional and simplified forms. The answer to the riddle is based on its simplified form, hence the rification.


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 Chapter 280

    Chapter 280


    Chapter 280 The Lantern Riddle and the Red Thread


    This wordless riddle perplexed the crowd; they couldn''t even make out the question of the puzzle, let alone guess the answer. When they saw him pick up a brush, they knew an answer was in the making. Anticipation surged through the onlookers, as they realized Miss Zhiqing''s third riddle was on the verge of being cracked.


    Lin Wanrong handed the note to the attendant, saying, "Please, read it out loud."


    The attendant took the note and recited loudly, "¡ª¡ªLost¡ª¡ªPath¡ª¡ªKnow¡ª¡ªReturn¡ª¡ª"


    The crowd listened to these four characters, unable to decipher their meaning. The clever attendant, learning from previous experience, hurriedly asked, "Which character are we guessing this time?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "The first character itself is the answer to this wordless riddle."


    Without hesitation, the attendant announced, "The answer is ''lost'', from the phrase ''lost path, know return.''"


    A flurry of discussion broke out among the crowd; no one could understand why the answer was the character for "lost."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s self-satisfied expression, the Eldest Miss found it amusing. She approached him and gently tugged on his sleeve, "Stop teasing us, just exin how you guessed it."Lin Wanrong smirked, "If I exin, will you give me a kiss?"


    The Eldest Miss'' heart pounded, but she kept a straight face, "Always talking nonsense. Say it or don''t, I won''t bother with you anymore."


    This Eldest Miss still had a lot to learn about teasing, Lin Wanrong thought,ughing heartily. "You must all be wondering why the answer is ''lost'' from ''lost path, know return.'' The truth is simple, worth less than a penny. Once you understand the riddle, you''ll figure out the answer."


    One of the young masters shouted, "Brother, isn''t that stating the obvious? Isn''t solving any riddle about understanding it first?"


    ¡®I do enjoy stating the obvious, what''s it to you,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought,ughing aloud, "You''re absolutely right. Most of the riddles posed by Miss Zhiqing... are difficult on the surface. Consider this one: a nk sheet of paper, no one could guess its meaning. But what is this white paper? It''s a ''riddle'' proposed by the youngdy. There are no words in the riddle, but if we remove the word part from ''riddle,'' doesn''t it be ''lost'' from ''lost path, know return''?"


    [The character lost is ÃÔ, and the character for riddle/word puzzle is ÃÕ - The left part "Ú¥" is amon radical in Chinese characters that usually suggests a meaning rted to speech or words. Thus, "ÃÕ" implies a spoken or word puzzle. Thus, ÃÕ (riddle/word puzzle) without Ú¥(words) is ÃÔ (lost)]


    The crowd suddenly grasped the solution, understanding how the riddle had been deciphered. Unraveling the answer was extremely simple, didn''t require much wisdom, and everyone assumed they could have guessed it. However, when in the midst of the puzzle, their thinking was confined, and it was this that created the pleasure of enlightenment. The servant of the Xiao family was indeed sharper than most. Considering his performance, it was no surprise he insisted on testing Tian Wenjing first; he had earned it.


    "Brother, please hurry and solve Miss Zhiqing''s fourth riddle. This year, we must crack Miss Zhiqing''s puzzles to restore our male pride," a young noble from the Jinghua Academy loudly called out. With three out of four riddles solved, a little more effort would shatter the invincible myth of Miss Zhiqing''s riddles. How could this not excite them?


    Lin Wanrong smirked, ¡®Who is this Miss Zhiqing, to have so many ambitious young noblemen willingly submit to her?¡¯ This was indeed strange.


    The steward removed thestntern with the orange tassel and announced, "I must inform this young master that Miss Zhiqing''sntern riddles always consist of three character guesses and one object guess. This finalntern should be the object guess." Seeing Lin Wanrong''s extraordinary performance, he tactfully elevated his title to "young master."


    With a resigned smile, Lin Wanrong replied, "If it''s an object guess, then so be it. Even if I can''t guess it, I believe the young masters anddies here won''t me me."


    Everyone had ced their hopes on him, and they nodded in agreement. Even if he couldn''t guess the final riddle, his skills in breaking the previous three rounds would be more than enough to secure him a teaching position at Jinghua Academy.


    The steward took out thest slip of paper and read, "Whether sitting, standing, walking, or lying down, it is sitting. Whether sitting, standing, walking, or lying down, it is standing. Whether sitting, standing, walking, or lying down, it is walking. Whether sitting, standing, walking, or lying down, it is lying down. Oh, Miss Zhiqing has rified that each sentence corresponds to a living creature. There are four in total. If you guess two, you are considered to have solved the riddle."


    [TL: This riddle doesn¡¯t require Chinesenguage proficiency, can the reader guess before reading further? :D]


    "This girl is tricky," Lin Wanrong grumbled to himself. One riddle required four guesses - did she think him a fool? It was terribly unfair.


    The hall was filled with lively discussions as everyone spected about the four creatures. Lin Wanrong, with a dismissive smile, didn''t bother guessing. He let out a yawn andzily walked back to the Xiao sisters. He whispered, "Ladies, have you had your fill?"


    Yushuang giggled, "How much can we eat? You''re the one who''s beenining about being hungry. You should make sure you''re full."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I''m stuffed. There''s nothing interesting here anymore. Let''s head downstairs."


    The Eldest Miss, assuming he couldn''t guess thest riddle, nodded and said, "That sounds good. You''ve already guessed three riddles. That''s a fair aplishment."


    The younger sister gave a sweet smile, "You''re really good at this. Maybe I won''t go to Jinghua Academy. You can teach me at home. I bet you''re much better than those teachers."


    Lin Wanrong''s face took on a mischievous grin. He nodded and said, "That sounds splendid. I have some resources - ''The Art of Prolonging Life'', ''The Plum in the Golden Vase'', and ''The Monk with the Lantern'', which should be enough for three to five years of study. We can look into it when we have time."


    The sisters didn''t understand what ''The Art of Prolonging Life'', ''The Plum in the Golden Vase'', and ''The Monk with the Lantern'' were, but having spent time with him, they recognized the intent behind his grin. Both of their cheeks flushed simultaneously and they scoffed in unison.


    Yushuang pinched his waist and shyly warned, "If you keep talking nonsense, I''ll ignore you. I''ll even tell my sister to ignore you too."


    Lin Wanrong shrugged,ughing heartily. The girls were flustered, creating a sweet and intimate atmosphere that left everyone else forgotten on the sidelines. The Eldest Miss wanted to ask him what he was doing in the "Fairnd Comes with the Clouds," but seeing his joy and the absence of his usual dispirited look, she rxed. Rising, she bid farewell to Tian Wenjing and the others.


    The crowd was engaged in animated discussion, enthusiastically guessing the riddles, so when Miss Xiao and her clever servant announced their departure, everyone paused. Tian Wenjing hurriedly entreated, "Miss Xiao, two important figures from Jinghua Academy haven''t arrived yet. They are well-read, incredibly learned, among the top talents in thend. Once they arrive, I''ll introduce you. Then you can leave."


    Miss Xiao gently shook her head and smiled, "We''ve already overstayed our wee, and we still have many matters to attend to since we''ve just arrived in the capital. The hour iste, so we really should return home and settle down. My servantcks manners, if he has offended any young masters ordies, I hope you will forgive us."


    Seeing that Miss Xiao was resolute in her departure, Tian Wenjing knew he couldn''t persuade her to stay. Initially, he''d performed well, but as the night wore on, he became overconfident and forgot his manners. Losing the riddle game to a mere servant, his pride was severely dented, and he was forced tough a few hollowughs.


    The crowd had held high hopes for Lin Wanrong, but seeing his departure, they assumed he could not solve the final riddle. Disappointment spread.


    The young master who had encouraged Lin Wanrong several times before approached him. "Young brother, I am Fang Ruchuan. Mypliments to your insightful guesses earlier. Why did you not guess thest riddle? Couldn''t you solve it? That''s a pity. If you had solved all four riddles and cracked Miss Zhiqing''sntern riddles, you''d have be famous overnight."


    Famous for cracking a youngdy''s riddles? Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but shake his head at the thought. Seeing Fang Ruchuan''s amiable demeanor, very different from the arrogance he had shown earlier, Lin Wanrong merely smiled, neither confirming nor denying.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s nonchnt smile, Tian Wenjing fumed inside. He snorted, "It''s probably for the best you didn''t solve it. I''m sure Miss Zhiqing wouldn''t be pleased to know her riddles were solved by a mere servant."


    Hearing him belittle Lin San, the Second Miss Xiao became furious, "You''re not even as good as a servant! Lin San, let''s go, we''ll ignore him."


    The Eldest Miss Xiao merely smiled without speaking, while Yushuang huffed and dragged Lin Wanrong downstairs.


    "Why so angry, Second Miss? People can say whatever they want, it won''t make us any less." Lin Wanrongughed it off.


    "Hmph, you''re more knowledgeable than any of them. If anyone dares bully you, I won''t let them off. Besides, in a few years, when we get married, you''ll be mine, my¡ª" The Second Miss Xiao blushed and stumbled over her words. Lin Wanrong, puzzled, asked, "Your what?"


    "My husband!" Yushuang, her face flushed, whispered firmly, her chest puffing out with shy determination.


    Upon hearing their conversation, the Eldest Miss Xiao felt a rush of heat to her cheeks. She lightly tugged on her sister''s hand,ughing, "You shameless girl."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, his spirits soaring as if he had consumed a powerful stimnt. Halfway down the stairs, he suddenly turned around and called out, "Hey, what''s-his-name... Fang Ruchuan, could youe here a moment?"


    Fang Ruchuan was taken aback, hastily saying, "Brother, are you calling me?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a slight nod, asked for a paper and brush, wrote four characters, and chuckled, "The answer to the final riddle is here, if you want to see it,e and take it."


    Overwhelmed with joy, Fang Ruchuan hurriedly lunged forward. Lin Wanrong handed him the note and,ughing heartily, led the two youngdies down the stairs.


    Fang Ruchuan stared at the characters for a long time, dumbfounded, before suddenly leaping up eximing, "Brother, you''ve guessed it, you''ve indeed guessed it, you''ve solved all four of Miss Zhiqing''s riddles!"


    The crowd quickly surrounded him, and they saw the note bearing four characters¡ª¡°Frog, Horse, Fish, Snake¡±, indeed four creatures.


    "Miss Zhiqing and Young Master Ye have arrived¡ª" an rmed cry came from an unknown source, and everyone hurriedly looked up to see a man and a woman gracefully ascending the stairs.


    Tian Wenjing sighed and hastily greeted them, "Ah, the two of you arete."


    ¡ª---


    Thentern viewing was still bustling, although not as crowded as at its peak. As Lin Wanrong and the two youngdies walked at the bottom of the building, a burst of uproar came from the floor above. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but shake his head, even guessing a few riddles could amuse them to such an extent, it seemed these young masters and misses had a very impoverished nightlife.


    The Eldest Miss curiously asked, "What characters did you write just now? Did you really guess it right?"


    Lin Wanrong read out these characters, chuckling, "I don''t know if I got it right or not. Anyway, I just made a blind guess."


    Upon hearing these four characters, the Eldest Miss knew he had indeed solved all four riddles, yet he still pretended to be so nonchnt. She said, amused and annoyed, "If you''ve guessed it, you''ve guessed it. You love to y mysterious. Do you want that clever and witty Miss Zhiqing to think about you?"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "Eldest Miss, you''ve seen through me, well, it would be good if you thought about me too."


    "Nonsense, disgusting." The Eldest Miss took a look at Yushuang and secretly snorted.


    The Second Miss was extremely happy, hugging his arm and saying, "I knew it. Naughty man, you''re the strongest!"


    Rubbing lightly against her high, soft chest, Lin Wanrongughed heartily, making a face and saying, "Strong, indeed very strong, you''ll find out in the future."


    The Second Miss blushed, but bravely looked up at him, smiling seductively. That instant radiance faintly had the shadows of Madam Xiao.


    The Xiao family''s branch in the capital was an enterprise established by the Old Mr. Xiao during his lifetime (The grandfather). Tworge courtyard houses, located at the mouth of Dongsi Hutong, were indeed the bustling ce in the capital. The prosperity of the capital was extraordinary indeed, even though it was night, the street was still crowded with endless traffic.


    [TL: "Dongsi" in "Dongsi Hutong" refers to the "Eastern Four" in English. "Dong" means east, and "si" means four in Mandarin Chinese.


    The word "Hutong" refers to a type of narrow street or alley,monly associated with northern Chinese cities, especially Beijing. Most Beijing hutongs are aligned in a grid pattern and have their origins in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.


    "Dongsi" is a historic area in Beijing, named because it originally contained the easternmost of the city''s four main Buddhist temples. Thus, "Dongsi Hutong" refers to the alleyways in the "Eastern Four" area of Beijing. It''s an area that''s rich in history and traditional Chinese culture.]


    When the Eldest Miss''s carriage stopped at the shop''s door, the servants who had received the news came forward to greet them. Seeing Xiao Yuruo stepping down from the carriage, everyone flocked to bow to the youngdies.


    ording to the traditions of Great Hua, it was never toote to give New Year''s greetings during the first lunar month. The Eldest Miss gave Lin San a nce, and Lin Wanrong distributed the red envelopes they had prepared to the workers. "Happy New Year, wishing for good luck," they said, seeking a good start for the year.


    The steward of the capital''s branch office was an efficient woman. Her husband''s surname was Song, so everyone called her Sister Song. ording to the Eldest Miss, Sister Song had served as a maid in the Old Madam''s quarters when she was young, so in a way, she was part of the family.


    Sister Song held the Eldest Miss in conversation, asking a great deal. When she mentioned thete Old Madam, her eyes filled with unshed tears. After some discussion, Sister Song personally brought out the cooked Tangyuan, presenting it to the two young misses, saying, "Eldest Miss, Second Miss, you have traveled far and celebrated the festival outside. I apologize for not taking better care of you. I am not sure if this Tangyuan will suit your tastes."


    The Eldest Miss held the bowl and tasted it, thenughed, "Sister Song, this is the Lotus Seed Eight Treasures Tangyuan. It''s thoughtful of you to remember our mother loved this. The vor is excellent."


    Hearing the Eldest Miss''s praise made Sister Song happy. Upon hearing that their mother enjoyed the Lotus Seed Eight Treasures, the Second Miss couldn''t help but taste a few bites.


    The Eldest Miss then passed a bowl to Lin Wanrong and said, "Didn''t you ask if you could have Tangyuan tonight? Try this. This is our authentic Jinling Tangyuan."


    Lin Wanrong scooped up a Tangyuan and put it in his mouth. The lotus paste inside was scalding hot. He coughed a few times in distress, quickly spat it back into the bowl, his face flushed.


    The Eldest Missughed out loud, "Who told you to rush and gobble it down, you''re too greedy."


    ording to custom, the servants could not eat before the Eldest and Second Miss had done so. Seeing how intimate the Eldest Miss was with this Lin San, Sister Song was surprised, but she held back herughter and said nothing.


    After having the Tangyuan, which symbolized the fullness of theing year, the two young misses looked tired. They had been working hard day and night for more than ten days. Even though they were as resilient as their mother, they were exhausted. Now that they had arrived at their destination, they naturally wanted to rest as soon as possible.


    Sister Song respectfully said, "Eldest Miss, the inner courtyard is prepared for the two of you. Maids and servants are all ready. You and the Second Miss should rest early."


    The Eldest Miss hummed in acknowledgement and, holding Yushuang, started walking inside. After a few steps, she turned back, "Sister Song, have you arranged Lin San''s amodations?"


    Sister Song quickly replied, "It has been arranged. It''s right next to the inner courtyard."


    The Eldest Miss pondered for a moment, then said softly, "He''s one of the most important people in our family. I still have many things to discuss with him. Let him stay in the inner courtyard with us, it will be more convenient. Also, having a man around will make me feel safer. Hey, you, still eating, I''m talking about you--"


    Lin Wanrong swallowed thest Tangyuan in his bowl, which was so hot it made him pant and fan himself. Only after a while did he gasp, "I know, I know you''re talking about me. Go ahead, Eldest Miss, I''m listening."


    Xiao Yuruo looked at him and chuckled. This man, with his not insignificant knowledge and his insatiable appetite, amused her. "I asked you to stay in the inner courtyard, are you willing?"


    "To protect the two misses? That''s my specialty," Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    The Eldest Miss blushed, red at him, and turned to leave. The Second Miss sneakily gestured to him, and Lin Wanrong quickly followed.


    The courtyard in the capital had a distinctive feature - square and symmetrical with two flower beds nted in the center. Its simplicity and elegance were unmistakable. The ground was paved with green bricks, exuding a refined and ssical charm.


    For a considerable length of time, this ce would be his home. Lin Wanrong looked around, feeling somewhat moved. The Eldest Miss shared the same sentiment, and she couldn''t help but nce at him. After the fifteenth, Xiao Yushuang was to live in Jinghua Academy, so naturally, she didn''t feel as strongly about home as the two of them.


    The Eldest Miss chose a room on the south side to live in, a practice known as sitting south and facing north. When it was Lin Wanrong''s turn to choose, he unhesitatingly picked a room on the north side, sitting north and facing south.


    Seeing the Xiao sisters looking tired, Lin Wanrong said, "You''ve traveled a long way, and you must be weary. Why don''t you both take afortable bath and rest early?"


    The Eldest Miss nodded, gave a light hum, and was about to return to her room. But she felt something was amiss and quickly asked, "And what will you be doing?"


    With a serious expression, Lin Wanrong replied, "While the twodies are bathing and changing, I will be on guard outside to prevent anyone from sneaking a look. Please rest assured, as long as I, Lin San, am here, no one can enter."


    ¡®No one else can enter, but it seems only you can,¡¯ the Eldest Miss thought, her face flushing with embarrassment. She felt as if she was inviting the wolf into the room. She nced at him, too shy to speak. Yushuang, with a bashful look in her eyes, softly said, "You bad man, my sister and I will be bathing together, and you are not allowed toe in. Otherwise, I will have my mother punish you."


    Lin Wanrong felt weak in the knees. The Second Miss might be young, but when it came to the art of seduction, she was top-notch. ¡®If I really did barge in, it wouldn''t be my fault, but yours for stirring the fire.¡¯


    ¡ª---


    The twodies stripped off their clothes and soaked in the wooden tub. The transparent steam moistened their cheeks, and their bodies felt soft andfortable.


    The Eldest Miss'' skin was as white as snow, and her chest was crystal clear. In the mist, she looked like a naked jade beauty.


    Yushuang''s gaze lingered on her sister''s chest for a while, a hint of envy shing in her eyes. Suddenly, she mustered up the courage, leaned into the Eldest Miss''s ear, and whispered a few words. Xiao Yuruo''s face turned red with anger, and she said, "If this scoundrel dares to take advantage of you again, I will fight him."


    The Second Miss'' face turned red with embarrassment, and she softly said, "It''s not like that. He said the massage was to promote my development, and he even said that mine would grow bigger than yours in the future."


    The Eldest Miss couldn''t bear to listen anymore. Her face turned red, and she pped the water in the tub, causing it to ssh everywhere. She said angrily, "I''m so angry, this bad guy, this dead thing, this heartless thing."


    The Second Miss hummed and said, "He''s just that bad. Sister, he said he would guard us outside, but why is there no sound? Could he be hiding somewhere and peeping?"


    The Eldest Miss let out a startled cry, quickly covering her chest with her hands. Remembering his "misdeeds," she knew that he was capable of such a thing. She anxiously looked around the room, at the windows, the door gap, the skylight on the roof, everything was intact, and there was no sign of that detestable man.


    Lin Wanrong, with his ear against the window, listened intently. He frowned, shook his head helplessly, and thought, ¡®Eldest Miss, you underestimate me. How could I, Lin San, do something as tasteless as peeping? Stealing hearts is the real art.¡¯


    He yawned, about to return to his room for a good sleep, when he suddenly noticed the broken red stringntern in the corner. He couldn''t help but sigh lightly, picked up thentern, and took it into his room.


    The two sisters finished their bath amidst giggles. When they opened the door, they saw that Lin San''s room was brightly lit, and he seemed to be busy with something.


    The Eldest Miss whispered, "Yushuang, go and see what that bad guy is doing. It''s sote, and he''s still not sleeping. Does he want to exhaust himself?"


    The Second Miss hummed in agreement, tiptoed over, and peeked through the crack in the window. She saw Lin San holding antern, busily working on something. She couldn''t figure out what he was doing and didn''t dare to disturb him, so she tiptoed back to her sister and whispered a few words in her ear.


    The Eldest Miss frowned and huffed, "Let that scoundrel mess around, we should rest."


    After sleeping for an unknown length of time, the Eldest Miss was restless and couldn''t close her eyes. She put on her robe and stepped outside.


    The moon was high in the sky, and the night was as clear as water. In less than half an hour, the fifteenth of the first lunar month would be over. The lights in the room across were all out, and there was no sound, presumably, that guy had fallen asleep.


    ¡®He''s asleep so early, like a pig!¡¯ The Eldest Miss was annoyed, gave a small kick, and was about to return to her room when she saw a woodendder leaning against the wall.


    Following thedder with her eyes, the Eldest Miss covered her mouth in surprise. Tears of joy fell as she saw a sturdyntern slowly rising from the roof, ascending into the sky. The red string tied around the ankles of the two little figures was shining brightly in the orange light.


    Lin San was lying on the roof, his eyes lightly closed, breathing evenly. The moonlight shone on his face, and the drool dripping from the corner of his mouth was clearly visible. He had, indeed, fallen into a deep sleep...


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 Chapter 281

    Chapter 281


    Chapter 281 Liar


    "Early to bed and early to rise makes a body good; all who follow my path enjoy a carefree life." Lin Wanrong hummed to himself as he got up from bed, having slept soundly after the previous night''s fatigue. When he stepped outside, he noticed the rooms opposite were vacant; the two youngdies had already risen and were nowhere in sight.


    Bored and in the middle of his morning exercise, a petite maid, her cheeks pink with cold, came running towards him. "Brother San, Brother San¡ª" she called out.


    Lin Wanrong recognized her. She was the maid Sister Song had assigned to serve the youngdies the night before, a delicate and adorable little creature named Huan''er.


    "What''s the matter, little sister Huan''er?" He feigned surprise. "Oh, there''s a cockroach on your head! Let me get it for you."


    Huan''er, taken aback, jumped to his side, clutching his arm. "Brother San, where, where is it?"


    "I''m right here!" Lin Wanrongughed cheekily. Teasing the young maid early in the morning ¨C what a damn good life it was.


    Realizing she''d been duped, Huan''er flushed and released his arm, whispering, "Brother San, the youngdies asked me to check on you. If you''re up, they invite you to join them for breakfast."


    Yawning, Lin Wanrong responded, "Go tell them I''m still asleep. Last night I fell asleep so hastily, it wasn''t really restful. I didn''t even have time to bathe. I n to take a good bathter, and then take another nap. Oh, little sister Huan''er, I see you''re not so young anymore, how old are you now?""Sixteen, almost seventeen," Huan''er replied softly.


    "Is that so? So young? I guess I shouldn''t make a big mistake then. Huan''er,e backter to help me scrub my back."


    With a startled ''ah'', the little maid fled like a gust of wind, leaving Lin Wanrongughing boisterously behind. If it weren''t for his search for Qingxuan, he would dly spend his days teasing maids and cuddling with his wife, living such a carefree life.


    He hade to the capital for two reasons. One was to help the youngdies manage their business, and the other was to find Qingxuan. The mysterious encounter fromst night gave him renewed confidence ¨C if he could bump into her by chance, surely he''d find her if he was actually looking?


    After a long journey and a restless sleep, a morning bath was indeed necessary. The inner courtyard was upied by women, and he felt somewhat embarrassed to trouble the maids with fetching his bath water.


    Eventually, he filled therge wooden tub with hot water, fetched some soap, and stripped to take a bath. The slightly hot sensation was refreshing, making his whole body feel utterlyfortable.


    After thenguid bath, he let out a sigh of contentment. With a few gentle strokes, he hummed in amusement, "I swim, I swim, I swim, swim, swim!"


    Just as he was enjoying the bath, the sound of light footsteps approached from outside, and a woman''s voice called from the other side of the door. "Are you in there? What are you doing? Why aren''t youing out for the meal?"


    ¡®Howe there isn''t even a name? If I weren''t familiar with you, I wouldn''t even know who you were talking to.¡¯ He buried his head in the water for a while before raising it to take a breath. Shaking off the water droplets from his head, heughed and said, "Eldest Miss, I''m taking a bath. You mustn''te in, or else I''ll cry out for indecent behavior."


    Xiao Yuruo, outside, found it amusing. A morning bath? His words were never serious, every sentence was dishonest.


    "I would be foolish to trust you!" Eldest Miss Xiao grumbled, "What are you doing? Hurry up ande out, or else I''lle in."


    "I warn you, don''te in, or you''ll bear the consequences."


    Lin San''s words sounded bluffing, Eldest Miss Xiao naturally didn''t believe him. Seeing him noting out, her stubbornness kicked in and, without a second thought, she pushed the door and entered.


    "Ah--" both of them screamed at the same time.


    Lin Wanrong was sitting in the tub, his hair dripping with water droplets. He saw Eldest Miss Xiao barge in hurriedly, a wooden tray in her hand. On the tray were rice porridge, steamed buns, and a few delicate dishes, clearly prepared for him.


    "Eldest Miss, now that you''ve seen my chaste body, you must take responsibility for it!" Lin San said,ughing.


    "You, you, you...why aren''t you dressed?" Xiao Yuruo, flustered and embarrassed, quickly turned her head and said in an annoyed tone.


    ¡®Who bathes with clothes on?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Didn''t I tell you? I''m bathing! Why didn''t you believe me? Now, how will you take responsibility for me?"


    Eldest Miss Xiao quickly left the room, her cheeks burning like fire. Seeing the delicious breakfast, she couldn''t help but let out an annoyed grunt.


    After bathing, he felt rxed and rejuvenated. Lin Wanrong stepped out of the room, only to find Eldest Miss Xiao sitting outside, looking absent-minded, lost in her thoughts.


    "Forget it, I''m the unlucky one here. Now that you''ve seen me naked, I''ll just take the loss and won''t pursue this matter. You don''t have to look so upset either, go on with whatever you need to do!" Lin Wanrong generously said.


    "Annoying!" Eldest Miss Xiao blushed and grumbled. She didn''t know whether to be angry or tough. He seemed like apletely different person from the night before. Seeing him reach for the food, she quickly said, "Don''t, the food is cold. I''ll have them bring some hot ones."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Eldest Miss cares about me after all!"


    "Who cares about you." Eldest Miss Xiao grumbled lightly, her cheeks a bit red, "Alwayszing around, making me take care of you. If others see this, won''t they gossip?"


    "Gossip? What gossip? What is Eldest Miss afraid of?" Lin Wanrong said with a faint smile, seemingly carefree, "Gossip is from idle people, and there''s nothing I fear more than gossip in this world."


    Seeing the teasing look in his eyes, Eldest Miss Xiao felt a bit flustered. She quickly lowered her head, not daring to meet his gaze.


    "You... you always make fun of me!" Xiao Yuruo''s eyes filled with a slight mist, feeling a bit aggrieved and touched, she quietly asked, "Where did thentern from yesterday go? I want to see it."


    "I threw it away when we got here." Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Just a brokenntern, nothing worth seeing."


    Eldest Miss''s nose twitched, her teeth clenched in a bitter, silent cry. "Liar, you''re nothing but a liar, a specialist in fooling me!"


    ¡ª---


    ording to Eldest Miss''s n, their journey to the capital was primarily intended to promote the sale of perfume and soap. Although Madame Xiao hailed from the capital, she had been absent from it for many years, leaving few of her connections intact. The Xiao family was virtually unknown in the capital, with few recognized high officials or nobles. Once Xiao Yuruo arrived, she had to start from scratch.


    The Xiao family in Jinling was quite influential and well-established, so their wishes were generally well-received. But the capital was not Jinling. It was a ce of dragons and tigers at the emperor''s feet, with high-ranking nobles at every turn. The Xiao family, although it had been operating there for many years, primarily dealt in textiles. Now, they wanted to switch to dealing in ¡®rouge and powders.¡¯ Even if their soap and perfume possessed a unique charm, they would have to start from scratch. It could be said that opportunities and challenges coexisted.


    Eldest Miss''s brow was furrowed. Sister Song sitting beside her dared not speak, for fear of interrupting her train of thought. The Second Miss sat next to Lin Wanrong, her eyes beaming as she looked at him. She would turn seventeen after the New Year, a year older. As per the instructions of the madam, the Second Miss was also expected to participate in the family''s discussions in the future.


    "Lin San, how do you think we should take the first step? Should we start by visiting my mother''s old friends, or should we rely on the connections Sister Song has and build up from there?" Eldest Miss inquired.


    This question was a piece of cake for Lin Wanrong, who had handled countless cases himself. Theunch of new products was all about ceaseless promotions and packaging. As long as people remembered and used the product, it was considered a sess.


    However, in this era, with regard to the target audience for perfume and soap, how to package and advertise required careful consideration. These refineddies didn''t favor extravagantce or suspenders; the sales technique had to be tactful.


    Seeing her sister''s furrowed brows, and Lin San smiling faintly, Yushuang knew from her understanding of him that he must have some brilliant idea. She gave him a gentle push on the shoulder, "If you have a solution, just say it. Don''t let my sister worry."


    Lin Wanrong whispered, "Last night, you promised me that if I guessed thentern riddles right, you''d give me a kiss. Why did you run away first?" The Second Miss gave a soft "tsk", her face blushing, and dared not speak again.


    Laughing, Lin Wanrong stood up and said, "Eldest Miss, both of the methods you suggested are reasonable and worth trying. If nothing else, we''ll at least make our faces known. Whether or not it will be effective is another matter."


    Eldest Miss grumbled dissatisfied, "If you have any ideas, just say them. You always like to speak in riddles. Be careful, or I might tell my mother on you."


    Breaking out in a cold sweat, Lin Wanrong thought, ¡®She''s got no other tricks up her sleeve now, using Madam to pressure me.¡¯ He chuckled and replied, "The methods Eldest Miss proposed are feasible, but they all rely on pleasing others, which is not very reliable. The money we make from selling perfume and soap is our own, so we should focus on our own needs."


    "How should we focus on our needs?" Eldest Miss asked.


    "That''s simple! We should take the initiative, advertise, hold exhibitions, and promote our products. With the allure of our perfumes and soaps, creating a sensation shouldn''t be too difficult." Seeing Eldest Miss lost in thought, Lin Wanrong continued, "The main consumers of our products are thedies and young misses of the capital. If we want to attract their attention, we must appeal to their tastes. In my opinion, why not hold a fragrance-tasting event?"


    "A fragrance-tasting event? What''s that?" the roomful of people asked in unison.


    "Imagine, what would be the effect of putting perfume and flowers together?" Lin Wanrong hinted.


    "It would smell even better than the flowers!" Eldest Miss pped her hands, her face lighting up in surprise.


    Lin Wanrong clicked his tongue, "Eldest Miss is indeed astute. You catch on quickly! I am impressed."


    Eldest Miss cast him a flirtatious nce and teased, "Stop mocking me. I understand what you mean. But how do we get thedies and misses to attend our fragrance-tasting event?"


    "Every spring, there are countless flower appreciation events. Thedies and misses all venture out to admire them. Finding such an opportunity to host a fragrance-tasting event isn''t too difficult, is it? On-site promotion, giving out samples, it''s elegant and innovative, the effect will be sensational. Remember, opportunities always favor those who are prepared," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    Xiao Yuruo nodded slightly, and the Second Miss was overjoyed. She said softly to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, could you step outside for a moment?" With that, she swiftly darted out of the room.


    Ignoring Eldest Miss''s astonished gaze, Lin Wanrong quickly followed her out.


    The Second Miss, hiding behind the flower bed, beckoned him over. Seeing him approach, she couldn''t help blushing, her phoenix eyes half-closed, her voice trembling as she said, "Scoundrel, give me a kiss!"


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 Chapter 282

    Chapter 282


    Chapter 282 The Fairy and the Strong Woman


    This girl, she had made such a request, wasn''t she forcing him to make a mistake? Lin Wanrong thought embarrassingly. Seeing his hesitation, Yushuang pouted her small mouth, her face blushing as she hummed, "Coward! I''m not afraid, what are you afraid of, hmm¡ª"


    A powerful embrace pulled her into his arms, her small red mouth was tightly blocked, a pair of mischievous hands gently stroked her waist, her breath was light, and her body was passionate like fire, melting in this sudden passion.


    "Hmm¡ª" Lin Wanrong took a long breath, his anaerobic endurance training needed to be strengthened. He couldn''t hold on for just twenty minutes, he should at leastst an hour to pass.


    Second Miss looked around, whimpered, and hid in his arms, not daring to raise her head, her face was burning hot, she gently patted his chest and said, "Bad guy, you''re so bad, what if my sister sees it? I promised her that I wouldn''t let you bully me at will. If she sees it, wouldn''t I die of shame?"


    This girl, where did her initiative go just now? Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Why be afraid of her, what we have is mutual affection, if she wants to watch, let her watch enough." Second Miss had no way to deal with him, so she let him do as he pleased with a blushing face.


    After a while with Xiao Yushuang, when he returned to the room, Xiao Yuruo was writing something. It seemed the Eldest Miss and Sister Song had almost decided on something. Seeing Yushuang''s blushing face, the Eldest Miss helplessly scolded, "What have you two been doing, it took so long toe back? Sister Song and I have decided on some methods,e and see what you think?"


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "I had a verbal exchange with Second Miss¡ªwhatever n you and Sister Song have decided on is fine, I''m very reassured."


    Sister Song was unsure of what rtionship Lin San and the Eldest Miss had, as he spoke so casually. Xiao Yuruo gave him a reproachful look and said lightly, "You''re good at shirking responsibility. If this matter is messed up, not only will it cost the Xiao family, but it will also cost you.""I trust the Eldest Miss''s ability to handle matters!" Lin Wanrong said with a smile, and Xiao Yuruo gave him an annoyed look.


    When it came to business matters, Lin Wanrong was always toozy to manage, just like he left the restaurant to Qiaoqiao. For perfume and soap, the Eldest Miss would be more dedicated than him. He was only responsible for giving ideas, and his ideas were golden ideas. As long as they were implemented well, they would basically not fail. As for the specific nning and arrangement, that would depend on the Eldest Miss. After all, she was a woman and knew the habits and temperaments of thedies and youngdies. If a big man was forced to get involved, it would turn into a mess and backfire.


    The Eldest Miss knew he wanted to bezy, but she had no way to deal with him. Thinking of the warm scenest night, a soft feeling rose in her heart, so she didn''t force him to do things he didn''t like.


    Lin Wanrong remembered his appointment with Qingxuan, and felt anxious. He pulled Sister Song and asked, "Sister Song, you are familiar with this capital city, can you tell me where the Jade Buddha Temple is?"


    "Jade Buddha Temple?" Sister Song frowned. "Where is this precious pce? I have been in the capital for more than twenty years, but I have never heard of it."


    Lin Wanrong was stunned. When he had parted ways with Qingxuan, she had clearly told him they would meet in front of the Jade Buddha Temple on the seventh day of the seventh month. She would never deceive him. Why was it that Sister Song, who had been in the capital for so many years, didn''t know about the Jade Buddha Temple?


    He had originally nned to explore around the Jade Buddha Temple first, but instead, he had been hit with a metaphorical blunt force. Sister Song, who was a native of the capital, didn''t even know where the Jade Buddha Temple was located. Where was he supposed to find Qingxuan?


    Sister Song asked, "Brother Lin, are you going to burn incense? There are countless famous temples in the capital. Grand Prime Minister Temple, Small Prime Minister Temple, and Pure Pool Temple are all famous sanctuaries with flourishing incense. Every Lunar New Year, officials and nobles go to burn incense and pray to Buddha. If you go and pray, it will surely be effective!"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head. "Sister Song, I want to go to this Jade Buddha Temple. You really haven''t heard of the name?"


    Sister Song shook her head. "I''ve been in the capital for so many years, been everywhererge and small, and I truly haven''t heard the name Jade Buddha Temple."


    The Eldest Miss, seeing his foolish demeanor, didn''t understand the purpose of his questions, but seeing his absent-minded expression, she felt a pang of difort in her heart. She gently said, "Could it be that you have misremembered?"


    "Even if I lose my life, I would not forget this ce," Lin Wanrong stated firmly.


    Seeing his decisive attitude, she knew this ce was of utmost importance to him. She softly said, "Don''t panic. The capital isrge, and Sister Song can''t possibly know every ce. I will ask around more, surely we can help you find this ce."


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile. "Thank you, Eldest Miss."


    Xiao Yuruo was taken aback, then spoke quietly, "When you thank me like this, I feel somewhat uneasy. In the future, please refrain from saying such things, it''s ufortable to hear."


    The ever-silent Sister Song furrowed her eyebrows, pausing before saying, "Brother Lin, could it be that you''re referring to the Reclining Buddha Temple?"


    "Reclining Buddha Temple?" Lin Wanrong hastily replied, "Forget about whether it''s Jade Buddha or Reclining Buddha, as long as it''s a Buddha temple, please tell me about it."


    Sister Song nodded, "The Reclining Buddha Temple is located in the northern suburbs. More than twenty years ago, it was a thriving ce of worship, but it has declined in recent years. I''m not sure if this is the ce you''re talking about."


    Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. Regardless of which Buddha it was, as long as it was a Buddha temple, there was hope. He quickly bowed to Sister Song, "Thank you, Sister Song. I will repay your great kindness in the future." As soon as he finished speaking, he quickly rushed out the door, disappearing into the bustling crowd in the blink of an eye.


    "This Brother Lin is very anxious. I wonder what he wants to do at the Jade Buddha Temple, could there be a sweetheart waiting for him?" Sister Songughed.


    The Eldest Miss turned her head away, snorted, "Let him be. Even if he brings home all the women in the world, let him be."


    Sister Song nced at the overcast sky and voiced her concern, "The weather seems bad today, it looks like it might rain. If Brother Lin gets caught in the rain, it won''t be good."


    The words had barely left her lips when the Eldest Miss grabbed an oil-paper umbre and rushed out in haste. But in this sea of people, where could she hope to find a trace of Lin San? She stood in the middle of the bustling street, watching the endless stream of peopleing from all directions, momentarily stunned...


    Meanwhile, Lin Wanrong had eagerly set out, making his way towards the north of the city. The capital was bustling, filled withmoners and entertainers, a myriad of sights and sounds that could bewilder anyone. The streets were jammed with peopleing and going, with ceaseless shouting and hawking, an extreme liveliness.


    However, Lin Wanrong, with the Jade Buddha Temple etched in his mind, had no interest in the city''s splendors. He inquired about the location of the Reclining Buddha Temple from a few passers-by and hurried towards the outskirts.


    The capital was vast. He had walked for nearly half an hour, gradually encountering fewer people until he had reached the outskirts of the city. After covering some more distance, he noticed that the path was bing increasingly rugged. Looking up, he saw a steep cliff rising sharply before his eyes. The cliff was several hundred feet high, sheer and slick on all sides, offering virtually no footholds for climbing. Mist and clouds enveloped the mountain peak, and he could vaguely make out pavilions and towers amidst the haze, looking like a celestial realm within the clouds.


    At the foot of the cliff, there stood a dpidated temple. Its wooden doors were iplete, moss-covered the ground everywhere, and rust was evident all around, with hardly any sign of human activity. Most of the roofs and walls of the buildings within the temple had copsed, except for the main hall, half of whose roof still provided some cover.


    A surge of emotion rose within Lin Wanrong. Was this the Reclining Buddha Temple? Could it be the Jade Buddha Temple that Qingxuan had mentioned?


    He approached the temple and found the interior walls had copsed, and the roof had been left open to the elements. A giant Maitreya Buddha, about twenty feet long and eight feet high,y carved from stone, with a pleasingly chubby belly, smiling gently as it reclined on the ground. The elements had worn away the sharp edges of the stone Buddha, imbuing it with an air of tranquility.


    In front of the statue, there stood arge incense burner, still bearing traces of smoke and me, faintly reflecting the temple''s once-vibrant past.


    After surveying the grand hall, Lin Wanrong found nothing but the giant stone Buddha constructed against the mountain, leaving the ce almost empty. Most of the walls of the Reclining Buddha Temple had copsed, with the main hall being the most intact. Exiting through the hall, he found an extensive forest behind the temple. The trees were tall with robust branches. Even though spring had just passed, leaving the leaves wilted, there was no sign of destion.


    The structure of this temple was simple, and it was easy to see whether there were any living things in the front and back. Despite searching back and forth, he found no trace of life.


    He explored the surrounding area, finding the cliffs steep and the surfaces smooth, offering hardly any foothold. Water surrounded the peak on three sides, with only the tnd at the Reclining Buddha Temple providing some solid ground. He wondered who had built the pavilions and towers on the peak and how they had climbed up there.


    After circling the area, he returned to the forest where he had started. Not only had he not found Qingxuan, but he hadn''t even spotted a rabbit. He wiped the beads of sweat from his forehead andy down on the dry grass, sprawling his limbs out and panting heavily.


    Was this really the Jade Buddha Temple? And where was Qingxuan? As hey there, his thoughts scattered, his eyes gradually closed.


    He had no idea how long he hadin there, in a hazy daze, when he sensed tiny droplets of moisture on his face. It was raining! He sighed to himself and, with bleary eyes, opened them to look ahead, immediately widening them in shock.


    Above the treetops, a figure of a woman dressed in flowing white was faintly discernible, her delicate feet stepping lightly on the thin branches, gliding over them like an ethereal fairy vanishing in the clouds, untouched by the dust of the mortal world.


    Had he seen a ghost? Or a deity? The sight instantly banished Lin Wanrong''s sleepiness. He sat upright with a start, shouting loudly, "Hey, hey--"


    The woman seemed not to hear him, continuing her movement, wafting forward like a wisp of smoke. Her figure was enchantingly beautiful, but she was not Xiao Qingxuan.


    Lin Wanrong, having already despaired at the Reclining Buddha Temple, was rekindled with a shred of hope upon seeing this sudden apparition. He chased after her, shouting, "Miss, fairy, beautifuldy,--"


    No matter how hoarse his cries became, the woman didn''t turn around. Her form gradually became faint, and she was about to disappear from his sight. Lin Wanrong gave chase for a few paces, panting and hoarse, even losing his shoes in the process.


    Damn it, did she think she was a real fairy just because she could fly? He despised anyone flying before him. If he had a missile, he would''ve shot her down already. Rage surged in Lin Wanrong, courage fueling his ire. He picked up the cloth shoe he had lost, and with a vengeance, he threw it at the fairy--even if it couldn''t hit her, it would give her a fright!


    The fairy seemed to sense something, her long sleeve pped, and she suddenly turned her head, casting him a nce.


    Lin Wanrong felt a jolt in his heart, and his footsteps came to a halt. The woman had phoenix eyebrows, light eyes, snow-white skin, and red lips. Her wless cheeks were as clear as jade, and a faint smile yed on her lips. She stood on the tip of the tree branches, her long skirt billowing, like a noble, sacred fairy from the heavens, devoid of worldly taint. It felt almost sinful toy eyes upon her.


    God, was she a real fairy? So breathtakingly beautiful. Even the formidable Lin Wanrong felt somewhat inferior before this woman. Suddenly, he snapped out of his trance, swearing inwardly, ¡®What kind of woman isn''t suitable for a man? Why should I fear her?¡¯ But as he boldly lifted his head, the woman had vanished like a wisp of invisible smoke.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head vigorously to clear his mind. Was he dreaming? A fairy descending to the mortal realm? He searched through the woods, but where could he find the trace of a fairy?


    He took a long breath. The whole day''s events had been strange. He was here to find Qingxuan, so how did this fairy appear? And so shockingly beautiful? He couldn''t figure out the fairy''s age. Was she rted to Qingxuan? An elder or younger sister? Could this Reclining Buddha Temple be the Jade Buddha Temple that Qingxuan had spoken of?


    A series of questions flooded his mind, making him dizzy. He rubbed his temples hard: ¡®Qingxuan, Qingxuan, why are you ying all these riddles with me?¡¯


    After such astonishing sights, he was wide awake. He looked up at the sky, which was a gloomy grey. shes of lightning suddenly turned the sky blinding white. Tiny raindrops fell on his face, refreshingly cold, which sobered him up. A heavy rain then began to pour.


    The Reclining Buddha Temple was in ruins, with decaying walls and shattered parapets. The only shelter from the wind and rain was a section of roof over the main hall that hadn''t yet copsed. Lin Wanrong covered his head with both hands, making a dash for the main hall. As he absentmindedly raised his eyes, he saw the exposed reclining Buddha, under the lightning''s illumination, shimmering with specks of jade-like luminescence. It was so dazzling that it made his eyes swim.


    A reclining Buddha? A jade Buddha? He pped his hands together, leaping up in excitement. Damn it, so this Reclining Buddha Temple was actually the Jade Buddha Temple! The natural stone used to carve the reclining Buddha was, in fact, an uncut jade, unnoticeable in normal light but revealing its unique properties under intense illumination. This Reclining Buddha Temple was the Jade Buddha Temple mentioned by Qingxuan. There could be no mistake.


    With this discovery, his excitement knew no bounds. He let out a few long shouts, overpowering even the thunder, wishing he could wrap his arms around this potbellied Maitreya Buddha and give it a kiss.


    Having confirmed that this was the Jade Buddha Temple, he was ted. His feet moved faster, and in no time, he was under the eaves of the main hall. Just as he was about to step in, he heard a female voice from inside, "Who''s there?"


    His steps came to an abrupt halt. There were people in this dpidated ce? Could it be the flying fairy from before? Could she be inside, changing her clothes because they got wet in the rain? He chuckled to himself, calling out, "Madam, I''ve brought you some tea¡ª"


    "Thump!" A stone came flying out from inside, causing Lin Wanrong to jump. He quickly dodged, calling out, "Fairy, it''s me! We just met. I even chased you for a while."


    The woman inside was silent for a moment before speaking, "What madam? What fairy? Are you a monk from this temple? No... this Jade Buddha Temple has been in ruins for years. Where would a monke from? What are you doing here?" The woman''s voice was slightly apprehensive at first, then it calmed down.


    "Jade Buddha Temple?" Lin Wanrong trembled. The woman said this was the Jade Buddha Temple? It really was the Jade Buddha Temple! Damn, could anyone in the world be smarter than him?


    He let out a fewughs. His attention now turned to the woman in the temple. If the woman inside was indeed the flying fairy, even two Lin Sans wouldn''t stand a chance against her, let alone converse peacefully. This was quite puzzling. Who was this woman inside?


    Although he thought all of these thoughts, they only took a moment. Judging by the woman''s pleasant voice, she must be young. He chuckled, "Thedy inside need not fear. I am San Lin, a very good man. I came here today to look for a friend. I won''t harm you!"


    The woman''s voice was calm, "So, it''s Young Master San. My respects to you. Today, I came out with some friends for painting. Seeing the gloomy weather, we took shelter here. My friends went out to gather firewood and will be back shortly."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "That''s great! The rain is getting heavier, and it won''t be long before the eaves can no longer provide shelter. I''ll alsoe inside to take cover!"


    Just as he was about to step in, he heard the woman say, "No!"


    "What''s not allowed?" Lin Wanrong asked, about to take another step forward when another stone came flying,nding in front of his feet. Lin Wanrong, feeling helpless, said, "Miss, what are you doing? Starting a fight? You''re no match for me!"


    The woman humphed, "That''s not necessarily true. What do you see right in front of you?"


    Lin Wanrong looked up and gasped. In the corner, the tip of a crossbow emerged, an arrow already notched, taking aim at him.


    He was a seasoned soldier. He had seen this weapon in Li Sheng''s Divine Machine Unit. It was called a repeating crossbow, capable of loading five arrows at once for rapid fire, an instrument of immense power. It had yed a crucial role in their battle against the bravest warrior of the White Lotus sect. How could he not recognize it? The repeating crossbow this woman held was delicate and exquisite, clearly modified for a woman''s self-defense.


    He had spent his days hunting geese only to be pecked blind by one, and now, in this isted Reclining Buddha Temple, he had met a wild woman. He sighed in frustration, "Miss, you''ve even managed to get your hands on a repeating crossbow from the Divine Machine Unit. You''re no ordinary person!"


    "You recognize this repeating crossbow?" The woman insideughed, "Young Master San indeed has exceptional knowledge. I mean you no harm. From your words and deeds, are you a schr?"


    "No!" Lin Wanrong answered promptly. Standing under the eaves, rain seeped in, wetting half of his body and making him extremely ufortable. With his current martial prowess, it wouldn''t be difficult for him to disarm her if he could just locate her. But why should he? Just because she wouldn''t let Lin San take shelter from the rain? That would beughable!


    "Young Master, you''re quite interesting!" The woman said, "I''m alone in this hall. If you were to barge in, we would inevitably fall under suspicion. Even if we''re innocent, rumors stop at a wise man, but to avoid criticism in this world, one has to be cautious. Don''t you agree, Young Master?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Didn''t you say just now that your friends were about to return? This wouldn''t count as a case of a man and a woman alone. Moreover, you don''t own this temple. Just because you want to take shelter from the rain, should others suffer the chill and the rain outside? Isn''t that a bit unreasonable?"


    Unable to see the woman''s reaction, Lin Wanrong only heard her sigh after a long silence, "Young Master San is polite. Unfortunately, life is tough and we women are often in vulnerable positions. If we don''t learn to protect ourselves, I fear we will be the ones to suffer most in the end. For a man like yourself, the worst oue might be a severe illness from not taking shelter from the rain. However, for a woman, a single misstep can ruin her entire life. You can surely understand which is more important."


    This girl sure had a sharp tongue. Lin Wanrongughed, "Is it not just taking shelter from the rain? Miss, do you really intend to shoot aplete stranger, who is incredibly excellent, kind, and handsome, over such a trivial matter? I would like to give it a try!"


    As he talked about giving it a try, he subtly stepped back, picked up a stone near his foot, and threw it into the hall.


    With a humming sound, a small arrow hit a wooden column next to him, sinking in a few inches. The arrow''s feathers vibrated slightly with a humming sound. Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat. This girl was serious about shooting. ¡®You''re the first woman who dares to fire at me,¡¯ he thought, impressed.


    "Young Master San, please do not test my patience. For me, my reputation is more important than my life! If I have to hurt you to protect my reputation, I''m willing to exchange my life for yours, even if it means hanging myself in front of everyone," the woman said resolutely.


    "Alright, Miss, you''ve got quite the personality! May I ask, are you married?" Lin Wanrong asked, gritting his teeth.


    The woman in the hall did not respond. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I guess not. Given your taste and personality, there must be many gentlemen pursuing you. Can I be one of them?"


    The woman''s voice carried a hint of anger, "Young Master, show some respect!"


    "My goal is to win your affection, and then reject you. I wonder if I can achieve it?" Lin Wanrong muttered, but loud enough for the woman in the hall to hear.


    Hum¡ªHum¡ªHum¡ªHum¡ª


    Several arrows were fired in quick session, hitting the door pir. As the woman emerged from the hall with her crossbow, she saw a mischievous shadow fading into the misty rain. She couldn''t make out his features. Aughing voice came from the rain, "Miss, better not let me run into you again, or I will definitely keep my promise."


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 283

    Chapter 283


    Chapter 283 Serendipity


    Since returning from the Reclining Buddha Temple, Lin Wanrong''s mood had improved considerably. Although he hadn''t found Qingxuan, at least he now knew that the Reclining Buddha Temple was indeed the Jade Buddha Temple, and Qingxuan had not deceived him. The appointment on the seventh day of the seventh month seemed distant, but as long as he persevered, there was a chance he could see Qingxuan earlier than expected.


    Upon seeing his soaked figure running back, his face full of smiles,pletely different from his demeanor when he left, the Eldest Miss couldn''t help but ask, "You''re still this happy after getting soaked in the rain? Was the Reclining Buddha Temple the ce you were looking for?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded andughed, "Actually, I really have to thank Sister Song. Without her, I wouldn''t have known when I would find it."


    The Eldest Miss lightly hummed in acknowledgment, whispering, "You were looking for that ce to find Miss Qingxuan, weren''t you? Have you found her?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "I haven''t found her yet, but one day I will. You know, there''s nothing in this world that I, Lin San, can''t aplish."


    "Nonsense!" The Eldest Miss huffed, "Miss Qingxuan has deep feelings for you. Once you find her, you should treat her well. For a woman, meeting someone they truly love is a blessing of three lifetimes. You mustn''t break her heart."


    Lin Wanrong sized up Xiao Yuruo from head to toe, chuckling, "Eldest Miss, is this reallying from your mouth? This sounds quite unlike you."


    Xiao Yuruo red at him and said nothing more, she whispered, "Hurry and change out of those wet clothes. I''ll have Sister Song make some ginger soup for you so you don''t catch a cold. Tomorrow morning, Sister Song and I are visiting some prominent families in the capital. You will apany Yushuang to Jinghua Academy. Mother has already given instructions. You only need to escort her there. Remember one thing, avoid causing trouble.""Avoid causing trouble," this phrase had be a mantra the Eldest Miss would advise him with each time he left the house. But these days, even if he didn''t seek trouble, trouble seemed to find him. It had be a routine everyone was ustomed to.


    Hearing the Eldest Miss''s words, Lin Wanrong suddenly realized that tomorrow was the seventeenth of the first lunar month. Jinghua Academy would be starting its term, and Yushuang was essentially a "university student" in this era, which was indeed worthy of celebration.


    After eating dinner and taking a hot bath, the vitality of his body, chilled by the sudden rain, was restored. The Eldest Miss was still in the living room with Sister Song preparing gifts for their visit tomorrow. Seeing the light shining brightly in Yushuang''s room, he quietly sneaked over to her room and lightly tapped on her door, whispering, "Second Miss, Second Miss--"


    Yushuang''s voice came from inside, "Come in, the door isn''t locked!"


    With a squeak, he pushed the door open. The room was warmly lit. Yushuang was busily packing her things into a suitcase. There were clothes, toys, snacks - all sorts of things a young girl might like. At the end, she even added in the four treasures of the study, along with many soaps and perfumes. It looked as if she was preparing for a long journey. Seeing this familiar scene, Lin Wanrong was reminded of the night before he left for university when his mother packed his bags. His initially passionate mood calmed down instantly, warmth filling his heart. He walked over to Yushuang and said, "Is everything packed? Don''t forget anything."


    Second Miss huffed, "You think I''m like you, leaving things behind everywhere! All the things I need to bring are listed on paper, nothing is missing." She turned around and grabbed his hand, saying, "Today was clearly overcast, and you still went out without an umbre. If you catch a cold, we''ll see what you do!"


    This Second Miss had a touch of a fussing housewife about her. Lin Wanrong chuckled and gently tapped her small nose, peering into the box, "Are you nning to move with all this stuff? We''re all in the capital, you cane home every fortnight and we can send over anything you need. Wouldn''t that be much easier?" Seeing the delicate Yushuang preparing so many things, he felt like he was sending a child off to school, even though standing before him was a girl he had mentally chosen to be his wife a hundred times over.


    Second Miss looked at him and shook her head firmly, "No! I''m going to the academy specifically to learn. If Ie back every half month, how can I focus on my studies? Besides, with you, the bad guy here, I''m afraid I''ll not want to go back once Ie home. Bad guy, you and sister must promise me that you won''te to see me after I start school. I want to put all my focus on my studies. You''ve said it too, I''m still young, and I can learn a lot of things. In the future, I can help sister and you. Lin San, will you promise me?"


    Lin Wanrong paused. This girl had such a firm mindset, he had underestimated her before, nearly making her a decoration.


    "Yushuang, let''s sit down and have a good talk." He nodded seriously, an unprecedented seriousness in his voice, "I''ve been talking about sending you to Jinghua Academy, but I still don''t know what you want to learn."


    Second Miss smirked, "I''m going to learn poetry and painting. I see that you seem to know quite a lot about these, once I''ve learned them, I''ll definitely defeat you in the future!"


    Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile, "What are you learning these for? Can poetry and painting help your sister, or me? One talenteddy Luo is already a handful for me. If you learn these too, in the future, our house will only be filled with the banter of two talenteddies, and I as the husband will have to keep my distance."


    Second Miss giggled, "I''m a girl, if I don''t learn poetry, what do you want me to learn?"


    Lin Wanrong pondered, "Is there anything like arithmetic or addition? You could learn bookkeeping, and when my business expands in the future, you can be a chief ountant, managing the ounts of the Lin family."


    "What''s a chief ountant?" Yushuang asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.


    "Oh, a chief ountant, it''s, it''s someone who handles the main ounts," he exined haphazardly.


    Second Miss covered her mouth and giggled, "Alright then, I''ll be your chief ountant in the future, hee hee!"


    His own words sounded awkward to him, and he couldn''t help but chuckle, "Though we say that, I''ve never been to Jinghua Academy, I wonder if they only teach things like poetry and painting? I don''t know if there''s a major for learning ounting specifically?"


    Yu Shuang nodded andughed lightly, "You, you''re really underestimating the Jinghua Academy. It''s the highest ce of learning for our Great Hua students. It teaches not only arithmetic and mathematics but also cultivates military strategy. As for the poetry, calligraphy, and painting you mentioned, that goes without saying. You can choose to study any of these subjects if you wish."


    Lin Wanrong was surprised, "So, the Jinghua Academy is really aprehensive, all-epassing, and diverse university. It has faculties of Arts and Sciences, and even offers military training. I did underestimate this ce."


    "And what did you choose, after all?" Lin Wanrong asked with a smile. "You didn''t pick military studies, did you? Are the Lin family to have another female general?"


    Second Miss gave a slight smile. From a brand-new small pouch wrapped in red cloth, she took out a small, exquisite object, swinging it lightly. The beads on it made a rattling sound, "Hehe, Lin San, do you recognize what this is?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Little darling, you''ve been preparing. We truly have a meeting of minds, don''t we? From now on, the chief ountant of the Lin family will be none other than you."


    "Hate, nonsense!" Second Miss blushed, flicking the beads on the object lightly with her finger, making a rustling sound. Yu Shuang said, "This thing. I saw it from someone else. They say it''s very useful for ounting. I had a hard time finding one. But not many people know how to use it. I wonder if the masters at Jinghua Academy will teach this?"


    "If they don''t, I, your husband, will! Isn''t it just an abacus?" Lin Wanrong giggled, took the small abacus, and flicked it a few times, "Three minus two equals one, four minus one equals three, ¡ª¡ª"


    Yu Shuang was so shocked that her mouth gaped, "Naughty, you, where did you learn this? I''ve seen only a few people in Jinling who can use this abacus! And what''s the trick you''re reciting ¡ª¡ª It turns out you''re the chief ountant!"


    Sweat, ¡®I''m not an ountant, I just learned this in elementary school.¡¯ But seeing Yu Shuang''s surprised expression, he was somewhat astonished. It seemed that in this era, although the abacus had appeared, it was not yet widespread, and no one had summarized the rhymed forms for bead arithmetic. He didn''t know if there were any experts at Jinghua Academy! Mathematics is the mother of all knowledge, the cornerstone of natural science. If mathematics cannot develop, technological progress would be just empty words.


    He couldn''t help scratching his head with a troubled look, should he teach this bead arithmetic form to Yu Shuang? This way, she might be the first person in the mathematics in Great Hua, and it would also bring honor to his Lin family. But seeing Yu Shuang''s delicate little hand, his thoughts faded, never mind, he should cherish his own wife, these hard tasks should be left to others. Later, he could find someonepatible in Jinghua Academy, teach them this form, and he would have contributed something to the mathematics of Great Hua.


    Yu Shuang gently threw herself into his arms, "After you send me to Jinghua Academy tomorrow, don''te looking for me. I won''t leave this academy until I''ve mastered my studies."


    "I support you, absolutely!" Lin Wanrong patted her fragrant shoulder, "I''ve always been fully supportive when ites to my wife''s pursuit of progress!"


    Second Miss softly hummed in agreement before suddenly eximing, "Five limbs? Where did thate from?"


    Heughed heartily but didn''t respond. Second Miss sighed, "You enjoy your gallivanting outdoors, apanied by sister and yourdy friends, which is fine. But I''m alone, immersed in strenuous learning. This longing is like a knife. What if I miss you?"


    "That''s simple," he retorted. "I''ll draw a self-portrait, making sure I appear gant and dashing. ce it by your pillow and take a nce before and after meals. That will ease your yearning, won''t it?"


    "Who wants to look at you?" Second Miss''s face flushed crimson. In a lower voice, she added, "Then paint me in it as well. The two of us, forever together."


    ¡ª---


    Ever since Lin Wanrong found himself in this utterly unfamiliar world, he never envisioned returning to a university campus. However, standing at the entrance of Jinghua Academy, he felt as if he had been transported back to his own university days.


    Jinghua Academy was the leading educational institution in Great Hua, located outside the southern gate of the capital, directly opposite the Imperial Pce. The academy consisted of three departments¡ªliterature, mathematics, and military strategy. Only exceptional talents who passed rigorous examinations were admitted.


    Examinations? Lin Wanrong nced at Second Miss walking beside him and shook his head helplessly. Even in ancient times, people used connections to gain entry into universities.


    In Great Hua, literature was valued over martial arts. Most students who enrolled in Jinghua Academy did so to study under famous literary masters. Upon being rmended to the court, they were certain to rise rapidly in their careers. Students of military strategy were rtively fewer. They were either descendants of martial families or meritorious soldiers¡ªalso a force to be reckoned with.


    The weakest were students like Second Miss, studying mathematics. Theycked both military power and political influence, which were underappreciated, not just in Jinghua Academy, but across the entire Great Hua Dynasty. Consequently, very few enrolled to study algorithms and mathematics¡ªless than one in ten. This was a far cry from Lin Wanrong''s era when mastering science and math was a prized achievement.


    Early in the morning, Lin Wanrong, who had apanied Second Miss to register, looked at the sparse list of math applicants and then the throng of people in front of the literature board. He shook his head. What was this about? Merelyposing sensual verses and romantic poetry could make Great Hua rich and its people strong? What a joke! He, too, was considered a half-baked talent, but he viewed this title with disdain!


    However, Second Miss was exceedingly excited. At the tender age of seventeen, she reveled in the bustling atmosphere. Here was Great Hua''s highest academy; her excitement mixed with pride mirrored Lin Wanrong''s feelings when he first entered university.


    There were few applicants for the mathematics course Xiao Yushuang wanted to study. The ssroom was a small courtyard with only forty to fifty people, less than ten of whom were women. When Second Miss entered, she naturally caused a sensation.


    Yushuang nced at Lin Wanrong with apprehension. Seeing his reassuring smile, she felt a sense of calm descend upon her. She cast a lingering nce at Lin Wanrong before heading toward her designated ce.


    ording to their agreement, once inside the academy, Lin Wanrong had to leave. He couldn''t disturb Yushuang''s rigorous study¡ªof course, he fully endorsed such a dedicated spirit.


    With a smile towards Yushuang, Lin Wanrong quickened his pace, about to exit the small courtyard, when hurriedly two figures approached from outside. Leading was a woman, her head lowered in deep thought, who walked hastily without paying attention to the path before her. She almost collided with him.


    Lin Wanrong swiftly sidestepped, barely avoiding contact. ''This girl, in such a rush,'' he mused. ''Good thing I have the reflexes of a swallow, otherwise, she''d be a swallow in my arms.''


    The man following the woman, seeing the near collision, anxiously rushed forward and asked, "Miss Xu, are you okay? Did you get hurt?"


    ''This guy, always jumping to conclusions,'' Lin Wanrong thought. ''We didn''t even touch, and he''s asking if she got hurt?'' He shook his head in resignation. He noticed the man was in his early twenties, dressed in white, slender, with a jade-like face and crimson lips. He was strikingly handsome, even more so than the legendary beauty Pan An.


    [TL: Pan An, one of the most beautiful males in ancient China]


    Lin Wanrong had an innate dislike for men more handsome than himself. He didn''t bother to nce at the woman either and turned to leave.


    "Hold on!" The handsome man called out, "Sir, you almost knocked Miss Xu down. Shouldn''t you at least apologize?"


    ''Wait, the girl almost knocked into me, and now I''m the one at fault?'' Lin Wanrong sighed internally. Remembering the Eldest Miss''s words, "Don''t cause trouble," he slowly turned back with a cheerful smile and said, "Oh, I almost knocked her over? I''m truly sorry about that, miss. I apologize."


    The so-called Miss Xu seemed to snap back from her deep thought then, frowning, she asked, "Brother Ye, what''s happening? Is something wrong?"


    Lin Wanrong was at a loss. ''This girl, so engrossed in her thoughts that she didn''t even notice the near collision. Good thing there are no cars for her to drive in this era!'' However, her voice sounded somewhat familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before.


    The handsome Young Master Ye exined, "Oh, Miss Xu, it''s nothing major. You were deep in thought earlier, and this gentleman here almost ran into you. I asked him to apologize to you."


    Lin Wanrong had to hold back his frustration. Had this been in the past, he would have lost his temper, but things were different now. Yushuang still needed to study here, and the Eldest Miss had specifically told him to avoid any trouble. For the sake of the two sisters'' peace, he endured.


    Miss Xu calmly shook her head, "No need, Brother Ye. I was indeed thinking and walking hastily, almost bumping into this gentleman. In terms of fault, I share half of it."


    She sounded familiar, and her words were reasonable, taking half the responsibility, even though she was entirely at fault.


    Young Master Ye nodded and said, "Miss Xu, your graciousness is truly a model for all the teachers and students of Jinghua Academy. I greatly admire you." Miss Xu just smiled faintly without speaking.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head in disdain. ''Keep ttering her, your skin is thicker than mine.'' He didn''t bother giving Miss Xu another look. Just as he was about to leave, he heard Young Master Ye ask, "Sir, are you a student of the academy? Are you here to study mathematics? Howe I have never seen you before? Miss Xu, have you seen him?"


    While Young Master Ye was courteous and humble in his speech, his words were always tinged with an air of arrogance. Perhaps it was because he was handsome, Lin Wanrong consoled himself, and replied, "I am not a student of the academy. I''m here today to apany my young mistress, who hase to study mathematics. She is from the Xiao family in Jinling¡ª"


    "The Xiao family''s young mistress?" Miss Xu gasped, "You came from Jinling?"


    The Xiao family was well-known, even in the capital? Lin Wanrong feigned modesty and confirmed, "Indeed, I am from Jinling." He had just tolerated Young Master Ye''s interrogative questioning, without losing his temper. However, as he conversed with Miss Xu, he never once lifted his head to look at her, using this as a form of silent protest against the duo - ''I won''t look at you!''


    "Do you know Miss Luo Ning, the talented woman from Jinling?" Miss Xu asked.


    "Miss Luo?" Lin Wanrong nodded, "I do. We''re quite acquainted. We know each other very well."


    Young Master Ye chuckled, "Miss Luo is the daughter of Luo Min, the former governor of Jiangsu. She has a high status. How can a servant like you be acquainted with her?"


    "Haha¡ª" Lin Wanrong suppressed hisughter, "A servant? How lowly? Why doesn''t Miss Luo consider me as such? I earn my living with my own hard work, I eat with my own hands, why should I be inferior? Sir, you categorize people into sses, this contradicts the Buddhist teaching that all beings are equal. I suggest you go to the Jade Buddha Temple in the north of the city to gain some merit."


    Young Master Ye was stunned that a servant could be so eloquent. After a moment, he shook his head, "Whether or not people are ssified into sses is not for you or me to decide, it''s in people''s hearts. I won''t argue with you, so as to maintain my dignity."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head without a word. This man''s self-perception was incredibly high. Today, for the sake of the young mistress, he couldn''t be bothered to argue, it was time to leave!


    As he was about to step away, Miss Xu raised her eyebrows slightly and hurried a few steps forward, "Jade Buddha Temple? Sir, are you familiar with the Jade Buddha Temple?"


    With her steps blocking his path, Lin Wanrong lifted his gaze and was instantly taken aback.


    This Miss Xu was in her early twenties, her slender figure and graceful bearing a sight to behold. Her skin was as white as snow, her lips cherry-red. Almond eyes, peachy cheeks, although her face bore no smile, there was an indescribable air of calmness about her as she stood in front of him. Lin Wanrong was somewhat dazed, marveling not only at her beauty but more so at the aura that she radiated. It was a serenity filled with confidence, a true intellectual beauty.


    Unperturbed by Lin Wanrong''s stare, Miss Xu calmly asked, "Could you tell me, sir, how did youe to know about the Jade Buddha Temple?"


    "Cough, well¡ª" Lin Wanrong felt a sense of foreboding rise within him and hastily took two steps back, "Who in the capital who has lived some years does not know about the Jade Buddha Temple? I learned of it from an older sister."


    Miss Xu gently shook her head, "Most people only know of the Reclining Buddha Temple, not the Jade Buddha Temple! The reclining Buddha is carved from uncut jade, few in the capital are aware of this."


    "Miss, people all have eyes, it is not only you who are good at observing," retorted Lin Wanrong.


    Miss Xu gave a slight nod, "Sir, your vision is indeed sharp. May I ask then, did you visit the Jade Buddha Temple yesterday?"


    "Yesterday? It was pouring rain yesterday, why would I go to the Jade Buddha Temple!" Lin Wanrong stated righteously, a flicker of determination in his eyes.


    Miss Xu stared into his eyes for a long moment before asking, "Do you know what happens to a person''s eyes when they lie?"


    "I do not know, my eyes have not been wandering!" Lin Wanrong replied solemnly.


    Miss Xu responded with a soft "oh", her face devoid of any emotion as she said, "My goal is to win your affection, and then reject you. Sir, could you please repeat this sentence to yourself?"


    Cold sweat started to bead,yer uponyer. Even Lin Wanrong, a seasoned schr of the darker arts, was at a loss as to what to do next.


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 Chapter 284

    Chapter 284


    Chapter 284 The Enigmatic Lady


    "Hahaha¡­" He let out three heartyughs, arranging his thoughts. From her single sentence, he had already deduced who the young woman before him was. A meeting outside a dpidated temple, he wondered if it was a stroke of fortune or misfortune. He chuckled a few times before responding, "Miss, we are not acquainted, your words aren''t quite appropriate. I find myself unable to reciprocate, perhaps you should confide in someone else. I have urgent business to attend to and can''t afford to linger. Please excuse me."


    Having said this, he turned and wiped away cold sweat, hastening his departure, unwilling to waste another second.


    Miss Xu sighed and responded, "Whether you speak or not makes no difference. I didn''t want to engage in something trivial, but I didn''t expect the one speaking so frivolously with me to be from the Xiao family of Jinling. You have truly disappointed me."


    He broke out in a cold sweat. His actions had indeed brought disgrace to the Xiao family, and the whole affair felt oddly unnerving. He stopped, turned around to face Miss Xu, and with a yful grin, said, "So, you really want me to say it? Alright then ¨C My goal is to win your affection, and then reject you!"


    Young Master Ye''s face changed color, he shouted, "Audacious! You''re awfully rude to dare insult Miss Xu. You should be punished!"


    Lin Wanrong spread his hands in innocence and retorted, "Sir, you heard her too, I didn''t want to say it. It was Miss Xu who asked me to repeat it. I merelyplied. Where did I go wrong?"


    Young Master Ye was left speechless, while Miss Xu gave a slight smile, "You''re quick-witted. Not entirely hopeless after all! May I ask Young Master San, has the youngdy of the Xiao family arrived in the capital as well? When I was young, I was cared for by Madame Xiao. I''ve heard my father mention the youngdy''s name, but I''ve never had the chance to meet her. If she''s in the capital, I''d very much like to see her." By identifying him as the Young Master San, she indirectly acknowledged that she was the woman who had taken shelter at the Reclining Buddha temple the day before.


    Given the circumstances, Lin Wanrong, now having nothing to lose, nodded, "Thank you for your concern, Miss Xu. Both the youngdies of the Xiao family are in the capital. I will definitely convey your sentiments. But may I ask who your esteemed father is¡ª""My father is but an ordinary schr, not worth mentioning," replied Miss Xu indifferently. "When Madame Xiao left the capital, I was but a child who knew nothing of the world. I can''t believe it''s already been twenty years. I wonder if she, the elder still doing well?"


    Elder? The youthful and beautiful Madame Xiao, referred to as an elderly woman by Miss Xu, was absolutely ludicrous. Lin Wanrong nced at Miss Xu.


    He had previously noticed Miss Xu''s appearance, but now he observed her attire. She was dressed in an elegant, pale-blue outfit, her figure graceful, her expression calm. Her hair was coiled up high and held loosely in ce with a jade hairpin, simple and dignified.


    Had Miss Xu already married? Lin Wanrong paused in thought. When he had asked her outside the temple yesterday if she was married, she hadn''t responded. Seeing her hairstyle today, he was even more puzzled. However, this woman was poised and dignified. Judging by her words, she seemed to be over twenty years old. If she was married, it wouldn''t be unusual.


    The only puzzling aspect was why this Young Master Ye was willingly spending his days around a married woman, seemingly unafraid of idle gossip. From her words and actions yesterday, it was clear that Miss Xu ced great importance on her reputation. "My goal is to win your affection, and then reject you," Lin Wanrong remembered his bold words from yesterday and shook his head in regret, a bad start indeed.


    "The Madam remains as beautiful as in her youth, living a rather content life. Thank you for your concern, Miss Xu." Lin Wanrong suppressed his doubts and responded.


    Miss Xu nodded and took a few steps forward with Young Master Ye. Suddenly, as if recalling something, she turned back and asked, "Young Master San, being from the Xiao family, was it you who guessed the riddles during the Lantern Festival at the ''Fairnd Comes with the Clouds''?"


    "Guessing riddles at the Lantern Festival? Oh, you mean him. His surname is Lin, handsome, charming, and brimming with talent. He''s ten times more attractive than Young Master Ye here!" Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    Miss Xu smiled, "I made thosentern riddles simple, originally for the schrs to guess, to quiet their grumbles. I didn''t expect that they would be answered by a servant of the Xiao family, quite a surprise indeed."


    Simple? Was this girl purposely trying to annoy him? What exactly was this Miss Xu''s background? She had an improved repeating crossbow, was acquainted with Luo Ning, and even knew Madam Xiao. What did she do?


    Young Master Yeughed, "When you wrote those riddles, I was present as well. I was wondering why the riddles you made this year were so simple. I hadn''t expected that it was to cater to the schrs. Miss Xu, your thoughtfulness is beyond me."


    Speechless! Were these two ganging up to insult him? As Miss Xu continued forward, passing by Lin Wanrong, she said calmly, "Young Master San, it''s good to be confident, but do not be overly arrogant. I hope to never hear such words and actions as yesterday''s again." Her steps were light, and she breezed past him.


    Lin Wanrong hesitated for a moment, then asked with a smile, "Miss Xu, may I ask, are you married?"


    As if she hadn''t heard him, Miss Xu had already walked inside. Young Master Ye suddenly turned and said, "If it''s not your ce to ask, then don''t."


    Lin Wanrongughed a few times, and called out to Miss Xu''s retreating figure, "Miss Xu, my words from yesterday still stand."


    Miss Xu paused, shook her head in resignation, and sighed, "There would be no problems in the world if only people didn''t make them themselves."


    She was indifferent to the Young Master San''s lunatic ravings. Just as she was about to enter the ssroom, a boy of sixteen or seventeen rushed out, shouting, "Teacher Xu, Teacher Xu, something terrible has happened, a heavenly omen!"


    "Cheng Dawei, what has happened? What heavenly omen?" Miss Xu asked in surprise.


    "Teacher Su, look¡ª" Cheng Dawei led Miss Xu and Young Master Ye to the courtyard, where countless ants were crammed together, forming a giant "heaven" character on the ground. Although the ants were constantly crawling, they all followed the lines of the character. Cheng Dawei''s eyes spun, "Ants forming a group, a heavenly omen! Teacher Su, how should this be exined?"


    Following Cheng Dawei, the students who were studying the principles of the cosmos had also rushed out, marveling at the sight of the ants clustering in front of them.


    Lin Wanrong had been ready to depart, but the mor from the courtyard drew him back. Carefully observing the ants'' path, then ncing at the mischievous boy named Cheng Dawei, he couldn''t help but smile. This kid, he thought, was something else!


    Young Master Ye frowned at the scene, asking, "Why would these ants gather on their own ord? Could it really be an omen from heaven?"


    Miss Xu shook her head and said, "There is no such thing as rootless water in the world. Everything follows a certain reason. These ants are gathering for a specific reason. Instead of assuming it to be a celestial omen, it''s better to investigate it thoroughly."


    Miss Xu gathered her long skirt and slowly squatted down to scrutinize the ants'' movement. Her facial expression was focused and beautiful. Lin Wanrong admired her secretly, thinking, how remarkable it was for a delicate woman to possess such insight and abilities.


    After a while, Miss Xu reached out a delicate finger, wrapped in a jade handkerchief, and gently stroked the ground. A few ants climbed up the cloth. Her body shuddered slightly, and her face showed a hint of anxiety. It wasn''t surprising that she was naturally afraid of ants, being a woman. She bit her silver teeth, her face turned a bit red. She carefully avoided the ants and continued to wipe the ground with the handkerchief.


    After a few wipes, a trace of joy suddenly appeared on her face. She put away the handkerchief and asked with a smile, "Today, which one of you brought honey?"


    A student replied, "I saw Cheng Dawei bring honey, but I don''t know what he intends to do with it."


    Miss Xu said to Cheng Dawei with a smile, "Could you please show me the honey?"


    Cheng Dawei, somewhat embarrassed, handed over a small sealed jar. Miss Xu wrapped a piece of wood with the handkerchief she''d used before, dipped it into the honey, and drew the character for "heaven" on the ground. Strangely enough, after a moment, her newly written character was also swarming with ants, the phenomenon reappeared.


    Everyone was surprised. Miss Xu nodded andughed, "Cheng Dawei, this must be your doing, right?"


    Cheng Dawei bowed his head, chuckling sheepishly, "Miss Xu, you were the one who told us to observe the things around us closely and to share our new discoveries. After your lecture about how a sprouting seed can push over a big stone, I personally verified it. It really worked."


    Miss Xu responded with a gentle smile, "The story of the germinating seed was also something I heard. In Hangzhou city, the White Lotus Sect had once used this trick to deceive the people. It was only exposed by an extraordinary man, saving the townsfolk from disaster. Everything in the world follows its ownws. As long as we observe closely and think deeply, we can always find the rules. Just like this time, ants being attracted by honey, if it wasn''t for Cheng Dawei''s careful observation, none of us would have learned this. Therefore, thesews of the universe and the principles of calction are not useless. On the contrary, they are closely rted to us, just like poetry and prose, they are all the treasures of our Great Hua and are indispensable."


    The students studying mathematics were genuinely interested in the subject. Hearing Miss Xu''s words, they cheered and jumped in excitement. Lin Wanrong hid behind the crowd, gazing at Miss Xu''s excited and flushed face among them, feeling a faint sense of emotion stirring in his heart. He had already been amazed by Miss Xu''s talents when he saw her riddles at thentern festival event. Today, he had seen yet another extraordinary side of her. Without a doubt, the term "remarkable woman" was well-deserved by Miss Xu.


    When the crowd had quieted down, Miss Xu smiled and said, "Cheng Dawei''s actions today have given us new knowledge, yet it has also dyed our study time. Therefore, a small punishment is necessary. Cheng Dawei, you seem quite fond of the art of abacus, don''t you?"


    Cheng Dawei nodded, "Miss Xu, are you asking me to learn this?"


    Miss Xuughed, "Not only do I want you to learn, but I also want you to be able to summarize some simple, easy-to-remember rhymes, and share them with everyone. Only then will you have learned well. You have a keen observation and open mind, I believe you can do it."


    A sense of gratitude shed in the young man named Cheng Dawei''s eyes. He said loudly, "Miss Xu, thank you for believing in me."


    Miss Xu nodded with a smile. Suddenly, she noticed a beautiful young woman among the students and eximed, "Are you, by any chance, the Second Miss of the Xiao family?"


    Xiao Yushuang shyly replied, "Miss Xu, I am Xiao Yushuang."


    Miss Xu happily held her hand and said, "Dear sister, I''m d you''ve finally arrived. Let''s go inside and chat."


    The students of Mathematics cheerfully entered the building, all except for Cheng Dawei who remained deep in thought. Lin Wanrong patted him on the shoulder and said, "Little brother, what are you thinking about?"


    Cheng Dawei was startled. Looking up, he saw a stranger and asked in surprise, "Who are you? Do I know you?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "You don''t know me, but you''ll certainly remember me. I have a few puzzling phrases that I don''t understand. Can you exin them to me?"


    Cheng Dawei was bewildered as the stranger in front of him recited, "One subtract five bes four, two subtract five bes three... eight minus one bes five subtract three, nine minus one bes five subtract four! So, have you remembered it?"


    Cheng Dawei initially looked bewildered, but soon, he seemed to understand something. His voice trembled with excitement as he said, "This... this is an abacus chant? No, no. Nine minus one plus one, how does it add up to ten?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "I don''t know what it is. I''ll repeat it again, remember it, go back and study it thoroughly. Maybe you canplete Miss Xu''s task, who knows?"


    Cheng Dawei was speechless, listening again as Lin Wanrong repeated the chant, not daring to miss a single word. Lin Wanrong yfully patted his shoulder and said, "Little brother, work hard, you''ll be sessful."


    Seeing Cheng Dawei still reciting the chant, Lin Wanrong decided to leave him alone. Wiping the sweat off his forehead, he left the courtyard. Remembering the abacus chant was something from his primary school days, and he had forgotten quite a few lines. However, with Cheng Dawei''s cleverness, deducing a few lines would not be a difficult task.


    [TL: Cheng Dawei (1533¨C1606) was a sixteenth-century Chinese mathematician who published a mathematical text Suanfa tongzong. The book contains 595 problems divided into 17 chapters. The book is essentially general arithmetic for the abacus.]


    Having performed good deeds for the day, Lin Wanrong felt invigorated, whistling a tune as he strode towards the entrance of Jinghua Academy. In the distance, he noticed two familiar figures approaching.


    The duo was taken aback when they noticed him. One of them dashed forward like a whirlwind, eximing, "General Lin, General Lin. We''ve been waiting for you."


    Caught off guard, Lin Wanrong pped the man''s shoulder and said, "Xu Zhen, what brings you here? Oh, and Young Master Li Wuling, we meet again." The second person was none other than the young boy he had met by the river during thentern festival on the fifteenth night of the first lunar month, a boy named Li Wuling.


    Li Wuling asked, surprised, "Lin San, what are you doing here? Did someone bully you and you''vee seeking my help? Didn''t you mention my name, Li Wuling?"


    Taken aback, Lin Wanrong could onlyugh, while Xu Zhen dered with fervor, "General Lin, it''s not just me. Li Sheng, Brother Du, and Brother Hu are all here too. Marshal Xu sent us to study here."


    Study? He remembered that Jinghua Academy also offered military studies. So, Xu Wei had sent these men to study, implying that he held them in high regard. Each of these men had served under hismand, and Lin Wanrong felt a surge of pride. He took in Xu Zhen, saying with a smile, "Not bad, you''ve grown taller and stronger. It seems we''ll be counting on you in the uing battle against the northern nomad."


    Standing tall, Xu Zhen replied, "Naturally, I, Xu Zhen, would rather die on the battlefield. General Lin, we''ve been hoping to see you every day. In about a month, we''ll be fighting the northern nomad. With you leading us, we''ll have a spine, and we''ll fight with ease."


    His words struck a chord in Lin Wanrong. He reminisced about his time in the army, missing it deeply. Fighting the White Lotus was internal strife, even a sessful battle left little room for pride. Battling the northern nomad invaders was a soldier''s duty. But was fighting the northern nomad really his job? And with Qingxuan here, he felt torn.


    Unaware of Lin Wanrong''s inner turmoil, Xu Zhen introduced him to Li Wuling, "Wuling, this is the General Lin I mentioned to you. He led our forces to victory against the White Lotus."


    Li Wuling had caught snippets of their conversation and gleaned some information. Hearing Xu Zhen''s introduction, he sized Lin San up, disbelieving, "You''re Lin San, the same General Lin who aplished a great victory?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Hard to believe, isn''t it? This is my true self, always keeping a low profile."


    With a p, Li Wuling responded, "Excellent! You''re a victorious general, praised by all. Today, I shall challenge you to a martial artspetition to see who''s better. Let''s go, hurry!"


    The young boy, full of mischief, grabbed Lin Wanrong and pulled him forward. Lin Wanrong was left sweating in surprise, thinking, ¡®Why does this kid always want topete in martial arts? Last time it was his grandfather, but now it''s me. If I win, they''ll say I bullied a child. If I lose, they''ll say I couldn''t even defeat a child.¡¯


    Lin Wanrong nced at Xu Zhen, who responded with a rueful shake of his head. It was clear he was at a loss with Li Wuling too. Lin Wanrong replied helplessly, "Young Master Li, I''m no hand at shy fighting. I prefer the real deal, with cold steel. Even if I were to be wounded under your de¡ªno, wait, I misspoke. If you were to be wounded under my de, you shouldn''t harbor any grievances."


    This Li Wuling, whose child was he to be so fond ofbat? Lin Wanrong asked Xu Zhen, "Whose son is this?"


    Xu Zhen''s face turned serious, "Young Master Li Wuling is the only legitimate grandson of the current esteemed General Li Tai."


    "Li Tai? Who is Li Tai?" Lin Wanrong asked softly.


    At this statement, not only did Xu Zhen widen his eyes, even the persistent Li Wuling halted his mischief. Both of them looked at Lin Wanrong, faces filled with disbelief.


    Swallowing, Xu Zhen managed to say, "General Lin, you can''t be serious. You''ve never heard of the formidable General Li Tai?"


    With an awkward smile, Lin Wanrong replied, "I grew up in a remote and poor vige. I honestly haven''t heard of him. Is this General Li Tai very famous? Just by hearing the name, it does seem impressive. Of course, Young Master Li Wuling also has a fine name. Truly, the saying ''Like father, like son'' rings true."


    Li Wuling pped his hands andughed, "Excellent, excellent! Finally, someone who hasn''t heard of my grandfather''s reputation. This way, when he bullies meter, he can''t say, ''Li Tai has served the country loyally for generations, defended our borders and his fame is widespread. Who in the world doesn''t know this, yet you, a small thing, can''t even handle it?''"


    Xu Zhen was left speechless. How did General Lin, who didn''t even know the greatest warrior of the imperial court, manage to climb the ranks and win victories? It was beyondprehension.


    Not wanting his hero to suffer such embarrassment, Xu Zhen let out a forcedugh and said, "There''s something you might not know, General Lin. This General Li Tai has, from his ancestors'' time, served in the military. He has guarded the border for tens of thousands of miles. Twenty years ago, he led fifty thousand elite soldiers, made a long-distance surprise attack, and directly captured the northern nomads chief''s tent, killing the enemymander. His fame was immense, and northern nomads trembled at his name. General Li is a martial genius, skilled in military strategy, and is considered the number one warrior of our empire. His prestige is unparalleled. Moreover, the Li family has been loyal and patriotic for generations, defending our nation with their blood. The eldest son of General Li¡ª"


    At this point, Xu Zhen stole a nce at Li Wuling and continued, "His eldest son, the Great Marshal of border defense, fought against the northern nomads for seven days and nights on the very day his wife was due to give birth. He fell in the line of duty, leaving behind a widow and an orphan!"


    Li Wuling clenched his teeth, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. He made a fist and dered, "Why talk about these things? Death is death, casualties are part of war. If he''s gone, there''s still me. If I die, there''s my son. The Li family''s men cannot be fully defeated, cannot be exterminated. Even if the northern nomads are wiped out, the Li family will not fall!"


    Lin Wanrong finally understood. This was about Li Wuling himself. No wonder thed was so fiercelypetitive. He patted Li Wuling''s shoulder, rendered speechless by the revtion.


    Xu Zhen continued, "The general''s second son, a greatmander of the border guards, was also killed in an ambush by the northern nomads eight years ago, dying amidst a rain of arrows. It''s tragic. He served on the border for many years, yet never even got to see the face of his betrothed¡ª" By this point, Xu Zhen was choked up. "The Li family, defenders of our nation and our Emperor, have been loyal for generations. Their noble name is renowned across the world. They are idols to the soldiers of Great Hua."


    Lin Wanrong nodded solemnly. What else could be said? They were like gods of war! It was because of families like the Li''s that their Empire wasn''t subjected to foreign bullying and could stand tall!


    He felt a pang of embarrassment. He hadn''t even recognized such a loyal and virtuous family. Seeing Li Wuling''s grief and anger, his small fist clenched as if it might shatter, Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, "Li Wuling, weren''t you going to challenge me to a martial artspetition? What are we waiting for?"


    Li Wuling looked up at him in surprise, "Li...General Lin, are you serious?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, and roared withughter, "Does one jest in the army? Li Wuling, for the sake of the Li family''s generations of loyalty, no matter who you face, you can''t lose. Understand?"


    "I understand! General Lin, I will defeat you!" With a roar like a tiger, Li Wuling lunged toward Lin Wanrong, throwing a punch straight at his chest...


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 Chapter 285

    Chapter 285


    Chapter 285 Declining the Army


    "No more, no more," Lin Wanrong chuckled, hopping out of thebat ring. Heughed and said, "Little General Li is indeed a martial arts prodigy. I''m not his match. I concede, I concede."


    Li Wuling had a rich family tradition in martial arts; he was undoubtedly skilled. However,pared to Lin Wanrong, a semi-expert who had also seen the battlefield, he fell short. Lin Wanrong had sparred with him for a few rounds, not fighting back, merely allowing him to vent the frustrations within his heart.


    Despite his youth, Li Wuling was extremely sharp. He understood the situation, quickly pulling back his attacks. A sh of gratitude flickered in his eyes, and he bowed, saying, "Thank you, General Lin!"


    Wrapping an arm around his shoulders, Lin Wanrong said, "What are you thanking me for? Just remember to include me the next time you y thentern game. I still want to meet moredies of quality. Speaking of which, I was taken advantage of during antern riddlepetition a few days ago. I didn''t drop your name, which was indeed a loss."


    Li Wuling replied, "Indeed! In this capital, just dropping my name, Li Wuling, earns anyone some respect. No one dares to bully the Li family yet."


    Lin Wanrong roared withughter. Coming from a long line of distinguished generals and having a great reputation in the Great Hua, the kid indeed had the right to be arrogant.


    Their sparring session on the training field had attracted many onlookers. Xu Zhen, who saw them joking andughing together, held a great admiration for Lin Wanrong. He seemed like a ma, effortlessly drawing everyone near him into camaraderie.


    Finally, when the little menace Li Wuling left, Lin Wanrong started to grimace in pain in private, muttering, "This little runt doesn''t know how to hold back. I let you win out of goodwill, but you specifically aimed for my weak spots." Although young, Li Wuling was somewhat headstrong. Enduring his punches today to help cultivate a future warrior for Great Hua, Lin Wanrongforted himself, was not a wasted effort.Li Sheng, Du Xiuyuan, and Hu Bugui had received Xu Zhen''s report earlier and were hiding at a distance, watching General Lin "educate" Li Wuling. Seeing his pained expression, they hurried over, struggling to contain theirughter.


    Seeing the three men, Lin Wanrong greeted them cheerfully, "Brothers, long time no see. I wish you all a joyful and prosperous year ahead."


    They allughed heartily together, gripping each other''s hands firmly. Hu Bugui said, "General Lin, we saw your intense duel with Li Wuling on the training field. It was quite a sight, a true battle of the titans."


    Lin Wanrongughed. He didn''t feel any regret over intentionally losing to Li Wuling. These men, all battle-hardened generals, could naturally see through it. Their yful teasing showed their deep bond as brothers, something none of them would hold against each other.


    "How have you been faring at the Jinghua Academy, brothers? Have you learned anything new and interesting?" Lin Wanrong asked with a smile.


    Shaking his head, Hu Bugui sighed, "Since childhood, I''ve detested school. I''ve had countless tutors trying to teach me to read and write. I never imagined that at this age, I''d have to return to school. It''s quite unexpected."


    Du Xiuyuan replied, "That''s true, the time you, old Hu, spent in the brothel far surpasses the time you spent in school. Naturally, school can''tpete with the brothel." A chorus ofughter echoed, Hu Bugui''s face reddened slightly, yet he surprisingly made no retort.


    Li Sheng, chuckling, informed Lin Wanrong, "General Lin, you''re not aware. After Brother Hu arrived in the capital, he got attached to a woman in a brothel. They''re so entwined now that he''s raising funds to buy her freedom."


    Sweat, so old Hu actually enjoyed this, his preference seemed quite simr to that of Gao Qiu who favored mature women. Somewhat embarrassed, Hu Bugui looked at Lin Wanrong and said, "General Lin, are you also here to study in this academy? That''s excellent. With your leadership, we brothers will be able to learn better. After a month, we''ll head to the front line, giving those barbarians a sound beating."


    Lin Wanrong replied with a smile, "Brother Hu, I came today to bring someone to the academy, not to study here myself."


    The men seemed taken aback, and Du Xiuyuan asked, "General Lin, why so? Marshal Xu had already prepared the rmendation letter. As soon as you arrived, our Right Wing Army''s tens of thousands of brothers would have been reunited. At that time, going to battle, killing the northern nomads, and establishing unparalleled merit would be just around the corner. How can General Lin give up?"


    With a light smile, Lin Wanrong responded, "Brothers, given my status, does this matter of the military have anything to do with me?"


    Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned. They had been appreciated and promoted by Lin Wanrong, experienced bloodshed, and swiftly rose from hundred-manmander to ten-thousand-manmander. Their respect and gratitude for General Lin came from their hearts, and they had never considered his status. However, General Lin was different from them. He had no military status, and he wasn''t interested in joining the army, which was why he had declined Marshal Xu''s well-meaning offers to plead for his merit. If he didn''t want to go, no one could force him. They had witnessed General Lin''s spiritedness, but they couldn''t understand why he seemed so passive at this moment.


    The men looked at each other, not knowing what to say. Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "I''m a simple person with no great ambitions, and never dream of achieving merits or building up a career. It would be better if you all didn''t hold high hopes for me."


    They exchanged nces, having witnessed General Lin''s unique personality. He usually mingled with people with a jovial attitude, but he was resolute when it mattered. To persuade him would require time and opportunity, perhaps even the intervention of Xu Wei.


    Hu Bugui and the others were pursuing advanced studies here, and they invited Lin Wanrong to visit their academy. The academy was quite spacious, with arge sand table positioned in the middle. Lin Wanrong took one look at it and was dumbfounded.


    On the sand table, roads, mountains, rivers, and fields were all proportionally created. Even the city walls were modeled after the actual ones, with exceptional precision in their height and length. Comparing to the military sand table Lin Wanrong had seen in his past life, this one was a bit crude, but in this age of cold weapons, such thinking and initiative, and putting them into practice, was indeed a remarkable achievement.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s astonished expression, Du Xiuyuanughed and asked, "General Lin, what do you think?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded and asked, "Brother Du, who built this sand table?"


    Du Xiuyuan looked on with admiration, "General Lin," he said, "you might find this hard to believe, and it puts us men to shame, but this sand table was actually created by a female teacher at the academy. Not only is she proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, astrology, and calendrical calctions, she''s also unparalleled in military strategy. It''s even said that General Li Tai often seeks her advice. This sand table is herbor of love, and we were all amazed when we first saw it."


    Li Sheng interjected, "Our Divine Machine Unit''s repeating crossbow was also modified by this teacher, bing smaller in structure but significantly more powerful. Despite being men, we are all in great admiration of her."


    A female teacher! A sand table! A repeating crossbow! No need to say, he knew who it was. ¡®That girl, she''s capable of all this? Damn it, should I take back what I said earlier? It''s too challenging!¡¯


    As they were talking, Li Wuling brought over an old man, his hair and beard white and demeanor imposing. Upon seeing the old man, Hu Bugui and the others straightened up, bowing their heads in respect, "We greet General Li!"


    General Li? Could this be the legendary pir of Great Hua, Li Tai? Lin Wanrong looked up and saw the old man, his white hair and beard, forehead and corners of his eyes filled with wrinkles, yet he had a rosyplexion and an energetic spirit. His walk was purposeful and vigorous, full of authority.


    Li Wuling giggled, "Grandpa, this is Lin San I told you about. He said he''s never heard of your name, you can ask him. I''m not lying."


    Sweat, this kid was conscienceless. ¡®I yed with you for such a long time, yet you dragged your family here to retaliate against me.¡¯ Lin Wanrong hurriedly bowed his hand and said, "Could this kindly-faced yet imposing figure be the legendary Li Tai, the general who makes the northern nomads tremble in fear?"


    Li Tai eyed Lin Wanrong up and down before suddenly asking, "You are the Lin San that Xu Wei spoke of? You look ordinary to me, I can''t see how you''re capable of leading an army to defeat the White Lotus Sect."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "What General Li said is correct. Ability is not something that can be seen, and it has nothing to do with one''s appearance. Pan An may have had a face that could ruin kingdoms, but it''s uselesspared to General Li''s mighty physique and tiger-like strength."


    Li Tai stroked his beard and smiled, "Comparing me with Pan An, you certainly have a knack for it. Let me ask you, what is the most important thing when ites to leading an army?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "General Li, can I not answer this question? My knowledge is limited, even if I do answer, I''m afraid I might not satisfy you."


    Li Tai''s face hardened, "Answer if you are asked, where did all this unnecessary talke from?"


    This old man, really straightforward, Lin Wanrong thought, his attempts at evading the question punctured. He thickened his skin andughed awkwardly, "In leading an army, moral integrity is the most important. Without it, one would lose the heart of the army. Only by caring for the soldiers, being kind to others while strict with oneself, can you win over the people''s hearts, and have your military orders carried out smoothly."


    Li Tai chuckled, "You certainly know how to generalize, but how to win people''s hearts is a significant issue. Let''s hear your thoughts."


    "That''s simple," Lin Wanrong boldly dered, "Eat, live, and travel with them, treat them like brothers. Lead the charge, enjoy the rewardsst, cherish the lives of your brothers, and learn to run away!"


    Upon hearing thetter part of Lin Wanrong''s statement, Hu Bugui and the others couldn''t help butugh, recalling the general''s stunning remarks during the time hemanded the troops in Chuzhou. Li Tai questioned, puzzled, "Learning to run away? What does that mean?"


    "Preserve the strength of the living, make no senseless sacrifices, learn to pull back the fist before striking again," Lin Wanrong replied with a smile. "Sometimes, fleeing is the only correct choice."


    Li Tai stared at him, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, and dered, "If you were under mymand and dared to utter such words, I would deal with you first."


    Li Tai, a veteran of many battles, stared with such intensity that Hu Bugui and the others fell silent. Even the usually mischievous Li Wuling became quiet. But Lin Wanrong showed no fear. He smiled and said, "Even if General Li punished me, I would still act the same. General Li is responsible to Great Hua, while I am responsible to my brothers under mymand. Our starting points are different, so naturally, our methods will also differ."


    Seeing Lin San argue with the old General Li, everyone was quietly anxious. Hu Bugui subtly tugged at his clothes, to which Lin Wanrong subtly shook his head. Suddenly, Li Taiughed, "You are quite young, but you do have some ideas, interesting indeed! Xu Wei has repeatedly rmended you in front of me. Today, after meeting you, I am somewhat surprised. Come to my camp, I will appoint you as a deputymander. Show what you''ve got. If you manage the troops well, I''ll promote you to the suprememander. If you perform poorly, you can pack your things and leave directly!"


    Hu Bugui and the others were ted. It turned out that Li Tai''s stern questioning was because he valued General Lin. Being in General Li Tai''s camp was the dream of countless Great Hua soldiers, implying great military exploits and endless glory. Li Tai''s direct invitation for Lin San to serve as a deputymander in his camp indicated his high regard for him. Although Xu Wei''s rmendation was not to be ignored, Lin San''s performance also yed a significant role.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong in a daze, Du Xiuyuan urgently pulled him, saying, "General Lin, General Lin--"


    "Oh?" Lin Wanrong snapped back to reality, seeing Li Tai looking at him, he gave a wry smile, "Thank you, General Li, for your kindness. However, I am inexperienced and have no ns to serve in the military again. I''m afraid I might disappoint you."


    "What?" Li Tai grunted, "You don''t want toe? So, after bing the Commander of Xu Wei''s right wing, you don''t want to serve as a Deputy Commander under me? I tell you, fighting the northern nomads and annihting the White Lotus are two different things. The northern nomads are ten times more formidable than the White Lotus. They are not meremon thieves."


    Seeing Li Tai''s bristling eyebrows andmanding presence, even Li Wuling hurriedly tugged at his sleeve, "Lin San, it''s a rare opportunity that grandfather values you so highly. You should ept his offer. You''re the one I rmended!"


    Lin Wanrong was at a loss, when had he be so sought after? Even the pir of Great Hua wanted him to serve in the military. If he refused, this old man would be extremely upset.


    Lin Wanrong said seriously, "General Li, I have never been interested in military affairs, nor do I have the desire to join the military. This time I came to the capital because I have other matters to attend to. I hope the old general understands!"


    "Nonsense! The rise and fall of a nation are everyone''s responsibility. As a grown man, you should be out in the field, making achievements. How can you be tied down by trivial matters? What could be more important than the security of our Great Hua?" Li Tai thundered in anger.


    How could Lin Wanrong say that he couldn''t join the army because he was searching for a wife? He knew his own circumstances; being drafted by Xu Wei to quash the White Lotus rebellion and identally winning battles. Facing the northern nomads on the front line this time around wasn''t like ten against one, as was the case with the White Lotus; this was a life-or-death blood battle, devoid of any chance to y tricks. If he alone died in battle, it wouldn''t be a big deal. There would just be a few more widows in the world. However, if he caused his brothers to get hurt, he could never atone for his crime, even in death.


    The crowd couldn''t understand his feelings. Watching Lin Wanrong''s firm shake of the head, Li Tai was greatly disappointed and sighed, "Xu Wei''s judgment is usually impable, but it seems he has missed the mark this time. What a pity, such a pity!"


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 Chapter 286

    Chapter 286


    Chapter 286 Is My Wife a Princess?


    As they watched Li Tai stride away, sweeping his sleeves, no one knew quite what to say. Li Wuling spoke up, "Lin San, are you truly not considering a military career? Although I disagree with your viewpoint, I greatly admire your courage. Few dare to speak to my grandfather in such a manner."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Speaking the truth is a sign of respect for the old general. At present, I do not wish to join the military, but life is unpredictable and circumstances often change. Who knows? One day we may be brothers in arms again."


    Hu Bugui hurriedly nodded, "Exactly, exactly. General Lin''s actions are always unexpected, too profound for simple folk like us toprehend. I believe there wille a day when he surprises us all."


    Hearing General Lin''s refusal to re-enlist, everyone felt a sense of disappointment. But, as General Lin had said, nothing is constant in this world, and everything can change. Perhaps one day he would return.


    They were all open-minded individuals. They talked about their brotherhood and shared some happy moments. Li Wuling, despite his young age, had grown up in the military and fit right in with the group; there was no barrier between them.


    When Lin Wanrong asked about the situation of Hu Bugui and others after they arrived in the capital, their faces turned grave. It turned out that Xu Wei highly valued the Right Wing Army for their significant contributions. After the army returned to the capital, Marshal Xu personally rmended them to the Emperor. Hu Bugui and the others were summoned to court and receivedmendation, each being rewarded withmand over ten thousand men.


    Not only that, Xu Wei also rmended the trio to the First Marshal of Great Hua, the veteran General Li Tai. Once they rushed to the frontline to resist the northern nomads, it was certain that they would have the opportunity to achieve new merits.


    Lin Wanrong nodded. Xu Wei was indeed a rare wise man, selfless and unambitious. He was adept at suppressing rebellions and reforming the officialdom, but when it came to resisting the northern nomads, he gave preference to the respected General Li Tai. Hu Bugui and the others were brave and resourceful generals. Their talents could only be fully utilized under Li Tai, fighting against the northern nomads.After talking for a while, Hu Bugui sighed, "Speaking of resisting the northern nomads, I am confident of victory, but some harsh realities cannot be denied. The northern nomads are tall, strong, and skilled in mountedbat. Our forces, when ites to individualbat, are somewhatcking. However, our advantage lies in strategy andmand, allowing us to defend our country beyond its borders. Yet in recent years, the court values schrs over warriors. During our nation''s heyday, extravagance has be the norm, schrs are engrossed in useless poetry and painting. When ites to real military needs, we can''t find a fewpetent generals from the court. Worse, some nipoops even propose ceding territory and paying tributes to appease the northern nomads, to maintain temporary peace for Great Hua. Damn it, are these people pig-brained? The northern nomads'' wild ambitions are clear to all but these well-fed court officials. It''s pathetic, utterly pathetic..." Here, Hu Bugui mmed the table in anger, his face flush with rage.


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong''s astonishment, Du Xiuyuan realized that he was not privy to the inner workings of the court and the military affairs. Sighing, he said, "Don''t me Brother Hu for his rudeness, General Lin. A few months ago, when Marshal Xu proposed a campaign against the northern nomads in the spring, someone actually suggested cedingnd for peace, which was truly disgraceful. Thankfully, Marshal Xu and Elder General Li forcefully pointed out the drawbacks of such an approach, and the Emperor finally made up his mind to wage a decisive war against the northern nomads in the spring. Unfortunately, our Great Hua has been at peace for many years, and the culture of schrship has flourished while the military has been neglected. When it came time to mobilize the troops, there was no one in the court, save Elder General Li, who was deemed suitable for the task. With no alternative, the elderly general was called upon once again to lead the troops into battle. Isn''t that heartbreaking?"


    At this point, everyone sighed in regret, even the young Li Wuling shook his head incessantly.


    "Civil prosperity flourishes in times of peace, and martial prowess rises in times of chaos," Lin Wanrong responded, smiling. "This is a naturalw of societal development that no era can escape. But there''s no need to worry. Our Great Hua has a long history and is not without talent. There are dragons hidden in the abyss, yet to be discovered. There are always talented people emerging in every era, and when a crisis arises, there will surely be heroes who stand up."


    Hu Bugui nodded and said, "That''s true, but when we see the elderly general having to travel thousands of miles and fight for our country at his age, we can''t help but worry¡ªGeneral Lin, are you really not going to reconsider?"


    They were still hoping for him to return to the army, Lin Wanrong noted, and heughed, "Let''s put that aside for now. ns may not keep up with changes. Oh, by the way, is the Teacher Xu you mentioned the Miss Xu who taught astronomy and calendar?"


    Du Xiuyuan seemed surprised, "Indeed, it''s that Teacher Xu. Have you met her, General Lin? That''s great! You''re both such talented people. You could have good conversations and be close friends."


    Close friends? He felt more like they were mortal enemies. Hu Bugui nodded in agreement, "Teacher Xu is knowledgeable about everything from astronomy and geography to mathematics and the calendar. I didn''t believe it at first, but after she and Elder General Li taught us military strategy, even the Elder General often consulted her, I waspletely convinced. It''s not an exaggeration to say that she''s the first prodigy among women in our Great Hua."


    Listening to them praise Miss Xu, Li Wulingughed, "You don''t need to tell me this. Who in the capital doesn''t know about Aunt Xu¡¯s talents?"


    Aunt? Lin Wanrong was puzzled for a moment. Miss Xu was General Li''s daughter? That couldn''t be right; one had the surname Xu, the other Li¡ªthey were not rtives at all.


    He pulled Du Xiuyuan to the side, "Brother Du, is Teacher Xu rted to Elder General Li?"


    Du Xiuyuan sighed, "Since you''ve been out of the military, it''s not surprising that you''re not aware of their connection. The Li and Xu families have been close friends for a long time. Miss Xu was betrothed to General Li''s second son from a young age. However, as the elder general has been stationed at the frontier for many years, his son, who was with him, had not met Miss Xu before he died on the battlefield. Both of General Li''s sons sacrificed their lives for the country, and it took eighteen imperial edicts from the Emperor to persuade the stubborn old general to retire to the capital."


    So, it was like that, Lin Wanrong heaved a deep sigh. Miss Xu turned out to be the intended daughter-inw of Li Tai who had not yet married into the family. No wonder when asked about her marriage, she simply chose not to respond, and no wonder despite her hair done in a married woman''s bun, that Ye fellow persisted in his pursuit. A fairdy, a noble suitor. Especially for a widoweddy, this was quite understandable.


    "Lin San, do you know my aunt too?" Li Wuling asked. "I feel like you two would get along well."


    "Young man, a man''s intuition is often mistaken," Lin Wanrongughed heartily as he pped Li Wuling''s shoulder, prompting a round ofughter from Hu Bugui and the others.


    After saying goodbye to the men at the Jinghua Academy, dusk had settled. He wasn''t sure whether the Eldest Miss had returned from visiting the Madam''s old friend. With nothing to do, Lin Wanrong started wandering around outside Jinghua Academy.


    The Jinghua Academy was nestled against a hill, overlooking a deepke with a lovely name, "Bi Bo Tan" [TL: Emerald Wave Lake], boasting tranquil surroundings and scenic beauty. The coolkeside breeze grazed his face. Though it was slightly bone-chilling, it was also refreshing.


    Lin Wanrong found a clean spot and sat down, leaning against a barren willow tree. Theke was misty with a vast smoky surface, which left him a bit dazzled.


    When would he find Qingxuan? Was he to wait indefinitely? Until the seventh day of the seventh lunar month? But what about Qiaoqiao? She was in Jinling, day and night longing for his return. Thinking about this, he felt restless. He picked up a stone and threw it into the water. It sshed with a light ''plop'', creating ripples that spread all around.


    "Who''s there?" A soft yet stern voice called from not far away.


    Lin Wanrong looked up, startled. A silhouette stood by a tree nearby. He could vaguely make out it was a woman, her slim figure and face hidden by the robust tree trunk. It seemed the sound had startled her from her thoughts, prompting her to inquire.


    ¡®This wasn''t your privateke, making a fuss over a thrown stone?¡¯ He was not in the mood and grumbled, "Not a human!"


    Upon hearing his response, she looked at him more closely and said, "Oh, it''s you!"


    Seeing the delicate face from behind the tree, it turned out to be Miss Xu. Including their meeting at the temple yesterday, this was their third encounter in two days.


    "We really have a knack for running into each other, eh, Miss Xu," he said,ughing. Since she''d seen him, he casually strode towards her.


    Miss Xu nced at him warily and asked incredulously, "Have you been following me?"


    Following? He''d not stooped to that level for a long time. Lin Wanrong shrugged, "If I say no, would you believe me? Consider it following if you like. Now, am I here to rob you of your wealth or your virtue?"


    Miss Xu frowned, "Such disrespectful talk, you really deserve a beating."


    She brandished her repeating crossbow, "I''ve warned you yesterday, yet you haven''t learned your lesson."


    ¡®This girl, always carrying around this thing for self-defense.¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed, "Learned my lesson? For what? I neither steal nor rob, who do I need to repent to? But Miss Xu, you''re carrying a repeating crossbow everywhere, I wonder who you''re defending against. Didn''t Brother Li Sheng or General Li Tai tell you that a repeating crossbow is not omnipotent?"


    "You know Li Sheng?" Miss Xu asked curiously, "This crossbow is powerful and suitable for cavalry and infantry battles. What other weapon could be stronger than it? Ah..."


    With a loud ''boom'', water sshed high into the air. Arge vortex slowly dispersed across the surface of theke, filling the air with a smoky scent.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and shook his palm, "Did you see that? This is called the ''One Yang Finger'', which is a hundred times more powerful than your crossbow. I have been lenient with you, not picking a fight."


    Miss Xu was startled by the sudden explosion and covered her ears. Upon seeing Lin Wanrong''s smug exhibition, she couldn''t help butugh, "A musket is a musket. You can''t deceive me by calling it the ''One Yang Finger''!"


    "You know about muskets?" Lin Wanrong was shocked. The precious object given to him by Qingxuan was not something everyone knew about. Miss Xu being able to name it struck him as profoundly surprising.


    "This musket is brought in by the Westerner. A British missionary once demonstrated it in the pce years ago. I witnessed its power and have studied it. However, our Great Hua''s craftsmanship is not yet capable of reproducing it..."


    "British missionary?" Lin Wanrong eximed, stepping forward, "What''s his name?"


    Miss Xu stepped back, raising her crossbow, "What are you doing?"


    ''Damn it, do you think I''m going to harm you?'' Lin Wanrong urgently asked, "Miss Xu, is this British missionary called York?"


    Miss Xu looked at him in astonishment, "How do you know? Missionary York has already returned to Britain. Is the musket in your hand from him..."


    ''Thank heavens!'' Lin Wanrong nearly broke down into tears of relief. Atst, he had found someone who he could talk to, even though she was not exactly friendly to him.


    He tried to maintain a friendly expression, softly asked, "Miss Xu, do you know who the missionary York gave the musket to afterward?"


    "You''re holding the musket and still asking to whom it was given?" Miss Xu shook her head and snorted, "You use a musket to intimidate a weak woman and still show off like this. It''s nonsensical."


    ''You''re the one being nonsensical! If you weren''t aiming your arrow at me, would I have drawn my musket?'' Lin Wanrong was annoyed, but his face bore an irresistible smile, "Miss Xu, you''ve misunderstood. This musket was given to me by a friend. Unfortunately, we parted ways and I don''t know where she lives, hence my question. Do you know a Miss named Xiao Qingxuan?"


    Miss Xu shook her head, "I don''t know the Miss Xiao you mentioned, and I haven''t heard to whom York gave the musket."


    ''Damn, you know nothing and yet act so aloof?'' Lin Wanrong struggled to keep the smile on his face from stiffening, "Miss Xu, you said York was a missionary. Did you see him in the pce in the past?"


    Atst, Miss Xu nodded her agreement, leaving Lin Wanrong in a stunned silence. The pce? How was Qingxuan connected to the pce? A pce maid? Unlikely, were there any maids as beautiful as her? Could the Emperor even ignore her beauty? A concubine? Ridiculous, she was his wife, and she was still a virgin when they consummated their marriage. A concubine? Not a chance!


    So, if she wasn''t a maid, and she wasn''t a concubine, could she possibly be¡ªhis heart pounded fiercely, nearly causing him to jump with surprise.


    ¡®A princess? Is my wife a princess? By God, wouldn''t that make me the prince consort?¡¯ The thought was so overwhelming that he could hardly dare to contemte it further. But when he thought of Qingxuan''s peerless grace and extraordinary aura, the possibility seemed increasingly likely. If this were true, he''d owe an immense debt of gratitude to the heavens, to the Xiao family, and to the White Lotus Sect. Theirbined efforts had bestowed upon him a princess for a wife. Oh, how heughed with joy!


    As he basked in his fantasy, Miss Xu watched him with confusion. The expressions on his face were a whirlwind of emotions¡ªastonishment, joy,sciviousness, contemtion¡ªeach more unpredictable than thest.


    "San Lin, what''s the matter?" Seeing his foolish behavior, Miss Xu couldn''t help but furrow her brows, calling out to him.


    "Oh, Miss Xu, are you speaking to me? I''m well, very well, hehe¡ª" Snapping back to reality from his delusions, Lin Wanrong realized that his conjectures were just that. Until he found Qingxuan, everything remained uncertain.


    He needed to stay humble and diligent, and so he gathered his spirits. Yet, his face still bore a smile of foolish delight, and after several bouts ofughter, he asked, "Miss Xu, you seem to know quite a bit about the pce affairs. Tell me, how many princesses does our current Emperor have?"


    Miss Xu chuckled, "I wouldn''t say I''m very knowledgeable. However, the information you''re asking for ismonly known to all citizens of the Great Hua. Howe you are the exception? Could it be that you''re not from our Great Hua?"


    ¡®I''m from Mars, is that not okay?¡¯ Lin Wanrong gave a dryugh. "I''ve just been too busy recently, and it''s left my mind in a whirl. Could you please tell me how many princesses our current Emperor has, and what their ages are?"


    Miss Xu scrutinized him closely, seeing his eagerness that seemed genuine. She couldn''t help but feel a bit peculiar. This man was like he had popped up from the ground, oblivious even to suchmon knowledge.


    "The Emperor has two princesses. The elder one is in her forties, and the younger one is just twenty."


    Certainly, the one in her forties couldn''t be his wife. Could Qingxuan be the younger princess? There was a two-decade age gap between the two sisters, the Emperor had quite the timing.


    Seeing through his confusion, Miss Xu exined, considering his ignorance about royal lineage, "Our current Emperor is devoted to his people and has worked tirelessly. Over his lifetime, he has only married five concubines, all before he ascended the throne. Between the two princesses, a prince was born but unfortunately died in an ident twenty years ago while the Emperor was still the crown prince. A princess was born afterward, but the grief of losing his son was so great that the Emperor didn''t have any more children for the next two decades."


    So that''s how it was! The Emperor had ascended the throne in his thirties, the prime of his life. How could he not have more children? Could his fertility have beenpromised due to his tireless efforts? This was suspicious!


    Lin Wanrong was full of puzzlement. ¡®If I were the Emperor in my thirties, brimming with vigor, I could have fathered at least eighty, if not a hundred children in twenty years!¡¯


    "Miss Xu, may I ask, has the younger princess been betrothed?" Lin Wanrong asked, a bit sheepishly.


    "Why are you asking this? Could it be that you wish to¡ª" Miss Xu chuckled, "The second princess is a simple soul, leading a quiet life. She''s hardly seen in public even once in a year. Even my father only saw her when she was a child. As for whether she is betrothed, I really don''t know. Perhaps, you could inquire about it yourself."


    Thest sentence had a mocking undertone, but Lin Wanrong pretended not to hear it. "A simple soul, leading a quiet life." This reminded him of Qingxuan. However, based solely on that, could he conclude that his wife was a princess? It seemed he might need to visit the pce to "exchange some words" with the second princess.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong deep in thought, Miss Xu asked, "Do you have any more questions?"


    "Not really. Thank you for answering my doubts, Teacher Xu. If I get the chance, I''d like to take you out for a meal," Lin Wanrong said, chuckling.


    Miss Xu shook her head slightly. "But you haven''t answered my question. How do you know Li Sheng? Are you acquainted with Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan?"


    "I suppose you could say that. After all, we''re all from the same walk of life."


    Miss Xu nodded slightly. "I see. So you''re the General Lin they often mention!"


    "I''m hardly worthy of such a title. I''m just an insignificant servant in the Xiao family, trying to make a living," Lin Wanrong said with a grin.


    Miss Xu looked him up and down, saying seriously, "So it was you at thentern riddle guessing event that day? And the one who exined the nted seeds and washed hands in hot oil? I heard about you from my father and originally admired you. But after seeing what you did yesterday, it''s hard for me to have a good impression. Using a pseudonym for evil deeds and your real name for good ones... It''s hypocritical."


    ¡®Real name? Does she think Lin San is my real name? Interesting!¡¯ Heughed heartily, "Miss Xu, your words confuse me. ording to you, if I hadn''tmitted those evil deeds yesterday, would you have developed some favorable impressions of me?"


    Miss Xu was taken aback. She hadn''t expected an offhandment to provide such an opportunity for him to find fault. This Lin San had quite a swift reaction.


    "Miss, you''ve likely been around too many modest gentlemen to be ustomed to a rogue like me. Whether it''s a good impression or a bad one, they are all feelings. Just remember them. Besides, I never considered myself a good person - does being good grant long life?"


    At these specious words, Miss Xu was at a loss for how to rebut. Lin Wanrong slipped the musket he''d been hiding behind his back back into his bosom, grinning, "By the way, you mentioned your esteemed father. May I ask who he is and how he came to recognize me?"


    "He''s just a schr, and it''s not necessary to mention his name. When you meet him, you will know," said Miss Xu indifferently.


    Just a schr? A man surnamed Xu? Lin Wanrong''s expression changed, surprised. "Are you the youngdy of the Xu family?" Damn it, had his brain been kicked by a pig? A Xu, standing out so remarkably and familiar with Lin San''s affairs, who else could it be but the Xu family''s daughter?


    Hisck of manners frustrated Miss Xu internally, but she did not lose her temper. She merely nodded in confirmation.


    Grinning, Lin Wanrong looked at her and said, "My, my, the youngdy of the Xu family has grown up? I didn''t recognize you! How old are you now? It''s indeed a small world. Had I known this, we could have sheltered from the rain together yesterday and gotten acquainted¡ª"


    Even the patient Miss Xu could not help feeling her anger surge at his words. Seeing her clenched fist, he pretended not to notice, and chuckled, "By the way, your father and your Aunt Su owe me for ying the role of matchmaker for them. So, Miss Xu, what''s your name¡ª"


    Seeing his audacity, Miss Xu gritted her teeth in frustration. Yet when he mentioned her father and aunt, she couldn''t ignore him. Grinding her teeth, she spat out, "My name is Xu Zhiqing!"


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 Chapter 287

    Chapter 287


    Chapter 287 Handling the Gun


    "This name is quite pleasing, Zhi from Tingzhi (Fragrant Angelica) and Qing from Fangqing (Clear Fragrant), so full of artistic conception, it''s far better than my name, Lin San, with just two words. Truly befitting the daughter of the world''s foremost schr, superior even to the brilliance she sprang from," Lin Wanrong nodded andughed.


    Xu Zhiqing shook her head with a light chuckle. This man''s speech was strange, rambling without any coherence. She decided to treat his words as nothing more than a jest.


    "Zhiqing," Lin started, "when you get home, mention to your father that I''ll be visiting your estate as soon as I have a spare moment. I''m certain Master Xu will be absolutely delighted. Oh, and let''s not forget your Aunt Su. They promised to throw me a thank-you feast once I arrived in the capital. It''s a shame I can''t y matchmaker for you. It''s unheard of, isn''t it, to be one''s own matchmaker?" He burst intoughter.


    As he casually addressed her by name, with an uncanny level of familiarity, and brought up old subjects to tease her, Miss Xu huffed and exhaled. Her gaze, however, softened, as if ignoring his absurd words. Her face was as serene as an ancient well. Nodding, she replied, "I will certainly ry your message to my aunt and father, Mr. Lin."


    "Truly the daughter of Xu Wei, she possesses an impressive spirit," Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Miss Xu, when you find the time, you can visit the branch of the Xiao family as well. I ¡ª I mean, the young mistress is always there. Didn''t you want to meet and chat with her? I believe you two will findmon ground."


    Xu Zhiqing''s longshes fluttered. Suddenly, she said, "Mr. Lin, I have a request that I hope you wouldn''t mind granting."


    He raised his eyebrows. "A request from the youngdy?" Lin Wanrong eyed her carefully. Miss Xu had almond eyes, peach cheeks, fair skin, delicate lips, a slender waist, and a voluptuous body. Despite no longer being in the flush of youth, she had an even more mature allure. "What might you be asking me for? Let me rify beforehand: if it''s simple, I''ll agree. If it''s not, then I can''t promise anything," he replied with a smile.


    "Simplicity itself," Xu Zhiqing responded faintly. "I would like to examine the musket gun you carry with you.""Borrow my gun?" He chuckled, his expression bing serious. "That might be easy for you, Miss, but it''s far from simple for me. This firearm was a gift from a friend for my self-defense; it''s as precious as life to me. We''re only acquainted, so how could I entrust my life to you?"


    "You have a point, Mr. Lin," Xu Zhiqing nodded. She handed him the repeating crossbow she was holding. "Since the sess of improving this small repeating crossbow, I''ve been carrying it with me every day for self-defense. To show my sincerity, I''m entrusting my crossbow to you. You can think of it as an exchange of life for life. What do you think?"


    Her expression was solemn, not at all yful. Lin Wanrong nced at the crossbow, chuckling, "So this is the so-called pledge of life, unswerving until death? We''ve just met a few times, and it hase to this ¡ª isn''t this moving a bit too fast?"


    Xu Zhiqing closed her eyes slightly, indicating she hadn''t heard his words. Seeing that he had pushed far enough, Lin Wanrong chuckled and handed the firearm over, saying, "Showing it to you is useless anyway. With the standard of metallurgy in our great country, it''s impossible to replicate this thing."


    The firearm was surprisingly heavy in her hand. Xu Zhiqing frowned slightly as she remarked, "When I first saw this firearm years ago, I merely watched from a distance, never touching it. I hadn''t imagined that it would be so heavy in hand."


    "Hadn''t you imed you had studied it in the past?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    Miss Xu gave him a charming smile, "If I hadn''t said that, would you have let me examine this firearm?"


    A crafty little vixen, Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly, relieved that he had unloaded the ammunition, or who knew what might have happened with it in her hands.


    After examining and fiddling with the firearm, Miss Xu shook her head and sighed, "The Westerners¡¯ craftsmanship is indeed exquisite. The gun barrel and sights are wonderfully intricate. Our craftsmen from the Great Hua fall somewhat short inparison, and replicating this would be impossible. Mr. Lin, could you perhaps fire a shot? I''d like to observe the firing process of the firearm, the shot earlier was too fast for me to catch."


    "Well," Lin Wanrong hesitated, "Shooting in front of Miss Xu might not be very appropriate, and it''s not something I excel at."


    Upon seeing his indescribable lewd expression, Miss Xu suddenly became more vignt, "It''s only shooting! Why would that be inappropriate?"


    [TL: Shooting a gun is a ng term in Mandarin Chinese that refers to male masturbation.]


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Would you prefer that I shoot with my left hand or my right hand?"


    Miss Xu felt his expression was peculiar but couldn''t figure out what was wrong. After contemting for a while, she said, "Whichever hand Mr. Lin is ustomed to using."


    Lin Wanrong replied seriously, "Such aplex task isn''t particrly easy for either of my hands. However, since Miss Xu has requested it, I will give it a try. Sigh, it''s a bit embarrassing to shoot a gun in front of such a beautifuldy."


    Suppressing augh, he loaded the gun, aimed at a withered willow by the pond, and fired. After the loud bang, the tree was riddled with bullets, deeply embedded in its bark.


    Releasing her hands from her ears, Miss Xu said solemnly, "The Western craftsmanship is indeed remarkable. Just the momentum alone is enough to intimidate, not to mention the enormous power of the firearm''s discharge."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Miss Xu, this isn''t a craft, but basic precision manufacturing. Such a product cannot be created by human hands alone. Has Mr. Xu discussed with you about the Frenchman Tavernier? Li Sheng has visited Tavernier''s iron-d ship. The steel tes cut in one piece, and the cannons on the ship, all exhibit a level of craftsmanship that surpasses that of Great Hua. And this is only them stepping into the threshold of precision manufacturing. If Great Hua continues to cling to its old ways, it will fall significantly behind when the West enters the true industrial age. Ships will no longer need winds or oars but will use heat energy converted into mechanical energy to propel massive ships forward. The gap between us will be vast. Whether Miss Xu believes it or not, this is not an exaggeration. If we wake up only when that day arrives, it would be toote."


    Despite her exceptional intelligence, Xu Zhiqing was taken aback by his words. "Convert heat into mechanical energy? What does that mean? Will the West really reach such an advanced stage?"


    "Take this musket, for example. Miss Xu, how do you think the pellets inside this barrel are fired?"


    After a moment of thoughtful contemtion, Xu Zhiqing answered, "I''ve studied this. It''s the explosion and burning of gunpowder that propels the iron pellets!"


    Lin Wanrong managed a bitter smile, saying, "You only see the surface, not the underlying principle. It''s the transformation of two types of energy: the thermal energy produced by the explosion of gunpowder is converted into the kic energy that propels the bullet forward. Can you understand what I''m saying?"


    Seeing Miss Xu''s eyes widen with innocent confusion, Lin Wanrongughed helplessly. Why did he bother exining? Did she want to understand? Could she understand?


    "Forget it, forget it," he said, waving dismissively. "Even if I exin, you won''t understand. It''s pointless." Looking crestfallen, Lin Wanrong abruptly walked away without another word. Where could he find someone who understood his words?


    "Thermal energy? Kic energy? What are these?" Xu Zhiqing furrowed her brows, lost in thought. Suddenly, Lin Wanrong, who had walked quite a distance, turned back around. He approached with an embarrassed expression and asked, "Miss Xu, may I ask you something?"


    "What is it?"


    "How do I get to the Imperial Pce?"


    Xu Zhiqing hesitated for a moment before finallyughing. "Why are you trying to find the Imperial Pce? That''s not a ce you can just visit. You would likely be apprehended before you even approached it."


    "I just want to stroll around the area, maybe find someone," Lin Wanrong replied, grinning mischievously.


    "You are a dreamer," she said,ughing. "The princess is a noble and cherished daughter of the Emperor. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of wealthy young men who desire an audience with her every day. You shouldn''t delude yourself." Recalling the baffling words Lin San had previously spoken, Xu Zhiqing couldn''t help but chuckle. His words had been so sensible just moments ago; how had he be so foolish so quickly?


    Lin Wanrong giggled and said, "Miss Xu, you really shouldn''t worry about me like this. People might get the wrong idea."


    Xu Zhiqing replied nonchntly, "Thank you for your concern, Mr. Lin. But I speak like this to many people, and no misunderstandings have urred."


    He scowled at her defiance. Agitated, he thought about pursuing her, winning her over, and then abandoning her, just to make her regret and suffer for a lifetime. A fittingly cruel punishment, he thought, his grin turning wicked. It seemed Miss Xu had guessed his intentions somewhat. She shook her head and scoffed, refusing to engage him further.


    Visiting the Imperial Pce was a lofty dream, and Lin Wanrong was a man of action. If he thought of something, he did it, and he did it to the best of his ability. He lingered outside the gate, gazing in awe at theplexyers of the pce architecture, the painted eaves, carved beams, and numerous pirs, each exceptionally exquisite.


    The inner court of the Imperial Pce was not like the Xiao family courtyard; one couldn''t juste and go as one pleased. As he stood outside the moat, the pce guards stood sternly before him. Even stepping a foot forward seemed impossible. Lin Wanrong remained extraordinarily calm; he wasn''t a fool. Even if Qingxuan really lived in the pce, with thousands upon thousands of rooms in the inner court, where would he even start looking for her? He would have to strategize carefully.


    Standing by the gateway, he gazed longingly at the outer part of the pce, imagining he saw the figure of Qingxuan standing gracefully. ¡®This girl,¡¯ he wondered, ¡®Does she miss me just as much?¡¯


    He chuckled, as a small sedan chair nearby came to a halt. A delicate face peered out from within the sedan, and a soft voice called, "Lin San, what are you doing here?"


    "Eldest Miss, I came specially to meet you!" Lin Wanrong responded, grinning cheekily.


    Xiao Yuruo blushed, giving him a stern look before saying, "Stop being naughty! I came here to visit an old friend of my mother''s. It was a spontaneous decision. How could you have known toe meet me? I suspect you were here for some mischief!"


    Afterughing heartily for a moment, noticing that it was gettingte, he decided to follow the Eldest Miss''s sedan chair back to their mansion. He rted the story of how he had taken Yushuang to the academy, mentioning that the daughter of Xu Wei was teaching there. The Eldest Miss nodded and said, "I feel much better knowing Yushuang is under the care of Miss Xu. Once we''re done with the hectic schedule of the next few days, we should pay a visit to Minister Xu''s residence and have a good chat with Miss Xu. How does that sound?"


    "Good, of course it''s good!" Lin Wanrong responded cheerfully. "Did you gain anything from your busy day, Eldest Miss?"


    Xiao Yuruo sighed faintly, murmuring, "My mother left the capital for many years. These old friends have grown distant. When I paid them a visit today, it was good enough that they didn''t snub me. How could there be any gains?"


    It''s a universal truth, out of sight, out of mind. Seeing a hint of mncholy on the Eldest Miss''s face, Lin Wanrongforted her, "That''s how the world works. The more challenging a task, the greater the sense of achievement once you seed. Trust yourself. Besides, even if you don''t trust yourself, you must trust me. I''m Lin San!"


    "Annoying, when did I stop trusting myself? You''re just bragging." The Eldest Miss huffed, "In a few days, the Grand Prime Minister Temple will be holding a flower appreciation event. It''s a good opportunity for us. You''re not allowed to ck off these few days. Stay by my side every day so we can n properly."


    "I was destined to be exploited by you. If I refuse to help, wouldn''t you just eat me alive?" Lin Wanrong joked, "Speaking of which, we''ve earned quite a lot of silver. When can I see the ount books? Make sure you''re not cooking the books and skimming my share."


    "You''re always thinking about silver. Tomorrow, I''ll move all your silver from the bank, and you can sleep hugging it." The Eldest Miss, seeing his teasing expression, felt an unspoken irritation.


    Taking advantage of a moment when Sister Song wasn''t looking, Lin Wanrong sneakily leaned towards the sedan chair, whispering cheekily, "Then I''ll just hug you. Hugging you would be like hugging the silver."


    The Eldest Miss''s heart skipped a beat. She turned her head away, refusing to look at him. Softly, she said, "Shameless! Don''t think about fooling me. I''m not Yushuang, only she would fall for your nonsense."


    Lin Wanrong covertly stretched out his hand and lightly scratched the back of her hand. The Eldest Miss quickly withdrew her hand, her cheeks flushing red as she softly huffed, "What are you doing? People are watching! Don''t think I''m as easy to tease as Yushuang!"


    Lin Wanrong flirted with her for a moment, then said with augh, "Speaking of Yushuang, I do miss her. Now that she''s gone to the academy, it''s just the two of us in the inner courtyard. I''m really scared, ah..."


    The Eldest Miss trembled at his words, "What... what are you nning to do? If you dare to bully me, I''ll tell my mother!"


    "What if you bully me?" Lin Wanrongughed mischievously, "Should I also go tell your mother? How could I bear the embarrassment? After all, I''m a decent man¡ª"


    Xiao Yuruo couldn''t bear to listen anymore. Angrily, she red at him, "Don''t assume I''m some kind of loose woman. If you dare harbor any ill intentions, I''ll¡ª"


    "Alright!" Lin Wanrong gentlyughed, "Stop threatening me. Can''t you take a joke? There are plenty of women waiting for me to misbehave. You''d have to wait in line for three months!"


    The Eldest Miss dropped the curtain, loudlymanding the sedan bearers, "Move faster! Sister Song, send word that Lin San''s dinner won''t be needed tonight! Those waiting in line for him have been waiting for three months already."


    True to her word, no one came to serve him dinner that night. Lin Wanrong didn''t mind, knowing that hitting is an expression of closeness and scolding is an expression of love. It would be strange if there was neither.


    As he was lying on his bed, about to drift off to sleep, he suddenly heard a creaking sound. The door to his room was being opened.


    ¡®The Eldest Miss couldn''t resisting,¡¯ he thought, a thrill rising within him. He quickly sat up, only to freeze in surprise at the sight of the person who had walked in. Shocked, he eximed, "What... what are you nning to do? Don''te any closer. I''ll cry for help¡ª"


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 Chapter 288

    Chapter 288


    Chapter 288 Exchange of Conditions


    "What''s the matter? Afraid I might eat you? Go ahead and shout, let''s see whoes to your rescue," the woman quipped. A short sword grasped in her hand, she swayed it lightly, advancing with a mocking smile, her eyes resembling a pool of clear water.


    As Lin Wanrong stared at the gleaming sword, his heart was filled with annoyance. Why had this witche, and at night no less? She had dared to break into his room. What should he do if she attacked him? Should he scream for help or stay quiet? What a dilemma.


    "Sigh, I see you''ve already made up your mind to force me. In consideration of you being Xian''er''s Master, I will not resist. You may proceed, just please don''t use the prone position," he sighed.


    A flush of red crept onto An Biru''s face, and sheughed, "Little brother, you seem to have thickened your skin during our days apart. Did the hangover soup not cure youst time? Perhaps I should prepare some other good things for you. I''m sure you would enjoy them."


    Mentioning the hangover soup made Lin Wanrong feel a pang of sadness. "You vixen, one day I''ll teach you what it means to be half-drunk, half-awake, yearning for life yet wanting to die," he said,ughing to mask his feelings. "Nowhere close, without Sister An''s training, I would have be shyer. Sister, it''s been a long time since we''ve met, I really missed you. Come, give me a hug!"


    He made a gesture to hug her. An Biru chuckled, waving her short sword, "Fine by me. I don''t mind!"


    "Wait, what are you doing with that sword? Its swaying is making me dizzy. The New Year is not over yet; using swords and knives is bad luck. Put it down quickly, let''s sit down and talk," Lin Wanrong said, chuckling.


    An Biru sat down in front of him, ncing around the room. "The Xiao family really doesn''t treat you well. Look how shabby your room is, you don''t even have a maid to warm your bed. Little brother, why not follow me in the future? I promise you''ll have all the luxurious food and drink you want. As for the madam and youngdies of the Xiao family, you can y with them and then cast them aside. Don''t let them get too attached."Speechless, Lin Wanrong thought, ''This sister really is the world''s number one woman with such strength!'' He wasn''t some grand master in the Xiao family. Having an independent room and the chance to flirt with the youngdy every day, where could he find such an exceptional job?


    Rising with augh, Lin Wanrong sat in front of her and said, "Sister, how did you find me... ah, the bright sword is scary. Better to put it away."


    An Biru shed a charming smile, "Finding you isn''t hard. You''re not the Emperor in the pce. I have a thousand ways to locate you... It''s safer to keep this sword in hand. After all, we''re alone in this room. If you bully a weak woman like me, where could I go to cry out for injustice?"


    Lin Wanrong wiped the cold sweat from his brow. Him, bullying her? If she weren''t forcing herself onto him, he''d already be thanking his lucky stars. If there was a woman in this world he couldn''t handle, Sister An was definitely one of them.


    "Sister, pointing that de at me is making me very ufortable. Could you kindly withdraw it a bit? I''m afraid it might scare me," Lin Wanrong said sincerely, staring at her with a solemn expression.


    "This sword serves as my protection. If you are wary, feel free to draw your own weapon. At the city gates of Jining, you were quite imposing, yet now, you seem so timid. Are you still a man? Ah, my..."


    Lin Wanrong pointed the musket in his hand at her ample chest, the softness there made him push a little harder. He took a quick look at her, swallowing hard before saying, "Let''s negotiate, Sister. Although you possess an extraordinary sword, I carry with me two firearms. One of them is particrly effective against women, iparably formidable. Now, you are not the Holy Mother of the White Lotus Sect, and I am not a general of the government army. One of us is Xian''er''s master, and the other is Xian''er''s husband, both her closest kin. Let''s be amicable and avoid violence, like our days on Weishan Lake, discussing matters heart to heart, enjoying life. Isn''t that beautiful?"


    An Biru burst into a giggle, covering her mouth, and cast a coquettish nce at him, "I knew you would say that. What do you think of my precious sword?"


    With a delicate flick of her hand, a crisp sound echoed, and the shining small sword broke into two, revealing a hollow core. It turned out to be a convincingly fake sword.


    ¡®Damn it, she tricked me with a fake item. If I hadn''t drawn my gun, this vixen would have scared me to death.¡¯


    "I was only joking with you. After a month apart, I kind of missed you, hehe," An Biru puffed up her chest, a hint of bizarre flush surfaced on her face, and she smiled at him, "Isn''t it about time you put your gun away? What are you pointing at me for?"


    "Let my gun rest a bit longer; it''s a rare opportunity!" Lin Wanrong chuckled. Seeing this vixen seemingly unfazed, and recalling Xian''er''s words that her master always maintained her chastity, he became quite suspicious.


    "In this world, the only one who can make me, An Biru, afraid, is you, little brother," the vixen smiled.


    "The feeling is mutual," Lin Wanrongughed heartily. The two engaged in a witty, flirtatious battle of intellects, a truly evenly matched game. He was cheerful by nature, and a yful exchange with Sister An elicited a feeling of mutual admiration. It was not easy to find someone who could hold their own against Lin San.


    "Master Sister, how did you know I was here? I was about to look for you," Lin Wanrong said in earnest, putting the banter with An Biru aside.


    "What do you want with me? I suspect you''re really looking for Xian''er, despite your ttering words," An Biru said. "I happened to see Miss Xiao''s sedan chair when I was out on errands today, and you just so happened to be there too. So, I came over to check. You don''t appreciate my kindness but use your gun against me, where did your conscience go?"


    ¡®Came specifically to see me? Since when were we so familiar?¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed, "Thank you, sister, for your kindness. I''m really grateful. When I got to the capital a few days ago, I wanted to contact Xian''er, but she left in a hurry and didn''t leave an address. Oh, by the way, why didn''t Xian''ere with you?"


    An Biru smiled gently and said, "As for Xian''er, I sent her on a critical task. Why, do you miss her that much? Am I not here on her behalf to see you?"


    Cold sweat broke out on his forehead. She was his wife, what did it mean for An Biru to represent her? Did this mean An Biru could represent Xian''er in other matters too? Xian''er''s entire focus was on him. If she had known he was in the capital, she would have flown to him at once. Why hadn''t she appeared after such a long time? Something was off. That enchantress An Biru must have been keeping something from Xian''er. What exactly had she dispatched Xian''er to do? God damn it, she was so arrogant to treat his wife as if she were nothing.


    Seeing his uneasy expression, An Biru seemed to have guessed his thoughts. Sheughed lightly and said, "Don''t worry. I have raised Xian''er since she was a child, and you have seen how close our rtionship is. I would never harm her. As for you, if you truly care for Xian''er so deeply, why have you not consummated your marriage with her? She''s been brooding over this for a while. If you genuinely care for her, fulfill her wishes sooner rather thanter."


    This was a lingering concern for Lin Wanrong. Initially, he nned to find Qingxuan in the capital to seek a solution. However, given the circumstances, if Qingxuan truly was the princess of Great Hua, he wasn''t sure when he''d be able to see her. He had to figure out another way to handle Xian''er''s situation.


    With these thoughts, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered what An Biru had told him in Jinling. A flicker of hope ignited in his heart. He looked at her and said, "Sister, I call you my Master now. I understand Xian''er''s feelings, but I don''t know how to take out the Love Bug in her. Please help me figure out a way. In my next life, I will certainly repay you with my own body."


    "Next life?" An Biru chuckled, "What a good idea you''ve got there. To take out the Love Bug, as I''ve told you before, just divorce your other wives and spend a happy lifetime with my Xian''er. Had you consummated your marriage back at Weishan Lake, we wouldn''t be in this mess. Xian''er is just too soft-hearted."


    If that was the case, why was he even bothering to argue with this enchantress? Damn it, speaking with her was always full of jokes. Just because she was Xian''er''s master, did not mean he wouldn''t dare do anything to her. If she infuriated him, he would deal with her ¡ª his fingers and the gun at his disposal. He forced a grin, saying, "That proposal is really interesting. I''ve written a lot in my life, but I''ve never written a divorce letter. I wonder what it feels like."


    Reading his face, An Biru seemed to know what he was thinking. She suddenly sighed and said, "Brother Lin, don''t think so ill of me. This Love Bug is a testament to a Miao woman''s deep affection. The process of administering the bug is also fraught with suffering, it can''t be taken out so easily."


    This was the first time An Biru had addressed him so formally since they had met. Seeing her usually yful face now deadly serious, Lin Wanrong felt a jolt of rm. What kind of bug was this Love Bug? It could be imnted but not removed, wasn''t that ruining people''s lives?


    "In the past, when Xian''er was young, she despised men who took multiple wives and concubines due to her own tumultuous life circumstances. She implored me to nt the Love Bug on her. Despite my repeated attempts to dissuade her, her stubborn nature wouldn''t be swayed. At the time, I too was reeling from personal blows and in my unsettled state, I gave in and imnted the bug. I had thought that given Xian''er''s beauty, only the rarest of men could be her match and dare to entertain thoughts of another woman before her. However, s, she encountered a peculiar man like you. The foolish Xian''er became distraught. If you had loved only her, it wouldn''t have been so bad. But what is detestable is that you have so many beloved women. Xian''er loves you to an extreme, discarding her vow from years ago, but the matter of the Love Bug ¡ª easy to nt, difficult to remove ¡ª still stands. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be the ''Love Bug''," An Biru said mncholically, her eyes rippling slightly and her voice heavy with a tone of reminiscence, seemingly reliving the past.


    Lin Wanrong understood. She said it was easy to nt, difficult to remove, but didn''t say it was impossible to remove, which meant there was still hope.


    "Sister, stop teasing me. If you have a solution, just say it. I''m still waiting for Xian''er to bear me a son! She''s well-built, with ample bosom and hips, naturally fit to bear children. Sister, please think of a way," Lin Wanrong smirked.


    An Biru giggled, casting him a sidelong nce. "How do you manage to say such things? If anyone else heard such words from you, they might have already chased you out."


    ¡®Damn, if anyone else were sitting in front of me, I''d have knocked them over by now. Who''d have their turn to speak to me like this?¡¯


    An Biru''s beautiful eyes shone like water, a faint blush on her cheeks. She sighed lightly, "The bug was nted by me, naturally, I have a way to remove it. But the method is challenging, and I have to pay a significant price. Unless, you help me with something."


    Lin Wanrong replied, "I understand, this is the real reason why Sister An came to see me today, right? Got it, got it. There''s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Let''s call this an exchange of conditions."


    An Biru smiled charmingly, "Brother Lin is indeed smart. It''s effortless to talk to someone like you. However, don''t be too disappointed. I came here today, ny percent for this exchange, but ten percent was genuinely to see you, hehe ¡ª"


    ¡®Bluff, keep bluffing,¡¯ Lin Wanrong shrugged indifferently, "Let''s cut to the chase, Miss An, what do you want me to do? By my own assessment, besides being handsome, knowledgeable, gentle, modest, and careful, I don''t have many other qualities. What have you seen in me?"


    An Biru gave him a faint look, "Little brother, this ''Miss An'' makes us sound unfamiliar. I still prefer you calling me Sister An."


    "If I were to believe you, that would be ridiculous," Lin Wanrongughed, "Miss An, you''re not being fair. This is an exchange of conditions, there''s no owing between us, it''s just like doing business, it''s better to keep things separate. Let''s talk about your conditions, let''s see if I can fulfill them."


    An Biru observed hisposed demeanor, which seemed genuine, and hesitated for a while beforeughing lightly. "My seeking you out naturally indicates my confidence in your ability to aplish the task, one you are highly skilled at."


    The thing he was most skilled at? The longest part of his body, he was quite aware of, but the thing he was most adept at, that he didn''t understand.


    "Brother Lin, let me tell you a story," An Biru sighed softly. "Once you hear it, you will understand."


    "Once upon a time, there was a grand master renowned throughout the world. She had two disciples, both of whom were females, beautiful as fairies. They were exceptional at music, chess, calligraphy, painting, martial arts, and horse riding. Young heroes from all corners of the world yearned for them. The master was an unparalleled figure with immense prestige, revered by all. She taught her two disciples equally, showing no favoritism. The disciples, who were as close as sisters, got along well with each other. However, one day, rumors began to spread that the elder disciple was a distant rtive of the royal family with noble blood, while the younger was a wild Miao girl with a reckless appearance. From the day these rumors began to circte, the master changed subtly and began to favor the elder disciple, teaching her exclusively. The younger disciple, perplexed, confronted her sister, but her sister manipted the situation such that the master heard their confrontation. The master, in her anger, berated the younger disciple and stopped teaching her. On her deathbed, she entrusted her teachings to the elder disciple, instructing her to assist the current prince in ascension to the throne."


    An Biru''s expression was serene, her tone mncholic, as if she was recalling her past. Lin Wanrong kept silent. From the moment the story began, he understood that An Biru was narrating her own life story.


    "Had it been a fairpetition and the younger sister had lost, she would''ve had nothing to say. But the master was biased, losing her fairness. The younger disciple, havinge from a Miao background, was naturally sensitive to her status, and when she saw the master treating her this way, she felt deste. When the master passed away, she swore in front of the master''s spirit tablet that she would defeat her sister and seek justice for herself. That day, many people came to mourn the master. The two disciples, both proud and haughty, quarreled, which led to a fight. Since they had grown up together and their martial skills were evenly matched, neither could ovee the other. However, a despicable person took advantage of the younger disciple''s unpreparedness andunched a surprise attack, allowing the elder disciple to gain a slight advantage. Furious, the younger sister left the mountain despite her injuries, severing ties with her sister. The senior sister sided with the second prince, so the younger sister decided to aid the third son of the emperor. Neither of them gained any advantage from their secret fights. But the third prince, Prince Cheng was stubborn and did not heed advice at a crucial moment. He was betrayed and eventually defeated in the battle for the throne. Unwilling to fall into obscurity, the younger sister borrowed some power and established the White Lotus Sect, hoping to rise again¡ª"


    At this point, An Biru nced at Lin Wanrong. Her face held aplex, unreadable expression. She whispered, "Given my previous disposition, I would have shown no mercy to anyone who interfered with my ns. But you... you''re Xian Er''s husband. Could this be my destiny?"


    She heaved a long sigh, at a loss for words. Lin Wanrong grasped the gist of her story. Apparently, An Biru had failed in her contest with her senior sister for status. She had hoped to defeat her rival with the help of Zhao Kangning''s father. But when Prince Cheng lost, in desperation, she formed the White Lotus Sect to oppose her sister, only to be unwittingly defeated by Lin Wanrong himself. By such calctions, their enmity was far from trivial.


    "Miss An," Lin Wanrong attempted to console her, "it''s been so many years, let go a little. Your senior sister merely had different views from yours. It''s not a deep-seated hatred."


    An Biru managed a bitter smile, her eyes welling with tears. "No hatred? All these years, I''ve been disced, my home the four corners of the world. I''ve been shunned, humiliated. Who do you think is to me? She, born of an esteemed line, can look down on the world, while I, a lowly Miao girl, can only be trodden underfoot. Are Miao girls inherently inferior?"


    Lin Wanrong was at a loss for words. If An Biru''s resentment had been simple envy, it might have faded over the years. But instead, her hatred had deepened. This was more than mere jealousy could exin. Perhaps the stark ss disparity had triggered her. They were merely representatives of two different sses. With this in mind, he found nothing surprising.


    "Don''t cry anymore. I understand you. It''s not your fault." Lin Wanrong reached into his robe to give her a handkerchief. But seeing it, he hastily tried to retrieve it. It was the Yunjin silk handkerchief left by Qingxuan.


    An Biru snorted, snatching the handkerchief from him. She dabbed at her tears and chuckled. "What a miser you are, grudging even a silk handkerchief. Do you think these tears are manufactured?"


    ¡®Damn it, that''s my token of love with Qingxuan. I usually can''t bear to touch it. You''re so ungrateful.¡¯


    Seeing his displeased face, An Biru sighed. "I''ve battled her for twenty years, lost time and time again, but I''ve always stood up again. Despite repeated failures, I''ve never been afraid. I must defeat her in this lifetime, I must!"


    Her gaze fell on him, a faint smile at the corner of her mouth. Lin Wanrong was taken aback and hurriedly eximed, "Sister An, why are you looking at me like that? You''re not expecting me to defeat her, are you? God, spare me! I haven''t even had children with Xian''er yet!"


    An Biru giggled. "What are you afraid of when I''m here?"


    ¡®Damn it, it''s precisely because you''re here that I''m afraid. Without you, the world would be at peace.¡¯


    "Do you think I''m asking you to fight her? Although you have those strange hidden weapons, even if you could catch her off guard, you wouldn''t be able to harm her!" Sister An tittered, poking him on the nose with her slender finger. "You''re so silly! Do you think I''d be that dumb? You might be a little foolish, but I haven''t stooped to that level yet!"


    She had just cried, her long eyshes still wet with tear droplets, her cheeks slightly red. As her full bosom and curvaceous hips shivered slightly, her flirtatious poke seemed like a lover''s coquettish tease, charm oozing from her very bones.


    ¡®Damn it, she''s trying to tempt me again. Even if she were naked, I wouldn''t fall for it. I''m only good at martial arts in bed; let''s leave the rest out of it.¡¯ Lin Wanrong let his eyes wander unabashedly over her figure, snickering a few times but remaining silent.


    "There are many ways to defeat a person. Defeating her through martial arts is just one of them. While it''s simple and straightforward, itcks much fun." An Biru smiled subtly. "You have many other methods at your disposal, like wisdom, schrship, and others... Hehe, think about it yourself."


    "You''re not suggesting that I seduce her, are you?" Lin Wanrong dered steadfastly. "I warn you not to entertain that idea. I am an upright person. It''s an insult to say such things in front of me¡ªIs she as beautiful as you? Oh, I''m just asking casually. Don''t get me wrong! I''m an upright person!"


    "She''s so beautiful that she could topple cities and kingdoms, even more so than Bao Si," An Biru replied.


    [TL: Bao Si was the concubine of the ancient Chinese sovereign King You of Zhou. She was considered one of the most beautiful Chinese women ever.]


    "Damn it, if she''s that beautiful, then let her topple cities and kingdoms. I still prefer those mature, thorny types. Hehe, don''t get me wrong, Sister An, I''m not talking about you. You''re so mature you''re almost withering¡ª"


    Sister An shot him a flirtatious nce and said, "You''d better not regret it. Some say my senior sister is the Chang''e from the Moon Pce, an otherworldly fairy. There''s no man under the heavens whom she has graced with a direct look. Would you say she''s beautiful?"


    "Chang''e? A fairy?" Lin Wanrong paused, suddenly recalling the etherealdy he''d encountered outside the Jade Buddha Temple. ¡®Good heavens, it couldn''t be her, could it?¡¯


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 Chapter 289

    Chapter 289


    Chapter 289 The Eldest Miss'' Disappearance


    If things were really as such, the situation seemed rather stimting. Should he consider it? His heart pounded faster, and he stared nkly for a good while. Seeing his expression, An Biru chuckled, "Well, well, so you''re tempted just hearing that she''s pretty? Men really can''t resist a lure."


    Lin Wanrong, feigning deaf to her sarcasm, curiously asked, "Then could you tell me, Miss An, where does this goddess live? How can I meet her?"


    "Want to see her? In this world, there are enough men who want to see her to form a line from the capital to Jinling. But how many have really seen my senior sister¡¯s true face?" An Biru shook her head, smilingly nced at him. "Of course, you are an exception. As long as you ept these conditions and with my arrangements, you can see her as many times as you want. As for how to defeat her, that depends on your own abilities. Worst-case scenario, you''re exposed, she kills you, hahaha."


    Lin Wanrong, breaking out in a cold sweat, had initially been focused only on the thrilling aspect of the matter, overlooking the inherent danger. Luckily, this vixen pointed it out.


    He was about to respond with a chuckle when he saw An Biru frown slightly, whispering, "Someone''sing..."


    Lin Wanrong listened intently. There came the faint sound of footsteps from the corridor, seemingly from a woman. This woman appeared to be deliberately treading lightly. If one didn''t listen closely, they wouldn''t notice at all.


    "Who¡ª?" An Biru¡¯s eyes gleamed with mischief, and she suddenly asked out loud.


    The woman outside the window paused, seemingly surprised that there was a female voice inside. She gritted her teeth, clenched her fists, and growled, "And who are you?""Hahaha, I''m Lin San''s sweetheart¡ª" An Biru gave Lin Wanrong a teasing nce.


    "Are you out of your mind?" Lin Wanrong jumped in fright, hastily pulling An Biru towards him, his palm covering her cherry-like mouth, "Damn it, are you trying to get me in trouble? That''s the Eldest Miss. Watch out, I might rape you and then kill you, look at what¡ªhaven''t you been raped before?"


    An Biru blinked her eyes, her longshes trembling, a strange pink flush spread across her face. As her cherry-like mouth slightly parted, a fragrance akin to orchid musk reached his nostrils, "Are you afraid of her? That¡¯s even better. Agree with me or not¡ªhelp, young mistress, help¡ª"


    "Damn you," Lin Wanrong forcefully covered her mouth, pushing her body harshly against the wall, the two of them pressing together.


    "I''m warning you, I do what I want, and no one can force me. Don''t overestimate your cleverness, I am capable of anything." He warned, his eyes menacing.


    An Biru panted rapidly, her breath fragrant on his palm, stirring something in his heart. Lin Wanrong''s leg pressed against her slender, round one, their bodies fitting together, looking into each other''s eyes.


    An Biru struggled a few times, fear flickered in her eyes, her ample chest heaving. Like a naive young girl, she stammered, "What... what are you doing? Don''te over."


    "Damn you and your act," Lin Wanrong, fully aware of Sister An''s coquettish tactics, was indifferent to her pitiful and frail appearance. He forcefully moved in front of her, looked at her long eyshes, and her glistening cheeks, and sneered, "You don''t know what I''m going to do¡ª" Hisrge hand reached for her chest, "Now you should know, shouldn''t you?"


    An Biru''s face drastically changed color. Just as she was about to react, Lin Wanrong was faster. He leaned his body, pinning her against the wall, his hand already resting on her breast.


    With just a slight touch, Lin Wanrong felt a thrill running through him. This softness was plump and upright, and even through her clothes, he could feel its smooth sticity, as if it were pushing his palm away.


    An Biru was more skilled in martial arts than him, but she had not expected this seemingly mild little brother to suddenly be aggressive. His demeanor drastically changed from his previous yful manner, and he was ruthlessly resolute. She was caught off guard and he seeded in his move.


    Her face turned pale and she angrily eximed, "How dare you insult me, I will kill you, ah¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong held her hands high above her head, pinning her down with his entire body. Looking at her jade-like cheeks, he angrily said, "Xian''er spends all day talking about killing. This is what you taught her, right? Since you''re so fond of killing, then I''ll kill you first."


    His eyes were filled with anger, seeming to be on fire. An Biru was panting, her cherry lips opening and closing, eyes filled with both shyness and rage. The two stared at each other, neither willing to back down.


    Their bodies were pressed tightly together, each able to feel the other''s quickened breath, the heated atmosphere making their heartbeats elerate.


    The Eldest Miss outside the door, having not heard any response for a while, called out again, "Who are you? Speak up? How did you get in his room, Lin San, Lin San¡ª"


    Inside the room, the two were pressed tightly together, Lin Wanrong grasping her white wrist, feeling the softness against his chest. Looking at her immacte face and neck gradually flushed, the air was filled with a tantalizing aura. The mature fragrance of the woman wafted into his nose, making his heart race countless times faster.


    The thighs of the two pressed against each other were sweaty, wetly sticking together. Sister An had a slender figure, and being a martial artist, her legs were firm and full of sticity. This touch made him feel refreshed. Lin Wanrong leaned further into her legs, letting out afortable hum.


    An Biru''s cheeks were bright red, a thinyer of sweat appearing on her delicate nose, her eyes teary and breathing heavy, she stuttered, "You, don''t do this, I am Xian''er''s master¡ª"


    It would have been better if she hadn''t spoken those words. As soon as she finished, Lin Wanrong felt like a fire had been lit in his nose, and his whole body was burning hot. He swallowed and said, "You are Xian''er''s master, and I am Xian''er''s husband¡ª"


    "Ah¡ª" An Biru''s face turned as red as blood, and a strange feeling surged in her heart, as if she had broken some taboo. Despite her high martial arts skill, she was sweating profusely, her body covered in sweat pressing against Lin Wanrong''s equally drenched body. They were like two wet figures stuck together, an unusual feeling surging within them.


    mes zed in Lin Wanrong''s eyes as he pressed closely against her smooth, rounded legs, his body slowly moving forward. The heated part of him, like a burning me, was pressed against her lower abdomen, causing her dress to form a wrinkle, right at her delicate spot.


    "No¡ª" An Biru seemed to forget that she was a martial artist. Her delicate body twisted tightly, and she let out a soft, urgent cry. Her charming eyes were slightly closed, and her high, firm chest drew a wonderful wave. Her fragrant mouth exhaled an orchid-like breath, hitting his face with waves of heat.


    ¡®Damn, this feels so good,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought to himself. This vixen was like a ripe peach, her mature and round legs tightly mping him. The feeling of smooth tensioning from below her belly was like fresh tofu just out of the water. Even though they were separated by a thinyer of clothing, he could still feel her delicacy and fragility. ¡®At this point, you still tell me not to, do you think I am a good man or a believer?¡¯ He slightly pushed up, and both of them let out a soft gasp.


    An Biru''s heart was about to jump out. Suddenly, she punched him on the shoulder and sobbed, "What are you doing, don''t bully me, don''t bully me¡ª" At this moment, she was not the Holy Mother of the White Lotus Sect, but an ordinary woman being bullied. It was natural for her to punch him twice.


    Sweat, what was he doing? Seeing the tears in the corner of An Biru''s eyes, Lin Wanrong sobered up a lot. He never yed violent games.


    "Lin San, are you in there? I''ming in¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong was startled and hurriedly said, "Don''te in¡ª"


    He was about to separate from An Biru in a hurry. Sister An snorted and hugged his neck with a charming smile, "What''s the matter, dare not continue?"


    "Damn, what are you doing, let me go, let me go, help, rape¡ª" Before he could finish his words, he heard a light sound, the door was pushed open, and the Eldest Miss was holding a few small dishes in her hand, about to step in. Seeing the situation in the room, her face turned pale, and she stood there in a daze.


    "This, this, Miss, things are not what you think¡ªhey, let me go, let me go¡ªMiss, I was forced¡ª"


    There was a crisp sound, and the cup in Xiao Yuruo''s hand fell to the ground and shattered. The exquisite dishes were scattered all over the floor. She looked at Lin Wanrong nkly, her eyes filled with tears. Suddenly, she turned around and ran out.


    "Miss, Miss¡ª" Lin Wanrong called out anxiously. But Xiao Yuruo was stubborn and wouldn''t listen to his shouts. In a few moments, she had run out of sight.


    An Biru let go of her arm around his neck with a giggle, "Alright, she''s gone, you can go ahead with our business!"


    Lin Wanrong snorted and ignored her. He was about to go find the Eldest Miss when An Biru quickly grabbed him, "Where are you going?"


    Lin Wanrong said coldly, "Let go of your hand, or I can''t guarantee what I''ll do."


    An Biru had only ever seen him cheerful and jovial, never this cold and detached. She barely recognized him, this wasn''t the little brother she was familiar with. Unsettled, a sudden fear sprouted in her heart. She reluctantly let go of his arm and said softly, "Why so fierce? She ran away on her own, I didn''t chase her with a stick."


    ¡®Bloody hell, is this witch even human? To say such things!¡¯ He thought to himself, exasperated. ''Forget it, I can''t deal with you, nor do I want to.'' Annoyed and worried about what foolishness Xiao Yuruo might get up to, he decided to ignore An Biru. He took a step towards the door, intending to leave.


    Seeing his aloofness, An Biru sighed softly, "Forget it, forget it. I am just a lowly Miao girl, a witch who stops at nothing. Being bullied like this... perhaps I deserve it. Go find your Miss Xiao and bring her back."


    As she spoke, she stole a nce at him. He seemed not to hear her, striding quickly towards the door. Within moments, he was gone.


    He just left like that? An Biru stood there stunned for a while, then a blush crept onto her cheeks. She giggled, "You naughty boy, not taking hard or soft tactics, running off after taking advantage. What a character!"


    Lin Wanrong stepped outside, first going to Eldest Miss Xiao''s room to look for her, but it was empty. Just then, he spotted Eldest Miss Xiao''s maid Huan¡¯ering in. He quickly grabbed her, asking, "Huan¡¯er, have you seen Eldest Miss?"


    "Eldest Miss?" Huan¡¯er was puzzled. "Didn''t she just go to deliver your meal? Knowing that you hadn''t eaten tonight, she specifically ordered the kitchen to prepare a few dishes for you. Initially, she had asked me to bring them to you, butter, she decided to deliver them herself. Didn''t you see her?"


    "Ah, we must have missed each other!" Lin Wanrong awkwardlyughed, feeling uneasy. ''This girl always has a poker face in front of me, but it turns out she''s so thoughtful. Tonight, I was tempted by that fox An. I almost took the bait, I really owe it to Miss Xiao. From now on, I must mend my ways... But then again, who could resist that fox''s temptation? I showed more restraint than Liu Xiahui himself.''


    With Huan¡¯er, he searched high and low but found no trace of Miss Xiao. They asked the courtyard''s staff, and someone had indeed seen Miss Xiao hastily leaving. But it was alreadyte, and no one had noted which direction she had taken.


    Lin Wanrong was anxious. This was the capital, not Jinling. It waste at night, and Eldest Miss barely knew anyone here, let alone any familiar ces. Where could she have gone?


    Upon hearing the news, Sister Song quickly came over, looking worried. She nced at Lin Wanrong, "Brother Lin, if you don''t mind me asking, did you have a falling out with Eldest Miss?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a dryugh, unsure whether to admit it or not. Sister Song sighed, "Brother Lin, it''s not my ce to say, but Eldest Miss cares about you a lot, even I''m envious seeing how considerate she is towards you."


    Seeing his puzzled look, Sister Song helplessly shook her head, "Eldest Miss originally didn''t want me to say anything, but if I don''t, you will never know how good Eldest Miss has been to you. Take today''s visit to the officials in the capital for example. She originally wanted you to go, but she said that you are prideful and seeing you try to please others would make you ufortable. Fearing you''d feel slighted, she asked me to apany her and sent you to escort the Second Miss. When we met you outside the moat, we had seen you long before. Eldest Miss saw you in a daze and didn''t want us to disturb you, so we waited there for you. She was also worried that you might unknowingly trespass into the forbidden area of the pce and cause trouble, so she especially asked me to bribe the soldiers by the moat, which allowed you to walk a few steps forward. Although Eldest Miss was angry with you in the evening, she also instructed me to make you some extra clothes, saying that you are reckless and unaware of the weather. If no one takes care of you, you could wear summer clothes in the winter. Although she verbally expresses annoyance towards you, she is also worried that you might go hungry, so she secretly ran to the kitchen and instructed the cook to make some dishes for you. I have been serving the Xiao family for several decades, serving both the Madam and the youngdy, but I have never seen Eldest Miss treat anyone like this. You, my boy, are in the midst of blessings yet do not know it."


    ¡°I''m not as terrible as she describes,¡± Lin Wanrong''s nose tingled slightly, and he abruptly stood up, "Rest assured, even if I have to die, I will bring Yuruo back."


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 Chapter 290

    Chapter 290


    Chapter 290 Falling Into the Water


    At some unknown point, a light rain had begun to patter down. Walking on the main street under the gloomy sky, the biting chill of early spring pierced through one''s bones, causing cheeks to sting with cold. Countless households lit theirmps, casting a faint mist in the drizzling rain, as if they were flowers blooming underwater, indistinct, hard to discern. Several oil-paper umbres, held aloft, moved slowly. People''s faces were obscured, only the canopy of umbres, like a swath of clouds, could be seen progressing through the darkness.


    Lin Wanrong stood on this cold street, looking around, yet all he saw was an endless mist of rainwater. He didn''t know where to start searching for Xiao Yuruo.


    He had experienced such a search before. Last time, in Hangzhou, when the Eldest Miss was looking for the solution to her destined marriage divination, she had waited a whole day in Lingyin Temple [TL: Temple of the Hidden Spirits]. No one could match her piety, yet it was this dedication that led her into a deadlock. Fortunately, Lin Wanrong was quick-witted enough to solve the divination riddle, only then was the Eldest Miss able to set her mind at ease. Now, reflecting on the marriage divination, it seemed to have been specifically written for them. The cryptic divination had somehow be reality. Could it be that fate was at y?


    Lin Wanrong sighed, feeling an increasing worry. Having spent a long time with Eldest Miss, he hade to understand her temperament deeply. This youngdy was stubborn and resolute, never easily bowing her head. Now, having left in anger, in this unfamiliar capital city, who could assure what actions she might take under the weight of her sorrow and disappointment?


    If something were to happen to the Eldest Miss, how could he face Yushuang and Madam Xiao?


    He thought for a moment, his mind then shifted to An Biru. This wily fox, it was clear she came only to stir up trouble. She came in, caused havoc, and didn''t even bother to close the door on her way out, wasn''t she just giving the Eldest Miss a perfect opportunity to run? Dammit, if it weren''t for the fact that she was Xian''er''s master, he would have shot her down long ago.


    "Uncle, have you seen a youngdy about this tall, wearing a lotus-colored dress, and very beautiful, pass by here? Oh, she looks very well-matched with me¡ª" He nced around, truly uncertain of which direction to take, and in his desperation, he grabbed a passerby, a man in his fifties, to ask.


    "Nuts! Plenty of women who match you can be found in the brothel ahead!" The old man gave him a nce and said disdainfully.¡®Damn, are all the people in the capital this arrogant?¡¯ He raised a middle finger to the receding figure of the man, and then asked several more people, but either received no answer or met with a cold shoulder.


    Strangely enough, he usually joked and quarreled with the Eldest Miss. There were many times when they didn''t get along, but now that she had run away, he felt as if something was missing. Dammit, this must be the universal fault of men¡ªbeing fickle!


    The rain showed no sign of stopping, and the air became colder and colder. Considering the cold reception he had received while inquiring about one person in the vicinity, he couldn''t help but worry about the Eldest Miss, a helpless woman alone in this night, and moreover in a state of heartbreak. What if she encountered some evil person? What then?


    "Eldest Miss, Xiao Yuruo, where are you¡ª" Overwhelmed by anxiety, he disregarded the strange nces of the onlookers. He cupped his hands around his mouth and began calling out loudly as he walked.


    By the end of the street, his throat was raw, but the number of pedestrians had dwindled, and the surroundings were deste. Where could he see Eldest Miss''s figure? He wiped the rain off his face, the feeling of desperation intensifying within him. This road led to Jinghua Academy, the only ce in the capital where Eldest Miss, a stranger with no rtives, had any connections¡ªit was with the Second Miss in the academy. Left with no other choice, he decided to head there. If worst came to worst, he could ask Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan for help, mobilize their tens of thousands of soldiers, and turn the capital upside down until they found the Eldest Miss.


    He had just walked this road not long ago and did not expect to return so quickly. He gave a bitter smile at the thought. He saw the foggy rain over the mistyke, void of any human figures, and without further dy, he was about to enter the academy from the main gate when he heard a ssh from theke, like the sound of something falling into the water.


    His heart skipped a beat, and he quickly looked toward the source of the sound. Under the distant flickering lights, he made out the scene, and his mind went nk.


    There, on the water surface near the shore, ripples were gradually spreading out. Floating on the water was a woman''s long hair, bobbing with the waves.


    "Eldest Miss¡ª" He yelled, feeling as though his heart had been ripped apart. With tears in his eyes, he ran to theke, not bothering to remove his clothes, and dived into the icy water.


    The freezingke water stung his skin, but his heart felt colder. He swam towards the floating hair while shouting, "Eldest Miss, Eldest Miss, where are you, you can''t die¡ª"


    He was already a swift swimmer, and under this urgency, he swam even faster. In a few strokes, he reached the spot where the hair was floating. He reached out and grabbed at the water below but felt nothing. The water was empty. There was no trace of Miss. He hurriedly pulled up the clump of hair. It was light to the touch. Upon closer examination, it was nothing but a tangled ball of thread.


    He was stunned for a moment. A cold wind blew, and he realized that he was drenched, his body icy cold. Who the hell was it, throwing a ball of thread into the water in the middle of the night for fun? He thought resentfully, yet there was also a touch of sadness. He murmured, "Silly girl, where are you?"


    He was about to swim back to the shore when a thought struck him. This was clearly someone who had tied a stone to a ball of thread and thrown it into the water. But where was that person? Who had done it?


    Frustrated, he wiped the water droplets off his face and paddled a few strokes in the water. He yelled, "Eldest Miss, I know you''re here. Pleasee out. Things are not as you imagine. Pleasee out¡ª"


    He yelled several times, but the forest by the shore was utterly quiet. The only sound was the patter of the drizzling rain falling on the leaves. There wasn''t a single figure in sight.


    "Damn it, this is absurd! Where am I supposed to find the Eldest Miss now?" He shook his head in disappointment and began to swim towards the shore. As he neared the bank, before he could even stand up, a petite figure suddenly rushed towards him, brandishing a dry branch, and crying, "I''ll kill you, you bully, you terrible person¡ª"


    The tree branch stung as it hit his head, but upon hearing her voice, he felt as though he were listening to the music of heaven. His heart bloomed with joy, barely noticing the pain. Overjoyed, he eximed, "Eldest Miss, you''re really here."


    Upon hearing him, Xiao Yuruo burst into tears, pushing him forcefully back into the water, sobbing, "Get away, get away, I don''t want to see you, I hate you¡ª"


    Seeing her emotional turmoil, Lin Wanrong felt a twinge of guilt. He didn''t argue, but swam a good distance away, floating in the water, and asked, "Eldest Miss, can I speak to you from here?"


    The Eldest Miss covered her mouth, tears falling like rain, and squatted on the ground, too overwhelmed to speak.


    Thinking back on their history, from the first time they met when she wanted to punish him, toter events like underwear development, perfume making, standing by each other in the White Lotus Cult, cleverly resolving their marital fate by the Su Causeway,forting him softly when he went to the army... all these experiences shed across Lin Wanrong''s mind like a film ¡ª this girl really treated him well!


    He sighed. His usually eloquent self didn''t know what to say, seeing Xiao Yuruo crying so sorrowfully. Unsure how tofort her, he said, "Eldest Miss, stop crying, I, I''m a little cold."


    Remembering their experiences together, Xiao Yuruo felt as if she had been bewitched, step by step she fell into a trap she could not escape from. Hearing him speak, she wanted tough but found herself crying bitterly instead, "I wish you would freeze to death, I don''t want to live either¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong mournfully replied, "There''s no need for anything as troublesome as freezing to death. I can just die right now."


    With that, he began to sink into the water like a stone tied with weights. His chin, nose, forehead disappeared one by one, until even thest strand of hair was no longer visible.


    "Then go die!" The Eldest Miss, in her anger, picked up a small stone and threw it into theke, causing a ssh which slowly ovepped with the spot where Lin Wanrong had vanished, eventually disappearing.


    Xiao Yuruo saw no sign of him and didn''t bother looking, sobbing a few times. Her sense of grievance seemed to lessen and her mood calmed slightly. Suddenly, she felt something was wrong.


    The drizzle on theke made it as still as a mirror, not even a ripple disturbing its surface. Lin Wanrong''s figure, like the moistening spring rain, had sunk into the water and disappeared.


    A wave of panic swept over the Eldest Miss. Thinking about his usual behavior, something seemed different today. Could it be that her words had truly upset him, and he had¡ª She didn''t dare continue the thought. She stopped crying and called out tremulously, "Hey¡ª"


    Theke was serene, with not a sound to be heard. Her voice, gentle as the spring rain, fell back into her own ears, unadulterated by any noise.


    "Hey, where are you¡ª" Her heart fluttered in confusion, her voice raised a little, calling out delicately. Theke was peaceful, the sound of the drizzle falling into her ears, so palpable.


    As time continued to pass, she suddenly felt frantic. She called out loudly in urgency, "Lin San, Lin San, where are you? If you don''te out, I''ll never speak to you againe out now!"


    The surface of the water remained eerily quiet, with only her own breathing audible. Her face instantly turned as white as a sheet. Her vibrant red lips trembled slightly, tears rolling down her cheeks. Sobbing, she cried, "Lin San, you fool, you fool. I hate you. If you die, I won''t live either¡ª"


    As soon as the words left her mouth, she closed her eyes and jumped from the shore into theke.


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 Chapter 291

    Chapter 291


    Chapter 291 Sweetness


    With a soft ssh, a vigorous figure burst from the water, conveniently catching her falling form and cradling her in his arms.


    The Eldest Miss shrieked in fright, feeling herself being enveloped in a damp embrace, yet the chest she fell against was scorching hot.


    Lin Wanrong, holding her, made his way to the shore andughed heartily, "Eldest Miss, I went down to catch some fish, what were you trying to do?"


    The Eldest Miss stood there dumbfounded for a moment, then burst into sudden tears, her fists pounding against his chest. "You scoundrel, you damn man, I hate you, hate you! You scared me! I don''t want to live anymore¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong held her tighter against the tree trunk and spoke gently, "Eldest Miss, look at me¡ª"


    Xiao Yuruo nced up at him, seeing the intense gaze fixed on her, the passionate me flickering in his eyes. For reasons she couldn''t understand, her heart trembled. She hastily retorted, "Look at you for what! I won''t look! What are you going to do¡ª"


    As his face drew closer, the Eldest Miss trembled violently, her heartbeat racing. Despite being held in his wet embrace, her body was flushed with heat. "You, don''t¡ª"


    His warm lips descended on her cherry-like mouth. The coolness of theke water mixed with their kiss, causing a light explosion in her mind, her heart felt like it would jump out, her senses momentarily fading."You¡ªhmm¡ªscoundrel¡ª" the Eldest Miss¡¯s tears streamed down, she struggled vehemently, trying to escape, yet she was held firmly in ce by his iron-like arms, unable to move.


    Feeling his wet clothes pressed against her delicate body, she was flushed with warmth. Recalling their shared past, the Eldest Miss softened, her tears flowing faster, but she clung to his waist tightly, refusing to let go.


    Tasting her intoxicating sweetness, Lin Wanrong stopped thinking about anything else. He held the fragile woman in his arms tightly, using his body heat to warm her. Despite it being winter, they melted into each other like two burning mes.


    Feeling the unskilled technique of the woman in his arms, Lin Wanrong extended his tongue, guiding her reddened tongue to intertwine with his, savoring the fragrant sweetness in her mouth. Tears stained their faces, Xiao Yuruo could not return to her cold self, her heart was like a feather in the wind, fluctuating between joy and sorrow. She responded shyly and awkwardly to his kiss, a feeling of unprecedented sweetness filled her heart. Although she was soaking wet, she felt a strange sensation, wishing that time could stop at this moment.


    This French kiss eventually ended with Lin Wanrong''s absolute victory. Under his relentless pursuit, not only a delicate Eldest Miss like her, but even a seductive fox like Sister An couldn''t resist.


    Slowly and reluctantly leaving her soft lips, Lin Wanrong savored the lingering taste, and said with a sense of satisfaction, "Sweet and delicious, Eldest Miss, from now on, this delicacy is reserved for me."


    Xiao Yuruo, her face blushing, buried herself in his chest, not daring to lift her head, she smacked him hard and said, "You dead man, born just to bully me, I hate you!"


    "Ah, where there is no love, there can be no hate. Eldest Miss, your deep hatred arises from profound love. I understand fully," Lin Wanrong stated earnestly.


    The Eldest Miss felt a mixture of sweetness and bitterness in her heart. Thinking of the intimate scene she had witnessed earlier that evening in his room with that foxy woman, her anger bubbled uncontrobly, tears again started falling. "You''ve had your fun, and now you throw these insincere words at me. When you were flirting with that woman, I don''t know how many sweet nothings you whispered to deceive her, and now you use these words on me."


    Damn, it seemed thisss had not forgotten that incident, Lin Wanrong realized. Knowing her stubborn temperament, he couldn''t risk offending her at this point and merelyughed it off. "Eldest Miss, please don''t misunderstand. My rtionship with thatdy is innocent. Some things just happened coincidentally, and you happened to witness them. It was nothing more than a series of coincidences, and nothing happened between us. I swear on my honor, I have not behaved improperly with Sister An. My honor, at least, you can trust, right?"


    The Eldest Miss snorted and twisted his arm hard, "You make it sound so innocent. Am I blind? I saw with my own eyes how you held and embraced her. Is that your so-called innocence? By your standards, then we must be very innocent at this moment."


    Damn, she was sharp. As a businesswoman, she was adept at extrapting. She had found the crux of the matter immediately. Lin Wanrong sighed, "Ah, as I said, it was a misunderstanding. Don''t you think that if I were truly involved with her, I would have locked the door, rather than let you catch us in the act? I am always cautious - oh, no, I mean, I am strongly opposed to such behaviors, extremely opposed."


    The Eldest Miss red at him and said, "You flirt with every woman you meet. Isn''t it enough having Qiaoqiao and Yushuang? How many more women do you need to attract?"


    "Ah," Lin Wanrong sighed lightly, "I won''t deny it, Eldest Miss. Phndering has always been my greatest w. I''m trying hard to correct this w, to make it less... expansive. But on the other hand, if I weren''t a phnderer, I fear I would never have understood your feelings, Eldest Miss. Ah, tock yourpany would be a significant regret in life!"


    Xiao Yuruo, hit by his sweet-talking, blushed deeply and softly said, "You have such a glib tongue, I don''t want to deal with you."


    Lin Wanrong silently clenched his fist and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. It wasn''t easy; the topic had shifted, the clouds had cleared. Thisss was different from Yushuang; she was opinionated and assertive, not readily amodating. Winning her over was no small feat.


    He noticed the ball of thread discarded nearby. It had been instrumental in finding the Eldest Miss that evening. He picked it up and asked with a smile, "Eldest Miss, is this the thread you dropped into theke?"


    Xiao Yuruo''s face turned crimson, and she hastily snatched it, saying, "I didn''t drop it."


    Lin Wanrong looked at her curiously, "You didn''t drop it? Then, was it the matchmaker god who intentionally gave it to me to find you? Eldest Miss, let''s give thanks. Thank you, matchmaker god."


    Hearing him speak, Xiao Yuruo was reminded of their confused bowing at Lingyin Temple, and her cheeks instantly flushed. "Who bowed with you?" she retorted shyly, "If you want to bow, then bow alone!"


    Lin Wanrong, however, genuinely knelt and kowtowed. The image of him releasing the red threadntern that night suddenly softened Miss Xiao''s heart, and she moved to kneel beside him.


    Xiao Yuruo felt a mix of sadness and joy that night,pounded by the soaking rain. Despite her wet clothes, her heart was filled with soft tenderness. Lin Wanrong, having experienced both terror and surprise, followed by a cold bath in theke, was somewhat exhausted after all this ordeal.


    When asked how she ended up here, Xiao Yuruo''s eyes reddened, and her nose tingled. She stared at him and said, "If not for your foolish antics, putting on a good show with that vixen to upset me, I wouldn''t be out here, unable to even discern my direction. It was pitch dark, and it was raining. I was cold and hungry, and I didn''t know where to go. I remembered Yushuang being here, so I wanted to talk to her. But upon reaching the door, I didn''t know what to say. Should I say you''re taken with another vixen, about to abandon us..."


    She paused, her face flushing slightly, as she gave him an unhappy nce.


    Lin Wanrong finally understood. He hurriedly said, "You all are my heart, my life, three quarters of me. How could I ever abandon you?"


    Such excessively affectionate words were more than the proud and shy Eldest Miss could bear. Her cheeks flushed, and she gave him a dewy-eyed look. Lowering her gaze, she said in a sultry tone, "Disgusting! I don''t want to hear it again, remember that!"


    ¡®Gosh,¡¯ he thought, ¡®I couldn''t bear hearing it once, let alone multiple times!¡¯ Indeed, women are the most inconsistent creatures. He merely smiled and said nothing. Suddenly, Eldest Miss said softly, "Lin San, are we doing wrong by Yushuang? I feel as if I''ve stolen something from her. It''s unfair to her!"


    "How can you evenpare?" Lin Wanrong said with righteous words, "I''m not an object, ah, no, I can''t bepared to an object. You should think of it this way. Good things should be shared. Just like a great toy. If you both enjoy ying with it, why not y together? It won''t bother either of you, isn''t that fine?"


    "What nonsense are you talking about? Three people ying together?" The Eldest Miss''s face blushed as she lightly spat out in retort.


    "Ah, Second Miss would certainly understand your predicament, just as you understand hers. In the future, you won''t leave her, she won''t leave you, and both of you won''t leave me. Wouldn''t that be wonderful?" Lin San spoke with a full sense of longing.


    The Eldest Miss gave his arm another twist, chastising, "You wish! How will you get past Mother?"


    ¡°Haha!¡± Lin Wanrongughed arrogantly, "Eldest Miss, is there any river in this world I, Lin San, cannot cross? Just wait for the good news!"


    Xiao Yuruo nced at him, then shyly said, "Lin San, in the future... don''t call me Eldest Miss."


    Lin Wanrong, surprised, said, "Not call you Eldest Miss? Should I call you my darling instead? That''s a good idea."


    Eldest Miss swiftly hit him, her face flushing as she chided, "What''s this about darling? It''s frightening! Can''t you use another term? You do know my personal name, don''t you?"


    Ah, it was indeed nice to call her Eldest Miss. Not only was it stimting, but it also gave him a sense of achievement. He smirked slightly and said, "How about this? In public, I''ll call you Eldest Miss, and when we''re alone, I''ll call you Yuruo, my darling. How does that sound?"


    "Babbling nonsense, I can''t be bothered to talk to you." Eldest Miss, blushing with embarrassment, hastily retreated. Lin Wanrongughed heartily and said, "Lady Buddha, there are demons ahead, allow this humble monk to guide you!"


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 Chapter 292

    Chapter 292


    Chapter 292 The Visit


    After a bout of yful frolic, the two shared an unprecedented sense of liberation and joy. With the Eldest Miss''s wish fulfilled, she let him lead her by the hand back toward their home. Given the darkness and gusty wind, nobody could discern their figures. Observing her sweet smile, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but sigh with resignation. He needed more experience in the field of love; if he were to lose Yuruo, it would be a lifelong regret.


    Upon their return to the mansion, Sister Song and others were anxiously awaiting. The Eldest Miss''s face held a light blush, signifying some embarrassment. Fortunately, no one knew what had transpired, and moreover, it was inconceivable for servants to me their master. Thus, the incident was easily glossed over.


    Seeing that the Eldest Miss was slightly damp, Sister Song saidpassionately, "Eldest Miss, you should quickly go bathe and change clothes. It''s chilly outside; you shouldn''t catch a cold."


    The Eldest Miss hummed her acknowledgment, nced at Lin San, and softly said, "You should clean up too."


    "Bathe together--" When the others were not looking, Lin Wanrong mouthed, causing the Eldest Miss to chide him with a slightly annoyed nce and a blush before quickly departing.


    The idea of bathing together was obviously a jest. There were maids in the Eldest Miss''s room; he couldn''t possibly intrude. Having just brightened her mood, he decided to restrain himself for a few days to avoid giving her another chance to rebuke him.


    For the following two days, Lin Wanrong did indeed keep his wolfish tendencies at bay, busying himself with preparations for the flower-viewing party with the Eldest Miss. He provided ideas, cracked jokes, and took every chance to hug and kiss her, making for a delightful time. An Biru had not made an appearance since that eventful night. Lin Wanrong worried for Xian''er, but knowing the close rtionship between master and disciple, he stopped worrying.


    Despite the pleasant days, he found himself increasingly missing Qiaoqiao and the talenteddy Luo from Jining. The matter of Qingxuan naturally became his heartache, like a stone weighing on his heart. If Qingxuan truly was the princess of Great Hua, he would only be able to see her by going to the pce. But how could he gain entrance?Remembering the joke he had made when parting with Qingxuan, about stering her portrait all over the capital if he couldn''t find her, he thought it wasn''t entirely without merit. In his leisure, he remembered her features and put pen to paper, vividly drawing the woman he missed day and night.


    One morning, when everything was nearly prepared, the Eldest Miss instructed Sister Song to bring out the recent ount books for copying and verification, followed by a personal check of the ie by the Eldest Miss herself.


    These days, Xiao Yuruo had grown incredibly affectionate towards him. Seeing him yawning continuously, she remembered his tireless efforts in the past few days, knowing he disliked paperwork, she gently suggested, "Weren''t you nning to visit Master Xu? Once we are done with today''s tasks, let''s pay a visit to Xu Mansion tomorrow. Thinking about it, we haven''t visited Master Xu since our arrival in the capital, it''s terribly impolite."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. Seeing Yuruo considering his needs, he didn''t want to wander aimlessly anymore. So, he moved next to the Eldest Miss to watch her record the ounts. He saw her elegant wrist move lightly, her small script flowing like the wind as she meticulously recorded each entry before calcting. He hadn''t realized the extent of her work until he saw it for himself, which made him furrow his brows.


    It turned out that the shop''s ounts were kept using "tally sticks", making not only the counting troublesome, but the calctions even moreplicated. Seeing Xiao Yuruo''s tender hands constantly copying and calcting, Lin Wanrong could not help but shake his head. At this rate, when would she be done? And what''s more, the Eldest Miss''s hands would surely be unable to withstand such torment!


    He sighed and said, "Eldest Miss, is this how you always calcte?"


    Xiao Yuruo charmingly grumbled, "Yes, ever since our ancestors'' time, this has been our method of calction. What''s wrong with that? You always have a knack for overreacting."


    Lin Wanrong wrote a twisted "0" on the paper, and asked, "Miss, do you recognize this number?"


    Yuruo shook her head, "What is this? Why is it so peculiar?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, throwing down the brush. Apparently, Arabic numerals had not yet been introduced. With his rich mathematical knowledge from his previous life, he knew that Arabic numerals were introduced to China around the 14th century. However, due to the existence of "tally sticks", Arabic numerals were not promptly poprized and used until five hundred yearster, a full six hundred yearster than Europe.


    Damn, six hundred years! It was in these six hundred years that China''s technology had fallen far behind Europe. Could this be rted to the method of counting and calcting? It was fundamental!


    He paced back and forth a few times, and the more he thought about it, the more it made sense. Undoubtedly, Arabic numerals and the various calction rules built upon them were more concise and effective. The impact this had on the progress of society''s technology was self-evident.


    He pped his hands together, damn, he would bring in these Arabic numerals, both simple and effective. These basic sciences were far more useful than those technologies that involved making gunpowder or cannons out of thin air. He believed that with the intelligence of the people of Great Hua, having this simple and effective method of calction was not a dream to catch up with Europe.


    He grew more excited the more he thought about it. Snatching the brush from Xiao Yuruo''s hand, he smiled, "Miss, don''t be busy for a moment. Let me teach you a simple and effective counting method, which is guaranteed to be more cost-effective than yours."


    He wrote down ten Arabic numerals and four operation symbols, exining each meaning to the Eldest Miss. Xiao Yuruo was in business, and she had a natural sensitivity to numbers. After a while, she became interested andughed, "Where did you learn these? It sounds much simpler."


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "The secrets of heaven must not be revealed, but if you promise to let me kiss you, it doesn''t matter if I reveal them."


    Xiao Yuruo nced at him and shyly said, "You can''t be serious for a moment. If you want a kiss, go find that sly woman named An."


    Sweating, this girl was addicted to holding grudges. His face was far thicker than usual, and he was about to force a kiss, when Huan''er, with her blushing face, rushed in and said, "Miss, Brother San, Minister Xu Wei of the Ministry of Revenue, along with his wife and daughter, havee to visit."


    Good heavens, just as he was thinking of paying a visit to old Xu, the old man himself showed up, bringing along his wife and daughter. His wife was Su Qinglian, and his daughter, wouldn''t that be Xu Zhiqing? Thess wasn''t here to visit him, was she? He was in a period of abstinence, it''d be difficult to make good on past promises.


    Just as he was fretting, the Eldest Miss had already gleefully said, "Please, hurry in!"


    In the middle of her sentence, a heartyughter could be heard from outside, "Miss Xiao, Little brother Lin, I took the liberty to drop by without an invitation, I hope you two won''t mind." Three figures then strolled in from outside. The one leading had a lean and distinguished face, it was the world-renowned number-one schr Xu Wei. Following beside him was the renowned beauty of Hangzhou with her silver hair, Su Qinglian, andstly, the well-learned youngdy, Xu Zhiqing.


    Miss Xiao had already stood up to greet them, giving a respectful salute, "This humble servant, Xiao Yuruo, pays her respects to Master Xu, Lady Xu, and Miss Xu."


    Xu Weiughed heartily, helping her up, "Why such formality, Miss Xiao? Back in Jinling, it was I who was looked after by Miss Guo."


    Su Qinglian, who had been betrothed to Xu Wei by the two, was naturally grateful. She also said with a smile, "What my husband says is true. Our marriage is thanks to Young Master Lin and Miss Xiao, I will never forget this kindness."


    Xu Zhiqing took Xiao Yuruo''s hand, "So you''re Miss Xiao? Indeed you''re as beautiful and graceful as the rumors say. I''ve been wanting to speak with you for a while now, but only found the time today. I hope you won''t hold it against me."


    Miss Xiao hurriedly replied, "Where are these wordsing from, sister? As a neer to the capital, it''s only proper for me to pay my respects to Master Xu and yourself. It''s just that I''ve been caught up in various matters recently and have yet to find the time. I was just nning to visit tomorrow, but it seems that Master Xu beat me to it. I, as the younger one, am really quite embarrassed."


    Listening to them casually throw around their learned knowledge, Lin Wanrong, not used to it, made a fist and said with a chuckle, "Mr. Xu, it''s been a while, how have you been? Sister Su, how about you? Miss Xu, you as well!"


    As if she hadn''t heard him, Xu Zhiqing continued her conversation with Xiao Yuruo. Since she had entered, she hadn''t spared Lin Wanrong a nce, making him feel quite uneasy. Damn it, it seemed that the gunshot the other day was a waste, wasting ammunition. [TL: Remember the modern ng for shooting a gun.]


    These two women, Xu Zhiqing was five or six years older, both were beautiful and intelligent. After a few words, they were already affectionately calling each other sisters. Lin Wanrong shook his head at the sound, the friendship between women was indeed cheap.


    He turned his head to look at Su Qinglian, and with a smile said, "Sister Su, it''s only been a few days but you seem to be getting younger and more beautiful, I suppose that must be the work of Master Xu. I''d like to congratte the two of you. When are you inviting me to the wedding banquet? Haha!"


    As the matchmaker for Xu Wei and Su Qinglian, and having such a close rtionship, a joke here and there wouldn''t hurt. But it caused the twodies chatting to blush and silently curse him for being shameless.


    Su Qinglian, having experienced the ups and downs of life, couldn''t help but blush at his crude and provocative words. Shyly, she said, "Young Master Lin, stop teasing me. The fortune I have today is all thanks to you, today is specifically to thank the matchmaker."


    Xu Wei, stroking his beard with a smile, echoed, "Indeed. Little brother Lin, you are our benefactor!"


    The old Xu looked significantly healthier than when they were in Jinling, it seemed that Sister Su had the knack for rejuvenating others. He sniggered, grabbed Xu Wei''s arm, and whispered, "Mr. Xu, we can hold the wedding banquet some other time, but there''s something I need your help with."


    Xu Wei looked surprised, "For Little brother Lin to ask a favor, that''s quite rare. Go ahead, if it''s within my power, I will certainlyply."


    Lin Wanrong gave a sly grin, clenched his teeth, and said, "I need to get into the pce!"


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 Chapter 293

    Chapter 293


    Chapter 293 Seeking Trouble


    "Enter the pce?" Xu Wei asked, staring at him in astonishment. "Why would you have such an idea, Little brother Lin? Could it be that you are not getting along with your wives, or they are not satisfying you?"


    ¡®Damn it, it''s just entering the pce. How did the conversation shift to my wives?¡¯ Lin Wanrong smirked, "Where are you going with this, Master Xu? I am getting along splendidly with my wives. Every night we show each other respect and consideration. How could we possibly be at odds? You''re overthinking it, Master Xu!"


    Xu Wei wondered aloud, "That''s odd then. If your life is blissful and you''re happily married, why would you want to enter the pce? You must know that there are hundreds, even thousands of eunuchs inside the pce. Even with your understanding of the world and your talents, you won''t be more or less significant there. Even if you be a eunuch and enter the pce, it''s doubtful that it would be more enjoyable than your free life outside ¨C not to mention, if you were to be a eunuch, what would you do about your wives? Where would they stand?"


    A eunuch? Lin Wanrong stared at Xu Wei in horror. ¡®When I said I wanted to enter the pce, this old man actually thought I wanted to be a eunuch. Damn, I don''t know what he''s thinking all day, it''s utterly disgusting! Any man can do anything, but never be a eunuch.¡¯


    He forced out a dryugh and replied, "Where are you going with this, Mr. Xu? I''m in the prime of my life, full of needs, and my marital life is blissful and harmonious. How could I possibly be a eunuch?"


    Xu Wei suddenly understood andughed heartily, "So, it was all a misunderstanding on my part, my apologies. It seems Little brother Lin intends to join the government. In that case, I might have some ways to help. However, it strikes me as strange; with your distinguished military service, you''ve always refused when I proposed to rmend you to the Emperor. Why the sudden change of heart?"


    Lin Wanrong was both amused and frustrated. How could this shrewd old Xu be so muddled? ¡®When I say I want to enter the pce, he either thinks I want to be a eunuch or join the government. Damn it, are there no other possibilities? Can''t I go to secretly meet the princess?¡¯


    He sighed and said, "Mr. Xu, you''ve misunderstood again. I neither want to be a eunuch nor join the government. Let''s just say I want to go into the inner court of the pce to find someone."Xu Wei looked at him with suspicion but shook his head more resolutely, "Little brother Lin, that''s absolutely impossible. The inner court of the pce is where the princesses and concubines reside. Besides the Emperor, the only men allowed in are eunuchs and pce maids, outsiders are not permitted entry. If you were willing to be a eunuch, this could be up for discussion. Otherwise, I see no other way."


    Lin Wanrong responded with a forced smile, "It''s precisely because of this difficulty that I need Master Xu''s help. If I truly wished to be a eunuch with one cut, then there would be no need for Master Xu to worry."


    Seeing Lin San''s determined demeanor, Xu Wei knew he genuinely wished to enter the inner court of the pce. Although he didn''t know whom Lin San was looking for, he could tell from Lin San''s willingness to take this risk that the person was undoubtedly of great significance to him.


    Xu Wei furrowed his brow, his face grave. Without responding, he began to pace slowly in the hall.


    Lin Wanrong was also aware of the difficulty of the matter at hand. Seeing Old Xu in deep thought, he too fell silent, quietly waiting for a resolution. At the other side of the room, Su Qinglian, as well as Miss Xiao and Miss Xu, who were deep in conversation, noticed the sudden silence of the two men. The three of them looked curiously in their direction.


    Xu Wei pondered for a while, but still shook his head in frustration. "Little brother Lin," he said, "for a man to intrude the imperial harem is a grave crime punishable by beheading, even to the extent of having his n exterminated. However, owing to your kindness to me, I would be willing to risk this crime for your sake. But I fear that even after our sacrifice, if you were to be discovered, it would be a great loss."


    The sincerity in Old Xu''s voice resonated with Lin Wanrong. Considering his words, Lin Wanrong could not deny their validity, and he sighed, "So, ording to Master Xu, there''s really no solution?"


    Seeing his disappointed expression, Xu Weiughed, "Don''t be pessimistic, little brother. There is a solution, but it depends on whether you''re willing to carry it out."


    "What solution?" Lin Wanrong asked excitedly. "For Qingxuan, there is nothing in this world I wouldn''t dare to do."


    Xu Wei gave him a small smile. "The solution sounds simple but is quite difficult to implement. The imperial harem forbids men to enter, but if someone spoke up for you, you could walk right in, quite openly."


    "Do you mean the Emperor?" Lin Wanrong asked, surprised.


    Xu Wei nodded. "Indeed, Little brother Lin, you are remarkably astute. The harem belongs to the Emperor. If he invites you in, you''d be perfectly within your rights to go there. No one would dare to stop you."


    Damn, this Old Xu. His words seemed unreliable. The imperial harem was the Emperor''s household, and his imperial power was more significant than heaven. Who would dare to trespass into the Emperor''s house? Even if he were to tell the Emperor that he defeated the White Lotus Sect thanks to his power, at most he would reward him with the title of a great general, a few hundred East Pearls, and several thousand taels of gold. The idea of strolling into his harem was pure fantasy.


    Old Xu, cunning as he was, had seen through Lin San''s thoughts and chuckled, "Little brother, don''t be in such a hurry. To the Emperor, you''re far from a nobody. During the suppression of the White Lotus Sect, you were the greatest contributor. Despite your tremendous achievements, you neither sought rewards nor a chance to meet the Emperor, earning you his admiration. He praised you for your hermit-like demeanor and your proud and aloof character, like an evergreen pine. His impression of you is most favorable!"


    Old Xu''s ttery made Lin San chuckle, "Master Xu, we can save these sweet words for another day. What I really want to know is how I can enter the pce."


    Xu Wei responded, "Little brother Lin, be patient. I''m getting to that. At the moment, you''ve already established a positive reputation in front of the Emperor. If you aplish more great deeds for our Great Hua, with my rmendation, you could suddenly appear before the Emperor. He would surely be delighted at your impressive demeanor and exceptional knowledge. At that time, not only would he allow you to find the person you seek within the harem, but he might even agree to marry his daughter to you."


    Damn it, that was exactly what Lin Wanrong wanted, if Qingxuan was indeed the princess. This thought stirred excitement within him. Seeing Xu Wei''s gleaming eyes, as though he had just aplished a sly n, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but give him a once-over. He nodded andughed, "I see, I understand now. It seems that Master Xu, you have some business to attend to today as well."


    Seeing his intentions uncovered, Xu Wei gave an awkwardugh, saying, "Oh, not at all. My primary reason for visiting today was merely to reminisce about old times with you and the youngdy. Everything else was simply an afterthought, nothing more."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled sarcastically at the notion, retorting, "Mr. Xu, we have been old acquaintances for a long time. If there is anything you need, just say it directly. We can negotiate."


    Nodding with a smile, Xu Wei admitted, "You are an insightful young man, so there is no need for me to beat around the bush. The other day, when I visited General Li''s mansion, we discussed military affairs. The general had high praise for your subordinates Hu Bugui, Du Xiuyuan, Li Sheng, and Xu Zhen, but he had quite a few criticisms for you, as the Commanding General."


    Interrupting him, Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively, "Mr. Xu, my time as General is in the past. Nowadays, I am a simple man, spending my days conversing with the Eldest Miss and finding joy in our daily activities. Let the old general say whatever he wishes."


    Slightly embarrassed, Xu Wei responded, "While that may be true, I did rmend you to General Li, and he personally evaluated you. He praised your knowledge and bravery but criticized your selfishness and your refusal to serve the nation. From my interactions with you, I believe you are not that kind of person. So, what are you really thinking?"


    So that was it, Lin Wanrong thought. Old man Li Tai was making a mountain out of a molehill. Everyone had their own thoughts and ambitions; coercion was pointless.


    "Mr. Xu, you know very well, I lead a contented life in the Xiao family. If it hadn''t been for your previous invitation, I would have no connection to these military affairs. Even though we fought in a battle, it was all due to luck. I know my own strengths and weaknesses. Rather than going to war and risking lives, including my own, it is better to be realistic, stay grounded and do what I can."


    As Lin Wanrong finished speaking, he heard a female voice sigh, "There are many selfish people in this world who only care for their personal interests and disregard their duty to their country. Theye up with all sorts of specious arguments. It''s truly ridiculous. Yuruo, do you despise people like that?"


    The speaker was Xu Zhiqing. She had been talking with the Eldest Miss but had raised her voice at the end of her statement, as if she wanted someone else to hear her words.


    Curious, Xu Wei nced at his daughter, a mysterious smile on his face.


    Seems like the youngdy was trying to provoke a response, thought Lin Wanrong, ncing at Xu Zhiqing. He chuckled, "In Miss Xu''s opinion, what kind of person would be truly intelligent?"


    Feigning surprise, Xu Zhiqing looked at him and replied with a smile, "Oh, I didn''t expect you to overhear my conversation with Yuruo. The people I was criticizing were those who are selfish. Those with real knowledge and insight would never let their talents go to waste. Their lifelong dream is to seek the welfare of the people and the country. On the other hand, those who spout excuses, in reality,ck confidence in their abilities and are the epitome of selfishness."


    "Miss Xu is indeed wise," Lin Wanrong responded with a hint of mockery in his eyes. He pped andughed, "I wonder, who are these knowledgeable and insightful people in Miss Xu''s opinion? Are they the ones who shout about going to the frontline and fighting the enemy all day long? That''s quite a slogan! If that''s the case, consider my question withdrawn. It seems we do not tread the same path."


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 Chapter 294

    Chapter 294


    Chapter 294 The Hot-headed Youth


    "What an eloquent speaker you are," said Xu Zhiqing with a faint smile. "So in your opinion, who would be considered an intelligent, insightful person? You''re not referring to yourself, are you?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "Speaking of myself wouldn''t be a bad idea."


    Xu Zhiqing shook her head helplessly. This man was truly shameless to the core.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t care about her thoughts. He smiled slightly, pointing to Xiao Yuruo and said, "If not me, then let''s talk about our Eldest Miss here. Just by being who she is, she''s intelligent, insightful, and extraordinary."


    "Me?" Xiao Yuruo blushed, she nced at him shyly, and said softly, "Don''t talk nonsense, we have guests!"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "I''m not talking nonsense. Miss Xu asked what it means to be intelligent and insightful, didn''t she? I just used the youngdy as an example. Education and insight are not as she imagines. In my opinion, there are countless intelligent and insightful people. Not only our Eldest Miss, but also those who till the fields, those who sell tofu on the streets, the cksmiths in their shops, any ordinary and kind citizen of Great Hua, they are all intelligent, insightful, and extraordinary."


    Upon hearing this, not only Xiao Yuruo but also Su Qinglian showed interest. How could this man keep saying things others don''t understand, Xu Zhiqing wondered.


    Xu Wei knew Xu Zhiqing was deliberately challenging Lin San. However, he found the debate between the two young people quite interesting. When Lin San mentioned the ordinary citizens, his interest was even more piqued. He hurriedly said, "Little brother Lin, do share your insights quickly."Looking at the frowning Xu Zhiqing, Lin Wanrong shook his head,ughed through his nose, and said dismissively, "I don''t mind sharing, but I''m afraid people like Miss Xu may not understand."


    Xu Zhiqing, being candid, nodded and said, "I''m eager to hear your insights."


    Lin Wanrongughed loudly, his voice tinged with a hint of defiance, "Miss Xu, it''s normal if you don''t understand. Look around the world, how many people can understand what I''m saying?"


    "My fellow ordinary citizens of Great Hua, whether they''re farmers, cksmiths, or vegetable sellers, even though they have modest ie and lead austere lives, they earn their living with their own hands, more honorable than anyone. These people may be illiterate, can''t recite poetry, and don''t understand national affairs, yet they dutifully pay their taxes, never missing a cent. They do all they can for our nation. The taxes they pay provide the foundation of our country''s prosperity. They are the silent pirs supporting the nation, nourishing countless intelligent and insightful people, like those Miss Xu speaks of, with their hard-earned sweat."


    "They might not understand national affairs, never utter grand statements, or cry out ''I want to serve in the court'' or ''I want to fight at the front line''. But without them, Great Hua would be an empty shell, and all the so-called court officials and military generals would be worth nothing. I ask you, Miss Xu, do you dare say theyck education and insight?" Seeing Xu Zhiqing bite her lip without responding, Lin Wanrong snorted angrily, "What schrs and wise men you speak of, they''re all bloody nonsense! Only the countless ordinary citizens possess great knowledge and wisdom. Their understated brilliance, their wisdom in appearing simple, who in the world could truly understand that?"


    Xu Zhiqing''s face turned pale, and she remained silent. A fire ignited within Lin Wanrong, and with a derisiveugh, he said, "All the taxes collected, they''re dug out of the earth and sweat of the people. Whatever the officials want, themon folk give. But look at what these so-called ''schrly'' and ''insightful'' people have done? They recite poems, drink fine wine, and hold maps, boasting about our vastnds and resources, iming we are the foremost in the world. Foremost in the world? Bullshit!"


    His face reddened in anger, he mmed his cup down on the table, dering fiercely, "They use the people''s money for their pleasures, even their visits to brothels are publicly funded. They exploit the people at home and grovel to foreigners. When the enemy attacks, is that when your knowledge and insight shine? How wonderful! But I have a question, why does the enemy dare to attack? Where did all the billions of taxes collected each year go? Were they fed to the dogs or thrown in the water? A few hundred thousand northern nomads can destroy our Great Wall and reach our hearnd? What has been achieved in national construction and defense? When the northern nomads attack, you start to shout, but where the hell were you before? Has your great knowledge and insight been eaten by dogs?"


    He spouted profanities, his spittle flying. Despite his vulgarnguage, his words resonated profoundly and deeply.


    Xu Zhiqing, turning green in the face, stayed silent. As a proud woman blessed with extraordinary talents, when had anyone ever dared to speak so crudely in front of her? Or admonished her so? Lin San''s coarsenguage was offensive andcking any decorum. Her eyes welled up with tears. If she wasn''t so strong-willed, she would have already run out crying.


    Xiao Yuruo, seeing his fury, felt a mix of amusement and sadness. She quickly tugged at his sleeve, pleading, "Stop, you''ve upset Sister Xu to tears."


    ¡®Let her cry. I''m not afraid of her,¡¯ he thought, ¡®I''m going to win her affection and then leave her anyway. It just saves me a step.¡¯ He didn''t bother to look at Xu Zhiqing, instead, he grabbed Xiao Yuruo''s hand and smiled gently at her, "Do you understand what I''ve been saying?"


    She nced at him, "What''s there not to understand? It''s not the first time I''ve listened to your nonsense. Each time it scares the life out of me. Whatever trouble you stir up, I''ll just deal with it."


    He felt touched, and gripped her hand tightly,ughing, "Let me recite a poem for you. It''s a bit adult-themed."


    "In this mess you''ve created, you still want to recite a poem? What adult-themed nonsense, it sounds terrible," Xiao Yuruo sighed, ncing at him with a blush on her face.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, looking at her and said softly, "Together in life and death, I promise to you. Holding your hand, growing old with you. A wonderful poem, such a fucking wonderful poem!"


    She realized his intentions. Her heart trembled, and she gripped his hand, causing him to wince in pain. Covering her mouth, she turned her head, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs. "What wonderful poem, you just love to torment others, tricking them into shedding tears, making a fool of them. You''re a horrible person, I hate you¡ª"


    "Hate me all you want, hate me for a lifetime if you wish," Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    "You wish!" Eldest Miss responded softly through her tears, "A lifetime isn''t nearly enough. Not even ten lifetimes would let me forgive you."


    Their hands gripped tighter, instantly sharing a mutual understanding, an abundance of affection, with joy filling their hearts. Meanwhile, the shock kept resurfacing among the three of the Xu family.


    "Well said!" The first to voice approval was the famous performer from Hangzhou, Su Qinglian. Having experienced numerous ups and downs in the secr world, she had seen countless rises and falls, partings and reunions, and felt the sentiments deeply.


    She stood up slowly, pped, and said with a smile, "Young Master Lin, your words today were invigorating. These are golden sayings that haven''t been heard in the Great Hua for centuries, making one deeply reflective. Those so-called highly-intelligent schrs, they are merely hindsight strategists, loud in their mor, but how many really take action? Nothing more than deceivers and name thieves."


    Xu Wei sighed and shook his head slightly, "Little brother Lin, I have lived for over fifty or sixty years, been an official for thirty or forty years. When ites to vision, I am far behind your depth and breadth."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Please forgive me, Mr. Xu. I am just a hot-headed youth, spouting empty talk. Don''tugh at me."


    Xu Weiughed out loud, "Hot-headed youth! That''s a good term. I wish I could have been like you in my youth. If Great Hua had a few more of such passionate youths, how could we let the northern nomads bully us to this extent?"


    Seeing Xu Zhiqing''s pale face, sitting silently, Lin Wanrong marveled inwardly. Any ordinary woman would have stormed out after hearing his words. While this girl''splexion was far from good, she remained seated, showing an extraordinary fortitude.


    "Mr. Xu may feel that my words resonated with him, but I''m afraid Miss Xu may not feel the same. I may have terribly offended her," Lin Wanrong said with a bitter smile.


    Xu Weiughed heartily, "That''s quite alright. Little brother Lin, do you remember the conversation we had in Hangzhou? I said that I only admire two people in this world. One is you, and the other is my daughter. This is no exaggeration. Since her childhood, Zhiqing has been smart and clever. She could recite poetry fluently at the age of three, and express her thoughts artictely by six. More interestingly, not only does she have a passion for literature, she''s also interested in extraordinary skills and geography. She spent five years observing and drawing the star maps, and her predictions of the movements of the sun, moon, and stars were mostly urate."


    ¡®Wow, an astronomer? Incredible!¡¯ Xu Wei, seeing the astonishment on Lin San''s face, couldn''t help but boast, "My daughter has a wide range of interests. She knows that swallows fly low before rain, fish rise to the surface of water, and what shape of dam can best resist water flow. Her flood control n was used by Luo Min in Jiangsu. She also has a knack for mathematics. Moreover, she is very skilled in military tactics. Five years ago, she started following General Li to the front lines against the northern nomads, umting countless battle experiences. Even Li Tai concedes defeat to her knowledge of military formations."


    ¡®Sweat, so this girl is an astronomer, physicist, hydraulic engineer, mathematician, and a military strategist? What a damn prodigy,¡¯ he couldn''t help but nce at Xu Zhiqing, who was sitting pale-faced, with a stubborn curve hanging at the corner of her mouth. It was a testament to her resilience and defiance.


    ¡®Ah, I oversimplified someone again,¡¯ he shook his head in resignation, only to hear Xu Wei sigh, "Before you came along, it wouldn''t be too much to call my Zhi''er the best in the world. Unfortunately, this old fool has ruined her life."


    Xu Wei''s eyes were filled with tears, and he shook his head in pain. Lin Wanrong was shocked and asked, "Mr. Xu, why do you say that?"


    Xu Wei sighed deeply, "My Zhi''er is clever and well-intelligent. Young man, think about it, which man in this world could match her?"


    Indeed, with Xu Zhiqing''s knowledge, she was simply a national treasure, and furthermore, she was an extraordinarily beautiful woman. It must be exceedingly hard for any man to be considered worthy of her.


    Xu Wei shook his head repeatedly, expressing regret, "Ever since Zhi''er turned ten, there has been an unending stream of young mening to propose marriage. Unfortunately, Zhi''er has high ambitions, and the men worthy of her in this world are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. She could hardly find any of them suitable. However, in my drunken stupor, I made a terrible mistake and ruined my dear Zhi''er''s life."


    Lin Wanrong furrowed his brows. ording to what Old Xu was saying, was Xu Zhiqing''s betrothal to Li Tai''s son not her own will? Were thereplications? Damn, how intriguing. But a man, though rough, asionally indulging in a bit of gossip, was not such a terrible thing.


    Heughed heartily, feigning confusion, "Ruined Miss Xu''s life? What do you mean? I noticed Miss Xu''s hair done up in a married woman''s style. It seems like she is already married."


    Xu Wei gave him a re, thinking ¡®You little rogue, pretending to be confused when you clearly know what''s going on. Everyone in the capital knows about my daughter''s affairs, how could you not know?¡¯ He sighed, "Everyone in the capital knows that my daughter is betrothed to Li Tai''s second son. That''s true. Although Zhi''er has never med me, it''s also true that I''ve ruined her life. At my eldest son''s wedding, Zhi''er was just twelve. That year coincided with a truce on the border, and Li Tai came to congratte us. Having not seen him for many years, and being overjoyed at my son''s marriage, I unfortunately had a few drinks too many and mentioned the matter of marriage between our children. Coincidentally, he had a young son, three years older than Zhi''er, already capable of fighting in battles. Under the encouragement of the others and in my drunken stupor, I carelessly promised Zhi''er to his second son."


    Lin Wanrong was drenched in sweat. A girl like Xu Zhiqing would certainly be one with strong opinions. Xu Wei making decisions for her was a mistake upon mistake. He had not expected that even the most famous schr in the world could have such a moment of folly.


    Lin Wanrong patted his shoulder sympathetically, "Old Xu, I deeply sympathize with you."


    Xu Wei spoke with immense regret, "My Zhi''er is naturally clever. Even at only twelve, what is there in this world that she does not know? How could she willingly give herself to a stranger so easily? But she is a filial child, she never mentions it in front of me, preserving my dignity. Later on, when Li Tai''s second son died in battle, Zhi''er, who had never even met her betrothed, became a widow. I, Xu Wei, who was smart all my life, have ruined my daughter''s life. Tell me, am I not the most foolish person in this world?"


    Foolish, indeed utterly foolish! Lin Wanrong shook his head secretly, only to hear Xu Wei say, "Zhi''er is clever and intelligent. Speaking of which, there is no man in this world who canpare to her. Of course¡ªexcept for you!"


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 Chapter 295

    Chapter 295


    Chapter 295 Teaching


    Oh? What else besides him? Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but draw in a cold breath. Was Old Xu hinting at something? ¡®If you want to court me, that''s fine, but the problem lies in the fact that your young daughter and I aren''t exactly on the same wavelength.¡¯


    Upon noticing Xu Wei and Lin San conversing, the Eldest Miss saw Miss Xu''s face pallid with despair. She reached for her hand, consoling, "Miss Xu, Madam Xu, don''t mind Lin San. He''s all bark and no bite. Ignore his nonsense. Come with me; I have gifts for you both."


    Lin Wanrong knew the Eldest Miss intended to give out perfumes. He couldn''t help but let out a couple of chuckles, which made the Eldest Miss blush. She red at him, then, with the ount book in hand, led the two women into the inner courtyard.


    "Little brother Lin, Little brother Lin, did you hear me?" Xu Wei''s voice resonated in his ear.


    "Huh? Ah, yes, I heard, I heard...what was it?" Lin Wanrong responded with augh. "Mr. Xu, we can discuss these matterster. First, take a look at this portrait. Do you recognize this woman?"


    He pulled out a portrait from his pocket and handed it to Xu Wei. Upon receiving it, Xu Wei saw a uniquely styled painting of a woman who looked like a celestial being - both her posture and her appearance were breathtaking. He studied it for a while before furrowing his brows. "This seems vaguely familiar, but I can''t recall where I''ve seen her."


    Overjoyed, Lin Wanrong seized his arm, asking, "Mr. Xu, can you remember seeing her in the pce?"


    Xu Wei shook his head. "I can only say she seems familiar. As to whether I''ve seen her or not, I can''t say for sure."Lin Wanrong queried further, "Has Mr. Xu seen the Emperor''s second daughter?"


    Xu Wei gave a wry smile, "The second princess? I saw her when she was very young. For more than a decade now, she has been very private and modest. Apart from the Emperor, few have seen her. I''m quite familiar with the eldest princess, but even she has seldom seen the second princess. Ah, it all ties back to a secret from when the Emperor ascended to the throne. Let''s not talk about that."


    Lin Wanrong persisted, "Could Mr. Xu take another look and see if thisdy resembles the eldest princess or the Emperor?"


    Xu Wei nced at the painting, chuckling, "Little brother Lin, you''re asking me quite a lot of questions. Is thisdy in the portrait the second princess?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "I''m not quite sure, just a suspicion. If she is the second princess, she should bear some resemnce to either the Emperor or the eldest princess."


    Xu Wei shook his head, "Although a person''s appearance is inherited from their parents, it can significantly differ. Determining familial rtionships based solely on appearances can be misleading. Especially when ites to the royal family. Throughout history, no princess has been unattractive. Why is that? Because anyone who bes an Emperor naturally possesses a certain dignified aura and their appearance won''t be too unattractive. The consorts are even more stunning, and their daughters, the princesses, often inherit the best features of both, making them exceptionally beautiful. Because an Emperor''s majesty isn''t befitting for a woman, most princesses inherit their mother''s appearance. For instance, the eldest princess inherited her mother''s looks, as did the second princess. It''s not unusual for these half-sisters to look nothing alike."


    Lin Wanrong was suddenly somewhat disappointed. If Qingxuan''s appearance resembled that of the eldest princess or the Emperor, then it would be easier to determine her identity. Regrettably, Old Xu had thrown out the theory that "a royal princess often resembles her mother." It seemed that it would indeed be difficult to identify Qingxuan''s status simply by her appearance. Was he really supposed to garner more merit, and wait for the Emperor''s decree inviting him into the pce?


    Seeing that he couldn''t find a breakthrough from Old Xu, Lin Wanrong was rather helpless. Qingxuan, Qingxuan, was she really a princess?


    After exchanging some idle chatter, Lin Wanrong beat around the bush about the matter of joining the army. Sometimes he would say that the border was so far away, other times he would remark how strong their army was, dragging in unrted matters. Xu Wei was immensely frustrated; he had talked to this young man for quite a while and still had not figured out if he wanted to go or not. The top schr had truly met his match in this cunning character.


    When Lin Wanrong and Old Xu entered the inner courtyard, they saw Su Qinglian and Xu Zhiqing each holding a bottle of perfume, ying with them curiously. Miss Xu seemed much happier, applying some perfume to her jade-like wrist, sniffing it lightly. A trace of delight appeared on her face, "It''s fragrant but not too heavy, charming yet not vulgar. My dear sister, this is truly a wonderful thing, I love it very much. Do you have more? I''d like another bottle of the orchid one."


    Lin Wanrong was sweating. She was holding a rose one and wanted another orchid one. Which scent did she actually prefer? Was she sometimes innocent, sometimes coquettish? Such an intriguing woman indeed had a unique taste, quite simr to his.


    Su Qinglianughed, "Zhiqing, this perfume is so sought after in Hangzhou that it''s nearly impossible to acquire, and the price has already doubled several times. A tiny bottle like this has been spected to be worth three hundred taels of silver. Ladies in the capital have already started circting it, but the quantity is limited, and few people know about it. Everyone treasures their own. By asking for one, you''re spending several hundred taels."


    Xu Zhiqingughed, "Auntie, I naturally understand. When I met with sister Yuruo for the first time, she was so generous. If I didn''t ask for another one, wouldn''t I be at a loss? Besides, sister Yuruo is smart. She wants us to advertise for her."


    The Eldest Miss was delighted to see that even a loftydy like Xu Zhiqing loved this perfume. Sheughed, "No worries at all. I''ll give Miss Xu and Madam Xu another bottle of the orchid one each. This is our Lin family''s secret recipe, impossible to find anywhere else."


    Miss Xu nced at Lin San, murmuring an indifferent ''oh''. Lin Wanrong touched his nose, thinking that she would return these two bottles to the Eldest Miss when she heard that he made the perfume. ording to the ck market price, this was worth six hundred taels of silver.


    As he was deep in thought, he saw Xu Zhiqing carrying the Eldest Miss''s ount book and slowly walked over, "Young Master Lin, I have a matter to consult you on."


    Upon seeing his daughter speaking with Lin San, Xu Wei immediatelyughed heartily, "You two are both extraordinary, you should talk more. Miss, I will impose myself on your mansion today and ask for a cup of wine. Qinglian, bring the zither. Today I''m in a good mood. Let''s sing a song and have some fun with Miss and Young Master Lin."


    ¡®Good heavens, every time I spoke to yourdy, you started singing and dancing, enjoying fine food and wine. I did all the work and you took all the pleasures. Was there any justice in this?¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Ah, Miss Xu, you wish to learn from me? Perhapster. I was hoping to listen to Miss Su y the zither. I must say, I''m quite fond of romancing, it''s just that I''m not very good at it, and haven''t courted many."


    Xu Zhiqing gave a nonchnt nod, saying, "I was intending to seek your instruction about Arabic numerals, but if you are upied, then never mind."


    Lin Wanrong eximed in astonishment, "You know about Arabic numerals?"


    A cunning light flickered in Xu Zhiqing''s eyes as she smiled, "Let''s first listen to Aunt Su y the zither. You seemed quite eager, didn''t you?"


    Damn, this girl was seeking revenge. ¡®I will romance you today,¡¯ he thought with a grin. "If that''s the case, then never mind¡ªI was nning on discussing the calction methods of these Arabic numerals with Miss Xu. Oh well, let''s talk about love!"


    Both of them were ying games, locked in a quiet battle of patience to see who would yield first.


    As Lin Wanrong moved away, he recalled his ambition to spread Arabic numerals in this world. While this was foundational, if done right, it would be a great contribution to the nation. Perhaps it would mark the beginning of the Great Hua catching up with Europe?


    He didn''t know how to make cannons and he refused to manufacture gunpowder, but this foundation in mathematics and physics¡ªif he managed to spread it, that would be a benefit to countless future generations. ¡®So be it, I''ll take on the role of the anonymous hero. Xu Zhiqing is patient and determined, and she knows about these Arabic numerals. Why should I miss this opportunity out of sheer stubbornness?¡¯


    Having thought this, he suddenly halted and, with a serious expression, addressed her: "Miss Xu, I won''t hold a grudge against you. Let''s talk frankly. Regardless of your opinion of me, whether you think I''m babbling nonsense or I''m ignorant, I must say, Arabic numerals and the calction methods based on them are an extremely great invention. Without them, the Westerners wouldn''t be so powerful. Mastering them, the Great Hua might enter a brand-new era."


    Xu Zhiqing noticed his grave demeanor, quite different from the frustrated young man moments earlier. She couldn''t help but sigh, "How you change so swiftly! Arabic numerals were introduced by the Westerners and recorded in the coastal areas. I came across a brief note about them in a tranted book by missionary York. I saw you using them for counting in Miss''s ount book and out of curiosity wanted to ask. Do these Arabic numerals really hold the significance you im?"


    "Whether they are significant or not, it''s not up to me to decide. Let''s do this: You give me a math problem, and we''ll solve it together. Let the facts prove themselves," Lin Wanrong proposed.


    That seemed fair. Xu Zhiqing nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "Then, I will set a problem. A chessboard with five squares across and two squares down, making ten squares in total. Put one tael of silver in the first square, two taels in the second, four taels in the third, and so on. To fill all ten squares, how many taels of silver are required in total?"


    Seeing Miss Xu reach for paper and brush to calcte, Lin Wanrong, after a brief mental calction,ughed, "There''s no need for that, it''s one thousand and twenty-three taels."


    She had posed the question herself, so there was no way he could have cheated. Miss Xu, in awe, asked, "How did you calcte that? Is this how Arabic numerals are calcted?"


    Lin Wanrongughed and replied, "I can''t tell you now. Once you have mastered Arabic numerals, you can deduce these forms yourself. Miss Xu, you are knowledgeable. Can you tell me, do you find the current calction methods you use convenient?"


    Xu Zhiqing pondered and said, "I never found themplicated before, but after seeing you do the calctions, it seems I need to reconsider."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "I''ll tell you, whether it''s astronomy, calendars, or engineering calctions, Arabic numerals are the most useful means of calction. If you want to learn, I''ll teach you. I don''t expect you to remember my good deeds. I just hope that once you''ve learned, you can pass this knowledge on, invite more people interested in mathematics and engineering to join, and collectively develop this field of mathematics. If possible,pile them into books for continued cirction. With these, I''ll be content. What are you looking at? Do you think I''m great? Let me tell you, do not worship individuals; I''m afraid it would cause problems."


    Xu Zhiqing shook her head and chuckled, "You... Just when I thought you were getting serious, you change again. I will remember what you said. In fact, it''s what I''ve been doing all along." Lin Wanrong was determined to pass on this calction method. As he taught Xu Zhiqing, he was meticulous in his exnations. Unfortunately, having never been a teacher before, teaching elementary mathematics felt somewhat challenging. Thankfully, his knack for conversing helped him muddle through.


    Indeed, Xu Zhiqing was exceptionally bright. She quickly became familiar with the Arabic numerals. Lin Wanrong only had to exin the four arithmetic operations once, and she understood, impressing him - she was far more intelligent than he was in primary school.


    Seeing her enthusiasm for learning, Lin Wanrong went all out, teaching her the concepts of exponential operations. Whether she understood or not, he went ahead anyway. In this situation, he could only resort to rote learning; if she wanted to understand, she could study it in her own time.


    After an hour of teaching, Lin Wanrong was parched. Xu Zhiqing sighed, "These Arabic numerals are truly ingenious. With these calction methods, our Great Hua craftwork will undoubtedly advance further."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and asked, "Miss Xu, how much did you manage to remember?"


    Xu Zhiqing lowered her head, her face reddening slightly as she whispered, "I remembered about ny percent, but I didn''t quite grasp thest part about exponents."


    ¡®Sweat, she''s a real genius. If I keep going, I''ll end up proving the Pythagorean theorem to her. Enough is enough, I''ve done my part. The rest is up to her to understand.¡¯


    He had met Xu Zhiqing several times before, but it was the first time he saw her blush. Unable to contain his amusement, he maintained a stern face and sighed, "s, I suppose it will have to do. Among all the students I have taught, you''re the slowest to grasp the concepts."


    However, Xu Zhiqing wasn''t easily intimidated. She looked up and chuckled, "You don''t even blush when you lie. But, I am curious. You aren''t particrly clever. Where did you learn about these Arabic numerals?"


    ¡®Damn it, she thinks I''m not clever enough? Which eye of hers saw that?¡¯ Lin Wanrong indignantly replied, "When you think I''m clever enough, I''ll tell you then. I''m hungry, let''s go eat."


    Xu Zhiqing paused for a moment, then burst into a delicateughter. Her voluptuous body shook violently from her amusement to the point where she couldn''t even stand straight...


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 Chapter 296

    Chapter 296


    Chapter 296 News from Qingxuan


    Today, Xu Wei was in exceptionally high spirits. He spent time chatting with the Eldest Miss and Lin Wanrong, savoring fine wine. Later, he yed the elegant guqin and sang amorous verses with the white-haired beauty, Su Qinglian, reviving his youthful vigor, akin to the top schr he once was.


    However, Xu Zhiqing was different from them. She retreated into the room early on to study the Arabic numerals she had just learned. She even dragged Lin Wanrong into her inquiry, asking increasinglyplex and profound questions.


    In addition to his astonishment, Lin Wanrong also felt a growing respect. With such a diligent and eager-to-learn woman leading the way, he believed this mathematical foundation should quickly spread across Great Hua.


    Xu Zhiqing was an incredibly generous woman. When interacting with him, she was natural and exhibited no coquetry. Lin Wanrong, a little itching for banter, attempted to broach some off-topic subjects, but she always managed to politely steer the conversation away, showing interest in nothing but her studies.


    The three Xu family members stayed until the evening before reluctantly leaving. As their sedan chairs dwindled into the distance, Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh, "Finally, the old man has left."


    The Eldest Miss nced at him with a faint smile, "Look at the way you talk. A distinguished individual like Mr. Xu is someone others can hardly invite, yet you behave as though you''ve just seen a gue."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "I don''t mind Mr. Xu, it''s his daughter who annoys me. She''s not very enthusiastic when talking to me."


    The Eldest Miss chuckled, "Look at the absurd things you''re asking Miss Xu about: which came first, the chicken or the egg, how an egg is fertilized, how to make a pig grow faster. Goodness, what a mess¡ª"Lin Wanrong, unembarrassed, said, "All these are scientific questions. If you don''t know, just ask me. Why not?"


    The Eldest Missughed, "Why should I ask you? I say, asking you is like falling into your trap, don''t regard others as fools. Moreover, that''s just how Miss Xu is. With her knowledge, it''s really hard to find someone she would look at straight in the eye."


    ¡®Damn it, I don''t believe that after today, she''d still dare to give me the cold shoulder. She''s taking Brother San too lightly!¡¯


    After chatting for a while, the Eldest Miss suddenly grabbed his arm, "Lin San, I want to ask you something, and you must answer honestly¡ªwhen you were in Jinling, Mr. Xu asked for your assistance, was it to help him suppress the White Lotus Sect?"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, he queried, "Why are you bringing up that again? I genuinely had work to do that day, I didn''t ck off."


    The Eldest Miss''s eyes turned a bit red, and she punched him, "Annoying, I''m not joking, I want the truth."


    The incident had already passed, and there was no need to hide it from her. Lin Wanrong nodded andughed, "Yeah, that old Xu dragged me into a battle, almost lost my life. If it weren''t for Xian''er''s rescue, I''m afraid you wouldn''t see me now. However, those bastards from the White Lotus Sect who once bullied us were thoroughly defeated¡ªHey, Eldest Miiss, why are you crying?"


    Xiao Yuruo hastily wiped her tears, asking, "That day I was waiting for you outside the city, was that after you had been injured?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Yes, I had not fully recovered from my injury that day. But I had promised Miss Luo to be back for the poetrypetition, so I had to rush back overnight."


    "You were so badly hurt, yet you still thought of her?" The Eldest Miss spoke with a mixture of pain and anger, "Did you not care about your life for her?"


    Seeing the tears welling up in the Eldest Miss''s eyes, Lin Wanrong hurriedly responded, "What''s going on? Why are we talking about that day all of a sudden? I''m all right now, stronger than ever. If you don''t believe me, try holding me."


    The Eldest Miss bit her lip hard, her eyes filled with tears as she looked at him, her voice soft, "Do you hate me? For how I treated you that day?" Suddenly, tears flew like rain, "I know, you must hate me. When you were so severely injured, I shut you out. But I really didn''t know. During those days, I hoped to see you, so I waited for you outside the city every evening. When I finally saw youing back, I was overjoyed. But then I saw you with two women. I... I was so upset that I lost all reason. It''s your fault! You''re the one who is fickle-hearted!"


    Sweat, so that''s why. Jealous women can be a bit irrational, but it''s meaningless if they''re not jealous. Heughed, "How can I me you? You don''t know how good Xian''er was to me when you shut me out. I had ginseng and bird''s nest every day, and even someone to apany me to sleep. I was as happy and free as an immortal."


    The Eldest Miss''s face flushed, and she snorted lightly, "Ginseng and bird''s nest? We have plenty at home. How much do you want? If you''re talking about someone to sleep with, shame on you! You''re always looking for excuses to take advantage of me. Do you think I''m that kind of woman?"


    Lin Wanrong understood Xiao Yuruo''s character very well. She was a typical case of being tough on the outside but soft on the inside. He grinned and changed the subject, "Let''s not talk about this anymore. When Miss Su and Miss Xu left today, it seemed like you gave them something. What was it, why were you hiding it from me and Old Xu?"


    The Eldest Miss''s face turned red, "Why are you asking this, I won''t tell you."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "It''s just a few pieces of underwear, why so secretive?"


    The Eldest Miss was taken aback, "How did you know? Did you hide somewhere and spy on us? You..."


    Her fists rained down on him. Lin Wanrong caught her hand,ughing, "That was easy to guess, seeing you all sneaky. Miss Xu has a nice figure, on par with yours. But I wonder what Miss Su will look like in this underwear, what a lucky man Old Xu is, he''s in for a treat tonight."


    Hearing his cheeky words, the Eldest Miss had blushed furiously, aiming small punches at him in rebuke. Lin Wanrongughed gleefully as the two of them yfully tussled. Overwhelmed with joy, the Eldest Miss suddenly threw herself into his arms, crying softly, her emotions aplex whirlwind. She couldn''t articte if it was bitterness or sweetness she felt.


    "Brother San, Brother San ¡ª" Their intimate moment was interrupted by a call from outside. Huan¡¯er, panting heavily, ran into the inner courtyard. Seeing the two entwined, she let out a yelp of surprise before quickly turning her head away, murmuring, "I didn''t see anything, I didn''t see anything."


    Lin Wanrong feigned a fierce expression on his face. "You really didn''t see anything? You know, I excel at silencing witnesses. So, do you prefer to be ravished then murdered, murdered then ravished, or abination of both?"


    Huan¡¯er''s small face flushed crimson, but she burst intoughter. "Brother San would never! Brother San is a good person, I''m not scared¡ª"


    ¡®Damn, I''m really bad at ying the viin, huh?¡¯ The Eldest Miss pinched him at his waist, reprimanding, "You''re always talking nonsense. Huan¡¯er, what happened?"


    Huan¡¯er, having eased her initial panic, said, "Miss, someone has sent a message for Brother San."


    "A message for me?" Lin Wanrong expressed surprise. "I hardly know anyone here in the capital."


    Xiao Yuruo huffed, "Who knows? You certainly have a lot of covert operations."


    As she spoke, she was the first to take the letter from Huan¡¯er''s hand. The letter was thin and carried a faint, alluring scent, suggesting it was written by ady. The Eldest Miss looked at him with a teasing smile. Lin Wanrong gave a dryugh, but he was puzzled. He only knew a few people in the capital, who could this be from? Xian''er? Sister An?


    Xiao Yuruo handed him the letter without opening it, saying, "Better look at it quickly, don''t let it dy your important business."


    As Lin Wanrong opened the envelope and skimmed its contents, his face changed dramatically, he eximed, "Qingxuan ¡ª"


    Xiao Qingxuan was not just their shared lifesaver but also Lin Wanrong''swfully wedded wife. The Eldest Miss hastily peered at the letter, seeing only a few lines of script: "For news of Qingxuan, the birch forest north of the city knows. Come quickly!"


    Lin Wanrong was incredibly agitated, gripping Huan¡¯er''s hand tightly. "Huan¡¯er, where is the person who delivered this letter?"


    Huan¡¯er''s small hand was hurting from his grip, her face turned red, and she nced at the Eldest Miss as if pleading for help. Xiao Yuruo quickly held his hand, saying, "Don''t panic, let Huan¡¯er speak slowly, let go of her hand quickly."


    Looking anxious, Lin Wanrong released Huan¡¯er''s hand. "Where is the person who delivered the letter?"


    Huan¡¯er shook her head. "I don''t know. After Mr. Xu left, I was helping in the shop. Suddenly, I felt dizzy. After a short while, I recovered, only to find this letter on the table. The letter was addressed to Brother San, so I rushed to deliver it."


    Lin Wanrong''s brows furrowed deeply. So, Huan¡¯er hadn''t even seen who had delivered the letter? Damn, who was socking in manners, delivering a letter without showing their face, didn''t they know he was anxious?


    The Eldest Miss understood his anxiety,forting him, "Don''t panic, first look at this letter. Is this Miss Xiao Qingxuan''s handwriting?"


    During their stay in Jinling, Lin Wanrong and Xiao Qingxuan had spent every night in mirthful conversations. He had long since grown familiar with her silent treasures. He shook his head, "This isn''t Qingxuan''s handwriting. However, these strokes are smooth and round. It''s a woman''s writing."


    The Eldest Miss nodded, "From what the letter implies, if you wish to know about Miss Xiao, you must visit the birch forest in the north of the city. Huan''er, is there such a forest in the north?"


    Huan''er nodded, "Yes, it''s about several dozen miles from here. A vast birch forest."


    Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong quickly stuffed the letter into his clothing and started rushing out. The Eldest Miss quickly grabbed him, "Where are you going?"


    "Where else? Of course, to the north of the city," Lin Wanrong responded impatiently.


    The Eldest Miss sighed, "This letter is anonymous, with no salutation or signature. If someone was impersonating Qingxuan and wanted to harm you, what then? Why does all your intelligence disappear when Qingxuan''s namees up? Does Miss Xiao truly hold such great power over you?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head determinedly, "I have no choice. Qingxuan is my wife. Even if it means going through hell, I must."


    "You..." The Eldest Miss saw his stubbornness, feeling both urgency and anger. She huffed, "I''m not saying you can''t go, only that you should n carefully. Ensure there are no mistakes."


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile, "I fear there''s no time for that. The letter demands immediate action. If I''mte and miss the chance, I would regret it for life. Wait for me at home."


    With that, he dashed out, disappearing quickly into the night.


    "Go then, and don''t you daree back!" The Eldest Miss stomped her foot, crying out, "You heartless troublemaker!"


    Huan''er saw the Eldest Miss arguing with Brother San and wisely remained still at a distance.


    After a while of weeping, the Eldest Miss abruptly turned and went inside, tightening her cloak before heading for the door. Huan''er gasped, blocking her, "Miss, what are you doing?"


    Xiao Yuruo sighed faintly, "That fool is so stubborn. I won''t be at ease unless I go check on him."


    "But miss, it''s pitch ck out there. The road to the north is not safe, and there have been bandits recently. How can you go?" Huan''er was anxious.


    "I must go even if it''s dangerous. If I die, tell that scoundrel that I will hate him forever." With that, the Eldest Miss stormed out.


    Huan''er was left in a daze. What was happening with Brother San and the Eldest Miss? They could go from being sweet as honey to bickering like foes in no time. It was truly baffling.


    ¡ª---


    The birch forest in the north was roughly a dozen miles from the Xiao family''s shop. The path was rough and treacherous, but Lin Wanrong was in such a rush that he managed to reach it in less than an hour.


    This stretch of birch forest was vast, probably spanning dozens of acres. Each birch tree was robust, with thick roots and strong branches. The old leaves had fallen, and the new ones had yet to sprout, making the bare branches reach out into the air like fine ws. The cold wind of early spring brought with it a mournful whine, causing the branches to creak and rendering the forest even more deste.


    Upon reaching the edge of the forest, Lin Wanrong saw nothing but emptiness all around, without a single human figure in sight. Puzzled, he couldn''t help but call out, "Qingxuan, Qingxuan, where are you¡ª"


    He called out several times, but the forest remained silent with no one answering. There was no sign of the person who had arranged to meet him there. The dense forest was ominously dark, but he didn''t care. He patrolled the area, but found nothing.


    "Whoever has summoned me, Lin Wanrong, please show yourself," he called out, his heart growing increasingly anxious. There was still no movement. Just as his patience was wearing thin and he was about to call out again, a soft feminine voice came from behind, "Are you Lin Wanrong?"


    The voice was sweet and gentle, like music from the heavens, slowly drifting over from behind him. Lin Wanrong turned around to see an enchanting figure standing atop the trees. She was dressed in white, her long skirt lightly swaying, her hair hanging low, and a pristine white veil covering her face.


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 Chapter 297

    Chapter 297


    Chapter 297 Overthrowing the Fairy


    "Fairy Sister?" Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise. The figure perched atop the tree was familiar, he had already seen her at the Jade Buddha Temple. He had pursued her for some distance. Now, though her face was concealed by a light veil, her enchantingly beautiful silhouette was firmly etched into his heart.


    "Fairy Sister, are you looking for me?" Upon recognizing the beautiful and mysterious woman, Lin Wanrong''s worries and fears significantly subsided. If he had known that he was to meet with Fairy Sister, he would have hired a carriage, preserving his energy for more important matters.


    "What Fairy Sister? Do you know me?" The woman gently nodded her head. Even though Lin Wanrong could not clearly see her expression, he sensed that she was smiling. And why wouldn''t she be? Meeting Lin San, Brother San, and not smiling would be the real joke.


    "What, Sister, don''t you remember me?" Lin Wanrong, unabashed in pretending to be familiar, took a few steps forward and grinned, "We had a rendezvous by the Jade Buddha Temple at dusk. You were flying in the sky while I was chasing you on the ground. As I chased, I tripped, and you fled."


    The woman''s eyebrows furrowed slightly, as she thought back on his words, but eventually shook her head, "Did we? I cannot recall. Even if we did meet, with your appearance, I am afraid I would not remember."


    That ticked him off. He was so handsome, even he himself couldn''t forget. How could she do this to him, to the world, to his parents? It seemed true that beautiful women had less reliable memories. Upon seeing the ethereal figure of the beautiful woman in the tree, his heart filled with resentment. He wished he could take a slingshot and knock her down. But seeing her elegant figure and posture, he felt a slight thrill and chuckling said, "It doesn''t matter if you don''t remember. After today, I fear you won''t be able to forget even if you want to. May I ask, Sister, what is your name? Where do you live? How old are you? Did you specificallye to find me?"


    The woman nodded, "If you are Lin Wanrong, then I dide to find you."


    Lin Wanrong slowly took two steps closer and said with a smile, "I am indeed Lin Wanrong. May I ask, Sister, where is my wife?""Your wife?" The Fairy Sister frowned, "Who is your wife?"


    From his bosom, Lin Wanrong pulled out a slip of paper, gently waving it in the wind, "Did you not write this note - ''If you wish to hear of Qingxuan, you will find out in the birch forest north of the city. Hurry!''"


    "That note was indeed written by me." The Fairy Sister confirmed with a nod.


    "Excellent, excellent!" Lin Wanrong pped his hands andughed, "Then Qingxuan is my wife. We have been separated for so long. This trip to the capital was specifically to find her. Sister, you truly are a heavenly figure who aids those in distress, helping me reunite with my wife. I am forever grateful. In the future, I will be sure to buy lots of celebratory sweets to thank you."


    The Fairy Sister lightly furrowed her eyebrows and shook her head, "When did Qingxuan be your wife? You mustn''t talk nonsense. There is no marriage certificate between you two, nor a marital mandate. She has nothing to do with you, how could she possibly be your wife?"


    Lin Wanrong slowly paced a few steps, an honest smile spreading across his face. "From your words, Sister, it seems you''ve never been in love," he said. "Don''t re at me. Even if you''re married, this one sentence shows that you have no experience in love. There''s a saying that rings true: if two hearts have been in love for a long time, it hardly matters if it was early orte. Qingxuan and I cherish each other, we had the green pines as our matchmaker, and heaven and earth as our witnesses. We''re true lovers and already in matrimonial harmony, how can there be no entanglement? So how is it wrong for me to call her my wife?"


    The woman sighed slightly, "Although you have a way with words, they are all meaningless. Your rtionship with her is one of misced affections. It can''t be taken as truth. I came today, precisely for this matter, to settle these affairs of children''s feelings."


    ¡®Damn, misced affections,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought. He had initially given her face and thought of her as fairy. Ovee with anger, he replied with augh, "May I ask, Sister, who are you to Qingxuan?"


    "I am her closest person," the fairy-like sister replied with a smile. "She would never disobey my words."


    "Hahaha," Lin Wanrong let out a longugh. "Then, let me ask you again, sister, are these words yours or Qingxuan''s?"


    The woman lightly stepped forward, leaping across several trees, standing atop a tall one before Lin Wanrong. "My intentions are Qingxuan''s intentions."


    ¡®Damn, if she thinks I''m going to look up at her, she''s dreaming.¡¯ So, Lin Wanrong simplyid back on the grass, plucking a withered de and cing it in his mouth, looking at the fairy-like sister. The woman blinked, understanding his meaning, and chuckled appreciatively at his childlike behavior.


    "Fairy, whatever you say, I won''t believe," he said. "I trust my wife. If you''re trying to sow discord between us, you might as well spare yourself the effort. If there''s an issue, have Qingxuan tell me directly."


    The fairy lightlyughed, "Watch closely," shemanded. Her slender fingers swiftly moved, a gust of wind shing past Lin Wanrong, hitting the tree behind him. With a soft crash, the towering birch split into two. The woman smiled, "Aren''t you afraid of dying?"


    Before she finished speaking, a rumbling sound was heard, the tree under her feet shook violently and looked like it was about to fall. The fairy''s face changed color, she quickly stepped onto the tips of her feet, and like a dazzling flying swan, leaped across two treetops before stabilizing.


    "What hidden weapon did you use?" The fairy''s heart pounded, her eyebrows slightly furrowed as she curiously looked at him. This hidden weapon was powerful and she had been caught off guard by Lin Wanrong, not expecting him to possess such a formidable tool. She had nearly fallen into his trap.


    Listening to this, Lin Wanrong''s heart soared with joy. ¡®Qingxuan really is my good wife, she secretly gave me this gun, and even this fairy doesn''t know about it.¡¯ Realizing this, he felt happy and proudly said, "Sister, I am very afraid of dying, but I don''t believe that you''re not."


    Seeing his cheerful demeanor, the fairy found it amusing and nodded slightly. "I seem to have underestimated you. However, even though your hidden weapon is powerful, it can only ambush. Now that I''m alert, it would be quite difficult for you to hurt me."


    Cold sweat filled the palm of Lin Wanrong, yet an icy smile adorned his face. He spoke boldly, "If sister is so confident, why not give it a try¡ª"


    The fairy woman said nothing, but in her hand, a silver needle appeared. It was longer than her slender fingers and shone with a sinister silver light under the night sky. Lin Wanrong felt a chill inside, thinking, ¡®Damn, really? It''s even longer than the needle the fox spirit An yed with. I hate needles the most.¡¯


    "Ha ha ha¡ªhonest to say, sister, you''re Qingxuan''s kin, and I''m her husband. Us fighting and killing, if Qingxuan found out, she would be heartbroken. Moreover, you are a recognized expert, and I''m a schr with nobat prowess, isn''t it a bit bullying for you to pick on me? It would be aughing stock if word gets out. Let''s call it a day, leave a contact address, and we can have a proper conversation in front of Qingxuan another day, isn''t that better for all?" Seeing the ominous silver needle, Lin Wanrong''s forehead started to sweat. The memory of Sister An''s acupuncture was vaguely ying before his eyes. This fairy sister also ys with needles, could she be the same person Sister An referred to as her senior sister?


    The woman let out a sigh, "Lin Wanrong, we are strangers. Today I treat you this way out of necessity. Your connection with Qingxuan is like the moon in the water or a flower in a mirror - an impossibility. This needle won''t harm your life, but it will make you forget about Qingxuan. Don''t me me."


    Lin Wanrong was horrified, "What the hell is this? A love forgetfulness potion? To forget Qingxuan, you might as well kill me."


    Seeing the fairy woman move lightly and suddenly move toward him, Lin Wanrong abruptly extended his hand and shouted, "Hold on¡ª"


    The fairy woman didn''t halt, her eyes deep as she softly said, "Speak your mind."


    Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth, "If you want me to forget about Qingxuan, can I at least know more before I do so? My wife Qingxuan, who exactly is she? Is she the rumored second princess of Great Hua?"


    The woman nced at him but did not confirm nor deny. She spoke enigmatically, "Once you enter the marquis''s house, it''s like entering a deep ocean. The flute yer bes a stranger. Your connection with her is over. You will no longer recognize each other, freeing you from worries. What benefit is there in knowing these things?"


    As soon as her words fell, she moved swiftly, jumping down like a fairy descending from heaven. The silver needle in her hand was quickly aimed, a faint fragrance came, and it was swung toward his neck.


    ¡®Damn, she''s just attacking without a word, what happened to the etiquette of a master? Does she think I''m an easy target?¡¯ Angered, he bellowed, "Look at the gun, left one, right one, top one, bottom one¡ª"


    With a loud bang, the gun in Lin Wanrong''s hand exploded. The scattered bullets flew out like scattered dust. The fairy sister had been watching out for his hidden weapon, and upon hearing the sound, she sneered in her heart and moved to the side without thinking. No sooner had her figure shifted, she saw a dense swarm of ck needles heading straight for her. The tips of the needles were gloomy, emitting a chilling light,ing down like a swarm of gadflies.


    This move was even more unpredictable than his firearm. In terms of martial arts, the fairy sister was far superior to Lin Wanrong. However, she had not anticipated such craftiness. He had intentionally revealed his firearm, while his real killer move turned out to be these flying concealed weapons. In her desperation, her slender hand swung rapidly. Her white robe turned into a solid wall that shielded her.


    There were thousands of bee needles. Although the fairy sister had formidable skills, a single needle still slipped through the, striking her delicate jade finger. The woman gave a soft grunt. With a sh of her figure, she quickly retreated several steps. Her voluptuous body trembled lightly, her high, firm chest rising and falling slightly.


    Lin Wanrong waspletely drenched, devoid of any strength in his body, yet his heart was filled with indescribable excitement. He had knocked down the fairy sister. Gazing at the trembling fairy sister, he wished he could burst outughing.


    ¡®Damn, let''s see if you dare to inject me again! Now it''s my turn to give you a shot.¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt a sense of relief inside. He held his gun, grinning wickedly as he approached the fallen fairy sister...


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 Chapter 298

    Chapter 298


    Chapter 298 Pricked by the Needle


    At this moment, they were standing several yards apart, with Lin Wanrong observing every change in the fairy sister''s demeanor. The fairy sister''s delicate body was slightly trembling. Even though he couldn''t see her face clearly, he could imagine just how pale her cheeks must be.


    Observing the trembling bosom of the fairy sister, a sense of delight he couldn''t express surged in Lin Wanrong''s heart. His smile grew increasinglyscivious, and he strolled leisurely towards her,ughing, "Sister, how does that needle feel? You wanted to give me a shot, but it seems I beat you to it?"


    "Despicable!" After a long silence, the fairy sister shook her head slightly, a trace of contempt shing in her eyes, "The methods you resort to are truly devious. Separating you from Qingxuan was indeed the right thing to do."


    Regret swelled within her. If she had just used the flying needle on his carotid artery earlier, even though it might have threatened his life, it would have been much better than falling into his hands. The needle technique she used could erase a person''s memories, but it had to urately hit certain points at the back of the head. If it hit elsewhere, it wouldn''t work at all, and this was why she had been so cautious.


    ¡®Damn it, just because you''re a fairy doesn''t mean I''m scared of you, I, Brother San, specialize in dealing with fairies.¡¯ Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, pping his hands slowly as he walked a few steps, his face lit with a taunting smile, "Despicable? So, sister knows this word too? I thought it was exclusively used to describe me. It seems we do have somemonnguage after all."


    The woman shook her head, "I honestly tried to persuade you, even wanted you to forget Qingxuan, but I never meant to harm you. However, you deliberately used that firearm to trick me, and used a poisonous needle to hurt me, neither of which can be considered honorable."


    "What a nice phrase, ''honorable''!" Lin Wanrongughed uproariously, "It''s just great. fairy sister, you invited me here under the guise of honor, threatened me with martial arts under the guise of honor, pricked me with a needle under the guise of honor, and even tried to separate a husband and wife under the guise of honor. Every single thing you did is supposedly rted to honor and nobility - truly damn noble. But me? I''ve only had a few days of martial arts training, I''m like an ant in front of you. You stab me with a needle, and I have to endure it; you try to kill me with a sword, and I have to watch. Any resistance from me, be it firearms or hidden weapons, is deemed despicable in your eyes. ''Despicable'', what a great word, I freaking love it¡ª"


    With a twinkle in his eye, he sauntered towards her, his face bearing an inscrutable smirk. The woman, upon hearing his sarcastic speech, sighed slightly, "If it were any ordinary woman, I wouldn''t intervene. But since it involves Qingxuan, I have no other choice. Your grudges against me are futile. It''s just the heavens ying tricks on you. Compared to the lives of all under heaven, sacrificing you means nothing."Damn, she made it sound better than it was, iming it was for the sake of all under heaven. But in reality, it was just for the sake of their face, to earn the admiration and reverence of the masses. Even at the expense of someone else''s happiness, they insist on maintaining their cool facade. He waved his hand dismissively, "Fairy sister, I have a word for you: don''t pretend to be superior (a b****), or you''ll be struck by lightning!"


    Although the fairy didn''t fullyprehend the term, the expression on her face revealed a partial understanding. Fortunately, she possessed extraordinary self-control, remaining silent, her silver teeth clenched tight. Slowly, she focused her energy, but a severe pain, unlike any she''d experienced before, radiated from her fingers, making her feel as if she had lost all her strength. With a subtle shake of her head, her light veil slightly lifted from her face. In a quiet voice, she asked, "Today, I have indeed underestimated you. What poison have you used on this needle? It''s incredibly potent."


    Lin Wanrong stared at her without shifting his gaze. Although he couldn''t see her face behind the light veil, he had absolute faith in her, knowing she had been poisoned severely. With a sinister chuckle, ascivious smirk crossed his face, "No, no, it''s not that toxic. Just something I normally use to kill flies and rodents at home. What''s its scientific name again? Ah, right, it''s called ''Strange Love Scatter''. I still don''t understand the meaning of this name. Fairy, you''re so knowledgeable and well-learned, can you enlighten me? The name sounds rather imaginative."


    The woman looked at her fingertip which was rapidly swelling and turning ck. As her slender hand slowly transformed to the same dark color, she bit down on her silver teeth and retorted, "Strange Love Scatter, don''t try to fool me. This is clearly a concoction of potent toxins, possibly a blend of several poisons. You could not have created this, someone must have given you this secret weapon."


    This fairy was indeed perceptive. However, what could she do even if she knew the truth? Could she detoxify herself? When Xian¡¯er had given him the bee needle, she had mentioned that the poison was concocted by her, deadly upon contact. If he did not offer an antidote, she would die from the toxin within a few hours. Damn, she was a rtive of Qingxuan. If he killed her, how could he exin it to Qingxuan? But if he let her go, it would sit even worse with him.


    Torn inside, he did not let his dilemma show on his face. He quickly loaded his musket, aimed at her andughed, "Sister, since you''ve figured it out, I won''t hide it anymore. This poison is potent and instantly lethal. Some time ago, I used it to kill quite a few rats-- don''t re at me, your behavior isn''t much better than a rat''s. s, such a beauty like a fairy is about to die from this potent poison, it truly saddens me."


    He slowly paced, carefully observing the woman''s movements. Seeing a dark line slowly ascending her translucent jade-like arm, he knew the poison had taken effect. Yet he felt a surging uncertainty inside - should he save her? ¡®Qingxuan, my dear wife, you''ve really presented me with a difficult decision.¡¯


    The fairy-like woman seemed calm on the surface, but her slightly trembling body betrayed her. Lin Wanrong approached cautiously, chuckling, "Sister, why are you silent? Weren''t you quite imposing just now?" Suddenly, he reached out, swiftly pulling away the veil from her face. The woman turned as white as a sheet, unable to move. Her age was indistinguishable, with almond-shaped eyes and a high nose bridge, her skin fairer than snow. Her bright red lips parted slightly, her longshes trembled continuously, her brows were as graceful as a snowy distant mountain, and her posture as delicate as a willow bending in the wind. Despite her anger, her full chest and rounded hips trembled slightly. She was extraordinarily beautiful, incredibly enchanting.


    Was this the fairy sister he had encountered that day? Indeed, she was an unparalleled beauty! As he gazed upon her enchanting face and voluptuous body, Lin Wanrong was also struck dumb. Damn it, she was incredibly beautiful, she could even rival his Qingxuan.


    "What...what are you going to do?" The fairy sister blushed with embarrassment and anger, her silver needle quivering in her hand as she sharply questioned him. Her beauty was exceptional, her manner ethereal; even in her admonishment, she held a unique air of nobility.


    "Sister, you''re incredibly beautiful," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I''m just going to touch you a little. You don''t mind, do you? Even if you do, I''ll pretend I didn''t notice."


    Opportunities to touch celestial beauties were rare, and true to his words, while still holding her veil in one hand, he reached out with the other to touch her soft and smooth cheek. A sensation of silky smoothness, like touching milk, sent tingles through his fingertips. Even a light touch was incredibly gratifying, as if he had fallen into a pile of milk. If he could kiss her, that would be even more delightful.


    For many years, the fairy sister hadmanded respect wherever she went. No one dared to look at her disrespectfully, let alone touch her. But today, not only had he torn off her veil, but he had also touched her cheek. Ovee with grief and anger, she spat out a mouthful of blood and rebuked, "Youscivious brute, dare to vite me! I''ll curse you to never die in peace!"


    ¡®Darn, even bleeding doesn''t scare her. She''s tough!¡¯ Lin Wanrong saw her condition, with the fairy sister able to speak but not move, he knew that the powerful poison had indeed worked. This eased his mind considerably. Heughed, "Don''t curse. Don''t curse, sister. You''ve misunderstood me, I''m not a lecher. Those were top-notch massage techniques, something I don''t use lightly. Just from your reaction, it''s clear they worked - so well that you even thought I was a lecher."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong¡¯s calm demeanor and no more molesting, the fairy sister was about to speak when he interrupted her with a stern face, "Madam, the joke has gone far enough. Don''t take my next words lightly."


    When he looked at her again, there was no hint ofsciviousness in his eyes, his voice resonating, "Qingxuan and I are a couplemitted to each other in life and death. No matter what means you employ, you cannot separate us. Although you are Qingxuan''s rtive, if you hinder our reunion, you be my enemy. And I, Lin Wanrong, have only one method with my enemies, even if you''re a fairy sister, I won¡¯t spare a nce."


    He took a few steps back, aiming his firearm at her, a mysterious smile ying on his face, "Fairy sister, don''t think I won''t kill. I''ll count to three, and you will tell me where Qingxuan is. Of course, you can choose to end your life, which is a badass move, but I also have a badass countermove. Imagine the spectacle of such a beautiful woman hanging at the city gates, it would surely cause a stir. I really look forward to it."


    The fairy sister gritted her teeth but remained silent.


    "Three-"


    No response.


    "Two-"


    There was still no response. ¡®Damn it, do you really think I wouldn''t pull the trigger?¡¯ He scoffed coldly, a trace of cruelty shed across his face as his finger curled around the trigger.


    "Lin San, Lin San, where are you?" A sharp cry sliced through the night, ringing in Lin Wanrong''s ears. A woman was racing towards him from a distance.


    "Miss!" Lin Wanrong was startled. Why had shee? Then it hit him: he had fired two shots here. If she had truly been following him, the loud bangs would definitely have drawn her here.


    "Lin San¡ª" Xiao Yuruo had already seen him. Her eyes blurred with tears as she raced towards him. The forest was full of sloping terrain, high and low. The Eldest Miss was running so fast that she stumbled and fell.


    "Miss¡ª" Lin Wanrong cried out in shock. His eyes darted back to the woman, seeing her icy expression, as though she had seen nothing.


    He felt somewhat relieved. The Eldest Miss had already stubbornly picked herself up. She jogged a few steps, intending to rush to his side, when suddenly she saw the situation behind him. "Watch out¡ª" she cried in terror.


    Bearing humiliation and hardship, the woman mustered thest of her strength. Seizing the moment when Lin Wanrong was distracted, she flicked her wrist, and a silver needle flew towards him like an arrow from a bow.


    Tears welled up in Xiao Yuruo''s eyes, soft as water, as she fiercely threw herself in front of him, shielding him with her body. A misty veil of tears rose in her eyes, and she whispered, "Lin San, remember to think of me. Otherwise, I will hate you for the rest of my life."


    As the Eldest Miss was crying out, Lin Wanrong realized something was wrong. What should have been a sure win had been ruined by the unexpected interruption of the Eldest Miss. ¡®Damn it,¡¯ he thought, ¡®I am really unlucky.¡¯ Seeing Yuruo risking her life to protect him, he was suddenly reminded of the moment in the Xiao Mansion in Jinling when Yushuang had thrown herself in front of him to block Lu Zhongping''s sword. He felt a sudden pang in his heart. He swiftly turned around, pulling the Eldest Miss into his arms. Both of them leaped up simultaneously. Without looking back or turning his head, he fired his gun behind him with a loud bang.


    With a thunderous crash, therge tree behind the fairy-like woman copsed, and the Eldest Miss fell to the ground with Lin Wanrong on top of her. The pair crashed onto the ground together.


    Lin Wanrong grimaced, sweat rolling down his forehead, a sharp pain surged in his buttock, the silver needle had pierced halfway in.


    Qingxuan''s image continuously shed before his eyes. ¡®It''s over, it''s over, he thought, I''ve been needled, and it hit my buttock. Qingxuan, am I really going to forget you? Damn it, who knew a needle could cause amnesia? God is truly unfair.¡¯


    "Lin San, Lin San, how are you?" Seeing Lin Wanrong''s pitiful state, the Eldest Miss turned deathly pale. Ignoring her own pain, she cradled him in her arms and anxiously asked.


    Lin Wanrong''s face was pale, his mind dazed. Recalling the ordeal of forgetfulness, he was not sure whether it was the pain or the fear, but a sudden chill enveloped him. He gave Xiao Yuruo a deste look and said, "Miss, hold me a bit tighter. I fear I might forget you."


    Tears streamed down the Eldest Miss''s face as she said, "What are you talking about? I know you will never forget me."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "It''s toote. I was pricked by that woman''s needle. Not only you, but also Qingxuan, Yushuang, Ning''er, Qiaoqiao, Xian''er, Sister An, and Madam Xiao. I''m afraid I won''t be able to recall these names anymore."


    The more he spoke, the more he felt something was amiss, a look of horror crossed his face. ¡®Damn it,¡¯ he thought, ¡®theoretically, after getting pricked by that needle, I should forget these people. But why can I remember their names so clearly, I even remembered Madam Xiao. This is not forgetting, this is remembering even more clearly.¡¯


    With that thought, the pain in his buttock seemed to dissipate. He clumsily got up from the Eldest Miss''s arms and looked towards the ce where the fairy-like woman had been standing. All he saw was the broken tree and scattered branches. There was nothing else there, not even a ghostly figure to be found.


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 299

    Chapter 299


    Chapter 299 The Helpless Reining In At The Cliff''s Edge


    ¡®Damn, even a fairy could run away?¡¯ Cold sweat drenched his entire body. He wanted to burst intoughter, but he feltpletely drained. Just as he was about to sit down, he leapt up abruptly as if spring-loaded, letting out an ''ouch'' sound.


    The Eldest Miss hurriedly steadied him, her voice filled with concern, "Don''t be reckless, you''re injured."


    Lin Wanrong''s forehead was damp with perspiration, he gritted his teeth, "This woman, a single needle''s pain, she will pay a hundredfold someday."


    Tears fell from the Eldest Miss''s eyes as she scolded, "Look at your condition, and you still think of retaliation? I told you to wait for Huan''er to make arrangements, yet you insisted on ying the hero. Do you n to worry me to death?"


    Remembering how the Eldest Miss had risked her life to save him earlier, he was touched and didn''t mind her harsh words. He smirked and said, "It''s just a needle, it''s not lethal." In the midst of his words, he reached down and felt the cold silver needle protruding from his buttock. Half of it was still exposed, suggesting that the fairy''s strength had already been spent when she exerted her power. Although she had hit him, the needle was not too deeply embedded.


    "Eldest Miss, Qingxuan, Qiaoqiao... Madam..."


    He once again recited the names of the women he knew, but he still remembered them clearly. Where was the symptom of memory loss? Damn it, was there a dy in the effect of this needle, making him forget them once he got home? After some thought, he dismissed the idea. If there was such a dy, he could write their stories down as a brief introduction for himself. Losing his memory wouldn''t matter then. The fairy wouldn''t make such a basic mistake.


    The only exnation was that memory loss required precise cement of the needle. That was why the fairy sister had to get close to him to ensure uracy. Otherwise, with her skills, he''d have been done for without even needing to dodge a long-distance needle throw.The more he thought, the more it made sense. The fear of amnesia dissipated significantly, and he didn''t feel the pain in his buttocks anymore. Seeing the Eldest Miss crying like rain, he couldn''t help butugh, "Didn''t I tell you to wait at home? How did you end up here?"


    The Eldest Miss scolded, "Look who''s talking. You came here alone into uncertain danger, isn''t that asking for me to worry? I wanted to follow you to see what was happening. But just as I got here, I heard two loud noises and then saw that woman trying to kill you¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. It really was fate. If the Eldest Miss hadn''t barged in rashly, he wouldn''t have been stuck with this needle. She was worried, which made her act recklessly. How could he me her, when she, a weak woman, had journeyed so far alone in the pitch ck night just to check on his safety? On the other hand, had she not appeared, he might have ended up killing this fairy sister today. It would have been satisfying for a moment, but how would he exin it to Qingxuanter? The Eldest Miss''s unexpected intervention might have yed a major role.


    Thinking this, he chuckled and said, "It''s fine. As you can see, I''m quite alright. Apart from a needle stuck in my buttock, everything else is intact."


    The Eldest Miss nced at him, her voice soft, "Are you really okay? That needle is in... in you, does it hurt?"


    Sweat trickled down his face; was it possible not to feel pain? He sighed, saying seriously, "It does hurt a bit, but I can''t see the wound to remove the needle. It''s an unsightly ce to be injured and it''s improper to trouble you, Miss. Ah, I''ll just endure it a bit longer until we return to the shop. Don''t worry about me, the worst-case scenario is the pain would kill me. I''ll be fine."


    Xiao Yuruo''s face blushed a bright red, she bit her silver teeth and softly said, "I, I will help you¡ª"


    She had long been fond of Lin San, their teasing and yful days had led to a deep affection, but Eldest Miss Xiao, being ady who strictly adhered to etiquette, refused any crossing of boundaries during their daily interactions. For her to remove a needle from Lin San¡¯s buttocks required immense courage.


    "This might not be appropriate, Miss. It''s beneath you to do this sort of thing for me. I insist on going back." Lin Wanrong said, grinning from ear to ear.


    Eldest Miss nced at him, her face blushing as she snorted lightly, "Pretending to be so formal, do you think I don''t know what you''re thinking?"


    Her face was rosy and radiant, her heart filled with shyness. Seeing Lin San''s expression of "pain," she gritted her teeth, her small hand trembling slightly as it moved towards his hip.


    The moment her warm, soft hand touched his buttocks, Lin Wanrong let out afortable groan. Eldest Miss''s small hand was so soft and enchanting. If she could grab the back and then the front, my goodness, he didn''t know how glorious it would be.


    "Little to the left, further down, oh¡ª" He was full of flirtatious thoughts, suddenly grabbing Eldest Miss''s hand.


    Eldest Miss was both embarrassed and angry. She forcefully hit the back of his hand, snorting, "What are you yelling for? The needle is clearly on the right side, why are you having me feel around on the left?"


    Lin Wanrong frowned, "Eldest Miss, I can''t see, I have to feel around. You''re the one in charge of pulling out the needle, ah, you took advantage of me and you''re still giving me a hard time¡ª"


    "How annoying¡ª" Her face flushed like blood, she shyly nced at him. Her small hand touched the silver needle, hesitated for a moment, but didn''t dare to pull it out.


    Though Lin Wanrong was teasing her, a needle stuck in his buttocks was ufortable after all. Unable to resist, he said, "Eldest Miss, don''t hesitate¡ªhow about you touch it first, then pull it out?"


    "In your dreams!" Eldest Miss was in the midst of her hesitation, seeing his slick and insincere words, she steeled her heart, her slender hand pulling the silver needle out swiftly. Sweat glistened on her face, she took a deep breath, asking concerned, "How are you feeling, does it still hurt?"


    Lin Wanrong turned around, holding the silver needle in his hand. The needle was crystal clear, without a trace of blood. It felt cold to the touch, he had no idea what it was made of. The needle was almost identical to the one used by An Biru. Recalling what Sister An had said, was she suggesting that he needed to defeat this fairy? That would be interesting; he''d already won a round tonight.


    Seeing him deep in thought, Xiao Yuruo knew he was alright and her heart eased. She asked, "Lin San, who is this woman? Why did you fight with her? Where is Miss Qingxuan?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile and said, "You may not believe it, but this woman is a rtive of Qingxuan. She is here to stop me from being with Qingxuan. As for where Qingxuan is, I have no idea."


    Xiao Yuruo looked startled and asked, "Stop you from being with Qingxuan? What can we do? If she is swayed by her opinion, we are in trouble."


    Lin Wanrong gave a smirk, nced at Xiao Yuruo, and took her hand, "Why? Aren''t you jealous?"


    Xiao Yuruo snorted and gave him a sidelong nce, "You''ve drawn the attention of countless women. If I was jealous of each one, I''d have drowned in my own tears by now." Although she spoke these words, the sour tone in her voice revealed her heartache. Lin Wanrong sighed, "I can''t help it. That''s the cost of being attractive."


    Xiao Yuruo, having already experienced his thick-skinned nature, chose not to engage in his nonsense and asked seriously, "So, what''s your n?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and said, "It''s simple: eat well, drink well, enjoy life, and persist in finding Qingxuan."


    "But there are people standing in your way, and they''re rted to her, this--"


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand and interrupted, "The more they try to stop me, the more it proves that Qingxuan is thinking about me. Why else would they be so anxious? Ha, my wife, no one can snatch her away."


    ¡®You''re good atforting yourself,¡¯ Xiao Yuruo thought to herself. Yet, her feelings for Lin had grown deeper each day, and she felt indebted to Xiao Qingxuan. Consequently, her words did not harbor as strong a sense of caution as they did for Qin Xian''er.


    Lin Wanrong thought about the poisoned fairy who escaped. If she didn''t have the antidote from him, he didn''t know if she could survive. But since he couldn''t find her now, he simply chose not to think about her. If she was dead, so be it. For Qingxuan, he was willing to do anything.


    The forest had quieted down after the battle, the scent of gunpowder had faded, and leaves were scattered across the ground. With an injury on his buttocks, Lin Wanrong wasn''t in a hurry to return. Heid down slowly, letting out a long sigh of relief.


    Seeing him silent, Xiao Yuruo quietly sat next to him, her hands clenched in herp, silently looking up at the starry sky.


    Gazing at her beautiful silhouette and soft, beautiful figure, Lin Wanrong gently caressed her waist with his hand, and whispered, "Yuruo..."


    "Hmm?" Xiao Yuruo responded with a quiet hum from her nose, her face flushed. She turned her head to look at him, seeing his deep gaze on her. A flood of soft feelings rose in her heart, making her feel as if she were entangled in a web of spiders, unable to extricate herself. She softly asked, "What do you want to say?"


    Lin Wanrong let out a sigh, "In the future, don''t blindly rush into situations like this. Trust me, I can handle it."


    Xiao Yuruo, used to being independent, was about to retort, but seeing his serious expression, she held back. She simply hummed in agreement and said, "Then you must also promise me that you will not take risks so lightly in the future."


    "Who can predict what will happen in life?" He chuckled, "I promise you, I will not take unnecessary risks in the future. If I do, you can punish me by giving me an injection in the buttocks."


    Xiao Yuruo, blushing, punched him lightly, "Nonsense."


    Lin Wanrong stretched his arm out and pulled her tightly into his embrace. In the dark, isted spot, their intimate posture made Xiao Yuruo''s heart race. She trembled and asked, "Rascal, what are you going to do? You''re still injured."


    "The wound is on my butt, it''s no big deal," he chuckled, pressing Yuruo beneath him. The softness emanating from her curvaceous body sent a wave of pleasure through him. He couldn''t resist, gently kissing her beautiful lips. "The night is so beautiful," he whispered, "if we don''t do something, wouldn''t we be squandering Heaven''s goodwill?"


    Yuruo trembled at his words, breathing out in fragrant wisps. "Don''t... don''t bully me," she stammered. "I''ll tell my mother... ohh." A hot hand slipped under her robe, covering her ample, erect bosom. His touch elicited admiration from him. The Eldest Miss indeed possessed a figure rivaling that of Sister An''s.


    With a soft gasp, Yuruo blushed from her cheeks to her neck. Hisrge hand kneaded her tender flesh gently, her body felt as if enchanted. As cool touch ventured under her blouse, grazing those two red beans, a soft whimper escaped her. "Lin San... don''t!" she moaned, panting.


    "Hush, don''t be scared," Lin Wanrong reassured, swallowing. "I''m just giving you a physical examination." His hands continued their exploration, sping her bosom, his fingers tracing her smooth skin. The subtle scent of her body amplified his desire. One hand encircled her slender waist, while the other ventured downward, seeking the curvaceous swell of her hips.


    The Eldest Miss''s figure was enchanting, her hips firm and stic, smoother than the finest satin. He drew her closer, both hands caressing her rounded buttocks. Her lips parted as the sweet scent of her breath filled the air. She stared back at him, resignation in her eyes. She thought: whatever bond she had with him, she both loved and despised him. She''d willingly die for him. If he wanted to do something, she''d let him. Even if it led to her mother killing her, she''d have no regrets.


    Feeling his hot hand slowly venture between her tense legs, her heart raced. Her chest heaved, her eyes closing. Longshes trembled as two clear teardrops welled up, spilling out uncontrobly. Inwardly sighing, she awaited the inevitable moment with a mixture of bitterness and embarrassment. Yet, just then, Lin San chuckled, halting his movements and merely gazed at her.


    Covering her eyes in embarrassment, she asked, "What are you doing, you... you scoundrel?"


    Lin San sighed softly, pulling her into his embrace. "I almost forgot my principle, s, I am not a man of casual rtionships."


    "You... you jerk!" She was a mix of embarrassment, anger, and a little bit of disappointment. Shended a punch on his shoulder, resentfully. "You''ve had your fun, and now you''re speaking lightly of it. You... you..." She trailed off, emotions welling up. She leaned into his chest, whimpering softly.


    Had it not been for the injection he received today, would he have reined in at the edge of the cliff so obediently? ¡®Damn it, fairy sister, if I can''t give you a shot, it''s hard to quell the hatred in my heart.¡¯ Seeing the Eldest Miss crying, Lin Wanrong chuckled and said righteously, "Ah, my rtionship with the Eldest Miss is based on understanding. If you are unwilling to discuss these matters, then let''s not mention them. I have Qingxuan, Qiaoqiao, and Xian''er, so some needs are easily met."


    "You''re courting death!" The Eldest Miss, hearing his nonsense, blushed and pinched his waist hard. She stole a nce at him and couldn''t help but say, "Who said I was unwilling? It''s just, just..."


    "Just what?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    "If this matter isn''t clearly exined to my mother, how can I be with you, be with you like that... You dead man, I hate you!" The Eldest Miss covered her cheeks with both hands, the heat on her face even making her small hands turn red. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, feeling extremely pleased. The Eldest Miss was naturally independent and strong-willed. Although they often quarreled, it only added to the pleasure of conquest. If she were too submissive, it would lose the vor of the past. It was better to let her maintain her nature.


    Once the Madam was informed, and the Eldest Miss''s temperament had been tempered enough, everything would fall into ce. He would marry the Eldest Miss and the Second Miss, throw them on the bed, one on top, one below, one on the left, one on the right. Damn, he couldn''t stand the thought. His eyes gleamedsciviously as he looked at the Eldest Miss, daydreaming to the point of drooling¡­


    ¡ª---


    The fairy sister''s injection, although it didn''t cause significant consequences, and his little brother was still as upright as ever, the pain in his buttocks made him lie in bed for two days. Thinking about the half-pushing, half-yielding Eldest Miss, with her chest half-exposed and her jade body lying in front of him, he had actually yed the gentleman. He wanted to beat his chest and cry out, "God, you''re ying with me!"


    During these two days, it was the Eldest Miss''s maid, Huan''er, who took care of him. The wound was on his buttocks, a rather indecent location. ording to the Eldest Miss''s wishes, a male servant was supposed to apply medicine to him every day. Lin Wanrong was furious when he heard this. No one but a woman could touch his buttocks. The Eldest Miss was both amused and annoyed, so she had to send her own personal maid to take care of him.


    Huan''er, a young girl who had juste of age, had never seen such a spectacle. She blushed and agreed, but she didn''t even dare to enter the room, applying the ointment with her eyes closed. Several times, she almost applied it to his face instead of his buttocks. Lin Wanrong didn''t mind. It was just applying ointment to his buttocks. What was the big deal? Tomorrow, he would help her apply it too, one patch per person.


    As he had suspected, the injection had indeed been administered in the wrong ce. Not only did it not cause him to lose his memory, but it also made him recite the names of several beauties a hundred times a day. Even Huan''er, hearing him call out for Madam Xiao, couldn''t help but feelpassionate and said, "Brother San, did you lose your mother when you were young? Why else would you miss the Madam so much?" This made him bothugh and cry.


    ¡ª---


    The flower-viewing festival at the Grand Prime Minister Temple was about to begin, and the Eldest Miss had been kept on her toes for several days. Whenever she found time to visit him, she could barely sit still for a moment before someone would summon her away. This left Lin San feeling quite helpless. Since that night, the Eldest Miss would blush at his sight, as though the memory of his fingers lightly tracing her exposed bosom resurfaced. In public, she tried to maintain a perfect front, fearing that the likes of Sister Song might spot any hint of the affair. But the tenderness and charm that surfaced between her brows and eyes were undeniable, much to Lin Wanrong''s amusement. He thought to himself, ''This is exactly how flirting should be - shy to speak, a show of half-hidden intentions. Now, this is fun.''


    During the two days of recuperation, he pondered over the fairy sister''s origins. If she really was An Biru''s senior sister, the situation could beplicated. Leaving aside her martial arts skills and abilities, the immense influence she held over Qingxuan was a thorny issue. If the fairy sister had sumbed to the poison, Qingxuan might hold a grudge against him for the rest of her life. If she survived, she would undoubtedly try to drive a wedge between the two of them. The situation was difficult from both ends, leaving him in a quandary. At this moment, the only person he could negotiate with was the vixen An Biru. However, since the Eldest Miss stumbled upon their flirtation that night, An Biru vanished like a wisp of smoke, leaving no trace of her whereabouts. He sighed to himself, never had he missed that wily vixen as much as he did now.


    ¡ª---


    Within the Capital, the Grand Prime Minister Temple was the most prosperous, renowned far and wide for its incense-filled air. Its grand and splendid architecture was touted as "golden radiance outshining the misty clouds". The temple was a gathering ce for high-ranking monks and famous schrs, and it also served as a bustling hub for trading and entertainment. Literati flocked in and out, as epitomized in a poem: "The Grand Prime Minister Temple is a world''s marvel, itsdder to heaven lost in the clouds. Three thousandmps light up in song, five hundred silken threads lost in the misty fog." Known as the finest temple in thend, the Grand Prime Minister Temple''s reputation was indeed well-deserved.


    This year, the first month arrivedte. The tail end of winter was upon them, and with the warm spring breeze, the willows began to sprout new buds. It was a wonderful season, when all things revived. The annual flower viewing festival was to be held at the Grand Prime Minister Temple. During this time each year, schrs and maidens who had been dormant all winter began to emerge, ostensibly to admire the flowers, but in reality, to admire each other. This first grand event of early spring was affectionately given an interesting name: The Appreciation of Spring Festival.


    "The Appreciation of Spring Festival? What a good name!" Lin San plucked a newly bloomed bayberry from the roadside and handed it to the budding young girl Huan¡¯er with a smile. Lin Wanrong didn''t know the history of the festival, but from Huan''er''s exnation, he could see from the foot of the mountain that the area in front of the Grand Prime Minister Temple was bustling with people, and the maids were as beautiful as a painting. True to its name, the festival indeed celebrated the arrival of spring.


    "Thank you, Brother San!" Huan''er blushed, a shy smile ying on her lips as she reached for the bayberry branch. However, Lin Wanrong, with a mischievous grin, plucked the single budding sprout from the branch and teased, "But, little Huan''er, your spring has not yet arrived. Don''t be in a rush to wee it."


    "Brother San, you''re so annoying!" Huan''er protested yfully. "The Eldest Miss instructed you to get to the temple early, and yet here you are, cking off. If you miss the important affairs because of this flower-viewing festival, she won''t let you off easily."


    "It won''t be dyed." Lin Wanrong reassured her, pointing ahead and saying, "Look, isn''t that Sister Song and the others?"


    Huan''er nced in the direction he was pointing and saw Sister Song and her team distributing slips of paper to passing youngdies. Numerous women had already gathered nearby, examining the slips in their hands and whispering among themselves.


    "Brother San, what are they holding?" Huan''er asked curiously.


    "Oh, those are called flyers, a promotion strategy. Anydy who receives one can visit the temporary shop of the Xiao family in front of the Grand Prime Minister Temple and try out the perfume for free," Lin Wanrong exined with a smile. This rather cliched promotional method from his time was quite innovative in this era. The concept of perfume was still novel to many, and seeing such a unique promotion sparked their interest. In no time, the area in front of the temporary tent set up by the Xiao family was packed with people.


    "Huan''er, isn''t this called a flower-viewing festival? Where are the flowers?" Lin Wanrong looked around curiously, only to see a sea of people, but no flowers in sight.


    Huan''er giggled, "The Grand Prime Minister Temple, the flower-viewing festival - the flowers are naturally in the temple. Brother San, this festival is quite lively. You''ll understand once you go in¡ª"


    "Make way, make way¡ª" Several loud shouts interrupted Huan''er''s exnation. A troop of guards slowly ascended the hill, escorting a group of pnquins that rushed forward.


    The pnquins moved in line, not more than several feet apart. As Lin Wanrong''s gaze swept over the middle two, his face suddenly drained of color.


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 Chapter 300

    Chapter 300


    Chapter 300 The Sales Pitch


    The first three pnquins of the procession were quite eye-catching, and Lin Wanrong''s gaze, which was malevolent, quickly fell upon the woman seated in the second soft pnquin.


    The woman had red lips and a snowyplexion, an attractive figure, and her gaze flitted about. Her radiant eyes sparked with each nce, seemingly shy yet brimming with unspeakable audacity and extreme charm. She nced around, a soft, enchanting smile blossoming on her face. The woman was none other than Sister An, whom he hadn''t seen in days. Sister An seemed to have changed, her hair was piled up high and pierced with a glittering golden hairpin featuring dragons and phoenixes. She wore two green agates iid in gold in her ears, her bosom ample and hips curvaceous, a figure full of allure, which was dazzling to behold.


    Behind her, in another soft pnquin, sat a young nobleman. He was dashing, carefree, and extraordinary, lightly smiling at the crowd. Lin Wanrong recognized him too¡ªit was none other than Zhao Kangning, Prince Cheng''s son, with whom he had crossed swords several times in Jinling.


    With Zhao Kangning present, wouldn''t the person seated in the frontmost pnquin be his father, Prince Cheng?


    Lin Wanrong quickly cast his eyes over to see a middle-aged man with a square face and thick eyebrows seated in the pnquin, dressed in brocade robes and a yellow cape, radiating an extraordinary aura. This, of course, was the renowned Prince Cheng, known as the Virtuous Prince. As expected of a favored son of heaven and a noble of the Empire, his form was robust, his gaze sharp. Despite the smile ying at his lips, no one dared meet his gaze, for he radiated an aura of imposing authority.


    Bloody hell, this vixen finally showed up, Lin Wanrong thought with a surge of excitement, which was quickly followed by confusion. He knew that An Biru intended to use Prince Cheng to deal with her senior sister. But ever since the White Lotus Sect had been wiped out, she had lost her base of power, and even if she wanted to help Prince Cheng, she didn''t have the capacity. Furthermore, without her power, she and the Prince were no longer on the same level, and she would lose all her influence over him, and may even end up under his control. Lin Wanrong had spent some time with An Biru and knew that Sister An was not one to suffer losses. She had never mentioned Prince Cheng in his presence, and just a few days ago, she had asked him to deal with her senior sister. But now, after only a few days apart, she was back with the Prince. Could they have been in a rtionship all along?


    He pondered over it but couldn''t make heads or tails of it. He merely looked at An Biru''s enchanting smile, feeling somewhat uneasy.


    Zhao Kangning and his father led a procession of hundreds. Soldiers led the way, followed by various officers guarding them, their mighty march towards the mountain was quite a spectacle, attracting the attention and cheers of many."Look, it''s Young Prince Ning," Huan''er eximed upon seeing Zhao Kangning, her little hands pping excitedly and her face turning red with excitement.


    Zhao Kangning waved and greeted the crowd from his pnquin, his charming, distinguished demeanor and the status of being a royal firstborn, with an illustrious family background, naturally attracted countless women. As the Young Prince waved and greeted, a series of sharp cheers erupted from the crowd, mostly from the women who hade out for the Spring Festival, dreaming of transforming from sparrows into phoenixes. Seeing their idol, how could they not go wild?


    Observing Huan''er''s smitten expression, Lin Wanrong shook his head in private andughed, asking, "Huan''er, do you really think this Young Prince is that good?"


    Huan¡¯er shook her head and said, "I don''t know if he''s good or not, but the young prince is quite handsome and distinguished, like a fine jade in the wind. He''s the prince''s son, who couldpare? There are rumors that our current Emperor has no sons, and wants to adopt the young prince to inherit the throne. Such a charming and powerful figure, of course everyone speaks well of him."


    Inherit the throne? Lin Wanrong hummed in his heart. The young prince may have a charming exterior, but he was sly in secret. If he became the emperor, it wouldn''t be a blessing for the people. However, judging from Xu Wei''s attitude towards Zhao Kangning, it didn''t seem like the Emperor intended to adopt him. Otherwise, why would Zhao Kangning conspire with the White Lotus rebels, and why would Xu Wei be trying so hard to diminish their influence? The adoption matter was probably the work of those who wished to muddy the waters. But court affairs were deep andplex, beyond theprehension of ordinary folk.


    Watching as Prince Cheng and his party ascended the mountain, Sister An''s figure gradually receded into the distance. Lin Wanrong chuckled and asked, "Huan¡¯er, if I stood next to the young prince, whom would you prefer?"


    Huan''s face reddened as she replied, "Brother San, you''re naughty, asking such a question." She thought for a moment and continued, "The young prince is handsome, but he seems distant to us. Even if he looks good now, knowing someone''s face doesn''t mean knowing their heart. I have no idea what kind of person he truly is. How could hepare to you, Brother San? Even if you''re not as handsome and elegant as the young prince, you are kind and gentle. Even when you''re a bit naughty, I like you very much¡ª"


    Her voice trailed off as she spoke, appearing like a young girl in love. Lin Wanrong was disgruntled. ¡®Damn it, was this sted young prince more handsome than me? What were they looking at? He''s just a bit fairer than me. But myplexion represents health, something countless people are envious of and strive for.¡¯


    Lin Wanrong wanted to chat with Sister An, but seeing how close she was with Prince Cheng, he was uncertain of their rtionship. If they were lovers, wouldn''t it be futile and possibly embarrassing to approach her? He might even expose his intentions, causing unnecessary trouble, so he decided to wait and see.¡¯


    ¡ª---


    The Grand Prime Minister Temple was enveloped in incense smoke, with a crowd of visitorsing and going. Young men were calling out to their friends, youngdies were shy and charming; it was a bustling scene.


    The flower-viewing event hadn''t started yet, but the Xiaos'' fragrance tasting was already in full swing. Women are naturally fond of beauty, anddies, just done with winter, had heard of a new, special "perfume" avable. They all wanted to give it a try. The Xiao family''s temporary shop was conveniently located in front of the temple, and soon a long queue formed. The line was filled with young and beautifuldies, immediately attracting numerous nces. Young men gathered around, more interested in the spectacle than the shop itself.


    Furthermore, rumors were circting that Miss Xiao from Jinling who was hosting the event outshone all the other beauties. Thebination of a beautiful woman and fragrant perfume was irresistible, driving the crowd into a frenzy.


    The perfume fair was remarkably straightforward in operation, each type of perfume paired with corresponding flowers. The directparison of the fragrance of the petals with that of the perfume was both captivating and undeniable.


    The Eldest Miss held a bottle of orchid perfume, smiling as she introduced to everyone present, "This perfume is the creation of a genius within our Xiao family. It extracts the essence of hundreds of flowers, refined through an intricate process of eighty-one steps, resulting in a longsting, rich fragrance. It can be considered the king of flowers, the pinnacle of all fragrances. Depending on the types of flowers used, there are different varieties. For instance, this orchid perfume I''m holding gives off a delicate, invigorating scent, suitable fordies of modest and elegant taste. Then there''s the rose perfume, passionate and intense, full of floral fragrance, ideal for lively and enthusiasticdies. And let''s not forget the jasmine perfume¡ª"


    As she spoke, she uncapped the bottle of perfume. A subtle, elegant scent wafted out, like a gentle spring breeze permeating the air. It was truly regal and elegant, the king of fragrances.


    "Depending on individual preferences, we have perfumes with strong, mild, and subtle scents. Ladies can choose different floral types, different scent types, ording to their tastes. The application is simple, a small dab will retain its scent for two days." With a casual wave of her hand, maids came forward, hands full of various flower petals.


    "Miss Xiao, what do you mean by this?" ady asked curiously.


    Xiao Yuruo gave a faint smile, "Words are empty, seeing is believing. I will apply the corresponding perfume onto these flower petals, and distribute them among you. Pleasepare them to the petals that have not been perfumed. The effect will be clear at a nce."


    Thedies nodded in agreement. This method was excellent, simple, and direct, leaving no room for maniption.


    Maids handed out the petals to thedies present, each selecting the ones they preferred. Bringing the petals to their noses for a light sniff, an intoxicating fragrance unique to each flower wafted up. Although made from flowers, the scent was more profound than that of the flowers themselves, making it difficult to let go after just one whiff.


    "Miss Xiao, how much does a bottle of this perfume cost?" Ady, holding a bottle of rose perfume, caressed it lovingly. Her eyes sparkled with the light of deep affection as she asked anxiously.


    Miss Xiao replied with a slight smile, "Only our Xiao family can manufacture this perfume. It is challenging to gather the flowers and even harder to produce the perfume. We have a limited monthly production and only offer limited sales in Jinling and Hangzhou. Currently, there is little stock in the capital, and the price has not yet been set. Therefore, at this flower-viewing event, we are not selling the perfume. We''re just offering a simple introduction to everyone."


    Upon hearing this, a flicker of disappointment shed across the faces of thedies. Some even carefully held the petals that had been perfumed, fearing they would drop.


    The Eldest Miss suppressed augh, thinking to herself how the mastermind behind all this had such a thorough understanding of thesedies'' psychology. By deliberately stating that they weren''t selling today, they whetted everyone''s appetite and made them appreciate the rarity of the perfume.


    "However, today coincides with a flourishing era in the capital, and this grand flower appreciation event. We wish to add to the excitement, and for today, we''ve prepared a thousand gifts for everyone. These are various styles of perfumes, everyone please look¡ª"


    As the Eldest Miss''s words fell, two maids emerged carrying colorful tters. On the tters sat tiny ss bottles, each about the size of an infant''s fist. Each bottle contained a small portion of perfume. Though it wasn''t much, it was enough to leave everyone in awe.


    The women gasped in surprise. A thousand gifts, such an enormous gesture! Not to mention the perfume, even the intricately made little ss bottles were worth a tael of silver each.


    The crowd gasped in admiration. The Xiao family was indeed generous. Just today''s promotional event, which involved giving away items without making a profit, would cost them two thousand taels of silver. It was quite astonishing.


    People in this era were simple-minded. They had never seen such a marketing strategy before, and the venue became a sea of excited chatter. Everyone was eager to get their hands on the free gifts. The Eldest Miss quickly announced, "Ladies, please register first, and then you can collect your gift. Thank you all for your support of the Xiao family."


    Lin Wanrong, who was halfway up the hill, could see the bustling scene clearly. He couldn''t help but feel satisfied. Who in the world wouldn''t like a little bargain, especially women, who are the best of the bunch. A single tael of silver could make them the best promoters, and the most loyal kind at that. This business was extremely profitable.


    The two thousand taels of silver for promotion, by first withholding then generously giving, intentionally not selling, but generously giving away, truly earned good fortune. It would be hard not to be praised. The reputation of the Xiao family skyrocketed, and the two thousand taels would be easily made back. His calctions were steady, there would be no mistake ¡ª when it came to understanding people, when it came to doing business, who in the world could surpass him?


    Following the perfume was the promotion of soap. With the precedent of perfume, they didn''t need to waste words this time. It was something people could see with their own eyes. With such grand preparations, people easily epted this great invention. For a while, the line to receive gifts extended from the top of the hill, making for an impressive sight. Luckily, the location where the Xiao family set up the canopy was some distance from the main gate of Grand Prime Minister Temple. Otherwise, the entrance to the flower appreciation event would have beenpletely blocked.


    While all this was happening, a woman''s cry was heard: "It''s Miss Xu! Miss Xu from Jinghua Academy has arrived."


    Xiao Yuruo quickly raised her head and saw Miss Xu approaching with a radiant smile. She was followed by several teachers from Jinghua Academy, including Tian Wenjing, whom they had met at "Fairnd Comes with the Clouds."


    "Miss Xu, howe you''re here?" The Eldest Miss hurriedly weed her, asking softly.


    Xu Zhiqingughed, "I''ve thoroughly enjoyed using the perfume. Aunt Su also loves it and specially instructed me toe and thank you. I''ve benefited from you, how could I not lend a hand? I have some influence in the capital. Standing here might attract some more sisters for you."


    Her words exuded confidence, but it wasn''t bragging. The spectators seeing Xu Zhiqing arrive, started eximing in surprise. Miss Xu was adept at music, chess, calligraphy, painting, astronomy, geography, history, mathematics, and had unmatched beauty, she was praised as the number one extraordinary woman of Great Hua, and her influence was indeed extraordinary. Wherever she stood, she was a living signboard.


    The Eldest Miss expressed her gratitude from the bottom of her heart, grabbing Xu Zhiqing''s hand and saying with a smile, "If that''s the case, I can''t thank you enough for your kindness, sister, and also for Miss Su''s generous love."


    Xu Zhiqing nodded with a smile, watching the surging crowd gathering their gifts, and sighed, "The perfume is truly magnificent. Aunt Su used some, and even my father couldn''t stop praising it. Miss Xiao, is the perfume really Lin San''s invention? Hmm, where is Lin San? Why don''t I see him?"


    The Eldest Miss looked around, wondering why this man was absent at this crucial time. Could he have found anotherdy to get himself into trouble with on the way? Truly frustrating!


    She had been considerate of Lin Wanrong''s recent recovery from his severe injuries and had told him toeter in the morning. It was meant to be a politement, but she had actually hoped he would be by her side early. However, it seemed this man remembered only her casual words and took the chance to ck off. The sun was already high in the sky, yet there was no sign of him.


    "He..." the Eldest Miss sighed helplessly, "There''s no one in our family who can keep him in check. Given the time and his absence, I fear somedy is suffering his mischief again."


    Xu Zhiqing couldn''t help but giggle at her words, "Little sister, from the way you talk, Lin San sounds like a tyrant in your household. I can''t believe that a clever girl like you can''t manage him."


    Young Master Ye, who was following behind Xu Zhiqing, curiously asked, "Miss Xu, who is this Lin San you''re talking about? Is he the creator of this perfume?"


    "It''s not just the perfume," the Eldest Miss sighed softly, leaning over to Xu Zhiqing''s ear, "Even the strange undergarments I sent to you and Miss Su were invented by Lin San."


    "Is that true?" Xu Zhiqing asked, her face turning bright red.


    The Eldest Miss nodded. Xu Zhiqing was dumbfounded for a while before she said, "No wonder my father said he is the most unfathomable man. He stole the Arabic numerals, but where did he copy this perfume and undergarments from?"


    While the twodies didn''t answer Young Master Ye''s question, he didn''t seem awkward at all. He smiled gracefully, "Is this Miss Xiao? I am Ye Yuchuan. I''ve heard about Miss Xiao from Brother Tian Wenjing several times. After seeing you today, I can confirm that your reputation is not unwarranted."


    Tian Wenjing was standing behind Miss Xu and Young Master Ye. He had noticed the Eldest Miss for a while and, seeing that she was free, he approached with a smile, "It''s nice to see you again, Miss Xiao. It has been a few days since thentern festival. I hope you are well?"


    The Eldest Miss responded with a polite bow, "Thank you for your concern, Young Master Tian. I''m doing fine."


    Tian Wenjing nced around, noting that the Xiao family had sufficient staff and the distribution of the gifts was proceeding orderly. He offered, "Miss Xiao, do you have some spare time now? Today is the annual flower viewing festival at Grand Prime Minister Temple. There are many distinguished guests from the capital here to appreciate the flowers. It would be a shame to miss this opportunity. I would be d to apany you to enjoy the flowers."


    Both Xu Zhiqing and Young Master Ye detected Tian Wenjing''s intentions. The Eldest Miss did not answer him directly but turned to Xu Zhiqing with a smile, "Sister Xu, did youe today specifically for the flower viewing?"


    Xu Zhiqing smiled, "Sort of..."


    Ye Yuchuan interjected, "It''s not that simple. Miss Xu personally cultivated a few flowers to disy at the flower viewing festival."


    The Eldest Miss''s eyes widened in delight. "Really, sister?" she inquired.


    Xu Zhiqing offered a soft smile. "I grow flowers merely as a hobby," she confessed. "The disy is nothing noteworthy, merely an opportunity to meet like-minded people and exchange some experiences. My dear sister, if you find yourself with some spare time, why not apany us inside to see? I anticipate that this year''s flower viewing will be bustling."


    The Eldest Miss heaved a sigh. "Sister, I do wish to join you, but that Lin San of ours is off gallivanting somewhere again. I''ve been waiting for him for a long while now, and he hasn''t shown up. It''s truly infuriating!" Her words, skillfully crafted, subtly rejected Tian Wenjing''s kind invitation without arousing suspicion.


    Tian Wenjing was left thoroughly confused. What did the invitation to view the flowers have to do with whether or not Lin San showed up? Yet, with his level of courage, he would never have dreamt that this man, Lin San, who dared to steal the Second Miss of the Xiao family, also had the Eldest Miss in his grasp.


    Ye Yuchuan found the name ''Lin San'' vaguely familiar but couldn''t remember where he had heard it. Unable to contain his curiosity, he asked, "Miss Xiao, who exactly is this Lin San you speak of?"


    Annoyed, Tian Wenjing replied, "Brother Ye, Lin San is the man who guessed Miss Xu''sntern riddle that day. ording to Miss Xiao, he''s also the one behind the creation of this perfume and soap."


    Ye Yuchuan snapped his fingers in realization. "I remember now! Miss Xu, the man who was being disrespectful to you at the academy gate that day, was it this Lin San? He used a fake name, San Lin. He''s quite a cunning fellow indeed!"


    Xu Zhiqing merely shook her head and chuckled, remaining silent. The Eldest Miss snorted, "Our Lin San, although he tends to be yful and carefree, is an upright and open-hearted man. If he used a fake name, there must have been a reason, perhaps he was forced to because someone bullied him."


    Both Ye Yuchuan and Tian Wenjing found it strange that the Eldest Miss was defending Lin San so fiercely. However, they assumed it was simply her protecting one of her own and decided not to dwell on it.


    Curious, Xu Zhiqing nced at the Eldest Miss and smiled. "In that case, we shall go ahead. Miss Xiao, once Lin San arrives, do make sure toe and take a look."


    ¡ª---


    Looking at the long line of people queued up to collect gifts, Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself, thinking of it as his future source of ie. As he started to walk up the mountain, he noticed Zhao Kangning and a few others had already dismounted their sedan and were heading towards the Grand Prime Minister Temple.


    Sister An walked alongside Prince Cheng. The Prince must have made some jest, for An Biru shot him a flirtatious nce, her body trembling with her girlishughter. Her peachy cheeks and curvy figure added to her allure, making her look exceedingly enticing.


    "What a flirtatious vixen," Lin Wanrong muttered under his breath, his displeasure evident. "When she was trying to seduce me, I never saw her put so much effort into it."


    "Brother San, what did you say? Something about a flirty vixen? Putting effort into what?" Huan''er, walking beside him, asked with a sweet voice.


    A flush rose to Lin Wanrong''s cheeks, and he chuckled awkwardly, "Oh, it''s nothing. I was just saying, Huan''er, you have the potential to be a little vixen, so I was giving you some encouragement."


    "Hmph!" Huan''er huffed, her cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment, and she hastened her pace, darting a few steps ahead.


    As Lin Wanrongughed heartily, preparing to chase after her, he saw Sister An nce back at him from the temple gate. Her gaze was direct, and her smile grew more enchanting than ever...


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 Chapter 301

    Chapter 301


    Chapter 301 Appreciating Flowers


    "Why are you just arriving?" From a distance, she saw Lin San and Huan''er approaching, yfully bantering. The Eldest Miss hastened to meet them, grumbling, "Everyone else is working their heads off, yet you seem to have all the leisure time in the world."


    "As a wounded person, a bit of coddling is appropriate." Lin Wanrong chuckled, his eyes roving appreciatively over Xiao Yuruo. "Miss, you look quite beautiful today," he sincerelyplimented.


    Xiao Yuruo felt a surge of joy at his words, a flush rising on her face. "No need for such ttery. You''rete. Sister Xu invited me to appreciate the flowers earlier, but seeing you weren''t here, I had to decline."


    The Eldest Miss was normally a workaholic, always consumed with business and having no time for such diversions. But things were different now. She was in love and being a young, beautiful woman, she naturally yearned for these lovely moments under the flowers and moon. Having had a hugely sessful promotion that day, what was the harm in rewarding herself by enjoying the scenery?


    She held this thought but was too embarrassed to voice it first. Seeing Lin San''s cheerful yet unserious demeanor, she couldn''t help but snort softly in annoyance. Couldn''t he see the opportunity, even at such a moment, where was his usual tact?


    However, Lin Wanrong was astute. Seeing the Eldest Miss''s shy demeanor, her gaze asionally drifting towards the Grand Prime Minister Temple, he could hardly be in the dark. A thought amused him privately. Spring had indeed arrived; even the Eldest Miss was falling into its charm.


    Heughed out loud, calling out, "Sister Song, could you please handle the distribution of gifts? I''ll apany the Eldest Miss for a walk in the temple. Don''t get me wrong, we''ll be scouting for potential big clients. Oh, what a pity! Even during this flower-viewing event, I''m still thinking about work. I''m truly the model of loyalty and morality."


    "Go ahead," Sister Song replied with augh. "I''ll keep an eye on things here. You and the Eldest Miss go and have some fun. She has indeed been very busy these days."For the perfume promotion, Lin Wanrong only contributed ideas, using just his lips. Though it required a high level of expertise, the Eldest Miss and Sister Song arranged the remainder, managing all the details. Preparations for such arge-scale promotion, without prior experience, had indeed kept the Eldest Miss extremely busy.


    A blush spread across Xiao Yuruo''s face as she retorted, "It''s Lin San who wants to shirk his duties. I didn''t want to go - hey, don''t pull me!"


    Watching the pair depart, Sister Song shook her head and smiled, hoping for a good oue for Lin San and the Eldest Miss. The two entered the main gate of Grand Prime Minister Temple, a wave of warmth immediately greeted them. The temple was bustling with visitors, even more lively than outside. Lin Wanrong wondered, was the flower-viewing event at Grand Prime Minister Temple so enticing that it felt as though all of the capital had poured into it?


    Seeing the slightly flushed face of the Eldest Miss, Lin Wanrong teased, "Is there a furnace in this temple? Why does it feel even warmer inside?"


    The Eldest Miss chuckled at him, "You''re normally so clever, understanding everything clearly. How is it you don''t know this? Behind Grand Prime Minister Temple lies arge hot spring, its climatefortable and spring-like all year round. The temple''s garden is irrigated by this hot spring, allowing the flowers to bloom early in spring, presenting a spectacr sight. That''s the origin of Grand Prime Minister Temple''s flower-viewing event. Otherwise, where could you appreciate such beautiful scenes this season?"


    "So, that''s how it is," Lin Wanrong chuckled, realizing why the flower-viewing festival was such a grand event. Apparently, this was the premier harbinger of spring in the capital. ¡®However, it''s quite a waste to have a hot spring located within a monk''s temple. If it were situated in the courtyard of the Xiao family''s mansion, I''d design some bikinis and thongs, and frolic in the water daily with two youngdies. What a delightful scene that would be.¡¯


    ¡ª---


    The Grand Prime Minister Temple had a rich history and long-standing reputation, and its back garden was especially famous due to the unique climate created by the hot springs.


    Since they met, the two of them had not had such a rxed moment together. As they strolled around the temple unrestrainedly, uttering words that made the Eldest Miss''s heart beat wildly, Xiao Yuruo was teased until her face turned beet red. Although her heart pounded, and she wanted to scold him, her eyes radiated tender affection like gentle waters.


    By the time the pair reached the back garden,ughing and chatting, a light, refreshing, cool fragrance was already wafting toward them.


    Lin Wanrong looked up and saw a circr archway before his eyes, with tworge characters in the center ¡ª Mei Yuan (Plum Garden).


    Seeing him dumbstruck, the Eldest Missughed, "Don''t know what it is, do you? The gardens within the Grand Prime Minister Temple are divided based on the type of flower. The most famous ones are Mei Yuan, Tao Yuan, Lan Yuan, and Mu Dan Yuan. This is just the first one." [TL: Respectively, Plum Garden, Peach Garden, Orchid Garden, and Peony Garden.]


    The plum, being the leader among the four noble flowers, has a reputation for purity and elegance, and is the first choice for literati to admire. Upon entering the archway, they found themselves immersed in an ocean of plum blossoms.


    The plum blossoms on the branches were scattered andyered, red as fire, white as snow, pink as dawn, with a fragrance everywhere. The garden was awash with colors, vibrant and captivating. People''s voices filled the air, lively and cheerful, with graceful figures flitting to and fro.


    Joy radiated from the Eldest Miss''s face. With a surprised yelp, she twisted her petite body and hurried into the falling petal clusters. The specks of plum blossoms reflected on her exquisite cheeks, making her exceptionally charming.


    The usually stern and serious Eldest Miss rarely showed such a sweet smile, like that of a young girl. Lin Wanrong''s heart warmed, and he quickly caught up,ughing, "Eldest Miss, you seem so cheerful, why don''t we y a flower-picking game?"


    "What flower-picking game?" The Eldest Miss stopped in her tracks and asked curiously.


    "Well, it''s quite simple. See the highest branch on this plum blossom tree? Either I''ll hold you to pick that flower, or you hold me to do so. What do you think, isn''t it extremely simple?"


    "You rascal, is there nothing else in your mind?" The Eldest Miss shyly huffed, a blush spreading across her face. Having heard his nonsense daily, she had developed an immunity, even a habit, of it. She felt odd if she didn''t hear him speak for a day.


    The Eldest Miss reached for a plum tree in front of her. Its trunk was dry, with twists and turns spiraling upward, and pink flowers dotted with droplets of water bloomed beautifully as if they had just received rain. Unable to resist, she plucked a plum blossom and held it in her hand, softly reciting, "To break a plum branch when the courieres, to send to the man at the Longtou mountain pass. South of the river has nothing to give, so I send a twig of spring in stead."


    "That''s sentimental, so very sentimental," Lin Wanrong pped andughed. "Are you missing Jinling, Eldest Miss? When the weather gets warmer tomorrow, why don''t we bring your mother to the capital to relieve your longing?"


    The Eldest Miss nced at him, chuckling, "Any attempt is worth a try, it''s not necessarily good poetry. Yet, you always know how to tter. You im it''s good poetry, then why don''t youpose a poem about plum blossoms for me to hear?"


    "Plum blossoms, ah, that''s easy," Lin Wanrongughed, "I can not only write about plum blossoms but also about lotus flowers, would you believe it?"


    "You, if you excel at anything, it is being the world''s greatest braggart," the Eldest Missughed, covering her mouth. Her body shivered like a flower branch, her allure surpassing the full bloom of the garden.


    Seeing her rosy cheeks and spring-like demeanor, a warmth surged in Lin Wanrong''s heart. He took her small hand, leaned into her ear, and yfully whispered, "Why chance upon a lotus, when one is fortunate enough to not need a plum? Eldest Miss, is this poem good?"


    This rascal. The Eldest Miss felt a sweet sensation in her heart. She gave a soft ''hmm'', lowered her head quickly, her blush overpowering the red of the plum blossoms on the tree branches.


    "Miss Xiao, Miss Xiao," a woman''s voice rang out. The Eldest Miss jumped in surprise, hastily releasing Lin San''srge hand.


    From beneath the plum tree, a pretty figure emerged and took Xiao Yuruo''s arm,ughing, "What''s this, waiting for your family''s Lin San?"


    Xiao Yuruo''s face flushed with embarrassment. Uncertain whether her intimate moment with Lin San had been seen, she hurriedly replied, "Sister Xu, what are you talking about? I don''t understand."


    Lin Wanrong was annoyed. This Xu Zhiqing hade out of nowhere, disrupting his romantic moment with the Eldest Miss. Seeing her talking warmly with the Eldest Miss, he felt it wasn''t appropriate to express his irritation and had to swallow it.


    "Sister Xu, have you all finished touring the garden?" Xiao Yuruo, feeling guilty, diverted Xu Zhiqing''s attention with a question.


    "I just entered a moment ago. Brother Ye and Brother Tian found this plum garden exquisite and were engaged in a poetry duel over there. I found it uninteresting, so I came here to chat with you," Xu Zhiqing replied lightly.


    Lin Wanrong found it peculiar that Xu Zhiqing, being a knowledgeable person, would find the poetry recital between Young Master Ye and Young Master Tian uninteresting.


    While they were speaking, Ye Yuchuan and Tian Wenjing arrived. Seeing the Eldest Miss, Tian Wenjing quickly approached her, smiling, "Miss Xiao, your arrival is timely. Brother Ye and I are having a plum blossom poetry duel, could you be our judge?"


    The Eldest Miss knitted her brows, unsure of what to say. Lin Wanrong, however, understood. This was not about a poetry duel; they were tantly showing off in front of the Eldest Miss.


    "East wind now, west windter, among the trees in the mountain, all leaves are empty. Only the plum blossoms can withstand the wind, still fresh and white, embracing the new red. This is the new poem I just wrote, Miss Xiao, please appreciate it." Without waiting for the Eldest Miss to speak, Tian Wenjing recited his poem, eagerly looking at the Eldest Miss, hoping for her approval.


    Ye Yuchuan also nced at Xu Zhiqing and said with a smile, "Peoplee and go in thend of many fragrances, bird hangs upside down in the wind carrying flower messages. I am even more pleased to see the light of the water reflecting, oblique sparse shadows entrusted to the waves."


    Lin Wanrong watched the expressions of the two gentlemen. The one named Tian Wenjing was clearly pursuing the Eldest Miss, and the one named Ye Yuchuan seemed interested in Xu Zhiqing. Good, he was out of the picture. Suddenly, heughed out loud, "Two good poems, better than drinking wine, splendid, splendid indeed!"


    Young Master Tian was defeated by him that very day, and upon hearing his words, he shot him a fierce nce. Young Master Ye, however, seemed to be on a higher ne. He simply nced at him indifferently, smiling without a word.


    The Eldest Missughed lightly, saying, "Both Young Masters are highly talented, I must admit that I cannotpare. I''d rather notment on these poems." With her evasion, a deep disappointment shed through Tian Wenjing''s eyes. However, Ye Yuchuan turned his expectant gaze towards Miss Xu.


    Conventionally, Miss Xu, a highly aplisheddy, should have appreciated the fine plum blossom poems penned by the two young masters. However, she shook her head slightly, saying, "Brother Ye, Brother Tian, it''s not that your poems are badly written. In terms of their descriptive prowess, both of them can be considered masterpieces. But as the ancients say, ''prose carries the Dao, and poetry expresses aspiration.'' These poems wereposed merely to suit the asion; they are somewhatcking in deeper implications."


    So it was. Lin Wanrong nodded in agreement. Miss Xu herself had ''depth,'' and naturally, she would favor those who also possessed depth. Unfortunately, no matter how deeply he cultivated himself, Lin Wanrong would never match her depth. He chuckled at this thought, letting his gaze travel over Miss Xu, his eyes gleaming with lust.


    Miss Xu''s remarks were straightforward, but the two young masters did not seem irritated. Instead, they bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Miss Xu. Yuchuan (Wenjing) has indeed learned much."


    Seeing the two young masters'' respect for Miss Xu, Xiao Yuruo managed a teasing smile, saying, "Miss Xu, if you''re interested, why don''t youpose a plum blossom poem yourself? It would let me experience what it means to have both scene and meaning."


    "Exactly, exactly." Tian Wenjing apuded, moving closer to the Eldest Miss, saying, "What Miss Xiao says is exactly what Wenjing has been thinking."


    ¡®Oh, what he wished, what he wished, wish your head!¡¯ Seeing how this Tian fellow was getting so close to the Eldest Miss, Lin Wanrong felt a surge of anger. In a sh, he positioned himself in front of her, facing Tian Wenjing with a forced smile, saying, "Brother Tian''s wish is also Brother Lin''s wish ¡ª Brother Tian, how have you been these past few days? How''s your little brother? Are your grandmother and Second Auntie well?"


    ¡®This rascal is actually jealous,¡¯ thought the Eldest Miss, feeling both amused and sweet inside. However, she cleverly hid behind him, letting him shield her from any trouble, her heart filled with tender affection.


    Tian Wenjing snorted, ignoring his words. Xu Zhiqing took a few steps, slowly reciting, "Steadfast on earth''s end, clinging to all things beautiful. Cold plum is the most resented, constantly blooming asst year''s flower." Her words were of a somber scenery, yet they expressed sorrow through the environment, apt for her own situation.


    A poem in seven steps, this girl really had some talent. Recalling her quick-wittedness when learning Arabic numerals, Lin Wanrong had to admit that geniuses did exist in this world.


    "Excellent poem!" Both Young Masters Tian and Ye eximed at the same time, their faces filled with admiration. Xiao Yuruo grasped Xu Zhiqing''s hand, saying, "Sister, your knowledge is profound, your learning is vast. It''s like looking up at a tall mountain, you truly make me admire you."


    Xu Zhiqing sighed, "You tter me. This matter of poetry is a flower of prosperous times, only for the amusement of oneself and others. If it arises in times of turmoil, it is a disaster for the nation and its people."


    "Well said!" Lin Wanrong raised his thumb in praise. ¡®This girl''s view aligns with mine,¡¯ he thought suddenly, remembering his first debate with Qingxuan. To sing songs of prosperity in times of turmoil was not a crime of the people, but a mistake of the country.


    Young Masters Ye and Tian obviously understood Miss Xu''s implication. They dared not argue with her, but when Lin San chimed in, they couldn''t hold back anymore. Tian Wenjing red at Lin Wanrong and snorted, "This is not your ce to butt in. Go away."


    Before Lin Wanrong could respond, the Eldest Miss retorted indignantly, "Young Master Tian, when Lin San speaks, it''s not your ce to interrupt."


    Young Master Tian was stunned. The Eldest Miss''s face flushed with embarrassment as she saw Lin San smiling at her. She reached out and pinched his arm hard.


    Xu Zhiqing cast a curious nce at Lin Wanrong and chuckled, "So, that''s how it is. Miss Xiao, your choice is indeed unique. Lin San, aside from solving riddles and doing math, you even have such methods. I had underestimated you."


    ¡®Damn, I have many more methods you haven''t tasted,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought to himself with a smirk. Yet the Eldest Miss''s defense had made him pleased from head to toe.


    Tian Wenjing''s face changed, and without any regard for his manners, he left abruptly. Ye Yuchuan tried to stop him but failed. He could only look helplessly at Xu Zhiqing and said, "Miss Xu, Brother Tian, he..."


    Xu Zhiqing dismissed it with a smile, "If he wants to leave, let him. His pettypetitiveness is unbing of a gentleman. But..." She looked at Lin Wanrong andughed, "Lin San, considering how Miss Xiao looks out for you, shouldn''t you express your gratitude? I won''t make it difficult for you. Since we''reposing plum blossom poems today, why don''t you write one as a token of your appreciation?"


    "A poem? I''m not very good at it," Lin Wanrong modestly said. The Eldest Miss gave him a stern look, as if to say: you could win the poetrypetition in Jinling for that little demon Luo Ning, but you can''t write one for me? You need to be fair!


    Xu Zhiqing didn''t say anything. She smiled at the Eldest Miss, waiting to see how she would handle it. Xiao Yuruo was irritated. Her face turned pink, and she stomped her foot angrily.


    ¡®Ah, this is one jealous tigress,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought to himself with a smirk. He pointed at Miss Xu and Miss Xiao,ughing, "Everywhere I look, beauties abound, lotus steps and jade faces glow."


    Ye Yuchuan almost burst intoughter. What kind of poem was this? It made no sense at all. He couldn''t help but wonder how this young man had solved Miss Xu''sntern riddle. The Eldest Miss seemed nervous, fearing that this rascal had suddenly lost his mind.


    "Rosy lips and cheeks reveal..." Lin Wanrong pointed at the blushing faces of Xiao Yuruo and Xu Zhiqing and continued, "...dots of plum blossoms."


    ¡®You sly man, always ying with metaphors and scaring people,¡¯ the Eldest Miss thought. Despite the flush on her face, she was delighted. This poem, the first three lines were rubbish, but thest one transformed the rubbish into gold¡ªa truly splendid stroke of genius.


    Xu Zhiqing gave a light smile. This poem was amusing but seemed more like a yfulposition, far from expressing profound thoughts. Was this all Lin San was capable of?


    Seeing the faint smile on her lips, Lin Wanrong knew he was being looked down upon. ¡®Damn, when I turn on my charm, even ten of you can''t resist. Someday you''ll know.¡¯ He didn''t bother to exin, giving the Eldest Miss a victorious hand gesture and sending her a sneaky kiss.


    Though Xu Zhiqing was a woman, she possessed the air of a great general. Her calm and indifferent demeanor was something that even men found difficult to emte. With Tian Wenjing gone, only two men and two women remained. Lin Wanrong, ever the faithfulpanion, walked beside the Eldest Miss. Recalling the affectionate disy of Xiao Yuruo earlier, he couldn''t help but whisper into her ear, "Eldest Miss, when we return tonight, I will indulge you in sweet pleasures. Hehe."


    The garden was teeming with flower admirers. Xu Zhiqing and the Eldest Miss seemed to remain unbothered by Tian Wenjing''s abrupt departure. Hand in hand, they strolled through the plum garden, then the peach garden, appearing like a pair of close-knit sisters.


    Having taken a few steps into the peach garden, the two women were in deep conversation when boisterousughter echoed from outside the garden. A burly figure, surrounded by a crowd, slowly made his way in.


    "Prince Cheng!" Xu Zhiqing''s brow furrowed as she spoke softly. Lin Wanrong hastily turned his head to look. The man had wide brows andrge eyes, with a robust physique. It was indeed Prince Cheng, whom he had seen from a distance earlier.


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 Chapter 302

    Chapter 302


    Chapter 302 The Virtuous Prince


    "Long live the Prince." Upon hearing of the arrival of the Virtuous Prince, themoners and officials admiring flowers in the garden were filled with trepidation and fell to their knees in unison.


    The Virtuous Prince was a paternal half-brother of the current emperor, superior to all but one, standing at the pinnacle of nobility. Every official had to show their respect upon his arrival, let alone themoners.


    Ye Yuchuan, who was standing beside Miss Xu, hurriedly kneeled. Xu Zhiqing furrowed her brows slightly. Even though she was a learned schr, she was still the daughter of Xu Wei. Despite her status, she had to abide by these hierarchical formalities. Sighing lightly, she reluctantly bent down to kneel.


    Lin Wanrong snorted secretly. ''Damn it, what kind of prince is he? He''s still a man, isn''t he? Expecting me to kowtow? No way.'' Even though he was usually carefree, he never faltered when it mattered. If he said he wouldn''t kneel to the Virtuous Prince, he meant it.


    The Eldest Miss noticed that while everyone else was kneeling in greeting, only Lin San stood there with a defiant expression, erect and motionless. In her haste, she grabbed him and said in a charmingly reproachful tone, "What''s the matter with you? You won''t bow even before the prince? Do you have a death wish?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "A man''s knees are as precious as gold! In the world, one only kneels to the heaven, the earth, and his parents. What kind of thing does this prince think he is that I should kneel to him?"


    The Eldest Miss was stunned. She wondered if he was living in the same world as her. How could he utter such rebellious words? It was lucky she was the one who heard him. If someone else had, would he still be alive? This man, carefree most of the time, chose to show his stubbornness at this moment.


    Xu Zhiqing gave him a surprised look. This man had a proud backbone, a trait not often seen. It did him justice as a man. However, recalling his refusal of Li Tai''s goodwill and his refusal to serve his country, she realized he was a person ofplex character, indeed a mystery to her.Seeing the Eldest Miss''s anxious expression, Lin Wanrong let out a sad sigh. It was tough to be powerless. He was clearly at odds with the Virtuous Prince, yet he was still expected to kowtow to him. Thinking of power, his mind suddenly sparked. That day outside the Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, he met an elegantly dressed old man who had given him a strange golden que. He said that with this que, Lin San could find him in any government office in the capital. Judging by his aura and demeanor, he was far superior to Xu Wei, certainly a powerful figure. But being busy in the capital, Lin San hadpletely forgotten about it.


    His thoughts racing, he looked at Xu Zhiqing and an idea came to him. Miss Xu, with her extensive knowledge and experience, might recognize this object. With this in mind, he reached into his pocket to take out the heavy golden que. Just as he was about to produce it, the Virtuous Prince lifted his hand with a smile and dered loudly, "Please rise, everyone. Today, I am here to admire the flowers, to enjoy the beautiful scenery, and to rejoice with the people. Let''s forego these formalities."


    "Your highness is wise." Everyone rose, sping their fists in respect. The peach garden was vast, and with so many people present, no one noticed that Lin Wanrong, standing behind a tree in the garden, had never kneeled in the first ce.


    Prince Cheng was surrounded by a throng of officials. Young Prince Zhao Kangning was walking by his side. However, Sister An, with her fox-like charm, was mysteriously absent, her figure nowhere to be seen. The peach blossoms, which typically bloomed in the third month, had burst forth a month early, thanks to the warm springs benefiting Grand Prime Minister Temple. This unusual urrence made the vibrant peach blossoms even more startling. The garden was a riot of scattered petals, with red and white creating a stunning contrast. It looked like a true paradise of peach blossoms.


    Prince Cheng and his entourage slowly made their way into the garden. In front of them, a group of monks from Grand Prime Minister Temple were exining and narrating, serving them with the utmost attention and meticulousness, fearing any negligence might offend the royal guest.


    Young Prince Zhao Kangning, with his keen eye, only needed a few steps to spot Miss Xiao and Lin Wanrong standing under a peach tree. He paused, his face betraying a hint of surprise. A cold smirk appeared at the corner of his mouth as he leaned over to whisper something into his father''s ear.


    Prince Cheng gave a low grunt of acknowledgment. His tiger-like eyes shed like lightning, scanning the ce where the two stood. Prince Cheng indeed carried an aura of authority; his gaze was so intense that it felt tangible,pelling people to avoid his stare.


    Miss Xiao bit her lip lightly but defiantly raised her head and squared her shoulders, refusing to show any sign of fear. Lin Wanrong, however, appeared nonchnt, seemingly ready for a fight, as he had been numerous times before. He wasn''t afraid at all. He offered a slight smile to Prince Cheng,pletely at ease.


    Taking tiger-like strides, Prince Cheng slowly walked over,ughing, "Isn''t this Miss Xu Zhiqing? Are you here to enjoy the blossoms too?"


    Xu Zhiqing gave a slight bow, "Your Highness, it''s a pleasure to see you. This is Grand Prime Minister Temple''s flower appreciation banquet. I''m here to join in the fun and I didn''t expect to run into you, Your Highness. It''s truly my great fortune."


    Prince Chengughed heartily, "What fortune? Miss Zhiqing, you''re too polite. I have been friends with your father for many years. Seeing you grow into a confident and courageous young woman makes me happy for my old friend."


    Xu Zhiqing offered a small, silent smile. Prince Chengughed again, his gaze swept across Miss Xiao and Lin Wanrong, he pondered for a moment, "And these two are..."


    Gritting her teeth, Miss Xiao curtsied, "Xiao Yuruo of Jinling''s Xiao family greets Your Highness Prince Cheng."


    Prince Cheng gave a sound of acknowledgment,ughing, "The Xiao family from Jinling? You must be the descendant of Elder Xiao, please rise, Miss Xiao." His gazended on Lin Wanrong, "Looking at this young man''s clear and energetic aura, and his impressive appearance, could this be the Brother Lin San?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "So, the majestic figure whom everyone respects is His Highness Prince Cheng? I''m Lin San. I wish Your Highness a long and prosperous reign and to rule all under heaven."


    Zhao Kangning''s face changed, as if he was about to explode with anger, but Prince Cheng slightly shook his head to stop him, bursting intoughter, "Interesting! Lin San, you truly live up to your reputation, very interesting indeed. Although I live in the capital, I have heard many stories about you in Jinling. Making perfume, washing hands with hot oil, burning copper coins, you really are a clever one!"


    "Too kind, too kind." Lin Wanrongughed, "These are just some trinkets, tricks to fool others, not to be brought onto the stage. It''s nothingpared to Your Highness who manages ''chickens'' every day, and bors'' day and night for the sake of the country and its people. I truly admire your ambition, Your Highness."


    Prince Cheng took a few steps forward, smiling warmly, he came to stand before Lin Wanrong. He affectionately took hold of Lin''s hand, "Lin San, there''s no need to be so modest. Although your remarkable achievements haven''t been officially recognized by the court, I''m well aware of them. A talent like you is indeed a sign of auspiciousness, a blessing to our Great Hua. My son, Kangning, being young and inexperienced, may have made some mistakes in the past. I ask you not to bear grudges against him. On his behalf, I offer you an apology."


    As Prince Cheng spoke, he surprisingly bowed to Lin Wanrong. The spectators were stunned to see the royal prince offer such a gesture to amoner. This act of appreciating talent and treating virtuous schrs well instantly earned Prince Cheng respect from the crowd.


    Such a tactful move. If Lin Wanrong wasn''t aware of Prince Cheng''s covert scheming, he might have been taken in by his sincere expression. People like Prince Cheng were either extremely good or extremely wicked, never walking the middle road. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but marvel internally, acknowledging Prince Cheng as a remarkable character of the times; possessing magnanimity, courage, and willingness to overlook minor details in order to achieve great things - a true ''heroic overlord''.


    "Your Highness is too kind," Lin Wanrong helped him up, feigning confusion and waiting for the prince toplete his bow before reacting - a deliberate move to assert some advantage over the prince. "Young Prince Kangning and I share a good friendship. We''vepeted in poetry contests in Jinling, where did he ever act improperly? He''s a rare gem among men. Your Highness, having such a son, is indeed enviable."


    Prince Cheng had long been aware of Lin Wanrong''s abilities. His failed ns in Jiangnan werergely due to Lin San''s interference - from thwarting his plot to rob the Xiao family, to ruining the Jiangsu and Zhejiang Merchant Association, to destroying the White Lotus Cult, and even the destruction of his own ¡®granaries¡¯ in Jiangnan. Yet, the more obstacles Lin San posed, the more it demonstrated his unparalleled talent. If Prince Cheng could win him over, his loss in Jiangnan would be insignificant.


    As a man of great ambition, Prince Cheng had lofty vision and profound cunning. He never wore his emotions on his sleeve. Grasping Lin Wanrong''s hand, he smiled, "That''s good to hear. Kangning is young and there''s a lot he can learn from you. I hope you''ll continue to guide him in the future."


    As he spoke, he waved his hand and several attendants stepped forward with gift trays. Prince Cheng chuckled, "I''ve long heard of Mr. Lin''s great reputation. Today, being our first meeting, I''vee unprepared. Please ept this humble gift."


    At his signal, an attendant pulled away the red silk covering the trays, revealing dazzling gold leaves that instantly caught the eye. There was enough gold to amount to a hundred taels.


    From ''Brother Lin'', to ''Lin San'', to ''Mr. Lin'', Prince Cheng''s mode of addressing Lin Wanrong kept evolving, elevating Lin San''s status to an iparable height. Even the proud Prince Cheng addressed him as ''Mr. Lin'', a title that escted Lin Wanrong''s status immensely.


    Ye Yuchuan, standing beside Miss Xu, looked at Lin Wanrong in astonishment. Prince Cheng, known for his relentless pursuit of talent and given the nickname ''Virtuous Prince'', had an unquestionable eye for talent. His extraordinary treatment of Lin San suggested that Lin San might indeed possess an unrivaled talent.


    Although Xu Zhiqing had heard of some of Lin San''s exploits, most of what she knew came from others, even the fact that he had secretly learned Arabic numerals. She had never actually witnessed his capabilities. Seeing Prince Cheng''s action piqued her interest. She turned her gaze to Lin Wanrong, curious about his response.


    In the crowd, the most anxious of all was Xiao Yuruo. Regardless of Lin San''s actual abilities, he had already be the cornerstone of the Xiao family. Prince Cheng, upon first meeting Lin San, presented him with such generous gifts, which showed how highly he valued him. If Lin San were to be tempted, and choose to follow Prince Cheng, her Xiao family would be utterly doomed.


    With anxiety surging in her heart, she hurriedly tugged at Lin San''s sleeve, her eyes filled with intense hope and anticipation.


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 Chapter 303

    Chapter 303


    Chapter 303 Defiant and Unyielding


    Lin Wanrong chuckled lightly, feigning surprise as he said, "Oh, what is this, your Highness? Are you amusing yourself by unting your gold leaf? It''s so glittery that it''s blinding! What an intriguing hobby."


    Seeing Lin San''s nonchnt demeanor, Prince Cheng grinned and said, "Brother Lin, please don''t misunderstand. You are a recluse of high wisdom, naturally uninterested in these mundane treasures. This is merely a token of my respect. I hope you won''t find it offensive."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Your Highness is too kind. I am no hermit. Who wouldn''t love glittering gold and shining silver? As a man ofmon tastes, seeing these worldly treasures makes me all the happier. But, epting such a generous gift out of the blue makes me uneasy. I am afraid I cannot ept it."


    A glint shed in the eyes of Prince Cheng, as he focused his gaze on Lin San, saying, "Brother Lin, you speak swiftly and honestly, just as I had hoped. Truth be told, my courtcks a young, talented, and courageous schr like you. Therefore, I took the liberty to invite you to join me at my mansion. I promise to reward you handsomely in the future."


    Prince Cheng indeed was a formidable figure, publicly recruiting talent and promising rich rewards to lure people. Even if he failed to recruit, he gained public favor, ensuring that many talents would seek him out to serve under hismand.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, taking a few steps back as heughed, "Your Highness is overly generous in your praise. I am but a lowly servant in the Xiao family, basking in the glory of the Madam and nurtured under the care of the Eldest Miss. I grow strong and healthy, spend my days tending to the flowers, nursing the grass, sketchingndscapes in my leisure, leading a carefree life. Apart from this, I am unskilled. Your talk of a young schr assisting and supporting you is like ying a lute before a cow, I''m afraid. Oh, just touching this gold leaf doesn''t cost me, does it? That''s good then, gentlemen, please take it back."


    Prince Cheng was no ordinary man. His expression remained calm, but a sharp light gleamed in his eyes as he nced at Lin Wanrong, then shifted his gaze to the Eldest Miss, "Brother Lin, won''t you reconsider¡ª Oh, Miss Xiao, are you running your operations in the capital now?" Seeing Miss Xiao nod, he smiled and nodded, "That''s excellent, very good indeed."


    A change flickered across Lin Wanrong''s face. The others might not understand the implications in Prince Cheng''s words, but he did. The Prince was threatening him using the Xiao family. Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly, ¡®Such is the nature of a hero, unscrupulous in his ambition. If soft tactics don''t work, he turns to threats. Well, I''m not scared. I would rather write my name backward than bow to you.¡¯"I have made up my mind." Lin Wanrong plucked a peach blossom, held it near his nose, sniffing its fragrance with an air of defiance, "Whatever I intend to do, I will do, even if you try to stop me. And if I don''t want to do something, nobody can force me. Your Highness, isn''t this peach blossom beautiful? Here, have one."


    "How dare you!" Zhao Kangning, standing beside Prince Cheng, could bear it no longer. His expression darkened, and he roared in anger, "You dare to show such audacity in front of my father! Seize him at once¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong burst outughing and dered, "Your father is your father, but what does that have to do with me? I, Lin San, don''t seek officialdom, and don''t crave talent. What gives you the right to dictate my actions? We stand under the Emperor''s rule. Despite your princely status, you''re not the highest authority. The Gods watch us from above, and the Emperor presides over the golden court. It''s up to thew and the emperor to decide my fate, not a young prince like you."


    Prince Cheng managed to maintain hisposure quite impressively, letting out two curt exmations of "Well done!" However, a trace of grimness flickered in his eyes.


    Lin Wanrong fingered the gold medal in his pocket. ¡®Damnit, I''m not afraid of you. Our enmity didn''t start today. Even when I was a penniless nobody, I wasn''t afraid of you. Am I supposed to be scared now? My wife is a princess, I have Xu Wei by my side, and the old man from Lingyin Temple hidden in the wings. Why should I be scared of you?¡¯


    Lin Wanrong let out a heartyugh, snapped two peach blossoms off a tree and twirled them around. He began to stride away, singing loudly, "In the peach blossom hut lies the peach blossom temple, below it, the peach blossom fairy; the fairy nted peach trees, picked the blossoms to sell for wine money. Sober, he''d sit before the flowers, drunk, he''d sleep beneath them. This cycle of half-sobriety, half-drunkenness was repeated day after day, as the flowers bloomed and fell, year after year. He''d rather die amidst the flowers and wine, than bow to the trappings of power..."


    Everyone listened to his mad poetry, quietly admiring his eloquence but too intimidated by the Prince''s power to utter a word.


    Xu Zhiqing watched Lin Wanrong''s retreating figure and thought to herself, ¡®He''s not even afraid of Prince Cheng. Anyone who tries to force him onto the battlefield is asking for humiliation.¡¯ She didn''t understand him; he was at oncescivious and noble, making it impossible to figure out what kind of man he was.


    "Lin San..." the Eldest Miss cried, tears brimming in her eyes. This damned man, one minute he''s fooling around, the next he''s excessively serious, always pulling at heartstrings.


    Even Prince Cheng, with all his patience, was at a loss dealing with the unruly Lin San. Should he really apprehend Lin right here in the public? That would destroy the good reputation he had painstakingly built.


    "Where''s the Sect Leader An?" Prince Cheng finally asked after a moment of silence, a heavy murderous intent shing in his eyes.


    Zhao Kangning answered hurriedly, "Your Majesty, Sect Leader An said she ran into an old friend and left to visit. I don''t know where she''s gone."


    Prince Cheng snorted and said, "An Biru and this Lin San have a deep-seated grudge, their feud is a matter of life and death. She won''t let Lin San off the hook. Let her handle this."


    ¡ª---


    The garden was bustling with activity. However, atop the bell tower of Grand Prime Minister Temple, someone was quietly enjoying the spectacle. An elegantly dressed old man sat on a stool, his fine eyebrows and narrow eyes exuding a formidable aura. A handsome young man stood respectfully by his side.


    The old man''s gaze swept across the scene, catching Prince Cheng''s embarrassment. He couldn''t help but smile, "Interesting, very interesting indeed. I came out to enjoy the flowers today, but I didn''t expect to watch such a good show. This youngster, not seen for a few months, is still as intriguing. He dares to offend even Prince Cheng. He has developed some mettle indeed. It appears that I underestimated him at the Lingyin Temple."


    The young man cast a nce at Lin Wanrong''s retreating figure and asked respectfully, "Is this the man you mentioned, the one you encountered outside the Lingyin Temple?"


    The old man nodded and peered at the young man, a glimmer of light flickering in his eyes. "This young man, despite his carefree and nonchnt demeanor, is very decisive and cunning. You, despite your status as the top schr, can match his cunning, but youck his broad-mindedness."


    The young man slightly lowered his head without saying a word, his expression unreadable to anyone.


    Behind them, a blind old man stood quietly, as if he had heard nothing...


    ¡ª---


    Lin Wanrong walked swiftly and managed to exit the peach garden in just a few steps. Recalling his yful demeanor earlier, he seemed to embody the charm of Tang Yin - charismatic and handsome. However, in his self-satisfaction, he pped his forehead suddenly: "Ah, I''ve been too carried away with my charm, and I''ve left Eldest Miss behind."


    [TL: Tang Yin, courtesy name Bohu, was a Chinese painter, calligrapher, and poet of the Ming dynasty period.]


    Just as he was about to return, a series of shouts came from behind, "Lin San, Lin San¡ª"


    Turning his head, he saw Xu Zhiqing rushing towards him. The Eldest Miss, lifting her long skirt, followed behind, with Ye Yuchuan inseparable from Xu Zhiqing''s side.


    Lin Wanrong approached them and chuckled, "What''s all this,dies?"


    The Eldest Miss gave him a warm look and gently reprimanded, "You, once you''ve had your fun, you just forget about me. Wait till I get you back home." Her cheeks blushed a charming pink, her brows arched with a smile, her eyes radiating a tenderness that seemed to drip water.


    Xu Zhiqing smiled, "Lin San, was the poem you recited just nowposed by yourself?"


    ¡®Another conversation about poetry? So what if I did write it? Can you appreciate me just because of one poem?¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed, seemingly determined to contradict her. "Miss Xu overestimates me. How could I possiblypose such a fine poem? I merely copied it. My modest talent can only capture some in and mundane scenes. I am thousands of miles away from reaching such a realm."


    Xu Zhiqing paused upon hearing his frank admission that the poem was copied. Could someone be so unabashed about copying? But when she heard his self-deprecatingment, she couldn''t help but burst intoughter. So, this Lin San did hold grudges.


    Upon hearing his words, the Eldest Miss, oblivious to Miss Xu''s presence, impulsively grabbed his hand and shyly said, "Lin San, I like your honesty."


    Lin Wanrong felt a cold sweat. Just one instance of honesty had earned the Eldest Miss''s open confession. If he were honest a hundred times, would she shout out, "My dear, I want you"?


    Seeing Xu Zhiqing''s puzzled expression, Lin Wanrong remembered the gold medallion tucked away in his robe. He wondered whether he should bring it out for this well-read and talented girl to appreciate, but a sudden cheer from ahead distracted him. "Exotic flower, it''s an exotic flower¡ª"


    ¡®What exotic flower? None of my business,¡¯ he was about to say, but the Eldest Miss pulled his hand, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "Lin San, let''s go and take a look."


    "Yes, let''s go see it." Miss Xu echoed with a mysterious smile.


    Laughing so slyly, there must be a scheme. Lin Wanrong firmly shook his head and said, "I won''t go. Miss, I need to visit the privy. Will youe? Let''s go together!"


    "Disgusting." Xiao Yuruo was emotionally stirred because Lin Wanrong would rather offend Prince Cheng for the Xiao family. She was about to speak softly to him when he made his crude remark, utterly shattering the amorous atmosphere. She couldn''t help but blush and give him a reproachful look.


    Was he truly audacious or just crass? Which one was the real Lin San? Xu Zhiqing let out a small sigh, "Appreciating a flower is like appreciating a person. To find one that is unique and different from the rest is no easy task. Whether it''s a blooming flower or a poisonous weed, one won''t know until it''s tried."


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 Chapter 304

    Chapter 304


    Chapter 304 Top Schr


    What was this girl getting at? Her words carried a strange philosophical undertone that he naturally despised. ¡®Speak inly, damn it, I hated your cryptic ways.¡¯


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong steal the limelight, Ye Yuchuan couldn''t bear it and shot him a re, saying, "Miss Xu, to appreciate flowers, one needs to have the heart for it. Since Lin San doesn''t want to go, let''s proceed ourselves."


    Seeing the crowd''s cheering sounds came from the orchid garden, Xiao Yuruo couldn''t help but say, "Among the four noble flowers of plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, I''m particrly fond of orchids, Lin San, shall we go take a look?"


    ¡®Weren''t you fond of roses? Even the perfume you wear is of a passionate rose scent. How did you connect it with the elegant, subtly fragrant orchid? Could it be that you have a dual personality? Modest in public, but wild in private? Damn, this could be a treasure, I am in luck.¡¯ He gave her a once-over, his gazescivious to the extreme.


    Xiao Yuruo hurriedly tugged at his hand, asking, "Are we going or not? Everyone is waiting for you!"


    ¡®Sweat, since when did I be the leader?¡¯ Overwhelmed by the unexpected favor, he chuckled, "Alright then, I won''t go to the restroom just yet¡ªI''ll go after we''re done admiring the orchids."


    The two youngdies felt ufortable hearing this. Something as beautiful as admiring orchids was awkwardly connected with a trip to the restroom¡ªit was as distasteful as it could get.


    Lin Wanrong was no stranger to orchids. In his past life as a sales manager, his clients had a variety of hobbies¡ªsome loved risky adventures, others indulged in extreme sports, and yet others had a refined taste, a fondness for flowers and nts¡ªespecially for orchids. An exclusive pot of precious orchids was not cheap, and it made an inconspicuous gift, an excellent subtle way of giving presents.Upon entering the orchid garden, they found it exquisitely arranged, filled with blooming orchids everywhere. Orchids were different from other flowers, their blossoms exuding a subtle fragrance. If mixed with other strongly scented flowers, one could not smell the scent of the orchids at all. The garden was filled with nothing but orchids and green grass, perfectly highlighting the aroma of the flowers. Whoever had arranged this garden was undoubtedly a true connoisseur of orchids.


    As soon as the Eldest Miss entered the garden, she started looking around, gently touching any pretty orchid sheid her eyes on. Lin Wanrong watched her, finding it amusing. Although she was mature and steady, in the garden she became youthful and adorable, like a child. True orchid lovers would never touch the blossoms. The proverb "One can look but not y" perfectly applied here.


    "Miss, do you truly like orchids?" Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    Xiao Yuruo nodded earnestly, "Of course, I used to keep a few pots in my room." Lin Wanrong had a sudden realization. Unlike plum or peach trees that needed to be nted outdoors, a small potted orchid ced indoors, watered periodically, could thrive. Thus, the Eldest Miss also became a "lover of orchids."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head with a smile, and said nothing. He thought about how this young girl was always busy with family affairs, where she could find time to take care of these nts. A girl as delicate as a flower was working so hard. He didn''t ridicule her any further. With tender feelings swelling in his heart, he took her hand, "If you truly love orchids, I will apany you every day to grow them, and tell you about their habits, ensuring that you can grow the most beautiful orchids in the world."


    The Eldest Miss could feel his emotions and was deeply moved within. She yearned to throw herself into his arms and sob uncontrobly, yet given the presentpany, she could only manage a quiet murmur of acknowledgment, a simple sound carrying a thousand unspoken words.


    "Where is the unique flower, where is it?" Xu Zhiqing noticed their intimate moment and interjected with a jovial tone.


    A crowd of young men and women had formed a circle, pointing and discussing a pot of orchids at the center. Standing beside the orchid, a handsome young man was smiling at the crowd. "This is a new orchid that I recently acquired, but I do not know its name, let alone how to appreciate it. Today, it so happens that we are here at the Grand Prime Minister Temple''s flower viewing festival, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to find connoisseurs who can appreciate this unique flower with me."


    Lin Wanrong nced at it and couldn''t help but burst intoughter. He observed the orchid splitting from the center into two petals, resembling two open hands joined tightly at the base. Was this also considered a unique flower? Damn, then he could be considered a unique individual too.


    The Eldest Miss, feigning her love for orchids, naturally could not identify what it was. She grasped Lin Wanrong''s hand, and upon seeing his smiling face, she couldn''t help but ask, "Do you recognize this orchid?"


    Xu Zhiqing was also contemting, hearing this, she said, "Lin San, do you also appreciate orchids?"


    Lin Wanrong spread his hands, indicating that he didn''t, Miss Xu smiled and said, "Our great nation is the birthce of orchids, with a long history of cultivation. Its beautiful flowers and fragrant scent make it beloved. The appreciation of orchids can start from the four aspects of fragrance, color, posture, and shape."


    The Eldest Miss responded with an ''oh'', andughed, "Sister Xu, you really know a lot."


    Xu Zhiqing responded with a slight smile, "What does it matter if I know a lot? I''ve just wasted time and remained the same. It''s rather shameful, really."


    Listening to her borate exnations, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but say, "Miss Xu is a master in the world of orchids, I admire your knowledge. Do you know the name of this orchid?"


    Xu Zhiqing scrutinized the orchid closely, then softly said, "This orchid embodies the ''shape'' aspect of the four appreciation categories. I believe its name is inspired by its shape. However, it seems to be a new cultivar. I have never seen it before and thus, do not know its name."


    The dashing young man holding the orchid nced at Lin Wanrong, a peculiar glint in his eyes, and chuckled, "This gentleman appears to know its name. Please enlighten us."


    ¡®Damn, was this guy eavesdropping on me?¡¯ Lin Wanrong cast a sideways nce at the man, noticing his striking features, dressed in a white robe with a friendly smile on his face, exuding charm and grace. Manydies around were stealing nces at him.


    "Pretty boy!" Lin Wanrong cursed under his breath. To him, anyone with fairer skin deserved this title.


    "Well, it''s called a ''Sword Orchid,''" Lin Wanrong said with a smile, "Aside from its unusual petals, there''s nothing particrly impressive about it."


    "Sword Orchid? Indeed, the flower lives up to its name." The young manughed, "I thank you for your guidance. I have another orchid here, a rare variety. I would like to invite you to take a look at it as well."


    He carefully removed an orchid from the brocade box he carried with him. The leaves of the flower were thin and long, reminiscent of a willow''s graceful droop. The stem was tender white, pale as jade, and four petite flowers blossomed from it, immacte as snow. As soon as the flower was revealed, a faint, refreshing fragrance wafted from the foliage.


    As soon as this orchid appeared, it immediately drew the attention of everyone present. The orchid was so beautiful, pure white and sparkling, that anyone would have desired to touch it, yet also hesitant toy a hand on such a precious thing.


    The Eldest Miss was utterly captivated, tightly clutching Lin Wanrong''s hand and asking, "Lin San, what kind of flower is this? Could you teach me how to grow it?"


    Lin Wanrong was privately astounded. Goddamn, the best flowers were wasted on the undeserving. Such a premium orchid was a priceless rarity even in future times. He wondered where this youngd had gotten it from. Hearing Yuruo''s words, he patted her hand with a smile and said, "Don''t worry, there''s nothing in this world I can''t do."


    "Boasting," the Eldest Miss replied with a lovely smile.


    Xu Zhiqing sighed, "This should be the Great Snow Lotus."


    The young man looked at Xu Zhiqing and said, "Thedy is indeed knowledgeable. Since you know its name, do you also know its origin?"


    Xu Zhiqing truly was talented, Lin Wanrong thought with private admiration. This Great Snow Lotus was a rare and prestigious breed of orchid, known to very few in the world, yet beloved by those in the orchid connoisseurmunity. Lin Wanrong remembered it well because of its exorbitant price when he had once gifted it.


    Xu Zhiqing shook her head and said, "I happened to hear a flower craftsman from Yunnan describe this orchid''s shape. I''ve never seen it before, let alone know its origins."


    Lin Wanrong was secretly astounded by her sharp memory. The handsome man turned to Lin Wanrong and said, "It seems that this brother is quite knowledgeable. I wonder if you could enlighten us."


    Lin Wanrong nced at the man and replied with a smile, "This Great Snow Lotus is a famous flower from the Duan Family in Yunnan, mainly grown in the Wuliang Mountains. It blooms in the first month of the year, its roots buried in snow while enjoying ample sunlight. That''s why it''s so white and sparkling, highly sought after, a top-quality breed among orchids."


    The man nodded slightly and said, "Brother, you have impressive knowledge and a strong memory. I''m greatly impressed by your knowledge of the Great Snow Lotus''s origin."


    Lin Wanrong responded, "My knowledge is nothing extraordinary. What''s extraordinary is you. The Great Snow Lotus, which grows in the snow, will wither and die within three days once removed from the snow. Traveling from Yunnan to the capital, a journey of thousands of miles, and preserving the orchid in such excellent condition, surely required constant protection by ice and snow and reaching the destination within days. This is no easy feat, and it shows you are no ordinary person."


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s spection about the flower''s history, Xu Zhiqing was already somewhat surprised, but his subsequent reasoning left her even more astonished. Lin San was meticulous and quick in his thinking. No wonder he had been the chief contributor in quelling the White Lotus rebellion in the past. Prince Cheng''s persistent wooing of him was not unfounded.


    "My apologies for any misunderstanding," the young man bowed with a smile. "My name is Su Mubai. It''s a pleasure to meet the two youngdies and this gentleman here."


    "Su Mubai? This name sounds familiar." The Eldest Miss murmured softly.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled in her ear, "And what about my name, does that sound familiar to you?"


    "You''re so annoying." The Eldest Miss pinched his hand and chided him, her radiant and charming annoyance tickling his heart.


    The silent Xu Zhiqing, however, looked surprised. "Su Mubai? Are you the newly crowned top schr, Young Master Su Mubai?"


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 Chapter 305

    Chapter 305


    Chapter 305 The Reward of the Peony Garden


    "Yes, yes." Xiao Yuruo eximed in surprise, her face lighting up with joy. "I remember now. Last spring, during the imperial examination, wasn''t the top-ranked schr none other than Young Master Su Mubai? He even received a golden decree from the Emperor, a promation that was made across dozens of provinces."


    [TL: Zhuangyuan, which is a historical title given to the schr who came first in the highest imperial examination in ancient China.]


    Su Mubai sped his hands and smiled without a word, tacitly acknowledging the statement.


    Being the top schr on the imperial list was the dream of all schrs. The surprise was understandable when they realized that this stunning gentleman standing before them was indeed the newly-decorated top schr. Even Xu Zhiqing, usually indifferent, could not help but cast an extra nce at Su Mubai.


    ¡®What''s so great about being the top schr?¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought to himself, ¡®When I was in college, I was the top schr too. Moreover, there are top schrs from prestigious universities who go back home and sell meat. This guy, peddling orchids in the garden and feigning elegance, isn''t much better.¡¯


    "So, you''re the top schr, huh? I''ve never met a top schr before, even though I''ve lived this long. Nice to meet you, what an honor." Lin Wanrong enthusiastically shook Su Mubai''s hand.


    With grace, Su Mubai nodded and smiled, "I''m but a simple schr, favored by His Majesty to be named the top schr on the golden tform. It''s a cause for great humility. Today, hearing Brother''s discourse on orchids, I''m even more filled with admiration. I hope to have more opportunities to learn from you in the future."


    Upon hearing that the one presenting the orchids was the newly decorated top schr, Su Mubai, there was an immediate stir in the garden. If Prince Cheng was the subject of awe, then the top schr was admired by all, especially thedies who came to enjoy the flowers. They had a natural affinity for the top schr. Seeing the elegant and exceptional demeanor of the schr, their hearts began to flutter, showing signs of love at first sight."Thank you all for your kindness." Su Mubai, now the center of attention, smiled and greeted everyone around him. His demeanor and style were top-notch, winning people''s hearts instantly.


    Lin Wanrong watched helplessly as he shook his head. Orchids were supposed to love tranquility, but this schr had turned a quiet orchid garden into a vibrant scene of blooming peach blossoms. It seemed to contradict the elegant name of the orchid.


    Seeing that the two youngdies held this schr in high regard, Lin Wanrong pulled Xiao Yuruo aside and asked, "Miss, it''s not too hard to be a top schr, right? I could go and bag one myself, make a scene... uh, where do I sign up? How much is the registration fee? Is there a prep ss before the exam?"


    Xiao Yuruo, both annoyed and amused, replied, "What nonsense are you spouting? Do you think bing the top schr is a child''s game, that it''s easy? The imperial examinations are held once every three years, starting with the entrance examination. Only those who pass this can be schrs. Just this one step stops countless schrs in their tracks. Many people spend their entire lives studying and still fail to pass this level. Only the top two levels of schrs can take part in the provincial examination. This is called ''recorded admission''. The provincial exams are held every three years, and each province sets their own questions. Only those who pass this can be ¡®rmended persons,¡¯ with the first rank called ''Jieyuan''. Only rmended persons can participate in the metropolitan exam, selecting a hundred to be tributes, with the top rank called ''Huiyuan''. Only thenes the pce exam, personally presided over by the Emperor, selecting the three ranks of schrs. This Su Mubai was ranked first in all three exams, and was personally selected by the Emperor as the top schr of the imperial examination, and thus be called Zhuangyuan. He was selected from hundreds of thousands of participants. Do you still think it''s not hard?"


    Sweat dripped down Lin Wanrong''s face, the challenge of passing four examinations was no small feat. He let out a chuckle, the Eldest Miss studied him once more with a serious gaze, saying, "However, if you were to change your nature and dedicate yourself to studying, with your intelligence and wisdom, achieving the highest honors in the imperial examination wouldn''t be a problem."


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but smile at her ttering words. Xu Zhiqing, overhearing the Eldest Miss exining these fundamental concepts to Lin Wanrong, couldn''t help but wonder about him. Had he fallen from the sky? How could he not know about the imperial examination system? Where had his knowledgee from?


    Seeing Lin Wanrong absorbed in the conversation, Xu Zhiqing added with a smile, "This Top schr Su, was not only chosen by the Emperor himself on the Golden Hall but he was even more extraordinary. Typically, top schrs, once appointed, are sent to various locations to serve as officials. After gaining experience, they are promoted. However, this Top Schr Su was favored by the Emperor and kept in the imperial academy, often apanying the Emperor. He is in the Emperor''s good graces and is envied by all."


    With this information, it seemed this Su Mubai was indeed a favorite at the Emperor''s side. "This youngster''s made it," Lin Wanrong said, nodding his head in acknowledgment.


    After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, Su Mubai approached with a smile, "I''m humbled and embarrassed, I didn''t expect such a spectacle. I apologize to the youngdies for my inattention. I can tell from your remarks and demeanor that you are both extraordinary, may I ask for your names?"


    Xu Zhiqing responded with a gracious smile, "I am Xu Zhiqing, and this is Miss Xiao from Jinling."


    Su Mubai expressed his surprise, "Xu Zhiqing? Could you be the beloved daughter of Master Wenchang, the chief instructor of Jinghua Academy, Xu Zhiqing?"


    Xu Zhiqing responded with a gentle smile, which Su Mubai took as confirmation. He quickly gave a deep bow and said, "This humble self has long admired Mr. Xu''s great name. Today, this humble self is fortunate to meet you. You are as beautiful as a celestial being and one can''t help but admire you."


    ¡®What a bootlicker,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought to himself,ughing secretly. But he couldn''t deny that Top Schr Su was humble, cautious, and polite. There wasn''t much to criticize about him. Only Lin Wanrong, driven by jealousy, found him disagreeable. The other guests in the garden didn''t seem to mind him at all.


    The noise in the garden disturbed Xu Zhiqing, and she couldn''t help but frown. She turned to Su Mubai, "Young Master Su, did you grow those two unusual flowers yourself?"


    Su Mubai answered, "You tter this humble self. These two were gifts from a friend. This humble self brought them here today in hopes of finding a connoisseur. To meet Miss Xu and you sir, is truly a fortunate event in this humble self."


    Lin Wanrong, unustomed to Su Mubai''s repeated use of the word "humble self," gave a yawn, "Miss, I think we''ve admired these unusual flowers enough, I need to visit the restroom."


    The two youngdies red at him simultaneously. Xu Zhiqing said, "Just now, we admired two orchids, both were stunning. Although I am unskilled, I''ve also found an orchid to share--"


    As her words trailed off, Ye Yuchuan, who had been standing silently next to Xu Zhiqing, unveiled a curtain, smiling, "Miss Xiao, Mr. Su, please look--"


    All eyes swept into the unveiled space. Inside the curtain was a delicate orchid, half white with spots of purple and red, its petals curling backward, giving an impression of a butterfly in flight.


    Su Mubai circled the orchid, marveling after a long inspection, "Among all orchids, each has its trace. But this flower, like an orchid yet like a butterfly, is rare in its beauty. I wonder if it is an orchid among butterflies or a butterfly among orchids? Miss, you possess the refined nature of an orchid, but where did you find this top-notch among orchids?"


    Top schr Su really had a slick tongue. Regardless of whether he recognized the orchid or not, he began by showering it with praise, speaking of ''orchids among butterflies, butterflies among orchids.'' Damn, why didn''t he just straightforwardly admit he didn''t recognize it? Why all the pointless talk?


    Lin Wanrong snorted coldly, sneering in silence.


    Xu Zhiqingughed and said, "Top Schr Su, you tter me. Do you know the name of this orchid?"


    Su Mubai hesitated for a while before shaking his head, "I consider myself a lover of orchids, but this strange species is not only unfamiliar to me, I''ve never even heard of it. Brother, do you have any insights?" He smiled at Lin Wanrong, a hint of inscrutability in his eyes.


    Lin Wanrong recognized the orchid. What confused him was how this clearly mutated species could be cultivated in this era. Whoever did it was a genius.


    Xu Zhiqing seemed to have anticipated that Su Mubai wouldn''t guess it. She smiled at Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, can you tell us the name of this orchid?"


    ¡®Damn, calling him ''Top Schr Su'' but referring to me as ''Lin San.'' Can''t you just call me ''Brother Lin''?¡¯ He didn''t care for these schrs to begin with. Hearing her, heughed, "This is called the Butterfly Orchid, a mutated variant of the orchid. Its petals,bellum, and column are all serrated, resembling a dancing butterfly, hence the name ''Butterfly Orchid''. This particr one has nearly fifty percent of its petals transformed, making it a true ''Full Butterfly Petal'', a top-quality orchid."


    Su Mubai looked at him in surprise. Lin Wanrong''s capabilities and knowledge were far beyond his expectations. The Eldest Miss stared at him in delight, her red lips parting as if to say something. Yet when the words reached her mouth, she only smiled shyly, gripping his hand tightly and not letting go.


    Lin Wanrong was also quite proud. Damn, they were lucky to have him today. Otherwise, none of these rare flowers in the orchid garden would be recognized. Wouldn''t that be a joke if it got out?


    Seeing his smug look, Xu Zhiqingughed, "Lin San, are you saying this is a Butterfly Orchid?"


    ¡®Damn, could I be wrong?¡¯ He nodded, ncing provocatively at Xu Zhiqing.


    Miss Xu covered her mouth with a smile, looked at him amusedly but said nothing. Ye Yuchuanughed, "Lin San, it''s quite impressive that you recognized the first two orchids. But you are quite wrong about this one. This exceptional orchid is a variety cultivated personally by Miss Xu. It doesn''t yet have a name. So, isn''t it a mistake to call it a Butterfly Orchid?"


    He had been had! Lin Wanrong felt a jolt of rm. So this Butterfly Orchid was actually a creation of Xu Zhiqing herself and hadn''t been named yet. Clearly, this was the girl tricking him. She hadn''t named it, what was there for him to guess?


    Observing Lin Wanrong''s deted arrogance and having recovered some ground, Xu Zhiqing''s face lit up with a faint smile. "Lin San, your observations aremendable. Aside from the name, everything else you said was incredibly urate." Seeing Lin Wanrong''s unyielding demeanor, she managed to hold back herughter and said, "This orchid was sessfully cultivated by me only recently, and I have not yet had time to name it. Since you call it the ''Butterfly Orchid,'' this name is indeed quite elegant. Very well, I''ll use the name you''ve suggested. Let''s call it the ''Butterfly Orchid.''"


    Looking at her smug satisfaction, Lin Wanrong could only shake his head helplessly. An intelligent woman was indeed troublesome.


    ¡ª---


    Of the three exotic orchids, Lin Wanrong identified two and a half. However, this Top Schr Su didn''t seem to care at all. Just as the group was conversing, a young servant walked up to Su Mubai and whispered a few words in his ear.


    Su Mubai''s expression changed briefly, but he quickly regained hisposure. He looked deeply into Lin Wanrong''s eyes before speaking with an earnest smile. "It''s been an honor to meet both thedies and gain acquaintance with gentlemen like Brother Lin and Brother Ye. Thest garden is full of beautiful and fragrant peonies, which must be admired. A distinguished elder, learning of my acquaintance with a few young talents, has asked me to invite you all to appreciate the peonies together. I hope the twodies and gentlemen won''t decline."


    ¡®Damn it, I''m fed up with this endless appreciation of flowers,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong. Just as he was about to make an excuse to slip away, the Eldest Miss tightened her grip on his arm. She leaned over and whispered into his ear, "You''ve offended Prince Cheng. Although Mr. Xu is helping you in the court, he''s on thin ice. Since Top Schr Su has extended an invitation, you should try to get along with him. If he speaks well of you to the Emperor, even Prince Cheng won''t be able to harm you."


    The Eldest Miss was genuinely worried for him. However, things in the court were not as straightforward as she made them out to be. Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile and, rather than arguing with her, he followed the group into the peony garden.


    The Peony Garden was thergest in the Grand Prime Minister Temple. In its center was a two-story pavilion, adorned with hanging bamboo curtains, as if someone was inside appreciating the flowers.


    "King of Flowers, National Beauty, and Heavenly Fragrance," these were the des the world had given to the peony. The environment of the Grand Prime Minister Temple was an ideal home for these blooms, and the early spring flowering of the peonies was indeed a marvel to behold. As soon as one entered the garden, the intense fragrance of the blooming peonies was overwhelming, with endless rows of flowers creating a dizzying spectacle.


    Everyone entering the garden gasped in amazement and was full of praise for the peonies. However, Lin Wanrong didn''t share the excitement. These peonies, although incredibly beautiful, were also very delicate and required careful nurturing. As Lin Wanrong put it, other than being visually appealing, they had little else to offer.


    "You''re so contrarian," the Eldest Miss chuckled at his sullen face. "Everyone else adores these peonies, but you keep your distance."


    "Sigh, that''s just the way unique people are," Lin Wanrong replied. He picked up a piece of foxtail grass from the ground, blew on the fluffy head, put it in his mouth, and gave it a light chew. "Even this foxtail grass is better than the peonies."


    Miss Xu was about to say something whenughter echoed from the pavilion, "Mubai, have the people I asked you to invite arrived?" The voice was aged and familiar, though its origin eluded her.


    Su Mubai quickly saluted, "All the gentlemen anddies have arrived as requested."


    Seeing Su Mubai, a recent imperial examination champion, show such respect, Lin Wanrong asked Xu Zhiqing, "Miss Xu, you seem to know everything from heaven to earth. Do you know the identity of the person in the pavilion?"


    Xu Zhiqingughed, "I don''t work at court, how could I know everyone? If you''re so curious, why not go and lift the curtain to see for yourself?" Lin Wanrong rolled his eyes as if to say, ''forget I asked.''


    The person inside the pavilion seemed to be sizing everyone up and sighed, "Miss Xiao,e closer so I can see you."


    Xiao Yuruo hesitated. She didn''t know who this person was, and why he was singling her out. She cast a helpless nce at Lin Wanrong. He pondered quickly - this person was obviously of high status, and his intentions for calling Miss Xiao over were unknown.


    Seeing the pleading look in her eyes, he grinned, "Don''t be scared, I''m here." Without worrying about the opinions of others, he led her toward the pavilion.


    Su Mubai hastily blocked their way, "Brother Lin, this elder specifically requested Miss Xiao alone."


    ¡®A summons, really? Why would my wife be summoned by him?¡¯ Lin Wanrong, holding a foxtail grass, swayed it lightly andughed, "A summons? I didn''t hear that. Miss Xiao and I are always together."


    Xiao Yuruo was moved, tightly holding his hand. However, the elder in the pavilionughed, "If he wants toe, let him. Lin San,e with Miss Xiao."


    ¡®Damn, am I that famous?¡¯ Even this big shot knows my name. Lin Wanrong squeezed Miss Xiao''s hand, whispering, "See, he knows us? Could it be that you secretly asked him to mediate for us? Ah, you''re too eager."


    "Stop it." Xiao Yuruo chided him lightly. His soothing words did calm her a bit, and she walked forward with him.


    When they were not far from the pavilion, they were stopped and couldn''t advance any further. Xiao Yuruo stood there feeling uneasy, as though the man''s gaze was solid, seemingly prating the curtain and constantly examining her.


    As they stood waiting, Lin Wanrong was rather displeased. He was about to speak when a sigh came from behind the curtain, "She really looks just like her, as if carved from the same mold."


    What did he mean? Who did Miss Xiao resemble? Couldn''t be Madam Xiao, could it? Could the person hiding inside be her old me? Lin Wanrong narrowed his gaze, trying to get a glimpse of the man behind the curtain, but he couldn''t discern his face.


    Miss Xiao was puzzled. After a long silence, the man asked, "Miss Xiao, how is your mother doing?"


    So he was an old me after all. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself. Considering Madam Xiao''s charm, she must have had quite the past.


    Xiao Yuruo bowed upon the mention of her mother, "My mother is well. May I ask, who are you¡ª"


    The man let out a long sigh and said, "I am an old acquaintance of Miss Guo from twenty years ago. After so many years of absence, I did not expect that her daughter has grown into such a beautiful and elegantdy."


    Eldest Miss Xiao, unsure of his rtionship with her mother, did not dare to speak. Suddenly, the man loudlymanded, "Servant, bring a seat for Miss Xiao."


    In the blink of an eye, a burly attendant hurriedly brought over a brocaded stool and respectfully ced it behind Xiao Yuruo.


    The Eldest Miss nced around and noticed everyone, whether it was Xu Zhiqing or Su Mubai, they were all standing with bowed heads, only she had been granted a seat. Her heart fluttered with unease, and she hastily said, "Esteemed elder¡ª"


    The man chuckled, "If I tell you to sit, you sit. As a descendant of an old friend, you need not observe such formalities."


    "Elder, I am also a descendant of your old friend¡ªtheir family. Could you also grant me a seat? To be frank, this flower viewing is quite tiring." Lin Wanrong chuckled and brazenly asked.


    Upon hearing his words, Su Mubai felt a chill run down his spine. This man truly dared to say anything. Was he not afraid for his life?


    The man in the pavilionughed, "What does your tiredness from flower viewing have to do with me? If you wish to sit, you should prove your worth. Today, Miss Xu, Top Schr Su, and you, Lin San, are all present. I shall put you to the test. Answer well, and I''ll reward you with a seat."


    "I object¡ª" Before the man could finish, Lin Wanrong had already loudly interjected.


    Su Mubai nced at Lin Wanrong, watching his arrogant and reckless demeanor. He couldn''t help but wipe the sweat from his forehead. What kind of a person was this who feared nothing? When it came to ignorance, shamelessness, and fearlessness, he conceded that he was no match for Lin San.


    When Xu Zhiqing heard the man in the pavilion calling her Miss Xu, she felt familiar yet puzzled, as she didn''t recall such an elder. Upon hearing Lin San''s objection, she felt likeughing. Wherever this man was, there wouldn''t be any dullness.


    "What do you object to?" The man in the pavilion, amused, responded. ustomed to his high status, people usually trembled in his presence. Today, after exchanging a few words with thisd, it reminded him of his own youthful bravado, causing him to feel quite exhrated. Seeing Lin San interrupt his words, he didn''t feel any resentment. Instead, he found it rather interesting, so he asked.


    "Elder, what do you want to test us on? Actually, there''s no need. My butt¡ªoh, I mean, my posterior, is my own. If I want to sit, why would I need your permission?" Lin Wanrong chuckled and without waiting for a response, he simply sat down on the grass.


    Everyone in the garden was dumbstruck, whether it was Ye Yuchuan, Su Mubai, or Xu Zhiqing, none knew how to describe this Lin San. When it came to disregarding propriety, not knowing when to give up, if Lin San imed the second ce, no one would dare to im the first.


    The man in the pavilion also paused, and after a while, he burst outughing. "You kid, your audacity is truly... something else! Forget it, forget it. When ites to skewed logic, there''s nobody in this world who can beat you. However, in my presence, no one dares to sit casually on the ground¡ª"


    If not on the ground, where else would one sit? Lin Wanrong wondered, unless he was expected to sit on the man.


    The man pondered for a moment andughed, "I am well aware of all the things you''ve done in Jinling and Shandong. It would be really inappropriate if I didn''t give you anything. Well, since you sat on the ground in this garden, the garden of the Grand Prime Minister''s Temple, I will give it to you."


    Lin Wanrong was befuddled by his words, but Su Mubai was utterly shocked. As soon as this elder opened his mouth, the back garden of the Grand Prime Minister''s Temple was set to be named as Lin.


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 Chapter 306

    Chapter 306


    Chapter 306 King Among Flowers


    Xu Zhiqing was a remarkably astute woman. After hearing these few words, her heart held a new understanding. Hurriedly, she addressed Lin Wanrong, ¡°What are you standing there for? Hurry up and express your gratitude.¡±


    ¡°Gratitude, for what?¡± Lin Wanrong responded with astonishment. He had noprehension of these matters. Being gifted an entire garden with just a word was something he only ever saw in television dramas. It had no rtion to him, Lin Wanrong; he had no awareness of such magnanimity.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s cluelessness, Xu Zhiqing was both exasperated and amused. When he was sharp-witted, she felt like biting him; when he was being slow, she wished she could kick him. To sum it up in one sentence: without punishment, he would never learn.


    Su Mubai, of course, did not state the obvious. The elderly man in the pavilion, who had taken a liking to Lin Wanrong, had his own reasons. This was not something that he, Su Mubai, could interfere with.


    The old man seemed to enjoy Lin Wanrong''s pretense of ying smart while being genuinely confused. He didn''t exin the situation, butughed heartily for a while and changed the subject. ¡°Miss Xu, Su Mubai, and Lin Wanrong who''s sitting here, I mentioned that I would test you all today, and I¡¯m a man of my word. Those who answer well will be awarded.¡±


    Being the reigning Top Schr and having been personally tutored by the Emperor, Su Mubai did not fear this test. He respectfully responded, ¡°Please, sir, may you bestow upon us your question.¡±


    After considering for a moment, the old man in the pavilion chuckled and said, ¡°Since we are appreciating flowers in this peony garden today, tell me, among all the flowers here, which one is the king?¡±


    The king of flowers? Lin Wanrong immediately thought of the past, the days by the Qinhuai River with Xian''er. Unable to resist, a smile crept onto his face. He wondered where that vixen An had hidden Xian''er. They had been in the capital for a while now, but he had not seen her yet.Upon hearing the question, Su Mubai considered for a while before he said, ¡°In my opinion, the king among the flowers is none other than the top-quality ''Drunk Rouge'' peony. Its petals are delicate, blooming wide and grand, bearing the demeanor of a nobleman. The color is pure, the symbolism profound, representing our great nation''s prosperity and ournd''s longevity, it is a blessing from heaven. As the saying goes, it uplifts the clear waves of the green water, nourishes the fertile soil, condenses the essence of Mount Tai, and collects the gentleness of beautiful water. Proudly walking from the ancient past, brilliantly adorning the different eras. Leaping forth among the thousands of new nts,peting with a hundred beautiful flowers. Calling upon the Luo River Goddess forpany, lowering its branches gracefully."


    Listening to this, Lin Wanrong felt the sweat beading on his forehead. He turned to Xiao Yuruo, the Eldest Miss, and said, ¡°Eldest Miss, what is this Top Schr talking about? I can''t understand it! s, it seems I''m falling behind again. Could you please trante it?¡±


    Eldest Miss was indeed well-learned. Smiling, she said, "Top Schr Su is indeed deserving of his reputation. He has quoted from ''The Eulogy of Peony,'' praising the nobility and extraordinary origins of ''Drunk Rouge''. In such a short time, he can quote ssical texts and articte his thoughts. The title of Top Schr is indeed appropriate for him."


    So, it was an argumentative essay. Lin Wanrong was inwardly outraged. ¡®Damn, what kind of game is this? Reading some things I can''t understand to fool me, and you can be a Top Schr? If I write some calculus equations, I''m sure none of you would recognize them. Wouldn''t that make me fit to be the Top Schr''s father?¡¯


    Upon hearing Su Mubai''s speech, everyone nodded in agreement, acknowledging that his schrly reputation was indeed well-deserved, with the notable exception of Lin San. If he had known that this garden was now his, upon hearing Su Mubai''s ancient and ssic lines, he would have likely driven him out with a broom long ago.


    The elder in the pavilion smiled and said, "Very good, Su Mubai. Your talent is indeed extraordinary. It seems that selecting you as the top schr was the correct choice. Servant, grant him a seat."


    Su Mubai quickly sped his fists in thanks, a humble expression on his face. When the attendant brought over a cushioned stool, he cautiously perched on the edge of it, an act that could hardly be considered sitting, especially whenpared to Lin San''s casual sprawl on the ground. Lin Wanrong watched this and chuckled to himself. What was the fun in being so timid as a top schr? He found his own carefree life far more enjoyable.


    "Miss Xu, it''s your turn," said the elder, sweeping his gaze over Xu Zhiqing and giving her a slight nod.


    Xu Zhiqing curtsied lightly and strolled a few steps in the garden, surveying her surroundings for a while before finally uttering, "The king of this garden ¨C is not a single one."


    The crowd in the garden was immediately taken aback. Could it be that in Miss Xu''s eyes, not one of these vibrant peonies was worthy? Wasn''t her taste a bit too refined?


    Su Mubai frowned and queried, "In your opinion, Miss, none of these peonies deserve the title of king of the flowers. So then, which flower could im such an ability?"


    Xu Zhiqing smiled faintly but remained silent, while Lin San enthusiastically gave a thumbs-up, eximing, "Well said, well said, I knew Miss Xu would favor this!"


    The elder in the pavilion was also puzzled, but he knew of Xu Zhiqing''s capabilities. She was a formidable woman who had been on the battlefield and matched wits with foreign tribes, a woman who could certainly hold her own among men. There was certainly more to her words than meets the eye.


    "Lin San, it seems you understand Miss Xu''s words?" the elder inquired with a certain curiosity.


    Lin Wanrongughed and replied, "Just a wild guess, I''m not sure if I''m correct. Anyway, I''m a man of no learning and limited experience, so there''s no harm in guessing blindly."


    Xu Zhiqing gave him a slight smile and retorted, "I won''t be responsible if you guess wrong."


    The elder burst into heartyughter, his voice indicating great amusement, "You youngsters always love your riddles. If I were twenty years younger, I would join in your game. Lin San, go ahead then, exin to us the meaning of Miss Xu''s four-word phrase, ''not a single one.''"


    With a mischievous grin, Lin Wanrong said, "Eldest Miss, let''s y a word riddle. ''Not a single one''¡ªguess one character. If you guess it right, we will have solved Miss Xu''s riddle."


    Xiao Yuruo pondered for a moment before bursting intoughter, "I get it now. ''Not a single one'' refers to the character ''white''. So Miss Xu, you prefer the white peony! The whitest and most vibrant of all is the ''Trembling Wind''s Beauty'' from Luoyang. Sister, you imply that this ''Trembling Wind''s Beauty'' is the true king of the flowers, isn''t that right?"


    [TL: The characters for ¡°not a single one¡± is ʵÄË°ÙÎÞÒ»ÊÇ, read as Sh¨ª n¨£i b¨£i w¨² y¨© sh¨¬, the third character °Ù (b¨£i) is simr in the form and pronunciation with the character °× (b¨¢i) meaning ¡°white.¡±]


    Xu Zhiqing nodded andughed, "Miss Xiao from the Xiao family is truly intelligent." Xiao Yuruo bashfully smiled, and Lin Wanrong mentally added a sentence for her: "Not at all, it''s our Lin San who is smart."


    Xu Zhiqing cast a nce at Lin Wanrong, a trace of anticipation flickering in her eyes. Though Lin San was always jovial and never serious, he had a knack for pleasant surprises at critical moments. He had just solved a small riddle, catching the essence with ease. His wit and cleverness were remarkable, unlike Top Schr Su who, failing toprehend the meaning and overly eager to impress, made himself aughingstock.


    The old man in the pavilion nodded, "Miss Xu, you indeed have your ways. But why did you choose the white peony as the king of flowers?"


    Xu Zhiqing paused for a moment before responding, "National beauty fills the morning wine, heavenly fragrance dyes the night clothes. These four characters describe the stunning beauty of peonies around the world. Top Schr Su is fond of ''Drunk Rouge'' because of its festive color, a good omen for the nation. Yet ''Trembling Wind''s Beauty'' is pure and untarnished, epitomizing the nobility of leading the masses. This principle applies both to flowers and to governance. Those in power should follow the example of the ''Trembling Wind''s Beauty'', remaining unblemished through trials by fire. Only by avoiding personal desires and ruling impartially can they bring prosperity to the nation. Only then will there be perpetual joy, heavenly blessings, and benevolence showered upon our great citizens."


    Xu Zhiqing''s words, starting with flowers then applying the lesson to people and nations, carried profound implications. Compared to Su Mubai''s sole focus on flowers, her discourse was on another level. Lin Wanrong nced at Xu Zhiqing, this girl indeed possessed remarkable schrly talent. Her discourse was well-cited yet easy to understand, far superior to Su Mubai. At least ayman like him couldprehend, she was ambitious and spirited, indeed extraordinary!


    The old man in the pavilion sighed, "Miss Xu, if you were not born a woman, you would be destined to inherit your father''s position. It''s a pity. Although Xu Wei has a son and a daughter, the son, while brave,cks strategic intelligence; the daughter is extremely intelligent but unfortunately, a woman. What a shame, such a shame."


    The old man''s repeated sighs reflected his deep regret. In an era that prioritized men over women, someone as enlightened as Xu Zhiqing was rare, regardless of gender. Few among men couldpare.


    Lin Wanrong whispered to Eldest Miss, "Is this what they call questions about state policy? Are these the types of questions asked during the examination for the top schr in the Imperial Court?"


    Xiao Yuruo chuckled, "How would I know? I''ve never sat for the exam. However, questions in the Golden Pce are directly posed by the Emperor. Examples like Miss Xu''s, starting with flowers then transitioning to people and politics, are not unheard of, but certainly notmon. Given Miss Xu''s knowledge, she could easily be a top schr ten times over."


    Lin Wanrong smiled faintly. Even though he disliked the peonies and thought Xu Zhiqing''s discourse contained a lot of subjective spection, her ability to bring these thoughts together was remarkable and deserved his respect.


    The crowd in the garden fell silent. After a while, the old man spoke, "Come, offer Miss Xu a seat to the left of Top Schr Su."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t understand thest sentence and asked Xiao Yuruo, "Eldest Miss, why should Miss Xu sit on Su Mubai''s left?"


    At Lin Wanrong''s naive question, the Eldest Miss couldn''t help butugh and cry. She didn''t want to hit him, didn''t want to scold him, but she somehow found herself bewitched by this endearingly foolish man who had stolen her heart.


    "Just like arranging a seating order, left is considered superior and esteemed¡ªLin San, I am going to ask you a very serious question, have you ever read a book?"


    Lin Wanrong''s face reddened, feeling embarrassed and judged by the Eldest Miss. The ancient traditions were long gone in his previous life, how was he supposed to remember?


    Seeing his rare blush, the Eldest Missughed and said, "From tomorrow on, I will supervise your studies. You will read Confucius and Mencius in the day and the Book of Songs at night. We will aim for you to earn the Zhuangyuan title in three years."


    Reading Confucius and Mencius in the day and the Book of Songs at night? Lin Wanrong chuckled, "That sounds great! The Eldest Miss will need to monitor me day and night. You must do a thorough job, not missing a single time." The Eldest Miss''s face turned red, she gave him a nce and the grand dream of earning the Zhuangyuan title was snuffed out by his lewdness.


    Xu Zhiqing did not refuse and took her seat to the left of Schr Su. Su Mubai had long heard of Xu Zhiqing''s learning and wisdom. Seeing her gaining the upper hand did not cause him too much embarrassment. After all, Miss Xu was well-known. One defeat to her was excusable. The old master in the pavilion, however, cast a nce at Schr Su, sighed lightly, his eyes flickering, seemingly lost in thought.


    The blind old man standing behind him whispered, "Master, Young Master Su merelycks experience. A temporary setback isn''t a major issue. With more practice, he will be ready for important tasks."


    The old master''s eyes gleamed with a strange light. "Little Wei, Lin San was rmended by you, yet you''re speaking in favour of Su Mubai?"


    Little Wei''s face remained unchanged. "Master, rmending someone doesn''t matter. As long as it benefits our Great Hua, even if it costs my life, I won''t hesitate."


    The old master''s expression changed unpredictably. After a long while, he said, "Little Wei, I know of your loyalty. You lost your sight for me. Had you not risked your life to save me years ago, I fear I wouldn''t be in this world anymore. Even Xu Wei and Li Tai do not understand the past. Only you know, you have suffered these years."


    Little Wei quickly knelt down, his voice trembling, "Master, I''m terrified. My life was given by you, Master. Even if I were to be smashed to pieces, I would have no regrets."


    "Stand up," the old master said indifferently, his gaze drifted into the distance, a sinister glint crossed his face. "That man is treacherous and cunning. He severed my lineage, cut off my descendants. If not for the blood oath I swore in front of my father''s deathbed, I would have him taste the pain of having no descendants."


    Blind Little Wei stood up, not daring to utter a word. The old master continued, "My father made me swear that I wouldn''t harm him during my lifetime. But how would he know the miserable state this beast put me in, that I can''t even have an heir? For twenty years, he has run rampant in court while I endured silently. Now the time for retribution hase. If I am forbidden from taking action, can''t I use another''s hand?"


    He mmed his hand onto the table, radiating a chilling aura of murderous intent, his rage uncontroble as he dered, "I want him to taste the bitterness too. I won''t let him off!"


    The elderly master started coughing violently in his agitation. Little Wei quickly came forward and offered him a medicinal pill. After the master swallowed the pill with lukewarm water, his coughing significantly subsided. However, an eerie pallor washed over his face. After a moment of contemtion, he sighed, "Since I ascended to this position, in the past twenty years, you''re the only one I can talk to. Even Xu Wei and Li Tai, who''ve been with me for thirty to forty years, gradually fail to understand my thoughts."


    He fell silent for a while, looking at the few people in the garden, then suddenlyughed, "This Lin San you rmended, he''s good, very good. His schrship is not profound, but his knowledge is quite extensive and practical. He''s a useful talent, no worse than those I painstakingly nurtured myself. He protected our business in Jinling, wiped out the White Lotus in Shandong, and did a great deed without seeking credit. I''ve remembered all of this. Today, I rewarded him with this garden, which though beautiful, doesn''t hold much value¡ªit''s like a peach on paper, won''t incite jealousy, and saves me from usations of arbitrarynd distribution by those imperial censors at court."


    The blind old man knew this wasn''t the time for him to speak, so he remained silent. As expected, a glimmer of expectation shed in the old master''s eyes, "If he performs well, I will give him a fair chance. Everyone''s opportunity is equal, not a bit more, not a bit less."


    ¡­


    When Lin Wanrong saw that both the Top Schr Su, and Miss Xu had taken their seats, and the elderly master behind the curtain didn''t make a sound, he waited for a while and saw no movement. Just as he was about to ask, he heard the master''s voice chuckling, "Lin San, do you intend to remain seated on the ground, or would you like to take a high stool? Now it''s your turn. Among all the flowers in this garden, which one is the premier?"


    Among the three of them, only Lin San hadn''t spoken yet. Many people in the garden, aside from a handful, didn''t understand why the master elevated Lin San to such a level. Among the three debaters, one was the daughter of the Grand Schr Xu, whose schrship surpassed even Xu Wei. Another was the newly awarded top schr whose schrship need not be mentioned. As for this servant of the Xiao family, Lin San, how important could he be that the master would rank him along with the other two?


    Lin Wanrong was also puzzled. The master esteemed him highly, but why did he insist on having him speak when they weren''t close?


    Seeing his hesitation, the old man chuckled again, "What is it? You don''t want to, or you dare not?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "It''s not that I don''t dare. I''m just afraid that I dare to speak, but someone doesn''t dare to listen."


    Although he wore a smile, his words were startling. The old man chuckled and whispered to Little Wei behind him, "This young man you rmended, I fear no one will be able to control him in the future."


    The blind old man gritted his teeth and said, "If someone could control him, he wouldn''t be worth my rmendation to you, Master. Let me ask you, Master, who in this world can control you?"


    The old man understood the clever analogy, and with a slight smile, he stopped chatting with Little Wei, instead loudly proiming, "Lin San, whatever it is that you believe we might not dare to hear, just say it."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Respected elder, you said you wanted to pick the king from the hundreds of flowers in this garden, didn''t you?"


    "Indeed," the old man replied.


    "So, I can choose any of the nts in this garden?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "Indeed, as long as you can justify your choice, you may select any nt in this garden," the elder replied, his interest piqued.


    "This is wonderful," Lin Wanrong replied with a smile. He shook the tuft of foxtail grass in his hand, dering, "I choose this."


    Top Schr Su nearly tumbled off his stool as he gazed at the fluffy neither-flower nor-grass thing in Lin Wanrong''s hand. After a long silence, he finally managed to ask, "Brother Lin, are you sure?"


    "I''m sure. This is my choice," Lin Wanrong nodded confidently.


    Eldest Miss initially thought he would choose an orchid, considering his familiarity with them. But when he chose the foxtail grass, the most inconspicuous and universally despised nt, she couldn''t help but shake her head andugh. "This rascal, I can never guess what he''s thinking."


    Xu Zhiqing nced at Lin Wanrong, a flicker of interest in her eyes. Sheughed and told Eldest Miss, "Your man here, he''s going to be something. Miss Xiao, let me congratte you in advance."


    "What do you mean by ''something''?" Eldest Miss blushed, both pleased and embarrassed. "If you mean he''s going to make a nuisance of himself, you''re right. He''s aplete scoundrel."


    The elder in the pavilion, born to a prestigious family, had always been surrounded by the most exquisite flowers. Today, however, he was intrigued by Lin Wanrong''s unremarkable choice. "Lin San, what is this?" he asked.


    "This," Lin Wanrong answered with a smile, "is called foxtail grass. These fluffy things you see are its flowers. It''s the most ordinary and disliked nt. Isn''t it ugly?"


    The elderughed, "So you''re selecting this foxtail as the king of flowers? Truly unexpected." The crowd in the garden couldn''t help butugh. How could foxtailpare to the beautiful peonies? Even a fool would know it didn''t stand a chance.


    Unfazed, Lin Wanrong looked at Xu Zhiqing, who was watching him curiously. What was he up to?


    "Peonies bewitch and disturb one''s heart, making a whole country crazed, not sparing any expense," Lin Wanrong recited slowly. He plucked a beautiful, pure white Trembling Wind''s Beauty flower and sniffed it, saying, "Beautiful, fragrant. Indeed, the beauty and fragrance of a nation. Suddenly, I feel like reciting a poem: ''A bunch of national beauty flowers, ten houses of people''s eulogy, each family follows the custom, everyone is confused about the enlightenment.'' Top Schr Su, you are the Zhuangyuan chosen by the Emperor. Can you exin the meaning of this poem to us?"


    Su Mubai''s face changed; he knew what the poem meant. It depicted people''s infatuation with peonies, almost to the point of obsession. It was a satirical poem.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "This peony is truly beautiful, so beautiful that one cannot bear to touch it - but aside from its beauty, what else can it do? It''s delicate and easily damaged, requiring meticulous care. A little negligence, and it''s gone. Look¡ª" He dropped the beautiful peony onto the ground, lightly stepping on it. The petals shattered into a pitiful mess.


    "Brother Lin, what are you doing?" Su Mubai frowned, "We, as flower admirers, should cherish and love flowers. This act of spoiling them is truly sinful."


    "Top Schr Su''s words are indeedmendable," Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs up. "You truly cherish, appreciate, and love flowers. However¡ª" his tone took a turn as he burst intoughter. "May I ask you, Top Schr Su, what flower exactly do you appreciate, what flower do you love¡ª"


    Su Mubai seemed to grasp something abruptly, hisplexion changing. Lin Wanrong roared withughter. "Let me answer that for you. What you appreciate is beauty, what you love is national color and heavenly fragrance. But would you appreciate and love this foxtail grass? It would be urate to say you appreciate and love beauty, but it would be a mistake to say you appreciate and love flowers. Am I right, Top Schr Su?"


    How sharp-tongued. Su Mubai had no retort, while Xu Zhiqing was utterly engrossed in the debate.


    "Loving beauty is never wrong, but I must ask: in this world, are there more peonies or more foxtail grasses? All of you coddle that noble peony, loving it, pampering it, but who cares for the countless foxtail grasses? Who cares? Who the hell cares?" Lin Wanrong gave the peony another couple of stomps, yelling furiously.


    The Eldest Miss hurriedly gave him a light tug, her beautiful eyes reprimanding him, softly speaking, "Mind yournguage."


    "Ah, my apologies, apologies." Lin Wanrong offered a helpless smile, ncing at Xu Zhiqing. "Miss Xu, the pure, aloof white peony stays unsullied by the world, leading the crowd. It''s a good point. But I''d like to ask, who exactly is this white peony leading? The peony, chrysanthemum, or orchid? No, no, they''re all leaders too. You''re leading us, a bunch of worthless foxtail grass. During prosperous times, it doesn''t matter much. But in times of chaos, would you abandon the peony first or the foxtail grass? Miss Xu, can you give me an answer?"


    Xu Zhiqing bit her lower lip, unwilling to speak. The people in the pavilion watched Lin Wanrong with gleaming eyes, a faint smile curling on their lips.


    "In fact, I don''t need your answer." Lin Wanrong spread his hands, shrugged, and smiled. "This foxtail grass is ugly, vulgar. When you see it on the road, you want to crush it. But can you truly kill it?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, threw the little grass onto the ground, and stepped on it hard several times. When he picked it up, the grass was still connected at its root, standing tall and slender. "We, the grassroots, possess the strongest vitality, and we don''t need your protection. In times of chaos, a peony can wither overnight, but the grassroots can survive for millennia. Big waves sift sand, and what remains is gold. Who exactly abandoned whom? Do you understand, Miss Xu? To put it bluntly, if a fire burnt down this garden, see who remains. Who is the unburnable phoenix? Who is the true king among flowers? ¡ªMiss Xu, do you understand what I''m saying?"


    Xu Zhiqing bit her lip, her face reddening. She clenched her small hand, gave him a look, but said nothing.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, waving his hand. "Enough said, enough said. It''s less interesting when things are too obvious. Anyway, we all understand. The person in the pavilion, I''m tired from speaking. Could you get me a stool?"


    The elderly man in the pavilion gave the blind old man a meaningful look andughed. "Indeed, he should be granted a seat. Little Wei, in your opinion, should we seat him to the left or the right of Su Mubai?"


    "Master, your judgment is wise," Little Wei responded respectfully, his face unchanging.


    "Come, grant Lin San a seat, to the left of Miss Xu," the elderly man proimed cheerfully with a loud voice. On the stoic face of the blind old man, a hint of a profound smile emerged...


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 Chapter 307

    Chapter 307


    Chapter 307 Her Surname is Xiao


    A simple question about who should be the king of flowers had, surprisingly, provoked so much philosophy, even escting to a discussion of statecraft. While unexpected, it aligned perfectly with the old man in the pavilion''s intentions. Regrettably, the schrly discourse from the reigning top schr had been not only overshadowed by Xu Zhiqing, but also suppressed by Lin Wanrong. It was quite disappointing.


    A smile lingered on Su Mubai''s face, but it was strained. His gaze flickered towards Lin Wanrong, lost in contemtion.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong take a seat to the left of Xu Zhiqing, the old man nced at him and chuckled to the blind elder, "Little Wei, would you say that this Lin Wanrong is smart, or is he muddled?"


    The blind old man jolted, replying, "This humble servant doesn''t understand."


    The old man softly smiled, "If we say he''s smart, no one would deny it. However, such a smart man seems unable to guess who I am. How would you exin that?" Little Wei''s heart lurched, too frightened to speak.


    "If he truly doesn''t understand, there''s nothing to fear. What''s worrying is when some people pretend to be confused despite their intelligence - their intentions..." The old man hummed lightly, his smile seeming both genuine and false.


    Little Wei hurriedly said, "Master, you see right through everything. I believe Lin Wanrong is not intentionally hiding anything. I had many interactions with him in Jinling. Sometimes, he is extremely intelligent, knowing many unheard and unseen things. However, at times, he''s terribly confused, unfamiliar with the bureaucracy, societal norms, and etiquette of our Great Hua. Even I don''t understand whether this man is smart or confused."


    "Smart or confused?" The old man softly repeated, and then burst intoughter, "Thisd is quite interesting indeed. Whether he is smart or confused, it''s hard to tell. Nevermind, it''s rare to meet such an interesting character. If he understood everything immediately, it would be too boring. Let him continue being confused.""Your Highness is wise," Little Wei responded reverently, his body breaking out into a cold sweat. His master was unpredictable; his words seemingly meaningful yet possibly meaningless. Nobody could guess what he was thinking. If he had any suspicion towards Lin Wanrong, it would be the end of everything.


    "Su Mubai should have learned a lesson this time," the old man nced at the reserved Top Schr and sighed, "That''s good as well. He won''t getcent just because he is the Zhuangyuan. Let him understand that there are always people better than him, and there''s always more to the world."


    Seeing the master mentioning Su Mubai again, the blind old man automatically fell silent. As expected, the old man continued, "Little Wei, although Su Mubai has the talent of a Top Schr, hecks experience. Keeping him in the Department of Education will only offer temporary sess, not long-term growth. In your opinion, what position should I assign him to?"


    Little Wei bowed and said, "This servant doesn''t know. Su Mubai''s knowledge and insight are rare. Moreover, he was personally mentored by Your Highness. Regardless of where he is ced, he can handle heavy responsibilities. He is a great talent for our country, this servant wouldn''t dare to specte."


    The master nced at him thoughtfully and sighed lightly. He paced around the pavilion, gazing at the leisurely white clouds on the horizon, "Little Wei, don''t worry, just speak your mind, I won''t me you. You''ve been with me for over fifty years. If even you can''t speak honestly, then who can be frank with me?"


    Little Wei remained silent for a while before he slowly spoke, "In my humble opinion, what our Great Hua needs is not a Top Schr, but¡ª"


    Before he could finish, the elder''s expression darkened, and he huffed heavily. The blind old man hurriedly knelt down, thudding onto the ground. "This servant deserves death. I deserve death. Please forgive me, master."


    The elder''s face changed from gloomy to clear, silent for a long time before finally saying, "I asked you to speak. What crime have youmitted? Get up quickly."


    Little Wei knew his master very well, he remained kneeling on the ground, daring not to move. Seeing his stubbornness, the elder fell silent again. After a moment, he said, "This Su Mubai needs more training. If I send him to the provinces, I fear he will be corrupted by officialdom. If I leave him in the academia, it will only foster his arrogance. It is indeed a difficult problem."


    Although he seemed to be consulting with the blind old man, Little Wei knew like a mirror that this was merely the master''s monologue. He must have had everything nned already.


    Sure enough, the elder paced for a few steps and spoke in a deep voice, "In a month''s time, our Great Hua will beunching a full-scale military operation to fight a decisive battle with the northern nomads. The current courtcks good generals. Even if Li Tai had three heads and six arms, it would be hard for him to hold the fort alone. Su Mubai is not only a Top Schr but also excels in military strategy and has some achievements. I n to embed him within the army to gain experience and assist Li Tai, studying military strategy thoroughly. Little Wei, what do you think?"


    Little Wei felt a chill in his heart. Indeed, the students personally trained by the master had an innate advantage. Although Su Mubai had suffered a temporary setback in today''s state policy discussion, it didn''t shake his foundation. In the master''s heart, Su Mubai was still the top priority. Sending Su Mubai to the army, supposedly to assist Li Tai, was indeed to umte experience, even gradually taking over the military power. The intention was clear.


    Seeing Little Wei dared not answer, the elder said, "Don''t think I''m being partial. I have just said, opportunities are equal. If this Lin San is willing to join the army and assist Li Tai, I will not treat him unfairly. Whether it''s him or Su Mubai, whoever aplishes great deeds will be the hero. The vast territory of our Great Hua must not fall into the hands of mediocrity."


    Join the army? Would this young man be willing to? Little Wei shook his head helplessly. Last time, he had to put in quite an effort to persuade Lin San to befriend Xu Wei and help him eradicate the White Lotus Sect. That was a guaranteed profitable deal with a ten to one return. Now it was about facing the barbarians with real swords and arrows, a world apart from eradicating the White Lotus Sect. Would this young man be willing to go?


    The elder looked at a few people in the garden, his gaze falling on Xiao Yuruo. After a long silence, he sighed, listlessly waving his hand, "I''m a bit tired today. Let''s call it a day." As soon as he finished speaking, he flicked his sleeve and left the pavilion, his bodyguards quickly surrounding him.


    ¡ª---


    Lin Wanrong sat outside for a while, hearing no movement inside. Gradually growing impatient, he was about to get up when he saw Miss Xu''s calm face, looking at him with a radiant smile.


    "Miss Xu, although I don''t care much, I''m still an unmarried man with a strong sense of shame. Your staring at me tarnishes my reputation, so I ask that you respect yourself," Lin Wanrong said righteously.


    Xu Zhiqing bit her lip to suppress herughter and replied, "You are quite something. You can mock and ridicule me just now, and I didn''t even bicker with you. Howe I offend you just by looking at you?"


    He wasn''t offended at all, Lin Wanrong chuckled, about to respond, when suddenly the curtains were lifted, and several small pnquins emerged from the pavilion in a single file, quickly disappearing into the distance. He didn''t even catch a glimpse of the elder.


    He left already? Lin Wanrong was startled, wondering who this mysterious and hurried person was.


    Su Mubai, seeing that the people in the pavilion had departed, hastily made a fist salute to Xu Zhiqing and said, "Miss Xu, I must take my leave." Xu Zhiqing gave a slight nod, and the Top Schr Su nced at Lin Wanrong before quickly departing.


    "Eldest Miss, do you really not know who this man is?" Lin Wanrongughed, "He seems quite smitten with the Madam. Perhaps she or you have mentioned him before."


    Xiao Yuruo shook her head and replied, "Mother rarely talks to me about matters in the capital. I have no idea who this distinguished person is."


    Was he genuinely clueless or just pretending? Xu Zhiqing gave Lin San a puzzled look, then shook her head with a smile, finding him rather peculiar.


    "Miss Xu, do you recognize this elder?" Xiao Yuruo asked eagerly, noticing Xu Zhiqing''s amused expression.


    Xu Zhiqing smiled and nodded, "Yes, I suppose you could say that. Miss Xiao, you''ve met a distinguished person today."


    "A distinguished person?" Xiao Yuruo grabbed Xu Zhiqing, urgently asking, "Sister, what do you mean by a distinguished person? Can you rify?"


    Noticing that Lin San was eavesdropping, Xu Zhiqing gave a restrained smile and said coyly, "A distinguished person is just that - distinguished. I dare not speak of his identity ¡ª doesn''t your family have a bold one? Let him ask, and he''ll know."


    Xiao Yuruo blushed, just about to speak when a group of monks of varying ages approached from a distance. The one leading them was draped in a bright red kasaya, with white eyebrows and beard, appearing to be a venerable monk. When the group reached them, the monk bowed, announced his Buddhist name, and said with a smile, "I am monk Huikong, the abbot of this temple. Greetings, kind donors."


    "Master Huikong?" Xu Zhiqing quickly put her hands together, solemnly saying, "Disciple Xu Zhiqing pays respect to the master. My father, Xu Wei, once received your guidance in chess and has cherished it all these years. On behalf of my father, I thank you for your kindness."


    The venerable monk smiled, "So the little donor is indeed the daughter of Mr. Wenchang? My apologies for the oversight. Those small skills are not worth mentioning, I am ttered that Mr. Wenchang has remembered them. Might I ask, Miss Xu, which one of you is Mr. Lin San?"


    ¡®Me?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was taken aback. It couldn''t be that he had to pay for stepping on the peonies in the garden, right? ¡®Damn, trying to get money from a tightwad? No way!¡¯


    He chuckled and said, "Master monk, you''re looking for Lin San? Oh, I saw him leaving just now, probably went to the toilet ¡ª Master, what do you need him for? He didn''t do anything, I can vouch for him."


    The venerable monk looked at him with a faint smile, "That''s unfortunate. I came here to deliver a message to him."


    A message? Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Could it be a Bodhisattva had sent him a message through a monk? Damn, this was weird.


    "Well, Master, who wants to send a message to Lin San? Oh, I''m Lin San''s older brother, Lin Er. You can pass the message to me just the same," Lin Wanrong said with a snicker.


    The master nodded slightly, "That would suffice. The female donor who wished to pass a message to Mr. Lin goes by the surname Xiao."


    "Surname what?" Lin Wanrong felt as if a needle had pricked his behind, causing him to jump up abruptly.


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 Chapter 308

    Chapter 308


    Chapter 308 Peak Surprise


    "She said her surname is Xiao," the old monk repeated with a smile.


    A sense of urgency overtook Lin Wanrong''s heart. Could it be a homonym? He pulled out a pencil from his pocket, sketched a few strokes on his hand, and cautiously asked the master, "Master, is her surname Xiao (Ф), or is it Xiao (Ïô)?"


    The monk smiled and shook his head, "She did not specify."


    His heart cooled when he realized she had not rified. Doubtful, he asked, "May I ask Master, what does she look like?"


    "The female benefactor veiled her face, I couldn''t discern her features," replied the old monk. "Moreover, in the eyes of a monk like myself, all living beings are equal. Be they a beautifuldy or a skeleton, they all look the same to me, I truly cannot distinguish between them."


    "Both a beauty and a skeleton look the same?" Lin Wanrong chuckled lightly and pointed at Xu Zhiqing, "Master, do you think I''m as good-looking as Miss Xu?"


    The old monk chuckled, nced at both of them, and nodded, "To an outsider, you may seem different, but in my eyes, the two of you are indistinguishable. Even the distinguished guest who just left is no different from you."


    The distinguished guest who just left? There seemed to be a hidden message in the old monk''s words. Considering his status as the abbot of Grand Prime Minister Temple, it was indeed strange that he had personally delivered the message. Lin Wanrong, having been deceived once before, was naturally cautious. He suppressed his excitement and asked, "May I ask, Master, what did Miss Xiao say?"The monk nodded, "Miss Xiao said she is waiting for you at the hot spring in the back mountain."


    "The back mountain hot spring?" Xu Zhiqing couldn''t help but furrow her brows, "Master, as far as I know, the hot springs of Grand Prime Minister Temple are not open to outsiders. How did Miss Xiao get up there?"


    "That''s true, that''s true," Lin Wanrongughed, admiringly ncing at Miss Xu. If not for her reminder, he would not have thought about these aspects. The high status of the Grand Prime Minister Temple today wasrgely due to the presence of the hot spring. It maintained a pleasant climate year-round, allowing them to host a flower appreciation event in early spring, attracting countless visitors. If the hot spring were freely open to outsiders, it would surely create chaos.


    "Om Amitabha," the old monk uttered a Buddhist phrase andughed, "Miss Xu is correct. The hot spring in the back mountain is indeed precious and sits atop a steep peak, difficult even for our temple''s monks to climb, let alone ordinary visitors. However, thedy holds the seal of an old friend of mine. I must tell you, the hot spring of this temple was first discovered and developed by this old friend. How could I refuse when her descendant sought help here?"


    An old friend of the old monk? A man or a woman? Lin Wanrong had more questions, but he saw the old monk speak seriously, "Rest assured, Mr. Lin, my old friend is a righteous person. Since Miss Xiao is her descendant, she will certainly not harm you. I guarantee this on behalf of my position as the abbot of Grand Prime Minister Temple."


    ¡®Guarantee? What kind of guarantee is there if my life is at risk?¡¯ He was not worried at this moment about a return of the fairy; given the poison in the bee needle, the fairy was likely clinging onto life at this point, far from being able to spend time bathing in hot springs and ying mysterious. Could it really be Qingxuan seeking him out? His heart pounded in his chest, amplifying his confusion.


    Remembering the events of that night, the Eldest Miss grew anxious. She tugged at his sleeve, "Are you going again?"


    Could he refuse? The old monk said the woman''s surname was Xiao. Even if she was not Qingxuan, she certainly knew Qingxuan''s whereabouts. Besides, looking at the benevolent face of the old monk, who even Xu Zhiqing respected, he probably had no ill intentions. As long as they meant him no harm, why not go?


    Seeing him nod, the Eldest Miss snorted but could not find a reason to dissuade him.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Don''t worry, this time I''ll be cautious. I won''t repeatst time''s mistake. Why don''t youe with me?"


    The Eldest Miss snorted again without answering. Xu Zhiqing, though unaware of what had happened, smiled upon seeing their expressions, "Miss Xiao, there''s no need to worry. The old monk is a virtuous sage, skilled in divining human affairs. He said that Miss Xiao bore Lin San no ill will, he won''t be wrong. After my mother passed away years ago, my father went to this temple to make merit. The old monk had a conversation with my father, jokingly predicting that my father would encounter another marriage in hister years. At first, my father didn''t believe it, but recently he indeed met Aunt Su, didn''t he?"


    The old monk can tell fortunes? Lin Wanrong hurriedly said, "Old monk, venerable sir, can you really tell fortunes? Are they urate? Could you look at mine? I want to ask about my career, wealth, love, life, and when I will find Qingxuan. Please, can you rify?"


    Xu Zhiqing chuckled at him. This man was adept at embellishing a situation. One would say one thing, but he could associate it with ten unrted things.


    The old monk stroked his beard,ughing heartily, "Fate is predestined. Who can truly discern the secrets of the universe and divine one''s fate? Such superstitions, better not to believe them. Lin San, you just follow your own mind. Do what you want to do, and you will see results. Don''t be swayed by others."


    The old monk spoke as if presenting a Zen riddle, but anyone could say such words. Lin Wanrong didn''t mind, nodding, "In that case, I will go take a look. Can you tell me where the hot springs on the back mountain are?"


    The old monk nodded, smiling at a young monk behind him, "Wujing, you can guide Mr. Lin."


    Knowing she could not deter him, the Eldest Miss sighed, ncing at him, "Be careful. Don''t let it be likest time, falling into someone else''s trap."


    Lin Wanrong grinned, nodding, thinking to himself, ¡®What trap? If it hadn''t been for you ruining thingsst time, I would have captured the fairy by now.¡¯ But this time, it definitely wasn''t the fairy causing trouble. If she really wanted to strike at him, she wouldn''t need to go to all this effort. She could justy an ambush on the road or shoot an arrow, and that would be the end of him.


    Naturally, Lin Wanrong wouldn''t say such things to the Eldest Miss. Pulling along the young monk called Wujing, he hurried towards the back hill of the Grand Prime Minister Temple. After a few turns, he vanished from sight.


    Upon seeing his figure disappear, Eldest Miss stood still for a while, then gave a deep sigh. Xu Zhiqing took her hand and asked, "Miss Xiao, what is he going to do?"


    Xiao Yuruo felt a pang in her heart and softly said, "To see his wife?"


    "His wife?" Miss Xu furrowed her brows, "He''s already married? Why didn''t my father mention it?"


    "Who knows if he is married or not?" the Eldest Miss said irritably, "He has countless beloveddies; this scoundrel himself probably lost count. I bet he would need to count on his toes to get the right number."


    Xu Zhiqing chuckled, looking at Xiao Yuruo with interest. The Eldest Miss blushed slightly and asked, "Sister, why are youughing?"


    Miss Xu responded seriously, "Miss Xiao, do you trust my words?"


    The Eldest Miss nodded softly, "Miss Xu, you are an epitome of learning and knowledge. How can I not believe your words?"


    Holding Xiao Yuruo''s hand, Xu Zhiqing led her a few steps forward and smilingly said, "Then, I will ask you a few questions, and you will answer me honestly."


    The Eldest Miss nodded. Xu Zhiqing looked at her with a slight smile, "Miss Xiao, do you truly like this Lin Wanrong?"


    Xiao Yuruo blushed. After hesitating for a while, she finally gathered her courage to nod and softly hummed in affirmation.


    Xu Zhiqing gave a slight smile, "Miss Xiao, it is natural for a man and a woman to be attracted to each other. There''s no need to be overly shy."


    Xiao Yuruo softly hummed, her eyes emitting a tender glow. She quietly said, "That may be so, but this rascal never takes things seriously. He doesn''t seek fame or office. I''m afraid it would be hard to convince my mother."


    Xu Zhiqing took her hand and, with a smile, said, "Mutual attraction has nothing to do with social status. An Emperor can marry amoner; a Princess can marry a butcher. Although Lin San spends his days inughter, with his ability, seeking a position isn''t a difficult task. That''s not an issue at all. Madame Xiao is astute and certainly wouldn''t oppose your affair with him over such a matter."


    Hearing Xu Zhiqing''s words, the Eldest Miss felt like she''d swallowed a reassurance pill. After thinking it over carefully, she felt that Xu Zhiqing seemed to be holding something back, so she asked, "Sister, do you mean that the difficulty in my rtionship with him is not due to status, but something else?"


    Xu Zhiqing neither admitted nor denied it, and only smiled, "Miss Xiao, although our acquaintance is not long, I can see that you are a determined woman, steady and firm in dealing with matters, strong-willed, and not one to easily sumb. In other words, you are different from other women; you have the ability to live independently, without relying on a man."


    This was indeed true. Since her childhood inmerce, Eldest Miss had developed a strong character. If not for encountering Lin Wanrong, few people would have seen her tender side. Seeing Xu Zhiqing''s slightly furrowed brow, Xiao Yuruo urgently said, "Sister, is there a problem with this? Please, enlighten me."


    Xu Zhiqing nodded, "Exactly, therein lies the problem. A woman as talented, beautiful, and independent as you is a rare find in this world, so I''m certain you have high standards. If any ordinary man were to meet you, he would undoubtedly devote himself entirely to you, with no spare thoughts for other women. Now, tell me, which woman in this world wouldn''t wish for her husband to love her alone, especially a remarkable woman like you? However, Lin San, with his flirtatious nature, has countless women besotted with him. Even if he has you, he still courts others. Does this not bother you?"


    Eldest Miss sighed softly, "What can I do if it bothers me? If this scoundrel dares to abandon me, I''d rather die than watch him."


    Xu Zhiqingughed, "Don''t talk nonsense. You''re still young, and you haven''t even begun to explore the depths of love with him. Why bring up death?"


    Xiao Yuruo''s face colored like autumn leaves, and she said with feigned annoyance, "What love? Sister, are you teasing me again? But what can I do about his flirtatious nature?"


    Xu Zhiqing smiled mysteriously, "You must not underestimate yourself. A charming woman like you, if you wish to capture his heart and make him love only you, it''s not impossible." She leaned over and whispered in Eldest Miss''s ear¡­


    ¡ª---


    Although it was referred to as the ''back mountain'', it was still quite a distance away from Grand Prime Minister Temple. The young monk, Wujing, led him out. Lin Wanrong hurried a few steps to catch up with him and said with augh, "Master, you''re called Wujing, right?"


    The young monk said, "Indeed, I am Wujing."


    Lin Wanrong looked him up and down, raised his thumb in admiration and said, "Great physique, handsome face. You are indeed a high-ranking monk. Master Wujing, are you close with Master Huikong?"


    Wujing said, "Master Huikong is my teacher. I have always followed him in learning about Buddhism, never leaving his side."


    Lin Wanrong grinned, made a bow with his hands, and said, "Congrattions, Master. It seems like Master Huikong is grooming you as his sessor." This young monk, who was only sixteen or seventeen, would only be the sessor after the death of his teacher, his grand-teacher, and perhaps hundreds of his senior disciples. This was Lin Wanrong''s usual ploy to tter and coax, whether it was effective or not.


    Wujing quickly recited a Buddhist mantra and repeatedly said he was not worthy.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Master, there''s no need to be modest. Consider this: Master Huikong keeps you by his side all day long. Isn''t he grooming you? Have you ever seen him do this with others? I didn''t think so."


    Having grown up in the temple, the young monk Wujing was pure-minded and easily led astray. Following Lin Wanrong''s words, he began to believe that he was indeed being groomed for session. He couldn''t help the smile that spread across his face.


    ¡®Am I a bit too naughty?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself and continued, "Today, when Miss Xiao went to see Master Huikong, were you there? Ah, I haven''t seen Miss Xiao for a long time, I wonder how she''s changed? Has she grown taller or shorter, fatter or thinner?"


    After some thought, the young monk replied, "The female benefactor was wearing a veil, so I couldn''t see her clearly. But from her figure, she must be an extremely beautiful woman."


    "Oh, really?" Lin Wanrong asked calmly, "How about her figure? Any distinctive features?"


    "Distinctive features?" The novice monk echoed to himself. After some careful reflection, he suddenly pped his hands in realization and said, "Master Lin, I remember now - she was quite...rge."


    "Large? What do you mean,rge?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    The novice monk gestured at his chest and exined, "Here, she wasrge here."


    Lin Wanrong, following the monk''s gesture, nced down at his own chest, and in an instant, he understood the implication. He was immediately drenched in cold sweat. ¡®So, this young monk was a lecher, ogling women''s chests whenever he could. If it was really my Qingxuan you were peeping at, I''d feed your eyeballs to the dogs. The monk Huikong, what on earth was he teaching his disciples? Was he also the same type?¡¯ The very thought made him shudder. ¡®May Buddha bless me.¡¯


    "Master Lin, what''s wrong?" The novice monk saw his fierce expression and hurriedly asked.


    "Oh, nothing. Tell me, young monk, do you stare at the chest of female patrons every day?" Lin Wanrong asked, his eyes gleaming with malice while his smile remained.


    A blush spread across the novice monk''s face, and he hurriedly chanted, "No, no, I never peek at women. My master always said that women and skeletons are indistinguishable. When I see a woman, it''s as if I''m looking at a skeleton, Ah, Amitabha, a skeleton."


    Lin Wanrong found this amusing. This young monk, at the tender age of sixteen or seventeen, was at the age when an interest in women was quite natural. ¡®But if you dared to disrespect my Qingxuan, whether you''re a monk or a boar, I''ll castrate you a hundred times over.¡¯


    The novice monk dared not utter another word and hurriedly led Lin Wanrong on. After a short time, they arrived at the half-mountain cliff. The hot spring at the back mountain was located at the peak. The terrain was steep and difficult to climb.


    The novice monk put his hands together, recited a mantra and said, "Master Lin, Miss Xiao is at the peak. I can''t apany you the rest of the way. Please, ascend on your own."


    Lin Wanrong looked up and saw that the only path to the peak was a narrow, rough-hewn stairway that wound its way along the mountainside. The stairs were very steep, only wide enough for one person. If someone were to block this path, no one would be able to reach the summit.


    As soon as the novice monk had finished speaking, he left in a hurry. Lin Wanrong thought for a moment. If it were a fairying to take revenge, she wouldn''t need to invite him to the top of this hot spring mountain. And if it were Qingxuan, why would she go around so many twists and turns? After much consideration, he couldn''t figure out who it might be. He carefully checked all the treasures on his body and, after confirming everything was in order, he slowly ascended the narrow path.


    The path was treacherously narrow and winding, at times forcing him to cling to the rock face to climb up, and at others, threading through gaps in the stone walls. He had to be careful to avoid any potential ambushes. The strenuous climb took nearly an hour before he finally reached the peak.


    At the entrance to the peak, arge natural rock was deeply embedded in the earth. Lin Wanrong pushed with both hands, pulling himself up onto the rock. His body was somewhat fatigued, so he simply sat down on the rock.


    The sun was already setting, and as he sat on the peak, he had a panoramic view of the distant mountains ovepping each other, with clouds bathed in colorful sunset hues. It was a scene of unparalleled tranquility, which filled his heart with contentment.


    However, he hadn''te for the view. Remembering that the mysterious Miss Xiao was waiting for him, he quickly became anxious. Stealthily, he stuck his head out from behind the rock and surveyed the surroundings.


    The mountaintop was expansive, with rocky cliffs towering on all sides, their peculiar shapes looming. The only exception was the center of the peak, which featured arge pool. A spring bubbled, spurting out hot steam, and the rushing hot spring enveloped the surroundings in a thin mist. It was neither bright nor dark, filled with mystery.


    On this mountaintop, apart from rocks and hot springs, there was no sight of human figures. Lin Wanrong examined the area more carefully, but it was still quiet. A sudden thought struck him - had the old monk deceived him?


    As this thought crossed his mind, a soft noise arose. The water in the pool rippled and parted, and from it emerged an exquisite figure. Long, beautiful hair was casually flipped, casting droplets of water that carried a warm vapor into the air. The mist swirled and rolled away, creating the image of a beautiful white lotus blooming in the afterglow of the sunset...


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 Chapter 309

    Chapter 309


    Chapter 309 I Beg You to Conquer Her


    The woman was d in a thin, one-piece garment as delicate as cicada wings. Over this, she wore a thin veil, her lotus arms and jade legs, voluptuous chest and raised hips, and the curvaceous silhouette of her body being utterly enchanting. Her skin was as smooth as silk, seeming as if it would drip water at any moment. Her face was as clean as jade, adorned with a touch of light blush, her eyes were radiant, brimming with shyness like a virgin, yet also seeming seductive like a young wife. As she moved, her long and powerful legs gently swayed, exuding an air of sensuality and myriad charm.


    Damn it, Lin Wanrong''s eyes were glued to the woman, his heart itching with desire. As a master herself, how could she maintain such a wonderful figure? How was this not tantly driving him mad?


    The woman nced towards therge stone in Lin Wanrong''s direction, her light veil covering her body, obscuring yet highlighting her crystal-clear chest and jade legs. Her eyes were filled with a yful glint, and her long eyshes fluttered slightly. She chuckled, "Little brother, since you''re here, why hide? Are you scared that your Sister will eat you up?"


    "It''s not that I''m afraid you''ll eat me, but rather, I''m afraid I''ll eat you," Lin Wanrong emerged from behind the stone and chuckled, "Sister, your figure, your skin, it''s absolutely unparalleled. How do you maintain yourself? Can I have a feel?"


    An Biru moved lightly, a bewitching smile on her face. She reproached in a delicate voice, "You little rascal, always trying to take advantage of me. I am here bathing and changing clothes, how could you sneak in here, don''t you know about propriety between men and women?"


    ¡®Damn it, it was clear she knew I wasing and deliberately undressed and bathed, posing in this half-hidden seductive manner to entice me. Does she think I''m unaware?¡¯


    Heughed heartily, moving two steps closer, his gaze sweeping intensely over An Biru. She feigned surprise, retreated hastily, and held her chest like a frightened bunny. The voluptuous breasts formed an enticing cleavage that dazzled the eyes. She trembled slightly, her slender and powerful legs squeezed together, creating an alluring triangle. Her beautiful eyes reflected fear and despair, showing a pitiful and frail demeanor.


    Seductive fox. A me rose in Lin Wanrong''s heart. This flirtatious woman wasn''t scared at all. Clearly, she wanted to trigger a man''s violent tendencies, wishing for him to ravage and torment her.He snickered and reached out to pull An Biru. However, she twisted her hips and evaded him with a charmingugh, a light smile in her eyes. Her red lips parted slightly, and she said flirtatiously, "Little rascal, what are you trying to do, take advantage of me? Don''t forget, I am Xian''er''s master."


    ¡®Master? Is there a Master who dresses like this? Is there a mentor who seduces her disciple''s husband? Do you think I''m naive, facing such a captivating beauty? If I didn''t feel anything, I might need to consider visiting the urologist.¡¯


    He swallowed hard and chuckled, "Trying to y both the whore and the saint ¡ª Sister, your shamelessness is quite reminiscent of my past self. No wonder I find myself more and more in sync with you, turns out we are of the same kind."


    An Biru suddenly stopped evading and stood still, looking at him without moving.


    Lin Wanrong''s hands, which had been randomly reaching out, were about to grab her chest. Noticing her dazed expression, he also paused, abruptly halting his movements. His hands were only inches away from her bosom, and he could even feel the faint warmth emanating from her smooth skin.


    Damn, this was testing his self-control. His gaze lingered on her chest for a moment before he feigned surprise. "Oh, sister, what are you doing? Why did you stop moving? You almost made me touch you by ident."


    A peculiar blush crept onto An Biru''s face. She looked at him and spoke softly, "Little brother, were you speaking truthfully just now?"


    "Which words?" Lin Wanrong feigned confusion, widening his innocent eyes.


    "You do love to y dumb," An Biru gently touched his forehead with a slender finger and smiled faintly. "What did you say about me earlier? Something about both something and the saint?" Her hum was soft, yet her gaze was fixed on him.


    "Oh, that... I was just joking. How could you possibly be what I said? You are much more beautiful. I was just talking nonsense. Don''t take it seriously, and even if you do, you can''t me me." He shamelesslyughed it off.


    "When you are told to stop, you bber nonsense. When you are asked to talk, you lose your courage. Is this all you have to offer?" An Biru asked with a slight smile, pushing her chest forward, causing Lin Wanrong to hurriedly retract his hands.


    An Biru chuckled, ncing at him in a way that felt like a disy of her power, her eyes twinkling with amusement, seemingly mocking this lustful yet cowardly fellow.


    Damn it, he was the one trying to have it both ways, he thought disdainfully. What difference did it make if she was Xian''er''s master? Wasn''t she just a lonely woman? What harm woulde from him, a man as voracious as a wolf or tiger, touching her? He wouldn''t lose anything, and even Buddha wouldn''t me him.


    As he justified his actions, he was about to reach out again, but An Biru swiftly stepped back, giving him no chance. She chuckled, "Actually, I think you''re absolutely right. Who in this world doesn''t wear a facade? Even those with lofty statuses like Emperor and Prince Cheng, aren''t they all gentlemen on the outside and debauchers in private? Why can''t I do what others do? I want to be both a saint and¡ª" Her face turned a deep shade of red, and she couldn''t finish her sentence.


    "And what?" Lin Wanrong asked teasingly.


    "A whore!" An Biru blurted out softly, her expression a mix of shy and yful. Despite her unrestrained behavior and disregard for minor details, she was still a woman of unrivaled beauty. As she uttered those two words, she felt both embarrassed and somewhat liberated. Her cheeks flushed red, her eyes glistening as she shot him a nce. Her eyes seemed to be veiled by a thinyer of mist, an expression of shyness that was captivatingly charming.


    Seeing her seductive and shy appearance, Lin Wanrong felt a tingle in his heart. Damn, hearing a beauty utter coarse words was truly satisfying. However, it would be a waste for a charming woman like An Biru to be a whore. It would be better for her to be his own personal enchantress. That proposal didn''t sound bad at all.


    An itch was gnawing at him from within, yet unknowingly, he had grasped her hand. "Sister," he started, "I understand your thoughts. The world is filled with countless personas, yet very few embody simplicity, kindness, and sincerity. Even though you are unconventional, attracting controversy everywhere you go, I can understand your state of mind."


    An Biru gave him a nce, her eyes foggy. She then shrugged off his devilish grip,ughing charmingly, "You''re just trying to take advantage of me, aren''t you? You sound so grand, I''d be a fool to believe you."


    ¡®This foxy woman,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, silently irritated. ¡®Why couldn''t you be a little less clever? I finally held your small hand, and in the blink of an eye, you''ve shrugged me off. But on second thought, Sister An''s hand is soft and tender, like freshly squeezed milk, no less exquisite than Xian''er. If one day, I could hold Xian''er in my left hand and this foxy spirit in my right... Oh, the taste of that would be so intoxicating.¡¯


    As he daydreamed, An Biru had already moved far from him, her face a cryptic smile. The thin veil she wore was lifted by the breeze, revealing her snowy skin and slender, jade-white thighs. Lin Wanrong coughed awkwardly, "Alright, Sister, let''s talk business. Is the so-called Miss Xiao you? You called me here, for what? You can''t be here just to bathe and change into new clothes for me to see, can you?"


    "Do you think I''m that casual?" An Biru shot him a charming nce, cheeks flushing. "I was waiting for you here, and when you didn''t show up for a long time, the jade-like spring water of this blue pond was tempting, so I went down to y in the water. I didn''t expect a rogue to intentionally hide behind the rock and peep while I was bathing. Instead of settling the score with you, you med me first. You are an ungrateful little scoundrel."


    This enchantress had spoken at length, yet avoided the key issue. He had never outwitted Sister An in their verbal jousts. Helpless, Lin Wanrongughed, "Sister, let''s not bring up the bathing. We both know what happened. My mistake was being born with bright, expressive eyes. Yours was having a beauty that rivals a fairy''s, and a devilishly captivating figure. We are both to me, let''s not mock each other." He chuckled, "What I''m talking about is another matter. The masked woman who lured me here by posing as Miss Xiao, that was you, right? Why would youe up with such a n? I''m utterly baffled."


    As if she hadn''t heard him, An Biru slowly sat down by the hot spring, stretching out her long legs, gently stirring the warmke water. She was massaging her damp hair, her movements delicate and natural, exuding beauty. Yet she seemed oblivious to his words, ignoring himpletely.


    "Hey, Sister, I''m talking to you. Show some respect," Lin Wanrong admitted defeat to this enchantress. Before her, his wits seemed useless. He couldn''t beat her, nor out-talk her. He remembered how he used to have the upper hand with all the other women he encountered. Now, he finally met one he couldn''t handle, one who could even handle him. There was a peculiar taste to that, he realized.


    "If I hadn''t employed such means, would you havee?" An Biru said faintly, her voice sounding like a wronged woman hidden deep within a boudoir. "That night, you treated me so poorly, and yet you''ve so casually wiped it all away? You can be flippant, but why did you abandon me as soon as Miss Xiao arrived? These days, you haven''t even asked about me. Is taking advantage of An Biru something you can do freely? If I didn''t employ these tactics to find you, would you have sought me out yourself? You truly are incorrigible."


    She seemed to be half-using and halfining. Anyone listening might think Lin Wanrong was heartless and disloyal, but he himself knew that it was far from the truth. If there was anyint, it belonged to Xian''er or the Eldest Miss, but certainly not this bewitching woman. With every step he took, he seemed to be within her control. To say he had abandoned her was a huge joke. How could he abandon something he had never possessed?


    "Master Sister, do you know Qingxuan?" Lin Wanrong, tired of her chatter, interrupted her to ask directly.


    An Biru''s eyes sparkled mysteriously as she smiled. "Qingxuan? Who is Qingxuan? I don''t know her."


    Lin Wanrong hummed, took a few slow steps, and said with a stiff face, "Miss An, let''s not beat around the bush. Today, you used Qingxuan''s name to call me here. What is the reason? How do you know Qingxuan?"


    "You tactless blockhead," An Biru murmured reproachfully. A captivating smile appeared on her face. "So, her name is Qingxuan? I only knew her surname was Xiao. Xiao Qingxuan, hmm, not a bad name, very poetic."


    Hearing her say Qingxuan''s name, Lin Wanrong felt a sudden urgency. He grabbed An Biru''s arm. "You know Qingxuan? Where is she? Tell me!"


    An Biru frowned, her voice coquettish, "You rascal, that hurts."


    Lin Wanrong quickly let go of her smooth arm, asking anxiously, "Sister, have you really seen Qingxuan? Where is she?"


    An Biru shook her head. "Why are you so impatient, you little rascal? I came to see you out of kindness, and this is how you treat me?"


    This enchantress was clearly ying games with him. Lin Wanrong felt anxious but knew he couldn''t rush her. Seeing his anxiety, An Biru finally spoke. "I don''t know this Qingxuan of yours, nor do I know where she is. But I do know her identity."


    "Her identity?" Lin Wanrong felt his heart skip a beat. Could An Biru know that Qingxuan was a princess? She had close rtions with Prince Cheng and might know some inside information.


    "Sister, is Qingxuan a princess?" Lin Wanrong lowered his voice and asked mysteriously.


    "A princess?" An Biru shook her head. "I don''t know about that. But Xian''er...never mind, let''s not talk about this." An Biru quickly changed the subject. "So this Xiao Qingxuan is truly your wife?"


    Qingxuan isn''t a princess? Seeing An Biru''s confusion, Lin Wanrong felt perplexed. "Qingxuan is my wife, witnessed by heaven and earth, and matched by the green pines. We are deeply in love, our affections tangled and intense. In Jinling, we already vowed to grow old together."


    "Commitment till death?" An Biru chuckled softly, casting him a nce full of mystery. "She made such a pledge with you? The disciple of Fairy Ning and you have pledged a lifelongmitment? That''s genuinely amusing."


    "What''s so amusing? Who is this Fairy Ning? Sister, don''t tease me any further. If there''s something, just say it outright." Lin Wanrong hurriedly said. He was reminded of the fairy who was poisoned that night. Could it be that she was Fairy Ning?


    "Even if I tease you, what can you do? When ites to other women, you get so worked up. You heartless little thing." Seeing the veins on Lin Wanrong''s forehead throb, An Biru giggled, "Don''t worry. I initially heard from Xian''er about this Miss Xiao. Turns out, she''s Xian''er''s senior sister. After some inquiries, and questioning Xian''er, I found out that this Miss Xiao is the one you fancy."


    Xian''er''s senior sister? Recalling what An Biru had mentioned that night, he suddenly realized, "No wonder Xian''er harbored such animosity towards Qingxuan. It turns out Qingxuan''s master is the senior sister whom you''ve been resenting."


    An Biru nodded, giving him a look, andughed, "At least you''re not entirely stupid. I have been enemies with my senior sister for a lifetime. Naturally, Xian''er wouldn''t be fond of your beloved Qingxuan. Now, the situation is clear. It''s your choice, Xian''er or Qingxuan."


    The situation was indeed challenging. He initially thought Xian''er was merely jealous. His n was to find Qingxuan and persuade Xian''er to get along with her. He had no idea that there were so manyplications. Jealousy aside, the grudges between their masters made peaceful coexistence impossible. Moreover, there was An Biru stirring up trouble.


    Thinking of An Biru, he recalled the fairy who was poisoned that day. Judging by her tone when she mentioned Qingxuan, she must be Qingxuan''s master, that is, the Fairy Ning in An Biru''s words. Damn it, things were getting moreplicated. Having injured Fairy Ning, he would have a lot of exining to do if Qingxuan started ming him.


    He thought hard but it was incredibly perplexing. The problem between Xian''er and Qingxuan was already a big issue, and behind them stood two incredibly beautiful women; one a seductive fox, and the other a sacred fairy no one dared to defile. ¡®I must be incredibly lucky, not only do I have two lovely wives, but I also got two formidable masters, one by marriage and the other as a bonus. Is there anyone more badass in this world?¡¯


    "Can I choose both?" He said shamelessly, "Sister An, you know as well as I do, Qingxuan and I share mutual affection, and my love for Xian''er is undeniable. I can''t bear to leave either of them."


    "Both?" An Biru snorted disdainfully, "You wish! Xian''er is a beauty that could ruin nations. It''s already your enormous luck that she permits you to take another concubine. And yet, you dream of taking my enemy''s disciple into your house. You must be having a good dream."


    ¡®Making her a concubine? We haven''t even had the official ceremony yet, and you''ve already decided on everyone''s status. Xian''er is the wife, Eldest Miss and Qiaoqiao are concubines?¡¯ Lin Wanrong snorted, thinking to himself, ''If you dare to provoke me, I''ll marry them all as my main wives. And I''ll spike you, this cunning vixen, with aphrodisiacs, making you a concubine to serve my wives. I''ll let you taste the life of a concubine.''


    Seeing his disgruntled face, An Biru''s eyes twinkled and she said softly, "Well, there''s room for negotiation about this matter¡ª"


    "How to negotiate?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "As I told you before, my White Lotus sect was destroyed by your hand. I lost the foundation to continue my fight with my senior sister, so I need you¡ª" She nced at Lin Wanrong, covering her lips with a lightugh.


    "To pay off gambling debts with my body?" Lin Wanrong asked in horror.


    "You wish." An Biru looked at him with amusement. "Still the same sentence: I will regain my lost dream through you. I want you to defeat her, to make her admit her defeat wholeheartedly."


    "No need for that," Lin Wanrong nonchntly waved his hand,ughing. "When ites to defeating that fairy-like woman, I''ve already done that."


    "You did? How did you do it?" An Biru was surprised.


    Lin Wanrong recounted the events of that day. At first, An Biru was stunned, but then she broke into peals ofughter, bending over until her waist was almost at a right angle.


    Her sheer gown was as thin as a cicada''s wing. As she bent over, her jade-like legs tightened, and her bosom heaved, revealing a deep cleavage. Her skin was smooth, tender, and enticing, while her long, full thighs were glossy and supple. If she were to mp them together, my, oh my... This enchantress was indeed naive, wearing such scant clothing. His eyes glowed with lust as he inspected her from top to bottom. The sight of such a tempting beauty made even Sister An blush and step back from him quickly.


    "Such big... and smooth... Ah, Sister An, is this Fairy Ning the one I encountered? Does this count as defeating her?" He removed his gaze from the enchantress''s chest, asking earnestly.


    "With such appearance and demeanor, who else in the world could it be? Of course, it''s my fairy-like senior sister," An Biruughed. "She probably never dreamed that she, undefeated in the martial world, would fall victim to your devious schemes. Little brother, you''re indeed capable. However, you''ve underestimated my senior sister. She''s the most intelligent and talented person under the heavens, not someone to be easily defeated. A mere poison needle, what harm could it do to her?"


    "So, she can''t die?" Lin Wanrong asked with concern.


    "What do you think?" An Biru countered. "If a mere poison needle could trouble her, would she still be the universally renowned and respected Fairy Ning?"


    He didn''t care about her status as a fairy. As long as she was not dead, that was all that mattered. It was a relief to know he wouldn''t need to exin her death to Qingxuan. Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, he quicklyughed, "That''s good, that''s good. If she had died, how would I have exined it to my wife, Qingxuan?"


    An Biru smiled at him and gently brushed the hair by her ear, "So you see, our goals are aligned. Little brother, you won''t reject me now, will you? If you manage to aplish this task, I will persuade Xian''er and Xiao Qingxuan to reconcile, allowing you to enjoy the pleasures of the world."


    "Well, I don''t have much objection, especially since you don''t know where Qingxuan is. But, I''ve seen the Fairy''s martial arts with my own eyes. Defeating her is not going to be easy. With my current skills, I might need a month or two of training to beat her. s, what a headache!" Lin Wanrong exaggerated shamelessly.


    An Biru shook her head with a wry smile. Even with ten years of practice, his crude skills wouldn''t match hers. She smiled and said, "It''s not only about martial arts. Any way in which you can make her willingly submit would be eptable. But, she must be sincerely convinced. I want this noble fairy to see that I, An Biru, am stronger than her."


    She smiled charmingly, a strange gleam shing in her eyes, "I''ve paved the way for you. The rest is up to you¡ªconquer her, defeat her, little brother. Use whatever means you have at your disposal."


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 310

    Chapter 310


    Chapter 310 Military Exercise on the Battlefield


    "The road has been paved? How exactly was it paved?" Lin Wanrong asked in confusion.


    An Biru gave him a nce,ughed softly, and said, "You''re smart at times, yet muddled at others. Why would I stick my neck out today if not for you?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, his eyes wandering over her figure, "Sister, are you talking about your affair with Prince Cheng? He''s your sweetheart, isn''t he? How does this rte to paving the way for me?"


    An Biru giggled, shot him a coquettish nce, and chided, "Indeed, he is my sweetheart. Little Brother, could it be that you''re jealous?"


    Jealous, maybe not, but he did feel a touch of difort. Seeing a ripe peach being picked by an old monkey, if he felt no frustration, could he even be considered a man?


    It seemed that An Biru had seen through his thoughts. A blush crossed her face, a teasing twinkle in her eyes as she chuckled, "Oh, you are indeed jealous. Little Brother, rest assured, while Prince Cheng does covet me, I, An Biru, have roamed for many years and met more men than the number of hairs on your body. How could I let someone take advantage of me so easily? Moreover, the men in this world are mostly fickle and ungrateful. Which of them could be worthy of being my sweetheart?"


    Her face was filled with pride; she didn''t seem to regard any man in the world. That said, given her beauty, intellect, and demeanor, there were indeed very few men in the world who were worthy of her.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. While there were cases of a jaybird matched with a wolf in this world, there were also plenty of cases of fine flowers wedded to cow dung. With such a high opinion of herself, it was natural she hadn''t found a suitable suitor."Little Brother, after you crossed paths with Prince Cheng in the peach garden today, discerning people naturally took note. Moreover, you took the credit for annihting the White Lotus Sect¡ª" An Biru shot a nce at Lin Wanrong, her eyes revealing a trace of resentment, "You are talented and fearless of the powerful, which will certainly make people like Xu Wei value you even more. Your opportunity is about to arrive. The closer you get to the court, the closer you get to my senior sister. My public appearance in front of Prince Cheng will only make her more alert. And you, not only are you Prince Cheng''s arch-nemesis, but also a candidate highly rmended by Xu Wei¡ªlittle rascal, do you understand now?"


    So, this vixen had calcted long ago that he would cooperate with her and arranged everything so perfectly. Lin Wanrongughed, "As you say, but don''t forget, the fairy is still wounded by my hand, how could I make peace with her? I''m afraid this plot won''t work."


    An Biru giggled, her full chest and perky rear subtly trembling. Her curvaceous figure drew an enticing line that made one''s heart pound and eyes dazzle.


    "Little Brother, you don''t know much about these so-called righteous people. My senior sister is regarded as a fairy from heaven, worshiped by thousands, admired by tens of thousands, always advocating for the welfare of themon people and justice in the world. How could she disregard the greater good she has devoted her life to over a petty personal grudge? Wouldn''t that make her aughingstock, tarnishing her reputation? She would never do such a face-losing thing. Even if she''s utterly unwilling, as long as you prove your worth, she will have to stand by your side. For the so-called justice and credibility, she''d rather sacrifice others'' happiness to maintain her dignity. Compared to this, what do your trivial issues count for?"


    "That''s true," Lin Wanrong mused, considering An Biru''s cunning and free-spirited demeanor. He could imagine what kind of person Fairy Ning, herplete opposite, would be. He was slightly convinced and replied with augh, "Let''s hope things go as you predict."


    "Not only that," An Biru shed a mischievous smile, "Prince Cheng is already plotting to kill you, and he has personally asked me to handle it. Think about it - what would my Senior Sister do when she finds out that I am openlymitting atrocities and killing innocents? Given her ''boundlesspassion'', what do you think she would do?" Her light veil fluttered, revealing her alluring figure.


    "Sister, you look great in this dress. Do you have anything with even less fabric?" Lin Wanrong replied with a smirk. Seeing An Biru slightly smile and a silver glint appearing in her hand, he quickly turned serious, "If Fairy Ning knows you are doing wrong, she will naturally try to stop you. Wait a moment, does this mean she has to protect me even though I injured her?"


    "Basically, that''s the case. But of course, it depends on your skills," An Biru smiled faintly.


    Upon connecting the dots, he realized that An Biru had already nned to publicly appear with Prince Cheng. The cunning of this vixen was not to be underestimated.


    "Although I have arranged everything, the charm of my Senior Sister is well-known. Who among men can resist her words, her frowns and smiles? I am still worried that you might betray us. Hence," she paused, a blush coloring her cheeks, her eyes sparkling. She gently licked her lips, an enchanting smile ying on her face, "Now you understand why I dressed this way today, right? You are quite lucky, you naughty boy."


    "So, you dressed this way to test me because you''re afraid I''ll fall for Fairy Ning''s beauty trap? If I knew, I would have been bolder, even bolder. How did I do in your test, Sister?" Lin Wanrong said,ughing.


    An Biru chuckled, "You did alright. You should know, though, that I haven''t even used all my skills yet. Even if I had, they would only be external temptations. My Senior Sister, on the other hand, possesses the real internal allure. Without uttering a word, a smile or frown from her can captivate a man''s soul. When that happens and she takes advantage of you, don''t say I didn''t warn you."


    While talking, An Biru lightly stepped to the side of the pool and fetched a clean robe. She draped it over her body, concealing her snow-white skin, yet her enticing figure was still evident. She exuded a different kind of allure.


    ¡®Damn it, this vixen. I wonder if she has other sisters. It would be wonderful if she dressed like this every day to test me.¡¯ With these thoughts, he sighed inwardly, his eyes gleaming with desire.


    An Biru tied up her hair, fixed her hairpin andughed, "That''s it for today. It''s gettingte, and I should leave. If you return home anyter, the big beast Xiao in your house will stir."


    "The big beast Xiao?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback, thenughed, "Sister, are you leaving already? Sigh, I was hoping to y with you in this spring-filled pool. Why are you leaving so soon?"


    "A fellow with a thief''s mind butcking a thief''s guts." An Biru softly stated, defining his character. She stood by therge stone, a slight smile gracing her lips. "I won''t linger with you any longer. If I stay any longer, I fear I won''t be able to leave. So, little brother, wait for me to ''assassinate'' you¡ª" With a light tap of her foot, she gracefully took off like a honking goose in flight. Her long skirt swaying lightly, her hair fluttering, she descended and soon disappeared from sight. An Biru had left with such determination, showing no hint of regret. Standing on the cliff, Lin Wanrong stared at the setting sun, a strange feeling welled up in his heart. His rtionship with Qingxuan had drawn him into the issues involving An Biru and Fairy Ning, now it was tying him with Prince Cheng and the royal court, which was far from his original ns. Romantic rtions had stirred up factional disputes and state affairs, this path was indeed hard to navigate.


    ¡ª---


    When he returned home, the big beast Xiao wasn''t there. After inquiring with Madam Song, he learned that Miss Xu had invited the Eldest Miss over for a chat, and they were going to stay at the Xu''s residence for the night. This was the first time the Eldest Miss had not returned home for the night since he had known her. Facing the quiet and empty courtyard, he felt a bit lonely. He was used to the Eldest Miss''s nagging presence, and he felt somewhat ufortable without her around. Recalling the nickname the big beast Xiao, that An Biru had given the Eldest Miss, he felt both amused and warm. Having a strong-willed wife might not be a misfortune after all.


    Without the Eldest Miss, he woke up rather early the next day. Sister Song was secretly surprised to see him voluntarily helping in the shop; it seemed that with the Eldest Miss gone, this Lin San had be conscientious. After he had busied himself for a while, he began to wonder when An Biru woulde to y the assassination game. Suddenly, he heard a burst ofughter outside. "Young Master Lin, Young Master Lin¡ª"


    Rushing out the door, Lin Wanrong saw Hu Bugui, along with Du Xiuyuan, Li Sheng, and even Li Tai''s legitimate grandson Li Wuling. They had alle for a visit on horseback. Xu Zhen held the reins of an extra horse, but it was unclear for whom it was intended.


    Lin Wanrong greeted them with a smile. "Brother Hu, Brother Du, how did you find time toe here? Please,e inside and sit down. Huan''er, bring tea¡ªgo to the Eldest Miss''s room and bringst year''s new tea. These gentlemen are my sworn brothers; we can''t neglect them."


    The visitors dismounted. Li Wuling saw Lin Wanrongmanding the scene, hardly acting like a servant. His eyes twinkled, and he chuckled, "Lin San, you''re living such afortable life at the Xiao residence, even freely entering the Eldest Miss''s boudoir. No wonder you didn''t want to go to war."


    Du Xiuyuan and the others burst into crudeughter. Lin Wanrong chuckled, thinking that he truly didn''t consider himself an outsider. When he eventually married both Miss Xiao into his family, the Xiao estate would be the dowry of the Xiao sisters, and the Xiao family would have to change their surname to Lin.


    Hu Bugui, a lewd smile on his face, grabbed Lin Wanrong''s hand. "General Lin, there''s no time for tea. Hurry, follow me¡ª" He barely finished speaking before he pulled Lin Wanrong and started heading out.


    Startled, Lin Wanrong asked, "Brother Hu, what is this all about?"


    Du Xiuyuan followed, a mysterious smile on his face. "You''ll find out soon enough."


    Several of them teamed up, nudging him onto the spare horse. Lin Wanrong chuckled, realizing that these rascals had nned to seek him out all along.


    Seeing him mount the fine horse, Li Wuling issued a loudmand. The small white steed beneath him dashed forward, stirring a cloud of dust as bystanders on both sides of the street swiftly dodged.


    "Typical bullies!" Lin Wanrongughed heartily and spurred his horse to catch up, the rest following closely behind him.


    They galloped out of the city gate, traveling over ten miles when they began to hear the shing of swords in the distance. Lin Wanrong strained his neck to see what was ahead, only to find dust billowing and the shouts of battle echoing. He had no idea what was transpiring.


    After another few miles, the sounds ofbat grew louder and more intense. Li Wuling''s face was lit with excitement, he urged his horse faster, vanishing in a rush.


    "General Lin, look!" Hu Bugui, who had been following behind Lin Wanrong, pushed his horse forward to ride alongside him and pointed towards the scene ahead, smiling.


    Following his direction, Lin Wanrong saw a vast battlefield extending beyond his sight. On the battlefield, dust swirled around countless soldiers wielding various weapons. They were divided into different formations ording to their roles, engaging in intensebat.


    Nearest to them were the infantry, directed by amander waving a small g, instructing the soldiers to form different formations ording to his g signals, ranging from long spear lines to circr defense. The dust kicked up by tens of thousands of swiftly moving soldiers colored half of the sky yellow. These soldiers, strong and agile, bore an aggressive look on their faces; their practiced maneuvers clearly showing them to be well-trained and formidable. The formations became increasinglyplex, and eventually evolved into segmented encirclement and annihtion tactics that made Lin Wanrong''s eyes dizzy.


    Further away were the cavalry units, with tens of thousands of warhorses neighing in unison. The thunderous clopping of hooves struck the ground like deep spring thunder, shaking the earth and deafening the ears. They were divided into groups of a thousand, practicing mountedbat against wooden figures tied to the ground. They used various weapons to target the vitals of these straw figures.


    Farthest away was a mix of infantry and cavalry units, roughly tens of thousands strong. The infantry soldiers were in the front, carryingdders and fire arrows, charging towards the mock city walls erected on the field - they were practicing siege warfare.


    In the center of the attacking force was a raised tform on which a young, armored general stood,manding with fervor and confidence. Due to the dust-filled battlefield, Lin Wanrong could not make out his face. The attacking soldiers, screaming war cries, set up thedders, rushing to climb them and storm the city walls. On top of the walls, a few silhouettes stood, watching the live-action drills with great interest.


    "General Lin, what do you think?" Du Xiuyuan''s face was flush with excitement as he spoke loudly.


    Lin Wanrong smiled slightly. "Brother Du, is this the legendary battlefield drill? It''s indeed majestic and awe-inspiring."


    Du Xiuyuan nodded, "Indeed, it''s the military exercises on the sand field. I''ve been in the army for many years, yet I''ve never seen an exercise of such arge scale. These are the elite troops of our Great Hua, who will be our main force in resisting the northern nomads in the future. With such momentum, if Great Hua doesn''t win, there would be no justice in the world."


    Du Xiuyuan''s words had Li Sheng and Xu Zhen nodding continuously. To see Du Xiuyuan, usually so calm, this excited, the exercise of these tens of thousands of troops was indeed impactful.


    Lin Wanrong remained silent. Although he had never fought the northern nomads, from the novels and TV shows he had watched in his past life, the northern nomads were not easy to deal with. Exercises weren''t real battles. No matter how great the momentum or how many tricks were shown now, they were just fancy moves, nice to look at but not necessarily practical. The battlefield was ever-changing, and a moment''s shift could decide the victory or defeat of a battle. If such arge-scale exercise could predict the oue of a war, then what was the point of fighting?


    Hu Bugui, upon witnessing this spectacr scene, wore a smile on his face, but he was not as excited as Du Xiuyuan. He had fought against the northern nomads in the north, experienced their ferocity and cruelty, and due to the involvement in the White Lotus sect issue, he returned to Shandong to lead the troops, naturally having the most authority to speak.


    Lin Wanrongughed and nced at him, "Brother Hu, what do you think of this exercise?"


    Hu Bugui nodded, "The soldiers are strong and the horses are healthy. They can fight against the northern nomads."


    Lin Wanrong gave a faint smile. Old Hu''s words were quite diplomatic, probably to avoid disheartening these soldiers. With such a grand scene, they barely had the capacity to fight against the northern nomads, indicating the formidablebat power of the northern nomads.


    Xu Zhen, being young and barely twenty, felt somewhat disheartened and unconvinced, "General Hu, are the northern nomads as strong as you say? These are our Great Hua''s elite troops, and they can only ''fight'' against the northern nomads?"


    Although Hu Bugui was usually careless, he paid extreme attention to the morale of his men. Seeing Xu Zhen''s dissatisfied expression, he sighed deeply, patted his shoulder, and said, "Little Xu, I had the same thoughts as you before I encountered the northern nomads. But facts speak louder than words, and currently, our Great Hua soldiers are indeed slightly inferiorpared to the northern nomads."


    Du Xiuyuan and others were also veterans, but they had never encountered the northern nomads. Although they had heard of the brutality and ferocity of the northern nomads, seeing the worry on the usually fearless Hu Bugui''s face made them somewhat uneasy.


    Lin Wanrong carefully observed their expressions, smiling slightly, "Brother Hu is right. The northern nomads are nomads, their lives depend on horses, their physiques are sturdy, and they have no fixed abode. Long-term migration not only hones their horsemanship but also enhances their sense of crisis, which is why they are formidable and fearless. Our Great Hua soldiers have beencent for years, it''s natural to suffer asional defeats at the beginning of the war. As the saying goes, ''born from worry, die fromfort'', as the war unfolds, our Great Hua soldiers will learn from their humiliation, gradually hone themselves, be increasingly tough, and in a few days, they will be able to ride horses, shoot arrows, and kill the northern nomads just like them. Think about it, our Great Hua has stood for a thousand years, and we have encountered humiliation more than a hundred times. Have we ever been afraid of anyone? Brothers, don''t underestimate yourselves."


    General Lin was usually quite jovial, but when it came to serious matters, his words were always reasoned and convincing. Hu Bugui secretly gave him a thumbs-up. The same words, if uttered from Old Hu''s mouth, would have shaken the morale of the troops, but from General Lin, they inspired everyone.


    All of them were soldiers who had fought under General Lin''smand. They knew his capabilities well and regained some of their confidence after hearing him speak, revealing faint smiles on their faces.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Brother Hu, Brother Du, did youe to me today just to watch this military exercise?"


    Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan looked at each other, nodding simultaneously, and cast their hopeful eyes on Lin Wanrong.


    From their expressions, Lin Wanrong easily guessed their intentions. He smiled slightly, "Let''s not discuss other things for now. The three of you and Xu Zhen, you are all heads of thousands and tens of thousands under General Li Tai''smand. Why didn''t you participate in this military drill?"


    Hu Bugui replied, "General Lin, you might not know that before our army officially set off, we had training sessions daily on the drill field. Today is the first military drill of the spring. The Emperor and all the Princes and Ministers havee to watch. Originally, we were all supposed to participate, but the Emperor sent someone to assist General Li Tai some days ago. Today''s drill was held to test the abilities of this assistant. The selection of the soldiers and horses was all done by him, and Old General Li didn''t interfere. The result¡ª" Hu Bugui''s face turned slightly embarrassed, hesitating to continue.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "So, you weren''t chosen?"


    A blush spread across Hu Bugui''s face. He knelt down on one knee and thumped his chest in salute, Du Xiuyuan and the others also followed suit, kneeling and shouting together, "We were foolish and brought disgrace to you, General. Please punish us."


    Lin Wanrong was surprised and hurriedly helped them up, "Brothers, please get up. What are you doing?"


    After they stood up, Hu Bugui sighed, "General Lin, you''ve been away from the army for a few days and might not be aware. A few days ago, when the assisting general was selecting officers for the drill, he gathered us, themanders of thousands and tens of thousands, and held an examination."


    "An examination?" Lin Wanrong was surprised, "There are exams in the army? This is the first time I''ve heard of it."


    Hu Bugui replied frustratedly, "Isn''t it? I, Old Hu, have held a de all my life, how could I possibly handle a brush? As a result, after the examination, among us brothers, only Brother Du passed. But when Brother Du saw that we were disqualified, he got angry and confronted the assisting general. And guess what, he was also disqualified." As he said this, he looked gratefully at Du Xiuyuan. Although they usually squabbled when they met, they were men of honor and camaraderie when it mattered.


    "What the hell is this nonsense?" Lin Wanrong was also furious. "The skills of my generals were forged in battle, what the hell does that have to do with examinations?" He knew better than anyone the capabilities of his subordinates, all of which were earned through real blood and sweat, none of them were fake.


    He let out a heavy humph, "Xu Zhen, tell me, what kind of examination was it? Whose damn idea was this?"


    Xu Zhen hastily bowed, "In response to the general, it was an examination on military strategies."


    Military strategies? Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Damn, who the hell would understand this stuff? If he were asked to take such an examination, he would surely fail. Moreover, the battlefield situation changes in the blink of an eye, no matter how strong one''s knowledge of military strategies, it wouldn''tpare to the rapid changes in the actual battle.


    Du Xiuyuan gave a bitter smile, "This examination was based strictly on the textbook. Brother Hu and the otherse from a background of leading troops and answered based on their own experiences, which greatly deviated from the content of the military strategy books, and so they were deemed unqualified."


    ¡®That''s bullshit!¡¯ Lin Wanrong snorted, "Where did this assisting generale from? Exam, exam, exam, even brought the exam into the barracks. Did he pass the imperial examination to get his position?"


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 Chapter 311

    Chapter 311


    Chapter 311 Such a Large Snake


    When General Lin showed his anger, his momentum was extraordinary, instilling a touch of unease in Hu Bugui and the others. They became as quiet as cicadas in the cold, not daring to speak.


    When it came to the matter of military strategy, Lin Wanrong was not a master. However, he held a truth applicable across all matters¡ªif simply memorizing some military strategy could make a sessful general, wouldn''t everyone who read military books be an undefeatedmander?


    Du Xiuyuan was the only one among them who had passed the examination. Lin Wanrong, feeling somewhat calmer, asked, "Brother Du, what do you think of this military strategy test?"


    Du Xiuyuan shook his head and said, "Military strategies have practical significance only whenbined with realbat experience. While the format of this examination is novel, it is still teaching from the book without flexibility. By simply memorizing the texts of military books, one can pass. Brother Hu and others have been battling for many years, and theirbat experience is rich. Their assumptions deviate greatly from the theories in the books, hence they were judged as unqualified."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, fell silent, and gazed into the distance, deep in thought.


    From afar, a little white horse approached. It was Li Wuling returning from a long journey. He had traveled quite far, crossing the entire training field, dust and sand covering his body. But his face was full of joy and excitement.


    "Little Li, why are you so happy?" Lin Wanrong asked with a smile.


    Li Wuling steadied his saddle, leaped down, andughed, "Lin San, I spoke to my grandfather, and he granted me permission to participate in this military drill. But for Brother Hu and Brother Li, you''ll have to wait a little longer¡ª"Lin Wanrong looked puzzled at Hu Bugui and the others behind him. Du Xiuyuan opened his mouth with a smile, "That''s the case. We were quite upset about being excluded from the drills. Just when we were about to voice our grievances to General Lin, this kid stopped us."


    "Oh, why did he stop you?" Seeing Li Wuling''s round, innocent face, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but feel fondness for the child. He patted Little Li''s head and asked.


    Hu Bugui carelessly said, "What else could he be doing? The kid''s boasting, saying that as long as you, General Lin, were here, he would find a way to get us into the drill. But now you''re here, General Lin, and there''s no sign of what he promised."


    ¡®What the hell, me being here would get you into the drill? I''m not the Emperor, whose word is gold, who can do anything with a single utterance. This little Li''s boast is way too far-fetched.¡¯


    Everyone red at Li Wuling, deeply dissatisfied with his broken promise. Li Wuling chuckled triumphantly, saying, "Why are you in such a hurry? The drill has just started, and there will be plenty of opportunities. Look, haven''t I already been allowed to participate? Just wait a little while, and someone will invite you to participate. Hehe, if my promisees true, remember what you promised me. I won''t go anywhere else, just find me thergest courtyard in the Eight Great Hutongs, choose some of the best looking courtesans, and let them serve me drinks."


    Hu Bugui, Xu Zhen and the others all scoffed, expressing their disbelief at his words. Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Looking for a courtesan in the Eight Great Hutongs, huh? You''re quite bold. I fear that you, a mere child, might not return in one piece." However, Li Wuling was a descendant of a loyal and righteous family, and his personality was bold and adorable, which indeed made him likable.


    Everyone took Li Wuling''s words as a joke and didn''t pay much attention. They found the battle on the drill field invigorating. Suddenly, they heard the rapid sound of horse hooves. Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw several fast horses crossing the camp square, piercing through the swirling sand of the battlefield, and galloping towards them.


    Hu Bugui was the most anxious of all. After taking a look, he immediately eximed, "It''s General Li Taiing."


    On one of the front horses sat an imposing, elder general d in a bronze helmet and iron armor. With a long spear in his hand and his horse galloping at full speed, he was rushing towards them. It was none other than General Li Tai, who had berated Lin Wanrong in broad daylight.


    What was the old man here for? Hadn''t they already broken off their negotiations? Seeing the smug smile on Li Wuling''s face, Lin Wanrong was puzzled.


    Beside Li Tai, there was a graceful white horse. On its back sat a female rider, her face concealed by a white veil, making it impossible to discern her features. However, her figure was particrly enchanting. The horse followed closely behind Li Tai, and the woman''s horsemanship was not weak. The white veil, however, was covered in a thickyer of dust.


    "Little Lin San meet General Li. How have you been, old general?" Seeing Li Tai dismount, Lin Wanrong greeted him with a smile.


    Li Tai nced at him, his face serious, and snorted, "This is a battlefield, and military discipline is strict. There should be no noise orughter. What sort of image do you think you''re presenting, soldier?" With his many years of experience on the battlefield, he exuded an aura of authority and a killing spirit that made people''s hearts tremble.


    ¡®I''m not a soldier anymore, old man,¡¯ Lin Wanrong muttered to himself,ughing and crying at the same time. This old General Li, who was so used tomanding soldiers, seemed to treat everyone like his subordinates. While Lin Wanrong was generally talkative, he deeply respected this iron-blooded famous general. After being scolded, he simply nodded in acknowledgment without arguing back, leaving Hu Bugui and the others secretly amazed. It seemed that even the fearless General Lin, who couldn''t be controlled by even Master Xu Wei, behaved quite obediently in front of General Li.


    "Greetings, General," said Hu Bugui and the others, who were all officers under Li Tai. They didn''t dare to behave as casually as Lin Wanrong and all saluted respectfully.


    Li Tai nodded slightly, his hand resting on his sword hilt. His gaze fell on Lin Wanrong. "Lin San," he said, "I heard that you volunteered to participate in this military drill. Is that true?"


    ¡®What?¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s mouth fell open. ¡®Damn, when did I say that? Don''t I look too casual to participate in a military drill? Are you ying with me?¡¯


    Hu Bugui and the others were taken aback at first, then they all looked at Lin Wanrong in delight. So, General Lin had this up his sleeve. What a cool-headed fellow, they hadn''t noticed a single w.


    "Old General, when did I ever say that? Did you mishear?" Lin Wanrong hastily retorted.


    Li Tai sternly said, "Nonsense, how could I possibly have misheard? It was Wuling who just now personally reported to me that you wished to lead the troops in a military exercise, to conduct a real battle simtion. That''s why I hurried over. Are you trying to back out now? This is the army, there is no room for jest."


    Lin Wanrong looked at Li Wuling in astonishment, only to see the boy grinning triumphantly, his face filled with smugness as he nced at Hu Bugui and the others.


    Du Xiuyuan and the others finally understood Li Wuling''s intent for Lin Wanrong. This move of ¡®pushing the duck onto the perch, forcing the sow onto the tree,¡¯ was truly ingenious. The young Li Wuling had such a shrewd scheme at such a young age, truly a tiger''s son, living up to his reputation.


    Lin Wanrong red hard at Li Wuling. No wonder this Li Wuling said that as long as hee, he would have a way to get Hu Bugui and the others to participate in the exercise, so he was the bait.


    Seeing his hesitation, Li Tai loudly said, "Every moment in the army can affect the state. Lin San, quickly say what you have decided." His imposing authority deliberately pressured Lin San, forcing him toply.


    Damn it, there was no preparation at all for a livebat exercise, this was clearly a setup. Seeing the hopeful gaze of Hu Bugui and the others, Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth. ¡®Damn it, it''s just an exercise, who am I, Lin San, afraid of?¡¯ A glint of determination shed in his eyes, he snorted and said, "Alright, I''ll do it."


    A hint of amusement rose in Li Tai''s eyes, but he quickly concealed it. He turned to the woman beside him and said, "Zhiqing, you can decide how these two should be assigned."


    ¡®Zhiqing? Damn it, no wonder she looks familiar. So it is Miss Xu, dressing up in a vest and a face veil and I wouldn''t recognize you?¡¯ Heughed and said with a fist salute, "It turns out to be Miss Xu, tsk tsk, I didn''t recognize you. You look even better with your face covered than with it exposed."


    "Nonsense," Li Wuling retorted, "Aunt Xu looks a hundred times better when her face is revealed." His words were sincere but he didn''t realize that he had fallen into Lin San''s trap, while Hu Bugui and the others were holding back theirughter. What goes aroundes around, and it was happening fast. This young Li Wuling had just set up Lin San, only to be yed back in an instant.


    Xu Zhiqing snorted lightly and smiled, "Today''s military exercise, the sand and wind are strong, I, being weak, covered my face. General Lin, please don''t mind. Although you volunteered to join, you can''tmand the soldiers on the battlefield, but you can choose the rest."


    Hu Bugui and the others immediately rolled up their sleeves and snickered, their gratitude to Li Wuling was evident. The matter of asking him to visit the Eight Great Hutongs was settled. Li Wuling was also eager to look at Lin Wanrong. As an extra, only with Lin San''s approval could he join as a soldier.


    Lin Wanrong sighed lightly and said with a grimace, "The well-versed and strongmanders have been chosen by the assistant general, and I have to choose these self-taught wildmanders, s, it''s so unfair. Oh, by the way, Miss Xu, have you seen the military exam hosted by the assistant general?"


    Xu Zhiqing shook her head slightly, "I only found out yesterday, I took a quick nce."


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "I wonder how it would turn out if Miss Xu were to take the exam?"


    Xu Zhiqing confidently said, "I have read the military strategy books, The Art of War and Liu Tao, thoroughly. If the questions are from these books, I am confident that no one can stump me."


    Lin Wanrong raised his thumb and dered, "Impressive! With that in mind, Miss Xu, having read through military books and being a schr of many talents, when ites to fighting, naturally you are the top general in the world."


    Xu Zhiqing, extremely intelligent, understood his thoughts perfectly. She smiled and said, "Military books are formed in actualbat and refined into text, the hard-earned wisdom of our ancestors, with great reference value." She paused slightly and continued, "However, with the change of eras and environments, military strategy must also adapt. We must not blindly believe in books, or simply follow their teachings."


    Upon hearing these words, the people like Hu Bugui felt reassured. Li Tai, a seasoned general with profound experience on the battlefield, didn''t need to borate on his application of military strategies. He cast a deep nce at Lin Wanrong and inquired, "Lin San, in your opinion, what is the rtionship between military strategy and actualbat?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Military strategies are the precious wisdom left by our ancestors and are invaluable. They are the best examples for us juniors to learn from. We are right to study military strategies. However, the method of study varies significantly. Military strategy is not just about studying, passing exams, or memorizing standard phrases. It''s a profound theory. But soldiers are tricksters. As time and locations change, our battle strategies must change ordingly. Simply put, it''s just like learning to read and write. Everyone can do it. But few can produce timeless verses. Although anyone can learn military strategies, few can truly master them in their entirety. So, military strategy is a basic subject to delve into but cannot be deemed right or wrong. It should be integrated into actualbat, learning from battles and battling during learning. Only when we thoroughly understand this can we truly be invincible."


    Li Tai stroked his beard, nodding in approval. A glint of admiration passed his eyes, quickly masked, and his solemn expression returned. "This military exam is conducted by my assistant to select the leaders for the military exercise. The practice will be led by him. I will not interfere. All your talk is futile, mere lip service. If you are capable, prove yourself on the battlefield by defeating him."


    ¡ª---


    Having started, Lin Wanrong couldn''t back out. He had no idea who Li Tai''s assistant was. It was almost a real battle, a genuine encounter. His heart pounded at the thought, but the thrill was exhrating.


    Hu Bugui and the others had already rushed off to put on their armor. Li Tai nced at Lin Wanrong, a trace of anticipation showing in his eyes. "Lin San, fight well in this battle. There will be rewards."


    Li Tai had rarely spoken to him, and when he did, he was always serious and stern. His current amiability was unusual.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, his expression cid. "I don''t need rewards¡ªI know you won''t believe me, but there are very few instances where I don''t take advantage. But if I say I''ll do something, I''ll definitely do it. General, I''ve been honest with you. I, Lin San, am content with life as ites. But I''ve never backed down from a challenge. The reason I''ve got involved today is because I don''t want to see talents like Brother Hu and Brother Li buried. They are brave and resourceful, with ambition to serve the country. If their talents were wasted, no amount of money or wives could bring me peace."


    Listening to Lin Wanrong''s words, Xu Zhiqing felt both touched and amused. How had this man managed to craft such inspirational speech that inevitably deviated into jest at the end?


    Li Tai, a man weathered by time, had long mastered the skill of discerning one''s true nature. Upon seeing Lin Wanrong''s expression, a faint smile finally broke through. As Xu Wei said, this Lin Wanrong was a rough man on the outside, but warm at heart. Strip away his mboyant, gaudy exterior, and you were left with a genuinely passionate man.


    Smiling, Li Tai said, "You think I''m senile? I know gold from sand. Rx. Prove yourself today on the battlefield and you will be rewarded."


    "What reward? Ten thousand taels of silver?" Lin Wanrong''s habitual smirk reappeared after his impassioned speech. Xu Zhiqing shook her head, affirming that the previous Lin San must have been possessed. This one was the real Lin San.


    Li Tai, usually stern and serious, couldn''t help butugh at Lin Wanrong''s remark, appreciating his spirited nature. "What silver?" Li Tai''s face hardened, "It''s far more important than silver. Look there ¡ª"


    The old general pointed into the distance. Following his gesture, Lin Wanrong''s eyesnded on a flurry of yellow gs flying over the farthest fortifications under attack. Embroidered on the gs was a long, fearsome creature.


    "What a huge snake!" Lin Wanrong eximed.


    His words left the crowd speechless. Hu Bugui and the others exchanged rmed nces. Had their general gone mad? Xu Zhiqing bit her lips to stifle herughter, her small fists clenched and her face flushed red.


    Even the normallyposed Li Tai was sweating, a vein popping on his forehead. He asked in a trembling voice, "Lin Wanrong, what did you say that is?"


    "A giant golden snake." Lin Wanrong confirmed earnestly.


    "We''ve lost today''s battle," Li Wulingmented, his head dropping. With such amander, winning would be a miracle.


    "A man cannot be this ignorant," Li Tai sighed. "I have lived for sixty years, and you''re the first I''ve ever known to mistake a golden dragon for a golden snake. Lin Wanrong, you''re unparalleled in this."


    A golden dragon? Startled, Lin Wanrong looked again, realizing that the g had folded in the wind, concealing the dragon''s ws. If one didn''t look closely, it could indeed resemble a giant snake.


    Sweat dripped down Lin Wanrong''s forehead. If the golden dragon g was present, didn''t that mean the person atop the tower was¡ª "The Emperor?" Lin Wanrong yelped, jumping to his feet.


    A collective sigh of relief escaped the crowd. Thankfully, the boy wasn''t entirely hopeless; he recognized the golden dragon as the symbol of the Emperor. Hopefully, he wouldn''t mistake it for a "giant snake" in the future.


    With his heart pounding, Lin Wanrong thought, ¡®If it is indeed the Emperor, wouldn''t there be an 80% chance it is my father-inw?¡¯


    In the midst of the flying golden dragon g, a royal chariot was raised above the city tower. Countless guards and followers surrounded the chariot, forming a solid circle. The soldiers practicing on the field, whether standing, running, lying, or crawling, all stood and bowed. Then, tens of thousands of people kneeled and bowed together, chanting, "Long live the Emperor, forever and ever."


    Tens of thousands of people kneeling and cheering together, ah, what a sight, Lin Wanrong, standing by the horse''s saddle, had never witnessed before. While others were bowing to the Emperor, he took the opportunity to scrutinize the figure on the dragon throne. From a distance, he could only vaguely see a figure wearing a winged cor and golden dragon robe, but he couldn''t see his face. He wondered what this Emperor, his father-inw, looked like and whether he resembled Qingxuan.


    Lost in his daydream, Lin Wanrong noticed that those who had kneeled, including Li Tai and Xu Zhiqing, had stood up. It seemed the Emperor had bid them to rise. After pretending to dust off his knees, Lin Wanrong noticed Xu Zhiqing lifting her head. Her face was covered by a light veil, but her eyes revealed a hint of amusement as if she''d noticed something.


    "Now you understand," Li Tai nodded at Lin Wanrong, "As long as you perform well today and leave an impression on the Emperor, your future is limitless."


    Lin Wanrong remembered what he had told Xu Wei a few days ago, about going into the pce to find Qingxuan. The only way was to wait for the Emperor to grant his wish. He had been wondering how to meet the Emperor, but today, by a stroke of luck, he stumbled upon this opportunity. For Qingxuan, this battle was necessary.


    Li Tai had to meet with the Emperor, leaving the rest of the arrangements to Xu Zhiqing. Xu Zhiqing, a schr, had been on the battlefield several times, strategizing against the northern nomads. Not only was she Li Tai''s daughter-inw in name, but she was also the strategist of the hundreds of thousands of soldiers in the Great Hua dynasty.


    "Miss Xu, how are we going to fight today? Are there any rules?" Lin Wanrong asked seriously. His mood had shifted from being forced to fight to wanting to fight, and his tone became less unruly and more serious.


    "Both sides have a thousand men, with three rounds. It''s all about simting a real battle, no matter the means or strategy, the result is the only thing that matters." Xu Zhiqing''s eyes emitted a calm light as she spoke.


    Hu Bugui and others had already changed their armor and looked majestic as they led the soldiers. Lin Wanrong nodded. Realistic, no restrictions, these conditions suited the type of battle he wanted.


    Facing his robust soldiers, Lin Wanrong felt a heartfelt satisfaction. Each one of them was robust like a calf. Old Hu and Old Du had trained his soldiers well. Most of these were familiar faces, old soldiers who had fought with him in Shandong. Many were elites who had survived the night of fierce battle against the White Lotus. Their loyalty andbat effectiveness were beyond doubt.


    Lin Wanrong''s palm slightly curled a few times, a subtle excitement rose within him. After suppressing his emotions, he didn''t need any more words for his brothers-in-arms. He smiled faintly, "My name is Lin San, has anyone forgotten me?"


    A wave of friendlyughter erupted from the thousands of soldiers. The ragtag supply troops of the past had now be the cream of the crop. Seeing the humorous yet valiant and tenacious General Lin standing before them again, many were instantly reminded of their shared experiences in the face of life and death, and the hardships they had weathered together, causing a faint sheen of tears to appear in their eyes.


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand nonchntly, asking, "Are you ready?"


    "Charge¡ª" The thousands of soldiers simultaneously let out a neatly unified and powerful roar, so potent it seemed to shake heaven and earth.


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 Chapter 312

    Chapter 312


    Chapter 312 The Ferocious Young General in White


    Atop the city walls, banners pped in the wind and guards and pce maids surrounded inyers, their security measures were severe. Near the edge of the wall, a towering imperial pnquin was erected. Its big yellow canopy swayed in the wind. Right at the center was an enormous golden throne, cushioned with a golden satin. On all four sides were variously expressive, colorful golden dragons carved in vivid detail. Each one was wide-mouthed and dancing ws, exuding an extraordinary momentum.


    Seated on the dragon throne was an elderly man with an imposing demeanor and a slightly paleplexion. He was dressed in a satin yellow dragon robe, embroidered with five-wed golden dragons. Although his face wore a smile, there were points of icy light in his eyes. He radiated an intimidating aura,manding without anger, and so intimidating that no one dared to meet his gaze.


    "Paying respects to His Majesty, long live the Emperor, long live, long live," the ministers lined along the wall bowed down upon seeing the Emperor''s imposing demeanor. They didn''t dare to nce at the Emperor, fearful of desecrating the divine countenance.


    Looking at the ministers kneeling on the ground, the Emperor''s face remained unchanged. He nodded and said, "Rise, my ministers."


    "Thank the Emperor," the ministers hurriedly bowed and stood up.


    Leading the ministers on the left was Prince Cheng, who Lin Wanrong had fortuitously met in the peach garden. This Prince Cheng had a more robust figure than the Emperor, and his face wore a slight smile. Compared to the imposing Emperor, he appeared more amiable. The leader of the ministers on the right was the Minister of Revenue, Xu Wei. Given his position in the Emperor''s heart, it was unanimously epted and reasonable for him to stand there.


    Seeing the nervous crowd, the Emperor faintly smiled and opened his mouth, "I heard that the flowers in Grand Prime Minister Temple have bloomed. Due to state affairs, I was unable to spare the time to attend the flower appreciation party yesterday. Did any of you ministers attend?"


    Everyone looked at each other, not daring to make a sound. Today was clearly for inspecting the military exercise, so why was the Emperor bringing up the flower appreciation event? While the flower appreciation event at Grand Prime Minister Temple was renowned far and wide, there was no need to bring it up in court. What did the Emperor mean?"Minister Xu, you are the number one schr in the world, a man of literary elegance. Did you attend the flower appreciation event yesterday?" Seeing no minister speak, the Emperor asked Xu Wei.


    Xu Wei quickly stepped forward, bowing as he said, "I was drinking with General Li the day before yesterday, and I was so drunk that I was unable to attend the flower appreciation event. I regret it deeply. However, I have heard that Prince Cheng went to Grand Prime Minister Temple yesterday to appreciate the flowers and discuss Buddhism, and he celebrated with themon people. The people''s praise was very high."


    "Oh?" The Emperor looked at Prince Cheng in surprise, smiling, "My brother seems to be in high spirits. How was the flower appreciation event at Grand Prime Minister Temple? Was there anything interesting?"


    Prince Cheng respectfully said, "Reporting to Your Majesty. The flowers at Grand Prime Minister Temple were in full bloom yesterday, with the fragrance of peach and plum blossoms wafting for miles. It was indescribably beautiful. The people were at peace, enjoying the spring scenery together. It was indeed a good omen from the heavens, blessing our Great Hua. It foreshadows that Your Majesty''s health is good, thend will prosper for ten thousand years, and our Great Hua will definitely have good weather, national peace, and people''s security."


    The Emperor coughed lightly, his face slightly pale, and nodded, "Good health? Very good, very good. If what you said is true, this full bloom of a hundred flowers is indeed a great celebration."


    The ministers immediately praised and ttered, singing praises of the Emperor''s virtues, which made Xu Wei frown deeply. Prince Cheng just smiled faintly without saying a word, appearing very stable.


    Hearing the incessant ttery of the crowd, the Emperor''s expression remained unchanged. He continued, "I have not been to the Grand Prime Minister Temple for a long time. Back when I was still living in seclusion, I encountered an assassin there and was injured. Thanks to divine protection, I escaped unscathed. Later, when myte father was recuperating in the temple, he issued a decree, instructing me to ascend to the throne. In a way, the Grand Prime Minister Temple is my blessed ce." The Emperor seemed to be talking to himself. Prince Cheng, on the other hand, kept silent, his face calm, as if he was listening to a story that had nothing to do with him.


    "The Grand Prime Minister Temple is a ce of remarkable people and spiritualnd, a ce to expound on Buddhist doctrine. It is watched over by divine spirits and does not tolerate any unsightly incidents. The presiding master, Monk Huikong, is aplished in his cultivation, his spiritual attainments profound. When myte father ascended to the heavens, the Buddhist scriptures were chanted there. Histe majesty instructed me to cherish the people and treat all beings well. As I count, it has already been over twenty years. Hisughter and his voice are still as vivid as ever. Brother Wang, if you find the time in the future, I would like to join you in chanting the Buddhist scriptures for ourte father, to express our longing as his descendants," the Emperor said to Prince Cheng.


    Prince Cheng''s eyes flickered, and he bowed and replied, "I will heed the Emperor''s decree. Like the Emperor, I also yearn for ourte father''s benevolence and wisdom. I am overwhelmed with emotions."


    Everyone listened as the Emperor recalled the past, talking about the assassination attempt and his session to the throne, and they were somewhat startled. As he mentioned thete Emperor''s ascension to heaven and the Buddhist scriptures at the Grand Prime Minister Temple, their hearts filled with anxiety. The thoughts of an Emperor were the most difficult to fathom. There must be profound implications in his words spoken on the golden hall. But what did the Emperor mean by mentioning these incidents today? What did he want to say?


    Despite being adept at figuring out the Emperor''s thoughts, the officials were clueless about the enigma. Apart from a few people, no one could understand its taste.


    The Emperor seemed to have realized something and smiled, "These are just some thoughts triggered by my yearning for myte father. You all just listen." His face became solemn as he said, "Today is the day of Li Tai''s military drill. Our Great Hua has been harassed by nomads for years. This expedition of Li Tai is meant to eradicate the strong enemy once and for all. Now that the Grand Prime Minister Temple has auspicious signs, our mighty army of a million, grand and heroic, are sure to march forward bravely, fight the enemy fiercely, establish remarkable merit, and ensure the security of our Great Hua for ten thousand years."


    "Grand and heroic, march forward bravely, establish merits, and ensure the country''s security for ten thousand years," the officials shouted in unison.


    A hint of sternness shed in the Emperor''s eyes as he demanded, "Li Tai, how did you arrange today''s military inspection?"


    Li Tai, who had just galloped over, quickly stepped forward and reported, "Your Majesty, today''s military inspection is a practical test. It involves two generals fighting against each other. No matter the means or tactics, the winner will be determined in three rounds."


    "Oh?" The Emperor smiled slightly, "Three rounds to decide the winner? This is interesting. Are these two men your subordinates?"


    "Your Majesty, one of them is the assistant general assigned to mymand by Your Majesty a while ago."


    Li Tai responded with a fist to his chest, his white hair and beard, wide tiger eyes, and full of momentum. Despite his advanced age, hemanded respect and was not to be underestimated.


    The Emperor''s face broke into a slight smile as he nodded, "Is it him? Very well. General Li, yourbors and merits are vast and your loyalty to our realm spans generations. It is heartening to see you still willing to take to the battlefield to achieve new victories for our Great Hua, yet it fills me with remorse. If there are young men who can assist you, sharing the burden, allow them to do so. This is a reflection of my appreciation for your service. Please, treat them kindly."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kind consideration," Li Tai expressed gratefully, fist to his chest.


    "And the other one? Is he also an officer in your army?" the Emperor inquired further.


    "The other one?" Li Tai hesitated momentarily before shaking his head, "He is not a top general under mymand, but was rmended by Minister Xu Wei. That being said, he is not an outsider either."


    The Emperor nced at Xu Wei, who quickly responded, "Your Majesty, during the suppression of the White Lotus in Shandong, he was themander of my right-wing army. He led a motley crew of over a thousand supply soldiers, killed the bravest warrior of the White Lotus on Weishan Lake, captured the White Lotus leader Lu Kanli, and reimed the city of Jining. His contribution to the eradication of the White Lotus was foremost."


    The Emperor nodded, "Now that you mention it, I do recall. He is the unsung hero who made a great contribution but didn''t seek rewards or fame, isn''t he? If it is indeed him, I am indeed looking forward to it."


    "Indeed, it''s him," Xu Wei replied respectfully. "He is a unique character, possessing exceptional talent, yet outwardly cunning and indifferent to public opinion. He was like a fish in the water in the secr world, a perfect embodiment of the saying, ''true hermits hide in the city''. His insights into military affairs are astounding, yet he is unwilling to join the army. I had to resort to some tactics this time, and had General Li''s beloved grandson put on a show to bring him out. The other party in today''s realbat confrontation is this man."


    Had Lin Wanrong been there and heard that all of this was arranged by Xu Wei, he would have been furious. You old man, you''ve done me dirty again.


    Xu Wei was a formidable character with unmatched learning and shrewd judgment. Hearing him rmend this "extraordinary man", the court officials began to discuss among themselves. Even the usuallyposed Prince Cheng''s eyes widened slightly, the light in his eyes shimmering. It was hard to tell what he was thinking.


    The Emperorughed heartily, "From what you describe, this man sounds remarkably talented. Where is he? I want to see what kind of remarkable person he is." As he spoke, the Emperor got up from the dragon couch and hurried towards the city wall. His attendants quickly supported him, and the imperial procession moved forward. The court officials followed, rushing towards the wall to catch a glimpse of this extraordinary man.


    "Dare I request something from Your Majesty," Xu Wei stepped forward, stopping in front of the imperial procession, and bowed.


    "Minister Xu," the Emperor said impatiently, "Are you trying to pique my interest? If you have something to say, say it quickly."


    Xu Wei chuckled awkwardly, "It''s not that I''m trying to tantalize Your Majesty. It''s just that this extraordinary man often disregards convention and is audaciously unconventional. There is little in this world that he wouldn''t dare do. I can''t guarantee he won''t do something outrageous during the uing livebat. Anything is possible with him, and whatever happens would be considered normal. I merely ask Your Majesty and my colleagues to be aware of this, and not me him for any surprises."


    The Emperor''s expression was enigmatic as he gave a meaningful smile. He replied cryptically, "It matters not. All extraordinary people are bound to act out of the ordinary. The mock battle today, being simr to a real one, naturally allows for unpredictable actions. No matter what he does, I pardon him of all offenses."


    Seemingly intrigued by this unusual character, the Emperor hurriedly moved closer to the wall after finishing his sentence and began looking into the distance.


    There, over a thousand soldiers stood strong and majestic. After squinting at them for a moment, the Emperor pointed towards a figure within the formation and asked, "Minister Xu, is that white-robed young general the unknown hero, the extraordinary man of the marketce you speak of?"


    "A white-robed young general?" Xu Wei was taken aback. When did a man in a white robe appear? He quickly moved beside the Emperor and looked into the distance. Among the new army of soldiers d in yellow armor, one man donned a white cloak, moving to and fro. His presence wasmanding, indeed an eye-catching sight.


    Although he couldn''t make out the man''s face from the distance, his shy demeanor was a dead giveaway. Ah, the white-robed Lin San, Xu Wei thought with a smile, anticipation growing within him.


    ¡­


    "Do you know who your opponent is?" Miss Xu asked Lin San, who was brimming with an impressive aura. This shook her a little, and she quickly followed with her question.


    "This is a skirmish, who the opponent is doesn''t matter. I trust my brothers," Lin Wanrong answered righteously. However, his face suddenly lit up with a mischievous smile. "Hey, Miss Xu, don''t take what I said seriously. That''s just something to say on the battlefield, to boost morale ¡ª who is that guy on the other side? Why does he seem so clueless?"


    His changing moods were difficult toprehend, which amused Miss Xu. Without setting foot on the battlefield, she wondered who was indeed clueless here.


    "The one on the other side is the assistant general who was assigned by the Emperor to assist General Li some time ago. I only met him yesterday, and interestingly, you also know him," Xu Zhiqing responded with a mysterious smile.


    "I know him?" Lin Wanrong asked in surprise, "It''s not the Top Schr, is it?"


    Xu Zhiqing nodded, "It is indeed Top Schr Su. Don''t underestimate him. He is well-versed in military strategies and tactics, having thousands of stratagems at his disposal. He has been forming up impressive formations during the recent drills in the army, which even General Li praised."


    "Really, Top Schr Su? Damn, he''s got some real talent. From wielding a writing brush tomanding the army, he''s truly versatile," Lin Wanrong said with a slight smile, "Thank you, Miss Xu, for providing this vital information. However, he''s out of luck encountering me. When I was fighting in Shandong, my brothers gave me a nickname, ''One with a thousand knots in the heart, employing myriad tricks daily.'' Oh, ''employing myriad tricks daily,'' do you understand what it means, Miss Xu?"


    Seeing the mischievous smile on his face, Xu Zhiqing knew his words couldn''t be anything decent. She shot him a re and decided to ignore hisment.


    "General, please instruct us," Hu Bugui stepped forward, speaking loudly. Lin Wanrong nodded, then nced down at himself. While his brothers were all dressed in impressive armors, he had yet to properly equip himself.


    "Won''t you wear armor?" Xu Zhiqing asked as she saw that Lin Wanrong''s troops were all assembled and ready, but he, theirmander, was the only one dressed casually, which made her frown.


    "I don''t have armor." Lin Wanrong chuckled, turned around, and shouted, "Xu Zhen, bring me my battle robe."


    "At yourmand!" Xu Zhen spurred his horse forward, reined in, and respectfully handed over a set of garments. Miss Xu swept her gaze over them to find a white cloak and a tattered feather fan sourced from who knows where.


    Lin Wanrong donned the cloak and gave it a light shake; it billowed in the wind, giving him an imposing air. Holding the small feather fan, he swayed it slightly, presenting himself as a figure of Taoist elegance. "Miss Xu, what do you think of my attire? Do I resemble the Dragon of Changshan (Zhao Yun), the Brightness of Zhuge, or the Virtuous Minister from the dream [TL: This refers to Deng Tong of Han Dynasty]?"


    "What do you mean by the Dragon of Changshan, the Brightness of Zhuge, and the Virtuous Minister from the dream?" Miss Xu shook her head slightly. This man''s words were odd and hard to understand. Lin Wanrong''splexion was quite dark, so this White Cloak Young General attire made him stand out as if snowkes had lightly dusted a piece of coal. Xu Zhiqing suppressed herughter, asking, "Are you ready?"


    ¡®Damn it,¡¯ Lin Wanrong just remembered that this world had neither Zhao Yun and Zhuge Liang, nor did it contain "The Legend of Sui and Tang" and Xue Rengui. Naturally, nobody recognized his outfit. No wonder Xu Zhen looked puzzled when he gave the order earlier. Damn it, he originally nned to perform a drama of the "White Cloak Young General" and the "Virtuous Minister from the dream". But now, he had made himself aughingstock. The show-off had utterly failed.


    Right now, he couldn''t afford to worry about that. Lin Wanrong strolled around the front of the formation of thousands of soldiers. Seeing the expectation on the soldiers'' faces, he gently waved his feather fan and softly asked, "Brothers, do you know what we are here to do?"


    "Practice drill!" the crowd chorused in response.


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª" A ck horse before Lin Wanrong reared, its forehooves leaping into the air, as Lin Wanrong''s swordnded on its hindquarters. Its long neigh overshadowed the crowd''s voices. Lin Wanrong''s eyes showed a ruthless light as he shouted fiercely, "I didn''t hear clearly. Say it again!"


    "Practice drill!" The crowd repeated in unison.


    "Hiss¡ª¡ª" Another startling neigh echoed, followed by a burst of bloody light soaring several feet high. The neighing ceased abruptly as the war horse''s head separated from its body. It was Lin General''s swift sword strike, beheading the war horse.


    "Drill? Is this a drill?" Lin Wanrong held his long sword, drops of blood dripping down from the de. His eyes were bloodshot, emitting a murderous aura. "You won''t find the word ''drill'' in a soldier''s dictionary. This is war, it''s kill or be killed. Understand?"


    Upon seeing the bloody scene, the old soldiers who had experienced bloody battles instantly woke up, their blood boiling. They understood General Lin''s intentions at once. Lin Wanrong''s gaze became calm, his face expressionless, "I''ll ask one more time, what are we going to do?"


    "Kill or be killed!" The soldiers drew their long swords and a shocking murderous aura erupted instantly.


    Those behind Lin Wanrong, like Du Xiuyuan, were trembling in fear. While a war game was indeed meant to emte real warfare, after all, this was still a drill. If they followed General Lin''s style, it would turn into a real fight.


    Only Hu Bugui and Li Wuling looked satisfied. Li Wuling was filled with boiling passion, shouting, "Damn, let''s fight!"


    Hu Bugui, with his mouth wide open, licked his dry lips and said, "That''s right, this is how a war should be fought. Soldiers are made in battle, not from everyday fancy footwork and drills."


    Du Xiuyuan worriedly asked, "Brother Hu, if we follow General Lin''s style, won''t it cause trouble?"


    Hu Bugui shook his head, "There''s no need for fear. Among all the troops, only General Lin has a real weapon in hand. The rest only have blunted spears and unsharpened swords. The worst that could happen would be a broken arm or leg, or internal bleeding from a few hits. We can''t lose many men. The fierceness of the northern nomads is partly due to their valor and worship of the strong, the constant infighting has shaped their current strength."


    Du Xiuyuan shook his head, "Even if few would die in this battle, the injuries will surely increase dramatically. Could this lead to a mutiny among the soldiers? Don''t forget that the emperor and the officials are watching."


    Hu Bugui''s eyes widened, "You fool! You are regressing! This is realbat, not a drill. What I admire most about General Lin is exactly that: there''s no such word as ''drill'' in a soldier''s dictionary. Do you think the northern nomads would show mercy just because the Emperor and the officials are watching? This is a lesson for the soldiers, so they can bleed less when they fight the northern nomads in the future."


    Lin Wanrong, hearing the argument behind him, remained silent. He handed his blood-streaked sword to Xu Zhen and said quietly, "Bury this warhorse with generous rites."


    Xu Zhiqing was stunned by this. His change of temperament was so swift. He had beenughing and joking just now, but in the blink of an eye, he executed the horse without moving an eyeball. If one wanted to see what brutality was, this was it!


    Fighting real battles instead of drills, it was apletely different military concept, pragmatic with strong utilitarian undertones. It was both terrifying and exhrating. Had he fought wars this way in Shandong? Xu Zhiqing was beginning to understand.


    Everything was ready. Seeing Xu Zhiqing riding off into the distance, Lin Wanrong solemnly asked Li Sheng, "Brother Li, have you prepared everything I asked for?"


    Li Sheng replied, "There wasn''t much time, so I didn''t find much. But there''s plenty of hay!" He pointed around, and they saw piles of hay stacks, "These are the rations for the horses during the drill, enough for at least three days."


    Lin Wanrong whispered something in his ear. Li Sheng eximed, "This... how could this be?"


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes sparkled with determination. He said sternly, "In realbat, anything can happen. Brother Li, just do as I said."


    After receiving the order, Li Sheng left. Lin Wanrong finished arranging his troops, and they stood in line, ready to move.


    Just as General Lin was about to give the order, a cannon sounded from the opposing side. This was followed by earth-shattering battle cries. Uncountable soldiers with raised weapons rushed forward like a tide.


    Damn it, they''reing! Lin Wanrong took one nce, cursed in his heart, then felt something was off. He counted with disbelief in his eyes. Unable to keep track, he smacked his feather fan down and roared angrily, "Damn it, we''ve been duped! They imed it''s a thousand men, but this is clearly five thousand!"


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 Chapter 313

    Chapter 313


    Chapter 313 First Victory


    "What''s going on here?" Standing on the city wall, Xu Zhiqing, who was watching the exercise with Xu Wei and Li Tai, saw the scene before her, and couldn''t help but frown slightly, whispering, "Wasn''t it agreed that each side would have a thousand people? Why has General Su''s side suddenly gained so many more troops?"


    Xu Wei was also puzzled. Looking at Li Tai, the old general''s weather-beaten face showed no expression, and he said solemnly, "Everything is close to actualbat, and any unexpected urrence is normal. War does not negotiate terms. On this point, Su Mubai is doing well. I''m afraid Lin San is going to suffer a disadvantage."


    Xu Zhiqing clenched her teeth. Just now, she had personally told Lin San that each side would have a thousand men. Who knew that in the blink of an eye, Su Mubai had produced five times the troops? By calction, although it was unintentional, she had misreported the information, putting Lin San in a dangerous situation. She felt somewhat confused, could Lin San hold out in this round?


    The Emperor heard the conversation and suddenly became interested. "Oh? Minister Xu, General Li, are you saying that this troop movement was improvised by Su Mubai? And none of you knew about it?"


    Li Tai bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the art of war is deceptive. Su Mubai''s move is in line with military principles and has surprised everyone. This actualbat exercise might turn out to be quite lively."


    The Emperor''s face showed a hint of a smile, and he nodded, "Those who aplish great things do not adhere to the trivial. Su Mubai''s unexpected move is not in vain. I put him next to the old general to learn. Very good, very good. Minister Xu, what do you think of theparison between Su Mubai and the unique person you rmended? Who is superior?"


    Xu Wei thought for a while, bowed and said, "Your Majesty, Top Schr Su uses troops in a miraculous way, he indeed has exceptional talent. But the person I rmended is not easily defeated, there might be quite a fight in this battle."


    "There should be a fight, a good one." The Emperorughed loudly, a mysterious smile in his eyes, "My dear ministers, today''s military exercise has this unexpected situation, so we can witness with our own eyes the real battle of our Great Hua''s lions. This is a rare sight in a century. Let''s just watch the changes here." The ministers saw the Emperor''s high spirits and all responded loudly, then shifted their attention back to the training field.Xu Wei anxiously looked at the distance, only to see Su Mubai''s five thousand troops far away, their formation steady and dense, like a tide going against the opponent. Although Lin San was at a disadvantage, his army was in good order and showed no rashness. He felt a glimmer of hope rising in his heart: ¡®Little Brother Lin, you must not disappoint me.¡¯


    Seeing Xu Zhiqing''s worried face, Li Tai asked, "Zhiqing, who do you think will win this battle, Su Mubai or Lin San?"


    Xu Zhiqing remained silent, then sighed after a long time, "Who wins and who loses, I dare not to judge rashly. I only know one thing. Even if Su Mubai wins, it will be a Pyrrhic victory."


    Xu Wei looked at Xu Zhiqing and nodded, smiling, "Zhiqing, you really have seen through Lin San. This man does not conform to norms in his actions and character, always exceeding expectations." He turned to Li Tai and said, "General Li, let''s make a bet. If Lin San wins today''s battle, I will invite you to my home for three days of wine."


    Before Li Tai could answer, the Emperor, thoroughly intrigued by the conversation,ughed and said, "Minister Xu, given your words, could it be that you have no confidence in the talented individual you rmended, and are now favoring Su Mubai? Otherwise, why would you willingly offer to foot the bill for the drinks?"


    Xu Wei shook his head, saying, "Not at all, not at all. This old servant would be more than d to pay for the drinks. If Lin San emerges victorious, even if it costs me a fortune to treat all my colleagues to ten days and nights of drinking, I would be more than willing."


    The Emperor chuckled, "This is truly interesting. Minister Xu, count me in for your banquet, I too wish to taste that Daughter Red you have kept in your cer for so long."


    This statement elicitedughter from everyone present, causing Xu Zhiqing''s face to redden with embarrassment. The ''Daughter Red'' that Xu Wei kept in his cer was a special wine reserved for his daughter''s wedding. Regrettably, Xu Zhiqing, who had lost her betrothed to the ravages of war before they could even meet, had left this special wine without an asion to be uncorked.


    The Emperor''s words were intended as a light jest at the female strategist''s expense, causing everyone to roar withughter. Everyone, except for Li Tai, who sighed and shook his head. Xu Zhiqing''s marital mishap was indeed a fault on the part of the Li family. He nced at Xu Zhiqing and said, "Zhiqing, if there is someone you fancy, just let your uncle know. Your uncle will help arrange the marriage for you. You are the precious daughter of the Xu family, and also my own dear girl. We will definitely see you married off in a grand fashion."


    Xu Zhiqing, her face slightly flushed, gave a graceful smile and replied, "Thank you, Your Majesty, and Uncle Li for your kindness. I, Zhiqing, am devoted to the world and have no lingering attachment to the matters of marriage. As for the fine wines of the Xu family, I ask everyone to enjoy them freely."


    "Quick, look¡ª" Xu Wei, who had been intently watching the distant battlefield, suddenly cried out in surprise, drawing everyone''s attention. As they turned their gaze to the field, they saw the gs of Lin San''s army fluttering, the figures moving, Lin San was starting to make his move.


    ¡ª---


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s words, Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan looked over, only to see dust whirling up on the battlefield, countless heads bobbing in a sea of soldiers. Amidst the thunderous galloping of thousands of horses, an innumerable wave of soldiers surged towards them like a raging tide.


    "Damn, at least five thousand men." Hu Bugui smirked, a sh of excitement in his eyes, "This is going to be a real fight. That Top Schr knows how to y this hand, he''s not a simpleton after all."


    It was Li Wuling''s first time witnessing such a grand scene. Although young, he came from a military family. Seeing the current situation, he waved the long saber in his hand, let out a battle cry, his horse neighed, and he began to shout excitedly, "Let''s fight, a good fight."


    "These two are truly war fanatics," Du Xiuyuan gave a bitter smile. He was known for his tactical brilliance, always calm and collected in the face of adversity. With the opposing force five times their number, charging at them with an overwhelming momentum, he nced at Lin Wanrong with concern, and quietly asked, "General, what should we do?"


    ¡®Damn, this Su fellow looks sophisticated, but I didn''t expect him to be such an expert in covert operations,¡¯ Lin Wanrong swallowed, moistening his dry throat, and asked, "Brother Du, if we were to sh head-on with them, what are our chances of victory?"


    Du Xiuyuan and Hu Bugui often trained with the opposing soldiers, so they had a deep understanding of theirbat capabilities. Upon hearing this, Du Xiuyuan pondered and said, "If it''s one against two, our men would surely win. Against three, we might be slightly outmatched."


    "Even if it''s one against three, there won''t be any problems," Hu Bugui strongly countered, "General Lin, none of the soldiers under mymand are cowards who fear death."


    Unlike Hu Bugui, the belligerent one, Lin Wanrong dared not believe his words. It was more reliable to listen to Du Xiuyuan''s advice. Lin Wanrong had implemented thest elimination system, and it had been faithfully executed by Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan. This nearly ruthless method greatly enhanced thebat effectiveness of the soldiers. The assertion that one could battle two was no empty im. However, the soldiers on the opposing side were also the elites of the Great Hua and should not be taken lightly.


    During the momentary quiet as they all fell into contemtion, Lin Wanrong looked across the field. He saw Su Mubai''s force of 5,000 soldiers, at least 1,500 of whom were cavalry, rushing forward with horse neighs and sword swings. Their formation was solid and well-coordinated, clearly the result of extensive practice. The long spears of the infantry followed closely, in a strict formation and appearing indomitable, proving that they were no ordinary foes. The distance of several dozen feet between the cavalry and infantry was the standard arrangement for abined attack formation.


    Witnessing the thousands of enemy cavalry charging in front, Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth. "Dammit," he thought. "Good thing I''ve got tricks up my sleeve and had prepared something with Li Sheng in advance. Otherwise, I wouldn''t even know I was being trampled by that Su fellow."


    "Li Sheng¡ª" Lin Wanrong shouted.


    "Present¡ª" Li Sheng came rushing over, his face filled with both excitement and anticipation. Behind him were hundreds of horses, pulling dozens ofrge wagonsden with bundles of hay, surprisingly provisions for the warhorses.


    "Brother Li, I won''t say much. The honor and life of my thousands of brothers are in your hands," Lin Wanrong said after a brief pause. Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan exchanged puzzled looks, wondering what General Lin meant. Were they going to send the Divine Machine Unit into the fray?


    Li Sheng bowed, saying, "General, your foresight is unmatched. I am fully convinced."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled without exining, straightened his face and bellowed, "Where is the Divine Machine Unit?"


    Hundreds of archers promptly lined up, forming abat formation with their powerful bows in hand. They took their positions at the front, their eyes sharp, directly facing the thousands of enemy cavalry charging towards them.


    Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan both went pale. How could these hundreds of archers withstand the charge of the enemy''s thousand cavalry? Had General Lin gone mad?


    "General Lin¡ª" A worried Hu Bugui was about to speak when Lin Wanrong raised his hand and said, "Follow orders, obeymands, archers prepare."


    Over a hundred archers drew their bows and readied their arrows. The opponent cavalry, advancing at a furious pace, had quickly entered the range of the arrows. Lin Wanrong roared, "Release arrows."


    Hundreds of arrows, like a storm of locusts, flew toward the charging cavalry. These were arrows used in actualbat, with blunt, unsharpened tips instead of sharp points, so their lethality was extremely limited. However, the Divine Machine Unit in Li Sheng''s army wasposed of select archers, and their aim was very urate. Half of the arrows hit the horses'' eyes directly. Hundreds of warhorses neighed, suffering in pain, they stumbled and fell, throwing dozens of cavalrymen off. Their cries of pain were incessant.


    "Well struck!" Li Wuling shouted excitedly. Witnessing such a battlefield scene for the first time, his childlike enthusiasm naturally knew no bounds. However, Du Xiuyuan and Hu Bugui remained deeply concerned. The method of targeting the horse''s eyes with arrows, learned from Hu Bugui''s own experience fighting against the northern nomads and supplemented by the exceptional archers of the Divine Machine Unit, had achieved a decent effect. Nevertheless, the opposing force had at least one thousand five hundred cavalrymen, and a loss of a few hundred would hardly scratch the surface, but only provoke their murderous spirit.


    Sure enough, having lost some of their men, the enemy cavalry seemed to grow more ferocious. Their charge was faster, and they cleverly changed their formation in mid-gallop, switching from horizontal to vertical to disrupt the targeting of the archers. The arrows of the Divine Machine Unit suddenly lost their potency. By the time one volley of arrows was over, the damage to the enemy cavalry had been limited.


    "Charge!" The opposing cavalrymen roared, their horses flying. They switched from vertical back to horizontal, rushing in like a surging tide.


    "Divine Machine Unit, fall back, Li Sheng--" Lin Wanrong roared his orders.


    "Understood!" Li Sheng, poised and ready, had already prepared his men. At Lin Wanrong''smand, several hundred cavalrymen spurred their horses, rapidly dragging wagons loaded with grain and forming a barrier of hay bales before the enemy cavalry in the blink of an eye.


    No sooner had the grain been positioned than the enemy cavalry came charging. Panicking, Li Sheng yelled, "Retreat, retreat quickly!"


    True to their discipline, hundreds of Lin San''s cavalrymen obeyed themand to retreat. They swiftly leaped onto their horses, galloping away as though flying. Although their movement was extremely coordinated, using such skill for fleeing was regrettable.


    The Emperor and his ministers on the city tower watched everything unfold clearly. They thought Lin San too pitiful, retreating hastily after just one volley of arrows. Could these grain wagons standing in the way really stop Su Mubai''s unstoppable cavalry charge? It seemed far too naive.


    All eyes turned to Xu Wei. Minister Xu was highly educated and insightful, but it seemed today he had misjudged, fervently rmending such an ipetent individual to the Emperor, which was truly disappointing.


    "General Li, how is Su Mubai''s military deployment? Is there any mistake?" The Emperor, while watching the two battling parties, asked Li Tai beside him.


    Li Tai shook his head, "Su Mubai''s conduct in this battle is a ssic military strategy from the textbooks ¨C cavalry charging with infantry following. It''s well executed. The cavalry formation changes swiftly and strikes powerfully, and the infantry is also fast, but--"


    On this city wall, there were few who knew military strategy. Li Tai, being the top general in Great Hua, had been through thousands of battles and had a wealth of experience. His words could hardly be doubted.


    Hearing him praising Su Mubai, the Emperor nodded slightly. Noticing his change in tone, the Emperor smiled, "Old general, don''t be so courteous when pointing out the mistakes of a junior. Just speak your mind."


    After observing for a while, Li Tai said, "The only w is the distance maintained between the cavalry and the infantry, it''s slightly too far. ording to the military books, this distance is not wrong. But in my experience in real battles, it''s somewhat inappropriate. In a in battle like this, the infantry and the cavalry should be closely connected to prevent the cavalry from being cut off and annihted. What do you think, Miss Xu?"


    The Emperor smiled and nced at Xu Zhiqing. The youngdy bowed and said, "I deeply agree with Uncle Li''s opinion. Today''s battle, I''m afraid, will bring about unexpected developments."


    The Emperor nodded. "Now that we''re done discussing Su Mubai, let''s move on to the prodigy rmended by you, Minister Xu. General Li, what do you think of his performance?"


    Li Tai gazed at the heap of hay obstructing the cavalry''s path in the distance and shook his head. "I don''t understand Lin San''s actions. This strategy of using hay bales to block the soldiers isn''t from any military book I''ve read. However, looking at the current situation, one thing is certain..."


    "What is certain?" The Emperor, intrigued by the veteran general''s analysis of the battlefield, quickly asked.


    Li Tai smiled and said, "Miss Xu, why don''t you share your thoughts?" All eyes turned to Xu Zhiqing, even the usually silent Prince Cheng attentively listened to her words.


    Xu Zhiqing slightly smiled and said, "During the chaos of battle, Lin San''s tactic of using hay bales to block the soldiers, and then retreat without fighting, could only mean two things."


    The Emperor chuckled bitterly. "Miss Xu, don''t keep me in suspense. I''ll keep your Daughter Red in mind."


    The court roared withughter, causing Xu Zhiqing''s cheeks to flush. She quietly said, "If it''s not that Lin San is ipetent, then he is feigning weakness to n a counterattack."


    n a counterattack? The court was shocked. What could possibly be threatening about the supplies? And furthermore, Lin San''s entire army had already withdrawn. Could there possibly be people hidden within the supplies?


    Boom¡ªBoom¡ªTwo massive explosions shook the ground, and even the Emperor''s imperial tent trembled slightly.


    "Who''s firing? Protect the Emperor¡ªQuickly protect the Emperor¡ª" The court officials yelled in rm. A few pce guards rushed over to shield the Emperor.


    Experienced soldiers like Xu Wei and Li Tai remained calm, while the emperorughed. "Protect what? This is real battle, are a couple of cannon shots not normal?" He looked towards the distance, where mes flickered. Lin San''s troops were nowhere to be seen.


    ¡ª---


    Su Mubai''s cavalry moved extremely quickly. In the blink of an eye, they arrived in front of the supply wagons. Seeing Lin San''s soldiers abandon their wagons, a hint of contempt shed across the faces of the cavalrymen. They didn''t stop their horses and charged straight through the blockage, causing thousands of pieces of hay to scatter and form a long trail. It was a sight to behold. In a split second, the cavalry had broken through the hay bale line and charged straight into Lin San''s army.


    "Boom¡ª" A shrill scream echoed, and arge cannonball seemed to find its target on the haystack behind the cavalry. The haystack instantly ignited.


    A cold sweat broke out on the cavalrymander of Su Mubai''s unit. This was a drill, not a real battle, yet Lin San dared to fire like this. Had he gone mad?


    Before he could finish his thoughts, another explosion shook the ground. The haystacks were blowing up one after another, like a chain of fireworks, releasing waves of heat. In a blink of an eye, the haystacks exploded and ignited, forming a long line of fire, instantly separating the cavalry from the infantry.


    Explosives! The cavalrymander instantly understood. The haystacks were hidingyers of explosives. To feign weakness, Lin San intentionally abandoned the hay bales, to make them lower their guard, then ignited the explosives with the cannons. Damn it, was this a drill? Lin San was trying to kill them!


    A wave of searing heat swept over, and the warhorses leading the charge felt the rolling inferno at their rear. Panicked, they neighed loudly and sprinted forward with all their might. These horses, well-trained in regr times, would usually respond obediently to the reins, but in the face of the roaring mes behind them, even their riders could not control their pace despite pulling the reins desperately. Thousands of horses ran wild, bolting forward as if possessed.


    The few dozen horses at the front stumbled after a few strides forward. Their front legs folded, heads pitched forward, and they toppled over, sending dozens of riders flying and crashing to the ground.


    "Tripwires!" Themander eximed in horror. He hoisted his long sword and yanked the reins frantically, bellowing, "Halt, halt! There are tripwires ahead!"


    The more than a thousand cavalries knew the danger of tripwires, but with the intensifying mes behind, the normally docile horses had gone mad. Hundreds of horses surged forward, only to tumble before the ropes. The horses at the back could not stop, leaping high and stepping on their fallenrades, one after another crashing to the ground. Those barely controlled by their reins reared high on their hind legs, their cries filling the air, and violently unseated their riders. In an instant, men and horses were strewn about, cries of pain echoing around the horrific scene.


    ¡ª---


    Du Xiuyuan watched the scene in front of him with a heavy heart. These men were his brothers, and although they would not lose their lives, the severe injuries would take months to heal, and he feared their recovery was uncertain.


    Lin Wanrong also understood his feelings. How could he bear to see such a sight? But this was the reality of warfare. He had already shown mercy today. If not, the cavalry in the field, trapped between ropes in the front and fire at the back, would be easy targets for archers. Wiping them out would be a cinch.


    He patted Du Xiuyuan''s shoulder and said with a bitter smile, "Brother Du, think of us as the northern nomads. That way, it might feel a little better. Today, these brothers have been injured, but they have learned a valuable lesson. In the future, if they encounter fierce northern nomads, they can shed less blood. Don''t you think?"


    Du Xiuyuan responded with a hearty smile, "General Lin, you''re absolutely right. Let''s just think of ourselves as the bad guys and teach them a lesson. I pride myself on knowing military strategies, but when ites to tactics, I am no match for you. Only you would dare to hide explosives in the haystack. However, we have fired cannons today in the presence of the Emperor. It''s quite disrespectful. Could this lead to trouble?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, saying, "I can''t be sure about that. But having made my move, should I wait to bepletely annihted by my opponent?"


    Du Xiuyuan, a meticulous thinker, nodded helplessly. His question was truly out of concern, "Firing the cannon is one thing, but there''s another matter that still worries me."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Are you about to ask if I fire a cannon, will Su Mubai also fire a few at us?"


    "That''s exactly it." Du Xiuyuan nodded, "Since we''re the ones who initiated, he wouldn''t hold back either."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I''m gambling on him not daring to fire. We fired the cannon, but only burnt straw, and up till now, we haven''t fought them directly. He''s a schr who aspires to be an official, unlike us who don''t have any reservations. If he really dares to fire, then we''d be done for along with his fifteen hundred cavalry. Sure, he would win, but at the cost of killing innocents and treating soldiers like expendable pawns. If word of this spreads, how could he lead troops or be an official? If you were him, would you dare?"


    So, this was human nature. Du Xiuyuan sighed in resignation. General Lin''s understanding of people hit the nail on the head. On this count alone, who among all the courts and the public couldpare with him?


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 Chapter 314

    Chapter 314


    Chapter 314 Surprise Attack


    Seeing the path before them blocked, and the elite cavalry ambushed, the infantry battalion behind the cavalry fell into immediate panic. With all their might, they frantically surged forward. They were well aware that only by joining with the cavalry ahead could they possibly turn the tide of their impending defeat.


    Before Li Tai''s army had set out, they had been rigorously training in this field. The food and fodder in the center were ample enough to feed tens of thousands of warhorses for several days. Such abundant resources were picked up as an easy gain by General Lin, who lit it aze with a single cannon shot. The fire grew fiercer, trapping thousands of infantrymen outside the zing circle. Extinguishing it wasn''t as simple as it might have seemed.


    "Now this is how you wage war," Hu Bugui said, his ferocity ignited. He didn''t care that his opponents were also the elite of Great Hua. With a lift of his long saber, he cried out, "Brothers, charge!"


    His five hundred cavalrymen, like a whirlwind, rushed forward. They were the handpicked warriors of Hu Bugui, having been tested in numerous battles. Their fierceness was beyond question, and the saying ''one against three'' wasn''t an exaggeration in their case.


    Su Mubai''s cavalry was also Great Hua''s finest, but they had taken a heavy blow today. Almost half their numbers had fallen without even engaging inbat, they were a weary and dispirited group, their fighting strength significantly diminished. Despite the desperate resistance under the leadership of theirmanding officer, they were no match for Hu Bugui''s men. Fresh and high-spirited, Hu Bugui''s five hundred cavalrymen charged, felling the opposing cavalry like a gust of wind sweeping away fallen leaves. Even though they hadn''t exposed their spears or unsheathed their swords, in cavalrybat, to be knocked off one''s horse meant defeat.


    Though young, Li Wuling, the direct grandson of Li Tai, stubbornly followed Hu Bugui and Xu Zhen into battle, rushing as the third in line. He plunged into the enemy lines, spear stabbing and sweeping aside foes, quickly toppling two men. His formidable prowess was a testament to his reputation as the young tiger of his family.


    As thebat on Hu Bugui''s side was nearing its end, Du Xiuyuan shifted his gaze to the infantry on the opposite side, and eximed in surprise, "General Lin, the enemy troops are about to cross the burning field."


    The burning fodder spread incredibly quickly, leaving the three thousand infantrymen no time to extinguish it. They merely managed to block the fire on both ends, creating a narrow passage in the middle. Thousands of troops passed through this passage to assist their cavalry.Lin Wanrong took a distant look, spotting the thousands of infantry with their gleaming weapons, like a rolling ck line charging toward them. He chuckled, lightly fanning himself with his feather fan, "Five times the soldiers can assault a city. Now, we''re fighting on a in. Even though Su Mubai is the main attacker, there''s no need for him to use five times the soldiers! This top schr brother is quite cautious."


    Seeing General Lin''s rxed and carefree expression, Du Xiuyuan wondered what n he had in mind. But he couldn''t ignore the fact that the enemy infantry were umting rapidly, most of them had already crossed the burning field, assembled into formations, and were advancing in an orderly manner.


    One had to admit, Su Mubai''s warfare strategies, every move and every action, were deeply rooted in the doctrines of military strategy. The formation of the three thousand infantry was tight, capable of both attacking and defending, disying a deep understanding of military strategy. It seemed that the Top Schr brother had indeed studied military strategy diligently.


    "Brother Du, tell me, has all of Su Mubai''s infantry arrived?" Lin Wanrong asked with a smile.


    Du Xiuyuan squinted and reported, "General, over half of the three thousand troops have crossed."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, ncing over at the cavalry led by Hu Bugui. The intense battle was nearing its end, with most of the enemy cavalry unhorsed, only a few were still desperately struggling. Warhorses were chaotically scattered, running in all directions, causing much disorder.


    General Lin raised an eyebrow and bellowed, "Where is Du Xiuyuan?"


    Finally, finally, he was called. Du Xiuyuan felt a tightening in his heart and quickly saluted, loudly responding, "Your servant is here!"


    "Lead four hundred infantry to assist Hu Bugui in rounding up the enemy''s cavalry horses. Gather any that can still breathe and that have not broken a leg directly in front of the enemy lines. Hand them over to Li Sheng."


    "Understood," Du Xiuyuan excitedly replied. Although he did not know what General Lin wanted with these warhorses, seeing the smile between his brows, Du Xiuyuan intuitively felt that the general already had a n.


    The primed four hundred infantry, under Du Xiuyuan''s lead, rapidly rushed toward the site of the cavalry battle. Having kept General Lin''s instructions in mind, the soldiers rushed to catch the reins of the rampant warhorses in the field. The horses, startled by the fire, were highly unsettled. It took a considerable effort to gather them all, but each soldier ended up leading two horses. With men shouting and horses neighing, it was quite lively.


    Hu Bugui, true to his im of one against three, had quickly reduced the enemy cavalry to a singlemander. A blow from the back of Hu Bugui''s broad knife sent the enemy leader tumbling from his horse. The leader rolled on the ground, but when he rose, he was ring angrily, evidently unconvinced of his defeat.


    Hu Buguiughed loudly, "Liu Guoxuan, do you admit defeat?"


    Liu Guoxuan red, "Youunched a surprise attack with your cannons, using cunning tricks. I, Liu Guoxuan, do not ept. If you have the guts, fight me in a fair battle."


    Hu Bugui sneered, "You have five thousand men to encircle our one thousand, and you have the audacity to talk about cunning tricks? If I were the one unhorsed today, would you still be talking about cunning tricks?"


    Liu Guoxuan¡¯s face showed a touch of shame, and he fell silent. Lin Wanrong shook his head as he watched. The man was certainly straightforward, but the battlefield was no ce for only bravery. Sure, it sounded good to say everyone was open and straightforward, but could war be waged like that?


    "Reporting to the general, the enemy cavalry has been annihted. Awaiting your next orders," Hu Bugui reported enthusiastically, riding up to Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, only to see Li Sheng also riding up from afar, reporting, "Reporting to the general, our Divine Machine Unit is ready. We are waiting for yourmand."


    Lin Wanrong gave a slight smile and nodded in acknowledgment. Hu Bugui curiously asked, "Li Sheng, what did the general ask you to do?"


    Li Sheng had hit the pile of grain in the center with his cannon today, dead center, which was a first-rate achievement. He was feeling quite pleased with himself. Hearing Hu Bugui''s question, heughed and said, "The secrets of the Divine Machine Unit cannot be revealed. If you want to know, ask General Lin."


    His admiration for General Lin could no longer be described simply as respect. General Lin was almost a deity, a master of foresight and preparation. He had organized numerous resources in advance, and now, every one of them could be put to use. Although Li Sheng greatly respected General Lin, he had not foreseen that General Lin''s principle of ''preparation for the unforeseen'' would be brought into y even if the enemy numbered just a thousand. The mantra of General Lin was simple: prefer lying to sitting, use any means at your disposal, and opt for the simplest way.


    Lin Wanrong scanned the scene before him. He saw that Du Xiuyuan and his soldiers had gathered around eight hundred war horses, all waiting for hismand.


    General Lin smirked and leaped onto his horse. His clothes billowed in the wind, and he waved his fan nonchntly. He exuded a remarkably free and easy demeanor. "Brother Hu, Brother Li, shall we join Brother Du?" No sooner had the words left his mouth than he spurred his horse and took the lead, heading towards Du Xiuyuan and the others.


    ¡ª---


    "The infantry of Su Mubai has crossed the fire line and still holds an overwhelming advantage. General Li, what are your thoughts on the uing battle?" The Emperor asked, gazing into the distance with a mild smile ying on his lips. His eyes were a sea of tranquility, giving nothing away about his thoughts.


    "Numerical superiority does not necessarily equate to situational advantage. Lin San has managed to cause a significant loss to Su Mubai''s elite cavalry, while losing less than a hundred men. His military strategy is unpredictable and no one can discern his next move. I fear it won''t be easy for Su Mubai to turn the tide." Li Tai, a veteran strategist, analyzed the situation clearly, earning nods of agreement from everyone present. Xu Wei sighed inwardly, amazed at Lin San''s unconventional strategies and endless surprises.


    "However¡ª" Li Tai''s words took a turn, expressing his annoyance. "This young man iswless. He dared to fire the cannon in front of the Emperor and burn the grains that were meant to feed our army''s horses for several days. It''s infuriating. If it wasn''t for the fact that his conduct in the battle is eptable, I would have surely disciplined him severely."


    No one dared to respond. It was clear to the insightful ones among them that while Li Tai appeared to be ming Lin San, he was actually defending him, taking advantage of the Emperor''s good mood.


    The Emperor chuckled, "If he wins today''s battle, I''ll pardon him. But if he loses and has also burnt my grains, well then, old general, you may deal with him strictly."


    "Your Majesty is wise!" Xu Wei was the first to respond, saluting hastily. The Emperorughed heartily, only for Xu Wei to add, "However, there''s something I don''t understand."


    "Speak!"


    Xu Wei paused briefly, stealing a nce at the Emperor''s face before gently saying, "Today''s duel between the two sides was intended to be a demonstration, yet Su Mubai has arbitrarily mobilized his troops. This, this...is quite against the rules."


    "No, no." Li Tai shook his head, "Brother Xu, you do not know the full story. Today''s military exercise was set up by me to assess Su Mubai, it had already been exined, he is themander of this field. Today, on the training ground, there are tens of thousands of soldiers, apart from those led by Lin San, the rest were all at his disposal. Assembling five thousand soldiers on the spot was not overstepping his authority. In fact, if he wished, all these soldiers could have been used. Su Mubai studied military tactics extensively, his formations were insightful, and he could adapt on the fly. Attacking with five times the soldiers, it was just the right proportion for our Great Hua to fight against the northern nomads, a steady and mature move. To use an exercise as a proxy for war, it was targeted, he can be regarded as a promising talent. The battle today was also noteworthy, had it not been for Lin San, victory would have been within reach."


    Li Tai, as the pir of the country, loyal and honest, spoke straightforwardly. He did not favor Su Mubai, nor did he assist Lin San. His words made everyone nod in agreement.


    The Emperorughed heartily, "So Lin San unknowingly yed the role of the northern nomads, I suppose it''s a bit unfair to him. Having a Su Mubai and adding an even more mysterious Lin San, the country has talents, and they are young and promising, this is a blessing for our Great Hua."


    ¡ª---


    Within a round trip, all three thousand foot soldiers from the opposite side had already crossed the line of fire, followed by five hundred cavalry, Su Mubai''s reserves. Over three thousand people, a ck mass, rushed toward Lin San''s army.


    Su Mubai, on horseback, looked at the formation of Lin San in the distance. Four hundred foot soldiers stood in the front, followed by five hundred elite cavalry. Amidst the gray sea of armor, there was a man in a white robe, none other than Lin San. This was not because Lin San stood out, but because he wore a striking white robe, a feather fan in his hand, eye-catching. It was quite difficult not to see him.


    "Where are the archers?" Su Mubai asked sternly.


    Several sharpshooters from the Divine Machine Unit had already aimed their arrows at Lin San. But at this moment, the distance between the two armies was considerable, and that man in the white robe was like a fluttering butterfly among the soldiers, never stationary, how could they aim at him urately?


    Looking at the open in between the two armies, a hint of a smile finally appeared on Su Mubai''s gloomy face. Just now, Lin San had yed a trick and seized the initiative to win the first round, which was unspeakably frustrating. ¡®Now, my numbers still significantly exceed yours, let''s see what tactics you have left?¡¯


    Lin Wanrong rested his hands on his brow, the ck horse beneath him pacing back and forth. He examined the scene for a moment and said, "Huh, why can''t I see Su Mubai, The Top Schr General?"


    Hu Buguiughed, "If you could see him, he''d be an easy target for the sharpshooters. Amander in the army should not show himself so casually."


    ¡®Damn, he''s as cunning as me.¡¯ The man in the white robe shook his feather fan lightly, looking like a schr, andughed flirtatiously, "Fair point, fair point. No wonder I can''t see the guy''s face. Brothers, are you all ready?"


    Themanders responded in unison, the man in the white robe chuckled, cupped his hands around his mouth, and shouted, "General Su, General Su, are you there? If you are, answer me, let''s chat before we fight¡ª"


    His internal strength was not weak; his voice, full of vigor, traveled far. Su Mubai nced over, only to see that the man in the white robe, Lin San, was calm andposed. There was a gentle smile on his face and an unspeakable mboyance in his continuously moving feathered fan.


    "General, Lin San is calling out. Should we respond?" A staff officer whispered at Su Mubai''s side.


    Su Mubai shook his head slightly, "In a standoff between two armies, the braver one prevails. At this moment, the field between us is open without any supply resources. His old trick can''t be used again. It''s a diversion, I suspect he''s plotting something. Send mymand: the infantry should change from vertical formation to horizontal, maintaining distance, and charge at the enemy ¨C now!"


    "Charge!" Like a tide rising, three thousand infantrymen stormed towards the opposing army. Dust flew everywhere, giving them the appearance of a swarm of locusts in the fields.


    Lin Wanrong might not be well-versed in military strategy, but observing the orderly and precise charge of Su Mubai''s infantry, he acknowledged the man''s skill. He spurred his horse to the forefront of the formation, scanned the battlefield, and as the enemy forces neared, he spread his cloak, pointed his feathered fan forward, andmanded with great authority, "Listen to mymand, infantry scatter, cavalry to the front, Hu Bugui, lead the cavalry ¨C charge!"


    The infantry swiftly parted, leaving a wide pathway for Hu Bugui''s cavalry. Hu Bugui bellowed, "Where is the horse herd?" As soon as his voice fell, the noise of hooves rang out from behind. More than eight hundred warhorses, collected by Du Xiuyuan and corralled by the cavalry, charged forward. The horses, in various colors and of robust physique, were excellent runners. They charged like a floating cloud, swiftly advancing.


    Su Mubai''s face changed. Despite all his calctions, he hadn''t anticipated this move from Lin San. The charge of a thousand horses would be enormously powerful. Even his three thousand men would struggle to resist such an onught.


    "Change formation, form vertical ranks!" Su Mubai shouted, passing the orders with urgency. Still, a sliver of hope lingered in his heart ¨C the horses were not yet at full charge, their speed still manageable.


    Before he could gather his thoughts, a series of crackling sounds echoed. Smoke rose from the rear of the charging horses, and their neighing intensified. They broke into a mad sprint, charging forward recklessly.


    "Change formation, change formation!" Su Mubai shouted, his face pale. Was Lin San some reincarnated deity? How was he capable of such unpredictable strategies?


    The horses, neighing in unison, galloped at incredible speed, far beyond what any human could achieve. Before Su Mubai''s infantry could adjust their formation, the crackling sounds were already upon them. The oing horses treated the soldiers in front of them as nothing more than dirt, charging relentlessly forward. Su Mubai''s proud formation was trampled and scattered to the wind. Soldiers fell, armor flew everywhere, and some were even trampled by the horses. In an instant, Su Mubai''s army looked like a field after a wildfire, a sight of utter destruction.


    "Charge, cavalry! Quickly, dismount!" Amid the chaos, Su Mubai bellowed. The five hundred cavalrymen, kept as reserves by his side, were hisst straw. Yet, the soldiers, driven into panic by the galloping warhorses, had blocked the cavalry''s way forward in an instant. Behind him was the zing fodder; the cleared path could not possibly amodate the retreat of three thousand men and horses at once. Therge number of troops, once his advantage, had now be his greatest burden.


    The young general d in whiteughed and shook his head, igniting a thin firecracker. Lighting the string of fireworks in his hand, he threw them. After the loud cracks and pops, his ck horse was so frightened that it neighed loudly and reared, almost throwing him off. Cold sweat broke out on Lin Wanrong, "Goodness, this thing is so powerful. Damn, I am truly a genius. Who else could have thought of tying fireworks to a horse''s tail?"


    Themanders behind him were both amused and impressed. This General Lin was bold and daring. Was there anything in the world that could stump him?


    The rest was much simpler. Without waiting for General Lin''s orders, Hu Bugui, Du Xiuyuan and others had already led their soldiers in the charge. The three thousand infantrymen had been scattered by the thousand warhorses, leaving few organized units. Only Su Mubai''s reserve of five hundred elite cavalrymen remained intact. Adding the remaining infantrymen scattered around, they totaled less than fifteen hundred. With their morale low, how could they stand a chance against General Lin''s fierce army?


    The white-robed young general was at the forefront of the charge, wielding a blunt de in his hand. With each rise and fall of his sword, a few men were toppled from their horses. His style was indeed dashing and attractive. Su Mubai''sst five hundred elite cavalrymen were extremely resilient, but Hu Bugui and the others finally broke them after some struggle. Su Mubai, his face deathly pale, stood in the center. He no longer cared about the danger of being shed and killed, looking at Lin Wanrong, he said, "Brother Lin, you truly are skilled. However, if we were to fight again, I, Su Mubai, will not lose to you."


    "War, you see, it has its victories and defeats. It''s perfectly normal," Lin Wanrongughed. "I rather think that the joy of yesterday''s garden tour and discussing orchids is much more pleasant. What do you think, Brother Su?"


    ¡ª---


    "Su Mubai has beenpletely defeated," Xu Zhiqing sighed deeply, a strange feeling rising in her heart. This Lin San''s army tactics were irregr, seemingly using the most unconventional methods. It was hard to find strategies from him that fit the textbooks of military tactics, but he always won. If once was a coincidence, then every time like this spoke of real skill. She asked herself, there was nothing wrong with Su Mubai''s disposition today. In fact, from the beginning, his surprise attack had seized the initiative, earning him praise. Theter rout, not only did she not expect, but few people on the city tower could predict the oue. What was the reason for this? If it was her who had to face Lin San in battle, what would the result be?


    Few among them could have predicted such an oue. Originally, they were to fight three battles, but after just two, Su Mubai had been captured by Lin San. The third battle was not needed at all. The scene unfolding before them left them dumbfounded, struggling to find words.


    "Surprise attack? What is a surprise attack? This is a surprise attack!" The Emperor sighed softly with his eyes closed. Then, opening his eyes and sweeping them fiercely around, heughed loudly. "Good, today''s battle has allowed me to witness two young heroes. Su Mubai is well-versed in military strategies and excels in battle tactics. Lin San remains calm in the face of danger, and his surprise tactics reveal the bearing of a great general. I am greatlyforted to have such talents in our Great Hua Empire."


    "My thousand warhorses!" Li Tai, standing on the city wall, saw the fireworks tied to the horse''s rear and felt a pang in his heart. Training warhorses was no easy task, and it would take a considerable time to rear these thousand horses again for military use. Xu Wei, understanding his thoughts,ughed and patted his shoulder, saying, "General Li, do not fret. Having a general like this is better than having thousands of horses."


    "If we could have this general and a thousand warhorses, that would be even better," the old general said discontentedly.


    The two of them burst intoughter. Li Tai looked at Xu Wei and said, "Brother Xu, I entrust this matter of Lin San to you. No matter what means you employ, you must bring him into our army."


    "The old general need not hurry." Xu Weiughed, "From what I see, someone is even more anxious than you."


    The two exchanged a knowing smile, and when they covertly nced at the Emperor, they saw his gaze, profound and far-reaching, fixed on the two young heroes in the distance, utterly entranced.


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 Chapter 315

    Chapter 315


    Chapter 315 A Smart Man


    In this near-real battle exercise, it was Lin San who emerged overwhelmingly victorious, as if he was the onemanding five thousand soldiers. It indeed left everyone surprised. Despite leading a weaker force against a stronger adversary and under sudden attack, Lin San reacted quickly, made effective deployments, and left everyone in awe.


    Observing the puzzled expressions around him, Li Tai chuckled, "Miss Xu, Lin San was at a disadvantage, and Su Mubaiunched a sudden attack, but it was the least favored Lin San who emerged victorious. What''s your view on this?"


    Xu Zhiqing nodded slightly and responded seriously, "In my opinion, Lin San is definitely not an unprepared man. Those firecrackers and fireworks used to drive the war horses were surely prepared in advance. This alone demonstrates his clear understanding of the situation on the field and his adequate preparation. General Su''s troop arrangement was indeed excellent, in full ordance with the art of war, truly top-notch. Yet, Lin San was able to anticipate the enemy''s actions, spring a surprise attack, and that was a key to his victory. Secondly, from my perspective, Lin San excelled in coordinating his troops, especially in utilizing the Divine Machine Unit to achieve good results. The harmony between his cavalry and infantry was near perfect, and his use of the Divine Machine Unit was simply brilliant. It seemed he could think of every possible method. His ability tomand a coordinated battle was unmatched, truly a talent of a great general. In this regard, General Su was somewhat rigid and not flexible enough, slightly inferior."


    Prince Cheng, who had been silent all along, suddenly smiled, "Miss Xu, your analysis is very reasonable. However, in my view, while Lin San is indeed good at using surprise tactics, his understanding of military strategy is quite rough, whereas Su Mubai excels in this area. If a real battle ensues, whether surprise tactics or military strategy will prevail is something no one can precisely predict."


    Xu Zhiqing just smiled faintly without replying, but Li Taiughed out loud, "Prince Cheng, since you have never led an army, naturally you don''t understand these intricacies. The so-called art of war aims at victory. On the surface, it may appear that Lin San merely used surprise tactics and won by ident, but this is based on his strong prediction skills and his ability to control the overall situation. In fact, he has a thorough understanding of military strategy, which enables him toe up with such an extraordinary tactic. This is the finest military strategy. If Your Highness thinks more about it, you will understand."


    Li Tai''s words were clearly a lesson to Prince Cheng. However, Li Tai was a distinguished general in Great Hua, and his military prestige was unmatched. Among the ministers present, Prince Cheng feared him more than Xu Wei. Hearing his words, although he was displeased, he only grunted and said nothing more.


    The Emperorughed, "Listening to my beloved officials, it seems that this Lin San has quite a few highlights. I would actually like to meet him¡ª." His words were interrupted as a young eunuch rushed in, whispered a few words in his ear, causing the Emperor''s face to change, he angrily snorted, "How audacious! These northern nomads are overly insolent!"


    Hearing the Emperor''s words that seemed to involve the northern nomads, everyone became silent. At this critical time, every move of the northern nomads was rted to the safety of Great Hua. Even Prince Cheng was all ears.The Emperor snorted, "There''s an issue in the pce today. Minister Xu, Brother Cheng,e back to the pce with me to discuss this."


    "Your will is mymand," Prince Cheng and Xu Wei replied in unison.


    The royal carriage was set in motion. The Emperor''s face was marked by anger, his mind burdened with grave matters. He intended to return to the pce. Li Tai, seeing this, was deeply worried. He hastily motioned toward Xu Wei. Xu Wei understood his concern and quickly said, "Your Majesty, the matter of today''s military exercise¡ª"


    The Emperor''s steps paused for a moment. He said, "I intended to meet this Lin San today, but now it seems impossible. Minister Xu¡ª"


    "I am here!" Xu Wei quickly replied, respectfully bowing his fist.


    The Emperor contemted for a moment, then spoke, "In a few days, ambassadors from all nations will pay homage to the pce. You can bring Lin San along as well." The reception of ambassadors from all nations? What did that have to do with Lin San? Xu Wei was puzzled. However, seeing the Emperor striding away and climbing onto his royal carriage, he set aside his doubts and quickly followed.


    ¡ª---


    ¡®Having won this battle, the Emperor should meet me. Damn, what excuse should I find to sneak into his harem?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was daydreaming when he saw the royal carriage moving away in the distance. The ministers followed, and the Emperor was about to descend the city tower.


    His heart lurched. He spurred his horse and galloped forward, waving his hand and shouting, "Hey, hey, wait! The one waving the g, wait!" But the royal carriage did not wait for him; no one even spared him a nce, leaving him alone in moments.


    "Hey, father-inw, you can''t go!" Lin Wanrong yelled from below the city tower, but the tower was deserted. Who would pay attention to him?


    General Lin was extremely annoyed. ¡®After I worked so hard to win this battle, you just left without a word? How could you live up to your ancestors, your conscience, and me?¡¯


    Over there, Du Xiuyuan hurriedly rode over and shouted, "General Lin, General Lin¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong turned his head to look. Du Xiuyuan looked troubled, as if he had something difficult to say. He said, "Brother Du, what''s the matter?"


    Du Xiuyuan hesitated for a moment, but finally plucked up his courage and said, "General Lin, I have something to say, but I don''t know if I should."


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Brother Du, where did you learn to be so polite? If you have something on your mind and keep it from me, then you''re looking down on me."


    Du Xiuyuan nodded and said, "In that case, I''ll say it. General Lin, don''t be angry after you hear it. It''s true that we won the battle today, but..." He pointed at the scene in the field and sighed.


    Lin Wanrong looked over and saw tall mes in the field. The grains and grass were still burning. More than half of Su Mubai''s five thousand elite soldiers were injured, with over a thousand of them seriously wounded. Theyy on the ground, unable to move, their moans filled the air. Lin Wanrong was stunned. Honestly, he didn''t want to see the situation turn out like this. However, under the circumstances at the time, he had no choice. His tactics might have been harsh, but they were enough to wake people up and lessen the bloodshed on future battlefields.


    Du Xiuyuan shook his head repeatedly. Although the thrill of battle had its own allure, once the military drill was over and he saw more than a thousand wounded soldiers wailing on the ground, even the rugged Hu Bugui felt somewhat overwhelmed. Previous drills had also resulted in injuries and deaths, but those were a mere handful. Nothingpared to today ¨C there were burn injuries, trampling injuries, falling injuries, cutting injuries. Thousands of horses and men were severely wounded; it was unprecedented. These were not enemy soldiers but their own brothers. In future battles, they would be relying on each other for survival. Only united could they defeat the enemy and move forward bravely. It was true that drills were meant to simte real warfare, and weapons were merciless, but these were their brothers in arms. Injuring so many of them today, how could there not be resentment?


    If not handled properly, Du Xiuyuan and Hu Bugui might end up isted within the army. The idea of an isted unit entering the battlefield was dreadful to contemte.


    Lin Wanrong could have walked away from this situation, but what about Brother Hu and Brother Du? And what about the brothers who followed him back from the battle in Shandong? Lin Wanrong took a deep breath, patted Du Xiuyuan on the shoulder, and genuinely thanked him, "Thank you for the reminder, Brother Du. I know what to do now."


    He shouted, "Hu Bugui!"


    Hu Bugui hurriedly galloped over, "I am at yourmand, General."


    "Brother Hu, ask our brothers to go over and lend a hand," Lin Wanrong said gently, ncing at the wounded soldiers across from them.


    Hu Bugui was stunned, then understood, gratefully saying, "General Lin, I thank you on behalf of our brothers."


    "Get lost! We don''t need your help!" A mor rose from the opposing side. Lin Wanrong saw that it was Xu Zhen and others aiding the wounded soldiers under Su Mubai. An infantryman with a bandaged neck was cursing at Xu Zhen.


    "Holy shit!" Hu Bugui roared and spurred his horse, galloping over to stand before Xu Zhen, scolding the infantryman, "You were bested in battle, captured by us as a prisoner. We are offering you help out of goodwill, and you dare to rant?"


    The infantryman sneered, "Even if we lost, we''re still better than you. You turn against your own brothers, are your consciences eaten by dogs?"


    "Yeah, so many of our brothers were injured by you. Have your consciences been eaten by dogs?" The thousands of wounded soldiers began cursing in unison. Hu Bugui became angry andshed out with his whip, intending to strike the infantryman.


    But no matter how hard he tried, the whip wouldn''t descend. He roared behind him, "Who''s holding me back¡ªGeneral Lin?"


    Lin Wanrong didn''t say a word. He pulled Hu Bugui behind him, looking coldly at the thousand-plus wounded soldiers on the opposite side. He raised his voice, "My name is Lin San. I was the one whomanded today''s battle, set the fire, trampled the grain. If anyone has a problem with that,e at me."


    Seeing his dark expression and imposing manner, everyone was taken aback for a moment, and no one dared to speak. A cavalry officer captured by Hu Bugui, Liu Guoxuan, walked over, nced at Lin Wanrong, and snorted, "General Lin, even if you are the victor, you can''t humiliate us brothers. We are all part of the Great Hua army, yet you were ruthless against us, injuring many of our brothers. This is uneptable."


    "Ruthless?" Lin Wanrongughed heartily, looking up at the sky. "Your five thousand men attacked my thousand, and yet you call me ruthless? Esteemed Commander Liu, by your logic, would I only be considered kind if I ordered my men to drop their weapons, allowing you to capture us? Is that it?"


    Liu Guoxuan was taken aback, a trace of embarrassment appearing on his face. However, the previously vocal infantrymander retorted loudly, "But the way you fought, you might as well have been northern nomads! Did you ever consider us as brothers?"


    With a snap of his whip, Lin Wanrong stilled the crowd. Every nerve was on edge as they listened to this white-robed general. "You fought ineffectively. My thousand men scattered your five thousand. If I had let you off lightly, would that make us brothers? But who would still consider you as brothers on the battlefield tomorrow, sparing your lives? Being brothers doesn''t work that way! Where is Hu Bugui?"


    "Present!" Hu Bugui bellowed in response.


    With a swift motion, Lin Wanrong tore off his long robe, revealing his muscr, sunburnt skin. He coolly handed his whip to Hu Bugui, who was momentarily taken aback.


    "General, what are you¡ª?" All eyes were on them, the soldiers from both sides transfixed.


    Tearing his robepletely off his body, Lin Wanrong spoke aloud, "Only by sweating more in peacetime, can we bleed less in wartime. I believe that after today''s battle, you brothers will lose your arrogance and adopt more grounded attitudes. Should there be a battle drill in the future, I, Lin San, will still strategize without mercy. Today, during the military exercise, I injured my brothers. I am not at ease, but I do not regret it. This matter has nothing to do with my brothers, it was all under mymand. If there is any offense, I alone will bear it. Today, my brothers have suffered. I, Lin San, will receive a hundredshes! Hu Bugui, you carry out the punishment¡ª"


    "General, you can''t¡ª" Hu Bugui objected hurriedly.


    "Ignoring military orders is punishable by death! If ash doesn''t draw blood, then ten moreshes will be added! If you want to ease my suffering, then give it all you''ve got. I''ll make it clear in advance, theseshes I take today are to share the hardships with you, my brothers. In future battles, I will still not show any mercy. Hu Bugui, begin¡ª"


    "Damn it!" Hu Bugui''s blood boiled. He dropped the whip, tore off his armor, ripped open his shirt to reveal his dark chest, covered in scars. He said in a hearty voice, "I, old Hu, am a rough man. I am willing to give my life for those who are good to my brothers. General Lin is the backbone of my tens of thousands of brothers, and I trust him with my life. I, Hu Bugui, am willing to take this punishment with the general."


    "I, Du Xiuyuan (Li Sheng), am willing to be punished with the general," the two men said as they knelt together, their eyes filled with hot tears.


    "We are willing to be punished with the general!" The one thousand soldiers under Lin Wanrong''smand fell to their knees, pleading in mournful voices.


    The situation had progressed to this stage, far beyond what the thousands of men under Su Mubai''smand had expected. Among these soldiers, bred on the blood and iron of the battlefield, not many could im the same devotion to their brothers as General Lin. To take the brunt of the hardship, to willingly risk his life for his brethren was something few could achieve. Although they had lost the battle that day, their defeat was not unjustified. A man like General Lin, brimming with tactical brilliance and unyielding valor, was indeed worth dying for. The troops'' hearts were swayed, and their looks of initial defiance towards General Lin slowly transformed into admiration.


    "Is this a game to you all?" Lin Wanrong roared. "Are you here to get flogged for fun? Hu Bugui, dare you defy my military order? Do you really think I wouldn''t dare to behead you?"


    Hu Bugui gritted his teeth, and abruptly stood up. "Xu Zhen, after I execute General Lin''s punishment, you can do the same to me. I, Hu Bugui, swear to follow General Lin to the death."


    Standing atop the city tower, Xu Zhiqing observed the unfolding drama and couldn''t help shaking her head. "This Lin San, sometimes I think he''s clever, and other times he does the silliest things."


    Laughing heartily at her side, Li Tai said, "This young man, so jovial on regr days, yet has such a side to him. He dares to do and dares to bear. He''s a real man. In this aspect, Su Mubai is far behind him. Your father was truly not wrong in his judgment. Even if it cost me my life, I would bring him to the army. Such talent cannot be wasted."


    Seeing Hu Bugui preparing to execute the punishment, Xu Zhiqing anxiously interjected, "Uncle Li, stop making idle remarks. That fool is about to be whipped. You should go down and stop them. He''ll truly annoy me to death. I''ve never seen such a stupid person before."


    Surprised, Li Tai looked at Miss Xu, who calmly retorted, "Uncle, why are you looking at me? I''m not concerned about him, I just can''t bear to see a fool bullied."


    Li Tai burst intoughter. "Miss Xu, you''re mistaken. This Lin San is no fool. He''s a real smart man. The camaraderie between men is something you''ll never understand. This round of whipping, do you know how many people will swear to give their lives for him? It''s a huge gain for him. Why would I stop him?"


    Amid their conversation, Hu Bugui bit down hard, and his whipshed fiercely onto Lin Wanrong''s back, leaving a vivid scar. Behind Hu Bugui, Xu Zhen also steeled his heart and sent down ash, marking Hu Bugui''s rugged back as well.


    The scorching pain radiating from his back caused Lin Wanrong to grit his teeth. Damn it, to be whipped and yet y the hero was a high price to pay. He thought of Hu Bugui as a fool. Why hadn''t he smeared some medicinal salve on the whip? It made him suffer, and he wouldn''t even be able to sleep properly that night.


    The dull sound of theshes hitting the two men''s bodies echoed, but it also struck a chord in everyone''s hearts. The soldiers from both sides, especially the veterans under General Lin, were all moved to tears by the sight of the crisscrossing wounds on the general''s back. Everyone knelt and watched, with tears in their eyes, yet none bowed their heads.


    Seeing how hard Hu Bugui was striking, Xu Zhiqing''s heart pounded anxiously. With a huff, she thought to herself, ¡®You like ying the hero, and today you''ve taken a beating. You must have earned quite a few tears from Miss Xiao. Fortunately, someone cares about you. Who knows what kind of mess you''d be in otherwise.¡¯


    Upon seeing Li Tai engrossed in the spectacle, Xu Zhiqing could no longer stand to watch. Irritated, she said, "That tall and dark Hu Bugui doesn''t have enough strength, he''s reluctant to strike hard. It''s not interesting to watch. Uncle, I''m going back first."


    "That''s not right. I know how strong Bugui is, and in the army, there are few who could match his strength," Li Tai murmured to himself. "Miss Xu..." He lifted his head, only to find that she had already walked far away in a hurry, seemingly unable to bear staying another moment.


    The sight of the whipping stirred the hearts of the onlookers. Over a thousand wounded soldiers from the Su Mubai¡¯s army were also secretly impressed. Liu Guoxuan, themander of the cavalry, hastily knelt and said, "I, Liu Guoxuan, admit defeat today, both in my heart and verbally. Please, general, spare me from the punishment."


    Thousands of wounded soldiers, supporting each other, knelt down and said, "We all admit defeat. Please, general, spare us the punishment."


    With a big grin, Lin Wanrong managed a weakugh. "Brother Liu, my fellow soldiers, please rise quickly. Tonight, I will treat you to drinks. We won''t return until we''re drunk, and even if we''re drunk, we won''t return ¡ª ah, you little rabbit Hu Bugui, can''t you be gentler ¡ª"


    Everyone chuckled at his words, and amidst theughter, they felt a newfound warmth toward General Lin. He seemed just like a brother to them. The site was filled with a mix ofughter and tears, bustling with extraordinary merriment.


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 316

    Chapter 316


    Chapter 316 Assassination


    When they returned to the Xiao residence, it was deep into the night. Du Xiuyuan and others had to support him, and despite General Lin''s self-proimed resilience, he couldn''t withstand the intense beating. His back was covered with countless wounds, with bloodstains barely visible on the clothes. Even the soldiers, ustomed to the sight of battles, were inwardly shocked. Old Hu was indeed a straightforward man.


    When soldiers fought, they followed a straightforward path until the end, admitting defeat without any further argument. Originally, there were thousands of soldiers under Su Mubai. Today, having personally witnessed General Lin''s loyalty and righteousness, they all admired him secretly, and even shook hands with him. Despite enduring a beating, General Lin managed to win over the hearts of the people, and his prestige in the army escted, an oue that Du Xiuyuan and the others hadn''t anticipated.


    Hu Bugui was also covered in wounds, but he was a hardened veteran, having endured countless battles. Unlike the young, dark-skinned General Lin, he could withstand the blows. After enduring the beating and drinking strong liquor with everyone, Hu Bugui fell asleep on the ground,pletely ignoring the many wounds on his back.


    ¡®This big bearded man, no matter how much I disapprove of him, I must admit his toughness.¡¯ General Lin in his white robe, threw his cloak and feathered fan, thinking helplessly.


    As they helped General Lin to the entrance of the shop, they saw a small sedan hurrying from a distance. Before it got close, they heard a woman''s anxious voice from inside, "Stop, stop quickly."


    The sedan stopped abruptly, and a woman flew out of it, looking at Lin San who was being supported by others. She was first stunned, then involuntarily her eyes reddened, and tears began to fall, "What happened to you?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "It''s nothing, I identally fell from a horse today. It will be fine tomorrow."


    "You and your lies," the woman wiped her tears, rushed over and looked at him, biting her lip and weeping, "Do you think everyone else is a fool?" The Eldest Miss moved closer to Lin San. When she saw the chaotic whip marks on his back, her heart jumped with fright. She covered her mouth with her hand and her tears fell faster.Du Xiuyuan, who had escorted Lin Wanrong back, was visibly embarrassed. He bowed, "Madam, I was unable to protect the general well, please punish me."


    "What madam?" The Eldest Miss''s face turned red, although tears were still streaming down her face. She nced at Lin Wanrong and forcibly said, "You, you better not talk nonsense."


    "I never talk nonsense." Lin Wanrong said with a wry smile, "But if others talk nonsense, I can''t control it."


    "You... You''re such a dead man. You''re in such a state and still tease others." The Eldest Miss reproached him with a heartache, holding his arm. She took a covert peek at his back and was instantly saddened again. She held back her tears and said, "Gentlemen, please sit inside. Huan¡¯er, prepare tea..."


    Du Xiuyuan hurriedly waved his hands, "Madam, you''re too kind. Today, I feel deeply guilty for not being able to protect General Lin well. Now that the general is safe and sound, I can only entrust his care to you. General Lin is the soul of our army. On behalf of tens of thousands of soldiers in our army, I thank you for your kindness."


    As Du Xiuyuan spoke, he fell to his knees, kowtowing to the Eldest Miss.


    Xiao Yuruo eximed anxiously, "Why are you saying such things, sir? Taking care of him is my responsibility, it isn''t a favor. You, say something and quickly get this man up!"


    Lin Wanrong gave a grin, "Brother Du, please get up quickly. Otherwise, she might find some way to torment meter. Ouch¡ª" He winced, having been pinched in the waist by the Eldest Miss for his nonsensical talk. The sudden pain from his wound made him yelp, and seeing his reaction, Xiao Yuruo was filled with regret and worry. She quickly grabbed his hand, her eyes brimming with guilt.


    Du Xiuyuan rose to his feet and sighed, "The general and his wife share such an extraordinary love, it truly is enviable. I won''t interrupt the two of you any longer. I''ll take my leave now. General Lin, the brothers will visit you tomorrow."


    Lin Wanrong waved andughed, while the Eldest Miss blushed as she escorted Du Xiuyuan out. When she returned, she saw Lin San looking pale and haggard, a stark contrast to his usual lively demeanor.


    With no outsiders present, she no longer concealed her worry and anger, her tears flowing freely like a dam had burst, "You fool, I was gone for just one day, and you ended up like this?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Today''s events were unexpected. The brothers were a bit too enthusiastic. A fewshes don''t matter much. Weren''t you staying at Miss Xu''s house? How did you return so soon? I thought you''d stay there at least a fortnight."


    Wiping her tears, the Eldest Miss softly said, "I did want to chat with Sister Xu more, but I was worried about what trouble you might stir up at home. Just as I was feeling uneasy, Sister Xu returned and told me you were seriously injured. I, I was so frightened that I almost lost my soul¡ª"


    At this point, Xiao Yuruo could no longer hold back her tears. Remembering her worry, her tears flowed ceaselessly like a burst river.


    What on earth had Xu Zhiqing said to make the Eldest Miss so terrified? Seeing her trembling and crying, he couldn''t help but feel guilty. He reached for her hand andughed, "Stop crying, I''m fine. Don''t believe me? Why don''t you give me a kiss to check? What, you don''t want to? You want me to kiss you? Please, I am the one who''s injured!"


    "Kiss your head!" Embarrassed and annoyed, the Eldest Miss huffed, "Even in this state, you''re still thinking of such nonsense."


    Seeing Lin San''s dejected expression, her heart softened, and she couldn''t keep up her stern facade. She extended her small hand to gently touch the whip marks on his back, her voice shaking, "Who did this? Why did they hit you so hard? Does it hurt¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong sighed lightly, "It does hurt a bit, but no matter how much it hurts, it can''tpare to the pain in your heart, Eldest Miss."


    "Smooth talker." Xiao Yuruo blushed, her eyes shimmering softly, and she softly called out, "Huan''er¡ª"


    The young maid outside hurried in, and the Eldest Miss gently said, "Lin San is injured,e and help me take him inside."


    Huan''er acknowledged and the two women cautiously supported him, making their way into the house. The sensation of being wedged between two women, feeling their tender shoulders and waist, and glimpsing at Eldest Miss''s beautiful face and soft, white earlobes made Lin Wanrong''s heart flutter. He leaned over to Xiao Yuruo''s ear and exhaled lightly, causing a shiver to run through her. Her knees went weak and she nearly lost her footing. Her face flushed, she shot him a disgruntled look, the blush on her face enhanced by her anger, and her embarrassment was enchanting.


    "Lying in bed is sofortable!" Once the two women hadid him face down on the bed, Lin Wanrong hugged his pillow and exhaled deeply.


    Eldest Miss ignored him, instructing the maid, "Huan''er, go and prepare some medicinal water. Oh, and bring scissors!"


    Lin Wanrong was startled, "Eldest Miss, why do you need scissors? Please, don''t do anything rash. I''m not dead yet, everything is still functioning perfectly, don''t you trust me?"


    Huan''er chuckled lightly. Flustered and slightly embarrassed, Eldest Miss wanted to hit him but couldn''t bring herself to do so. She merely grabbed his hand and squeezed it tightly, "Stop talking nonsense! You''re making us look ridiculous."


    After the little maid left the room, Lin Wanrong took her hand. Eldest Miss sat gently by his side. She remembered what Xu Zhiqing had told her but couldn''t figure out how to achieve it, and she sighed softly.


    Lin Wanrong said, "Eldest Miss, you seem a bit off today. Did you suffer any ill-treatment from Xu Zhiqing? I will seek justice for you."


    "Thank the heavens that I am not being bullied by you. How could anyone else bully me?" Eldest Miss sighed and said, "Lin San, I have a question for you, and I need an honest answer, with no deception whatsoever."


    "Is there anyone more honest than me in this world?" Lin Wanrong replied with a straight face, "Eldest Miss, we have been together for such a long time, you must know this trait of mine very well, do I need to reiterate it?"


    Eldest Miss stared at him, her expression vacant, and softly said, "Lin San, if one day I were to disappear like Miss Xiao, would you search for me desperately? Would you do anything for me?"


    Lin Wanrong was startled. What did Eldest Miss mean by that? What on earth had Xu Zhiqing told her that she was having such whimsical thoughts?


    Xiao Yuruo anxiously watched his expression, seeing his hesitation, a pang of pain shot through her heart and tears welled up in her eyes. She turned away resolutely, saying, "Never mind, you don''t have to say it, I don''t want to hear your lies."


    "Eldest Miss, look into my eyes," Lin San said earnestly and with utmost sincerity.


    "Why?" Eldest Miss nced at him, his eyes wide and bright, seemingly filled with honesty.


    "What do you see in my eyes?" Lin San asked, smiling gently.


    Suppressing herughter, Eldest Miss replied softly, "Besides bloodshot veins, I see nothing."


    Lines of frustration marred Lin Wanrong''s forehead. ¡®Why couldn''t thisss just y along?¡¯ He sighed lightly and said, "Eldest Miss, everyone perceives a different reflection in my eyes. Simrly, in my heart, you and Qingxuan are unique entities. She''s pure and noble, like a celestial maiden from the moon pce, while you''re mature and charming, like the goddess of the Luo River. Both are equally beautiful and noble, like the two ends of a pole. Forcing me to weigh which end is heavier, isn''t that making things difficult?"


    "What beautiful talk of moon maidens and river goddesses," Eldest Miss smiled, her eyes softening, and asked gently, "If it is as you say, would you leave Miss Xiao for me?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "That''s impossible. Just like if Qingxuan asked me to leave you, I wouldn''t agree. It''s the same principle. s, universal love is a grand sentiment. Even if the world fails to understand it, I will embrace it to the end."


    "You insufferable rogue!" Eldest Miss lightly hummed, a blush spreading across her face as she held his hand tightly. "I, Xiao Yuruo, have always considered myself clever, yet somehow you''ve ensnared me. If you dare to act unkindly towards me, I swear I''ll die just to spite you."


    "Unkind?" Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise, "That''s inhumane! Eldest Miss, please never mention that word around me; they make me shiver."


    "Scoundrel!" Eldest Miss chuckled, lightly scratching his palm. Lin Wanrong felt an itch in his heart, and despite the pain on his back, pulled her with such force that she gasped in surprise before falling onto the bed, ending up right beside his pillow.


    "What are you nning?" Eldest Miss saw the teasing smile on his face, his cheek almost touching hers. Her heart pounded wildly, yet she found herself incapable of resistance.


    Her chest heaving, Xiao Yuruo trembled slightly, her face flushing a deep red. Her long eyshes fluttered, her lips parted slightly as a fragrant, intoxicating breath escaped them. It was unbearably enticing.


    Damn it, all or nothing. Lin General''s eyes zed, his heart stirred, pain on his back forgotten as he rolled over, wrapping Yuruo in his arms.


    "No¡ª" Lying in his arms, Eldest Miss felt weak. Her eyes sparkled seductively, her breath hot as she whispered tremulously.


    "Yes, yes." Lin General smiled slightly, his hands slowly moving up her soft shoulders. After massaging them gently, his hand roamed downwards, lingering around her smooth waist, then ventured further down, reaching her pert buttocks.


    Eldest Miss quivered, pressing his wandering hand against her buttocks. Her lips barely parted as she said, "You rascal, how dare you be so audacious. Aren''t you afraid my mother will punish you?"


    "If she punishes me, I''ll punish you." Lin Wanrong shamelessly grinned, appreciating the round and smooth figure of Xiao Yuruo through the silky fabric. Swallowing hard, his hand slipped underneath her skirt, venturing inside.


    "Miss¡ª¡ª" The maid''s voice echoed from outside, startling the two people who were engrossed in each other''spany. The Eldest Miss swiftly turned over and got up, her face was so red that it looked like water could be wrung out from it. She gave Lin Wanrong an annoyed nce and bashfully said, "You rascal, even when injured, you''re capable of mischief. I hate you to death."


    "Ah, if you hadn''t mentioned it, I wouldn''t have remembered that I''m injured." Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Ah, not even sparing a wounded man¡ª"


    "What did you say?" The Eldest Miss blushed and was also angry. She pounced on him, and the two of them tussled together,ughing and ying.


    After a while, they finally stopped. The Eldest Miss looked at him and suddenly threw herself into his arms, tears falling down like rain, "You devil, every day, I am constantly thinking about you, longing for you, wishing I could always be like this with you."


    "There''s no helping my charm," Lin Wanrong held out his hands and encircled her petite waist, saying softly, "This isn''t even the best part. There are even better things waiting for us to do. We could even do them now. It''s been a long time since I used the ''Old Tree Twining Roots'' and ''Upside-down Candle'' techniques. Why don''t we explore them together today?"


    Although she didn''t understand what these two techniques were, seeing thescivious grin on his face, she knew it was nothing good. The Eldest Miss scratched him out of annoyance, just as Huan¡¯er, the maid, hurried in with the medicine.


    "Huan¡¯er, your timing is impable." Lin Wanrong grinned, his voice dripping with innuendo.


    "Behave yourself!" The Eldest Miss blushed deeply and smacked him hard on the buttocks.


    "Harder, harder, oh yes¡ª¡ª" Lin San let out a strange shout that made both the girls blush. Huan¡¯er turned her head away in embarrassment, while the Eldest Miss was both angry and embarrassed. She wished she could kick him until he was thoroughly bruised, but secretly, she savored this cheerful atmosphere.


    She took the scissors, gently cutting away the bloody fabric stuck to his body. Although Lin Wanrong was moaning inappropriately, his face was covered inrge sweat beads and his voice was trembling, revealing his immense pain. Huan¡¯er was terrified and turned her head away, unable to look at his mangled back.


    Xiao Yuruo bit her lower lip, her hand trembling as she cut away his clothes. Tears swirled in her eyes. Seeing the fresh blood he had bitten out from his lips, she couldn''t hold back any longer. She threw the medicine and scissors away, threw herself onto his back, and gently rubbed his hot scars with her soft cheeks, "You devil, you''re really going to be the death of me¡ª¡ª"


    Seeing the Eldest Miss crying in pain, Huan¡¯er also threw herself onto Lin San''s shoulder and sobbed. Their tears rolled down his shoulder, seeping into his wounds, causing waves of pain.


    ¡®Damn, I''ll endure it!¡¯ Lin Wanrong was ufortable, but his heart was thrilled. A grin spread across his face, uglier than crying.


    "Hehe, what a pair of lovers with shared destinies. What a touching scene of deep affection between a man and his love!" A teasingughter echoed from the courtyard. The voice sounded both far and near, as if it were resonating in everyone''s ears.


    The Eldest Miss was startled and immediately stopped crying. She turned around in rm, eximing, "Who''s making that noise?" The maid Huan¡¯er was also frightened, she quickly hid behind the two of them.


    With a loud crash, the door was kicked open. Standing in the doorway were three ck-clothed, masked men, their hands holding gleaming steel des. Their eyes emitted a profound light, tightly fixed on Lin Wanrong.


    "Who... who are you?" The Eldest Miss was taken aback. A trace of fear appeared on her face, but she bravely shielded Lin San, refusing to let hime to any harm.


    ¡®It''s here, it''s here, the drama that Sister An was ying is here.¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s heart jolted with a mix of surprise and trepidation. "Bravely" he leaped forward, positioning himself in front of the two women, dering, "Whoeveres, identify yourself quickly, and this general might spare you a death¡ª¡ª"


    Before his words even fell, a glinting de was seen shing towards him. The sound of the de whistled through the air, its momentum was swift and relentless, showing no mercy, intending to split him on the spot.


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 Chapter 317

    Chapter 317


    Chapter 317 Peerless Twin Beauties


    Seeing the cold glimmer of the de hurtling towards his chest, Lin Wanrong''s heart lurched. This was not a mere act, it was reality. Swiftly sidestepping the strike, he winced as a sharp pain shot through the wound on his back. The assassin''s de didn''t pause, transforming the thrust into an upward jab that aimed at his lower abdomen, the move even faster than before.


    ¡®Damn it, thinking me as feeble as a sick cat when I hold back,¡¯ Lin Wanrong roared in rage and pain. Ignoring the sting on his back, he focused on the assant''s face andunched a powerful punch. Despite his dyed response, his attack outpaced the assassin''s de. The sudden burst of speed caught the killer off guard. He quickly swiped his long de, barely managing to shield his vital spots in time.


    "Go to hell!" Lin Wanrong barked, retracting his fist and swiftlyshed out with a powerful kick to the assant''s abdomen. With a thud, the man was sent flying out the door. Meanwhile, the other two assassins inside the room wasted no time, their des whirling as they bypassed Lin Wanrong to attack the Eldest Miss behind him.


    Having gained the upper hand, Lin Wanrong felt a surge of confidence. He was not afraid of the two assassins. He quickly picked up a long bench nearby and hurled it at the attackers. The sound of the de slicing through the bench echoed, splintering it into pieces. Lin Wanrong didn''t hesitate, throwing the remnant forcefully at one of the assants'' chests. His fury augmented his strength, the impact forced the man to retreat several steps, gasping for breath.


    "Run!" Lin Wanrong shouted, grabbing the Eldest Miss and Huan''er and made a dash for the door. Just as they stepped into the courtyard, they heard a delightfulugh, "Trying to escape? Not so easy!!" As the voice faded, a sharp whistle cut through the air, bringing a strong gust of wind, heading straight for Lin Wanrong.


    Upon hearing the sound, Lin Wanrong let out a sigh of relief, which quickly morphed into annoyance. ¡®Damn it, this sneaky vixen An Biru, we were supposed to be acting, but when has any of this felt like an act? Of all the days, she chose to strike when I''m injured. I could have been killed by those brats just now.¡¯


    If there was one person in this world who remained a mystery to him, it was Sister An. Her tactics, her strategies were on par with his, all hidden beneath an alluring facade that was hard to defend against. The projectile she sent flying was an exquisitely polished white lotus flower, spinning continuously, fierce as a tiger. Catching it, Lin Wanrong felt a great force traveling through the metal lotus, like a hammer mming into his chest. He stumbled backward a few steps to regain bnce. Before he could catch his breath, he saw a shadow leap into the air, a long sword trembling in its hand, rushing towards his chest like a shooting star.


    Although the figure was veiled in a light gauze, her voluptuous curves and seductive sway were captivating. She traced a beautiful and enchanting trajectory in the air, which was utterly captivating. "Damn it, you''ve finally shown yourself," he muttered to himself. After all this fighting and several close calls, there was no sign of any divine rescue. He wondered if An Biru, this sly vixen, had any idea about the whereabouts of her senior sister. He hoped she was not just ying with him.The shadow moved with her sword, swift and unrivaled like a bolt of lightning. As she drew near, Lin Wanrong could see the icy killing intent in her eyes. He dared not gamble with his life, dodging quickly. A sh of cold light sparked in An Biru''s eyes as she flicked her sleeve, a small dart shot out, blinking towards Lin Wanrong''s chest. The darthead was a sinister ck, evidently dipped in deadly poison.


    ¡®Damn it, you''re really after my life!¡¯ Lin Wanrong was soaked in cold sweat, scrambling desperately to the side. The dart came with terrifying speed, it seemed destined to hit him when a light whistled in from the side, a silver sword flew out, hitting the poisoned dart. Sparks flew as the two collided, the dart was deflected just barely brushing past Lin Wanrong''s shoulder and, with a thud, lodged into the wooden pir behind him.


    ¡®Damn, someone actually came to rescue me,¡¯ Lin Wanrong marveled inwardly, uncertain whether to feel joy or dread. An Biru let out a surprised cry, "Who dares interfere?"


    A woman''s voice sighed softly, "Junior Sister An, we meet again." The voice came from the opposite rooftop. Everyone turned to see a slender woman standing on the beam, her face veiled, dressed in white. A breeze stirred her long hair, creating an image of quiet elegance, noble purity, as if a fairy being had descended.


    Though her face was obscured, Lin Wanrong knew with a single nce, this was the fairy sister who had been injured by his hand that night. She had clearly been poisoned then, yet today she stood before him, alive and well. It seemed An Biru had been right, such a fairy-like person could not be so easily defeated. Given that she and An Biru, as well as Xian''er, shared amon origin, dispelling that poison would have been a simple task for her.


    "So it''s Fairy Ning who has graced us with her presence. I apologize for not weing you sooner. After all these years, you are even more beautiful than before, truly a cause for celebration."


    An Biru stood in the middle of the courtyard, her tight ck dress entuating her voluptuous figure, her face veiled in a thin scarf, exuding a seductive allure. The two women, one lofty as a Fairy, the other enticing as a vixen, both strikingly beautiful yet of contrasting temperaments, were surprisingly from the same sect, a sight that astonished all.


    The Eldest Miss leaned against Lin Wanrong, whispering, "Lin San, why does this person seem familiar?"


    She was referring to An Biru standing opposite them. Lin Wanrong chuckled, ¡®How could she not be familiar, you''ve been jealous of her a few times.¡¯ But of course, he would not be foolish enough to point it out, instead he responded with a smile, "Is that so? I didn''t notice. In my eyes, besides the Eldest Miss, Qingxuan, and my wives, all other women look average to me, I can''t distinguish between their beauty and ugliness."


    "You''re such a tease!" the Eldest Miss scolded yfully, snuggling closer to him. Remembering how he had bravely shielded her earlier, her heart swelled with happiness and gratitude. She gently opened her mouth, whispering in his ear, "Scoundrel, don''t be so reckless in the future. If something happened to you, I wouldn''t want to live in this world alone."


    The pair''s sweet and passionate exchange contrasted starkly with the sigh that escaped from the ethereal figure perched on the rooftop. "Why do you persist in this, sister?" she queried, her voice gentle yet firm. "The events of years past were nothing but a misunderstanding. Why pour your resentment onto an innocent bystander? After not seeing each other for more than a decade, we should be embracing and celebrating our reunion, reminiscing our bond."


    An Biru''sugh was a melodious and mocking trill. "Reminisce? That''s rich. It has indeed been a while, senior sister, and I have missed you dearly." Even as her words fell, her delicate hand moved swiftly, releasing two gleaming silver needles that darted toward Lin Wanrong.


    An Biru''s move was fast, yet the ethereal figure seemed to anticipate her perfectly. Before anyone could react, she had swept in front of Lin Wanrong, her long sleeves whisking the rapidly approaching needles into their folds.


    Her face paled for a moment before regaining its calmposure. Looking at An Biru, she smiled and said, "Junior sister, it seems your skill with the Ice Spirit Needles has greatly improved during our years apart. Our Master did not misjudge you when she passed this technique onto you."


    ¡®So that''s what they''re called, Ice Spirit Needles,¡¯ Lin Wanrong mused to himself, instinctively touching his bottom. He sneaked a nce at the sultry figure of Sister An, a vivid image of her administering the needle treatment to him by the Weishan Lake surfaced, prompting a wave of nostalgia.


    An Biru chuckled, but her words wereced with a certain bitterness and destion, "Senior sister, I''m grateful that you remember our Master. If you hadn''t mentioned it, I might''ve forgotten that it was she who personally taught me how to use these Ice Spirit Needles. A disciple should remember the debt to her Master. However, the words she said in front of us both, I could never forget even if I died. ''The Miao girl is naturally inferior. Even with talent, she harbors a cmitous potential.'' I recite these words a hundred times each day, senior sister, have you forgotten? Oh, I forgot, you are a treasured flower born in this world, and our Master was always fond of you. How could you understand the feelings of this lowly Miao girl?"


    Lin Wanrongprehended her feelings. In those times, the concept of racial equality was far from realized. The Miao girls were viewed as members of a barbaric tribe yet to be civilized and therefore held in low regard. This An Biru, with her exceptional beauty and intelligence, should have been seen as a divine creature, yet her Miao heritage was an indelible mark of stigma. Their Master must have been a purist who disdained her upon discovering her Miao identity, hence An Biru''s bitterness. For someone as proud and sensitive as An Biru, it would have been surprising if she had not rebelled against her Master.


    That being said, what was wrong with Miao girls? They were simple yet passionate, free-spirited, and daring, a refreshing alternative to the delicate, sheltereddies of high society. An Biru was a living testament to this, her character leaving an indelible impression on Lin Wanrong.


    The fairy-like woman fell into a period of silence, emitting a soft sigh, and slowly spoke, "Our Master has long passed away, and we owe her nurturing and guidance. How can we now debate her right and wrong? In my humble opinion, our Master did not aim those words at you; she was thinking of the bigger picture. In my heart, regardless of ethnicity, we are all citizens of our great empire. There is no such thing as superiority or inferiority, but people in this world can be malicious, not all of them are tolerant and kind. ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall'', our sect, has been a martial arts leader for generations, assisting the Emperor in building the nation and maintaining peace. Itmands the respect of the world. At the time, our country was in a grave crisis. If someone had exploited your heritage to cause chaos, the situation would have worsened. To appease the people and ensure peace and tranquility in our Empire, our Master had no choice but to reveal your identity publicly. It was an act of desperation."


    Sweat trickled down his forehead as Lin Wanrong pondered. The public humiliation of An Biru by her own Master was excessive. Given An Biru''s pride, it would be strange if she didn''t react vehemently. Besides, what right did this old woman have to disclose someone''s secret under the guise of serving the country and the people? Was it all for the so-called leadership and salvation of the people? Rubbish. He was furious, and his sympathy for An Biru grew stronger.


    An Biruughed heartily, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Well said, well said! Leading the martial world, maintaining the nation''s peace, such lofty ideals! For these, you have lived a life of abstinence and solitary devotion, destined to die alone, without ever tasting the sweetness of love. How noble that is. But there''s one thing I don''t understand. The martial world belongs to those who practice martial arts, and the world belongs to everyone. Who needs the ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall'' to lead them? Who asked you to bring peace and prosperity to the nation? Sister, this question has puzzled me for years, and I still don''t understand it. Could you exin it to me?"


    ¡®Well said!¡¯ Lin Wanrong praised internally. ¡®What''s wrong with being a Miao woman? That''s precisely what I like.¡¯ The world is diverse; without the determination to be inclusive, how can one talk about leadership? An Biru was indeed a clever woman who had hit the nail on the head. The world belongs to everyone, not to any fairy, nor to the ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall.'' Whether to wage war or to seek peace, it''s none of their damn business. They cannot control it. And yet, they still talk about sacrificing others for the sake of so-called justice and world peace. What a load of nonsense!


    "You im it''s for the greater good, disregarding me, a helpless woman, sacrificing my entire life for the sake of world peace and the stability of the state?" An Biru said passionately. When she mentioned the painful part, tears trickled down her cheeks. Catching sight of Lin Wanrong''s encouraging smile,pletely different from his usual yful demeanor, she felt as if he was the only one in this world who truly understood her. A warm feeling filled her heart. She returned his smile gently and held her head high with newfound resolve.


    The fairy-like maiden shook her head, saying, "Sister, your words certainly have merit, but this nation has existed since ancient times; it did not begin today. Countless instances have proven that the popce needs someone to lead them; without it, they are like scattered sand, vulnerable to the aggression of foreign tribes. Today, our great nation is invaded by foreigners, overrun by barbarians. Without someone to lead, how can we talk about peaceful living and national prosperity? This issue of the nation and the people is an eternal topic. To serve the nation, sacrifices must be made, if not by you then by me. You certainly have suffered many injustices, but has my heart been at ease? Our Master handed down her legacy to me, wanting me to cherish the centuries-old reputation of ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall.'' I am terrified and constantly on guard, how dare I make a wrong move?"


    Fairy Ning was indeed an individual with profound thoughts; her words revolved around the rtionship between the nation and the people. The topic of the collective versus the individual was indeed an age-old dilemma. Even in Lin Wanrong''s previous life, everyone held their own views, and nobody could convince anyone else.


    "Words are of no use!" An Biru eximed with a huff, "We pursue different paths, and hence we do not sharemon goals. Sister, the matters of today have nothing to do with you. Please step aside, and don''t force me to take action against you."


    The fairy-like maiden nced back at Lin Wanrong. Her eyes were tranquil, her face as serene as an ancient well; it was impossible to discern her expression. Lin Wanrong grinned and waved at her, saying, "Hey, sister, you look familiar. Have we met somewhere before?"


    The Eldest Miss seemed to respect the fairy-like maiden greatly and gently poked Lin Wanrong, whispering, "You, don''t disrespect the fairy sister." He was taken aback, "Me? Disrespect her? It''s more like I''m worried that she''ll disrespect me."


    The fairy-like maiden neither nodded nor shook her head. She gave him a brief nce, then turned her back to him and stood as if rooted to the spot, steadfastly shielding him. Everything indeed seemed to be within An Biru''s calctions. This fairy sister was extraordinarily upright, even excessively so. To prevent her junior sister from causing harm, she could put aside past grudges; truly a noble stance.


    An Biru''s eyes were resolute, her voice filled with joy as she said, "Very well, very good. Senior Sister, you are as upright as ever. We haven''t seen each other for many years. Today, let me see what new and intriguing martial arts the world-renowned Fairy Ning has learned."


    The fairy sister shook her head, saying, "Junior Sister, you have conspired with Prince Cheng, disregarding human lives. Now that I am aware, I cannot ignore it. Although this man is despicable, he cannot die by your hand."


    "You''re interfering..." Mid-sentence, An Biru leaped like a swallow, her slender fingers curled into hooks. Her long nails glowed silver in the light. The speed of her attack was many times faster than her previous attempt on Lin Wanrong. She darted towards the fairy-like maiden''s face.


    Fairy Ning''s face remainedposed. With a slight flick of her long sleeves, a soft glow appeared between her hands. Resembling a holy lotus, she moved even faster, and in the blink of an eye, blocked An Biru''s hand.


    An Biru hummed lightly, converting her w-like hand into a palm, pushing forcefully towards her chest without conceding any ground. The two women battled, both employing speed against speed. In a mere moment, they shed palms thrice. After the third impact, both retreated hastily, their ears slightly red, and chests heaving slightly, indicating a clear stalemate.


    However, An Biru was not so easy to deal with. As she retreated, she conjured a small sword from thin air. Concentrating all her power in her palm, she flicked her wrist and the small sword shot out like aet, aimed directly at the fairy sister''s chest.


    The two were close, and Lin Wanrong had personally witnessed Sister An''s martial prowess. Seeing her use a hidden weapon and strike with full force, the fairy sister seemed to have no ce to dodge, and a hint of regret sprung up in his heart. If they were to destroy the fairy sister like this, it would indeed be a waste of heavenly talent.


    ¡ª---


    However, things didn''t go as Lin Wanrong thought. Fairy Ning and An Biru had fought each other for many years and were intimately familiar with each other''s styles. Seeing the flying sword tremble in An Biru''s hand, Fairy Ning didn''t panic. Instead, a piece of brocade cloth appeared in her hand. With a gentle flick of her wrist, the cloth spun slightly - a beautiful sight that covered the flying sword. This series of moves took ce in a sh, clean and elegant, so magical and dazzling that it made one''s eyes spin.


    Lin Wanrong pped his hands andughed, "Beautiful, beautiful! Sister, I didn''t know you could juggle scarves too!"


    It was as if the fairy sister had eyes on the back of her head. A long sword suddenly slid out from her drooping sleeve. The cold light shed, blinding Lin Wanrong, and all hisscivious thoughts vanished.


    Retreating from the palm strike, An Biru was unyielding. She conjured a precious autumn water sword from her sleeve, as cold as the moonlight. Lin Wanrong was dumbfounded. How many treasures did this vixen hide on her body, and why hadn''t he found them every time he had frisked her? If next time he flirted with her and she silently pulled out a weapon, giving him a surprise, all his wives would be widows.


    "Pear Blossom Path!" An Biru let out a sharp cry, charging forward, her precious sword trembling lightly. She managed to conjure seven sword flowers in session, attacking Fairy Ning from different directions. The sword flowers, bright as blooming white pear blossoms, were dazzling. The faint cold light was as sharp as a de, deterring anyone from advancing. Lin Wanrong, standing behind the fairy sister, could not help feeling chilled to the bone. This Sister An was indeed an expert. Her casual interactions with him had concealed much of her martial prowess.


    The fairy sister frowned slightly. The long sword in her hand danced in front of her at a speed that was too fast to catch, aiming at one of the pear blossoms. Ignoring the other shes of cold light, she thrust straight at it. With a crisp "ng", the two swords collided, and the seven pear blossoms scattered.


    An Biru''s sword fell empty, but she did not hesitate. The precious sword in her hand pointed forward and began to tremble slightly. It was like a constantly writhing poisonous snake, winding its way toward Fairy Ning.


    The fairy sister had a serious look in her eyes and dared not act hastily. When the sword light was about to reach her chest, she suddenly switched from sword to finger and a swift wind shot towards An Biru''s wrist.


    An Biru didn¡¯t dare to underestimate this defensive strategy of attacking as a defense. She quickly jumped back, giggling, her chest heaving dramatically. "Sister, you indeed have great skills. Years have passed, but your psychic finger technique has be even more divine. It''s a pity that you, a virgin all your life, haven''t found someone who could connect with you spiritually. What a waste of such a beautiful psychic name."


    ¡®Psychic finger technique? Damn, that''s an invaluable secret technique! I must try it when I have the time!¡¯ Looking at Sister An and the Fairy Sister, these two stunning beauties, one in ck and one in white, Lin Wanrong extended his finger and gave a fierce poke, his face filled with ascivious grin.


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 Chapter 318

    Chapter 318


    Chapter 318 Who Said Fairies Don''t Kill?


    Fairy Ning spoke softly, "The art of martial arts is just a simple name. When the heart is upright, the form follows, having nothing to do with any psychic. However, my dear junior sister, your scheming mind and fine skills are truly admirable, your whole body filled with hidden weapons. You''ve truly earned my admiration."


    The fairy maiden was mocking An Biru''s use of hidden weapons to hurt others. How could Sister An not understand this? She giggled and responded, "My senior sister, indeed, your heart is noble, and I admire you. However, let''s be clear. Is there really a difference between you killing with a treasure sword and me killing with poison? Both take lives. Do you think your killing is noble while mine is despicable? Unlike you, a noble, fairy-like beauty, admired and desired by many, I am but a lowly Miao girl, alone in the world, navigating among many men. If I didn''t have my unique abilities, I fear I wouldn''t even have bones left. How could you understand?"


    These two striking women, their faces veiled, conversed casually as if discussingmon affairs. Yet, their hands never paused. In the blink of an eye, their swords crossed, sparks flying. They fought more than twenty rounds, each more intense and ruthless than thest. As sworn sisters who knew each other well and had battled for many years, one was killing, the other saving. Both pulled out all the stops, neither could gain an upper hand.


    The courtyard of the Xiao family was vast, with very few men besides Lin Wanrong. No one dared to interfere with the fight between the two women. The Eldest Miss had been watching An Biru for a long time when she suddenly said, "No wonder she looked familiar, it''s actually her. You dead man, you sweet-talked and deceived me earlier, and now I see you''ve colluded with her for this performance. To think I was worried about you, you''ve conspired with outsiders to trick me¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong quickly covered her mouth, whispering, "It''s not as simple as you think. Just believe me, men have their reasons for what they do. Look closely, am I a bad guy?"


    Eldest Miss broke free, nced at him, and retorted, "If you''re not a bad person, then everyone in this world is good."


    Seeing her blush, who knows what she was thinking. Lin Wanrong chuckled, wrapping his arm around her slender waist, "Exactly, I only misbehave with you."


    In the courtyard, the two had battled for more than a hundred rounds without a clear victor. An Biru, finding it hard to defeat her opponent, quickly changed tactics. With a giggle, she dodged the fairy sister''s sword, spun lightly as if a wisp of smoke, and appeared in front of Lin Wanrong in an instant. She held one of his arms, locking onto his pressure point.Lin Wanrong, engrossed in his tender moment with the Eldest Miss, was taken aback by a sudden fragrant scent. An Biru had him. She chuckled, her voluptuous body lightly pressing onto his, flirtatiously saying, "I''ve got you now."


    "Hey, sister, what are you doing? It''s improper for men and women to touch each other, I will shout harassment¡ª" Lin Wanrong eximed. Fairy Ning was not slow to react. Seeing An Biru''s move, she darted forward and held Lin Wanrong''s other arm. The two women, with him in between, formed a triangle, neither giving an inch.


    An Biru gave a soft hum, swiftly waving her palm. An icy white aura filled her palm, a chill that seared into his arm. Lin Wanrong shivered all over, feeling as if he had been dropped into an icehouse, chilling beyond words. On the other hand, Fairy Ning did not utter a word, instead, her delicate hand gently pressed against his other arm. Instantly, a surge of warmth streamed into his body through his arm, overwhelmingly hot. Two opposing forces, one cold and one hot, battled incessantly within his body.


    "Hey,dies," Lin Wanrong shouted loudly, "Could you be a bit more professional about this hot and cold treatment? I''ve paid good money for the experience!" The sensation was like hiding in an icehouse with a roaring furnace, his body shivering from cold on one side and sweating on the other. It was an indescribable difort. Damn, was this the legendary "ice-fire experience"? And it was delivered by these celestial-like sisters. If he was lying in bed for this, with an iceberg on one side and fire on the other, how wonderful that would be.


    An Biru giggled and said, "Sister, are you protecting this boy because you''ve taken a fancy to him?" Fairy Ning''s face remained as calm as still water, showing no reaction.


    An Biru shouted softly, exerting force with her feet. With Lin Wanrong in tow, her body gracefully rose like a wild goose. Fairy Ning, holding onto Lin Wanrong''s other arm, could not exert any force and had to follow An Biru''s movement. With their bodies suspended in the air, they shot toward the wall.


    "Lin San, Lin San!" the Eldest Miss shouted in rm, quickly giving chase.


    How could Xiao Yuruo, a delicatedy, keep up with the incredible speed of An Biru and Fairy Ning? By the time she rushed out the door, there were only vague shadows in the sky, with no sign of the three.


    "That jerk!" the Eldest Miss stomped her foot in anger. Although Lin San was taken away, it looked like he had colluded with that An person. Those two were always suspiciously close. That vixen An was charmingly enchanting and particrly nice to Lin San, surely she would not harm him. As for the fairy woman, she hade to rescue him, so Lin San would not be in danger. But she had no idea when that rascal would return from his mischief outside, and he still had whip wounds on his back.


    ¡ª---


    "Let go of me, let go of me, I can''t fly, I have a fear of heights!" Suspended in mid-air by two women, Lin Wanrong struggled hard. He leaned toward An Biru, pressing against her plump bosom. With reckless abandon, he squeezed it, marveling at its slipperiness and sticity.


    An Biru, however, had no time to deal with his brazen act. The two women held Lin Wanrong on either side, moving quickly through the treetops like wild geese. Their free hands did not rest either, shing before Lin Wanrong''s face. The gusts caused by their movements brushed past Lin Wanrong''s cheeks, leaving an indescribable sensation. "Damn it, you two can fight all you want, but don''t harm my handsome face. I have to make a living with it!" Lin Wanrong''s nose broke out in a cold sweat, his heart full of unease.


    Two identical, slender and supple hands constantly swung before his eyes, Lin Wanrong could even detect the faint, ethereal fragrance from their fingertips. Being hoisted into the sky by the world''s most outstanding women, and additionally benefiting from asional perks, was an exhrating experience.


    These two women were among the world''s most skilled. Their intense struggle, apanied by myriad hand movements, was reminiscent of flitting orchids, causing confusion in one''s vision but causing no harm to his cheeks. Lin Wanrong worried for a while before settling down. Watching these two, a fairy and a vixen, each having an arm around him amidst their battle, he was surrounded by tantalizing fragrance, and their quivering bosoms were very pleasing to the eye.


    Consider this: these two were the world''s most outstanding women. To engage so intimately with them was an opportunity bestowed by heaven. If he didn''t seize the moment, he would be letting himself down.


    Being a fearless individual, he was moved by the sight of Sister An''s quivering bosom. Seeing the two women preupied, he subtly brushed against Sister An''s chest.


    An Biru''s eyes were dizzying, she nced at him amidst her busyness, her eyes full of me.


    Got it, she must be upset that he was only taking advantage of her and not her sister. He must be fair and impartial. He rationalized this, and his other arm swept toward Fairy Sister''s chest.


    Fairy Sister''s eyes shed with a divine light, and she hummed, increasing her strength, a burning pain came from his arm.


    Lin Wanrong cried out, "Hey, why are you burning me? This will leave a scar! So what if you can heat up! I can shoot water!"


    Fairy Sister hummed faintly, not saying anything. An Biru giggled, "My sister''s body is pure as jade and ice, it is not something a crude person like you can defile. Sister, thisd took advantage of you, let me kill him!"


    "He deserves to die, but not by your hands," Fairy Ning said in a soft voice, her tone inexplicably calm as if nothing could affect her state of mind.


    "I hate your self-righteous attitude, acting as if you control everyone''s fate," Lin Wanrong yelled, "Talking to you is not interesting. ck-clothes sister, you kill me instead."


    Fairy Ning''s expression did not change, but she suddenly let go of his arm. Her left hand flicked the long sword and aimed it at An Biru.


    Sister An''s expression tightened, barely blocking her sword. Her body shivered, and her left hand no longer held Lin Wanrong. The trio, originally standing on top of a tall tree, lost their bnce. Lin Wanrong screamed as he fell straight down like a rock.


    An Biru watched anxiously as Lin Wanrong''s descent elerated. If she did not act, he would lose his life. Biting her lip, she twisted her body, and like a leaf, she began to descend the tree.


    She was fast, but someone was faster. Fairy Ning attacked forcing An Biru to let go, her body shot downwards along the tree, and in the blink of an eye, she reached the ground. Looking up, she saw Lin San, who wanted to take advantage of her, falling straight down, looking as if he was about to crash into her.


    ¡®You wish to save me, don''t you? Then open your arms, I promise I won''t knock you over,¡¯ Lin San''s face lit up with a scious smile. He rather enjoyed this ''kindness'' of this ''sister''.


    It seemed as if Fairy Ning could see through the vulgar thoughts in Lin Wanrong''s mind, a cold smirk gracing her porcin-like face, veiled behind her thin shroud.


    "Fairy, I''ming." Seeing Fairy Sister right in front of him, Lin Wanrong stretched out his arms, intending to give her a big embrace. But just as his hands were about to touch her waist, he felt a cold, long object blocking his body. It immobilized him, stretching from his chest to his groin. Fairy Sister''s eye was incredibly sharp, her hand precise. This move didn''t deviate in the slightest, perfectly halting his fall, no more, no less.


    "Damn, what did Fairy Sister use to stop me?" Lin Wanrong grumbled internally, looking down to see a thin sword sheath wedged beneath him.


    Hended grudgingly and pped his hands,ughing, "Sister, your technique is so urate. Do you also use this thing to poke yourself when you''re free?"


    An Biru, relieved, descended not far from the pair,ughing, "Great strategy, Sister. It was a diversion. Truly worthy of being the sessor of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall."


    Fairy Sister faintly smiled, "Sister, we have fought for quite a while today. You can''t beat me, and I can''t do much about you. This man might be vulgar, but you can''t just kill him. Everything you have done is because of my ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall''. Who you want to harm, I will protect."


    Lin Wanrong snorted secretly, recalling how she had also wanted to kill him once. Shouldn''t An Biru be protecting him based on this logic?


    An Biru snorted, "I couldn''t kill him today, but there will be another day. I refuse to believe that you can stay by his side for a lifetime."


    "I might not necessarily protect him for a lifetime, but I can certainly protect him for a while." Fairy Ning said lightly, thick confidence shing in her eyes.


    "Is that so? Have you taken a liking to this kid, Sister? Lin San, you are indeed lucky¡ª" An Biruughedsciviously, her voluptuous figure undting, drawing a wonderful curve. Herughter suddenly stopped as she said coldly, "But don''t be too happy too soon. My sister here is a hundred times better at toying with men than I am. Once you fall into her trap, you''ll be begging for life and death¡ªyou''d be better off with me killing you. That would be much more enjoyable."


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong took several steps back in disbelief, staring at her.


    "Lin San, take care of yourself." As her words fell, An Biru gave Lin Wanrong a deep look, her body twisted, and she vanished into the vast forest like a light swan.


    Fairy Ning didn''t speak, gazing at An Biru''s retreating figure. She sighed lightly, her gaze deep, it was unclear what she was thinking.


    Lin Wanrong looked longingly at An Biru''s beautiful figure. Compared with this icy Fairy Sister, An Biru was like a zing fire, seductive and boundless. Speaking with her was incredibly enjoyable. If he could get this provocative and mature woman into bed, and sing her ''A River of Spring Water'', goodness, what would that be like?


    In the forest, only the two of them remained, the silence between them almost palpable. Fairy Ning sighed wistfully, turning to see Lin San leering into the distance, salivating, the picture of lustful debauchery. Her brow furrowed involuntarily. Could this really be the man Qingxuan had fallen for? She remembered her decision to kill him that day, and it felt as if it had been an incredibly wise choice.


    Seeing the silent Fairy Ning approach, Lin Wanrong quickly eximed, "Don''te over, I''m not a loose man!"


    Fairy Ning stopped in her tracks and asked indifferently, "Do you believe me or her?"


    "Her? Who is she?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback at first, then realization dawned. "You mean the one in ck? Isn''t she your junior sister? If I have to choose, I''d rather believe your junior sister."


    "Why? Don''t you know she wants to kill you?" Fairy Ning asked, her eyes devoid of emotion.


    "Well, it seems she does want to kill me, but I''m no pushover either. I''m not the type who''d let her kill me just because she said so," Lin Wanrong chuckled, adding, "I chose to believe her because she has a better figure."


    Fairy Ning didn''t get angry. She took a few steps forward and said, "You''re no simple character. Indeed, your martial arts skills are average, but when ites to cunning and deceit, there are few in this world who can match you. That day, I was nearly killed on the spot, and that''s proof."


    Lin Wanrong feigned ignorance. "Killed on the spot? Did I do that? Fairy Sister, you must be mistaken. Who would dare to harm someone as beautiful as you? Ah, I wouldn''t do such a thing, I only engage in more noble pursuits."


    Fairy Ning, hearing his deceit, snorted, "Is that so? Don''t you recognize me then?"


    Lin Wanrong looked at her carefully, then shook his head after a while. "Sister, your elegance and beauty are unparalleled, you''re like Chang''e from the moon pce, breathtakingly beautiful. But with your face veiled, even if I have met you before, I wouldn''t be able to tell."


    "Do you recognize this then?" In Fairy Ning''s delicate hand, she held a thin bee needle that softly glowed silver.


    "Ah, where did this embroidery needlee from? Fairy Sister, your hands are too delicate for such crude tasks. Give me the needle, I''ll throw it away for you," Lin San said without a change in expression, reaching out for the bee needle.


    With a swift twist of her hand, Fairy Ning moved incredibly quickly. The needle harshly pierced Lin Wanrong''s hand with a ''zi'' sound.


    "Ah¡ª" Lin Wanrong cried out, his face turning pale. He felt as if he could already sense the suffocation of his heart. This was the poisonous needle personally prepared by Xian¡¯er, if he died like this, it would be a real tragedy. He had used the bee needle on others, but never thought it would be used on him. Without another thought, he reached into his pocket for the antidote.


    Seeing his movements, Fairy Ning faintly smiled and asked, "What are you looking for?"


    "I''m looking for the antidote¡ª Ah, no, just kidding. I''m looking for candy. Sister, do you want some? I''ll give you a piece," Lin Wanrong quickly found the antidote and without thinking, swallowed one. After waiting for a while, he felt a pain in his stomach, followed by the dispersal of the pain, a warm current spread from his abdomen, making him feel much better all over.


    Fairy Ning didn''t try to stop him. She watched him quietly as he finished the antidote, then gave him a small nod with a smile. "How does the antidote taste?" she asked. "Is there first a stomach pain, followed by a wave of heat coursing through your body?"


    "Oh, is that so?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, a sudden chill passing through his heart. Fairy Sister had described the effects of the drug without a single mistake. It seemed she could indeed counteract the deadly poison.


    Fairy Ning lifted the bee needle in her hand, a smile ying on her lips. "The person who concocted this poison in the needle put a great deal of thought into it, using seven different deadly poisons. If not for my profound abilities, I fear I would have fallen to your hand that day."


    ¡®Damn, she really knows how to turn the tables,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought. Had he not been armed with a pair of guns and needles, he might have been killed by her sword. He chuckled and said, "Fairy Sister, I think you''ve mistaken me for someone else. How could a humble man like myself use such a sinister weapon? Ah, the thought that someone is impersonating me tomit murder... given my striking good looks, I fear countless innocent girls might be harmed. I must report this to the authorities and bring him to justice to protect the safety of these youngdies. As for the girls who''ve already been harmed by him, sigh, I''ll take responsibility!"


    As Fairy Sister saw his act, the amusement in her eyes deepened. She took a few steps forward, saying, "Whether it was you or not, doesn''t matter at this point. This deadly poison was carefully concocted, and the antidote is just as extraordinary,posed of seven deadly poisons that kill upon entering the bloodstream..."


    "Seven... deadly... poisons... that... kill... upon... entering... the bloodstream?" Lin Wanrong repeated her words slowly, a tremor in his voice.


    "Exactly," she affirmed, nodding slightly. "One thing suppresses another. Seven deadly poisons are neutralized by another set of seven deadly poisons. The person who concocted this poison is truly ingenious. If I didn''t have some knowledge of medicine and poison, I might have turned into a pile of bones today."


    Upon hearing her words, Lin Wanrong was greatly shocked. He understood the principle of fighting poison with poison. In the hospitals of his previous life, many antidotes were extracted from venomous snakes. He thought of Fairy Sister ying with poisons, dealing with twenty different kinds. Wasn''t this a terrifying thought? If one day she took a disliking to someone and added a pinch of her poison to their food, that would spell the end.


    Fairy Sister continued calmly, "Deadly poisons can harm people, but they can also save people. However, what do you think would happen if someone who is not poisoned takes this antidote?"


    "They would certainly be poisoned and die," Lin Wanrong replied with augh. Thankfully, he had already been poisoned before taking the antidote, otherwise he would have surely met his end.


    "Judging by your appearance, you don''t seempletely foolish," Fairy Sister said with a smile. "However, sometimes you do enjoy pretending to be confused. It''s not a problem if you don''t recognize me, but if you don''t recognize this bee needle, that would be truly improper." Fairy Ning flicked the bee needle in her hand with a coldugh.


    "Fairy Sister, your words are too profound for a simple man like me to understand," Lin Wanrong replied.


    Fairy Sister let out a lightugh, handing the bee needle to Lin Wanrong. "The deadliest of poisons cause silver to change color. What color do you think this bee needle would be if it was tainted with a deadly poison?"


    "Deep blue, or perhaps ck¡ª" Lin San began, but as he held the shimmering silver needle in his hand, he felt something was wrong. The smile on his face quickly froze.


    "Do you understand now?" Fairy Sister asked with a gentle smile.


    ¡®Damn, I''ve been had,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, rage welling up inside him. He eximed loudly, "You, you''re the renowned Fairy Sister, how could you resort to murder?"


    "Who says that a fairy doesn''t kill?" Fairy Sister replied, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She twirled her delicate body, lightly brushing her hair from her ears, exuding a charm that was even more seductive than that of Sister An.


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 Chapter 319

    Chapter 319


    Chapter 319 I Will Give You an Exnation


    Before An Biru left, she had mentioned that the Fairy Sister was a master maniptor, and it indeed seemed to be true. Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded in his chest. Seeing Fairy Ning standing there as pure as a white lotus, no one would have ever guessed her cunning side, if not for her unexpected move.


    Lin Wanrong grunted and pricked his own wrist with the bee needle a couple more times, a slight tingling sensation quickly spreading.


    Fairy Ning smiled lightly, "What are you doing? Is it that you''re not dying quickly enough? The needle is no longer poisonous; even a hundred more pricks will be of no use."


    Lin Wanrong responded with a small smile, "Fairy Sister, you weave a good story. An average person might have been scared by you. It''s a pity you''ve met me. I, Lin San, am known as the unkible cockroach. Do you think it would be so easy to trick me?"


    The Fairy Sister''s eyes remained calm, she nced at him indifferently, "What do you mean by this? When did I ever try to scare you?"


    General Lin chuckled, pacing a few steps, "The principle of fighting poison with poison indeed sounds profound. If it were someone else, they might have been scared to death by you even if not poisoned. But you fail to understand that the poison needle was given to me by someone close to me. If the antidote was truly poison, she would have told me early on. It wouldn''t be your turn to y mind games with me. This is one reason¡ª"


    Fairy Ning didn''t nod nor shake her head, her beautiful face concealed under the light veil, making it hard to discern her expression. She slowlyughed, "So, the idea of the antidote being non-toxic is just your conjecture?" Fairy Ning was indeed brilliant, catching Lin Wanrong''s loophole with a single sentence, exposing his thoughts.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head andughed, "As I mentioned earlier, this is only one of the reasons. There''s another even more important one. You, Fairy Sister, have gone to great lengths to save me. It can''t possibly be just to kill me. If I had died at the hands of your junior sister, it would have been understandable since she''s viewed by the world as a merciless she-devil. Killing one more like me wouldn''t make a difference. But you, Fairy Sister, are revered by the world. If I were to die mysteriously after being taken away by you under the watchful eyes of many, I can''t say for others, but Miss Xiao for sure would know whose hand I died at. If she were to spread the word, your hands being stained with blood not only tarnishes your reputation but also harms your...what was it? Some workshop or hall¡ª""It''s ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall''," Fairy Ning softly corrected him.


    "Right, right, that hall. You''re truly smart, Fairy Sister, that hall is way more famous than our Xiao family''s perfume and soap workshop." Lin Wanrong chuckled, "If you kill me, it will damage the reputation of your master''s hall. Even if people don''t voice it, their respect for you will diminish greatly. You wouldn''t conduct such a loss-making transaction. If we take a step back, even if you really wanted to kill me, you could have just let your junior sister do it. It wouldn''t have required your involvement and it would have eliminated someone you didn''t want to see. Killing two birds with one stone. You could have even justified your actions under the guise of demon elimination. Wouldn''t such a profitable transaction be more to your liking?"


    The Fairy Sister gentlyughed, "My ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall'' exists to save all living beings, it is not in the business of making trades, your deduction is untenable."


    Lin Wanrong sneered, "Saving all living beings? Give me a break, apart from yourself, you can''t save anyone. In this world, some people pursue profit, others love fame. You wave the banner of serving the country and the people, yet your true thoughts lie in preserving the honor of your master''s sect, so everyone will always look up to it. For this goal, you can sacrifice anything, how is this different from business? It''s just that some people do it in in sight, while others do it covertly."


    Listening to him speak, the Fairy Sister didn''t seem to get angry. She swept him a nce and said, "Are you done? From a single poison pill, you''ve moved on to the reputation of my master''s sect. You are truly capable in a peculiar way."


    Lin Wanrong took out another antidote and put it in his mouth, chuckling, "This is not a falsehood¡ªI''ll try another one and see if it can kill me. I reckon that this antidote is about the same as a supplement, you can''t bluff me."


    The Fairy Sister smiled as she looked at him, "You''re uncertain yourself, that''s why you''re trying to get an answer from me, hoping I''ll tell you this antidote isn''t poisonous, right?"


    ¡®Damn it, this Fairy Sister and Sister An are indeed worthy of being from the same sect, they''re equally cunning. I wasted all that talking and she wasn''t fooled. Such a troublesome character, I wonder what kind of rtionship she has with Qingxuan. It''s best to avoid her in the future.¡¯


    General Lin,ughed loudly three times, "Poisonous or not, it''s known after a trial. I''ve taken two pills and I''m still vibrant and vigorous, you can''t fool me, Sister. You should confess quickly." His words had barely finished when his body felt limp and his eyelids began to weigh heavy. The Fairy Sister''s face gradually blurred in his sight.


    "Knockout drug!" General Lin''s expression changed. Back in Jinling, Xiao Qingxuan had given him a knockout drug. He kept her kindness in mind, never expecting that today, Qingxuan''s kin would give him a powerful knockout drug again.


    The Fairy Sister smiled faintly, "When you''re clever, you''re hateful. When you''re foolish, you''re quite adorable. The antidote is indeed non-toxic, but this needle was coated with a knockout drug. It''s funny how you thought yourself wise, ignoring my words as if they were wind past your ear. Now you''ve asked for this bitter fruit."


    The knockout drug on this needle was minimal. Once it entered the bloodstream, it wouldn''t cause unconsciousness, but it could make one dizzy. Lin Wanrong felt a mix of relief and worry. He was relieved to not be poisoned, but worried because he''d been hit with the knockout drug. He''d previously only used it on others, never expecting to be the victim today, spending all day shooting geese, yet being pecked blind by one. From start to finish, the Fairy Sister was simply toying with him. Damn it, Sister An was right.


    "I never expected, Fairy Sister, that you would also use knockout drugs," Lin Wanrong, fighting dizziness, said, "I thought only people like me, with ordinary martial skills, would resort to such despicable means."


    Fairy Ning gave a faint humph. "Do not do unto others what you don''t want done unto you. You used those toxic bee needles to harm others, causing me to be bedridden for several days, my life hanging by a thread. Why should it be inappropriate for me to teach you a lesson today?"


    Someone like Fairy Ning, lofty and proud, rarely resorted to such underhanded methods like using a knockout drug. It was just that Lin San was truly detestable, and by some twist of fate, she couldn''t kill him that day. So, she employed a little trick to let him experience the taste of being plotted against.


    She had used a minimal dose of the drug, intending only to punish Lin San. Lin Wanrong''s dizziness had faded significantly after a while, but his steps were still a bit wobbly. He walked a few steps forward and suddenly lost his bnce, leaning toward Fairy Sister.


    Fairy Sister furrowed her brows, thinking, ¡®Even a small dog should have recovered from the dosage I used. How could this man be so sensitive to drugs?¡¯ Seeing that Lin San was about to copse, she raised her sword''s sheath with a flicker of her thoughts, intending to stop his falling body. However, Lin San suddenly shifted, bypassing the sheath, and fell directly towards her chest.


    Fairy Sister was both surprised and angry. She let out a soft shout and swiftly sidestepped. There was a soft ripping sound as Lin San grasped her sleeve, tearing it open from the middle, revealing her immacte white wrist.


    "Damned rogue!" Seeing her snow-white wrist exposed to a strange man, especially one she deeply disliked, Fairy Ning couldn''t suppress her anger despite her usually exceptional self-control. She pointed her sword at him, ready to pierce his body.


    "My apologies, Fairy Sister, I didn''t mean to do that. I''m just feeling a bit dizzy after being drugged by you," Lin Wanrong chuckled, with a mischievous look on his face. It was obvious he was taking advantage of the situation, totally unrepentant. ¡®I am indeed a rogue, what are you going to do about it?¡¯


    In her fury, Fairy Ning''s sword had already reached his chest, barely a moment away from piercing him. However, she was no ordinary person, and had better control over her emotions than most. Seeing his unconcerned demeanor, she gritted her teeth, and her sword swerved, with a crisp "ding" sound the hilt of the sword was held against his chest.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled again, pressing the muzzle of his firearm against Fairy Sister''s abdomen. "You have a sword, Fairy Sister, and I have a gun. We''re even once again."


    This Lin San was truly cunning. On the surface, he was trying to provoke her, but he had readied his firearm in secret. She had to admit, his tactics were spot-on, and she had once again fallen for his trick.


    Fairy Ning kept a poker face, and uttered a faint humph. "Among the world''s deceivers, none canpare to you."


    "Such an overstatement," Lin Wanrongughed lustily. "And among the world''s beauties, none canpare to Fairy Sister." His back was covered in whipshes, horrifying to behold. He had just teased Fairy Sister and drawn his gun, which took a lot of effort. Now that the firearm was in his hand, he felt a sense of relief, but the pain in his back started to surge again.


    Fairy Ning lightly touched his chest with her sword hilt. "Your whole body is a hidden weapon, truly extraordinary."


    "Hidden weapon? Are you referring to this?" Lin Wanrongughed as he pulled out an object from his chest: "Just a gold medal I use as a heart shield. Sister, feel it; it''s still warm from being against my skin." What he held was the same gold medal gifted to him by the elegantly dressed old man he had encountered outside Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou. Once he arrived in the Capital, he never had time to find the man at the government office. Seeing the fine workmanship of the medal and liking its feel, he decided to wear it as a heart shield. He hadn''t expected it to y such a critical role today. Fairy Ning''s sword had been stopped right at this peculiar "heart shield".


    Upon seeing the strangely shaped gold medal in his hand, Fairy Ning couldn''t help but let out a soft gasp. Surprise shed in her eyes as she quickly asked, "Where did you steal this gold medal from?"


    ¡®Damn it, I''m wealthy enough to buy as many gold medals as I want. Why would I need to steal?¡¯ Lin Wanrong gave Fairy Ning a look, chuckled, and said, "Fairy Sister, please choose your words carefully. This small gold medal... I have at least eighty, if not a hundred of them at home. I even use them as a pillow when I sleep. Why would I need to steal?"


    Fairy Ning sheathed her sword and calmly said, "Lin San, may I take a closer look at this gold medal?"


    "Why so formal?" Lin Wanrongughed, "If you want it, just say so. If you don''t tell me, how am I supposed to know? Ah, it seems this broken medal is indeed interesting if it''s caught Fairy Sister''s attention."


    "Are you going to lend it to me or not?" Fairy Ning asked with a slightly furrowed brow.


    "Of course!" He lifted the gold medal in his hand andughed, "You want to see this gold medal? Easy. Fairy Sister, what''s your name?"


    A sh of annoyance passed through Fairy Sister''s eyes before she quickly calmed down, lightly stroking her hair and saying, "A name is just a symbol. I haven''t used mine in a long time. Besides, does my name have anything to do with this gold medal?"


    "The gold medal is just a piece of gold. I''ve loved gold for a long time. I''ll definitely have to treasure this." Lin Wanrong grinned, his firearm trained on Fairy Sister while he slipped the gold medal back into his chest.


    Seeing his smug expression, Fairy Sister sighed, "Fine, just let it be. Out of everyone in the world, you''re the first to coerce me¡ªI am Ning Yuxi."


    "Ning Yuxi? Yu [Feather] in Yuhua [Feathering] and Xi [West] in Xiqu [Go west]?" Lin Wanrong shook his head, "That''s not a very lucky name. You should go with ¡®Ning Jiahe¡¯ [Ning Riding a Crane] instead!"


    Annoyed, Fairy Ning retorted, "What are you talking about? My name is Ning Yuxi. Yu [Rain] as in Luoyu [Falling rain], and Xi [Past] as in Xiri [Past days]. What does it have to do with a feather going west?"


    "Ning Yuxi? That''s a good name, on par with my name, Lin San." Lin Wanrong nodded and unabashedly continued, "So, Yuxi, what do you want with this gold medal¡ª"


    Listening to him, Ning Yuxi felt as if her divine self had been dragged into the mortal world. Her eyebrows furrowed, her teeth clenched, and her chest heaving. Despite her profound cultivation, she had to suppress her anger. She faintly said, "The name ''Yuxi'' is only my mundane name from many years ago, and I have long abandoned it. Please stop calling me that."


    "I understand, Yuxi," Lin San nodded, "Yuxi, what do you want with this gold que? Given our rtionship, if you want gold, I can just give you some. This que isn''t that interesting to look at."


    "If you''re going to back out of your word, then forget it," Ning Yuxi said calmly. She had a feeling that the shameless man before her was going to cause her great trouble.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Don''t rush, don''t rush. Let me ask onest question, and after that, you can see the gold que."


    Ning Yuxi shook her head, "If you want to ask about Qingxuan''s whereabouts, you can spare it. There won''t be any oue between you two. I didn''t use the forgetting technique on you today. You''re already at an advantage."


    ¡®Damn, as cunning as Sister An,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought irritably, snorted and said, "Qingxuan is my wife, whether there is an oue between us or not, it''s none of your business. In this world, there might be rivers one can''t cross, but there are no thoughts one can sever. I won''t ask about Qingxuan''s whereabouts. Let''s change the question¡ªYuxi, how old are you this year?"


    Ning Yuxi nced at him lightly, "Age doesn''t matter for cultivators. You could say I''m sixteen, or sixty¡ªit doesn''t matter."


    This Fairy Ning truly maintained an extreme calm. Even when asked such a question, she could keep herposure. Lin Wanrong admired her poise deeply. He chuckled, handed the gold que to her, and said, "Yuxi, your answer was very philosophical. You may admire the gold que. But there is one condition you must abide by."


    Even if Ning Yuxi was a fairy from heaven, she couldn''t figure out what this shameless thing was going to say. She asked, "What is the condition?"


    Lin San said with absolute seriousness, "By giving you this gold que, I''m as good as giving myself to you. You must be gentle and considerate, observe from a distance but do not disrespect!"


    Ning Yuxi took the gold que silently. Seeing her silent figure, Lin Wanrong felt unspeakably thrilled in his heart, ¡®Even a fairy can be teased, I truly am a genius.¡¯


    Ning Yuxi examined the gold que from all sides, scrutinizing it before sighing softly, "Where did you get this gold que?"


    This was the second time the Fairy Sister had asked this question. Lin Wanrong had no idea about the origins of the richly dressed elder, so how could he tell the story? He hesitated and chuckled, "It was a gift from someone. Why, do you recognize this item, Yuxi?"


    Hearing him speak so fluently, Fairy Ning furrowed her eyebrows and looked at him intently, "It must have been a gift, indeed. You wouldn''t be able to steal something like this. This gold que has significant use for my ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall'', how could I not recognize it?"


    Sweat! A broken que somehow connected to Fairy Ning''s master''s hall? Even if it was a que bestowed by the Emperor, it couldn''t be that important, right? Damn, he identally stumbled upon a treasure. He just didn''t know how useful this que really was. Could it make Fairy Ning hand over Qingxuan and take off her clothes?


    His eyes radiated lust, but before he could speak, he heard Ning Yuxi murmur, "How could something so important fall into the hands of someone irrelevant?" A glimmer of divinity appeared in her eyes as she stared at Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, have you been to the pce?"


    Been to the pce? This thing really came from the pce? Lin Wanrong was startled. If that were the case, the old man he met outside Lingyin Temple, wouldn''t he be a big shot from the pce?


    "What do you mean, ''been to the pce''? I don''t know!" Lin Wanrong grinned, "As you know, I''m a robust man. What would I be doing in the pce? Even though this thing is from the pce, it doesn''t necessarily mean I''ve been there to find it."


    Fairy Ning sighed lightly, "You''re so evasive and untruthful, hardly credible. Well, since I''ve seen this gold que again, I''ll personally visit the pce. Lin San, take care of yourself."


    She said she would leave and she left. Her figure floated away, and in the blink of an eye, she disappeared into the depths of the forest.


    "Hey, hey, my heart shield, give it back to me¡ª" Lin Wanrong shouted, "Are you a fairy or a robber?"


    A softugh echoed, and Ning Yuxi''s voice rang out, "Rest assured, I will give you an exnation."


    An exnation? What could she exin to him? Watching her retreating figure, General Lin was profoundly puzzled.


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 Chapter 320

    Chapter 320


    Chapter 320 The Emperor Summons You


    Ning Yuxi came and went like a gust of wind, her intentions as elusive as her presence. Even before Lin Wanrong could decipher her intentions, she had disappeared, leaving behind an air of unbound freedom.


    After interacting with Fairy Ning twice, Lin Wanrong still couldn''t clearly articte his impression of her. However, one thing was certain - he would undoubtedly have opportunities to meet her in the future.


    As for the gold token she had taken, given that it originated from the pce and considering the regal bearing of the old man in the splendid robes, could he possibly be¡ªLin Wanrong''s heart quickened. If that were true, then he had truly hit the jackpot. Heughed heartily. The forest was quiet and expansive, and hisughter echoed without end.


    General Lin, injured and in pain, slowly limped back to the Xiao household, causing the Eldest Miss to startle. She quickly grabbed his hand, asking, "Why... why did you return so soon?"


    Lin Wanrong replied helplessly, "Was I supposed to wait for them to invite me to a midnight snack? Ah, the pain is killing me..."


    Xiao Yuruo hurriedly helped him into the room and applied ointment to his wounds, alleviating some of the pain. The Eldest Miss, despite her soft and considerate words, couldn''t help but feel exhausted from the day''s events. Lin Wanrong, despite his severe injuries and fatigue, couldn''t resist teasing her as her delicate fingers gently caressed his back. Unknowingly, he drifted off into a deep sleep.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s peaceful sleeping face with drool at the corner of his mouth, illuminated by the moonlight, Xiao Yuruo felt a different kind of affectionpared to his usual wild and unrestrained demeanor. This scoundrel, always caught up in the troubles of An Biru, Qin Xian''er, and the myriad of chaotic matters. She wondered how he had managed to endure it all.


    A soft tenderness welled up in her heart. Unable to resist, she reached out and gently stroked his face. His short, stubbly beard tickled her soft palm, stirring a gentle itch. A blush crept onto her face, but the sensation of happiness was undeniably real.The Eldest Miss sat by his bedside for a long time, waiting until his sleep was deep before she carefully covered him with the quilt, then slowly walked out of the room.


    "Miss, Miss Xu has arrived." As she was about to step out, she was informed by the maid.


    "Miss Xu?" Xiao Yuruo frowned, ncing at the half-submerged moon in the sky, she asked, "Why has shee sote?"


    While speaking, she continued her stride, soon reaching the living room, only to find Xu Zhiqing sitting there, her eyebrows furrowed in thought.


    "Miss Xu, it''s so dark and the road is not good, why did youe in person?" The Eldest Miss quickly walked over, grabbing Xu Zhiqing''s hand.


    Miss Xu gave a small smile, "I came to check on you. I was worried that seeing him in such a state would upset you, and you might do something reckless."


    Xiao Yuruo''s face reddened, "Sister, you''re making fun of me again. He willingly took that beating. Even if I wanted to be angry, I couldn''t me anyone but him."


    Xu Zhiqing nodded slightly and chuckled, "If you think that way, then it''s for the best. Today''s incident can''t be truly med on anyone. There is no right or wrong here, you shouldn''t me him anymore."


    "How could I me him!" The Eldest Miss grabbed Xu Zhiqing''s hand and led her to sit, sighing, "Although he appears to be a servant in our house, he doesn''t act like one. It has always been this way, and now, I fear it will only get worse." A faint blush appeared on Xiao Yuruo''s face, making her look inexplicably charming.


    Xu Zhiqing sighed lightly, taking out a jar of ointment from her bosom, "I got this miraculous salve from the pce''s royal doctor. It''s made from top-quality snow ginseng and deer antler velvet, specially for external injuries. A scab forms in a day, peeling in three, healing in seven. It''s incredibly precious. You should take it and use it on him."


    Receiving the small jar of medicine, the Eldest Miss eximed, "Really, Sister Xu? Thank you so much! You were still at home during dinner. When did you enter the pce to get this medicine?" No wonder Xu Zhiqing visited sote, it turns out she came specifically to deliver medicine. From dinner time until now was only a span of two hours at most. With theplicated procedures of entering the pce, Xu Zhiqing had to obtain the medicine first, then deliver it personally. This friendship was indeed profound.


    Seeing Xiao Yuruo''s grateful face, Miss Xu shook her head, "Miss Xiao, you needn''t thank me. Today, Lin San''s performance on the battlefield was truly astounding. What''s this little jar of medicinepared to that? I just hope he doesn''t think that today''s incident on the battlefield was some deliberate deception on my part."


    The Eldest Miss hurried back upon hearing of Lin San''s injuries. As for the details, she didn''t know. Hearing what Xu Zhiqing said, she became even more confused, but didn''t ask.


    "Has he slept?" Xu Zhiqing nced at the Eldest Miss and asked softly.


    "He''s been through quite an ordeal tonight and has just fallen asleep." Seeing Xu Zhiqing''s hesitant expression, the Eldest Miss couldn''t help but ask, "Sister Xu, is there something you want to tell me?"


    Xu Zhiqing smiled, "Miss Xiao is indeed astute. No wonder even that wild Lin San ispletely subdued by you."


    The Eldest Miss blushed and softly said, "Sister Xu, you''re joking. How could I subdue him? I''m more afraid that I''m the one being controlled by him."


    Seeing the Eldest Miss''s flushed face and content expression, Xu Zhiqing sighed lightly and said, "Miss Xu, you are so gentle and caring towards him. I hope Lin San knows and understands you, and treats you well. There aren''t many happy endings in this world. I hope you two won''t let minor issues interfere with your rtionship."


    Hearing this, the Eldest Miss blushed even more and nodded, but then she thought of something from Xu Zhiqing''stter sentence. She quickly raised her head and asked, "Sister Xu, is there something you want to tell me?" She was startled, and then added, "Is there... is there something wrong?"


    Xu Zhiqing sighed, neither shaking nor nodding her head. She softly asked, "Eldest Miss, do you truly like this Lin San?"


    The question left the Eldest Miss hard-pressed to respond. After a moment of pondering, she heaved a sigh and said, "He and I, we''re a pair of natural antagonists. In the past, he used to infuriate me daily, yet I found myself drawn to him, unable to shake him off. It''s as if I''m under a spell. Every day, he would make me lose my temper twice. But when he''s not around, I feel something is missing. I think about him, I miss him, I want to see him..." Her face flushed ever deeper, her voice barely above a whisper as she spoke thest words.


    Xu Zhiqing nodded, "The matters of men and women are the most intricate knots in the world. Even if one lived ten lifetimes, one wouldn''t fully understand it. If you care about him so deeply, then you should seize this opportunity and make sure no one takes him away from you."


    Take him away? The Eldest Miss raised her head and asked, "Sister Xu, what do you mean by that? Did he provoke some youngdy again, this dead man¡ª"


    Xu Zhiqingughed and took her hand, "Don''t panic just yet. It''s not certain if he caused this. Though he''s quite arrogant, I don''t think he''s capable of that. There''s something fishy about this."


    Xiao Yuruo grew even more puzzled. Looking intently at Xu Zhiqing, she gave a bitter smile, "Sister Xu, what exactly is going on? Just tell me all at once, I can handle it."


    Xu Zhiqing exhaled and stood up. Pacing back and forth in the hall, she finally said, "Sister Xiao, although I don''t know where Lin San came from, his knowledge and wisdom far exceed that of an average person. You''d agree, wouldn''t you?"


    ¡®I know him better than you do, I know his abilities more than anyone. Not only does he excel in knowledge and wisdom, but also in deceit and scheming.¡¯ As she thought of his past deeds, the Eldest Miss smiled faintly and nodded, "I''m aware of that. The things he''s done are widely told in Jinling."


    Xu Zhiqing couldn''t help butugh, "The stories you''re talking about, I''ve heard from my father too. The bean sprouts supporting the Buddha statue, washing hands in a pot of oil, burning copper coins. Also, mocking the Couplet King, fighting Mei Yanqiu, and the Poetry Contest. Sometimes it''s hard to believe that Lin San was responsible for all of these. Actually, there''s a lot you don''t know, like his significant role in eliminating the White Lotus Sect. He was regarded as the number one warrior among the three armies. Today, at the drill ground, in front of the Emperor, he faced formidable foes, one against five, yet achieved a dramatic victory. If you consider all these things, Lin San indeed deserves to be called an extraordinary person."


    The Eldest Miss smiled and nodded, a touch of pride flickering in her eyes, "That''s him. There''s nothing he can''t do if he sets his mind to it."


    "With Lin San being so remarkable and widely praised, have you ever thought, Sister Xiao, the more extraordinary he is, the further he moves from your Xiao family? Are you sure you can keep him forever?" Xu Zhiqing gently asked.


    The Eldest Miss turned pale. This had been her long-standing concern. The more outstanding Lin San became, the less beneficial it was for the Xiao family. Xiao Yuruo bit her lip, her eyes clouding over, "Sister Xu, what exactly has happened?"


    Xu Zhiqing spun around, taking Eldest Miss''s hand and saying, "Sister Xiao, do you know that during today''s military drill on the battlefield, the Emperor himself was present, witnessed his prowess, and praised him highly? He even asked my father to invite him to the pce in a few days."


    Eldest Miss was puzzled. "Invite him to the pce? Is it because the Emperor has taken a liking to him? That''s a good thing, isn''t it? Sister, why did you raise such a strange question?"


    Xu Zhiqing shook her head with a bitter smile, "My naive sister, you only see part of the picture. Of course, it''s good that the Emperor values him and wants to invite him to the pce to assign him important tasks. If he gets promoted and flourishes, and you two are in a loving rtionship, bing a couple that everyone envies, then indeed, that would be wonderful. But things are not that simple!"


    In terms of court affairs, Eldest Miss was far from as knowledgeable as Xu Zhiqing. She bit her lip and asked, "Sister, are there any twists and turns in this?"


    Xu Zhiqing looked at her and sighed, "There are twists and turns, but also mysteries. Sister Xiao, you are aware that our Emperor has two princesses."


    "Yes, there are two princesses," Xiao Yuruo nodded, "What about it?"


    "Oh, you silly girl!" Xu Zhiqing smiled bitterly and patted Eldest Miss''s hand, "My father mentioned that when the Emperor invited him to the pce today, besides discussing state affairs, he revealed a significant piece of news - the young princess, who had been wandering abroad for many years, has recently returned to the pce."


    "The princess? Returned to the pce? What does that have to do with Lin San?" Eldest Miss pondered for a moment, her face gradually turning pale. "Does sister mean that the Emperor wants to betroth the princess to¡ª"


    Xu Zhiqing held her hand, feeling it trembling and seeing herplexion turn deathly white. Miss Xu naturally knew the bitter pain in Xiao Yuruo''s heart. She didn''t know how tofort her and could only sigh gently, "The young princess is now twenty years old. Whether she will choose a prince consort, I do not know. But one thing is certain: ording to my father, the young princess has suggested to the Emperor that Lin San be invited to the pce¡ª"


    This news was enough. The noble princess of the Great Hua Dynasty, who was not yet married, would speak in favor of Lin San in front of the Emperor. Who would believe there was nothing going on between them? If Lin San were to be the prince consort, the royal dignity would be higher than anything else. How could the princess, who was considered the gem of the royal family, allow him to marry amoner girl again?


    When did this rascal meet the princess and kept her in the dark so tightly? Eldest Miss trembled slightly, her palm growing colder, her heart felt as if it was being pricked by needles. Was her affection for him all in vain, disappearing like the waters of the Yangtze River?


    Eldest Miss gave a sorrowful smile, "He is indeed very lucky, even the princess has taken a liking to him. In his eyes, what does a simple girl like me mean?"


    Xu Zhiqing quickly replied, "Sister Xiao, don''t panic, things may not reach that point. From my perspective, Lin San is not a heartless person. I told you all this today hoping you could seize the person you like. Don''t wait until the flowers have wilted before regretting it, ending up like me, living a life of solitude."


    The Eldest Miss shook her head, tears flowing like rivulets down her cheeks, "A phoenix cannot perch on a small bird''s nest, a flood dragon cannot be trapped in shallow water. I have always known who he truly is. With his capabilities, he is bound to soar high one day. On that day, I will be happy for him. If he tires of my family, I will not be a burden. In my eyes, he will always be that detestable servant, Lin San, the scoundrel who stole my heart. I will devote my entire life to him."


    She paused, her face wet with tears, seemingly visualizing Lin San leaving her behind. Her heart ached as if it were being torn apart, and her body lurched backward in faintness.


    Xu Zhiqing quickly supported her. The Eldest Miss clung to her like a drowning person clutching at a straw, sobbing, "Sister, is this my fate? Why is my life so bitter?"


    Xu Zhiqing had only intended to warn Xiao Yuruo with this information so she could prepare herself, but she had not expected such an oue. Seeing the Eldest Miss''s tear-streaked face, she felt a deep sense of guilt. She tightened her grip on her hand, whispering, "Sister, don''t worry. Even if it costs me my life, I, Xu Zhiqing, will ensure that you and Lin San live a life of enduring love."


    ¡ª---


    After suffering injury and fatigue, Lin Wanrong enjoyed a deep slumber untilte in the morning. Waking up refreshed, his pain seemed to have subsided significantly. He yawnedzily, noticing a bottle of medicine by the bed. The word "Imperial" was inscribed in the middle of the bottle, of which a small portion was already used. A faint scent wafted from the bottle''s cap, pleasant to his senses.


    How did the Eldest Miss obtain something from the pce? Lin Wanrong wondered, struggling to get up. His body still ached a little, but the intense pain from yesterday was gone. The medicinal effects of the imperial potion were indeed extraordinary.


    As he was examining the bottle, he heard a soft noise. Huan''er, carrying a bowl of porridge, walked in from outside. Seeing him sitting up, she expressed her surprise joyfully, "Brother San, you''re awake?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, smiling, "I am. Where''s the Eldest Miss?"


    Huan''er replied softly, "The Eldest Miss, she left early this morning with Miss Xu."


    "With Miss Xu?" Lin Wanrong wondered aloud. ¡®If I''m not mistaken, that girl didn''t visit our home yesterday. Why would the Eldest Miss leave with her this morning?¡¯


    Huan''er, noting his confusion, exined, "After you fell asleepst night, Miss Xu came to visit. The medicine bottle came from the pce through her. While you were in deep sleep, the Eldest Miss carefully applied the medicine for you."


    ¡®That exins why I dreamed of a cat scratching my backst night. It was the Eldest Miss applying medicine on me. She''s bing more and more like a caring wife,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, smiling contentedly, "The Eldest Miss left so early with Miss Xu? Do they have any business to attend to?"


    Huan''er shook her head, "I don''t know. But¡ª" She lowered her voice, nced around, and mysteriously added, "I don''t know what Miss Xu said to the Eldest Missst night, but she cried all night. Even Miss Xu couldn''t console her. She barely slept for half an hour this morning. Miss Xu stayed up with the Eldest Miss all night, and her eyes were red this morning, as if she had been crying too. They both left early in the morning."


    ¡®The Eldest Miss had cried all night? Could it be because I was injured? That girl, sharp-tongued but soft-hearted, I should treat her better in the future. But why did Xu Zhiqing cry? I have no entanglement with her, my vow to pursue her only to let her down has not been fulfilled yet. If she were crying for me, that would beughable.¡¯


    He mulled over it for quite a while, yet he couldn''t understand what was going on in the minds of these two women. All he could do was sigh in frustration, asking, "Did the Eldest Miss say when she would be back?"


    "No!" Huan''er shook her head, "The Eldest Miss left in a hurry, she didn''t leave any messages."


    The situation seemed increasingly strange. Could Xu Zhiqing have corrupted the Eldest Miss? Lin Wanrong was momentarily worried but decided to put these thoughts aside. His mind drifted back to the golden token that Fairy Ning had taken awayst night. If the man who sent the token was indeed the most prestigious man in Great Hua, wouldn''t that have made him the one seated on the high throne in yesterday''s military disy? Damn it, given his handsome and dashing looks, he couldn''t have forgotten him. He probably didn''t summon him yesterday because the distance was too great, and he couldn''t see his face clearly. If he had known he might be Qingxuan''s father, he would have paid respects to his future father-inw at Lingyin Temple without any hesitation.


    Thinking of this, Lin Wanrong became restless. No matter what, he had to find a chance to meet his future father-inw. A thought shed through his mind, and he suddenly shouted out loud, "Huan''er, Huan''er, quickly find me a sedan chair. Then go to the east end of the city and buy two top-quality fake paintings. I''m going to visit an old friend."


    "An old friend? Do you have friends in the capital, Brother San?" Huan''er asked in surprise.


    "Of course. I''m handsome and capable, as the saying goes, friends are all over the world, but only one can be the chosen one. What''s a few friends to me?" Lin Wanrongughed.


    Huan''er''s little face flushed red, and she ran out hurriedly. Lin Wanrongughed mischievously, and shouted, "When you buy the fake paintings, be careful not to be fooled. Anything over ten taels of silver is a forgery among the forgeries."


    A forgery among the forgeries? What did that mean? As Huan''er''s heart pounded, she gained a deeper understanding of brother san¡¯s mysteriousness.


    After everything was prepared, Lin Wanrong pocketed the "forgery among the forgeries". Just as he was about to ride the sedan chair and leave, he saw several bearers running swiftly from afar. A sedan chair hurried over, its destination pointed directly at the Xiao family shop.


    Damn, who was this? Traveling by sedan chair as if it was an airne? Lin Wanrong chuckled and was about to open the sedan door when he heard a loud shout from afar, "Lin San, wait up, Lin San, wait up!"


    Looking up, he saw that the man seated in the fast-approaching sedan was an old man with white hair. It was none other than Master Xu Wei. Xu Wei was wearing a bright red official robe, a ck gauze hat with elongated ps, looking very formal, and was vigorously waving at him.


    ¡®Just the person I was thinking of! This saved me the trouble of traveling.¡¯ Regardless of the pain in his body, heughed heartily, hurried forward, and greeted, "Hey, old friend, long time no see. How have you been recently?"


    As the sedan approached him, Xu Wei stepped out of it, looking quite agile. He grabbed Lin Wanrong''s hand and said, "Lin San,e with me quickly!"


    "What''s the rush?" Lin Wanrongughed, "Old friend, your timing is perfect. I was just looking for you. Ah, this is a calligraphy piece by Master Guiguzi, a renowned strategist from the Warring States period that I recently collected. Connoisseurs call it ''Ghost Drawing Charm''. It''s a small gift, please ept it." He carefully presented the forgery among the forgeries to Xu Wei, with utmost modesty.


    "Oh, I don''t have the time to care about your ''Ghost Drawing Charm'' right now!" Xu Wei took the forgery without a nce, threw it into the sedan chair, and said in a hurry, "You need toe with me quickly. People will die if we arete - the Emperor has summoned you."


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 Chapter 321

    Chapter 321


    Chapter 321 Sudden Anger


    "Who... who summoned me?" Lin Wanrong could hardly believe his own ears and asked again with wide eyes.


    "The Emperor, the Emperor has summoned you," said Xu Wei, trailing behind a carriage. The elder Xu grabbed his hand and hurriedly led him toward the carriage, "This is a great honour, young man. You shoulde with me."


    The Emperor''s summons? A mixture of surprise and delight rose within Lin Wanrong. He had just been contemting how to curry favor with Xu Wei, hoping that he might rmend him to meet the Emperor. But now, the Emperor had taken the initiative to summon him to the pce. The situation made him feel rather hesitant.


    "Master Xu, does the Emperor know me? Do you know why he is summoning me?" Lin Wanrong asked cautiously.


    "We will discuss this on the way," Xu Wei responded. He signaled to the coachman, and the two of them pulled Lin San onto the carriage. The elder Xu climbed in after him. The carriage was spacious and well-lit, with a table and a bed adorned with a silver-threaded jade quilt. There was also a teapot and teacups on the table, all exquisite to the sight, making it clear they were no ordinary items.


    "Set off, quickly!" Xu Wei seemed to fear that Lin San would change his mind and hastily ordered the coachman. The horse hooves ttered as the carriage began to roll towards the city.


    Seeing that everything was settled, Xu Wei finally let out a long sigh of relief. He sat down on the seat, wiped the sweat from his forehead, andughed, "Good. I have fulfilled my duty. I have brought you to the pce."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Mr. Xu, you exaggerate. Do I really have such influence? One word from you, and here I am."Xu Wei had previously invited him to join in suppressing the White Lotus in Jinling, an invitation he had tactfully declined. Not too long ago, Li Tai had invited him to join the army, but he had bluntly refused, irritating Li Tai and giving him a clearer understanding of Lin Wanrong''s unconventional nature. Lin San had once expressed his intention to explore the pce, but who knew if he had changed his mind after so many days. Seeing him willingly get onto the carriage, Xu Wei finally felt at ease andughed, "Little brother Lin, do you remember what I said to you a few days ago? If you were to enter the pce on your own, you would be risking your head. But now, the Emperor himself has summoned you, that''s a different matter."


    Indeed. If he had known that the old Emperor wanted to see him, he wouldn''t have wasted his money buying that "Ghost Drawing Charm". Even though he feared neither heaven nor earth, the Emperor was the ruler of the nation. He knew nothing about the pce, which naturally made him a bit hesitant. Now that he had this old fox Xu Wei here, he was definitely going to make good use of him.


    "Mr. Xu, now that you have tricked me onto this carriage, you should stop hiding things. Please tell me, why is the Emperor summoning me? He''s not inviting me for dinner, is he? We are not even acquainted!" Lin Wanrong said.


    Xu Wei burst intoughter, "Listening to you, young man, I feel like I could live a few more decades. The Emperor''s intentions are inscrutable. As a minister, how dare I make wild guesses? But you demonstrated remarkable courage at yesterday''s martial arts exhibition and were instrumental in crushing the White Lotus. I believe the Emperor won''t mistreat you."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. ¡®That makes sense,¡¯ he conceded. ¡®Let''s set aside the fact that the Emperor might very well be my father-inw. Considering that I helped him suppress the White Lotus rebellion, he ought to reward me with a mountain of gold.¡¯


    Xu Wei lifted the carriage curtain, cautiously nced around, and then spoke in a mysterious tone. "Little brother, right now it''s just the two of us. Be honest with this old man, do you recognize¡ª" He halted abruptly. Lin Wanrong, noticing that Xu Wei had stopped mid-sentence, couldn''t help but ask, "Mr. Xu, recognize who? Hurry up and finish your sentence!"


    "Do you recognize the Second Princess?" Xu Wei asked gently, a smile flickering across his face.


    "The Second Princess?" Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded. Could he be talking about Qingxuan? Damn it, hadn''t he previously imed he didn''t know Qingxuan? Had this old man been deceiving him?


    Seeing Lin San''s difort, Xu Wei, presuming his hesitation to speak, responded with a slight smile, "Little brother, there''s no need to be shy. The Emperor has already told me."


    "The Emperor told you¡ªwhat did he say?" Lin Wanrong asked, surprised. Had Qingxuan told her father about their rtionship? Did this mean he was on the verge of bing a prince consort? His heart pounded in anticipation as he looked expectantly at the elder Xu.


    Xu Wei chuckled, "Little brother, you''ve kept this old man in the dark. No wonder you tly rejected my rmendation to the Emperor. So it seems the Little Princess has taken a liking to you¡ª"


    "Oh,e on, Mr. Xu, stop being so cryptic. Just tell me what''s going on!" Lin Wanrong grew anxious, staring at Xu Wei, who was ying coy. He felt like prying open the old man''s mouth to dig out the truth.


    Xu Wei stroked his beard and chuckled, "Yesterday, the Emperor summoned me to the pce. The original purpose was to discuss official matters, but towards the end, he revealed to me some great news." He wiped away a spit fleck from the corner of his mouth, "The Emperor said, the Little Princess, after years of wandering outside, has recently returned to the pce. Isn''t this wonderful news?"


    She''s back at the pce? Lin Wanrong, feeling a rush of excitement, quickly retrieved a portrait of Qingxuan from his pocket and thrust it into Xu Wei''s hands, "Brother Xu, quickly tell me, what does the Little Princess look like? Is she, is she the woman in this painting?"


    Xu Wei nced at the portrait and gave a bitter smile, "Little brother, I only learned this news yesterday and haven''t met the Little Princess myself, so how could I recognize her? But I am certain that the Little Princess knows you¡ª"


    "Knows me? Mr. Xu, how would you know that?" Lin Wanrong asked, shocked, as he gazed at the portrait of Qingxuan.


    "The Emperor mentioned yesterday that upon the Little Princess''s return, she had rmended you in his presence. Yesterday, he personally saw your gant demeanor, which has added to his favorable impression of you. Combined with my timely advice, this delighted the Emperor, and hence he urgently summoned you to the pce. Little brother, even the princess is speaking up for you, your good days¡ªare here!" Xu Wei winked at him, shing a knowing smile that any man would understand. Damn it, this old lecher, he must have assumed everyone was like him¡ªSu Qinglian, the famous courtesan of the West Lake, must have known many tricks to have kept him in such a state of debauchery.


    ¡°Qingxuan, it must be Qingxuan¡ª¡± Lin San stood up abruptly, his face marked by intense emotion. Thepartment barely cleared his height and his head nearly pierced the roof. Xu Weiughed and pulled him back down, his expression growing ever more secretive: "Whether she''s the Miss Qingxuan you speak of, I cannot confirm. However, today you''re to enter the pce. If you please the Emperor sufficiently, you may well be granted an audience with the Princess. It''s not impossible."


    Seeing the crafty grin on his face, Lin Wanrong became somewhat more collected. Something wasn''t right about this. The hour was still early. Judging by the time, the morning court session should''ve just concluded. Even if the Emperor was eager, Lin San was not some grand hero of the nation and people for him to rush Lin San into the pce so urgently.


    Old Xu had a track record of trickery. Lin Wanrong mulled it over carefully in his mind before he grinned, "Minister Xu, is there anything more to this summoning by the Emperor? If not, let''s take our time. The carriage can move at a leisurely pace; we have plenty of time."


    Xu Wei quickly said, "That won''t do. The Emperor summons us, as his subjects, we cannot show such neglect." Seeing Lin San''s half-smiling expression, he chuckled, "Little brother Lin is indeed clever, I won''t hide anything from you. What I said earlier was all true, I did not deceive you, but not all the news is good."


    "So, there is bad news?" Lin Wanrong raised an eyebrow, his voice casual. He''d known from the start that this old man wasn''t that easy to deal with. The Emperor''s chief counselor wouldn''t personally undertake a small errand like fetching him. Even considering Qingxuan''s identity, Xu Wei, the Minister of Revenue, wouldn''t need to curry favor with him to this extent. There must be more to this.


    "Bad news? Yes, a few pieces, and they all concern you," Xu Wei said with an awkward smile.


    Something to do with him? Could there be a problem with Ning Yuxi''s side? He felt a surge of doubt but heard Xu Wei continue: "Little brother Lin, it''s the start of spring, a time when our tributary states traditionallye to offer their respects. This year is no exception."


    What Xu Wei said seemed unrted to Fairy Ning''s matter, but rather something about tributary states offering respects. How was that bad news, and what did it have to do with him? Could it be some princess from a small country took a liking to him and wanted to force him into marriage? He let out a wry smile, pretending to be shocked: "Tributes from tributary states? That''s good news! epting annual tributes and disying our grandeur, how could this be seen as bad news, Minister Xu!"


    Xu Wei nced outside the carriage. The rumbling noise indicated the carriage was speeding along. He pulled down the curtain, sighed lightly, and said: "Little brother Lin, not being in the court, you''re naturally unaware of these matters. Our great nation is vast and populous, the leading state among our neighboring countries. In our glorious past, we had over a hundred tributary states, each paying respect and tribute annually. It was an impressive sight."


    "Oh, is this year different?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Xu Wei shook his head, "To be exact, things haven''t been the same for many years. In recent years, our Great Hua has been fighting non-stop against the nomadic tribes, dealing with the White Lotus rebellion, and grappling with traitors within the court who are determined to wreak havoc. We have been fighting on multiple fronts, both domestically and internationally. Our national strength is no longer what it used to be. As for our tributary states, each has its own agenda. They show fealty on the surface, but they all harbor malicious intentions. Their tributes have been decreasing year after year, with recent years merely going through the motions."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. It was only natural. There were no friends between nations, only interests. If the Great Hua was in decline, it would be strange if anyone still paid attention.


    "Look, Mr. Xu, I''m clueless about state affairs. You''re ying the lute to a cow by talking to me about this." Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Just tell me, what does this have to do with me?"


    Xu Wei said, "You''ll know if it concerns you or not once I finish. In the past few years, the tributary states havee to pay homage at different times. The tribute, while not abundant, was at least passable. But this year is truly odd! The countries of Dongyin [Japan], Goryeo [Korea], and other tributaries, it''s as if they''ve agreed beforehand, arrived almost simultaneously, with only a few days apart."


    "Isn''t it better if everyonees together to celebrate the new year? It saves several meals!" Lin Wanrong joked. "Our Great Hua is like the leading gangster of the underworld, and the others are our underlings. It''s understandable for the underlings to visit their boss together."


    Seeing his attitude, Xu Wei didn''t know what he was thinking. He forced augh and said, "Littler brother Lin, your analogy is quite unique. If it was just theming together, it wouldn''t matter. But the strange thing is that they seem to have agreed this year to reduce their tribute by more than halfpared to previous years. Not only that, but the northern nomads also sent envoys, precisely at this time. Currently, the capital is filled with representatives from all these countries. Brother Lin, do you think there''s no connection here?"


    The northern nomads were here too? This matter wasn''t simple. Lin Wanrong furrowed his brows. He knew better than anyone what kind of characters the people of Goryeo and Dongyin were, typically the types to bully the weak and fear the strong. The other tributaries were likely the same. They all coincidentally arrived with the northern nomads; could they all have sided with the northern nomads?


    He had thoughts in his mind, but his face revealed nothing. This Xu Wei was an old fox. Speaking about these matters to him was no ident; he surely had a motive. He wasn''t asking him to deal with them, was he?


    "Oh, they all came to our capital for a meeting. That''s quite good! Everyone can sit down, have tea, chat, and foster friendship." Lin Wanrong yed dumb, "But, this still seems to have nothing to do with me!"


    Xu Wei was not irritated. He lightly smiled and said, "If they were onlying together and reducing the annual tribute, that would be tolerable. But there is something even more infuriating. These small tributary states, I don''t know how they found out about the return of our little princess. Those toads want to eat swan meat and have actually proposed-"


    "Proposed what?" Lin Wanrong interrupted angrily.


    "Dongyin and Goryeo have simultaneously proposed marriage to the Emperor, requesting that the little princess, who is most beloved by the Emperor of our Great Hua, be wed to their respective princes-"


    With a crash, the teapot was shattered by Lin San. Lin Wanrong clenched his fist and roared, "Damn those Koreans and Japanese, they dare to covet my wife! I''ll annihte them."


    Xu Wei sighed, "Not only that, but the northern nomads are even more arrogant. As conditions for a ceasefire, in addition to demanding our Great Hua to cede territory and pay reparations, they even insulted the little princess. They want her to travel thousands of miles to be the wife of the Khan. Brother Lin, this is a tant insult to our Great Hua-" As Xu Wei continued to fan the mes, he surreptitiously studied Lin San''s expression. Seeing Lin San''s clenched teeth and his face as dark as coal, he breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Damn it!" Lin Wanrong clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. "Mr. Xu, there''s no need to intentionally provoke me. Don''t worry, I, Lin San, won''t neglect anything that needs to be done. If anyone dares to covet my wife, I''ll make sure they won''t know how they died!"


    It had taken Xu Wei half a day of persuasion, and these were precisely the words he''d been waiting for. Overjoyed, he seized Lin Wanrong''s hand and said, "Little brother Lin, my visit today hasn''t been in vain. The Emperor is currently in the pce receiving envoys from various countries. We should hurry over now. Let''s rush to the pce as quickly as possible."


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 Chapter 322

    Chapter 322


    Chapter 322 Fist Fight


    Lin Wanrong sighed. Ever since he came to this world, he had intended to stay away from the court and its disputes. However, life was unpredictable, and the ns of yesterday couldn''t catch up with the changes of today. For Qingxuan, he had no choice but to enter the pce. Although his goal was simple - purely to help his wife - the court was a tumultuous ce, with the Emperor''s thoughts even more elusive. With this entrance into the pce, many things were bound to change. Perhaps it would be better to stay honestly in the Xiao household, living a carefree life as a humble servant.


    Lin Wanrong was filled with mncholy. Seeing his silence, Xu Wei seemed to understand his thoughts and didn''t disturb him, speaking very little along the way. The carriage raced forward, through streets andnes, deepening their journey. Gradually, the security tightened and in no time, they arrived at the front gate of the pce.


    As he looked at the high, firm pce walls, the bright weapons of the imperial guards, and their strict vignce, Lin Wanrong''s mind unconsciously drifted back to the day he first met Fairy Ning. Alone, he had wandered by the city moat. It was the Eldest Miss who had arranged for Sister Song to pave the way for him, enabling him to proceed undisturbed. Initially, he thought it would be difficult to break into the pce, but today, Xu Wei brought him here with an imperial decree. Compared to that day, it was a world of difference.


    Lost in thought, they had already reached the edge of the pce wall. The carriage halted, and the two of them proceeded on foot. Two squads of neatly dressed soldiers, their eyes keen, stood imposingly on both sides. The pce''s grandeur was indeed extraordinary. This was just the entrance to the outer courtyard, and it was already on such high alert. What would the inner courtyard of the pce look like?


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said to Xu Wei, "Mr. Xu, does the pce always assign so many guards every day? It must waste a lot of silver!"


    Xu Wei shook his head, "Normally, the pce is well-guarded, but not to this extent. A decade or so ago, the Emperor encountered an assassin in the pce. At that time, there were guards at every three steps and a sentry post at every five. Even a cockroach would be interrogated eighteen times. Today''s show is far less than back then. I guess it''s because of the visiting envoys from the tributary states and foreign countries today. The Emperor has likely added more manpower to put on a show for these foreigners."


    Upon reaching the guard post, the guards hurriedly bowed and saluted, "We greet Master Xu!"


    Xu Wei waved his hand and said, "Thank you all. I bring the Emperor''s verbal order to bring this Little brother Lin into the pce to see His Majesty. This is the imperial golden badge." Xu Wei shed the badge in his hand, and everyone hastily knelt down.Lin Wanrong took a careful look. The imperial golden badge in Xu Wei''s hand was very different from his. This one was engraved with a five-wed golden dragon on the front and four mboyantly styled characters on the back that read "As if attended by the Emperor himself". The status of Xu Wei was indeed different. This high-grade token in his hand was an unbeatable sword, ying anyone it met. No wonder he could forcefully rectify the officialdom when he was in Jinling.


    Having this invincible golden token, the guards no longer dared to question them, bowing to let the two pass. Lin Wanrong and Xu Wei walked, crossing the moat, passing throughyers of guards, through the Upright Gate, Meridian Gate, across the Goldfish Bridge, heading straight to the Hall of Supreme Harmony. On both sides of the path, red walls and yellow tiles, painted beams and carved pirs, magnificent halls and terraces, all splendidly arrayed in an imposing sight. The ground was covered with golden bricks, and the walls on both sides were carved from white jade, adorned with intricately carved balustrades, unrivaled in grandeur.


    This pce indeed spared no expense on extravagance, Lin Wanrong looked around, secretly clicking his tongue, ¡®Damn, this is a ssic vanity project. The money spent on building this pce, if used for river defense, for national defense, why worry about floods or foreign invasions? No wonder outsiders could humiliate our great nation when all the national tax revenue was spent on building buildings.¡¯


    As he was fuming, they had already reached the stairs leading to the main hall. These stairs leading to the Golden Hall had a total of ny-nine steps, symbolizing the supreme power of the Emperor.


    A eunuch with a clean-shaven face and standing guard at the stairs saw Xu Wei approaching and hurriedly came over, bowing, "Greetings, Minister Xu."


    Xu Wei returned the greeting with a smile, "You''ve been waiting here for a long time, Master Gao. This here is Lin San, the one His Majesty personally summoned. Little brother Lin, this is Master Gao, a favorite of His Majesty''s. You may wish to get to know him well in the future."


    ¡®No way, he wants me to get closer to the eunuchs? I don''t have that kind of preference.¡¯ Being a witty man, he chuckled and stuffed a silver note worth fifty taels into Master Gao''s hand, offering his respect, "So this is Master Gao? I''ve heard so much about you, and today''s meeting does not disappoint. Master, you look so kind and affable, surely because you are blessed by His Majesty''s royal grace, imbued with celestial aura, so ethereal and detached from the mortal world. I am in utmost admiration and respect for you."


    A fewpliments wouldn''t hurt. Since he had to find Qingxuan in the pce, it was inevitable that he would have to put some effort into dealing with these eunuchs. There''s an old saying, "Better to offend a gentleman than a petty man", these eunuchs may seem insignificant but could create significant trouble.


    Master Gao''s face lit up, and without a change in his expression, he discreetly pocketed the silver note, giggled a few times in his effeminate voice, "Young Master Lin is too polite. His Majesty holds you in high esteem and has specifically instructed me to wait for you here. Your rise to prominence is just around the corner, and I hope to be carried along with your good fortune."


    Xu Wei nodded with a smile, quite satisfied with Lin Wanrong''s performance. Although Lin San was not in official circles, he was more knowledgeable about its workings than many seasoned politicians. He wondered how Lin San had managed to learn so much. He asked in a low voice, "Master Gao, is His Majesty still in the Royal Study?"


    Master Gao shook his head, "His Majesty just moved to the Hall of Nurturing Harmony and is listening to a Taoist priest recite scriptures. I heard that the Taoist priest justpleted a batch of elixir yesterday, and His Majesty wants to take it."


    A monk? Elixir? What was all this about? What did the Emperor want with such a thing? It sounded so mysterious.


    Xu Wei showed no surprise, as if ustomed to this situation. Seeing the surprise in Lin Wanrong''s eyes but no trace of it on his face, he couldn''t help but nod to himself. Lin San was indeed no ordinary man, being able to remain soposed upon his first entry into the pce.


    "And the envoys from other countries? Has His Majesty not summoned them yet?" Xu Wei asked softly.


    Eunuch Gao cast a nce in all directions, then drew closer to Master Xu, whispering, "The Emperor has left them waiting in the Hall of Literary Brilliance. It serves to take them down a notch. Our Emperor of Great Hua is the true dragon, the destined sovereign by Heaven''s decree. These foreign barbarians can''t simply expect an audience at their will. Recall when ourte Emperor was in power, Great Hua''s influence was pervasive. The foreign kings queued from the start of the year to the end, and yet they could not secure an audience with our Emperor. If they''re granted an audience now, it''s their good fortune. If not, they''re simply not blessed enough."


    Xu Wei nodded in agreement, the eunuch''s words rang true. One mustn''t show leniency or concession to these tributary states.


    Eunuch Gao continued, "The Emperor recently gave an oral decree. Upon your arrival, both of you are to wait directly in the Hall of Literary Brilliance. The newly appointed Zhuangyuan, Mr. Su Mubai, is already there."


    Su Mubai? Lin Wanrong blinked in surprise. This guy ran off as soon as the battle ended yesterday. He assumed he was simply a coward, but it turned out he hurried off to curry favor with the Emperor.


    Master Xu thanked Eunuch Gao and proceeded toward the Hall of Literary Brilliance with Lin San. After a few steps, Lin Wanrong, unable to hold back his curiosity, asked, "Master Xu, there''s something I don''t understand..."


    Xu Wei stopped and replied with a smile, "Feel free to ask, Little brother Lin. As long as I''m capable, I''ll provide a satisfactory answer."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and asked, "Master Xu, the eunuch mentioned earlier that the Emperor worships Taoist priests and practices alchemy. Could this be true?"


    "Little brother Lin, do you think this is a lie?" Xu Wei asked, smiling.


    "I wouldn''t dare to say whether it''s true or false," Lin Wanrong shook his head, "But this matter seems too abstract and elusive. Not many people can be certain about it. There have been instances in history where such superstitions have led to chaos."


    Xu Wei quickly nced around and lowered his voice, "Little brother Lin, don''t talk recklessly about this, you could lose your head."


    "I''m aware, but you''re an upright person, candid and close to me, almost like a teacher and friend. It''s because of our deep rtionship that I''m speaking honestly. If it were anyone else, I wouldn''t bother bringing it up," Lin Wanrong said, buttering up Xu Wei with augh.


    "Little brother Lin, stop ttering me. I might not be able to handle it," Xu Weiughed, then sighed with a touch of sadness in his expression, "The practice of worshipping Taoist priests and pursuing immortality is generally known to be a deception. But who dares to speak out? The Emperor showed little interest in these practices during his time in the manor. But since ascending the throne, his interest in magic and immortality has surged, and he''s been indulging in it for over a decade now. Fortunately, our Emperor is naturally gifted and has not neglected his duties. Although there have been asional remonstrations from the court, nothing has changed."


    ''Not neglected his duties?'' Lin thought, ''The northern nomads are about to invade, and even Japan and Korea are threatening Great Hua. And you say he hasn''t neglected his duties? By that logic, my nine-to-five at the Xiao''s makes me a model worker.''


    After bypassing several auxiliary halls, they saw a magnificent and grand hall, glittering and resplendent in the distance. Hanging high above the main gate was a signboard with the words "Hall of Literary Brilliance" shimmering brilliantly.


    As they approached the "Hall of Literary Brilliance," they could hear a mor from within. A harsh voice echoed, "Mr. Su, when will the Emperor of Great Hua grant us an audience? My time is precious and cannot be wasted here. If your Emperor refuses to agree to my terms, I shall inform my Great Khan. Once the order is given, my hundred thousand soldiers will march south, trample through the Central ins. Then, thends of Great Hua will be ours."


    Mr. Su? Lin Wanrong pondered, not knowing what this was about. From the harsh voice, he deduced that the speaker must be the foreign envoy. Despite their imperfect pronunciation of the Great Huanguage, they dared to act as diplomats. ¡®When our ancestors were strategizing diplomatically,¡¯ he thought, ¡®Your ancestors were still in the stone age.¡¯


    No matter how fallen Great Hua was, it was still his home. He would not tolerate insults from outsiders. Lin Wanrong despised this foreign envoy.


    A voice rang out from the hall, "Please calm down, Mr. Ashile. His Majesty, the Emperor of Great Hua, is busy handling important national affairs and will soon personally receive you all."


    Ashile? His parents must have been creative, Lin Wanrong mused, toe up with such a name. The voice that responded must have been Su Mubai, since "Mr. Su" was how Ashile addressed him.


    Another voice chimed in, "Yes, Mr. Su, I have journeyed across the ocean from Dongyin to meet the Emperor of Great Hua, and to personally present him with precious pearls from Hokkaido. But since yesterday, I have been kept waiting. Why has the Emperor not granted me an audience? Do I, Tsugumi Takeshita, a descendant of the oldest royal lineage in Dongyin and known worldwide for our Bushido, not merit a meeting?"


    Su Mubai quickly replied, "Prince Takeshita, please quell your anger. The Emperor is currently upied with state affairs and will meet you allter. Please enjoy some tea in the meantime. This is our renowned West Lake Dragon Well tea [Longjin, Xian¡¯er¡¯s hometown], it''s rather sweet. Please do have a taste."


    Prince Takeshita scoffed, "Tea? You people of Great Hua excel at indulgence, topping the world in that regard. But when ites to martial prowess, you are a nation of weaklings. Our Dongyin warriors can fight ten of you, leaving you scrambling for your teeth!"


    These final words infuriated Lin Wanrong. His anger red, and he was about to barge in when Xu Wei quickly held him back, "Little brother Lin, you can''t. This is the Hall of Literary Brilliance."


    ¡®Hall of Literary Brilliance or not,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, ¡®I won''t stand this disrespect from this Japanese.¡¯ Grinning, he said, "Mr. Xu, don''t worry. We''re civilized people dealing with beasts. I have my ways."


    Xu Wei knew his temperament well - Lin Wanrong was usually easy-going, but once his obstinacy kicked in, even the Emperor couldn''t hold him back. As Lin Wanrong cheerfully entered, Xu Wei sighed in resignation. ¡®Tsugumi Takeshita, you''ve brought this on yourself. Your nemesis is here.¡¯ With a heavy heart, Xu Wei followed Lin San into the grand hall.


    The Hall of Literary Brilliance was resplendently decorated. The beams and pirs were intricately carved with lifelike golden dragons, each brandishing five ws. Golden bricks lined the floor, their dazzling glimmer casting a soft glow around the room. Several sets of rosewood tables and chairs were arranged throughout the hall, emanating an air of antiquity and grandeur.


    The hall was bustling with people, grouped into three clusters. In the center sat a strapping man, broad and strong, with a high nose, slightly curled hair, deep-set eyes, and a somber countenance. He clearly wasn''t of the Great Hua race; this must be the foreign emissary Ashile. Two individuals who bore simr features to Ashile nked him, their collective presence overwhelming as they loudly berated Su Mubai, exuding arrogance.


    To the left was a group led by a man with fair skin and a small mustache, his eyes shing a predatory gleam as he surveyed his surroundings, his face radiating greed. This had to be that man, Tsugumi Takeshita.


    On the right was another group, led by a refined young man. A congenial smile graced his face, but his eyes flickered with a calcting cunning. Behind him stood an array of attendants, mostly women. Two women stood at the forefront, one older, dressed in a moss-green traditional Korean hanbok with a grey hem. The younger one, with a pretty face, wore a pink hanbok with a blue hem. Their ssic Korean attire was a clear indication that these were the emissaries from Korea. Ashile and Tsugumi Takeshita had already expressed their discontent. The Korean delegation, however, had remained silent, their motives unknown.


    Looking at the situation at hand, it seemed that Xu Wei was right; these people had seeminglye prepared to stir up trouble.


    Su Mubai, alone, was struggling to manage the multitude of emissaries when he saw Xu Wei and Lin Wanrong enter. He first blinked in surprise, then smiled with relief. Hurrying over, he greeted, "Greetings to Master Xu. I am d you''re here. And Brother Lin, you''re here too?"


    Xu Wei nodded, "No need for formalities, Top Schr Su. His Majesty asked me to bring Little brother Lin to the Hall of Literary Brilliance. Little brother Lin, Little brother..." Before he finished speaking, Lin Wanrong was already striding toward the insolent Tsugumi Takeshita.


    Seeing a dark-skinned, handsome man approaching him, Tsugumi Takeshita was taken aback for a moment before bellowing, "Who are you, and what do you want?"


    With a grin, Lin Wanrong replied, "I am a pig ughter. Moshi, moshi. Are you the prince I''ve heard about, Mr. Leather?" Tsugumi Takeshita, unaware that "leather" [TL: Pronounced as ¡®Pige¡¯] was a y on the English word for pig, replied haughtily, "I am the second son of the Emperor of Japan, an invincible samurai of Yamato."


    "How brave, indeed!" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Your Highness, do you have a sister?"


    Taken aback, Tsugumi Takeshita demanded, "Where did you get that information?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Not only do I know you have a sister, but I also know your father is called Old Tsugumi, and your mother is Kawa. You all seem very close."


    "Our entire family, you know them?" Tsugumi Takeshita was astonished, "Have you been to Japan? However, my mother''s name is not Kawa¡ª"


    "Not named Kawa, could it be Takahashi or Ozawa?" Lin Wanrong chuckled. "The East? I''ve been, I''ve been. That Edo (Tokyo), Ch¨±ky¨­ (Nagoya), Namba (Osaka), I''ve studied them all. Thest time I was in Hokkaido, I even heard a legend about your bravery, Prince. Oh, what''s your name?"


    Prince Tsugumi Takeshita frowned, thinking this man was quite arrogant to not even know his name. Such disrespect. He huffed, "I am Tsugumi Takeshita of Dongyin!"


    Lin Wanrong nodded andughed, "So your surname is Tsugumi¡ª"


    "I am Tsugumi Takeshita from Dongyin!" Tsugumi Takeshita retorted angrily.


    "Yeah, I''m calling you Tsugumi, that''s not wrong! Why don''t you respond?" Lin Wanrong said with a grin. It wasn''t Lin Wanrong''s fault for making a mistake. The Emperor of Dongyin was deemed the descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu by the people of Dongyin, who believed the Emperor was divine, not human, and thus was highly revered. Therefore, the Emperor didn''t have a surname; instead, the royal family used pce names and given names to address the royal members. For example, this "Tsugumi Takeshita Oji", "Tsugumi" was the pce name [TL: Or more urately royal title], "Takeshita" was the given name, and "Oji" (Prince) was the title. Lin Wanrong had made a hrious blunder, treating Tsugumi as Takeshita''s surname. But how could you me him? Even in his past life, how many people would know about the naming system of the Japanese Emperor?


    "I am the second son of the Emperor of Japan. Tsugumi is my pce name. Do you understand?" Tsugumi Takeshita asked, voice full of fury.


    "I understand, I understand. Like an old rooster, young rooster. I have lots of those at home," Lin Wanrongughed, "Ah, all these things you Dongyin people do are soplicated. If they were all like your AV, stripped bare and fighting with gusto, shouting ''Yamete''¡ª''Yamete'', that would be exciting! Oh, I''ve gone off on a tangent. What were we talking about¡ª"


    His erratic way of thinking left others struggling to keep up. Tsugumi Takeshita had no idea what he was talking about until he returned to the original topic. "We were talking about my unmatched bravery¡ª"


    "Right, we were talking about you," Lin Wanrong interjected mysteriously, "You, in the hearts of themon people of Dongyin, are a hero beyond the three realms, admired and respected by countless people."


    "This is natural," Tsugumi Takeshita replied proudly, "I, Tsugumi Takeshita, am the true warrior of Yamato. Who wouldn''t respect me? How do they speak of me?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "This was something I heard from your sister. One night, you two were chatting. Your sister, panting, said, ''Oh, brother, you''re fantastic, so much better than father!'' Do you know what you said?"


    Tsugumi Takeshita, not catching on immediately, asked, "What did I say?"


    With a mischievous smile, Lin Wanrong mimicked his tone, "Yo, mom says the same thing!"


    In the hall, Xu Wei and Su Mubai were among the first to catch the implication. This Lin San was too much. The two men had to hold back theirughter. The pce guards and eunuchs understood as well, with a few unable to restrain themselves, turning their heads tough.


    Tsugumi Takeshita, understanding limited Mandarin, was slow to catch on. He spent an eternity in deep thought but remainedpletely lost, while everyone else was already on the verge of dying fromughter. One of his attendants, seeing the dire situation, quickly approached him and whispered in his ear.


    Upon hearing the exnation, Takeshitai''s expression underwent a dramatic shift. His eyes filled with a deadly re, and his hands instinctively reached for the short sword at his waist. "Baka, you''re...dead!" His fingers found nothing. In meeting with the Emperor, he had already relinquished his weapon, and now his attempt to draw his sword came up empty.


    "Curse your own mother!" Lin Wanrong had already lost his patience. Verbal taunting was one thing, but nothingpared to the satisfaction of beating someone up physically. In the face of this type of person, he was a man of violence. He roared andnded a heavy punch on Tsugumi Takeshita''s face.


    His strength was equivalent to the amount of milk he''d consumed - in other words, it was formidable. With one powerful blow, Takeshita staggered backward, blood covering his face. His nose was bleeding, and for a moment, his face was a disgusting mixture of red and white.


    Seeing Takeshita''s pitiful state, Su Mubai turned pale and quickly cried out, "Brother Lin, no!"


    But how could Lin Wanrong listen to him? As his fistnded on Takeshita, he felt as invigorated as one might feel eating ice cream on a sweltering June day. His sudden attack took everyone by surprise. Takeshita had brought only two attendants with him to the pce, and seeing their master being beaten, they rushed forward to counterattack Lin Wanrong.


    Seizing the chaos, Lin Wanrongshed out at them. He was a firm believer in the rule of taking advantage of an opponent''s disorder to attack. His fists flew like arrows, pummeling Takeshita''s face while his feet kicked at his body. Heughed sinisterly, "Didn''t you call me a sick and cowardly man? Didn''t you boast of your ability to fight ten men single-handedly? Now, it''s just you and me. Why don''t you stand up and fight, knock out my teeth? What about your ''Baka''? Baka your damn mother."


    Seeing his wild behavior, Su Mubai shouted anxiously, "Help, someone, quickly pull Lin San back, quick, quick¡ª¡ª" The pce guards, who had long been incensed by Takeshita''s arrogance, found themselves delighted by Lin San''s audacious retaliation. Although somewhat rowdy, it was a sweet taste of justice for them. Why would they stop him? They banged their weapons on the ground and shouted in unison, "Stop fighting, hey, stop¡ª¡ª" But their calls were slow and ineffectual. No one stepped forward, and the rhythm of their cries was oddly in sync with Lin Wanrong''s fists.


    Su Mubai turned to Xu Wei and pleaded, "Master Xu, this man is a prince from Dongyin. We must not be disrespectful. The Emperor has entrusted me with the responsibility of hosting these diplomats. With this chaos now, I''m deeply guilty. I implore you to stop Lin San."


    Xu Wei nced at the battered Tsugumi Takeshita, who had already passed out from the beating, and finally, some guards pulled Lin Wanrong back. He shook his head and chuckled bitterly, "Stop him? How? Lin San has already dealt the blows, do you think this Dongyin prince will let it go if I intervene? Since it''se to this, let him be."


    "But the Emperor''s decree¡ª¡ª" Su Mubai said in terror.


    Xu Wei interrupted him, "Top Schr Su, think about it. You were sent to host these ambassadors, that was the Emperor''s decree. But isn''t Lin San''s presence here also under the Emperor''s decree?"


    Top Schr Su cast a nce at Lin Wanrong, a hint of elusive sentiment shing in his eyes, and nodded. "Since both are imperialmands, then we''ll have to proceed as such. I will report the truth to His Majesty when the timees."


    Xu Wei took a look at him and said, "Top Schr Su, you''ve been guided by renowned teachers since your youth and were personally chosen as the top schr by the Emperor himself. His imperial grace is indeed magnificent. However, fortune and misfortune are hard to predict by the Emperor''s side. The Emperor''s majesty is unpredictable as well. As his servants, we only need to maintain loyalty to the Emperor. To harbor any other presumptions is indicative of harboring ulterior motives."


    The words were somewhat cryptic, seemingly hinting at something. A glint of sharpness shed in Top Schr Su''s eyes, and he bowed deeply, "I appreciate the sage advice from Grand Schr Xu."


    The two attendants of Tsugumi Takeshita frantically tried to resuscitate their master. After what seemed like a long while, Takeshita finally let out a weak groan. Xu Wei feigned astonishment, rushing forward and ordered, "What happened here? Hurry, bring the medicinal salve for Prince Takeshita."


    The Korean envoy looked at Lin Wanrong, his eyes shing with surprise. A brawl in the hall with the emissary, when had the Great Hua birthed such a ruffian, yet so valiant and fierce? The two women behind him also looked at Lin Wanrong with astonishment, their eyes shing with curiosity as they whispered to each other.


    The northern nomads'' envoy, Ashile, was gaping at the scene, which was entirely different from the ceremonious nation of Great Hua he knew. Could it be that Great Hua had changed its style? He feared that if things continued this way, the absorption of his people by Great Hua would be imminent.


    ¡®Damn it, I even broke a finger, that was tiring,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought. "Next time I bash someone, I should bring more minions." He made a cracking sound with his wrists and slowly walked over to the northern nomads'' envoy. He flexed his fists and sighed, "This kid is too weak and can''t take a beating, I didn''t get enough of a fight today. Envoy, I see you''re quite sturdy, I guess you could take a few hits from me. Ah, I guess I''ll have to make do. These days, it''s really hard to find someone who can withstand a few punches and kicks from me!"


    "You, what are you going to do?" the northern nomads'' envoy, Ashile, asked in horror, "During a war between two armies, the envoys are not to be killed. This is something you, the people of Great Hua, have said."


    "Engage in war?" ¡®Damn it, I''m not a part of that love tribe, I''m not interested,¡¯ Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, patting Ashile on the shoulder, "Don''t worry, brother A, I''m just joking with you. You''re much more decent than him, how could I hit you? If I had to, I''d wait until after you''ve had your moment of arrogance!"


    The crowd fell silent upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s words. It was one thing to manhandle this small prince from Dongyin, but the nomadic people were not the same as the Dongyin people. They were a strong military force, and after years of conflict with Great Hua, their victories outnumbered their losses. Each year required territorial concessions andpensation. By treating the nomadic envoy in such a manner, didn''t he fear triggering an extreme reaction? However, looking at it from another perspective, a man as fearsome as Lin San had not been seen in Great Hua for many years, and the sight left the crowd both anxious and thrilled.


    Those who could enter the Hall of Literary Brilliance were not nameless individuals. Ashile noted Lin Wanrong''s in attire and decisive actions, his demeanor one of veiled amusement. It was difficult to gauge his true status. Ashile''s mind raced, and he quickly reined in his arrogance. Looking at Lin Wanrong, he said, "Sir, please understand, the incident with Tsugumi Takeshita had nothing to do with me. My purpose here is to discuss bteral issues in a friendly manner with your nation. The earlier incident was a mere misunderstanding."


    Indeed, it took a viin to handle a viin. Seeing the northern nomads¡¯ envoy surrender, Xu Wei had an epiphany. The Emperor''s summoning of Lin San into the pce, cing him in the Hall of Literary Brilliance instead of seeing him directly¡ªcould this be intentional? It must be so. The more Xu Wei thought about it, the more enlightened he felt. It truly was a brilliant move!


    As soon as Lin Wanrong appeared, he created chaos in the hall, yet he also achieved an unexpected effect. The three envoys in the hall¡ªthe beaten, the frightened, the silent¡ªall fell quiet. It was a moment of extreme tranquility.


    "His¡ªMajesty¡ªhas¡ªarrived," a shrill cry jolted everyone present back to reality.


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 Chapter 323

    Chapter 323


    Chapter 323 Diplomatic Etiquette


    "The Emperor is here?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. The old man could have chosen any time to arrive, but he had toe at this particr moment. There must be something more to it.


    "Long live the Emperor!" Everyone in the great hall fell to their knees. The emissary from Goryeo got up and bowed deeply, refraining from kneeling in greeting. The nomad people¡¯s emissary, Ashile, arrogantly tilted his nose skyward, grunting in response. Tsugumi Takeshita remained lying on the ground, unable to greet the Emperor.


    The man who entered appeared to be in his fifties, of average build, his face reddish yet subtly tinged with an underlying pallor unnoticed by most. A faint smile lingered on his lips, while his eyes shed with sharp radiance. Dressed in a robe adorned with a clustered dragon pattern, his slow yet dignified steps exuded authority. His gaze was intimidating, and no one dared to meet it. His imposing aura pressed down on the crowd without him uttering a word.


    Though several months had passed, Lin Wanrong recognized him instantly. The man before him was indeed the Emperor of Great Hua, the one who had given him the golden badge outside Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou. It was indeed him, no wonder he purposely didn''t summon him during the military review. He was an old acquaintance after all. Lin Wanrong was relieved. Now that this old acquaintance had be his father-inw, he should not oppose his affair with Qingxuan, right?


    "Rise!" The Emperormanded, taking his seat on the dragon throne and lifting his hands in an imposing manner.


    "Thank you, your Majesty!" Everyone rose, lining up on either side. The Emperor''s gaze swept across the threerge chairs in the hall, then he smiled and said, "Oh, are these the emissaries from various countries?"


    Ashile arrogantly grunted in response. A cold gleam shed in the Emperor''s eyes, but he quickly returned to his normal expression. Pointing at Ashile, he asked, "This man, whose appearance greatly differs from our Great Hua, from which country''s embassy does hee?"


    Su Mubai, quick-witted as he was, sensed the tension and quickly stepped forward, "Your Majesty, this is the emissary from the Turkic Khanate, Lord Ashile."¡®Turkic Khanate?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was startled. ¡®Didn''t they first submit to the Tang Empire and then got wiped out by the Khitans? How do they still exist now?¡¯


    [TL: In history, this was the Gokturk Empire.]


    Xu Wei, standing next to him, noticed his confusion and couldn''t help but exin, "I presume Little brother Lin, you''re not familiar with the Turkic Khanate? The Turks were originally a branch of the Tiele people. It is said that their ancestor intermingled with a she-wolf, and bore ten sons. When these sons grew up, they each married and started their own families, thus establishing various surnames. The Turkster became subordinate to the Rouran Khaganate, and were forced to settle at the southern foot of Mount Jin (today''s Altai Mountains). Eventually, the Turks exterminated Rouran, and moved east, defeating the Khitan and Xi, consolidating power to the north, and bing increasingly powerful. Their territory stretched vast and wide, from Liao River in the east to the Caspian Sea in the west, reaching as far south as the Amu River [TL: or Amu Darya, historically known by its Latin name Oxus,] and north to Lake Baikal. Their Khanate was located on the mountain of Dujin (today''s northern mountains of the E''erhun River)."


    "What''s this mother river? Whatke? What Mount Jin?" Lin Wanrong''s head spun trying toprehend Xu Wei''s exnation.


    Xu Wei said, "These ce namese from the travel notes of monks from the previous dynasty, and I''m not quite clear about the specifics, but they''re likely located in the northern desert. These northern nomads grew from subjugated tribes, possessing robust bodies and unmatched ferocity. They have waged war against our Great Hua for many years, winning more often than not, and have upied arge portion of our northernnd, which we have yet to reim."


    Of course, Lin Wanrong knew what the Turks were up to. Their influence extended throughout Central Asia, Xinjiang, and even as far as Turkey. During the Sui Dynasty, they had already split into Eastern Turks and Western Turks. Historically, the Turks had frequently submitted to the Tang Dynasty and had just as often revolted. They had been conquered by the Tang Dynasty and were eventually extinguished by the Khitan [TL: Or Liao Empire. These are the people referred to as Cathay.]


    Naturally, all this was history from his previous life, but in this world, the Turks had stubbornly survived and were still a threat to Great Hua even today.


    "The Turkic Bilge Khagan sends his regards to the Emperor of Great Hua," Ashile said, nodding with a brusque tone, without a trace of respect. His disdain was in to see.


    The Emperor''s expression remained unchanged. He gave a slight nod in response and then turned towards an empty chair. His brow furrowed as he asked, "Where is Prince Tsugumi Takeshita of Dongying?"


    Before Su Mubai could answer, Tsugumi Takeshita stirred slightly, still somewhat dazed. His two guards loudly proimed, "Our prince has been grievously injured by your Great Hua minister. We will certainly report this to our emperor and send troops to attack Great Hua¡ª"


    "How dare you!" Xu Wei, in the pce, roared, "This is the court of our Great Hua, no ce for you barbarians to run wild!" He clenched his fists and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I request these two men be punished severely, as a warning to others."


    "No!" Su Mubai stepped forward urgently, "Your Majesty, Lord Xu, today the Prince of Dongying came to pay his respects to our Emperor of Great Hua, and he has done nothing wrong. We, Great Hua, are a heavenly nation, and of rites, how can we punish an envoy? The severe injury of Prince Tsugumi Takeshita is the result of Lin San''s impulsive action. To strike an envoy from another country in the sacred and solemn Hall of Literary Brilliance, this matter is not trivial, it not only harms our Great Hua''s reputation but also undermines our national dignity. I hope Your Majesty will investigate this matter."


    The Emperor''s gaze was as sharp as lightning. With one nce at the two guards, how could they withstand his stare? Their legs trembled, and they fell to their knees.


    Seeing Su Mubai pointing his usation at Lin San, Xu Wei then said, "Your Majesty, there is more to the story. Prince Tsugumi Takeshita insulted our Great Hua first, which is why Lin San was provoked to act."


    "Where is Lin San?" the Emperor grumbled.


    "I am here, I am here," Lin Wanrong replied cheerfully as he stepped forward, raising his fist in greeting. "How have you been, Your Majesty? It has been quite some time since west met." Xu Wei was startled, his body breaking into a cold sweat. This young man, did he not care for his life, speaking to the Emperor in such a way?


    The Emperor responded with a faint smile, "Indeed, it has been quite a while. Now, tell me why you had a conflict with Prince Tsugumi Takeshita?"


    Lin Wanrong was startled and said, "Conflict? Where does this usatione from? It was Prince Tsugumi Takeshita of Dongying who dered that all my countrymen are weak and cowardly. I merely intended to disprove his false words by letting him have a taste of our might. How could this be ssified as a conflict? Master Su, wouldn''t you agree with me?"


    Su Mubai hesitated before responding, "Even if Prince Tsugumi Takeshita spoke disrespectfully, you shouldn''t have resorted to violence. He is a diplomatic envoy from another country. While the physical harm you inflicted is a minor issue, you have damaged the reputation of our Great Hua, triggering a diplomatic dispute. If other countries send their envoys in the future, who would dare to interact with us?"


    "No, no," Lin Wanrong shook his head, "How can this be a diplomatic dispute? Master Su, one can eat casually, but words should never be spoken recklessly."


    Su Mubai retorted, "What reckless words have I uttered? I beseech His Majesty''s discernment!"


    With a smile, Lin Wanrong asked, "Earlier, Master Su said that Prince Tsugumi Takeshita is a diplomatic envoy, and this issue is a diplomatic dispute. Is this correct?"


    "That is indeed so!" Su Mubai affirmed in a grave tone.


    Breaking into heartyughter, Lin Wanrong responded, "You are wrong, utterly wrong. May I ask, Top Schr Su, is Dongying not a tributary state of our Great Hua?"


    Su Mubai paused to ponder before Xu Wei interjected, "Indeed, there is truth in that. At the founding of our dynasty, Dongying sent an envoy, presenting a national letter to acknowledge their status as a tributary to our Great Hua. The report is still well-preserved for reference. Lin San''s words are not unfounded."


    The corner of the Emperor''s mouth curled into a subtle smile. This young man always managed to surprise him.


    Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up to Xu Wei, "Master Su, as expected, you are knowledgeable and have a remarkable memory. I am indeed impressed. With this rified, there should be no further doubts. Since Dongying is a tributary state of Great Hua, it is subject to us. Although I, Lin San, am but an average man, I am also a citizen of Great Hua. So, Master Su, how does a quarrel between two citizens amount to a diplomatic dispute? Are you nning to sever Dongying''s rtionship with us? This is simply not feasible. Even if you are willing, Dongying could never agree. They did, after all, submit their report."


    His exnation was a far stretch, but Su Mubai, being an intelligent man, realized Lin San''s words were a carefully crafted trap. To agree or disagree with him would put Su Mubai in a difficult position.


    "s, if there is something I did wrong," Lin Wanrong sighed regretfully, "it was fighting in the Hall of Literary Brilliance. This indeed tarnishes our national dignity, and I am to me. However, this prince from Dongying insulted millions of our citizens first, and I was impulsively provoked to hit him. All things considered, his transgression was even graver. Both of us are at fault. Your Majesty, I hereby submit my resignation."


    Holding back hisughter, the Emperor asked in surprise, "You''re resigning? Resigning from what?"


    Lin Wanrong loudly dered, "I, a mere citizen, fought with another citizen in the Golden Pce. Both of us made mistakes. Overwhelmed with guilt, I request His Majesty to dismiss us both from our official positions. Oh, I don''t want the garden at the Grand Prime Minister''s Temple anymore, and I refuse to ept any merit for fighting in the war. However, the Emperor of Dongying is also at fault. I kindly ask His Majesty to dismiss him as well."


    Upon hearing these words, the room was filled with astonishment. Even though Dongying was technically a tributary state, it was merely a formality. Who had ever seriously regarded it as part of Great Hua''s domain? Lin San''s audacity was truly astonishing!


    The Emperor huffed and said, "Both of you are indeed guilty. Let me consider how to handle this matter."


    "Your Majesty is wise!" Lin Wanrong grinned cheekily.


    Xu Wei wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Lin San''s words were as potent as an army of a hundred thousand.


    Frantically, Su Mubai stated, "Your Majesty, we must not rush this matter. There are no trivial matters in diplomacy. If we punish Prince Tsugumi Takeshita and disregard etiquette, what country would dare interact with our Great Hua in the future?"


    The Emperor pondered for a while before turning to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, what are your thoughts on this?"


    ¡®Etiquette, my foot! When did the Americans ever bother about etiquette? Yet, people flock to them! This is just self-deception!¡¯ Lin Wanrong shook his head, "I disagree with Master Su''s view. What is diplomacy? In his eyes, is diplomacy synonymous with etiquette? That''s a gross misconception. Weak nations have no say in diplomacy. Diplomacy relies on power. Why did Prince Tsugumi Takeshita dare to act so arrogantly on ournd? Because he believes our Great Hua is weak, and he can bully us at will. If we endure his insults silently, is that still etiquette? Think about it, if Dongying''s power were to surpass Great Hua one day, what would that look like? Would they, like us, continue to uphold diplomatic etiquette?"


    His words caused everyone to fall into deep thought. Great Hua had always prided itself as a country of etiquette, treating all countries, big or small, with respect. But what had they received in return?


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 Chapter 324

    Chapter 324


    Chapter 324 The IOU


    A tiger-like glint shed in the Emperor''s eyes as he nced at Su Mubai and then Lin San, a faint smile lingering on his lips, his thoughts unfathomable.


    Su Mubai, who studied the books of saints and sages, had nothing but contempt for Lin Wanrong''s peculiar theories. "Our Great Hua is a country of courtesy and rites, how could we possibly adopt the profit-seeking ways of foreigners?" He was about to retort again when the Emperor waved his hand, "Enough of your debates. Let''s put this matter to rest. Minister Xu, you draft an imperial edict to be sent to the King of Dongying, instructing him to strictly manage his subjects and princes. Should they dare to insult my Great Hua subjects again, I will hold him ountable."


    "Your humble servant obeys yourmand," Xu Wei quickly bowed and responded.


    "Lin San, your disregard for order in this Golden Hall, assaulting others, is a grievous offense. However, considering this is your first time attending the court and you''re unfamiliar with the rules, I will forgive you once. I will take back your reward, the imperial garden will be returned to the court, and your merits in Shandong will be erased. Are you satisfied?" the Emperor said with a stern face.


    "Satisfied, satisfied," Lin Wanrong chuckled. He thought, this old Emperor, although mediocre in ruling, wasn''t a fool. How could he indulge in elixir affairs and let the Great Hua descend into chaos?


    The Emperor''s verdict seemed fair on the surface, but in reality, Lin San had suffered no loss, despite Prince Tsugumi Takeshita being beaten. This time, the Emperor had clearly favored Lin San. Su Mubai''s face flickered, feeling increasingly gloomy as the Emperor''s gaze lingered more and more on Lin San.


    After settling the matter of Prince Tsugumi Takeshita, the Emperor was evidently in high spirits. He looked at the Goryeo envoy and asked, "So, you are Yi Seung-Jae, the eldest son of the King of Goryeo?"


    The Goryeo prince nodded and bowed, "Indeed, I am Yi Seung-Jae. I am here on my father''s orders to visit the Emperor of Great Hua and to personally present ten pieces of thousand-year-old ginseng. I wish the Emperor of Great Hua eternal youth and a long, boundless life."Despite his humble demeanor, Yi Seung-Jae''s words were all filled with wit. Goryeo had always been a tributary state to Great Hua, and when a subject pays respect to the Emperor, they should kneel. But not only did Yi Seung-Jae not kneel, he also equated his meeting with the Emperor to a visit, cing both parties on equal grounds. His gifts were also pitifully scarce, revealing his intentions without a word spoken.


    Lin Wanrong, who was standing on the side, heard everything clearly. ¡®Thousand-year-old Goryeo ginseng? Does your Goryeo even have a thousand years of history? You''re a better con artist than me.¡¯ He could understand the Goryeo people''s unwillingness to remain subservient. But they sought protection from Great Hua when they were in trouble, and yet stabbed Great Hua in the back when it was in difficulty. They had betrayed Great Hua''s trust more than once or twice. He had no fondness for them.


    The Emperor nced at Yi Seung-Jae and said indifferently, "The King of Goryeo is thoughtful. But I am in good health, without any sickness or ailment, waiting for him toe and pay his respects in person. You go back and tell your father that when he personallyes to Great Hua to visit the Son of Heaven, I will reward him with a hundred eastern pearls and a thousand bolts of silk, guaranteeing his lifetime peace."


    The underlying message in these words was clear to everyone present. Goryeo was geographically close to Great Hua, without natural defenses to rely on. Throughout the dynasties, attempts to conquer Goryeo had seldom ended in failure. The people of Goryeo knew this too. Therefore, among the envoys from the three countries, his mentality was the most difficult to fathom.


    Yi Seung-Jae bowed and said, "I will certainly convey Your Majesty''s will to my father. In addition to paying my respects to the Emperor of Great Hua, I have two requests to ask of you, and I hope Your Majesty will grant them."


    Lin Wanrong''s mind stirred. He had heard from Xu Wei that the princes of Dongying and Goryeo, and the Khan of the Turkic people, were all seeking the Princess''s hand in marriage. At this point, it seemed that the prince of Dongying, Tsugumi Takeshita, had already been eliminated. Could it be that Yi Seung-Jae from Goryeo was seizing this opportunity to act first?


    While he was deep in thought, the Emperor had already responded, "Oh? What are these two matters? Please tell."


    Yi Seung-Jae respectfully acknowledged, then turned to the attractive woman behind him, d in pink pce clothes, "Pce Lady Seo, for the first matter, I would like you to present it to His Majesty personally."


    "Yes!" Pce Lady Seo, with her hands hanging down, respectfully assented. Hermand of the Great Huanguage was very fluent. She approached the throne, speaking softly, "Your Majesty, Emperor of Great Hua, I wish to request some medical, agricultural, and metallurgy books from the pce. Goryeo is located in a remote area where the people suffer. I wish to borrow these books to study them thoroughly and hope that Your Majesty will grant this request."


    Realizing the nature of the request, everyone felt a sense of relief. Even Xu Wei shook his head; this was such a minor issue, hardly worth personally asking the Emperor.


    Others didn''t understand the subtleties involved in this matter, only Lin Wanrong, who was looking at the pretty pce girl, was slightly frowning. This wasn''t to be taken lightly. Giving all these valuable resources to Goryeo might bring huge trouble to the future generations if not handled carefully.


    The Emperor smiled, "Oh, what do you want these for?"


    Pce Lady Seo gave a slight smile, revealing a set of neat, white teeth, "To inform your Majesty, I deeply admire the achievements of Great Hua in medicine and agriculture. I wish to study these books and contribute towards the eradication of diseases in Goryeo, aid in their food and clothing, and make a contribution to the prosperity of Goryeo."


    The girl''s modest elegance, refreshing charm, confident speech, and attractive appearance all endeared her to the crowd. The Emperor too found her agreeable, and he smiled, "Great Hua''s knowledge is vast and profound. Which books do you need?"


    Pce Lady Seo was prepared, and began listing, "The Four Books and Five ssics, Wind-Cold Discourse, Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders, Collected Records of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Medical Skills of Guiguzi, Commentary on the Water ssic, Exploitation of the Works of Nature..."


    She spoke effortlessly, with no signs of difficulty, as if she had a thorough understanding of Great Hua''s civilization. She listed more than a hundred subjects. At first, they were general and understandable, butter, they included many obscure books that Lin Wanrong hadn''t heard of. However, seeing the astonished look on Xu Wei''s face, he knew the books Pce Lady Seo mentioned must be incredibly obscure.


    When Pce Lady Seo finished, Xu Wei asked, "Miss, where did you learn about these titles? As far as I know, many of them are unique copies held within the pce, epassing medicine, agriculture, architecture, and metallurgy, and they are all the essence of Great Hua''s thousands of years of umtion. Seeing you speak so fluently, I know you must have done some research."


    Pce Lady Seo replied respectfully, "I learned about these from various books. The predecessors held them in high esteem, and I just wrote them down one by one, hoping that one day I coulde to Great Hua and have a look. Today, I have finally realized this wish."


    Xu Wei sighed, "Your diligence in learning is trulymendable, Miss. I must confess that among the multitude of schrs in my great Hua, there are few who can readily discuss various disciplines as you do, let alone delve deeply into them."


    A hint of shyness crossed the pcedy''s face, making her all the more adorable. The Emperor, pleased, stated, "To have the knowledge of my Great Hua shared with Goryeo is indeed a great deed. Books on medicine, agriculture, and metallurgy are all crucial for the welfare of the country and the people, and can also promote interaction between Goryeo and my Great Hua. Given Pce Lady Seo''s dedication, I hereby approve¡ª"


    "Your Majesty!" Lin Wanrong, who had been silent for a long while, suddenly shouted.


    Everyone in the hall was immersed in their admiration of this Pce Lady Seo. Lin Wanrong''s outcry, much like a thunderp in a clear sky, shook everyone.


    The Emperor''s brow furrowed slightly, he queried softly, "Lin San, what is it that you wish to report?"


    ¡®To report? To report my foot! I am nearly driven to my death by your generosity. These treasures of our Great Hua civilization, passed down for thousands of years, you are so readily giving away just because you find a girl pretty. Do you know how much trouble your "hospitality" could bring to future generations?¡¯


    The crowd red at Lin Wanrong unfavorably. While they had supported him when he beat up the Prince of Dongying, they couldn''tprehend why he opposed this beneficial exchange of culture between Great Hua and Goryeo. Even Xu Wei, the most knowledgeable man in the world, looked at Lin Wanrong, utterly puzzled.


    Lin Wanrong was alone in his stance, but he knew if he did not act, no one else would. Under everyone''s burning gazes, he braced himself, "Your Majesty, this youngdy is both knowledgeable and adorable, deserving of our admiration, however¡ª"


    "However what?" Pce Lady Seo gave him a curious look, her lips slightly parted, and her beautiful eyes wide open.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "However, it is truly extraordinary that you want to take so many valuable aspects of our Great Hua culture all at once. Even if you were well-prepared, it would be impossible to thoroughly study all of these within a short lifespan."


    Pce Lady Seo nodded and smiled, "Of course, I alone couldn''t possibly study all of this, but we have future generations. They will continue our mission. Sir, what is it that you worry about?"


    ¡®My worry is precisely your future generations,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, then pled, "Your Majesty, I have a request. If the essence of our Great Hua civilization is given to them for the public good, that''s fine. But I hope this youngdy and Prince Yi Seung-Jae could sign a document clearly stating that on a certain date, they borrowed certain books from Great Hua for certain uses. Any disciplines derived from this in the future must credit their origins. For instance, Goryeo medicine originated from Great Hua medicine, not a Goryeo creation. Also, please indicate that traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Tomb Sweeping Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Double Seventh Festival [TL: Chinese Valentine¡¯s day,] Mid-Autumn Festival, Double-Ninth Festival [TL: Senior¡¯s Day,] and the twenty-four sr terms [TL: Chinese Zodiac] all originated from Great Hua. These traditions are adopted by other countries and cannot be imed as cultural heritage. Please mark the borders of Great Hua and Goryeo in proportion, and both of you sign your names as witnesses. Don''t stare at me, that''s all I can think of for now."


    As soon as his words fell, a lightughter broke out among all present, from the Emperor to the guards. Even Xu Wei couldn''t help but shake his head. Lin San''s remarks were ludicrous, the epitome of needless worry. Sharing their culture with Goryeo was hardly akin to having it stolen.


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 Chapter 325

    Chapter 325


    Chapter 325 Princess Nishang


    The room was filled withughter, but Lin Wanrong''s heart was filled with a chill. Being the only sober one in a room full of drunken people was indeed an ufortable feeling. He broke into a forced grin, which appeared more bitter than a cry.


    The pcedy looked at Lin Wanrong with surprise, and gave him a gentle smile.


    "Mr. Xu, I must ask a favor of you. Please plead on my behalf to the Emperor," Lin Wanrong beseeched Xu Wei, sighing, "I am not against spreading civilization to all corners of the world. I only hope that as they enjoy the fruits of civilization, they do not forget who dug the wells for them. We must sign this document; otherwise, we''ll be mocked by future generations."


    Lin San looked more solemn than ever before. Given his nature, asking for help was akin to a wild tale. Xu Wei did not know the circumstances, but judging from Lin San''s demeanor, he had a gut feeling that Lin San was right. He nodded and said, "Lin San, you can rest assured. I support you. It''s just a matter of signing a document, it won''t be much trouble."


    Xu Wei respectfully said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, Lin San''s concerns are not unfounded. It''s akin to signing a document when borrowing something. This time, Goryeo wants to take away the essence of our great Chinese civilization, which is the crystallization of our ancestors'' hard work. It''s not excessive to ask them to attest to its origin."


    Lin San''s words alone would have been aughing stock, but Xu Wei''s support made a world of difference. The Emperor contemted for a moment and said, "Prince Yi, we will grant you what you wish to borrow. However, you must sign the document as Lin San just mentioned. Are you willing?"


    Prince Yi consulted with the Pce Lady Seo, who didn''t raise any objections, and nodded in agreement. Thus, a unique agreement to borrow civilization was born.


    Lin Wanrong heaved a sigh of relief. ¡®I''ve done all I could. If future generations still im that the Dragon Boat Festival originated from them, I would be truly helpless.¡¯The Pce Lady Seo quietly walked over and said, "Sir, what are you worried about? Could you tell me?"


    Upon close inspection, she had rosy lips, pearly teeth, and skin as clear and translucent as a washed egg white. Her eyes were bright and lively, and her demeanor was quietly elegant. It was impossible to be angry at her.


    ¡®At this time, Korea should not yet have poprized artificial beauties, right?¡¯ This should be a natural beauty, her skin was excellent. Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "I''m worried that you''ll be robbed on the road with all these treasures, and forced to be the wife of a bandit leader. That would be terrible."


    A flush crossed the Pce Lady Seo''s face, as if ayer of blush was applied. She replied softly, "Sir, you jest. I always believe that culture does not recognize national boundaries. It belongs to all of us, and if one''s selfishness impedes the spread of civilization, that would be inappropriate."


    "You''re right. I didn''t prevent its spread, but merely made the path of civilization''s dissemination clearer. Does the Pce Lady Seo think that asking you to sign the document was improper in any way?"


    "No, no, thank you for your care." Pce Lady Seo quickly shook her head, her face flushing with embarrassment.


    "---Geum, Come over here," said the older woman sitting next to Yi Seung-Jae. She called so quickly, Lin Wanrong wasn''t paying much attention, and he didn''t catch the name of the Pce Lady Seo. He only heard one word: "Geum."


    "Senior Pce Lady Han is calling for me. Please excuse me," Pce Lady Seo hastily bowed to Lin Wanrong.


    While they were speaking, Yi Seung-Jae was already making his second request to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, it is said that your youngest princess is of divine beauty and virtuous character. Although I have not yet had the honor of meeting her, I long for her day and night. I humbly ask that you grant her hand in marriage to Goryeo, forming an evesting alliance between our two nations. Goryeo is willing to offer a thousand ginseng and ten thousand bolts of brocade as a betrothal gift to wee the princess''s arrival."


    Lin Wanrong was so angry his nostrils red. Did Yi Seung-Jae think he could trade his wife for a few roots of ginseng? He could dream on!


    The envoy from the Turkic people, Ashile, who had been neglected for a long time, cried out, "Great Emperor of Great Hua, my Khan is willing to trade a thousand fine horses and a year-long ceasefire for the hand of your youngest princess."


    The Emperor snorted, "The princesses of Great Hua are precious gems, not so easily married off. Even if you had a thousand war horses, even if you had ten thousand, or a hundred thousand, what is it to me, the Emperor of Great Hua? As for war and peace, when has Great Hua ever been afraid?"


    As a Turkic envoy, Ashile was no fool. Seeing the Emperor''s anger and remembering the recent example of the Dongyin envoy, Tsugumi Takeshita, who lost his opportunity due to his insults to Great Hua, Ashile feared he would also meet an unjust death. He toned down his arrogance and asked, "So, Your Majesty, what conditions must be met for a princess of your esteemed nation to be wed?"


    "The conditions? Those will be determined by the princess herself," the Emperor replied. "Upon receiving marriage proposals from various nations, I informed the princess."


    Ashile and Yi Seung-Jae simultaneously perked up, "What did the princess say?"


    The Emperor nced at the two men, then, seemingly with deliberate nonchnce, at Lin Wanrong, before smiling, "Apart from Tsugumi Takeshita of Japan, who lost his opportunity by insulting Great Hua, the rest of you have equal chances. If any of you can pass my princess''s examination, I will grant her hand in marriage."


    Yi Seung-Jae hade to Great Hua primarily to win the hand of a Great Hua princess. Upon hearing this, he eagerly asked, "What kind of examination? Your Majesty, please enlighten us."


    The Emperor nodded at a eunuch nearby, who announced in a high-pitched voice, "Tomorrow morning, our Princess Nishang of Great Hua will hold a public groom selection outside the North Gate. Whoever passes her examination will be the prince consort."


    Ashile and Yi Seung-Jae both showed joy on their faces. A public groom selection meant that they still had a chance. They had many wise counselors at their disposal; passing the examination should not be an issue.


    Upon hearing the name Princess Nishang, Xu Wei frowned, seemingly puzzled. Lin Wanrong, however, was too concerned about the news. Princess Nishang - that had to be Qingxuan. He was anxious. What was Qingxuan ying at? She had her legitimate husband right here, yet she wanted to hold a public groom selection. Was she intentionally making things difficult for him?


    "Lin San, Lin San," noticing Lin Wanrong''s worried look, Xu Wei hurriedly pulled him aside and whispered, "Little brother Lin, Little brother Lin, the Emperor is calling for you!"


    Lin Wanrong lifted his head to see the Emperor looking at him with a hint of a smile. "Lin San," the Emperor addressed him, "Did you hear clearly what I just said?" Both Ashile and Yi Seung-Jae curiously inspected him. The Pce Lady Seo, offered him a small smile, but only Su Mubai looked uncertain, a grimace pulling at his features.


    "Oh, Your Majesty, were you calling me? I''m standing a bit far away and couldn''t hear clearly," Lin Wanrong responded.


    The Emperor chuckled heartily. "You, you''re very good. You can say something like that, but it''s quite honest. You must keep it up. I have asked you to apany these two envoys on a tour around the capital. Did you take note of that?"


    ¡®Eh? Wasn''t it Su Mubai''s task to apany the envoys? Why was it handed over to me? No wonder that Su guy is looking at me like I stole his wife.¡¯ Seeing his clueless reaction, Xu Wei, standing next to him, anxiously pulled at his sleeve. "Little brother Lin, what are you hesitating for? Express your gratitude, hurry!"


    Lin Wanrong nodded. "Thank you, Your Majesty. However, I''m a bit confused about one thing. Regarding today''s excursion with these two envoys, who should I seek reimbursement from for the public expenses?"


    At his words, everyone was left speechless. The Emperor suppressed augh and said, "The man next to you is Minister Xu from the Ministry of Revenue. Let him and the Ministry of Rites handle the expenses. Remember, treat these two envoys well and don''t disgrace our Great Hua nation. You currently hold no official position and may face difficulties in carrying out your duties. Hence, I am giving you this gold medallion that I always carry with me. If you lose it again, I will not spare you."


    As he was speaking, the eunuch Gao was already bringing the gold medallion on a tray. Lin Wanrong took it and saw that it was the same one Ning Yuxi had stolen that night. After a roundabout journey, it was back in his hands. He wondered what sort of agreement existed between Ning Yuxi and the Emperor. How did Ning Yuxi end up returning the gold medallion?


    After the court session, Ashile and Yi Seung-Jae, each leading arge group of attendants, approached Lin Wanrong, asking, "Mr. Lin, where will you take us for sightseeing today?"


    Lin Wanrong frowned, ¡®I still have a backache, what sightseeing? If only there were footbath cities and sauna baths in this era. I''d take these two around for a spin, and I guarantee they would be worn out.¡¯


    He quickly whispered something into Xu Wei''s ear. Xu Weiughed, "Little brother Lin, I''ve lived half my life, but when ites to scheming, I''m really not your match."


    Lin Wanrong cheerfully sped his hands in a salute, "Minister Xu, are youplimenting me or yourself? Please, go and greet Brother Hu quickly, I believe the two envoys will be there shortly."


    Laughing, Xu Wei hurried off. As Yi Seung-Jae and Ashile rushed to Lin Wanrong''s side, they saw him standing there with a mysterious smile. They both paused before asking, "Mr. Lin, where are you nning to take us?"


    Seeing Pce Lady Seo and her entourage following Yi Seung-Jae, Lin Wanrong put on a mysterious smile and said, "Well, where we''re going is certainly a good ce. However, it might be a bit inconvenient if we take ady along, Prince Yi, what do you think..."


    With Princess Nishang''s uing marriage selection, even if Yi Seung-Jae were given ten times the courage, he would not dare to let his thoughts wander along Lin San''s suggestion. Who knew if Mr. Lin was a spy sent by the princess to investigate everyone''s habits? He quickly waved his hands, "Sir, that won''t work. My father has disciplined me strictly, absolutely forbidding any involvement in ces of amusement. I''m afraid I will disappoint you."


    ¡®Still ying innocent in front of me, I wonder where you werest night, up to who knows what.¡¯ Lin Wanrong said with a ¡®deep regret¡¯, "If that''s the case, then we better not go. Ah, I haven''t been to the Eight Alleys (Great Eight Alleys/Hutongs) in a long time. I have eighteen sweethearts there, I''m not lying, really, eighteen..."


    Ashileughed heartily at this. Yi Seung-Jae couldn''t help but chuckle, and the Pce Lady Seo turned red in the face from embarrassment.


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 Chapter 326

    Chapter 326


    Chapter 326 The Imperial Capital


    Lin Wanrong fell into a slight reverie before speaking, "In our grand capital of Great Hua, beauty is all around. Everywhere you go, there''s a scenic view. The street performances on Tianqiao, the snacks at the Chenghuang Temple, the bright moon over Xiangshan, all are renowned far and wide. Why don''t we visit these ces first?"


    Yi Seung-Jae naturally wouldn''t refuse. However, it was Ashile who frowned and said, "Master Lin, all these ces are about food and fun. They are quite meaningless. Are there any other ces, such as where you train your soldiers¡ª"


    "Training soldiers¡ª" Lin Wanrong''s brow furrowed, "Don''t mention training soldiers to me. I got whipped yesterday and I''m still in pain today."


    He then recounted the half-true, half-fabricated story of his experiences from the day before. Ashile eximed in surprise, "General Lin, you rule your soldiers so strictly that even you have to undergo corporal punishment for your own mistakes?"


    "Strict? Not really," Lin Wanrong shook his head, "I''m just average. Under General Li Tai, we have a million soldiers, each possessing outstanding martial skills. They train far more strictly than I do, a hundred times over. The daily casualty rate stands at one in a hundred."


    Ashile quickly grabbed hold of him, "Master Lin, do you have any soldiers with you? I would like to see the troops under yourmand."


    Lin Wanrong looked troubled, "Well, my troops are just a bunch of insignificant soldiers, not worthy of any presentation. Perhaps it''s best if we don''t go. Instead, why don''t we head to Tianxiang Building to enjoy some music? I know the courtesans there only sell their bodies, not their skills¡ª"


    Ashile, clearly anxious, interrupted him, "Master Lin, let''s go watch your training. I am quite interested in military affairs."Yi Seung-Jae also chimed in, "Master Lin, I''ve long heard about the mighty and strong Great Hua soldiers, and the grandeur of Great Hua. Please allow me the pleasure of observing."


    Seeing the earnestness of the two, Lin Wanrong sighed helplessly, "Alright then, since both of you insist so passionately, I''llply, despite the embarrassment. Let''s go together and see who''s training. We can just watch casually. Ah, I''m still wounded¡ª"


    Ashile nodded repeatedly. He and Yi Seung-Jae mounted their horses while Lin Wanrong, due to his severe injury, climbed into the carriage. They had only traveled a few steps when they heard a woman''s voice from outside, "Master Lin, it''s Pce Lady Seo. May Ie up?"


    ¡®Pce Lady Seo? What does she want with me?¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed, "Come in, the door isn''t locked."


    Pce Lady Seo climbed into the carriage, a small medicine box in hand. Lin Wanrong, surprised, asked, "Miss Seo, what are you doing?"


    Pce Lady Seo gave a slight smile, "Our prince said that Master Lin leads by example and has exceptional military discipline. He especially asked me toe and see to your wounds. Would that be convenient for you?"


    "Oh my, how could I possibly refuse?" Without any hesitation, Lin Wanrong undid his shirt, revealing his back full of whip marks.


    Pce Lady Seo didn''t expect Lin Wanrong to be so forthright, saying no but acting to the contrary. Her cheeks reddened slightly before she regained herposure and carefully inspected Lin Wanrong''s wounds. After a long while, she finally spoke, "Master Lin, your injuries haven''t affected your muscles. Given your robust physique and the excellent wound medicine you''ve used, your recovery has been remarkably quick. I estimate that the scabs should fall off by tomorrow."


    "But I still feel sore all over, with aching back and cramped legs, and suffer from difficult sleeping every night," Lin Wanrong sighed.


    "Well, this may be due to injuries causing stagnant energy that is difficult to disperse, leading to symptoms like difficult sleeping," the pce Pce Lady Seo pondered before saying.


    "Not only difficult sleeping, but there are also more serious issues," Lin San spoke with a pained expression. "Did you believe me when I said I have eighteen lovers?"


    With a blushing smile, Pce Lady Seo replied, "If you say you have that many, then that''s how many you have."


    "Ah, I knew you wouldn''t believe me, but do I even believe it myself?" Lin Wanrong said earnestly. "Do you think I want to be involved with all of them?"


    "Did they force you, Sir?" Pce Lady Seo, asked, surprised.


    "It''s not really about being forced. It''s just mutual needs. I''m naturally quite dominant, and during marital activities, I can''t help being a bit... well, so there''s no other choice but to find a few more. Ahem, I''m just talking nonsense. Please, don''t take it seriously, Pce Lady Seo!" Lin San held back hisughter.


    Pce Lady Seo shook her head with a light smile, her cheeks turning a soft pink. "You do enjoy your jokes, Sir. Let''s talk about your difficult sleeping problem."


    "Oh, go ahead. Do you have any special treatments?" Lin Wanrong eyed Pce Lady Seo''s fair, wless cheek, feeling an itch in his heart. How could this maid have such good skin, almost better than his wives?


    "I have a recipe for medicinal food, called ''Tanluo Qi Restoring Soup'', which is suitable for your condition," said Pce Lady Seo.


    "Medicinal food? I don''t quite trust that. Is there something better? Faster?"


    "Acupuncture can stimte cirction, clear stasis, and disperse blood. Would you like to give it a try?" Pce Lady Seo asked earnestly.


    "Ah, needles, I''d better pass." The mention of acupuncture made Lin Wanrong shiver, instantly recalling the Vixen An and Fairy Ning.


    Pce Lady Seo smiled lightly and said, "I saw how bravely you fought with Prince Tsugumi. How can you be afraid of acupuncture?"


    Lin Wanrong thought, ¡®How could beating someone be the same as being pricked with needles?¡¯ Seeing Pce Lady Seo''s sweet smile, heughed, "Alright, let''s try it. But if it makes me ufortable, you must stop."


    Pce Lady Seo nodded, took out a silver needle, and lightly pricked Lin Wanrong''s shoulder. Her technique was exquisite, offering a different experiencepared to Sister An. Perhaps because Pce Lady Seo was more personable and without the inexplicable fear he had for An Biru, Lin San found the procedure surprisinglyfortable.


    After she inserted four needles, Lin Wanrong felt so rxed that he yawnedzily on his pillow, smiling, "Pce Lady Seo, what''s your name? Calling you ''Pce Lady Seo'' feels weird. I think I heard someone calling you ''Geum'' earlier, right?"


    Pce Lady Seo nodded, "Sir, my name is Jang Geum."


    "Oh, Jang Geum, nice name. So, Jang Geum that¡ªah¡ª" It seemed like Lin San had remembered something. He jumped up as if he had seen a ghost, his face full of horror, and the silver needles on his body trembled. "You, are you Dae Jang Geum?"


    [TL: Dae Jang Geum is the name of the main character, a pcedy who became a royal physician, in the historical Korean drama "Dae Jang Geum", also known as "Jewel in the Pce". It''s worth noting that her real surname is not documented in history, and the "Dae¡± surname was created for the TV drama.]


    Jang Geum shook her head in confusion, "Sir, my name is Seo Jang Geum, not Dae Jang Geum. What''s wrong?"


    ¡®Famous people, ah! She is the second famous person I''ve encountered after Xu Wenchang, and she is a foreign friend too. Darn it, why hadn''t I thought of it earlier?¡¯ With such knowledge and insight, wasn''t this pcedy Dae Jang Geum?


    "Hello, hello, Miss Seo Jang Geum," Lin Wanrong, without further ado, took the celebrity''s small hand and smiled, "I''ve long heard of your great name."


    Seo Jang Geum was taken aback. Only a few people in Goryeo knew her name. How did this nobleman from Great Hua know? "Sir, you should let me finish the acupuncture first," said Seo Jang Geum, her face slightly reddening.


    "Oh, right, right. I forgot because I was so happy." Lin Wanrong released Seo Jang Geum''s hand andy back on the pillow, yet his gaze remained on her.


    Seo Jang Geum, with a serene smile, said, "Sir, what''s wrong with you? You''ve be so strange after hearing my name."


    "Nothing, probably because you''re pretty," Lin Wanrong chuckled, feeling immensely joyous within. This world was truly interesting. He had unexpectedly run into Seo Jang Geum.


    "Sir, you''re really strange," Seo Jang Geum shook her head and gentlyughed. Lin Wanrong didn''t reveal the truth and instead talked with her about events in Goryeo, listening to her stories about the Goryeo royal court, experiencing a sense of surrealism.


    When they arrived at the training ground, Lin Wanrong jumped down with ease, the pain from his wound seemingly greatly relieved. Seo Jang Geum watched with quiet astonishment. The nobleman''s transformation was indeed dramatic.


    Upon his arrival, the training ground was nearly deserted, with only a handful of men still training. Lin Wanrong took a distant look and frowned, "Why is it always these few useless fellows?"


    Ashile and Yi Seung-Jae followed behind Lin Wanrong, and upon hearing hisment, their gaze drifted to the few men. They saw the men practicing theirbat skills on horseback. One young soldier held a silvery spear, and amidst the galloping, he suddenly turned back and struck a wooden figure right in the chest. The spear pierced through, disying tremendous fierceness. Another man with a beard swung his big sword on horseback, splitting a log in half.


    Ashile was quietly stunned. Who were these men who were not even inferior to the bravest warriors of his tribe? And yet Lin Wanrong seemed unsatisfied with them.


    "Well, just take a look. I''m embarrassed that you have to see these good-for-nothing fellows," Lin Wanrong sighed helplessly.


    Ashile curiously asked, "Master Lin, their horsemanship, swordsmanship, and spearmanship are all quite exquisite, why are you unsatisfied?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile, "Brother A, please stop mocking me. These few are the weakest in my army. Everyone else has already passed. Only these few, despite many days of training, still can''t meet the standards. ording to our army''s regtions, to pass the spear test, they need to pierce two stakes with one spear, and for the sword test, they need to split three logs in one go. But look at these men. Xu Zhen, Hu Bugui, if you don''t meet the standards today, no dinner for you. I''m embarrassed to have made you witness this, truly, truly embarrassing!"


    Yi Seung-Jae was so shocked he didn''t dare make a sound, while Ashile was left with his mouth agape. This was merely a random inspection, and it was impossible for this man named Lin San to have arranged it in advance. A casual nce revealed such astonishing capabilities. Could it be that the new recruits of Great Hua this year were truly so formidable?


    Ashile said, "Master Lin, are these your newly trained soldiers? I''ve fought with Great Hua soldiers before, but they were not this formidable."


    Lin Wanrong quicklyughed it off, "Yes, yes, our Great Hua soldiers are quite weak. The performance of these few men doesn''t count. Please just watch and forget about it. Don''t take it seriously, don''t take it seriously!"


    When Ashile turned to look back, he saw the young soldier who was wielding the spear, with a single turn, managed to pierce two wooden stakes. The dimly gleaming tip of his spear radiated a chilling light.


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 Chapter 327

    Chapter 327


    Chapter 327 I Want to Report You


    Though Master Lin had dismissed it as a lie, Ashile grew even more suspicious. Could it be that the Great Hua had secretly prepared an elite force to wage a do-or-die battle with his Turkic Khanate? This matter was of grave importance, and he had to inform the Khan ahead of time. Yi Seung-Jae, on the other hand, had a different train of thought. Indeed, the military strength of Great Hua was robust, surpassing that of Goryeo by several times. He must report this truthfully to his father, the king.


    "Boom, boom¡ª" Two plumes of ck smoke billowed into the sky, and the earth-shattering st caused a buzzing in everyone''s ears. Ashile and Yi Seung-Jae''s faces changed, Pce Lady Seo was frightened into covering her ears, and Lin Wanrong shouted angrily, "Where did the cannon firee from? Where did ite from?"


    Amon soldier hurried over to report, "My Lord, the new recruits from the Divine Machine Unit are practicing with the cannons. They are not urate, disturbing my lord. Please forgive us."


    Lin Wanrong hummed, "New recruits practicing with cannons is not an issue, but scaring our esteemed guests with such reckless firing is unforgivable. Do you know who this is? This is the special envoy from the Turkic Khanate. Do you know who the other person is? That is the prince of Goryeo, along with the beautiful Lady Jang Geum. If they were scared, Du Xiuyuan, could you bear the responsibility? Come on, drag him away¡ª"


    Du Xiuyuan paled with fear, his eyes wide with terror. Lin Wanrong smirked inwardly. It was a waste of talent for Brother Du not to go into film.


    Seeing Master Lin''s anger, Ashile hurriedly intervened, "Master Lin, your new recruits didn''t know we wereing. This is an understandable situation, please don''t me them."


    Jang Geum was very kind-hearted. Seeing Master Lin flexing his authority and his soldiers looking pitifully helpless, herpassion red. She walked over to Lin Wanrong and softly said, "My Lord, theymitted this error unintentionally. Please spare them. Jang Geum is very grateful for your benevolence."


    "Is that so?" Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment, "Since Lord Ashile and Lady Jang Geum have pleaded on your behalf, I suppose I can let this pass this time."Ashile''s eyes flicked, "Master Lin, I''ve rarely seen cannons, could you perhaps show us around?"


    "Well¡ª" Lin Wanrong hesitated, "Brother Ashile, to be honest, this cannon is a secret of Great Hua. Ordinary people can''t see it, let alone while our two nations are at odds¡ª"


    Ashile quietly moved closer to him, handing him a small bag, "Today I troubled Master Lin with our visit, please ept this small token of my appreciation. And there are also two precious ''blood-sweat'' horses from my Turkic homnd, they will be delivered to your mansion today." His Mandarin was awkward. Master Lin nced into the bag and saw two thumb-sized night pearls, their lustrous radiance blinding.


    "Oh, I see!" General Lin quietly put the bag in his pocket, then with utmost seriousness, said, "Since the Emperor has instructed me to treat our two guests well, I will reluctantly take you to see them. s, I hope the Emperor won''t me me." Yi Seung-Jae had observed their actions, a spark of understanding in his eyes, and he was lost in thought.


    The artillery drill field was still some distance away. A few people walked towards it, Lin Wanrong taking a few strides before feeling someone tug at his clothes from behind. Turning his head, he saw that it was Seo Jang Geum. Her expression was serious, eyebrows furrowed. Lin Wanrong found it strange, "Lady Jang Geum, do you need anything from me?"


    Seo Jang Geum spoke in a low and serious voice, "Sir, I want to ask you something."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Lady Jang Geum, don''t be so serious. Smile a bit. What do you want to ask?"


    Jang Geum shook her head, "Did you ept a bribe from Lord Ashile?"


    Sweating, Lin Wanrong thought that this Koreandy was blunt. He could disregard what others said about him, but when someone pointed it out directly, he couldn''t help but blush. "Where, where... it''s just a small gift, it''s not bribery, it''s not bribery," he defended himself.


    Seo Jang Geum remained stern, "Sir, the Turkic Khanate is currently at war with Great Hua. You epted their bribe and exposed Great Hua''s military secrets to the enemy. How could you do that? Do you know how many Great Hua soldiers and civilians you are hurting? They are ordinary people, all innocent. Even though I am Goryeo, Goryeo and Great Hua are closely connected, and the people of both countries are equally hardworking and kind. Jang Geum, as a minor pcedy, also knows right from wrong, and I will not allow anything that harms the people of both countries to exist. Sir, I urge you to immediately return the bribe you received and refuse to let the Turkic envoy observe your country''s artillery. Otherwise, I will report your eptance of bribes to the emperor of Great Hua. Please think it over!"


    Lin Wanrong was stunned for a while, feeling that strange things had happened more frequently this year. This Seo Jang Geum was unusually upright, so upright that it was over the top. A minor Goryeo pcedy was threatening to report a Great Hua official''s eptance of bribes. Interesting, very interesting. Lin Wanrongughed, "Lady Seo, I understand what you mean, but you don''t understand mine. Even your prince would definitely not allow you to do this."


    Jang Geum obstinately replied, "Even if the Prince is noble, he cannot protect evil. Even if he disapproves, I will still expose you. Please return the bribe you received, I beg you!"


    As Seo Jang Geum said this, she deeply bowed. Lin Wanrong hurriedly helped her up, lightly pinching her hand in the process, "Lady Seo is overthinking, I am a Great Hua man, how could I harm my own country? Ha-ha, let''s leave it here for now. I''ll find you to do acupuncture when I have time."


    Having said that, Lin Wanrong turned and left, fearing that this stubborn little pce maid would cling on and not let go. Seo Jang Geum stood there for a while, before saying in a serious tone, "Master Lin, for the sake of Great Hua and my Goryeo people, I will definitely expose you."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong catch up, Yi Seung-Jae mysteriously smiled, "Master Lin, are you satisfied with Lady Seo?"


    Lin Wanrong paused for a moment, then said, "Satisfied, very satisfied." Yi Seung-Jae nodded and said nothing more.


    ¡ª---


    The artillery tform was built on a small hill. When Lin Wanrong and the others arrived, the "new recruits" were in the middle of a live ammunition drill. A new recruit lit the fuse, and with a loud bang, a distant target shattered on cue, its power and precision top-notch.


    During the battles between the Turks and the Great Hua, a few cannons had been captured, but those cannons were bulky and not particrly urate. Looking at the cannons now in use by Great Hua, they seemed to have been well improved; they were much lighter, but their power had increased several times. Should theye to battle, the casualties of his Turkic cavalry would undoubtedly be substantial. As he watched, Ashile was secretly rmed, while the new recruits of the Divine Machine Unit simply shook their heads.


    Ashile said softly, "Master Lin, these cannons are quite urate and powerful, but why do your soldiers seem unsatisfied?"


    Lin Wanrong replied, "urate? We demand that cannon fire has an error of no more than two steps. That shot just now had an error exceeding four steps. I have no idea how these new recruits have been practicing, but it is extremely disappointing. My apologies for the embarrassment."


    The two envoys were left speechless. Lin Wanrong''s high expectations of his soldiers were indeed shocking. If all the soldiers of Great Hua were trained like him, who in the world could be their match?


    "Since we''re here, let''s test the cannon formations. Li Sheng, Li Sheng¡ª," Lin Wanrong called out loudly.


    "I''m here¡ª," Li Sheng quickly ran over.


    Pointing at Li Sheng, Lin Wanrong, smiling, said to the two special envoys, "This is a new recruit team leader in my Divine Machine Unit. Let''s have him demonstrate the cannon formations today. Li Sheng, lead your new recruits, fire a few shots, and let our esteemed envoys give some advice."


    Li Sheng acknowledged the order and set up ten cannons in a line. The "new recruits" loaded the powder, filled the shell, pushed the cannon, and aimed. Their movements were neat and efficient, all in one go.


    Li Sheng raised a small g and shouted, "Fire!" Dozens of cannons instantly spewed out fire, the deafening noise of cannon fire shaking the earth. Amidst the thick smoke, the dense hills in the distance were instantly leveled, rocks flying about, a magnificent sight.


    Lin Wanrong said loudly, "Esteemed envoys, take a look, this is called concentrated fire, a new battle method we have recently researched. It is specifically designed to target enemy charging troops, particrly effective against cavalry formations. Great Hua currently has over a hundred thousand cannons. Gentlemen, imagine, if they all fired in a concentrated manner, what would be the power?"


    The two envoys said nothing as the cannon fire gradually became sparse. The ten cannons were firing alternately in different directions, chasing each other, one shot following another. Lin Wanrongughed, "Gentlemen, please take a look again. This is called chase fire, unlike concentrated fire. Chase fire is a point shot, giving the enemy nowhere to escape. It is specially designed to eliminate important enemy figures, such as the Khan of the Turks¡ªoh, I didn''t mean that, just an analogy. Brother Ashile, please do not misunderstand."


    Ashile turned pale, unable to utter a word. Yi Seung-Jae pulled Lin Wanrong aside and whispered, "Master Lin, I came here in a hurry this time and didn''t prepare adequately. I only have two pieces of thousand-year-old Goryeo ginseng to offer you. I hope that you will remember the long-standing friendship between our two countries and say a few good words for my Goryeo in front of the Emperor."


    ¡®You try to appease me with a few radishes while you gifted dozens to the Emperor and n to send thousands more to win the princess''s hand. Do you think thousand-year-old ginseng grows like vegetables in your home''s greenhouse, avable for picking whenever you wish?¡¯ Master Lin responded with a smile that didn''t reach his eyes. "As for ginseng, I have plenty at home. Thousand-year-old specimens from Changbai Mountain, they''ve even grown into humanoid shapes. My wife applies it to her face daily for skin tightening. Perhaps the little prince shouldn''t trouble himself. Hehe¡ª"


    Yi Seung-Jae had seen shameless people before, but never one so brazen in asking for bribes. Indeed, Great Hua did produce some remarkable individuals. Gritting his teeth, Yi Seung-Jae pulled a small bag from his bosom and said, "His Majesty has specially prepared ten agate stones for you. I hope you will ept them."


    "King Goryeo is too kind. It''s touching that His Majesty remembered me." Master Lin took the small bag and slipped it into his bosom, his face all smiles as he shamelessly responded.


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 Chapter 328

    Chapter 328


    Chapter 328 A Second Visit to the Pce


    Upon returning from the artillery demonstration, both Ashile and Yi Seung-Jae were notably more silent, especially Ashile. His swagger had significantly diminished. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but chuckle to himself. In this world, there was no such thing as diplomatic etiquette. Power was the ultimate truth. Today''s demonstration had indeed been quite a scare. In addition to the pearls and agate, the blood-sweat treasure horse, and a pile of thousand-year-old Goryeo ginseng, entertaining the envoys was indeed a lucrative task. ¡®No wonder Su Mubai was upset when I took over his role; he acted as though he had just lost his wife.¡¯


    After all, epting bribes was not something to be proud of. Lin San was never short of silver, so these gains would go to Luo Ning, the youngdy, to aid the orphans. He didn''t do it for any other reason but to ease his conscience.


    After sending the two envoys back to the designated envoy houses to rest, he saw that Pce Lady Seo looked serious. Master Linughed and said, "Pce Lady Seo, let''s continue with the acupunctureter. After your treatment, I feel quitefortable."


    Seo Jang Geum replied seriously, "Master Lin, I used to admire you a lot. I thought you were different from others. But after seeing your actions today, I feel you are no different from themon man, even more greedy. Once a person sumbs to greed, it is hard to retain their true nature. This is especially true for officials. If they lose their resolve to love their country and people, life bes meaningless. I hope you reconsider! And also, prepare yourself, I will report your deeds to His Majesty."


    Left speechless, Lin San realized that this Lady Jang Geum was extraordinarily stubborn. It was rare to find such a unique woman in Goryeo.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Pce Lady Seo, what we see on the surface isn''t always the truth. The truth never floats on the water. Why are the waters of Jeju Ind so blue, and why are the rocks of Mount Geumgang so hard? Because they have withstood the test and remain unpolluted. Just like my great heart."


    Pce Lady Seo was surprised, "How do you know about Jeju Ind and Mount Geumgang? Have you been there?"


    "I visited during a vacation. The scenery is beautiful, though the girls there aren''t as beautiful as you." Master Lin was never serious for long.Pce Lady Seo blushed and smiled, "You tter me, Master Lin. We Goryeo women have distinct features, which tend to leave asting impression. I didn''t expect you to be such a seasoned traveler, having even visited Goryeo."


    Indeed, her distinct features made her a suitable target. Lin Wanrongughed, "Goryeo isn''t far. The furthest ce I''ve been is Africa, where the people''s skin, hair, and eyes are all ck. There, you''ll find mysterious witch doctors, undting rainforests, venomous pythons, and kind cannibals¡ª"


    Seo Jang Geum, being knowledgeable, had some idea of the vastness of the world. Upon hearing that Master Lin had traveled to such a distant ce, she was instantly filled with longing, and eximed, "Master Lin, are there really such ces in the world? Are there really witch doctors, rainforests, and pythons there? Is it far from us?"


    This legendary Goryeo woman had asked so many questions in one breath, it seemed she had already forgotten about reporting him. Lin Wanrong nodded, "It is far, exceedingly far. The journey from Great Hua to Goryeo already crosses mountains and rivers. But to go from Asia to Africa, one must cross several oceans and continents, a journey of tens of thousands of miles. It is not a ce that just anyone can reach."


    A glimmer of longing shed in Seo Jang Geum''s eyes, she sighed, "Everywhere the sun shines, unique wonders must exist. Rainforests and pythons are the essence of the world. I imagine such a ce would also teem with rare medicinal herbs. If I could go there, I''d be content even if it took my whole life."


    Seo Jang Geum''s words were all about her profession. Lin Wanrong found it amusing, but he couldn''t help thinking of Luo Ning, who was far away in Jining. Wasn''t she, like Seo Jang Geum, fond of traveling everywhere? If she were here, she and Seo would certainly be intimate sisters. It had been some time since he arrived in Beijing, and he wondered how she was. He had received no news from Old Luo or Luo Yuan either, all of them were like family to him.


    "Master Lin, Master Lin," Seeing Lin Wanrong lost in thought, Seo Jang Geum hurriedly called him a few times in a soft voice. Lin Wanrong woke up from his musings and smiled, "Lady Seo, what is it?"


    "Master Lin, what are you thinking about? Are you thinking about your lover?" Seo Jang Geum asked softly.


    "No, I''m thinking about my fianc¨¦e," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "She''s as knowledgeable and talented as you are, and loves to travel as well. If you meet her, I''m sure you two would be good friends. But s, that girl is an expert at spending money and mediocre at earning it. It seems I, her husband, will have to support her for a lifetime."


    Seo Jang Geum eximed, "You really are extraordinary, Master Lin. In my homnd, Korea, once married, men would never allow their wives to work. This has constrained countless women, and many brilliant women are unable to fully utilize their intellect and talent. For you to encourage your wife to work is truly unique."


    "Women are not goods. They have their own thoughts and things they love to do. Why should they be confined? If they can earn money and share their husband''s worries, it''s the best. Men and women should be equal," Lin Wanrong said,ughing and bragging quite naturally.


    Seo Jang Geum sighed, "Master Lin, you''re open-minded and unconventional, a true visionary. Your wife must love you even more after hearing these words. You must love your wife a lot too."


    Seo Jang Geum consistently used respectful terms, and Lin Wanrong found it amusing. Korean men were really lucky, being addressed respectfully hundreds of times a day felt heavenly.


    "Moderately, moderately. I''m rather phnthropic," Lin Wanrong replied with a chuckle, "It''s gettingte. You should go back and rest."


    "Alright, thank you. I really enjoyed our conversation today." Seo Jang Geum bowed deeply, "You should also go back and spend time with your wife. And please be prepared. I will expose you in front of Emperor Great Hua tomorrow."


    Startled, Lin Wanrong felt a moment of dizziness. After all this, she hadn''t forgotten about it and even reminded him in advance. Korean women were indeed interesting, with a unique charm.


    Stepping out of the diplomatic house, the cold wind swept over him and Lin Wanrong''s mind suddenly cleared. He was taken aback as he realized that an entire day had slipped past in a daze. From being dragged to see the Emperor by Xu Wei in the morning, to angrily hitting Tsugumi Takeshita in the pce, forcing Goryeo to sign a cultural borrowing agreement, and then performing a show at the martial arts field for the two envoys, all his actions were inextricably linked to Great Hua. With all his heart, he thought of Great Hua, cared for Great Hua. ¡®When did I be so noble,¡¯ he wondered, a strange blend of amusement and despair stirring within him. Overwhelmed with various emotions, he felt an eerie sense of disconnection from the world.


    Under the bright moon, he stood still for a long while. Just as he was about to head home, he spotted a lone rider approaching in the distance - it was Xu Wei. Xu Wei hastily dismounted, urgently saying, "Little brother Lin, Little brother Lin,e with me quickly, the Emperor wishes to see you again."


    Again? What did he mean? Hadn''t they just met this morning? Lin Wanrong was puzzled, but Xu Wei hurriedly handed him a horse. His arrival was more urgent than in the morning, with only two horses and not a single attendant.


    Mounting the horse, Lin Wanrong asked, "Mr. Xu, what does the Emperor want with me? Did something go wrong with the envoys today?"


    Xu Wei shook his head, "Little brother Lin, don''t overthink it. Everything you did today was reported to the Emperor at noon. The Emperorughed heartily, his mood uplifted. He praised you for your wisdom, your ability to anticipate the enemy, and your unconventional behavior. He said you have the aura of a great general."


    "Mr. Xu, don''t just say the pleasing things," Lin Wanrong said with a wry smile. "The Emperor and I barely know each other. We just met for the second time this morning. How could he value me so highly?"


    Xu Wei pondered for a moment before answering, "Little brother Lin, there''s something you don''t know. From what I could see, initially the Emperor had no intention of summoning you again. But after I reported your deeds, he was so pleased that he spent the whole afternoon in his study, thinking alone. He did not handle any memorials, and only then did he summon me to call you to the pce."


    The more Lin Wanrong heard, the more confused he became. Even if he had sessfully fooled the envoys, there was no need to summon him again, and sote at that. Couldn''t the Emperor have waited until tomorrow? The thoughts of an Emperor were indeed inscrutable.


    Seeing his confusion, Xu Wei said, "Little brother Lin, it is true that being with the Emperor is like living with a tiger. But it is exceedingly rare for someone like you to be summoned twice on the first day at court. This is a great honor. Even Su Mubai, the top schr who was personally chosen by the Emperor and mentored by renowned teachers, despite his achievements and the Emperor''s direct hand in his education, was never summoned twice in one day. This is a great favor towards you¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong interrupted him hurriedly, "Brother Xu, you better stop. The more you talk, the more my heart pounds. If the Emperor happens to execute me, it would be a great loss."


    At this, Xu Wei burst intoughter. The two of them urged their horses forward, swiftly passing through the Meridian Gate, crossing the Golden Bridge, and arrived at the pce in no time.


    Eunuch Gao had been waiting there for a while. Upon seeing Lin Wanrong''s arrival, he hurried forward to greet him, fawningly saying, "Master Lin, you''re finally here. The Emperor has been anxiously awaiting you."


    "I dare not ck in the tasks assigned by the Emperor. I apologize for myte arrival," Lin Wanrong replied. This being his second time in the pce, he was more familiar with the procedures and was about to hand a silver note to Eunuch Gao.


    However, Eunuch Gao quickly refused, saying in a panicked tone, "No, no, I wouldn''t dare ept this!"


    Xu Wei, being the keen observer that he was, noticed Eunuch Gao''s starkly different behaviorpared to the morning and was surprised. He asked, "Eunuch Gao, where does the Emperor wish to see my Little brother Lin?"


    Eunuch Gao nced at Lin Wanrong and cautiously answered, "¡ªThe Pce of Heavenly Purity!"


    "What?!!" Xu Wei eximed in shock and disbelief.


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 Chapter 329

    Chapter 329


    Chapter 329 What is Scheming, What is Ruthless


    Upon witnessing Xu Wei''s surprised expression, Lin Wanrong was puzzled. It was just the Pce of Heavenly Purity, what was there to make such a fuss about? It would indeed be strange if the Emperor called for him while in the royalvatory.


    Such thoughts could only prove Lin San''s ignorance. The Pce of Heavenly Purity was the Emperor''s bedroom, the heart of the Grand Imperial Court, and indeed, the heart of the entire grand nation. Ordinarily, when the Emperor summoned a minister, it was either in the Office of the Imperial Secretaries or in the Hall of Literary Brilliance. To be summoned in the Pce of Heavenly Purity was an incredible honor.


    Upon hearing Eunuch Gao''s words, Xu Wei understood why he dared not ept Lin San''s silver bills. Now that the Emperor had summoned Lin San to the Pce of Heavenly Purity, it was clear that great wealth and status awaited Lin San. Eunuch Gao would not want to offend him now.


    Xu Wei bowed with a smile, "Little Brother Lin, this is an enormous favor. I congratte you and wish you joy."


    "Joy? Why joy? Master Xu, I don''t understand the workings of this pce at all. Could you enlighten me?" Lin Wanrong asked, his brows furrowed in worry. Both Xu Wei and Eunuch Gao burst intoughter. Lin San was indeed genuine in his feelings, no wonder the Emperor favored him so.


    Xu Wei exined the pce''s inner workings to Lin Wanrong. Lin San couldn''t help but grimace. Being invited to the Pce of Heavenly Purity was like being a guest in the Emperor''s bedroom. This was quite surreal.


    "I... Can I refuse to go?" Lin San''s words nearly knocked both Xu Wei and Eunuch Gao off their feet. An audience at the Pce of Heavenly Purity was something many dreamed of. How could Lin San be so clueless? Furthermore, could one refuse an imperial summon?


    Upon seeing their expressions, Lin Wanrong realized he had made a joke of himself. Thankfully, it wasn''t the first time he had done so. Xu Wei was used to it. Eunuch Gao dared notment.Eunuch Gao led Lin Wanrong through the pce, across Horizontal Street and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, amidst a bustling crowd of eunuchs and pce maids carryingnterns. Seeing Lin San looking around curiously like a bumpkin in the city, Eunuch Gao chuckled, "This is your first time in the inner court, isn''t it, Master Lin? Horizontal Street is the passage connecting the inner court and the outer court. Cross Horizontal Street, and you reach the Pce of Heavenly Purity where the Emperor resides."


    The Pce of Heavenly Purity was located north of Horizontal Street, with a base of white stone. The exterior of the pce had a broad fa?ade, and a double-eaved hipped roof. To the left and right were two smaller halls, the Hall of Manifesting Benevolence and the Hall of Great Virtue.


    Upon reaching the entrance, they found an unusual calm. The eunuchs and pce maids who came and went were extra careful, walking on tiptoe.


    "We''re here, Master Lin," Eunuch Gao whispered, leading Lin Wanrong in. The Pce of Heavenly Purity was vast. After a few steps, they reached a curtain. Eunuch Gao halted and announced in a shrill voice, "Your Majesty, Master Lin has arrived."


    There was a soft cough from within, followed by a clear voice, "Let him in."


    "Yes!" Eunuch Gao pulled back the curtain, addressing Lin Wanrong, "Master Lin, His Majesty has called for you."


    "Thank you, Eunuch." Lin Wanrong chuckled, gave a fist salute, lowered his head, passed through the curtain, and walked in.


    In the pce, high-built candleholders hosted a zing fire that illuminated the grand hall as though it were broad daylight. The floor was covered with fine Persian carpets, and the carved banisters, tables, and chairs were positioned perfectly. Sandalwood smoke wafted throughout the room, lending an extraordinary sense of tranquility.


    As he walked and observed his surroundings, Lin Wanrong had barely taken a few steps when a voice reached his ears, "Lin Wanrong--"


    He looked up to see a broad sandalwood desk set not far ahead. Behind it, a huge throne fashioned into the shape of a dragon. The chair was purely gold forged, exuding an unparalleled grandeur. The armrests on both sides were iid with beautiful gemstones that sparkled under the light. Seated on the dragon throne was a man in his fifties or sixties, d in a dragon robe, his face glowing red, and smiling at him.


    "The Emperor?" Lin Wanrong was startled, and he hurried forward, raising his fist in salute, "So you really are the Emperor, sir? Nice to meet you, Your Majesty!"


    Lin Wanrong had no understanding of the etiquette of the court. When a subject met the Emperor, they were to kneel and kowtow quickly, and they were not allowed to lift their heads without a summons. His casual addressing waspletely inappropriate, yet, Lin Wanrong, knowing nothing of these rules, did not kowtow when he saw the Emperor, a simple salute was all.


    Now, the Emperor didn''t even need to tell him to stand. The Emperor chuckled; what he sought was precisely Lin Wanrong''s non-conformist ir. If he had knelt and performed the formal kowtow, he probably wouldn''t have been looked upon favorably. "Lin Wanrong, we meet again," the Emperorughed, "If I''m not mistaken, this is the third time."


    "Yes, indeed." Lin Wanrong responded, "Last time, outside Lingyin Temple, we had quite a delightful chat. This morning at the Hall of Literary Brilliance, there were too many people, and we hardly had a chance to talk. Tonight, you''ve summoned me, so we can have a good conversation." If Xu Wei were here and heard this, he would have fainted from shock. Who dares to speak to the Emperor in such a manner? Lin Wanrong truly had courage as vast as the earth and sky.


    "Sir, it''s been a few months since west met. You look more haggard and older than before. Please take care of your health. Early to bed, early to rise, exercise daily, and you''ll live a long life." Upon seeing the Emperor''s pale cheeks, Lin Wanrong earnestly spoke. He could very well be Qingxuan''s father, his father-inw. As a son-inw, naturally, he should be concerned about his father-inw.


    His words were extremely audacious, andmenting on the Emperor''splexion was not his ce, but the Emperorughed heartily, "Lin Wanrong, you are the first to dare to say I look old. Well done, very well done."


    Lin Wanrong sighed deeply and said, "Your Majesty, everyone can lie, and lying can harm people. It''s true that you are admired by many, but the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death is a naturalw. If you can''t even hear the truth, then it''s really sad. I''m here to see you, not because I see you as the Emperor, but as an elder. I hope to have a good chat with you and relieve some sorrow. It''s that simple."


    He spoke these words lightly, but his palms were full of sweat. Talking to this ruler, he had to find the right way to his approach. Since ancient times, rulers have been lonely. They have no friends, and even their children have deep barriers with them. They may appear brilliant on the outside, but the sorrow within is only known to themselves.


    The hall fell into silence. The Emperor said nothing, merely watching him, a faint glimmer in his eyes. Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded in his chest. The unpredictability of imperial power, he was only now truly experiencing what that phrase meant.


    "Sit," the Emperor sighed after a long pause. "You''re right. Since I ascended the throne, there have been very few with whom I could hold a conversation. Xu Wei, Li Tai, both were instrumental in helping me ascend to the throne. Now, they shrink before me. You, however, disy some courage, reminding me of myself in my youth."


    Had Xu Wei and others heard the Emperor''s final words, they''d likely have been horrified. Yet, whenever Lin Wanrong faced such situations, hecked a certain awareness, an obliviousness that made him more endearing. In fact, this was what the Emperor admired most about him. Only when one was unaware, their true nature could be seen.


    Lin Wanrong heaved a sigh of relief. If the Emperor spoke, he was safe. He smiled and replied, "Your Majesty jests. As amoner, I am cunning and arrogant, I can''t stand injustice. How can Ipare to your foresight?"


    "You do have some self-awareness. Cunning and arrogant, in your mouth, they turn intopliments. You do have a thick face," the Emperor chuckled.


    "As long as it doesn''t harm others, what''s wrong with using every trick in the book?" Lin Wanrong replied righteously.


    "You''re mistaken," the Emperor said, looking deeply into his eyes. "In the art of power, there''s no good or evil. Even if it harms the world, one must use every trick. Those who aplish great things do not sweat the small stuff. In the world, there''s no act too terrible, no person who can''t be killed. This is the art of being an Emperor."


    The art of being an Emperor? Why was he suddenly talking about that? The Emperor slowly rose and took a few steps, then looked at him, "You have courage, intelligence, the means, and a killer instinct. You understand human nature well. But the one thing youck is the willingness to be cruel and merciless, a fatal w in those who seek to lead."


    Lin Wanrong was in a cold sweat, was his approach not cruel or merciless enough?


    The Emperor smiled faintly, "I heard that while in Jinling, you gave aphrodisiacs to the eldest son of Suzhou Weaver and then scared his sister, iming you had taken that youngdy''s virtue, is that true?"


    The Emperor even knew about this? Lin Wanrong was in cold sweat, he quickly nodded, "Yes, I was just trying to scare them."


    "And I heard that you got the number one restaurant in Jinling, called ''Food for Immortals,'' through semi-trickery and semi-force from the previous owner?"


    "That¡ª"


    "And I heard that you started a society in Jinling, called ''Hung Hing.'' Besides your two younger brothers-inw, there''s also a formidable fighter called Li Beidou?"


    "Yes."


    "And I heard that you gave Dong Qiaoqiao a massive diamond?"


    "¡­"


    "And I heard that you had a quarrel with Miss Xiao the night beforest?"


    "¡­"


    A chill ran down Lin Wanrong''s spine, his hairs standing on end. The Emperor knew everything about him, every detail, no matter how insignificant. He was even aware of how many times Lin San visited thetrine each day.


    The Emperor squinted at him, smiling faintly, "Do you understand now what I mean by cruel and merciless?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, gritting his teeth, "Thank you for your lesson, I understand now."


    The Emperor said, "For the past half a year, I''ve been keeping tabs on your movements. Of course, there are things I''ve missed. For example, how did you escape when you and Miss Xiao were trapped in the White Lotus Cult? How did you survive the bombardment at Jining? It seems you still have many secrets!"


    "There are no more secrets, no more," Lin Wanrong hurriedly waved his hands. Indeed, the Emperor''s thought process was unfathomable. This old man, who seemed to be senile, knew everything. The epitome of cruelty and ruthlessness was evident in him.


    "No more?" The Emperor nced at him and chuckled, "When you attacked the White Lotus Cult, did you meet their Holy Mother?"


    "Holy Mother? I don''t think I know her. I usually don''t take an interest in olddies," Lin Wanrong said.


    "How dare you!" The Emperor''s face darkened, furious, "Guards, seize this Lin San who has dared to deceive his Emperor!"


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 Chapter 330

    Chapter 330


    Chapter 330 The Imperial Prison


    Amid a series of loud crashes, arge group of guards burst into the hall. There were twenty or thirty of them, all fierce and imposing with shiny spears and swords in their hands. They were all aiming for Lin Wanrong.


    "Hold on¡ª" Lin Wanrong bellowed, "Your Majesty, I don''t understand. Why do you want to capture me?"


    The Emperor sneered, "Lin San, let me ask you once more. During your assault on the White Lotus Sect, was the White Lotus Holy Mother already dead amidst the artillery bombardment?"


    "At that¡ª" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. His mind raced as he tried to articte a response, "Theoretically speaking, that should be the case!"


    "Should be? Should be how? You managed to emerge unscathed from the artillery fire, yet the White Lotus Holy Mother was supposed to have perished in the inferno? Lin San, I gave you one chance due to your merits, but you have proven untrustworthy. The White Lotus Holy Mother, An Biru, Sister An, Master Sister, each term of endearment more intimate than thest. Humph, Lin San, do you really not know her?" The Emperor spoke unhurriedly, but each word struck at Lin Wanrong''s heart.


    Sister An, Master Sister¡ªthese secretive nicknames were known by only a few. Where had the old Emperor heard them? Could it be¡ªLin Wanrong hesitated in his thoughts, not daring to continue.


    A glint shed in the Emperor''s eyes as he harrumphed, "Considering your youth and naivety, I''m giving you another chance. As long as you disclose the whereabouts of the White Lotus Holy Mother, I will pardon you and put you back in power. But if you don''t¡ª" A dangerous light crossed the Emperor''s face. The slight arch of his eyebrow was enough to indicate the grave consequences.


    ¡®Damn it, I knew it was a plot.¡¯ How could anyone easily enter the Emperor''s chamber? Old Xu had dared to call it a great favor. It was toote for him to regret now as he remembered his encounters with An Biru. Although she made things difficult for him at every turn, her care was also evident. This rtionship, both friend and foe, stirred unique feelings within him. Not to mention he did not know Sister An''s whereabouts, even if he did, he couldn''t reveal it.Biting his teeth, Lin Wanrong broke into a heartyughter, "Your Majesty, are you treating me as a viin? I, Lin San, may deceive the world, but I will never deceive myself. It''s true that I know Sister An, but I also know you. I helped you by exterminating the White Lotus Sect, but Sister An saved my life. She''s a fragile woman, having lost her pir of support and no longer harboring a heart of opposition against the Empire. I have not wronged the Emperor, nor will I wrong my friends."


    "How dare you!" The Emperor mmed his throne, "You dare topare me to the White Lotus rebels? Guards, take Lin San away. Behead him!"


    A few muscr guards lunged at him. Lin Wanrong struggled to break free, shouting, "I, Lin, was merely a humble servant in the Xiao family, desiring neither fame nor profit. I never dreamt of reaching high positions¡ªit was you, Your Majesty, who forcibly brought me here. Now you want to execute me over a nonsensical matter. This is unfair, Your Majesty."


    As the guards dragged him away, Lin Wanrong repeatedly resisted the urge to reach for his firearm concealed within his clothes. But the thought of Qingxuan''s father sitting opposite made him hesitate, leaving him in a difficult predicament.


    The Emperor''s countenance fluctuated between stormy and calm, his eyes flickering with rage and then tranquility. After he ordered Lin San to be dragged away, he shook his head helplessly and chuckled bitterly, "Truly a thorn in the side. Little Wei, the man you found for me is quite daring, isn''t he?"


    Blind old Wei rushed from behind the screen, bowing down and kneeling before the Emperor, "Your humble servant begs for your mercy, spare him his life. He knows nothing of the matter and got involved solely due to my selfish motives. I implore you to spare his life."


    The Emperor snorted, "Little Wei, are there really innocent people in this world? Every person who dies has a reason to die. You say he is innocent, but why would he be innocent if he sacrifices for my Great Hu¨¢ Empire? He''s indeed a talent, it''s just a shame, he''s quite stubborn!"


    "Your Majesty, stubbornness isn''t necessarily a bad thing. His willingness to sacrifice his life for a friend is far better than those who betray their confidants for personal gain. This old servant remembers that thete Emperor once praised you, saying, ''character is resolute, stubborn and unbending, capable of biding your time for twenty years, and delivering a fatal blow when the time is right.'' Although Lin Sancks your forbearing nature, he shares your tenacity."


    "Ha ha ha ha¡ª" The Emperor roared withughter, "Little Wei, it''s difficult for you to remember those words my father once said. Very good, very good. You''re not wrong, there are many traitors in this world. Men of backbone like Lin San are bing increasingly rare. If he is willing to risk his life for a rebel, he certainly won''t betray me in the future."


    "But why does the Emperor still want to¡ª" Old Wei began to question but was interrupted by the Emperor, "Do you think I really want to kill him?" A glint shed in the Emperor''s eyes, his smirk bing more evident.


    "Your humble servant understands." Old Wei was overjoyed, quickly kowtowing, "Your Majesty''s talent and vision are admirable."


    The Emperor personally helped him up, "Little Wei, I know of your unwavering loyalty. This Lin San you rmended is not bad, it''s my carefully cultivated Su Mubai who has somewhat disappointed me. A carefully nurtured flower does not thrive as well as a wild bloom, I finally understand this today."


    A sense of delight filled old Wei, but he dared not reveal it. With the unpredictable nature of imperial power, who knew if the Emperor was speaking the truth. He listened as the Emperor continued, "Lin San is a good seedling, but his flirtation with the White Lotus Holy Mother is something I absolutely cannot tolerate. This time, I willpletely crush his hopes."


    A cold glint shed in the Emperor''s eyes and the murderous intent on his face was no longer hidden as he bellowed, "Summon my servant¡ª"


    A young eunuch hurriedly rushed in, "Your humble servant is present!"


    "Give the order, issue the promation tonight and post it on the streets and alleys of the capital. It will state that a suspect has been identified, a high-ranking general of the court, who colluded with the White Lotus Holy Mother during the siege. This crime is unforgivable. He will be taken into custody tonight, and executed at the vegetable market tomorrow afternoon."


    "Your will be done!" The young eunuch took the order and left. A chill ran down Old Wei''s spine, but the Emperor merely smiled, "Little Wei, do you understand my intentions?"


    Old Wei bowed and replied respectfully, "The Emperor is forcing the White Lotus Holy Mother toe and save him tonight. If she doesn''te, a rift will form between her and Lin San. If she doese, it will solve all our problems. Your Majesty is wise."


    The Emperor nodded, "Little Wei, you truly understand my thoughts. Ah, Lin San, don''t disappoint me."


    ¡ª---


    "Damn it, I''ve got to fight back or else I''ll lose my head!" As the guards were dragging Lin Wanrong out, his mind was whirling with thoughts. Just as he was about to reach for the gun hidden in his bosom, Eunuch Gao rushed over, nced at Lin Wanrong, and loudly proimed, "By the Emperor''s decree, Lin San is temporarily imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison."


    ¡®Heavenly Prison?¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s mind was spinning. He was suddenly given a stay of execution, and he wondered whether he still needed to rebel. ¡®Damn, the old Emperor is too indecisive,¡¯ he grumbled.


    Eunuch Gao approached and whispered, "Master Lin, the Emperor asks that you stay in the Heavenly Prison for a few days, reflect upon your actions, and report back when you have made your decision."


    Reflect in the Heavenly Prison? This was a tant threat. Lin San asked hastily, "And what if I can''t make up my mind? Did the Emperor mention what to do then?"


    Eunuch Gao shook his head, "His Majesty did not borate. The Emperor''s will is unfathomable; we servants cannot possibly guess His strategies. You all¡ª" Eunuch Gao pointed at the guards, "take good care of Master Lin. If anything happens to him, beware that the Emperor might behead you."


    The once menacing guards immediately released Lin Wanrong, and the lead guard, a servile smile stered on his face, said, "Master Lin, please follow us."


    Having experienced the capriciousness of the Emperor, Lin Wanrong understood what it meant. From execution to imprisonment, such rapid changes would scare a person to death if they weren''t physically harmed. Looking back at the brightly lit but eerily quiet Pce of Heavenly Purity, the Emperor, who had been stern just moments ago, had already disappeared. With a sigh of resignation, he thought, ¡®Qingxuan, your father is too difficult to serve. He almost had your husband executed.¡¯


    The treatment of those under special care was indeed different. The guards didn''t even bother searching him and "invited" him into the Heavenly Prison. There was already a jailer respectfully waiting, who led him into a spacious, clean roomplete with luxurious bedding, a set of musical instruments, calligraphy supplies, and toiletries. Other than ack of freedom, it had everything. This wasn''t a prison, it was morefortable than staying at an inn.


    Lin Wanrong looked around in disbelief, chuckling to himself, ¡®If I ever be jobless, I might as well enjoy prison food here.¡¯ The jailer obsequiously smiled, "Master Lin, if you need anything else, I can fetch it for you."


    From his pocket, Lin Wanrong handed over a silver note, "I need nothing more. Thank you, brother. Consider this a treat from me."


    "How could I ept this!" The jailer hesitated, but eventually pocketed the silver note, his smile growing even warmer, "Master Lin, would you like your wives from your mansion to serve you tonight? Where is your mansion located, and which wife should I fetch? Or perhaps a popr courtesan from the Eight Great Alleys? I can send for her right away."


    Lin Wanrong inhaled sharply, quite taken aback by the level of service. However, he couldn''t let the Eldest Miss find out about his imprisonment; who knew what sort of trouble she might stir up.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head,ughing, "I have too many wives and lovers. If I summon one, the others will surely be jealous. Let''s just forget it. By the way, brother, your service here is quite good. Who was thest notable person to stay here before me?"


    "The esteemed Xu Wei resided here some days ago," the jailer respectfully replied.


    Lin Wanrong paused, then burst outughing. So, the old Xu had also been imprisoned. By that logic, he, Lin San, was on the same level as Xu Wei. This stay in the Heavenly Prison wasn''t so unjust after all!


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 Chapter 331

    Chapter 331


    Chapter 331 The Rescue


    Lin Wanrong''s stay in the imperial prison was unexpectedlyfortable, replete with delicious food and devoted attendants. Such luxury seemed an unusual paradox in a prison setting. As time drewte, he prepared toy down his head to sleep, but a sudden realization shot through his mind, covering him in a cold sweat.


    Tomorrow at dawn marked the public selection of a suitor by Princess Nishang. If Qingxuan was indeed the princess, then his situation was dire indeed. The Turkish envoy and the young prince of Goryeo were both avid suitors, fiercely vying to marry Princess Nishang. Yet here he was, confined to the imperial prison and unable to intervene. If anything were to happen to Qingxuan, he would regret it for the rest of his life.


    The more he thought about it, the more rmed he became. His mind was akin to being wed by countless cats, unbearable in its torment. He paced restlessly within the confines of his cell, yet he could note up with any solution.


    Would he really have topromise with the old Emperor and reveal Sister An''s whereabouts? Even if he were to give in, how would he know where An Biru was? Damn it, the situation had grown immenselyplicated. He had always known that dealing with the Emperor would never be straightforward.


    Like an ant on a hot pan, he paced back and forth within his cell. As time passed, every ticking second felt like a piercing stab, yet he could not think of a single solution. By this time, the moon hung high in the sky, all was silent, and the prison was deste. Save for the faint snoring of the two guards slumped over their table, no sound was heard.


    Just as Lin Wanrong was wallowing in anxiety, he heard a faint sound. Looking up, he saw a slender figure in ck, a veil masking her face, stealthily approaching his cell.


    The eyes that peeked out from behind the veil were bright and captivating, as if covered by a thinyer of dew. Upon spotting Lin Wanrong, her eyes sparkled with delight. She hurriedly raised a slender finger to her lips, gesturing for him to remain silent.


    Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded in his chest. Who was she? How did she manage to get into the prison? Was she here to rescue him?The slender figure in ck nced around cautiously, then with a nimble leap, she reached the two sleeping guards. With a light press of her hands, the two guards copsed, not even managing to let out a grunt.


    "Who are you?" Lin Wanrong hurriedly whispered.


    The figure shook her head and removed the keys from the unconscious guard. She leaped over to his cell door, and with a quick turn of the key, the lock fell open. Just as Lin Wanrong was about to speak, she pulled down her veil, revealing a beautiful and radiant face.


    "Sister An?!!" Lin Wanrong gasped, surprised by the appearance of the one he had just been thinking about. "You, how did you get into the prison?!!"


    An Biru''s eyes glistened as she looked at him with indescribable tranquility. A gentle smile spread across her face as she replied, "If you can be here, why can''t I?"


    "It''s not the same!" Lin Wanrong protested. "My presence here is not dangerous, but for you, it''s incredibly risky! The Emperor is after you!"


    An Biru gave a bitter smile, "No danger? Who told you there''s no danger? The Emperor issued a promation overnight stating that you have colluded with the White Lotus Holy Mother. You are to be beheaded in public at the market square tomorrow afternoon. Didn''t you know?"


    Lin Wanrong furrowed his brow in confusion. This couldn''t be right. If the Emperor wanted to execute him, why wait until tomorrow? He could have done it today. He asked her solemnly, "Master Sister, where did you get this information?"


    "Posters covered the entire street, everyone in the capital knew about it. Although it didn''t specify who it was, I knew it was you as soon as I saw it. There''s no time for further discussion, this ce is dangerous, you muste with me!" An Biru said, seizing his hand and dashing outward.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Master Sister, you''re really naive. This is obviously a trap set by the Emperor, the purpose of which is to lure you in. How could you not see that? The entrance must already be a tightly knit of soldiers, how can you possibly escape?"


    An Biru chuckled, her eyes misty and full of affection, "Silly little brother, you are the naive one. If the Emperor wants you to confess and you name me, what then? They can''t catch me! I''m just a lowly Miao girl, not worth your sacrifice."


    "Miao girl, what''s wrong with being a Miao girl?" Lin Wanrongughed, "The most sentimental women are the Miao, and that''s what I like."


    On hearing this, An Biruughed lightly, her voice sparkling like a silver bell, "For me, you''re willing to risk your life. Though I, An Biru, am a humble woman, I understand the virtues of benevolence and righteousness. We Miao girls are known for repaying kindness. My dear brother, do you like your sister?"


    Indeed, Miao girls are refreshingly honest. Despite the imminent danger, Lin Wanrong, a man of inherentlyscivious nature, was captivated by the sight of An Biru''s fair skin, red lips, and peach blossom flushed face, her eyes soft and tender, and her ample bosom heaving rhythmically. She was unspeakably enticing. "Master Sister, how can you ask such an embarrassing question? I''ll blush." Lin Wanrong giggled.


    An Biru''s lips parted slightly, she murmured, "In the past, I would resist every time you tried to take advantage. Today, I''ll submit to you."


    A blush spread across her face, her eyes were cloudy like nebe, showing boundless shyness. Her small mouth slightly agape, she pushed out her chest and slowly moved closer to him, whispering, "Do you want to feel if your sister''s are bigger than your Eldest Miss''s? Dear brother, no man has ever touched me!"


    Lin Wanrong was so stimted that his blood boiled. To call her a fox spirit would be an understatement. Despite the imminent danger, she was still seducing him.


    ¡®To let an opportunity pass is a disgrace. No matter where we are, I, Master Lin, will seize the chance.¡¯ He solemnly dered, "Sister An, my intuition tells me if I take advantage of you, I''m a beast. If I don''t, I''m worse than a beast. So, I might as well be the beast."


    Just as he was about to behave like a beast, An Biru''s eyes clouded over, her face alternating between shyness and tenderness. As his hands moved towards her chest, she swiftly pressed her bosom into his hands. Before Lin San could even savor the feeling, Sister An quickly retracted her bountiful chest, her face ame. She fell against his shoulder, wiped her teary eyes, and when she raised her head, her face was filled with resolve, "Dear brother, even at the cost of my life, I''ll protect you. We will return to the Miao vige and live our fairy-tale life. Let''s go-"


    She took Lin Wanrong and strode out. Just a few steps forward, the sharp whistling of numerous feathered arrows, like a storm of locusts, began to fly toward them.


    "Fall back!" An Biru urgently shouted, her long sword quickly swishing through the air, its silver light shing. In an instant, she had constructed a wall of des. A flurry of light sounds followed, and a shower of arrowsnded on the ground.


    "Rise!" Sister An softly cried out, her foot lightly tapped the ground, and the long sword in her hand quivered. She bolted outwards like a swift swallow spreading its wings.


    From outside the gate, a furious yell came, "Remnants of the White Lotus, deceiving the public and causing chaos in my realm. You are deserving of death! Command my forces to kill them instantly, no mistakes must be made!"


    Lin Wanrong heard it clearly. The voice was clear, with a slight hoarseness, unmistakably from the Emperor. This old Emperor had stayed awake all night, meticulously nning to use Lin Wanrong as bait to lure An Biru, trapping her in this Heavenly Prison. His goal was topletely eliminate thest spark of the White Lotus, reflecting his intense hatred for the sect.


    Numerous guards stood watch at the entrance of the Heavenly Prison, each holding a strong crossbow and sharp arrows, all improved by Xu Zhiqing''s ingenious redesign. Seeing An Biru''s rapid advance, hundreds of guards fired their repeating crossbows simultaneously, with dense arrows pouring down like a sudden spring rain, far denser than before.


    Even with An Biru''s advanced martial arts, facing this terrifying rain of arrows, she couldn''t exert her full strength. An arrow grazed past her ear, startling a bead of cold sweat on her. She quickly pivoted and retreated back to Lin Wanrong''s side.


    Lin Wanrong took her hand and gave a wry smile, "Sister An, the Emperor himself is presiding over the situation outside. I''m afraid we might not escape this time. Does your White Lotus really have such a deep grudge with him? He''s been fixated on annihting you, hasn''t he?"


    Holding his hand, An Biru blushed slightly and softly shook her head, "What he hates is not the White Lotus Sect, but someone else. It''s just that, in the past, our White Lotus Sect had cooperated with that person to assassinate him. Since he can''t take action against that person easily, all his hatred naturally transfers to us, the White Lotus."


    "Are you talking about Prince Cheng?" Lin Wanrong asked in shock.


    An Biru nodded gently, whispering, "The two brothers have been at odds for over twenty years, just like the disputes between my senior sister and me. The entanglements and twists in between can''t be exined in a few words."


    "But the Emperor has been reigning for over twenty years, can''t he do anything to Prince Cheng? He can''t be that weak!" Lin Wanrong expressed his doubt.


    An Biru looked at him with a faint smile, saying softly, "Are you saying that you''ve been living outside Great Hua for thest twenty years, not knowing these things?"


    Embarrassed, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I''ve never been too concerned about court affairs, I apologize for theck of knowledge, Sister An."


    "Here we are trapped, likely to be pierced by countless arrows in a moment, and I don''t know how you can stillugh," An Biru helplessly said. "During the old days, during the two princes'' fight for session, everyone favored the third, now known as Prince Cheng. He was kind to others, had three thousand followers, and held the Ministry of Personnel. His power was like the sun at midday. The current Emperor, then the second prince, was mediocre, but he was patient, keeping his ambitions hidden. When the old Emperor was gravely ill, Prince Cheng was busy making preparations for his ascension. Only the second prince stayed by the old Emperor''s side, faithfully serving him, embodying loyalty and kindness."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, the reigning Emperor indeed was a man of great strategy and patience. Knowing well that his strength did not match Prince Cheng, he nheless identified his target and clung to it relentlessly, eventually reaching greatness. From this perspective, his ascension to the throne was not mistaken.


    Just as An Biru was about to continue, suddenly, a mor of shouting came from outside, followed by the shing sounds of weapons, the frenzy of battle. A guard shouted loudly, "Assassins! Quickly, protect the Emperor!"


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 Chapter 332

    Chapter 332


    Chapter 332 What Are We To Do?


    The two exchanged nces, unable to speak. Assassins? The biggest assassin was already here, so who could be approaching from outside? Lin Wanrong sped her petite hand and asked, "Sister, you came to save me, did you bring others as well?"


    An Biru shot him a re and retorted, "What are you saying? My White Lotus sect has already been eradicated by you. Where else could I find people to rescue you? Should I go beg for help from Prince Cheng? Prince Cheng..." Her expression changed abruptly, realization dawned, she eximed, "Could it be Prince Cheng?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, signaling his confusion. The capital was teeming with factions, including not only Prince Cheng, but also the Turks and Koreans, all of whom had a reason to assassinate the Emperor.


    Outside, shouts and nging of swords echoed, interspersed with screams of the wounded and the asional thud of a body hitting the ground. The conflict was fierce. Ironically, this left fewer guards at the entrance of the heavenly prison.


    "We must hurry!" An Biru decided, regardless of who was outside. She covered her face with a veil, and the two of them dashed towards the entrance.


    The new wave of assassins was strikingly forceful. Most of the guards that had been defending the heavenly prison had been drawn away to confront them. A determined glint shed in An Biru''s eyes as her sword moved like a striking serpent, swiftly dispatching several guards. Lin Wanrong followed closely behind, a pistol in one hand and the bee needle in the other. Every move was a matter of life and death.


    As they broke free from the prison, they looked into the courtyard, taken aback. A countless number of pce guards were encircling a hundred assassins dressed in ck. A dragon chair was situated in the distance with the Emperor sitting emotionless, closely guarded by hundreds of his men.


    On the contrary, the ck-d figures, their bodies marred with wounds and arrows, did not falter but seemed to fight even more fiercely. With every strike of their swords, they slew more than a dozen guards, leaving gruesome scenes behind. In the blink of an eye, they had opened arge breach in the guard''s defense line."Death warriors!" An Biru eximed.


    "Dead bodies? What dead bodies?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    An Biru shot him a look full of mixed emotions and corrected, "Not dead bodies, death warriors! These people have been given stimnts, cultivated over a long period to have exponentially increased potential while losing all sense of self-preservation. No wonder we escaped so easily. With these hundred death warriors, who are each a match for thousands of pce experts, who would bother with us?"


    Damn, it turned out they were hopped up on stimnts and some kind of drug, no wonder they were so violent. The guards protecting the Emperor saw the onught of the ck-d warriors and immediately began shouting, "Protect the Emperor! Protect the Emperor!"


    A guard who seemed to be in charge fell to his knees, "Your Majesty, the assassins are extremely tough death warriors who have lost all senses. This ce is in peril. Please, Your Majesty, move to the Pce of Heavenly Purity immediately."


    The Emperor, furious, mmed his hand on the dragon chair and stood up, "Insolence! This is the foot of the Emperor, within the heavenly prison, how could I retreat? I want to see who dares to assassinate me! Gao Ping, Gao Ping¡ª"


    Eunuch Gao rushed forward, his voice trembling, "Your servant is here!"


    "Send an order, for each guard who falls in battle tonight, their family will bepensated a thousand taels, and they will be exempt from taxes forever!" the Emperormanded loudly.


    "By yourmand!" Eunuch Gao promptly epted the imperial decree and left in a hurry.


    The guards had already fought fiercely, their eyes bloodshot. Upon hearing the Emperor''s generous rewards, their excitement heightened even further, everyone battling fiercely, engaging in a fierce fight with over a hundred enemy warriors. The guards formed human walls before the Emperor, with more rushing to join their ranks intermittently. For a moment, the courtyard was filled with chaotic scenes of flesh and blood flying and continuous screams of pain.


    Lin Wanrong was stunned by the spectacle. Wasn''t it just that he, Lord Lin, had been thrown into the dungeon? Was such a grand scene necessary? There was the rescue by Sister An, the presence of the Emperor, piles of dead warriors, and rivers of blood.


    In the face of such a golden opportunity, how could An Biru miss it? She took Lin Wanrong''s hand and whispered, "We should leave quickly¡ª" She was about to flee towards the outer wall when she saw Lin Wanrong''s furrowed brows, he didn''t move an inch.


    "What''s wrong?" An Biru turned around anxiously and asked.


    "Sister An, you should leave first." Lin Wanrong sighed lightly, pointing at the Emperor, "I can''t leave yet."


    "Why?" An Biru didn''t understand.


    Although there were many guards around the Emperor, they were crowded together. The real fighting force was only over a hundred. The number of ck-d warriors was only one-tenth of theirs, yet they were fiercely brave. Despite having lost half of their number, they were slowly approaching the Emperor. Eunuch Gao was already scared pale, but the Emperor, with his tiger-like eyes, appeared even more majestic, showing not a trace of fear.


    "Because, he is my father-inw!" Lin Wanrong confessed with a helpless bitter smile.


    "You, you already know?" An Biru was taken aback, but then saw Lin Wanrong darting into the crowd.


    One of the ck-d warriors shattered a guard''s neck with a punch and was about to step toward the Emperor. The Emperor had a cold smile on his lips and a flicker in his eyes but showed no signs of concern, as if he had something to rely on.


    Seeing that there was no one around the Emperor, the warrior was about to approach. Lin Wanrong was extremely anxious. ¡®Damn it, Qingxuan''s father, you must not die!¡¯


    In his anxiety, he moved like lightning. In a sh, he stood before the Emperor, his bee needle and musket both firing at once. With a loud bang, the warrior was hit by the musket just as he was about to reach Lin Wanrong. He was sent flying back, arge hole in his chest, horrifying to behold.


    Lin Wanrong panted heavily, his heart pounding in fright. Sweat dripped down his forehead. Had the musket fired a momentter, he would have been the one to sacrifice his life protecting the Emperor. He wondered whether this old Emperor would give him a posthumous reward of a thousand taels.


    The Emperor swept his tiger-like eyes across and noticed that the man shielding him was none other than Lin Wanrong who had just escaped from the prison. A chuckle escaped from his lips, and he slowly said, "Lin San, why didn''t you seize this opportunity to escape, and instead risked your life to save me?"


    "Do you think I wanted to save you? If it weren''t for the fact that we have some connections, I wouldn''t bother with you!" Lin Wanrong retorted unhappily.


    Hearing this, the Emperor burst outughing and grasped Lin Wanrong''s hand. "I know you have grievances, but you can''t me me for this. Who told you to collude with the Holy Mother of the White Lotus? Look at how you treat her with affection and loyalty, and she reciprocates. Perhaps there''s something more between you two. Haha, that''s interesting. Lin San, I promise you, if you take the Holy Mother of the White Lotus into your house, I will no longer pursue her crimes."


    "This... is quite a challenge," Lin Wanrong furrowed his brows, "Old man, you don''t know, my rtionship with her apprentice¡ª"


    "Say no more. Be careful or I might change my mind, then you''ll have only regrets," the Emperor''s affable expression shifted to a stern tone. Indeed, the heart of an Emperor was difficult to fathom. Lin Wanrong shook his head with a wry smile.


    From afar, An Biru noticed Lin Wanrong chatting amiably with the Emperor. She remembered Lin Wanrong''s words before he rushed into the crowd, "He is my father-inw," and a sourness arose in her heart. Indeed, they were father and son-inw, they could squabble as they wished. What was her role in all of this?


    The Emperor gripped Lin Wanrong''s arm and noticed his face and hands smudged with gunpowder after firing the musket. He nodded andughed, "With that firearm in your hand, why didn''t you fire at me when I ordered you beheaded?"


    ¡®You think I didn''t want to? If it weren''t for your rtionship with Qingxuan, even if there were ten of you, I would still take you down.¡¯ Lin Wanrong didn''t respond, merely offering a bitter smile. The Emperor chuckled lightly and sighed, "You, this child..." His words halted abruptly, his gaze returning to its usual calm depth as if the earlier statement hadn''te from him.


    The elite imperial guards finally arrived, the rocketuncher unit unleashed a volley, incinerating the hundred death warriors in a fiery st.


    Lin Wanrong noticed An Biru looking at the fire in a daze. He walked over to her and gently asked, "Sister, do you still stand by what you said earlier?"


    "What words?" An Biru yfully brushed a lock of hair from her face, a beautiful smile gracing her features.


    "You said once you saved me, we''d return to the Miao Vige and live like immortals." Lin Wanrong chuckled, "How did you forget something you just said?"


    "Such wishful thinking," An Biru lightly tapped his forehead, her flirtatious demeanor returning, "I was only joking with you. There have been at least a thousand, if not eight hundred men who''ve heard that from me. Only you took it seriously." She finished speaking, nced deeply at him, avoiding his gaze, and with a tip of her toes, disappeared like a faintly flying wild goose.


    Stunned, Lin Wanrong mused that of the words An Biru spoke, eight out of ten were likely false, but which two were the truth?


    "Lin Wanrong, did you remember my words?" The Emperor sauntered to his side, looking at An Biru''s retreating figure with a smile, "If you want to save her, you must do as I said. I will not let an enemy live in this world."


    "Old man, might as well send me back to the imperial prison," Lin Wanrong said with a worried look and a bitter smile, "To marry An Biru, it''s even harder than getting me out of the imperial prison!"


    "Rubbish! How dare you negotiate with me?" The Emperor huffed, "Have you grown fond of the imperial prison? So it''s settled then! Gao Ping, arrange for our return to the pce¡ª"


    "Hey, old man, what about me? What should I do? I don''t want to go back to the imperial prison." Lin Wanrong called out urgently.


    The Emperor''s carriage had already departed. Lin Wanrong could only shake his head in resignation. Eunuch Gao quietly approached him, looked at him with a sh of fear on his face, and reported, "Master Lin, His Majesty orders, having worked hard all day, you are allowed to rest in the pce tonight¡ª"


    Rest in the pce? Lin Wanrong jumped up at once. The inner pce was the Emperor''s home, who would dare to stay there if they weren''t of royal blood? What on earth was the old man up to?


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 Chapter 333

    Chapter 333


    Chapter 333 To Seduce or Not?


    The side hall where Mister Lin was resting was called the Pavilion of Literary Profundity, situated next to the Pce of Heavenly Purity. Eunuch Gao led him in. The interior of the room was adorned with brocade clothes and jade covers, carved rails and stone walls, furnished opulently. Four beautiful pce maids were serving cautiously on the side, their heads bowed, not daring to look at him.


    After a night spent in both the Pce of Heavenly Purity and the Heavenly Prison, and nearly bing a human porcupine, Master Lin, though as resilient as iron, was utterly exhausted. Upon seeing the four young maids, his eyes lit up. Could it be, they even had attractive waitresses here?


    "Master Lin, please let me know if you need anything else. I will arrange it for you right away," Eunuch Gao bowed and said.


    What''s the point of arranging anything at this hour? By the time he returns, it would already be dawn. Having these young girls give him a massage would be the right thing. Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Eunuch Gao, there''s no need to be polite. Thanks to His Majesty''s grace, this ce is excellent, and I''m very satisfied." Recalling that when he left home this morning, his Eldest Miss had disappeared somewhere, and he had not returned until now, he wondered what sort of state she was in. He turned to Eunuch Gao, "Eunuch Gao, could I trouble you with a favor?"


    Eunuch Gao hurriedly said, "Master Lin, you are too courteous. What is it that you need? Please feel free to instruct."


    Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "The thing is, I''m spending the night in the pce tonight, but my family isn''t aware of it. To tell you the truth, I have a wife who is prone to jealousy. If I don''t inform her, she''s bound to suspect that I''m holed up with some favorite courtesan somewhere. Can you arrange for someone to send a message to her, letting her know I won''t be returning home tonight because I''m staying in the pce?"


    Eunuch Gao hesitated, troubled, and said, "Master Lin, His Majesty has instructed that you are to stay in the pce tonight and not to go anywhere else. Furthermore, this information should not be leaked, or it would mean execution and extermination of nine generations. I dare not send anyone to your home, I hope you can understand."


    To just stay one night in the pce, the old Emperor made it sound so secretive, as if it was a taboo to be seen. But because of An Biru''s situation, it was understandable that the old Emperor didn''t fully trust him. Knowing the consequences of suggesting leaving the pce now, he wisely shut his mouth.After dismissing Eunuch Gao, Master Lin was deep in thought, and the four young pce maids exchanged a nce. Finally, one of the older-looking maids spoke up, "Ma... Master. My name is Qinghong, may I assist you with your bath--"


    "Oh, oh, a bath?" Lin Wanrong looked up at the maids, who were all around sixteen or seventeen, blossoming beautifully with mature figures, gazing at him with expectant eyes.


    "Alright, a bath," Lin Wanrong agreed with augh. The maids, delighted, immediately swarmed around him, unbuttoning his buttons, unbuckling his belt, deft and swift, about to strip him bare within moments.


    "Hey, hey, what are you doing? It''s improper for men and women to touch--" His heart tickled as eight little hands rubbed and kneaded his body, he called out in a flustered manner.


    Maid Qinghong gently replied, "Master, we are here to assist you with your bath--"


    With a sudden realization, Mr. Lin understood that serving him during his bath not only involved helping him undress but also scrubbing his back and washing his feet. When he was in a good mood, even a bit of indulgence was a trivial matter, especially when it was done by a few unspoiled, charming young maids. This was not merely serving a bath; it was clearly akin to keepingpany. Damn it, he must resist this decadent and degenerate lifestyle ¡ª a simple chest massage would suffice, he could save the indulgence for next time, he chuckled to himself.


    A few young maids, half shy and half delighted, helped him undress, revealing his robust physique, and then led him towards the nearby bath.


    The bath was carved from white jade, filled with crystal clear water, devoid of any impurities. The rare and exceptional healing medicine that Xu Zhiqing had found for him had worked wonders. In just two days, the wounds on his back had scabbed over. As hey in the bath, the warm water made him feelpletely rxed, as if his bones had be lighter.


    "Eh, why aren''t you undressing? Do I need to call Mama San?" he teased, seeing the four blushing young pce maids standing awkwardly to one side, their small hands clutching their clothes, wanting to undress but feeling incredibly shy. Mr. Lin, a regr in the world of pleasure,ughed at the sight.


    "Sir, what is Mama San?" the leading young pce maid asked, her face flushed.


    "Oh, Mama San is a kind-hearted olddy who is very gentle and kind to all her daughters. The daughters are all willing to support her financially," Mr. Lin patiently exined.


    [TL: For those who don¡¯t know, Mama san is a female pimp who run a brothel...normally refer to the one at the Far East.]


    "Isn''t that like my own mother? Sir, is my mother the Mama San you''re talking about?" another young pce maid asked.


    ¡®Well, that''s not reallyparable,¡¯ Mr. Lin chuckled, "There are some subtle differences, very subtle, you wouldn''t understand even if I exined. Eh, undress, everyone, undress quickly so we can bathe."


    The young pce maids blushed deeply. They had heard from their sisters about serving the gentlemen who came to the pce for a rest, but all of them were strictly respectful and would never dare to touch them inappropriately. They hadn''t expected that when it was their turn, they would encounter such a shameless gentleman who treated undressing as casually as cutting tofu, and kept urging them to undress without considering where they were. It was truly audacious and arrogant.


    At a signal from the leading pce maid, the four young maids blushed, their jade hands gently undid their outer clothes, and in no time, they were only in their undergarments, revealing their smooth and delicate skin and legs. The four of them were of simr height, and their chests were quite developed, swaying with every step they took.


    The four of them slowly stepped into the water, their cheeks burning like fire, and slowly approached Lin Wanrong, their voices trembling as they said, "Sir, we are here to serve your bath."


    Looking at the four slightly immature but infinitely tempting bodies slowly pressing against his own, Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded. Damn it, the taste of young girls was indeed different.


    Four pairs of small hands gently pressed against his neck, waist, and legs, gently massaging him. Smelling the faint fragrance emanating from the four girls, Mr. Lin let out afortable sigh andughed, "Little sisters, move your hands a bit lower. Oh, a bit lower, right there, hold it, don''t stop!"


    The petite pce maid named Qinghong felt a tremor in her heart and blushed at his touch. She pinched his ankle and said, "Sir, you are so naughty, just grabbing my ankle¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong, with a yful smile, had been startled several times today. He needed to regain some ground, and teasing the young maid while taking a bath was indeed delightful.


    "Little sister, let me teach you a novel trick. It has a pleasant name, called ''chest push''. When there''s a chance, I''ll teach you about ''ice and fire''¡ª", Lin San, the lewd man,ughed.


    The young pce maids, who had been bathing in the pce for many years, were precocious. Hearing the name ''chest push'', they knew it was not something decent. They all lightly spat in unison, and Lin Wanrongughed andy in the water, toozy to move, allowing the girls to gently rub and knead.


    Today''s events, despite his usual self-proimed toughness, had him at a disadvantage in his contest with the old emperor. He was led by the nose, and in just one day, he experienced several ups and downs, more than most people would in a lifetime. After letting Sister An go, the old emperor forcibly kept him in the pce and sent these well-qualified pce maids to serve him. The mystery of this was hard to understand. He thought for a while, yawned a few times, and unknowingly, fell into a deep sleep.


    He slept in a daze in the pce, and when he woke up, it was alreadyte. The four little pce maids who served him were still guarding his side. Lin Wanrong grabbed the leading pce maid and said, "Qinghong, what time is it now?"


    "Sir, it''s past Chen Shi (7-9 am)," the little pce maid respectfully said.


    "Oh, Chen Shi!" Lin yawned, then eximed, "What? Chen Shi? Why didn''t anyone wake me up?"


    Qinghong looked at him, covered her mouth andughed, "Sir, you are really different from others. Other people whoe to the pce to rest are always on edge, waking up several times every quarter of an hour. As soon as the early morning passes, they thank the Emperor for his grace and leave the pce, more punctual than the eunuch who reports the time. Only you, sir, don''t care at all. The morning court has passed, and you haven''t woken up. Eunuch Gao instructed usst night that if you don''t wake up, we are not allowed to disturb you. That''s why I didn''t dare to wake you up."


    ¡®Sweat, damn it, I didn''t know there were so many rules. I''ve always been the type to count money until my hands cramp and sleep until I naturally wake up.¡¯ He grumbled and got up from the bed, randomly put on his clothes, and hurriedly asked, "Nishang, Princess Nishang, North Gate, where is the North Gate?"


    When he arrived at the North Gate of the Forbidden City, he saw the North Gate fluttering with banners, bustling with noise. From a distance, he saw the emperor''s chariot standing high above the city gate, with ministers and guards standing on both sides, very lively.


    Directly opposite the North Gate was a wide moat. In front of the river was a wide open space, in the middle of which stood a newly built three-story building. The building was decorated withrge red ribbons, pulled down from the four corners of the roof. The ribbons fluttered with small gs, red and yellow, very eye-catching and beautiful. A narrow red carpet wasid on the ground leading to the main door of the small building. Numerous bright spears and guards stood along the gs, majestic and noble.


    Beneath the walls stood three groups of people. The first group wasposed of men with curled hair and hawk-like noses, tall in stature, with curved swords hanging from their waists. The warhorses they rode were majestic and extraordinary. Without a doubt, this must be the marriage delegation of the Turkic emissary, Ashile.


    The second group was the entourage of the young prince of Goryeo, Yi Seung-Jae. They were all pce attendants and female officials, interspersed with a few horsemen and warriors. Their grandeur and prestige were far less than that of the Turkic emissary. However, the Goryeo people had their own methods. Dozens of attractive young pce maidens held up a wide painting. The painting depicted the scene of the young prince of Goryeo proposing to the Emperor of Great Hua. It was simple and straightforward, yet vivid and lifelike.


    The third group puzzled Lin Wanrong. These people neither carried swords nor held knives. They were all schrs of Great Hua, some even dressed in official robes. They gathered together, chattering away, their purpose unclear. Could they be a civilian marriage delegation?


    Seeing the scene before him, it was clear that Princess Nishang was indeed holding a marriage selection. Lin Wanrong snorted, "So many people want to steal my wife? No way!" What angered him the most was that Gao Ping hadn''t woken him up in time, and he had almost missed the opportunity.


    He searched below the city tower for a while, but he didn''t find Ashile among the Turks'' team, nor did he see Yi Seung-Jae in the Goryeo delegation. He didn''t even see the young Pce Lady Seo Jang Geum and the Senior Pce Lady, presumably they had been summoned by the Emperor to the tower.


    Lin Wanrong, appointed by the Emperor, was to receive the special envoy of the Turks and the prince of Goryeo. But now, both Ashile and Yi Seung-Jae had gone directly to the tower, and he hadn''t arrived yet, which was a significant dereliction of duty.


    He hurried towards the tower, but was stopped by the imperial guard who shouted, "Who dares to trespass on forbidden ground?"


    As the Emperor''s new favorite, the imperial guards hadn''t had time to familiarize themselves with Lin Wanrong, so naturally, they wouldn''t let him go up the tower. Just as he was about to speak, he saw a man rushing down from the tower, saying anxiously, "Little brother Lin, why are you only arriving now? The Turks and the young prince of Goryeo have already arrived. Your absence as the host is making us theughingstock of the court!"


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile and said, "Brother Xu, I overslept!"


    Xu Wei was taken aback. This man was truly audacious. Even when serving the Emperor, he could oversleep. Xu Wei shouted at the guards, "Open your eyes wide! This is Lin San, the envoy appointed by the Emperor to receive the Turkic emissary. Don''t make a fool of yourselves again!"


    Anyone who could receive a Turkic special envoy was no ordinary person. The guards were startled and quickly saluted Lin Wanrong.


    Xu Wei hurriedly pulled Lin San up the tower, saying, "Little brother Lin, the Emperor has appointed you. You are now a person of status. Even if you don''t have an official position and don''t need to attend court, you must not be negligent. How could you make such a joke as oversleeping? Didn''t Miss Xiao wake you up? She''s not a negligent person!"


    If only there was a Miss Xiao by his side, Lin Wanrong thought, giving a bitter smile. Eunuch Gao had instructed him yesterday that he must not leak the matter of staying overnight in the pce. Lin Wanrong could only smile bitterly and say, "Mr. Xu, it''s a long story. Let''s talk about it when we have time. Has the princess''s marriage selection started?"


    "It hasn''t started yet. The Emperor has just arrived and is currently speaking with the envoys of the two nations. He may not have noticed your absence yet, and hasn''t shown any signs of anger. I was about to send someone to find you when I saw youing up. Little brother, you must never make such a mistake again," Xu Wei earnestly advised. Lin San was someone he had rmended to the Emperor, and after Lin San had been summoned to the Pce of Heavenly Purity yesterday, Xu Wei had been quite proud. He held high hopes for Lin San.


    When the two of them reached the top of the city tower, the Emperor was speaking with the officials, a smile on his face, seemingly unaware of Lin San''s tardiness.


    However, Lin Wanrong didn''t see it that way. After spending a day with the emperor yesterday, he was nothing but astounded. Just as the Emperor had been able to defeat Prince Cheng and ascend the throne, anyone who thought him a fool was gravely mistaken. The Emperor had specifically kept him in the pce to rest overnight, and Gao Ping had specifically instructed the young pce maids not to wake him up. There must be a connection between these events.


    The princess''s marriage was a major event, and naturally, all the civil and military officials had to be present. Especially since the Emperor had no sons, the princess''s marriage attracted even more attention. Even Prince Cheng was present in person, and Li Tai was standing in the front row. All the civil and military officials were standing in front of the hall without exception. Although Lin Wanrong was favored by the Emperor, he didn''t even have an official position. He could barely be considered a reception envoy, without rank or level, and naturally, there was no ce for him in the court.


    Fortunately, he enjoyed ying the role of a wolf in sheep''s clothing. So, he stood honestly at the very end of the line of officials, even below the steps, deliberately lowering his head so the Emperor couldn''t see him.


    "Master Lin, you''re here?" A soft, elegant voice sounded in his ear.


    "I''m here. Oh, it''s you, Pce Lady Seo, Dae Jang Geum." Lin Wanrong looked up to see Seo Jang Geum standing in front of him, smiling and greeting him.


    "Master Lin, my name is Seo Jang Geum, not Dae Jang Geum. If you call me that, it could lead to misunderstandings. Please correct it, I beg you." Pce Lady Seo bowed deeply, her face sincere.


    Master Linughed, "Sooner orter, you will be Dae Jang Geum. I have faith in you. Jang Geum, did you sleep wellst night? Did you miss me? I''ll tell you a secret, I dreamt of youst night."


    Seo Jang Geum was taken aback. Weren''t the people of Great Hua supposed to be humble, polite, and elegant? Why was Master Lin repeatedly making such frivolous remarks? "Master Lin, I didn''t miss you. I was thinking about my patients in Goryeo. When I think of their suffering from illness day and night, I, as a medical woman, feel uneasy," Seo Jang Geum answered honestly.


    "You didn''t miss me? That''s okay, in a few days you will start to miss me. All my wives went through the same process. You''re still in the early stages, keep up the good work, and fight on!" Master Lin said, squinting his eyes.


    Pce Lady Seo waspletely speechless. After a long silence, she shook her head and said, "Master Lin, you said you dreamt of mest night. May I ask what you dreamt about?"


    "I forgot!" Master Lin answered sinctly.


    Pce Lady Seo was taken aback. She took a deep breath, bowed deeply, and said, "Master Lin, thank you for your honesty."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, patting her fragrant shoulder, "Jang Geum, although you haven''t left a deep impression on me yet, I believe that with your talent and diligence, as long as you put in a little effort, you will definitely have the chance to move me. I''m easily moved, so keep trying!"


    Pce Lady Seo''s captivating eyes flickered, and she shook her head slightly, "Master Lin, I find your jokes with Jang Geum very endearing."


    This girl had an unusually good temperament. Not only was she not angry, but she also deflected his teasing with a lightment. This Seo Jang Geum was full of spirit, clearly not a simple character. Women like her, with such firm determination, once they made up their minds, they would not be swayed by others.


    Should he try to seduce her? A legendary woman like her, with such firm beliefs and ideals, conquering her should be quite interesting. Lin Wanrong looked at her face, as clear as jade, and pondered.


    Seeing Master Lin''s gaze fixed on her, his mouth sometimes sighing, sometimes smiling, Pce Lady Seo didn''t know what he was thinking. She softly said, "Master Lin, are you ready? I''m about to start!"


    "Ready for what?" Lin Wanrong eximed, then understanding dawned on him from the message conveyed in her sparkling eyes. This girl was going to use him of taking bribes to the Emperor. Ah, this stubborn temperament, he wasn''t sure whether to hate it or love it.


    "Ashile, you said that the Great Khan of the Turks suddenly wanted to increase the bride price, preparing to use a hundred blood-sweat horses to propose to my Great Hua, is that true?" While Lin Wanrong was thinking about Seo Jang Geum, he heard the Emperor of Great Hua ask.


    [TL: Regarding blood-sweat horses, these legendary horses were said to have sweat that was tinged with blood, giving them their distinctive name. They are often described as magnificent and strong, possessing extraordinary qualities, and they have be a symbol of something precious and rare. In Chinese literature, these horses are sometimes associated with the Ferghana horse, a breed that was highly prized in ancient China. Some historical texts and studies suggest that the "blood-sweat" may have been a result of tiny red-colored nds or a skin condition rather than actual blood.]


    "Indeed." Ashile was dressed in a brand-new outfit today, with a pair of Turkic cloud boots on his feet, ready topete at any time to win Princess Nishang for the Great Khan of the Turks. His attitude was much better than when they first met yesterday, and he spoke to the Emperor of Great Hua with some respect. "Our Great Khan has long heard of the unparalleled beauty of Princess Nishang and is extremely fond of her. Yesterday, he sent a special person to bring a hundred blood-sweat horses to express his sincerity. I ask the Emperor to agree."


    ¡®Sincerity? What sincerity? Without my bombardment yesterday, your eyes would probably still be hanging in the sky.¡¯


    It was undeniable that the temptation of a hundred blood-sweat horses was great, and the Emperor seemed somewhat moved. His eyes closed slightly, and he pondered for a moment. Before he could speak, the young prince of Goryeo, Yi Seung-Jae, couldn''t hold back any longer. He quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Seung-Jae is deeply in love with Princess Nishang and will never change. To be able to marry the princess, Goryeo is willing to offer a hundred rare agates, a thousand bolts of brocade, and ten thousand taels of gold."


    Lin Wanrong snorted, ¡°Is my wife so cheap? When the old Emperor passes away, half of Great Hua will be hers. What does she need your small change for?¡±


    The conditions offered by both sides were extremely generous, and the Emperor seemed a bit hesitant. Seeing Lin Wanrong muttering something at the farthest end, he smiled slightly and said, "Oh, Lin San, you''re here too? You are the reception envoy for both countries, so why don''t you share your opinion?"


    ¡®My opinion? You want to marry off my wife to someone else, and you have the audacity to ask for my opinion?¡¯ Lin Wanrong snorted, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, both the Turkic envoy and the Prince of Goryeo have offered extremely generous terms. However, Goryeo is a tributary of our Great Hua, and marrying the princess off to them might be a slight to her. On the other hand, the Turks are powerful and on par with our Great Hua¡ª"


    Yi Seung-Jae was taken aback. It seemed that Lord Lin was speaking in favor of the Turks. This was uneptable. Was he going to take his agates for nothing?


    Seo Jang Geum furrowed her brows and gently spoke up, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."


    Seeing that it was the highly learned young Pce Lady from Goryeo who was speaking, the Emperor immediately became interested and smiled, "Oh, it''s you, Pce Lady Seo. What do you have to say?"


    Seo Jang Geum respectfully bowed, nced at Lin Wanrong, then resolutely turned her head and said, "Your Majesty, I wish to use Lord Lin. He has epted a bribe from Lord Ashile."


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 Chapter 334

    Chapter 334


    Chapter 334 You Cannot Go


    The young prince of Goryeo, Yi Seung-Jae, seemed to have not anticipated that Seo Jang Geum would suddenly confront Master Lin. Master Lin was the envoy for both countries, not only had he epted bribes from Ashile, but he had also received an agate personally delivered by Yi Seung-Jae. If this were to be exposed, Master Lin would be in trouble, and Goryeo would not benefit either.


    The young prince urgently signaled Seo Jang Geum, but the Pce Lady shook her head resolutely. She bowed her head respectfully and said in a low voice, "Your Highness, please forgive me. Although Jang Geum is just a humble pce maid, she cannot tolerate bribery happening right under her nose. Regardless, I must report the truth to the Emperor of Great Hua."


    The Emperor smiled faintly, cast a meaningful nce at Lin Wanrong, and asked Seo Jang Geum, "Pce Lady Seo, is everything you said true? Do you have any solid evidence?"


    "Your Majesty, when Lord Ashile was bribing Lord Lin, I was present and saw it with my own eyes. Lord Ashile, in order to inspect the power of the Great Hua army, gave Lord Lin two night pearls and two blood-sweat horses on the spot. Lord Lin not only epted the bribe but also led Lord Ashile to watch the military cannon drill. The Khanate of the Turks and Great Hua are currently in a standoff. Lord Lin, for his personal gain, leaked national secrets, which could lead to countless casualties among soldiers and civilians. Although I am a Goryeo person, Goryeo and Great Hua are neighboring countries with generations of friendship. I cannot bear to see the people of Great Hua suffer, so I reported Lord Lin to Your Majesty, hoping he can mend his ways." Seo Jang Geum, who cared about the people and was upright and selfless, insisted on her point of view in front of the Emperor, without any fear.


    Lin Wanrong looked at the Pce Lady Seo with a smile, admiring her snow-white skin, jade neck, willow eyebrows, and cherry lips, which was indeed a pleasure. The young prince of Goryeo looked embarrassed. If the Emperor really wanted to investigate, the matter of him giving the agate to Lord Lin would certainly not be concealed. Seo Jang Geum''s stubbornness and integrity were well-known in Goryeo, and it was unexpected that she remained the same in Great Hua.


    After the Pce Lady Seo finished speaking, the civil and military officials were secretly shocked. This girl was really out of touch with the situation. The fact that the envoy epted bribes was an open secret in Great Hua, and the Emperor turned a blind eye to it. Now she had brought it to the table, and this envoy Lin was appointed by the Emperor himself, wouldn''t this embarrass the Emperor?


    The Emperor nodded and beckoned to Gao Ping. The eunuch Gao then brought out a jade te, removed the red cloth covering it, and revealed two thumb-sized night pearls in the te, their brilliance dazzling and shimmering.


    "Pce Lady Seo,e and see, are these the two night pearls that Ashile gave to Lin San?" The Emperor asked with a smile, showing great affection for Pce Lady Seo.Seo Jang Geum stepped forward, carefully examined them, and then nodded, "These are indeed the two. Your Majesty, how did these end up with you?"


    The Emperorughed heartily, "Since they are indeed these two, then there is no problem. Everything Lord Lin has done was under my instruction. Our Great Hua army is strong, and our cannons are formidable, we fear no one''s observation. Lord Ashile''s generous gifts to Lord Lin, the two night pearls, and the two blood-sweat horses, I was aware of. In recognition of Lord Lin''s meritorious service in reception, I have already rewarded these gifts to him and instructed him to reciprocate with a painting for Lord Ashile. Pce Lady Seo, your integrity, kindness, and fearlessness of power are admirable. I hope you will maintain this spirit in the future."


    No wonder Lord Lin was so carefree. It turned out that all of this was the Emperor''s idea, and this man had managed to keep it a secret, even pretending in front of her. Seo Jang Geum nced at Lin Wanrong, seeing him grinning from ear to ear, looking extremely pleased. She couldn''t help but smile and shake her head. Lord Lin''s character was truly unpredictable, it was best to avoid getting involved with him.


    "Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty. Jang Geum only wishes to seek welfare for the people of Goryeo and Great Hua. I desire nothing else," said Pce Lady Seo, in a calm and elegant manner.


    The Emperor nodded and smiled, looking very pleased, "Now that this matter is rified, it''s even better. Lord Lin, you just said that the Turks are powerful and on par with Great Hua, could it be that you agree¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, "Your Majesty, my point is, Great Hua and the Turks have been in a standoff for many years, and there has never been a clear winner. Lord Ashile''s sudden proposal of marriage, although sincere, is somewhat abrupt. Goryeo and the Turks, in terms of the princess, each has its strengths and weaknesses. I still suggest that the princess make the decision herself. Perhaps the princess already has her own ideas, who knows?"


    The officials understood, this young Lin San was quite a slick one. After all the talking, he didn''t support either side, and kicked the ball to the princess.


    The Emperorughed heartily, "Lord Lin is right. Since both countries are sincerely seeking marriage, and there are countless young men in Great Hua who admire the princess, I will simply hold this marriage selection event. Let Goryeo, the Turks, and the men of Great Hua participate,pete fairly, and let Princess Nishang assess them. Whoever the princess favors, whether it''s Goryeo, the Turks, or our Great Hua men, they will all be the son-inw of Great Hua and the princess''s consort. What do you think, my ministers?"


    "Your Majesty is wise!" Prince Cheng, who had been silent for a long time, was the first to respond with respect.


    Seeing that the Emperor had made up his mind, all the ministers dared not oppose and unanimously agreed.


    A grand princess of Great Hua, actually holding a marriage selection event, isn''t this too childish? Lin Wanrong snorted quietly, and Xu Wei in the distance also looked worried, deeply concerned.


    "Today, for the princess''s selection of a consort, I will not interfere. Everything will be decided by the princess," the Emperorughed, "In addition to the Goryeo and Turkic delegations, there are countless young men from Great Huapeting. To ensure fairness, all assessments will be personally set by the princess. Lord Ashile, Prince Yi, do you have any objections?"


    "Your Majesty is wise," the two men nodded in unison, each with their own calctions. Although Great Hua had arger poption, the local suitors were all acting independently. Goryeo and the Turks each had arge group of strategists, increasing their chances of winning. In the end, this kind ofpetition was more advantageous for them.


    ...


    The Emperor gave a slight nod to Gao Ping, who stepped forward and announced loudly, "Please wee Princess Nishang¡ª"


    The drums and gongs resounded, and the ceremonial cannons fired lightly. The tall pce doors slowly opened, and two groups of colorfully dressed pce maids walked out, each holding a red embroidered ball. These balls were connected by a yellow silk ribbon, extending backward and tied to the handle of a small yellow pnquin in the center.


    The yellow pnquin, carried by eight people, was extravagantly decorated. On top of it was arge red embroidered ball. Eight beautiful pce maids surrounded it, escorting it. The long procession slowly moved along the red carpet in the center of the field, heading straight for the small building. The curtains of the pnquin were low, and no one could see the person inside.


    A cheer erupted from the crowd. Although they couldn''t see her face, there was no doubt that the personing out from the inner court of the pce was the Emperor''s most beloved little princess.


    The civil and military officials standing on both sides of the Emperor also couldn''t help but whisper to each other. The Emperor''s little princess had not been seen for many years, and they were curious about how she had grown.


    The Goryeo and Turkic delegations seeking marriage were also excited. Yi Seung-Jae looked at Princess Nishang''s pnquin, murmuring something, it was unclear what he was saying. Seo Jang Geum and the Korean Pce Ladies were whispering, seemingly discussing the uingpetition.


    Next to Ashile stood a Turk who looked simr to him. Although his face was ordinary, his eyes were full of wisdom, clearly not an easy opponent.


    ¡®Princess Nishang? Is this Qingxuan?¡¯ Lin Wanrong looked at the pnquin, wishing he could fly over and lift the curtains to see the true face of the person inside.


    "Mr. Xu, Mr. Xu¡ª" Lin Wanrong squeezed to Xu Wei''s side and called softly.


    "Little brother Lin, what is it?" Xu Wei''s brow was furrowed, as if he was pondering something.


    "Well, are there any conditions for participating in the consort selection? Can I sign up?" Lin Wanrong asked hopefully.


    Xu Wei looked at him andughed, "Little brother, do you suspect that Princess Nishang is Miss Qingxuan?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "There''s a high possibility. Mr. Xu, I should be able to sign up. Even if there''s only a one in ten thousand chance, I want to try."


    Xu Wei sighed, "As long as you are a man between the ages of twenty and thirty and have never been married, you can participate. You should be eligible. The sudden appearance of a Princess Nishang, the Emperor''s actions are indeed profound and unpredictable. I can''t understand it anymore."


    Xu Wei always spoke half and swallowed half, Lin Wanrong didn''t understand but had no time to think further. The pnquin of Princess Nishang had already reached the front of the building and entered the building. She was about to ascend the small building soon.


    Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded a few times. Just as he was about to go downstairs to join the line ofpetitors, he saw the Emperor''s gaze shift andnd on him, "Lord Lin,e here!"


    ¡®He can see me even when I''m hiding behind old Xu? This old man, the Emperor, is indeed not a figurehead.¡¯ He walked forward with a smile, and the Emperor said with a faint smile, "Lord Lin, did you sleep wellst night?"


    "Very well, thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I almost overslept this morning."


    The Emperor nodded, "Lord Lin, I entrust you with the role of the marriage envoy for today''s marriage selection, responsible for supervision¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly waved his hands, "No, no, Your Majesty, I also want to participate in the¡ª"


    "How dare you!" The Emperor''s expression turned angry, "If I ask you to be the marriage envoy, then you will be the marriage envoy. When did I say you could participate in the marriage selection? Everyone in the world can go, but you, you cannot."


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 Chapter 335

    Chapter 335


    Chapter 335 The Selection of the Prince Consort


    "Why, Your Majesty?" Lin Wanrong was startled. The words came as a bolt from the blue, leaving him breathless for a good while.


    "There is no ''why.'' If I say it''s not allowed, then it''s not allowed." The Emperor''s face was gloomy, his gaze upon Lin Wanrong as heavy as a ten-thousand-pound hammer. His imposing aura was as sharp as a knife''s edge, intimidating.


    But Lin Wanrong was not easily frightened. He looked fearlessly back at the Emperor. "Your Majesty, people must act reasonably. The princess is unmarried, as am I. Why can others attend, but I cannot? To be frank, I came to the capital for this very day. Even if you were to behead me, I will go. I take my leave."


    He had been patiently enduring for Qingxuan for many days. Just as he was at the end of his tether, the Emperor put a wrench in his ns. How could he not be enraged? Regardless of whether it was the Emperor or his father-inw, he had no time for either now. His wife mattered the most.


    Seeing his resolute demeanor, the Emperor''s face fluctuated. Despite the threats and scolding of the previous day, he hadn''t managed to break Lin Wanrong''s spirit. This Lin San was somewhat stubborn; it seemed force might not work. After a long moment of contemtion, the Emperor sighed. "Come back, I have something to say to you."


    Lin Wanrong halted. The Emperor approached him, asking, "Do you truly wish to be the prince consort?"


    ¡®What kind of question is this? I want to be my wife''s husband, not your damn prince consort.¡¯ Seeing Lin Wanrong''s silence, a gleam sparked in the Emperor''s eyes. "Being a prince consort does indeed bring prestige, but there are greater honors in this world. If you choose not to be the prince consort, there will be opportunities for greater glory in the future."


    "Glory? What glory?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled."Glory that surpasses that of the prince consort tenfold, a hundredfold. As long as you remember what I told youst night, act more ruthlessly, more cunningly, you will have more than a half chance," the Emperor said solemnly, his face grave.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Old man, you''re tempting me. But how can I give away my own wife? How about this, let me be the prince consort, and also grant me that glory you speak of. Isn''t that a win-win, straightforward and delightful?"


    The Emperor was taken aback by his proposition, then burst intoughter. "Well done, Lin San! Such audacious words, I doubt anyone else in the world could outdo you in shamelessness."


    Seeing the Emperor''s previously stern face finally soften, Lin Wanrong breathed a sigh of relief. This old man was indeed not easy to please. "Your Majesty, I will take my leave now, and we will carry on as we just agreed," he said cheekily.


    "Hmph, you wish. To take my daughter, and then expect¡ª," the Emperor huffed, "if you be the prince consort, you will certainly regret it someday."


    "If I don''t go now and my wife bes someone else''s, then that would be real regret." With the Prince of Goryeo and Ashile ready on the other side, Lin Wanrong felt a rush of urgency and darted off.


    "Enough, enough, I will make an exception for you," the Emperor sighed, "You canpete for the prince consort today, but you must not make it public. Whether you will be a prince consort in the future or choose something else, that''s up to you. I have been as kind and just as possible to you, take good care of yourself." After saying these words, the Emperor, with a sweep of his sleeve, departed without even turning his head.


    ...


    Lin Wanrong, in a rush, darted down the stairs, only to find the square bustling with lively noise and vibrant excitement. The cause of this joyous uproar was the arrival of Princess Nishang, who had ascended to the tower.


    Lin Wanrong felt a thrill of excitement. He hurriedly looked up towards the highest point of the tower, where he saw a thick pearl curtain hanging, and a vague silhouette seated behind it. The figure''s features were obscured, and he couldn''t tell if it was Qingxuan.


    It didn''t matter. He thought, ¡®When in Rome, do as the Romans do.¡¯ First, he would do his best and try to win the position of the prince consort. If thedy behind the curtain was not Qingxuan, there were other paths, as the Emperor had suggested. With this thought, he felt calmer and nced a few more times at the embroidered tower.


    "There she is, someone''sing out!" Amotion arose from the crowd. A charming little pce maid emerged from behind the curtain on the tower, her face adorned with a gentle smile and two cute dimples that were truly endearing.


    "I am Cuiyun, a humble servant," she announced in a crisp voice, "I bring the esteemed order of Princess Nishang to announce today''s marriage proposal rules. The princess herself has devised four intriguing questions. Anyone who meets the criteria, regardless of geographical origin or age, may participate in answering. Whoever answers the most questions correctly will be granted a personal audience with the princess. If she approves, he may be selected as the prince consort. Has everyone understood?"


    "We have," the crowd replied in unison. Prince Yi Seung-Jae of Korea, Seo Jang Geum, and Senior Pce Lady Han quickly gathered together to discuss the matter. Ashile also leaned towards a man, who seemed to be a counselor, to whisper in his ear. The atmosphere was fraught with tension.


    Both the Goryeo and Turkic delegations had brought along many wise strategists, while Lin Wanrong was at a disadvantage as he was alone. He wondered whether he should ask Old Xu for help. As he was mulling it over, the maid asked, "Is everyone ready? The princess is about to give the questions."


    Princess Nishang was indeed impatient. Everyone perked up their ears, eager to listen.


    Cuiyun, with a soft smile, took out a yellow satin envelope sealed with wax, proof that it hadn''t been tampered with. She opened the envelope to reveal a small jade bead, sparkling and translucent under the sunlight. The jade bead was small, with a tiny hole drilled through the center, but it was not transparent, making its purpose unknown.


    Cuiyun said in a sweet voice, "The first question is called threading the needle. This is a jade bead from the Eastern Sea with nine twisted holes. As the name suggests, it has nine twists inside, so even though there is a hole, you cannot see straight through it. The princess said, if anyone can thread this fine silk through the nine holes, without damaging the jade bead, they will have answered the first question correctly."


    ¡®Oh, heavens! Who came up with such a difficult question?¡¯ Lin Wanrong, initially brimming with confidence, found himself stumped by the first question proposed by Princess Nishang. He racked his brain, yet no solutions seemed toe to mind. Over at the Goryeo section, Yi Seung-Jae, needless to say, was struggling. Seo Jang Geum was doing her utmost to assist the prince in winning the princess of Great Hua, but even she was taken aback by this conundrum, unable to find an answer right away. The Turkic envoy, Ashile, whispered back and forth with the adviser at his side. Several suggestions were proposed, only to be swiftly dismissed one by one.


    The maidservant, Cuiyun, ced the jade bead with nine curved holes onto a jade te. Its hole was positioned to face the audience. A wave of discussions broke out amongst the crowd as everyone racked their brains for a solution.


    "Minister Xu, can you figure out a solution to Princess Nishang''s riddle?" The Emperor, seated upon his throne, inquired with a smile. Several high-ranking officials stood by his side.


    Xu Wei shook his head, replying, "The princess is very clever, Your Majesty. I can''t find a way to solve her puzzle."


    "What about you, Su Mubai?" the Emperor then turned to ask Su Mubai. Since the loss of his role as a reception envoy the previous day, Su Mubai had been notably quieter. Hearing the Emperor''s question, he promptly responded with a bow, "Your Majesty, I haven''t found a solution yet either."


    The Emperor gave a bitterugh, "Nishang has not shown me a pleasant face since she returned. The difficulty of this first question she posed for this marriage proposal... If nobody can answer it, isn''t she intentionally embarrassing me? Making Goryeo and the Turksugh at Great Hua for itsck of capable men. Brother Cheng, you have countless talents in your service. Find someone to solve this question."


    A sharp look shed through Prince Cheng''s eyes. As he bowed his head in respect, he concealed his intense gaze, "Your Majesty, those under mymand are merely idle men of no use, not fit for the public eye. However, if we are to truly solve Princess Nishang''s puzzle, I am willing to rmend someone."


    "Oh, who might that be?" The Emperor asked with interest.


    "Your Majesty, ording tomon folk tales, Lin San, the reception envoy, is a clever and quick-witted individual. He has performed feats such as ''sprouting beans to lift a Buddha statue'', ''washing hands in boiling oil'', and ''burning copper coins''. He is a master in these crafty tricks. If there is anyone in Great Hua capable of solving this, it must be Lin San," Prince Cheng replied with a smile, throwing an intentional or unintentional nce at Su Mubai. Su Mubai kept his eyes down, remaining silent.


    "Is that so?" the Emperor asked, intrigued, "Lin San possesses such abilities? Why have I not heard of this? Minister Xu, is this true?"


    "Your Majesty, it is indeed true. My daughter, Zhiqing, has verified the three feats mentioned by the Prince. They encapste the principles of all things. This Lin San is clever and well-educated. We don''t know if he coulde up with an ingenious solution this time," Xu Wei exined.


    "Interesting indeed," the Emperor''s eyes gleamed with amusement. He murmured, "Let''s hope Lin San can surprise us all."


    As Lin Wanrong wracked his brain, feeling rather vexed, he was unaware that he had be the target of everyone''s attention. His gaze happened upon several ants crawling on the ground at a slow pace, their tiny legs suddenly sparked a light bulb in his mind.


    Meanwhile, in the Goryeo camp, Seo Jang Geum pondered for a moment before her eyes lit up with an idea. She quickly ryed her thoughts to Senior Pce Lady Han, and Yi Seung-Jae, overhearing the conversation, was visibly thrilled. The trio engaged in a detailed discussion, eventually reaching a consensus.


    "I''ve got it¡ª!" Two voices rang out in unison, one crisp and the other solid, startling the deep-in-thought crowd back to awareness.


    Seo Jang Geum, standing up at the same time as Lin Wanrong, smiled over at him, "Sir, have you also found a solution?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled lightly, "Of course, if you have one, how could I not?"


    Upon seeing the two voices raise simultaneously, the maidservant Cuiyun interjected, "Is this youngdy speaking on behalf of her prince? If so, pleasee forward. And you, young master, whom do you represent?"


    Stepping onto the stage, Lin Wanrong replied with a smile, "I don''t represent anyone. I only represent myself. Miss Jang Geum, what solution have youe up with? Why don''t you go first?"


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 Chapter 336

    Chapter 336


    Chapter 336 Two Consecutive Victories


    Seo Jang Geum nodded slightly and said, "Thank you, sir. If that''s the case, allow me to demonstrate first." At this point, the two sides were inpetition. In order to assist Goryeo in achieving its wish, Pce Lady Seo would naturally be forthright with Master Lin.


    She picked up a thick red candle, whittled it down to one-quarter its size, and then drilled a small hole parallel to the wick, threading a silk line through it, then sealed it with the wax. Following this, she cut off the portion of the thread embedded with the candle.


    "Young sister, could you give me that Nine-Turn Jade Bead?" Pce Lady Seo turned to Cuiyun with a gentle smile.


    The young pce maid handed her the jade bead, and Seo Jang Geum aligned the bead''s small hole vertically to the ground, slowly threading the silk into the bead. The interior of the bead was filled with twists and turns, and the first part of the thread, hardened by the wax, struggled to pass through. Carefully, Pce Lady Seo lit the red candle and heated the bead a bit. The wax thread softened from the heat, and it started to slowly make its way into the bead.


    What was clever about this technique was that by sealing the thread with wax, which would soften from the heat, the melted wax would flow downwards, leading the thread forward. However, it required precise control; even a moment''s dy could cause the wax to block the hole. Seo Jang Geum was exceptionally skillful and patient. She worked with the utmost concentration, a faint bead of sweat appearing on her nose as clear as jade, a sight to behold.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled at the ingenious yet cumbersome method. This technique could only bepleted by someone patient and determined like Seo Jang Geum; anyone else would have failed. Yet, this was a perfect representation of the Goryeo people''s national character, something truly worth learning from.


    Navigating the rugged twists and turns inside the Nine-Turn Jade Bead was not an easy task. Seo Jang Geum spent a significant amount of time, having to backtrack several times, before she was able to thread the silk through the small hole, although the inside of the bead had be sealed with wax. Even so, her solution was unprecedented. The onlookers were in awe of her dexterity and determination, breaking into apuse in celebration of her sessful pass.


    Pce Lady Seo responded with a shy smile and bowed to the young pce maid Cuiyun, "I''m sorry. Even though I''ve threaded it, the thread can''t be pulled through. I''ve caused you trouble."Cuiyun hurriedly responded, "Sister, since the thread is already through, you have naturally passed."


    Pce Lady Seo smiled slightly, turning to Lin Wanrong, "Sir, it''s your turn."


    Cuiyun had already lit a candle, melting the wax obstruction inside the bead. After it had cooled, she rinsed the bead, and droplets fell from the hole, indicating no further obstructions. She then handed the bead to Lin Wanrong.


    From his pocket, Lin Wanrong pulled out a slim bamboo tube, grinning as he said, "The tool I use might be a bit unique. Don''t be scared,dies." He opened the tube to reveal a tiny ant. Cuiyun let out a startled yelp, while Seo Jang Geum''s eyes widened in curiosity as she watched him.


    Lin Wanrong carefully tied the thread around the ant''s leg, and then secured the jade bead with nine holes onto the table. He smeared some honey at the other end of the thread. Seo Jang Geum eximed in realization as the n dawned on her.


    When he reckoned that the scent of the honey had diffused sufficiently, Lin Wanrong ced the little ant into the jade bead''s hole. With its keen sense of smell, the ant followed the scent of the honey, and in no time, made its way through the bead.


    The onlookers blinked in astonishment. Could this actually work? If Seo Jang Geum''s method was marked by its randomness and inability to be replicated, then Lin San''s method was so simple that even a three-year-old could do it. How did hee up with this?


    "Ha ha ha¡ª" The Emperorughed heartily. "Prince Cheng, you certainly have an eye for talent. Minister Xu, this Lin San is truly a talent."


    "Your Majesty, to be frank. The more I interact with Lin San, the more I feel that there seems to be nothing in this world that can stump him," Xu Wei said with a smile.


    "Is that so?" The Emperor responded with a deep smile.


    "Sir, how did you think of this?" Seo Jang Geum asked Lin Wanrong curiously.


    Lin San, with a profound smile, replied, "If you don''tin about me in front of the Emperor next time, I''ll tell you." Seo Jang Geum''s face flushed, and she found herself at a loss for words.


    "The first question was answered by Mr. Lin and the Goryeo prince," the little pce maid Cuiyun announced.


    "Lu Dongzan, what should we do? They''ve already answered one question," Ashile, visibly worried, said to his counselor.


    "Don''t worry, Ashile, there will always be opportunities, we still have three questions left," Lu Dongzan replied confidently.


    "The second question," Cuiyun announced as she tore open another wax-sealed envelope. Suddenly, hundreds of soldiers appeared in the distance, each group of three carrying a log. There were about a hundred logs in total, all of simr thickness.


    "For this question, there are one hundred logs of the same thickness present. Please distinguish the root end and the tip end of each log," Cuiyun said sweetly.


    Upon hearing this, silence fell over the crowd. All the logs were of the same thickness. How could one tell the root from the tip?


    Seo Jang Geum was deep in thought when she heard two voices simultaneously dere, "I can distinguish them."


    One voice came from the distance, speaking in ented Chinese¡ªit was Lu Dongzan, the counselor by Ashile''s side. The other voice came from Lin Wanrong, who was standing right next to Seo Jang Geum.


    Seo Jang Geum asked in disbelief, "Sir, can you really do it?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I might be able to. We''ll only know if we give it a try."


    Lu Dongzan also stepped forward onto the stage and greeted Lin Wanrong, "I am Lu Dongzan, a counselor under the Turkish Khan. Nice to meet you, Mr. Lin."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Guests are always wee. Since Brother Lu knows how to tell which end is the root and which is the tip, you should go first."


    Lu Dongzan nodded with a slight smile, saying, "To differentiate between the root and the tip of a tree is not so difficult, albeit it might require some destructive measures. Just as people age, trees also have growth rings. The closer to the root of the tree, the deeper and more noticeable these rings are. We only need my Turkic warriors to saw off the tops and bottoms of these hundred logs, distinguish the colors of the rings, and we can then discern the head and tail, root and tip."


    The concept of tree rings was a novelty to many in the crowd, who listened with confusion. Only Lin Wanrong nodded gently. It was no wonder the Turks had managed to endure for so many years; they truly possessed talent. While the concept of tree rings wasmon knowledge in future generations, hearing it from a Turkic person in this era made it all the more extraordinary.


    "Minister Xu, is what Lu Dongzan says correct?" The Emperor asked, his brows furrowing.


    Xu Wei nodded and replied, "Your Majesty, my daughter Zhishing once studied this. Indeed, it''s true that trees have rings and they are more apparent closer to the roots. Lu Dongzan is not an ordinary man. He is the foremost advisor in the court of the Turkic Khan and holds the title of National Master. In this round, I fear he might win."


    "What about Lin San? Does he stand a chance?" The Emperor suddenly asked, a glint of hope shing in his eyes.


    "Well, I dare not make a hasty judgment on that. To surpass Lu Dongzan, Lin San would have toe up with an even more ingenious method," Xu Wei said.


    As they spoke, Lu Dongzan had alreadymanded his Turkic warriors to saw off the top and bottom of a log, indeed revealing deep tree rings on one side. Seo Jang Geum nodded as she watched, whispering, "The world is vast and filled with wonders. Today, I have gained new knowledge."


    Seeing that Lu Dongzan was about to order another log to be sawn, Lin Wanrong quicklyughed and stopped him, "Brother Lu, as you said, your method is highly destructive. I have a method of verifying the tips and roots of trees as well. Let me do my verification first, then you can choose ten logs to saw. This way we can verify the uracy of my method and also conserve resources. nting trees is hard work, we should protect them and our forests."


    Lu Dongzan nodded in approval, "That''s an excellent method. How do you n to verify it?"


    Lin Wanrong slowly stepped forward, saluting the hundreds of soldiers carrying the logs, "Brothers, could you help me by rolling these logs into the river?"


    Both Seo Jang Geum and Lu Dongzan curiously observed Lin Wanrong''s every move. Xu Wei pped his hands, regretfully saying, "Ah, why didn''t I think of this? Congrattions, Your Majesty, we have won this round."


    After the logs entered the water, they bobbed a few times before gradually settling down. Then, an unusual phenomenon appeared. Each log, identical in size, showedpletely different levels of buoyancy at each end. Lin Wanrong,ughing, said, "Brother Lu, as I see it, the end of a log floating on the water surface is the tip, while the part submerged is the root. What do you think?"


    Lu Dongzan gave a thumbs up, saying, "Master Lin, you are indeed learned and versatile. You have thought of such a simple method. I admire you greatly."


    Ashile quickly came over and asked, "Lu Dongzan, what is the reason for this? Why is the part floating in the water the tip, and the part sinking the root?"


    Lu Dongzan smiled and exined, "Trees reach towards the sun, drawing water from their roots. Therefore, the root is denser, while the tip is slightly lighter. On the surface, they appear the same size, but they are different on the inside. If we randomly select ten, we can confirm this by examining the rings."


    Soldiers had already selected ten logs and sawed them open. Just as Lin Wanrong had said, the heavier part was the root and the lighter was the tip. Without a doubt, Lin Wanrong''s method was simpler and more practical. Both Lin San and the Turks passed this round, but Lin San had clearly outshone the Turks. This was an indisputable fact, one even Lu Dongzan couldn''t deny.


    "Master Lin, where did you learn all this knowledge? May I study under you?" Seo Jang Geum couldn''t help but ask, filled with admiration.


    "Self-taught. Mostly self-taught," Lin Wanrongughed. "Pce Lady Seo, do you wish to be my student? Oh my, this might not be a good idea. I have always struggled to control myself in the presence of beautiful women. If anything were to happen between us, how could I face the longstanding friendship between our two noble nations? It''s better not to."


    Pce Lady Seo''s cheeks, as delicate as jade, bloomed with a beautiful blush. She lowered her head, not daring to speak for a long while.


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 Chapter 337

    Chapter 337


    Chapter 337 Duped in the Same Trough, Men Are No Match for Horses!


    The Emperor burst into a heartyugh, saying, "Bravo, Lin San! You have outdone the wily maiden of Goryeo and made the Turk counselor submit. Truly knowledgeable and insightful you are. Minister Xu, you have indeed rmended a significant talent for my Great Hua."


    A smile crept onto Xu Wei''s face. With such praise from the Emperor, Lin San''s rise to prominence was just around the corner, even though the Emperor had alreadymended him the day before. Su Mubai turned pale and his face grew darker upon hearing this. Upon noticing his reaction, Prince Cheng merely smiled and said nothing.


    Half of the questions had been answered. Korea had got the first question right, Tuju had triumphed in the second, and Lin Wanrong had passed both. As long as he got one more question right, he would stand firmly in an unbeatable position. Both Yi Seung-Jae and Ashile were a bit nervous; they hadn''t expected that all their strategistsbined would still fall short of the diminutive Lin San.


    The young pce maid named Cuiyun fetched the envelope containing the third question, scanned it, and read aloud, "The third question is, could you all please turn around--"


    Everyone turned around in confusion, only to hear the distant hoofbeats that made the ground tremble. Dozens of cavalries galloped toward them, cracking their whips to urge hundreds of fine horses. These hundred horses, all white with white hooves, seemed as if they were all molded from the same cast, and it was impossible to distinguish their ranks.


    But the oddity did not end there. Behind this fleet of white horses came several more cavalries, herding a herd of white foals. The herd of foals, also all white, resembled a flurry ofrge, fluttering goose feathers in the snow, causing a thrill in the hearts of the spectators. The two groups of white horses arrived in front of everyone. The horses neighed and their voices rose and fell, creating a breathtaking spectacle.


    Cuiyun smiled and said, "Now, we have one hundred white mares and one hundred white foals on the field. They are mother and child. The third question proposed by Princess Nishang is for you to help the hundred mother horses find their foals."


    Having already answered two questions, Lin Wanrong had a taste of Princess Nishang''s tricky and peculiar challenges. Otherdies tested suitors on either their literary or martial prowess during courtship, but she, being a royal princess, enjoyed these non-literary, non-martial things. It was strange indeed. He didn''t know how she came up with this game of helping foals find their mothers. Wasn''t this intentionally making things difficult?The Turks were all generations of nomads on the grasnds. They had an innate understanding of horses, and upon hearing Princess Nishang''s question, they all showed delight. Who could be more familiar with the nature of horses than them? Princess Nishang was clearly helping them in secret.


    Lu Dongzan and Ashile, while whispering to each other, pointed around at the Turkish cavalries, seemingly assigning tasks. In the Korean camp, the Pce Lady Seo and Yi Seung-Jae had a discussion, frowning slightly as if they hadn''t figured out a solution yet.


    After Lu Dongzan and Ashile finished their discussion, Lu Dongzan stood up joyfully and shouted, "Miss Pce Maid, we the Turks have found a way to differentiate."


    Upon hearing this, Yi Seung-Jae was taken aback and hurriedly whispered something to the Pce Lady Seo. Seo Jang Geum looked troubled, and slightly shook her head. Yi Seung-Jae let out an annoyed snort.


    Seeing their expressions, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but chuckle. This young prince of Goryeo, aside from relying on women for ideas, really seemed tock any merits.


    Cuiyun nodded and said, "The representative of the Turks, please proceed."


    Lu Dongzan dered proudly, "The Turks have always lived on the prairies and grown up on horseback. We have our unique ways of recognizing and distinguishing horses. Even though there are a hundred mares and a hundred foals, there are dozens of Turkic cavalries who are experts at identifying horses. For them, each one to find the mothers for ten foals is not a difficult task. We will use this method."


    Lin Wanrong understood. They were nning to use their horse-identifying skills, resorting to brute force to pair up the foals with their mothers. It was indeed a solution, albeit a bit clumsy.


    As they were speaking, dozens of Turkic cavalries had already dashed on their horses toward the foals. Each of them picked ten foals and, in the blink of an eye, had divided them into ten groups, each man handling precisely ten foals. The Turks, as people of the horse, had amand and understanding of horses that the soldiers of Great Hua could not match.


    "Charge!" Ten Turkic cavalries, each driving a group of foals, plunged into the herd of mares. They were to rely on their eyesight and experience, examining the color, markings, and physique of the horses. In the vast herd of mares, they were to find the mothers of these foals, relying solely on their years of experience with horses, with no shortcuts avable.


    Li Tai looked at the Turkic cavalries with a deep concern, sighing after a while, "These Turkic people indeed have extraordinary talent. When ites to horse-riding, no one canpete with them."


    As the foremost general of Great Hua, his words carried considerable weight. The Emperor gravely asked, "General Li, in your opinion, do we have a definite chance of victory in our campaign against the nomads?"


    Li Tai nodded and said, "Your Majesty, do not worry. Great Hua has infantry, cavalry, and the divine machine unit. If these three branches coordinate effectively, even if the nomads are unmatched in horse-riding, this old servant can still defeat them."


    The Emperor seemed relieved and a smile appeared on his face. "Then, tell me, based on the Turkic method, can they really identify all the foals and their mothers? I don''t believe it''s necessarily so."


    "Your Majesty is wise!" Li Taiughed, "The Turks rely on their eyesight, which is rather unreliable. Experience and perception are important, but the number of horses is vast. If they want to distinguish among them, it''s certainly not easy. I guess if they can identify eighty percent of them, it would be quite impressive."


    Down below the city, the Goryeo delegation saw the Turks'' confidence and grew increasingly anxious. If the Turks won this round, Goryeo would naturally be eliminated. However, they weren''t adept at identifying horses and couldn''te up with a clever idea on the spot. Everyone was in a frenzy of anxiety, even the face of Pce Lady Seo was full of worry.


    "Sir!" a gentle voice echoed beside Lin Wanrong.


    Lin Wanrong, who was amused watching the Turks taming the horses, turned his head upon hearing the voice. He saw Seo Jang Geum, with wide-open eyes and a charming face, standing by his side.


    "Oh, Lady Jang Geum, are you looking for me?" Lin Wanrong asked with a smile.


    "Sir, aren''t you worried?" Pce Lady Seo whispered, her anxiety clear in her eyes.


    "Anxious? What good would that do?" Lin Wanrong shook his head. "The Turkic people trust their own judgment, let them proceed. I only trust facts."


    From Master Lin''s words, it seemed that he doubted the Turks would seed so smoothly. Lady Jang Geum''s eyes lit up. "You mean, the Turkic people aren''t fully confident either?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and looked at her. Jang Geum quickly lowered her gaze, avoiding his.


    "Pce Lady Seo," Lin Wanrong smiled, "Did youe here to inquire about the Turkic people or to probe me? You''re too honest and can''t hide your kindhearted eyes."


    Lady Seo lowered her head, blushing. "Master Lin, I''m really sorry. I came here partly to hear your opinion about the Turkic people, and partly to know if you''ve figured out a solution. This marriage proposal for the prince isn''t a simple matrimonial issue for us people of Goryeo. It''s a matter of life and death. Even if I had to shatter into pieces, I wouldn''t hesitate."


    At this, Lin Wanrong felt a stirring in his heart. Lady Jang Geum''s words implied that they were under pressure. An alliance between the Turks and Great Hua would not bode well for Goryeo, given their weakness. Goryeo''s indecisiveness was suggestive. However, if Prince Yi could marry the princess, it would be like clinging onto Great Hua''s thigh; the benefits would be immense.


    "Are the Turks pressuring you? Or is it Dongyin?" Lin Wanrong tried to probe, his gaze fixed on Pce Lady Seo''s expression.


    "I''m sorry for troubling you," she said, her face changing. She bowed deeply and hurriedly turned to leave.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head in resignation. This girl was no spy material. "Lady Jang Geum, the Turkic people can discern at most eighty percent correctly," he called out loudly.


    "Master Lin, what did you say?" Lady Jang Geum stopped in her tracks, turning to look at him. "Are you that confident?"


    "It''s not about confidence, it''s about science," Lin Wanrong smiled. "The Turkic people choose horses based on experience, which seems reliable, but they cannot escape thews of statistics. Each rider has ten foals. The first time, he must choose one out of a hundred mares. To ensure he picks correctly, he mustpare all hundred mares¡ªthat''s one hundredparisons the first time. Let''s say he''s correct the first time, for the second foal, he mustpare ny-nine times, and so on. Ny-eight for the third, ny-seven for the fourth, until ny-one for the tenth. Ah, is this concept tooplicated? Do you understand, Jang Geum?"


    Lady Jang Geum contemted for a moment before nodding. "Master Lin, I understand some of it. You''re correct. For each foal, they would have to make at least nyparisons."


    "That''s more like it." Lin Wanrong nodded. "Such frequentparisons are tedious and mundane. The Turkic people are also human, aren''t they? Would they not make mistakes? Just one small mistake by any of them could cause the other foals to be misidentified, leading to a series of errors. And errors are cumtive. If ten people cross-mistake, my goodness, it would be unimaginable."


    Lady Jang Geum seemed to half-understand the sequence of analyses, but she knew Master Lin, appearing casual on the surface, was sharper than anyone else deep down. She nodded solemnly. "Master Lin, thank you. I also believe the Turks don''t have full certainty. But you, Master Lin, you¡ª¡± she paused, didn''t finish her sentence, and then bowed to Lin Wanrong before hurriedly retreating back to the Goryeo delegation.


    Over there, Lu Dongzan, leading dozens of Turkic cavalries, had already started selecting the mares. The Turkic people''s sharp eyes reunited five mother-child pairs in a blink. Lin Wanrong smirked inwardly. Those easily discernible were simple; the tricky part wouldeter.


    The young Georyeo Prince Yi Seung-Jae nced at Lin Wanrong, gave a few instructions to Senior Pce Lady Han, then hurried over. "Master Lin, my respects."


    What was he here for just after Pce Lady Seo left? Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Hello, Prince. Why aren''t you watching the horse taming? Whye to me?"


    Prince Yi sighed. "Master Lin, how could I have the mood to watch horses? Honestly, I''m here on my father''s orders,mitted to marrying Princess Nishang and taking her back to my country. However, the current situation is particrly unfavorable for Goryeo. Master Lin¡ª" He looked at Lin Wanrong, hesitating to continue.


    Here ites, thed was up to something. Lin Wanrong purposely furrowed his brows. "The King of Goryeo has high expectations for the young Prince; it''s your duty to strive. Princess Nishang is yet to be married, you still have plenty of opportunities."


    Prince Yi gave a bitter smile. "Our Goryeo nation is weak, and talents are scarce. It''s hard for us topete with the talents of Great Hua and the fierce warriors of the Turkic people. In today''s Princess''s marriage proposal meeting, we barely managed to answer one question; we have no confidence in what''sing next. And Princess Nishang is of utmost importance to Goryeo. Therefore, I would like to ask for your help¡ª"


    "Help? Prince, you jest." Master Lin''s lips curved into a smile, his expression full of implied meaning. "You''re of noble status, how could I help?"


    "I can be helped, indeed I can," Prince Yi insisted. "Beforeing to your esteemed country, I had heard that Master Lin is the first schr of Great Hua, renowned far and wide. Having spent these few days with you, I find your knowledge extensive and your learning extraordinary. You are indeed the most promising young official of Great Hua."


    A cold sweat broke out on Lin Wanrong''s forehead. When did he be Great Hua''s first schr? Wouldn''t Old Xu want to fight him if he heard this? Moreover, when he was in Jinling, how did Prince Yi, being in Goryeo, hear his name? This Goryeo man''s ttery was simply too cheap, not even as moving as Lady Jang Geum''s smile.


    "All I ask is for you, Master Lin, to secretly convey to me the answers for the uing challenges. I would be willing to offer a thousand gold pieces, a thousand rolls of silk, a hundred pieces of agate, and personally deliver them to your residence." Circling around the matter, Yi Seung-Jae finally revealed his offer - a thousand taels of gold, a thousand rolls of silk, a hundred pieces of agate. The proposal was almostparable to the dowry prepared for Princess Nishang. Indeed, for the hand of the princess, Goryeo was sparing no expense.


    ¡®Just to cate me with such trifles, does he take me for a rustic bumpkin? I, Master Lin, am selling knowledge and ideas, irreceable even by a fortune.¡¯ Master Lin pretended to ponder, "Well, Prince, you honor me too much. Truth be told, I am but a low-ranking official, as insignificant as a sesame seed. My knowledge and wisdom are shallow, even less than that of Mount Kumgang. Even if you were to offer me ten thousand taels of gold, I could not ept it. Lady Seo has already instructed me, and the Emperor has been exceedingly gracious to me, how could I take your offering? No, no, it''s impossible! Besides, my family is in business, so I have no shortage of silver."


    ¡®Does he think I''m unaware of his background? What kind of business does his family do? He''s nothing but a small servant in the rich household of Xiao in Jinling, deceitful and wicked. It''s just by good fortune that he has somehow caught the Emperor''s favor and donned the skin of a man. His im to have a share in the Xiao family''s fortune is nothing but a farce.¡¯ Yi Seung-Jae silently scoffed at the man''s audacity, left with nothing but admiration for his shamelessness.


    "Master Lin, I see you and Lady Seo converse joyously, seemingly getting along quite well," Yi Seung-Jae subtly shifted the topic away from wealth, somehow steering the conversation toward Seo Jang Geum.


    Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned, then nodded graciously, "Indeed, indeed. I heard of Jang Geum quite some time ago. Meeting her felt like reuniting with an old friend."


    Yi Seung-Jae nodded, "Pce Lady Seo is a remarkable woman from my country, Goryeo. She is sincere, kind, and full of love. Her medical skills are superb, she has broad knowledge, and she is known for her exceptional intelligence. Not only is she loved by the people, but she is also favored by my parents, the King and Queen. Despite her young age, she has be the chief physician in the pce. In both the pce and among the public, she holds high prestige."


    What was this prince up to? As Yi Seung-Jae persistently shifted the conversation toward Lady Seo, Lin Wanrong grew more puzzled.


    "Lord Lin," Yi Seung-Jae''s eyes shed, "You have a deep rtionship with Pce Lady Seo. If you like, I can inform my father and offer Seo Jang Geum to you. What do you think?"


    Lin Wanrong could hear the rapid beating of his own heart. Offering Jang Geum to him? Was he mistaken? The legendary woman of the penins, the idol of the Korean people, offered to him, to soothe him daily with her silver needles and foot massages? What a luxurious indulgence! This was a temptation! An absolutely irresistible temptation! This Yi Seung-Jae truly was willing to gamble everything.


    Lin Wanrong nced at Pce Lady Seo in the distance. She was discussing something with the Senior Pce Lady Han. Her furrowed brows, her snowyplexion, her delicate cheeks, her tempting lips, full of charm, were truly heart-stirring.


    ¡®All the while, you toil and strain, little realizing your master has already sold you. What a pity.¡¯ Lin Wanrong slowly shook his head. If not for the fact that this journey concerned Qingxuan, Lord Lin might seriously consider Yi Seung-Jae''s tantalizing offer.


    "Young Prince, I''m afraid this won''t work. My rtionship with Lady Seo is merely a friendship, without any romantic intentions. I believe you''ve misunderstood," Lin Wanrong said tly, feeling an unspeakable aversion towards Yi Seung-Jae, "As for the matter of marriage, I''m a citizen of Great Hua, and Princess Nishang is the angel of Great Hua. I cannot do anything that would betray Great Hua. Please, return to your ce."


    Yi Seung-Jae was stunned. How had Lord Lin''s demeanor changed so drastically? From a corrupt official indulging in bribery to a profound patriot. He shook his head in frustration and left with disappointment.


    ¡®Pce Lady Seo, I helped you once, but I won''t be able to help you a second time. I hope your master won''t send you off to Dongying next time, that would be tragic indeed,¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed heavily. Even an exceptional woman couldn''t escape a grim fate.


    The Turks moved swiftly. In the time they spoke, more than forty pairs of horses had been prepared. The majority of spectators in the square were from Great Hua, and they marveled at the sight of the Turks handling the horses so skillfully. No wonder the nomadic tribes were so fierce, no one could rival their horse-riding skills.


    As the pairing continued, Lin Wanrong''s theory of statistics became increasingly evident. One hundred identical white horses, one hundred identical foals. Identifying lineage with the naked eye, without making a single mistake, was nearly impossible. As soon as one person made a mistake with one horse, a series of effects would follow. When they reached the sixtieth pair, the Turkish cavalries visibly slowed down, and both Lu Dongzan and Ashile started to show signs of tension. The remaining horses were difficult to distinguish, often requiring a group of ten to deliberate before a match was made.


    Indeed, as Master Lin expected, the Turks ran into trouble. Seo Jang Geum let out a small sigh, and stole a nce at Lin Wanrong. Master Lin was staring at the hundreds of white horses, lost in thought.


    "Master Lu!" Lin Wanrong approached the busy Lu Dongzan. "Is it bing more challenging as we progress?"


    Lu Dongzan, being a sage of the Turkic Khanate, had an open mind. Heughed in response, "Yes, it''s getting harder to distinguish the horses, which takes more time."


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "You don''t need to work so hard, I''ve thought of a simple method. Sister pce maid, may I try?"


    Lu Dongzan looked at Lin Wanrong in surprise. He had witnessed Master Lin triumph twice before. If he cracked this round too, then Master Lin would be a true genius.


    The pce maid, Cuiyun, replied, "Of course, you may. Master Lu, you''ve paired sixty-five couples within one hour. If Master Lin can pair more within the same period, then he wins. What do you think?"


    Lu Dongzan nodded, "That sounds fair. Master Lin, it''s your turn."


    Cuiyun waved her hand, and the sessfully paired sixty-plus mares and foals were led away. Then, another sixty or so identical white horses and foals were brought in to mingle with the rest. The whole body of snow-white steeds and foals neighed together, creating a thunderous sound that vibrated the eardrums.


    Lin Wanrong walked into the herd of foals, gently stroking the soft mane of one. He turned to a cavalry feeding the horses nearby, "Brother, it must take a lot of effort to take care of these purebred white horses," hemented.


    The knight nodded, "These are purebred Dawan horses,rge and fast. They require careful feeding. Every hour, they must be given high-quality feed, each horse to its own trough, and never two to the same. The nearly two hundred horses here have been waiting for nearly two hours, and the foals are so hungry that they''re crying out."


    "Just as I expected," Lin Wanrong gave a small smile, then raised his voice to address everyone present, "Brothers, let''s bring the feed up first and give these mothers a good meal."


    The cavalries, who were also the grooms of the white horses, approved of Master Lin''s suggestion. Immediately, they brought up over a hundred troughs, each filled with high-quality feed. The mares lowered their heads and began to eat.


    The foals had been hungry for a while and seeing food served yet not being able to eat, they started to cause amotion, kicking their hooves and bounding about.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Brothers, please put muzzles on the foals."


    Muzzles were cages made of bamboo that fit over a horse''s mouth, designed to prevent horses from stealing food. It was the first time anyone had heard of putting muzzles on purebred Dawan white horses, but since Lin Wanrong said it, the cavalries did as told.


    Muzzled, the foals became even more agitated, a few broke free and started to run around chaotically. Everyone watched Lin Wanrong''s actions with curiosity, wondering what he was nning.


    "Brothers, you must do exactly as I say next, no matter how hard it is," Lin Wanrong said earnestly. "Hold the mares so they stay in ce. And then, take your whips and drive the foals away, the further, the better."


    "This¡ª" A few of the cavalries were taken aback. These foals were ones they had personally raised and even delivered; they naturally hesitated to be harsh with them.


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "If you really can''t bring yourselves to do it, just pretend. But you must make it convincing. You must make the foals afraid, understand?"


    "Understood!" Several cavalries whipped the air fiercely, causing loud cracking sounds. The agitated foals were immediately frightened and ran off, whinnying in fear.


    The cavalries yelled and threatened, chasing the foals away. The mares, originally calmly eating, became uneasy at the sight of their fleeing foals. They neighed in distress, their eyes full of sadness.


    "I understand, I understand now." Up on the city tower, Li Tai shouted out in excitement.


    The Emperor looked at him in surprise, "General Li, what do you understand?"


    "Your Majesty, this Lin San is a man of great wisdom. He has quite a strategy!" Li Tai dered excitedly.


    At the same time, Lu Dongzan''s face changed in the field, staring at Lin San who stood there smiling silently. After a moment of stunned silence, he muttered, "The existence of such a man in Great Hua is as good as a hundred thousand strong soldiers."


    Ashile was surprised, "As good as a hundred thousand soldiers? Are you talking about Lin San? Lu Dongzan, how is this possible? This man is greedy and lustful, how could he be so powerful?"


    Lu Dongzan gave a bitter smile, "I also wish not to believe it. I only hope that when our two nations meet in battle, I won''t encounter him on the battlefield."


    "They''re back, they''re back!" A cry of surprise rose from the crowd as hundreds of foals came galloping back, chased by cavalries. Frightened, the foals ran straight into the herd of mares. The hundreds of mares let out unified cries of distress that shook the sky.


    Once they reached the herd, the hundred foals quickly located their mothers, constantly neighing, their eyes still reflecting their fear, seekingfort. A hundred mares, a hundred foals, quickly paired off.


    Desperately, the mares nudged at the muzzles of their foals, trying to free them from their bonds. Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, "The bond between mother and child, who can separate it? Deceive each other in the same trough? Humans are inferior to horses. Brothers, remove their muzzles."


    The cavalries freed the foals, and as they opened their hooves, they revealed the numbers written there, each one corresponding perfectly to its mother.


    Seo Jang Geum stared, transfixed. Hearing Lin Wanrong''s words, she was left with aplex feeling. She murmured with her mouth slightly agape, "Deceive each other in the same trough, humans are inferior to horses! Master Lin, you''re absolutely right. Just what kind of person are you?"


    Cheers thundered from the crowd. This young Lord Lin had solved three riddles in the blink of an eye, defeating not only Goryeo but also the arrogant nomads. It was truly unbelievable. With such a statesman in Great Hua, why worry about the nomadic invaders?


    "Lin San, oh Lin San! What should I do with you?" The Emperor muttered under his breath, his eyes flickering between excitement and indecision.


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 Chapter 338

    Chapter 338


    Chapter 338 The Number One Talent Under Heaven


    "This question has been answered correctly by Lord Lin. Lord Ashile, do you have any objections?" Ashile shook his head in defeat, and the young pce maid Cuiyun smiled and said again, "Lord Lin has answered three questions in session, the Goryeo prince and the Turkic envoy have each answered one. Withoutparing thest question, we already know who the winner is."


    "We mustpare, we mustpare," loudly dered Lu Dongzan. "Lord Lin''s talent is unparalleled. We all want to see how he solves the four riddles posed by Princess Nishang. Thisst one will make us wholeheartedly ept the result. Lord Lin, what do you say?"


    This Lu Dongzan, being a Turk, possessed a hearty and candid disposition. Had the two nations not been at odds, bing friends with him might have been pleasant. Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Brother Lu, you tter me. The riddles posed by the Princess are something I just stumbled upon and answered. They are not deserving of true praise."


    "Lord Lin, I implore you to answer thest riddle as well," said Pce Lady Seo with a sad expression. "Witnessing the remarkable deeds of a remarkable person is something we all eagerly await."


    Seeing so many people looking at him with excitement, Lin Wanrong knew that he had no choice but to answer. He smiled bitterly and looked at Cuiyun, saying, "Sister Pce Maid, please pose thest riddle."


    Cuiyun smiled and said, "During this Princess''s selection for a consort, the first three riddles were all predetermined. Only thest one was personally devised by the Princess. And the Princess will not pose this riddle arbitrarily; only if she is satisfied with the talented young man who has answered correctly, will she present another riddle. Currently, there has been no decree from the Princess, and I do not know if there will be this fourth riddle. Please wait patiently for a moment."


    So that was the case! Lin Wanrong was suddenly covered in sweat. It turned out that the riddles were not casually posed, and even if you wanted to answer these strange questions, you might not have the opportunity. You must catch the eye of the Princess, only then will she grant you the favor of posing a riddle.


    Whispers spread through the crowd. If the Princess posed a riddle, it would mean that she was satisfied with Lord Lin, and he was sure to be the Prince Consort of Great Hua, his value greatly increased. But would the Princess pose a question? What would it be? Everyone was waiting for that moment toe.The Goryeo prince and the Turkic envoy had already lost their chance, and both sides were disheartened and despondent. Out of jealousy, they naturally did not wish Lord Lin to be the Prince Consort. Seeing the curtain on the embroidered tower hanging still for a long time, both sides became hopeful again. If the Princess was dissatisfied with Lord Lin, did that mean they still had a chance?


    Time ticked by, and Lin Wanrong, who had been calm and confident, became increasingly restless. Was Qingxuan really behind all this? If it was truly her, she must have already known of his presence, so why was she still so calm andposed? ¡®Oh God, don''t toy with me!¡¯


    Everyone waited for a while, seeing no one emerge, and they all thought that Princess Nishang was dissatisfied with Lord Lin. Sighs of regret filled the air, as theymented for this rising talent of Great Hua.


    Amid the whispers, suddenly the hanging curtain was lifted. A pretty little maid rushed out, handing Cuiyun a small note and whispering something in her ear, before turning and retreating.


    Cuiyun smiled faintly, her voice soft and delicate, ¡°I apologize for the long wait. The princess has set the question¡ª¡±


    "Good!" A wave of excitement swept through the crowd. Atst, Princess Nishang had shown her discerning eye. Where else could they find such an exceptional talent like Lord Lin? If not him for a Prince Consort, then who else could it be?


    Lin Wanrong wiped a bead of cold sweat. This princess was indeed one to torment others, ying such a hand at thest moment. ¡®If it truly is Qingxuan,¡¯ he thought, ¡®I will definitely spank her little bottom.¡¯


    "Lord Lin, thest question from Princess Nishang is specially designed for you. Please listen carefully." Cuiyun''s words once again whetted everyone''s appetite. Everyone, including Lin Wanrong, focused intently on the question the princess had crafted just for him, curious about what strange novelty it could be.


    Cuiyun slowly unfolded the slip of paper, reading it aloud in a gentle voice, "Lord Lin, may I ask, during your time in the hideout of the White Lotus Cult in Dangtu County, you were captured by bandits and then rescued by others. Who is the person you find most unforgettable?"


    What kind of question was this? The sudden and seemingly disconnected statement left everyone puzzled. It was entirely different from the previous three questions, which had been a battle of wits. It seemed to be a question exclusively designed for Lord Lin, based on his past. It appeared much simpler than an intellectual duel, and it was thought that Lord Lin would surely answer correctly, bing the beloved Prince Consort of the Great Hu¨¢ Emperor without a hitch.


    Yet, Lin Wanrong was unable to conceal his astonishment and excitement, leaping up and shouting, "Qingxuan, Qingxuan, is it you?"


    Silence reigned in the upstairs chamber, with no one answering his question. The incident of being captured and rescued by the White Lotus Cult was known to only a few; who else but Qingxuan could be so familiar with him to ask such a question? Qingxuan was indeed Princess Nishang; he thought triumphantly, ¡®I''ve made it!¡¯


    "My lord, have you thought it over?" Cuiyun asked, smiling at Lord Lin''s sudden outburst.


    "Two people saved me in that time of danger, but the most unforgettable one is naturally Qingxuan¡ª" Lin Wanrong answered confidently.


    The crowd was left in a state of confusion, and silence fell once again in the chamber above. Suddenly, a soft snort was heard, "If you miss her so much, go find her then, and don''t seek me. Cuiyun, back to the pce¡ª"


    That voice? Lin Wanrong was so startled that he jumped a yard high. It didn''t sound like Qingxuan; it seemed somewhat like Xian''er?


    "Xian''er, Xian''er, is it you?" Lin Wanrong yelled.


    Standing on the elevated tform, the maid Cuiyun gave a bitter smile before retreating behind the curtains. From above, there was the sound of angry footsteps, and the guards before the princess''s pnquin began to move slowly toward the pce gate.


    "It''s not me; go find your Qingxuan, hmph!" A familiar slender figure emerged from the building, stepping into the pnquin, her voice filled with hurt and bitterness.


    Lord Lin''s mind short-circuited. Princess Nishang¡ªPrincess Nishang!! It was his darling Xian''er!! How could this be? No wonder Sister An said Xian''er had gone on a secret mission and that there would be a big surprise. It truly was a huge surprise! It nearly took his life to admit before so many people that Qingxuan was the most unforgettable, every word falling into the ears of his jealous young wife. She was now the princess of Great Hu¨¢; it would be strange if she didn''t re up.


    By the time Lin Wanrong hade to his senses, Princess Nishang''s carriage had already traveled quite a distance, with one foot of the small pnquin almost stepping into the pce gate. In a desperate hurry, Lin Wanrong chased after, shouting loudly, "Xian''er, Xian''er, don''t go!"


    With a tremendous bang, the enormous pce gate closed, almost smashing Lin Wanrong''s nose as he rushed toward it.


    He touched his nose resentfully, pounding on the door ring, cursing under his breath, "What in the world is happening? In seeking one wife, I''ve offended another. If anyone''s to talk about bad luck, who in the world canpare to me? And this girl Xian''er, she could have been a princess but chose to be a popr courtesan, and she loves being jealous so much. Ah, now I''m in trouble."


    The situation in the field had suddenly changed. Originally, the princess had already posed a question, and it was an extremely simple and unrted one. How had Lin Wanrong managed to annoy the princess, causing her to leave in a huff? It seemed that he would not be able to be prince consort after all. What a ssic example of failing at thest step! Those present were all sighing and shaking their heads, except for the previously disappointed Yi Seung-Jae and the Turkic envoy, who were secretly pleased. If the princess was unhappy with Lin Wanrong, they might still have a chance. The scene was truly filled with unexpected twists and dramatic changes!


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s dejected appearance, the Emperor was not worried but pleased,ughing heartily, "Today has indeed been interesting, Gaoping, summon Lin San, the Goryeo, and Turkic envoys to the hall."


    Lin Wanrong fretted for a moment but soon saw Eunuch Gaoing hurriedly, respectfully saying, "Lord Lin, His Majesty has summoned you. Come quickly!"


    Putting aside his doubts about Xian''er''s identity, he followed Gaoping into the golden hall, where he saw Yi Seung-Jae and Ashile and others had already arrived. Xu Wei''s eyes were smiling, and he was nodding slightly at Lord Lin, looking very satisfied.


    Lin Wanrong knew his situation well. He had made aplete mess of the princess''s marriage proposal, failing at thest step. He didn''t know how the jealous little Xian''er would torment him. Old Xu knew nothing of the situation, still thinking Lord Lin had gained a significant advantage.


    "Today''s Princess Nishang''s marriage proposal has concluded, with both Goryeo and Turk showing great restraint and dignity," the Emperor said with a smile.


    Yi Seung-Jae hurriedly bowed, "Your Majesty is too kind. It was ourck of preparation that caused us to miss the opportunity with the princess. I feel a great regret. However, since Princess Nishang has not chosen a consort, I believe there is still a chance."


    "That''s exactly right," the Turkic envoy Ashile added. "The princess has not chosen a consort, so we Turk also have a chance."


    The Emperorughed loudly, "You are both mistaken. Princess Nishang personally posed the test questions, and it was fair and just. Both of your countries answered only one question correctly and have no chance to participate in further testing. Even if the princess has not chosen a consort, she will not choose between you two. If everyone asked for a second chance like you, would not Princess Nishang never be married, and the marriage proposal event go on every day?"


    Yi Seung-Jae and Ashile were left speechless. As the Emperor said, the opportunity was equal; they just had not grasped it. They could me no one else.


    "Where is Lin San?" The Emperor suddenly thundered with authority.


    "Your humble servant is here." Lin Wanrongzily replied with a fist salute, his mood clearly not very elevated.


    The Emperorughed and said, "Do not be overly concerned with temporary gains and losses. From what I have seen of your performance today, it was unexpected, both brave and strategic. You were able topete with the two envoys from Goryeo and the Turkic Khaganate, showing the demeanor of a national schr. I am very pleased."


    What was this pete with the two envoys from Goryeo and the Turkic Khaganate?" Everyone understood that the Emperor was saying this purely to save face for Yi Seung-Jae and Ashile in the Golden Hall.


    "Lin San is widely learned, outstandingly talented, and has won honor for our Great Hua. We have all witnessed it. Previously, he hadmanded troops in Shandong for Xu Wei, personally capturing the rebel king Lu Kanli, bombarding the White Lotus Holy Mother, and upying Jining City. His merits are immense. How can such a statesman be wasted among themon people? Where is Ye Shuqing, the Minister of Personnel?" The Emperor''s voice boomed loudly.


    "Your humble servant is here!" An old man with a flushed face quickly stepped forward.


    "Minister Ye, you manage the Ministry of Personnel. Now, look for me, are there any vacancies recently? Lin San is a schr of our Great Hua and must be put to good use." The Emperor smiled.


    Prince Cheng''s eyes shed sharply, and he gave Ye Shuqing a look. Ye Shuqing understood immediately and hastily saluted, saying, "Your Majesty, the positions arranged by the Ministry of Personnel are almost full. However, there are still idle positions in various localities."


    The Emperor chuckled and said, "He came from Jinling and oncemanded troops in Shandong. He is from the localities. Why would you send him back there? Oh, I remember now, the former Vice Minister of Personnel, Tong Yuan, has retired, leaving a vacancy in the Ministry ¡ª Lin San, I hereby promote you to be a Schr of the Hall of Literary Brilliance and hold the title of Vice Minister of Personnel. Do you ept?"


    "Your Majesty!" Ye Shuqing eximed in rm. "The responsibilities of the Ministry of Personnel are significant, and the Vice Minister directly assists me. Although Mr. Lin is widely learned and talented, he is still young and has never had any experience in office. Even the newly crowned top schr, Mr. Su Mubai, has not yet entered the departmental examination. Promoting Mr. Lin too high all at once may cause resentment. Please, Your Majesty, think it over!"


    Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Minister Ye brought up Top Schr Su, using Su Mubai as an example to prevent the Emperor from promoting Lin San. Top Schr Su, though holding an honorary position, had not yet entered any of the Six Ministries. Seeing the Emperor favoring Lin San so much, he went pale and lowered his head, saying nothing.


    "There are always exceptions to everything. I have spoken of Lin San''s merits; who in the court can deny them? Su Mubai earned his top schr status through true talent, so I promoted him to the Pavilion of the Source of Literature. Lin San''s triumph over Goryeo and the Turkic Khaganate is no false achievement. Advancing him to Hall of Literary Brilliance is what everyone expects. Moreover, he has made tremendous contributions in Shandong. Who would resent him bing Vice Minister of Personnel? As for his being young, my dear ministers, have you forgotten that when thete Emperor was alive, my brother Prince Cheng took charge of the Ministry in his early twenties? What is wrong with that?" The Emperor''s eyes shed, and his words struck like heavy hammers, resounding in the hearts of all.


    Prince Cheng was a divine scion, a son and grandson of Emperors, who had taken over the Ministry of Personnel at a little over twenty years old. No one dared to utter a word of dissent. But now, the Emperor was equating Lin San, who was presently in servitude to the Xiao family as a mere household servant, with Prince Cheng. What did this all mean? Don''t forget, Lin San had no qualifications to bepared with Prince Cheng.


    "Master Xu, what does this Vice Minister of Personnel do?" Seeing that Ye Shuqing''s face had turned pale, looking as though he was at death''s door, Lin Wanrong pulled Xu Wei aside and asked quietly.


    "The Ministry of Personnel is in charge of the examination, promotion, and transfer of all officials in the country. It is a critical part of the imperial court. The Vice Minister assists the Minister, holding a high rank with even greater authority. The former Vice Minister, Tong Yuan, has retired, so although you are a deputy, you will actually be holding a principal position. Little brother Lin, you have ascended to the heavens in a single step," Xu Wei said with a gentle smile.


    So this was equivalent to being the Deputy Director of Human Resources, a position of real power! Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but think: ¡®The Emperor has bestowed such a great gift upon me, should I ept it or not?¡¯


    "A mere Vice Minister of Personnel, why has it made this Mr. Ye look as if he''s lost his own mother? His face has even changed color," Lin Wanrong replied.


    ¡®Little brother Lin stillcks understanding of the bureaucratic world,¡¯ Xu Wei thought, holding back hisughter. He said, "Little brother Lin, although there is a three-grade difference between you and Mr. Ye, in reality, you are only one level apart. And since you were personally promoted by the Emperor, whose grace is as boundless as the sky, who knows when he might rece Mr. Ye with you? How could Mr. Ye not consider his own position? Even more importantly, the Ministry of Personnel has always been held by Prince Cheng''s confidants. Now the Emperor has forcibly inserted you. Just think, how would you feel if someone drove a nail right into the center of your heart?"


    Cold sweat! So there were so many underlying factors. The Emperor wanted Lin San to be a pawn in his battle against Prince Cheng. Could Lin San really be so foolish?


    Before Ye Shuqing could say anything further, the Emperor''s expression changed, and he snorted, "My mind is made up, Minister Ye, say no more. Come, draft the decree¡ª"


    "Wait, wait a moment." Lin Wanrong cheerfully stepped forward, bowing his fist, "Your Majesty, thank you for your profound favor. But I too think that Mr. Ye makes sense. I am merely a lowly servant in the Xiao family, utterly ignorant of state affairs and politics. Your Majesty''s esteem for me truly makes me ashamed. I have been living well and happily with the Xiao family. Please, Your Majesty, allow me to return to the Xiao household and continue to be a content little servant. I will be perfectly satisfied."


    Xu Wei''s eyes nearly rolled back into his head. Had this boy''s wits been addled by the duel of intellects, abandoning the post of Vice Minister of Personnel within his grasp to return to the Xiao family as a mere servant? What enchanting potion had the Eldest Miss of the Xiao family given him?


    "Lord Lin''s noble character is like that of a great general; the Emperor''s discerning eye recognizes the gold within. This servant admires it greatly," Prince Cheng, his eyes gleaming, suddenly interjected.


    The Emperor nced at Prince Cheng, a trace of a smile ying at the corner of his mouth. "What Prince Cheng says is not wrong; Lin San is indeed extraordinary. Since he wishes to remain with the Xiao family, then he shall continue to do so. However, possessing such talent and not using it for the nation would be a grave mistake, a waste, to put it bluntly. Lin San, you may return to the Xiao family, but you must also handle the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel. Since you hold such a light regard for fame and fortune, there''s no need for you to enter the Hall of Literary Brilliance. Lin San, heed my decree¡ª"


    "Your Majesty, your humble subject is listening!" Lin Wanrong hastily responded, bowing his fist.


    "You have achieved great military sess and brought glory to the nation; I hereby promote you to Vice Minister of Personnel and bestow upon you a residence. Considering you have duties to attend to in the Xiao family, I specially permit you to be excused from attending morning court," the Emperor said, suppressing a smile.


    The officials were taken aback, their hearts filled with apprehension. What duties could Lin San, a mere household servant in the Xiao family, possibly have that couldpare to affairs of state? The Emperor''s treatment of him was filled with deep affection and loyalty.


    A position as Vice Minister of Personnel was of little interest to Lin Wanrong; it was the bestowed residence that was truly advantageous.


    "Furthermore, to facilitate your future actions, I will bestow upon you a few more characters," the Emperor said, smiling at Lin San, as Gao Ping quickly brought forward the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.


    ¡®Bestowing characters? How trivial! Gold would be more proper,¡¯ thought Lin San, the newly appointed Vice Minister, somewhat na?vely. A character bestowed by the Emperor was a grace beyond measure, worth more than ten thousand taels of gold. With the Emperor''s inscription, what riches could not be obtained?


    Seeing Lin San''s nonchnt attitude, Xu Wei couldn''t help but pull him aside, whispering, "Little brother Lin, the Emperor is truly sparing no effort for you, even outdoing the Top Schr Su."


    ¡®Nonsense! Before, I might not have known, but now I understand. Xian''er is my wife, and also the Emperor''s daughter. My rtionship with him is that of a genuine son-inw and father-inw. If he''s not good to me, would he rather be good to that pretty boy Su Mubai?¡¯


    Silence filled the grand hall. The Eunuch Gao prepared the paper, and the Emperor dipped his golden brush into the cinnabar ink. After a moment of contemtion, the brush flew across the paper, leaving behind a splendid inscription.


    "Lin San, though you are but a humble household servant, you must not belittle yourself because of your status. Remember, the founder Emperor of the Great Hua Dynasty, in former years, was also a cowherd. Yet, he became a heroic figure praised by all for his talents and strategies," the Emperor said, looking gravely at Lin San.


    ¡®Of all you''ve said, this sentence sounds the best.¡¯ Lin Wanrong sincerely replied, "Your Majesty, thank you."


    With a wave of the Emperor''s hand, Eunuch Gao gently folded the imperial edict with the Emperor''s personal cinnabar inscription and handed it to Lin Wanrong. Lord Lin took it with both hands, and the Emperor looked at him, smiling, "Hang these characters on the gate of your residence, and from now on, I dare assure you, no one will dare to bully the Xiao family again, nor will anyone dare to bully you."


    Was he bragging? What was so powerful about a few characters? Lin Wanrong took the jade te with both hands, calcting inwardly.


    "Little brother Lin, little brother Lin." Xu Wei caught hold of him, kindly reminding, "Upon receiving the Emperor''s inscription, you must open it on the spot to share with others, as a way to express gratitude for the Emperor''s vast grace."


    Rules were indeed plentiful. Lin Wanrong quickly held the Emperor''s calligraphy in his hands, unfolded the scroll, and swept it lightly with his eyes. Suddenly, his eyes shed with golden light, his mouth gaping open, unable to close, as he was struck dumb.


    The Emperor smiled in silence, deeply satisfied with the effect that had so astonished this fearless and audacious fellow. Seeing Lord Lin''s reaction, Xu Wei hurriedly rushed over with Gao Ping, each taking an end to help Lin San slowly unfold the calligraphy.


    Everyone looked up and, with just one nce, was stunned along with Lin San!


    There on the paper, shimmering with golden light, were five characters written in the style of dragons flying and phoenixes dancing¡ª "The First Talent Under Heaven!"


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 339

    Chapter 339


    Chapter 339 Three Invitations


    "The First Talent Under Heaven?" Not only were the masses dumbstruck, even Xu Wei, who had seen much and known many, was stunned. No wonder the Emperor had dered that from now on, no one would dare bully the Xiao family or Lin San. With the four characters ¡°First Talent Under Heaven,¡± personally written by the Emperor and hung at the gate, even civil officials had to dismount their sedan chairs and military generals their horses. Who would dare to cken? Bully Lin San? Ridiculous! If Lord Lin did not bully others, then one might as well recite prayers to Buddha.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty!" Lin Wanrong quickly smiled and bowed. This was a great honor, not to be dismissed lightly. His father-inw was really considerate; if he needed help in the future, he might be able to lend a hand.


    All the officials in the hall were astute men. In just a few days, this unknown and unheard-of Lord Lin, who had seemingly emerged out of nowhere, had reced the new Top Schr Su Mubai, bing the Emperor''s new favorite. From a nameless pawn to "The First Talent Under Heaven," his rise was unprecedentedly swift. Being crafty themselves, everyone quickly paid their respects and ttered him, showering him with endlesspliments, praising him as unmatched and rare in thend.


    The Turkic national teacher, Lu Dongzan, slowly walked up to Lin Wanrong: "Lord Lin''s talent, Lu Dongzan greatly admires. If one day we meet on the battlefield, even if Lu Dongzan dies, he will have no regrets."


    "Easy, easy now, Brother Lu," Lin Wanrongughed. "As long as you Turks do not disturb the people of our Great Hua, I assure you that you will live to a ripe old age."


    Lu Dongzan gave Lin Wanrong a big thumbs-up, and the two smiled together, though their thoughts were quite different.


    ¡ª---


    "Ha ha ha ha¡ª" After leaving the court, sitting in the carriage and looking at the five golden, gleaming characters "The First Talent Under Heaven," Lord Lin grinned andughed triumphantly, his upstart demeanor on full disy.Xu Wei sat beside him, amused by his appearance. Suddenly, he remembered something and couldn''t help but sigh: "Little brother Lin, today''s events could have been perfect. If you had answered Princess Nishang''s final question correctly, you could have be the Prince Consort of Great Hua. It''s just¡ªs, you werecking some luck!"


    ¡®Whatck of luck? I''d say I''m too lucky, meeting Xian''er out of nowhere, marrying her, and then finding out she is a princess of noble status. Although she seems angry now, with her temperament, she''ll change her mind in a few days. This time, I''ve truly struck it big.¡¯


    "Mr. Xu, there''s something I don''t understand. Please enlighten me!" Lin Wanrong carefully stored the Emperor''s gift and frowned: "How many princesses does our current Emperor have?"


    Xu Wei nodded: "That''s a good question, Little brother. Originally, there were two princesses, but now there are three."


    "What do you mean two became three? Mr. Xu, don''t beat around the bush; tell me quickly." Lin Wanrong, concerned about Xian''er''s identity, asked eagerly.


    Xu Wei sighed: "Little brother, what you don''t know is that the Emperor had originally bestowed titles upon two princesses. The elder princess is called Princess Xinxia, the Emperor''s first daughter. After the Emperor ascended the throne years ago, in response to the rebellion of the Yi tribe in Yunnan, he married her off to the eldest son of the Yunnan Duke to stabilize the border. Princess Xinxia has lived in a remote area ever since. Now nearly forty, shest visited the capital to see her family five years ago."


    This Princess Xinxia was Xian''er''s elder sister. She was older and certainly wouldn''t be Qingxuan. Lin Wanrong was anxious and said, "What about the second princess who was granted a title? Could it be Xian''er¡ªah, I mean, Princess Nishang?"


    Xu Wei smiled and shook his head, "No, no, the second princess is named Chuyun."


    "Princess Chuyun?" Lin Wanrong eximed, a mix of joy and concern, "Not Princess Nishang?"


    Xu Wei nodded, "As to the Emperor''s sons and daughters, it''s a long andplicated tale. After Princess Xinxia, the Emperor had two princes. The first was born of the Empress, but tragically died at the age of ten when he fell from a horse and broke his neck."


    "Broke his neck falling from a horse?" Lin Wanrong was shocked at this strange reason, especially for the Emperor''s eldest son. Xu Wei seemed to see through his thoughts and shook his head, "The affairs of the royal family are best left unclear. If thete Emperor said he died from falling from a horse, then that''s what happened."


    "I see. From what you''re saying, the Emperor had a second son?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    "The second son''s story is even more regrettable," Xu Wei sighed. "Just before thete Emperor''s passing, the Emperor attended him personally. His filial piety and righteousness were admired by all, but someone sent an assassin. The second prince died under the assassin''s de while protecting the Emperor. The Emperor, then nearing forty, was devastated. He fainted right there by thete Emperor''s bedside."


    The fact that both of the Emperor''s sons died unexpectedly was indeed shocking. Xu Wei cleared his throat and continued, "Later, during the session at thete Emperor''s deathbed, the Emperor took the throne but only had three princesses left. Princess Chuyun was fourth in the line of siblings, the Empress''s own child, and iparably noble. She was more than twenty years younger than Princess Xinxia. At the time of her birth, the Emperor''s foundation was not yet stable, and with the help of a remarkable person, he sent Princess Chuyun to be this person''s disciple. Twenty years have passed, and this old man has only seen her once, at the age of six when she was granted the title of Chuyun."


    Was Princess Chuyun Qingxuan? Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. What about Xian''er, then? How had she be Princess Nishang? Had the old Emperor adopted her as a false daughter to deceive Goryeo and the Turks?


    "Princess Nishang is the Emperor''s youngest daughter," Xu Wei sighed softly. "In those years in the pce, the Emperor''s favorites were Princess Chuyun and Princess Nishang. When Chuyun was granted her title, the Emperor jokingly said he nned to name his youngest daughter Nishang. Unfortunately, before Princess Nishang was granted her title, things changed. Her birth mother, Concubine Qin, died protecting the Emperor, and Princess Nishang''s whereabouts became unknown. A few days ago, when the Emperor mentioned Princess Nishang''s return, this old man was incredulous, but it turned out to be true."


    Concubine Qin? Qin Xian''er! Lin Wanrong suddenly understood, pping his hands together. Xian''er was the Emperor''s biological daughter; her mother''s surname was Qin, so she was called Qin Xian''er. This girl had tricked him so cruelly; he would have to spank her when he got home.


    "Little brother, do you understand now?" Xu Wei asked with a smile.


    "I understand, I understand!" Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Thank you, Mr. Xu, for your guidance. Once I move into my new house in a few days, I''ll invite you over for tea, and maybe collect some red envelopes!"


    Xu Weiughed loudly, ncing at him and saying, "Little brother Lin, you are no longer an ordinary person, so don''t mention anything about receiving red envelopes. If outsiders were to hear about it, I fear those bringing you gift money would crowd your doorstep."


    Xu Wei''s words were not an exaggeration. Lin Wanrong had be a highly favored figure in front of the Emperor, and there were many who wanted to curry favor with him. It wasn''t just about red envelopes; even if he wanted a mountain of gold, there would surely be someone willing to deliver it to him.


    "There''s one more thing." Xu Wei looked at him and smiled, "Little brother Lin, have you had a falling out with Miss Xiao of your family?"


    "A falling out? Not at all!" Lin Wanrong said in surprise. "I was whipped at the training ground a few days ago, and she graciously applied medicine for me. How could there be any discord?"


    "That''s good to hear. These past two days, Miss Xiao has been inseparable from my girl Zhiqing. I saw her looking worried and thought you might have some grievances with her!"


    Miss Xiao inseparable from Xu Zhiqing? Lin Wanrong had been out since early yesterday morning and had spent the night in the pce. Adding it up, he hadn''t seen Miss Xiao for over two days, and he did indeed miss her somewhat.


    After bidding farewell to Xu Wei at the door, Lin San entered the shop and saw Sister Song busily working, with the maid Huan¡¯er also helping. Seeing him return, she joyfully eximed, "Brother San, you''re back just in time! Come and help us!"


    "Help with what?" Lin Wanrongughed. "Where''s Miss Xiao? Why don''t I see her?"


    "A new shipment of perfume is arriving from Jinling today. We''re keeping the news under wraps for now. If thedies knew about it, they would tear our shop apart. Brother San, you don''t know, but our perfume is selling like crazy. Ten bottles were just put on the shelves yesterday, and in no time, hundreds of people were lined up outside. Once the ten bottles were sold, the rest became unruly, causing a fuss all day. It wasn''t until Sister Song promised to notify them as soon as the shipment arrived that they finally dispersed." Huan¡¯er said cheerfully.


    Lin Wanrong, no longer surprised by such events, yfully patted the young maid''s head and said, "I wasn''t asking about the perfume. I was asking about Miss Xiao. Why don''t I see her?"


    "Miss Xiao? She said she went out painting with Miss Xu and, just like you, didn''te back allst night," Huan answered sheepishly.


    Painting? The two girls seemed to be living a life of leisure. Lin Wanrong wondered when Miss Xiao had be so rxed, even able to put aside the shop''s business.


    "Oh, right, Brother San, someone brought an invitation for you earlier, inviting you to a banquet at their residence!" Huan¡¯er suddenly eximed in a delicate voice.


    "An invitation? For a banquet?" Lin Wanrong asked in surprise. "Who sent it? What banquet?"


    Huan¡¯er shook her head, "I don''t know. The servant was dressed very elegantly but was very polite to me. He left the invitation and left, insisting that his master was asking you to honor them with your presence."


    Lin Wanrong took the invitation card in his hands and noticed the exquisite golden thread bordering the edges of the beautifully packaged card. Opening it, he saw a line of small golden characters that read: "Tomorrow at dusk, a banquet will be held at Prince''s Mansion. Sincerely inviting the Vice Minister of Personnel, Mr. Lin San. Respectfully from Prince Zhao Mingcheng!"


    A banquet hosted by Prince Cheng? After the unpleasant incident at the Grand Prime Minister Temple, what could he want with him? Having just been promoted, his invitation arrived so quickly. The deceit and hypocrisy in officialdom were far less satisfying than when he was a servant in the Xiao family. Lin Wanrong casually tossed the invitation aside,ughing, "I''ll go rest for a while. If the Eldest Misses back, Huan''er, call me!"


    Huan''er nodded in agreement, and as Lin Wanrong was about to step into his room, he suddenly heard a stiff voice speaking in Great Huanguage from outside, "May I ask if Lord Lin San, Master Lin, lives here?"


    Lin Wanrong lifted his head, only to see a high-nosed, deep-eyed Turk standing at the door, asking a question. Judging by his appearance, he seemed to be one of Ashile''s subordinates.


    "Yes, yes, that''s me. May I ask who you are?" Lin Wanrong walked forward, examining the man.


    "I am here on the orders of Lord Ashile to deliver two of the finest Blood-Sweat Treasure Horses to Lord Lin. Please ept them," the Turk bowed and said.


    Lin Wanrong eximed in delight, havingpletely forgotten about this matter. Ashile had bribed him with two Blood-Sweat Treasure Horses, but it was exposed by Seo Jang Geum before the Emperor, who simply awarded the jewels and horses to him. Now, this Turk was here specifically to deliver the treasure horses.


    Having lived so long, he had only heard of the name Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse, never having seen one with his own eyes. Lin Wanrong eagerly grabbed the Turk, saying, "Where are the horses? Quickly, take me to see them!"


    Stepping outside, he saw two tall and magnificent horses standing in front of the hall, their whole bodies a soft, brownish-yellow like satin, without a single impurity. The mane between their backs faintly gleamed gold in the sunlight, truly eye-catching. Both Blood-Sweat Treasure Horses had a ring of white mane around their hooves, utterly charming.


    "My Lord, these are the most divine and spirited Blood-Sweat Treasure Horses of my Turkic people. When they run fiercely, beads of sweat as bright as blood cover their bodies, hence they are named Blood-Sweat Treasure Horses. These two, which are presented to you, are the kings among treasure horses. My Lord, please observe; their hooves are like jade, as if trotting on white snow, as ifing from the heavens. In our Turk, these horses are hailed as heavenly horses," the Turkic envoy introduced slowly.


    Lin Wanrong was delighted in his heart but couldn''t show it on his face. He nodded slightly, saying, "Indeed, the fame of the Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse is well-deserved. It can even bepared to our Great Hua''s Dian Horse." [TL: The Yunnan horse breed, also known as the Dian Horse, is a small and sturdy type native to the Yunnan region.]


    The envoy disdainfully curled his lip, thinking how could the ugly, thin, and small Dian Horse bepared to the Turkic treasure horse? This Lord Lin truly had no eye for quality.


    "Thank you, envoy," Lin Wanrong smiled, taking the reins. Huan''er on the side looked at therge horses with a mixture of joy and fear, but heard her Brother San say, "Huan''er, take these two beasts out for a walk, and see if they can be used for plowing or milling."


    The Turkic envoy''s nose was nearly crooked with anger, but Lin Wanrongughed heartily, saying, "If these treasure horses can''t do work, then we''ll leave one for the Eldest Miss to ride. Ah, beasts that can''t work can only be ridden by people. Hey, Mr. Envoy, why are you still here?"


    The Turkic envoy forcefully suppressed his anger, pulling an invitation from his breast, and handed it to Lin Wanrong, saying, "Sir, this is an invitation from Master Ashile. He invites you to attend a bonfire banquet outside the city tomorrow evening!"


    ¡®A bonfire banquet? Ashile is quite romantic, isn''t he? He wouldn''t be using this opportunity to send me two Turkic beauties, would he?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, about to casually ept the invitation, when he suddenly recalled Prince Cheng''s invitation from earlier. Wasn''t that also an invitation to dine at his mansion tomorrow evening?


    Seeing that Lin Wanrong had taken the invitation, the Turkic envoy assumed he had epted and hastily bowed and left. The longer he stayed here, witnessing Lin Wanrong''s insult to the treasured horses, the more he felt the urge to punch him.


    Lin Wanrong was still deep in thought when Huan''er came over joyfully, saying, "Big brother, Big brother, are you really an official now?"


    "Just a minor official, fooling around," Lin Wanrongughed.


    "Not at all." Huan''er pouted, "Big brother, you''re fooling me again. That man who just came, with the high nose and sunken eyes, isn''t he a barbarian from beyond the frontier?"


    "Huan''er, you''re indeed wise and knowledgeable!" Lin Wanrong nodded and teased, "Those are the Turkic people, oh, the ones who have fought many wars with our Great Hua."


    "Big brother, even the barbarians are so obsequious and ttering to you, and you still say you''re a minor official? You only deceive us," Huan''erined.


    Seeing the young girl''s eyes turning red, Lin Wanrong could onlyugh and say, "Alright then, it''s a big position, a sky-high position, happy now?"


    Huan''er broke into a smile and nodded vigorously, "I knew it, Big brother is the most capable person in the world." Suddenly, her expression dimmed again, "Big brother, now that you''re a high official, will you leave us?"


    "What, is Huan''er worried that Big brother won''t recognize you in the future?" Lin Wanrong joked, "Don''t worry, when I need a maid in my room, I''ll definitely call for you."


    Huan''er''s face turned red, and she quickly shook her head, "Big brother, I''m not worried about myself, I''m worried about¡ª"


    "Worried about what?" Lin Wanrong wondered.


    Huan''er lowered her head and sighed, "What I''m worried about is the Eldest Miss. Big brother, even though she has never spoken of it, we can all see that she really likes you. It''s just that her character is stubborn and she doesn''t like to express herself. Big brother, I beg you, please don''t let her down¡ª"


    As Huan''er spoke, her eyes reddened, and tears were about to fall. Lin Wanrong smiled helplessly, "All I''ve be is a minor official. Why make it seem like I''m some betrayer? Don''t forget, the Emperor himself titled me ''The First Servant Under Heaven.'' My position as a servant is well-earned and legitimate." [TL: If the character for Talent in ¡®The First Talent Under Heaven¡¯ paired up with the character for House, then it became ¡®The First Servant Under Heaven.¡¯]


    Just as he was about to speak, a woman''s voice came from outside: "Excuse me for the intrusion. May I ask if Master Lin resides here?"


    The voice sounded familiar. Huan''er nced outside and saw a woman in pce attire standing at the gate, her eyes dark as pitch, skin as if washed with milk, pink cheeks, and a sweet smile as she was bowing to her. The woman''s calm and serene demeanor was such that no amount of anger could erupt against her.


    "Big brother, someone''s looking for you," said Huan''er, clearly irritated. Having just pleaded for the Eldest Miss, now a beautiful, exotic woman hade to call, and she couldn''t help but huff.


    "Lady Jang Geum, what brings you here? Pleasee in and sit!" Lin Wanrong smiled as he walked over.


    Seo Jang Geum''s face lit up, and she bowed deeply, "Master Lin, so you really do live here. I thought I had the wrong ce."


    "No mistake, no mistake, this is indeed my home. Pleasee in and sit." Master Lin chuckled, then turned and called out, "Huan''er, prepare some tea!"


    "Big brother, I''m sorry, but the tea leaves ran out yesterday," said Huan''er, her big eyes warily watching the pcedy. Big brother was a sess now and not like before; any woman who came looking for him was an enemy of the Eldest Miss.


    Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile. The thoughts of the young girl were truly hard to deal with.


    Seo Jang Geum took an invitation from her person and shook her head with a smile, "Master Lin, there''s no need. I came especially to deliver this invitation to you. Tomorrow evening, Prince Yi Seung-Jae will host a banquet on the Mirror Lake pleasure boat. We would be honored by your presence!"


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 340

    Chapter 340


    Chapter 340 A Visitor from Jinling


    Lin Wanrong, now the Emperor''s top favorite, was not surprised to receive invitations from three factions at once. What truly troubled him was deciding which banquet to attend the next day.


    Having sent Seo Jang Geum away, Huan''er grabbed him and said, "Brother San, who is that pretty Eldest Miss you know? Does the Eldest Miss know about her? She seems rather special to you, the way I see it."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "You needn''t worry. Seo Jang Geum and I have no personal attachment. She is a pcedy from the Goryeo royal family, here apanying the Goryeo prince on a marriage proposal to the Great Hua."


    "I don''t believe it!" Huan''er muttered, "Miss Seo may look modest, but the joy in her eyes when she saw you, and the way she looked at you, was not like others. I must report this to the Eldest Miss."


    Encountering such a diligent and responsible maid, Lin Wanrong could only smile. He ced the three invitations side by side and began to ponder. Prince Cheng was a noble of heaven, rted to the Emperor; logically, he should attend his banquet. But Lin Wanrong had fought openly and secretly with him several times. His sudden invitation likely concealed ill intentions.


    The Goryeo people were much more straightforward. Their marriage proposal had failed, and now under others'' coercion, they needed to be on good terms with Great Hua. Gaining favor with Minister Lin would be a brilliant move, especially with the presence of Seo Jang Geum, who was not a small temptation.


    The Turkic people''s bonfire banquet was an interesting idea, quite unique. But Lin Wanrong was no easy mark. He knew very well what these high-nosed foreigners were up to. With war between the two nations imminent, they desperately needed useful information from Lord Lin, the Emperor''s close minister.


    "Why aren''t the lights lit? It''s nighttime," a gentle voice rang in his ears, tinged with a touch of joy.Lin Wanrong looked up and saw the Eldest Miss in a long purple gown, standing beside him like a blooming purple lily. Her slender figure, her voluptuous chest and hips, were like a faint fragrance in the dark night, prating his heart and soul. Though only two days had passed, it felt like years. He was entranced by her, soft and delicate as jade.


    Noticing his fixed stare, Xiao Yuruo''s charming face, a mixture of joy and annoyance, flushed with a thin red, radiating an extraordinary beauty in the evening dusk.


    "What''s the matter? Haven''t you seen me before?" The Eldest Miss lowered her head and softly said, her flushed face as enchanting as the mist stirred by a March spring rain.


    "Indeed, I have not," Lin Wanrong teased with augh, "I have never seen you so gentle and charming. Eldest Miss, if you speak to me like this every day, I''d willingly go to the temples in the capital and thank all the Bodhisattvas."


    "Silly talk!" Xiao Yuruo said, lightly striking the flint to light the oilmp. The room was instantly filled with soft yellow light, very cozy.


    Lin Wanrong noticed a painting easel on her back, her face radiant with a faint smile, and he asked in surprise, "Eldest Miss, you didn''t really go out painting, did you?"


    "Why not?" she replied, smiling as she took off the painting case. "You''re allowed to wander about outside, and I''m not permitted to paint?"


    Something was amiss. Upon seeing Miss Xiao''s demeanor, gentle as water, Lin Wanrong was both pleasantly surprised and imbued with a sense of unreality. The Miss Xiao of the past was like a tigress, and he had be ustomed to her daily scoldings by his side. Suddenly, she had transformed into a little oriole; this feeling was strange. What magic had Xu Zhiqing worked upon her?


    "Eldest Miss, are you alright?" Lin Wanrong carefully asked, "Did something disturb you outside?"


    "You''re the one who was disturbed!" Miss Xiao hummed, her beautiful eyes ncing at him. She softly said, "I''ve changed like this; don''t you like it?"


    "Like¡ªlike¡ªlike it!" Master Lin stammered. This was suspicious; Miss Xiao had either taken the wrong medicine today or been brainwashed!


    "Foolish look!" Xiao Yuruo''s face turned a slight red, and she lowered her head, softly saying, "You''re truly born to be reckless, Lin San. Is it not good for me to be this way? Do you wish me to scold you as I did before?"


    Miss Xiao was right; he really was a lowly man. When she was a tigress, he longed for her to be gentle, and now that she was gentle and charming, he missed the old tigress!


    "Why don''t you speak?" Seeing Lin San''s face astonished and speechless, Miss Xiao couldn''t help but stamp her small foot, her face turning red with embarrassment as she hurriedly said. In that state, she looked nothing like themanding woman of the marketce but resembled a coquettish fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl¡ªfresh and tender!


    "Say, say, say what?" Master Lin felt his brain wasn''t catching up. On the martial field, he could easily maneuver against Goryeo and the Turks, but back home, facing this rejuvenated Miss Xiao, he suddenly felt his mind was not enough. The past image of Miss Xiao, tough and resolute, was deeply ingrained in his heart. Suddenly seeing a gentle and loving Xiao Yuruo made it hard for him to adapt.


    "Say¡ª" Miss Xiao''s face was as red as autumn maple; she lowered her head, her voice as faint as a mosquito''s, "Say, do you like me as I was before or as I am now?"


    "Both!" Master Lin answered without hesitation; this question was too simple. Any intelligent man would know how to respond!


    "No!!" Miss Xiao looked up at him and snorted, "You dead man, always trying to deceive people. I won''t let you get away with it. Which one do you really like?"


    Sweat! After just a couple of sentences, she had already revealed her true nature. Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "The way you were before suits the way I was before, and the way you are now suits the way I am now. That''s enough for me; I''m not picky, and my demands are very low."


    Miss Xiao frowned slightly, chewing over his words. She thought for a long time but still did not understand which way he preferred. During her moment of distraction, the drawing case fell on the table, revealing the corner of a scroll. Lin Wanrongughed, "Miss Xiao, what paintings did you make today? May I see them?"


    Xiao Yuruo was deep in thought and subconsciously answered "Yes." She then realized her mistake and quickly protested, "No¡ª"


    But Master Lin didn''t give her a chance to change her mind; he had already unrolled the scroll with a swish. The scroll rolled open, revealing a continuous series of paintings, containing four images.


    In the first painting, a young man with a mischievous smile on his face was shown holding a small ant, guiding it through a jade hole, a fine silk thread tied to the ant''s hind legs. In the second, several robust, high-nosed foreign men were depicted, sweat pouring down as they sawed wood, while another man stood at ease, directing soldiers to push logs into the water, one end sinking, the other floating, the distinction clear and immediate. The third painting depicted a hundred horses galloping, a mare and foal nestled together, a man standing in front of the horses, his eyes filled with joy yet tinged with mncholy. The fourth painting illustrated a princess''s pnquin returning to the pce, a man running beside it, his expression a mix of surprise, delight, and helplessness.


    These four paintings, though depicting the same person, captured various expressions and moods: joy or sorrow, cunning, wisdom, and arrogance, remarkably showcasing different personalities on the same face. The Eldest Miss''s artistic touch was delicate, rendering the individual''s expression with vivid detail, seemingly effortlessly, and with great intimacy.


    "Don''t look, don''t look!" The Eldest Miss eximed in a charming voice, hastily snatching back the scroll, rolling it up and hiding it behind her back.


    "I was wondering why you suddenly wanted to go out painting, Miss," Lin Wanrong chuckled slyly. "So, the interest was not in the wine but something else! You''ve done a great job with these paintings. Were they specifically made to be gifted to me?"


    "Gifted to you?" The Eldest Miss huffed. "These paintings are for Sister Zhiqing. You, who aspire to be a prince consort, where would you appreciate such crude scrolls?"


    This Eldest Miss has seen and remembered everything scene by scene, Lin Wanrong thought, ignoring her struggles, seizing her small hand, and whispering into her ear: "Whether I be a prince consort or not is secondary, but my daughter will definitely grow up on your milk¡ª"


    "You''re going to die¡ª" The Eldest Miss''s face turned red as a beet. "What grow up on my milk¡ª You scoundrel, you''ll be the death of me with shame!"


    Xiao Yuruo''s face was flushed, her head lowered, no longer daring to look up, the corners of her mouth adorned with a faint smile. Her bashful yet gentle manner was like a spring breeze in March, caressing one''s cheeks.


    Lin Wanrong''s heart itched at the sight, pulling her into his embrace, gently stroking her delicate waist, saying, "Miss, let me write a letter to Madam."


    "Mm, what letter?" the Eldest Miss whispered, enveloped in his arms, recalling his wicked demeanor, her heart filled with both shame and sweetness.


    "Just say, ''Miss has been deceived by me, pleasee to the capital to uphold justice.''"


    The Eldest Miss lifted her head from his embrace, giving him a reproving nce, retorting, "You dare to say that! If my mother learns of our affairs, she''ll surely skin you alive!"


    "Don''t worry, don''t worry, I''ve done my fair share of skinning!" Lin Wanrong chuckled with a sly grin.


    The Eldest Miss nced at him, speaking with a touch of sourness, "Indeed, you''ve even done it all the way in Goryeo. That Goryeo girl, Pce Lady Seo, with brows and eyes like paintings, skin as smooth as jade, bright eyes full of wisdom, gentle and agreeable, not only skilled in medicine but also knowledgeable in farming and all kinds of subjects¡ªwhen will you ''skin'' her?"


    "Miss, you must believe me, my rtionship with Pce Lady Seo is truly a pure friendship. Of course, if she covets my masculine charm, beyond maintaining my personal integrity, there''s nothing else I can do," Master Lin said with an earnest vow.


    The Eldest Miss, both angry and amused, gave his arm a hard twist, "You think I''ll just believe what you say? Qiaoqiao, Qin Xian''er, Luo Ning, didn''t each one start with ''pure friendship''? Detestable!"


    "s, since Miss detests my purity, I suppose I must be impure then," Master Lin chuckled, blowing softly into the Eldest Miss''s ear. Xiao Yuruo''s face instantly flushed, her heart pounding, and she nearly lost her bnce.


    Lin Wanrong, embracing her slender waist and about to continue his explorations, was interrupted by a joyful voice from outside, "Brother San, Miss, someone from Jinling has arrived!"


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 Chapter 341

    Chapter 341


    Chapter 341 The Madam Arrives


    "A person from Jinling?" Eldest Miss eximed joyously, quickly unbolting the door, and called out in a soft voice, "Who has arrived?"


    Huan''er shook her head, "This servant does not know. Someone from the manor has ridden here to report that the carriage has reached the northern gate, and it should be arriving at the manor soon."


    Having been away from Jinling for so long, this was the first time someone hade from there. A faint surprise arose in Lin Wanrong''s heart. Xiao Yuruo, unable to wait any longer, darted out, and the two arrived at the manor''s hall. A young servant, animated, walked up and said, "Greetings to Miss, greetings to Brother San."


    "You scoundrel, Si De, how did you sneak off to the capital?" Lin Wanrong shouted, grabbing him by the shoulder andughing.


    Si De''s eyes brimmed with tears, "Brother San, not only did Ie, but also¡ª"


    "The carriage is here, the carriage is here!" Standing at the entrance of the inn, Huan''er called out in her delicate voice, "Brother San, Miss,e out and see!"


    Lin Wanrong and Eldest Miss hurriedly drew back the curtain and stepped outside. Far off, two carriages approached slowly, creaking gently, their sound growing more distinct as they neared. On the curtain hanging from the front carriage, arge character "Xiao" was written. Both carriages had curtains drawn low; the rear one seemed heavily loaded, looking rather weighed down, while the front appeared lighter.


    As the carriages drew near, the coachman stabilized them with a sound, and the carriage fell silent. Then a little maidservant jumped down, opened the curtain, and a beautiful, mature figure stepped out. Dressed in a goose-yellow gown, her figure graceful, a faint smile on her jade-like cheeks, she looked at Eldest Miss and softly called, "Yuruo!""Mother!" Eldest Miss eximed, surprise followed by joy. Tears welled in her eyes, and she called out sweetly, plunging into her mother''s arms, her heart full of words she wanted to say, yet unable to speak, she whimpered and began to cry.


    "Silly girl!" The Madam''s eyes reddened as she tightly embraced her daughter, gently patting her shoulder. Mother and daughter embraced as one.


    So the Madam had arrived! Lin Wanrong could not believe his eyes. How had the Madame all this way? Had she not said she did not wish to enter the capital?


    As the Madam spoke softly with Eldest Miss, she nced at Lin San''s astonished face, and smiled faintly, "Lin San, are you surprised to see me arrive in the capital so quickly?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head andughed, "Not surprised, not surprised. Madam is always extraordinary and unexpected. If someone were to guess your move, now that would be surprising."


    Madam Xiao chuckled, "A month apart, and your mouth has grown even more clever, even daring to tease me. If I don''t surprise you, then I shall bring out someone who will indeed surprise you¡ª"


    Before her words were finished, another gentle and pretty face appeared from the carriage. Looking at Lin Wanrong, tears in her eyes, lips quivering, her delicate body trembling uncontrobly.


    "Big brother¡ª" The young woman softly called, tears covering her cheeks, as she leaped down from the carriage yoke and threw herself into Lin Wanrong''s arms.


    "Qiaoqiao?!" Lin Wanrong cried out in surprise, still trying to understand what was happening, as that familiar tender body had already thrown itself into his embrace. Qiaoqiao clung tightly to his waist, pressing her cheek to his chest, her tears flowing like a breached dam, her body shaking violently, crying as though she would faint.


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes reddened as he embraced Qiaoqiao''s frail body, feeling an indescribable emotion well up inside him, an intimacy that only Qiaoqiao and Qingxuan could stir within him. They were one, like vines intertwined with the tree''s roots. The Eldest Miss, Xian''er, and Luo Ning had yet to take that final step with him, falling short of that blood-tinged closeness, still needing some refinement.


    "Silly girl, stop crying, your big brother is here!" Lin Wanrong said, seeing that Qiaoqiao had already be a tear-streaked figure, her sobs soaking the front of his clothes. He wiped the corner of his eye and gently reassured her.


    Qiaoqiao clung tightly to him, unwilling to let go even for a moment, her tears falling like rain. "Big brother, is it really you? This isn''t a dream, is it? I''ve missed you so much, I thought I would die!"


    Lin Wanrong tightly embraced Qiaoqiao''s delicate waist, as though holding the most precious treasure, his voice breaking as he said, "Silly girl, it''s not a dream, it''s real! Big brother missed you too."


    "Big brother, big brother..." Qiaoqiao''s hot tears flowed as she murmured, clutching him as if wanting to meld into his very being.


    The Eldest Miss wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and looked at Qiaoqiao, who was sobbing in Lin Wanrong''s arms. She spoke softly, "Mother, sister Qiaoqiao, it''s cold outside, let''s go inside and talk!"


    "Yes, yes, let''s go inside. My little treasure Qiaoqiao, let your husband carry you in," he said, about to lift Qiaoqiao. Startled, she jumped back, her face blushing as she quickly nced at the Eldest Miss and Madam Xiao. Although she and big brother had performed the formal marriage rites, how could she let him carry her in front of others?


    Seeing Qiaoqiao''s dust-smeared hair and weary face, Lin Wanrong could imagine the hardships of her journey. The trip from Jinling to the capital was well over a thousand miles, and her devotion could not be hidden, even if the sky fell. His heart ached, and with a light shout, he disregarded her struggles, lifting her by the waist and heading straight to the hall.


    "Ah!" Qiaoqiao eximed, looking at her big brother''s determined face. A mixture of sorrow and sweetness welled up in her heart, and she softly called, "Big brother," unable to speak another word. She buried her face in his chest, letting her tears fall, all her hardships evaporating in that embrace.


    "That annoying man!" the Eldest Miss muttered, knowing that now was not the time to be jealous, but the sight of Lin Wanrong''s genuine affection for Qiaoqiao left a sour taste in her heart.


    "Yuruo, what did you say?" Madam Xiao asked, looking at her meaningfully.


    The Eldest Miss''s face flushed, and she quickly lowered her eyes, hurriedly saying, "Mother, the wind outside is strong; let''s go inside."


    Madam Xiao nced at Lin Wanrong, then at the Eldest Miss, and slowly shook her head with a sigh, making her way to the living room.


    Upon entering, maidservants quickly offered hot towels and steaming water. After washing, Huan''er served two cups of hot ginseng tea. The Eldest Miss personally handed one to her mother, then offered the other to Qiaoqiao, "Sister, you must have suffered from the wind and cold on your journey. Drink this to warm yourself."


    Qiaoqiao hastily epted the cup with both hands, thanked the Eldest Miss, and warmed the ginseng tea in her little hands for a moment. Just as she was about to bring it to her lips, she noticed her elder brother beside her smiling warmly at her. She set the tea down and handed it to Lin Wanrong, saying, "Big Brother, you drink it first!"


    ¡®This girl, she''s going to melt my heart,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong, feeling a sour yet tender emotion he couldn''t quite describe. Of all the women he knew and teased¡ªbe it the noble and pure Qingxuan, the cunning Xian''er, the lively Luo Ning, or the strong-willed Yuruo¡ªeach one had distinct personality and convictions. Among them, Qiaoqiao''s radiance was the least conspicuous, yet it was this adorable Qiaoqiao who thought of him all the time, treating him as her everything.


    Lin Wanrong held her small cup-bearing hands and said, "Little darling, big brother is not cold. You''ve traveled such a long distance, so you must drink quickly to warm yourself."


    Qiaoqiao shook her head, saying, "Big brother, I''m not cold either. On the road, just thinking about seeing you soon warmed my heart."


    Madam Xiao, from across the room, chimed in, "Oh, this girl Qiaoqiao! On the journey, she asked about our progress every hour. In the past half month, if she hasn''t asked a thousand times, it must be at least eight hundred."


    Qiaoqiao bashfully lowered her head, saying, "I''ve never traveled far from home before, and I didn''t know where the capital was. If I didn''t ask every day, I felt uneasy, afraid that if I took a wrong turn, I wouldn''t see big brother. Big brother, am I very silly?"


    Emotion welled up in Lin Wanrong, and he grasped her hand, saying, "You''re not silly; you are the cleverest woman in the world. No one canpare to you. Now drink your tea quickly, or it will cool down."


    Qiaoqiao firmly shook her head, speaking shyly, "Big brother, you are the head of the household; you should drink the tea first, or I won''t feel right."


    The Eldest Miss gazed at Qiaoqiao and sighed softly. No wonder he loved Qiaoqiao so dearly. Though she was from a poor family, her sincerity was as clear as crystal. How many in the world could achieve that?


    ¡®Enough, enough, I owe this girl in this lifetime,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, taking the ginseng tea and lightly touching it to his lips. Only then did Qiaoqiao''s brow blossom into a smile, and she joyfully drained her cup. Her charming and adorable manner caused both the Eldest Miss and Madam Xiao, women themselves, to praise her silently in their hearts.


    "Qiaoqiao, how did you end uping to the capital with Madam?" Lin Wanrong asked, once everyone had settled down from the initial excitement of the unexpected reunion.


    Qiaoqiao snuggled beside him, her face flushed with gentle happiness, and softly began, "Big brother, after you left, on the eighth day of the first lunar month, our branch of Food for Immortals in the Confucius Temple opened. Now everything is on track, and our Food for Immortals restaurant is thergest in all Jinling. Besides Father, Qingshan and Beidou havee back to help, and I''ve specifically hired several ountants. Everything is running smoothly. But without big brother there, I felt ufortable. Just then, Madam Xiao sent word that she needed someone to apany her to the capital¡ª"


    Madam Xiaoughed and interrupted, saying, "You silly girl, it was you who came to me with the proposal; how has it be that I sought you out?"


    "Madam, didn''t you promise not to tell?" Qiaoqiao''s face turned red, and she protested anxiously. Seeing her elder brother smiling at her, she gently lowered her head, daring not to speak further.


    "Silly child," Madam Xiao sighed softly, "wanting to see him is nothing to be ashamed of, so why can''t it be spoken of? Are you still afraid he will scold you? If Lin San dares to bully you, I''ll be the first to not let him off!"


    Lin Wanrong grasped Qiaoqiao''s small hand, smiling faintly. The little girl softly acknowledged with a sound, and her heart was immediately filled with joy. Suddenly remembering something, she said, "Big brother, someone asked me to bring a letter to you."


    "A letter? What letter?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    Qiaoqiao smiled mysteriously, taking an envelope from her pocket and handing it to him.


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 Chapter 342

    Chapter 342


    Chapter 342 The Sound of ughtering a Pig


    "A letter? Who sent this letter?" Lin Wanrong asked in puzzlement, gently tearing open the envelope. A faint, delicate fragrance filled his nostrils, and inside the envelopey a pair of red handkerchiefs and a wless white sheet of paper.


    He unfolded the paper, and several lines of graceful, small characters came into view: "A thread and a line grow white hair; half-shy, half-resentful washes the years away. Last winter I asked the south-flying geese, when shall I pick apricot blossoms with you?"


    This poem, written with ady''s longing, was gentle and affectionate, filled with a wistful mncholy and yearning. Unfolding the handkerchief, he saw embroidered with golden thread a pair of mandarin ducks, their appearance so vivid and lifelike.


    Lin Wanrong stared nkly for a moment, finally smiling and shaking his head. Qiaoqiao softly asked, "Big brother, do you know who sent you this letter?"


    Lin Wanrong said with a smile, "Qiaoqiao, when did you go to see Luo Ning?"


    Qiaoqiao, startled, her face full of smiles, replied, "Big brother, how did you know I went to see Luo Ning?"


    Lin Wanrong pinched her little nose, "Silly girl, from this poem alone I knew it was written by Luo Ning; no one else could capture this vor. Is Miss Luo doing well in Jining? How are Lord Luo and Luo Yuan? Last time when I was in a hurry on my way to the capital, I even bypassed Jining; it was truly regrettable."


    "Luo Ning is doing very well," Qiaoqiao said wistfully. "She''s just a bit lonely there. When Madam and I were traveling to the capital, we stopped in Jining for two days. You wouldn''t believe how happy Luo Ning was, chatting with me all day, afraid I''d fly away. She wanted toe to the capital as well, but Lord Luo said the situation wasplex and asked her to wait a while longer. She had no choice but to write this letter for me to give you, along with these mandarin ducks, which she embroidered herself. Big brother, Luo Ning has deep affection for you, you must not let her down!""Miss Luo''s affection for me is profound, but my Qiaoqiao''s love pierces my heart even more deeply. My darling, I won''t let you down either!" Lin Wanrong whispered in her ear. Qiaoqiao blushed, nodding softly, and tightly held her brother''s hand.


    In this residence in the capital, only Lin San and the Eldest Miss usually stayed, two frenemies who, amidst their affectionate teasing, also enjoyed quarreling. But they had been staying home less in recent days, making the ce feel less lively. The arrival of Madam Xiao and Qiaoqiao was like a burning fire, igniting the atmosphere in the house.


    After Madam and Qiaoqiao had eaten, considering their travel fatigue, the Eldest Miss urged them to rest. When Qiaoqiao and her big brother left the room, Madam closed the door and gazed silently at Xiao Yuruo, as if pondering something.


    "Mother, why are you looking at your daughter like that?" the Eldest Miss''s face reddened, and she lowered her head to say quietly.


    Madam Xiao took her daughter''s hand and had her sit beside her, gently saying, "Yuruo, your mother has a question to ask you."


    ¡®What does Mother want to ask?¡¯ The Eldest Miss''s heart jumped twice, and she shyly replied, "Mother, why be so formal with your daughter? Just speak what''s on your mind!"


    Madam stared at her, silent for a long while. The Eldest Miss looked up at her mother and then quickly lowered her head again.


    Madam Xiao sighed and said, "Yuruo, you and Lin San ¨C have you two be intimate? Have you developed a secret affection for him?"


    Xiao Yuruo''s heart thumped wildly, her face flushed as she stammered, "Mother, I, I..." She spoke a few words but didn''t know how to continue. Panic took hold, and she threw herself into Madam Xiao''s arms, sobbing.


    Looking at her daughter''s expression, Madam Xiao knew all too well what had transpired. Her heart filled with both sighs and anger. Was Lin San sent to ruin the women of the Xiao family? It was one thing for her naive second daughter to be deceived by him, but why had her usually rational eldest daughter been taken in as well?


    Madam Xiao stroked her eldest daughter''s beautiful hair,menting, "Sister Song wrote to me, mentioning something unusual between you and Lin San. That''s why I came to the capital this time. My child, how could you be so foolish? Lin San is known for having countless female confidantes; his expertise lies in taking advantage of women. It was one thing for Yushuang to follow him, but how did you fall into his trap as well?"


    The Eldest Miss Xiao, still embracing her mother''s waist, cried softly, "Mother, it''s toote for you to say anything now¡ª"


    "What?" Madam Xiao eximed, pulling her daughter away to stare at her, "Yuruo, you, you haven''tmitted any indiscretions with him, have you?"


    Miss Xiao''s face turned red. If her mother hadn''t arrived that night, she feared she might have given in to him.


    "Mother, where are you going with this?" Miss Xiao''s face was flushed with embarrassment. "How could I do something socking in propriety and shame?"


    "What do you mean it''s ''toote''?" Madam Xiao''s mood calmed slightly. She looked her daughter up and down, and with her discerning eye, could naturally tell that Eldest Miss Xiao remained chaste. Thankfully, Lin San seemed to have retained some conscience.


    "Mother, I don''t know how it happened, but since I met him, I feel an itch of hatred when I see him. Yet when he''s not around, I can''t help but think of him. It''s indeed toote for you to speak to me now; I should never have acknowledged him in the first ce." Miss Xiao shook her head softly, her face filled with a mixture of sorrow and longing.


    Madam Xiao, wise to the ways of the world, understood her daughter''s feelings all too well. After a long silence, she sighed faintly, "Yuruo, your mother is not unreasonable. Lin San''s abilities and talents are indeed extraordinary, and I''ve always thought highly of him. Although we of the Xiao family may be widows and orphans, we are still a respected family in Jinling, and you and Yushuang are our pride. Yushuang marrying him is not demeaning, and I can ept that. But if both of you sisters be involved with him, what would that make of us? All these years as a widow, I''ve feared nothing but others pointing at our back!"


    Emotion overcame Madam Xiao, and tears welled in her eyes. Lin San might be an extraordinary man, but marrying one of her daughters should have been enough. How could that boy be so insatiable, pursuing even her eldest daughter?


    Seeing her mother in tears, Miss Xiao was rmed and quickly knelt on the ground, "Mother, I have been unfilial and caused you grief. But my rtionship with that scoundrel is a mutual affection, and we have not wronged anyone. With his abilities, he could stand before the Emperor in the golden hall without fear and drive back the barbarians on the battlefield. I am willing to be with him, unafraid of others pointing at my back."


    "Speaking of your rtionship with him, why has it turned to ascending the golden hall and descending to the battlefield?" the Madam helped her daughter to her feet, caressing her beautiful hair with a wry smile. Madam Xiao had been busy traveling these days and was unaware of Lin Wanrong''s deeds in the capital. Her daughter recounted everything she had seen and heard during this time, from besting the emissaries of Goryeo and the Turks, to appearing in the golden hall before the Emperor. The Emperor had even granted him the title of Vice Minister of Personnel and personally inscribed "The First Talent Under Heaven." The Madam couldn''t contain her astonishment and grabbed her daughter''s hand, saying, "Yuruo, is what you''ve told me really true?"


    The Eldest Miss nodded, "How dare I deceive my mother? Many have witnessed it. The First Talent Under Heaven who has thrice defeated the barbarians, his fame must have already resounded throughout the entire capital!" She nced out the window, sighing faintly, "He is now the Vice Minister of Personnel and bestowed by the Emperor the title of ''The First Talent Under Heaven.'' He might move out of our Xiao family''s house tomorrow. Whether he admits to all this or not, we still don''t know."


    The Madam was stunned for a while before sighing, "I had anticipated that Lin San would aplish something, but I never thought the Emperor would personally dub him ''The First Talent Under Heaven.'' In that case, if you follow him, it won''t be a humiliation."


    A joy sprang in the Eldest Miss''s heart, but she dared not reveal it, and gently probed, "Mother, have you... agreed?"


    The Madam snorted, "Is it really that simple? Just because he''s be ''The First Talent Under Heaven,'' he thinks he can take both of my precious daughters away? Even if he became the Emperor, without my consent, he wouldn''t dare do anything to you!" The Madam thought for a moment and then smiled, "Yuruo, don''t worry. I don''t care about any Vice Minister of Personnel or The First Talent Under Heaven, but the contract with our Xiao Mansion is real. Within this year, when I call him Lin San, he must answer, right?"


    The Eldest Miss nodded, and the Madam smiled, "Your affair with him can be set aside for now, but you mustn''t indulge him too much. Men are inherently lowly; the more you show you care, the less they will. Stay distant, and he''ll think of you."


    The Eldest Miss''s face flushed, and she whispered, "What Mother says is the same as what Sister Xu said. Could it be that you managed Father this way back in the day?"


    A blush spread across the Madam''s face, and she yfully pped her daughter''s delicate bottom, "You naughty girl, making jokes about your mother!" She fell silent for a while and softly said, "In the old days, the situation in the capital was unclear. To avoid bing embroiled in court disputes, your grandfather hastily married me off. Your father and I were married without ever having met, nothing like the freedom you have now. By the way, the Sister Xu you mentioned, who is she?"


    "It''s Mr. Xu''s daughter, Xu Zhiqing. You held her when she was a baby," the Eldest Miss said softly.


    "It''s that Zhiqing girl!" the Madam eximed joyfully, "When I left the capital, she was still a little girl with braids. In the blink of an eye, twenty years have passed, and I wonder what she looks like now."


    "Sister Xu, she... she hasn''t been doing too well either!" The Eldest Miss recounted Xu Zhiqing''s experiences, causing Madam Xiao''s fine eyebrows to furrow in distress. Helplessly, she said, "No wonder Mr. Xu was reluctant to speak more about it. A beauty''s life is often filled with hardships, and Zhiqing has indeed suffered a great deal."


    She nced at her daughter and after a long moment, waved her hand and said, "You and Lin San, just be sure not to emte these follies."


    "Mother!" The Eldest Miss eximed joyfully, throwing herself into her mother''s embrace, reluctant to stand up for a long time.


    ...


    "Brother San, the hot water is ready. It''s in the room next to yours, so please take Miss Dong to bathe and change her clothes!" Lin Wanrong had just stepped out of his room with Qiaoqiao when Huan''er approached them, smiling.


    Qiaoqiao hurriedly said, "Thank you, Sister, but I can manage on my own. I wouldn''t want to trouble you."


    Lin Wanrongughed, pulling her in, "You''ve been traveling in the carriage for so long, you must be tired. How could I let you do this yourself? Huan''er, on behalf of my wife, I thank you!"


    Qiaoqiao was filled with endless joy, bashfully snuggling up to her big brother. Huan''er stared nkly for a moment before murmuring, "Brother San, you have a wife now, but what about the Eldest Miss?"


    Lin Wanrong''s room was directly across from the Eldest Miss''s, and Madame Xiao had settled into her daughter''s room. Mother and daughter, having been apart for a long time, naturally had much to talk about. Lin Wanrong''s room was left for the two of them to reside in.


    After Qiaoqiao entered the room, Huan''er was about to follow to serve them, but Lin Wanrong gently stopped her, smiling, "It''s gettingte; you should go rest. I can handle things here."


    The smile on Brother San''s face was inexplicably mischievous. The couple''s long-awaited reunion meant certain activities would ur, clear without need of exnation. Huan''er let out a soft cry and hurriedly ran off.


    Seeing big brother also entering the room, Qiaoqiao''s face flushed all the way down to her neck, whispering, "Big brother, why did youe in too?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled slightly, "Silly girl, big brother is here to help you bathe and dress."


    Qiaoqiao bowed her head, her face burning like fire, not daring to speak. Lin Wanrong came to her side, gently massaging her shoulders, tenderly saying, "My little treasure, you must be tired from all the traveling these days, aren''t you?"


    "Not tired!" Qiaoqiao softly replied, "As long as big brother is here, I''m not afraid of anything!"


    Lin Wanrong squeezed her shoulders firmly, lightly saying, "You silly girl!" But then, he was at a loss for words, and the atmosphere became profoundly warm.


    "Big brother, I never thought that the Xiao family''s residence in the capital would be so grand!" Qiaoqiao nced around, her face showing a hint of envy.


    "Don''t worry; our home will be even bigger!" Lin Wanrongughed.


    "Our home?" Qiaoqiao was startled, "Big brother, are you going back to Jinling? Our house in Jinling has been empty all this time!"


    "We won''t be returning to Jinling for now, but big brother has a house in the capital now. It was bestowed by the Emperor. I''ll take you to see it tomorrow!"


    "Bestowed by the Emperor?" Qiaoqiao opened her mouth in amazement, and Lin Wanrong kissed her there, briefly recounting the day''s events. Qiaoqiao''s eyes filled with tears of excitement, "Big brother, thank you!"


    "Thank me? Thank me for what?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "Thank you for allowing me to meet you. Since I''ve met you, Qiaoqiao has be the happiest woman in the world!" Qiaoqiao said hurriedly, wiping away her tears, her face showing inexpressible joy and happiness.


    This contented little girl made Lin Wanrong''s heart fill with tenderness. He gently pressed hisrge, warm hands onto her back.


    Qiaoqiao felt warmth in her heart, and suddenly realized something. She quickly turned her head and said, "No! Big brother, you are my husband; how can I allow you to serve me¡ª"


    "What''s not allowed!" Lin Wanrong cut her off: "You are my wife; Big brother will serve you today. Is that alright?"


    Seeing Big brother''s determined expression, Qiaoqiao responded with a joyful and shy hum, her face breaking into a sweet smile, yet her eyes were brimming with tears.


    "I''m sorry, my dear; Big brother has done too little for you before¡ª" Lin Wanrong''s voice was filled with remorse. But just as he was about to continue, a warm little hand covered his lips: "Big brother, you are a man of great deeds. What Qiaoqiao likes about you is your disregard for everything else. I''m willing to do anything for you."


    Seeing the little girl''s face flushed, her long eyshes trembling, her pitch-ck pupils bright as the stars at night, and her cherry-like mouth opening and closing, Lin Wanrong gently kissed her lips. His hands moved to her waist and slowly began to unbutton her heavy winter coat.


    As big brother was about to attend to her, Qiaoqiao''s heart filled with shyness. After days without seeing him, her pent-up longing was clear, like the transparent flow of water in Xuanwu Lake. As he pulled open her outer clothing, her heart pounded rapidly; her head almost bowed to her chest, but infinite joy resided in her heart.


    After removing the coat, a thinyer of winter clothing was revealed. Qiaoqiao''s figure had be even more outstanding after just a few days apart. Though separated by winter garments, he could see the high contour of her peaks, her slender jade legs tightly together, and her full chest and slender waist, all hinting at the mature charm of a young woman.


    Seeing big brother staring at her, Qiaoqiao''s face turned as red as hibiscus, and she softly called, "Big brother¡ª"


    Upon unbuttoning the winter clothing, Lin Wanrong''s eyes brightened. A light red undergarment clung tightly to Qiaoqiao''s body. She bashfully lowered her head, covering her shoulders, her snow-white skin peeking through her fingers. Over a month had passed, and her chest had grown even fuller, dazzling Lin Wanrong as it appeared before him.


    Lin Wanrong clicked his tongue in admiration and slowly embraced Qiaoqiao. The little girl let out a soft cry and then felt warmth as she looked down to find herself in a wooden tub filled with petals. The hot water reached her waist, and a faint soapy fragrance entered her nostrils, bringing an indescribable sense of coziness and warmth.


    Lin Wanrong smiled as he scooped the warm water over her head, soaking her beautiful hair. A sensation as warm as spring sun instantly filled her entire body. Qiaoqiao stretched out her delicate little hands, gently rubbing her cheeks, her eyes radiating soft and blissful light.


    Lin Wanrong extended hisrge hand into the water, gently unfastening thatstyer of intimate clothing. Silently, thest barrier on the young girl''s body was removed. As Lin Wanrong was about to gently rub her body, a nce led to a surprising discovery. On the young girl''s full and soft chest, there was a thin bra cup, made of silk gauze, half-hidden and half-revealed, making her chest appear even fuller and more enchanting.


    Lin Wanrong was stunned, even dropping the water scoop into the bucket without noticing. Qiaoqiao''s face turned blood-red, and she dared not lift her head, only using the corner of her eyes to gauge her big brother''s expression.


    "Little darling!" Lin Wanrong hurriedly swallowed and said, "This, where did you get this?"


    Qiaoqiao, blushing, covered her cheeks and whispered like a mosquito, "Big brother, how could you forget? This is what you prepared for me when you were making women''s clothes for the Xiao family. I brought it with me to the capital, thinking you would like it, and only put it on today as we were nearing the city."


    This girl truly knew his heart. Qiaoqiao softly hummed, her breath bing more rapid, her face as if painted with the finest rouge, her eyes tightly closed, her cheeks peach-red, her chest heaving enticingly, and her silk dress tightly outlining her voluptuous figure, indescribably tempting.


    Lin Wanrong reached out, slowly touching her back, feeling her skin smooth and moist like beautiful jade. His heart stirred, his eyes gleamed, and he caressed her forward, with a snap, unfastening that thin piece of lingerie.


    Qiaoqiao eximed, her clothing falling into the water, two bright buds breaking the surface, standing tall, the fresh scent of a young girl''s body wafting over the water, endlessly tempting his senses.


    ¡®Damn, it''s killing me,¡¯ Lin Wanrong swallowed hard, restraining himself with great willpower, slowly washing Qiaoqiao''s body. The two had already be husband and wife in Jinling, and had been intimate many times. Today, after a long separation, they should have been excited. But with the Eldest Miss and Madame Xiao in the next room, they had to be cautious. Otherwise, Lin San could be shameless, but could Qiaoqiao still face the world?


    After finally washing her, Lin Wanrong held Qiaoqiao in the tub, not letting her get up, her breathing bing even more rapid. He listened carefully for a while before saying, "It''s alright, they''re asleep."


    This poorly concealed sentence made Qiaoqiao go weak from head to toe. She turned her head away, not daring to speak, hearing her big brother''s hot breath, her heart pounding wildly.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, suddenly lifting Qiaoqiao out of the water, a wless beautiful body appearing before his eyes.


    Qiaoqiao softly cried out, but Lin Wanrong had already covered her with a clean bathrobe, wiping her body dry, then carrying her slowly towards the bed.


    "Big brother¡ª" Qiaoqiao''s face was flushed, tightly holding his body, and from somewhere found the courage to lift her head and look at him, "Qiaoqiao loves you so much!"


    Nonguage could express his feelings. Lin Wanrong opened his mouth wide, taking her full and bright red cherry lips into his mouth, his tongue gently gliding between her tender lips, savoring the sweet taste of lc.


    With a soft "uh" sound, Qiaoqiao''s arms involuntarily wrapped around her big brother. She felt him kiss her tongue, then her cheek, and then, with increasing intensity, nibble at her delicate and exquisite earlobe. His right hand, through the bathrobe, caressed her full and upright chest.


    A moan, both painful and joyful, escaped from between Qiaoqiao''s teeth. Lin Wanrong undid her bathrobe, and her jade-like breasts surged forth, the two red points on her chest quivering ceaselessly.


    "Baby darling, you''ve grown again," Lin Wanrong chuckled, gently grasping the soft peaks, and the candlelight was extinguished in an instant...


    "Ah, big brother¡ª" A woman''s moan, both painful and pleasurable, reached the room across. The Eldest Miss who was speaking with her mother couldn''t help but frown: "Mother, what is that sound?"


    Madam Xiao''s face turned red, and she huffed: "The sound of ughtering a pig! That detestable Lin San!"


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 Chapter 343

    Chapter 343


    Chapter 343 "The Mansion"


    The next morning, Lin Wanrong rose early and took Qiaoqiao out with him. As soon as they reached the door, they bumped into the Eldest Miss, Xiao Yuruo. Her pretty cheeks looked slightly pale, and her eyes were tinged with red, as if she hadn''t slept well the night before.


    "Good morning, Miss!" Lin Wanrong said, holding Qiaoqiao''s little hand and smiling cheerfully. He had shown off his prowess the previous night, and this morning he was still feeling invincible. Qiaoqiao, the little girl, was both clever and charming. The two of them were as harmonious as fish in water, indescribably carefree and happy.


    "What''s good about this morning? The sun is already three poles high!" the Eldest Miss red at him and snorted.


    "Oh my, the sun is ¡®three poles high?¡¯ How rude of me! Miss, don''t worry, from now on I''ll get up when the sun is only ¡®two poles high!¡¯" Lin Wanrong said, a mischievous smile ying on his face, speaking in a lewd manner.


    "You should get up when the sun is only one pole high, you bad man! I''ve never seen anyone as tormenting as you!" The Eldest Miss didn''t understand Lin Wanrong''s hidden meaning, but seeing his strange smile and winking, she blushed and hurriedly lowered her head.


    "Miss Xiao, it''s my fault for getting upte, don''t me him," Qiaoqiao said, her face flushed with embarrassment.


    "Qiaoqiao, don''t protect him too much, or he''ll only take advantage of you. How did you sleepst night?" the Eldest Miss asked, seemingly both intentionally and unintentionally.


    "Good, good!" Qiaoqiao answered, lowering her head, her face already tinged withyers of rouge.¡®Why am I asking about this?¡¯ The Eldest Miss thought, her face turning red. She stole a nce at Lin San, who was smiling at her, and remembering the chaotic sounds of the previous night, she quickly turned her head and asked, "Qiaoqiao, where are you two going?"


    "Big brother is taking me to see the mansion. Miss,e with us!" Qiaoqiao looked up, her beautiful little face filled with excitement and anticipation.


    "Going to see the mansion?" The Eldest Miss felt a faint sense of loss and said softly, "You go ahead. I have things to do. The thousand bottles of perfume my mother brought from Jinling are going on sale today, and I can''t get away."


    Seeing her look of deep resentment, Lin Wanrong grabbed her hand and said, "The perfume sale is fine with Sister Song watching over it. You don''t need to do it yourself." He looked around sneakily and whispered in her ear, "You go choose a room with a big bed, so we won''t be afraid of falling off."


    Xiao Yuruo''s face turned peach-red, and she spat softly, saying in an almost inaudible voice, "Who wants to sleep with you? I hate you, you bad man."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily three times, and the Eldest Miss''s face turned red with embarrassment. She red at him, her heart in turmoil, and hurriedly fled.


    "What is the Eldest Miss doing going to the kitchen?" Qiaoqiao asked, watching Xiao Yuruo''s hurried steps.


    "Oh, perhaps she''s changed her ways recently and wants to be a good wife and mother," Lin Wanrong said, chuckling to himself and making up a story.


    Qiaoqiao smiled and looked at him, saying softly, "Big brother, if you marry Second Miss Xiao and Miss Xiao, and our two families merge, opening a restaurant and selling perfume, then no one in Jinling will be able topare to us."


    "That''s a constructive proposal; I''ll consider it. But, my little darling, I have a secret affair with Yushuang and the Eldest Miss; aren''t you jealous?" Lin Wanrong said,ughing.


    "What secret affair? That sounds awful!" Qiaoqiao scolded. "The two Miss Xiaos are like phoenixes among people. As long as they are good to you, what''s wrong with marrying them both? As for me¡ª" A shadow of sadness shed in her eyes, "I''m just a girl from a poor family, and I can''tpare to the two youngdies. Big brother, Qiaoqiao doesn''t want anything else; I just want to be by your side for the rest of my life, and I''ll be content."


    "You silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about? In terms of intelligence and capability, you''re second to none. You are my good wife, and even if Yushuang and the otherse in, they''ll have to call you senior sister, understand?" Lin Wanrong said seriously.


    Tears welled in Qiaoqiao''s eyes, and she nodded softly, tightly gripping her big brother''s arm, her heart filled with boundless joy. They hadn''t walked far from the door when they happened to run into Madam Xiao. Qiaoqiao and Madam Xiao had traveled to the capital together, caring for each other deeply, and their feelings were profound. She quickly went up and took Madam Xiao''s hand, saying, "Madam, big brother and I are going to see the mansion; you shoulde with us!"


    Madam Xiao, dressed in a new lotus-colored long skirt, lightly made up, with elegant brows and a mature and charming face, looked graceful and dignified. Hearing Qiaoqiao''s words, she smiled slightly and said to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, I heard from Yuruo yesterday that you are truly capable. Not only did you defeat the northern nomad and Goryeo, bringing glory to our great nation, but even the Emperor values you so much, granting you an official position and awarding you a ce. It''s truly a joyous asion!"


    "Madam, I''m just a small sapling, basking in your sunshine and rain, growing healthy and strong every day. It''s all thanks to your diligent cultivation," Lin Wanrong said, ttering her effortlessly.


    Madam Xiao covered her mouth andughed lightly, "You speak so sweetly; aren''t you afraid of rotting your teeth? What sunshine and rain? You make me sound like thepassionate Guanyin Bodhisattva."


    "Isn''t that the case? Madam''s benevolent light shines everywhere, spreading rain and dew, even more gentle and beautiful than Guanyin Bodhisattva," Lin Wanrong said,ughing.


    Lin San''s words could charm all the women in the world, and that was no exaggeration. Madam Xiao''s face turned slightly red, and sheughed lightly, her full bosom trembling like a brilliant flowering tree. She nced at Qiaoqiao and smiled, "Since Qiaoqiao has kindly invited me, I''ll bask in Lin San''s glory and go see the majestic mansion bestowed by the Emperor! But¡ª" she changed the subject, "Lin San, even though you''ve be an official, our Xiao family still has a contract with you! You mustn''t break your promise!"


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand andughed heartily, "Madam, what are you talking about? What kind of person am I, Lin San? My word is my bond. In this world, one must uphold righteousness; better to lose one''s life than one''s trust¡ªand besides, what''s our rtionship? We''re family. Being a small servant in the Xiao family, apanying the madam and youngdies every day, is a hundred times better than being an official. It''s like living a fairy''s life!"


    What was this about "better to lose one''s life than one''s trust"? How could this man say anything that came to his mind? As the Madam listened to his nonsense, she had already ordered Si De to fetch a carriage.


    Qiaoqiao helped the Madam into the carriage, and Lin Wanrong followed them, one hand lifting the curtain, just about to enter when he suddenly realized something. He couldn''t barge into the Madam''s chamber. However, he often frequented her daughter''s boudoir.


    "Lin San, why aren''t youing in?" Madam Xiao lifted the curtain and smiled.


    "Well, it might not be appropriate! I''m a very polite person," Lin Wanrong said, his face wearing a hypocritical smile, feigning sincerity. One hand was already on the curtain, ready to slip inside.


    With a rustling sound, the curtain fell, hitting Lin Wanrong''s nose. The Madamughed from inside, "Lin San, even after bing the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, you still show such filial piety. That''s truly rare. In that case, I won''t make things difficult for you. Si De, drive on."


    "Yes, madam!" Si De cracked the whip, and the carriage began to move forward. Lin Wanrong touched his nose resentfully. If she didn''t want him toe in, she could have just said so. Instead, she deliberately mocked him. This move was ruthless. The Eldest Miss''s mother was indeed more difficult to deal with than the Eldest Miss herself!


    Lin Wanrong sat next to Si De, and the two of them drove the carriage quickly forward. The mansion bestowed by the Emperor was a ce Lin Wanrong had never been to, located near the East Straight Gate [TL: part of the Inner City wall of Beijing during the Ming and Qing Dynasties,] and not small in scale. Although he had been in the capital for some time, he hadn''t really explored the city. Today, taking advantage of his leisure time, he wasn''t in a hurry to get there, driving the carriage slowly, as if strolling through the city.


    Upon reaching the East Straight Gate, Lin Wanrong was unfamiliar with the route and looked around. Si De pulled over an old man and asked, "Sir, do you know where Lord Lin''s mansion is?"


    "Lord Lin?" The old man said, "Which Lord Lin?"


    "The newly appointed Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Lord Lin San!" Si De said, his face full of reverence.


    "Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel?" The old man sneered, "Around the East Straight Gate, those who live here are either royal rtives or high-ranking officials. Even schrs from the Hall of Literary Brilliance must tread lightly. A Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, a small official like a sesame seed or green bean, who knows where he lives? You should look in Huairou District or Tongzhou District; you might find him there!" [Both districts are far from the inner city wall where important people reside.]


    Si De, who was already directionally challenged, was even more confused in the capital. He turned and asked, "Brother San, how do we get to Huairou or Tongzhou? The old man said your mansion is there!"


    Lin Wanrong pped him hard on the head. ¡®This kid was quite clever in Jinling; how had he be so foolish in the capital? Couldn''t he hear that the old man was mocking me? Damn, even a random old man asking for directions was so arrogant. A Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel is a small official? It''s at least a deputy department level, right?¡¯


    Lin Wanrong leaned over, not willing to concede, and said, "Old brother, I don''t understand what you''re saying. A Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel is a small official? I heard that Vice Minister Tong has retired, and besides Lord Ye, the Minister, there''s only the Vice Minister left in the Ministry of Personnel."


    "It''s only the Vice Ministers left¡ªseventeen of them," the old manughed. "And that''s just in the Ministry of Personnel. Among the six ministries, which one doesn''t have Vice Ministers as numerous as cow hairs? There must be over a hundred in total. Then there are the ministers and elders of the three chambers, the schrs of the six halls, and the grand schrs, numbering several hundred. A mere Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, what does that amount to? The Lord Lin you''re looking for, I reckon you won''t find him in Tongzhou; perhaps you''ll have to go to Cangzhou." [TL: This time, it¡¯s entirely outside of the capital.]


    ¡®You bastard, the more you talk, the more absurd it bes. Am I so insignificant that you''d demote me from the capital to Hebei? If I keep asking, I''ll probably end up being sent directly to Mohe. Wasn''t I just asking for directions? Did I deserve such a blow?¡¯


    As he was stewing in his frustration, he heard a soft "giggle" from the carriage, followed by a sudden silence. Through the curtain, Lin Wanrong seemed to see Madam Xiao''s cherry lips suppressing augh, her cheeks flushed red. His own face felt a sudden heat, and he coughed awkwardly, "Well, let''s keep looking. If we can''t find it, we''ll spend the night in Tongzhou and continue to Cangzhou tomorrow."


    This time, not only Madam Xiao but also Qiaoqiaoughed lightly. Being with big brother was always so joyful and carefree.


    Unable to find the mansion, Madam Xiao and Qiaoqiao also alighted from the carriage, joining Si De and Lin San in asking for directions. Madam Xiao had been away from the capital for many years, and much had changed. Her feelings were indescribable. Exploring with Lin San allowed her to appreciate the local customs and recall memories of her youth. This was an experience she had never had before, and she found it delightful and interesting.


    The old man''s words were not false. The area around the East Straight Gate was indeed filled with grand mansions, royal rtives, and high-ranking officials. Each residence was guarded by stone lions and throngs of servants, and the courtyards were extraordinary.


    As they were about to reach the end of the East Straight Gate Street, all that remained were a few old, dpidated mansions. They had not yet seen the grand residence of Vice Minister Lin San, and not only Si De and Madam Xiao but even Lin Wanrong himself was disheartened.


    ¡®The Emperor, my father-inw, better not be ying tricks on me,¡¯ he thought. ¡®He said he had bestowed a mansion near the East Straight Gate, spacious enough for many people to live in. But we''re almost at the end of the road, and I haven''t seen my mansion yet!¡¯


    "Brother San, Brother San!" Just as he was feeling disappointed, Si De excitedly shouted, "Brother San, look, The First Under Heaven, The First Under Heaven!"


    Lin Wanrong nced over and angrily smacked him on the head, "What''s this ''The First Under Heaven''? You''re so old, and you still can''t count? Clearly, it''s five characters, ''The First Talent Under Heaven''¡ªwait, ''The First Talent Under Heaven''? Wow¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong eximed, "Is this... could this be my ''mansion''? It''s truly damn grand!"


    Madam Xiao and Qiaoqiao quickly looked up, and at nearly the end of the street, they saw a dark red door, slightly wider and taller than the gates of ordinary houses. The outer wall''s paint had peeled off, revealing patches of red and green. Most of the red tiles on the roof beams were broken, and the house looked utterly defeated. On the grand East Straight Gate Street, filled with luxurious mansions, this small, dpidated house stood out like a caterpir among phoenixes. If not for the que hanging on the door, with the five gleaming golden characters "The First Talent Under Heaven" shining in the sunlight, no one would have guessed that this was the "grand mansion" the Emperor had bestowed upon Lord Lin!


    Lin Wanrong looked up at the newly hung que with those five golden characters and couldn''t help but shake his head and sigh. After all, it was a gift from the Emperor; it should have been magnified a thousand times for the world to admire! Why make such a small que? Even the four characters "Former Residence of Prosperity" personally inscribed by Minister Ye, which they had just passed, were several timesrger. What was this? What was this? This was not the first talent under heaven; it was clearly thest.


    "Brother San, shall we go in?" Si De saw that his brother''s expression was listless, a far cry from his initial enthusiasm, and cautiously asked, fearing he might provoke his irritation.


    "Enter! Of course, we must enter!" Lin Wanrong dered without hesitation. "A son does not despise his mother''s ugliness, a dog does not despise its home''s poverty. Though the shelter is broken, it can protect us from wind and rain. Mydies, let''s reim our home together!"


    Qiaoqiao smiled sweetly and nodded, while Madam Xiao couldn''t help but shake her head. ¡®This child,¡¯ she thought, ¡®he''s been so struck that he''s be confused and started talking nonsense.¡¯


    "Brother San, when they say a dog doesn''t despise its home''s poverty, they''re talking about a dog. But you''re not a dog!" Si De said, bewildered.


    Lin San was furious: "I''m not a dog, you''re a dog! Is that good enough for you? Are youing in or not?"


    Madam Xiao covered her lips, suppressing augh. Every moment with Lin San brought more joy and warmth. Even if Yushuang and Yuruo followed him, they wouldn''t feel wronged.


    Lord Lin, puffing with anger, led the way, pushing open the courtyard door. As he stepped in, umted dust flew into his face, choking his mouth and nose, covering him with dirt.


    "Cough, cough¡ª" Lin Wanrong quickly stepped back, dust in his eyes, unable to open them, and hurriedly rolled up his sleeves to wipe them.


    "Don''t move!" Madam Xiao, standing beside him, quickly called out and took a silk handkerchief from her bosom to gently wipe his eyes.


    "Madam, let me do it!" Qiaoqiao rushed forward, taking the handkerchief from Madam Xiao and gently wiping her big brother''s face.


    Lin Wanrong spat out the dust from his mouth, managing to open his eyes, and grumbled, "What a ghostly mess! How does the Emperor rule? I won''t say anything about bestowing a broken mansion, but couldn''t he have had someone clean it up? Next time we meet, I must have a serious talk with him."


    Madam Xiao shook her head secretly, thinking, ¡®This child, he''s really been driven to distraction. The Emperor''s grace is boundless; how could he discuss it with you?¡¯


    Qiaoqiao took his hand and smiled sweetly, "Big brother, this is our home, and it will be more meaningful if we clean it ourselves. Madam, don''t you agree?"


    Madam Xiaoughed and said, "That''s true. Qiaoqiao is clever and skillful; she will surely tidy up this mansion properly. When the timees, I''ll bring Yuruo and Yushuang to stay here as well!"


    "Wee, wee!" Lin Wanrong pped his hands and grinned, "You''re all wee to stay as long as you like!"


    Seeing his dirt-covered face and strange appearance, Madam Xiao could no longer contain herself and covered her mouth,ughing delicately. Qiaoqiao buried her head in her big brother''s face, happily nestling in his arms.


    Upon entering the small gate, they found a two-story gatehouse, with arge door tightly closed below. The ground floor consisted of several empty rooms filled with all sorts of clutter: furniture, calligraphy, inkstones, and even a baby''s cradle. Everything was in disarray, covered in dust, as if no one had lived there for many years.


    "Why do these rooms look like storage rooms?" Qiaoqiao, gentle and observant, nced around and asked.


    "Who cares if they''re storage rooms? As long as we can live here!" Lin Wanrongughed, "And there are stairs, with three rooms on each floor. In my time, this might be called a garden vi. Oh, there''s no garden here, so there''s a slight difference!"


    "Your time?" Madam Xiao frowned, "Lin San, what do you mean?"


    "Oh, just this time, Madam. You don''t need to understand! Wow, these two floors are so tall, even taller than me!" He chuckled, changing the subject.


    Madam Xiao smiled and shook her head. Lin San was either mad or mysterious, always full of inexplicable ideas, but he was indeed interesting.


    "Garden vi?" Si De, who was rummaging around, saw the thick dust on therge door and, undeterred, pulled hard. The door didn''t budge.


    "Heave!" Si De gathered his strength, grunting with effort. With a creak, the heavy iron doors slowly swung open. A ray of sunlight pierced through from the other side, filling the air with dust. The light dazzled Lin Wanrong''s eyes, and he couldn''t see anything clearly.


    "Wow, what a big garden!" Si De''s cry of astonishment awakened the others. Lin Wanrong was the first to recover, rushing forward to look outside the iron gate.


    Facing him was a vast garden, nearly half the size of a football field, surrounded by high walls made of red bricks and green tiles, extending as far as the eye could see. The garden was filled with flowerbeds, pavilions, bridges, and streams, but due to years of neglect, the flowers had withered, and weeds had overgrown. Only the sound of the spring, tinkling like a bell, stirred their hearts.


    "Big, it''s damn big!" Opening a door revealed a whole new world, leaving everyone agape. Lin Wanrong stared at the wonder before him, murmuring to himself.


    Madam Xiao, with her extensive knowledge and understanding of architecturalyouts, took a few more nces before saying, "Lin San, this seems to be a back garden."


    "A back garden? What do you mean?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    Madam Xiao cast a charming nce at him andughed softly, "Lin San, you''re usually quite clever, but howe you''re so slow to catch on at this crucial moment! Look, what is that?"


    Her delicate finger pointed forward, and Lin Wanrong followed the direction of her gesture. He saw, directly facing the garden, a three-story hall-style building with a round archway leading from the back to the front. Looking further, he could faintly make out more buildings, appearing and disappearing in the sunlight.


    "What do you see?" Madam Xiao asked gently.


    "Fingers, ah, no, buildings!" Lin Wanrong''s gaze shifted from Madam Xiao''s tender, greenish finger, and he couldn''t help but wonder. Madam Xiao was in her mid-thirties, yet her skin was still so fine, rivaling even Seo Jang Geum''s!


    "You, where is your mind wandering off to?" Madam Xiao nced at him andughed, "If I''m not mistaken, we''ve entered through the wrong door."


    "Entered through the wrong door?" Lin Wanrong chuckledsciviously, "Impossible! I always find my way in! There''s no such thing as entering the wrong door!"


    Madam Xiao didn''t understand his innuendo and shook her head firmly, "We''ve entered the back garden."


    "The back garden?" Lin Wanrong understood this time and eximed with joy, "Madam, do you mean that what we''ve entered is¡ª"


    "Exactly," Madam Xiao smiled, "We are facing the back garden. There must be the main house, front hall, side rooms, and front garden ahead. This is undoubtedly a mansion. Who would have thought that you, Lin San, so clever all your life, would be confused for a moment and enter your home for the first time through the back door? Hee hee¡ª"


    Madam Xiao couldn''t help butugh delicately, and Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "The back door is good! Entering through the back door has a unique vor! Damn it, who made such a small que and hung it on the back door? Tomorrow I''ll report to the Emperor and have this little one beheaded!"


    "It was I who had it hung!" A clear and authoritative voice rang out from outside the door.


    "Who?" Lin Wanrong quickly looked outside, his face instantly changing, "You, you¡ªYour Majesty?"


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 Chapter 344

    Chapter 344


    Chapter 344 I Grant Her to You


    Qiaoqiao was astonished by his words and quickly asked, "Big brother, where is the Emperor?"


    As she spoke, a man appeared at the door, his face rosy but with an unusually pale hue. His temples were tinged with the frost of autumn, and he wore a yellow satin robe, walking with the grace of a dragon and the stride of a tiger, exuding majesty. Behind him followed the Eunuch Gao and a group of in-clothed guards and attendants, tightly surrounding him.


    "Your Majesty, what brings you here?" Lin Wanrong, without showing any formalities, greeted the Emperor with a smile.


    The Emperor seemed not to hear his words, ignoring himpletely. His eyes were fixed straight behind Lin San, his face a mixture of shock and joy. He stammered a few times before finally asking, "Miss Guo, is it really you?"


    "I, Guo Junyi, pay my respects to Your Majesty. Long live, long live, long live the Emperor!" Madam Xiao bowed slightly, kneeling on the ground and respectfully saluting.


    A series of emotions shed across the old Emperor''s face, his cheeks bing even more flushed. He coughed violently twice, and Eunuch Gao hurriedly handed him two pills, soothingly saying, "Your Majesty, here is your medicine!"


    With a wave of his hand, the Emperor flung the pills away. They bounced on the ground a few times before shattering into pieces.


    "I''m not ill. What do I need these pills for?" the Emperor roared. He then nced at Madam Xiao kneeling on the ground and reached out to help her up.Madam Xiao''s body moved slightly backward, avoiding his hand, and bowed again, "I, Guo Junyi, pay my respects to Your Majesty. Long live, long live, long live the Emperor!"


    The old Emperor''s hand stopped in mid-air, and he stood there for a moment, his expression changing. After a long pause, he withdrew his hand and sighed, "Miss Guo, please rise! Gao Ping, help Miss Guo up!"


    Eunuch Gao moved to assist Miss Guo, and Madam Xiao bowed her head, saying, "Thank you for Your Majesty''s grace." She rose gracefully, her face showing a faint smile.


    Lin Wanrong observed the Emperor''s expression and felt very puzzled. This old Emperor appeared frail and even weak on the outside, but his determination and will were unmatched by anyone. Those who underestimated him would surely suffer greatly. He believed that Prince Cheng must have felt this most acutely. Such a stoic and inscrutable ruler, but seeing Madam Xiao, he revealed such emotions. Could it be that there was something between them? Lin Wanrong''s eyes darted between the two, seeing the Emperor''s eyes shing intensely, fixed on Madam Xiao, as if he wanted to devour her. Madam Xiao stood gracefully to one side, her eyes downcast, her face showing a hint of a calm smile, utterly tranquil!


    There was an illicit affair! Lin Wanrong pped his palm, cursing inwardly. No wonder Madam Xiao had remained a widow for so many years, cold as ice to everyone. It turned out she had once been entangled with the Emperor! He knew that Madam Xiao was no ordinary woman, but he never thought she had be involved with the Emperor. Incredible, truly incredible!


    "Miss Guo, how have you been these years?" the Emperor looked at Madam Xiao, a glint in his eyes, and said softly, "Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye! Seeing you now, you are still as stunning as you were back then, while I have grown old and decrepit. Time is truly unforgiving!"


    "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well," Madam Xiao replied with a bow, her expression extremely calm, showing no sign of any ndestine rtionship.


    So, there had been an attempt, but no sess. It seemed even the Emperor could falter. Lin Wanrong chuckled and then heard the Emperor sigh, "Miss Guo, after twenty years, why does there seem to be a distance between us? I still prefer to hear you call me Mr. Zhao. In the past, we were friends despite our age difference, discussing schrship,posing poems, and ying with words. Those moments have remained in my eyes, hard to forget even now."


    Madam Xiao smiled slightly, as if recalling the years gone by, and shook her head, "In my youthful ignorance, I did not know your true identity, Your Majesty. I hope you will forgive me."


    The Emperor forced a smile, "Had I known that Miss Guo would be so distant, I would rather have remained the anonymous Mr. Zhao. Had it not been for theplicated situation in the capital back then, and your honorable father''s wish to avoid entanglement, we might have grown much closer¡ª"


    "Your Majesty," Madam Xiao interrupted, "I have been married for many years and have never entertained any foolish fantasies. My friendship with Mr. Zhao was based on his extraordinary learning and wisdom, nothing more. Not only with Mr. Zhao, but I also knew the top schr of the South, Liu Dongsheng, and the famous gentleman of the Southwest, Jia Fan. They were all my friends, and there was never any romantic attachment. If you have misunderstood, I deeply apologize." Madam Xiao''s eyes were clear, her words firm. She had been a widow for many years, strictly adhering to the code of conduct for women, maintaining her integrity. Her strong character was well-known in Jinling.


    ¡®I can''t listen to this anymore. If the old Emperor is rejected, who knows if he''ll be furious and punish me?¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, and quickly bowed, "Your Majesty, since you and the Madam are old acquaintances, please take your time and enjoy your conversation. My wife and I will continue our tour of the residence. Please excuse us, we take our leave!"


    A flicker of approval appeared in the Emperor''s eyes. At least this boy knows when to advance and retreat. Madam Xiao''s face showed a hint of urgency, but before she could speak, Lin Wanrong, pulling Qiaoqiao, darted out of the room and into the garden, where he finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    Qiaoqiao nced at him, hesitating to speak. Lin Wanrong smiled, "Little darling, speak your mind."


    Qiaoqiao nodded and looked worriedly back at the room, "Big brother, leaving the Madam alone in there like that, it seems, it seems¡ª"


    "It seems wrong, is that it?" Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    Qiaoqiao quickly shook her head, anxiously saying, "Big brother, I''m not ming you. But since the Madam came with us, and the Emperor obviously has designs on her, leaving her alone there, I can''t help but feel uneasy!"


    Lin Wanrong gently stroked her hair and smiled, "Silly girl, if I left you there as well, would that make you feel better? I think it would make you feel even more uneasy!"


    Qiaoqiao bit her red lip and whispered, "But with the Madam alone there, what if, what if something happens¡ª"


    "There''s no ''what if''," Lin Wanrong said as he took her little hand and walked towards the center of the garden. "The reason the Emperor is the Emperor is that he can endure more than ordinary people. If he wanted to force the issue, even if we were there, we wouldn''t be able to help Madam Xiao. It''s better to give them space to sort it out directly. Without outsiders present, Madam can speak more freely, and the Emperor won''t lose face in front of others. Isn''t that better?"


    The young girl thought it over carefully, deeply feeling that her big brother was right, so she didn''t worry anymore and leisurely strolled with him around the mansion. The grand residence the Emperor had spoken of was indeed as magnificent as described. It covered a vast area, with an extravagant setup, and buildingsyered upon each other. There were threerge gardens alone. Besides the front and back gardens, there was also a smaller garden within the living quarters reserved for the closest intimates to enjoy. However, this mansion had been unused for many years, and the umtion of dust was such that it would require thorough cleaning before they could move in.


    The two of them wandered from the back door to the front, and upon reaching the front, they were both stunned to find that this ce was directly facing the inner courtyard of the imperial pce. Across the way was the moat that protected the Forbidden City, and they could faintly see the guards on the Golden Jade Bridge.


    Lin Wanrong turned his head to look at his front gate, and he saw that it was painted in a grand shade of vermillion, with wide horizontal beams, capable of admitting five sedan chairs side by side. Above the door frame, tworge characters were hanging¡ªLin Mansion! Two stone lions, carved from fine rock and as tall as a man, stood on either side, looking very majestic.


    "Little darling, what do you think of our home?" Lord Lin asked proudly.


    Qiaoqiao nodded, saying, "Big brother, our house is so big! It''s two or three times bigger than the mansion of the Eldest Miss¡¯ in Jinling!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I have many people to support, so of course, the mansion has to berger. The old Emperor is, after all, notpletely muddled. Heh heh, what''s so great about East Straight Gate Street? I don''t care about them at all; our back door opens there. Once you all have babies, I will build a swimming pool in our home, a horse-riding field, and also a great big love-bed¡ªlittle darling, you''ve never seen this love-bed, let me exin its functions to you, you can preview it first!"


    Qiaoqiao blushed, letting out a small whimper and lowering her head, not daring to speak. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, saying, "It''s alright to listen, you''ll have to practice in the future¡ª"


    He was going on enthusiastically, exining to Qiaoqiao the "Bowing Buddha" function of the love-bed when his nce swept across the tworge mansions on either side of his front gate, each one no smaller than his own. The one on the left had a sign reading "Li Mansion", and the one on the right bore a que that said "Xu Mansion".


    Although Lord Lin''s title of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was nominal, the Emperor''s favor he enjoyed was real. The mansion granted to him was already top-notch in the capital, but these "Li Mansion" and "Xu Mansion" were not smaller, and the imperial favor bestowed upon them could easily be inferred.


    Lost in thought, Lin Wanrong was suddenly startled by the sound of the mansion''s door on the right swinging open. A young woman stepped out, her radiant face blooming with a smile, cheeks flushed like peach blossoms. She inclined her head slightly toward him.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback and eximed, "Miss Xu, what are you doing here?"


    Responding with a gentle smile, Miss Xu said, "What a question! This is my home. Where else would I be?"


    "Oh my, it turns out we are neighbors with old Xu," Lin Wanrongughed. "So that''s how it is, Miss Xu! From now on, we will be neighbors. Ha ha, I''ve finally found a ce to mooch meals."


    Qiaoqiao yfully pinched his wrist, saying, "Big brother, I''m here, aren''t I? I''ll cook for you every day, alright?"


    Miss Xu snorted and said, "Lin San, it''s only been a few days, and you''ve already changed your affections. What''s this, not going to be a prince consort anymore?"


    Before Lin Wanrong could reply, he saw Eunuch Gao running toward him, calling out, "Master Lin, Master Lin, the Emperor wishes to see you!"


    ¡®See me? Isn''t he reminiscing with the Madam?¡¯ Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled, "Eunuch Gao, isn''t His Majesty speaking with Miss Guo? Why does he want to see me again?"


    Eunuch Gao gestured with his mouth toward something behind him. Lin Wanrong looked and saw Madam Xiao standing behind Eunuch Gao, smiling at him. "I''m touched you still remember me. You ran faster than a rabbit earlier!"


    "Oh, well, I didn''t want to interrupt your reunion," Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Madam, how did your talk with the Emperor go? Did you, uh, make any progress?"


    Madam Xiao shot him a charming nce and snorted, "Progress? Only you would think of such nonsense. Mr. Zhao and I are old friends who have not seen each other for years. We were merely chatting. It has nothing to do with anything else."


    "Of course, of course. Madam, your loyalty, strength, and integrity are truly exemry to all of us," Lin Wanrong said, smiling sheepishly.


    Miss Xu, suddenly alert, hurried over and eximed, "Aunt Guo, Aunt Guo, is that really you?"


    Madam Xiao studied her closely and asked, "You are¡ª?"


    "I am Zhiqing! Aunt Guo, I am Zhiqing!" Miss Xu said excitedly.


    "Zhiqing?!" Madam Xiao eximed, grasping her hand. "Are you truly Zhiqing?!"


    Miss Xu nodded lightly, and the two embraced tightly, tears streaming down their faces. Miss Xu had lost her mother at a young age, and she had been particrly stubborn. Madam Xiao had taken care of her back then, and their bond was profound. After many years apart, they wept in each other''s arms.


    Lin Wanrong naturally didn''t understand their rtionship, nor did he intend to. Admiring these two flower-like women was his immediate desire. Madam Xiao, like a mature begonia, and Xu Zhiqing, like a vibrant hibiscus, were both ripe peaches, and their figures were beyond description. Watching them embrace, Lin San swallowed and suddenly thought of the phrase: true affection "face-to-face."


    "Lord Lin, Lord Lin¡ª" A somewhat effeminate voice rang in his ear, and Lin Wanrong, impatiently, said, "Who is it? Don''t block my view of the game¡ª!"


    "Lord Lin, the Emperor is still waiting for you!" eximed Eunuch Gao in a hurry.


    "Oh, is that so?" Lord Lin reluctantly shifted his gaze from Miss Xu''s chest, only to find her eyes wide open in anger, ring at him fiercely, apparently aware of his previous actions.


    If Lord Lin could be embarrassed, then all the roosters in the world would beying eggs. He stared back at her unabashedly andughed a few times, saying, "Miss Xu, please continue. Embrace each other tightly to express true love and affection. Ah, I''m so moved!"


    "Despicable, shameless, hateful, lowly!" Miss Xu eximed vehemently.


    "Zhiqing, who are you talking about?" Madam Xiao, who stood beside Xu Zhiqing, asked upon hearing this.


    "Oh, it''s nothing! I''m just ying around," Miss Xu replied, a bit embarrassed. "Aunt Guo, where were we in our conversation?"


    Eunuch Gao finally managed to drag Lord Lin away, but sighed helplessly in his heart. When the Emperor summoned his ministers, who wasn''t terrified and anxious? They would even rush without tying their pockets properly. Why was this Lord Lin so different from the others? The Emperor''s discernment truly had a unique perspective.


    Eunuch Gao said as they walked, "Lord Lin, I must say, having served the Emperor for decades, I have never seen anyone enjoy such favor as you. His Majesty initially left the pce today to visit the Grand Prime Minister Temple but suddenly thought of the mansion bestowed upon you yesterday. He wanted to have a look, and after inspecting it for quite some time, instructed the craftsmen to renovate it for your residence. His concern for you even makes me, a mere servant, envious!"


    So that was the case; no wonder the Emperor had appeared here. ¡®Xian''er is my wife, and the Emperor is my father-inw; his kindness to me is only natural, and I''ve been good to him as well.¡¯


    When they reached the front hall, Eunuch Gao pointed to a side room and whispered, "Lord Lin, please go in by yourself; the Emperor is inside."


    Upon entering, Lord Lin saw the old Emperor standing with his back to the door, hands sped behind him, gazing intently at a portrait on the wall. Looking up, Lord Lin recognized the woman in the painting, d in a goose-yellow gown, her features finely drawn, an expression of calm on her face. It was a young Madam Xiao.


    The old Emperor was indeed a sentimental man. s, the gant King was willing, but the goddess unwilling, truly pitiable. Feeling sympathy for his father-inw, Lord Lin softly began, "Old man¡ª"


    The old Emperor waved his hand, pointing at the woman in the painting, "Lin San, do you recognize her?"


    "I do, it''s Madam Xiao!"


    "Wrong!" the Emperor snorted. "When I knew her, she was not Madam Xiao, she was Miss Guo! Back when the two princes were vying for the throne, if it weren''t for stubborn old Guo''s self-righteousness, unwilling to get involved, I would have asked for her hand long ago. Junyi would now be my beloved consort, perhaps even bearing several princes for me! Cursed old Guo, so headstrong, harming others and himself. To avoid factional strife, he even resigned his post and secretly betrothed Junyi to another. By the time I learned the truth, she was already a thousand miles away in Jinling. Tell me, isn''t he hateful? Isn''t he hateful?!!"


    The Emperor pped the table forcefully, breaking into a series of violent coughs, his voice sternly booming. The momentum was so intense that even Lin Wanrong, who feared neither heaven nor earth, couldn''t help but frown. He had had many interactions with the Emperor and was deeply impressed by his inscrutable demeanor. A ruler''s emotions were often well-hidden, and this old Emperor was indeed a master of such concealment. Yet, now, he was thunderously angry on ount of Madame Xiao, clearly disying his deep affection for her.


    "About this," Lin Wanrong sighed lightly, "Your Majesty, the matter with Miss Guo has already passed. Whether you ept it or not, she is no longer Guo Junyi; she is now Madame Xiao. Even if she is a widow, given her steadfast character, she will not sumb to you."


    "She won''t? Why won''t she? If this were twenty years ago, I was the mighty Emperor of Great Hua, even if Junyi were another man''s wife. If I wanted to take her into the pce, who would dare to say no!" The Emperor snorted, his ruddy face turning pale, his breath bing more and more rapid. "Twenty years ago, twenty years ago¡ª"


    He murmured to himself, his eyes suddenly widening, his face showing a ferocious, murderous look. With a fierce sweep of his sleeve, he shattered all the tea pots and cups on the table, roaring: "Zhao Mingcheng, I will never share the same sky with you!"


    His expression was terrifying, his coughing intense, his face flushed like fresh blood, and he suddenly slumped weakly in his chair.


    ¡®Damn, he better not die, or there will be no fun at all.¡¯ Lin Wanrong hurried over, supporting him, calling out, "Your Majesty, Old man, how are you, Eunuch Gao, Eunuch Gao¡ª"


    "Don''t call for him!" The Emperor slowly opened his eyes, his voice weak but filled with undeniable authority.


    "Old man, your illness¡ª" Lin Wanrong said anxiously.


    "I am not sick!" The Emperor gave a dark smile. "Lin San, look at me! Remember this, I am not ill. Do you understand?"


    Looking at his aged and pale face, Lin Wanrong felt an inexplicable pang of difort. He turned his head and said, "Old man, since it hase to this, please say less. I know what to say!"


    The Emperor nced at him, snorting, "Lin San, your greatest weakness is that your hand is too soft, your heart not cruel enough. Do you know what power is?"


    Without waiting for Lin Wanrong to shake his head, he continued, "Power is what makes you forget your parents, siblings, wife, and children. You will only remember a chair, a chair of supreme authority in the world! For it, you can do anything, dare to do anything! Lin San, ask yourself, can you do it?!"


    ¡®The old Emperor has gone mad, why is he asking me this,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, shaking his head, "Old man, I have never considered such things. My position is different from yours, so I won''t think about those things. This is what they mean by not concerning oneself with affairs outside one''s position."


    "Not concerning oneself with affairs outside one''s position?" The Emperor looked deeply into his eyes, "If you were in my position, what would you do?"


    This topic was somewhat taboo, Lin Wanrongughed, "Your Majesty is joking. I am content being a minor servant, also holding the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and I have no other thoughts!"


    The Emperor''s face gradually softened, and he slowlyughed, saying, "A joke, perhaps it was a joke. Lin San, do you know why I wanted to hang that First Talent Under Heaven que on your back door?"


    "Perhaps because you saw that my back door was in disrepair, so you decided to give me a heavyweight que to guard my backyard," Lord Lin seriously analyzed.


    "Guard the backyard?!" The Emperor wished he could press this youngster''s head to the ground and stomp on it a few times, but instead of bing angry, heughed, "You''re the first, Lin San, to dare to use my bestowed que to guard your backyard. Did you know that I wouldn''t chop off your head?!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "Old man, I feel that there might be some connection between us, perhaps even a familial rtionship. What use is there for that que to hang on my back door?"


    The Emperor shook his head and sighed bitterly, "I am the supreme ruler, and others would empty their hearts and souls to understand even a word of mine. Only you, young man, are so arrogant that I must exin it myself. I bestowed you that que in the great hall so that everyone knows you have strength, and I trust you! But hanging that que at your back door is to remind you¡ª"


    "To remind me to be patient!" Lin Wanrongughed, "Is it not?!"


    The Emperorughed, nodding, "So you guessed it all along, but you still deceived me. I should chop off your head!"


    Lin Wanrong looked at him and sighed softly, "Old man, howfortable it is to talk to you! Your health is more important than anything else."


    There was a hint of moisture in the Emperor''s eyes, and he turned his head and eximed loudly, "Lin San, do you still have the gold medallion I gave you?"


    "Yes." Lin Wanrongughed, pulling out the gold medallion.


    The Emperor snatched it,ughing loudly, "Excellent, excellent! I will reward you with something." He lightly pped twice, "Fairy Ning¡ª"


    A charming figure floated down like a ghost, standing in front of Lin Wanrong. Her absolutely beautiful face left Lord Lin stunned, eximing, "Fairy Ning?! Ning Yuxi?!"


    "Lin San, I bestow her upon you¡ª" the Emperor said.


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 Chapter 345

    Chapter 345


    Chapter 345 The Greatest Mistake


    With a booming sound, Lord Lin felt as if his head was no longer clear. ¡®Granting the fairy to me? This must be a joke.¡¯ Fairy Ning was elegant and pure, like a celestial being exiled to the mortal world. Even ncing at her was a sin. How could the Emperor grant her to him?


    He looked towards Ning Yuxi, and saw the fairy¡¯s face calm and peaceful. Her exceptionally beautiful cheeks adorned with a faint smile, she looked utterlyposed, as if she hadn''t heard the Emperor''s words at all.


    "Your Majesty, you must be jesting with me," Lin Wanrong chuckled, testing the waters. "This Fairy Ning, with her iparable beauty and outstanding martial arts, is like a deity. Granting her to me, heh heh¡ª" He leered, eyeing Fairy Ning up and down. Dressed in a white robe and gown, her figure perfectly poised, she resembled a pure and sacred white lotus flower.


    Ning Yuxi nced at him, seeing thescivious gleam in his sly eyes, and snorted lightly without speaking.


    "Hahaha¡ª" the Emperor roared withughter. "Grant the fairy to you? You surely dare to dream, young man. I may rule over the people of the world, but I do not rule over Fairy Ning."


    "What did Your Majesty mean by what you said just now?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    The Emperor didn''t answer his question but slowly handed over a gold medallion he had retrieved from Lord Lin to Ning Yuxi. Fairy Ning said calmly, "Have you considered it carefully? This is thest gold medallion, and thest of the three promises ¡®Jade Virtue Fairy Hall¡¯ made to you."


    The Emperor gently caressed the gold medallion in his hand, a trace of longing in his eyes. "Twenty years. I have kept thisst medallion all these years, and today it finally has a use." He turned his head and looked at Lin Wanrong, nodding, "Lin San,e here."Lin Wanrong hurried over, and the old Emperor grasped his hand. "Years ago, to ascend the throne, I coborated with ¡®Jade Virtue Fairy Hall,¡¯ promising them generous terms. In return, they were to fulfill three conditions for me, as represented by these three gold medallions in my possession."


    "Your Majesty, do you mean this one?" Lin Wanrong eximed in wonder. No wonder the medallion seemed so unusual; it turned out to be a token of agreement between the Emperor and Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. The Jade Virtue Fairy Hall had always prided itself on purity, keeping away from worldly affairs. To lower itself to assist the old Emperor in ascending the throne, the benefits must have been significant.


    "Indeed, this is it." The Emperor smiled, "The first two conditions were fulfilled by Fairy Ning''s master years ago. Only thest one remained unused."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, sighing, "Your Majesty, forgive my insolence as your younger subject. Such a precious item, how could you just throw it away? Last time at the Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, you so casually gave it to me. If I had sold it for silver, wouldn''t you have suffered a great loss?"


    The Emperorughed heartily, "I trust my judgment; the medallion has returned to me, hasn''t it?" He handed the gold medallion to Ning Yuxi. The fairy gracefully took it in hand, nodding slightly, "This is the final condition. After this matter is settled, ¡®Jade Virtue Fairy Hall¡¯ and the Imperial Pce will owe each other nothing. I hope Your Majesty will keep your promise and not bring up the past again."


    A faint glimmer of moisture shone in the old Emperor''s eyes, and after a long silence, he heaved a sigh, "Fairy Ning, I beg a favor of you."


    Fairy Ning nodded slightly, and the Emperor continued in a quiet voice, "I hope that you can treat my child kindly. In this life, the one I have wronged the most is her." A fierce glint shed in the old Emperor''s eyes, and he turned and spoke loudly, "Lin San, you reveal your sharp edges, attracting envy easily. I will do a good deed, and grant Fairy Ning to you as your bodyguard. Are you willing?"


    ¡®Sweat, after talking so much, it turns out that she was to protect me. This old man was deliberately teasing me.¡¯


    "Old man, there are many kinds of bodyguards. For example, gatekeepers, courtyard protectors, and there''s one kind called a personal guard. That is, when I sit, she stands; when I sleep, she apanies me. I wonder to what extent can this golden token let Fairy Ning guard me?" Lin Wanrong nced at Ning Yuxi, and chuckledsciviously.


    "I will guard your life with all my might." Fairy Ning''s eyebrows slightly furrowed, her disgust for thisscivious man unspeakable.


    Lin Wanrong pretended not to notice the revulsion on her face, and tittered, "Is that so? Then please stay away from me, Fairy. I have many wives, many activities. If you identally see something you shouldn''t, I would suffer a great loss."


    Fairy Ning gave a faint smile, disdainfully nced at him, and closed her eyes, ignoring him. Lin Wanrong''s biggest w was not fearing one¡¯s words, but fearing one¡¯s silence. As Fairy Ning shut her mouth and said nothing, he was at a loss, feeling entirely disappointed, and turned to the Emperor, "Old man, if you grant the Fairy to me, what about your safety?"


    "My safety will be looked after by those in the pce, don''t worry about it," the Emperor calmly replied, his face expressionless. "Lin San, do you know why I treat you this way?"


    "How would I know if you don''t tell me?" Lin Wanrong said helplessly.


    The Emperor nced at Fairy Ning, and Ning Yuxi nodded slightly, "The promise of ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall'' will certainly be kept. Please rest assured, Your Majesty."


    She turned and walked towards the door, only to see Lin Wanrong making a face at her, gesturing a shooting motion with his hand, his eyes filled with an indescribable expression, half-smiling yet not quite.


    After Fairy Ning left the room, the ever-silent old Emperor''s eyes suddenly sparkled, and a fierce killing intent shed across his face, "Lin San, Ning Yuxi is the top martial artist in the world. Are you afraid of her?"


    "Old man, you are mistaken. I, Lin San, fear cats and dogs, but never women," Lin Wanrong giggled, speaking without concern.


    "Excellent, excellent." The killing intent in the Emperor''s eyes intensified. "Once you have used her up, deploy Divine Machine Unit with all cannons firing, and uproot that ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall'' entirely."


    "Uproot?" Lin Wanrong frowned. "Old man, are you worried that¡ª"


    The old Emperor nced at him lightly, "Under heaven, allnds are royal soil. Along its shores, all are royal subjects. I am the Emperor of Great Hua, and I will not allow a ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall'' to exist independently of my realm. Do you understand?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded but said nothing. Though Fairy Ning appeared as elegant as a fairy, she was solely devoted to defending the so-called ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall,'' even daring to stand on equal footing with the Emperor. If you didn''t wipe her out, who would you wipe out? Bombarding the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall was unnecessary; if he, Lord Lin, bombarded Fairy Ning, everything would be settled. He chuckled lewdly a few times, wiping the saliva from the corner of his mouth, and said, "Old man, you''ve had Fairy Ning protect me, but what exactly do you want me to do? Is it very dangerous?"


    "Not particrly dangerous," the Emperor replied, patting his shoulder. "I just want you to help me deal with someone."


    "Deal with someone?" Lin Wanrong''s mind raced, understanding that this person must not be simple if the Emperor was taking great pains. Could it be¡ªhis face turned pale as he cried, "Prince Cheng?"


    "I didn''t say that; you did," the Emperor said, eyes slightly closed.


    Cold sweat flowed down Lin Wanrong''s body. What kind of character was Prince Cheng? Even the cunning and crafty old Emperor had battled with him for over twenty years without sess. Sending him now, wasn''t it just to make him cannon fodder?


    "Emperor, Emperor," Master Lin stammered, "Can I return Fairy Ning to you? I don''t want her anymore."


    The Emperor''s eyes shed like a tiger''s, as he nced at him, "What''s the matter, you''re scared? You fear him, yet you don''t fear me? Bring someone¡ª"


    Eunuch Gao was waiting outside the door and hurriedly said, "Your servant is here!"


    "Dong Qiaoqiao, Luo Ning, Xiao Yuruo, Xiao Yushuang," the Emperor stared at Lord Lin, his eyes flickering with a fierce and murderous light as he pronounced each name, "Gao Ping, send fast horses to invite thesedies here. I wish to speak with them¡ª"


    "Hold on!" Lin Wanrong waved his hand, his face changing with various shades of displeasure, "Your Majesty, are you trying to force me?"


    "Lin San, you''re an intelligent man. In this world, what isn''t done under coercion?" The Emperor patted his shoulder, his face breaking into a sly smile, "If you handle this matter well, I won''t treat you unfairly. You''ll receive what you can''t even dream of."


    Looking at the Emperor''s sinister smile, recalling their conversation moments ago¡ªhow warm and harmonious it was¡ªLin Wanrong shook his head and sighed, "Old man, the greatest mistake I''ve made is treating the Emperor as a friend!"


    "You understand now? Very good, very good!" The Emperor slowly nodded, then loudlymanded, "Gao Ping, prepare the carriage to return to the pce."


    "By yourmand!" Eunuch Gao ran off to arrange the imperial carriage. The Emperor was about to leave, pulling open the doortch, but suddenly turned back, smiling, "By the way, Lin San, my dear subject, I heard that tonight, Goryeo, the Turks, and even Prince Cheng have arranged feasts and all have invited you. Is this true?"


    ¡®That old man, knowing everything yet still asking me,¡¯ Lin Wanrong snorted and replied irritably, "No, I''ve declined all of them. Tonight, I''ll be at home sleeping with my wife."


    "You''ll first have to protect your wives. This mansion is big enough, and you have more wives than I can count on my ten fingers." The Emperor said with a slight smile, "Lin San, remember this: I''m not making things difficult for you; I''m teaching you. Take care of yourself."


    The old Emperor pushed the door open and left. Eunuch Gao hurriedly assisted him onto the small sedan, and the imperial carriage slowly moved away, gradually disappearing from sight.


    "Lord Lin, the Emperor is really good to you," Xu Zhiqing said, standing beside Madam Xiao with a smile.


    "Yes, the Emperor is indeed very good to me," Lin Wanrong replied with a forced smile, ncing at her, and spoke menacingly, "Maybe I''ll plead with him tomorrow, and perhaps he might even grant me Miss Xu''s hand in marriage."


    "You¡ª" Xu Zhiqing''s face turned red, and she was about to argue with him, but Lin Wanrong waved his hand, his face dark, and said, "Miss Xu, I don''t have time to tease you today. Qiaoqiao, my darling,e and embrace your big brother; he''s been injured."


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 Chapter 346

    Chapter 346


    Chapter 346 Borrowing the Cannon


    Xu Zhiqing was momentarily stunned. Lin San, who was usually all smiles and never serious, looked today as wilted as an eggnt hit by frost. Could he really be injured?


    Qiaoqiao''s face turned red as she stole a nce at Madam Xiao and Xu Zhiqing. She gently opened her heart and embraced Lin Wanrong, her adorable little head resting against her big brother''s chin, and said softly, "Big brother, are you scared? If we have to, we can start all over again. We originally had nothing anyway."


    Lin Wanrong nestled his head into her chest twice, the soft and delicate honeyed touch calming him down. The faint fragrance entered his nostrils, and he inhaled deeply, lifting his head to say, "Little treasure, I know. Rest assured, if it reallyes to that, your big brother would rather have nothing but you and my other wives, alright?"


    "No ambition!" Xu Zhiqing, hearing his words, couldn''t help but frown slightly, snorting in a voice that was neither loud nor soft, but fell into Lin San''s ears.


    Lin Wanrong looked up at her and snapped, "Can ambition be eaten like a meal? Miss Xu, you need to understand the difference between grains before you talk to me about ambition."


    "How can I not distinguish the difference between grains? Don''t demean all women like that! Qiaoqiao, your big brother, aside from showing off in front of you, is otherwise quite ordinary. You must not spoil him." Earlier, Lin San had gone to see the Emperor, and Madam Xiao had already introduced Qiaoqiao to Xu Zhiqing. Women naturally be familiar quickly, and after chatting for a while, they began to call each other sisters.


    Qiaoqiao shook her head, saying, "Sister Xu, you are wrong. My big brother is the most unique man in the world, unmatched by anyone. You need to interact with him more, and you will understand."


    Madam Xiao curiously looked at Xu Zhiqing and Lin San, shaking her head and sighing, "Zhiqing, you are very much like the old Yuruo." Miss Xu did not understand her meaning, and the Madam just smiled, shaking her head, and refused to borate.Regardless, the old Emperor did treat Lin San fairly well. The house he bestowed was certainlyrge, giving him plenty of face. Lin Wanrong inspected it back and forth, but his brow never rxed. Seeing her big brother''s unhappy expression, Qiaoqiao obediently followed him, not daring to make a sound.


    Lin Wanrong suddenly stopped, sighing, "Little treasure, I will find some people for youter. You direct them to clean this house."


    Qiaoqiao hesitated for a moment, asking, "Big brother, are we really going to live here?"


    Lin Wanrong looked surprised, "Why, don''t you want to?"


    Qiaoqiao gently shook her head, "That''s not it. If we all move here, what will happen to Miss Xiao and Madam Xiao? We are all one family!"


    Lin Wanrongughed, knowing her heart so well, "Don''t worry, as you said, we are all one family! We can move them here as well when the timees. The yard is so big, it can amodate hundreds of people. If need be, I will work harder and earn more money."


    Qiaoqiao smiled radiantly and tightly hugged his arm, saying, "Big brother, you''re so good. Actually, you don''t have to work so hard. I''ve already nned everything. When we get to the capital this time, I want to open ''Food for Immortals'' there. Since you know the Emperor, when we open, you can invite His Majesty as well, to add prestige to our establishment."


    Lin Wanrong inhaled sharply, thinking to himself, ¡®This girl dares to dream bigger than I do. Do you think inviting the Emperor is as simple as chopping cabbage or grabbing a radish, one after the other with precision?¡¯ He yfully touched Qiaoqiao''s little face, nodding and smiling, "Invite the Emperor? We can try. Little darling, let''s settle on that then. Your big brother is now an official of some rank. Not engaging in some enterprise would be unworthy of the Emperor''s trust. You find Eldest Miss to help, and together, go scout a location. Once you''ve found a good spot, let me know. I know many in the military. We can put on our armor, bring a few squads of soldiers, and even the most stubborn squatters will surely give way to me. Darling, isn''t your big brother clever?"


    Qiaoqiao giggled melodiously, remembering the day in Jinling when he cleverly obtained what he wanted, her heart filled with warmth. Madam Xiao, listening from behind, shook her head, thinking, fortunately, this Lin San is part of her Xiao family; if he were to oppose them, no one would truly be able to deal with him.


    Impatient as Qiaoqiao was, she immediately began to organize the cleaning of therge, dust-filled mansion. Xu Zhiqing was quite supportive of her, deploying over twenty strong men from her household, personally leading them to help Qiaoqiao. The two women chattered away, and Madam Xiao also became interested, instructing how to arrange things here and there. The three women made such a spectacle that Lin Wanrong was left aside.


    As eager as Qiaoqiao was, someone was even more impatient. Lin Wanrong, thinking about what the old Emperor had said, was feeling annoyed. Just as he was about to step out for a walk, he spotted a tall-nosed foreigner at the door. Lin Wanrong recognized him; he was the one who had delivered the blood-sweat treasure horse from Ashile the day before.


    "Alibaba, what are you doing here?" Lord Lin called out with a smile, pondering to himself that he had never tried the Turkic blood-sweat treasure horse. He should find a time to ride it; it mighte in handy if he ever had to flee from the old Emperor.


    "Sir, my name is not Alibaba, it''s Hanibal!" the tall-nosed Turk corrected.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "It''s all the same, all the same. Hanibal is your Turkic name, tranted into our Great Huanguage; your name would be Alibaba. You know, Alibaba is a very famous wise character in the Arabian Nights. You, with your thick eyebrows and grand appearance, must be as wise as him. Tell me, Alibaba Hanibal, what are you doing here?"


    Hanibal was left somewhat dizzy by Master Lin''s words, wondering how, in just a few sentences, his name had been altered to "Alibaba Hanibal."


    "Sir, the National Master Lu Dongzan and Lord Ashile have instructed me to invite you to a feast tonight. I havee specifically to escort you!" Hanibal said, appearing respectful.


    Lin Wanrong looked up at the sky and noticed the sun was directly overhead, then eximed in surprise, "I say, Alibaba, it''s only noon, isn''t it? If you want to invite me to dine, there''s really no need to be this early!"


    Hanibal shook his head, saying, "Sir, it is imperative to be early. Lord Ashile heard that you have epted invitations from both the Goryeo Prince and Prince Cheng for tonight, and it''s uncertain where you will go. He''s extremely anxious and specifically instructed me toe here early. I set out this morning, went to your shop, and people there told me you had gone out to look at a house, so I''ve been searching for you all the way here."


    "You set out this morning?" Lin Wanrong suppressed augh. "You''re fortunate I didn''t make you search all the way to Tongzhou. I guess that''s enough trouble for you." He nodded and asked, "Alibaba, your Mandarin is quite good. Who taught you?"


    Hanibal lifted his head, proudly stating, "My tribe has often traded with the Great Hua, so learning yournguage wasn''t difficult. But your Mandarin is too coarse and cannotpare to my Turkic script."


    "You must be joking," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Your so-called script, coarse as an undeveloped fertilized egg, dares topare with my square characters?" He grinned slyly and said, "Hui hua fei fa hei, hei hua fei fa hui! Alibaba, repeat that after me."


    Hanibal''s mouth opened and closed, unable to replicate the phrase, as Lin Wanrongughed heartily and started to walk away. Hanibal hurriedly followed, calling, "Sir, Sir. Lord Ashile is still waiting for you!"


    ¡®What could these Turkic people want with me, to invite me so eagerly? Could they really want to give me two foreign beauties? With their curly hair, high noses, blue eyes, and thick lips, the girls might be suitable for pole dancing,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, suddenly intrigued. He smiled and said, "Since your lord is so respectful, I''ll go see him. Alibaba, you don''t understand the meaning of ''respectful,'' do you?"


    Hanibal shook his head, and Lin Wanrong waved his hand, saying, "Then quickly prepare a pnquin! I''m waiting for you to honor me!"


    Hanibal hastily shook his head, "Sir. I don''t have a pnquin. We Turkic people are born on horseback, and we travel by horse. I''ve prepared swift horses for you¡ªlook."


    He whistled sharply, and the clear sound of hooves could be heard. Two strong Turkic horses galloped towards them from a distance. Although not as majestic as the fabled blood-sweat horses, they wererge and robust, clearly built for running.


    "Sir, please mount the horse!" Hanibal said, handing over the reins with a respectful bow.


    "Alibaba, don''t you have blood-sweat horses? Bring a couple of those for me to ride!" Lin Wanrong said, his mind on the blood-sweat horses. Seeing Hanibal trying to fob him off with ordinary horses, he was quite unwilling and spoke directly.


    "About that..." Hanibal said, somewhat awkwardly, "To tell you the truth, Sir. Although we Turkic people breed blood-sweat horses, they are extremely precious and not avable to just anyone. Lord Ashile brought ten of them this time. Two were given to you, Sir, and the rest were given to¡ªoh, our lord no longer has any left!"


    "You rascal, only two were given and then none left? I have so many wives; if I were to ever take to the road, wouldn''t I need one for each hand?" He snorted from his nose, saying, "Alibaba, you are quite filial, aren''t you? You Turks are skilled in horsemanship and have fought with our Great Hua for years. Do you mean to say you don''t ride the blood-sweat treasure horses?"


    Hanibal burst intoughter, responding, "From your words, Master, I can tell that you''ve never been to the northernnds. We Turks are indeed skilled in horsemanship, but blood-sweat treasure horses are gifts from Tengri, precious beyond measure. How could they possibly be used as war horses? Our battle horses are bred from the inferior blood-sweat horses crossed withmon ones, like the two you see here. Though they''ve been bred through many years and their lineage has grown distant from the blood-sweat horses, they still cannot bepared to the stunted ponies of your Great Hua."


    ¡®Damn, so they''ve been riding mongrel horses all along.¡¯ Master Lin chuckled and mounted the horse, giving it a hearty pat, and the tworge horses galloped towards the city outskirts.


    Turks were indeed natural horsemen. Though Master Lin had fought on horseback and was by no means deficient in his riding skills, Hanibal''s galloping demonstrated an even more exquisite mastery.


    "Alibaba, these Turkish horses of yours are indeed excellent," Lin Wanrong praised as they rode side by side.


    "Of course! Our strength as Turkses from these fleet-footed steeds," Hanibal proimed proudly.


    "What do these Turkish horses fear?" Lin Wanrong asked casually.


    "They fear fire, smoke, and are not good with endurance. Turkish horses are great for running but not for stamina," Hanibal exined.


    Thisd was indeed filial, Lin Wanrong thought, patting him on the shoulder andughing heartily. The two men and their horses continued on toward the outskirts of the city. The Turkish envoy, consisting of over a hundred people, had mostly set up camp outside the city, which was more suitable for their lifestyle.


    As they rode northward, they beheld the towering beauty of a green mountain, its pines standing tall and springs flowing, painting an exquisitendscape. At the foot of the mountain, arge grassy area was tinged with the faint green of new growth. Dozens of white tents were erected, resembling patches of pure white clouds amid the green, striking to the eye.


    This ce, with its clear mountains and beautiful scenery, was well-chosen by the Turks, Lin Wanrong thought, humming in appreciation.


    From afar, two spirited horses sprang from the encirclement of white tents, rushing towards them. Hanibal let out a long cry and pulled the reins, his horse rearing and neighing.


    "Master, State Teacher Lu Dongzan and Master Ashile areing to wee you," Hanibal quickly informed. Lin Wanrong looked up to see the two figures riding towards them; it was indeed Ashile and Lu Dongzan.


    The two arrived, and Lu Dongzan ced one hand on his chest, bowing respectfully, "Master Lin, your presence graces us. Lu Dongzan is honored!"


    Lin Wanrong returned the greeting with a fist, smiling warmly, "Brother Lu, it''s good to see you. Brother A, you as well!"


    The two of them noticed that Master Lin''s way of addressing them was unconventional, and they couldn''t help but nce at each other, a smile ying on their faces. The four men and four horses proceeded directly toward the camp tents. In the camp, several tall wooden racks were set up, with a few freshly caught wild sheep bound to them. The bonfire roared, roasting the wild sheep to a golden hue, and droplets of oil slowly fell. When they sshed onto the mes, sparks flew, and a sound of crackling filled the air. Nearby, three wooden sticks supportedrge iron pots filled with steaming hot food, the aroma of wild vegetables carried by the wind.


    ¡®The Turks live such healthy lives,¡¯ Master Lin mused. ¡®They eat organic food and enjoy extreme sports; no wonder they are so strong.¡¯


    Ashile noticed that Master Lin''s eyes were fixed on the food all along and gave him a meaningful nce, saying with a grin, "Master Lin, we Turks have been riding horses and shooting arrows since we were children. We may not be skilled in poetry or embroidery, but when ites to horsemanship and swordsmanship, no one in the world can surpass us."


    Ashile''s Chinese was somewhat awkward, but the implied meaning of his words was clear to Lin San, who chuckled and replied, "Brother A, you are mistaken. Our Great Hua has vast territories and numerous ethnicities, epassing all kinds of talents and skills. We have poets, embroiderers, and even more who ride horses and cut down enemies. Our two countries have fought for years, and Great Hua has always been patient. But if you think Great Hua is afraid of the Turks, you are gravely mistaken. An ancient poem says: ''Desert sands white as snow, Yan Mountain''s moon shaped like a hook. If I wish to fight, what are the barbarians but a ball?''"


    Lu Dongzan, as the Turks'' national teacher and someone familiar with Chinese culture, furrowed his brow and said, "Is there such a poem? I''ve never heard of it."


    "Not having heard of it doesn''t mean it doesn''t exist. This is the profundity of Great Hua''s culture, Brother Lu. You still have much to learn," Lin Wanrongughed.


    Lu Dongzan was no ordinary person and nodded in agreement, saying, "What Master Lin says is true. Among our people, if one were to talk about the most learned and the one who understands Great Hua the deepest, it''s not me, Lu Dongzan, but another."


    ¡®Lu Dongzan is already impressive, and the Turks have someone even more extraordinary?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was taken aback. This unfamiliar world was entirely different from his past life. The Turks had not only survived through the centuries but had grown stronger, nearly on par with Great Hua. Whether Great Hua would annihte the Turks or be defeated by them remained an unknown variable. Should he help Li Sheng invent something useful, like airnes or cannons? He chuckled to himself, feeling a growing sense of patriotism.


    His mind wandered for a moment, and the three men had already stepped into the tent, which seemed to be Ashile''s main quarters. The interior was adorned with a red carpet and decorated with pearl milk tea, exuding an exotic vor.


    Ashile proudly pointed to the carpet and said, "Master Lin, please look at this carpet. It''s called the Tear Carpet, a spoil of war I obtained from subduing the Tiele tribe. It''s said to have been embroidered by the Tiele Dada through generations, umting over time to this grand scale. The tears of Tiele Dada were said to have fallen upon it, hence its name, the Tear Carpet."


    Lu Dongzan exined, "Dada refers to the sister or daughter of the Tiele Khan, equivalent to a princess in the Great Hua."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and pulled out a firearm from his bosom. "Gentlemen, please take a look; this object is called a handgun, colloquially known as the handheld cannon. Heh heh, the might of a cannon; Brother Ashile, you''ve seen it with your own eyes. In years past, my grandfather''s grandfather''s great-grandfather took it with him as he conquered the south and the north, subduing Goryeo and Dongyin, vanquishing Persia and Arabia, sweeping across the Mongolian steppes, fighting from Asia to Europe, fishing in the Amazon, drinking from the Danube, ruling all under heaven¡ªwho dared to disobey? Every time they killed a man, they took a strand of hair,ter gathering all the hair to make a carpet buried underground. Ah, that''s the very grasnd where you live today."


    The audacity of this man! Where in your Great Hua Dynasty''s history is such an act recorded? He boasts so outrageously. Both Lu Dongzan and Ashile looked at him with simultaneous disdain. But when they saw the gun in his hand, they couldn''t help but pause, exchanging a nce and nodding slightly.


    "Don''t just talk, Master Lin; please, take a seat," Lu Dongzan said with a smile, diverting the topic and guiding Lin Wanrong to sit cross-legged.


    Master Lin sat on the carpet, his legs going numb, feeling quite awkward. No wonder the Turkic people loved riding horses; it seemed there was no alternative. Sitting cross-legged like this for a few days would surely result in sciatica.


    In the midst of their conversation, attendants had already brought in a whole roasted fatmb, glittering golden, dripping with oil, and temptingly delicious. Ashile lifted his cup and said, "Master Lin, I''m truly grateful that you could attend my banquet today. Come, let''s drink this cup together to wee your arrival."


    Ashile and Lu Dongzan drained their cups in one gulp, wiping their mouths with great satisfaction. Master Lin had just raised it to his lips when a pungent smell assaulted his nose. What on earth was this? Horse urine?


    Ashileughed heartily, "Master Lin has never tasted this fine wine, has he? This is our Turkic specialty, mare''s milk wine, squeezed from the teats of pregnant mares. It''s incredibly satisfying, even more so than milking a woman!"


    ¡®Crude! Did he really call them teats? More like breasts!¡¯ Master Lin thought, despising Ashile. He closed his eyes and took a sip of the mare''s milk, finding it fishy, foul, bitter, and indescribably unptable. He wondered how those tworge-nosed fellows managed to drink it. Fortunately, roasting a wholemb was a specialty of the nomads¡ªspicy, pungent, yet tender and delicious, a pure and natural green food. Master Lin stuffed his mouth with several bites, finally managing to forget the taste of the mare''s milk.


    Seeing Master Lin wolfing down his food, both men smiled slightly. Ashile pped his hands, and there was a rustling sound outside the door. A few exotic women entered, their entire bodies draped in thin yellow silk, except for openings at their navels and foreheads, revealing white bellies and a pair of enchanting eyes.


    These foreign women were taller than the women of the Great Hua, with more pronounced figures. Their breasts were full and firm, like rolling mountains; their hips round and sturdy, like resilient millstones; protruding at the front and tilting at the back, alluringly inviting.


    ¡®My word,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong, ¡®the women who ride horses really have it allrge and round buttocks, perky and firm breasts. They''re fiery! Should I install a steel pole in the tent and give Ashile and Lu Dongzan a show?¡¯


    As he gazed at the women, filled with exotic charm, Lin Wanrong felt a pang of desire. Ashile''s eyes roamed over them, and he swallowed hard, pping his hands lightly. A melody of stringed instruments began to y, and the voluptuous foreign women slowly swayed to the music.


    Their thin silk garments could not contain their rounded breasts and perky hips. In time with the music, the graceful foreign women swung their waists freely, their beautiful eyes expressing a hint of flirtation, their bosoms and hips moving together. Suddenly, with a swishing sound, the silk was all thrown off. The women, now in short skirts, revealed their slender, white jade legs. Their hips lightly twisted, their legs slightly parted, glimpses of hidden allure peeked out from under their skirts, an indescribable enchantment.


    Powerful indeed, thought Lin Wanrong, entranced. They must feel very powerful when clenched. Just as he was enjoying the spectacle, he heard Ashile''s voice beside his ear: "Master Lin, if you like them, these women are yours."


    "This... isn''t it inappropriate? Can they dance with a pole? Let''s see it, quickly show me," Lin Wanrong said, wiping his mouth.


    Ashile and Lu Dongzan exchanged a smile, and Lu Dongzan said, "Master Lin, we''d like to borrow something from you."


    "Borrow what?" Lin Wanrong replied without turning his head.


    "Borrow the cannon!" Ashile said with a smile.


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 Chapter 347

    Chapter 347


    Chapter 347 Big Trouble


    "Borrow the cannon? Sure!" Master Lin eximed with great excitement, "I carry two with me, one big and one small. Which one would you like?!"


    "Carry them with you?!" Lu Dongzan and Ashile looked at each other, perplexed. Can cannons really be carried around? How advanced has the technology in Great Hua be?


    "Master Lin, may we see the cannon that you carry with you?" Lu Dongzan scrutinized Lin Wanrong, carefully asking.


    "The small cannon? Here it is, you''ve both seen it," Master Lin proudly raised his musket, "This is called a hand-held cannon. It''s a coboration between Great Hua and the West, and will likely be equipped for our cavalry and infantry in just a few years."


    Lu Dongzan and Ashile had dealt with Master Lin a few times before. His words often sounded as elusive as clouds drifting across the sky, with no way of telling what was true and what was false. However, this musket was exquisitely crafted and finely made, clearly no ordinary piece. Had Great Hua truly developed thetest handheld firearms as Master Lin imed?


    "Master Lin, what about the other cannon? Is it also with you?" Ashile hastily asked.


    Master Lin chuckled, "The other one is called the ''big cannon,'' and of course, it''s with me. This cannon is a divine artifact, with an imposing appearance and boundless power. It once bombarded twelve maidens in a single night, and its firepower is still undiminished. How about that, impressive, right?" Master Linsciviously nced at the scantily d and seductive nomad women, nodding, "But your Turkic women are big and have been riding horses since childhood, so this cannon might have some difficulty taking down twelve. Ten would be no problem."


    The two became more and more confused. Master Lin''s cannon was going to attack maidens, then nomad women. What on earth was this formidable thing?Seeing their bewildered expressions, Lin Wanrong burst intoughter and gave them a lecherous look, "Brother A, Brother Lu, speaking of this cannon, you both have one too. Only a smaller caliber, that''s all. Mine is an erged caliber that makes women around the world tremble in fear and is invincible."


    The two Turkic men finally understood what Master Lin was referring to. He was nothing but a degenerate, lower even than a beast. That such a man could be the Vice Minister of Personnel in Great Hua showed how far the nation had declined.


    Their hearts filled with both joy and sorrow, Ashileughed, "Master Lin, you truly have remarkable ideas. We admire you greatly. However, what I wanted to borrow was the type of cannon you disyed at the martial arts demonstration that day. The one with tremendous power and apact structure."


    Master Lin turned his cheek, not speaking. Ashile continued, "Master Lin, you are young and vigorous, full of fiery energy. These beautiful Turkic women here can help you cool down a bit. You few¡ª" He pointed at several dancing Turkic women in the field, chattering in a foreignnguage, leaving Master Lin fuming. ''Damn it, what kind of birdnguage is this? It doesn''t sound like English, nor French.''


    Lu Dongzan knew that he couldn''t understand, so he automatically tranted, "Ashile says, ''Let them serve Master Lin well. Once Master Lin isfortable, he will report back to Khan upon returning home, and promote their parents and siblings.''"


    As soon as the words were spoken, the effect was immediate. A few Turkic women clung to Master Lin like unshakeable sticky candy. They twisted their waists next to Master Lin, rubbing their full breasts and round buttocks against his body. Ashile and Lu Dongzan also watched, secretly swallowing their saliva. For a moment, the tent was incredibly sultry, and the temperature instantly rose by several degrees.


    ¡®Turkic women really have great figures. If I were to receive a chest push... ah, I''d be in heaven,¡¯ Master Lin thought. His hands were vigorously exploring the Turkic woman''s body, reaching down under the smooth satin and into her robe, grasping her snowy thigh, giving it a strong squeeze. The Turkic woman moaned, just like a sleepy Persian cat, utterly enchanting.


    Seeing Master Lin so bold, yet in control, Ashile and Lu Dongzan sighed at their own inadequacy. Ashile swallowed and said, "Master Lin, about the matter of borrowing the cannon we mentioned earlier, what do you think?"


    Master Lin''s eyes narrowed as he touched a Turkic woman''s chest, smiling, "Brother A, I''m afraid you''ve found the wrong person. I''m just a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel who hasn''t taken office yet, a small official as insignificant as sesame seeds. Borrowing a cannon is a military affair; you should go to the barracks. Don''t you know anyone there? Here''s what I''ll do: I''ll introduce you to someone, General Li Tai of Great Hua. You know him, right?! He controls the frontier army, and he has plenty of the cannons you want. Just go directly to him. Offering some fine horses and beautiful women should smooth the way."


    Ashile forced a smile, "Master Lin is joking. How could we not know General Li Tai? He has fought with us Turks for many years. If we could go through him, we wouldn''t need toe to you."


    Lin Wanrong snorted in his heart. These Turkic people were no fools; they knew that Great Hua''s biggest threat to them was the cannons. The old cannons were bulky and cumbersome, posing limited threats to the Turks. But now things were different. Xu Wei, under Lin Wanrong''s guidance, had sent people to study cannon technology on French armored ships. With improvements by Xu Zhiqing''s skilled hands, the cannons not only shot farther and more urately but also became more powerful and much smaller. Now, just two warhorses could easily pull one. The Turks recognized the value and were trying to get their hands on one for study. But the newly improved cannons were scarce and tightly controlled by Li Tai, prohibiting any leakage, so they had been unable to acquire one.


    "Brother A, what do you want the cannon for? Aren''t you Turks known for conquering the world on horseback? Those heavy cannons that even two horses can''t pull will be of no use to you!" Lin Wanrongughed.


    Lu Dongzan''s eyes shed, and he nodded, saying, "What Master Lin says is correct. We Turks are a horse-riding people, so the cannons indeed don''t have much use for us. But these past few days, as we have been strolling around the capital with time to spare, it just so happened that Ashile mentioned to me that Master Lin had invited him to watch a cannon demonstration. My brothers and I were somewhat interested, so we wanted to obtain a cannon to y with. Besides, there are many rabbits and wolves in the mountains, and it would be perfect for us to hunt a few for fun. As Master Lin has said, the cannons are extremely heavy, so heavy that even two horses cannot pull them, so you don''t have to worry about us taking them away. After we''ve had our fun for a few days, we''ll return it to you. To show our sincerity, Ashile has specially prepared four beautiful Turkish women to present to you."


    Lin Wanrong, a master of intrigue and cunning, could see through Ashile''s flickering eyes and knew that he must have ulterior motives. Master Linughed heartily and said, "So, the two of you want to borrow the cannon for hunting? Truly a novel idea! But as I have already said, I am of little importance and have no means to help."


    Lu Dongzan shook his head and said, "Master Lin, you are being too modest. When you led troops to wipe out the White Lotus sect in Shandong, the cannons yed a significant role, and your reputation in the army was extraordinary. If you give the word, there''s nothing that can''t be done."


    ¡®Damn it, these Turks have really done their homework, even uncovering these matters,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong. Seeing Ashile and Lu Dongzan''s eager eyes and their desperate desire to obtain the cannons, Lin Wanrong sighed with difficulty and said, "My brothers, you may not know this, but although I have many good friends in the army, the cannons of the Divine Machine Unit are all controlled by Li Tai. You know what the old man is like, careful and meticulous, personally counting the number of cannons every day before he can sleep. Even if I want to help, I can''t."


    Ashile and Lu Dongzan looked at each other, not expecting that this Master Lin, who appeared greedy and lustful on the surface, would suddenly be principled at this critical moment. They exchanged nces, and Ashile, gritting his teeth, pulled out a small cloth bag from his pocket, saying, "Master Lin, I would like you to look at something."


    The small bag was not big and very light, so it was unclear what was inside. However, Ashile handled it as if it were a cherished treasure, carefully revealing it in front of Lin Wanrong.


    A faint, pungent odor came forth, bitter with a peculiar refreshing fragrance that was invigorating. Lin Wanrong closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, finding the scent both familiar and foreign.


    "My Lord, this is something precious," Ashile said, licking his lips, his eyes shing with avarice, as if he was holding a handful of bright gold. Even theposed Lu Dongzan''s eyes sparkled, staring fixedly at the small bag without moving.


    Ashile took an empty small pot and slowly poured the contents of the bag into it. Lin Wanrong saw clearly that it was a bunch of withered yellow leaves, cut into thin strips, and the faint, pungent aroma became even more intense.


    Without giving Lin Wanrong a chance to examine closely, Ashile quickly covered the pot with its lid, and with a mysterious smile towards Lin Wanrong, took a spark from the torch beside him, ignited a piece of dry grass, and swiftly threw it into the pot. In no time at all, a faint wisp of smoke slowly emerged from the slender mouth of the pot, and a familiar scent rushed forth.


    What on earth was this? Lin Wanrong deeply inhaled the fragrance, his face gradually bing serious.


    Seeing the smoke rising, Ashile and Lu Dongzan''s faces immediately brightened, their noses eagerly pressed to the mouth of the pot as they deeply inhaled the scent. Then, they both looked up, exhaling a breath, their expressions utterly carefree and transcendent, as if they had be celestial beings.


    "Master Lin,e and take a puff," Ashile urged, hastily passing the small pot to him.


    Lin Wanrong took the pot, his face as still as water, squeezing the pot tightly, not even feeling the heat burning his hand. Strange things had been happening often that year, and now here was something not even found in the Great Hu¨¢. How could it appear in the hands of the Turks?


    He inhaled deeply from the pot''s mouth, and a fiery, intense sensation choked his nose, causing him to cough twice. Ashile and Lu Dongzan burst into heartyughter, looking at him with pride, saying, "Master Lin, what do you think?"


    Holding the small pot, Lin Wanrong was silent for a moment before asking solemnly, "Ashile, Lu Dongzan, where did this thinge from?!"


    Seeing that he was asking about its origin rather than its name, both men were slightly taken aback. Could this mysterious Vice Minister Lin have seen this object before? That would be truly miraculous!


    The two exchanged nces, and Lu Dongzan asked, "Master Lin, have you seen this ''Nose-piercing Grass'' before?"


    "What grass?!" Master Lin eximed, eyes wide.


    "Nose-piercing Grass!" Lu Dongzan, noticing Master Lin''s expression, chuckled and exined, "Oh, you must not have heard of Nose-piercing Grass. This is a term in our Turkguage. Great Hu¨¢ surely doesn''t have this Nose-piercing Grass. It grows south of ournds, near the desert edge bordering Great Hua. It''s naturally formed but rare, only producing a few pounds a year. If our warriors or horses are injured or ill, sometimes severely, we blow the smoke of Nose-piercing Grass into their nostrils, and the ailment is cured. Over time, people be addicted and love its scent more and more. Since it''s hard to find, our entire nation can only gather two or three pounds a year. It is indeed invaluable. These are war spoils awarded to me by the Khan after defeating the Tiele five years ago, cherished ever since. Master Lin, try it again; I guarantee you''ll fall in love with Nose-piercing Grass."


    "Nose-piercing Grass, Nose-piercing Grass," Master Lin muttered to himself and then burst intoughter, eximing, "Good, good, excellent Nose-piercing Grass. You Turks indeed have rich resources. But remember, from now on, you can only call it Nose-piercing Grass, not tobo, and definitely not ''smoking tobo.'' Otherwise, I won''t let you off."


    "Master Lin, what does ''smoking tobo'' mean?" Lu Dongzan asked, puzzled.


    "Tobo is a grass that produces smoke, but it''s not as good-sounding as your Nose-piercing Grass," Master Lin chuckled and said, "Brother A, don''t you think you''re being a bit stingy? This small amount of Nose-piercing Grass will be gone in two or three puffs. Bring more; I want to take some back for my main wife, my concubines, my father-inw, and my mother-inw to taste."


    Seeing that Master Lin''s enthusiasm was even greater than when fondling a woman''s thigh, the two men instantly sensed an opportunity. Ashile gritted his teeth, and as he was about to prepare more Nose-piercing Grass, Master Lin reached out and grabbed the small bag. Heughed and said, "Why be so formal? Just give it all to me. I''ll find some people to divide it up when I get back."


    They had seen shameless people before, but never someone so shameless. It was a wonder that such a person had been appointed as an official. Watching Master Lin stuff the Nose-piercing Grass into his clothing without a second thought, Ashile felt like his heart was bleeding, and his facial muscles twitched a few times. Still, he managed to force a smile and said, "Though this Nose-piercing Grass is invaluable, since you like it, Ashile will dly present it with both hands. Now, about the matter of borrowing the cannons¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong, having received the generous gift, pounded his chest,ughing heartily and said, "No problem. Never mind cannons; I could even get you airnes. Brother Lu, there is something else I need to ask you."


    Seeing Master Lin readily agree, the two were overjoyed, and Lu Dongzan hurriedly said, "Speak your mind, Master Lin. Lu Dongzan will spare no detail."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Brother Lu, you are well-learned. You can write, can''t you?"


    "That goes without saying," Lu Dongzan smiled, "I won''t mention the Turkic script, but I can even write quite a bit in thenguage of the Great Hua."


    "Wow, I didn''t expect Brother Lu to be so capable, even knowing how to write in the script of my Great Hua!" Master Lin pped his hands andughed, "Could you then draw the boundary between our two nations for me? s, I''ve read so many bookstely that I''ve even forgotten where the border is. How embarrassing, how embarrassing!"


    What a shameless man! Ashile was so displeased with Master Lin, especially after he had taken the Nose-piercing Grass, it felt like Master Lin had cut off a piece of his flesh.


    "That''s simple!" Lu Dongzan said,ughing, as he picked up a charred piece of charcoal and began to draw on the tent''s carpet.


    "Please look, Master Lin. Here is n Ude, here is Irkutsk, and between them is Lake Baikal. This area originally belonged to the Tiele and the Khitan, but after we destroyed those two tribes, this region became ours. To the south, you have the Selenga River, Tsetserleg, which we acquired after defeating the Karluk. Along the Altai Mountains that stretch east and west, all the way to Ust-Kut, is Turkic territory. If we were to talk about a border between our two nations, it is temporarily located here. We call it Barkul, and you call it Yiwu," Lu Dongzan, indeed the Turkic National Schr, skillfully sketched the regions of the Turkic and Great Hua territory on the map in just a few short minutes.


    Lin Wanrong listened with bewilderment, shaking his head and saying, "What names, such as ''lecherous wolf,'' ''cart,'' and ''pants''! Excellent choices. Brother Lu, your Turkic people are truly cultured."


    [TL: Snge sounded simr to s¨¨l¨¢ng meaning lecherous wolf; Irkutsk or y¨© ¨§r k¨´ c¨¬ k¨¨ sounded simr to ch¨¥ g¨¦ meaning cart; From the word Kut in Ust-Kut or w¨± s¨© j¨¬ k¨´ t¨¨, simr to K¨´zi meaning pants.]


    Lu Dongzan nodded andughed, "Naturally. Our Turkds span both the desert and grasnd extremes, home to various nomadic tribes. The Tiele and the Khitan alone were once mightier than us. How could we Turkics have conquered such a vast area and made these nations submit if we didn''t have real skills?"


    ¡®Submit? Submit, my foot! Who are you trying to fool? The issue of ethnic minorities is the most troublesome. If they rebel, you''ll suffer.¡¯ Master Lin nodded in approval and said, "Impressive, truly impressive. Brother Lu, is this the Mountain of Gold you''re talking about?"


    [TL: Altai Mountain is Jin Shan in Chinese, meaning Gold Mountain.]


    "It''s not the Mountain of Gold, but the Gold Mountain," Lu Dongzan corrected.


    "Brother Lu, you''re so knowledgeable. If I remember correctly, this Gold Mountain belongs to my Great Hua, doesn''t it?" Master Lin chuckled mischievously. ¡®How dare this hawk-nosed man bluff me? I''ve sung "On Beijing''s Gold Mountain" since I was a child. When did it be the Turkics'' turn to im Gold Mountain?¡¯


    Lu Dongzan saw Master Lin''splete confusion about the geographical positions of Great Hua and the Turks. Initially, he scorned Master Lin, thinking him ignorant. But hearing him im Gold Mountain as part of Great Hua, he couldn''t help but feel a chill. The Turks had battled with Great Hua for years, mostly contending over the Gold Mountain range, until the Turks recently overpowered other northern forces and broke through Gold Mountain, invading Yiwu and Ejina. This young man''s mention of Gold Mountain belonging to Great Hua suggested he wasn''t entirely clueless.


    [In modern time, Yiwu is a county in northern Xinjiang, bordering directly with Mongolia, while Ejina or Ejin is a banner in the far west of Inner Mongolia, also directly bordering with Mongolia.]


    "Well, disputes between countries, each having its own ims, aremon," said Lu Dongzan.


    "Each having its own ims?!" Master Lin smirked, "Oh, right, Brother Lu, where does that spicy nose-grass of yours grow?"


    "Between Khovd and Altai, right here!" Lu Dongzan pointed at the map, curiously asking, "Master Lin, why do you ask?"


    "Oh, nothing much. Perhaps one day, I might visit Khovd and ''have dealings'' with you there," Master Lin said with a mischievous grin.


    "Wee, wee, wee Master Lin to our Khovd as a guest," Ashile said through gritted teeth, smiling, "Master Lin, what about the matter of the cannon?"


    "That? Leave it to me. I''ll notify you once it''s ready. Li Sheng and the others are developing it, so it will take some time¡ª" Master Lin mumbled to himself.


    "Master Lin, what development?" Ashile asked, confused.


    "Oh, I mean, we''ll get thetest cannons for you so that you can enjoy your hunting. Just make sure not to aim them at our pce," Master Lin said with a forced smile, his words startling the two Turkic emissaries.


    Ashile and Lu Dongzan both had a strange feeling about Master Lin. Upon entering the Turkic camp, he acted as if he were at home,pletely at ease. He ate what was to be eaten, touched what was to be touched, and took what was to be taken without the slightest courtesy. He seemed to take all the advantages, but regarding the promises he had made, neither of them could pin him down. Who was ying whom? The two were left thoroughly perplexed.


    As the sun set in the west, Lin Wanrong, letting out a satisfied belch, touched the chest of a charming Turkic woman and then, grasping Ashile''s cherished "spicy nose-grass," galloped away on his horse.


    "Shameless! Disgraceful! Filthy rabbit droppings!" Watching Master Lin''s dashing figure, Ashile could no longer contain his rage. With a swoosh, he drew his saber and roared, "Lu Dongzan, I wish to cut him down with one stroke!"


    Lu Dongzan replied solemnly, "Ashile, don''t be impulsive. The woman you offered him, he did not take her, did he?"


    Ashile snorted, "He didn''t take her, true, but he kissed and touched her, taking every advantage! These are the concubines of my tent!"


    "This man is no simpleton! Ashile, I hope we haven''t misjudged him!" Lu Dongzan said quietly.


    "Simpleton, my foot! If we ever meet on the battlefield, I will behead him first," Ashile grumbled, then asked, "Lu Dongzan, should we continue to engage with the other side?"


    "Yes! And we must hurry! We must be quick!" Watching Master Lin''s retreating figure, Lu Dongzan sighed softly, "I have an ominous premonition that this Lin San will be a great trouble for us!"


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 Chapter 348

    Chapter 348


    Chapter 348 Returning the Goods


    After leaving the camp of the Turkic people, Lin Wanrong spurred his horse into a wild gallop, quickly leaving behind the tents of the nomads. It was only after he had put some distance between them that he slowed his pace, and the tall Turkic horse leisurely trotted along.


    Seeing that there was no one around, Lin Wanrong took out the ¡°Nose-piercing Grass¡± that he had snatched from Ashile and began to carefully observe it. This "Nose-piercing Grass" that grew in the Turkds had rough leaves, far from the delicate tobo leaves he had seen in his previous life. The cutting was also quite arbitrary, as the Turkic people rarely used paper, let alone rolled cigarettes. They would simply inhale the "Nose-piercing Grass" through their noses. If this thing were introduced to Great Hua, it would likely have be popr already.


    He brought the leaf to his nose and took a deep sniff. Although the tobo leaf was rough and came with a choking smell, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but sigh with satisfaction. This stuff was a real treasure. If it could be grown inrge quantities in Great Hua and then sold to Goryeo, Dongying, or even Europe, Great Hua would make a fortune. He wondered if the people of Great Hua had started growing tobo yet. If not, he would have to go to the Turks to get it. Lu Dongzan had said that this tobo leaf grew north of the Altai Mountains. He would have to study the map with Old Xu sometime and send some people to take control of it.


    He daydreamed for a while and then made his way to the old training ground where he had once fought against Su Mubai. The sound of drums and gongs filled the air, and the shouts of battle rang out as tens of thousands of warhorses galloped forth, apparently practicing a cavalry battle. Hu Bugui and others had already been incorporated into the army, and before the great army set out, Li Tai''s elite troops would practice here every day. Focusing on the nomads'' expertise in cavalry warfare, Li Tai had ced special emphasis on cavalry confrontations. Hu Bugui, Du Xiuyuan, Xu Zhen, and others had been highly regarded for this.


    "General Lin, what brings you here?" Seeing Lin Wanrong riding his tall horse, leisurely approaching the camp, Li Sheng and Hu Bugui, who had already been informed, hurriedly came out to greet him.


    Lin Wanrong dismounted, patting the back of therge Turkic horse, and smiled, saying, "Brother Hu, do you recognize what kind of horse this is?"


    Hu Bugui disdainfully snorted, "A Turkic horse,rge and powerful, excels in sprinting and thrusting. Its weakness is endurance. I saw countless Turkic horses when I was on the northern front line. It''s not anything special. General Lin, where did you get this?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a mysterious smile, "These mixed-breed Turkic horses are of course nothing special. But what about purebred blood-sweat treasure horses, Brother Hu, Brother Li? You both are well-traveled; have you ever seen one?""Blood-sweat treasure horses?" Hu Bugui was astonished, "The blood-sweat treasure horses is a Turkic specialty. Legend has it as a descendant of the heavenly horse, tall and majestic, capable of traveling a thousand miles a day. Even in the Turkds, they are extremely rare. I saw one when I fought with the barbarians on the grasnds. General Lin, why do you mention the blood-sweat treasure horses? Could it be that you have seen one?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "A blood-sweat treasure horse is quite ordinary indeed. Eats grass and defecates just like any other. Just yesterday, I imported two of them into my home. Perhaps I''ll let you brothers take them for a stroll sometime."


    "Two?" Hu Bugui''s eyes widened in disbelief, his face filled with incredulity. "General Lin, you must be joking. A single one of these blood-sweat horses is worth a fortune; how did you manage to acquire two? Where did you import them from?"


    "They were bribed gifts given to me," General Lin mysteriously said.


    Hu Bugui and Li Sheng were both stunned. General Lin was indeed extraordinary, even discussing bribery so openly.


    "Cough, cough," Hu Bugui forced augh: "So they were gifts from friends, General Lin. I, Hu Bugui, have never even touched a blood-sweat horse in my life. When can I visit your mansion to see them?"


    "No problem," Lin Wanrong gave a sly smile. "Brother Hu is truly an expert. Those blood-sweat horses have soft golden manes, even morefortable to touch than a woman''s thigh. Once we finish this matter, you can call up your brothers to my house. We''ll have a horse meeting, strip those blood-sweat horses bare, touch them, and work up a sweat. Hahaha!"


    ¡®What a lecherous man, but I like it!¡¯ Hu Bugui and Li Sheng joined General Lin in raucousughter. After exchanging a few words, Hu Bugui said, "General Lin, what brings you here today? Is there something you want us to do?"


    Having spent considerable time with Lin Wanrong, Hu Bugui had a clear understanding of his personality. General Lin never visited the military camp without reason; if he showed up, it usually meant trouble.


    Lin Wanrong saluted Li Sheng and chuckled, "For this, I need to trouble Brother Li. Brother Li, how is the improvement of our Divine Machine Unit''s cannoning along?"


    Li Sheng nced around and whispered, "We just tested it a few days ago. The improved cannon can shoot up to a mile without losing much power. At the same time, Xu Zhiqing came up with a way to add a base, making it more flexible and lighter."


    ¡®Xu Zhiqing, that girl is interested in everything, be it astronomy, mathematics, or even bows and cannons.¡¯ Lin Wanrong nodded, "Brother Li, do me a favor. Find the heaviest and oldest cannon, carefully adjust it, repaint it, and make it look like our new cannon. Write some characters on it, attach it to a carriage, and send it to me; I have a use for it."


    Li Sheng looked puzzled, "General Lin, what do you need this for? We''ve already discarded the old and cumbersome cannons. If you want to y with cannons, I can get you thetest one that two horses can pull and can be adjusted in any direction."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Brother Li, I want the old cannon. Remember, the exterior must look brand new, just like the new ones, but the inside must be filled with scrap metal, utterly unshootable! Then paint some foreign text on it that they won''t understand. The more foreign and trendy it looks, the better."


    Li Sheng, baffled but trusting General Lin''s crafty wisdom, said, "General Lin, ording to your idea, there will be no problem. But what is this foreign text you want on the cannon? I''m rather uneducated, what is foreign text, and what kind should we paint?"


    Lin Wanrong took out paper and a brush from his bosom, quickly wrote down a few strokes, and handed it to Li Sheng, saying, "Write these characters. Remember, the color must be bright and eye-catching!"


    Li Sheng stared at the twisted letters, dumbfounded, and Hu Bugui''s eyes were also wide open, "General, is this foreign writing? You are truly skilled! How do you pronounce this? What does it mean?"


    Lin Wanrong took the paper, pointed at the letters, and said, "Everyone, follow me. F¡ªU¡ªC¡ªK, ''f*ck,'' ''f*ck,'' it must be ''f*ck.''"


    "F*ck, f*ck, it must be f*ck," Li Sheng and Hu Bugui, humble and eager to learn, repeated after General Lin. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "F*ck, it''s refreshing! Remember this. Paint these characters on the cannon, I shall name it the ''F*ck Cannon!''"


    "General, what does ''F*ck'' really mean? I feel like you really enjoy ''F*cking''?" Li Sheng asked curiously, with Hu Bugui nodding in agreement, equally puzzled.


    General Lin rolled his eyes, "Ah, my brothers, I am a civilized man and did not want to use vulgarnguage, but you insist. The meaning of ''F*ck'' is, well, Brother Hu, I heard you have a lover in the Eight Great Alleys, what''s the schrly term for what you two do at night?"


    Hu Bugui''s face turned red, too embarrassed to speak. Li Sheng quickly answered with a smile, "Brother Hu, that''s called making love, isn''t it?!"


    Master Lin shook his head, "The word ''making love'' is too civilized, but it''s rare for you to be so cultured, so let it be. The meaning of ''F*ck'' is making love, making love vigorously!"


    "F*ck Cannon? Making Love Cannon?" Hu Bugui and Li Sheng looked at each other, struggling to suppress theirughter. Truly, General Lin was an extraordinary genius, and the name he had chosen for this cannon was incredible!


    With the "Making Love Cannon" matter settled, Lin Wanrong humbly began to consult Hu Bugui about geographical knowledge, most concerned with the Khovd where tobo grew. ording to his thoughts, resources were dead, people were alive. If the Turks had not realized how much change tobo would bring to society, then Master Lin would reluctantly help them out, invading the Turks, seizing their women, their treasured horses, and their tobo. Since ancient times, it was the Turks who had plundered Great Hua, so why couldn''t Great Hua plunder the Turks? As the saying goes, a step back reveals a boundless sky and ocean, a step forward brings endless joy!


    Hu Bugui listened to Master Lin''s endless chatter about ces like n Ude, Irkutsk, the Selenga River, Tsetserleg, Ust-Kut, and even knew in detail whichnd the Turks had seized from whom. Hu Bugui became excited, tightly grasping General Lin''s hand and said, "General, you truly are a divine being. I have been fighting the Turks for years, and only knew the area around Barkol [TL: A County west of Yiwu]. You have never been to the battlefield, yet you understand their history and Khanates so clearly. Heaven blesses our great Great Hua by sending us General Lin. When we are on the battlefield, with the General''s strategical acumen, victory can be nned from within the tent and won from a thousand miles away."


    Old Hu''s ability to tter had indeed greatly improved. Lin Wanrong shyly said, "Brother Hu, you tter me. I merely enjoy studying and have read but a million scrolls."


    Li Sheng and Hu Bugui had grown ustomed to Lin Wanrong''s shamelessness; it would have been abnormal if he hadn''t bragged. At that moment, Lin Wanrong sketched out a rough map ording to what he had learned from Lu Dongzan, and Hu Bugui supplemented it, marking out the specific location of Khovd. Although they did not know why General Lin was so interested in Khovd, seeing his attitude now greatly different from before¡ªshifting from "they want me to fight" to "I want to fight"¡ªHu Bugui was naturally thrilled. He held nothing back from him, sharing everything he knew.


    When they returned to the city from the drill ground, it was already evening. Lin Wanrong remembered that there were banquets with Goryeo and Prince Cheng. For a moment, he was hesitant and unsure whether or not to go. The banquet with Goryeo was one thing, but since he had always been at odds with Prince Cheng, Lin Wanrong was curious about the old fellow''s sudden invitation and what he was up to.


    Walking around the city for a while, he reached a quiet spot and suddenly stopped, sneakily looking around before softly calling out, "Fairy, Fairy¡ª"


    He called out a few times, but all around was silent, with no response. Lin Wanrong was puzzled; ording to their agreement, the fairy was supposed to follow him and protect him at all times. He wondered where she had been hiding when he was in the Turkic camp that day.


    "Fairy Ning¡ªYuxi, Yuxi¡ª" Lin Wanrong shouted twice, then felt a gentle breeze and a faint fragrance passing by. Turning his head, he saw Ning Yuxi standing beside him, her face as calm as water.


    "Eh, Fairy Sister, where did you fly in from?" Lin Wanrong curiously eyed her. "I looked for you for quite a while and didn''t see your shadow!"


    Ning Yuxi''s face showed no emotion as she tly asked, "What did you call me just now?"


    "Fairy Ning!" Lin Wanrong answered immediately.


    "What did you call after that?"


    "Yuxi¡ª"


    With a soft "snap," a sword scabbard flew out, its force formidable, and embedded itself three inches into a nearby tree. Ning Yuxi looked at him, her face like still water, but the corners of her eyes betrayed a hint of anger.


    "Yuxi, what''s the matter with you? The scabbard and the sword are a pair; how could you bear to separate them?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, showing no shame.


    "The name ''Yuxi'' is not for you to call." Ning Yuxiposed herself and calmly said, "You can call me Daoist Ning. I promised to guard your life, but I didn''t promise not to maim you. If something were to be missing from your body but your life was spared, I wouldn''t have vited our agreement. Think it over."


    "Yuxi, have you be a nun? I can''t tell! s, what a waste of good food!" Lin Wanrong shook his head in regret, his face full of pity.


    With a swish, Ning Yuxi''s long sword flew out and passed by his ear. Lin Wanrong felt a chill by his ear, and a few strands of protruding hair fell silently.


    ¡®Damn it, threatening me with a flying sword? I''m not easily scared,¡¯ he thought, wiping a bead of cold sweat from his forehead. He sighed lightly and said, "That was a really precise throw. Yuxi, when will you teach me? I''ve always been interested in throwing knives!"


    Ning Yuxi''sposure was indeed well-practiced. She calmly said, "This time is only a warning. You may not be so lucky next time¡ªwhat do you really want to say?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "I just want to talk to you for a while. Why is it so difficult? Were you following me all day today?"


    Ning Yuxi''s eyes slightly closed in response, and Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Fairy Sister, your skin is really nice, and your figure is even better¡ªoh, oh, never mind, can you please move the sword away? I''m a person who likes to joke a lot!"


    Ning Yuxi pressed the long sword against his neck and slowly said, "You should cherish the opportunity to speak now. You might not be able to talk very soon."


    "Fairy Sister, what do you think about the Turks wanting to borrow the cannon?" Feeling the icy sword de against his neck, Lin Wanrong dared not take advantage anymore and earnestly asked.


    "I don''t know!" Ning Yuxi answered sinctly. "I never ask about things that are not my concern."


    "What about Prince Cheng? Is his matter something you would care about?" Lin Wanrong seized the opportunity to ask, "He invited me to a banquet tonight. Should I go? What should I wear? Fairy Sister, will you help me decide?"


    "You want to ask about Prince Cheng?" A glimmer of amusement shed in the fairy''s eyes. "You should not be asking me. There''s someone who knows better."


    "Who?" Lin Wanrong asked, confused.


    "Have you forgotten? That night, she even came to kill you," Ning Yuxi said, smiling like a peony blooming in the cold winter, extraordinarily enchanting. Lin Wanrong felt a chill in his heart but forced himself to say, "Sister, who are you talking about? I''ve been studying so hardtely; I''ve broken my brain. Can you be more specific?"


    "You haven''t broken your brain; your mind is thoroughly corrupted." Ning Yuxi''s beautiful smile gradually faded, and her slender finger pressed on the sword hilt.


    "Ah, I remember now." Lin Wanrong''s face lit up with joy. "Sister, you''re talking about the ck-d woman who came to kill me that night, your junior sister, right? Ah, my brain is not broken after all."


    "Do you know her?" Ning Yuxi asked indifferently.


    "I don''t know her. How could I know her? She''s an assassin, and I''m the target; we''replete opposites. Fairy Sister, you saw it that day too, didn''t you? Speaking of which, I haven''t thanked you for saving my life yet." Lin Wanrong grinned and bowed three times, secretly chanting thanks for heaven, earth, and parents.


    "Really? You really don''t know her?" Ning Yuxi''s eyes shed with a teasing look as she gazed at him.


    Only a very few people knew about his rtionship with An Biru. The old Emperor was suspicious of Ning Yuxi and would never tell her about An Biru and himself. Lin Wanrongughed, "I really don''t know her, but since she''s your junior sister, why don''t you introduce us sometime? We can all get along and make a fortune together. That would be great!"


    "What do you think this is?" Ning Yuxi asked, holding a bee needle in her hand, speaking softly.


    "Eh, isn''t this our keepsake of acquaintance? I didn''t expect that Fairy Sister has been keeping it all this time, such deep affection and loyalty indeed," Lin Wanrong said with a quick smile.


    "The bee sting, Five Poisons! Only one person in this world can concoct it." Ning Yuxi shook her head and chuckled lightly, "To say you don''t know her, do you even believe that yourself? You two really put on a fine show of assassination!"


    Lin Wanrong''s heart broke into a cold sweat. This Fairy Ning was indeed profound. She had already realized that he knew Sister An, but she never exposed it. What could be her intention? Could she have taken a liking to him? Being handsome was indeed troublesome!


    "Fairy Sister, I just asked about your opinion on Prince Cheng; how did it lead to all theseints? Could it be that you usually have no one to talk to, feeling empty and lonely?" Lin Wanrong said with an embarrassed smile.


    Ning Yuxi let out a soft snort, "There are more than just you who are clever in this world. Don''t think everyone else is a fool. How Junior Sister An got involved with you is not my concern, but when you''re in front of me, it''s best not to y any tricks, otherwise¡ª"


    "Otherwise, my head will fall, right?" Master Lin snorted, pointing to his head and loudly dering, "Go ahead and chop it off, if you dare! Let''s see if your treasured sword is sharp, or my neck is harder? Calling you ''Fairy,'' do you think you''re really a fairy? If it weren''t for the fact that you and Qingxuan are rtives, I would have shot you long ago. Shot you, do you understand?" Lin Wanrong made a gun gesture at his temple, looking so ferocious as if Fairy Ning owed him five hundred taels of silver.


    Seeing him all puffed up, Ning Yuxi found it amusing, saying calmly, "Have you finished?"


    Lin Wanrong abruptly turned to face her, staring intently, "Give me that gold medal!"


    "What gold medal?" Fairy Ning was momentarily stunned but quickly understood, shaking her head, "What do you want with that gold medal?"


    Lord Lin, looking ferocious, replied, "I, your Master, bought something and am not satisfied, so now I want to return it! What, no warranty?! What kind of service attitude is this! Give the gold medal back to me, and go back to y in your Fairy Hall."


    Ning Yuxi, both angry and amused, wondered how this man could have all sorts of ideas. She shook her head and replied, "What I''ve promised to do, I will certainly aplish. The gold medal will never be returned."


    Lin Wanrong, furious, retorted, "Have you gone mad? Who is the Master, and who is the servant? Do you have it clear? No professionalism, unprofessional, unskilled! Is that the talent your fish-selling Fairy Hall cultivates? Give the gold medal back to me, and you, go y somewhere else!"


    [TL: In Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, Yu means Jade, but also means Fish; Different characters with simr pronunciation.]


    Ning Yuxi''s name was known throughout thend, and her status was incredibly noble. Who had ever dared to shout at her in such a manner? Even with her outstanding self-restraint, she couldn''t help but be angered at the sight of Lin San''s arrogant and overbearing demeanor, as though he considered no one else to be of any importance. The long sword in her hand quivered slightly, and she couldn''t help but wish she could stab a few holes in him.


    "You want to kill me, don''t you?" Master Lin puffed out his chest and sneered coldly, "Well then,e on! If you don''t dare to kill me, you''ll be my wife! If I get killed by you, then I won''t be your husband! Heh heh, your fish-selling Fairy Hall has such a good reputation, always ready to kill their employer. I, your Master, cannot afford to employ you. You might as well take my life; then everyone will be at peace!"


    Fairy Ning, in her daily interactions, had always dealt with courteous and virtuous individuals. Never before had she encountered such a ruffian and rogue. She was so angry that her fair face turned red. Her long sword rose and fell a few times, but in the end, she set it down.


    "I have never broken a promise in my ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall.'' What would you like me to do?" Fairy Ning suppressed her inner rage and spoke calmly.


    "What to do? Haven''t you ever served anyone before? I, your master, am tired from walking, so go and call for a carriage! And also, stop wearing that bitter melon face; smile more!" Master Lin snorted, giving his orders.


    "You¡ª" Fairy Ning was so angry that she trembled all over. After a long silence, she finally stamped her small foot and turned to leave.


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 Chapter 349

    Chapter 349


    Chapter 349 Guest of Honor


    ¡®She''s gone just like that? I didn''t get any advantage out of it!¡¯ Master Lin felt waves of disappointment inside. Standing for a moment, he was just about to move forward when suddenly he heard the noise of carriage wheels. A horse carriage slowly approached. The coachman jumped down and asked, "My Lord, did you call for a carriage?"


    Lin Wanrong was overjoyed and nodded hurriedly, "Yes, yes, it''s me! Uncle, where is the person who went to call you earlier?"


    "You mean the youngdy?" The coachman took out a silver ingot from his pocket. "She''s really a good person. She gave me thisrge ingot and asked me toe pick you up. Aren''t you with her?"


    Master Lin secretly nodded. His tantrum had worked. Regardless of whether she was a fairy or goddess, he couldn''t show her a friendly face. As the saying goes, "Spare the rod, spoil the child." Women must not be indulged; they must be both scolded and loved at the same time.


    "Oh, she is a servant girl in my house. Maybe she has gone on an errand for my wife," Master Lin chuckled, looking around. He didn''t see Ning Yuxi hiding anywhere, so he climbed into the carriage and settled in thepartment. "Uncle, you know Prince Cheng''s residence, right? Let''s take a stroll there!"


    Seeing that the young master was kind and approachable, the coachman grew bolder. He gently lowered the curtain and said, "Prince Cheng, yes, I know him. He is a renowned virtuous prince, benevolent, and good to the surrounding people. Everyone says that if he bes the Emperor, the people will be blessed¡ª" He suddenly stopped, clearly realizing that he had spoken out of turn, and embarrassedlyughed, "I''m just babbling nonsense, my lord. Please don''t take it seriously."


    "What did you say?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously, "My ears didn''t catch that, I didn''t hear anything. Can you say it again?" The coachman gratefully smiled and quickly urged the carriage to move on.


    Prince Cheng''s mansion was situated across from the imperial pce, in a north-south alignment, covering an extremely vast area, perhaps dozens of acres. From a distance, one could see the red tiles and high walls, pavilions and towers, all looking very magnificent. The house granted to Lin Wanrong by the Emperor was already consideredrge, butpared to this prince''s mansion, it was not even in the same league. The only thing that could probablypare was the imperial pce itself.In front of Prince Cheng''s gate hung two hugenterns, and on the tall vermilion door were a pair of purple-gold rings, with a glittering golden que inscribed¡ªPrince Cheng''s Mansion!


    When Lin Wanrong got out of the carriage, Prince Cheng had already been waiting at the entrance. He looked at Lin Wanrong and greeted him with a fist and a smile, "Master Lin, wee to my humble abode. I''m sorry for not greeting you sooner. Please excuse my manners."


    "Oh, where are youing from with this, Prince!" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I''m the one who should apologize for intruding on your noble house. Oh, Young Prince, it''s been a while. You look more and more handsome and suave, almost surpassing me."


    Zhao Kangning''s handsome face twitched for a moment, and he forced a smile, "Master Lin is our honored guest. My father has personallye to the door to greet you. It''s only right that Kangning waits here."


    Lin Wanrong walked up to him, cheerfully patting his shoulder, "Young Prince, you''re being too formal. We''ve known each other since Jinling; we''re old acquaintances. Why be so distant? Old Prince, Young Prince, please¡ª" He took charge, humbly urging Prince Cheng and his son to proceed, and the three entered the mansion.


    Prince Cheng was the current Emperor''s only legitimate brother, so his status was obviously distinguished. The corridor was brightly lit, decorated withnterns and colorful festoons. Every three steps, there was a gold silkntern, and every five steps, a colored ssmp. Everywhere was adorned with brilliant flowers, and servants were all around, making the ce bustling with activity!


    Seeing Lin Wanrong looking around curiously as he walked, as if he had never seen anything like this before, Zhao Kangning sneered, and Prince Cheng gave him a faint nce without saying anything.


    "Hmm, Old Prince, what''s that?" Lin Wanrong pointed to a peculiar sight in the distance, curiously asking.


    Prince Cheng and his son looked up and saw a huge pond not far away. A massive wooden windmill was slowly turning, drawing water from the pond, flinging it high, and then letting it fall back into the pond, creating beautiful sshes. The windmill was driven by human power, with three sturdy men continuously pushing the rod, sweeping the water into the sky.


    "Oh, I saw a water wheel like this when I was stationed at the border in Yunnan years ago. I liked it very much, so when I returned to the capital, I had craftsmen build one. When there''s wind, it will slowly turn, casting the water out; it''s extraordinarily beautiful. I named it ''Wind Gives Birth to Water,''" Prince Cheng said with a smile.


    "Wind Gives Birth to Water?" Lin Wanrong nodded and gave a thumbs-up. "Old Prince, you''re indeed knowledgeable, far better than me. If I were to name it, I would probably just call it ''Old Cow Sucks Water,'' or something like that."


    Zhao Kangning gave a coldugh, thinking to himself, who do you think you are? You''re just a lowly servant, even unworthy of carrying my shoes in the past, and yet you dare topare yourself to my father.


    "Hey, Old Prince, what''s this? Such a big snake!" Lin Wanrong pointed to a nearby sight, eximing. It was a tree trunk carved into a snake-like creature, coiled over a small stream. Its body was thick and long, horns on its head, whiskers by its mouth, eyes full of menace, teeth and ws bared, disying extraordinary vigor. Shining golden scales were iid all over its body, making it look quite majestic.


    "That''s a small golden dragon that I had the craftsmen carve for decoration when I had some free time," Prince Cheng said, his eyes shing as he smiled.


    "Oh," Lin Wanrong nodded, "So you carved a small golden dragon for fun. Old Prince, you gave a great name to ''Wind Gives Birth to Water''; did you also name this little golden dragon?"


    "This one, not yet," Prince Chengughed, "Since you''re so interested, why don''t you name it?"


    Lin Wanrong shyly smiled, "Well, I''m not sure about that. My knowledge is limited, and my insights are shallow. If I name it, I might just scare everyone. There''s water and fish in this small stream, and now a golden dragon. Why not call it ''Fish and Dragon Mixed Together''? It''s quite fitting, hehe!"


    Zhao Kangning couldn''t bear it any longer and snorted, "What ''Fish and Dragon Mixed Together''? It''s called ''Dragon Trapped in Shallow Water''. Father already named it."


    "Oh¡ª" Master Lin''s eyes widened, his voice stretching in surprise, "So it''s called ''Dragon Trapped in Shallow Water.'' Truly schrly! ''Wind Gives Birth to Water,'' ''Dragon Trapped in Shallow Water,'' ah, what do these mean? s, I''ve read too muchtely. My brain''s gone bad, I can''t recall at the moment."


    Zhao Kangning impulsively opened his mouth, realizing his mistake only when Prince Cheng sternly red at him. The young prince dared not speak again. Standing next to him, Lin Wanrong sniffed a faint smell of tobo that wafted over. Lin Wanrong''s heart gave a shudder, and he looked deeply at Zhao Kangning. No wonder those Turkic brats were so rxed; there had been hidden hands at y! Sending them a f*ck cannon hadn''t been in vain.


    Master Lin pondered for a long while before sighing, "Ah, speaking of which, the Emperor invited me to the inner pce garden a few days ago. Butpared to Your Highness, that scene, that grandeur, ah¡ª"


    "How so?" Prince Cheng''s eyes sparkled, softly inquiring.


    "Besides the pce being a few inches bigger than here, everything else was far inferior. No golden silknterns, no zedmps, no ''Wind Gives Birth to Water,'' and certainly no lively little golden dragon." Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed, "''Dragon Trapped in Shallow Water,'' ''Wind Gives Birth to Water''! Old Prince, it seems the Emperor''s life is quite tense, isn''t it?"


    "Is it?" Prince Chengughed, "Master Lin, we shouldn''t linger here; let''s hurry inside. The others are waiting for us."


    The three proceeded directly to the main hall, filled with sandalwood tables and chairs, red carpets, jade-carved railings, and opulently adorned surroundings. The hall was filled with fine wines and delicious dishes, served by dozens of beautiful maids, who were both charming and unique.


    Several guests were already seated, and as Master Lin looked around, he recognized few familiar faces. In fact, although he held the title of Vice Minister of Personnel, it was an empty position, and he only knew Xu Wei and Li Tai among the entire court''s officials.


    "Eh, Top Schr Su, you''re here too?" Spotting a familiar face seated near the top, Lin Wanrong''s face broke into a sincere and warm smile, enthusiastically greeting.


    Su Mubai nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Prince Cheng smiled, "Master Lin, everyone I''ve invited today is a colleague from court; there''s no need for formality. Come,e,e, sit here!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, he personally guided Lin Wanrong to the most prominent seat at the head of the table. Master Lin was startled, ¡®Ah, the old fellow''s being cunning; this hall is filled with ministers and high-ranking officials, and I''m just a deputy. He deliberately wants me to take the top seat; isn''t this intentionally making me ufortable?¡¯ Master Linughed and said, "Your Highness, this top seat should be reserved for the most distinguished guest. I''d better not sit; my bottom might get sore!"


    Prince Chengughed heartily and said, "Master Lin, you are too modest. You are indeed the most honored guest in my house. At such a young age, you have been favored by the Emperor, bing the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and even personally honored by His Majesty as ''The First Talent Under Heaven.'' No one canpare to your imperial favor. In time, whether you''re appointed a general, a prime minister, or even granted the title of a prince, none would find it strange. Let everyone say, if you do not take the seat of honor, who else should?"


    "Yes, yes, Master Lin should take the seat of honor indeed!" The officials in the hall began to mor, their eyes reflecting various emotions ¨C some mocking, some contemptuous, some envious, and some jealous, emotions varied andplex. Prince Cheng nced at Su Mubai, who was pouring wine into his cup and drinking it in one gulp without a sidelong nce.


    "Ah, what I''m best at in my life is making love. Taking the seat of honor is really not my strong suit. However, since all of you esteemed gentlemen think highly of me, I will reluctantly take the seat. If the Emperor mes me in the future for not knowing my ce andcking in proper etiquette, you all must bear witness for me," Lin Wanrong said, looking troubled. The crowd roared in agreement, urging the modest Master Lin to sit at the head of the table.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong take his seat, Prince Cheng and his son also sat down in their ces, and exquisite dishes and fine wines were served. The atmosphere immediately became lively.


    After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes, Prince Cheng swept his tiger-like eyes across the room andughed loudly, "This is the first time I have hosted my colleagues since the beginning of spring. Please, my lords, rx and enjoy yourselves. Come on now¡ª"


    With a p of his hands, more than ten beautiful women gracefully entered from outside the door, each smiling and bowing in front of the guests. Several others held lutes and flutes, beginning to y music. Under the influence of the music, the ministers gradually loosened up, jesting with the beautiful women beside them. For a moment,ughter filled the air, and the atmosphere became extremely lively. Only the newly-acknowledged top schr, Su Mubai, seemed out of ce, not joking with the beauty beside him and drinking his wine alone.


    Prince Cheng nced at Su Mubai and then at Lin San, a cold smile ying at the corner of his mouth.


    Minister Lin had already feasted on game in the afternoon with the Turks, and now, sitting in the seat of honor with everyone''s eyes upon him, he felt ufortable. Although the girl beside him, who apanied him in drinking, looked charming and delicate, he felt less interested than usual. However, seeing everyone having fun, he reached out and touched the girl''s cheek, yfully asking, "Little sister, how old are you this year?"


    "I''m sixteen, sir," the girl replied, blushing.


    "Sixteen? I think you must be older!" Master Lin stared at her bosom and swallowed, "Sixteen, and this big already? I see others at twenty-six not growing as big as yours."


    "Sir, you''re so naughty!" The girl yfully pinched him a few times and cuddled into his arms, pretending to pout.


    ¡®Damn it, a twenty-six-year-old sister trying to act youthful with me? Does Prince Cheng think I''m a naive novice, inviting me to take the seat of honor but daring to skimp on quality? Trying to pass off old as young? Does he think this is my first time out and about?¡¯


    Lord Lin chuckled and drained the cup of fine wine. He allowed the "little sister" to rub and twist against him, but he remained majestic and unmoved.


    Prince Cheng, with eyes and ears open to everything, saw that Lord Lin was chatting andughing with the woman beside him, but had no intention ofying a hand on her. Heughed and said, "What''s the matter, Master Lin? Is this girl not to your taste?"


    "My taste is quite unique; ordinary people can''t satisfy it," Lin Wanrong chuckled, raising his ss. "Old Prince, I toast you. Your ''Dragon Trapped in Shallow Water'' and ''Wind Gives Birth to Water'' have given me much insight."


    Prince Chengughed and drained his cup, saying, "Don''t worry, Master Lin, there''s more excitement toe." He lightly pped his hands, and the music in the hall suddenly stopped. Even the courtesans who were joking with the crowd fell silent. The hall became extremely quiet.


    "Dong¡ª" A soft sound of a stringed instrument resonated, like a small hammer striking everyone''s soul. The sound of the strings grew louder, like pearls falling on a te, clear and pleasing to the ear.


    A woman''s voice softly sang:


    "People say the sea is deep, but it''s nothingpared to half of longing.


    The sea has an end, but longing is boundless.


    Carrying a zither to the high tower, the tower is empty, and the moon is full.


    ying a song of longing, the strings break all at once."


    Unbeknownst to anyone, a white screen had been added to the hall, and a curvaceous, alluring figure was seen through it, adding a touch of mystery. The woman''s voice behind the screen was clear and prating, like striking jade or ringing a bell. Apanied by the lingering sound of the zither, she portrayed the feelings of longing in a way that was touching and poignant.


    The hall was filled with schrs, and just by hearing this song, they knew that this woman was no ordinary person. Looking at her graceful figure and captivating curves, they began to whisper to each other.


    Prince Cheng smiled mysteriously and said, "Gentlemen, there''s no need to guess. Thisdy is not a celebrity from the Eight Great Alleys. Those vulgar women from there cannot bepared to this beauty."


    He waved his hand, and the screen automatically retracted, revealing a charming figure. The woman was dressed in a light purple gown, her face covered with a thin silk scarf, hiding her features. Her figure was like a gentle willow in the wind, swaying gracefully. Her slender waist, full chest, and curvy hips outlined a perfect silhouette. Just by looking at her figure, one knew that she had unparalleled beauty.


    The woman stood calmly and elegantly, yet her voluptuous figure was indescribably tempting and enchanting.


    Even Prince Cheng was stunned for a moment, a hint of infatuation shing in his eyes. He quickly regained hisposure and smiled, saying, "Today, the spring is warm, and the flowers are blooming. It''s a perfect day for a wedding. Taking advantage of tonight''s beautiful scenery, I will present a great gift to everyone. Thisdy is a fairy-like beauty, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and martial arts. Ordinary people are no match for her. Tonight, whoever can win herugh may be her honored guest!"


    Honored guest? The officials in the hall, who were usually arrogant, were now all eager and self-confident. Seeing this heavenly beauty so close, if they could spend a night with her, they would surely be happier than immortals.


    "Your Highness, how can one win augh from the fairdy?" asked a portly old man.


    Prince Chengughed and said, "That, my friends, depends on your abilities. Whether it''s telling jokes, dancing, singing, or utilizing any of the eighteen martial arts, you must do whatever it takes to make herugh. This youngdy has said that the night is fleeting, and a thousand gold pieces can''t buy a singleugh. Whoever can make herugh sincerely will be her honored guest."


    The crowd immediately burst into a flurry of discussion. Making adyugh was not difficult if done among familiar people. But this suddenly appeared woman, whose background and personality were unknown, getting her tough might not be so simple.


    ¡®Good heavens, is this even possible?¡¯ Master Lin stared with wide eyes. Prince Cheng looked at him with a mysterious smile and whispered, "Master Lin, aren''t you known for your unique taste? How about it, does this youngdy suit your taste?"


    "Ah!" Lin Wanrong sighed slightly, "Your Highness, I am truly a very serious person and never flirt with women. Oh, right, if I can make this youngdyugh, can I really be her honored guest? Your Highness, you''re not deceiving me, are you?"


    "My word is as solid as gold," Prince Cheng replied, his eyes shing, his expression bing somber. "If you can make herugh, she will be yours!"


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 Chapter 350

    Chapter 350


    Chapter 350 A Joke


    "Old Prince, may I be so bold as to ask a question?" Master Lin asked with refined elegance.


    Prince Cheng looked at him with a smile, "Master Lin, you are my honored guest today. There''s no need for such formality. Feel free to speak your mind. I promise to answer everything I know."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, pointing at the charmingdy in the center of the hall, he whispered, "Prince, could you tell me why we''re trying to make this missugh? Does she notugh normally, or perhaps sheughs too much and has cramped her mouth?"


    Prince Cheng was taken aback. Who could think of such a thing likeughing so much that it would cramp your mouth? Only Lin San coulde up with such an idea. The Princeughed heartily, patting Master Lin on the shoulder, "Master Lin, you are indeed witty and humorous. I like you. The guest of honor tonight seems to be none other than you. This miss does notck the ability tough, but she has said her smile is reserved for those she favors. Perhaps it might be you, Master Lin!"


    "Is that so?" Lin Wanrong squinted his eyes at thedy in the center, chuckling, "This miss indeed has personality. I like it. Actually,ughter is quite an important matter. Ah, Old Prince, what do you think constitutes sess in life?" He voiced thest sentence loudly, making sure everyone in the hall could hear him clearly. Upon hearing Master Lin ready to share his wisdom, the buzzing conversations in the hall ceased, everyone perking up their ears to listen.


    "I have yet to contemte that," Prince Cheng responded with a smile, "I am eager to hear Master Lin''s insights."


    "Prince, of course, has no need to ponder over this. You were born into wealth and prosperity, a golden spoon at your birth. How can we ordinary folkspare to you?" Master Lin chuckled, "If you ask me, bing sessful is quite simple. Men should always strive for progress, and women should always be ready tough. Hehe, Prince, being a wise man, you certainly understand at once."


    He was a witty man, and his words carried a vor of yful banter. There were quite a few witty men in the hall who understood his hidden meaning and couldn''t help but burst intoughter. It seemed that Master Lin was quite experienced in the world of high society, capable of delivering such subtle jokes.Quick-witted or not, everyone understood his innuendo and turned away to hide theirughter. The miss in the center of the hall nced at him, her thoughts unknown.


    Prince Cheng roared withughter, "Brilliant, just brilliant! Master Lin, you are indeed profound and unfathomable. I admire you, and I am growing fonder of you. However, the men here today are the best of our Great Hua. You have quite a few formidablepetitors!" He said, his gaze nonchntly sweeping over the crowd, but it rested on Su Mubai.


    Being the guest of honor for thisdy would surely be more delightful than being an immortal. Everyone was captivated by the beauty, their eyes fixated on her, racking their brains to think of a way to make herugh.


    Indeed, they were the best of Great Hua, agile in mind. Master Lin yawnedzily, just in time to see therge-bellied Master Ye, who had been speaking earlier, stand up, "If all my colleagues are so modest, then I, as an official, will break the ice and make a fool of myself first. Prince, let me tell a joke!"


    Prince Cheng nodded and smiled, indicating for the man to continue. Lin Wanrong cast a scornful nce at him, an older, heavier man, who still fantasized about bing the favored guest of a youngdy¡ªutterly shameless.


    "Sir, may I ask what position this Master Ye holds in the court?" Lin Wanrong pulled the attention of an official seated behind him, "I observe his quick wit and mboyant charm, and I suppose his official position is no lesser than mine."


    The official almost sprayed his mouthful of wine at Lin Wanrong''s inquiry. Lin Wanrong was indeed a favorite of the Emperor; he did not even consider Master Ye, which indicated that Master Lin could soon rece him. It seemed like it would be beneficial to ingratiate himself with this close minister to the Emperor. "Oh, are you speaking of Master Ye? He is indeed the current Minister of Personnel!"


    ¡®Minister of Personnel? The bloody hell, wasn''t that my boss?¡¯ Lin Wanrong gave an embarrassed smile, "You are indeed honest. As a matter of fact, Master Ye is my superior, how could I be unaware of him? I merely asked to get to know you better. May I know your name, sir, and your position?"


    The official hurriedly bowed, "I dare not, I dare not. I am Yan Daoji, a schr at the Hall of Literary Brilliance, responsible for copying and recording various historical documents. Additionally, on major events such as worshipping heaven and imperial pardons, I draft the imperial edicts for the Emperor."


    ¡®Ah, so he''s a secretary, a good position indeed.¡¯ Yan Daoji''s position at the front of the back row implied that he was first among the second-tier officials. Lin Wanrong bowed, "So, it''s Schr Yan. I''ve heard much about you, my apologies for the oversight."


    While Lin Wanrong was engaged in insincere pleasantries with Yan Daoji, Master Ye had begun to tell his joke. He swaggered over to the youngdy, his belly wobbling with each step, and smirked, "Once, a schr teased a stuttering child. He said, ''If you can quack like a duck, I''ll buy you a bag of melon seeds!'' The stuttering child responded, ''Even if you buy me ten bags of melon¡­melon¡­melon¡­melon seeds, I won''t quack like a duck for you!!!''" [TL: The pronunciation of melon is ¡°Gua,¡± simr to ¡°Quack.¡±]


    As he told the joke, he imitated the quacking of a duck, his belly jiggling, which made everyone burst intoughter. Master Ye looked triumphantly at the youngdy but found her expression cold and indifferent, with no sign of breaking intoughter.


    Lin Wanrong burst intoughter. The old man''s joke was far from humorous. When men told jokes, they had to be a little risqu¨¦, without a hint of vulgarity, how could it be called a joke?


    With the Minister of Personnel, Master Ye, taking the lead¡ªalthough the effect was minimal¡ªit set a good example. Immediately, several more men started telling jokes. However, thedy was like an ice cube, emotionless and unmoving, as if deaf to theughter around her.


    ¡®Pretentious,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought to himself. ¡®If I hadn''t seen it with my own eyes today, I wouldn''t have known that you, a vixen, could also pretend to be a fairy. What an act of purity.¡¯


    Seeing the atmosphere in the hall growing lively, but no one could make the beautiful womanugh, Prince Cheng looked around and his gaze fell on Su Mubai. He smiled, "Top Schr Su, you are the top scorer of the recent imperial exam, your talent and knowledge must be profound. Come, give it a try."


    Lin Wanrong and Su Mubai were old acquaintances, and upon hearing Prince Cheng''s words, Lin Wanrong immediately led the apuse. Su Mubai nced at him, nodded, and got up, smiling, "All of us present today are Mubai''s superiors. I shouldn''t have stepped out of line. However, since His Highness has spoken, I have no choice but to embarrass myself. Let me tell a joke. Lin Xiaomao''s parents have three children. The eldest son is called Big Egg, the second son is called Second Egg, what is the third son called?"


    "This is simple, Big Egg, Second Egg, following that naturally, it''s Third Egg!" A straightforward man hollered.


    "Master Lin, what do you think?" Su Mubai asked with a slight smile.


    ¡®Damn it, dare to mock me?¡¯ Lin was extremely annoyed internally. He was an expert in banter, and although the joke was subtle, he understood the double entendre it contained. Heughed in a somewhat forced manner, and said, "Master Su, your erudition is impressive, you must know the answer better than anyone else."


    Su Mubaiughed heartily, and proudly said, "Lin Xiaomao''s parents have three children. The eldest is called Big Egg, the second is called Second Egg, and naturally, the third is Lin Xiaomao. Hahaha, thank you, thank you!"


    It was a brain teaser, indeed interesting. Everyone present startedughing, and a few clever ones caught the underlying meaning. The third son was indeed called Lin Xiaomao, but following the order of his elder brothers, he was also called Lin Third Egg, which was not a lie!


    Lin Third Egg?! The man looked at Lin in shock, only to see him smiling as if he hadn''t caught the hidden meaning. The man felt relieved, thankful that Lin wasn''t as clever as him.


    [Lin Third Egg also means Lin San Dan, or Lin San Egg.]


    The story of Third Egg was over, but thedy still sat quietly, not uttering a word. It seemed that no one could move her tonight. The audience was somewhat disappointed.


    Seeing the flicker of me in Su Mubai''s eyes, Prince Cheng revealed a faint smile and stood up, "Top Schr Su, your talent is truly delightful. But the purpose of tonight is to make the beautifuldy smile. She has been waiting for a while, but no one has seeded. It makes me anxious. Master Lin, as you are close to the Emperor, your talent and abilities are undoubtedly top-notch. You should give it a try too. However--"


    Prince Cheng paused slightly, looked at everyone in the hall, and said with a smile, "My colleagues have all tried to make thedyugh with jokes. To be fair, Master Lin, you should also tell a joke. Does anyone have any objections?"


    "Good!" The crowd erupted in cheers. They had long heard of the great name of Master Lin, who had triumphed over Goryeo and fought against the Turks. His exploits were numerous, yet they had never witnessed his talents in person. Today, they would finally have the chance.


    "Ah, you tter me, esteemed gentlemen. I, Lin San, am of modest learning and talent, and really don''t know how to tell jokes," Master Lin modestly said with a shy smile as he rose to his feet.


    "Brother Lin, you are being too modest," said Su Mubai, his eyes sparkling as he looked at Master Lin, "You have earned the Emperor''s deep trust and are titled ''The First Talent Under Heaven'' by His Majesty''s own hand. The title ''First Talent'' alone says it all. You must possess extraordinary abilities, far beyond us ordinary folks. What would telling a joke count for?"


    "Yes, yes!" The crowd buzzed with excitement, their spirits high.


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "Since Top Schr Su values me so highly, I suppose I should give it a try. Top Schr brother, what would you do if you encountered a mad dog on the street?"


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 Chapter 351

    Chapter 351


    Chapter 351 Teasing the Beauty


    Su Mubai pondered for a moment, then said, "If a man encounters a mad dog, the man naturally shouldn''t fear the dog. He should kick it away."


    "Quite brave, truly worthy of being the Top Schr!" Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up in praise, "What the Top Schr Su said is right. When encountering a dog on the road, one shouldn''t panic, but bravely fight it. There can be only three oues. Top Schr brother, could you please exin it to everyone."


    "The three oues are nothing more than I win, it wins, or both of us get injured." Su Mubai said solemnly. Seeing Lin San''s sinister smile, he had an eerie feeling. He had just criticized Lin San, could it be that Lin San understood his hidden meaning? Knowing Lin San''s cunning, he was vindictive, could there be some hidden trap in this conversation?


    "Wonderful, wonderful!" Lin Wanrong pped andughed, "Such aprehensive and profound understanding, it seems that the Top Schr brother must have fought with a wild dog before. The three oues are also very well analyzed: First, if you lose, you''re even inferior to a dog; second, if it''s a tie, you are on the same level as a dog; third, if you win, congrattions, you finally surpassed a dog!!!"


    "You¡ª" Su Mubai''s face changed, looking at the smiling Lin San, but he couldn''t utter a word. The words were his, Lin San merely rephrased them. His worries had be a reality, any words that reached Lin San''s mouth immediately took on a different meaning.


    Everyone in the hall burst intoughter. This Lin San was simply a rascal, even daring to ridicule Top Schr Su, and doing so with such wit, impressive, indeed impressive. The silent woman nced at Lin Wanrong and a faint smile appeared in her eyes, letting out a soft groan.


    The man sitting next to Lin Wanrong, Yan Daoji, had been fixated on the woman the entire time. Hearing her softughter, he immediately opened his mouth wide and eximed, "She''sughing, she''sughing!"


    Lin Wanrong turned his head curiously and asked, "Brother Yan, who are you saying isughing?""It''s her, it''s her, it''s the youngdy who''sughing," Yan Daoji excitedly said, as if he himself had made the youngdy burst intoughter. Upon hearing the youngdy wasughing, everyone''s attention immediately shifted back from the verbal spat between Master Lin and Top Schr Su.


    "Laugh? I didn''t hear anything!" The rotund official, Master Ye, shook his head, "Master Yan, could you have heard wrong? I am extremely close to the beauty, and I didn''t hear her speak. How could there beughter?"


    "Yes, yes, you must have heard wrong!" The crowd joined in teasing, some of it certainly stemming from a hint of male jealousy.


    Those who spoke up were high-ranking officials, either high ministers or great schrs. Although Yan Daoji ranked first among the second-rank officials, he didn''t dare to argue with so many high-ranking officials. He could only smile awkwardly and cast a remorseful nce at Master Lin.


    ¡®This Yan Daoji has some spirit!¡¯ Lin Wanrong nodded secretly to himself. He casually moved closer to thedy, chuckling lightly, "Youngdy, I''m the hunter, you''re the fox. I''m the boiling water, you''re the tea leaves. I''m the carriage, you''re the reins. I''m the banknote, you''re the silver."


    The crowd was left befuddled. They couldn''t decipher the meaning behind Lin San''s pair of metaphors; they were too covert. Thedy nced at him and asked softly, "What do you mean?"


    It was the first time she had spoken. Her voice was as delicate and clear as pearls dropping onto a jade te, inducing endless musings.


    "Isn''t it simple?" Lin San looked at her and chuckled,


    "If you''re a fox, I''m the hunter, I would certainly chase you.


    If you''re tea leaves, I''m hot water, I''d certainly brew (spend time with) you.


    If I''m a carriage, you''re the carriage handle, you''d certainly take (marry) me home.


    If I''m a silver note, you''re the silver, I''d definitely, definitely take (marry) you.¡± He grinned lecherously, his face emanating an indescribable sleazy demeanor.


    [TL: If you''re a fox, I''m the hunter, I would certainly chase you. If you''re tea leaves, I''m hot water, I''d certainly brew you (In this context, "ÅÝÄã" (p¨¤o n¨«), which means "brew you" or ¡°steep you,¡± also has a colloquial meaning of spending time with someone in a romantic or flirtatious context.) If I''m a carriage, you''re the carriage handle, you''d certainly take me home (The word "»Ø¼Ò" (hu¨ª ji¨¡) also sounds like "»á¼Þ" (hu¨¬ ji¨¤) meaning ¡°will marry.¡±) If I''m a silver note, you''re the silver, I''d definitely, definitely take (marry) you (The pun here is that "È¡" (q¨³) can mean "take" but also sounds like "È¢" (q¨³), which means "to marry a woman.")]


    "Pfft." A soft giggle resonated clearly among the crowd. They heard it clearly. She hadughed, she had reallyughed.


    "Shameless, utterly shameless!" The men present were fuming, incensed to the point of smoke billowing from all seven orifices. How shameless could Lin San be? How could he utter such disgraceful words in public? What sort of image was he creating for a man?


    "His skin is so thick!" thedy whispered. Her voice was just loud enough for the two of them to hear.


    "Likewise," Lin San replied, opening his mouth wide to leer at thedy.


    A flicker of pain crossed Prince Cheng''s eyes, instantly reced by resolution. He gently pped his hands andughed, "Alright, alright, congrattions, Lin San! I''m so happy for you. You''ve finally won thedy''s heart!"


    "Sorry, just lucky," Lin San responded modestly with a fist and palm salute, inciting hidden resentment from the men around him.


    "Spring mornings are short and time is precious. Lin San, please enjoy yourself!" Prince Chengughed heartily. The veileddy gave a little cry, looking unbearably shy as she turned and ran inside.


    "Am I really supposed to enjoy myself?" Lin Wanrong looked at Prince Cheng dubiously. "Everyone else is suffering here while I go enjoy myself. Doesn''t that seem a bit unfair?"


    Prince Chengughed, "Rest assured, Master Lin, our colleagues have their ownpanions. Please feel free to go."


    "Ah, I''ve always been too eager to help others," Lin San chuckled with a fist and palm salute, then headed toward the inner chamber. A servant was already standing guard at the door. Bowing respectfully, he said, "Sir, this way please¡ª" He led Lin San to a neat and bright room, then gave him a suggestive smile, "Sir, thedy is already waiting for you inside."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, then pushed the door open. Two red candles were burning brightly, and thedy who had just entered the room was sitting quietly by the bed, waiting.


    The door closed behind Lin Wanrong with a soft thud. His heart skipped a beat. Was this for real?! He tiptoed over and sat beside thedy, then smiled, "May I ask for your surname, miss?"


    Thedy cast a charming nce at him, then lowered her head shyly. "I am surnamed An," she replied.


    With one swift motion, Lin San pulled off her veil, revealing a face of captivating beauty. He paused in surprise, then eximed with delight, "Sister An¡ª"


    "Hush¡ª" Sister An raised a slender finger to her lips and nced outside, silently stopping him. She then gave a soft whimper, her coyness limitless. "Sir, you are so naughty, touching me there¡ª"


    Master Lin was taken aback. ¡®I haven''t evenid a hand on her, and she''s already moaning,¡¯ he thought. ¡®If word of this gets out, how am I supposed to show my face again as Lin San?¡¯ "Miss, I haven''t even¡ª" Master Lin said hurriedly.


    "Haven''t taken off your clothes yet? Don''t worry, I''ll help you," Sister An cooed, her eyes darting toward the door. With a flourish of her sleeve, she extinguished the room''s light. There was a rustling sound as she tugged at her own clothing. She then let out a cry of faux pain. "Sir, you''re so impatient. You blew out the candle so quickly, and I haven''t even helped you change yet."


    What was going on? Master Lin thought, confused. However, the scent of a woman drifted into his nose. A mature, voluptuous body slowly pressed against him. Her hot breath trembled slightly as Sister An clung tightly to him, whispering, "Hold me¡ª"


    It was hard to resist such a request. Master Lin was delighted, and with a strong embrace, he encircled Sister An''s slender waist from behind. His touch was smooth and tender, like a freshly woven silk satin.


    Sister An shivered and leaned gently into his embrace, murmuring, "In times of urgency, you can''t do anything rash. You must think of Xian''er¡ª"


    They were so close now, Sister An''s soft body pressed tight against him. Each word she spoke blew a hot breath onto his skin. Her warm, rounded belly and smooth, tense thighs rubbed against him subtly. Master Lin could feel a powerful heat rise from his lower abdomen. His body filled with a masculine energy, like a stampede of horses. His lower body stood proudly, pressing against Sister An''s belly.


    Sister An, mature and alluring with extensive knowledge, of course, knew what the burning object was. Her face flushed with heat, and she couldn''t help but twist his arm hard. "You''re terrible, do you think I''m Xian''er? Do you think I''m as easy to deceive as her?"


    Looking at Sister An''s flushed cheeks, close enough to touch, Lin Wanrong sighed softly, whispering, "Sister, this isn''t my doing, it''s you who''s tempting me."


    "Don''t call me Sister." An Biru blushed, turning her face away. "What happened today was merely a momentary necessity. You mustn''t take it seriously and absolutely cannot mention it to Xian''er. Otherwise, I won''t forgive you." She nced outside, then whispered in his ear, "This is all for show. Don''t take it seriously. There are people listening outside." Her eyes flickered as she slowly rubbed her body against his, her full breasts pressing against his chest, soft as cream. An Biru''s words flowed like honey, releasing a sultry voice that was enough to melt bones. "Oh, sir, slow down. You''re going to tear me apart¡ª"


    She was moaning so provocatively it was unbearable. Master Lin felt his mouth dry and a fiery urge rising within him. The heat between them became more intense. "Sister," Master Lin pleaded, "Could you be a little more innocent with your words, please? Are you not purposely seducing me?"


    "Do you think I''m willing?" An Biru gave him a seductive smile. "It was Prince Cheng who put up a big bet, demanding that I sessfully seduce you. How could people outside know that the seduction was sessful if I didn''t make some noise?"


    ¡®Prince Cheng sent Sister An to seduce me? Goodness, he sent the Holy Mother of the White Lotus Sect to seduce me, I''m quite honored. It''s clear that this move is meant to drive a wedge between me and the Old Emperor. Prince Cheng''s trick is ruthless indeed.¡¯ Unfortunately for him, man''s ns fall short of heaven''s; no matter how cruel Prince Cheng was, he didn''t know that the Old Emperor was even more cunning, having long investigated the rtionship between An Biru and Lin San.


    Thinking about this, Lin Wanrong felt a mischievous itch. Hisrge hand slowly kneaded Sister An''s smooth and perky buttocks, absentmindedly saying, "Seducing me? Sister, is this how you seduced others in the past?"


    An Biru''s body stiffened, her eyes instantly turning icy cold. The passionate body against him suddenly felt like a block of ice.


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 Chapter 352

    Chapter 352


    Chapter 352 Damned Tenderness


    As he felt the frail body in his embrace gradually growing cold, and An Biru''s expression as calm as an ancient well, Lin Wanrong knew something was off. A suddenmentation struck his heart. ¡®Did I overindulge inmb this afternoon, that I''ve begun to talk such nonsense?¡¯ The previously warm and intimate atmosphere vanished in an instant. It was a ssic case of joy turning into sorrow. Regret swelled within Lin Wanrong''s heart.


    "Get up. The people outside are gone," An Biru said quietly. Her face was devoid of any emotional ripple, her gaze toward him indifferent as though looking at a stranger. They were still pressed close together, butpared to the fervor from earlier, it now felt as if one was fire and the other was seawater.


    "I won''t get up!" Lin Wanrong, his mind whirring with ideas, managed augh. "So Master Sister is mad. I won''t rise until you smile. Oh, how about I tell you a joke? Two dumplings got married. After sending off their guests, the groom returned to the bedroom only to find a meatball lying on the bed. Shocked, he asked where his bride was. The meatball shyly responded: ''How embarrassing, don''t you recognize me once I''ve undressed?'' Hahaha¡ª Hahaha¡ª Please, Sister, could youugh? I''m really trying here."


    An Biru looked at him silently, her eyes sparkling, not saying a word.


    Toward this outwardly debauched Sister An, Lin Wanrong had always felt a peculiar sensation as if in this world, they were the two most simr people. Both were cunning and ruthless, sensitive yet mncholic, indifferent to societal norms, and unbridled. The previous frivolous and ambiguous interactions between them didn''t invoke any feelings. But now that she suddenly began ignoring him, it felt as if Lin Wanrong had lost his best friend, leaving his heart deste.


    "You could tell a hundred jokes and it wouldn''t matter. Did you really think Iughed because of your jokes? I''ve dealt with Prince Cheng for over twenty years, yet I''ve never let him take advantage of me. If it weren''t for him threatening the safety of my vige, forcing me to spend the night with you, not even the men of the entire world could coax augh from me," An Biru said, a hint of pride shing across her face. As she gazed at him, her eyes gradually misted over.


    A pang of fear hit Lin Wanrong, and he held her tighter. Grinding his teeth, he said, "That damned old turtle threatened the safety of your vige? Damn it, I''ll hack him to pieces, and his son, and his grandson, and his entire lineage for eighteen generations¡ª Sister, pleaseugh. You''re scaring me. I''m really timid. Pleaseugh, and I''ll teach you how to pole dance."


    An Biru shook her head slightly, "And what if you kill him? Kill one Prince Cheng, and ten, a hundred, a thousand more will rise in his ce. Can you kill them all? As forughing..." She wore a faint, dismal smile on her face, whispering, "Haven''t Iughed enough at you in the past? Now, please let me go¡ª"Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Yes, Sister An had always been cheery around him before, always plotting against him, but it was fulfilling and sweet. Now that she wasn''t smiling anymore, he felt increasingly suffocated.


    "Release me." The grip around her arm was just as forceful as before, but An Biru looked at Lin Wanrong and said softly yet firmly.


    "No!" Lin Wanrong loudly retorted, "If I let you go, you''ll run away. Where else am I supposed to find a second White Lotus to capture you?"


    Like magic, An Biru pulled out a silver needle from somewhere. "You know my capabilities, do you really think you can stop me like this?" she challenged.


    "Well¡ª" Lin Wanrong let out a helpless chuckle. Sister An''s weapons were always so elusive, and the two guns he carried with him were useless; one he wouldn''t dare use on Sister An, and the other she wouldn''t let him use. Sinceing to this world, he had always been sessful with women, flirting and seducing without any significant setbacks. But Sister An, seemingly so unrestrained before, had suddenly transformed into someone else, leaving him at a loss for words. His frustration was understandable.


    An Biru, having never seen him in such a crestfallen state, surmised he had been hit hard. Taking a determined look at him, she said, "Not all of life is joyous. When it''s time toe together, wee together, and when it''s time to part, we part. The time I spent with you was delightful and happy, tonight being the only exception."


    Hearing the hint of world-weariness in her words, Lin Wanrong was startled. He hastily gripped her tighter. "Sister, you''re not considering bing a nun, are you? Please don''t scare me. This boiling water of mine has never steeped tea leaves that don''t grow hair [TL: I have never flirted with a woman who doesn''t have long hair]."


    "I''m not bing a nun," An Biru shook her head, "Prince Cheng promised me that after tonight, he will guarantee the safety of my tribe for a hundred years. I''ve drifted outside for so many years, I''m tired and want to go back and see my tribe."


    "Back to the tribe?!" Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened, "Sister, let me go with you. It''s been a while since I''ve visited an ethnic minority. I''ll ride a horse and kidnap a bride there, then kidnap you back."


    Hearing this, An Biru wanted tough but held it in. She gave him a stare, "What do you think my tribe is? Both men and women freely choose to be together. There is no such thing as kidnapping a bride."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, regretfully saying, "Ah, I remembered incorrectly. It must be the Mongolians who kidnap brides. Your tribe values mutual affection between men and women. It seems that you and I are not exactly mutually affectionate."


    An Biru gave him a cold nce, grinding her teeth, "You are Xian''er''s husband, and I am Xian''er''s master. How can I be affectionate with you?"


    ¡®The fact that you are Xian''er''s master makes it all the more exciting.¡¯ But he couldn''t say that at this juncture. "Oh, also, Master Sister, you asked me to deal with Fairy Ning. Our game just started, and now you''re leaving, how should I cope?" As he said this, he nced around. Theoretically, Ning Yuxi should have been close by.


    An Biru shook her head, "Don''t worry. She''s smart enough to know when to show up. Given her ability, she probably already figured out that you and I were in cahoots. But it doesn''t matter. As long as you use the same tactics on her that you used on me, you''ll defeat her without a problem. I have faith in you."


    An Biru had nned everything, clearly prepared to retreat long ago. Recalling the day she had bravely stormed the Heavenly Prison to save him, it seemed she was ready toy down her life. Lin Wanrong was deeply moved and hurriedly searched for an excuse, pleading, "Sister, Prince Cheng said he sent you to seduce me. If you just leave like this, wouldn''t he suspect something if he doesn''t see you tomorrow?"


    Sister An said softly, "Rest assured. Tonight, I will remain in the room meditating. You should get some good rest."


    Lin Wanrong promptly jumped up, "Sister, you sleep in the bed, and I will meditate. s, it''s been several months since I practiced kung fu. If I don''t put in more effort, you will surpass me."


    An Biru turned around, "You are always running around, unwilling to settle down. Even if you practice for a hundred years, you won''t surpass me. Why should you meditate?"


    Lin Wanrong had already climbed onto the chair, nodding in distress, "I also want to share the bed with Sister. But, given the propriety between men and women, with you looking like a fairy and me having weak self-control, if we identally cross the line, that wouldn''t be good. So, let''s sleep in separate beds. We can share er."


    Engaging in conversation with this youngster truly disrupted her tranquillity. An Biru took several deep breaths, calming her heart and mind. Her breathing gradually evened out, and she slowly fell asleep.


    This was supposed to be a beautiful night of introduction. Even if they couldn''t make love, a little touching here and there was inevitable. But he ruined everything with a single sentence. How careless! Lin Wanrong regretted so much, dozing off in the chair. After a while, he heard Sister An whisper, "Come over here and sleep beside me."


    "Well, isn''t it inappropriate? We agreed to sleep separately." Although he said this, he scurried over faster than a monkey, snuggling into the bed and inhaling An Biru''s faint fragrance.


    An Biru''s slender hand extended, slightly trembling, gently stroking his hair. "Lin San, this world isplex, and people''s minds are hard to predict. While I can''t say human nature is evil, there are many who do evil. You''ve done many wrongs, but your heart is not evil, far better than countless hypocrites."


    "Yes, yes," Feeling Sister An gently stroking his hair, he felt incredibly calm. He nodded hastily, "I am a genuine viin, never pretending to be a gentleman, either true or false."


    An Biru faintly nodded, "Since meeting you, two things have moved me the most. Do you know which two?"


    Seeing Lin San shake his head, An Biru sighed softly, "One was the night before we rushed back to Jinling when you were recovering at Weishan Lake. You sang that dreadful song."


    "Sister, although I said something wrong tonight, you shouldn''t criticize me like that. My singing ismendable; how can you call it dreadful?" Lin Wanrong said, feeling wronged.


    "Only a mother is good in the world, a child with a mother is like a treasure. Embrace your mother, never exhausting the happiness." Sister An shook her head with a smile, "When I first heard you singing this song, I thought you were foolish. Now, I suppose I was the fool."


    "Sister, actually, my singing of that song was indeed terrible, my mother used to say so," Lin Wanrong admitted in a rare moment of sincerity, lowering his head and speaking softly.


    Sister Anughed heartily, but as sheughed, tears began to fall. "The second thing," she said, "is how you were willing to give up your life for me. When I broke into the Heavenly Prison, I had only one thought: to die with you. If I had known it woulde to this, I would have killed you then and slit my own throat. It would have been better than having a dead heart now."


    Lin Wanrong was shocked and quickly eximed, "Master Sister, I didn''t mean to, don''t scare me."


    "If there is no Xian¡¯er, if it wasn''t for what you said tonight, we could have actually been happy together." An Biru suddenly smiled at him charmingly, her face full of brilliant tear drops that shone like a hillside of blooming pear flowers. Lin Wanrong fell into a deep sleep...


    When he awoke early the next morning, he found himself alone. Sister An had disappeared without a trace, like a migratory goose that had flown away. Only the tear stains on the pillow remained, as if telling a story.


    Lin Wanrong wiped the corner of his eyes, ming the dew for falling into them due to the bad weather. He stared nkly at the damp silk pillow, recalling Sister An''s soft whisperings from the night before. He was lost in thought for a while before he sighed softly, "Your damned tenderness..."


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 Chapter 353

    Chapter 353


    Chapter 353 The Performance


    In terms of their acquaintance, Sister An and Lin Wanrong had not spent much time together. Their encounters on Weishan Lake, a mixture of animosity and friendliness, were some of the most intimate moments they had shared. Beyond that, their time together was often brief and fleeting. Even the most suggestive instance they had been caught in by the Eldest Miss, was a deliberate provocation by Sister An, and it did notpare to the genuine emotions ofst night. This independent and unique woman had left an indelible impression on Lin Wanrong. She was sensitive, proud, and lonely. Outsiders only saw her flirtatious, unruly side, but few could understand the solitude and loneliness within her heart.


    ¡®Damn it,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, ¡®I''ve let my lust overrule my mind, messing things up at a critical moment. What a lesson!¡¯ He smacked his forehead in frustration.


    As he reluctantly left his quarters, a sudden thought struck him. Sister An had mentioned the Miao Vige, but he didn''t even know where it was. Where should he go to find her? Sichuan, Guizhou, or Yunnan? He shook his head with a bitter smile, ¡®I''ll just have to search ce by ce. I refuse to believe that I can''t find her.¡¯


    When he emerged from his room, Prince Cheng had been waiting for him in the hall. "Master Lin, how wasst night?" he asked.


    ¡®How wasst night, my ass,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, feeling irritated. If it weren''t for Prince Cheng pressuring Sister An, would she have left him? He grew even more disdainful of the Prince. He gave a fakeugh and replied, "It was alright. But where is the youngdy this morning? Your Highness, do you know where she lives? I would like to see her."


    Prince Cheng roared withughter. "Master Lin, you are indeed a passionate man, I admire that. But this youngdy, she is proud and pure, always different from others. She only wishes to spend one night with the man she likes. When the night ends, she leaves. She is a free spirit, even I don''t know where she went."


    Lin Wanrong quietly acknowledged with a ''hmm'', sighed and said, "What a pity, such a pity." He couldn''t ask Prince Cheng about the Miao Vige; doing so would only put Sister An and her people in danger.


    Prince Cheng moved closer and patted his shoulder. "Master Lin, you should be content to have spent a night with such a heavenly beauty. There are countless men in this world who would spend all their fortune just for a glimpse of her."That was true. With Sister An''s stunning beauty, she was undoubtedly the dream woman of countless men. The line of men who wished to see her could probably wrap around from the capital to Jinling twice.


    "Well, in that case, thank you for your gracious hospitality, Your Highness. I shall take my leave." Lin Wanrong bowed respectfully.


    Prince Cheng''s eyes shed. This man truly had thick skin, acting as if nothing had happened and trying to slip away after having his fun. Heughed heartily and grabbed Lin Wanrong. "Hold on, Master Lin. I have a matter to discuss with you."


    "A discussion with me?" Lin Wanrong asked, surprised. "Your Highness, you are of royal blood, with wealth rivaling nations. What could I possibly assist you with? Your Highness is too kind."


    Prince Cheng gave a small smile. "Master Lin, do you know the true identity of thedy fromst night?"


    "I don''t," Lin Wanrong feigned ignorance, "Does Your Highness know? Please tell me."


    Prince Cheng leisurely took two steps forward, offering a smile, "I suppose I know a bit. Master Lin, I heard you once assisted Xu Wei in Shandong to suppress the White Lotus Sect, even personally eliminating the Holy Mother of White Lotus and capturing Jining City. The Emperor thus holds you in particrly high regard. Is this true?"


    "That''s true," Lin Wanrong honestly answered, "In the past, I served as a military advisor in General Xu''s army, and we did attack the White Lotus Sect."


    Prince Cheng narrowed his eyes and smiled, "So, one could say that your fortune was made due to the White Lotus Sect. Is my understanding correct?"


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong nod in agreement, Prince Cheng sighed wistfully, "Master Lin, you are currently enjoying the Emperor''s favor, at the zenith of your career. However, you and the White Lotus Sect hold deep-seated grudges against each other. It seems like your rise and potential fall are both due to the White Lotus Sect."


    "Your Majesty, what do you mean by that?" Lin Wanrong asked, his innocent eyes wide with iprehension.


    Shaking his head with a bitter smile, Prince Cheng began, "It''s due to my oversight. Thedy you spentst night with is someone I met in Shandong. At the time, I wasn''t aware of her true identity and had people investigating. Only this morning did I get a report back. Unexpectedly, she is..."


    "She is what..." Lin Wanrong said in a fearful tone, "Your Majesty, could she be a remnant of the White Lotus..."


    "Sigh, indeed, she is a remnant of the White Lotus. Master Lin, I''m afraid I have caused you trouble," Prince Cheng said sincerely, a flicker in his eyes.


    Lin Wanrong''s face turned ashen, copsing into a chair, muttering under his breath, "A remnant of the White Lotus... she''s actually from the White Lotus Sect. It''s over... how could this happen?"


    With a mysterious smile, Prince Cheng said, "Master Lin, you initially rose to prominence by crushing the White Lotus Sect, but now you are entangled with one of their remnants. If the Emperor hears of this, not to mention your promising future, you would be lucky to keep your head. Such a pity for a hero like you."


    "Your Majesty, what should I do? You must testify for me. I didn''t do this on purpose. I had no idea she was a remnant of the White Lotus," Lin Wanrong said, his face deathly pale as he grabbed Prince Cheng''s hand.


    "Do you think the Emperor would believe you? A ruler only believes in himself," Prince Cheng replied coldly, "Master Lin, you have only recently joined the court and are unaware of its dangerous intrigues. You''ve received the Emperor''s favor at a young age, seemingly glowing with sess, but in reality, danger lurks everywhere. Do you know how many people envy you, how many want to bring you down? Not to mention the newly crowned Top Schr, Su Mubai. Before you appeared, he was the one the Emperor trusted the most. However, everything changed when you arrived. This rise and fall, how could he bear it? And you, at this crucial moment, stumbled in such a way. What would happen if he were to learn of this huge news?"


    Lin Wanrong''s face turned white, his eyes empty, sweat dripping down his forehead; he lookedpletely stunned. Prince Cheng was satisfied with this effect. He slowly walked over, patting Lin Wanrong on the shoulder with an amiable smile, "Actually, things aren''t as bad as they seem. Since this happened in my mansion, as long as I don''t say anything, who else would know? Master Lin, don''t you agree?"


    "Yes, yes!" Master Lin hastened to nod, a yful twinkle in his eyes. "Your Highness, you mustn''t reveal this matter, otherwise my life would be forfeit."


    "Of course." Prince Chengughed heartily. "You are a talent I value, how could I allow you to be framed so easily? Master Lin, I heard that Xu Wei treats you very well and even rmended you to General Li Tai. Is this true?"


    ¡®Here ites, the main point atst.¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. Prince Cheng had been defeated by the seemingly weak and ipetent Old Emperor years ago. People had felt it was unjust, yet who knew how much the Old Emperor had done to ascend the throne smoothly? His cunning was unrivaled in the world and his methods were boundless. As for the rtionship between Sister An and himself, only a few people knew, all of them close to him, yet the Old Emperor had managed to verify everything clearly. In this respect, Prince Cheng was far inferior to him.


    "Yes, there seems to be such a matter." Lin Wanrong nodded. "General Li has invited me to help him in his camp several times, but I have always been busy with other matters and have declined."


    "Master Lin, I don''t mean to lecture you, but the position to assist Li Tai is something many people couldn''t vie for, how could you refuse? General Li is advanced in years and is about to lead a campaign against the Turkic tribes. Who knows what might happen on the battlefield? With your standing in the Emperor''s heart and with the esteem that Xu Wei and Li Tai have for you, as long as you handle matters appropriately, it''s not impossible for you to be the Commander of the three armies." Prince Cheng suggested casually, yet every word was as sharp as a bead, shocking the senses.


    ¡®Commander of the three armies?! Prince Cheng wants me to be the Commander of the three armies?!¡¯ Lin Wanrong was startled and immediately understood Prince Cheng''s intentions. This old fox was nning to control military power through him. When he said that it was uncertain what could happen to Li Tai on the battlefield, was he implying something? If something happened to Li Tai, it would be a major blow to the Empire. Who else would have Li Tai''s prestige and experience tomand the troops? Who else would have the ability to lead troops against the Turkic cavalry? The more he thought about it, the more fearful he became. This time, he didn''t have to act; cold sweat was already pouring from his body.


    "I don''t quite understand what Your Highness means." Heughed nervously, feigning confusion.


    Prince Cheng smiled faintly. "Master Lin is being too modest. With your intelligence, you can grasp anything at a nce. I won''t say more. Go back and think it over, and when you''ve decided, let me know. I will definitely support you fully."


    ¡®Support me to be the Grand Marshal of the three armies? Come to think of it, with the trust of the Old Emperor, plus Prince Cheng''s covert backing, bing a Grand Marshal might indeed be possible.¡¯ But Lin Wanrong knew his own capabilities. Although he had some prestige in the army, he could notpare with the decades of aplishments of the old General Li, not to mention military tactics. For the sake of the people of Great Hua and the brothers in the army, it would be better for old Li to remain themander. Besides, leading troops in battle, such strenuous work, was not suitable for someone who enjoyedfort like Master Lin.


    Prince Cheng, seeing him in deep thought, had a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. He nodded slightly. "Take your time to think, Master Lin. There''s no rush." He looked confident as he picked up his teacup and took a small sip.


    Joy swelled in Lin Wanrong''s heart. This old fox had not finished his words yet wanted to send the guest away. ¡®Good, I will make you lose more than you gained. I should catch you off guard and vent Sister An''s anger. After this, Sister An and her tribe will be under the protection of me, Lin San, Master Lin, to ensure their safety for a thousand years.¡¯


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 Chapter 354

    Chapter 354


    Chapter 354 The True Hero


    Upon stepping out of the Prince''s mansion, he looked back to see the grand, vermillion doors emzoned with the golden characters, "Prince Cheng''s Mansion," shimmering with a light that was hard to ignore. He held no fondness for the mansion, but the memories of his times with Sister An were impossible to erase. Thinking back to Sister An''s tender tears from the previous night, and An Biru''s enchanting yet tragically heartbroken eyes floated before him. He let out a loud cry, his heart filling with anxious confusion. ¡®The Miao Vige, where exactly is the Miao Vige?!¡¯


    Considering that Sister An had dealt with Prince Cheng for twenty years while maintaining her innocence, he realized how incredibly rare her integrity was. In the past, she had the White Lotus Sect to rely on, providing her with the strength to negotiate with Prince Cheng, who dared not push her too far. But now, with the White Lotus Sect destroyed by his own hands, Sister An had lost her leverage, her ability to bargain with Prince Cheng. She was now threatened by Prince Cheng with the safety of her n. Thinking about it, he had unintentionally implicated her,plicating matters even more.


    Whenever he thought of An Biru, his mind would drift to Xian Er. Ever since she became Princess Nishang, she had stayed quiet. Had she given up on her husband? She and Sister An were master and student, their rtionship extremely close. If Sister An was to return to the Miao Vige, she would certainly bid Xian Er farewell. Xian Er must know where the Miao Vige was.


    With this thought, a burst of hope ignited within him, and he started to run toward the Imperial Pce. The mansion of Prince Cheng was quite far from the Imperial Pce. Upon reaching the moat, he saw Xu Wei exiting the pce.


    "Old Xu, Old Xu, is the Emperor in?" Panting heavily, he rushed over, shouting. Due to the urgency of the matter, he dropped formalities and addressed Xu Wei directly.


    "Ah, Little brother Lin," Xu Wei said with a smile, "What are you doing here? Yesterday, Zhiqing told me that the mansion the Emperor bestowed upon you happens to be next door to my humble dwelling. I was so delighted that I visited your mansion, but I didn''t find you there. Instead, I ran into Miss Qiaoqiao. She and Zhiqing were busy sprucing up your ce. Have you seen it yet?"


    Impatient, Lin Wanrong interrupted Xu Wei''s lengthy ramble: "Brother Xu, let''s cut to the chase. Is the Emperor in? I want to see Princess Nishang."


    Xu Wei shook his head, "Little brother Lin, you''re out of luck. The Emperor went to pray at the Grand Prime Minister Temple today. He was supposed to go yesterday but had to turn back."¡®Of course, he couldn''t go. He was at my mansion giving me a lesson.¡¯ Hearing that the Emperor was not in the pce, Lin Wanrong felt a pang of disappointment. It was troublesome to enter the Imperial Pce inner court without the Emperor''s order. If only he could make the rules in the pce.


    Thinking Lin San was still contemting the matter of the marriage proposal, Xu Wei patted him on the shoulder, "Little brother Lin, it''s unfortunate that your efforts fell short, but forcing things wouldn''t be right either. If you and Princess Nishang are meant to be, you''ll meet again."


    Lin Wanrong didn''t know whether tough or cry. There was no need to force anything. He and Xian Er had already performed the formal wedding rituals in front of Sister An; she was his true and legitimate wife. Why would a husband need to report to his father-inw before seeing his wife? Marrying a princess was indeed troublesome.


    In truth, even if he had found Xian''er now, he feared it would be to no avail. Sister An had deliberately avoided him, had even gone as far as drugging him to ensure he slept through the night. By this point, she must have been gone for quite a while. Catching up with her would be impossible. He shook his head with a bitter smile,ing to a deeper understanding of An Biru''s obstinate and firm character. An Biru, born a Miao girl, was of a universally acknowledged low status, yet she was stunningly beautiful. Her sensitivity and pride made her heart as fragile as a crystal, easily shattered. He had indeed made a foolish mistake the night before, one he couldn''t possibly make again.


    The Miao vige!!! He must go to the Miao vige!!! He must get Sister An back!!! Regret was useless, it would be better to put more effort into action. After all, he had plenty of time. His belief grew stronger, his mood suddenly brightened. Thinking about the surprise and joy on Sister An''s face the day she saw him again, he could almost envision her running towards him like a charming fox, a gleam in his eyes, a smirk on his face.


    Xu Wei was left dumbstruck, wondering what Lin San was thinking. His eyes were moist, yet hisughter was inexplicably lewd andscivious. Truly a strange man!


    "Mr. Xu, when is General Li Tai''s army leaving?" His heart felt lighter, much more rxed. Remembering what Prince Cheng had told him that morning, Lin Wanrong asked with concern for Li Tai.


    "The grain and payment for the troops are not yet ready. Gathering the provisions from various ces would take about a month. Why do you suddenly ask about this?" Xu Wei asked, curious.


    "I worry that someone might be plotting against General Li. Please advise him to stay vignt. He must not only watch out for the Turks, but also for traitors within." Lin Wanrong''s brows furrowed as he spoke seriously. Prince Cheng had been vague, the scheming behind his back wouldn''t be exined to him clearly, he had no way to guard against it, he could only warn Li Tai to be careful.


    Xu Wei nodded, smiling. "Of course. General Li is a pir of our Great Hua, a stalwart figure in our military. He has long been a thorn in the side of the northern nomads. Attempts on his life have never ceased. Over the years, we''ve be used to it. Little brother Lin, why not speak to General Li about this matter yourself? After all, you two are now neighbors."


    "My neighbor?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback, then remembered seeing tworge mansions on either side of his own the day before. One belonged to a Xu, and the other to a Li. So, that was Li Tai''s mansion. Xu Wei and Li Tai, one in charge of civil affairs and the other the military, were the nation''s arm and leg, two pirs of Great Hua. The Emperor had given him a mansion situated between these two important ministers, which seemed to carry a significant implication.


    "Yes, neighbor. Both my family and Li''sck in number. Only your wife is plentiful. I''m sure you will have many children and grandchildren, which would make things lively. We should visit each other more often." Xu Wei said with a smile.


    "Many children and grandchildren? I ept your kind words." Lin Wanrong chuckled, sping his fist in response, "I also wish you, an old tree to blossom, and that Sister Su bes a mother soon."


    Xu Wei''s face turned red, but he couldn''t help butugh heartily. To have a child in old age was a blessing in life, a testament to an old man''s capability in every respect. Every time thisd Lin San spoke, he always made people feelfortable.


    Having bid farewell to Xu Wei, Lin Wanrong visited his new residence. The interior was spotless, radiating an inviting glow from the neatly arranged furnishings. However, Qiaoqiao wasn''t in the house; presumably, she was with the Eldest Miss and Madam Xiao. As he rushed towards Xiao''s residence, a galloping horse rushed towards him. From atop the horse, Li Sheng leaped down and said, "General Lin, I''ve finally found you."


    A light sparked in Lin Wanrong''s eyes, and he grinned, "Brother Li, do we have good news?"


    Li Sheng nodded and said, "You will not be disappointed. The ''F*ck Cannon'' you requested has been assembled by our joint efforts." Mentioning the ''F*ck Cannon'', Li Sheng struggled to suppress a smile. Having understood the meaning of ''F*ck'' through Lin Wanrong''s exnation, it meant having a st - a real st!


    Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered the scent of tobo on Zhao Kangning from their close encounter the previous night. As Lu Dongzan had mentioned, this ''Nose-piercing Grass'' could only be found among the Turks. Could this signify -


    The efficiency of Li Sheng''s men was impressive. They hadpleted the task he had given them just the day before. This showed that there were indeed many talented craftsmen in the Divine Machine Unit. Properly utilized, they could provide significant aid on the battlefield. Lin Wanrong felt this deeply, "Brother Li, send two trustworthy men to hide the ''F*ck Cannon'' outside the city. Damn, such a useless toy that can''t even fire, yet I must treat it as a treasure to deceive people."


    Li Shengughed heartily. Listening to General Lin was always refreshing. Lin Wanrong waved his hand and added, "Another thing, whenever you and Brother Hu have time,e and check the blood-sweat treasure horse. Let''s see if it can mate with our local horses and produce some baby blood-sweat treasures. If we seed in this, our cavalry''sbat capabilities will certainly improve. Of course, if it''s not possible, I''ll just ride it myself."


    Li Sheng, who was stillughing heartily, instantly wore a serious look. Who said General Lin was just a yer? Just by these words, he proved himself a true hero. Considering how precious blood-sweat treasure horses were, others would treat them like gold, but he generously offered it up. How many could match his spirit and boldness?


    "On behalf of the cavalry, I thank you, General." Li Sheng gave a deep bow, giving a thumbs up, "General Lin, you are indeed a great man."


    "I wouldn''t say a great man. I just do some foolish things sometimes." Lin Wanrong said lightly, the meaning of his words known only to himself.


    As they strolled and talked, Lin Wanrong arranged with Li Sheng a hidden location outside the city for the ''F*ck Cannon''. It would be delivered directly to Lu Dongzan and his men. Considering that these Turks probably had never operated arge cannon, even with ten times their courage, they wouldn''t dare to fire it publicly. As long as they didn''t test fire it, deceiving a few Turks with Li Sheng''s craftsmanship would be a piece of cake. Lin Wanrong hadplete confidence in his men.


    By the time he returned to Xiao''s residence, it was almost noon. Before he got close, he saw Qiaoqiao standing at the entrance, looking around as if searching for something.


    "Little darling, are youing out to wee your husband with such enthusiasm?" Lin Wanrong approached with a beaming smile.


    Qiaoqiao blushed, quickly grabbing his hand, "Big brother, you''re finally back. There''s a youngdy in the shop who''s been waiting for you sincest night. She said she wouldn''t leave until she sees you. She hasn''t eaten or drunk anything for eight hours and is about to faint."


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 Chapter 355

    Chapter 355


    Chapter 355 The Boyfriend


    Ady who didn''t eat or sleep, waiting for him for seven or eight hours? Whosedy was sick with longing? Lin Wanrong was puzzled. Suddenly, a feeble voice rang in his ears, "Sir... sir... you''re finally back."


    Lin Wanrong looked up and saw a woman with skin as smooth as cream staring nkly at him. Her face was pale, and she suddenly copsed into a soft heap.


    Qiaoqiao''s reflexes were quick, and she promptly supported her, calling out anxiously, "Miss Seo, Miss Seo, what happened to you?"


    Lin Wanrong rolled up his sleeves enthusiastically, "Qiaoqiao, don''t panic. Miss Seo is just too worried and exhausted, coupled with hunger and fatigue, that''s why she lost her strength. I am strong, let me carry her in."


    Qiaoqiao obediently hummed in agreement, intending to hand Miss Seo over to him. Miss Seo raised her head from Qiaoqiao''s arms, weakly but firmly saying, "No need... don''t bother... I can walk myself." She took two shaky steps, her legs giving out once again, but Qiaoqiao was there to catch her.


    What a stubborn temperament Miss Seo had, thought Lin Wanrong. He forced a smile and let Qiaoqiao help her inside. Upon entering, he saw a teacup on the table, filled with tea that had long since gone cold. Qiaoqiao exined, "Big brother, Miss Seo came here yesterday to find you. She sat here quietly, not touching a drop of water or grain of rice, saying that she would keep waiting for you."


    As Qiaoqiao spoke, she was about to help Seo Jang Geum sit down, but Jang Geum stubbornly shook her head. She stared resolutely at Lin Wanrong, her eyes seeming to use and yet also show heartbreak.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed, "Miss Jang Geum, why are you doing this to yourself? Whatever the issue, it''s not worth ruining your health. Seeing you like this... it makes me ufortable."Seo Jang Geum looked at him seriously, "Would Sir really feel ufortable? If you do, then that is your punishment for breaking your promises. I intend to punish you with my actions, make you feel guilty and not break your word again."


    He''d met strong women before, but none as strong as this! Lin Wanrong wanted tough, but seeing Seo Jang Geum''s stern face, he held it back. Her logic was strange - she suffered to make him feel guilty? She wasn''t his wife! But she was so earnest, probably thinking that everyone in the world was as upright and selfless as she imagined. Truly fitting for someone like Jang Geum, what a character!


    "Miss Seo, when did I break my word?" Looking at Seo Jang Geum''s clear eyes and selfless expression, Lin Wanrong had a strange feeling - if he stared at her for too long, he would believe he was a heinous criminal.


    Seeing that Master Lin didn''t even realize where he went wrong, Seo Jang Geum widened her beautiful eyes and softly said, "You don''t even know how you broke your promise? Sir, you can''t behave like this. You promised our Prince two days ago to attend a banquet at Mirror Lake. Last night the Prince sent me to invite you, but you didn''te back all night. Isn''t this breaking a promise? Sir, how could you be like this? I, I¡ª¡ª"


    She spoke too hastily, her thoughts in a whirl. Her body swayed, threatening to topple over. Qiaoqiao, empathizing with this upright and obstinate woman, quickly helped her to sit down. "Miss Seo," she pleaded, "Don''t be so anxious. Please, sit down and speak slowly. Big brother is a man of his word; he is not at all the person you describe."


    This youngdy was so fragile; Lin Wanrong hoped no serious harm would befall her. With a bitter smile, he asked, "Miss Seo, when did I agree to your invitation?" Considering the greater significance of the negotiations with Prince Cheng and the Turks over Goryeo, Lin Wanrong had prioritized those two over anything else. Moreover, he hadn''t even promised Seo Jang Geum that he would attend the feast. Dealing with Sister An''s departure the previous night, how could he find the mood to go and frolic at the Mirror Lake with Yi Seung-Jae?


    Seo Jang Geum shook her head, maintaining her earnest tone. "When I invited you, you didn''t express any refusal. That naturally means you epted. Yet when I came to summon youst night, I was told that you had already left. How can you not fulfill a promise you made, Sir?"


    eptance by default of not refusing? The logic of this youngdy indeed astounded him. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss Seo, if I were to kiss you right now, would you object?"


    "You - " Seo Jang Geum blushed furiously. "How could you say something like that?" she asked, staring at him with a stern expression.


    With a cheeky smile, Lin Wanrong retorted, "You didn''t object, so you must agree. Here goes - Qiaoqiao dear, there might be some scenes inappropriate for children, turn your head - Miss Seo, are you ready?"


    Qiaoqiao couldn''t help butugh and obediently turned her head. Seo Jang Geum hurriedly intervened, "Sir, you cannot equate these two situations. I can outright reject you, but I was afraid it might hurt your ego."


    "True enough," Lin Wanrong pped his hands,ughing heartily, "Miss Seo, you''ve hit the nail on the head. Like you, I didn''t explicitly refuse because I didn''t want to hurt your feelings. Oh, Miss Seo, I''m d you finally understand my dilemma. Qiaoqiao darling, quickly prepare some food for Miss Seo, something nourishing like lotus seed porridge, angelica ginseng bird''s nest with saffron. Quickly, fetch the best ones! Ah, to think you''ve been without food for a day and a night, it pains my heart, poor child."


    "Big brother, do we need the saffron too?" Qiaoqiao asked, confused. Her Big brother sure knew how to exaggerate; just look at what he''s reduced Miss Seo to.


    "Add a bit, women who stay up all night always seem to lose something," Lin Wanrongughed, "Miss Seo, being the most celebrated medical practitioner of the Goryeo royal court, surely understands its use. Ah, I''ve considered everything thoroughly."


    Lin Wanrong''s thoughts jumped quickly. Even the self-proimed intelligent Seo Jang Geum couldn''t keep up with his pace. Seeing Lin Wanrong''s animated expressions, she couldn''t help but sigh, "Even if you didn''t say it, I understand. Our Goryeo Kingdom is weak, like a single hair amongst nine oxenpared to Great Hua. If you don''t want to bother with us, it is understandable."


    Lin Wanrongzily sat down and yawned, "Miss Seo, we''ve rified the banquet issue; it was a misunderstanding. I appreciate your sentiments, but the banquet is no longer necessary."


    "Sir¡ª" Seo Jang Geum was about to speak when Master Lin chuckled and interrupted, "Miss Seo, I have a personal question for you. You may choose not to answer¡ªI won''t force you¡ªbut if you don''t answer, I can''t guarantee I''ll answer yours. Fair, isn''t it?"


    Seo Jang Geum sighed slightly. She prided herself on her superior intelligence and talent, yet all her cunning was shattered in front of this man. Master Lin''s mind was as unfathomable as the waters around Jeju Ind, making it difficult for her to grasp. "Whatever you wish to ask, Sir, I will answer truthfully."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and asked, "Jang Geum, are you considered the most beautiful woman in Goryeo?"


    Seo Jang Geum shook her head and responded, "Appearance is not everything for a woman. It''s the inner character that ys a pivotal role in a woman''s life. Beauty and ugliness lie in the soul, not in the physical appearance."


    Master Lin smirked. Based on Miss Seo''s promoted principle that "no rejection implies eptance," coupled with her radiant, crystal-clear skin, it would be unthinkable to deny that she was the most beautiful woman in Korea. Heughed, "If you''re the most beautiful, just admit it! Talking about inner beauty and appearance is superficial. If beauty is truly based on inner qualities, I should be the most handsome man in the world. Jang Geum, do you have a boyfriend?"


    "What is a ''boyfriend''?" Seo Jang Geum asked, confused.


    "Oh, someone handsome and intelligent like me, capable of having conversations with you! Do you have one?" Master Lin asked seriously.


    Seo Jang Geum shook her head slightly, "Handsome and intelligent, Sir, you jest. However, I enjoy conversing with you. If that''s what a boyfriend is, then you, sir, would be my boyfriend."


    yfully teased Jang Geum, Master Lin blushed and thought to himself, it was indeed delightful to flirt with her.


    "Sir¡ª" Seo Jang Geum noticed Master Lin had stopped asking questions and was about to continue talking about the banquet when Qiaoqiao came in with a bowl of delicious lotus seed porridge. "Big brother, the porridge is ready. Miss Seo, please have it while it''s still warm. I''ve added ginseng¡ªit''s very nourishing."


    "No need, Miss," Seo Jang Geum insisted firmly. "I won''t eat until I''ve fulfilled the Prince''s task. Sir, please listen to me¡ª"


    "Speak, speak, what do you want to speak?" Master Lin, who was gentle a moment ago, suddenly turned solemn. "Miss Seo, are you saying that if I don''t listen, you won''t eat?"


    Seo Jang Geum nodded. Master Lin snorted, "Great! If you don''t eat, I won''t listen. We can stay this way and see who''s more stubborn. You, with your stubborn temperament, or me, with my strong personality. Qiaoqiao darling, there''s a y in the town square, let''s go for a stroll."


    Qiaoqiao quickly grabbed Seo Jang Geum''s hand, "Miss Seo, please listen to big brother and eat the porridge first."


    However, Seo Jang Geum was much more obstinate than they had imagined. Upon hearing this, she shook her head, gently closed her eyes, and remained silent, as if she intended to wait in silence for Master Lin''s return from his stroll.


    ¡®Hey, this youngdy has spirit,¡¯ Lin Wanrong, receiving the lotus seed porridge, chuckled lightly. "Miss Seo, are you waiting for me to feed you? Alright, I''ll try my hand. Open your mouth, herees the porridge."


    Seo Jang Geum''s lips remained tightly shut, her silence unyielding, the expression on her face obstinate. Lin Wanrong gave a frostyugh, "Miss Seo, you indeed have a strong character! But, my poor people of Goryeo, just because you show your character in front of me, they will have to suffer so much more hardship. s, I should send a message to Yi Seung-Jae saying that Seo Jang Geum is here, locked in a standoff with me, and tell the Goryeo people to continue waiting."


    A flicker crossed Seo Jang Geum''s expression, "Sir, do you mean¡ª"


    "Open your mouth¡ª" Lin Wanrong interrupted her with a subtle smile, his voiceced with seduction.


    Seo Jang Geum''s lips moved slightly, a hint of blush painting her earlobes, herplexion was like blooming peach blossoms in March. After a long pause, she reluctantly opened her mouth, her eyelids falling bashfully.


    "¡ªopen your mouth, my sweet little Qiaoqiao, you''ve been working hard these days, let big brother feed you porridge!" Lin Wanrong seemed to ignore Seo Jang Geum''s actions and instead moved the spoon to Qiaoqiao''s lips. The little maid was taken aback, "Big brother, this is for Miss Seo, uh¡ª"


    A mouthful of sweet porridge filled Qiaoqiao''s mouth. Between the blush and the evident joy on her face, Seo Jang Geum waited for a moment, only to see him feeding Qiaoqiao. Her expression turned stunned, and then her eyes filled with unshed tears, and she quickly bowed her head in silence.


    Lin Wanrong subtly smiled, took a handkerchief from Qiaoqiao and handed it to Seo Jang Geum, speaking softly, "Don''t cry, dear Jang Geum. I want to tell you that when no one is pitying you, you have to learn to pity yourself."


    Seo Jang Geum paused. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Wanrong handed the bowl of porridge to her. After pondering for a moment, she lowered her head, tears rolling down her cheeks, her voice as soft as a mosquito''s whisper, "Sir, thank you, I understand now."


    "Thank me for what? I''m your boyfriend, after all. Ah, international romance is the hardest. I''m stuck between the people of Goryeo and you, it''s really killing me." Seeing Seo Jang Geum sip the porridge in small mouthfuls, Lin Wanrong chuckled, his expression bing less serious.


    Seo Jang Geum giggled, her face flushed as she lowered her head. The porridge tasted particrly sweet.


    After waiting for what seemed like an eternity for Seo Jang Geum to finish her porridge, Lin Wanrong was drenched in cold sweat. This girl was too refined. Eating porridge was like doing embroidery for her. He estimated that she must have spent a fifth of her life eating.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong stare at her, Seo Jang Geum bit her red lip and bashfully asked, "Sir, do I look awful when I eat porridge?"


    "No, you don''t look awful at all. You look too good," Lin Wanrong sighed, "Miss Seo, when you return to Goryeo, don''t eat in front of other men. Otherwise, they''ll be captivated by you."


    Seo Jang Geum gave a smallugh and quietly said, "Sir, can I speak now?"


    "I already said, forget about the banquet." Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively, which caused Seo Jang Geum to look disappointed. However, Lin Wanrong continued, "I don''t like ying games, talking with Yi Seung-Jae is less straightforward than you telling me directly. What exactly does the Young Prince want with me?"


    Seo Jang Geum brightened up and hastily asked, "Sir, may I really speak now?"


    ¡®s, thisss is perfect in all aspects, except she''s overly polite,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought with a smirk. ¡®Even after marriage, undressed in bed, would she still say, ''Sir, pleasee in!''?¡¯ His eyes, brimming with ascivious gleam, fell upon Seo Jang Geum''s immacte face, savoring the sight.


    Seeing Master Lin''s lecherous expression, Seo Jang Geum felt at a loss. Where had the tender, considerate, and wise Lin Wanrong of a moment ago disappeared to? She couldn''t withstand his gaze. Her usual calm wasn''t enough, and a wave of panic washed over her. Hastily lowering her head, she said, "Sir, this matter isn''t unrted to Great Hua either. Do you know why we absolutely must marry Princess Nishang during our visit to Great Hua?"


    ¡®Piffle. I''m not the King of Goryeo. How could I possibly know what you''re thinking?¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought. Remembering Miss Seo''s omnipresent politeness, he managed to squeeze out a feigned smile, "Oh? And why is that? Ah, Jang Geum, you''re so polite."


    Seo Jang Geum failed to grasp the meaning behind his words, shaking her head, she sighed, "The reason we must marry Princess Nishang is that we wish to borrow troops from Great Hua."


    "Borrow troops?!" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Since when had the Goryeo be so self-aware, inviting their Great Hua to take action?


    "Please don''t misunderstand us, Sir," Seo Jang Geum quickly rified. "We are not asking Great Hua to station troops in Goryeo, but rather we hope Great Hua could reinforce its troops in the southeast and northeast directions."


    "Southeast and Northeast?" Lin Wanrong pondered before raising his head, "Miss Seo, are you referring to ¡ª Dongyin?"


    "Sir is indeed intelligent," Seo Jang Geum nodded with a grave expression. "Beforeing to Great Hua, both the Turks and Dongyin have sent envoys to Goryeo, wanting to form an alliance with us against Great Hua."


    An alliance? One in the grasnds, the other on the seas, these two also wanted to conspire? The Turks were powerful, so their intentions were conceivable. But that tiny Dongyin daring to covet Great Hua''snd? They couldn''t possibly swallow that! No, Dongyin wanted to take Goryeo! Only by establishing a foothold on thend could they dream of Great Hua.


    A realization dawned on Lin Wanrong, yet he remained silent, and after a moment''s hesitation, he asked, "Oh, how does the King of Goryeo view this?"


    "His Majesty was initially quite moved by the idea, but I believe the people of Dongyin are cunning and malicious. They would never dare to lightly touch the whiskers of the Great Hua tiger. Their intention, I fear, is not Great Hua but Goryeo," Seo Jang Geum confided. "I consulted with a military advisor, who then ryed my thoughts to His Majesty. He too realized the inappropriateness of the matter. However, Dongyin has been expanding and strengthening its military in recent years, and their forces have be formidable. Goryeo is no match for them. Thus, His Majesty sent the Prince here to request that Great Hua exert pressure on Dongyin from both the southeast and northeast, hoping to make them abandon their unrealistic ambitions. But the Emperor of Great Hua has consistently refused to see us, so the Prince wanted to convey our intentions through you, Sir. If Goryeo falls, Dongyin can nestle into ournds and join forces with the Turks to strike at Great Hua. By then, Great Hua''s situation will be even more precarious than it is now." Seo Jang Geum finished her piece in one breath, letting out a long sigh as though unburdening herself, her gaze once again falling on Lin Wanrong.


    Seo Jang Geum indeed had insight. Goryeo was fortunate to have her. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss Seo, telling me all this is of no use. I am but a minor official, as insignificant as a sesame seed or green bean. These matters of military and state are beyond my reach."


    Seo Jang Geum nced at him, saying softly, "Sir, there''s no need for modesty. Even though I''m from Goryeo, I know that the Emperor''s personal title of ''The First Talent Under Heaven'' for you is not an ordinary honor. A word from you to the Emperor is worth more than a hundred thousand soldiers. For themon safety of Goryeo and Great Hua, I beg you to ry this message to His Majesty, urging him to be on guard early. Please!"


    Seo Jang Geum bent down in a deep bow. Her Goryeo long dress perfectly entuated her slender figure. Following her smooth, white neck, her ample chest heaved upward, utterly enticing.


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 Chapter 356

    Chapter 356


    Chapter 356 Goryeo''s Gift


    "Oh my, Miss Seo, why offer such a grand gesture? I''m overwhelmed," Lin Wanrong said, grinning as he steadied Seo Jang Geum, taking the chance to brush his hand over her delicate one. Her face reddened, and she hastily withdrew her hand, not allowing him another advantage.


    Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment. The Great Hua was about to engage in a fierce battle with the Turks. If Dongyin truly conquered Goryeo and then colluded with the Turks to stab Great Hua in the back, it would bring no good. The Emperor should be informed of this. How he dealt with it would be his decision. If Lin Wanrong didn''t speak up, it would be a betrayal of friendship.


    He couldn''t, however, reveal his thoughts so openly. A hint of hesitation colored his face. "Miss Seo, you say Dongyin aims to capture Goryeo. Do you have solid evidence?"


    Seo Jang Geum shook her head, "Sir, when ites to national strategy, can one rely solely on evidence? If we wait for Dongyin to act and then Great Hua responds, it would be toote."


    "So, there''s no evidence?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Without evidence and just your word, how can I speak to the Emperor? s, perhaps you should return and wait. Once Dongyin begins its assault, you can face them first. If you can''t handle it, then seek reinforcements."


    Seo Jang Geum sensed Master Lin''s intent to sit on the sidelines from his words, her face turning pale. She whispered, "Sir, if we wait for Dongyin to strike, my peace-loving people of Goryeo will face devastation, with rivers of blood flowing. Must ite to this before Great Hua is willing to lend a hand?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled yfully, "Tell me, Jang Geum, in international rtions, what''s the most crucial thing?"


    With a slight sigh, Seo Jang Geum retrieved a letter from her bosom, handing it to Lin Wanrong, "Sir, this is a letter from our King to the Emperor of Great Hua. Please, deliver it on our behalf. If Great Hua assists and saves Goryeo from this crisis, we pledge to be forever subservient, paying our respects annually, and offering tributes every year."Such a shrewd negotiator this Seo Jang Geum was, holding onto this trump card until the very end. Had Lin Wanrong been a tad less astute, her tears would have deceived him. Taking the letter, he tucked it away, grinning, "Miss Seo, this isn''t written in Goryeo''s script, right? I can''t understand those tadpole-like characters."


    Her face lighting up, Seo Jang Geum quickly replied, "Rest assured, sir. The letter is written in both the Goryeo and Great Hua scripts. It was penned by my hand under the King''s directive. There''s no error. Sir, have you agreed? On behalf of all Goryeo citizens, I thank you for your great kindness."


    "You don''t need to represent everyone," Lin Wanrong waved dismissively, chuckling, "Apart from yourself, you represent no one. I''ll keep the letter, but whether it reaches the Emperor, I''m not certain. Oh, I''m such a soft-hearted person. Doing this favor for Goryeo won''t benefit me much. Miss Seo, give me a kiss as encouragement."


    Seo Jang Geum''s heart skipped a beat, her face glowing like blossoming peach flowers as she swiftly distanced herself. Chuckling, anotherdy grabbed her hand, "Miss Seo, don''t be afraid. My big brother just likes to scare people. If you really kissed him, he''d probably run miles away."


    Seo Jang Geum smiled bashfully, delicately reaching into her robe and producing a small box. "Sir," she whispered, "You''ve done so much for my Goryeo homnd. Our King wishes to express his gratitude but finds himself at a loss. This gift was specifically prepared by him for the Emperor of Great Hua before we set out. Since we were unable to meet the Emperor, and given your immense assistance, the Prince said this gift should now be yours as a token of our appreciation."


    A gift intended for the Emperor? What kind of treasure could it be? Lin Wanrong took the small box, chuckling, "This is a bit much, isn''t it? I''m not one to ept handouts. However, seeing your sincerity, I''ll ept it. Miss Seo, what treasure does this box hold?"


    Seo Jang Geum shook her head, "I''m not sure. The King said it was for the Emperor of Great Huaa. Surely, the imperial physician in his pce would recognize it."


    An imperial physician? What did a gift for the Emperor have to do with a physician? Could it be some sort of magical elixir? Intrigued, he gently opened the box. As the lid lifted, a subtle fragrance wafted out. Inside, there was a peculiarly shaped root: straight at the front, bulbous at the top, and seemingly split into two ball-like structures at the base. The entire root was translucent and emanated a faint scent.


    Upon seeing the object, Seo Jang Geum gasped. Her face turned crimson, and she hurriedly covered her cheeks, seemingly too embarrassed to look any longer.


    This thing''s shape seemed oddly familiar. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Miss Seo, did your King really send this? He''s quite creative, isn''t he? A tube and two balls... Does this resemble the cannon from Divine Machine Unit?!"


    Finally oveing her shyness, Seo Jang Geum uncovered her face, speaking softly, "As a healer, I shouldn''t harbor any impure thoughts. My apologies for any inconvenience. Sir, this is an extremely precious medicinal ingredient. It is... beneficial for both you and your wife." As she reached thetter part of her sentence, her voice grew softer, and her face flushed even more, though she steadfastly kept her gaze up.


    "Beneficial for both me and my wife?" Lin Wanrong said, ncing questioningly at Qiaoqiao. Waving the box in front of his wife, Qiaoqiao shyly looked down and muttered, "Big brother, you''re terrible! Put it away now!"


    "Miss Seo, please rify. With you being so vague, what if I identally consume it¡ª"


    "You mustn''t misuse it," Seo Jang Geum interjected anxiously. "Sir, this medicine is potent. A piece the size of a fingernail is enough to ensure marital harmony for the night. An overdose could have unforeseen consequences."


    Upon hearing "marital harmony," it dawned on Lord Lin: it was a ¡®Viagra.¡¯ Yi Seung-Jae, that rascal, wasn''t decent at all! Lord Lin himself prided on his genuine prowess, not on medicinal enhancement.


    "Seo Jang Geum, what exactly do you mean by ''marital harmony''? I truly don''t understand. Can you borate? Qiaoqiao, dear,e and listen too. Let''s find out about this ''harmony'' together." Lord Lin said with a feigned earnestness, his eyes brimming with yful curiosity.


    Qiaoqiao, realizing the nature of the item, blushed a deep red, quickly hiding behind her big brother, too embarrassed to look up.


    Seo Jang Geum was indeed a principled healer. Despite her shyness, she tried to exin, "Sir, this is known as Wanyang Ginseng, a magical product unique to the sacred mountain of my homnd, Goryeo. There''s a theory in traditional medicine that says ''like cures like.'' In essence, it means that any medicine that resembles a particr organ in shape, can potentially be beneficial to that organ. For instance, broad beans, which resemble kidneys, are thought to nourish and strengthen them."


    Master Lin pped his forehead, a sudden realization dawning on him. "I see, so because it looks like this, it can be used to bolster... well, you know. That part that looks like this. Is that correct, Miss Seo?"


    Seo Jang Geum bit her lip lightly, speaking softly, "Nature is full of mysteries and unpredictability. This ''Wanyang Ginseng'' is fiery hot, embodying pure yang, yet it grows in the frigid, yin-dominated sacred mountain, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth. It''s specifically beneficial for men''s vitality. Regr Wanyang Ginseng is already very potent, and considering the size of this one, who knows how many years it has grown beneath the snow. Its medicinal power must be immense and wild, too much for most people to handle. You must be careful not to consume too much, otherwise¡ª"


    "Otherwise, what would happen?" Master Lin asked, curiosity making his eyes wide.


    Seo Jang Geum''s face flushed with embarrassment, yet she refused to lower her gaze. Unable to meet his eyes, she turned to look out the window, murmuring, "Otherwise... your wives might not be able to cope."


    Master Lin was ecstatic inside, this was precisely the effect he desired. No wonder the Goryeo King had chosen to send this to the Emperor. He tucked the small box into his robe, sighing, "The Prince shouldn''t have sent this. I was already worried about my virility being too potent. With this, it''s like adding fuel to the fire. I might live to be a hundred, and I still might not need this. Miss Seo, you''re a healer, do you have any solution for my ''excessive fire''?"


    Seo Jang Geum smiled faintly, "You may have liver fire rising [TL: hyperthyroidism,] sir. You need to calm your mind, restrain your desires, and cultivate your spirit¡ª"


    Qiaoqiao interrupted with a giggle, teasingly poking Master Lin''s waist. Master Linughed awkwardly, "Miss Seo, you are very skilled at diagnosing. Never mind, forget what I said."


    After conversing with Seo Jang Geum for a while, asking detailed questions about the function and medicinal properties of Wanyang Ginseng, and seeking further consultation about his overbearing virility¡ªso much so that he confessed how many times he was capable in one night¡ªthe conversation left Miss Seo red-faced and too embarrassed to look up for a long time.


    As he bid farewell to Seo Jang Geum, Master Lin still seemed unsatisfied. Holding her hand, he said, "Jang Geum, would you be willing toe regrly and give me and Qiaoqiao medical lessons? I still have many questions about male physiology." Seo Jang Geum fled as though on wings, daring not to look back.


    After this yful banter with Seo Jang Geum, Master Lin''s spirits were significantly lifted. However, he couldn''t find Eldest Miss or Madam Xiao anywhere. Puzzled, he turned to Qiaoqiao and asked, "Little darling, where are Eldest Miss and Madam Xiao?"


    Qiaoqiao smiled, "Eldest Miss and Madam Xiao went to Jinghua Academy early this morning."


    Master Lin suddenly understood. Of course, now that Madam Xiao was in the capital, she would want to see Yushuang. Speaking of which, he hadn''t seen that little girl for several days. He wondered if she was settling in well?


    Just as he was thinking of Yushuang, Qiaoqiao tugged at his sleeve, "Big brother, have you told Eldest Miss that we are nning to move out?"


    "No!" Lin Wanrong eximed, "What happened?!"


    Qiaoqiao let out a soft sigh, "Big brother, when you have a moment, please talk to herst night, the Eldest Miss cried."


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 Chapter 357

    Chapter 357


    Chapter 357 The Emperor is in Trouble


    Cried? Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment and then understood. The Eldest Miss was the type who acted tough but was soft-hearted. She must have overheard the Madam saying that Qiaoqiao was beginning to pack up the house and assumed they would soon move out. That must be why she was so upset. He knew her personality all too well. Outwardly, she might appear indifferent, but deep down, she was probably very anxious.


    ¡°Yesterday, after I shopped with Sister Xu, I saw the Eldest Miss hiding from us and crying secretly in her chamber,¡± Qiaoqiao said somberly. ¡°Brother, the Eldest Miss is truly pitiable. She and the Madam have been so good to you. Can we not part ways with them, please?¡±


    ¡°Silly girl, who said we were parting?¡± Lin Wanrong pulled her into an embrace, the image of the Eldest Miss''s determined yet gentle demeanor surfacing in his mind. He sighed softly, ¡°Didn''t I tell you yesterday? We, along with the Madam and Eldest Miss, will always be one family and will never be separated. Once she returns, I''ll tell her that we should all move into the big house together. It¡¯ll be warm and lively; how wonderful would that be?¡±


    Qiaoqiao obediently nodded, looking up with a seductive smile and said sweetly, ¡°Big brother, you''re so kind.¡±


    The two went inside. Lin Wanrong recalled the ¡°Nose-piercing Grass¡± he had acquired from the Turkic people and took out a small bag, which was as precious to Ashile as life itself. He poured the long, thin tobo leaves onto the table and examined them closely. This crude tobo had been processed roughly; the Turkic people simply burned it in pots to inhale. But in Lin Wanrong¡¯s hands, it was a different story. Being a cunning merchant, he wouldn¡¯t miss such a lucrative opportunity.


    He asked Qiaoqiao to bring a small de and grindstone. He finely shredded the tobo, then asked her for a thin piece of paper, and wrapped the tobo in it, rolling it slowly. Qiaoqiao''s skillful hands were renowned. Following her brother''s instructions, she rolled the tobo perfectly, handing it over to Lin Wanrong. The cigarette was straight and slender, somewhat resembling the cigarettes from his previous world.


    ted, Lin Wanrong lit the cigarette, and a mild tobo scent filled his nostrils. Though it was bitter and drypared to the superior tobo of his world, having a cigarette to smoke in this era was a treat. This was innovation; a veritable goldmine.


    ¡°Big brother, what''s this?¡± Qiaoqiao asked, covering her nose, finding the tobo scent a bit overwhelming.Lin Wanrong chuckled, ¡°This is called tobo. It''s a very profitablemodity. I n to use it to extract money from the foreigners, hehe.¡±


    Qiaoqiao didn''t understand what he was talking about, but seeing her brother in high spirits, she simply smiled and said nothing.


    Remembering what Lu Dongzan had mentioned, that the tobo''s growing area was near the southern foothills of the Altai Mountains, within the Turkic territory, Lin Wanrong felt indignant. Damn it, why did such a valuable nt grow in Turkic territory? Such a waste! He needed to take it! The nomads invaded Great Hua for itsnd, and if Great Hua were to resist them, it shouldn''t stop at simply driving them out. Plunder, destroy, decapitate, and kill without mercy.


    He chuckled, grabbing Qiaoqiao''s hand. "Qiaoqiao, in a while, I''ll have to make a long journey. You and the Eldest Miss, stay in the capital and don''t be scared. Once I finish my business, I''ll be back."


    Qiaoqiao, taken aback, asked, "Big brother, where are you going?!"


    "I''m going to... ''retrieve'', yes, to fetch something," Lin Wanrong stated with seriousness. "With this item, our Great Hua will be able to trade with other nations. They will all be engulfed in the clouds and mists, enjoying it... such a magnificent dream."


    Qiaoqiao looked downcast for a moment. Looking up with a tender expression, she said, "Big brother, is the ce you''re heading to far away? I want to go with you."


    "You can''t," Lin Wanrong replied, unsure of how to exin. Would he say that he''s heading to the battlefield to fight the Turks? Even he wouldn''t believe that. All he desired was to capture the tobond. As to who would do the capturing, that wasn''t his concern. With tens of thousands of soldiers and old Li Tai in the lead, no danger would befall him. Nevertheless, the safest option would be to have an armymander withyers of protection. If worst came to worst, he could always run, sparing his life.


    "Just stay in the capital and manage our restaurant. I am undertaking a covert operation, and there''s no danger involved. Don''t worry about me," Lin Wanrong said, gently caressing Qiaoqiao''s hair, trying to reassure her.


    Knowing her brother''s determination and how once he set his mind to something it was hard to sway him, she sighed gently. "Then, big brother, return soon. The Eldest Miss, Sister Xu, and I will be waiting for you."


    "Of course, I too will miss you all, especially my sweet little Qiaoqiao," Lin Wanrong cooed, his voice dripping with honey. Qiaoqiao blushed at his words but was also filled with joy, leaning tightly against him, lost for words.


    Having been with Lin Wanrong for the longest time, Qiaoqiao had always been kind and caring towards him. She had evolved from a naive young girl into a charming young woman, with a fuller and more graceful figure. Every smile, every frown was both gentle and enticing, and Lin Wanrong cherished her deeply.


    He softly caressed her behind, whispering in her ear, "Sweetheart, let''s try the wonderful gift Seo Jang Geum gave me today. How about it? Oh, my poor little thing will suffer."


    Qiaoqiao''s ears reddened, and she leaned weakly into him, murmuring, "Big brother, not now... it''s still daytime."


    "Ever heard of ''daylight dalliance''?" Lin Wanrong teased, his hands gently massaging her behind. As he lifted her up, intending to carry her to the inner room¡­


    "Cough, cough," a soft coughing sound interrupted from behind. Startled, Qiaoqiao hid behind him, her face flushed. Turning around, Lin Wanrong saw Madam Xiao standing there, her face bearing an amused, teasing smile.


    "Ah, Madam, you''ve returned? Qiaoqiao and I were just ying a game. Would you like to join us?" Lin Wanrong asked with a straight face, genuine in tone. Yet internally, he was riddled with regret. How could he have been so careless as to forget to close the door, leaving himself caught in such a situation?


    Madam Xiao shook her head with a light chuckle, pretending not to have heard his words. She cast him a nce and remarked, "Lin San, yesterday a beautiful youngdy came looking for you. She waited the entire night. Did you happen to meet her?"


    "A beautiful youngdy?" Lin Wanrong furrowed his brows in confusion. "Where? Is she as beautiful as you, Madam?"


    Madam Xiao replied with a softugh, "Enough with the sweet talk. Has the youngdy left? She''s not only stunning, but she also waited for you without eating or drinking. Such devotion is truly admirable."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Madam, you''ve misunderstood. There''s nothing between us. She is a maidservant from the Goryeo royal family, entrusted me with a task. Our rtionship is purely tonic, absolutely nothing inappropriate. Qiaoqiao can vouch for that."


    Caught in the act by Madam Xiao earlier, Qiaoqiao felt a profound sense of embarrassment. Hearing Lin Wanrong mention her, she instinctively shook her head, saying, "No, no, we didn''t do anything¡ª"


    Madam Xiao couldn''t help but smile, observing their intimate behavior. Qiaoqiao had certainly chosen the right man. But Lin San was a notorious womanizer, involved with countless women. And to think, her own two daughters had rtions with him too! How could this situation possibly be good? As these thoughts swirled, her brow subtly furrowed.


    "Why haven''t I seen the Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong inquired curiously.


    "She''s at the Jinghua Academy, chatting with Yushuang," Madam Xiao replied, casting him another nce. "Lin San, Yushuang asked me to convey a message to you."


    "Yushuang said something?" Lin Wanrong eximed with joy. "I haven''t seen her in days. I''ve been missing her."


    "Really?" Madam Xiao obviously didn''t buy his words and snorted coldly, "I see you busy every day, either courting a position as an imperial son-inw or mingling with Goryeo maidservants. When do you ever find the time to think of her? Yushuang mentioned that if you don''t visit her soon, she''s going to bring General Zhenyuan from Jinling¡ª"


    Sweat broke out all over Lin Wanrong. That little miss! She had explicitly instructed, upon joining the academy, that she would not return until her studies wereplete, and asked him not to disturb her, fearing it would distract her. And now, even though he had abided by her words, she wasining about him.


    "Lin San, have you taken note?" Madam Xiao, seeing his flustered appearance, felt even more irritated. He treated Qiaoqiao as if she were a treasured gem, so why was he neglecting Yushuang?


    "I''ve taken note," Lin Wanrong replied with a sheepish grin. "I had intended to visit her earlier, but Yushuang had instructed me to not disturb her so she could focus on her studies. So, I''ve been following her guidance all this while."


    "Do you do whatever she tells you to? Why don''t I ever see you being so obedient in front of me? Do I need to teach you how to understand a woman''s heart?" Madam expressed in dissatisfaction.


    It was Madam who had initially prevented him from getting involved with the Second Miss, and now, she was the one pushing them together. Lin Wanrong found himself caught betweenughter and tears, unable to react. He simply nodded in agreement. In front of the deeply protective Madam Xiao, regardless of his grievances, he had no choice but to bear them silently.


    "Master Lin, Master Lin!" Suddenly, an anxious voice echoed from outside the door. Xu Wei rushed in hurriedly. Without even greeting those present, he grabbed Lin Wanrong''s arm, pulling him towards the exit.


    Taken aback, Lin Wanrong quickly asked, "Mr. Xu, what''s going on? I was in the middle of a conversation with Madam."


    "What are you still discussing?" Xu Wei''s face was etched with urgency. After a swift nce around the room, he whispered cautiously into Lin Wanrong''s ear, "The Emperor... The Emperor has met with trouble."


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 Chapter 358

    Chapter 358


    Chapter 358 Dead?


    "Something''s wrong?" Lin Wanrong paused momentarily, then blurted out, "Has the Emperor passed away?!"


    Xu Wei was so exasperated that he almost fainted. Couldn''t this youngster utter something pleasant? How dare he speak so carelessly? Shaking his head with a bitter smile, he said, "Young Master Lin, you can''t say things like that recklessly. Such words could lead to decapitation. Don''t ask any more, juste with me." As the two men stepped out, a carriage awaited outside. Without uttering a word, Xu Wei solemnly ushered him into it. One could easily tell that something serious had happened.


    If the Emperor had met with misfortune, why would Old Xu be so eager to involve him? Despite asking several times, Xu Wei remained gravely silent, shaking his head without answering. The carriage sped hastily, heading out of the city. Lin Wanrong recalled Xu Wei mentioning earlier in the day that the elderly Emperor had gone to Grand Prime Minister Temple to offer incense. Could the incident have urred there? The old Emperor couldn''t be dead; he was Xian''er''s father and his future father-inw. If he were to die and Prince Cheng took the throne, he would be doomed.


    Lost in his turbulent thoughts, the carriage soon reached the foot of the hill where Grand Prime Minister Temple was located. Today, the temple was different than usual. Soldiers were everywhere; every few steps there was a guard or a sentry. All were armored, their weapons shining clearly, emitting a forbidding aura. As they drew closer to the temple entrance, security became even tighter, with countless soldiers standing solemnly, eyeing everyone warily.


    Anxious, Lin Wanrong tugged on Xu Wei''s sleeve, "Master Xu, what exactly happened to the Emperor? Please, tell me. The situation looks dire."


    ncing outside and noticing their proximity to the temple, Xu Wei spoke with unparalleled gravity, "Young Master Lin, you must promise me that whatever you witness today won''t be revealed. Otherwise, not only are our lives at risk, but our great nation might also plunge into chaos."


    Lin Wanrong thought sarcastically, ¡®Reveal what? I haven''t seen anything yet.¡¯ Seeing Xu Wei''s unprecedented solemnity, he nodded, "Master Xu, don''t you trust me? I''m known for my integrity. I promise not to divulge anything."


    Xu Wei''s face turned pale, a weariness evident in his eyes. Heaving a sigh, he murmured, "Young Master Lin, the Emperor... he was assassinated."Assassinated?! Lin Wanrong grabbed Xu Wei urgently, "How is that possible? Just a few days ago, His Majesty told me he was well-protected and I shouldn''t worry. How could he be assassinated today? Old Xu, you better not be deceiving me."


    With a bitter smile, Xu Wei replied, "In times like these, do you think I''d dare jest? This morning, while the Emperor was offering incense in Grand Prime Minister Temple, he was ambushed by more than ten assassins. They hid inside a golden Buddha statue. As the Emperor bowed in reverence and the guards were momentarilyx, they emerged, attacking... The Emperor... he..." Xu Wei choked, tears shimmering in his eyes, unable to continue.


    "The Emperor... Is he... dead?!" Lin Wanrong murmured in disbelief, a cold chill running through his body. ¡®The old Emperor is dead? How could he just die like that? Just yesterday, he was simultaneously threatening and advising me, and now he''s gone? I haven''t even officially be his son-inw. This is utterly unjust.¡¯


    Xu Wei saw Lin Wanrong''s stunned expression and quickly patted him on the shoulder. "Stay calm, little brother Lin. The situation is not yet clear. I don''t even know whether the Emperor is alive or dead."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong quickly looked up, "Master Xu, are you toying with me? You were the one who summoned me, and now you don''t even know if the Emperor is alive or dead? Those assassins burst out from the belly of the Buddha statue, and the Emperor had only a few guards around him. Doesn''t that spell doom?"


    "I''m not sure about the specifics," Xu Wei responded. "Li Tai and I were both acting on orders from Eunuch Gao. While Li Tai was gathering troops and locking down the capital, I was sent to fetch you. All the imperial doctors from the pce have been summoned. Judging by Eunuch Gao''s expression, the Emperor''s condition seems..." Xu Wei paused, not finishing his sentence, but the implication was clear.


    Lin Wanrong clenched his fists tightly, an indescribable feeling swelling in his heart. His interactions with the old Emperor had been short-lived. The Emperor had tried various methods to manipte him: threats, temptations, intimidation, deceit... Yet, strangely, Lin Wanrong couldn''t harbor any resentment toward him. Many saw the elderly Emperor as weak and ineffective, especially whenpared to the charismatic Prince Cheng. However, appearances were deceiving. When it came to endurance and determination, even ten Prince Chengs couldn''t match the old Emperor. The true titan had been proven two decades ago; some just failed to recognize it.


    As Lin Wanrong was lost in thought, an elderly general approached, his white hair standing out against his splendid armor and the treasured sword at his waist. It was the leading general, Li Tai.


    "General, how are things?" Xu Wei hurriedly asked with palpable anxiety as he approached.


    Li Tai, with a solemn expression, shook his head, "All the imperial doctors are inside, and no outsiders are allowed in. We''ve received no word. I don''t know the Emperor''s condition."


    Xu Wei nced at Lin Wanrong. If outsiders were not permitted, why was Master Lin summoned?


    Seeing the questioning look, Lin Wanrong unexpectedly spoke up with a grave face, "General Li, what''s the situation in the capital? Have there been any unusual movements?"


    "After receiving the news, I immediately ordered the city gates to be sealed ¡ª allowing entry but not exit. The news is currently contained, and there haven''t been any unusual activities in the capital. Lin San, what are you thinking? Speak up!" Li Taimanded in a deep voice. The Li family had a long-standing military lineage, known for their loyalty and patriotism. Their reputation was esteemed, and as long as Li Tai was inmand, Lin Wanrong was confident there would be no major chaos in the city.


    Lin Wanrong paced a little before speaking, "Currently, the envoys from the Turkic Khaganate, Dongyin, and Goryeo are all in the capital. With various powers at y and the sudden assassination attempt on the Emperor, is there a connection?"


    Both Xu Wei and Li Tai were taken aback by his words. Lin Wanrong''s point was indeed valid. The Turkic Khaganate was on the brink of war with their Empire, and Dongyin had always coveted theirnd. Even Goryeo, which used to be rtively weaker, had started to act defiantly in recent years. If these countries banded together to target their Empire and sent assassins for the Emperor, it wasn''t an unlikely scenario.


    "I''ll send men to keep an eye on them right away," said Li Tai, about to leave, but Lin Wanrong called out, "General Li, please wait a moment."


    Li Tai halted in his steps and nced over at Lin Wanrong, who pondered for a moment before saying, "It''s still uncertain whether they''re the culprits. But these assassins, having dared to act, surely aren''t ordinary individuals. Your men, General, are warriors on the battlefield, but for this sort of espionage, I fear they might be ill-suited. In my opinion, it''s better to set a trap and wait for them to expose themselves."


    "Set a trap and wait?" Xu Wei asked, puzzled. "What kind of strategy is that?"


    "Think about it, Mr. Xu," Lin Wanrong said gravely. "You and General Li are the Emperor''s closest confidants. If even you two don''t know whether the Emperor lives or dies, how would outsiders?"


    "If neither General Li nor I know, then outsiders certainly wouldn¡¯t," Xu Wei nodded. "What are you suggesting, little brother Lin?"


    "If you two appear unaffected and continue your daily routines, the real culprits, driven by anxiety, will inevitably expose themselves."


    Xu Wei and Li Tai exchanged nces. Master Lin''s logic was sound. Instead of scouring the vast city for the assassins, it made more sense to have them reveal themselves.


    "So, what should we do now?" General Li Tai asked. "I''ve shut down the city gates, but if it goes on for too long, it might lead to rumors, which would be detrimental."


    Lin Wanrong gave a slight smile. "General Li, if you trust my words, then withdraw the sentries from the city gates. The assassins, being prepared, will have their own escape routes. Closing the gates not only doesn¡¯t help, but it might cause unnecessary panic. I suggest retaining some troops around the Grand Prime Minister Temple and redeploying the rest. Furthermore, secretly increase the guard around the Emperor''s quarters to ensure his safety. As for the rest, continue as usual. General, continue with your military drills, and Mr. Xu, attend to your state affairs. Proceed as if this incident never urred."


    Xu Wei pped his hands. "Excellent! This strategy is akin to releasing the enemy intentionally to capture themter. What do you think, General?"


    Li Tai nodded, "Very well, let''s proceed this way. Master Lin, I''ll leave thousands of my men stationed in the rear mountain under yourmand. Here''s the seal."


    Handing over a small seal, Li Tai waited for Master Lin''s response. As Master Lin tried to decline the offer, Li Tai fixed him with a stern gaze. "A true man should be eager for battles and thirsty for the challenges of the field. With such a meek disposition, how can you take on such a significant responsibility?"


    This old man truly possesses the spirit of a tiger! Lin Wanrong gave a resigned smile as he took the seal from Li Tai. Seeing the subtle smile on Li Tai''s face, he watched as the general strode away, his departure as imposing as a gusty wind.


    Xu Wei nodded gravely. "Little brother Lin," he said seriously, "The general truly values you. In the days toe, when we face the northern invaders, I hope you can help bear the burdens of our great nation."


    "Let''s not talk about sharing burdens right now," Lin Wanrong replied with a wry smile. "We should focus on the immediate problem at hand. With the Emperor''s fate still unknown, are we just to wait here indefinitely?"


    Xu Wei waved his hand, as if to say he was equally at a loss. Looking at the older man''s graying hair fluttering in the wind, Lin Wanrong couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. Fortunately, they had stalwarts like Xu Wei and Li Tai to hold up the heavens of their greatnd. If everyone were aszy and cunning as he was, the nation would be doomed.


    "Master Lin, Master Lin!" A shrill and urgent voice interrupted his thoughts. "The Emperor requests your presence!"


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 Chapter 359

    Chapter 359


    Chapter 359 Do You Understand?


    "What did you say, Eunuch Gao?" Master Lin eximed in surprise and joy, "The Emperor is calling for me?"


    Xu Wei, however, was a savvy man. Seeing someone who finally seemed to be in the know, he hurriedly grabbed Gao Ping, "Eunuch Gao, what is the situation inside? Is the Emperor all right?"


    Eunuch Gao shook his head and sighed, "Master Xu, don''t put me in a tough spot. You''re no outsider. If I could tell you, would I dare to hide it from you?" Seeing the anxiety on Gao Ping''s face, Xu Wei felt a chill in his heart, a foreboding feeling arose. He let go of Gao Ping''s sleeve, nodded silently, epting the message.


    The Emperor had suffered an assassination attempt in Grand Prime Minister Temple and was currently resting in thergest chamber there. Lin Wanrong followed Gao Ping into the room. The first thing that met his eyes were dozens of imperial physicians with medicine boxes on their backs, all kneeling on the ground. They were visibly terrified, their faces as white as paper. When they saw Lin Wanronge in, not a single one of them dared to lift their heads to look at him, let alone speak.


    Gao Ping turned his head and hushed Lin Wanrong, signaling for him to be silent. He then tiptoed forward, fearful of disturbing those inside with any excessive movement.


    Inside was a smaller Zen room. The door was slightly ajar, silence prevailing. As Gao Ping and Lin Wanrong approached, they heard a vignt voice from inside, "Who is there?" Hearing this, Lin Wanrong was stunned. Why did this voice sound so familiar? But he couldn''t recall where he had heard it before.


    Gao Ping softly and respectfully said, "Reporting to Supervisor Wei, the Emperor asked this servant to fetch Master Lin, and he has been waiting outside."


    "Let Lin Sane in," a weak voice sounded, as if all strength had been drained. If not for the absolute silence of the room, Lin Wanrong would hardly hear him. He recognized this voice. The day before, in his newly bestowed mansion, this voice was both threatening and intimidating, an impression he could never forget.A wave of emotion surged in his heart. He quickly pushed open the door and walked in. Inside the room was a pure white curtain hanging down. It was hooked up on both sides with silver hooks. Behind the curtain, on arge couch,y a figure. Upon a closer look, he saw a pale face, lips devoid of color, breathing heavily, and coughing intermittently. If not for the asional gleam in his eyes, Lin Wanrong wouldn''t have recognized this as the grand Emperor of Great Hua who had beenughing and talking in front of him just yesterday.


    "Your Majesty, what, what happened to you?!" Lin Wanrong eximed in horror, and rushed forward. Gao Ping wanted to stop him but was not fast enough. He could only shake his head and sigh lightly. How could Master Lin, acting as if he just climbed out from under the ground, ignore the etiquette of court?


    The old Emperor opened his eyes, seeing him, his lips twitched a few times, and a faint smile appeared in his eyes. His voice was extremely weak, "Lin San, you''re here, cough, cough¡ª¡ª" After saying a sentence, he began to cough incessantly, his forehead veins bulging out. His painful and ufortable appearance could not have been feigned.


    Lin Wanrong clenched his fist, his voice filled with anger, "Who did this, who did this?!"


    The old Emperor drew several sharp breaths, his eyes briefly closing, then slowly opened again. With calmness in his voice, he said, "Lin San, one must never be impetuous or anxious in life. I''ll teach you this lesson one more time. Remember it well, as there may not be another opportunity."


    Seeing the old man, still educating him despite his severe illness, Lin Wanrong felt both amusement and a touch of emotion. He quickly said, "Old Man, I''ve been quite busytely and rather forgetful. When you''re feeling better, you can teach me again."


    The Emperor nced at him, sighed and said, "Throughout my life, I''ve survived countless assassination attempts, but I''ve never been worried. This time, however, Ick all confidence. I''m old. I''ve finally grown old." He took a slight breath, his voice barely audible, filled with a mix of regret and reflection, and ultimately a sigh.


    Lin Wanrong quickly shook his head. "Old Man, you mustn''t lose heart. There are so many imperial physicians outside. They will definitely have a solution."


    "Lin San, do you know how I ascended to this position?" The Emperor seemed to ignore his words, his eyes shing a reminiscing smile.


    "I don''t know, but considering your ability, Old Man, it must be a tale worth both songs and tears," Lin Wanrong responded with a grin.


    "Worth both songs and tears?" The old Emperor''s eyes sparkled. "Indeed. Years ago, Prince Cheng was wise and astute, favored deeply by thete Emperor. As for me, in terms of talent and cunning, I was far from his equal. Everyone thought thete Emperor would choose him as the heir."


    "If I were your father, Old Man, I wouldn''t choose Prince Cheng," Lin Wanrong disdainfully said, "There''s an old saying, ''Judge a tree by its roots and a man by his heart.'' Prince Cheng is like a lotus root with many twists¡ªtoo cunning and deceptive."


    The Emperor chuckled, taking severalbored breaths. "You''re right. His cunning was both his strength and downfall."


    "What do you mean?" Lin Wanrong asked, confused. "Is being too cunning a bad thing? Am I not in great danger then?"


    The Emperorughed heartily, then fell into a fit of severe coughing. Eunuch Gao quickly handed over a white silk handkerchief. The Emperor covered his mouth to cough, staining the handkerchief with a mouthful of fresh blood. Gao Ping turned deathly pale, hands trembling as he took back the handkerchief. The Emperor shot him a cold nce. Gao Ping shivered and quickly retreated.


    The old Emperor snorted, turned to Lin Wanrong, and said with a smile, "You''re not cunning, you''re crafty. Prince Cheng''s downfall was his overthinking. He was highly favored by thete Emperor, who put him in charge of the Ministry of Personnel. Half of the officials in the country were appointed by him. What tremendous power he had! I, on the other hand, was stuck in the Ministry of Revenue, working thanklessly. Despite all the hard work, nobody knew about it. All Prince Cheng needed to do was put in a little effort, and considering thete Emperor''s fondness for him, he would have been the ruler. But his cleverness became his undoing. In his quest to secure his position, he aligned himself with influential courtiers and gathered followers from all over the country. Everyone praised him as the ''Virtuous Prince Cheng,'' and he enjoyed boundless respect and admiration. His trivial cunningness, however, sowed the seeds of great disaster. Thete Emperor detested those who formed private cliques the most. Seeing him surrounded by such a group, he advised him several times, but to no avail. It greatly disappointed thete Emperor."


    The old Emperor''s spirits seemed to rally as he delved into the past, his coughing spells ceasing. Listening to the tales of a reigning monarch''s struggle for power, Lin Wanrong found himself engrossed, even though he didn''t understand why the Emperor would share such intimate details with him.


    "When Father grew disillusioned with Prince Cheng, he slowly began to pay attention to me," the Emperor continued. "I had just met Miss Guo then. Despite our age difference, I admired her greatly. However, her father, Sir Guo, was the head schr at the Pavilion of the Source of Literature at the time. To avoid the taint of favoritism, under the advice of Xu Wei and Li Tai, I had to reluctantly set aside my feelings for Miss Guo and devote myself fully to serving my father."


    It dawned on Lin Wanrong that theseplexities exined the Emperor''s lingering attachment to Madam Xiao; what one never attains is always most desirable. Xu Wei wasn''t particrly admirable either, having abandoned Su Qinglian for fame and fortune in his younger days, only to seek ate-life romance in his twilight years. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but disdain him.


    "I won''t borate further on what happened afterward," the Emperor said, his face shing with pain. "When Father was gravely ill and dying, he stayed in the Grand Prime Minister Temple. I served him faithfully by his sickbed, while Prince Cheng was busy colluding with his allies, preparing for a final strike. In his anger, Father left a decree on his deathbed, passing the throne to me. But familial bonds persisted; he made me swear by his deathbed that as long as Prince Cheng was alive, I could noty a hand on him."


    A lengthy ''Oh'' escaped Master Lin, as he realized why the Emperor was manipting him to deal with Prince Cheng. He''d made a binding vow.


    "Yet, just after Father was interred, I was attacked. If not for a loyal eunuch sacrificing himself, I would have be nothing more than a pile of bones." The Emperor''s eyes shed with pain, his words squeezed out between clenched teeth. "That is a disgrace that I cannot erase in my lifetime. Disgrace!"


    Master Lin thought, given their struggle for the throne, assassination attempts seemed quite normal. What was there to be ashamed about? But seeing the Emperor''s anguished expression, Master Lin sensed there was more to it than just an assassination attempt. He swallowed his words.


    "Lin San, would you be willing to help me erase this disgrace?" the Emperor asked, his gaze heavy upon Master Lin.


    "Well, you know, Prince Cheng is powerful and highly ranked, while I''m just a minor official. How can I stand a chance against him? Can''t you give me some other task?" Lin Wanrong said, a worried look on his face.


    "High rank and power?" the old Emperor chuckled. "Lin San, if I were to grant you the ultimate power and status under the heavens, would you be able to handle him?"


    ¡®Ultimate power and status under the heavens? As long as you''re here, I can never attain that.¡¯ Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly, saying, "Your Majesty, stop joking. It''s making me think all kinds of crazy thoughts."


    "Fool!" The Emperor grunted in annoyance. "Do you remember the title I wrote for you?"


    "Of course, I remember. Your handwriting is elegant, as good as mine." Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    "Read it out loud," the Emperor ordered in a deep voice.


    "''The First Talent Under Heaven!'' I remember it," Lin Wanrong replied,ughing.


    "Listen closely to the words I wrote for you," the Emperor grunted, raising his voice, "''The First Talent Under Heaven! The First Talent Under Heaven!!'' Do you understand?!!"


    [TL: It can also mean The Number One Person In The World i.e., the Emperor.]


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 Chapter 360

    Chapter 360


    Chapter 360 Paying a Visit


    "What, what, what does this mean?" Lin Wanrong stuttered, his heart pounding in his chest, his face flushed red. He felt as if he had lost control of himself. The Emperor had gone mad!


    "Whatever you''re thinking, that''s what it means," the old Emperor coughed lightly, his pale face tinged with a faint blush. He spoke in a deep voice, "Gao Ping, bring the portrait!"


    The Eunuch Gao, who had been waiting outside the door, hurried in, holding a scroll in both hands. He respectfully handed it to Lin Wanrong, then hastily retreated. Lin Wanrong held the scroll in his hands, full of questions. The old man hadn''t made his intentions clear yet, why bring up a portrait?


    "Open it and take a look," the Old Emperormanded, covering his mouth and nose as he coughed lightly. He looked at Lin Wanrong before speaking.


    "What is this?" Lin Wanrong asked cautiously. The Emperor was acting oddly today; it was best to ask before proceeding.


    "If I tell you to open it, you open it. Stop dawdling," the Emperor huffed, a sharp gleam in his eyes as he spoke impatiently.


    Trying to appease himself by considering the Emperor''s illness, Lin Wanrong slowly unrolled the scroll, revealing the portrait of a beautiful woman. He gasped in surprise, "Xian''er?!"


    The Emperor slightly closed his eyes, "Look closer, who is she really?!" Lin Wanrong scrutinized the woman in the portrait. She greatly resembled Xian''er, even her demeanor was simr, but she appeared older. Recalling the painting he had seen at Xian''er''s home in Hangzhou''s Longhong Vige, he had a sudden realization, "It''s not Xian''er, it''s her mother, it''s Consort Qin!"The Emperor nodded slightly, sighed, and said, "You''re correct. It is Consort Qin. In my life, even though I am a revered Emperor, Heaven has been harsh with me, granting me two sons and three daughters. The princes were tragically killed at a young age, and among the princesses, Nishang suffered the most hardships¡ª"


    ¡®So Princess Nishang is Xian''er.¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought with disdain about how the Emperor had once used Consort Qin as a human shield against an assassin. But from the perspective of the Emperor of Great Hua, the lives of everyone else could be sacrificed, only he must survive. Unsure of what to say, Lin Wanrong let out a faint sigh.


    "Things are not as you imagine." The Emperor seemed to see through his thoughts, a hint of anger on his face, "There are people intentionally defaming me, trying to turn me into a heartless, cruel sovereign. I am the Emperor of Great Hua, who wouldn''t blink in the face of a ten-thousand-strong army. Consort Qin gave birth to Princess Nishang, she is my family. Would I use her to block a sword?"


    Watching the Emperor''s beard tremble with rage, Lin Wanrong was confused. The Emperor didn''t seem to be lying. Could Xian''er have been mistaken? That wasn''t right either; Xian''er had said she saw it with her own eyes. Being the child of an Emperor would have been an honor, had there not been a deep-seated hatred, Xian''er would have never left with Sister An.


    "Old man, the more you say, the more confused I be." Lin Wanrong forced a bitter smile. "Both you and Xian''er seem to be telling the truth. I simply can''t distinguish who''s right. Did Consort Qin really die for you?"


    "Indeed, Consort Qin died for me, but she chose to do so of her own ord." The Emperor, his face flushed crimson from a fit of violent coughing, dered with clear eyes, "On the day when the former Emperor passed and Prince Cheng rebelled, I was seriously injured from an assassination attempt. Several years after my ascension, my interest in the imperial consorts started to fade. Nishang was my youngest daughter at that time, just a few years old, as delicate and beautiful as a porcin doll. I may not have had interest in the beauties of the harem, but I loved my two youngest daughters beyond measure."


    The two youngest daughters, one was Xian''er, who was the other? As Lin Wanrong was about to voice his confusion, the old Emperor sternlymanded, "Do not interrupt, let me finish." He paused, steadied his breath, then continued, "Because of Nishang, I often spent time with Consort Qin. Initially, she was delighted, thinking I held her in special favor. But as time passed, she realized I no longer showed her favor, and resentment grew in her heart. Coupled with the constant strife and intrigue amongst the concubines, she, a delicate woman raised in the water towns of Jiangnan, was ill-equipped to navigate such treacherous waters. Her mental state began to deteriorate."


    Lin Wanrong nodded in understanding. This was usible. The mother of Xian''er, born and raised by theke in Jiangnan, would naturally possess a temperament as gentle as water. The scheming nature of the court would have been alien to her. It was entirely possible that the oppressive atmosphere had led her into a state of depression.


    "That day, the three of us were enjoying the garden when assassins suddenly attacked. In the chaos, Consort Qin used her own body to shield me. By the time Nishang turned around, all she saw was the assassin''s de piercing through her mother''s body." The Emperor''s eyes welled with unshed tears, his expression solemn. He seemed to be lost in the memory of that day.


    "Poor girl," Lin Wanrong murmured. He tried to imagine a naive and innocent young girl witnessing her mother''s brutal demise in her father''s arms. No wonder Xian''er was so different from her mother. Who could endure such trauma and still retain their original innocence and purity? His understanding of Xian''er''s willfulness deepened, and he felt an even greater urge to protect and cherish her.


    "You probably know the rest. Consort Qin died to save me, and Nishang disappeared that very night. In the span of a single day, I lost two more loved ones. I mobilized every resource to find Princess Nishang, but all in vain. It wasn''t until yearster, when the White Lotus Sect caused trouble, that I found a woman called Qin Xian''er among their ranks. Then I knew that she was my Nishang." Tears streamed down the Emperor''s face, but his expression was one of resilience. Despite his outward strength, he looked so solitary and deste. He no longer resembled the ruler of the vast Empire but an aging man approaching the end of his life.


    Lin Wanrong looked on with a touch of sorrow. Despite the old man''s many faults, his genuine care for Xian''er was undeniable. He sighed softly, asking in a low voice, "Old man, how did you determine that Xian''er is your daughter?"


    "You may not know this. Xian''er''s mother''s surname is Qin. When I met her in Jiangnan, she had a maiden name, called Xianling! Qin Xianling, Qin Xian''er, considering her age and appearance, she is the spitting image of Consort Qin reincarnated. How could I, even in my confusion, fail to recognize my own daughter?" A faint smile surfaced on the old Emperor''s withered face, as if he was reminiscing about the past.


    Indeed, just by looking at the portrait, one could tell how simr the mother and daughter were. It was not difficult for the old Emperor to recognize his own daughter at first nce. However, since the old Emperor recognized Xian''er, why didn''t he acknowledge her immediately, but instead waited for so long?


    The old Emperor had a keen eye, and from his expression, it was clear what he was thinking. He couldn''t help but sigh lightly, "I know what you''re thinking. But at that time, Xian''er had a deep misunderstanding of me. If I had rashly acknowledged her, it would have caused her great resentment. I had already lost her once, and I absolutely could not lose her a second time. Moreover, she was in the White Lotus Sect. If her identity was exposed, coupled with her misunderstanding of me, it would certainly provide an opportunity for those with ulterior motives. Therefore, I never revealed Xian''er''s identity to anyone, but secretly sent people to protect her. When you attacked Jinan City that day, putting Xian''er in the midst of thousands of cannons, I wished I could have beheaded you when the news came."


    Lin Wanrong felt a chill run down his spine. After the great victory, he wondered why the Emperor didn''t mention his merits at all. "Old man, you can''t me me for this. me that insidious Tong Cheng, who almost got me and Xian''er killed."


    "So, after your subordinate Xu Zhen shot and killed Tong Cheng on the way, when Prince Cheng sent a letter to pursue the responsibility, I didn''t mention a word." The Emperor snorted coldly, a thick murderous intent shing in his eyes. His gaze fell on the scroll in Lin Wanrong''s hand, and seeing the gentle and water-like appearance of Consort Qin, his eyes gradually softened. "After Consort Qin''s death, I sealed her pce, and no one was allowed to step in. When I was picking up her relics, I identally found a letter."


    "What does the letter say?" Lin Wanrong hurriedly asked, "Is it for Xian''er?"


    "You''re quite smart, but my Consort Qin is not bad either." The Emperor showed a bitter smile and sighed, "She was born in the water town of Jiangnan, originally a talented and beautiful woman. But trapped in the pce, her worries grew day by day. She loved me so much that she didn''t hesitate to block the sword for me. She was worried that her actions would cause Xian''er to turn against me, so she left a letter to enlighten her. Who knew that Xian''er disappeared that night without even seeing the shadow of this letter. It wasn''t until decadester that the letter fell into Xian''er''s hands."


    Lin Wanrong was silent for a while. It''s betterte than never. He believed that after Xian''er read her mother''s letter, her hatred for the old Emperor would lessen. But whether she could forgive him was uncertain. "Old man, where is Xian''er now?" Lin Wanrong asked anxiously.


    "Promise me one thing first, then I''ll tell you," the old Emperor said solemnly.


    "I agree, I agree to it all. Old man, please speak quickly," Lin Wanrong, thinking of Xian''er, spoke in an agitated rush.


    "You must promise me that you will love and take care of Xian''er for the rest of your life. Can you do that?" The old Emperor, a glimmer of spirit shing in his eyes, asked in an elevated voice.


    "I can, I certainly can," he responded.


    The Emperor smiled faintly, saying, "Very well. Then, you shall bow to Xian''er."


    ¡®Is the old man asking me to perform the ritual bow with Xian''er? Really, what''s the rush? It wouldn''t bete even if we wait until I find Xian''er!¡¯ Seeing the Emperor''s eyes zing like torches and his face full of determination, he could only hold onto Xian''er''s portrait, slowly kneeling down.


    The Emperor began, "I will say a phrase, and you will repeat it after me. I, Lin Wanrong, willingly¡ª to form a union with Princess Nishang¡ª"


    "I, Lin Wanrong, willingly¡ª to form a union with Princess Nishang¡ª" Lin Wanrong obediently echoed.


    The old Emperor''s eyes shed with a hint of severity as he softly added, "¡ªto be brother and sister!"


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 Chapter 361

    Chapter 361


    Chapter 361 Refusal


    "What?" Lin Wanrong leaped up, hastily rolling up the scroll in his hand. He shouted loudly, "Impossible, this is absolutely impossible! Xian''er is my wife, not some sister."


    "Impossible? In this world, there is no such thing as impossible," the elderly Emperor''s expression turned cold, his voice sinister, "Xian''er''s identity may be enticing to the ordinary person, but to you, it is a massive obstruction. Those who aim to aplish great things mustn''t sweat the small stuff; you must learn to let go, only then can you achieve the true result."


    "True result? What is this true result? Old man, you have cultivated all your life, is this the ''true result'' you desired?" Lin Wanrongughed, devoid of anger, his fists clenched tightly. Just a moment ago, he was considering treating Xian''er well, yet in the blink of an eye, her father hit him with this sledgehammer of a revtion. How could he not be frustrated?


    "I''ve said my piece, the choice of good or bad is yours, don''t say I didn''t give you a chance." The elderly Emperor smirked ominously, a chilling light shot out from his eyes. Compared to his previously gentle and amiable demeanor, he now seemed like apletely different person.


    A cold sweat trickled down Lin Wanrong''s spine, involuntarily stepping back twice, he gritted his teeth, "Old man, does this mean I can''t leave this room unless I agree?"


    "Lin San, I won''t deny, you are talented. But imperial affairs are known to the imperial family. I''ve told you these things, do you think it''s a tale? Secrets that are not transmitted, once they have entered your ears, you either agree to what I said, or¡ª" the elderly Emperor''s eyes slightly closed, he didn''t continue, but a thick killing intent surfaced on his face.


    Thinking about the words of the old Emperor today, every word and every sentence held profound implications, secrets that absolutely cannot be known to a third party. It seemed this time was no joke, it was a matter of life and death. Silence pervaded the room. The sands of the hourss slowly flowed down, the old Emperor closed his eyes, silent and seemingly asleep.


    Lin Wanrong stood there, dazed, he hadn''t expected the situation to evolve to this point. Thinking about Xian''er''s helpless, heartbroken demeanor, he felt as though a knife was twisting in his heart, his breathing gradually hastened.Time ticked away second by second, the elderly Emperor silent as if hibernating, the room filled with deathly silence. Lin Wanrong could only hear his own heavy breathing, each breath heavier than thest.


    ¡®Xian''er, what should I do?¡¯ His hands clenched, he remained silent, his brain spinning rapidly. After considering for a long time, he finally gritted his teeth, turned around, and headed towards the door.


    The elderly Emperor did not stop him. One step, two steps, three steps, Lin Wanrong kept the count in his mind. Each step forward was heavier than thest. Just as his hand reached the doortch, the faint voice of the elderly Emperor resounded behind him, "Have you made up your mind? Do you know what your next step is?"


    Lin Wanrong, with his hand on the door, halted his steps. Without turning back, he replied, "Your Majesty, I''ve thought it through clearly. No matter what the next step is, even if it costs my life, I will live happily. As for you, Your Majesty, although you are the supreme sovereign, majestic to the world, your life has been muddled. You have never truly experienced happiness. It''s not worth it."


    "Are you admonishing me?" The elderly Emperor''s eyes snapped open, a glimmer of light shooting out, as if it physically pierced through his chest.


    Lin Wanrong smiled lightly and said, "When ites to resilience, resolve, and matters of state, surely you, Old man, should be the one instructing me. However, when ites to enjoying life, perhaps I could teach you a thing or two. Your Majesty, you have spent your entire life calcting and being calcted upon. Even though you have enjoyed wealth and power, loneliness has always been your onlypanion. Even with a daughter by your side, there is no one to truly converse with. Your Majesty, you defeated Prince Cheng, and you were victorious. However, you lost to yourself."


    With these words, he unhesitatingly opened the door and stepped out, only to be met by hundreds of soldiers from the Divine Machine Unit with their crossbows drawn, targeting him alone. The slightest movement, and he would be turned into a porcupine.


    Lin Wanrong gave a helpless, bitter smile. He stood at the doorway, not daring to make a move, while the room behind him remained silent, the person inside a mystery.


    A suffocating silence stretched out as neither of them spoke. It was like a still pool, incapable of stirring a ripple. After an unknown amount of time, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but turn around, only to see the Emperor''s expression as cold and deep as ake, watching him with ever-changing eyes that alternated between fury and calm, evoking fear.


    "You may leave," the Emperor finally spoke, his toneced with a sorrow and destion words couldn''t capture.


    Looking at the suddenly aged Emperor, Lin Wanrong hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking, "Old man, are you serious?"


    The Emperor waved his hand to signal him to leave quickly. Lin Wanrong felt a surge of joy in his heart and was about to step out, but a sense of indescribable loss washed over him when his eyes rested on the Emperor''s aged face. If he really left, what would be of the Emperor? The Great Hua was about to wage war against the Turks, the Kingdom of Dongyin was about to invade Goryeo, and Prince Cheng was eager to take control of the military. With the Emperor just recovering from an assassination attempt, what if he couldn''t hold on? Their entire Empire would be in jeopardy.


    The resolve he had just moments ago wavered, he opened his mouth wanting to say something, but didn''t know how to start.


    "Why aren''t you leaving?!" the Emperor roared, "Do you really think I wouldn''t dare to kill you? Come--"


    Lin Wanrong quickly waved his hands and said, "Hold on, hold on, Old man. That''s not what I meant. I was wondering, isn''t there another way? Preferably one that is beneficial to both?"


    "Beneficial to both?" The Emperor nced at him, silent for a while, and then suddenly startedughing, "You''re really hoping for the best, aren''t you? Do you want to have all the good things in this world for yourself?"


    Seeing the Emperorugh, Lin Wanrong heaved a sigh of relief. As long as he wasughing, at least his life was safe. He brazenly smiled and said, "Old man, consider the fact that Xian''er and I have that sort of rtionship. We are all one family. As the saying goes, ''one shouldn''t let the water of one''s own mill flow into others'' fields.'' Any benefits should also be left for your son-inw, right? How about it, Old man? Think about it ande up with a solution that benefits us both--"


    "Take him out," the Emperor grumbled, and dozens of guards rushed over, holding onto Lin Wanrong and dragging him outside.


    The old Emperor let out a soft sigh, audible enough for Lin Wanrong to hear, "Consort Qin is buried behind the Grand Prime Minister Temple, where Xian''er has made her hut. Find her and treat her well; don''t make her sad."


    When Lin Wanrong had vanished from sight, the old Emperor fell into deep contemtion before slowly struggling to sit up. A figure emerged hastily from the inner room to assist him, the Emperor sighed, "Little Wei, this Lin San is rather stubborn."


    The blind old man fell to his knees in fear, "Master, I am incapable, and I have disappointed you."


    The old Emperor shook his head, "I am not disappointed. On the contrary, I am pleasantly surprised."


    The old man named Wei was puzzled, "I don''t understand what you mean."


    "Little Wei, you have been with me for many years. Tell me, what''s most important when choosing people?" the Emperor asked in a deep voice.


    "Resilience and loyalty!" Little Wei responded without hesitation.


    "You are right. Lin San might seem cunning and deceitful on the surface, but when faced with temptation, he held his ground, undeterred by external influences. This trait is rare and is much stronger than the fair-weather, fence-sitters. He would not abandon Xian''er today, and he will not abandon me tomorrow. For this, I have faith in him," the Emperor affirmed.


    "But, he doesn''t seem too interested in these matters," Little Wei nced at his master and cautiously stated.


    The Emperor chuckled, which resulted in a fit of violent coughing. Little Wei quickly helped soothe his back. Once the Emperor''s cough had calmed, he continued, "He is not disinterested ¨C no one in this world could resist such a temptation. He is just unhappy with the way I handled it. Without Xian''er, today''s incident might have ended differently."


    "But the Princess holds deep affection for Lin Wanrong, it''s impossible for them to separate. Forcibly separating them might backfire," Little Wei furrowed his brow.


    "Patience is required. All good thingse to those who wait," the Emperor coughed again, then sighed slowly, "Unfortunately, I only have five months left... the heavens have only given me five months..."


    ...


    Upon leaving the back gate of the Grand Prime Minister Temple, Lin Wanrong waspletely drenched. His conversation with the old Emperor had drained him of all his energy. Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, he carefully mulled over the Emperor''s words. The underlying threats and stimtions were the most thrilling experiences of his life. The feeling of almost stepping into heaven was exciting just to think about.


    After resting a bit at the back door, he followed a path up the mountain. He had been to the back mountain of the Grand Prime Minister Temple before when Sister An had mysteriously invited him to meet her at the celestial pond. The events seemed to have urred only yesterday.


    Since Xian''er was living in a hut by the tomb, she would not be on the top of the mountain. The back mountain of the Grand Prime Minister Temple was vast. He searched for a long time, but he couldn''t see any huts. He had no choice but to continue onward.


    The further he walked, the more secluded it became. Climbing arge rock and looking back at the Grand Prime Minister Temple, he realized he had already traveled ten miles. The ornate buildings were barely visible in the distance. Just as he was wondering, he heard a murmur from the valley below.


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 Chapter 362

    Chapter 362


    ¡®What kind of gibberish is that?¡¯ It sounded familiar yet strangely unfamiliar. Doubt filled his heart. He quickly concealed himself behind arge boulder and peered toward the valley below.


    The valley was filled with oddly shaped rocks, some round and some t, protruding in strange ways. He couldn''t see the individuals speaking from his vantage point. Their voices were soft, and by the time he strained his ears to listen more closely, the valley had fallen silent, all signs of movement undetectable.


    This was the back mountain of Grand Prime Minister Temple, a remote ce where even rabbits wouldn''t leave their droppings. Who woulde here? He pondered briefly, recalling the assassination attempt on the old Emperor earlier that day. Instantly on high alert, he took cover behind the boulder, motionless.


    The valley remained silent, not a sound to be heard. Lin Wanrong waited impatiently for what felt like an eternity, but no sign of movement reached him. Just as he was about to get up and look around, he heard a faint rustling, suggesting someone was on the move.


    Stretching his neck to see, he caught sight of several figures cautiously surveying their surroundings in the valley. They were dressed in ck robes, and their waists were adorned with knives and swords. They looked very capable. The leader had a peculiar sword hanging by his waist, different from the typical Great Hua¡¯s two edges sword. It was slim and curved upwards at the tip. With his keen eyesight, Lin Wanrong instantly recognized it as a katana from Dongyin.


    Dongyin? Lin Wanrong''s heart tightened. Why would they be here? Were they the culprits behind today''s assassination attempt? "Soga, modaiwashi." The leader scanned his surroundings with a cunning gleam in his eyes. With a slight wave of his hand, his men began to tread softly, slowly searching the area.


    Lin Wanrong rolled his eyes. Damn, these fellows have learned half a tune of the Great Huanguage, taking half or even a quarter of the Great Hua words to construct thenguage of Dongyin. It was a marvel they managed toe up with it.


    Unable to understand the Dongyin warriors, he scratched his head in frustration. Recalling the military tally Li Tai had given him, he remembered he had tens of thousands of troops avable at the base of the mountain. He hesitated, considering whether he should call them. Just as he was mulling over the decision, a gentle fragrance wafted into his nostrils, apanied by a soft breeze from behind. Startled, he spun around, eximing, "Who''s there?!"A woman in white seemed to have descended from the heavens, standing quietly behind him. The gentle wind ruffled her long dress, making her appear as if she was a celestial being, pure and regal.


    Upon recognizing her, joy filled Lin Wanrong''s heart. Damn, how could he have forgotten her? With Ning Yuxi by his side, a hundred warriors from Dongyin wouldn¡¯t stand a chance. However, Fairy Ning moved as quietly as a cat. Her sudden appearance would surely have scared him to death had his heart not been so sturdy.


    "All of them," Lin Wanrong gestured grandly, full of pride and bravado, "dead, all of them!" Feeling quite charismatic, he readied himself tomand Fairy Ning to dispatch the group of Dongyin warriors.


    Was that a brief nce? Ning Yuxi looked at him sideways, then turned her head away, acting as if he were nothing more than air. Lin Wanrong felt a bit embarrassed, irritation building up inside. ¡®Does she think she can act so high and mighty in front of me?¡¯ he thought. Just as he was about to speak, Ning Yuxi frowned slightly, saying calmly, "Don''t push your luck. My duty at the ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall'' is to protect you, not to fight your battles. If you wish to fight, do it yourself."


    ¡®Seriously? Do you think I''m a fool? I have tens of thousands of elite soldiers at my disposal. Just give me the word, and I can wipe out all those Dongyin invaders. Do you really expect me to get my hands dirty?¡¯ He snorted in annoyance and looked down to see the Dongyin leader, along with a group of men, searching the valley. Their whispers grew softer, and they seemed increasingly on edge.


    ¡®Have they discovered something?¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt a rush of anxiety and was about to summon his troops when a sweet scent wafted by. In the blink of an eye, Ning Yuxi appeared beside him, leaning against the other side of therge stone, listening intently.


    ¡®Trying to show off, are you?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled softly. ¡®I can''t understand their gibberish. Do you think you can do better than me?¡¯ However, as he observed her focused expression, her slightly furrowed brow reminiscent of a delicate portrait, and the gentle breeze tousling the hair by her ears, revealing her immacte, jade-like skin, he found himself entranced. ¡®This Ning Yuxi... she''s not just beautiful; she''s breathtaking,¡¯ he thought.


    "These men are from Dongyin," Ning Yuxi remarked, ncing at him.


    Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs up. "Fairy, you''re sharp! Recognizing them as Dongyin people with just one look, I''m truly impressed."


    Ning Yuxi detected the sarcasm in his voice, but chose to ignore it. After another moment of listening, she said, "They''ve spotted you."


    ¡®No kidding! I noticed them first!¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, but then realized something. "Wait... you can understand Dongyinnguage?"


    She replied nonchntly, "Dongyin lies to the east of the vast ocean. It''s said that the descendants of the 500 boys and girls led by Xu Fu during the Qin Dynasty settled there, living on the inds ever since. Their script evolved from ours with minor modifications. Myte master traveled far and wide, even crossing the sea to Dongyin, interacting with its people. It''s not that surprising for me to understand theirnguage."


    "So, your master was a ''returnee from overseas''? No wonder you can understand Dongyinnguage. Impressive, truly impressive." Lin Wanrongughed, "But I''ve no interest in such a derivativenguage. Not understanding it ispletely justified."


    "Returnee?" Ning Yuxi''s brow furrowed, a sh of anger on her face. "How dare you insult my esteemed master!"


    [TL: The term "º£¹é" (H¨£igu¨©) or Returnee is a Chinese colloquialism that literally trantes to "sea turtles". It is used to refer to Chinese individuals who have returned to China after studying abroad.]


    "I never insulted her. Isn''t ''returnee from overseas'' literally tranted as ''sea turtle''?" Lin Wanrongughed, "Fairy Sister, actually, I''ve also returned from abroad. I once roamed both France and Ennd, shook hands with Napoleon, and had lunch with Elizabeth. Oh, these two, one''s the Emperor of France, the other the Queen of Ennd, and both treated me quite well." Knowing Fairy Ning wouldn''t understand anyway, Master Lin bluffed and boasted as much as he could, trying to impress whoever he could.


    "You''re utterly unbelievable," Fairy Ning countered, "The West is so far from our Great Hua, separated by vast mountains and endless seas. It would take several years even by ship. Given your young age, no more than in your twenties, even if you''d started your journey while still in your mother''s womb, I doubt you''d have returned by now."


    "Sister, there''s a thing called an airne. Ah, even if I told you, you wouldn''t understand." Lin Wanrong shook his head and chuckled, "Believe it or not, my reputation for honesty and integrity is renowned. I don''t need to boast. I''ve strolled through Buckingham Pce, flirted on Tulip Street, bungee jumped from the Eiffel Tower, and even have a pleasant English name. Heh, being as learned as you are, you must''ve heard of it."


    "Ennd?" Fairy Ning raised an eyebrow, "I''ve heard of that ce. Can a person really have two names? That''s peculiar."


    "Why can''t someone have two names?" Lin Wanrong persuasively said, "For instance, Fairy Sister, your given name is Ning Yuxi, but your nickname could be Honey or Sweetheart. Both aremonly used terms in the West and sound quite lovely. Let me call you by them: Honey, Sweetheart, Little Honey, Little Sweetheart."


    [TL: Honeyes from the pronunciation of (¹þÄá) Hani; Sweetheart directlyes from the trantion of ÌðÐÄ Tianxin.)


    His shamelessness knew no bounds. Ning Yuxi shivered slightly. She felt ufortable hearing him use those names for her. Hastily, she interrupted him, "So, what''s your English name?"


    "Oh, my English name sounds great: the surname is ''Love,'' and the first name is ''Tiger Oil,''" Lin Wanrong said with ascivious smile.


    "Love Tiger Oil (TL: The pronunciation is Ai Laohu i.e., I love You)?!" Ning Yuxi muttered, then frowned, "What sort of name is that? It''s bizarre."


    "It''s not odd; you''ll get used to it. In private, Fairy Sister, you can call me ¡®I Love You,¡¯ and I''ll call you Honey. It makes us seem closer, doesn''t it?" Lin Wanrongughed heartily, his words dripping with audacity. Seeing the contemtive look on Fairy Ning''s face, he felt ted.


    ¡°¡®I Love You,¡¯ such a name... it''s truly unpleasant. ''Lin San'' suits our Great Hua''s character better. I Love You Lin San, a fusion of Chinese and Western names, is an ultimate monstrosity of sounds," Fairy Ning remarked, yet she couldn''t help but cover her mouth with a delicateugh. Her radiant cheeks sparkled, making her irresistibly captivating.


    Lin Wanrong''s heart surged with joy. ¡®She''s so clever! Even sharper than me!¡¯ He nodded so eagerly his head resembled a chicken pecking grain. "That''s right, that''s right! Combine both names and say them aloud, that''s what I love to hear. Sister, say it again."


    Ning Yuxi nced at him and was about to speak when a flurry of chattering voices rose from below. Fairy Ning''s brow furrowed, "The Dongyin people havee searching."


    At the very moment when Master Lin was yfully teasing Sister Ning, he was interrupted by the Dongyin people, which greatly irritated him. He eximed angrily, "How dare they interrupt my conversation with the Fairy? Dead men, all of them! Fairy Sister, can you understand Dongyinnguage? Who are these fellows? Were they behind the assassination of the Emperor today?"


    Ning Yuxi shook her head, "They''re very cautious in their conversation. I could only make out that they''re from Dongyin. Why they came here and what their intentions are, I''m not certain."


    Lin Wanrong pondered. Regardless of whether they were involved or not, the appearance of the Dongyin people at such a critical and sensitive time after the Emperor''s assassination was highly suspicious. No one would believe they weren''t involved. They might still be here because the area around Grand Prime Minister Temple had been tightly surrounded and sealed off by General Li Tai''s army and the pce guards. They couldn''t escape. But why would the Dongyin people want to assassinate the Emperor? With their capabilities, to venture so deep into Great Hua without internal support, they wouldn''t even know of the old Emperor''s whereabouts, let alone orchestrate an assassination.


    "Fairy Sister, what should we do? Do we capture them, or..." Lin Wanrong''s voice trailed off, and he gave a mysterious smile, leaving his sentence unfinished. Fairy Ning merely looked at him impassively, not responding.


    This divine sister truly was unpredictable, changing moods as one might flip the pages of a book. Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile. Peering down, he noticed the Dongyin warriors cautiously approaching their location.


    Lin Wanrong quickly took out a pen and paper from his pocket, scribbled a few words, and along with a military seal, handed them to Ning Yuxi. "Sister, with this token, go down to the camp and look for someone named Du Xiuyuan. Tell him that General Lin has a task for him. Show him this letter, and he''ll understand."


    Fairy Ning pushed the seal and the letter back into his hand, saying softly, "I promised to ensure your safety and nothing more. I won''t involve myself in other matters."


    "But how can you not be involved? You''re my ''Honey'', and if you won''t help, then who will? I understand you''re worried about leaving me here alone. But who am I? I''m your ''I Love You'', full of tricks from head to toe. No one cany a finger on me." Lin Wanrong chuckled and shoved the items back into her hand without waiting for a reply.


    Ning Yuxi was both amused and exasperated by his overconfidence. As she was about to object, Master Lin''s expression turned serious. "Fairy Sister, if you manage to do this, it''s as if you''ve saved my life. If it fails, you needn''t trouble yourself to protect me. I''ll take my own life. The choice is yours."


    Master Lin''s demeanor shifted entirely, no longer jesting. He turned to watch the Dongyin warriors scaling the rocks, his gaze sharp and his face solemn.


    Ning Yuxi paused momentarily, standing in a daze for a while. Several times she tried to hand back the letter, and several times she withdrew her hand. Lin Wanrong waited for what felt like an eternity without any reaction from her. Suddenly sensing a stillness behind him, he turned around to find emptiness. Ning Yuxi had vanished without a trace at some unknown moment.


    "This ''Honey'' of mine, she arrives quickly and leaves just as swiftly," Lin Wanrong muttered with a dry chuckle. A realization suddenly struck him, and he pped his forehead, eximing, ¡®Ah, how could I have been so foolish? I was having such a delightful conversation with Fairy Sister, why didn''t I seize the opportunity to inquire about Qingxuan? Perhaps in her good mood, she might have let something slip. Even if she wasn''t willing to reveal information about Qingxuan, I could''ve asked about something else. An Biru and Fairy Ning are disciples from the same master, having grown up and trained together since childhood. With Sister An gone, Fairy Ning surely would know the location of Sister An''s vige. It''d be better than me aimlessly searching everywhere like a blind man on a stray horse.¡¯


    However, regretting now was toote. Noticing the Dongyin warriors cautiously climbing the rocks and getting closer to his location, he clenched his fist, feigning a punch in the air. With a disdainful snort, he patted his behind and turned away, striding off.


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 Chapter 363

    Chapter 363


    Chapter 363 Comfort


    As he wandered through the rear hills, he couldn¡¯t locate the ce where Xian''er had built a hut to watch over her mother¡¯s grave. Doubts crept in, making him wonder if the old Emperor had deceived him. But then, from a distance on the hillside, a wisp of green smoke rose with the wind, clearly visible. A surge of joy filled his heart, and he quickened his pace, heading straight for the source of the smoke.


    As he approached, about several dozen yards away, a vast bamboo grove came into view, lush and verdant. Young bamboo shoots were just beginning to sprout, disying their vigor. Within the bamboo grove stood a small house made entirely of hollow bamboo ¨C simple, yet cleverly constructed. He was reminded of a scene outside Hangzhou in Longquan vige. Xian''er¡¯s mother had a fondness for green bamboo; he was certain Xian''er was here.


    Taking two steps forward, he softly called, ¡°Xian''er, Xian''er...¡± The bamboo forest echoed his voice, silent and devoid of response.


    Reaching the bamboo house, he gently pushed the bamboo door. It creaked softly, revealing an interior with a table, two chairs, and an embroidered bed. Beyond that, there was nothing else. The room was immactely clean, free from any dust, and the air was infused with the rich scent of premium sandalwood. This elegant ce, he thought, must have been specially prepared by Xian''er in memory of her mother. Lin Wanrong nodded in approval and looked around the room, but there was no sign of Xian''er.


    The lingering scent in the room indicated someone lived here, but where had she gone? Exiting the house, he ventured deeper into the woods. After a short while, the delicate sound of flowing water reached his ears. Before himy a clear, shallow stream, originating from higher up the mountain.


    Following the stream uphill, the first thing to catch his eye was a green tomb covered in moss, nestled beside the stream and the bamboo grove. A woman, dressed entirely in white, knelt with her back to him. Her shoulders trembled lightly, as if she were crying. Beside her were the remnants of recently burned joss paper, still warm.


    "Xian''er..." he called softly. The kneeling woman trembled at the sound and quickly turned to face him. A beautiful, serene face met his gaze: delicate eyebrows, clear eyes, and quivering lips. Tear tracks glistened on her cheeks. If it wasn''t Xian''er, who else could it be?


    "Husband..." Xian''er''s voice, filled with anguish, called out and she threw herself into his arms, holding him tightly as she sobbed uncontrobly."Cry, let it all out," Lin Wanrong whispered, patting her back with deep affection. "It¡¯s okay to cry."


    Xian''ery in his embrace, her body shaking with sobs, her tears soaking the front of his shirt.


    Holding her close, Lin Wanrong sighed deeply. Here was a woman of incredible beauty and high status, the Princess of Great Hua, who had witnessed tragic family strife, bing estranged from her own father. She had endured hardships and loneliness for so many years outside her homnd. How she managed to persevere through all the pain and heartache was beyond him. Poor girl. In many ways, the experiences of Sister An and Xian''er were strikingly simr, both wandering the world and finding home wherever they went. It was no wonder the bond between the master and disciple was so close, even rivaling his own rtionship with them.


    "Eh? Why is there another stream?" Lin Wanrong whispered into Xian''er''s ear, a note of surprise evident in his tone.


    Qin Xian''er looked around, her beautiful eyes swollen from crying. "Husband, what are you talking about? What stream?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, brushing the tears off her rosy cheeks. "If you keep crying like this, not just a stream, but even the Yangtze and Yellow River would overflow."


    Blushing, Xian''er huffed and pulled away from his embrace. She pouted and turned her head, murmuring, "Why did youe here? Why aren''t you with your Qingxuan?"


    ¡®This girl still remembers that day?¡¯ He marveled at her memory. Grasping her hand, Lin Wanrong smiled, "Today, I only wish to be with my dear Xian''er. Just a few days apart, and you''ve be even more beautiful. Those clear eyes, those rosy lips... in a few days, you''ll be the world''s most beautiful woman. And I''ll be the world''s luckiest husband."


    Xian''er, being a clever and astute girl, wouldn¡¯t have entertained ttery from anyone else. But Lin Wanrong wasn''t just anyone; he was her chosen partner. His words warmed her heart and made her face flush with heat. But she retorted stubbornly, "With all these sweet words, did you face rejection from Qingxuan ande to me forfort? If I''m the most beautiful, where does she stand?"


    The tinge of jealousy made Lin Wanrongugh heartily. "Of course, you''re first... and she''s right alongside you. Xian''er, it''s been days since west met. I''ve missed you so much. Don''t be upset. Come, let me see if you''ve grown taller or shorter, or if you''ve gained or lost weight."


    With a yful yelp, Xian''er was suddenly swept off her feet as Lin Wanrong twirled her around. Though she had been upset with him for days, restraining herself from seeking him out, seeing him now brought both shock and tion. She let out a soft whimper and buried her face into his chest, letting him carry on with his antics.


    After setting her down, Lin Wanrong buried his face into her fragrant hair, taking a deep breath. He sighed, "You smell even better now. But, little darling, why do some parts of you seem plumper while others appear thinner?"


    "Where have I gained weight?" Xian''er huffed, wrinkling her nose, "Every day I think of you. But when I finally saw you, you mentioned the name of the woman I despise the most. How could I possibly gain weight?"


    "It was a misunderstanding, definitely a misunderstanding," Lin Wanrongughed awkwardly, shamelessly adding, "How about this? Whenever I see her, I''ll call out your name. Then we''re even."


    "You wish! I don''t want you seeing her at all," Xian''er pouted, pressing on, "Tell me, where have I gained weight?"


    "Of course you have," Lin Wanrong replied cheekily, his eyes lingering on her full chest. He gulped, "Right here... it''s grown! My little darling is maturing so perfectly."


    Qin Xian''er softly huffed, her jade-like face flushing red with embarrassment. Her heart throbbed with shyness, yet a sense of pride surged through her as she arched her chest forward, challenging him to take a longer look.


    Lin Wanrong, mischief evident in his eyes, was about to make a teasing gesture when he saw tears forming in Qin Xian''er''s eyes, slowly trickling down her cheeks.


    "What''s wrong, Xian''er?" he asked hurriedly, changing his yful demeanor. Grasping her delicate hand, he asked, "Aren''t you happy to see me?"


    Looking into his eyes, Qin Xian''er suddenly wrapped her arms tightly around him, her tears flowing freely. "Husband, have you forgotten about me?"


    "How could that be possible? Xian''er, you must not misunderstand. Even if I forgot the sky, the earth, even the very air I breathe, I could never forget my beloved Xian''er," Lin Wanrong dered with utmost sincerity, as if swearing to the heavens.


    "But you knew I was waiting for you in the pce. Why didn''t youe to see me?" Qin Xian''ermented, "I know, with the two temptresses from the Xiao family by your side, you must have forgotten about me."


    Lin Wanrong responded without missing a beat, "Ah, Xian''er, you know I can''t just waltz into the pce. The Emperor and I aren''t exactly close. If he knew I was pursuing you, wouldn''t he do everything to keep me away? These past days, you''ve been on my mind, day and night. Finally, when the Emperor summoned me today, I found an opportunity to learn of your whereabouts and hurried here," he spoke smoothly, silently apologizing to his father-inw in his heart.


    "He dare?!" Qin Xian''er''s voice was fiery. "He promised me that if I returned to the pce, he would grant you¡ª" She abruptly stopped, seeming to remember something.


    "Grant me? Grant me what?" Lin Wanrong''s curiosity piqued, "Xian''er, there''s something I''ve always wanted to ask you."


    "I know what you''re thinking. You want to know why I suddenly returned to the pce, right?" She nced at him cautiously before lowering her gaze and murmured, "Husband, please don''t be upset. I didn''t intentionally keep it from you. When my master urgently summoned me to the capital, I had no idea what her intentions were. She told me that someone with your talents shouldn''t be wasted among themon folk. She wanted to help you rise in status, so she instructed me to return to the pce. On one hand, it was to get closer to a certain individual to further your interests, but on the other hand, it was to assassinate him¡ª"


    "Assassinate?!" Lin Wanrong gasped in surprise, finding it hard to believe that her master could concoct such a scheme - to have her own disciple assassinate her own father. Considering An Biru''s cunning nature, he deduced her true intentions: she wanted him to capture the Emperor''s attention, thereby getting closer to Ning Yuxi. Damn that cunning woman, keeping so much from him. Fortunately, she had a knack for evading trouble, or he''d have given her a good thrashing.


    "Xian''er, did you really try to assassinate the Emperor? Could today''s event be your doing?" Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened in shock as he carefully inquired, his mind racing with thoughts of the dire consequences.


    "Don''t interrupt! Just listen to me," Qin Xian''er shot him a fleeting re, her voice softening. Her eyes shimmered with tenderness, making her look irresistibly charming.


    "Alright, alright, go on." Lin Wanrong collected himself, listening intently to Qin Xian''er continue her tale.


    "My master persuaded me for several days. I had you on my mind, as well as the thought of avenging my mother. Finally, I agreed. Master told me that my mother was buried behind Grand Prime Minister Temple in the bamboo forest. That man visited her grave every spring, so I waited for him there. As you know, I bear a striking resemnce to my mother. The moment he saw me, he recognized me. Overwhelmed with joy, he wanted to take me back to the pce." Qin Xian''er nced around, seemingly reliving that day. The ''man'' she referred to was evidently the reigning Emperor of Great Hua, but their father-daughter rtionship seemed to remain estranged.


    Lin Wanrong sighed internally. Sister An had clearly underestimated the Emperor. She thought he was unaware of Xian''er''s existence. However, the Emperor had known everything about Xian''er, even going so far as to secretly ensure her protection. If not for the fear of Xian''er being used against him by Prince Cheng, he would have brought her into the pce much earlier.


    "So you made him promote me in exchange for your return to the pce?" Lin Wanrong asked with a wry smile. No wonder the Emperor''s attitude changed so rapidly. It was all because of Xian''er. However, considering the Emperor''s cunning, promoting him alone wouldn''t warrant suchvish gifts. He reassured himself, thinking his true talents must have yed a part.


    Noticing his dejected expression, Qin Xian''er hurriedly said, "Husband, I just wanted to help you. By your own abilities, you are infinitely superior to those corrupt and inept officials. Bing a prince or a minister was just a matter of time."


    But it wasn''t as simple as she made it out to be, Lin Wanrong thought, forcing a smile. He gently caressed Xian''er''s hair, "What happened next? Did you try to assassinate him?"


    Xian''er nodded slowly, lowering her head. "After I returned to the pce, I lived in the residence once upied by my mother. I had nned to strike when the opportunity presented itself. Everything was set, but one day, while sorting through my mother''s belongings, I unexpectedly found a letter penned by her. It revealed that she had..."


    She nced at the green tombstone, too choked up to continue. Lin Wanrong sighed softly. He knew that Xian''er''s discovery was no ident. It was the Emperor''s doing. He had carefully orchestrated it to prevent a tragic confrontation between father and daughter. This allowed Xian''er to discover the truth on her own, preserving her dignity while mending their rtionship¡ªa masterful double y.


    "Do you still harbor resentment towards your father?" Lin Wanrong embraced her tightly, whispering the question.


    Burrowing into his embrace like a kitten, Qin Xian''er clung to his broad shoulders, her voice quivering, "Hate him? Of course I do! If he hadn''t wanted to be the Emperor, who would have tried to assassinate him? And if no one wanted him dead, why would my mother willingly sacrifice herself to save him? How could I have been disced, waiting for years to mourn my mother? I despise him. Husband, he''s not my father. I detest him!"


    Qin Xian''er became emotional, embracing him as she cried uncontrobly. Her deep sorrow was so palpable that it tugged at the heartstrings of anyone who saw her.


    Lin Wanrong gently patted her delicate shoulders, at a loss for words. Theplicated history between the Emperor and his daughter was convoluted. Though the Emperor''s pursuit of the throne wasn''t inherently wrong, he likely never expected that his ambition would be a reason for his own daughter to resent him. Life was truly unpredictable.


    After a while, Qin Xian''er graduallyposed herself. Resting in his embrace, she softly said, "Husband, only a handful of people know my mother is buried here. Was it he who told you to find me here?"


    "We''ll talk about thatter," Lin Wanrong replied, gently stroking her silky hair. He sighed and asked, "You mentioned earlier that the Emperor visits Grand Prime Minister Temple''s back mountain every year. What does hee here for? Did he build this bamboo house?"


    Qin Xian''er snorted, "My mother is already gone. Even if he visited for a hundred years, building a hundred houses, what good would it do? Can it atone for his sins?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled and shook his head, kissing her gently on the cheek, "Silly girl, if love is a sin, then we are deeply guilty."


    Qin Xian''er looked taken aback, shaking her head in disbelief, "Husband, are you suggesting he had feelings for my mother? Back in Jiangnan, he merely treated her as a ything. I don''t believe he would have missed her."


    "People have emotions; they aren''t emotionless like nts," Lin Wanrong said, holding her hand. "The Emperor is human too. He spent countless days and nights with your mother and fathered you, a bond that can never be severed. To say he had no feelings for her, I would never believe that. But being the supreme ruler, he hides his feelings well, and seldom shows them. It''s the price he pays for being an Emperor."


    Lost in thought, Qin Xian''er stared intently, processing his words.


    "Your mother might have died because of him, but it wasn''t something he wished for. His consistent visits here over the decades are proof of his profound feelings for her. He might be the ruler of all, but he was also a husband, a father. You lost a mother and father in one night. But think about it, didn''t he lose a wife and a child too? He feels the same pain as you, but while you can cry out loud, he can''t express his grief. Xian''er, unless one bes a parent, one won''t understand the depth of a parent''s feelings. As an Emperor, he might have made mistakes, but as a father, he hasn''t wronged you," Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, his thoughts drifting to his own parents whom he''d never see again, feeling a surge of sorrow.


    "Husband, Husband," after what felt like an eternity, Qin Xian''er nudged him, her voice gentle by his ear. Wiping the corner of his eye, Lin Wanrong smiled, "What is it? Was I wrong?"


    She shook her head, gazing at him with tender, shimmering eyes, "Husband, did you cry?"


    "Was I crying? No, it was just the wind," Lin Wanrongughed heartily, then gently advised, "Xian''er, taking a step back, have you ever considered why your mother left a letter to guide you? She didn''t want you to harbor resentment towards your father because of this matter. If she were still alive, do you think she''d be happy seeing the strained rtionship between you two?"


    "Husband, give me a moment to think. My mind is in turmoil," Qin Xian''er whispered, "Hold me tight, and don¡¯t let go."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I can hold you tight, but since we are in front of your mother''s grave, I should pay my respects, shouldn''t I?"


    A blush tinged Qin Xian''er''s face, a mixture of shyness and delight. She quickly sat upright from his embrace. Lin Wanrong knelt before Qin Xianling''s grave, showing deep reverence. Following him, Qin Xian''er also knelt down, tears streaming down her face as she said, "Mother, Xian''er and Husband are here to pay our respects."


    A faint sigh echoed from a distance. An elderly man in borate robes, his face bearing the signs of illness, stood unnoticed in a secluded corner. He watched the two kneeling figures, a mistiness forming in his eyes.


    "Master, it''s gettingte. We should return," the blind old Wei whispered, supporting the elderly man.


    "Consort Qin, Nishang..." the old Emperor murmured, his voice so soft that even old Wei, standing close by, couldn''t make out his words.


    "Master, with Lin San guiding Princess Nishang, there shouldn''t be any problems. It would be best if you returned and rested," Old Wei respectfully said.


    "Let me stand here a little longer, to be with Consort Qin, to be with Nishang," the old Emperor sighed, his gaze fixed on the happy Princess Nishang nestled in Lin San''s embrace, his eyes full of love and tenderness. After a moment, he asked, "Little Wei, what do you think Lin San cherishes most?"


    "What does he cherish?" Old Wei hesitated. Whether it was money or beautiful women, Lin San seemed to have it all. "This servant does not know," he bowed as he replied.


    "What he cherishes most is freedom, the ability to roam unhindered," the old Emperor said with a smile on his face. "Then I will grant him that freedom. The north, with its vast deserts and grasnds, should be spacious enough for his adventures."


    "Your Majesty, are you referring to the nomads?! Are you suggesting he lead an army?" Old Wei eximed in shock.


    ...


    After their tribute at the grave, Xian''er felt content. She had paid respects to her master and now to her mother. She and her Husband had honored them both. Lin Wanrong found some tools to maintain Qini Xianling''s tomb. Although Qin Xian''er was dressed simply, being by Husband''s side filled her with joy, and she wore a much brighter smile.


    By the time they had finished their tasks, the sun was setting. Lin Wanrong recalled the task he had entrusted to Ning Yuxi and wondered how it had gone. Had the girl possibly run off?


    Seeing Lin Wanrong lost in thought, Qin Xian''er curiously asked, "Husband, what''s bothering you?"


    With a tense expression, Lin Wanrong grasped her hand, "Xian''er, there''s something I need to tell you. Please, don''t panic."


    Qin Xian''er hummed in acknowledgment and nodded, "Husband, please speak. I promise not to panic."


    Lin Wanrong stared intently at Xian''er''s beautiful face, speaking slowly, "This morning, the Emperor was attacked!"


    Xian''er''s expression shifted dramatically, alternating between shock and anger. Her delicate hand turned icy cold. Closing her beautiful eyes, two tears slipped out, "Husband, is he gravely injured?"


    Recalling what he had witnessed that day, Lin Wanrong felt it wouldn''t be right to withhold the truth from Xian''er. He nodded solemnly, "From what I saw, his injuries seemed severe. I fear¡ª"


    Abruptly, Qin Xian''er stood up, wiping away her tears, her voice soft yet determined, "Husband, we must go!"


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 Chapter 364

    Chapter 364


    Chapter 364 The Flirtatious Husband


    "Leaving? Where to? It''ste now. Can''t we go tomorrow?" Lin Wanrong asked with puzzlement.


    Qin Xian''er shook her head slightly, her lips moving a few times before she whispered, "I want to see if that man is dead. If he is, I will set off fireworks in celebration."


    Lin Wanrong silently chuckled. This young woman''s stubbornness was evident. Even though she cared deeply for her father, she wouldn''t express it directly. Heughed lightly and nodded, "Exactly, exactly. When the timees, I will buy the fireworks for you, and we can set them off for days on end. Isn''t your husband very considerate of you?"


    A blush tinted Qin Xian''er''s fair face, knowing she couldn''t hide her feelings from him. Her gaze, full of affection, turned to him, an unspeakable sweetness in her eyes. Naturally beautiful, she was unparalleled in her beauty. Today, as she had been paying respects to her deceased mother, her in attire added a unique charm that left Lin Wanrong with an itch in his heart. If not for the respect due at the grave of his mother-inw, he might have taken advantage of the situation.


    As dusk settled, Qin Xian''er, with matters weighing on her heart, hurriedly made her way down the mountain. Lin Wanrong followed her lead. Upon returning to the monastery''s meditation chamber, they noticed the guards had dispersed. There was no sign of the old Emperor, who presumably had returned to the pce. Recalling the frail figure of the Emperor he''d seen earlier that day, Lin Wanrong sighed softly. It was fortunate he had arrived when he did; otherwise, misunderstandings between Xian''er and her father might have led to another tragedy.


    Whether she acknowledged it or not, Qin Xian''er had be the esteemed Princess of Great Hua, a title of great prestige. As she had been on the mountain paying her respects, the imperial entourage waited for her return. Countless courtdies and eunuchs awaited her descent. When they saw the princesse down, they hastily knelt in salutation.


    A serious expression crossed Qin Xian''er''s beautiful face. Though dressed in in robes, she exuded an air of grace and nobility. With a slight wave of her hand, she calmly said, "Everyone, please rise. I have urgent matters in the pce. Please hurry."


    "Yes," the crowd promptly replied, and quietly got up, preparing to return to the pce."The title of princess really suits you. Xian''er, you are growing more and more regal," Lin Wanrong remarked with a grin. "Compared to you, I feel utterly old-fashioned."


    "Stop talking nonsense," Qin Xian¡¯er interrupted, lifting the curtain of the carriage. Without waiting for the eunuch to set up the steps, Qin Xian''er, with a delicate step, gracefully mounted the carriage. As she adjusted the curtain, she turned and smiled, resembling a pristine pear blossom tree that blossomed alongside the road.


    Good heavens, bing a princess had truly enhanced her allure. Her charm now rivaled that of Fairy Ning and Sister An. Truly, she had captivated Lin Wanrong''s soul. He stood, momentarily dumbstruck. Seeing this, a joyous thrill filled Qin Xian''er''s heart. With a coy voice, she teased, "Husband, what are you waiting for? Come on."


    "Come on? Alright, alright, I''ming," Lin Wanrong, both aroused and enthralled, took Xian''er''s delicate hand and swiftly climbed into the carriage. The two fell together onto the soft cushions.


    The maidservants below the carriage were surprised when they heard the princess address this man as ''husband''. How could it be that in just a blink of an eye, the princess had acquired a prince consort? However, they understood the principle not to ask unnecessary questions, an unspoken rule in pce service. Gently, they lowered the carriage curtain with their bare hands. The warm interior of the carriage then became a private world for the princess and her consort.


    The princess''s carriage was unique, with eight horses pulling it together, and an extraordinarily spaciouspartment, epassing dozens of square meters. Inside, a red carpet was spread on the floor, gold and silver embellishments were scattered everywhere, a symbol of absolute prestige. Before the phoenix couch hung yellow draperies, and atop it, there was a small pot and four tiny cups, the finest porcin from the official kiln. Neatly ced on the couch was a bright yellow brocade quilt, emitting a faint, mysterious fragrance that symbolized the honor and wealth of the owner. Qin Xian''er, a true princess, had been ustomed to such grandeur since childhood. After years of braving the world alone, she had seen the dangers and fickleness of the world, and was indifferent to these external matters. However, Minister Lin was quite amon man, who could only stare at the wealth of gold, silver, and jade in the carriage and gasp in admiration. "Such luxury, I absolutely love it."


    Qin Xian''er smiled gently, "Husband, what are you looking at? You seem so entranced!"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Xian''er, this carriage is truly worth a fortune. If it were in the past, I''d have certainly swindled it and sold it."


    Xian''erughed lightly, nestled in his arms, and whispered, "You can do as you wish, as long as you don''t sell me."


    Feeling the warmth and fragrance of Qin Xian''er, Lin Wanrong embraced her delicate, boneless figure, and slowly caressed her waist. He sighed in admiration, "How could I do that? I can barely bear to let you out of my sight. My dear Xian''er, your skin is so smooth, just like washed milk, no worse than Dae Jang Geum."


    "Who is Dae Jang Geum?" Qin Xian''er asked softly, twisting his ear gently.


    "Oh, Dae Jang Geum? She''s a woman I read about in a book. She was knowledgeable about medicine and agriculture. Other than that, there''s not much else to say." Minister Lin blinked and chuckled.


    "Really?" Qin Xian''erughed, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "So, this Dae Jang Geum has nothing to do with the beautiful pce girl from Goryeo? In that case, I will send a notice to the Goryeo envoy tomorrow to return to Korea early, lest someone harbors ulterior motives towards her."


    ¡®This little minx, speaking obliquely. But the one with ulterior motives isn''t your husband, me. Even when the Goryeo prince Yi Seung-Jae wanted to give me Jang Geum, I refused. I''m quite resolute.¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, and slowly caressed her round and plump buttocks, with an extremelyscivious voice, "I have no designs on others, just on my dear princess. Xian''er, tonight, surrender to me."


    Listening to his words, Qin Xian''er blushed hotly, her body limp, and with a soft moan, she fell into his arms, whispering softly, "Husband, wait for my master to return, then I will be all yours."


    Master? Speaking of Sister An, the fire of desire in Master Lin''s heart suddenly vanished, and a bitter smile crept upon his lips, "Has your mastere to see you?"


    "Hmm." Xian''er nodded. "Master said she was going back to the Miao vige. She also mentioned that once she returned, she would find a way to lift the love bug in me, so that we could be a true married couple."


    "Would Sister An return? By the time shees back, it would probably be ages." Lin Wanrong kissed Xian''er''s delicate face gently and asked, "When your master left, did she mention anything? For instance, did she mention me?"


    Xian''er gave him a curious nce. "Why would she mention you? Ah, I get it. You must''ve gotten into trouble again and she reprimanded you. That''s why you''re so fearful of her. If you ever bully me in the future, I''ll tell her. Let''s see if you dare then!"


    Xian''er''s words, though not entirely urate, weren''t too far from the truth. Yet, when she discovered the intricate and tangled affairs between Sister An and her husband, how would she react? With a touch of regret, Lin Wanrong asked, "Didn''t she leave anything behind? A letter, embroidery, or perhaps a blood-written note?"


    Xian''er giggled and tapped him on the forehead. "You''re so mischievous. Don''t you know Master''s temperament? Shees and goes as she pleases, never dilly-dallying. Why would she leave such items? Are they for a lover? Even if she had one, with her unparalleled beauty, which man in this world would be worthy of her? They can only dream."


    Sister An''s departure was decisive. Like a fleeting bird, she came without a trace and left without one, never leaving any sign behind ¨C a true testament to her character. Lin Wanrong, with a pang of disappointment, held onto Xian''er''s hand and chuckled, "You speak of your master as if no man is her match. Look at me, tall and handsome, suave and debonair. Wouldn''t I be more than a match for her?"


    Hearing this, Xian''erughed yfully. "No matter how good you are, you''re my husband. How could you be suited for Master?" Her eyes twinkled mischievously, then she suddenly eximed, "Oh! Are you harboring some intentions towards my master? I''ll hit you¡ª"


    "No, no, absolutely not!" Seeing Xian''er''s tiny fist about to strike, Lin Wanrong quickly said, "Xian''er, believe in me. Look at my upright demeanor. Anyone can tell I''m an honest man. How could I ever harbor such thoughts? Though, I can''t speak for others if they entertain such fantasies."


    Qin Xian''er, suppressing herughter, pouted, "If everyone in the world were as ''honest'' as you, we''d be doomed. I think you''re the one with the wandering mind. You lustful, lecherous husband, if you dare entertain ideas about my master, I''ll tell her and have her deal with you."


    Lin Wanrong was momentarily stunned, then burst into heartyughter, embracing Xian''er''s slender waist. He nted a passionate kiss on her rosy lips, lingering with a teasing lick of his tongue, and said with a merry gleam in his eyes, "Yes, yes, tell Sister An and have her punish me. Oh, it''s been days since shest reprimanded me. I''m starting to miss it a little."


    Xian''er gave him an exasperated nce. Being stuck with a husband as shameless as him left her truly without recourse. However, she secretly delighted in the sense of unpredictability and constant surprises they shared.


    "Oh, by the way, Xian''er," Lin Wanrong remembered something that had been on his mind for a long time and seized the opportunity to ask, "You mentioned Sister An went back to the Miao vige. Where exactly is this vige?"


    Xian''er, suddenly alert, shot him a cautious look, her lips pouting slightly. "I won''t tell you," she teased, "so you can just keep guessing."


    ¡®This girl is really vignt,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, grinning. He pulled her into his embrace, his hands daringly exploring her curves. The softness beneath his fingers sent thrilling sensations through him, prompting him to be more intimate with her.


    Xian''er''s entire body shivered, she murmured in a tremulous voice, "You rascal... don''t..."


    Lin Wanrong whispered into her ear, his warm breath tickling her, "It''s such a pity for Sister An. All alone out there for so many years, and she''s only now managed to return home. Xian''er, why didn''t you go with her?"


    Feeling quite vulnerable under his teasing, her face burning, Xian''er softly replied, "I... I did express my wish to apany my master, but she deemed the journey to Sichuan too tedious and long, hence she refused. Stop it, you devil, I hate you so much right now!"


    Sichuan? Lin Wanrong thought, mentally noting the information. He kissed her fair skin, as Xian''er, her eyes slightly dazed, clung to him. She whispered, "Once Master returns and lifts our curse, we can finally be a proper married couple. If you take a fancy to that girl, Seo Jang Geum, I''ll bring her from Goryeo to serve you. Let''s experience foreign delights together. My master taught me many things... Oh, I can''t... it''s too embarrassing."


    Her face flushed like she was on fire, Xian''er hastily covered her cheeks, not wanting him to see her deep blush.


    It was the first time anyone had broached such intimate topics with him, and that too, his own beloved wife. Thanks to a rather passionate master, Lin Wanrong thought yfully. He quickly asked, "So, what kind of techniques did Sister An teach you? Does she know them too? The Old Man Pushing the Cart, Dripping Wax, Drawing Water from the Opposite Shore, Poisonous Dragon''s Tongue... Xian''er, why are you looking at me like that? I''m innocent! All the terms I just mentioned, they''re martial arts moves. Clearly, you''re thinking of something else entirely."


    Hearing his teasing, Xian''er''s face turned a deeper shade of red. She covered her face, too embarrassed to look at him. "Horrible man! I always knew you were aplete rogue. Master told me to truly win your heart; I had to take good care of you and show you what a real woman is like. She said once you''ve experienced my love, you won''t think of any other woman. I swallowed my pride to learn all that, and you dare make fun of me!"


    Wonderful! Lin Wanrong''s heart swelled with tion upon hearing this. Sister An''s teachings were quite something. What was a true woman? One who could manage the kitchen, grace the hall, and charm the bedroom! Indeed, Miao women were known for their bold love and fearless demeanor. Sister An dared to teach anything, truly fiery.


    "Why would I mock you?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "On the contrary, I hardly had time to wee it. Discussing the intimate bond between a husband and wife should be natural. Only through open conversation can a couple''s rtionship and affection grow stronger. s, Sister An is quite selfish! She taught you these wonderful things but left me in the dark? That won''t do. The next time I see her, I must ask for some lessons. The ''Old Tree Takes Root'' technique is quite advanced; I''ve yet to grasp it fully. We must discuss it."


    "You always spout such nonsense." Qin Xian''er, finally oveing her shyness, nestled into his chest. "My master also said that if you were to fancy another woman, I shouldn''t fear. I should wee them into our room and show them how I serve you, make them so envious of my skills that they''d be beside themselves with frustration! That Seo Jang Geum girl, you know, she seems so prim and proper. But my master once read her fortune. Such outwardly innocent women are secretly seductive. Once you have her, she''d be even more bashful, but on the bed, she''d be passionate and amodating. It''s called a fierce allure. Do you like it? I can keep her for you!"


    This topic was truly wicked, but... he liked it! Xian''er would never speak of such things. Apart from the tantalizing Sister An, who else could say something so astonishing? It seemed Xian''er might be the teacher for Qiaoqiao and Qingxuan in the future, instructing them on how to properly serve their husband. They would need training first, of course. He chuckled lewdly, pulling the blushing Xian''er into his embrace. But in his mind, he was thinking of discussing these scious topics with the knowledgeable Sister An. The mere thought made him drool.


    The carriage rattled on, heading straight to the pce. With Princess Nishang''s protection, Master Lin no longer had worries about gaining entry to the pce. Hidden within the carriage, sharing secrets with Xian''er and learning what Sister An had taught her, he felt as though he was living a heavenly, carefree life. Upon arriving at their destination, Master Lin was so engrossed that he was reluctant to alight. Every moment in the carriage felt invaluable.


    They stopped not far from the Pce of Heavenly Purity where the old Emperor resided. Passing pce maids and eunuchs saw Princess Nishang''s arrival and hurriedly knelt to greet her.


    Qin Xian''er took a few steps but gradually hesitated. A hint of uncertainty crept onto her face, and her pace slowed.


    "What''s wrong, Xian''er?" Lin Wanrong asked, holding onto her.


    "Dear husband, I... I''m afraid..." Qin Xian''er murmured, her eyes cast down.


    "There''s nothing to fear. He''s not a stranger; he''s your kin, bound to you by blood," Lin Wanrong reassured her, holding her hand tightly. "Would you like me to apany you?"


    Qin Xian''er responded with a sweet smile, gripping hisrge hand, feeling a newfound sense of security and determination. As they approached the entrance to Pce of Heavenly Purity, Gao Ping emerged. Catching sight of Qin Xian''er, he was momentarily struck dumb.


    "What''s the matter, Eunuch Gao? Don''t you recognize Princess Nishang?" Lin Wanrong asked with a gentle smile.


    Gao Ping''s lips trembled for a few moments, ovee by emotion. He quickly knelt and said, "This humble servant Gao Ping pays his respects to the Princess. Please wait a moment, Princess, I will immediately inform His Majesty." Before he could properly bow, he clumsily scrambled up from the ground. Ignoring the usual protocols, he rushed forward a few steps, shouting out loudly, "Emperor, Emperor, the Princess is here! Emperor, the Princess has arrived!"


    Qin Xian''er''s delicate hand tightly gripped Lin Wanrong''s, causing him a tingling pain. Lin Wanrong shook his head with an affectionate smile, gently patting her fragrant shoulder, "My dear, let''s go inside."


    Xian''er hesitated for a moment, then softly murmured her agreement. She snuggled close to him, and the two entered the Pce of Heavenly Purity together. They had only taken a few steps when they saw the pce eunuchs and maids kneeling on the ground, not daring to raise their heads. Ahead, Gao Ping was supporting a frail Emperor of Great Hua, who slowly approached.


    "Greetings to His Majesty," the crowd chanted in unison.


    However, the old Emperor seemed not to hear their greetings. His eyes settled on Qin Xian''er, brimming with deep joy and affection. "Nishang, Nishang, is that really you?"


    "My name isn''t Nishang. It''s Qin Xian''er. My mother gave me that name," Xian''er said coldly.


    "Alright, alright, Xian''er, if that''s the name your mother chose for you, then Xian''er it is. Whether you are called Nishang or Xian''er, you are still my most beloved daughter!" The old Emperor smiled kindly, which led to a fit of mild coughing. Gao Ping quickly patted his back, and the Emperor''s pale face showed a hint of improvement. He instructed Gao Ping, "What are you waiting for? Prepare a seat for the Princess and for Master Lin."


    Gao Ping hurriedly obeyed. Qin Xian''er held Lin Wanrong''s hand even tighter, her palm damp with sweat. After a long hesitation, she finally mustered the courage to speak in a voice as faint as a mosquito''s buzz, "How... how have you been?"


    Though the old Emperor''s body was frail, he heard that sentence loud and clear. A few tremors passed over his facial muscles, and his eyes misted up with tears. "Xian''er, you don''t need to worry. Your father is in good health. Just seeing you is enough for me. I have finally found my lost daughter."


    Qin Xian''er shook her head stubbornly, "I didn''te here for you. I came to the pce to gather my mother''s belongings and just happened to pass by, so I..."


    "Just happened toe and see your father. I understand, I understand!" A sincere smile shed across the old Emperor''s face. He nced at Lin Wanrong and nodded in approval.


    Gao Ping had already fetched the embroidered stools, inviting everyone to sit. Xian''er nced at the Emperor''s pale and bloodless face, remaining silent for a while before finally speaking, "Give me your hand."


    The Emperor looked puzzled. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Your Majesty, Xian''er wishes to take your pulse." The old Emperor''s face lit up with realization. A slight tremor went through him as he slowly extended his hand, smiling, "I had forgotten. Having studied under Master An Biru, Xian''er has mastered the Qi Huang technique. It''s as good as the rejuvenating touch. I am truly pleased."


    Xian''er didn''t respond. She delicately ced her slender fingers on the Emperor''s wrist. After a moment of taking his pulse, her expression changed drastically. "How can this be?" she eximed.


    The old Emperor gazed at her deeply, his smile still in ce. "My dear daughter, your father is in good health. You don''t need to worry. My greatest wish now is to hear you call me ''Father'' just once."


    Tears welled up in Qin Xian''er''s eyes, her grip on Lin Wanrong''s wrist so tight that it drew blood. Her lips quivered, but she couldn''t utter a word. Lin Wanrong sighed softly, murmuring, "The tree wishes for stillness, but the wind continues to blow. The child wishes to care, but the parent is no more."


    "Father!" Qin Xian''er''s voice broke with sorrow as she fell to her knees, burying her face in the Emperor''sp, her cries filling the room.


    "My dear daughter, my dear daughter," the old Emperorughed heartily. But amidst hisughter, a bout of coughing erupted, tears streaming down his face.


    Lin Wanrong turned away, letting out a long sigh. He felt a hint of moisture at the corner of his eyes. Hastily, he signaled Gao Ping, and the two quickly withdrew from the room.


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 Chapter 365

    Chapter 365


    Chapter 365 idental Discovery


    Upon stepping outside, Eunuch Gao carefully closed the door behind him, fearful of disturbing the father and daughter who had reunited inside after untold trials and tribtions.


    Lin Wanrong heard Qin Xian''er''s soft sobsing from within and couldn''t help but shake his head. He thought to himself, ¡®I did right today. I hope the father and daughter can get along well. Then my efforts won''t have been in vain.¡¯


    "Master Lin, Master Lin," Eunuch Gao''s voice rang in his ear, "Someone wishes to see you."


    "See me? Who is it?" Lin Wanrong asked in surprise. ¡®Someone wants to meet me in the Emperor''s Pce of Heavenly Purity? Now, that''s a rare urrence.¡¯


    Gao Ping nodded slightly, speaking softly, "Please follow me." He took the lead and headed toward a side room in the outer hall. After passing through several rooms, he reached one, bowing respectfully and saying, "Here it is, my Lord. Please enter."


    All the rooms in the hall were brightly lit except for this one, where total darkness prevailed. Lin Wanrong, feeling a sense of doubt, slowly pushed the door open to see an elderly shadow standing quietly by the window, hollow eye sockets gleaming faintly.


    "Uncle Wei?!!" Lin Wanrong eximed, rushing forward to grab his hand. "You, what are you doing here?"


    Old Wei chuckled, "Why shouldn''t I be here?"Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment. After a long pause, he heaved a sigh and nodded, saying, "I understand now. Uncle Wei, so you too are someone close to His Majesty."


    Old Wei smiled slightly, his voice filled with sentiment, "You''re right, I have indeed been managing things by His Majesty''s side. Since the time when the Emperor was still residing in the secluded mansion, I have served him. Counting the years, it''s been more than thirty now."


    More than thirty years? A blind man serving by the Emperor''s side for over three decades was indeed a marvel, and the loyalty between the master and servant was remarkable. Old Wei seemed to see through his thoughts andughed, "You must be wondering, how a blind old man like me could serve by the Emperor''s side for over thirty years, aren''t you?"


    Old Wei was Lin Wanrong''s lifesaver, and he was like a second father to him. Lin Wanrong, who was exceptionally frank in his presence, didn''t hide his thoughts and nodded, "I do have some questions."


    "You need not doubt; it''s quite simple, really. More than twenty years ago, like you, I too had a pair of healthy eyes," the old blind man sighed, his voice filled with profound resentment and regret. "Back then, when thete Emperor was gravely ill, His Majesty, being kind-hearted and diligent, cared for him day and night, exemplifying filial piety and benevolence, and his fame spread throughout thend. Thete Emperor was deeply moved and intended to pass the throne to His Majesty before his burial. However, at that critical moment, arge group of assassins suddenly broke into the monastery where thete Emperor was recuperating. His Majesty was seriously injured while protecting thete Emperor, even the only prince was assassinated, and I lost my eyes in my attempt to protect His Majesty. At that dire moment, luckily, Li Tai''s loyalty and integrity called upon tens of thousands of soldiers to quell the rebellion, ensuring His Majesty''s safety."


    Speaking of the past, Old Wei''s voice was calm but tinged with excitement. Lin Wanrong listened with quiet astonishment. Thest time the old emperor had spoken about the matter, his words were vague and sketchy, but now Old Wei had rified many things with his recounting. It turned out that in that battle, not only had Uncle Wei been blinded in both eyes, but the old Emperor had been gravely injured, losing a son as well. It was likely that the injury from that time led tosting health problems. After ascending to the throne, the old Emperor was unable to father any children, leaving the nation without an heir. It was no wonder that he harbored such deep resentment towards Prince Cheng.


    "For the sake of preserving the Great Hua Dynasty, His Majesty began to select talents over ten years ago. As the only one privy to this matter, I took on this task that concerns the future of Great Hua for thousands of generations. I traveled everywhere, seeking potential talents until, atst, I met you," Old Wei paused, sighing deeply, and shook his head, "Wanrong, I truly don¡¯t know whether to praise you or to scold you."


    "Uncle, if you want to scold, just scold me. To be honest, my philosophy of life is different from yours. I prioritize happiness first, then power and wealth. If there''s no joy, I''d rather not have anything at all," Lin Wanrong replied honestly.


    "I know that all too well," Old Wei said, "I chose you partly for this very reason. Your thinking is broad, you dare to dream and act, you¡¯re carefree, unconventional in your methods, and youbinepassion with ruthlessness. You are indeed a rare find. Initially, seeing your joyful demeanor, I thought you might change after learning the truth, so I paid no mind to it. But I never expected that even after understanding everything, you remained just as stubborn. His Majesty both admires you and is helpless with you. But I can''t help feeling discontent!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, "Uncle Wei, I told His Majestyst time that we should find a way that''s eptable to both sides, without putting either of us in a difficult position. You, wise and full of schemes, surely cane up with a good solution."


    Old Wei gave a bitter smile and replied, "You''re quite the expert at shirking responsibility, young man. It''s not so easy to find a solution that pleases everyone. Although, I must thank you for allowing me to cling to life a few days longer."


    "Cling to life? Uncle, I don''t understand," Lin Wanrong said, perplexed.


    "That''s exactly it," Uncle Wei sighed. "I live to serve His Majesty loyally and find a suitable person for Great Hua. Once I find that person, it''s time for me to meet my end¡ª"


    "You mean, silencing you?" Lin Wanrong eximed, shocked.


    "I''m willing," Uncle Wei said with a faint smile. "My lord has given me everything; serving him loyally has been my lifelong wish."


    Lin Wanrong stared at blind Old Wei, at a loss for words for a long time. He didn''t belong to this era and naturally found it difficult to understand Old Wei''s mentality, but he respected Uncle Wei''s choice. From the Emperor''s perspective, for the sake of perpetuating the Great Hua Dynasty and forever keeping the secret, those who needed to die must die. Lin Wanrong shook his head helplessly. If he had agreed to the old Emperor today, he might never see Uncle Wei again, and he couldn''t help but feel a pang of sorrow.


    "The princess has returned, and it has been a long time since I have seen the Emperor so delighted," Old Wei remarked, standing by the window and letting out a sigh filled with emotion. "Wanrong, on behalf of my master, I thank you."


    As he spoke, he attempted to kneel down and kowtow, but Lin Wanrong hurriedly lifted him up. "Uncle, aren''t you shortening my lifespan with such a gesture? This life of mine was saved by you! Besides, Xian''er is my wife, and the old man is my father-inw. Helping them clear up misunderstandings and reunite as soon as possible is something I should do."


    "Your rtionship with the princess might not go as smoothly as you think," Old Wei slowly said. "Had you agreed to the Emperor''s request today, your status would change, and the Emperor would have you legitimately enter the pce. As for your matter with the princess, never mention it again."


    Lin Wanrong''s mouth fell open, suddenly realizing theplexyers behind the Emperor''s request for him and Xian''er to be sworn siblings. What did Old Wei mean by "legitimate"? Even if he entered the court, gossip was inevitable. Who could handle those wily old ministers, or deal with Prince Cheng?


    "No one in this world dares underestimate the Emperor. His control over the situation, his grasp and decisiveness in major affairs, are beyond the reach of Prince Cheng and his mediocre followers," Old Wei snorted, slowly continuing. "After you join the court, the Emperor will gradually put you in charge of the Ministry of Personnel, purging rebellious officials, promoting schrs throughout thend, and even giving you control over military power. With the authority of the office and the military, someone like Prince Cheng will be like meat on a chopping block. What could he do to you?"


    Having served the Emperor closely, Old Wei was deeply familiar with his thoughts and was an expert in discussing political matters. Lin Wanrong listened, secretly amazed, finding Old Wei''s words quite appealing. If only he could marry Xian''er and y the game of power, how wonderful it would be to live a carefree life!


    "What''s wrong? Regretting it?" Old Wei, though blind, had an Emperor''s insight into human nature, and he smiled slightly.


    "I wouldn''t say I regret it," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "What''s yours is yours; you don''t need to fight to have it. Just like Xian''er and the old man, despite years of trials and tribtions, they finally reunited, didn''t they?"


    Old Wei nodded and sighed, a faint smile appearing on his face. "We truly owe this to you; the Emperor has not misjudged you."


    Today, with Xian''er''s reunion with the old Emperor and Lin Wanrong''s reunion with Old Wei, it was indeed a double celebration. Xian''er and her father talked long into the night, and the lights in the Pce of Heavenly Purity remained bright until the deep night. Lin Wanrong also stayed in the pce, having ate-night conversation with Old Wei. Many previous questions gradually became clear, and his heart was filled with iparable joy. Yet, watching Xian''er and the old Emperor happily reunited as a family, Lin Wanrong felt content but also slightly lost. Most people have parents and can enjoy their warmth, but he was an exception. On the surface, he seemed to enjoy a life of sess, but he was like a rootless duckweed, drifting aimlessly, a loneliness a thousand or even ten thousand times greater than that of the Monkey King born from a stone.


    He had something on his mind, and though he slept into thete night, he found himself unable to close his eyes. The spring chill and heavy dew had formed faint droplets outside the window, and a crescent moon hung in the sky, scattering a dim, firefly-like glow that created an indescribable feeling of cold serenity. He donned a long robe, pushed open the room door, and slowly stepped out, only to be met by a waft of mild cold air that instantly cleared his somewhat muddled head.


    The light in the old Emperor''s room had not yet been extinguished. From time to time, soft voices and sobbing sounds reached his ears, and Lin Wanrong could clearly hear that it was Xian''er''s voice. He couldn''t help but shake his head and chuckle. That girl, having reunited with her father, had cried from beginning to end; he didn''t know if it was due to overwhelming sadness or joy.


    Leaving the Pce of Heavenly Purity, he noticed some lights in a nearby courtyard and leisurely walked over. The courtyard was very close to the Pce of Heavenly Purity, and the lighting was dim, with only a few eunuchs and pce maids on duty, dozing off under an oilmp.


    Lin Wanrong stepped into the courtyard, and a faint, delicate fragrance greeted him. Like orchids, like musk, it was exceptionally fragrant. He felt a sense of awareness and looked up to see a long scroll hanging in the center of the main hall. A nce was all it took for him to feel as if he had been struck by lightning, and he stood there, frozen in astonishment.


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 Chapter 366

    Chapter 366


    Chapter 366 Trace


    Though the pcemps were dim, he could see clearly the scene depicted in the painting. Amidst the faint glimmer ofke and mountain, there was a vast expanse of mist, with boats weaving through. Nearby on the shore, a man dressed in a green robe was standing by theke, his eyebrows raised in a cold smirk. The man was facing theke, and only his silhouette was visible in the painting; his face was unclear. However, there was a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu, and the tattered shoes on his feet were particrly striking. A woman, dressed in a pale yellow pce robe, graceful and elegant, stood quietly by theke, staring at the man as if puzzled or amazed. On the right side of the painting, two graceful lines were inscribed:


    "Mountains beyond mountains, buildings beyond buildings,


    when will the songs and dances of West Lake cease?


    The warm breeze intoxicates the traveler,


    mistaking Hangzhou for Bianzhou."


    "Qingxuan, Qingxuan!" Lin Wanrong stared nkly, his eyes gradually reddening, and he rushed forward with a swoosh. But two young eunuchs suddenly appeared, blocking him urgently, "Who dares to intrude upon the forbidden pce?"


    ¡®Forbidden pce? My wife is here; I don''t care about your forbidden pce,¡¯ he thought, thrilled and emotional. He didn''t stop, rushing straight in, calling out loudly, "Qingxuan, Qingxuan, where are you?"


    The two young eunuchs probably never expected that someone would be so audacious as to intrude upon the imperial pce. They were caught off guard and one was knocked to the ground.Lin Wanrong reached the painting and carefully gazed at the woman depicted there, her fine eyebrows and cherry lips, standing gracefully by the Luo River, a hint of a smile on her face, noble and pure like a celestial being. Though he hadn''t seen her in many days, this figure was already etched into his bones; it was the very Xiao Qingxuan he had been searching for. Standing beside Qingxuan, the man with the cunning smile was none other than himself on that day. The painting captured their first meeting by the Xuanwu Lake; judging by the brushwork, it must have been done by Qingxuan herself.


    With a rustle, he jumped onto the long table and carefully took down the painting. Studying it closely, he saw Xiao Qingxuane to life before his eyes, as if he could see her teasing andughing shyly with him, and hear her whispering in his ear. He stared dumbfounded, lightly touching Qingxuan''s cheek, wanting to smile, but a sour feeling welled up in his heart.


    "Qingxuan, Qingxuan¡ª" he cried out like a madman, leaping down from the table and rushing inside. The hall was filled with beautiful long curtains, dancing lightly in the dim light. He searched the entire hall, finding itpletely empty¡ªno Xiao Qingxuan, not even a shadow.


    "Qingxuan, where are you?" Looking at the beautiful, fairy-like face in the painting, he sighed, his eyes already moist.


    "It''s him, the one who intruded on the forbidden ground. Seize him!" A mor arose as two squads of guards rushed in from outside the hall, surrounding Lin Wanrong. He seemed not to notice, staring intently at the two young eunuchs, demanding loudly, "Where is Qingxuan?"


    "What do you mean, ''Qingxuan, Luoxuan''? Who is this lowly riffraff? We don''t know¡ªow!" Before the words had fully left their mouths, two crisp ps rang out, leaving the two young eunuchs with swollen cheeks. They hurriedly covered their faces, looking in terror at the man before them.


    "How dare you insult my wife?" Lin Wanrong''s hands creaked as he clenched his fists, his facial muscles twitched violently a few times, and his eyes shot out bursts of ferocity. "I''ll kill you, you cur!" In his fury, he no longer cared where he was. He grabbed both eunuchs by the throats, lifting them up as though they were nothing.


    The guards who had rushed in were momentarily stunned, having never before seen such audacity within the pce. They were about to advance to intervene, but a loud cry from outside stopped them: "Stop, stop at once!"


    The guards turned their heads and saw Eunuch Gao hurrying in, terrified. "Master Lin, Master Lin, please stop! I cannot bear your anger," he eximed.


    With two loud thumps, Lin Wanrong threw the two young eunuchs to the ground. They panted heavily, their faces pale with fright. Seeing Gao Ping bow and bend his knee before this dignitary, they knew they were in serious trouble.


    "Eunuch Gao, have I ever asked anything of you?" Lin Wanrong said, smiling darkly, but the veins on his forehead stood out sharply.


    "Oh, Master Lin, where does thise from? I wouldn''t dare presume. Justmand me, whatever it is," Gao Ping said quickly, his obsequious smile in ce. As someone close to the Emperor, he knew very well the Emperor''s attitude toward Lin Wanrong. Although Master Lin''s official position was not high, it was only because Master Lin chose it to be so. To surpass Prince Cheng, Xu Wei, and Li Tai, and be the first man of the court was only a matter of time. He dared not be negligent with such an important figure.


    "Very well," Master Lin nodded, his face clouded. Pointing at the two young eunuchs, he said, "These two scoundrels dared to insult my wife. I won''t ask for much, just cut off their tongues. You may insult me, but if you dare insult my Qingxuan, you are courting death, courting death, courting death¡ª" In his rage, his voice grew louder and more venomous, as he brutally kicked the eunuchs without holding back. The other guards exchanged nces but dared not make a sound. For an outsider to beat up the inner pce attendants in the Emperor''s home was unthinkable; Eunuch Gao''s meekpliance only made it more bizarre.


    After a few more vicious kicks, Lin Wanrong stopped and snorted, "I never use power to bully people, but if anyone dares touch my beloved, I have my ways! Eunuch Gao, you handle it!"


    Gao Ping nodded and shrilled, "Come! Take these dogs who offended Master Lin away, cut off their tongues, and give them a hundred heavyshes¡ªMaster Lin, does this satisfy you?"


    Lin Wanrong looked at Qingxuan''s beautiful eyes in the painting and nodded, not speaking. The two young eunuchs screamed in terror, "Mercy, sir, mercy! This is a forbidden area; we were only doing our duty¡ª"


    Gao Ping waved his hand, and the attendants promptly dragged the two eunuchs away. Lin Wanrong was silent for a long while before he finally spoke, "Eunuch Gao, do you recognize the woman in this painting?"


    Gao Ping looked closely at the image, examining it with careful scrutiny. After some time, he shook his head, "I don''t recognize this woman."


    Not recognize her? Lin Wanrong cast a doubtful nce at the eunuch. Considering his standing before the Emperor at this time and his rtionship with him, Eunuch Gao would certainly not dare to lie in his presence. Could it really be that he didn''t know Qingxuan? How could that be possible? Paintings by Qingxuan, her very portraits were hung in the pce. How could someone who had been with the Emperor for so many years not recognize her?


    "Why is this ce marked as forbidden?" Lin Wanrong changed the subject and asked.


    "I''m not quite sure. Ever since I began serving the Emperor over a decade ago, this ce has been listed as forbidden, unupied all along," Eunuch Gao replied respectfully. "Other than the Emperor himself, no one else has been here, and I''ve never seen this scroll in your hand."


    No one else but the Emperor had been here? But the painting made by Qingxuan couldn''t be more than half a year old. How could it have ended up here? He pondered for a long time but couldn''t figure out the reason. It seemed that he would have to seek answers from the old Emperor. He hoped it wouldn''t turn out to be a debt like the one with Xian''er''s mother.


    Thinking that he had found a trace of Qingxuan, he tightly gripped the scroll, feeling incredibly invigorated. Hurrying towards the Pce of Heavenly Purity, he asked Gao Ping, "The Old Man, oh, I mean the Emperor, has he gone to bed now?"


    "The Emperor has just retired for the night. I came over because I heard themotion outside and was afraid it might disturb His Majesty''s rest. Little did I know that I would find two young brats offending you, Sir," Gao Ping hurriedly exined.


    Retired? That wouldn''t do. He had just done such a great favor for the Emperor that day; the Emperor must exin Qingxuan''s situation to him. Otherwise, he would cause an uproar.


    As he was about to speak, a gentle cry came from ahead, "Husband, why have you not retired yet?" Qin Xian''er slowly emerged from the Pce of Heavenly Purity, her eyes red and swollen from crying, her face still marked with tears, looking utterly pitiful.


    "I pay my respects to the Princess," Gao Ping hastily knelt to perform a salutation.


    Qin Xian''er waved her hand dismissively and approached Lin Wanrong. She nced at the scroll in his hand, a sh of curiosity in her eyes, and lightly snorted through her small nose, "I wondered why you were not resting at thiste hour, only to find that you are thinking of that fox-like woman, even holding onto her painting so dearly."


    Lin Wanrong smiled slightly, not answering her but instead asked, "Have you made peace with the old Emperor? You''re not still at odds, are you?"


    Qin Xian''er nodded and hummed an affirmation, tenderly embracing his shoulder and leaning against him. She then deftly took the scroll from him, "Husband, rest assured, I won''t fight with Father Emperor again. I have misunderstood him for so many years, and from now on, I will dutifully honor him and never leave him alone again. I''ll keep this painting for you; we can look at it another time."


    Lin Wanrong found it amusing in his heart, this little jealous one. While talking about her father, she still couldn''t forget Qingxuan. Without responding to Xian''er''s words, he turned to Gao Ping and said, "Eunuch Gao, go and inform the Emperor that I wish to see him now."


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 Chapter 367

    Chapter 367


    Chapter 367 A Bad Sign


    "This..." Gao Ping hesitated for a moment, "Master Lin, you must know that the Emperor has already retired for the night." He had met many officials, but Master Lin was the most audacious among them. Others would wait until the Emperor had eaten, drunk, and relieved himself before they dared to ask for an audience, but Master Lin was one to pull the Emperor out of bed.


    "He may be resting, but we must still go." Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, "This matter sticks in my heart, and if I don''t rify it, I will find no peace. Don''t worry, Eunuch Gao, if anything happens, I''ll bear the responsibility. If the Emperor wants to me someone, let him me me."


    Even if Gao Ping had ten times the courage, he wouldn''t dare disturb the Emperor''s peaceful slumber. But having just witnessed Master Lin''s full martial disy, he also knew well that this man was no easy one. If words were to sh, perhaps he''d end up on the receiving end of a tyrant''s punch. At that moment, he was caught in a dilemma, neither able to advance nor retreat, finding himself in an impossible situation.


    "Husband, do you have some urgent matter that requires you to see Father at thiste hour?" Qin Xian''er asked softly.


    "It is a very important matter." Lin Wanrong nodded gravely. In front of Xian''er, his jealous wife, he could not say what the matter was, otherwise, who knew what chaos this girl might create.


    Qin Xian''er nodded and looked at Gao Ping, "You go and see if Father is sound asleep, tell him I will apany Husband there in a while."


    Upon hearing the Princess''smand, Gao Ping reluctantlyplied and left. Qin Xian''er nced at Lin Wanrong, her mouth pouting slightly, "Husband, are you going to ask about that fox-like seductress?"


    "This... may I refrain from answering?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, thinking that Xian''er, this little minx, was truly not ordinary; nothing could be hidden from her."You may if you wish, how could I stop you? I knew long ago that you couldn''t give up your old feelings for that fox-like seductress." Qin Xian''er pouted.


    ¡®Old feelings? When did I ever let go? This girl really knows how to put things!¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed, embracing her waist, "Don''t worry, I will bnce things out perfectly, like carrying water with a pole. Sigh, taking care of all of you, it''s not easy for me."


    Xian''er smiled sweetly, tightening her arm around him, sighing softly, "Husband, to be honest, all I want is to spend a lifetime with you and to honor Father properly. Being a princess doesn''t interest me."


    "How did you change your mind?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    "My master was right. Husband, you are a talent unlike any other in history. It would be a waste to be buried among themon people. With my status and Father''s love for me, there''s nothing you can''t aplish in this world. Besides, Father likes you so much." Qin Xian''er''s eyes sparkled with determination, her face filled with affection and trust.


    Was it the old man speaking to Xian''er again? Sigh, ambition never dies. One must not be too outstanding! Lin Wanrong put away the painting scroll, embracing Xian''er and smirking, "Don''t worry, I will certainly strive hard ¡ª let''s strive together, and have a dozen children. Let the old man hold one each day, heh heh!"


    Qin Xian''er''s face flushed with a rosy glow, and she hid in his embrace, shyly whimpering, "Nonsense, my mother gave birth to only me in her lifetime; having two children with my husband will be enough."


    The two were affectionately teasing each other when they suddenly saw Gao Ping rush out hurriedly. He looked at Lin Wanrong and said, "Master Lin, the Emperor says he has gone to bed."


    ¡®What a clever statement this is! Is it meant to deceive me or you?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Is this the Emperor''s exact words?"


    Gao Ping nodded, "These are his exact words. His Majesty instructed me to convey that he has gone to bed and that if Master Lin has any business, you should seek an audience tomorrow."


    ¡®I just did something for him, and now he doesn''t recognize me? This old man''s face changes fast indeed,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, about to grab Xian''er and charge inside when Gao Ping spoke again, "The Emperor also says that he will not pursue the matter of you trespassing in the forbidden pce. If you are so inclined, just remember these three words¡ªZhe Bao Ding!"


    Zhe Bao Ding? What did it mean? Lin Wanrong looked at Gao Ping with suspicion, "Did the Emperor say anything else, Eunuch Gao? Please tell me everything at once!"


    [TL: The words Zhe Bao Ding have no immediate clear andmon meaning.


    ÕÛ (zh¨¦)


    Mostmonly means "to break" or "to fold".


    In a figurative sense, it can mean "to discount" or "a setback".


    Depending on the context, it has other meanings as well.


    ±¦ (b¨£o)


    This means "treasure" or "jewel".


    It can also refer to something precious or valuable.


    ¶¡ (d¨©ng)


    Mostmonly it refers to the fourth Heavenly Stem, a part of the system used in traditional East Asian calendars.


    It can also mean "a male", "a nail", or "robust", depending on the context.]


    Gao Ping sighed bitterly, bowing respectfully, "Master Lin, these were the Emperor''s instructions, and I dare not omit a single word. I have conveyed them to you in full. As for their meaning, this servant understands nothing."


    Seeing Gao Ping''s expression, Lin Wanrong knew that the old Emperor would not meet him tonight. Since the Emperor was even aware of his trespassing, his instructions must have been inspired by recent events. But what did "Zhe Bao Ding" mean? Could it be rted to Qingxuan? It seemed the old man was also a master of riddles.


    He racked his brain but could not fathom the meaning of these three words. Even if he had forced his way in to see the Emperor, given the old man''s temperament, he still wouldn''t have exined his cryptic message. That night, after receiving news about Qingxuan, he was extremely excited but became frustrated thinking that a small riddle might keep them apart, even if they were close by. He felt an unspeakable gloom, tossing and turning without sleep. Even the incident of encountering the Dongyin warriors on the back mountain the previous day slipped his mind.


    The next morning, when he went to seek an audience, he was stopped by a worried and downcast Gao Ping. Gao Ping looked around before cautiously saying, "Master Lin, you are no outsider, so I will tell you the truth. The imperial physicians are all waiting inside, and the Emperor is in a great fury. Three have already been dragged out and executed."


    Executed three? Could it be because of the injury from the assassination attempt yesterday? But Xian''er had returned to Grand Prime Minister Temple this morning, her vow to build a hut for her mother still unfulfilled, and she hadn''t mentioned anything about the old master''s condition worsening. Remembering his discussion with Xu Wei and Li Tai yesterday, he had a moment of insight¡ªthis was a deliberate strategy by the Emperor, a cunning y of hard to get!


    Lin Wanrong remembered something he had instructed Ning Yuxi to do yesterday and wondered if she had passed on the message. He was a little concerned about it but also thought that the old Emperor, possibly knowing Qingxuan''s whereabouts and intentionally being enigmatic, was not being fair. He didn''t feel like dealing with the Dongyin matter, thinking that they could attempt another assassination if they wished.


    Upon leaving the pce, Lin Wanrong found Xu Wei lurking outside the gate, his demeanor rather eerie. Lin Wanrong stealthily approached and gently tapped him on the shoulder. Xu Wei jumped in fright but breathed a sigh of relief when he realized who it was. "Little brother Lin, you''ve finallye out," he said.


    "What do you mean ''finallye out''? I''m not in prison," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "What''s the meaning of this, Mr. Xu? Didn''t we just see each other yesterday morning?"


    Xu Wei pulled him aside and carefully examined him from head to toe. ncing around cautiously, he finally nodded and said, "It''s good that you''re alright. Miss Xiao and Madam Xiao were worried about you after the Emperor summoned you yesterday, and we heard nothing from you till this morning. Miss Qiaoqiao was especially frantic."


    Lin Wanrong realized he had neglected to think about Miss Xiao and Qiaoqiao. In his excitement over reuniting Xian''er with her father and seeing the scroll left by Qingxuan, he had forgotten about them entirely. Guiltily, he asked, "Mr. Xu, they''re alright, aren''t they?"


    "They''re fine!" Xu Wei shook his head, his expression enigmatic. "You don''t know, but now the Xiao family has secret guards from the pce protecting them. You are the one we were worried about after seeing the Emperor yesterday."


    Lin Wanrong, a clever man, understood the implications in Xu Wei''s words. The Emperor''s assassination attempt was a significant matter, and his summons at such a critical time was a potentially ominous sign. The fact that he had not been seen for a whole day and night was bound to raise suspicions. Lin Wanrong gratefully sped his fists, his face a mix of emotions. The experiences of the previous day still sent shivers down his spine, and he was torn betweenughter and tears. Yet he felt a touch of warmth at Xu Wei''s evident concern.


    "There''s another matter," Xu Wei began, his brow furrowing, concern written across his face. "I don''t know how to tell you this."


    Lin Wanrong''s heart sank, and he urged, "Come on, brother Xu, what''s with the modesty? Just spit it out."


    Xu Wei gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "It''s not that I don''t want to tell you. I''m just afraid you''ll lose your temper. You know that General Li Tai''s army is set to depart in about twenty days, right?"


    "Everyone in Great Hua knows that." Lin Wanrong waved his hand impatiently. "Brother Xu, get to the point!"


    "The reason for the dy in Li Tai''s deployment of hundreds of thousands of elite soldiers is that the necessary funds have not been gathered. The most critical sum, totaling 350,000 taels,es from Jiangnan," Xu Wei slowly exined, watching Lin''s face.


    "What''s wrong with Jiangnan? Once the silver is gathered, that''s it," Lin Wanrong said,ughing. He thought of Luo Min''s tax collection in Jinling and how easily men could be swayed.


    "350,000 taels, gathered apart from the sum submitted to the national treasury, was to be transported to the capital. But en route¡ª" Xu Wei sighed, shaking his head.


    "Something went wrong?" Lin Wanrong eximed, taken aback.


    Xu Wei nodded somberly, "350,000 taels of silver, escorted by five thousand elite soldiers, vanished without a trace in Shandong, along with the entire contingent of men and horses, all in one night."


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 Chapter 368

    Chapter 368


    Chapter 368 Foresight


    ¡®350,000 taels of silver, vanished without a trace overnight? You must be joking with me, 350,000 taels, nearly 20 tons in weight; it''s not something you can just cart away. Do you think it was loaded onto a truck?¡¯


    Upon seeing his disbelief, Xu Wei helplessly shook his head and bitterly smiled, saying, "At first, I didn''t believe it either. But the news was brought by trusty messengers from Shandong, who rode 800 li at full speed. There''s no reason for us not to believe them. Besides, who would joke about a matter that could cost one''s head?"


    Seeing Xu Wei''s forehead beading with sweat from his urgency, Lin Wanrong''s expression gradually changed. 350,000 taels of silver gone just like that; damn it, this was the vital fund for Li Tai''s army. Without this silver, how could they fight against the Turks? They''d simply starve to death.


    The tax silver from Jiangnan, Master Lin''s efforts in the restaurants were not small. Although he was quite dissatisfied with the excessive taxes and levies, he couldn''t just let themon people''s hard-earned money feed thieves, right? He snorted heavily, thinking that he was always the one to rob others of their silver; no one dared to rob him.


    "When did you hear this news? Why didn''t I hear it yesterday? Have you informed the Emperor?" Lin Wanrong cautiously asked. Without these 350,000 taels of silver, Li Tai would be rendered helpless, and the nomads might seize the opportunity to invade the Central ins. Furthermore, the discord within would make the situation truly perilous. Could the ailing old Emperor even withstand such a blow?


    "The incident happened the night beforest, and the news only arrivedst night from Shandong. Apart from those in Shandong, only you and I know," Xu Wei nced at him and said. "As for the Emperor, I haven''t had the chance to report it to him yet."


    The night beforest? Wasn''t that the night before the assassination attempt on the old Emperor? An assassination here, and the military funds robbed there - a massive conspiracy!


    However, with such a significant incident, why wasn''t Xu Wei rushing to report to the Emperor but instead came to tell him? Even if the silver was stolen, it had nothing to do with him. He was just a minor Vice Minister of Personnel, with dozens ahead of him in line, and this matter has nothing to do with my department.Xu Wei seemed to see through his thoughts and sighed, saying, "I''m not intentionally hiding it from the Emperor, but this matter is grave. One wrong step, and hundreds or thousands of heads could roll. Besides, this happened in Shandong¡ª"


    "Shandong? What about Shandong?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    "It happened in Shandong, in Jinan," Xu Wei sighed faintly, his face filled with confusion.


    "Jinan? You mean Luo Ning? Oh, no, Luo Min?" Lin Wanrong jumped up, secretly chiding himself, wondering why he always thought of women first, and only then the actual matters.


    "Whether it''s Luo Min or Luo Ning doesn''t matter now," Xu Wei said with a bitter smile. "It happened within Jining, involving 350,000 taels of silver. If you were the Emperor, what would you do?"


    Lin Wanrong felt a chill in his heart. If he were to be implicated in this, both the elder Luo and the younger Luo would be doomed. Poor little Ning, his dear darling, who hadn''t even enjoyed the happiest moments of life, was about to be lost. No, he couldn''t allow this to happen. Understanding this, he realized why Xu Wei, under such pressure, had dyed reporting the matter. He was buying time for Luo Min, trying to save the lives of Luo Min''s entire family.


    "Have you understood now?" Xu Wei''s smile was filled with bitterness. He was indeed helping Luo Min, but at the price of his own fortune and life.


    Lin Wanrong gave him a thumbs up and patted him on the shoulder, "Good brother, you have integrity! Old Xu, you are a true friend. I thank you on behalf of my father-inw."


    "I have been friends with Brother Luo for many years. How can I stand by when he is in trouble now? Besides, this is not a matter of thanks; the key is how to recover the silver." Xu Wei shook his head, sighing deeply, "With this happening, Brother Luo is far away in Jinan, and there''s no one around me to consult with, except you, little brother Lin. You are learned and talented, wise in every way. I believe you must have a solution. I have been waiting here for you since early this morning."


    Old Xu was ttering him, and Lin Wanrong nodded, "Mr. Xu, I''m not at the scene. Even if I have great skills, I cannot solve the case remotely. But, though I, Lin San, like to bluster ordinarily, I am always serious when it matters. Luo Ning is my girlfriend, Luo Min is my father-inw; my father-inw''s affairs are my affairs. If we find the silver, all is well; if not, I will sell everything I have to save Ning''s family¡ªMr. Xu, you better not be stingy when I ask you for a hundred thousand or so."


    Xu Wei was momentarily dumbfounded. Little brother Lin''s demands were high, starting at a hundred thousand or so. Not just him, even the Emperor would find it difficult to produce such a sum at once. But for someone like little brother Lin who was so skilled at umting wealth, having a fortune of several hundred thousand was no problem.


    Lin Wanrongughed, joking with Old Xu, relieving some of the pressure in his heart. Ning must be saved, and the family fortune must not be lost. Otherwise, how would he support so many wives in the future? Why did he always face such dilemmas? Being a man was truly damn hard.


    "Little brother Lin, what should we do now?" Xu Wei said, his brows furrowed. He was the Minister of Revenue; if the 350,000 taels of silver were really not recovered, the responsibility for finding the money would still fall on him. There was no escape.


    "We mustn''t panic over this matter. Mr. Xu, I''m afraid you''ll have to suffer a bit," Lin Wanrong said, his face serious.


    Xu Wei looked at him, puzzled, "Suffer? How?"


    Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth and hummed, "You must go to the pce now, report the facts to the Emperor, word by word, honestly, without omitting anything." Whether the old Emperor was really executing people or bluffing, he probably wouldn''t calm down without actually beheading a couple. Hopefully, Xu Wei could endure it.


    Xu Wei gasped, no wonder little brother Lin said he would suffer. This was no ordinary suffering; it was life-threatening. The Emperor was gravely injured yesterday, and today he would hear this news. What would happen then, no one knew. "Little brother Lin, if I report to the Emperor now, what about Brother Luo?" Xu Wei asked, his face full of distress.


    "You think you can hide this from the old master? He''s like an octopus, with countless tentacles; what can be hidden from him?" Lord Lin shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "Mr. Xu, you''ve followed the Emperor for many years; what do you think of him?"


    Xu Wei was the emperor''s chief strategist and knew the monarch deeply. Upon hearing these words, he sighed slightly and summarized with one simple word: "Inscrutable."


    "Inscrutable! Well said. Mr. Xu, I can candidly say that evenst night''s amorous encounters between you and Sister Su are clear to the emperor. Do you believe it?" Lin Wanrong said with a mischievous smile, but his face was filled with seriousness.


    Xu Wei''s face turned red, but after thinking it over, his expression became gloomy: "I understand what you mean, little brother. The Emperor''s eyes and ears are everywhere, and this matter will never be concealed from him. In that case, I will report the truth to the Emperor. If he truly wants to execute Luo''s family, I will risk my life to save them."


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand, took a few slow steps, then turned around and said, "Let''s not talk so drastically yet. Things haven''t reached that point. You go and tell the Emperor that I, Lin San, guarantee that within twenty days, I will retrieve the silver."


    "Twenty days? Isn''t that a bit toote?" Xu Wei looked at him doubtfully, "In over twenty days, Li Tai''s army will set out."


    ¡®Damn, is old Xu really naive or just pretending? If I tell the Emperor twenty days, will he allow me that time? Even if he cuts my time in half, that would be a heavenly grace.¡¯


    Xu Wei finally understood and asked, "But what if it is not found within the specified time?"


    "Not found?" Lin Wanrong touched his nose with a bitter smile, "Honestly, I haven''t thought about the consequences. At worst, I will sell everything I own. Sigh, I haven''t counted our family''s silver notes or checked Qiaoqiao''s ounts for a long time. I don''t know if our recent ie is positive or negative. Damn it, my official position is too low, no one gives me gifts. Otherwise, three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver would be nothing. Mr. Xu, if you don''t want me to borrow money from you, then tell the Emperor to promote me. I only want three hundred and fifty thousand, nothing more!"


    Old Xu burst into heartyughter, feeling much lighter after talking with Master Lin, as if nothing in the world could perplex them.


    "Then it''s settled. I will go to the pce now. Oh, little brother Lin, why don''t youe with me? Perhaps with the Emperor''s favor towards you, we can dy the deadline," Xu Wei said, full of confidence, seemingly relying on his influence with the emperor.


    Master Lin chuckled, "You think I''m foolish? I''m not going to the Emperor just to be scolded."


    Xu Wei was taken aback, but he brushed off the implied insult and asked, "So what will you do?"


    "My business is very important," Master Lin said with a solemn face, muttering, "I''m going to see how Du Xiuyuan''s military training is going¡ªI admire my foresight, really. Fairy, my dear treasure, don''t let me down!"


    Watch Du Xiuyuan''s military training? Is this a serious matter? What foresight? What fairy? Not understanding little brother Lin''s words, Xu Wei shook his head, took a big step, and went to the pce for an audience with the Emperor.


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 Chapter 369

    Chapter 369


    Chapter 369 Cunning and Endurance


    Yesterday, as Li Tai was leaving, he had handed over 10,000 elite troops to Lin Wanrong, who were now stationed at the foot of Grand Prime Minister Temple''s back mountain. Li Tai knew that people like Du Xiuyuan had been personally nurtured by Lin Wanrong. They had fought bravely against the White Lotus cult in Shandong, demonstrating remarkable valor, so he specifically left Du Xiuyuan''s unit for Lin Wanrong tomand. Had this been yesterday morning, Lord Lin would surely have mocked Li Tai''s old man as overly cautious. Only now could he truly appreciate the uniqueness and shrewdness of this illustrious General of Great Hua in handling affairs.


    In a hurry to reach the base of Grand Prime Minister Temple''s back mountain, before he had even approached the camp, he heard voices shouting in joyous surprise, ¡°General Lin? Isn¡¯t that General Lin? Brothers, General Lin is back, General Lin is back!"


    Lin Wanrong looked up to see several familiar faces. He vaguely remembered that these men were the schrly soldiers that Du Xiuyuan had brought from Hangzhou when he had been inmand in Chuzhou. They had all grown into brave and robust warriors, resembling theds from the north.


    Du Xiuyuan''s troops, formed from those who had fought a bloody battle against the White Lotus by Weishan Lake, had witnessed General Lin''s awe-inspiring power just a few days ago during a military exercise. He had defeated Su Mubai in one fell swoop, a victory they had all seen. Hearing that General Lin had returned, the crowd had already gathered to greet him. Lin Wanrong chuckled and greeted them all when Xu Zhen hurriedly rushed out from the camp, loudly eximing, ¡°General Lin, you¡¯ve arrived!¡±


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smilingly asked, ¡°Xu Zhen, did you receive the letter I sent yesterday?¡±


    ¡°We received it, we received it,¡± Xu Zhen nodded repeatedly, then asked, puzzled, ¡°General, where did you find such a young child to deliver the message? He looked only four or five years old. If it weren¡¯t for Brother Du''s recognition of your handwriting, we might have driven him away.¡±


    A child? Lin Wanrong looked at Xu Zhen, confused, ¡°Are your eyes deceiving you, boy? That was clearly a beautiful woman of heavenly grace and charm, not a child.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Xu Zhen shook his head repeatedly, ¡°Not just me, many brothers in the camp saw it. It was a four or five-year-old child, not a beautiful woman.¡±Could it be the illegitimate child of Fairy Sister? General Lin''s face disyed ascivious grin. Regardless of who delivered it, as long as the letter reached Du Xiuyuan''s hands in time, that was what mattered: ¡°Did you do as I instructed you?!¡±


    Xu Zhen nced around and lowered his voice, ¡°When we first saw the letter, we weren''t sure, but Brother Du said, ''General Lin''s actions are always mysterious and unpredictable. It¡¯s better to believe it than not.'' So I took three thousand brothers to the location you specified in the letter. Meanwhile, we intentionally acted carelessly and left a small gap.¡±


    ¡°So someone took advantage of the gap and slipped out quietly?¡± Lin Wanrong chuckled, a triumphant look on his face.


    Xu Zhen smiled broadly, ¡°Naturally! Catching them is not easy, but letting them escape is all too simple. Last night, under cover of darkness, they ''slipped away unnoticed'' from our encirclement. Brother Du took some elite brothers and quietly followed them.¡±


    Du Xiuyuan was sharp and efficient, making him trustworthy. Lin Wanrong nodded. On one side, there was an assassination attempt on the Emperor¡¯s life, and on the other, the military pay was stolen. If someone told him these two incidents were unrted, he would never believe it. If he could find those Dongyin culprits and trace the clues, he did not believe he could not uncover the whole truth.


    "General, who exactly are those people you let us release?" Xu Zhen asked curiously. He had never faced the people of Dongying and naturally did not know who they were.


    "They are a band of scoundrels plotting against our great nation," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Where is Brother Du now? Take me to see him."


    Xu Zhen dly agreed, leading out two swift horses from the camp. The two mounted their horses and galloped off, heading straight for the city. Lin Wanrong''s brows furrowed; could it be that those Dongying people were hiding in the city? Those fellows seemed to be well-versed in the art of war.


    Once inside the city, Xu Zhen unexpectedly headed for the densely popted western part, where taverns and shops lined both sides of the street, and pedestrians bustled about. The calls of merchants rose and fell, and the scene was one of bustling prosperity.


    "It''s right there." Xu Zhen suddenly stopped, pointing to a house ahead and speaking softly.


    Following the direction of his finger, Lin Wanrong saw a row of residential courtyards, with Xu Zhen pointing at the one in the middle. The gate was not tall, and spring couplets still hung from the beams, with therge doors tightly shut and no soundsing from within. Lin Wanrong looked around but saw nothing unusual among the bustling crowd. If those Dongying people were really hiding in that courtyard, there must be guards outside, but where was Du Xiuyuan hidden?


    "General, let''s go upstairs and have a couple of drinks," Xu Zhen grinned, pointing to a nearby tavern. The tavern was four or five stories high and faced the small courtyard. Business was booming. A bright idea shed in Lin Wanrong''s mind; Du Xiuyuan had chosen a good location.


    The two went upstairs, and Xu Zhen, without calling for the waiter, went straight to the private room on the top floor. He knocked softly, and Du Xiuyuan opened the door, eximing joyfully, "General Lin, you''ve arrived?"


    "You''ve worked hard, Brother Du," Lin Wanrong chuckled, and the three of them entered. The private room was simple in the furnished, but its window faced the small courtyard across.


    "How is it, Brother Du?" Seeing the courtyard''s silence without even a shadow, Lin Wanrong''s brows furrowed, and he asked softly.


    "We disguised ourselves and tracked them herest night, witnessing them enter the courtyard. Our brothers have been guarding the front and back doors, and we haven''t seen them leave. I''ve also inquired about the courtyard; it was sold just a few days ago, and the previous owner has returned to Shanxi to retire," Du Xiuyuan exined the situation. He was a cautious man and had not detected any guards around. Even the private room in the tavern was changed frequently to avoid startling the suspects.


    "Have you seen them inside the courtyard? Has anyonee looking for them?" Lin Wanrong asked urgently.


    Du Xiuyuan shook his head: "We haven''t seen anything. After they went in, it''s like they died in there; not a single sound."


    "Have you seen any cooking smoke? Or them going to the toilet?"


    Du Xiuyuan shook his head repeatedly. Lin Wanrong could not help but frown; this was far from what he had expected. Damn it, could it be that these Dongying people were made of wood, needing neither food nor drink, never leaving the house?


    "General Lin, who exactly are these people? Last night when we were trailing them, we saw that they were very cautious and their formation was tight; they appeared to be battle-hardened veterans," Du Xiuyuan voiced his doubt, and Xu Zhen also stared at General Lin, a question he had asked once before but to which General Lin had evaded answering.


    Lin Wanrong sighed slightly, "They are from Dongying!"


    "Dongying?" Du Xiuyuan and Xu Zhen eximed in unison, "How could they be in our Great Hua?"


    "I don''t know, perhaps their intentions are noble, spreading culture, exchanging goods and ideas, maybe they came to Great Hua to pay their respects," General Lin said with a joking smile.


    "Exchanging goods and ideas with Great Hua? You must be joking, General Lin. They live on a tiny speck ofnd that can''t even grow enough grains, what can they exchange with our Great Hua?" Du Xiuyuan shook his head and snorted, "I have several close friends in the naval forces at Fuzhou and Mawei, and they tell me that these Dongyin pirates [TL: Another term is ¡°Wokou¡±] frequently invade our southeastern coastal borders, plundering, andmitting all sorts of atrocities. The problem of the Dongyin pirates is bing as serious as the northern barbarians; if not handled properly, I fear it will cause endless trouble."


    Brother Du''s perspective was indeed unique and far-sighted, seeing that Dongying was an ind nation,cking resources and gued by natural disasters; their dream of expansion onto the maind would never be extinguished. Lin Wanrong looked at Du Xiuyuan intently and said earnestly, "Brother Du, listen to me, send word to your friends in the navy: If the Dongyin piratese, beat them mercilessly. Don''t talk about morals or benevolence; kill and cut them down, spare not a single one. Show the spirit and might of our Great Hua."


    "Agreed," Du Xiuyuan pped his hands loudly, "I will write to Brother Qi Xian tomorrow. If the Dongyin pirates invade again, we must strike back fiercely and enhance the prestige of our Great Hua."


    Lin Wanrong smiled slightly, while Xu Zhen nced at the small courtyard across the street and said with concern, "I heard that the people of Dongying are crafty and greedy. They have been hiding here for so long withouting out; could they have already dug a tunnel and escaped?"


    "That''s unlikely," Lin Wanrong paused and shook his head, "Brother Du already mentioned that the property has just changed hands, and it would be impossible to dig a tunnel in just a few days. Moreover, the house is in a bustling area with many watchful eyes, and it''s a quadrangle dwelling; a tunnel would easily be discovered. The Dongyin people have been in the capital for only a few days; it''s impossible for them to have everything prepared."


    "What should we do now?" Xu Zhen asked anxiously.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "In Dongying, they have a technique called ''Ninjutsu,'' which essentially means enduring technique, even if it means not eating or sleeping for days. It''s nothing to them. Now is their time to watch for any movement outside, and if they notice anything unusual, they will leave immediately."


    Xu Zhen nodded quietly, "Ninjutsu? Then we shall endure as well!"


    "Endure? We should eat, drink, y, and have fun as we like," General Linughed, "My method is called ''y Technique,'' [wan shu ÍæÊõ] specifically designed to counter ''Ninjutsu.''" [TL: In Chinese, Ninjutsu is called ren shu ÈÌÊõ]


    Xu Zhen chuckled, his gaze falling on the door across the street. He paused, then said with excitement in a low voice, "General, someone ising."


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 Chapter 370

    Chapter 370


    Chapter 370 Avant-Garde Thoughts


    Du Xiuyuan and Lin Wanrong hurriedly looked forward, only to see an old man standing at the entrance, ncing left and right before he picked up the knocker and tapped lightly on the door.


    "The contact has arrived." Xu Zhen and Du Xiuyuan''s expressions changed simultaneously, looking back at Lin Wanrong for guidance, wondering if they should act at once.


    "Wait and see," Lin Wanrong said calmly, shaking his head. "This matter is not so simple, Brother Du. If you were to meet with these Dongyin people, would youe rushing in so recklessly?"


    "No, I would at least probe first." Du Xiuyuan suddenly realized. "General Lin, are you saying this is merely a test? Is it possible that the person who hase is not the one we''re waiting for?"


    "Big fish are not so easily hooked," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Let''s wait a little longer. Save the best forst."


    As they spoke, the old man knocked at the door for a long time, but there was no movement inside the house. He looked at the door with confusion, then turned to leave. Xu Zhen and Du Xiuyuan instantly became anxious. Speaking of a test was just spection. If this man were the real deal and they let him go, would it not be a wasted effort?


    Lin Wanrong slowly shook his head and softly said, "Keep watching." Before his words fell, the old man had reached the corner when suddenly, someone darted out from the alley to stop him, whispered a few words, and threw a silver piece to him. The old man departed happily.


    Lin Wanrong heaved a sigh of relief. "Damn, the cunning rabbit has three burrows. Luckily, I''m no simpleton either." Du Xiuyuan and Xu Zhen were astonished. General Lin''s tactics were truly extraordinary. If they had rushed out earlier, the real target might have escaped. They looked at General Lin admiringly. In a battle of wits, they had never seen anyone who could outmatch him.A man in fine clothes emerged from the alley, a middle-aged man with a small mustache, looking like a steward of some wealthy household. He would stop every three steps, look back every five, constantly ncing around with high vignce. Seeing no movement, he carefully stomped to the door, turned his back, and pulled the knocker, knocking three long times and two short ones. After a brief wait, the door creaked open, and the steward-like middle-aged man quickly looked around once more before darting into the yard.


    "We''ve been waiting for this," Xu Zhen eximed excitedly, pping his hand. "General Lin, when do we make our move?"


    "There''s no rush," Lin Wanrong hummed, shaking his head. "These are still not the big fish, merely small shrimps. Let''s wait for them to meet first, and then we''ll make our ns."


    General Lin left no strategy unconsidered, as Du Xiuyuan and Xu Zhen witnessed firsthand. Naturally, they had no objections to his words. The three waited patiently for a while, and although the steward didn''t reappear, they had already proven that someone was in the house, so they were no longer anxious.


    Lin Wanrong took out a small white tube, slightly longer and thicker than a finger, from his pocket, put it in his mouth, and struck a match. After a sh of light and smoke, strands of green smoke rose, and Mr. Lin exhaled a pale blue cloud, sighing contentedly.


    Xu Zhen and Du Xiuyuan watched in amazement, wondering what this cloud-swallowing, fog-exhaling device was, and why Lin Wanrong seemed to enjoy it so much. Xu Zhen swallowed hard and said, "General, could this be some new invention by Brother Li Sheng? There''s both light and fire."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, eximing, "This is not a weapon; this is the tobo my wife rolled for me. It''s a fine thing indeed. As our great nation strides towards the world, this tobo can act as the vanguard. It''s just a pity¡ª"


    "A pity? What?" Du Xiuyuan asked hurriedly. Since Master Lin, a man of profound knowledge, said that tobo was good, it must indeed be good.


    "A pity that such a fine thing grows in the Turkds," Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, taking a puff with a face filled with regret.


    "The Turkds?" Xu Zhen was young and easily fooled by Master Lin. He snorted and said, "Then let''s attack the Turkds and take this tobo back. Brother Du, General Lin, I have to tell you, I''ve always been perplexed. Our great nation is vast, our people intelligent, yet why do we always suffer foreign aggression? Why are the nomads always bullying us? Why can''t we bully them instead? Honored sirs, don''tugh at me, but I have a dream of nting our gs across the nomads''nds, where our soldiers can loot and plunder without restraint!"


    Lin Wanrong drew a sharp breath, thinking that the youth had indeed spoken the words he himself had wanted to but dared not say. Ah, such a wicked thought!


    Du Xiuyuan was probably hearing such an idea for the first time. He was shocked at first, but on reflection, had to admit that Xu Zhen had a point. Why couldn''t they be the aggressors? Had they be ustomed to being oppressed?


    Lin Wanrong patted Xu Zhen''s shoulder sentimentally,ughing, "Little Xu, I must say, your thinking is incredibly avant-garde, almost as much as mine. Peace and development are the eternal themes of this world, but local wars and conflicts are inevitable. When you are doing whatever you want in the nomads¡¯nds, all the people of our great nation will takefort in you, heh heh¡ª"


    The three burst intoughter, feeling a surge of primal energy. They knew that repaying evil with evil might be wrong, but they would never return evil with kindness. Peace was not something to be merely spoken about; it was forged in blood and fire.


    Master Lin passed the rolled tobo to the others, and they choked and coughed as they tried it, tasting a mix of bitterness and a sense of extraordinary satisfaction, grabbing and puffing a couple more times. Master Lin watched them with a guilty expression,menting, ¡®I have sinned. This must be the birth of a new generation of smokers.¡¯


    After some merry-making, Lin Wanrong waved his hand, and the others stopped their banter. They saw the ''master'' cautiously peering out and swiftly stepping through the gate, heading into the crowd.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Brother Du, have some nimble fellows follow him. Remember, be cautious and don''t startle him. Damn, this master can speak thenguage of the barbarians. How many families in the capital can raise such a servant, heh heh¡ª"


    He did not say it outright, but Du Xiuyuan sniffed something from his words, falling silent for a moment, "We must indeed be careful; this is not a game. Xu Zhen, you go personally."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, recognizing Xu Zhen''s cleverness and loyalty. Indeed, he was a fine fellow, although his ideas were slightly ahead of their time, which was just to General Lin''s taste.


    "General, what shall we do next? How shall we deal with the Dongyin people inside the house?" Du Xiuyuan quietly asked after Xu Zhen had left.


    Lin chuckled and said, "Brother Du, how many men have you brought?"


    Du Xiuyuan smiled and replied, "Around here, perhaps more than a hundred. Outside the west gate, there are also two squads of a thousand men each, plus three cannons, and a hundred archers from the Divine Machine Unit."


    ¡®My goodness, this Du Xiuyuan really doesn''t mess around. He had arranged nearly three thousand men, along with cannons for support. I love this kind of setup; bullying people is so delightful!¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled sinisterly, "Excellent, excellent. Have your men surround this house, and they must act quietly. Let these ninjas stay inside without daring to move. Don''t need too many men, just arrange two thousand, and the three cannons will suffice. Sigh, I can''t really bully people, Brother Du. Do you think I''m quite generous?"


    "Generous, indeed generous," Du Xiuyuanughed heartily. Being around General Lin, his own shamelessness had unwittingly thickened as well.


    Once Du Xiuyuan had left to make the arrangements, General Lin sat by the window and took a puff of his pipe. Suddenly, he pped his palm and eximed, "Oh no, I forgot something. The ¡®master¡¯ can speak the foreignnguage andmunicate with the foreigners, but I don''t understand gibberish, so how will I converse with the Dongyin?"


    "Fairy Ning, Fairy Ning,e here,e here¡ª" Remembering that Fairy Sister was fluent in the Dongyinnguage and an ideal trantor, General Lin cried out without concern for whether she was nearby.


    The room was silent, his voice echoing emptily, but no one appeared for a long time. Fairy Ning seemed to have vanished into thin air.


    "You haven''t returned afterpleting the task? That''s a dereliction of duty, you know?" General Lin shouted angrily, somewhat frustrated. Below the tavern, more and more bystanders were gathering. Du Xiuyuan had called in the troops, and they were about to act, but the trantion issue was still unresolved. How could hemunicate with the Dongyin and inquire about the whereabouts of the 350,000 taels of silver?


    "How can you be so shameless?" A light, floating voice sounded beside him, and Fairy Ning appeared, standing quietly before him in in clothing. Her skin was like ice and snow, her eyebrows slightly raised, her figure tall and graceful, beautiful and enchanting like Chang''e from the moon pce.


    "Thank you for thepliment." Lin Wanrong grinned, "Without you saying it, I really wouldn''t have known I had such a quality. Sister, it''s only been a day, and you''ve be even more beautiful, like a flower."


    "What do you want now?" Fairy Ning''s brows furrowed, she shook her head and sighed. Her greatest regret now was encountering this man, whom she could neither beat nor kill, and he was a real eyesore.


    "Actually, it''s nothing major," General Lin said with a gentle smile, looking at her, "Where''s Qingxuan?"


    "Are you still deluding yourself?" Fairy Ning sneered coldly, "I told you long ago, Qingxuan will never have feelings for¡ª"


    "Save your breath." Lin Wanrong smirked dismissively, "My rtionship with my wife is none of your business. If you won''t tell me about Qingxuan, I won''t force you. Now I''m going to catch some ghosts, will youe or not?"


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 Chapter 371

    Chapter 371


    Chapter 371 Fairy Sister, I Love You


    Catching ghosts? Ning Yuxi blinked, then she understood, listening to his tone as he spoke with the other two, he was nning to capture some people from Dongyin.


    "Do you want me to be your interpreter?" Ning Yuxi smiled slightly. This man had so many tricks up his sleeve. Clearly, he needed her help, but he acted as if it was no big deal.


    "You said it yourself," Lin Wanrongughed heartily, pping his hands, "Fairy Sister is so clever. Looking at yourpassionate and kind face, I see a wonderful future mother. I will be a good father."


    Fairy Ning didn''t understand what he was talking about. She shook her head coldly and said, "Our agreement does not include so much. You better find someone else."


    There were two light sounds of "bang bang." Du Xiuyuan was knocking at the door from outside, "General Lin, everything is ready, we are waiting for yourmand."


    "I''ming right away." Lin Wanrong replied loudly. But as he spoke, he noticed Ning Yuxi''s figure swaying and disappearing like a wisp of smoke, leaving behind an enchanting silhouette.


    She ran away like that? Lin Wanrong was stunned for a while. After all, they were on the same side; how could she just leave? Women really couldn''t be trusted to keep their word!


    Time was of the essence, and capturing the Dongyin people was the priority. He hurriedly opened the door and went downstairs with Du Xiuyuan. He had been too engaged in conversation with Fairy Ning to notice that the once bustling western gate street had now be sparsely popted. Seeing Du Xiuyuan''s mysterious smile, Lin Wanrong asked, "What happened? Where are the people? Did you chase them away?"Du Xiuyuanughed, "How could I do that? I just arranged for two brothers to find two gold ingots outside the city gate. When word spread, everyone rushed there. They''re lining up outside the gate."


    "How can you be so deceitful? Brother Du, you should learn from me. Learn my honesty and integrity." Master Lin shook his head, deeply displeased with Du Xiuyuan''s actions.


    Du Xiuyuan was indeed straightforward. In a moment, he had gathered thousands of soldiers to surround the small courtyard tightly, not even a fly could escape. Lin Wanrong walked over, stared at the main gate, and coldly snorted, "Brother Du, is there any movement inside?"


    Du Xiuyuan shook his head, "Not a sound. These Dongyin people really know how to endure."


    "That''s because you don''t know their name, Brother Du. In Dongyin, they are called ''ninjas,'' which means ''enduring''." Lin Wanrong chuckled, waving his hand to the hundreds of archers in the Divine Machine Unit, their arrows dipped in oil and set aze, aiming at the small courtyard.


    "Listen, those inside, you are surrounded! Resistance will be met with severity, surrender will be even more so. You have the time it takes to brew a cup of tea to surrender; otherwise, you''ll all be dead!" Master Lin called out loudly, hands cupped around his mouth. With no trantor, he was somewhat at a loss, but fortunately, he knew somemon "Dongyinnguage" - Yosh, sura sura, flower girl - and he shouted it out! [TL: This is neither Chinese nor Japanese, but a transitionalnguage that has been produced for themunication between two differentnguages,monly used in the maind produced Anti-Japanese War dramas.]


    The house was eerily quiet, a silence as profound as death itself, the sparks from the fire crackling and dancing wildly. The noise seemed particrly grating.


    "General Lin, what should we do?" Du Xiuyuan asked in a deep voice, "Should we rush in? Shall we leave any survivors?"


    "First, we''ll use fire to burn them. If they don''t burn, then we''ll rush in. We only need one alive, able to speak; the rest, legs, feet, anything else, doesn''t matter," Lin Wanrong chuckled, speaking very lightly, yet Du Xiuyuan listened, breaking into a cold sweat. He waved to the archers behind him, and a team holding fire arrows advanced, aiming at the house beams, preparing to fire. Suddenly, from inside the house, a sharp whistle sounded, and a dozen of ck-clothed figures burst out like a swarm of locusts, their curved swords emitting a mournful howl as they charged toward the crowd with ferocious momentum.


    "Archers, fire!" Du Xiuyuan, a battle-hardened warrior, was unfazed by the sight. At hismand, hundreds of arrows wereunched like a shower of locusts. These ck-d men, skilled in individualbat and stronger than anyone else on the field, were nevertheless no match for this iron-blooded and battle-tested army. Before they could even cry out, they were enveloped in a rain of arrows and pierced through the heart, bing like human pincushions. A few more tenacious ones, though riddled with arrows, managed to break through the barrier and charged straight toward Lin Wanrong.


    "Infantry, guard!" Du Xiuyuan bellowed, and hundreds of foot soldiers formed a formation, their long spears whirling together to create an imprable wall in front of Lin Wanrong and Du Xiuyuan. Those who had broken through the rain of arrows were already spent and impaled themselves on the sharp spears, their bodies riddled with holes. With a forceful shove, the soldiers threw their corpses back into the courtyard.


    This attack and shooting, under Du Xiuyuan''smand, werepleted in a matter of moments, cleanly and efficiently, demonstrating the superb quality of this troop. Lin Wanrong watched with great satisfaction. Such a team could easily take on even the fiercest barbarians.


    A dozen of Dongyin warriors were annihted without uttering a sound. Lin Wanrong inspected the scene but found all of them dead, not one able to speak.


    "Brother Du, did you count them yesterday? How many people were hiding in this house?" Lin Wanrong asked, frowning.


    "Fifteen in total, but now there are only twelve corpses," Du Xiuyuan answered confidently, nodding toward the house.


    Lin Wanrong was greatly relieved. ¡®I wondered why Brother Du was so calm. He had calcted that some were still alive. These Dongyin warriors are crafty. If Du Xiuyuan hadn''t checked the numbersst night, some might have escaped today. In other words, these twelve were bait, and those left must be important.¡¯


    "Alive, I want them alive," Lin Wanrong signaled Du Xiuyuan, speaking softly.


    Du Xiuyuan nodded and waved again to the archers behind him. Dozens of them slowly stepped forward, aiming at the house''s windows. Their arrows were peculiar, with sharp points and conspicuous thin bags wrapped around them, filled with a powdery substance, a mysterious detail that caught the eye.


    What on earth was this? Lin Wanrong had never seen it before and marveled at the contraption. Du Xiuyuanughed, saying, "This idea came from Li Sheng. He said he learned it from you, General Lin."


    "Learned from me? I don''t even know how to shoot an arrow," Lin Wanrong replied with a smile.


    Du Xiuyuanughed heartily, nced at the archers, andmanded, "Aim at the windows. Fire!"


    With soft "thud" "thud" sounds, the arrows flew through the windows. Upon hitting the ground, they pierced small bags, and white smoke billowed, filling the room.


    "Sleeping powder!" Lin Wanrong recognized this white mist all too well; it was one of the treasures he always carried with him. That Li Sheng coulde up with such a trick was indeed brilliant. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, ¡®No wonder Du Xiuyuan said he learned from me; he didn''t wrong me at all.¡¯


    After waiting for the smoke to dissipate, Du Xiuyuan drew his sword and yelled, "Brothers, charge with me!" Hundreds of soldiers swarmed in, filling the courtyard. Lin Wanrong followed Du Xiuyuan into the house and found two ck-clothed men lying on the ground, coughing incessantly, clearly affected by the sleeping powder but not yet unconscious.


    Some soldiers rushed over and tied them up. Including the previously dead ones, there were only fourteen in total. Du Xiuyuan led a thorough search but found no trace of the fifteenth person.


    "Brother Du, you didn''t miscount, did you?" Lin Wanrong asked with a smile, ncing at the captured Dongyin warriors.


    "There''s no mistake, fifteen people!" Du Xiuyuan asserted firmly, "There''s one more, the leader. I recognized his slim figurest night, but I haven''t seen him today."


    That leader was exactly what they needed! Lin Wanrong''s spirits lifted as he thought about it. Du Xiuyuan and his men had been guarding the outside, and no one had left, so the man must still be there!


    No one had left? Wait, someone came in and then left again. Could it be¡ªLin Wanrong pped his thigh: "Oh no, he switched ces, that scoundrel escaped, disguised as the steward. Xu Zhen, call for Xu Zhen quickly."


    "What do you mean switched ces?" Du Xiuyuan, not as quick-witted as Lin Wanrong, didn''t understand what he meant.


    "General, a body has been found in the front yard," a soldier hurriedly reported. Du Xiuyuan was startled and looked at Lin Wanrong, who sighed, "No need to look, the dead one is the real steward, the one who left is the imposter. Damn these cunning dogs."


    "General, what do we do now?" Du Xiuyuan said with frustration. After guarding for a day and night and letting the leader escape, his disappointment was palpable.


    "He thinks he can run? Can he really escape?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Brother Du, Xu Zhen is following him. Damn, it''s like making a brilliant move in a bad game of chess."


    Du Xiuyuan also realized, that''s right, with Xu Zhen following him, the imposter wouldn''t be able to escape. General Lin truly had some extraordinary skills; he always had a contingency n.


    "Killing the real steward and posing as a fake one, these scoundrels are truly malicious," Lin Wanrong snorted, pacing a few steps in the courtyard, and mused, "Killing even one of their own means only one thing ¡ª he''s in a hurry to meet someone very important, and he needed to use the steward''s identity to cover himself!"


    "At least you have a bit of intelligence," a woman''s mockingughter came from outside the window, followed by a thumping sound. A shadow fell into the courtyard; it was the imposter steward who had just escaped.


    "Fairy Sister, I love you!" Lin Wanrong eximed, jumping up in excitement.


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 Chapter 372

    Chapter 372


    Chapter 372 Furious Interrogation


    The room was silent, and Lin Wanrong didn''t know if Fairy Ning had heard his words. He didn''t care. He had many loves, and one more made no difference. It was as simple as saying, "I want to eat."


    "General, who is Fairy Sister?" Du Xiuyuan asked, puzzled. Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed, "Concerning Fairy Sister, it is a poignant love story. I''ll tell you when we have more time. Now find Xu Zhen. That boy was tailing the master, and the master is back. Why haven''t I seen him?"


    As he spoke, a voice came from outside, "General Lin, Brother Du, something terrible has happened!" Xu Zhen, panting, ran past everyone and hurriedly approached them. Gasping, he said, "I saw, I saw¡ª"


    "Did you see a ghost?" Lin Wanrong and Du Xiuyuan looked at each other andughed.


    "No, not a ghost. It''s the master. He entered, entered¡ª" He looked around and whispered, "¡ªentered Prince Cheng''s mansion."


    Du Xiuyuan''s face changed, and he hastily asked, "Are you sure you didn''t see it wrong?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "The world is vast, and strange things happen. Seeing two people who look alike is not unusual. You must have seen it wrong, right, little Xu?"


    Xu Zhen was stunned for a moment. Being clever, he hurriedly nodded andughed, "Yes, yes, I must have seen it wrong. General, please disregard my words. Eh, he, he, how is he here?" In his haste to question, Xu Zhen had not yet noticed who was lying on the ground. Upon seeing the face, he was astonished, his face full of surprise. How could this be? Could it be true as General Lin said, that there were two identical people in the world who happened to appear in two ces at the same time?Lin Wanrong chuckled, not surprised by Xu Zhen''s astonishment. He was, however, quite impressed with Ning Yuxi''s skills. The leader of Dongyin warriors, disguised as the master and entering Prince Cheng''s mansion, must have had some plot. But Fairy Ning had managed to capture him without detection. Her skills were extraordinary indeed.


    The fake mastery motionless on the ground, and it was unclear whether he was dead or alive. Previously, Lin Wanrong and others had not seen the master''s face, allowing Dongyin man to take advantage. He had changed into new clothes, added a small mustache, and slipped out by pretending to be someone else. Now that they knew, they would not let him go. Lin Wanrong kicked him twice, and the man fell to the ground without a sound. Du Xiuyuan bent over and touched his nose, then shook his head, "General, he''s not dead, just knocked out."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. Fairy Ning indeed knew restraint, realizing they needed this man. He waved his hand and shouted, "Bring water."


    Two soldiers brought a basin of cold water and poured it over the man. The fake master shivered, slowly opened his eyes, and seeing the many soldiers, screamed "Baka!" He quickly stood up and instinctively reached for his sword. Xu Zhen''s quick reflexesnded a heavy kick on his back knee. There was a soft crack, and the fake master fell to his knees, his forehead covered in cold sweat, writhing in pain.


    Without a trantor present, Lin Wanrong had no choice but to fend for himself. He blinked and yfully said, "Yosh, do you understand English?"


    "Ba ka¡ª"


    "Screw you!" Lin Wanrongnded a kick in the man''s abdomen, fiercely stating, "You can''t even understand English, the internationalnguage? What ack of culture! I can''t evenmunicate with you. With your cowardly appearance, how dare your emperor send you to mess around in our Great Hua? Beat him¡ª"


    Xu Zhiqing and Du Xiuyuan were unaware of what the Englishnguage was, but seeing Lin Wanrong''s ferociousmand, they couldn''t resist. Together, they lunged toward the warrior with fists and kicks.


    The Dongyin warrior''s eyes were wide with anger, and he bbered something unintelligible as he struggled to stand, his leg having been broken by Xu Zhiqing''s kick. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn''t stabilize himself. In a matter of moments, under the fierce blows from Du Xiuyuan and Xu Zhen, his face was swollen, his nose bruised, and blood oozed from the corners of his mouth.


    Lin Wanrong stopped the two men, a sly smile appearing on his face. "Alright, stop hitting him for now. Our Great Hua is and of propriety; we believe in winning people over with virtue¡ªWe''ll beat him againter. Mr. Warrior, you don''t understand English. It''s not your fault; your father didn''t teach you well. I won''t say anything about that. But since you''re here messing around in my Great Hua, you must at least understand ournguage, right?"


    "Dumu ma, sogazu fuisuta!" the Dongyin warrior roared, his eyes shing with murderous intent, his face twisted with rage.


    Xu and Du looked at each other, bewildered by the iprehensible Dongyinnguage. They turned their pleading eyes to the all-capable General Lin. Lin Wanrong chuckled and nodded, "Oh, I understand now. You''re saying you''vee to Great Hua to visit your ancestors. Sigh, please enunciate next time, or else I really find it hard to understand."


    A softugh came from outside the window, then silence. Lin Wanrong was overjoyed; he knew that his "fairy sister" must be hiding nearby. He was about to continue his yful banter when the Dongyin warrior suddenly shouted in awkward and broken Chinese, "Ba ka, Dongyin warrior, your insult, Great Hua, pig!"


    "Screw your ancestors!" Lin Wanrong was furious. He grabbed a knife from the side and used the thick back of it to strike the Dongyin man''s back. The blow sent him stumbling forward, and he fell t on his face.


    Though Xu Zhiqing and Du Xiuyuan did not understand Dongyin, they heard the insult to Great Hua clearly. Fire in their eyes, they rushed forward, fists flying. The three of them kicked and punched with great satisfaction. Lin Wanrong casually nced over and saw the man''s eyes roll back, as if he couldn''t take any more. He immediately cried out and quickly stopped the two men,ughing, "Don''t hit him anymore. There''s plenty of time in the future; we don''t need to rush."


    He looked at the warrior and chuckled, speaking in awkward Dongyin, "You, what''s your name, what are you doing?"


    The Dongyin warrior was panting heavily and couldn''t answer. Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Actually, even if you don''t tell me, I know. Your little prince is called Tsugumi, and since you look so much like him, I guess you''re his older brother, named Eightgumi. How about that, I didn''t guess wrong, did I?"


    "Nonsense, what absurdity!" The Dongyin warrior red at him angrily, his Great Huanguage seemed to flow much smoother, "You, you have a wicked conscience. Our, Prince Tsugumi, the son of Amaterasu, I am not his elder brother. I, under the Amaterasu, am the samurai leader Shinyuemon Sasaki."


    Shinyuemon Sasaki? Damn it, these Dongyin people write in half-simplified Chinese characters, yet they strain to concoct a name. If they say they aren''t freaks, no one would believe them.


    "I say, Shinyuemon Sasaki," Master Lin chuckled, patting him on the shoulder, "What is your noble purpose ining to Great Hua this time?"


    "Me, no purpose, nothing at all." Sasaki snorted through his nose, "I, live here, you all, barged in, kill myrades, I, must report to the Emperor, punish the Great Hua Emperor."


    Punish the Great Hua Emperor? Lin Wanrong burst into uproariousughter. Strange things happened every year, but this year was particrly abundant. These Dongyin people coulde up with any excuse.


    Sasaki looked at him with doubt and disbelief. This Master in front of him looked like an official, but his actions were more akin to a bandit.


    "Shinyuemon Sasaki, actually, without you saying, I also know what you are here for." Master Lin smiled slightly, "The incident at Grand Prime Minister Temple yesterday, it was you all who did it, right?"


    Sasaki''s expression changed in his eyes, but before he spoke, Lin Wanrong waved his hand andughed mysteriously, "Don''t deny it, I don''t like ying games. Why you are here, who invited you, I''ve investigated everything clearly. Haven''t you thought about where I captured you from?"


    Sasaki had fainted as soon as he entered the prince mansion and woke up here, without time to think about cause and effect. Hearing his words, his face changed drastically, "Could it be the prince¡ªimpossible, he, he would never, in Shandong¡ª" He stopped abruptly, realizing something, and cast a furtive nce at Lin Wanrong.


    "You mean in Shandong, you jointly stole three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver, right?" Lin Wanrong was secretly delighted but showed no sign on his face, speaking carelessly.


    "You, you know?" Sasaki could no longer hide his astonishment. The robbery in Shandong, the assassination attempt at Grand Prime Minister Temple; all were intricately nned and arranged. Even if this man was skilled, he couldn''t have found out so quickly.


    "Ha ha ha ha¡ª" Master Linughed heartily, "I don''t know? Is there anything in this world that I don''t know? Do you think your Amaterasu knows where those silvers are hidden? He definitely doesn''t, but I, this great man, do know."


    "Impossible." Sasaki cried out in shock, "Those, soldiers, poison, all dead dead. You will never know!"


    Soldiers? Poison? Five thousand men! Lin Wanrong inhaled sharply, his eyes shing with a thick murderous intent, his fists clenched tightly, he spoke slowly, "Three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver, carts and horses moving day and night, would take several days and nights, it''s impossible to vanish overnight. Those silvers are certainly still hidden around Jining¡ª"


    Sasaki remained silent and wooden, Lin Wanrong could no longer restrain himself, kicked him in the leg, and cursed, "You beastly creature, how dare you poison and kill people, I''ll ughter you!"


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 Chapter 373

    Chapter 373


    Chapter 373 Absolutely Shameless


    Du Xiuyuan and Xu Zhen, although not clear on the full details, understood the general gist. They knew that these Dongyin people, for the sake of silver, had poisoned so many of their Great Huapatriots. They were immediately filled with righteous indignation. Seizing hold of Sasaki, they restrained him, and Lin Wanrong kicked him repeatedly. Drawing his steel knife and cing it against Sasaki''s neck, he coldly said, "I''ll ask you one more time, were those five thousand soldiers all poisoned to death by you Dongyin people?"


    Sasaki snorted, "They were useless. Their deaths, very good!"


    The veins on Lin Wanrong''s forehead stood out, and he forcefully suppressed his rage. Smiling coldly, he said, "Xu Zhen, I leave him to you. You must guarantee to me that he must still be alive a year from now, but, he must suffer more than if he were dead."


    "At yourmand," Xu Zhen grinned, eyes ame with fury. "I will certainlyplete the task."


    Waving his hand, Xu Zhen led Sasaki away. Du Xiuyuan saw that General Lin seemed to be in a foul mood, so he obediently withdrew, leaving General Lin alone in quiet contemtion.


    "Do you really want to kill this Dongyin man? Don''t you want to know where they hid the silver?" A woman''s voice sounded in Lin Wanrong''s ear, gentle and ethereal, a faint fragrance entering his nostrils, stirring his thoughts a little. Had it been an ordinary day, he would have flirted with her, but today, he had no interest.


    "These are Dongyin ninjas, trained as suicide troops. The ce where they hid the silver ¨C do you think he would reveal it? Three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver are not so easily moved. As long as it''s within the boundaries of Jining, even if I have to dig three feet into the ground, I will find it. As for this wretch, I don''t want to kill him ¨C I want him to live a life worse than death, to regret ever being born." Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with rage. "Five thousand people, a full five thousand! These Dongyin people, on the soil of my Great Hua, poisoned five thousand of mypatriots. Fairy Sister, if it were you, what would you do?"


    Ning Yuxi''s brows lightly furrowed, and she softly said, "Though the Dongyin people are ruthless, have you considered that these five thousand were traitors to the Emperor, joining another camp and bing rebels? To put it bluntly, they abetted evil and deserved death!"Lin Wanrong nced at her, his eyes filled with an indescribable disdain,pletely different from his previous lecherous gaze ¨C it was utter contempt, an expression he had never worn before. Ning Yuxi''s brows tightened, "What''s wrong? Did I say something incorrect?"


    "You''re not wrong! What''s wrong is your master," Lin Wanrong sighed lightly. "She trained you to be an aloof and detached fairy, representing justice and faith, admired by all, with limitless glory. But do you really think you''re so amazing?"


    Ning Yuxi angrily said, "Don''t you dare talk about my master behind her back."


    "Talk about her? I have no interest. I''m teaching you, teaching you a simple truth that you and your master have never understood." Lin Wanrong said coldly, his words as swift and harsh as a storm, without a shred of mercy.


    Ning Yuxi turned and walked away, unwilling to listen to his nonsense. Lin Wanrong watched her leave, shaking his head in disdain and smiling, "You really don''t understand what people live for."


    Ning Yuxi slowly came to a halt and turned to nce at him, speaking indifferently, "What did you say?"


    "Was I not clear? Fairy Sister, do you know what people live for?" Lin Wanrong leaned against the table, his face full of a cynical expression.


    Ning Yuxi pondered for a moment, and said seriously, "Everyone has a dream; it is their motivation to live in this world."


    "Nonsense." A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of Lin Wanrong''s mouth, and he waved his hand disdainfully, "Let me tell you, Fairy Sister, people live in this world to eat. Ideals, pursuits, they''re all the result of having more than enough, on the same path as indulging in desire when well-fed. You say those five thousand soldiers are rebels, but have you ever thought about whether there is any difference to them in loyalty to the Emperor or loyalty to Prince Cheng? Both demand the selling of their lives, both require food to eat, and only a few are destined to rise to greatness, while others will die on the battlefield. Many will never understand in their lifetime what they are fighting for, but most people don¡¯t have the opportunity to choose. Simply put, they are not criminals, nor our enemies, they, like us, are pitiful creatures being used, whether by the Emperor or Prince Cheng. In their eyes, the people are always objects to be used¡ªdo you understand what I''m saying?"


    Ning Yuxi''s face was full of astonishment. Evidently, she found his shocking words difficult to grasp. Lin Wanrong shook his head and bitterly smiled, his thoughts suddenly turning to Xiao Qingxuan. During his time in Jinling, he would chat with her daily in his small house, discussing various astonishing theories, with her always enjoying listening and then deeply pondering and questioning him, leaving him unable to respond. Speaking of political ambitions, only Qingxuan was his confidante. He sighed deeply, whispering softly, "In rise, themon people suffer; in fall, themon people suffer!"


    Ning Yuxi was somewhat surprised. Since her youth, she had been an object of admiration for many, and over the years, she had grown ustomed to the beautiful sights of a prosperous world. Who had ever lectured her like this before? Yet Lin San''s words were profound and filled with deep insights, presenting a novel and unique perspective that made one delve into deep thought.


    "It''s tooplicated; you might not understand," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "But with your intelligence, it''s understandable if you don''t."


    She didn''t need to think to know what he meant. Ning Yuxi nced at him and snorted, "You, why do you insult people out of nowhere?"


    "I''m not insulting, justparing you involuntarily to Sister An. Fairy Sister, you and Sister An have been struggling against each other for so many years, and you must know each other very well. Coincidentally, this little brother, me, has had intimate contact with both sisters. Do you know who I like more?" Lin Wanrongughed, throwing out an enticing candy that no woman could resist.


    Ning Yuxi smiled faintly, "I won''t listen to your nonsense. My matter with Sister An is not as simple as you think, and who you like has nothing to do with me¡ªeven if you like her more, so what?"


    This Fairy Sister was indeed very cunning. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "You''re right; I do like Sister An more than you, Fairy Sister¡ªas for the reason, sigh, Fairy Sister, you certainly don''t want to know, so it''s best if I don''t say."


    Ning Yuxi shook her head, helplessly saying, "You''re truly a bore, doing nothing serious all day long. I won''t listen to your nonsense anymore; I''m leaving."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself, thinking, ¡®Usually, you leave without warning. Why are you hesitating today and even giving prior notice? It seems even a fairy has her worldly thoughts, and she is also a woman, unable to escape those little feminine schemes.¡¯


    "The reason is simple," he continued, "Although Sister An lost to you, her constant struggle, her strength, and resilience, her cunning appearance but gentle inside nature, moved me and made me cherish her. She lives more genuinely, more like a real woman. As for you, Fairy Sister, you are high above, unattainable, like a flower in water, a moon in a mirror, out of reach, elusive, hard to approach. To put it crudely, forgive my frankness, apart from the flesh on your chest, I really can''t see any feminine charm in you." Lin Wanrong grinned, openly appraising her full chest, his face filled with self-righteousness.


    "You¡ª" Even Fairy Ning, with her good upbringing, couldn''t help but feel angry at his vulgar words. "You, you despicable man, shameless."


    "Sister, your curse is not malicious enough," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Actually, there''s an art to cursing. For example, you could have just said ¡ª ah, you''re so bad!!! You can learn a lot from Sister An on this. And of course, when you learn how to seduce me, you''ll barely be ready to graduate ¡ª oh, oh, what are you doing? A gentleman speaks, a woman acts, it''s okay to steal a peach, but don''t p the face¡ª"


    Outside, Du Xiuyuan and Xu Zhen looked at each other, bewildered by themotion. Was General Lin performing a duet inside? ying two voices, imitating so skillfully, how amazing!


    With a crash, the main door opened, and as Du Xiuyuan and the others stared at General Lin, who had pushed his way out, their mouths fell open wide, enough to fit two eggs.


    "What are you looking at? Never seen a man wear blush before?" General Lin snapped, covering his cheek, visibly annoyed.


    "We have, we have," the two managed to stifle theirughter, "The General thinks what others dare not think, does what others dare not do, truly creative and admirable!" As they spoke, they continued to peer sneakily into the house, as if looking for some treasure.


    "Come here!" General Lin, angered by their winking and nudging, ordered loudly.


    "Here, sir!" Several soldiers quickly came forward to await General Lin''smand.


    Without hesitation, Lin Wanrong ordered, "Go to the street and buy ten pounds of blush, and cover the faces and behinds of these two rascals. Don''t miss a spot." Everyone burst intoughter as Du Xiuyuan and Xu Zhen scurried off, fleeing faster than rabbits, leaving behind a trail ofughter in the courtyard.


    On a distant rooftop, Fairy Ning stared nkly at her delicate hands, her face filled with disbelief. ¡®I have cultivated myself for so many years, and today, I was actually provoked to anger by him. He is truly shameless.¡¯


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 Chapter 374

    Chapter 374


    Chapter 374 ¡°Work-rted Injury¡±


    Though Lin Wanrong had quite a thick skin, he was marked with a vivid trace left by the fairy. He felt quite embarrassed to return home like this, so he lingered for a long time within Du Xiuyuan''s army. Having nothing better to do, he pulled up Sasaki for a thorough interrogation, beating him with fists and kicks. As Lin Wanrong expected, this man from Dongyin would rather die than speak, having cultivated the spirit of Bushido to the extreme.


    Considering the time, even if Sasaki had wings, he couldn''t have robbed the silver in Shandong and then flown to the capital to attempt an assassination. From this, it seemed the robbery in Shandong must have been carried out by another group of Dongyin people in coboration with Prince Cheng. The exact hiding ce of the silver might be unknown to Sasaki, but it was certainly around Jining. Today''s capture of these Dongyin assassins was conducted quietly, but Prince Cheng was no fool. If he didn''t see Sasaki, he would undoubtedly be suspicious. The silver in Shandong might be on the move. Time was of the essence, and the trip to Shandong could not be dyed. Lin Wanrong was uncertain about the results of Xu Wei''s negotiations with the old Emperor. Unable to sit still, he couldn''t be bothered to chit-chat with Sasaki anymore, ordering Xu Zhen to ¡°take care¡± of him before leaving with a p of his behind.


    By the time he returned to the mansion, thenterns were just being lit. He had been called away by Xu Wei early yesterday morning and was only just returning now. He shook his head helplessly, sighing, ¡®Who did I wrong? It seems I''m destined tobor. A man really shouldn''t be too capable.¡¯


    With the ¡°blush¡± on his face not yet disappeared, he couldn¡¯t let others see it. He was tiptoeing, about to sneak in, when he heard a soft cry: ¡°Big brother, Big brother is back!¡± Several people rushed out of the mansion, with Qiaoqiao in the lead, followed by Eldest Miss Xiao. Her face was pale, and she looked nkly at Lin Wanrong, calling out, ¡°Lin San¡ª¡± but could say no more. Madam Xiao behind her gently patted her frail shoulder and smiled at Lin Wanrong with a nod.


    ¡°Ah ha, everyone''s here! Have you eaten? If you''ve eaten, go to bed early!¡± Lin Wanrongughed, covering his cheek with his hand.


    ¡°Big brother, what happened to your face?¡± Qiaoqiao was the closest and immediately noticed the bright red on his face, eximing in shock.


    Unaware until they looked, everyone was startled and quickly cast their eyes on his face. Lin Wanrong tightly covered his cheek, stammering: ¡°Oh, nothing, I identally ran into a tree, hitting both sides of my face. But don''t worry, my handsome face hasn''t been damaged at all.¡±


    Qiaoqiao pulled hisrge hand away, touching his face tenderly, tears welling: ¡°Who did this to you, beating you like this? Big brother, does it hurt?¡±¡®This little girl, she didn''t even know how to cover for her husband. Was this a beating? It was a mishap from being affectionate with Fairy Sister. It''s a work-rted injury, you know?¡¯


    He was usually the one bullying others; nobody had ever seen him beaten. What was going on? Eldest Miss anxiously nced at him, wanting to step forward but stopped upon seeing Qiaoqiao''s tender look.


    Since the truth could not be concealed, he decided not to hide it at all. He grabbed Qiaoqiao''s little hand and gently pinched her rosy cheek,ughing yfully as he saluted Eldest Miss and Madam Xiao: "It''s nothing, just an idental injury. I''ll heal in a few days."


    "Big brother, are you all right?" Qiaoqiao examined him up and down, her voice filled with a crying tone, "You were called away by the Emperor yesterday, and we heard nothing from you all day and night. We were all worried to death. Eldest Miss didn''t sleep at allst night, and she went to look for Mr. Xu this morning but didn''t find him."


    Lin Wanrong looked at Eldest Miss, and saw her face tinged with pink, her cherry lips slightly bitten, as she gazed at him longingly.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine, how could anything happen to me?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I was discussing matters with the Emperor yesterday, and it gotte, so the old Emperor asked me to make do with a night in the pce. I didn''t realize it would worry you all. It''s all my fault, the trouble caused by the moon!"


    Xiao Yuruo snorted softly and said, "Keeping you in the pce? The Emperor treats you quite well, doesn''t he? Has the matter of bing the prince consort been settled? When will you marry the princess?"


    "Qiaoqiao, how did you bring such a big jar of vinegar outside?" Lin Wanrongughed.


    "What? I didn''t bring any vinegar¡ª" Qiaoqiao was stunned for a moment, and halfway through her words, she nced at Eldest Miss''s expression and burst intoughter, "Big brother, you''re so naughty."


    Eldest Miss''s eyes reddened, and she said nothing, picking up her long skirt and quickly running back into the shop. Lin Wanrong was taken aback, and Qiaoqiao urgently pushed him, saying anxiously, "Big brother, look what you''ve done with your nonsense, hurry up and chase after her."


    Thismotion, just having sent away Qian¡¯Er, and now weing Eldest Miss, these two jars of vinegar, he didn''t know which one was deeper. He looked helplessly at Madam Xiao, who shook her head and smiled, "You young people''s affairs, I don''t quite understand. You handle it yourselves. I trust you and Yuruo. But honestly, Lin San, these past couple of days without you, our home has seemed lifeless, as if it''s lost its backbone. Yuruo has been listless and unfocused, as if she''s be a different person. Before you came, she was full of energy and fearless, but now it''s the opposite. What do you think is going on?"


    Madam''s words contained deeper meaning. But truly, Lin Wanrong had always considered himself part of the Xiao family, actively promoting the spirit of the master, never treating himself as an outsider. Lin Wanrongughed and said modestly, "Is that so? Madam, you''re ttering me. s, if I''ve so disrupted Eldest Miss''s mind, I''m truly ashamed. Being outstanding is indeed a mistake; I''ll remember that next time."


    This was called not knowing one''s own face; Lin San''s thick skin was indeed unparalleled. Madam Xiao smiled bitterly and sighed, "My Xiao family has struggled for so many years, relying solely on two weak women. Since you came, our burden has been much lighter. Calling you the backbone of the Xiao family is not wrong at all. You go, go see Yuruo,fort her. This child¡ª" Madam wiped away two tears, unable to continue speaking.


    The gentle offensive of Madam Xiao was truly formidable, trapping him tightly, leaving no escape. Lin Wanrong was thoroughly impressed by her tactics. He bowed and made his way into the house, heading straight for the backyard. The sky waspletely dark, and there was no light in Eldest Miss''s room; it was pitch ck, and he had no idea if she was inside.


    He gently tapped on the door twice and cleared his throat, calling softly, "Eldest Miss, it''s Lin San. Please open the door; I have something to say to you."


    Inside the room, all was silent and still. He waited for what seemed like an eternity, but the door remained closed. Lin Wanrong shook his head, sighing, "This is forcing me to use my trump card. I don''t mind, but I fear you, youngdy, might not be able to handle it. ''Yuruo, my sweet, my darling, my treasure, my heart...''"


    In the front hall, Madam Xiao shivered all over, hearing Lin San''s words. How could Lin San say such things? Truly a breach of propriety. How young people these days behave! Qiaoqiao blushed, ustomed to her big brother''s nauseatingly sweet tactics. If she didn''t hear them one day, she might even miss them.


    Before he had finished his call, the door creaked open, and Eldest Miss stood before him, her face stained with tears, both shy and angry, "What are you shouting about so recklessly? Aren''t you afraid mother will hear?"


    Lin Wanrong slipped inside like a monkey, giggling, "What''s there to fear? I shout what I want; she listens to what she wants. She''s pleased with what she hears; I feel energized by what I shout. It''s win-win. My heart, shall I say it again? Do you like to hear it?"


    "Who wants to hear it? You can save your sweet words for your princess," Eldest Miss snorted, though her expression had already softened.


    "How can that be? I swear to the heavens, Yuruo is my heart, unique and unparalleled," Lin Wanrong dered, raising his right hand high, his face serious, his eyes unwavering. He was not lying; Eldest Miss was his heart, Xian''er his sweet, and they got along amicably, without encroaching on each other.


    Eldest Miss''s expression softened even more, a faint blush appearing on her cheeks, as she gently asked, "Then do you dare to say that the Emperor keeping you overnight in the pce wasn''t about recruiting you as his son-inw?"


    ¡®The Emperor would never want me as his son-inw, but the princess is set on being my match.¡¯ Lin San sighed and shook his head, "This is a long story, full of twists and turns, and would take days and nights to tell. Oh, my heart, you look so beautiful in this purple gown today, like a fairy. How have I never seen it before?"


    Eldest Miss, however, was not so easily deceived. Seeing his evasive words, she knew that he was hiding something, and tears immediately fell from her eyes. "Do you really think you can fool me with words? Do you think I''m that easily bullied? You didn''te back all night yesterday, and you scared my soul out of me. I was in front of Mr. Xu''s residence, waiting for news of you just after the first watch of the night. Is this how you treat me? Get out, get out, go find your ''little heart''!"


    Eldest Miss pushed him, trying to make him leave, but Lin Wanrong twisted his waist, scooping her delicate body into his arms, giggling, "Isn''t this exactly what I''m doing, looking for my little heart? Look, I''ve been ''injured at work.'' Ah, speaking of which, the twists and perils I''ve been through thesest two days are something you could never imagine. The few words I spoke to you were all true, no deceit to young or old, and if there''s any falsehood, may thunder strike me down, may I never..."


    "Why are you making such a vow out of nowhere?" Eldest Miss was so frightened that she quickly covered his mouth, urgently saying, "What if ites true? What would I do without you?"


    Lord Lin helplessly rolled his eyes, thinking, ¡®Does she really believe I''m so insincere?¡¯ He took Eldest Miss''s small hand and lightly kissed it, speaking solemnly, "Eldest Miss, I have to ask you something, and you must answer me honestly¡ªwhat would you do if one day I became the Emperor?"


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 Chapter 375

    Chapter 375


    Chapter 375 I Have Sinned


    Eldest Miss stood agog, staring nkly at him for a long time, before finally recovering her wits. She nced around, ensuring that no one had overheard, and then lowered her voice, trembling as she said, "Are you trying to get yourself killed? How dare you speak such seditious words?"


    "Hehe, I was only joking," Master Linughed heartily, "If I were to be the Emperor, I would certainly make you the Grand Imperial Concubine, so that you would be honored in your hometown, and everyone would envy you."


    Eldest Miss hastily pulled him closer, on guard lest the rebellious words be overheard by others. Her eyebrows raised, she said, "Have you lost your mind? It''s not yetpletely dark, and you''re already dreaming. If I be the Imperial Concubine, who will be the Empress above me?"


    "Ah, that... I was just speaking casually. It''s gettingte; you should rest. I wille to see you again tomorrow morning," Master Lin quickly finished, trying to leave. Eldest Miss snorted and angrily asked, "Just how many seductive vixens do you keep? You''d better confess quickly."


    "Really, am I that kind of person?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Just look at me, and you''ll know how innocent I am."


    Eldest Miss looked at his cheek, reaching out to gently touch it, suddenly sobbing, "Did she do this to you? How could she bear to hit you? She''s bullying you even before the wedding! Is the Princess so great? I''ll go confront her right now!"


    Sweat, what a mix-up! The woman who could bully Lin San hasn''t been born yet. Heughed it off and quickly grabbed the angry Eldest Miss, "You misunderstand. The Princess is like a cat in front of me."


    "Then what happened to you?" Eldest Miss asked softly, gently caressing his face."It''s a work-rted injury, an ident," he said unabashedly, "Enough, let''s not talk about this. Tomorrow early, I have to go to Shandong. You and Qiaoqiao take care of things at home."


    "Shandong? What are you doing in Shandong?" Lin San had been busy as a mule these days, and Eldest Miss hadn''t even seen his shadow. Though she scolded him, her heart was filled with concern. Hearing he was leaving again, she was naturally shocked.


    Lin Wanrong thought for a moment, holding her hand, "Yuruo, this matter is significant. Normally, I shouldn''t tell you, but you''re no outsider, and I''m honest and upright, so I don''t want to lie to you. Promise me that after hearing this, you''ll keep it a strict secret and not let anyone else know."


    Master Lin was adept at this; he concealed small matters but not big ones. With these words, Xiao Yuruo was sweetly caught by his sugar-coated words, but she didn''t realize it. Seeing his serious face, Eldest Miss felt a sweetness in her heart, obediently nodding her agreement.


    "There''s trouble in Shandong, the Luo family is in trouble," Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, exining the whole story. As a businesswoman, Eldest Miss had a deeper understanding of money than anyone else. Hearing about the loss of three hundred and fifty thousand taels of military sry in Jining, she was instantly pale with shock. Being a woman, naturally jealous of Miss Luo and Lin San''s rtionship, she knew this was not the time for jealousy. Looking at Lin San worriedly, she asked, "So what do you n to do?"


    "How are we going to manage?" Lin Wanrong said with a bitter smile, shaking his head. "Back in Jinling, Luo Min helped me; Luo Yuan is my brother; and Ning''er and I have some connection. If I were to abandon them, what kind of person would I be? Early this morning, I sent Old Xu into the pce to plead for mercy, hoping the Emperor will grant a dy. I''ll try to help them recover the silver."


    "The thieves who dared to steal the silver must have already made arrangements. You''re going in blindly; what if you can''t find it?" Eldest Miss looked at him anxiously, not daring to continue her thought.


    "If we can''t find it, I''ll sell off our family assets to save them," Lin Wanrong stated resolutely, his face showing not a hint of hesitation.


    Eldest Miss''s eyes misted over as she said mournfully, "If you dissipate our family wealth, what will you do in the future? For Luo Ning, are you really willing to give up everything?"


    "If it were for you, I would do the same," Lin Wanrong grinned. "To me, money is an external thing; if it''s gone, I can earn it back. But if I lose someone I love, life would lose its vor."


    Eldest Miss remained silent for a long time before suddenly embracing him and sobbing, her little fists pounding his chest like raindrops. "You unfaithful dead man, I hate you, I hate you."


    Lin Wanrong corrected her with a stern face, "Not unfaithful, but passionate; there''s a fundamental difference."


    "It''s unfaithful, just unfaithful." Eldest Miss wiped her tears, giving him a relentless nce before whispering, "Wait a moment, I''ll be right back." Without waiting for Lin Wanrong to speak, she turned and left, closing the door behind her with a ng.


    Lin Wanrong''s brow furrowed, wondering what the girl was up to, being so secretive. After waiting quite a while, Eldest Miss returned and handed him a small bundle, softly saying, "Take this."


    "What is this?" Lin Wanrong asked in surprise, finding the bundle very light, seemingly containing only a few thin sheets of paper.


    "These are the deeds to my Xiao family''s properties in Jinling, Hangzhou, the capital, and other ces. All together, there are over ten of them; they should be worth some silver. Also included are our shares in various businesses, which would also be valuable if pawned," Eldest Miss said calmly, her eyes full of determination.


    "How can this be eptable?" Lin Wanrong was shocked, quickly pushing the bundle back into her hands. "If you give these to me, the Xiao family will have nothing left. How will you exin this to your rtives, to Madam?"


    Eldest Miss snorted, "I''m in charge of the Xiao family now; my mother won''t object. But what about what you just said? Have you forgotten already? ''Money is an external thing; if it''s gone, it can be earned back, but if we lose someone we love, life would lose its vor.'' You taught me this, and I remember it well."


    Eldest Miss was always like this, seemingly cold and stern, but when she was tender, it always moved Lin Wanrong to tears. His eyes were moist, and his heart was surging. Just as he was about to embrace her tightly, he suddenly noticed a shining pair of scissors in Eldest Miss''s hand, aimed at his chest. The scissors glinted sharply, gleaming with a cold light under the faint moonlight that shone through the window.


    Lin Wanrong''s tenderness was suddenly reced by horror. "Eldest Miss, what are you doing? Please, don''t do anything rash!"


    Xiao Yuruo snorted and said coldly, "Everything of the Xiao family is now yours; aside from you, I have nothing left. From now on, this pair of scissors will be with me. If you ever betray me, I will use them to stab you first, then myself." Eldest Miss''s expression was icy as she gestured menacingly toward him and then towards herself. Her determination made her look like apletely different person.


    Cold sweat streamed down Master Lin''s back as if he had witnessed himself being stabbed eighteen times, like a traitor. Eldest Miss''s personality was unique and fiery; he loved it so much. He carefully took the scissors and threw them on the ground, tightly embracing Eldest Miss, his gratitude overflowing. "Eldest Miss, Yuruo, my love, you are too good to me. If I ever betray you, I would be less than human."


    Eldest Miss nestled in his arms, a victorious smile on her face, and said softly, "As long as you treat me well for the rest of your life, I will be content."


    Such simple words! The best women in the world had all been encountered by him. Master Lin felt waves of shame, hugging Eldest Miss tightly, tears and snot streaming down his face. "Eldest Miss, I must confess, I have sinned. My intentions towards you were impure, always wanting to take advantage of you."


    "Nonsense! Could you have taken advantage without my consent?" Eldest Miss''s face was flushed with heat, feigning indifference as she embraced him and patted his shoulder. "It''s good that you know, but you must correct this behavior in the future."


    "Not just that, I have an even greater sin. Eldest Miss, my thoughts have been filthy. Every time I see you and the Second Miss together, I think, I think¡ª"


    "You think what?" Eldest Miss clenched her little fist, her heart pounding twice.


    "I have sinned; I think of stripping you both naked and deceiving you together¡ªah¡ª" A sharp, piercing scream resounded, reaching the ears of Madam Xiao and Qiaoqiao. Qiaoqiao frowned, saying, "Madam, did you hear that? It sounded like big brother''s voice!"


    "Really? I didn''t recognize it. Maybe you''re just thinking of him too much," Madam Xiaoughed. "He''s talking with Yuruo. You know her personality, don''t you? She treasures Lin San as a treasure in your family. What could possibly go wrong?"


    That made sense; it would have been strange if big brother hadn''t done something to Eldest Miss. If it was said that Eldest Miss had restrained big brother, that would have been the most preposterous thing in the world.


    As she was thinking about this, a figure suddenly appeared at the doorway, causing Qiaoqiao to let out a shrill scream, "Big brother, what happened to you?"


    Master Lin, looking quite the mess with torn clothes and hair like a bird''s nest, tightly covered his cheek and gave an awkward smile, "Nothing much, I was just careless and ran into a tree again. It has nothing to do with Eldest Miss, really nothing at all."


    Eldest Miss emerged from behind him with a smile, cing a small bundle into his arms. She tenderly and sweetly fixed his disheveled hair, straightened his clothes, and a sweet smile spread across her face. "Did you remember everything I just told you? Be careful on the road, mind your eating habits, be aware of fire and theft. Don''t be fickle, changing your mind all the time, otherwise, I''ll be very angry, and you know the consequences!"


    "I know, I know, the consequences are severe," Master Lin replied, covering his cheek and smiling obsequiously. Qiaoqiao and Madam Xiao watched his demeanor, and they exchanged a nce. A word rose in both their minds: bizarre, inexplicably bizarre!


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 Chapter 376

    Chapter 376


    Chapter 376 Apanied by Beauty


    That night, Master Lin slept in a half-drunken, half-awake state. At one moment, he dreamed of having a son with Qingxuan; at another, he dreamed of Eldest Miss stabbing him with several holes. When he awoke, he was drenched in cold sweat. ¡®Damn it, why would I dream such a thing? Am I really meant to y the part of Chen Shimei?¡¯ he thought.


    [TL: Chen Shimei is a Chinese opera character and a byword in China for a heartless and unfaithful man. There was a quite famous song for this character: Tom Ching Cheng Hanji, but 4K 60fps.]


    He wiped away the sweat and saw the charming girl beside him still fast asleep, her red face bearing a sweet smile as if she had dreamt something pleasant. Her tender arms, like lotus roots, extended outside the nket, vaguely revealing her fragrant shoulders and soft chest, a sight that was infinitely beautiful. A gentle affection rose in Lin Wanrong''s heart, and he kissed the girl''s delicate nose and yfully patted her plump buttocks before getting up with a lecherousugh.


    The time was only the second watch of the night, but he could no longer fall asleep. He thought about Shandong and wondered how the Luo family was doing now, feeling anxious. What was even more annoying was that since entering the pce, old Xu had not sent any news. He seemed to have evaporated from the earth, without even a peep. Master Lin didn''t know what the Emperor''s decision was. However, the trip to Shandong was undoubtedly necessary. Wanting to avoid seeing the tears of the Eldest Miss and Qiaoqiao, he thought to leave while they were still asleep.


    He took out the small package Eldest Miss had given him from Qiaoqiao''s prepared luggage. Although it was only a few thin sheets of paper, it felt as heavy as a thousand pounds. Eldest Miss was indeed a character that brought him joy and sorrow. Thinking of her secretiveughter the night before, his heart felt waves of warmth.


    To travel from the capital to Shandong, riding hard, it would take a day and a night to arrive. Fortunately, he had the blood-sweat treasure horse given by the Turks. ¡®I''ll try its taste today,¡¯ Master Lin thought, happily sizing up the tall Turkic horse and patting its backside firmly.


    At the second watch, the sky was dim and without light. The sporadic lights on the long street were like brightmps in the dark night, giving him warmth and guiding his direction. He looked back longingly at the familiar house, where Eldest Miss, Qiaoqiao, and Madam Xiao were still in their dreams, hoping they would have pleasant ones.


    He stretched and was about to mount his horse when he suddenly heard the sound of wheels in front. In the silence of the early morning, it was quite piercing."Halt¡ª" After a softmand, a carriage stopped before Lin Wanrong, and Xu Wei hurriedly jumped down: "Little brother Lin, little brother Lin, oh, thank heavens. This old man has note toote."


    ¡®Isn''t this toote? Are you ying with me, old fellow?¡¯ Master Lin replied with a forced smile, "Ah, isn''t this old brother Xu? What, did Sister Su not take good care of you? Out wandering so early in the morning."


    Xu Wei waved his hand with a bitter smile, "Don''t me me, little brother, this old man has been in the pce since yesterday and just came out now. It has been quite tough."


    Listening to old Xu''s words, it seemed that things hadn''t gone smoothly. Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat, and he couldn''t help but be serious, hurriedly asking, "Brother Xu, what did the Emperor say? Did he agree?"


    Xu Wei sighed and said, "Little brother, you know that the Emperor just encountered an incident yesterday, and his mood was already extremely bad. Then this old man brought him this news; how could the Emperor be pleased? He nearly had me executed!"


    ¡®Execute you? What a joke. The old man isn''t so foolish. You and Li Tai are the pirs of the Great Hua; he wouldn''t execute either of you. This is clearly an opportunity to im merit.¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled and said, ¡°Brother Xu, I know your hard work, and you won''t be treated unfairly after this is over. Feel free to make any requests."


    Xu Wei''s face lit up with joy. "This is what you said. I have only one small request, and you can agree to itter. Yesterday, after I reported the news to the Emperor, his Majesty was furious and immediately wanted to issue an edict to execute the entire Luo Min family. This old man pleaded strenuously, and the Emperor punished me by making me kneel outside the Imperial Study for three hours. It wasn''t untilst night that I was allowed in to speak."


    ¡®Emperors are known for their ruthlessness, and even with Xu Wei''s unwavering loyalty, the old Emperor would still do such a thing,¡¯ Lin Wanrong nodded and asked, "What happened then?"


    "After presenting myself before the Emperor, I pleaded earnestly, and told him that you, little brother, were willing to personally retrieve the sry silver. The Emperor''s face finally eased a bit," Xu Wei looked at him and cautiously said, "However, the Emperor has shortened the deadline to seven days. Little brother, are you alright?!"


    ¡®Seven days? Damn it, is this not a death sentence? The old man''s move is really merciless.¡¯ Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth and said, "I''m fine, Brother Xu, continue."


    "The Emperor said that you maymand the military officials within Shandong''s territory. If you can help Luo Min recover the silver within seven days, he will not only pardon Luo Min but also reappoint him. If you fail to retrieve the silver, then all officials in Shandong, and the entire Luo Min family, will be executed!" Xu Wei took a letter from his sleeve and handed it to him, saying, "This is the Emperor''s handwritten order and the military token, keep it well. The Emperor has learned that you are going to Shandong, so he let Li Tai choose Hu Bugui, who is most familiar with Jining''s terrain, to assist you. He set offst night and rushed back to Jining."


    "Brother Hu is going too?" Lin Wanrong said joyfully. ¡®Finally, the Emperor shows some kindness, thinking of his son-inw.¡¯


    Xu Wei nodded and said, "Little brother Lin, I can see that the Emperor''s favor towards you is extraordinary; you must do your utmost for him."


    ¡®Nonsense, we are all family; can I not do my best?¡¯ Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Brother Xu, there''s one more thing I need to trouble you with. Later, when you return to the pce, report to the Emperor that I have captured all the assassins from yesterday, killed twelve, and caught three alive. They are all imprisoned in Du Xiuyuan''s army."


    "Is this true?" Xu Wei eximed in joy. "No wonder the Emperor values you so much. Little brother Lin, this old man ispletely convinced by you."


    Lin Wanrong recounted the events of the previous day. Xu Wei listened with furrowed brows, then said thoughtfully, "Now that our Great Hua is on the verge of war with the Turkic Khaganate, if Prince Cheng really colludes with Dongyin, that will be troublesome. The Dongyin people have been attacking our southeastern coast, killing fishermen, and bing increasingly bold. Fujian''s naval reports keeping one after another, and the northern nomad people are threatening. If we add internal strife to this, the situation is greatly unfavorable."


    "The wise and unwise, the old man knows best." Lin Wanrong said with a faint smile, "Do not think that he is confined to the pce, there is not a single matter outside that he does not know about. Who sent the assassins, he knows without having to investigate, and he understands it all too well. You simply have to tell him the truth. Oh, by the way, are the envoys from the Turks, Goryeo, and Dongyin still in the capital?"


    Xu Wei pped his hands, "Now that you mention it, I recall something. A few days ago, the Dongyin envoy Tsugumi Takeshita returned to his country. Now, it seems, he deliberately made us lower our guard to strike secretly. As for the envoys from Goryeo and the Turks, they have not returned home yet, and I don''t know what they intend to do."


    ¡®Tsugumi Takeshita ran away? Damn, the day I beat him up, I didn''t go far enough. If I had known, I would have cut off his little pecker, making him return as a capon. As for Goryeo, they stayed to find someone to deal with the Dongyin invaders. These matters I didn''t care to handle; when I have free time, fondling Jang Geum''s little hand is the real deal.¡¯


    "Brother Xu, these few days I won''t be in the capital, so you help General Li and the others keep an eye on those big-nosed Ashile and hispanions." Lin Wanrongughed, "I''ve given them a big cannon that won''t fire, don''t let them dismantle it and run away with the parts."


    Xu Weiughed heartily, "I''ve heard about that from General Li Tai, Li Sheng and the others are keeping a close watch."


    After finishing the instructions, Lin Wanrong was about to mount his horse and leave, but Xu Wei called out, "Hold on, hold on. Little brother Lin, have you forgotten the request you promised me earlier?"


    Lin Wanrong looked puzzled, "What request? If you have something to ask, just wait until I return, I don''t have time to do things for you now."


    "This matter must be mentioned now," Xu Wei said with a smile, gesturing to the carriage, "Zhiqing, you tell Master Lin yourself."


    The carriage curtain was lifted, and a vigorous youngdy jumped out. Her face was as lovely as a lotus, eyebrows like willow leaves, with a slender and full figure, standing gracefully. It was Xu Wei''s beloved daughter, Xu Zhiqing.


    "Old Xu, what are you up to?" Master Lin grabbed his shoulder in rm, "Don''t you try to take advantage of the situation and y matchmaker! I''ll have you know, I can''t be corrupted by wealth and beauty, and I''ll defend my innocence to the death."


    "What are you babbling about?" Xu Zhiqing, her face flushed with anger, snapped, "I want to go with you to Shandong."


    "You''re going to Shandong?" Master Lin was taken aback, shaking his head like a rattle, "Miss, I''m going to war, not on vacation. Save your energy."


    "War?!" Xu Zhiqing scoffed, "When I was on the battlefield fighting the nomads, you were still buying candied haws."


    This was a naked provocation, and Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Sister, I know you''re older, but you don''t have to mention it all the time. You''re pretty and have a hot figure, as long as you don''t say it, no one would know you''re thirty-five."


    Seeing Xu Zhiqing about to explode, Xu Wei quickly jumped in to mediate, "Alright, alright, Little brother Lin, enough with the nonsense. Miss Luo was under Zhiqing''s care when she was studying in the capital years ago, and they are close friends. It''s only natural for her to go and assist. Moreover, Zhiqing has been to the front lines several times to fight the nomads, and even General Li Tai praises her for her wisdom and strategy. As long as you cooperate well, recovering the three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver will be a foregone conclusion."


    "A lone man and a single woman, I''m afraid this journey won''t be very convenient!" Master Lin winked and gestured, saying, "Besides, I have to travel day and night on this journey; I don''t have time to wait for her."


    Xu Zhiqing snorted and said, "On the northern front, I lived and fought against the nomads alongside tens of thousands of soldiers. Has anyone ever mentioned the issue of being alone with men? You''re the only one who makes such a fuss."


    "Alright, it''s settled then," Xu Wei pped his hands,ughing, "We are people of the Jianghu; why bother with all this idle chatter? As for the timing, it won''t dy you. Didn''t the nomads gift you two fine steeds? One for each of you, riding side by side; that will solve the issue, won''t it?!"


    Good heavens! It seemed that this father-daughter duo had nned everything in advance, even knowing his assets down to thest detail. Recalling the words he had said when he first met Miss Xu Zhiqing, and gazing at her perfectly contoured and attractive figure, Master Lin''s smile gradually turnedscivious...


    "Lin San, Lin San¡ª" Eldest Miss woke up from her dream, quickly lifting her head to look out the window. A faint fish-belly white hue appeared; it wasn''t even the third watch of the night. Thinking of Lin San''s departure, she was about to get up and pack when she saw a small package by her bedside with a thin piece of paper on top.


    Upon unwrapping the package, the deed and the silver notes were left intact, none missing. A few simple lines of writing caught her eye: "Eat well, drink well, sleep well, don''t think wild thoughts. I took the scissors for self-defense, and only at one moment will I think of you¡ªwhen I breathe."


    The unique simplified characters; only Lin San in this world could write them, impossible to be forged by anyone else. Eldest Miss, both crying andughing, covered her small mouth with tears streaming down: "Lin San, I hate you so much!"


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 Chapter 377

    Chapter 377


    Chapter 377 Farewell to Luo Ning


    Jining was situated exactly between Jinling and the capital, a distance that could neither be considered near nor far. Miss Xu''s temperament seemed even more impatient than Lin Wanrong''s. She had ridden her horse for three continuous hours, taking the lead without uttering a single word. The famed blood-sweat treasure horse truly lived up to its reputation, demonstrating strong and swift movement. It ran three to four hundred li without showing a hint of fatigue. No wonder the Turkic cavalry was so formidable.


    "Hey, Miss Xu, let''s find a ce to rest up ahead. We don''t want to exhaust this precious horse; it''s worth a thousand pieces of gold after all!" Lin Wanrong rode up, barely catching up with Xu Zhiqing, and called out with augh.


    Miss Xu gradually slowed her horse, gave him a sidelong nce, and snorted, "If you can''t keep up, just say so. Don''t make excuses. This blood-sweat treasure horse can travel a thousand li a day. Even if you fall down, it can still carry you to Jining."


    Observing Miss Xu''s calm andposed demeanor, showing no sign of fatigue, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Look at what you''re saying. How could I mistreat such a horse? I''m just worried about you, Miss Xu. What if you catch a cold or something during this long journey? I wouldn''t know how to exin to your father."


    "Thank you for your kindness, Master Lin." Xu Zhiqing shook her head, a faint smile appearing on her face. "This mere eight hundred li journey is nothingpared to fighting fierce nomads cavalry. I''m more worried about you, Master Lin. With your frail body, I don''t know if you can endure the journey!"


    ¡®Frail body? This girl is calling me weak? Did she observe it or touch me to confirm?¡¯ Lin Wanrong grinned, "Miss Xu, you''re very observant, even noticing that I''m frail. Perhaps I have been overworking myselftely. I can only manage seven or eight times a night, only half as much as before. I guess I need to rejuvenate. Just don''t peek!" As he spoke, he reached into his pocket, pulled out a small box, opened the lid, and inhaled deeply, looking blissful.


    Xu Zhiqing caught a faint fragrance and nced curiously at the item. Recognizing what it was, she blushed furiously, shouting, "You, you, shameless!"


    "Shameless?" Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise. "I just warned you not to peek. Sigh, I''m merely taking medicine to rejuvenate myself, and you call that shameless? Is there no justice left in the world?""You dare to say that? These obscene things are your rejuvenating medicine?" Miss Xu snorted angrily, urging her horse to move on.


    Master Lin shook his head and sighed, "People see objects differently, and their hearts are revealed by what they see. The same thing can appear differently to different people. For example, in my eyes, this is an excellent medicine, a life-saving grace. But to Miss Xu, it bes an obscene object. How can there be such a great difference between people?"


    Miss Xu, well-versed in astronomy, geography, agriculture, and medicine, hesitated at his words, "You... you say this is really medicine?"


    "Miss Xu is well-versed in the medical arts of Great Hua, so you should understand that in Great Hua medical theory there''s a concept called ''shape supplementation,'' what we usually refer to as consuming something for the specific part of the body it resembles. Just like how the shape of broad beans resembles kidneys, and thus they are believed to nourish the yin and kidneys. What I have here in my hand is called ''Yangshen,'' born beneath the eternal snow of Mount Changbai. As for its medicinal properties, ording to shape supplementation theory, haha, I won''t say; you''re so clever, Miss, you''ll surely figure it out!" Lin Wanrong boasted with pride, unting the Great Hua medical theory he''d learned from Seo Jang Geum, his heart filled with joy.


    "This is the legendary ''Yangshen'' from Goryeo?" Xu Zhiqing had clearly heard of it before and said with astonishment, her face flushed with a wave of crimson. She probably never dreamt that the "Yangshen" recorded in the medical books would look so "lewd," just like Lin San.


    "Yes, yes, this is Yangshen. Miss Xu, take a look at it," Lin Wanrong said,ughing as he tried to hand it over to her. She shrieked and pulled her hand back, causing Master Lin to burst intoughter, angering her so much that she gritted her teeth: "Despicable, vulgar!"


    After their yful exchange, Xu Zhiqing, her face still flushed with embarrassment, no longer insisted on hurrying. She dismounted to rest under arge tree but kept her distance from Lin Wanrong, as if he were a ferocious beast.


    "A healer must have a parent''s heart. Miss Xu still has much to learn from the great healer Jang Geum about being open-minded," Lin Wanrong said, putting away the frightening little box and lewdly smiling as he walked toward Miss Xu.


    Xu Zhiqing was resting under the tree, keeping a close watch on his every move. Seeing him approaching, she immediately tensed up, revealing a delicate repeating crossbow aimed at him: "What, what are you going to do?"


    This scene was strikingly simr to when they''d teased each other while taking shelter from the rain at the Jade Buddha Temple. "Slow down, slow down, be careful not to misfire," Lin Wanrong chuckled, tossing her a small bag: "Here, this is for you."


    Miss Xu took the small bag, finding inside a water bottle and some delicate pastries, their light fragrance wafting over. She hesitated for a moment, then softly asked, "Is this... for me?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed: "It wasn''t originally for you, but since you''re a lone woman and I''m a lone man, if I let you starve, you would probably ruin my reputation, so it''s better to take care of you first."


    Miss Xu held back a smile, put away her little crossbow, and tossed him a small bag: "This is the dry food I preparedst night. Make do with it."


    Lin Wanrong opened the bag and saw several fine snacks,parable to Qiaoqiao''s cooking and certainly more than Miss Xu could eat alone.


    ¡®Even my dry food was prepared; this girl is quite considerate,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, popping a pastry into his mouth andughing: "This is what we call mutual aid. Thank you, Miss Xu."


    The two rested under the tree for a while, and Lin Wanrong stared at the fine horse, lost in thought, before suddenly asking: "Miss Xu, have you really fought against the nomads on the front line?"


    Xu Zhiqing took a sip of water and nodded lightly: "I have been to the front line three times."


    "Did you win or lose?" Lin Wanrong asked with a smile.


    "There was no victory or defeat, only endless yellow sand, blood, and severed limbs." Xu Zhiqing''s eyes were slightly moist as she tenderly brushed her hair beside her ear.


    Lin Wanrong patted her shoulder, sighing softly, "Generals die in countless battles; brave men return after a decade. Green mountains cover the loyal bones; everywhere there are heroic figures! My condolences, my condolences!"


    Miss Xu nced at him and snorted, "Master Lin, can you please remove your dirty hand?"


    "Oh, really? My goodness, what''s happening here?" Lin Wanrong eximed, awkwardly chuckling twice before pulling his hand away from Miss Xu''s slender waist. "I apologize, I apologize; it was a habitual move, I''ll be more careful next time."


    Xu Zhiqing coldlyughed, "Before you act out of habit next time, please make sure to choose the right target. I''m not as easily bullied as Ning''er and Qiaoqiao!"


    "I know, you''re armed with arrows!" Lin Wanrongughed, ncing at the two horses that were nuzzling together. Suddenly he eximed, "Oh my, they are lovers! Fortunately, Miss Xu, you''re here; otherwise, I might have separated this pair of lovers without knowing. A grave sin, indeed."


    Xu Zhiqing looked up and saw the two beautiful horses indeed nuzzling each other affectionately. She disdainfully spat, feigning indifference, "Animals know no reason; how could humans learn from them?"


    This girl''s sharp tongue always seemed to have a hidden agenda. Master Lin could gain no advantage, so he merelyughed and checked the time, "It''s gettingte, Miss Xu; we should continue our journey."


    A faint smile appeared on Xu Zhiqing''s lips, and she nodded, "Very well, I was thinking the same." She took two steps, reached for the saddle, and was about to mount, when she suddenly turned to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, do you remember the words you spoke when we first met?"


    Lin Wanrong was surprised, wondering if she was settling old scores. Before he could speak, Miss Xu continued, "I bring this up not for any other reason, but to hope that someone might reflect. If you think that your wish can truly be fulfilled, that would be as likely as the sun rising in the west. Drive--"


    With a sharp cry, the steed sprinted away, kicking up a cloud of dust, disappearing from sight in the blink of an eye. Master Lin stood there for a moment, then burst outughing. Old Xu''s daughter was indeed interesting!


    On the way to Jinan, the two riders and their horses kept a considerable distance, never speaking a word. By the time night fell, the panting horses were weakened, their hooves gradually softened, their tails constantly flicking. Even such excellent horses couldn''t endure the journey of eight hundred li in a day. Lin Wanrong''s face and body were covered in dust. Looking up, he saw a towering city wall standing before them, the walls strong, the guards strict, and the opening left by the bombardment of the White Lotus Sect still notpletely sealed.


    "We''ve arrived at Jinan!" Lin Wanrong pulled the horse''s reins, and the steed''s front hooves soared into the air, letting out a long neigh followed by an excited shout.


    Xu Zhiqing stood in front of the city gate, quietly gazing at the tall city wall, sighing softly, "So this is Jinan? Indeed, with such high walls and thick defenses, it''s easy to defend and hard to attack. No wonder the White Lotus Sect could remain unbeaten here for so many years. It must have taken you quite some effort when you attacked this ce in the past."


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "I gained my advantages without much fighting."


    Xu Zhiqing red at him and snorted, "Gained advantages? You speak lightly of it. Without the blood of the soldiers, where would you gain any advantage?"


    ¡®Fine, I said nothing; this youngdy is utterly upright.¡¯ Lin Wanrong wore a bitter smile across his face, while Miss Xu sighed softly, "We''re here, but we don''t know if we can actually help Ning''er."


    "Big brother, Big brother, is that you?" A cry of surprise came from ahead, and hundreds of people were holding torches, seeming to search for something. A nimble figure in the crowd threw away his torch and shouted excitedly before rushing towards them.


    "Little Luo¡ª" Lin Wanrong shouted, dismounting his horse, looking at the approaching Luo Yuan, his heart filled with emotion.


    "Big brother, I''ve missed you so much!" Luo Yuan ran to him, grabbing his arm, shouting excitedly, tears glistening in his eyes.


    Months had passed since theyst saw each other, and Luo Yuan had grown taller, darker, and thinner. His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked fatigued, but his face was full of excitement and agitation.


    "Big brother, Big brother, I''m d you''vee." Like a wronged child, Luo Yuan, who had been strong and hard in front of others, could no longer restrain the tears in his eyes at the sight of Lin Wanrong. They flowed freely, and he embraced him, sobbing loudly.


    Luo Yuan had matured a lot in these months, but he was still only seventeen or eighteen years old. The sudden crisis he faced was a tremendous blow, and the fact that he held on this long was miraculous. Lin Wanrong''s heart grew heavy as he patted his shoulder, saying, "Little Luo, well done. You were not defeated; you are my good brother."


    "Big brother, if you hadn''te, I fear we couldn''t have held on. Father, Father¡ª"


    "What happened to Lord Luo?" Lin Wanrong anxiously asked, grabbing Luo Yuan. Lord Luo Min had treated him with kindness and protection.


    "The night beforest, the military funds were robbed, and Father spat out three mouthfuls of blood and fainted. He hasn''t woken up yet," Luo Yuan cried inconsbly. In front of his big brother, he was just a child.


    The military funds had been stolen, Lord Luo was unconscious, and the entire Jining and Shandong were in chaos. The situation was even worse than he had imagined.


    He mustn''t panic; he mustn''t panic. Lin Wanrong steadied himself, bit his tongue to keep himself alert, and turned to Xu Zhiqing, saying, "Miss Xu, I heard you are skilled in the art of healing. Can you take a look at Lord Luo? Little Luo, you don''t know her, do you? This is the daughter of Master Xu Wei and a close friend of your sister, Miss Xu Zhiqing!"


    Luo Yuan, startled and then delighted, quickly bowed, "You are Sister Zhiqing? Little brother Luo Yuan pays his respects!"


    Miss Xu hurriedly helped Luo Yuan up, "Little brother Luo, please do not be so formal. I came in a hurry and am not sure if I can be of help."


    "Having the intention is enough," Lin Wanrong said calmly, then turned to Luo Yuan, "Little Luo, where were the military funds robbed, and what is the current situation in Jining? Tell me about it."


    Luo Yuan, seeing his big brother''s inquiry, seemed to find a pir of strength and wiped away his tears, saying, "The batch of military pay was transported from Hangzhou through Chuzhou to Jining the night beforest. Originally, it should have been released with the proper clearance documents. However, the carts and horses carrying the silver arrived at Jiningte, and themanding officer in charge of the escort was worried about something happening on the road, so he requested my father to station them outside Jining City for the night. Who knew that something would go wrong that night? Around midnight, my father was uneasy and went to inspect the camp himself. Arriving there, he found itpletely empty. Not only had the 350,000 taels of silver vanished, but even the 5,000 elite soldiers, along with their horses and weapons, had disappeared without a trace."


    "Where were these 5,000 elite soldiers and 350,000 taels of silver stationed, outside which city gate?" Lin Wanrong asked, furrowing his brow.


    "They came from Chuzhou and were stationed outside the South Gate of Jining City," Luo Yuan answered.


    The South Gate? That was where Lin Wanrong had initially breached Jining City. He hadn''t expected that after all this going back and forth, he would have to return there. He sighed and continued, "When these 5,000 elite soldiers withdrew, taking the 350,000 taels of silver with them, did they not leave any clues behind?"


    "Those bastards must have plotted this in advance. When they withdrew, they left the camp clean and tidy, not leaving a thing behind. Later, my father ordered a lockdown of the entire area around Jining City, and we found a few witnesses. They said they saw about 3,000 soldiers on both the east and west sides, each pullingrge carts that night without disying any banners, in a hurried manner. They must have been those scoundrels."


    3,000 soldiers each to the east and west, retreating simultaneously? Lin Wanrong and Xu Zhiqing looked at each other in surprise. 350,000 taels of silver was no small amount, requiring dozens of carts. Even if they wanted to split the troops for smuggling, they shouldn''t have divided them into two paths; such targets were too big.


    "Did anyone see theserge cartster?" Xu Zhiqing asked.


    "No. Later, the entire Jining and Shandong areas were sealed off, but those 5,000 men andrge carts seemed to have evaporated, disappearing without a trace."


    Xu Zhiqing''s brow furrowed, apparently puzzled by the situation. Lin Wanrong sighed, "They have all been poisoned. Of course, you wouldn''t find them."


    Xu Zhiqing was startled by his words and was about to ask when Lin Wanrong waved his hand to stop her, "Little Luo, have you searched the area around Jining?"


    "Since the incident that night, we have turned Jining upside down. Not only the four gates to the east, south, west, and north, but also the area for dozens of miles around has been dug three feet deep." Luo Yuan shook his head, fatigue in his face, and the result was clear without asking.


    Seeing Luo Yuan''s haggard appearance, Lin Wanrong couldn''t bear to inquire further, saying to Xu Zhiqing, "Miss Xu, pleasee with us to see Lord Luo first."


    Luo Min''s condition was of utmost urgency and couldn''t be dyed. Xu Zhiqing nodded, and the two followed Luo Yuan in a hurry toward the government building.


    Jining was originally a bustling town, but after years of influence by the White Lotus Sect and the bombardment during the city''s attack, it was left in ruins. Luo Min''s government building was located in a broken mansion in the city. Although it was neat and clean, it was worlds apart from the grandeur of the Jiangsu Governor''s Mansion of that day.


    Guiding the two of them into a room, Lin Wanrong looked on in astonishment. The man lying on the bed, his face as pale as wax and his features thin and haggard, was this really the once portly Luo Min? How had he aged so drastically in just a few months?


    Xu Zhiqing extended her delicate fingers, lightly touching Luo Min''s pulse, pondering for a long time before finally speaking, ¡°A disorder of the spleen and stomach, suppressed emotions causing blockages, chronic ailments within the body, and the cold invading the abdomen¡ª¡±


    ¡®I asked you to diagnose him, not recite idioms.¡¯ Lin Wanrong interrupted impatiently, ¡°Miss Xu, can you just tell me directly what''s going on with Lord Luo?¡±


    Xu Zhiqing sighed, ¡°Uncle Luo''s condition is due to suppressed emotions attacking the heart, along with longstanding chronic diseases, which have caused him to fall into aa. Proper care and nourishment are needed, and he will need at least a year to recover.¡±


    As long as it was not life-threatening, Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from his forehead. Seeing Xu Zhiqing writing a prescription, the names of herbs like Bellflower and Shell mother from Sichuan making no sense to him, he pulled Luo Yuan aside, ¡°Little Luo, where''s your sister? Why isn''t she at home?¡±


    Luo Yuan shook his head, his eyes moist, ¡°My sister has been searching outside the southern gate with her men. She hasn''t slept for two days and two nights. Big brother, you should go see her.¡±


    ¡®This silly girl, she''s truly risking her life.¡¯ A pang of pain in his heart, Lin Wanrong hurriedly left, heading straight towards the southern gate.


    Jining''s southern gate faced Weishan Lake, and aside from an east-west official road, there were no other routes to take. When Lin Wanrong captured Jining, his ten thousand troops had captured Lu Kanli here. Later, he spent time with Sister An and Xian''er amidst thousands of cannons, then enjoyed tender moments on Weishan Lake. Scenes shed before his eyes like a film, filled with bittersweet memories that he would never forget. Now, revisiting this ce and recalling the moments with Sister An and Xian''er, he was filled with nostalgia and emotion, his heart heavy with sighs.


    Arriving outside the southern gate, he found a bustling scene with people digging and excavating, the mor of tools unceasing, the area abuzz. Torches andnterns burned brightly around the city gate, illuminating the dark night as if it were daytime. Countless soldiers were strenuously digging with picks and shovels amidst the flying dust and noisy crowd. Where could he find Luo Ning''s shadow?


    ¡°They really are digging three feet into the ground,¡± Lin Wanrong said with a bitter smile. Although this seemed like a clumsy method, it was the most effective under the current circumstances. The silver must be hidden within several hundred li around Jining; it was just a matter of when they would find it.


    Thousands of soldiers, all d in armor and helmets, searched throughout the night, but they found no trace of the silver. Lin Wanrong pulled aside a few of the warriors and questioned them, but very few recognized Miss Luo from the Luo family.


    As Lin Wanrong continued his search, he ventured further and further, the lights growing dimmer, until he could no longer discern faces. Ahead, a few scattered soldiers were thinly spread, their shadows looking lonely and forlorn.


    Lin Wanrong scanned the surroundings, his eyes falling on the emaciated and solitary figure in the distance. She was dressed in heavy armor, her delicate frame enveloped within, hiding her exquisite figure. Holding a small pickaxe in her hands, she swung it desperately, the pounding soundnding in Lin Wanrong''s heart, one beat after another.


    "Ning''er¡ª!" Lin Wanrong''s voice rasped as he yelled.


    The figure paused for a moment, then began to tremble lightly, the pickaxe in her hand ttering to the ground.


    "Ning''er¡ª!" Lin Wanrong ran madly toward that frail figure.


    Slowly, the figure turned around, a soft, beautiful, and pale face illuminated in the cold moonlight, crystalline tears shimmering with a chilly brilliance in the night. Her chapped cherry lips parted slightly, and she murmured, "Big brother," as if it drained thest bit of strength from her body. Slowly, she fell backward...


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 Chapter 378

    Chapter 378


    Chapter 378 A Peculiar Supplement


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly took two steps and steadied the trembling, delicate figure. The cold armor on Luo Ning''s body was pressed against his chest, and he couldn''t feel a trace of warmth.


    "Ning''er, Ning''er, what''s wrong with you?" Looking at Luo Ning''s emaciated shoulders and her pale, bloodless face, Lin Wanrong felt a wave of distress in his heart, tightly embracing her frail body and calling out anxiously.


    Luo Ning''s long eyshes quivered, and her beautiful eyes slowly opened, staring nkly at him. Suddenly, with a "wa" sound, she threw herself into his arms and sobbed uncontrobly: "Big brother, you finally came, you finally came."


    "It''s my fault; I came toote." Looking at Luo Ning''s thin cheeks, her long eyshes adorned with crystal-clear tears, pitiful as a pear blossom in the rain, Lin Wanrong felt a pang in his heart as well. He tightly embraced her, allowing her to sob freely in his arms, venting all her emotions.


    Longing was the most tormenting. Luo Ning had been separated from him for several months, her heart fraught with concern. Meeting with continuous shocks at home, she had been barely holding on. Now that she had seen him, all her strength seemed to dissipate, and tears flowed like a floodgate had been opened, unceasing and overwhelming.


    He didn''t know how much time had passed when he noticed that Luo Ning''s crying had gradually subsided. Looking down, he saw that she had fallen asleep in his arms. Her smooth and delicate skin was as beautiful as fine warm jade. Her cheeks were stained with traces of tears, pure and crystalline, her cherry lips slightly dry and pale, making her look even more pitiable.


    Looking at her tear-streaked, smiling face as she slept, Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, feeling a faint sense of satisfaction. Making everyone around him happy¡ªlife was that simple.


    As he lifted Luo Ning, intending to move, the delicate body in his arms stirred, and her beautiful eyes slowly opened, eximing, "Big brother, where are you going?"This girl had be like a frightened bird. Lin Wanrong smiled gently, stroking her hair and said, "Silly girl, it''s cold this spring night; if you sleep like this, you''ll surely catch a chill. I''ll take you back home, and you can rest for a while."


    Luo Ning slowly shook her head, unsteadily rising from his embrace. Lin Wanrong hurriedly steadied her, distressedly saying, "Ning''er, what are you doing?"


    Miss Luo''s face was full of determination, her pretty lips curving into a stubborn line as she softly said, "Big brother, something has happened to father, and I cannot rest now. If I don''t find the treasury silver, I cannot lie down."


    "Who says you can''t rest?" Lin Wanrong forcibly lifted her, snorting, "Finding the silver is not a matter of one or two days. If you go on like this, you''ll copse before you find it. How can that be eptable? I haven''t even consummated the marriage with you yet¡ª"


    "Big brother¡ª" Luo Ning lowered her head in shy embarrassment, a faint blush spreading from behind her ears to her neck, enhancing her jade-like skin''s beauty. Her curvaceous figure, hidden beneath the heavy armor, added a touch of heroism to her tender grace, making her even more endearing.


    "Silly girl, since I am here, I won''t let you suffer anymore. Leave the matter of finding the silver to me. You don''t know what I am capable of, do you?" Lin Wanrong winked at her, confidently dering.


    Luo Ning''s beautiful eyes sparkled as she gazed at him, her long eyshes trembling slightly, a faint mist rising from her eyes. She hummed softly, feeling both sour and sweet inside, tightly embracing his broad shoulders, and sobbing softly, "Big brother, is Ning''er very useless? Am I always causing trouble for you?"


    "Useless? How could you be useless?" Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "My Ning''er can sing and dance,pose poetry and paint, she''s innocent and kind, caring about the people''s livelihood, filled with love andpassion, truly a top-notch good girl. I like you just the way you are."


    Luo Ning pouted, gently shaking her head, "I know you''re justforting me, big brother. A woman like me, who can only do useless things like writing poems and painting that neither make money nor save people, must be the kind you dislike the most. I feel like a vase sometimes, shiny on the outside but utterly useless. Do you despise me?"


    The girl was indeed good at self-criticism, and although she was rather good at spending silver, her husband didn''t mind. Lin Wanrong didn''t answer her question, instead, he smiled, "Ning''er, what do you think is the most important thing in a person''s life?"


    Snuggled in his arms, Luo Ning whispered, "Big brother, you''re the master of sophistry, no matter what I guess, you''ll say it''s wrong. You tell me, I''ll listen."


    ¡®Ah, this girl truly knows me,¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Actually, in one''s lifetime, wealth and status aren''t important. What''s most important is being happy. If Ning''er you like it, what''s wrong with writing poems and painting every day? What''s wrong with spending money recklessly? Or even being a vase? I have plenty of money, and I love to see you write poems and paint every day, I love you spending my money. I''m happy, I''m willing. You''re kind-hearted and help others; so what if others call you a vase? Have you hurt anyone? Are you unhappy?"


    Luo Ning shook her head, whispering, "No, I''m very happy."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "That''s it then! The world has no trouble, but the mediocre make it so. People in life, too many mental shackles, it''s rare to be as straightforward as you. In the future, with your husband by your side, enjoy eating, drinking, and having fun. Spend my money to your heart''s content. Isn''t earning silver for the sake of spending it joyfully? Oh, by the way, you like traveling, right? I happened to bump into a Goryeo tour group in the capital this time, and there''s a guide named Miss Seo Jang Geum, who is knowledgeable, broad-minded, and somewhat simr to you. If you like, once we get to the capital, I''ll have her take you on a tour of Goryeo."


    All this talk of husbands and vases made Luo Ning both joyful and shy. When he mentioned the Goryeo guide, Seo Jang Geum, Miss Luo could no longer suppress her excitement, grabbing his hand, "Really, Big brother? Can I really go to Goryeo?"


    "Of course you can," Master Lin patted his chest confidently, "Your husband, me, has a top-notch reputation in Goryeo. Even their prince, named Yi Seung-Jae, wouldn''t dare speak loudly in front of me. When you''re in Goryeo, whatever you want or need, just ask for it. Don''t be polite; politeness is a crime!"


    He hummed to himself, ¡®Damn, the Goryeos have made a profit this time. Fortunately, there''s the Lady''s route; if my wife hadn''t thought of going to Goryeo, I wouldn''t even bother with you.¡¯ He resolved that he must instruct Ning''er to ept lots of gifts, good gifts, all the way from Jeju Ind to Mount Kumgang, otherwise, it would not be worthy of all their painstaking effort.


    Luo Ning burst into a chuckle, her voice rich with charm, "Big brother, you always talk nonsense, speaking as if Goryeo is owned by our family."


    Master Lin''s brows raised, and he smiled, taking her small hand, "Exactly, exactly, Goryeo is practically ours; you just go, I assure you, you will go with joy and return with satisfaction."


    Luo Ning softly hummed in agreement, her eyes brimming with affection as she looked at him, softly saying, "Big brother, you are so good to me."


    "Good? Then give me a kiss!" Lin Wanrongughed and pecked her tender little face. Luo Ning jumped in surprise, quickly looking around to see that the lights were dim and no one was watching. Her face flushed, her palms sweaty, she suddenly lifted her head and pecked Master Lin''s lips like a dragonfly touching the water, then covered her cheeks with her hands, shyly lowering her head.


    "Ah, Ning''er is really polite; you''ve learned the principle of reciprocity so quickly," Master Lin delightedly said, slowly caressing her small hand.


    To the women of this world, Master Lin''s mouth was his most powerful weapon. Hearing him brag, and having him take some liberties, Luo Ning was a mix of embarrassment and joy, her mncholy swept away. Her little face was flushed with excitement, whispering sweet nothings in his ear, her voice soft, her words filled with tenderness and sweetness.


    With such a charming girl in his arms, her face flushed, Lin Wanrong''s mind started to wander, pondering if he should do something meaningful on this beautiful night, to properly fort" Miss Luo''s tired, wounded heart. Thankfully, the constant sound of pickaxes hitting the ground behind him reminded him that the old Emperor had only given them seven days, one day had already passed, and only six days remained. The lustful thoughts instantly evaporated as he broke into a cold sweat.


    All talk and no action would not do. If the silver was not found, tonight''s words would be nothing but hot air.


    He grabbed Luo Ning''s hand and headed back. Before reaching the South Gate, they heard a woman''s voice ahead, "Is that you, Sister Ning''er?"


    Luo Ning eximed in surprise, "Sister Zhiqing? Is that you, Sister Zhiqing?"


    Seeing the woman on the opposite side running over in excitement, Luo Ning''s face also lit up. She was about to break free from her brother''s hand to meet Sister Zhiqing, but Master Lin held her tightly, stepping in front of her with a yful smile, "Miss Xu, Ning''er is frail today, she can''t withstand your embrace, let me receive it on her behalf!"


    "Shameless!" Xu Zhiqing couldn''t dodge in time and almost bumped into his arms. She quickly stopped, her cheeks flushed, her full chest heaving, creating alluring waves.


    "Big brother, you''re so naughty!" Luo Ning''s cheeks turned red, and she yfully scolded him. She moved in front of him, embracing Xu Zhiqing tightly, excitedly saying, "Sister Zhiqing, howe you''re here too?"


    "I''m worried that you might be taken advantage of if you''re not careful." Xu Zhiqing grabbed Luo Ning''s small hand, her face filled with joy, and she nced at Lin Wanrong, giving a light snort.


    ''Having embraced Ning''er, and Ning''er having embraced Miss Xu, it''s as if I indirectly embraced Miss Xu; we''re all square, and I won''t dwell on it,'' Lin Wanrongforted himself. Seeing a burly man with a twisted beard standing behind Xu Zhiqing, he suddenly eximed, "Brother Hu, you''re here too?"


    Hu Bugui stepped forward with a smile and saluted, "I greet General Lin. I arrived earlier this evening, a couple of hours ahead of the general and Miss Xu. When I reached Lord Luo''s residence and saw Miss Xu, hearing that the general was looking for Miss Luo, I decided to apany her here."


    Well-versed in cavalry and horse breeding, Hu Bugui''s assistance eased Lin Wanrong''s mind. He grabbed him and asked, "Brother Hu, since you came early, did you visit the scene?"


    Hu Bugui nodded, "I rushed here without dy. The first thing I did was inspect the scene. Look, over there are the tents of those five thousand cavalrymen."


    Lin Wanrong looked up and saw hundreds of white tents not far from where they were standing, surrounded by hundreds of soldiers¡ªclearly those sent to seal off the scene after the incident.


    Seeing Luo Ning and Xu Zhiqing chatting happily, Lin Wanrong said to Hu Bugui, "Brother Hu, I haven''t had a chance to see the scene yet. Take me there, will you?"


    "I''m going too!" Xu Zhiqing suddenly interjected.


    This girl had been eavesdropping! Lin Wanrongughed, "Miss Xu, you and Ning''er haven''t seen each other for a while. You should catch up. Leave this rough work to us men."


    Xu Zhiqing ignored him and looked at Hu Bugui, "General Hu, take me with you."


    Hu Bugui looked at Lin Wanrong, torn. On one hand, there was the precious daughter of Xu Wei, the respected female military advisor; on the other, his revered superior. Whosemand should he follow?


    Luo Ning, seeing that her Big brother and Sister Zhiqing seemed at odds and not knowing how they had fared on the journey, smiled and said, "Since we''re all going, let the general lead us. We''ll all go together."


    Lin Wanrong looked at her, concerned, "Ning''er, you''re weak. You should go back and rest. We can handle this."


    Luo Ning''s cheeks flushed, and she held his hand tightly, shaking her head firmly, "Wherever my Big brother is, I am too. I''ll never leave you."


    "Then I''ll carry you," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "It pains me to see you take even one extra step." Luo Ning''s cheeks were suffused with the blush of happiness. She looked at him tenderly, a nce that seemed to drip with sweetness.


    Miss Xu felt a chill run down her spine and snorted, "Sweet words and pretty speeches, Ning''er, you mustn''t believe him too easily, ah--" She eximed in shock, stepping back and looking behind Luo Ning, her face flushed with anger, "Lin San, you, you--"


    "What''s the matter?" Lin Wanrong sniffed deeply, grinning as he tucked the small box into his bosom, "I''m just replenishing myself after this tiring journey. Miss Xu, would you like to see this extraordinary supplement?"


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 Chapter 379

    Chapter 379


    Chapter 379 Must Be Washed Clean


    "You¡ª" Xu Zhiqing hummed, her face turning red. She kept her distance and dared not speak any further.


    This was a case of a viin needing another viin to grind them down. Lin Wanrongughed a few times, taking Luo Ning''s small hand, following behind Hu Bugui, and heading towards the camp.


    After the loss of the official silver, Luo Min had already ordered a citywide lockdown in Jining, with the camp being of utmost importance. Elite soldiers were stationed to guard it overnight. Without a special order, no one could enter, so the traces left behind after the loss of the official silver were well-preserved.


    Upon entering the camp through multiple checkpoints, Lin Wanrong looked up and saw that therge camp was pitched beside the east-west official road, convenient foring and going. To the south, it faced the sparkling Weishan Lake, which shone gold in the firelight, and the expansiveke surface seemed to be touched with golden rosy clouds, a sight of great beauty. Inside therge camp, hundreds of white tents were connected one after the other, neatly arranged in all directions.


    Hu Bugui led Lin Wanrong to the center of the camp and pointed to the various wheel tracks on the ground, saying, "General Lin, Miss Xu, please look."


    Lin Wanrong nced and saw the ground full of chaotic wheel tracks, winding and twisting, concentrated most heavily where the four of them were standing. Hu Bugui bowed his fist and said, "ording to my observation just now, the wheel marks here are dense. The official silver must have been stored here the night beforest. From the marks left by the wheels, although they are disordered, the tracks going in the east-west direction are very distinct."


    "So ording to General Hu, the vehicles carrying the silver should have gone in the east-west direction?" Xu Zhiqing said softly, her brows slightly furrowed, seemingly deep in thought.


    Hu Bugui nodded, squatting down, and pressed the yellow earth ground down with his finger, musing, "If it were an empty cart, the wheels would not sink into the mud so deeply. From the rolled-out tracks, the carriages going in both east and west directions were definitely not empty but wereden with heavy weight. As for whether the silver was on them, I cannot guarantee."Hu Bugui''s detailed observation had some merit. From the remaining marks, the carriages were indeed loaded with goods, going in two directions: east and west. But with 5,000 soldiers transporting 350,000 taels of official silver, already a tight situation, why would they split into two routes in a fearful state after secretly stealing the silver? Was it merely to confuse the court whether they were going east or west?


    Lin Wanrong and Xu Zhiqing exchanged a nce, both reading doubt in each other''s eyes. The matter was suspicious, with many iprehensible aspects, but they couldn''t pinpoint where the problemy.


    "Lin, Lin San," Xu Zhiqing began, her face blushing slightly, probably recalling his unique tonic, "Do you think that the 5,000 soldiers who robbed the silver were all poisoned? Is it true or false?"


    "It''s probably not false. The area around Jining has been sealed off, with strict searches and no sign of these 5,000 people. They did not ascend to heaven, so they must have gone underground," Lin Wanrong sighed, thinking of the Dongyin Samurai Sasaki''s words, feeling an unpleasant stir in his heart.


    "That''s strange indeed," Xu Zhiqing''s elegant brows furrowed lightly, and her jade-like cheeks were filled with an expression of puzzlement. "Since these five thousand men have betrayed the court and are escorting the official silver, why would the person behind the scenes resort to such a malicious trick?"


    This question had been troubling Lin Wanrong as well. He couldn''t find an answer at the moment and didn''t dwell on it. Following the tracks left by the wagon wheels, he slowly moved forward. Not far ahead, he spotted a row of stables filled with neatly cut dry hay, a substantial quantity at that.


    Lin Wanrong picked up some hay and turned it over, curiously asking, "Brother Hu,e take a look. Isn''t this fodder for feeding the horses?"


    Hu Bugui had already inspected it and nodded, "Indeed, it''s for feeding the war horses. These soldiers came from Hangzhou, and their horses are not used to Shandong''s hay. They even requested fodder from Lord Luo."


    "Oh? Is that so?" Lin Wanrong asked, surprised.


    Luo Ning stood beside him, gently nodding in confirmation, "Yes, it''s true. That day they wanted to camp in the city. Themander in charge reported to Father that they were short of fodder, and they needed to replenish some in Jining. Father inspected the situation on the spot and saw that their war horse fodder could onlyst a day, so he agreed to their request. But before the fodder could be delivered, they had already fled with the silver."


    "One day?" Lin Wanrong''s face broke into a knowing smile, and he yfully grabbed Luo Ning''s little hand, teasing, "Ning''er, you didn''t remember it wrong, did you?"


    Luo Ning''s face turned red, and she protested, "I was bored at the time and heard that 350,000 taels of silver were arriving. I''d never seen so much silver, so I followed Father to sneak a peek."


    Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter, "Good sneaking, splendid sneaking. Ning''er, your big brother has also made quite a bit of silver. In the future, you can sneak a peek at home, and big brother will sneak a peek at you, too." Luo Ning''s little face turned crimson, and she bashfully looked down, delighted.


    Seeing the two openly flirting, Xu Zhiqing gently coughed a few times as a reminder to Lin Wanrong. He smiled slightly and pointed to the pile of hay in the field, "Brother Hu, take a look, how many war horses can eat this fodder?"


    Hu Bugui carefully observed it and shook his head, "Based on my experience, this fodder could feed at most a thousand war horses for one day."


    "That''s correct." Lin Wanrong pped his hands in joy and gave Hu Bugui a thumbs up, "Brother Hu, great eye!"


    Hu Bugui looked puzzled, "General Lin, have you discovered something? I''m slow-witted, please enlighten me."


    Xu Zhiqing pondered for a moment, and her face suddenly showed a hint of shock, "Lin San, are you saying that their war horses had no fodder at all?"


    ¡®This girl is really quick to react,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, looking at Miss Xu in surprise. Xu Zhiqing was also gazing at him, and when she saw him nce at her, she quickly snorted and looked down.


    "Exactly, exactly. Miss Xu is so clever, you see through everything at once. I admire you wholeheartedly," Lin Wanrong said,ughing. "They not onlycked fodder, but even when they left that night, they didn''t feed their war horses."


    Hu Bugui uttered a sound of realization and eximed, "General Lin is right. We cavalrymen have rules for feeding our horses, cutting only as much dry hay as the war horses can eat. These five thousand horsemen clearly had a fodder shortage, yet when they left, they left piles of hay in the stables. This shows they left in a great hurry, and their war horses were not fed at all."


    "Three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver can''t be moved by manpower alone; they can only be dragged away by war horses. But these horses couldn''t have gone far." Xu Zhiqing''s eyebrows rxed, and her face suddenly beamed with joy as she said in a delicate voice, "I understand now. It''s not that they left in a hurry, but that they never intended to go far at all! These wheel marks, they were all made intentionally to attract our attention, to divert our thoughts. The silver, the silver must be hidden nearby."


    "Sister Zhiqing, are you telling the truth?" Luo Ning''s little mouth opened in astonishment, her face full of disbelief.


    Xu Zhiqing chuckled, pointing at Lin Wanrong beside her, and said with a light nce, "Ask your family''s Lin San. He loves to y mysterious games. Though he had everything nned, he intentionally acted confused to tease us."


    As for Xu Zhiqing, she was indeed incredibly intelligent. Lin Wanrong had just begun speaking, and she had already guessed the situation almost perfectly. No wonder she could fight the nomads at the front lines with her nimble mind; few in the world couldpare with her.


    "Big brother," Luo Ning eximed joyfully, hugging Lin Wanrong''s arm, "Is the silver really hidden nearby?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile and said, "ording to Miss Xu''s reasoning, theoretically, it should be so."


    Luo Ning stomped her foot, twisting her delicate body, and turned to run back. Lin Wanrong quickly grabbed her and asked, "Ning''er, what are you doing?"


    "Big brother, I am going to call people to dig for the silver. Even if we have to dig three feet into the ground, we must find it," Luo Ning said, her lips pursed firmly.


    This young girl was indeed impulsive. Lin Wanrong shook his head and smiled helplessly, "Ning''er, we are only specting that the silver is nearby, not necessarily right under our feet."


    Luo Ning was taken aback and then asked softly, "Big brother, you mean¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong walked a few steps, pondering, "This is the south gate of Jinan City. To the north is the city itself. They wouldn''t be foolish enough to sneak the silver into the city. East and West are the official roads, where they lured us to track them, so those directions are naturally wrong. That leaves only the south¡ª"


    "The south?" Luo Ning looked to the south, where the vast Weishan Lake stretched out of sight, shadowy mountains veiled in the dim night, gentle wavespping the shore, apanied by the sound of the tide. Her brows furrowed, she whispered, "Could the silver be hidden in¡ª"


    "Yes, hidden in Weishan Lake." Xu Zhiqing took her hand, gently saying, "This ce is only a few steps from Weishan Lake. With a boat, they could easily transport the silver to theke and sink it. Unseen by both gods and ghosts. To deceive others, the mastermind intentionally split five thousand troops into two paths to attract our attention, then struck with a fatal blow, leaving no witnesses alive."


    "Hu Bugui¡ª!" Lin Wanrong suddenly shouted out.


    "Here!" Hu Bugui hurriedly responded with a fist salute.


    "I assign you to lead two thousand cavalrymen, follow along the banks of Weishan Lake, and focus on questioning the surrounding fishermen. Find out if there have been any civilian boats requisitioned recently, or if anything unusual has appeared in theke. Report back immediately with any news!"


    "Yes, sir!" Hu Bugui turned and hurried off to make arrangements.


    Lin Wanrong stood by the shores of Weishan Lake, feeling the moist breeze gently caressing his face, and he sighed slowly. He was eighty percent sure that the three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver were hidden in Weishan Lake. Thiske covered several hundred square miles, several timesrger than the towns around Jining. Onnd, that amount of silver would cover a vast area, but once sunk into theke, it would be like searching for a needle in the ocean. Damn, he didn''t know who hade up with such an ingenious plot; it was truly brilliant,yer uponyer of deception. Even if he guessed that the silver was in Weishan Lake, it was like a dog biting a hedgehog¡ªimpossible to grasp. Was he really expected to drain theke?


    Luo Ning stood behind him, not daring to say a word, afraid to interrupt his thoughts. Xu Zhiqing was indeed intelligent, but faced with this needle-in-a-haystack problem, she couldn''t find a solution either. Watching his solitary figure standing there, and recalling his misdeeds along the way, she felt a sudden sense of unreality: Were these two Lin Sans really the same person?


    After an unknown amount of time, a gentle and soft sensation came from behind, a warm and tender body seemed to cling to him like a me. Lin Wanrong quickly turned to see Luo Ning had removed her armor, wearing only a thin long skirt, tightly hugging his sturdy back, her face pressed against his shoulder, her eyes filled with tenderness. She whispered, "Big brother, Ning''er loves you. Loves you enough to die for you!"


    "You silly girl," Lin Wanrong quickly took off his own coat, wrapping her soft body, "It''s freezing cold, why did you take off your armor? What if you catch a cold?"


    "Ning''er isn''t afraid; Ning''er wants to warm big brother." Luo Ning smiled softly, her face a mix of shyness and determination, holding him tightly and cing hisrge hand on her chest. "Big brother, feel how fast Ning''er''s heart is beating!"


    The feeling of warmth and smoothness spread through his fingertips, two soft protrusions tightly sandwiching hisrge hand, skin as delicate as milk. Luo Ning gently closed her eyes, her rosy lips slightly parted, her full chest heaving, causing his hand on her chest to bounce slightly. Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat, and his hand naturally slid across her chest, covering the soft flesh, the two upright red beans beneath his coarse hand constantly jumping like frightened little rabbits, pressing against his palm.


    "Ning''er¡ª" He swallowed hard, his palm grinding gently against the tender red beans. Luo Ning let out a soft moan and slumped into his arms, her red lips slightly open, panting, exhaling a fragrance like orchids. "Big brother, Ning''er is yours, forever yours¡ª"


    "Cough, cough--" Seeing the two of them deeply immersed in their passionate love affair, oblivious to everything around them, Xu Zhiqing, who stood not far from them, knew that if she didn''t intervene, there was no telling what might happen. Her heart was pounding in her chest, her cheeks burning like fire. She wanted to leave but found herself unable to move her feet. Hastily, she feigned a cough, hoping to remind them of her presence.


    Overwhelmed by her emotions, Luo Ning had entirely forgotten that Xu Zhiqing was nearby. Awakening from her reverie, she saw Xu Zhiqing looking at her with cheeks flushed, a look of amusement in her eyes. With a cry of surprise, she quickly hid behind Lin Wanrong, her beautiful eyes wide and her face blushing as if it could drip water. She leaned against her big brother''s back, not daring to look up again.


    "Ah ha, the moon is so round tonight--" Lin Wanrongughed cheerfully, pretending not to notice Xu Zhiqing''s disdainful nce and shamelessly made ament. Luo Ning, hiding behind her big brother, wanted tough but didn''t dare to. What nonsense about the moon being round? It was only the beginning of the month!


    This man was truly incorrigible. Xu Zhiqing snorted softly, then seeing Luo Ning''s blush, she smiled gently and beckoned, "N¨ªng''er,e here."


    "Sister Zhiqing--" Luo Ning responded timidly, her head almost bowed to her chest. Lin Wanrong lightly teased her, chuckling, "N¨ªng''er, why are you afraid? We are husband and wife, acting openly and honorably. This girl loves to be a third wheel, spoiling our fun."


    Though Luo Ning didn''t understand what being a "third wheel" meant, seeing her big brother''s yful expression, she gained courage, nodding slightly, regardless of Xu Zhiqing''s surprised look, and whispered shyly in his ear, "Big brother, I can''t wait any longer. I want to be your wife. Do you want me?"


    His response was full of joy, nodding like a pecking chicken, "Want, want! I''ve wanted it every day!"


    Gathering all her courage, she embraced his neck, her face flushed, her voice as soft as a mosquito''s, "Big brother, N¨ªng''er will wait for you in the room! You muste!"


    With that said, she didn''t dare to look at Lin Wanrong again. She turned and took Xu Zhiqing''s hand, her voice trembling, "Sister Zhiqing, let''s go quickly!"


    "What''s the matter?" Xu Zhiqing asked curiously, wondering why the girl was leaving her lover so abruptly.


    "Don''t ask, just let''s go quickly." Before Xu Zhiqing could finish speaking, she felt Luo Ning''s seemingly endless strength, pulling her into a sprint, even Lin San couldn''t catch up.


    This situation, letting a girl take the initiative, how could Lin Wanrong befortable with that? He burst intoughter, then suddenly remembered something crucial, calling out loudly, "N¨ªng''er, which room are you in? I''m afraid I won''t be able to find it!"


    Luo Ning, in her haste, almost tripped, stomping her foot in a mix of shyness and sweetness. Under Xu Zhiqing''s puzzled gaze, she softly replied, "Next to Sister Xu''s room!"


    Lin Wanrong was momentarily taken aback. Next to Sister Xu''s room? Then, where was Sister Xu''s room? Luo Ning was indeed extraordinary, her words full of mystery.


    Seeing the two women almost disappearing from sight, Lin Wanrong shouted, "N¨ªng''er, remember, you must wash up! You must wash up!" [TL: Take a shower/bath.]


    "What does ''wash up'' mean?!" Xu Zhiqing quietly asked the girl beside her.


    Luo Ning, her face warm and her heart pounding, only felt that her big brother''s words had sapped her strength. She grasped Xu Zhiqing''s hand and managed to say, "Wash up, wash up, oh, that must be a dialect from my big brother''s home. It probably means to wash your hands."


    "Wash hands? How strange!" Xu Zhiqing heard this and shook her head with a lightugh, "Then I must go back and wash up as well."


    Seeing Luo Ning and Xu Zhiqing sprinting away, their figures swaying with a captivating grace, Lin Wanrong felt a restless itch in his heart. He chuckled lewdly a few times, then tookrge strides, heading straight for the government office.


    Read up to thest chapter 691 for just $10 on /al_squad


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    Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad [Patreon members can ess ad-free chapters, up to +21 chapters per week and up to 20 additional chapters!!]


    Support us on Patreon for ad-free content, up to +21 chapters per week, and up to 20 additional chapters!

 Chapter 380

    Chapter 380


    Chapter 379 Must Be Washed Clean


    "You¡ª" Xu Zhiqing hummed, her face turning red. She kept her distance and dared not speak any further.


    This was a case of a viin needing another viin to grind them down. Lin Wanrongughed a few times, taking Luo Ning''s small hand, following behind Hu Bugui, and heading towards the camp.


    After the loss of the official silver, Luo Min had already ordered a citywide lockdown in Jining, with the camp being of utmost importance. Elite soldiers were stationed to guard it overnight. Without a special order, no one could enter, so the traces left behind after the loss of the official silver were well-preserved.


    Upon entering the camp through multiple checkpoints, Lin Wanrong looked up and saw that therge camp was pitched beside the east-west official road, convenient foring and going. To the south, it faced the sparkling Weishan Lake, which shone gold in the firelight, and the expansiveke surface seemed to be touched with golden rosy clouds, a sight of great beauty. Inside therge camp, hundreds of white tents were connected one after the other, neatly arranged in all directions.


    Hu Bugui led Lin Wanrong to the center of the camp and pointed to the various wheel tracks on the ground, saying, "General Lin, Miss Xu, please look."


    Lin Wanrong nced and saw the ground full of chaotic wheel tracks, winding and twisting, concentrated most heavily where the four of them were standing. Hu Bugui bowed his fist and said, "ording to my observation just now, the wheel marks here are dense. The official silver must have been stored here the night beforest. From the marks left by the wheels, although they are disordered, the tracks going in the east-west direction are very distinct."


    "So ording to General Hu, the vehicles carrying the silver should have gone in the east-west direction?" Xu Zhiqing said softly, her brows slightly furrowed, seemingly deep in thought.


    Hu Bugui nodded, squatting down, and pressed the yellow earth ground down with his finger, musing, "If it were an empty cart, the wheels would not sink into the mud so deeply. From the rolled-out tracks, the carriages going in both east and west directions were definitely not empty but wereden with heavy weight. As for whether the silver was on them, I cannot guarantee."Hu Bugui''s detailed observation had some merit. From the remaining marks, the carriages were indeed loaded with goods, going in two directions: east and west. But with 5,000 soldiers transporting 350,000 taels of official silver, already a tight situation, why would they split into two routes in a fearful state after secretly stealing the silver? Was it merely to confuse the court whether they were going east or west?


    Lin Wanrong and Xu Zhiqing exchanged a nce, both reading doubt in each other''s eyes. The matter was suspicious, with many iprehensible aspects, but they couldn''t pinpoint where the problemy.


    "Lin, Lin San," Xu Zhiqing began, her face blushing slightly, probably recalling his unique tonic, "Do you think that the 5,000 soldiers who robbed the silver were all poisoned? Is it true or false?"


    "It''s probably not false. The area around Jining has been sealed off, with strict searches and no sign of these 5,000 people. They did not ascend to heaven, so they must have gone underground," Lin Wanrong sighed, thinking of the Dongyin Samurai Sasaki''s words, feeling an unpleasant stir in his heart.


    "That''s strange indeed," Xu Zhiqing''s elegant brows furrowed lightly, and her jade-like cheeks were filled with an expression of puzzlement. "Since these five thousand men have betrayed the court and are escorting the official silver, why would the person behind the scenes resort to such a malicious trick?"


    This question had been troubling Lin Wanrong as well. He couldn''t find an answer at the moment and didn''t dwell on it. Following the tracks left by the wagon wheels, he slowly moved forward. Not far ahead, he spotted a row of stables filled with neatly cut dry hay, a substantial quantity at that.


    Lin Wanrong picked up some hay and turned it over, curiously asking, "Brother Hu,e take a look. Isn''t this fodder for feeding the horses?"


    Hu Bugui had already inspected it and nodded, "Indeed, it''s for feeding the war horses. These soldiers came from Hangzhou, and their horses are not used to Shandong''s hay. They even requested fodder from Lord Luo."


    "Oh? Is that so?" Lin Wanrong asked, surprised.


    Luo Ning stood beside him, gently nodding in confirmation, "Yes, it''s true. That day they wanted to camp in the city. Themander in charge reported to Father that they were short of fodder, and they needed to replenish some in Jining. Father inspected the situation on the spot and saw that their war horse fodder could onlyst a day, so he agreed to their request. But before the fodder could be delivered, they had already fled with the silver."


    "One day?" Lin Wanrong''s face broke into a knowing smile, and he yfully grabbed Luo Ning''s little hand, teasing, "Ning''er, you didn''t remember it wrong, did you?"


    Luo Ning''s face turned red, and she protested, "I was bored at the time and heard that 350,000 taels of silver were arriving. I''d never seen so much silver, so I followed Father to sneak a peek."


    Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter, "Good sneaking, splendid sneaking. Ning''er, your big brother has also made quite a bit of silver. In the future, you can sneak a peek at home, and big brother will sneak a peek at you, too." Luo Ning''s little face turned crimson, and she bashfully looked down, delighted.


    Seeing the two openly flirting, Xu Zhiqing gently coughed a few times as a reminder to Lin Wanrong. He smiled slightly and pointed to the pile of hay in the field, "Brother Hu, take a look, how many war horses can eat this fodder?"


    Hu Bugui carefully observed it and shook his head, "Based on my experience, this fodder could feed at most a thousand war horses for one day."


    "That''s correct." Lin Wanrong pped his hands in joy and gave Hu Bugui a thumbs up, "Brother Hu, great eye!"


    Hu Bugui looked puzzled, "General Lin, have you discovered something? I''m slow-witted, please enlighten me."


    Xu Zhiqing pondered for a moment, and her face suddenly showed a hint of shock, "Lin San, are you saying that their war horses had no fodder at all?"


    ¡®This girl is really quick to react,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, looking at Miss Xu in surprise. Xu Zhiqing was also gazing at him, and when she saw him nce at her, she quickly snorted and looked down.


    "Exactly, exactly. Miss Xu is so clever, you see through everything at once. I admire you wholeheartedly," Lin Wanrong said,ughing. "They not onlycked fodder, but even when they left that night, they didn''t feed their war horses."


    Hu Bugui uttered a sound of realization and eximed, "General Lin is right. We cavalrymen have rules for feeding our horses, cutting only as much dry hay as the war horses can eat. These five thousand horsemen clearly had a fodder shortage, yet when they left, they left piles of hay in the stables. This shows they left in a great hurry, and their war horses were not fed at all."


    "Three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver can''t be moved by manpower alone; they can only be dragged away by war horses. But these horses couldn''t have gone far." Xu Zhiqing''s eyebrows rxed, and her face suddenly beamed with joy as she said in a delicate voice, "I understand now. It''s not that they left in a hurry, but that they never intended to go far at all! These wheel marks, they were all made intentionally to attract our attention, to divert our thoughts. The silver, the silver must be hidden nearby."


    "Sister Zhiqing, are you telling the truth?" Luo Ning''s little mouth opened in astonishment, her face full of disbelief.


    Xu Zhiqing chuckled, pointing at Lin Wanrong beside her, and said with a light nce, "Ask your family''s Lin San. He loves to y mysterious games. Though he had everything nned, he intentionally acted confused to tease us."


    As for Xu Zhiqing, she was indeed incredibly intelligent. Lin Wanrong had just begun speaking, and she had already guessed the situation almost perfectly. No wonder she could fight the nomads at the front lines with her nimble mind; few in the world couldpare with her.


    "Big brother," Luo Ning eximed joyfully, hugging Lin Wanrong''s arm, "Is the silver really hidden nearby?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile and said, "ording to Miss Xu''s reasoning, theoretically, it should be so."


    Luo Ning stomped her foot, twisting her delicate body, and turned to run back. Lin Wanrong quickly grabbed her and asked, "Ning''er, what are you doing?"


    "Big brother, I am going to call people to dig for the silver. Even if we have to dig three feet into the ground, we must find it," Luo Ning said, her lips pursed firmly.


    This young girl was indeed impulsive. Lin Wanrong shook his head and smiled helplessly, "Ning''er, we are only specting that the silver is nearby, not necessarily right under our feet."


    Luo Ning was taken aback and then asked softly, "Big brother, you mean¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong walked a few steps, pondering, "This is the south gate of Jinan City. To the north is the city itself. They wouldn''t be foolish enough to sneak the silver into the city. East and West are the official roads, where they lured us to track them, so those directions are naturally wrong. That leaves only the south¡ª"


    "The south?" Luo Ning looked to the south, where the vast Weishan Lake stretched out of sight, shadowy mountains veiled in the dim night, gentle wavespping the shore, apanied by the sound of the tide. Her brows furrowed, she whispered, "Could the silver be hidden in¡ª"


    "Yes, hidden in Weishan Lake." Xu Zhiqing took her hand, gently saying, "This ce is only a few steps from Weishan Lake. With a boat, they could easily transport the silver to theke and sink it. Unseen by both gods and ghosts. To deceive others, the mastermind intentionally split five thousand troops into two paths to attract our attention, then struck with a fatal blow, leaving no witnesses alive."


    "Hu Bugui¡ª!" Lin Wanrong suddenly shouted out.


    "Here!" Hu Bugui hurriedly responded with a fist salute.


    "I assign you to lead two thousand cavalrymen, follow along the banks of Weishan Lake, and focus on questioning the surrounding fishermen. Find out if there have been any civilian boats requisitioned recently, or if anything unusual has appeared in theke. Report back immediately with any news!"


    "Yes, sir!" Hu Bugui turned and hurried off to make arrangements.


    Lin Wanrong stood by the shores of Weishan Lake, feeling the moist breeze gently caressing his face, and he sighed slowly. He was eighty percent sure that the three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver were hidden in Weishan Lake. Thiske covered several hundred square miles, several timesrger than the towns around Jining. Onnd, that amount of silver would cover a vast area, but once sunk into theke, it would be like searching for a needle in the ocean. Damn, he didn''t know who hade up with such an ingenious plot; it was truly brilliant,yer uponyer of deception. Even if he guessed that the silver was in Weishan Lake, it was like a dog biting a hedgehog¡ªimpossible to grasp. Was he really expected to drain theke?


    Luo Ning stood behind him, not daring to say a word, afraid to interrupt his thoughts. Xu Zhiqing was indeed intelligent, but faced with this needle-in-a-haystack problem, she couldn''t find a solution either. Watching his solitary figure standing there, and recalling his misdeeds along the way, she felt a sudden sense of unreality: Were these two Lin Sans really the same person?


    After an unknown amount of time, a gentle and soft sensation came from behind, a warm and tender body seemed to cling to him like a me. Lin Wanrong quickly turned to see Luo Ning had removed her armor, wearing only a thin long skirt, tightly hugging his sturdy back, her face pressed against his shoulder, her eyes filled with tenderness. She whispered, "Big brother, Ning''er loves you. Loves you enough to die for you!"


    "You silly girl," Lin Wanrong quickly took off his own coat, wrapping her soft body, "It''s freezing cold, why did you take off your armor? What if you catch a cold?"


    "Ning''er isn''t afraid; Ning''er wants to warm big brother." Luo Ning smiled softly, her face a mix of shyness and determination, holding him tightly and cing hisrge hand on her chest. "Big brother, feel how fast Ning''er''s heart is beating!"


    The feeling of warmth and smoothness spread through his fingertips, two soft protrusions tightly sandwiching hisrge hand, skin as delicate as milk. Luo Ning gently closed her eyes, her rosy lips slightly parted, her full chest heaving, causing his hand on her chest to bounce slightly. Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat, and his hand naturally slid across her chest, covering the soft flesh, the two upright red beans beneath his coarse hand constantly jumping like frightened little rabbits, pressing against his palm.


    "Ning''er¡ª" He swallowed hard, his palm grinding gently against the tender red beans. Luo Ning let out a soft moan and slumped into his arms, her red lips slightly open, panting, exhaling a fragrance like orchids. "Big brother, Ning''er is yours, forever yours¡ª"


    "Cough, cough--" Seeing the two of them deeply immersed in their passionate love affair, oblivious to everything around them, Xu Zhiqing, who stood not far from them, knew that if she didn''t intervene, there was no telling what might happen. Her heart was pounding in her chest, her cheeks burning like fire. She wanted to leave but found herself unable to move her feet. Hastily, she feigned a cough, hoping to remind them of her presence.


    Overwhelmed by her emotions, Luo Ning had entirely forgotten that Xu Zhiqing was nearby. Awakening from her reverie, she saw Xu Zhiqing looking at her with cheeks flushed, a look of amusement in her eyes. With a cry of surprise, she quickly hid behind Lin Wanrong, her beautiful eyes wide and her face blushing as if it could drip water. She leaned against her big brother''s back, not daring to look up again.


    "Ah ha, the moon is so round tonight--" Lin Wanrongughed cheerfully, pretending not to notice Xu Zhiqing''s disdainful nce and shamelessly made ament. Luo Ning, hiding behind her big brother, wanted tough but didn''t dare to. What nonsense about the moon being round? It was only the beginning of the month!


    This man was truly incorrigible. Xu Zhiqing snorted softly, then seeing Luo Ning''s blush, she smiled gently and beckoned, "N¨ªng''er,e here."


    "Sister Zhiqing--" Luo Ning responded timidly, her head almost bowed to her chest. Lin Wanrong lightly teased her, chuckling, "N¨ªng''er, why are you afraid? We are husband and wife, acting openly and honorably. This girl loves to be a third wheel, spoiling our fun."


    Though Luo Ning didn''t understand what being a "third wheel" meant, seeing her big brother''s yful expression, she gained courage, nodding slightly, regardless of Xu Zhiqing''s surprised look, and whispered shyly in his ear, "Big brother, I can''t wait any longer. I want to be your wife. Do you want me?"


    His response was full of joy, nodding like a pecking chicken, "Want, want! I''ve wanted it every day!"


    Gathering all her courage, she embraced his neck, her face flushed, her voice as soft as a mosquito''s, "Big brother, N¨ªng''er will wait for you in the room! You muste!"


    With that said, she didn''t dare to look at Lin Wanrong again. She turned and took Xu Zhiqing''s hand, her voice trembling, "Sister Zhiqing, let''s go quickly!"


    "What''s the matter?" Xu Zhiqing asked curiously, wondering why the girl was leaving her lover so abruptly.


    "Don''t ask, just let''s go quickly." Before Xu Zhiqing could finish speaking, she felt Luo Ning''s seemingly endless strength, pulling her into a sprint, even Lin San couldn''t catch up.


    This situation, letting a girl take the initiative, how could Lin Wanrong befortable with that? He burst intoughter, then suddenly remembered something crucial, calling out loudly, "N¨ªng''er, which room are you in? I''m afraid I won''t be able to find it!"


    Luo Ning, in her haste, almost tripped, stomping her foot in a mix of shyness and sweetness. Under Xu Zhiqing''s puzzled gaze, she softly replied, "Next to Sister Xu''s room!"


    Lin Wanrong was momentarily taken aback. Next to Sister Xu''s room? Then, where was Sister Xu''s room? Luo Ning was indeed extraordinary, her words full of mystery.


    Seeing the two women almost disappearing from sight, Lin Wanrong shouted, "N¨ªng''er, remember, you must wash up! You must wash up!" [TL: Take a shower/bath.]


    "What does ''wash up'' mean?!" Xu Zhiqing quietly asked the girl beside her.


    Luo Ning, her face warm and her heart pounding, only felt that her big brother''s words had sapped her strength. She grasped Xu Zhiqing''s hand and managed to say, "Wash up, wash up, oh, that must be a dialect from my big brother''s home. It probably means to wash your hands."


    "Wash hands? How strange!" Xu Zhiqing heard this and shook her head with a lightugh, "Then I must go back and wash up as well."


    Seeing Luo Ning and Xu Zhiqing sprinting away, their figures swaying with a captivating grace, Lin Wanrong felt a restless itch in his heart. He chuckled lewdly a few times, then tookrge strides, heading straight for the government office.


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 Chapter 381

    Chapter 381


    Chapter 381 On Weishan Lake


    That night, the two were deeply in love, their affection and sweetness beyond words. Miss Luo, gentle and tranquil on the outside, was bold in love and hate on the inside. With her heart''s desire fulfilled, she shyly cooperated with her big brother at the dressing mirror, allowing him to take what he wished. Seeing their intimate state in the mirror, she felt a deep thrill beneath her shyness, moaning softly, rising and falling like the tide, turning the humble room into a passionate spring scene.


    After several bouts, Lin Wanrong''s vigor was undiminished, his ambitions unfulfilled. Miss Luo blossomed beautifully, but could no longer bear his grace and favor, and fell asleep sweetly and shyly in his arms. Touching her smooth, bare chest, Master Lin smiled wryly, thinking that being too strong might not be a blessing. The tonic given by Seo Jang Geum would probably not be needed until he was a hundred years old.


    The next morning, when he awoke, Luo Ning had already stirred. Her almond eyes slightly open, her face rosy, her bare arm tightly wrapped around his chest, her full breasts gently rubbing against him. Miss Luo''s face was flushed, her mouth slightly open, a faint fragrant breath escaping her lips, she shyly said, "Big brother, are you awake?"


    Lin Wanrongughed and pinched her little nose, "Ning''er, you can''t call me big brother now, you should call me husband."


    Luo Ning blushed and nestled in his arms, "Husband, you are Ning''er''s big brother, and also Ning''er''s husband. No matter how I call you, Ning''er is willing."


    As a new bride, Luo Ning''s face was flushed with a strong spring charm. Her red cherry lips opened and closed, as fresh as if they had just been painted, so juicy that they seemed to drip water. Her charming and seductive demeanor was utterly captivating.


    Master Lin stared, gulping down his saliva, thinking to himself that he had found a treasure. Ning''er seemed gentle as water, but she was a truly charming woman. Her passion and boldnessst night were something Lin Wanrong had never encountered before, and her fiery enthusiasm had brought him to the ultimate pleasure.


    The two reluctantly got up from the small bed, looking at the newly embroidered peach blossom on the bedsheet. Luo Ning whimpered, her face flushed, and quickly tidied up the bed, carefully folding the sheet.Lin Wanrong stood behind her, looking at her curvy figure as she bent over, recalling her fiery passion from the night before. His heart ignited, and he tightly embraced her slender waist, pressing against her full buttocks. Lin Wanrong gently kissed her delicate earlobe and chuckled, "Ning''er, it''s still early, let''s do some morning exercise."


    Luo Ning felt a thrill in her heart, her body softened, leaning against him, she breathed sweetly, "Husband, you''re so naughty, you still haven''t had enough of tormenting mest night¡ª"


    "Never enough!" Lin Wanrongughed in her ear, Luo Ning''s heart skipped a beat, her ears burning, she lowered her head, not daring to speak, and the fiery passion of the previous night was nowhere to be seen.


    In the hall, she was the paragon of virtue; in bed, she was ascivious woman. That was the vor he desired. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, his heart filled with a sense of aplishment. Morning exercises were now out of the question. Luo Ning, a newlywed, was greatly affected, and even walking required small, unsteady steps. Master Lin, who imed to treasure beauty, naturally showered her with affection and pampering, without feeling the least bit embarrassed.


    Luo Ning, seeing her big brother so considerate and gentle, was overjoyed beyond words. The two fondled and caressed each other, a unique sensation in their hearts.


    "Oh!" Just as they were getting passionate, Luo Ning suddenly remembered something, her face showing a trace of surprise, then turningpletely red as she shyly nced at him.


    "What''s wrong, Ning''er?" Lin Wanrong pulled her onto hisp, feeling the warmth from her delicate body, soforting that he couldn''t help but press a little closer.


    "Oh, big brother, don''t tease me," Luo Ning screamed, her ears burning, as she panted.


    "Teasing, teasing," Master Lin shamelesslyughed, "It''s just morning arousal, not intentional. Ning''er, did it hurt you? Do you need some medicine?"


    Hearing his crude words, Luo Ning couldn''t help but hit his chest a few times, but inside, she felt a bit happy. Before marriage, she was a chaste woman, but once past that threshold, hearing these private whispers was a pleasure she wouldn''t share with outsiders. "Big brother, I mean, Sister Xu..."


    "Sister Xu, what about Sister Xu?" As soon as Xu Zhiqing was mentioned, Lin Wanrong''s brow furrowed. ¡®Old Xu, it wasn''t my fault, I warned about a man and woman traveling alone, and see, my words came true.¡¯


    "Big brother, it''s all your fault, so wicked." Luo Ning''s face blushed, "Last night, Sister Xu wanted to talk to me, waiting in my room. But I didn''t return all night, oh, I''m so embarrassed, she willugh at me to death¡ª" Luo Ning covered her cheeks, whimpering, her blush spreading from her ears to her neck.


    Lin Wanrongughed loudly. ¡®Xu Zhiqingughing at you? She''s in no position to do so, probably hiding and crying under her nkets.¡¯


    "Why didn''t shee looking for me when I didn''t return?" Luo Ning blushed for a while, mumbling to herself as if asking him.


    "Don''t worry, maybe she fell asleep. Spring is the season of dreams," Lin Wanrongughed it off, trying not to let Luo Ning ask further, or else he would be exposed. As long as he didn''t say it, Ning''er would never know, and Miss Xu wouldn''t leak a word. Would she say, Ning''er, your husband is a damned lecher, sneaking into my room to touch me?


    A lecherous smile crept across his face, and he grabbed Luo Ning''s hand, "Oh, by the way, Ning''er, I talked to Luo Yuan yesterday. Early this morning, we''ll go to Weishan Lake to investigate."


    When it came to serious matters, Luo Ning put away her shyness and clung to his arm, "Big brother, I''ll go with you."


    The two had just consummated their marriage, a time of sweet affection, so naturally, wherever he went, Ning''er would follow. Lin Wanrong couldn''t refuse, and they quickly got ready, heading to the outer courtyard.


    As they passed by the room they had been inst night, Lin Wanrong pointed at the door and said, "Ning''er, this is your boudoir, isn''t it?"


    Luo Ning nodded slightly, leaning against him with a sweet smile, her cherry lips parting slightly, "This is Ning''er''s room, but also big brother''s room. I and Big Brother are one, never to be separated."


    These words warmed Lin Wanrong''s heart, and heughed heartily twice. Both chambers were quiet, and he didn''t know if Xu Zhiqing was inside. With a guilty conscience, Lin Wanrong turned up his cor to hide half of his face. He was about to pull Luo Ning away when she broke free of his wrist, her voice tenderly saying, "Big brother, wait for me a moment; I''m going to see if Sister Xu is up yet."


    Lin Wanrong opened his mouth to shout, but Luo Ning had already pushed open Xu Zhiqing''s door and gone in, calling softly a few times, but there was no response. Luo Ning then returned to her own room to search but found no trace of her, and she couldn''t help but frown delicately, wondering, "Where could Sister Xu be?"


    "Oh, she might have gone out for a walk to clear her mind this morning. Ning''er, let''s go," Lin Wanrong hurriedly said.


    Luo Ningughed, "Big brother, what nonsense are you talking about? Sister Xu''s mood is good."


    Good mood? That was beforest night! Now Xu Zhiqing was probably hiding somewhere, crying. The two of them left the inner residence and first went to Luo Min''s room to pay their respects. Lin Wanrong had stolen someone''s precious daughter the night before, so he respectfully knelt before Luo Min''s bed, kowtowing, with Luo Ning obediently kneeling beside him, as they performed the ritual of three bows and nine kowtows. Lin Wanrong respectfully said, "Father-inw, rest assured, I will find the silver and return justice to you."


    Tears welled up in Luo Ning''s eyes as she softly said, "Father, your daughter is now married to big brother. From now on, we''ll be together, never to part, serving you for life. When you wake up, we will kowtow to you again."


    The two of them left the room, and it was already dawn. Luo Yuan was anxiously waiting at the door, with hundreds of people gathered behind him. Judging by their attire, withs and fishing spears in hand, they were fishermen from Weishan Lake, skilled in swimming.


    "Big Brother¡ª" Seeing Lin Wanrong, Luo Yuan eximed joyfully, running toward them. When he reached Luo Ning''s side, he looked at her strangely and said, "Sister, you''ve changed!"


    Luo Ning blushed, sneakily grabbing her big brother''s hand, ncing at him and saying, "What nonsense are you talking about, child? Where have I changed?"


    "Sister, you''ve be more beautiful." Luo Yuan teased, "It must be because Big Brother came, and you''re so happy that you''ve be more radiant and youthful."


    Listening to the banter between the siblings, Lin Wanrong felt some joy in his heart and nodded, saying, "Alright, let''s save the chit-chat forter. Little Luo, are these all fishermen from Weishan Lake?"


    Luo Yuan nodded, "Yes, these brothers are all local fishermen who have been living off Weishan Lake for generations. They are skilled swimmers. After Father took office in Jining, he visited every household around Weishan Lake, and they all remember his kindness. They came to help voluntarily."


    Luo Min, as an official, had made quite an aplishment. This could be seen from his efforts in Jinling, where he initiated water conservation and reinforced the river embankment, and he continued to do so when he arrived in Jining. Lin Wanrong nodded slightly and said contentedly, "That''s good. Do we have boats? Let''s take a look at Weishan Lake."


    "Of course, there are boats, several of them," Luo Yuan excitedly replied. "Miss Xu has already found one and gone out on theke."


    "Who? Who did you say?" Lin Wanrong eximed, his face showing a touch of surprise. Luo Ning''s face also reflected a hint of astonishment.


    "Xu Zhiqing, Miss Xu. She came early at the fourth watch of the night, saying she wanted to find a boat to go out on theke. So I called an experienced uncle to apany her," Luo Yuan exined.


    The fourth watch of the night? That meant she had been gone for over two hours already. In this cold weather, a young girl alone on theke, how could that not cause concern? Luo Ning anxiously said, "Little Yuan, why didn''t you stop her?"


    Luo Yuan gave a bitter smile of frustration, "I did try to stop her. But Miss Xu said she wanted to go to Weishan Lake early to assess the situation, to investigate the location of the silver. I tried to persuade her to wait for Big Brother to go together, but she insisted. In the end, I had no choice but to arrange a boat to take her."


    Luo Ning shook her head, puzzled, "No wonder I couldn''t find her in her room. So she went to Weishan Lake. This is strange, I know Xu Sister''s character well, she is usually very patient, always thinking three times before acting. How could she act so rashly this time, going to Weishan Lake so early in the dark? What could she possibly see?"


    "I told you she was probably out to clear her mind, but you didn''t believe me." Lin Wanrong''s face flushed red as Luo Ning and Luo Yuan''s astonished gaze fell on him, and heughed, "Don''t look at me, I didn''t encourage her to go."


    "Big brother, did you notice anything wrong with Miss Xu on the way? This rash action is not like her, and I always feel something is strange," Luo Ning said softly, taking his hand.


    "Something wrong? No, I think she was very much alright, too much so," Lin Wanrong brazenly replied,ughing, "Let''s not guess blindly. Once we find her on theke, you can ask her yourself, and that will settle it, won''t it?"


    Having sessfully diverted their attention, Lin Wanrong secretly wiped away a bead of cold sweat, feeling wronged. It was just a misunderstanding; why was he feeling so guilty?


    The early morning mist enveloped Weishan Lake, making it hard to see figures even a few feet away. The refreshing moisture hit their faces with a bone-chilling sensation. Cold dew was scattered all over the dried yellow reeds, swaying and glittering with crystalline drops in the gentle breeze.


    Being early spring, the weather was bitterly cold. Standing at the bow of the boat, facing the biting morning wind, Luo Ning, despite wearing a thick winter coat, couldn''t help but shiver, her little face turning rosy red from the cold.


    Lin Wanrong, feelingpassion, grabbed her little hand and gently rubbed it to warm it up, then tucked it into his cotton jacket to keep it warm. Luo Ning smiled sweetly, lightly pinching his chest, and softly said, "Big brother, being by your side, Ning''er feels like the luckiest woman in the world."


    Ah, this girl was really too easy to appease. Lin Wanrong felt slightly embarrassed, and just as he was about to tease her a little, he heard Luo Ning say, "I have big brother by my side to keep me warm when I''m cold, but what about Sister Zhiqing? She''s alone and adrift on theke in this freezing weather. Who will keep her warm?"


    ¡®Ah, wasn''t this forcing me to reflect? Miss Xu had gone to Weishan Lake alone, and arge part of the reason was due tost night''s incident, I really didn''t mean to do what happenedst night. My hand had touched her chest, but hadn''t her chest also touched my hand? It was a mutual thing.¡¯ He gazed into the distance, but all around was a foggy scene, and he couldn''t make out anything more than a few yards away. How could he find Miss Xu''s boat?


    What''s meant to be will always find a way, and what''s not won''t even if you try. Lin Wanrong didn''t think about it too much and bent down to scoop up a handful of clear water to ssh on his face. The icy, bone-chilling sensation woke him up considerably.


    Weishan Lake covered hundreds of miles, stretching across several counties in Shandong, not to mention the more fatal existence of water grass and reed marshes, one patch connected to another, extending beyond sight. From the shore, the shallow areas were about the height of a person, and the deep parts reached dozens of yards. Even if the entire city of Jining were submerged, it wouldn''t create much of a ripple, let alone a mere three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver? If the silver really were hidden in theke, perhaps only the Dragon King knew the specific location.


    "Big brother," seeing his furrowed brow, Luo Ning felt a pang in her heart and hurriedly grasped his sleeve, softly saying, "Don''t make things difficult for yourself. If we really can''t find the silver, Ning''er will ept it. Being big brother''s wife, even if I die, it would be worth it."


    "You little girl, what nonsense are you talking about? We have a long, loving life ahead of us!" Lin Wanrong stroked Luo Ning''s hair, forcing a smile onto his face.


    The crisp sound of the oar hitting the water rang in their ears. Lin Wanrong banished the distracting thoughts from his mind and asked the old fisherman rowing the boat, "Uncle, how many pounds of fish are caught in Weishan Lake every year?"


    The old man chuckled a few times, striking the water forcefully with his oar, "How many pounds of fish each year? This old man never calcted that. But as for my family, duringte summer and early autumn, I go out to cast mys every day. On a good day, I can catch dozens of pounds of fish. Over those two seasons, I can easily catch eight hundred to a thousand pounds."


    Luo Ning listened, puzzled, "Dozens of pounds every day? Uncle, doesn''t that mean you can earn a lot of silver over the course of a year?"


    Lin Wanrong gently pinched her small face, shaking his head with a helpless smile, "Silly girl, do you think fishing is like eating meals, something you can do several times a day? Fishing is like farming. You must sow the seeds, tend to them, and only in autumn can you have a good harvest. Take Weishan Lake, for example; out of the four seasons, only summer and autumn are suitable for fishing. In winter, the grass must be nourished, and in spring, the fish fry must be scattered. Only in summer and autumn can the fish be plentiful."


    Lin Wanrong had grown up by the Yangtze River, so he knew these matters clearly. However, Luo Ning and her sibling were born into a family of officials and had no knowledge of farming. Listening to Big Brother talk about these things, they found it utterly fascinating. Luo Ning snuggled close to her Big Brother, infinitely delighted, her voice sweetly saying, "Big brother, Ning''er doesn''t understand. Will you teach me every day from now on?"


    The old fisherman gave a thumbs up and said, "I only saw that you were a schrly young man, but I didn''t expect you to understand even these things. You are absolutely right. The reeds that have been nourished all winter will soon be put to use. It''s early spring now, and it''s time to release the fish fry. Once tens of thousands of them are let go, theke will be bustlinge autumn."


    "Releasing the fish fry, releasing the fish fry," Lin Wanrong silently muttered to himself twice, as if he had grasped something, yet it also seemed like he hadn''t grasped anything at all.


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 Chapter 382

    Chapter 382


    Chapter 382 The Bet


    After patrolling the surface of Weishan Lake, aside from once again witnessing the deep blue sky and the vast expanse of water, there was no other gain.


    The sky was getting brighter, the fog gradually dispersing, and a spray of the red sun showed half its face above the green water, dyeing the surface ayer of dazzling gold, making people feel unusually warm.


    Luo Ning nestled beside Lin Wanrong, the golden morning sun shining on her face, setting off spots of golden red blush, contrasting with her snow-white skin, making her look exceptionally beautiful. Ning''er''s eyes were filled with the glow of happiness as she hugged Lin Wanrong''s arm and softly said, "Big brother, if I could watch the sunrise with you every day, Ning''er would have no other wishes in her life."


    Women are emotional creatures, just worrying about not finding money a moment ago, and in the blink of an eye, longing for a beautiful future. Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile and said to Luo Yuan who was standing to one side, "Little Luo, instruct the brothers on the boat to stop for now. After breakfast, we''ll continue to investigate."


    Luo Yuan nodded in agreement and passed the message along. For those who lived on the water, their entire livelihood depended on a small boat. Soon, the surrounding boats were seen with curling smoke, and the aroma of fish and rice drifted over.


    The boatman, an old man, hurried around and handed a bowl of fish soup to Lin Wanrong, saying, "Sir, try our fresh fish soup from Weishan Lake. I caught it overnight. It''s not easy to catch fish in theke during early spring. Originally, I wanted to give it to Lord Luo, but then this happened."


    Lin Wanrong quickly took it with both hands, expressing gratitude with a smile, and handed it to Luo Ning first, saying, "The fish of this spring are those that escaped thes in winter. After a cold winter, well-fed on water grass, they are plump and robust, just when they are most nourishing. Ning''er, you are frail, take a sip of the soup to warm up. You lost bloodst night; you need to replenish yourself."


    Luo Ning was deeply moved by his first words, but thetter words seemed frivolous. She looked at her big brother reproachfully and pinched him secretly on the waist, taking the bowl and taking a small sip.The moment the soup entered her mouth, a rich fragrance permeated her taste buds, making Luo Ning''s appetite grow, and she couldn''t help but take another small sip, praising, "This is so delicious. I haven''t had such good fish soup in the few months I''ve been in Jinan."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and said, "That''s because you rarelye to Weishan Lake, so you can''t appreciate the beautiful scenery or taste the delicacies. This ce has beautifulkes and mountains, a realnd of fish and rice."


    As he said this, he was reminded of the day when they attacked Jinan. Amid thousands of cannons, he was injured to save Sister An and Xian''er, andter, they desperately rescued him. The three of them depended on each other, boating under the moon on Weishan Lake. A warm, nostalgic feeling slowly rose in his heart. How many such carefree days can one have in life? If it hadn''t been for Sister An''s trickery, how could he have experienced all this? He sighed softly. Xian''er was in the capital, but where was that cunning and charming fox? Would she also think back to those days? Damn it, he missed that sultry fox.


    "Big brother, big brother, look, it''s Miss Xu!" Luo Ning suddenly grabbed his sleeve, excitedly shouting.


    Xu Zhiqing? Lin Wanrong, who was lost in thought, was suddenly startled and quickly looked up. The mist on the water''s surface hadpletely dispersed, and the situation on theke was now crystal clear. From far away, a small boat was rowing towards them. A woman dressed in green stood gracefully at the bow, her expression calm, neither speaking nor smiling. A few dewdrops clung to the tips of her hair, shing with brilliant colors under the morning light, enhancing the beauty of her charming face.


    "Sister Zhiqing, Sister Zhiqing!" From a distance, Luo Ning started waving her arms, excitedly calling out. Xu Zhiqing, upon seeing Luo Ning, paused slightly, then nodded in acknowledgment, and the small boat gradually drew closer.


    "Oh, that, I suddenly remembered," Lin Wanrong quickly interjected, "the reed swamp we just passed by seems not to have been carefully inspected. Little Luo, prepare the fastest boat for me; I need to go ahead."


    The situation was not right, and Master Lin was ready to escape. He had something to hide. The events ofst night were known only to Heaven, Earth, Master Lin, and Miss Xu. But this girl, Xu Zhiqing, was not easy to fool. She had a crossbow with her and had even shot four arrows at him the night before. Who knew if she would re up upon meeting him? If she chose to expose him, it would be terrible. Life and death were trivial matters, but losing honor was significant. If she made a scene, Master Lin''s reputation would be ruined.


    Luo Ning grabbed his sleeve,ughing and refusing, "Big brother always talks nonsense. We''vee all this way, and there was no reed swamp. Sister Zhiqing, for the sake of our family, has been on Weishan Lake since before dawn in this freezing cold. We must properly thank her."


    "Really? That must be quite tiring!" Master Linughed, trying to make his escape, but Luo Ning held him tightly. Seeing Xu Zhiqing''s boat getting closer, he was beside himself with frustration.


    "Sister is right. Sister Xu has traveled thousands of miles for our family''s sake, and her efforts are iparable. We should indeed thank her properly. Big brother, there''s no rush. You should meet with Sister Xu to see if she has discovered anything. Perhaps the two of you together might find a solution," Luo Yuan solemnly nodded, agreeing with the analysis.


    ¡®You little rascal, trying to trap your big brother!¡¯ Master Lin and Miss Xu were like fire and water,pletely ipatible. Master Lin red at Little Luo, wishing he could kick this mischievous boy into the water.


    In the midst of their conversation, the boat carrying Xu Zhiqing slowly approached. Luo Yuan and the boatman caught the small boat, and Xu Zhiqing, holding Luo Ning''s hand, jumped onto their boat.


    Xu Zhiqing''s hair sparkled with clear dewdrops, her cheeks flushed from the cold, her beautiful eyes slightly red and swollen, looking quite fatigued. Luo Ning was surprised and asked, "Sister, what''s wrong? Have you been crying?"


    "No," Xu Zhiqing answered softly, "The wind and dew on theke this morning were strong, and it got in my eyes, causing some redness."


    Luo Ning, holding Xu Zhiqing''s hands, her eyes reddening, said, "Sister, why were you on theke so early? The weather is so cold; what if you catch a chill? I would never find peace for the rest of my life."


    Xu Zhiqing smiled faintly, her delicate hand gracefully wiping the dewdrops from her hair, and said, "Ning''er, why speak so formally between us sisters? I couldn''t sleep in the middle of the night, so I thought I''d go to theke early. I didn''t expect Weishan Lake to be so vast. I was on the boat for several hours and only covered a few miles. Seeing that time was getting on, I worried that you would be anxious, so I turned back."


    Upon hearing Xu Zhiqing mention "couldn''t sleep in the middle of the night," Luo Ning thought that something had been revealed, her face turning pale and ears heating up in embarrassment. She shyly lowered her head and said, "I was disrespectfulst night¡ª"


    "Nothing happenedst night," Xu Zhiqing interrupted, "I waited in your room and fell asleep, seeing no one."


    What did Sister Xu mean by her words? Was she hinting that she had seen or heard somethingst night? With these thoughts, Luo Ning felt her whole body heat up, her heart beating erratically. She was too ashamed to lift her head. The two of them both had something on their minds, yet they couldn''t share it with each other, guessing wildly like a riddle.


    "Oh, right, Sister Zhiqing, did you find anything on theke? Perhaps you could discuss it with my big brother¡ªOh, big brother, where are you?" Luo Ning was trying to have her big brother talk with Miss Xu, but he was nowhere to be found. Just as she was puzzled, the boatman came from the back of the cabin, saying, "Miss, are you asking about that official just now? Oh, he''s taken over my job, cooking at the stern of the boat. s, I''ve never seen such a kind and helpful official. Miss, you are fortunate to be with him!"


    When did big brother be so industrious? Luo Ning''s questions found no answers. But then, she saw Luo Yuan pushing Lin Wanrong out. Master Lin, with an apron tied around his waist, was shouting, "What are you doing? What are you doing? I still have to cook!"


    "It''s you?!!" Xu Zhiqing''s eyes zed, and she gritted her teeth in anger.


    "Standing too close, I can''t see clearly!" Lin Wanrong hastily retreated a few steps, keeping his distance from Miss Xu, examining her carefully before eximing, "Ah, isn''t this Miss Xu? My goodness, what are you doing here? Long time no see, how are you?" His words were filled with sincere intent, making them sound like old friends who hadn''t seen each other for a long time. Luo Yuan couldn''t help but admire how his big brother was always so enthusiastic and lively with people.


    "I''m doing very well, but I wonder how Lord Lin faredst night?" Xu Zhiqing replied with a cold smile, her eyes glinting dangerously.


    The unintentional speaker, the intentional listener; Luo Ning''s face turned red at the words, casting a secretive nce at her big brother, her eyebrows hinting at a touch of sentiment.


    ¡®Nonsense, I was apanied by a beautiful woman with fragrant candles, warm spring affections in a flowery bed, and endless pleasure on the mandarin duck pillows. How could I not be happy?¡¯ Seeing Miss Xu''s stern expression, Lin Wanrong gave a dryugh and said, "Thanks to Miss''s concern, I fared quite well, just a little better than you."


    "Shameless, you have no face!" Xu Zhiqing gritted her teeth in hatred, her eyes welling with a faint mist of tears.


    Although her voice was soft, Luo Ning heard every word. Seeing that her big brother and Sister Xu seemed to have some distance between them, she felt anxious and quickly grabbed Xu Zhiqing''s hand, saying, "Sister Xu, do you have any misunderstandings about my big brother? He''s quite good, industrious, kind, simple and humble, reticent, and protective of the weak. You''ve traveled with him; you should have felt these qualities, right?"


    Luo Yuan''s mouth hung open in shock; he never realized that his big brother had such a lofty status in his sister''s eyes. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, he thought. Why was his understanding of his big brotherpletely opposite to his sister''s? Lin San, however, felt greatlyforted by Luo Ning''s words. ¡®My dear Ning''er, you truly understand me. Others only see my surface, but only you have seen the deepest parts of me!¡¯


    Xu Zhiqing listened with a mix of amusement and disbelief. ording to Ning''er''s words, Lin San must be the most honest man in the world. If Lin San was described as honest, even pigs wouldugh.


    "Yes, I deeply feel his virtues," Miss Xu said, a cold smile ying on her lips. ncing at Lin San, she saw a smile in his eyes, and his gaze was stealthily focused on her chest, seemingly ying with some lewd thoughts. Miss Xu felt a surge of anger and almost fainted from the embarrassment. Such shameful matters could not be spoken to Ning''er, and she felt a mix of humiliation and injustice. Tears welled in her eyes as she quickly hid behind Luo Ning, saying, "Ning''er, let''s go quickly!"


    "Go? Where to?" Luo Ning asked in confusion, grabbing her arm and pleading, "Dear sister, my big brother is really not a bad person. Don''t be angry with him. Have you discovered anything on theke? You should discuss it with him."


    "Yes, yes, let''s discuss it," Lin San said, looking stern and righteous. Seeing Miss Xu''s reluctance, he felt no fear, thinking that since things hade to this point, there was no turning back.


    "I have nothing to say to you," Miss Xu snapped, her mind filled with the humiliation of the previous night and Lin San''s lewd looks. Her heart ached, tears swirling in her eyes, ready to fall.


    Luo Ning had never seen Sister Xu so angered before. She quickly embraced her and shot Lin Wanrong a warning nce. Lin San shook his head with a bitter smile, saying, "Alright, Miss Xu, I admit my mistake and will apologize to you. I will be more careful next time!"


    "Next time?" Xu Zhiqing said, her teeth clenched in anger, her eyes filled with fury.


    Lin San thought, ¡®Is it a crime to have a full chest? Isn''t a woman''s good figure meant for men to see? Like me, who dares to openly act like a lecher, such men are already extinct in this world. You''ve encountered a rare specimen, and you''re not content?¡¯ Heughedzily, thinking that unless they never saw each other again, he would still look.


    The two quarreled for a while, leaving the Luo siblings staring in bewilderment. How did their big brother and Sister Xu be like mortal enemies? How would they live together in the future?


    "General Lin, General Lin¡ª" Just as the situation reached a deadlock, an excited shout came from theke, and a small boat shot towards them like an arrow.


    "General Hu!" Xu Zhiqing''s eyes were sharp, and she immediately recognized the person on the small boat. It was Hu Bugui, who had been sent out to search the previous day under military orders.


    "Brother Hu¡ª" As the small boat steadied, Hu Bugui took a leap onto it. Seeing his excited expression, Lin Wanrong quickly grabbed his arm and asked, "Have you discovered something?"


    Hu Bugui''s face was weathered and his eyes bloodshot, but his expression was one of extreme excitement. He eximed, "General, your brilliant calctions were correct! Last night, I followed your instructions and searched along both shores of Weishan Lake, and indeed, we made some gains."


    Upon hearing these words, everyone on the boat was instantly thrilled. Even Miss Xu, who was in a quarrel with Master Lin, turned her head to listen to him. But seeing Lin San smiling at her, she hurriedly snorted and turned her head back.


    "Yesterday, I took two thousand brothers with me and explored along both shores," Hu Bugui continued, his voice filled with joy. "We traveled over a hundred li in one night, visiting the fishermen andmon people on both sides, and finally found some extremely useful information. The day before yesterday, in the early evening, a few big brothers went out to fish in theke. As it was early spring, there were few fish, so they paddled further out. On their return journey, they were chased away by several small boats."


    "Chased away?" Lin Wanrong frowned. "Did they see the faces of those people?"


    Hu Bugui shook his head. "It was already dusk when they were returning, so they couldn''t see the faces of those people. But ording to them, those small boats were heavilyden, and the fishermen on board were strong and robust, unlike ordinary fishermen. They chased them away a great distance before turning back. One of the fishermen, ovee by curiosity, secretly followed them. He was startled to find that behind those few small boats, there was an entire fleet."


    "A fleet?" Lin Wanrong eximed joyfully, "How big were the boats? How many?"


    "Because he was too far away and afraid of being discovered, he didn''t dare to linger long, and he couldn''t describe the size of the boats. But he estimated that there were about forty to fifty of them. The cabins were all covered with canvas, appearing grey and indistinct."


    "Forty to fifty boats?" Lin Wanrong excitedly pped his hands and turned to the boatman, "Uncle, what''s thergest boat you''ve ever seen on our Weishan Lake?"


    The old boatman replied, "I''ve been fishing on Weishan Lake all my life, and thergest boats I''ve seen were the naval vessels sent by the courtst year to exterminate the White Lotus Cult. Those big irond ships could hold over a hundred people, and they even had cannons. But those are sea boats; they can''t move in the shallow waters of Weishan Lake, so most of them were just for show."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. During the extermination of the White Lotus, Xu Wei had mobilized naval vessels to blockade Weishan Lake. It was only to prevent the White Lotus from escaping by water, not forbat, so whether they could reach shallow waters was irrelevant.


    Xu Zhiqing pondered for a moment and then said, "The thieves have stolen the silver and are in a hurry to move it. They surely wouldn''t dare use naval vessels. Firstly, irond ships are too conspicuous and easy to spot; if they were to run aground in shallow water, they would be helpless. Secondly, all of Great Hua''s naval forces are under effective control. They couldn''t get their hands on such irond ships."


    Xu Zhiqing was the daughter of Xu Wei, and she was also Li Tai''s daughter-inw and a highly regarded female military strategist. Her understanding of the Great Hua navy was no surprise. Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs up,ughing, "Well said, hit the nail on the head, I admire you!"


    Xu Zhiqing snorted lightly and turned her head away. "What''s the use of ttery from a shameless person like you, uncle? Please continue speaking."


    The boatman nodded and said, "As for the other ships, they''re pretty much the same, not much difference. I know the deep and shallow waters of Weishan Lake like the back of my hand. A typical wooden ship can carry about eight hundred catties, and that''s a good one."


    "That''s right!" Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver, calcted at eight hundred catties per ship, would require more than thirty to forty wooden ships. Isn''t that the fleet from that night?"


    With this calction, the fleet that had appeared that night was undoubtedly the one smuggling the silver, and everyone became excited. Even though they had confirmed that it was indeed the fleet carrying the silver, and that the silver was indeed in Weishan Lake, they still knew nothing about where it was specifically hidden.


    After the initial excitement, Luo Ning and her brother realized the key issue, and their excitement gradually waned. Luo Ning looked at Lin Wanrong and whispered, "Even so, Weishan Lake is hundreds of miles wide. Where should we look for the silver?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and smiled, "Don''t worry, Big Brother is here. Ning''er, think carefully about when your father discovered the silver was missing, and when he began to block off theke?"


    "Father discovered the silver was missing at the second watch of the night, and he immediately issued the blockade order. Fast horses reached the shores around the third watch," Luo Ning thought for a moment and nodded.


    "That is to say, it''s certain the silver didn''t make it to shore. Even if they put the silver on the ships at the first watch, by the third watch, it would only be three hours. A wooden ship, carrying eight hundred catties, how far could it go in three hours?" Lin Wanrong spoke smugly. If he had a few wisps of a small beard, he would look quite like a wise sage. "Oh, and one more important question, Brother Hu, did you ask about the wind direction on Weishan Lake that night?"


    "I was in a hurry to report, so I forgot to ask," Hu Bugui said, looking embarrassed. He had been ordered the previous night to travel a hundred miles searching for clues without even stopping for a drink. His oversight was excusable.


    "The wind wasing from the southeast that night," Xu Zhiqing said calmly, sounding quite certain.


    "How do you know?" Lin looked at her in surprise.


    "I already inquired about it when we left theke," Xu Zhiqing responded without even ncing at him. She seemed to loathe him deeply, snorting, "You know the silver is in theke, yet you never even asked about the wind direction. I don''t know what filthy thoughts upy your mind all day."


    This youngdy was speaking metaphorically, but she was indeed smart, considering all aspects of a situation. Master Lin thought to himself, admiring her assets, that he would let it slide this time. Reluctantly taking his eyes off her chest, heforted himself.


    "The youngdy is right; the wind was indeed from the southeast that night," the old boatman interjected.


    "Wow, Miss Xu guessed it right again." Lin Wanrong chuckled, his face full of feigned admiration. "Eh, by this calction, weren''t those thieves sailing against the wind? It seems Heaven itself is helping us. Uncle, three hours, how far do you think these wooden boats could go?"


    "With a full load of eight hundred catties of silver, there won''t be much space left on the wooden boat, at most four people with four oars paddling together. And they were sailing against the wind; even if they took turns rowing without rest, they couldn''t travel more than a few miles in an hour. Moreover, the fleet would be moving together, and the speed would be even slower. I reckon about sixteen or seventeen miles in an hour should be about right," the old boatman dered decisively.


    Sixteen or seventeen miles in an hour? That meant fifty miles in three hours? Lin Wanrong pulled out pen and paper, made some calctions, and was about to give orders when Xu Zhiqing spoke, "Don''t just consider the distance the small boats could travel; also think about whether the silver submerged in the water would be pushed by the current? The currentst night was blowing from the northwest."


    "Miss Xu, you are so learned, even knowing fluid mechanics," Lin Wanrong eximed in admiration. Xu Zhiqing did not even look at him,pletely ignoring hisment.


    "No matter if it''s the southeast wind or the northwest wind, I''ll include the force of the water flow as well. If theke water pushed my silver another ten miles, then within sixty miles, this will be our search direction." He drew a point on the paper and radiated several lines from it; the silver was within this radius.


    Seeing his triumphant expression, Xu Zhiqing snorted contemptuously and took hold of Luo Ning''s small hand, saying, "Ning''er, help me with something."


    Luo Ning nodded, and Miss Xu continued, "Ask that shameless man how he knows that these three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver haven''t been scattered by the thieves?"


    Luo Ning looked at her big brother hesitantly. If she asked, she would be admitting that her big brother was shameless; if she did not, it was a matter of importance. Lin Wanrongughed, confidently saying, "More than three hundred thousand taels of silver would certainly not be scattered. Even splitting them into two piles is unlikely. Firstly, they didn''t have ample time; coordinating forty boats is no small feat; secondly, scattering the silver under the water might cause it to be broken up by the current. They wouldn''t be so foolish. More than three hundred thousand taels of silver would form a small mountain underwater and wouldn''t be easily moved. They surely fixed all the silver together before daring to submerge it."


    Miss Xu snorted and said no more, seemingly having no objections.


    What was initially a baffling problem had been concretely rified by Lin Wanrong and Miss Xu in a few words, and even calcted the radius ording to technical principles. Everyone was impressed, especially by the coordination between Miss Xu and Lin Wanrong, whoseplementing answers were incredibly in sync. Luo Yuan shook his head and sighed, "This sounds quite simple, and I understood it as soon as my big brother and Sister Xu exined it. Why couldn''t I think of it myself?"


    "That''s what''s called knowing after the fact and hindsight intelligence. If you had half the brains of big brother and Sister Xu, father wouldn''t worry about you," Luo Ning teased her younger brother, then leaned affectionately against Lin Wanrong, her face glowing with happiness. She softly said, "Big brother, Ning''er is proud of you."


    "Don''t say it like that; this achievement belongs to everyone. I''ve only done a small part," Lord Lin said modestly.


    Xu Zhiqing gave a cold smile: "Let''s not boast too much. We''ve only calcted that the silver is likely within this range, but we still have no way to search for it."


    Her words were indeed true. Even though they had narrowed the search range from several hundred li to just sixty, it was still a vast area. Searching for the silver within sixty li of water was no easy task.


    "Can we find some underwater experts to search every ce?" Luo Ning tentatively proposed a solution.


    "This method is not feasible." Seeing that Lord Lin was deep in thought, Xu Zhiqing was the one to respond, shaking her head: "A sixty-li water area is not particrlyrge, but it''s not small either. Even if we send the best underwater hands, searching ten li a day would be difficult. The emperor has given us only seven days, and after yesterday, we have only six left. There is no time. Moreover, there is a serious problem. The three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver must be sunk to the bottom of theke. Weishan Lake is incredibly deep, and the deeper you go, the greater the pressure. People can''t endure it, and even if they reach the bottom, they can''t stay long enough to search."


    Luo Ning nodded, not fully understanding. When it came to poetry, she might have been able topete, but how could she match the knowledgeable Sister Xu when it came to the principles of everything?


    Lin Wanrong nodded, impressed that this Miss Xu, apart from being well-endowed, had considerable skills and even knew these principles. He pondered for a long while before addressing the old boatman: "Uncle, how deep is the water where we are?"


    The old boatman slowly lowered his bamboo pole, and although it was as tall as three people, it still didn''t reach the bottom. Heughed, pulling up the pole: "We''ve only traveled four or five li, and based on my experience, this is still shallow water, about five or six bamboo poles deep."


    Luo Yuan gasped. A bamboo pole was as tall as three people, and five or six of them was considered shallow water? This was outrageous!


    "How about I report to General Li Tai and bring fifty thousand more brothers from the camp? We can encircle theke within sixty li and build dikes day and night to level it! General, don''t worry; I, Old Hu, guarantee it''ll be done within five days!" Hu Bugui said confidently, his proposal startling the old boatman.


    Lin Wanrong forced a smile: "Brother Hu, don''t scare me. Mobilizing tens of thousands of soldiers, their food, drink, and other needs, not to mention filling theke and building fields, is no small task. Those three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver probably won''t even cover the cost. Besides, Weishan Lake is renowned as and of fish and rice. If we really fill it, how will we exin it to future generations? We can do foolish things, but never malicious ones!"


    Hu Bugui gave an embarrassed chuckle: "I was just talking, just talking, old man, please don''t mind."


    The old boatman sighed: "My lord, please don''t say such things again; it frightens me to hear it. Our people have lived on Weishan Lake for generations, relying on fishing for our livelihood. We release fish in spring and catch them in autumn; Weishan Lake is our lifeline. If theke is filled, what will we eat?"


    "Uncle, what did you just say?" A glimmer of insight shed through Lin Wanrong''s mind, and he hurriedly grabbed the old boatman''s hand to ask.


    "This sir," the old boatman repeated, "I said, ''Weishan Lake is our lifeline. If theke were to be filled, what would we eat?''"


    "No, not that. It was the sentence before that one," Lin Wanrong excitedly said.


    The old boatman looked at Lin Wanrong, puzzled. It was just one sentence; why would it excite him so much? "I said, ''Springtime is for stocking fish, autumn is for catching fish.'' Sir, is this the one?"


    "Yes, that''s it, that''s it!" Lin Wanrong''s face was alight with excitement, muttering, "Springtime is for stocking fish, autumn is for catching fish. Stocking fish, catching fish. Uncle, what kind of do you use for fishing?"


    "For fishing, we use many different types ofs. There are casts, small enough for one person to handle, which fall open like a flower; these are for catching small fish. Then there are long gills, ranging from dozens to hundreds of feet, set in the water at night, and when raised the next day, they contain manyrge fish. There''s also a longer called a drag. Every autumn, after fishing, the fishermen along the shore gather to discuss catching the remaining fish in theke. We choose an auspicious day, spread out the drag, divide the area, and hundreds of us pull together to catch all the fish in theke. This is our final catch of the year, so it''s also called a plete haul¡¯."


    Talking about fishing, the old boatman''s words flowed nonstop, describing casts, gills, and drags. Xu Zhiqing listened with great interest, let alone Luo Ning and Luo Yuan. They were born into wealth and were unfamiliar with these things, but Lin Wanrong, who grew up along the Yangtze River, knew them intimately. Listening to the old man''s prattle, he felt an indescribable warmth.


    "Excellent, excellent, the drag, the drag!" Lin Wanrong eximed, rubbing his hands together, "Uncle, how big are the holes in the drag?"


    "The holes? They vary in size, from coarse to fine. Fishermen may not have much, buts are essential. You want a small hole; you get a small hole," the old boatman exined.


    Xu Zhiqing couldn''t hold back any longer and snorted, "Are you thinking of using these fishings to catch silver?"


    "Eh, willing to talk to a shameless person this time?" Lin Wanrong replied,ughing without answering her question.


    Xu Zhiqing ignored him and coldly said, "If you think of using fishings to catch silver, you are greatly mistaken. Even if you have the longest fishing, it won''t work. The is weighted with tin blocks, which can sink to the bottom in shallow water, but in deep water, they can only reach three-tenths below the surface, at best."


    "Don''t worry, my Miss Xu," Lin Wanrongughed, "When ites to fishing, I was soaking in the water when you hadn''t even begun to learn your letters." He then threw back at her the words she had used on the road.


    "What do you want the fishing for?" Xu Zhiqing asked, not arguing this time, her mouth twitching.


    "Do you want to know? Come here." Lin Wanrong gestured to Miss Xu with a finger, his smiling face full of hidden meaning.


    "You, what are you going to do?" Once bitten by a snake, one is afraid of the rope in the well for ten years; Miss Xu subconsciously reached into her bosom, on guard.


    Lin Wanrong shrugged nonchntly, "It doesn''t matter. If you don''t want to know, I won''t insist. Uncle, let''s continue our earlier conversation."


    Curiosity killed the cat, and Miss Xu Zhiqing bit her silver teeth, forcibly restraining the fear in her heart as she slowly walked over to him, cautiously and warily saying, "Speak, I''m listening."


    "Show some sincerity,e closer, closer, yes, that''s how it should be." Seeing the tiny beads of sweat on Miss Xu''s delicate nose, Master Lin couldn''t help feeling triumphant inside. He was even impressed by his own ability to affect her. "You, speak quickly!" Getting close to him, remembering his "lecherous behavior" from the night before, feeling his hot gaze scanning her, Xu Zhiqing''s heart was pounding, her face flushing, and she scolded him in a soft, challenging voice to bolster her courage.


    "Do you want to know?" Lin Wanrong leaned close to her ear, finding her flushed, crystal-clear little ear rather amusing, "But I just won''t tell you!"


    "You¡ª" Xu Zhiqing was both shocked and angry, teased by him once again, especially in front of so many others. Her anger was palpable. Seeing his yful and smiling face, Miss Xu wished she could kick him hard to relieve her frustration.


    "You probably have no other way but to pretend you know something." Xu Zhiqing suppressed her anger, calmly responding.


    This little girl even knew how to y the provocation game. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Really? Am I just pretending? I don''t think so! How about this, Miss Xu, let''s make a bet!"


    "Big brother, bet on what?" Luo Yuan perked up at the mention, a naturally mischievous person who thrived on chaos. Seeing a possible thaw in the rtionship between his big brother and Sister Xu, Luo Ning also looked at his big brother with a smile.


    Xu Zhiqing hadn''t expected that her provocation would backfire, with this shameless man taking control. If she backed down, wouldn''t she be teased by him again?


    "What''s the bet?" When the shameless man''s sharp eyes fell on her, she felt a little flustered but a surge of defiance gave her the courage to lift her head and haughtily ask.


    "If I find the silver with this fishing, you agree to one condition of mine." Master Lin looked at Miss Xu up and down with a lecherous smile. To look openly was satisfying, and this girl could be described with one word, big¡ªreally big!


    "Shameless lecher!" Xu Zhiqing muttered to herself, feeling somewhat helpless. She''d seen him thousands of times, so could she gouge her eyes out?


    She gritted her teeth, "And if you don''t find it?"


    "If I don''t find it, then I''ll be Miss Xu''s horse, and you can ride me for the rest of my life." Master Linughed heartily, dismissing the idea entirely.


    Luo Yuan gasped, "Let Miss Xu ride for a lifetime? What a malicious vow, only big brother could think of such a thing."


    ¡®If you don''t find the silver, I''ll whip you hard, and you''ll be a horse for the rest of your life,¡¯ Miss Xu thought bitterly. She couldn''t guess the deeper meaning of Master Lin''s words.


    "Fine, then it''s settled. A gentleman''s word is his bond!" Miss Xu''s silver teeth gritted audibly as she pronounced the word "bond" heavily.


    "Miss Xu, big brother hasn''t mentioned his condition for you yet." Luo Ning kindly reminded Xu Zhiqing.


    Miss Xu was taken aback, ¡®True, I was so angry I didn''t think straight.¡¯ She nced at Master Lin, "Speak, what''s your condition?"


    "Lean in," Lin Wanrong signaled with a self-satisfied hook of his finger.


    Miss Xu leaned in, only to feel that debauched man blow a breath into her ear, whispering, "My condition is simple, heh heh, it''s just a touch¡ª"


    "You licentious thief, shameless¡ª" Miss Xu felt her head explode with a bang, her face flushed red, memories of the previous night flooding back, tears welling in her eyes, as if about to fall.


    "Hey, Miss Xu, you''ve misunderstood¡ª" Lin Wanrong hurriedly exined, "I didn''t mean that!"


    Xu Zhiqing''s eyes were red-rimmed, tears swirling, she suddenly turned her head away, her shoulders slightly trembling, "You don''t have to say, I know your condition. Since I have already agreed to you, I''ll resign myself to it. I just hope you''ll do your best to help Uncle Luo recover the silver."


    "Really? I haven''t said it, and you understand?" Lin Wanrong opened his mouth wide, his face filled with disbelief.


    "With the dirty thoughts in your heart, I know even if you don''t say it." Miss Xu turned around, her eyes bright and calm, "I''ve agreed to you, the bet is on."


    The self-righteous girl, Lin Wanrong sighed, no longer willing to exin to her. Luo Ning noticed something amiss between the two and quickly grabbed Lin Wanrong, "Big brother, what request did you make of Sister Zhiqing?"


    "I asked her to take advantage of me, believe it or not?" Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    Luo Ning shook his head firmly, "I don''t believe it, big brother would just talk nonsense."


    Lin Wanrong nced at Xu Zhiqing, sighed, "Yes, I don''t believe it myself. Uncle, where were we?"


    "We were talking about the fishing!" the boatmanughed, "The gentleman was asking me about the size of the holes!"


    "Oh, right, right, Uncle, how long is the fishing you have?" Lin Wanrong thought for a moment and asked.


    "This one, the longest is more than a mile. Think about how we need hundreds of people to pull it each time, you can imagine how long it is," the boatmanughed.


    "Can you make some even longer, like, several miles?" Lin Wanrong guided gently, Xu Zhiqing''s brows furrowed at hearing this. Such a long fishing¡ªwas this guy really nning to fish for silver? Stupid! Dumb!


    "If we connect severals together, one can be made up to three or four miles long. Any longer won''t work, it''s hard to pull!" the boatman exined.


    Lin Wanrong pped his thigh,ughing, "Good, three or four miles long it is. Uncle, is it difficult to connect theses together? Can you make me thirty of these longs?"


    The old boatman shook his head and smiled, "What''s so hard about that? We fishermen, mendings and connecting lines, it''s the most basic craft. You want as manys, no problem. We live off this, we can''t do without it."


    "Wonderful, wonderful," Lin Wanrong excitedly grabbed his hand, "Uncle, can you please hurry and get me some fishings, ready to use by tomorrow? I''ll assign Brother Hu Bugui and his two thousand elite soldiers to assist you, what do you think?"


    Seeing the official''s anxious face, the boatman nodded, "This shouldn''t be difficult. Let Officer Hu contact the three towns and nine viges, and we''ll rush to work tonight. Tomorrow we guarantee to give you thirty long fishings, four miles long!"


    Everyone listened to him talk for quite some time, but no one had any clue what he wanted to do with those things. Miss Xu was especially perplexed but felt a vague sense of joy. If he was unsessful, she wouldn''t have to honor the wager and suffer his humiliation. However, if he failed, Ning''er''s entire family would be executed. For a moment, she was caught between a rock and a hard ce, torn between two difficult choices.


    "Uncle, you mentioned earlier that you are preparing to release some fish fry into theke. Is that true?" Lin Wanrong changed the subject, bringing the conversation back to fish after discussing thes.


    The old boatman nodded: "Yes, it''s true. Every spring, we release fish. It''s a joint effort between the fishermen and the government. The fries are ready, and as long as there''s money, it can be done. We had already discussed this earlier and started fundraising, but unfortunately, Lord Luo''s incident dyed everything."


    "Don''t dy it, don''t dy!" Lin Wanrong said, his heart on fire. "Releasing fish in spring is vital for the livelihood of our fellow fishermen on Weishan Lake. It''s an urgent matter. How can we postpone it?"


    "We''re more anxious than you are, Sir!" the boatmanmented. "But without money right now, there''s nothing we can do."


    "Uncle, how much money is needed?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    The old man held up three fingers, and Lin Wanrong pped his chest, confidently saying: "Three hundred taels? Don''t worry, Uncle, I''ll cover it."


    The old man bowed respectfully and said, "Sir, it''s three thousand taels!"


    "Three¡ªthousand¡ªtaels¡ª" Lin Wanrong grimaced, his eyes bulging out. "Uncle, are you sure? Three thousand taels of silver is a robbery!"


    "It can''t be helped, this is the world we live in. Three thousand taels for three hundred thousand fish fry¡ªthis is the hope of all the fishermen on Weishan Lake," the old man sighed, his face filled with worry.


    Three thousand taels for three hundred thousand fish fry? Dammit, the intion was fierce! Although he was a wealthy man, making money was not easy for him. He thought of all the hard work spent running the restaurant and making the perfume. Three thousand taels was equivalent to fifty bottles of perfume. Wasn''t life hard for him?


    "Big Brother," Luo Ning gently tugged at his sleeve, her eyes filled with tears. "Are you really buying the fish fry?"


    ¡®Why would I buy fish fry if I don''t fish? It''s all for your father!¡¯ He gave her a bitter smile and nodded. "Yes, I''m buying the fish fry, bing a fisherman on Weishan Lake. Ning''er, will you still follow me?"


    Luo Ning gave a shy smile, "Big brother is so annoying! Ning''er is your wife; whatever you want to do, Ning''er will support you. Grandmother left me some jewelry before going to the capital, worth perhaps a thousand taels. I''ll give it all to you, big brother, so you can do whatever you want."


    This girl truly was considerate. Lin Wanrong patted her little face, chuckling, "Good girl, this time your big brother is making a big sacrifice for you. You mustpensate me well tonight."


    "How should Ipensate you?" Luo Ning''s face flushed a pale pink. She looked at him, lightly biting her lip, her eyes seeming ready to brim with tears.


    Lin Wanrong pinched her charming little hip,ughing lecherously, "Tonight, we''ll try a new position, and I guarantee my little Ning''er will want to try it again."


    "Big brother¡ª" Luo Ning called out shyly, unable to keep her head up.


    "Uncle, I will pay the three thousand taels of silver," Lin Wanrong''s face turned bright red as he pulled out the silver bills from his bosom. He carefully counted for a while, a pang of pain in his heart, "But I have one condition. You must rush back now, and gather all the fish fry and fishings by tomorrow morning. Then gather all the fishermen from the neighboring viges. Tell them that this Master has three thousand taels for the fish, and I need theirbor for a few days. Is this deal eptable?"


    "Yes, yes," the old man excitedly knelt down. "Master, you are like a Bodhisattva descending from heaven. The old man and the folks around here are endlessly grateful."


    Lin Wanrong helped him up, sighing, "Uncle, I am no Bodhisattva, and I have my selfish reasons. These three thousand taels, if they can help recover the three hundred and fifty thousand taels, I will make a huge profit. This deal is worth it. If it doesn''t work out, consider it as me umting virtue for my father-inw, doing onest good deed for the vigers!"


    "Master, rest assured, I''ll go back and notify the vigers right now. Even if we have to risk our lives, we will have the fish fry and fishings ready within the time you''ve requested. This old man can''t read much and doesn''t understand what private or public interests are, but one thing I know is, as long as it helps our vigers, no matter what your intentions are, they are good."


    The old man gave some instructions for his boat to an assistant, then jumped onto another small boat, kowtowing respectfully to Lin Wanrong. Master Lin tried to help him up but was toote, so he let him go on his way.


    Luo Yuan gave him a thumbs up, Luo Ning''s face turned bright red as she clung tightly to him, softly saying, "Husband, you are the best person in the world! Ning''er will always be proud of you!"


    Three thousand taels of silver, all to buy back pride; this deal was worth it for him. Lin Wanrong smiled contentedly, burying his head in Ning''er''s shoulder, "Sweet Ning''er, your husband is hurt, my heart is bleeding. Hold me as we go back, let''s indulge in some daytime pleasure tofort me!"


    Luo Ning covered her cheeks in embarrassment, her tender little leg lightly touching his leg, an indescribable intoxicating sensation.


    "You shameless lecher." Xu Zhiqing was standing beside them, having overheard their intimate whispers. The memory ofst night''s encounter surged in her heart, filled with anger. Remembering his confidence in needings and fish fry, she didn''t know how he nned to recover the silver, yet a vague premonition told her that she might lose. Was she really going to let this lecher touch her again? She feared he might get used to it!


    Her face burned as she sneaked a nce at them. She saw that lecher bury his head in Ning''er''s shoulder, smiling at her. That smile, eerie and strange, was unspeakablyscivious...


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 Chapter 383

    Chapter 383


    Chapter 383 Ruined Good Deeds


    After everything was arranged, Lin Wanrong''s mood improved. Along the way, he held Luo Ning''s small hand, whispering jokes in her ear that were both cheeky and clean. Luo Ning listened with a blushing face, her chest quaking, her heart pounding non-stop, yet filled with a feeling of excitement.


    Xu Zhiqing stood beside the two, sometimes overhearing Lin Wanrong''s teasing words, feeling a shiver of fear at first, butter bing increasingly numb. Luo Ning of today was not as clingy as she had been before, always shadowing Xu Zhiqing. Following her sense of responsibility towards her close friend, Xu Zhiqing stayed close to the two, only responding to Luo Ning andpletely ignoring Lin Wanrong. After encountering a few cold shoulders, Lin Wanrong prudently gave up on his teasing.


    The journey was smooth and uneventful, and by noon, they reached their sixty-mile destination. Along the way, Lin Wanrong kept observing the sixty-mile stretch of water, noticing it was quite wide and with minimal reed marshes, quite suitable for fishing. He felt somewhat relieved. Instructing Luo Yuan to set floating markers with a few fishermen, he marked the approximate sixty-mile range from the shore and assigned guards to watch over the area day and night, finally feeling at ease.


    "Big brother, do you really n to fish for silver withs?" Luo Yuan asked incredulously as he watched the fishermen ce the markers. "I think what Sister Xu said makes sense; theses with tin bottoms are too light, they won''t sink to the bottom."


    Seeing Xu Zhiqing''s ears perking up to listen, Lin Wanrongughed loudly and pped Luo Yuan''s shoulder, "The mountain man has his clever ways. Little Luo, don''t you trust your big brother? Also, there''s one more thing. Later, spread the word that we''ve found the location of the 350,000 taels of silver buried in Weishan Lake, and we''ll start fishing for it tomorrow morning, heh heh."


    "Big brother, do you suspect that there are still thieves nearby?" Luo Ning quietly asked, following him.


    "Naturally," Lin Wanrong nodded. "Ning''er, think about it; if you were a thief and buried all this silver in theke, would you leave it so easily?"


    "No," Luo Ning shook her head, "I would leave people to watch and be ready to move the silver at any sign of trouble. Oh, I understand now. Big brother, you are waiting for the thieves to walk into a trap?"Lin Wanrong smiled without answering, and Xu Zhiqing took Luo Ning''s hand to exin, "They might not walk into a trap. But they may reveal something in their haste, and that would be unavoidable. Little Yuan, you must patrol the sixty-mileke surface tonight with guards, be vignt, and immediately detain any suspicious individuals."


    Luo Yuan looked at Lin Wanrong as if seeking his opinion. Lin Wanrong nodded, and Luo Yuan immediately became excited, "Big brother and Sister Xu, rest assured, I willplete the task. Big brother, I heard from General Hu that the Emperor has issued a decree for your trip to Shandong. You canmand all the local officials, soldiers, and supplies in Shandong. Can you give me forty to fifty thousand of your troops? I will seal off the sixty-mile water surface without a leak."


    Lin Wanrong patted him on the head,ughing, "Have you lost your mind, young man? Do you think this is child''s y with mud? Asking for fifty thousand men right away? Can you even handle that many?"


    Xu Zhiqing and Luo Ning burst into girlishughter, while Luo Yuan scratched his head somewhat sheepishly, "Then how many troops should you give me? It''s rare for me to lead soldiers, and I won''t do it if the number is too small."


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "You can''t be fat with just one bite. You used to lead the Hung Hing brothers to sh at people, and that was just passable. But now you''re not leading the Hung Hing; you''re leading troops into battle. It''s not a game. When we go back, you go find Brother Hu Bugui and lead five thousand troops to patrol this sixty-mileke surface. If you do well, opportunities won''t be scarce for you in the future. After all, you''re my brother-inw, and I''ve always been protective of my family."


    With those words, Luo Ning blushed and pinched him hard around his waist. Luo Yuan, however, was extremely excited, "Alright, that''s settled then. I''ll lead five thousand this time, but next time, it must be fifty thousand. By the way, I heard that General Li Tai will soon lead two hundred thousand troops to resist the nomads. Big brother, can you talk to the old general and include me? I''m not asking for much, just to lead ten thousand troops. I guarantee I''ll chop those nomads down, so they won''t dare start a war again."


    Luo Ning seemed a bit anxious, casting her eyes urgently at her big brother. Luo family had only this one heir, Luo Yuan. Going to the front line to fight the nomads was no trivial matter, and if anything happened to him, the Luo family line would end.


    Lin Wanrong wore a bitter smile. This young man had grown too ustomed to having his way in Jinling, developing a fearless attitude, thinking he could mold those nomads as easily as mud. Just as he was about to speak, Xu Zhiqing interjected, "Little Yuan, why are you telling him all this? He''s selfish, only thinking about his petty gains and ignoring the greater good of the nation. General Li asked him several times to lead troops to fight the nomads, but he refused every time. From what I see, if the nomads were to attack, he''d be the first to run."


    "My big brother is not like that!" Luo Yuan''s face turned beet red as he loudly defended, "He''s courageous and wise, defying the powerful, fighting the White Lotus Sect, ying tricks on the young prince. Everyone in Jinling knows that he''s a true hero."


    "Is that so?" Xu Zhiqing replied calmly, "Maybe that was true in the past, but not necessarily now. He doesn''t even dare to go to the battlefield. What kind of hero is that?"


    This girl''s thinking was indeed profound. Even at this juncture, she didn''t forget to employ her provocation technique. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Little Luo, I''m no hero. I''m just getting by day by day. When ites to going to the front line, I indeed don''t feel like going."


    "Big brother, why is that?" Luo Yuan was bewildered, "You took over Jining City, wiped out the White Lotus Sect. Why don''t you want to fight now? Victory in battle can lead to titles and high positions. How others will envy you!"


    Lin Wanrong patted him on the shoulder and said with a faint smile, "The entirendscape of our nation is now drawn into the map of war. How can themon people find joy amidst such chaos? Speak not of the rewards and titles of war, for behind every victorious general, countless soldiers haveid down their lives. War means death. When you witness numerous lives falling beside you, it feels suffocating. I despise such scenes. Every soldier who dies on the battlefield was born and nurtured by loving parents. Every inch of their being is a testament to their parents'' love. No life is lesser than another. In the end, it''s the innocent civilians who suffer the most, while the elites continue to live their indulgent lives. They swear to defeat the enemies without regard for their own lives, yet thousands of luxurious armors are lost amidst the enemy''s dust. Think of the countless wives waiting for their husbands, children longing for their fathers. The bones of many soldiers lie by the Wuding River, yet they remain the dream men of their families back home. When you ponder on the number of families torn apart by war, you''lle to loathe it deeply."


    "But the nomads are ughtering our brethren, insulting our Great Hua. If we do not lead troops against them, won''t our Great Hua be nearly annihted?" Luo Yuan asked, not quite understanding.


    "To hate war, yet have to fight, is the helplessness of life. It''s the old saying, ''Rise, and the people suffer; fall, and the people suffer!''" Lin Wanrongughed and patted his shoulder again, "Do you understand your big brother''s feelings now?"


    Xu Zhiqing sighed softly and said no more, while Luo Ning clung to her big brother, her heart full of tenderness.


    When they disembarked from the boat, it was already evening. The sunset over Weishan Lake filled the sky, the waves reflecting a beautiful golden color.


    Xu Zhiqing suddenly said, "Did we overlook something? What will the weather be like tomorrow? Will it rain? If it does, things might not go smoothly."


    ¡®This youngdy is truly diligent, considering everything,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, nodding and smiling, "Thank you, Miss Xu, for the reminder. I have already noticed this. Tomorrow will be as bright and sunny as today, cloudless, a day that couldn''t be better."


    Seeing his certainty, Xu Zhiqing was puzzled, but she had her reservations about Master Lin, so she didn''t inquire directly. Master Lin, smiling, exined, "In my hometown, there is a saying, ''Morning glow, wait for boiling tea; evening glow, dry the toads.'' The evening glow today is so beautiful and captivating, tomorrow will undoubtedly be clear."


    "Although folk sayings are passed down collectively, they are not always precise; it''s better to be cautious," Miss Xu shook her head, unconvinced by Master Lin''s judgment based solely on a proverb.


    ¡®This Miss Xu really is stubborn,¡¯ Master Lin thought, ¡®Competing with me all day. Fine, fine, I''ll teach you another trick.¡¯


    "Miss Xu''s considerations areprehensive, and I admire that," he said, chuckling. "But when I say tomorrow will be clear, it is not a wild guess. It is derived from the logic of nature. Now is the time of sunset, and if Miss Xu often stays by Weishan Lake, she would know that this is when the fish rise to the water''s surface. If rain wereing tomorrow, the air in the water would be thin, and the fish would sense it first. You would see ripples on the water''s surface, andrge numbers of fishing up to breathe. I observed earlier, and there is no such scene now; tomorrow should undoubtedly be a bright sunny day. Predicting the weather, there are many good methods among the people, including watching fish rise to the water, ants moving before the rain, observing cloud shapes, and so on. If Miss Xu is interested, I can open a ss one day to teach this subject. The tuition fee would be only five taels of silver." Master Lin said with a yful smile, speaking convincingly, with seriousness in jest, making it hard not to believe.


    Along the way, the exchanges between Miss Xu and Master Lin were most captivating. Miss Xu''s knowledge was profound, and her thoughts were well-considered; she could speak eloquently on any subject, earning people''s deep admiration. Master Lin was even more incredible, resembling an unbeatable iron man, knowing everything and able to summarize anything in detail. Though his words seemed to flow effortlessly, they concealed profound truths, even overshadowing Miss Xu.


    It was a vivid lesson in natural education. Master Lin''s knowledge came from real-life experience, and he spoke authoritatively. Luo Ning listened with great interest, feeling particrly joyful. She clung to her big brother''s arm and asked in a charming voice, "Big brother, where did you learn all this? Howe Ning''er has never heard of it before?"


    "Self-taught, self-taught," Master Lin replied without batting an eye. "I observed clouds by day and stars by night, diligently studying for twenty years, to achieve this sess. The hardship and taste of this endeavor are not something I can convey to outsiders."


    Xu Zhiqing listened with concealed bitterness. What night observation of the sky and self-education? With those lustful eyes of his, always fixed on others'' chests or behinds, when would he have time to look at the stars? Surely he had simply picked up others'' conclusions, and yet he boasted without shame. He had no shame.


    As they were talking, suddenly a horseman galloped up. Hu Bugui jumped off his war horse, and hurriedly reported, "General, I''ve mobilized the fishermen and vigers within eighteen miles. Everyone is deeply grateful for the general''s righteousness. They''ve gathered spontaneously, and today alone have made more than thirtys. We can make another thirty tonight. Three hundred thousand fish fry are also ready and will arrive tomorrow morning."


    Lin Wanrong excitedly pped his hands, "Good, very good, Brother Hu has worked hard. Now everything is ready, and we only need the east wind. Let''s see what kind of big fish we can catch tomorrow."


    Returning to the residence after dinner, it was alreadyte at night. Lin Wanrong, newly married to Ning''er, was naturally inseparable from her. Recalling Luo Ning''s passion the previous night, Master Lin''s heart itched with desire. Fearing that Miss Xu might take over Ning''er''s room as she had done the night before, he shamelessly followed Luo Ning, wrapping his arms around her slender waist,ughing, "Ning''er dear, where have you arranged for your husband to sleep tonight?"


    Luo Ning knew exactly what he had in mind. Her body felt weak, her pretty face flushed, her beautiful eyes shimmering, a bewitching charm about her. She said shyly, "Big brother, we are husband and wife, naturally sleeping together in life, buried together in death. Ning''er''s room is big brother''s nest."


    This girl was truly tempting. Master Lin, knowing the taste, touched Luo Ning''s full buttocks, feeling as smooth as if washed in milk, eliciting a fiery re. The sensual pleasure was beyond words.


    Following Ning''er into the bedroom, he smelled that familiar fragrance and thought of the previous night''s erotic encounter, feeling a sudden alertness. What if Xu Zhiqing was hiding somewhere, ready to strike him down?


    He looked around and searched Ning''er''s bedroom but saw nothing unusual, finally feeling at ease. Miss Luo poured him a cup of hot tea,ughing, "Big brother, what are you doing?"


    "I''m looking at Ning''er''s bedroom. Ah, it''s my first timeing in here!" he said, lying with his eyes wide open, his face not reddening in the slightest.


    Luo Ning gave a shy smile and extended her little hand into his, saying, "Big brother, you must not speak like that again. This is Ning''er''s boudoir, indeed, but it''s also big brother''s home. I am big brother''s wife."


    Lin Wanrong embraced her into his arms, preparing to let his hands roam, but Luo Ning stopped him, speaking softly, "Big brother, Ning''er wants to ask you something. You must not hide it from me, okay?"


    "Hide from you? Why would I hide anything from you? You should know, I''m famous for my honesty and sincerity, not being good with words. Asking someone as upright as me to lie would be better off killing me," Lin Wanrong, full of righteousness, said with words that resounded like thunder.


    "I don''t believe it at all," Ning''er chuckled softly. "Today, in front of so many people, Ning''er only spoke like that for husband''s sake. Seeing Sister Zhiqing''s expression, Ning''er was truly embarrassed!"


    "Embarrassed by telling the truth? Really now!" Lin Wanrong buried his head in her soft and ample bosom, gently nuzzling. "Ning''er, how do you keep this ce so well-maintained, so full and luscious?"


    Luo Ning let out a soft cry of reproach, both shy and proud, feeling his big mouth press against her tenderest spot through her clothing, her whole body tingling, her voice trembling, "Big brother, do not tease Ning''er, let me talk to you."


    "Why not do both? It''s more efficient that way, sharpening the knife doesn''t stop the chopping of firewood!" Lin Wanrong held her slim waist, a surge of heat pressing against her hips, the sensation making him hum contentedly.


    Miss Luo, now a newlywed, was exquisitely sensitive to his teasing, letting out a soft moan, her breath suddenly bing hot, "Big brother, don''t tease me, oh, Ning''er wants to ask you something serious, oh, you and Sister Zhiqing¡ª"


    Something serious? What could be more serious than this? Lin Wanrong was about to engage in something even more "serious" when he suddenly heard Miss Luo mention Xu Zhiqing, and he froze, "Ning''er, what''s the matter with Miss Xu?"


    Seeing big brother behaving more properly, Luo Ning exhaled a long breath, her face flushed with embarrassment, she whispered, "Big brother, did you do something wrong to Sister Xu?"


    "Never, absolutely never! I swear to Heaven, if I''ve done anything to wrong Miss Xu, I''ll be her ox or horse, for her to ride for a lifetime." Facing a major moral issue, Lin Wanrong was remarkablyposed, responding with righteous indignation, taking such a grave oath. Having sworn, he suddenly giggled, shamelessly saying, "Ning''er, why are you asking this? Miss Xu and I are pure and innocent, without any hint of impropriety. We are whiter than snow."


    Luo Ning smiled, gently tapping his nose, "Big brother, I only asked one question. Who made you answer so much? You and Sister Xu are the people I trust the most, and no one understands your innocence better than I do."


    Sweating, should he feel touched or burst intoughter? Ah, what a dilemma. Lin Wanrong wanted tough but didn''t dare; his expression was exceedingly strange, appearing to Luo Ning as though big brother was moved to tears.


    She touched her big brother''s face and said softly, "Big brother, even though I''m more than a decade younger than Sister Ning, we share a bond like real sisters and tell each other everything. When Ning''er was studying in the capital, I lived with her, and it was Miss Xu Zhiqing who took care of me all the time. She was like a teacher and sister to me, caring for me in every possible way. Ning''er has remembered every little thing, and I dare not forget. Now that she hase thousands of miles to help us with our family matters, big brother, what do you think Ning''er should do to repay her?"


    ¡®Repay her? You''re not thinking of giving her your husband, are you? That won''t do; your husband is not just anyone; he''s only to be admired from afar, not to be trifled with¡ªand if he is to be trifled with, only by a beautiful woman!¡¯


    "Eh, Ning''er, how you intend to repay her isn''t going to involve me¡ªs, I can''t bear to part with you," Master Lin said with a pained expression.


    "Big brother, where is your mind wandering?" Luo Ning chuckled and blushed. "I am asking you to get along well with Sister Xu. You always talk nonsense."


    "Really?" Master Lin let out a dryugh. "You scared me to death, scared me to death. Thankfully, I still retain my innocence."


    Luo Ning giggled and tapped his forehead. "No wonder Sister Xu gets angry with you for always talking nonsense. You must have had no peace on your journey."


    "Speaking of Sister Xu, she''s indeed a tragic person. Engaged to someone she never even met, she has lived as a widow all these years. I don''t know how she''s been able to endure. We''ve known each other for many years, and I''ve never seen her cry. Just for that alone, she is much stronger than your Ning''er." Luo Ning''s eyes dimmed, and she wiped away a tear. "She is proud, learned, and looks down on most men. But she''s been alone and miserable all these years. If you care about Ning''er, big brother, don''t be angry with Sister Xu anymore. I''m torn between my dearest husband and my gracious sister, and it''s hard for me to be in the middle."


    Seeing Luo Ning''s pitiful appearance, Master Lin''s heart overflowed with love, and he quickly embraced her, saying, "Ning''er, my little darling, I am not so petty. Rest assured, I promise not to make things difficult for her. But as you''ve seen, it is your Sister Xu who treats me coldly; I''ve always greeted her with a smile."


    "Mm!" Luo Ning smiled sweetly and kissed her big brother''s face, reassuring him, "Don''t worry, big brother, I will speak to Sister Xu as well. With your talents, I''m sure she doesn''t mean to trouble you intentionally. I just worry that there might be a misunderstanding between you two."


    A misunderstanding? Unfortunately, the girl doesn''t believe it. Lin Wanrongughed and slowly stroked Miss Luo''s waist, whispering in her ear, "Ning''er, let''s consider this matter settled, shall we?"


    Miss Luo lightly nodded, her ears reddening. She knew well what her big brother meant, and thinking of their passionate love, she felt a thrilling mixture of shyness and anticipation.


    "My little darling, do you remember what I told you on the boat today?" Master Lin''s face wore a mischievous smile. "We''ll try a new position today, called the rear-entry. The key to this position is to lift your hips, stabilize your graceful legs, prate like thunder, and reach full speed. It''s the ultimate in pleasure, boundlessfort! s, who knows when I''ll finally get what I wish for?"


    Luo Ning''s heart was about to copse as she listened, her face flushed like red cloth, and she shyly punched him, saying, "Big brother, you love to tease people? Why don''t I see you tease Qiaoqiao in the same way?"


    "Little darling, Qiaoqiao has many more tricks than you," he whispered in her ear, lightly teasing. "Have you forgotten? That day in Jinling, in your boudoir, if you hadn''t intentionally caused trouble, I would have flown away with Qiaoqiao. Ah, ying games in Zhang San''s room and messing around in Li Si''s room, and then ying with Wang Wu, it''s such a good taste."


    Speaking of that day''s affair, Luo Ning''s heart filled with a different kind of emotion. She lowered her head and gathered her courage, tremblingly saying, "You scoundrel, teasing other women in my boudoir, I won''t forgive you¡ªHusband, whatever you do to Qiaoqiao, you must do to me too. Don''t hold back, Ning''er won''t lose to anyone!"


    Master Lin''s heart blossomed with joy, "Good girl, once we are finished here, we will go to the capital to meet Qiaoqiao. You and Qiaoqiao should learn from each other,pete in bed, and see who has more tricks. Only constant interaction can bring mutual improvement. The chaos of flowers can dazzle the eyes, but only shallow grass can hide the horse''s hooves. Good poetry, such good poetry!"


    His words became more and more vulgar, more and more unbearable. Luo Ning''s heart trembled, wanting to scold him but not daring to open her mouth. Her body was already devoid of strength. With a soft moan, she threw herself into his arms, no longer daring to raise her head. Such boudoir whispers, even a touch was full of romance. Master Lin was well versed in the ways of it, his control of the situation was masterful, unparalleled in the world.


    Master Lin began to untie her clothing, reaching into her embrace, moving his hands from top to bottom. Just as he touched the two hot buttocks, preparing to unleash the dragon-w hand, a woman''s voice sounded outside the door, "Ning''er, have you rested yet?"


    "It''s Sister Xu!" Luo Ning hastily sat up from Big Brother''s embrace, pulled up her clothes, and nced at him in a flustered and charming way, her face emanating thick spring love.


    ¡®What''s going on? The arrow is already on the string, what is Xu Zhiqinging to do? Is she ying with me?¡¯


    Luo Ning bashfully replied, "I haven''t slept yet, Sister Zhiqing, do you need something from me?"


    "Ning''er, are you free? I want to talk to you. Why don''t we sleep together tonight, and have a long chat?" Miss Xu''s voice carried a faint weariness.


    Luo Ning''s heart panicked, and she looked helplessly at big brother, a hint of apology shing in her eyes, "Big brother, Sister Zhiqing wants to talk to me. What should I do?"


    ¡®What to do? What else can be done? Is she going to invite me to sleep with them? This Xu girl is doing this on purpose!¡¯ Master Lin''s teeth itched with rage, but seeing Ning''er''s dilemma, his heart softened involuntarily, and he bitterly smiled, "Then you go, sigh, I''m used to sleeping alone. I wonder when I''ll get what I wish for?"


    Luo Ning grabbed his hand, gave a charming smile, and her face flushed. She leaned close to his ear and whispered in an almost inaudible voice, "Big brother, if Qiaoqiao is willing, Ning''er is willing too, but it can only be Qiaoqiao alone, um¡ª" She darted out the door like a bird, almost running into Miss Xu.


    Master Lin, a certain person, was momentarily stunned before bursting into great joy, "Ning''er, Ning''er, it''s not just Qiaoqiao; there''s also Eldest Miss, Second Miss, are you willing?"


    "Shameless!" Miss Xu''s voice came from outside the door; it was unclear what she had heard.


    ¡®You disrupted my marital life, a grave sin indeed, and you even dare to call me shameless? I defy you, I defy, I defy, defy, defy!¡¯ Master Lin raised his middle finger and jabbed it angrily, his face filled with a vulgar smile.


    After spending the night in Luo Ning''s boudoir, enveloped by the soft silk quilt as delicate as Ning''er''s tender skin, Master Lin was gued by the vexation of thinking about how the cooked duck had been snatched away. He spent a sleepless night.


    On the second day, he got out of bed at the fourth watch of the night. Xu Zhiqing and Luo Ning were still silent, and he did not wake them. He left the room alone and had not yet reached thekeside when he heard the noisy, bustling voices ahead. As he drew near to see clearly, he was instantly dumbstruck!


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 Chapter 384

    Chapter 384


    Chapter 384 The Fish Leaps Through the Dragon''s Gate


    Both banks of theke were densely packed with people, a massive throng that stretched as far as the eye could see. A dark mass of old and young, men and women, craning their necks to look into theke, as if expecting to find some treasure.


    "What''s all thismotion?" Master Lin was taken aback and grabbed an old man, asking, "Elder, why have so many people gathered here so early in the morning, before the sky has even brightened?"


    "You must be an outsider, young man," the old man whispered mysteriously after looking around. "Let me tell you, something big has happened. Incredibly big¡ªsilver has grown in our Weishan Lake! I''ve heard there are several million taels of it. The Imperial Court has sent a high official here to fish out the silver. Just think, several million taels of silver¡ªwhat would that look like? Piled up, it might be even higher than Mount Tai? Our Weishan Lake truly has produced a treasure. We vigers, who might not see so much silver in ten lifetimes, all got up in the middle of the night toe and watch how the high official of the court is going to fish it out. Who knows, maybe after they haul in theirs, we could try our luck fishing in theke too!"


    Silver grown in Weishan Lake? Several million taels? Master Lin was covered in a cold sweat. How could rumors spread like this? This was clear evidence. Yesterday, he had only let Luo Yuan spread the word that the court''s lost official silver had been found in Weishan Lake. He had not expected that overnight, it would turn into this. People''s words were indeed to be feared, and Master Lin finally realized it.


    "Big brother, big brother¡ª" Luo Yuan came running, breathless, his hair disheveled and eyes bloodshot, showing clearly that he had not slept well the previous night.


    "Little Luo, what''s happening here? How did so many people suddenly arrive?" Lin Wanrong pointed at the crowd around them, shaking his head in disbelief.


    Luo Yuan forced a bitter smile, "Big brother, we underestimated the vigers'' ability to create stories. Yesterday, I deliberately spread the word that the official silver was found. Who would have thought that after patrolling theke all night, I''d wake up to hear all kinds of different versions? Some say silver grows in Weishan Lake, others say treasures are buried underwater, and still others say the Dragon Pce is in ourke. In any case, all sorts of wild legends, but the fact that Weishan Lake is about to produce great treasures is true. This is a once-in-a-thousand-year event! See, the vigers came early, bringing their families to watch the excitement."


    Salute to the great masses! Master Lin was left speechless by Luo Yuan''s words. He had nned and calcted, yet overlooked the people''s ability to distort facts, leading to this miraculous spectacle of thousandsing to watch the silver being fished out. With this feat, he, Master Lin, would go down in history as unmatched.Fishing for silver in front of tens of thousands of people¡ªif he found some, it would be fine, but if not, what would happen then? What rumors would tens of thousands of people create? It would be better for him, Master Lin, to simply find a block of tofu and smash his head against it, for he could not bear the shame.


    Was this not seeking trouble? Master Lin sighed and shook his head, patting Little Luo on the shoulder, "Little Luo, your big brother really shot himself in the foot this time. With tens of thousands watching, the pressure is just too damn high!"


    Luo Yuan''s eyes were red, "Big brother, I never thought it would turn into this. It''s my fault for dragging you into it."


    Lin Wanrong repeatedly waved his hand, "Little Luo, this has nothing to do with you; it is I, your big brother, who has miscalcted. Damn it, I understand now. A hundred schemes can''t defeat ten mouths."


    A softugh burst out behind him. Lin Wanrong turned around in haste, only to see Xu Zhiqing, standing with Luo Ning behind the two of them. The giggle just now was Xu Zhiqing''s, undoubtedly mocking Master Lin''s blunder.


    "Ning''er, how did you get up? It''s not time yet; you should sleep a bit more!" Lin Wanrong said, heart aching at the sight of Luo Ning''s little face frozen red.


    "Big brother, Sister Xu and I got up at the third watch. We saw you sleeping soundly and didn''t wake you; the two of us went out first," Luo Ning gently said.


    Lin Wanrong''s face turned red, ¡®So these two girls got up earlier than me, and here I thought they hadn''t woken up yet!¡¯ Heughed, "I never expected that such a small thing would draw so many vigers to support me. I''m truly ttered, it adds luster to my presence."


    Luo Ning looked at him sympathetically and said softly, "Big brother, don''t put too much pressure on yourself. Whether this seeds or not, Little Yuan, Father, Sister Xu, and I will always support you."


    "Yes, big brother, we all support you!" Luo Yuan firmly said. Xu Zhiqing nced at him and said nothing.


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile and asked Luo Yuan, "Little Luo, did you discover anything when patrolling thekest night? With such amotion, those rascals better have shown themselves, or it would be a waste of my efforts!"


    Luo Yuan nodded excitedly, "Big brother, you are a genius. During the first watch, when we were inspecting theke''s surface, we found some people sneaking around in a small boat among the reeds. We surrounded them, captured two, but two others escaped by diving."


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong eximed joyfully, "Damn it, I knew I wasn''t so unlucky! Where are those bastards? I''ll interrogate them myself!"


    "Big brother," Luo Ning chided softly, looking at him, "Don''t use foulnguage; Sister Xu is here!"


    Xu Zhiqing shook her head, "I won''t mind. I never expected any kind words from some crude people."


    Miss Xu''s words hit a nerve, and Master Lin cheekily retorted, "Miss Xu is right; I am indeed ''crude,'' too bad you can''t taste it!" He leered at her, and she red back, unable to find fault with her own words. Lin Wanrong then said, "Little Luo,e, let''s go look at those young rabbits!"


    The two captives, grabbed by Luo Yuan, were tied up on a small boat on theke. When Lin Wanrong arrived, the two were tied together, sound asleep. One was a delicate-skinned chubby man, the other as thin as a monkey, clearly no good men.


    Feeling irritated after getting up early, Lin Wanrong was annoyed seeing them sleep so soundly. He waved his hand, "Come, pour some water on this fat pig and skinny monkey."


    Soldiers quickly brought a wooden bucket, scooping water from theke and dousing the two men. The chubby man and the skinny monkey simultaneously shivered, letting out a strange cry, waking up freezing. They saw a healthy young man standing before them, his face with a cold smile, emanating a chilling aura, filled with murderous intent.


    "You, who are you?" The chubby man stammered, "Why did you capture us? We are fishermen on Weishan Lake!"


    "Fishermen?" Lin Wanrong sneered coldly and bellowed, "Come on, chop off his hands for me!"


    Two soldiers stepped forward, pinning the chubby man down, and drew their steel des, gesturing menacingly. The chubby man turned pale with fright, stammering, "Si-Sir, I am really a fisherman, you cannot kill the innocent!"


    "Fisherman?!" Lin Wanrong roared in anger, "Look at those chubby hands of yours, soft and tender without a single callus, and you dare call yourself a fisherman? If you fell into theke, you''d sink like a stone, not even buoyant enough to float a bubble. You, a fisherman? Come on, chop off his ws, let him pretend in front of me!"


    "No, Sir. I''m guilty, I''m guilty! I''m not a fisherman, I''m a local farmer." The chubby man quickly kowtowed, "Last night, I heard that there was silver in theke, and I was ovee with greed. I thought I''d take a look under cover of darkness, but I didn''t expect to be caught by you fine gentlemen. I deserve to die, I deserve to die!" A cunning gleam shed in the chubby man''s eyes as he kowtowed in apparent terror.


    Lin Wanrong snorted and turned to the thin man, "What about you, are you a fisherman too?"


    "Sir, I''m the same as the shopkeeper here. I was also ovee by greed and came to have a look, that''s all. Please, Sir, forgive us, forgive us!" The thin man also desperately kowtowed.


    Lin Wanrong''s mouth twisted into a cold smile as he chillingly said, "You two, lift your heads and look at me."


    The chubby man and thin man quickly looked up, only to see a cold gleam in this man''s eyes, as if he could see right through their thoughts. Frightened, they quickly lowered their heads again.


    "Do you know who I am?" the official asked, his voice devoid of emotion, revealing nothing of his thoughts.


    "We don''t know, we don''t know!" They both shook their heads quickly.


    "You don''t know? Well, that''s good. Let me introduce myself." Lin Wanrong spoke calmly, "My name is Lin San, andst year I suppressed the White Lotus Cult here on Weishan Lake. I personally beheaded the White Lotus''s bravest warrior and captured the rebel king Lu Kanli. I conquered Jining City. The number of lives I''ve taken is not less than ten thousand, maybe eight thousand." The two listened, hearts pounding with fear, sweat pouring down their foreheads, their legs trembling.


    "I tell you this, not for any particr reason, but just to make sure you remember my name, so you canin to King Yama." [TL: King of the underworld] Lin Wanrong chuckled, casually waving his hand, "Alright, time''s up. Come on, drag this fatso and skinny one out, chop them down!"


    "You can''t, you can''t, Sir! How can you just kill people at will? I will report you!" Both men shouted in unison.


    "Report me?!" Lin Wanrong mmed the table, "Imand tens of thousands of soldiers, killing two people is like squashing ants. What''s the big deal? Behead them, behead them!"


    The chubby man paled, "Sir, spare me, spare me!"


    Lin Wanrong scoffed, "Spare you? Just because you say ''spare me,'' I should spare you? You must give me a reason that I can use to convince myself, right?"


    "Sir, actually, we weremanded to¡ª" The chubby man was about to speak, but seeing the thin man''s eyes widen, he instantly fell silent, his voice frozen in terror.


    "Chop this monkey-like fellow for me!" Lin Wanrong stood up with a swish, barking in anger. Two soldiers immediately dragged the thin man away. Not long after, a chilling scream was heard, and the chubby man fell to the ground in fright.


    "It''s your turn now!" Master Lin said indifferently.


    "Mercy, sir, mercy! I confess everything! I was instructed by others toe here and investigate the situation."


    "Instructed by whom? Investigate what?" Lin Wanrong coldly snorted.


    "I am the scribe of the Zhuping County government in Jining Prefecture. Last night, I was ordered by my lord toe and inspect the condition of Weishan Lake''s surface. My lord instructed me to specifically observe the area forty to fifty li south of Jining City for any abnormalities. That''s all I know, please, sir, spare me, spare me!" he pleaded.


    "Zhuping County government?" Lin Wanrong huffed, stepping out of the cabin. Luo Yuan was standing at the doorway, grinning and giving him a thumbs-up. "Big brother, you''re amazing! In just a few moments, you frightened that youngster out of his wits!"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Intimidating people is easy; all it takes is putting on a stern face. Where''s that skinny monkey? Have him lead the way and order Hu Bugui to gather the troops. We must quickly raid the Zhuping County government. Perhaps, we might even fish out a big catch."


    "Understood!" Luo Yuan was about to rush off, full of enthusiasm, but suddenly stopped and turned back. "Big brother, the fat man mentioned that the Zhuping County government instructed him to pay special attention to the water area within forty to fifty li. Could the silver be hidden within that range?"


    Lin Wanrong thought for a moment and smiled, "No matter, our search range includes sixty li anyway. We''ll just pay closer attention when we search the forty to fifty li range."


    Once off the ship, Luo Ning and Xu Zhiqing were awaiting him. Ning''er excitedly said, "Big brother, I heard from Little Yuan that we''ve made some progress in our investigation, haven''t we?"


    Lin Wanrong, smiling, rubbed his temple, "I suppose so, though it''s of little value. The only gain is knowing the bandits'' hideout near Jining. I''ve ordered Hu Bugui to apprehend them. If we can catch a big fish and find the location of the hidden silver, that would be best. But I suspect the chances are slim. These rogues are as slippery as eels. Since the scribe from the government didn''t returnst night, they might have sensed danger and relocated. So, we must still rely on ourselves."


    Luo Ning shed a sweet smile at him, "Ning''er believes in big brother. You can definitely do it." She handed him a small basket, "Big brother, have breakfast! Sister Xu and I made this ourselves this morning. It''s still warm!"


    Breakfast made by Miss Xu? How could he ept such a favor? Master Linughed heartily and bowed slightly to Miss Xu, "Miss Xu, you are too kind. I''m undeserving."


    "If you feel undeserving, then don''t eat it, pretending to be polite!" Xu Zhiqing huffed. Yet her attitude had improved significantlypared to the previous day; she even made pastries for Master Lin. Who knew what Ning''er had said to her?


    As the sky began to lighten, the curious crowd along the shores grew, packing the banks to bursting.


    Having finished breakfast, Master Lin stood up and patted his round belly. Seeing the scene before him, he was taken aback. Human curiosity truly knew no bounds. Thankfully, troops had been deployed the previous night to guard both sides of theke. Otherwise, the crowd alone would have created chaos on Weishan Lake. Master Lin wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, feeling fortunate.


    Luo Yuan returned after delivering the orders, followed by the old boatman from the day before and several hundred sturdy men.


    "Sir!" The old boatman rushed over, sping his fists, "This humble old man has fulfilled his duty. From yesterday morning to this dawn, we have assembled sixtys, each four miles long, a total of two hundred and forty miles! The three hundred thousand fish fry have also arrived, and with amand from you, Sir, we can release them into theke. Thousands of strong fishermen along the shores are waiting for your summons."


    "Excellent!" Master Lin eximed joyfully, grabbing the old man''s hand, "Uncle, have everyone spread the sixtys, some ced sixty miles out on theke surface, each pulled by separate small boats. The rest should be ced near the shore and pulled from both sides. Maintain several yards'' distance between each and make sure they don''t spread too far apart. One thing to remember, you must epass the entire sixty-mile stretch of water within thes!"


    "No problem, we have plenty ofs and manpower!" The old man proudlyughed, "But this old fellow doesn¡¯t understand why we need so manys now, during early spring. There aren''t many fish in theke, as we caught them allst winter. What will theses catch?"


    "Last year''s fish are gone, but we haven''t caught this year''s fish yet!" Master Lin smiled mysteriously, "Stocking fish, then fishing, Uncle, you mentioned it yourself, don''t you remember?"


    "Stocking fish, then fishing? Oh, are you talking about the new fish fry? But Sir, why release them only to catch them again? Won''t that cut off our harvest?" The old man asked, puzzled.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Don''t worry, Uncle, I''m not going to catch the fish fry. I''m just borrowing them for a use, to let them dance."


    The old man didn''t understand, but the kind official had solved the fishermen''s urgent problem and didn''t seem to be a bad person, so he was reassured.


    "Uncle, what would it look like if these three hundred thousand fish fry were released into this sixty-mile stretch of water?" Xu Zhiqing suddenly asked, her brows slightly furrowed, as if pondering something.


    The old man smiled and said, "The entire Weishan Lake is several hundred miles wide, and three hundred thousand fish fry would be enough. If they are only in this sixty-mile area, once released, there will be a constant movement of fish heads, fish chasing fish, fish driving fish. With one pull of the, you could see the scene of fish racing."


    Xu Zhiqing silently nodded, seeming to understand a little but still uncertain, just like Lin San, who was shameless but also clever. Which one was the real him? She couldn''t figure it out.


    The bright sun slowly rose from the water''s surface, hanging high in the sky, its soft rays warming everyone''s face and body. This perfectly confirmed Lin San''s prediction yesterday that today would be a sunny day, clear and cloudless.


    Usually calm Weishan Lake was bustling, extraordinarily lively. Starting from the south gate of Jining City, within the sixty-mile stretch of water, nearly seven or eight hundred small boats were assembled, with over two hundred miles of fishings, and thousands of excited, robust fishermen, looking as though they were celebrating a festival. The scene was even more bustling than the end-of-autumn fishing on Weishan Lake.


    The fish fry had already been transported by small boats, and high wooden boxes were set up on the boats, filled with water and teeming with fish fry, all growing and wriggling together, a lively spectacle. Hundreds of fish fry boats were stationed in the center of the sixty-mile stretch, waiting for Master Lin''smand to release them into theke.


    Lin Wanrong stood quietly at the bow of the boat, gazing at the bustling boats and people around him, a surreal feeling suddenly rising in his heart. ¡®Such a lively scene, was it really created by me? If I seed this time, I would be a genius among geniuses, but if I fail, the Luo Min family will be ruined, and I''ll regret it for the rest of my life.¡¯ The pressure was enormous.


    He stood there motionless, his heart thrilled to the extreme, then suddenly a feeling of calm washed over him. The livelyke seemed to vanish before his eyes, and he heard nothing but his own heartbeat. Was this what it felt like when pressure reached its peak? The feeling that even his body did not exist? He smiled bitterly, a look no one could see on his face.


    Staring at her big brother''s mountain-like back, Luo Ning seemed to see the heavy burden he bore, all held up by this lone figure. His usual jesting andughter seemed joyful, but he never spoke of his sorrows, and who could understand the heaviness in his heart?


    "Big brother¡ª" Luo Ning murmured, her eyes filled with tears, a feeling of deep emotion and happiness in her heart.


    Xu Zhiqing stared at his figure, thinking that if there were one person in this world she could not see through, it was this Lin San. She clenched her little fists and softly said, "Ning''er, let him have some quiet. At this time, words are useless. Only he can help himself!"


    Lin Wanrong slowly raised his hand, and the bustlingke suddenly fell quiet. The breath of over a thousand people synchronized. Luo Ning was so anxious that she couldn''t even feel her heartbeat, her eyes fixed on her big brother''s back.


    "Don''t be nervous, don''t be nervous!" Xu Zhiqing told herself over and over, but her palms were sweating uncontrobly.


    Lin Wanrong''s arm was held aloft for a long time, and then he suddenly mmed it down. Shouts rang out across theke:


    "Release the fish!"


    "Release the fish!"


    "Release the fish!"


    More than a hundred boatmen on their boats pulled the gates, wooden troughs opened, water poured out, carrying countless fish fry into the water with a ssh. Crowds of dark fish heads gathered together, then dispersed, sinking into theke, disappearing without a trace.


    Three hundred thousand fish fry were released in the blink of an eye. Theke that had just been filled with yful fish was calm again in an instant, smooth and undisturbed, as if nothing had ever happened.


    After a short while, Lin Wanrong still had not moved, and Luo Yuan couldn''t help but ask softly, "Why hasn''t big brother given themand?"


    Miss Xu shook her head and said, "We must wait a little longer for these three hundred thousand fish fry to scatter and swim within the sixty-mile area. It takes time."


    Luo Yuan nodded, understanding that there was much more to this n, wondering how his big brother and Sister Xu had thought of so much.


    Theke was silent, fish asionally leaping and pping the surface, all eyes were on Lin Wanrong, waiting for his nextmand.


    Half an hour passed, and Lin Wanrong nodded to the soldiers at the stern of the boat, "Light the fireworks!"


    Two dazzling fireworks shot into the sky, popping twice in the air, leaving two trails of brilliant colors. The over a thousand robust men gathered around theke and on the water saw the fireworks rise, their spirits lifted, shouting in unison:


    "Raise thes¡ª"


    "Raise thes!"


    "Raise thes!"


    The long fishings were slowly drawn, shaken straight, dropped into the water, stirring up waves after waves. Fishermen carried the thick ropes on their shoulders, shouting in unison, slowly pulling them. Such a grand scene was rare in a hundred years, and the people along both shores of theke watched with excitement, the crowd''s voices roaring like a festive celebration.


    More than sixty fishings, resembling a moving dike, enclosed sixty miles of the water surface, drawing them slowly, closing in.


    Lin Wanrong stood motionless in the center of theke. The distant, robust, and heroic cries of the fishermen filled him with joy, as if he had returned to his homnd. He couldn''t help but join in the shouting.


    "What is big brother doing?" Ning''er asked with a puzzled frown.


    "Who knows what he''s up to, always acting so strange." Miss Xu shook her head and hummed softly. Both their eyes were fixed on Lin Wanrong when suddenly they heard Luo Yuan exim, "Quick, look, what is that?"


    Following Luo Yuan''s direction, they saw a massive school of fish heads emerging around their small boat, a sight without end, rapidly moving toward theke''s center. Even further away, a more massive school of fish wasing from all directions, converging like a moving circle.


    "The fish fry havee back! The surroundings have worked. The newly released fish fry have nowhere to go but to turn back to theke''s center," Xu Zhiqing observed closely, and sighed, "Thes are still far away; this is just the beginning. The real spectacle will be when it''s time to gather thes."


    "I get it. Big brother intentionally released so many fish fry, then drove them back, making them swim to theke''s center," Luo Ning pped her little hands, a sweet smile on her face. "Big brother is so clever."


    Xu Zhiqing yfully pinched her small face,ughing, "Little girl, whether one is clever or not is proven by results, not just words. If we can''t find the silver, even releasing three hundred thousand pufferfish would be useless."


    Hearing Sister Xu''s teasing, Ning''er blushed, holding Xu Zhiqing''s hand, firmly saying, "That won''t happen. I know big brother better than anyone. He would never do something without assurance. Since he has done this, there must be a reason. Sister Xu, you did agree to big brother''s terms. If you lose, you must keep your promise." Luo Ning giggled, her face revealing a mischievous look. She didn''t know what big brother wanted Sister Xu to do, but someone as serious as him wouldn''t do anything hical.


    The speaker was unintentional, but the listener was intentional. Xu Zhiqing''s heart skipped a beat, and that detestable voice seemed to echo in her ears again. Miss Xu''s face was tinged with a faint blush, looking at Luo Ning''s pure and innocent face, she sighed softly, unable to utter a word.


    With thes'' gradual advancement, the space for the fish fry to move grew narrower, countless fish leaping out of the water from all sides, some over a foot high, likeyers of silver waves on theke''s surface, creating a beautiful and magnificent scene.


    ording to Lin Wanrong''s n, thes were to be pulled from both sides, meeting on theke''s surface. Since one side was downwind and the other upwind, the meeting point should be forty miles from the shore, precisely the location the fat man had instructed, an excellent ce for careful investigation.


    But things do not always go as one wishes, and with a stretch of more than sixty miles of water and the slow progress of dragging heavy fishings, the slowness of the operation could only be imagined. Fortunately, these were fishermen of Weishan Lake, strong and experienced in castings and fishing, and by rotating shifts, this n was smoothly executed.


    Two hourster, the fishermen were already exhausted, and thes around them could finally be slowly closed. They looked at each other from north to south, still separated by dozens of miles. Theke''s surface was already churning, countless fish fry leaping forward, rising and falling in waves, as if theke had grown a foot higher.


    The people on both sides of theke, watching this spectacle, were dazzled and excited. Year after year, they had watched fishing, but never had they seen the water surface so full of fish; truly a once-in-a-century sight. But hadn''t the official from the court said he was going to fish for silver? Howe the fish were almost all caught, yet not a single piece of silver had appeared?


    Sweat beads rolled down Master Lin''s forehead, and his cracked lips were almost bitten to bleeding, his anxiety indescribable. Nearly ny percent of the sixty-mileke surface had been searched, yet everything remained calm, with no abnormalities. Was his spection wrong? Was the silver not in theke? Or was his method of herding fish simply not effective?


    He had been standing at the bow for two hours, his legs already numb, and under constant high pressure. Even though his determination was unwavering, he felt a sense of mental and physical exhaustion. If he failed, Ning''er''s whole family would be doomed; he couldn''t afford to lose! He sighed, and suddenly felt a warm little hand grasp his own. Looking back, he saw Miss Luo standing beside him, her eyes filled with firmness and unparalleled tenderness. "Big brother, I believe in you. You will seed."


    Miss Xu was standing next to Luo Ning, ncing at him, her lips quivering a few times, her face flushed with embarrassment. "You, you can rest assured, even if you do not seed, that condition, I, I will fulfill it for you." She whimpered, quickly turning her head away, a charming pink blush rising on her snow-white neck.


    "Heavens! Sister Xu, big brother, look, look, the fish are leaping over the dragon gate, they''re leaping over the dragon gate!" Luo Yuan''s cry of astonishment broke everyone''s thoughts.


    Everyone looked up and saw a strange sight on theke. The originally smoothke surface had been encircled by countless fish fry into arge circle with a diameter of several tens of feet. The fish fry, once they reached here, seemed to hit a wall, one after another leaping several feet high, drawing a perfect arc in the air before gently falling back into the water.


    Countless fish were rising and falling, soaring into the sky, building a hundred-foot-square bowl with their bodies on theke surface, just like the legendary fish leaping over the dragon gate.


    Official Lin suddenly jumped up, not caring who was beside him, and fiercely kissed her on the face, waving his fists and shouting, "I''ve found it, I''ve found it!"


    [TL: ording to tradition, a carp that could swim upstream and then leap the falls of the Yellow River at Dragon Gate (Longmen) would be transformed into a dragon. This motif symbolizes sess in the civil service examinations. The Dragon Gate is located at the border of Shanxi and Shaanxi where the Yellow River flows through a cleft in the Longmen mountains, supposedly made by Yu the Great, who cut through the mountain.]


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 Chapter 385

    Chapter 385


    Chapter 385 Found It


    "What are you doing?" Miss Xu fiercely pushed him away, her pretty face blushing a charming pink, her eyes filled with a faint anger, ring at him.


    Lin Wanrong, in his triumph, was caught off guard by her push and almost fell into the water. Fortunately, Luo Yuan''s quick reaction saved him. Seeing Xu Zhiqing''s face filled with anger, Luo Ning quickly exined, "Sister Xu, big brother didn''t do it on purpose. He was just too excited and forgot himself for a moment. Please don''t me him."


    "Yes, yes, Miss Xu, please don''t misunderstand. I simply couldn''t help myself." Lin Wanrong chuckled, smacking his lips, the lingering fragrance still present on his lips. He recalled the soft, warm, and delicate touch of her just moments ago, thinking that this Miss Xu really was captivating.


    Xu Zhiqing, embarrassed, turned her head away, gritting her teeth, "Shameless person, I can''t be bothered to talk to you."


    Luo Ning also red at her big brother, seeing his joyful expression, and quickly changed the subject, "Big brother, what did you just say? Have you found the silver?"


    "Of course." Gazing at the bustling scene before him, Master Lin''s face was radiant, his earlier dejected mood swept away. He waved at Luo Yuan, "Little Luo, see that big circle? Have our men ce buoys within this span of a few yards."


    Luo Yuan was immediately excited, loudly asking, "Big brother, do you mean the silver is right beneath this dragon gate?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded with a smile, "Eight or nine times out of ten, that''s the case."Luo Yuan joyfully epted themand, and dozens of small boats rushed over, surrounding therge circle formed by the leaping fish, cing buoys. The fish flopping andnding on the boats created a peculiar sight. As the fishings drew closer, more and more fish gathered around the circle, jumping higher and higher, as if constructing a shimmering dragon gate on theke surface. The onlookers were stunned, some of the devout even falling to their knees, shouting, "The fish leap through the dragon gate, the Dragon reveals his spirit!"


    "You say the silver is beneath this dragon gate?" Miss Xu finally couldn''t help but ask, the corner of her mouth lifting in a faint smile.


    "What, Miss Xu, do you have a different opinion? Look, this is the fish leaping through the dragon gate, a sight rarely seen in a thousand years!" Master Lin looked enthusiastic.


    Xu Zhiqing''s face turned utterly serious, "Lin San, don''t me me for not warning you. Do you know how much space three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver takes up?"


    "I know, I know, of course, I know." Lin Wanrong chuckled, "A truckload can carry it away. I know this better than you."


    "Then you''re so confident?" Seeing Lin Wanrong''s full confidence, Miss Xu couldn''t help but be puzzled, wondering if she was wrong in her doubts. And what was this ''truck'' thing he was talking about?


    "I don''t have a hundred percent certainty, but there''s an eighty percent chance." Lin Wanrong smiled slightly, "Miss Xu, I admire your patience and attention to detail, but don''t be too rigid in your thinking. Connect all the information together. Three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver don''t take up much space. How would you bury it in theke to be safe? Forty boats to transport the silver, don''t you think the target is too big? Use your brain, use it more!"


    Master Lin pped his temple lightly, looking smug, which angered Miss Xu enough to snort, no longer wanting to talk to him, pondering his words in her heart instead.


    Upon Luo Yuan and his menpletely lowering the buoy, Lin Wanrong waved his hand, and the hundreds of skilled underwater divers who had already gathered rowed over in small boats. Lin Wanrong was in high spirits; he gleefully ripped off his long robe, leaving only his tight-fitting clothes, exposing his robust upper body. Miss Xu, startled, eximed, "Ah!" and quickly turned her head away, angrily asking, "What are you doing?"


    "What else can I be doing? I''m going swimming in theke," Lin Wanrong replied, rubbing his arms a few times to get the blood flowing, and said with great enthusiasm.


    Although Luo Ning knew that it was quite inappropriate for her husband to undress in broad daylight, especially in front of Miss Xu, she understood his excitement. Blushing slightly, she took Lin Wanrong''s arm and said softly, "Big brother, you''re going into theke too? With so many skilled swimmers here, let them handle it!"


    Lin Wanrongughed and patted her little hand, "Don''t worry, Ning''er. You should know that I''m known as ''Two Guns on Land, A Dragon in the Water.'' It''s not an undeserved reputation. Wait here, and I''ll be back soon."


    The hundreds of skilled divers were assembled, and although it was early spring and somewhat chilly, these were fishermen from Weishan Lake, well-ustomed to the water and strong of body. The weather was no issue to them. Seeing their superior undress and preparing to dive with them, they were even more excited.


    Lin Wanrong assessed the position of the buoys and arranged the hundreds of men in arge circle around them. With a wave of his hand, they all leapt in together, sending ripples across the surface of the water, which quickly returned to calm.


    Seeing her big brother go underwater, Luo Ning waited anxiously, biting her silver teeth and whispering, "Why isn''t big brothering up? It''s killing me!"


    Once Lin Wanrong had entered the water, Miss Xu returned to normal andughed, "Ning''er, you''re too anxious. He just went down; he can''te back up so quickly. Don''t worry, his thick skin won''t let him freeze."


    Luo Ning''s face turned red, and she took Miss Xu''s hand,ining, "Sister Zhiqing, you''re making fun of me too. I''m worried that big brother won''t find the silver, and it makes me feel bad."


    Miss Xu sighed softly, "I also predicted that he might be wrong. But he spoke with such confidence that it made me hesitate. Could the silver really be buried here?"


    Luo Yuan chimed in, "Miss Xu, I believe my big brother. Otherwise, why would hee up with a strategy to fish for silver, only to create a spectacle of fish leaping through the dragon''s gate?" Luo Ning nodded in agreement, apparently not understanding the trick. Miss Xu thought for a long time, watching countless small boats drifting in the distance, her eyes brightened, her face turned a shade redder, and she murmured, "Am I really going to lose? This shameless guy, he had it nned all along!"


    Seeing the puzzled looks on Luo Yuan and his sister, Miss Xu couldn''t help but lower her head, shyly saying, "I didn''t understand the reasoning behind the fish leaping through the dragon''s gate either. But seeing all that he''s done, along with his hints, I think I''ve guessed some of it. Luo Yuan, tell me, how much space would three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver take up if it were onnd?"


    Luo Yuan thought carefully, smiling, "I''ve never seen so much silver, but since those thieves transported dozens of boats, it would naturally take up the space of dozens of boats."


    Miss Xu shook her head gently, "Space for several dozen ships? That''s what you naturally think. But ording to the specific gravity of pure silver, three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver, if cast into one piece, would roughly take up an area the size of three Luo Yuans standing together."


    Luo Ning spoke up, "Sister Zhiqing, you can''t calcte it that way. This silver was all cast into ingots, taking up at least twice as much space, if not more. If ced together, the length, width, and height should each be about ten feet."


    "So Ning''er has also studied this." Miss Xu lightly tapped Ning''er''s nose, "Little Ning''er is really smart. What you said is right; this official silver should be about ten feet cubed. But why would they use forty ships to transport ten feet cubed of silver? Don''t you find that strange?"


    This question was one that her big brother had asked earlier, and it had genuinely puzzled Miss Luo. Ning''erughed, "Sister Zhiqing, you are bing more and more like big brother, always liking to pose riddles."


    "Why mention him out of the blue?" Miss Xu''s face flushed, as if with rouge, "We''re discussing our own matters, and yet you can''t forget him for a moment. The thieves using forty ships to transport the silver, could it all be a bluff? I don''t think so. Transporting silver with forty ships would be too conspicuous and easily detected. They have no need to take that risk."


    "Yes," Luo Ning frowned, snorting, "Big brother must know, but he just won''t tell us. It''s infuriating!"


    He''s never far from her thoughts, the shameless man. Was this what it was like to be married? Miss Xu was slightly taken aback for a moment, and then she heard Luo Ning whisper in her ear, "Sister Xu, what is the reason? Tell Ning''er quickly."


    "If you don''t mention that hateful man again, I''ll tell you," Miss Xu said with a smile.


    Luo Ning giggled, lightly covering her mouth, "Sister says not to mention him, but she keeps talking about him herself. You''re really putting Ning''er in a difficult spot."


    This girl had a sharp tongue, bing more and more like that shameless person. Xu Zhiqing''s face warmed slightly, and she asked, "Ning''er, if you were the thief, and you hid the silver in Weishan Lake, only taking up a ten-foot cube, would you feel at ease?"


    Luo Yuan, who had been listening for a long time, finally found a chance to jump in, "Not at ease, definitely not at ease. That''s three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver! If it were washed away by the water, it would all be gone. If you ask me, it would be best to pile the silver into a small hill and bury it. That would be reassuring."


    "Luo Yuan is absolutely right," Xu Zhiqing praised with a smile, "It must be buried as a small hill, standing firmly in the water. That''s the only way it would be safe. If I''m not mistaken, those forty ships, they''re not just for transporting the silver. I''m afraid something else was also filled inside."


    Fill? Luo Ning pped her hands, excitedly saying, "That''s it, that''s it! What big brother said earlier must mean this. By increasing the size and height of the silver, it can resist the impact of the water flow, making it safer and more reassuring. Sister Zhiqing, you are so smart!"


    ¡®That shameless man is much smarter than me,¡¯ Miss Xu shook her head andughed, "Forty boats carrying silver, if my predictions are right, the silver must have been supplemented withrge quantities of tin or copper blocks. This way, the space upied under the water would berger, ensuring stability. If estimated, the length and width must be around fifty to sixty feet square, and the height about twenty feet, perfectly matching the area of ''Fish Leaping over Dragon Gate.'' Lin San released three hundred thousand fish fry to increase the density of fish in these waters. By castings to catch the fish from all sides, they forced the fish fry to approach theke center. The young fish hurriedly swam from all directions and met the mountain of silver, momentarily blocked and unable to pass. Those in deeper waters had to squeeze into shallower waters, and those in shallow water had to jump up. The higher the fish density, the more crowded this ce became. Driven to the wall, even rabbits will bite, so when crowded to a certain degree, with pursuers from behind and the path forwardpletely blocked, the phenomenon of ''Fish Leaping over Dragon Gate,'' which is rarely seen in a century, was artificially created."


    Luo Yuan uttered a long "Oh,"ughing, "Big brother is really talented to think of such a method. I admire him greatly. But wait ¨C something''s not right." He seemed to remember something and continued, "Big brother mentioned that the fishings were weighted with tin, which won''t sink to theke''s bottom. Why didn''t the fish fry swim through the bottom of thes?"


    Xu Zhiqing nodded, "Little Yuan is right; this is what confuses me too. But in practice, very few fry escape thes. That''s quite strange."


    The boatman rowing beside them burst intoughter, "Young Master, two Young Ladies, you must never have fished before. If you are correct, we would never catch any fish in Weishan Lake. No fishing canpletely sink to the bottom; wouldn¡¯t all the fish run away?"


    Miss Xu''s face turned red, and she humbly asked, "Boatman, can you exin how this works to us?"


    The boatman smiled, "The principle is quite simple. We,mon folks, have a saying called ''the alert cat, the dazed fish!'' A cat''s eyes change three times a day, sometimes big, sometimes small, but they see clearly day or night ¨C this is the alert cat."


    "What does ''the dazed fish'' mean?" Luo Yuan asked.


    "The dazed fish is the opposite of the alert cat. Different fish live in different waters; some in deep, some in shallow. Sea fish mostly live in deep waters, but those in Weishan Lake mostly prefer shallow, with a few in deep. When you cast a, those ustomed to shallow waters seldom dive deeper; they swim forward and right into the holes. Because they don¡¯t adapt, we can catch them. This is the dazed fish. Today, when three hundred thousand fish fry were released all at once, theke became crowded. Some fish fry swam to deeper waters but were ufortable, so they hurriedly squeezed up, another reason for the group of fish leaping out of the water."


    Luo Yuan realized, "The alert cat, the dazed fish ¨C so that''s what it means, quite dazed indeed! Seeing big brother eat, drink, y, and fool around without reading much, where does he get all this knowledge?"


    "How do you know big brother doesn''t read?" Luo Ning huffed, defending her own husband, "In my opinion, big brother has profound insights, enabling him to n ahead everywhere."


    Miss Xu remained silent for a moment, then sighed, "It seems I have been viewing the world from a narrow perspective. I thought that having learned so much from books, I knew everything, but I was actually far from the truth. Truly useful knowledge is umted through life experience, and on this point, I am indeed not equal to Lin San."


    She and Lin San were two distinct individuals; one was a theoretician, and the other a pragmatist. After several confrontations with neither side gaining the upper hand, such a sentiment was not surprising.


    The three were talking when suddenly, bubbles erupted on the distantke surface, and one after another, heads emerged. These were the hundred or so strong men who had gone underwater earlier, their faces flushed red, panting heavily, water dripping from their hair.


    "Where''s big brother?" Luo Ning searched for a while but didn''t see Lin Wanrong''s figure. Growing anxious, she suddenly felt a gentle tremor beneath the small boat, and she let out a sharp scream.


    Miss Xu, quick-eyed and nimble-footed, extended her small foot, and her embroidered shoe stepped on a pair ofrge hands gripping the gunwale and rocking it stealthily. She stomped down hard twice, and scolded delicately, "You shameless scoundrel, show yourself at once."


    "Ouch!" Lin Wanrong''s cry of pain came from under the boat. "Miss Xu, are you ying for real?!"


    "Big brother?!" Luo Ning screamed in surprise, bending down to see Lin Wanrong gripping the bottom of the boat, grinning at her.


    "You naughty thing!" Luo Ning uttered tenderly, stretching out her little hand to pull him up. Luo Yuan hurried over to help, while Miss Xu turned her head away, giggling. ¡®Serves you right, you shameless man, now you taste your own medicine!¡¯


    Lin Wanrong mbered onto the boat, taking several deep breaths. Luo Ning quickly handed him a bowl of steaming ginger soup. Watching him gulp it down, she finally rxed.


    "Big brother, how did it go? Did you find the silver?" Luo Yuan, ever impatient, immediately asked once Lin Wanrong had caught his breath.


    Lin Wanrong nced at Miss Xu seemingly unintentionally, his eyes narrowing as he grinned, "Miss Xu, you stomped on me several times just now; it was on purpose, wasn''t it? Heh heh, are you hoping I found the silver or not?"


    Xu Zhiqing''s heart fluttered, and she didn''t dare to answer. Luo Ning snapped, "Big brother, what are you talking about? Sister Xu came all this way to help us find the silver, didn''t she?"


    "Is that so? Oh, I forgot." Lin Wanrong shook his head andughed. Then his face turned serious, and he said solemnly, "I''m sorry, Ning''er¡ª"


    "What?" Xu Zhiqing screamed, almost unable to believe her ears. Was this shameless man''s confidence before going underwater all a lie? How could he do this?


    Luo Ning''s joyful face turned as pale as snow, herrge teardrops rolling in her eyes. She bravely bit her cherry lips and gently caressed Lin Wanrong''s cheek, softly saying, "Big brother, it''s alright. Don''t me yourself. It''s Ning''er''s fate to be your wife. I''m content with that and don''t care about anything else."


    Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, holding her soft body in his arms, biting her ear and saying, "I''m sorry, Ning''er, I tried my best, but I only recovered¡ªthree hundred and fifty thousand taels!!!"


    "What?" Both women froze simultaneously, ncing at each other before pouncing on him like mad, raining down blows like a storm, crying out, "I''ll beat you¡ª"


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 Chapter 386

    Chapter 386


    Chapter 386 Salvaging Silver


    After a bout of yfulness, Luo Ning and Miss Xu gradually calmed down. The Talented Miss Luo clung to Lin Wanrong''s arm with a face filled with joy, coquettishlyining, ¡°Big brother, you''re so bad, teasing me and Sister Xu like this. Thankfully, Sister Xu has a good temperament, otherwise, she would certainly have made a fuss with you.¡±


    Seeing Luo Ning''s transition from surprise to happiness, her face still adorned with tear streaks, causing one to feel both pity and love, Lin Wanrong grinned, grabbed her hand, and gave her something. Luo Ning took a look and found it was a silver ingot and a lump of tin, the bottom of the silver stamped with the government''s fire mark ¨C it was the missing treasury silver.


    Luo Ning was filled with surprise and joy, clutching the ingot tightly, tears streaming down her face, as she threw herself into Lin Wanrong''s arms, sobbing, ¡°Big brother, big brother, Father can be saved, we found it, we finally found it.¡±


    Gazing at the silver and tin in Luo Ning''s hands, Miss Xu smiled and nodded, everything had indeed turned out as expected. She also felt waves of excitement; an unsolved case with only a seven-day deadline was solved by him. From reasoning to deployment, to finally finding the silver, his analysis of others'' thoughts, calction of moving distance, search for the hiding ce for the silver, everything was meticulously done, gripping the heart.


    Beside them, Luo Yuan suddenly jumped up, embraced Lin Wanrong''s shoulders, and joyously eximed, ¡°Wonderful, big brother, I knew you could do it. Brothers,e,e, follow me to salvage the silver.¡±


    Speaking, he beckoned to numerous fishermen to propel the fishing boat towards the ce where the silver was buried. Xu Zhiqing hurriedly stopped him, saying, ¡°Luo Yuan, what are you doing?¡±


    ¡°What else? Big brother has found the hiding ce for the silver, so of course we''re going to salvage it,¡± Luo Yuan replied with great enthusiasm.


    ¡°Salvage the silver? How will you do it? Have you considered that it''s 350,000 taels of silver, with countless pieces of tin bound together, weighing tens of thousands of pounds? How will you salvage it?¡± Miss Xu asked with a smile.In his excitement, Luo Yuan hadn''t thought of all this. Hearing Miss Xu''s words, he was stunned, indeed, hundreds of thousands of taels of silver were probably buried in the mud, how was he to salvage it? He pondered for a long time without a clue, could only let out an awkward chuckle, and bashfully looked at Xu Zhiqing, ¡°Sister Xu, what do you suggest we do to salvage it?¡±


    ¡°This, we need to see the specific situation underwater,¡± Xu Zhiqing replied, smoothing her hair and ncing at Lin Wanrong, the meaning clear: please Lord Lin exin the situation in the water so they could find the right solution.


    Lin Wanrong yawned,zily saying, ¡°Ning''er, I''m a bit tired, can I eat something and take a bath before we discuss this?¡±


    This was clearly a refusal to give Miss Xu face, and Luo Ning''s expression showed her difficulty. If she agreed with big brother, she would certainly dampen Sister Xu''s enthusiasm; if she agreed with Sister Xu, she would feel sorry for big brother. Caught in this dilemma, Xu Zhiqing looked at Lin Wanrong, gritted her teeth, and huffed, ¡°If you won''t say, will I not go and explore myself? Ning''er, guard the cabin door; I''ll be back soon.¡±


    She rummaged through the bundle she carried, and surprisingly took out a ck diving suit, turning towards the cabin as she prepared to go underwater herself.


    Who could have guessed that this girl could swim? It was impossible to imagine what her ample and voluptuous figure would look like, hidden inside the tight diving suit. It would certainly be a breathtaking sight, and Lin Wanrong, with a customary sly smile on his lips and wide-open eyes, eagerly awaited the appearance of this mermaid.


    "Big brother¡ª" Luo Ning, rmed, quickly grabbed hold of Miss Xu, turning back to look at Lin Wanrong with a pleading expression on her face.


    "Ning''er, don''t beg him." Miss Xu disdainfully pouted her lips. "He acts as if he''s above everyone else,manding his soldiers with arrogance. I''ll show him that we can do just as well without him."


    "I, being the most shameless person in the world, don''t need any manners or grace. Miss Xu thinks too highly of me," Lin Wanrongughed, then his face turned serious. "Since Miss Xu is so interested, let me report on the matter. There are indeed three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver underwater, but they are mixed withrge quantities of tin blocks, all massive in size and heavy in weight. All the silver and tin blocks are stored in over twentyrge boxes, tied together tightly with arge. To recover the thirty-five thousand taels of silver and tin blocks simultaneously, with our current conditions, I''m afraid it will be difficult to aplish."


    Miss Xu''s brow furrowed lightly; if it were really like that, recovering the silver would indeed be a great hassle.


    Luo Yuan snorted and said, "If we can''t haul it all up at once, we can break it apart and haul it up piece by piece. We''ll send hundreds of skilled divers, and with each one carrying up dozens of taels, we''ll eventually get it all."


    "Such a dull idea from a dull person," Lin Wanrongughed, patting Luo Yuan''s head. "You can''t think of something smarter? A few hundred people diving together could easily hide some silver, and if there''s a shortage of thousands or tens of thousands of taels, will you pay for it?"


    Luo Yuan, seeing the glimmer of amusement in his big brother''s eyes and sensing that he had a n all along, suddenly had a realization. pping his hands, he said, "Big brother, you must have a way, right? I knew you could do it."


    Luo Ning seemed to see hope as well, hugging Lin Wanrong''s arm and cooing, "Big brother, do you have a n? Tell me quickly."


    With Luo Ning''s sweet and cloying coquettishness, Lin Wanrong''s heart softened. He rubbed his arm against her full, soft chest and chuckled into her ear, "I can tell you, but tonight you can''t run away. Leave your Miss Xu aside."


    Luo Ning blushed, her body twisting slightly, her soft chest pressed tightly against his arm.


    Lin Wanrong gave a lustful smile, sneakily caressing Luo Ning''s ample buttocks. His face turned serious as he patted his chest loudly, "Ning''er, Little Luo, don''t worry, the matter of recovering the silver is on me. s, who made me so clever?"


    When big brother agreed, Luo Ning and her brother were naturally overjoyed, and Miss Xu dared not speak. She hadpletely lost confidence in Lin San. She didn''t know whether this person was bluffing or truly capable.


    Master Lin looked around theke impatiently and said, "Where''s the boat? Where''s the boat I asked for? Why hasn''t Brother Hu brought it to me yet?"


    "What boat?" Luo Yuan, with his keen hearing, immediately asked.


    "Oh, it''s nothing. Yesterday, I asked Hu Bugui to borrow tworge wooden boats from the Jiangnan Navy for me, and to prepare some things. By my calctions, they should be arriving soon." Lin Wanrong shook his head and said, "How about this, Little Luo, go and hurry them along. Remember, you must find the tworgest wooden boats, and they must be filled with sand. The more, the better. Also, prepare some sturdy wood and some thick and strong ropes."


    "Sand, wood, ropes? Big brother, what do you need these for?" Not only was Luo Yuan dumbfounded, but even Miss Xu was stunned. What was this guy up to?


    "Nonsense, what else could it be for? Of course, it''s for salvaging silver." Lin Wanrong said yfully, kicking him on the buttocks, "Go and get it done quickly."


    Hearing it was for salvaging silver, Luo Yuan jumped three feet high and quickly took a small boat.


    Lin Wanrong found an unupied small boat, jumped on it,y down in the cabin, and sighedfortably. Luo Ning followed him, sitting beside him and gently asked, "Big brother, are you very tired?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, "I am a bit tired! I haven''t been in the water for a long time, and my muscles are almost atrophying. It seems that there is some truth to the saying that life lies in movement. Ning''er, how about we do some water sports?"


    Water sports? Luo Ning looked at him puzzledly, and Lin Wanrong leaned into her ear and chuckled, "You escapedst night, but not today. Ah, it''s been a long time since I''ve tried water sports. The scenery is beautiful, and the weather is fine. It''s a great opportunity for daytime indulgence."


    Luo Ning was startled, her face blushing, her ears burning, and she murmured, "How can this be? It''s broad daylight now, and besides, Sister Xu is resting on the opposite boat. Ah, I''m so embarrassed!"


    "She can rest, and we can do our thing. Daytime indulgence is a very meaningful task. We must try hard." Master Lin chuckled lewdly, embracing Luo Ning''s delicate body, his hands resting on her slender waist, and he kissed her sweet cherry lips.


    The Talented Lady Luo felt her body go soft, and her brother''s body was hot as fire, as if it would burn her. Thinking that her dear sister Zhiqing was on the opposite boat, possibly looking this way, she felt waves of embarrassment, yet also an indescribable thrilling pleasure.


    Spring was the best season for passion. Seeing Ning''er''s hesitant yet inviting expression, Master Lin couldn''t resist. He gently rubbed her back and buttocks, and his tworge hands moved to Luo''s chest, gently kneading her soft, white breasts.


    Ning''er''s eyebrows furrowed slightly, her teeth lightly biting, her cheeks flushed, her breathing quickened, her body undting, her waist swaying, and she had long forgotten where she was.


    "Ning''er, Ning''er¡ª" Xu Zhiqing''s voice came from outside the cabin, and Miss Luo was startled with a scream. She saw her half-bare, mutton-fat white jade-like chest being yed with by her big brother. Her beautiful cheeks instantly turned red as fire, and her cherry lips let out a soft moan. Her small fists rained down on Lin Wanrong: "Stinky big brother, naughty big brother, I''m so embarrassed!"


    Miss Xu had ruined the good moment again, and the muscles on Master Lin''s face twitched a few times. He pinched Ning''er''s buttock and said angrily, "What grudge does this Xu girl have against me? She has ruined such a beautiful spring scene."


    Ning''er chuckled and shyly said, "It''s clearly you who were naughty. Why are you ming Sister Zhiqing? She doesn''t even know we''re here, um¡ª" Luo Ning covered her face and ran out, only to see Miss Xu standing on the opposite boat, looking at her with a smile that seemed to see through something.


    Miss Luo''s heart pounded, and her words were not as fluent: "Sister, Sister Xu, did you call me?"


    Miss Xu nodded and smiled, pointing to tworge ships drifting in the distance: "Go tell that shameless man that Luo Yuan has brought the big ships back."


    Luo Ning looked up and saw two huge wooden shipsing from afar, with Luo Yuan standing on the bow, waving frantically at her. She quickly turned around to leave but heard Miss Xu say, "Ning''er, there''s one more thing." Xu Zhiqing mysteriously smiled and pointed at Luo Ning''s chest.


    Miss Luo looked down and screamed, her face red as fire, and she ran back into the cabin without looking back. In her haste toe out, she had buttoned her shirt wrong, exposing a patch of white and tender chest that caught Miss Xu''s eye.


    "It''s all your fault, all your fault!" Luo Ning hammered her big brother''s chest: "Sister Xu must know everything now, and she willugh at me."


    "Laugh? What''s there tough about?" Lin Wanrong said shamelessly: "I say, she should be envious, envious that you have such a good husband. Ning''er, since we''ve been found out, let''s not be afraid and continue, haha."


    Having a licentious day was indeed a great dream, but unfortunately, Master Lin could not fulfill it that day. Luo Yuan had arrived with tworge wooden ships from the Jiangnan Navy, and Master Lin regretted that little Luo had to walk so fast, ruining his ns.


    The tworge ships of the Navy were more than ten feet long, broad and majestic, with a great carrying capacity. Seeing the ships filled with mud and sand, Miss Xu frowned. This guy really had two ships of mud and sand brought over; what was he going to do? She couldn''t help but nce at Lin Wanrong.


    Standing beside her big brother, Miss Luo was mischievous, and when she saw Sister Xu looking this way, she was immediately embarrassed and lowered her head. Her eyes, filled with a hint of spring, made her as beautiful as the goddess of the Luo River, even stunning Miss Xu.


    ¡®Ning''er is so beautiful,¡¯ she sighed softly, a trace of mncholy shing in her eyes that she herself did not notice.


    "Big brother, big brother, what do we do next?" Luo Yuan jumped down from the big ship,nding in front of Lin Wanrong, and shouted loudly.


    "Don''t panic. Did you bring the quality timber and strong, sturdy ropes I told you about earlier?" Master Lin was quite dissatisfied as Luo Yuan had ruined Master Lin''s good ns, and he became much stricter and more demanding with his younger brother-inw.


    "These? General Hu prepared them all before going to raid the office in Zhuping County this morning. I just happened toe across these tworge ships," Luo Yuan chuckled, looking quite pleased with himself, unaware that he had interrupted the romantic moment between his sister and brother-inw.


    "You''re lucky, young man!" Lord Lin snorted and thenughed, saying, "Now we''ll start, and I will be inmand. First, bind these tworge ships together, side by side, leaving about a ten-foot distance between them. Then use the quality timber you''ve brought to build a sturdy frame spanning the two ships. Remember, it must be strong."


    Two ships bound together? And building a frame on them? Has big brother gone mad? Luo Yuan had doubts in his mind, but seeing his big brother''s serious demeanor, he faithfully followed his instructions.


    Two enormous wooden ships,den with mud and sand, sunk deep into the water. Luo Yuan led the craftsmen to nail the timber tightly onto the tworge ships, constructing an incredibly sturdy frame between them. Everything waspleted in less than half an hour. Lin Wanrong meticulously inspected the work, even jumping on the frame to test its solidity.


    Xu Zhiqing watched in puzzlement, finally unable to restrain herself from asking, "What are you doing?"


    Lin Wanrong did not answer her question, instead smiling and saying, "Miss Xu, I have a serious request to make of you."


    "What is it?" Miss Xu asked, perplexed.


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "Next time my sweetheart and I are having a tender moment, could you please not interrupt us? Have you ever experienced a passion interrupted? It''s truly torturous!"


    "Pah!" Miss Xu turned away, her face red as fire, lightly stamping her foot on the ship and daring not to speak again.


    Lin Wanrong took hold of the thick rope that Hu Bugui had prepared, pulling it a few times to test its strength. He nodded with a smile. Old Hu''s work was reliable; this rope could even pull a train.


    "The next step is crucial," Lin Wanrong said, holding the rope, his face serious. Miss Xu pricked up her ears to eavesdrop. "Luo Yuan, send two of our best swimmers underwater to tie one end of this rope to the box containing the silver. Remember, it must be secure, no ck."


    Hearing the seriousness in his big brother''s voice, Luo Yuan carefully exined the task to two strong men before sending them into the water. After the time it took to brew a cup of tea, they surfaced, signaling that the rope had been tied.


    Lin Wanrong stepped onto the wooden frame between the two ships, finding the center, and slowly pulled the rope until several men''s strength could no longer move it. He then carefully tied that end of the rope securely to the center of the frame.


    Miss Xu watched his actions intently, only now starting to understand, and asked, "Are you going to use these ships to pull up the silver? But that silver is stuck in the mud at the bottom of the water, no matter how many people row the boat, they won''t be able to pull it up."


    "Is that so?" Master Lin chuckled, "Miss Xu is so confident? Then how about we make another bet?"


    Speaking of betting, Xu Zhiqing''s cheeks immediately flushed. He had already found the silver, and she had to fulfill her promise. Was she really going to let him take advantage of her? A feeling she couldn''t quite describe welled up in her heart; bitter, trembling, and some taste she herself couldn''t understand. Thinking of the scene where Ning''er had just run out with her clothes disheveled, she clenched her teeth and snapped, "You rogue, I won''t bet with you anymore; if you don''t want to tell me, just leave it at that!"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "It''s not that I don''t want to tell you. In fact, if you observe carefully, you will surely understand. Watch closely; the next step is crucial."


    With a wave of his hand, Lin Wanrong shouted loudly, "Shovel the sand! Shovel all the mud and sand into theke, and don''t leave a single grain behind."


    At hismand, the soldiers on the boats began to pour the mud and sand from the tworge wooden ships into theke. As the mud and sand gradually decreased, the ships slowly began to rise. The rope pulling the silver became tauter, and Lin Wanrong stared intently at it, his heart pounding. ¡®Brother Hu, you better not be ying with me; this rope involves the lives of my father-inw''s family!¡¯


    As the mud and sand in the boats decreased, the rope became straighter, and finally, it ckened slightly. Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. It moved! It moved! The silver moved! The two strong men who had gone into the water reported, "Master, the silver box has floated up from the bottom."


    "Quick, quick, pour out all the mud and sand!" Master Lin shouted urgently, and the soldiers moved even faster. When thest grain of sand fell, the silver box was already suspended in the water.


    "I understand, I understand," Miss Xu eximed, her lips trembling with excitement, looking at Lin San with admiration in her eyes. No matter how shameless this man was, his intelligence was indeed unparalleled in the world.


    "Miss Xu, what''s going on?" Luo Ning murmured, "How did the silver float up? It''s like a dream."


    "It''s not a dream; it''s real. Your family''s Lin San is an unparalleled genius," Xu Zhiqing nodded, "He cleverly used the buoyancy of water, poured out the mud and sand, and pulled up the silver box, suspending it in the water. This method is truly extraordinary. How did I not think of it?"


    "Row the boats!" Master Lin waved his hand, and the soldiers on the tworge ships began rowing, moving the wooden ships toward the shore, with the silver box slowly being pulled behind.


    The nearby fishermen andmon people stared in amazement, witnessing two unprecedented wonders: fish leaping through the dragon gate and silver boxes growing legs, both urring on the same day. Was this Master Lin sent by the court a celestial being?


    When the wooden ships reached the shore, Luo Yuan knew what to do without Lin Wanrong''s instructions. Taking advantage of the silver box still floating in the water, everyone pulled the rope together, and the silver box emerged halfway from the water, finally touching the ground.


    What came next was much simpler. Following the same method, Luo Yuan switched the rope, filled the two wooden ships with mud and sand again, and pulled back another silver box. This miraculous process left countless people in awe. If there were truly divine beings in the world, Master Lin was undoubtedly one of them.


    By the time evening arrived, more than twenty silver boxes were scattered haphazardly on the shallow beach. Luo Yuan was excitedly shouting, touching one box, then another, acting as though he had never seen silver before.


    Ning''er giggled charmingly, running vigorously on the sandy beach, and called out loudly to Lin Wanrong: "Big brother, Ning''er loves you! You are the most amazing person in the world!" Her radiant expression even outshone the western setting sun.


    ¡®If it weren''t for darling Ning''er, I wouldn''t have bothered wasting so many brain cells. Darn it, this work really isn''t fit for a human being; it''s worn me out!¡¯ Master Lin wiped the sweat from his forehead, his whole body soaked through, and plopped down on the ground by the shore, panting heavily.


    A silken handkerchief imbued with a faint fragrance was slowly passed to him. He took it and wiped himself a few times, about to say thanks when he felt something amiss. Turning his head, he saw Miss Xu''s graceful figure hurrying away, disappearing into the dim twilight.


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 Chapter 387

    Chapter 387


    Chapter 387 Please Respect My Dignity


    The silver chests were hauled up, and Lin Wanrong dared not dy. He immediately broke open the chests on the spot, directing the soldiers to separate the silver pieces and tin chunks. Once they were repackaged and ounted for, all three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver were present, neither a fraction more nor less. Only then did hepletely rx, sealing the treasury silver and deploying a heavy guard, with Luo Yuan personally supervising the army. It seemed unlikely anything would go wrong now.


    Havingpleted these tasks, night had fallen. Just as Lin Wanrong was about to take a sip of water, Hu Bugui arrived on horseback. He dismounted with excitement, eximing, "General Lin, I heard the silver has been found. Is this true?"


    Lin Wanrongughed and waved his hand, pointing to the sealed silver chests in the field, "Could it be false? Three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver, not a penny less, all here."


    Hu Bugui''s face beamed with joy. "General Lin, you are truly a remarkable person of this age. The people of Jining are spreading the word of your generosity and care for the people, saying you released three hundred thousand fish fry into Weishan Lake, nurturing hope and bing the great benefactor of Jining County. They even say you''re a celestial being descended to Earth to solve problems and save the people. As I was traveling back today, all I heard were tales of you. Ah," he shook his head in annoyance, a hint of frustration appearing on his face, "I only regret that official duties took me to confiscate something in Zhuping County''s government building today, missing such a grand opportunity to witness this."


    Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, "A celestial being descended to Earth? The good folks of Jining are ttering me. Don''t you know my character? Eating, drinking, ying - I''m first in all of them. How can you talk about caring for the country and people, saving the masses? By the way, Brother Hu, did you find anything when you searched Zhuping County''s government building?"


    Hu Bugui shook his head, his face filled with annoyance. "Those wily dogs! By the time I led the soldiers there, they had already evacuated half an hour earlier. I gave a desperate chase and caught a few at the tail end, but the rest escaped."


    This was expected, so Lin Wanrong just nodded, patting Hu Bugui''s shoulder with augh. "Brother Hu, you handled this matter very well. When we get back to the capital, I''ll report favorably to the Emperor. You and I will rise together, rich and prosperous, ha ha ha ha."


    Hu Buguiughed, finding Lin Wanrong''s words amusing, though he admired the man''s decisiveness in significant matters.With three hundred and fifty thousand taels of treasury silver already having been stolen once, no mistakes could be made this time. With Hu Bugui overseeing things, Lin Wanrong was two hundred percent confident, especially with Luo Yuan''s assistance. He finally exhaled a sigh of relief, shouting, "Bring me a horse! I need to send a report to the Emperor in the capital to share the good news!"


    A clerk entered from outside the tent with pen and ink, ready to write. Lin Wanrong paced slowly, smiling, "I''m not familiar with writing petitions, so I''ll leave it to you. The main point is to emphasize the hardships of this journey, tens of thousands of soldiers working day and night, and General Hu Bugui traveling a thousand miles without sleep for two nights to capture the real culprits. In short, make it long and mention the names of my brothers, so they can also be recognized by the Emperor. Consider it my way of doing right by everyone.¡±


    Hu Bugui''s brows unfurled inughter. Following General Lin was always rewarding;st time it was a military drill on the battlefield, and this time retrieving silver from theke. Each time brought increased prestige before the Emperor. It wouldn''t be more than a few years before the Emperor would recognize old Hu''s name.


    The scribe was a clever man too. General Lin repeatedly emphasized the importance of highlighting the many soldiers. If even themon soldiers were mentioned in the memorial, how could General Lin''s name not be prominently featured? Grasping the intent, the scribe''s pen moved as if divinely guided. Each paragraph began with phrases like "The General, leading by example and risking his life, personallymanding the army," and so on. He filled two pages with effusive praise for General Lin''s great achievements and the people of Weishan Lake''s deep admiration and support for the general.


    General Lin received the paper and, without changing his expression, said, "Very objectively written! You have potential! From now on, you''ll write all the battle reports." At the end of the letter, he signed his name and dispatched a messenger on a fast horse to deliver the news to the capital.


    Upon returning to his mansion, he found the entrance decorated and festive, with rednterns hung and joyful decorations everywhere. Luo Ning was outside, directing people to clean and tidy up.


    "What''s all this for?" Lin Wanrong asked, walking over with a smile and gently rubbing Luo Ning''s waist, "Ning''er, are we celebrating something special? That''s great; we''ll have a wedding night again tonight!"


    Luo Ning''s face turned rosy, and she yfully scolded him, "Big brother, can''t you be serious? Today we found the silver, and my Luo family can finally hold our heads high again. It''s time for a proper celebration. And another piece of good news: Father just woke up, and he wants to see you!"


    His father-inw had woken up? Lin Wanrong thought, somewhat contemptuously, how the old man had chosen the perfect moment to awake. He quickly put on a joyful expression, "Oh, that''s wonderful! Today is indeed a double celebration, Ning''er. Let''s quickly go and pay our respects to your father!"


    Ning''er nodded lightly, took her big brother''s hand, and headed to her father''s residence. Just as they reached the door, Luo Min''s voice came from inside, "Is that Ning''er outside?"


    "Father, big brother and I havee to see you," Luo Ning gently pushed the door open and saw Luo Min slowly sitting in a chair, smiling at them, assisted by a maid.


    "Ah, Lord Luo, it''s been quite some time!" Lin Wanrong greeted with augh, "I must admit, I''ve missed you a bit."


    "Missed me for what?" Luo Minughed, shaking his head, "You probably missed my daughter Ning''er, right?"


    Luo Ning blushed and scolded yfully, "Father, you''re teasing your daughter too!" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I miss both of you, neither one can be missed."


    Luo Min sighed deeply, "It''s been months since we''ve seen each other, and I didn''t expect our reunion to involve you and my niece Zhiqing working day and night on my behalf. I feel deeply guilty."


    Seeing that Luo Min seemed to have aged considerably, without any of his previous cunning and sly demeanor, Lin Wanrong quickly reassured him with a smile, "Nonsense, we are family! Back in Jinling, you, Old Taishan, took great care of me. I should be the one to help ease your burdens now."


    Upon hearing Master Lin''s constant use of the term "Old Taishan" (a respectful nickname for a father-inw), Luo Min looked at his daughter Luo Ning in surprise. Seeing her blushing cheeks and the boy''s triumphant expression, he suddenly understood and chuckled bitterly to himself. ''Well, well, the rice is already cooked. Why should I be polite with this youngster?'' Heughed heartily and nodded, saying, "So it is, very good, very good! My dear son-inw, I''ve heard that on this journey you''ve leaped like a fish over the dragon gate and scooped up silver from a wooden boat. The people of Jining City praise you highly. If the Emperor hears of this, it will be no small matter. Your rise to prominence is just around the corner."


    ''Nonsense,'' thought Master Lin, ¡®The Emperor''s own daughter is my dear wife Xian''er. If I don''t rise, who will?'' Master Linughed heartily, looked around, and said mysteriously, "Old Taishan, you don''t have to worry. The Emperor spoke to me before I left the capital."


    Luo Min was overjoyed and stood up from his chair, asking excitedly, "What did the Emperor say?"


    "The Emperor said that in Jining, 350,000 taels of official silver were stolen, leaving tens of thousands of soldiers without food or grain. The soldiers are stuck in the capital while the border is in urgent need, Luo Min, your guilt is truly unforgivable."


    Luo Min''s face turned pale, and he fell back into his chair. Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed, "Old father-inw, don''t me your talkative son-inw. You''ve weathered great storms in Jinling. How could you let down your guard in Jining? This ce is the birthce of the White Lotus Sect, and the waters run deep. You are so upright, and many at court would seize the chance to eliminate you. How could you allow 350,000 taels of official silver to pass through your domain and allow them to stay overnight? Others would have avoided them, but you sought trouble."


    Luo Minmented, "I was confused at the time. Themander told me they needed to resupply, or the journey couldn''t proceed. I allowed them to stay a night out of concern for the Emperor. How could I have known... Ah! My wise son-inw, quickly tell me, what else did the Emperor say?"


    Hearing her father and big brother discussing political matters, Miss Luo was not interested and excused herself to leave.


    Seeing that old Luo was truly loyal to the Emperor, Lin Wanrong felt it inappropriate to frighten him further, "Upon hearing of the missing silver, the Emperor was furious and wanted to execute you immediately. Fortunately, Mr. Xu and I begged on your behalf, kneeling outside the pce for twelve hours until the Emperor''s anger subsided. He gave you a seven-day reprieve. He said if we could find the silver within seven days, he would let bygones be bygones, and you would be reinstated. But if we couldn''t, well, you know the consequences."


    "Did the Emperor really say that?" Luo Min was both startled and pleased, sighing, "So, it seems I have turned misfortune into a blessing? Even if I am reinstated, how can I face the Emperor and my colleagues?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned mischievously, his face full of mystery, "That? It depends on whether you still want to be an official."


    "Oh, my wise son-inw, stop ying riddles with me. I''ve given you my daughter, and we are family now. Help mee up with a n." Luo Min, cunning as a fox, clearly understood his son-inw''s intentions. He grasped Master Lin''s hand warmly, speaking with great affection.


    ¡®This old fellow''s face was no thicker than mine,¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, "As for this, it depends on how you, father-inw, want to handle it. The silver was indeed lost in Jining territory, and you can''t deny it. In my opinion, you might as well draft a confession, and honestly take responsibility for the whole matter."


    "A confession?" Luo Min''s face was filled with disbelief, "If I draft a confession, wouldn''t I be giving Prince Cheng an excuse?"


    "If you don''t draft a confession, does he not have an excuse already?" Lin Wanrong patted his shoulder, "Old Taishan, don''t worry, the confession is just the prelude, the more exciting part is yet toe. The silver did go missing, but didn''t we find it again in less than three days? Moreover, you even raided Zhuping County government office and caught a nest of thieves¡ª" Master Lin blinked, a smile surfacing on his face, "This group, they are remnants of the White Lotus Sect, numbering in the thousands. Old Taishan, you personally led the troops, charging to the front, killed thousands of White Lotus remnants, captured dozens of rebels, and eliminated thest influence of the White Lotus in Shandong. The silver wasn''t lost, and you even managed to wipe out the White Lotus along the way, tell me, is this a fault or a merit?"


    Luo Min was no fool, since his wise son-inw credited him with the merit, he can''t be modest, he immediately nodded, "It''s a merit! But who knows what the Emperor thinks? Besides, it''s still uncertain whether they are White Lotus rebels!"


    "Whether or not they are White Lotus rebels doesn''t matter, what matters is, someone else is taking the me for you. It will silence everyone, and the Emperor can save face!" Master Lin chuckled, "Wait until the silver and rebels are escorted to the capital, and you can submit a memorial overnight, saying that although you have redeemed your sins with merit, you still feel ashamed of the Imperial grace, and ask the Emperor to let you retire. Heh heh, what do you think the consequences will be¡ª"


    "The Emperor will never let me¡ªBrilliant!" Luo Min pped his hands, shouting excitedly, looking Lin Wanrong up and down, "Indeed, a gentleman changes for the better every three days, and one should look at him with new eyes. Son-inw, you''ve only been in the capital for a few months, and you''re already so familiar with the ways of the court, surpassing this old man a hundredfold."


    "That''s because Old Taishan taught me well!" Master Lin said without blinking, and the two burst intoughter.


    Luo Min was still recovering from a serious illness, so after a short conversation, Lin Wanrong excused himself and left the room. After looking around and not finding Luo Ning, he was about to return to his room when a young maid ran over and reported, "Sir, Sir, Miss Xu invites you!"


    "Which Miss Xu?" Lin Wanrong asked curiously.


    "The Miss Xu who came with you from the capital!" The young maid blinked and said, "Miss Xu says she''s waiting for you in her room!"


    ¡®Xu Zhiqing is looking for me? And in her room?¡¯ Master Lin chuckled a few times, quickening his steps towards the backyard. Luo Ning''s room was dark, seemingly unupied, but the room next to hers was brightly lit, a graceful shadow cast on the window screen.


    Master Lin''s eyes swept over the tall, firm breasts, and he swallowed silently. Recognizing a woman by her chest, there was no doubt that this was Miss Xu.


    He lightly tapped on the door twice, and the room fell silent for a moment before Xu Zhiqing''s voice, slightly trembling, came through, "Who, who is it?"


    "Eh, it''s not Ning''er?! I''m sorry; I''ve gone to the wrong door." Lin Wanrong gave a roguish smile and turned, pretending to leave.


    The door swung open with a tter, and Miss Xu stood in the doorway, biting her silver teeth, softly saying, "Lin ¨C you, wait a minute!"


    Lin Wanrong turned around, casting her a puzzled nce, "It''s sote, Miss Xu; have you not gone to bed yet?"


    Seeing his feigned ignorance, Miss Xu''s heart seethed with anger. She looked around to ensure they were alone, then reached out and fiercely pulled him inside before mming the door shut.


    "You, what are you doing? Don''t you dare get out of line!" Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened, his face filled with fear, as he stammered.


    "Get out of line?" Miss Xu was both angry and amused, and felt like giving him a hard kick. "In this world, is there anyone more reckless than you?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckledsciviously, "Miss Xu, don''t hold on to my strengths. Though I may have vulnerabilities in your hands, you too have some holes that need plugging. We''re even."


    "Nonsense, who wants to grab your vulnerabilities? And what holes do I have?" Miss Xu sniffed, noticing his gaze wandering across her chest. Her face turned red, and she quickly turned away, her heart pounding. Silence filled the room, the only sound being their breathing.


    Lin Wanrong let his eyes wander over her alluring curves, swallowing hard as he gazed at her voluptuous hips. ¡®Miss Xu is suitable for bearing a son,¡¯ he thought, ¡®there''s potential here!¡¯


    "So, Miss Xu, you called me here sote at night. Do you have any instructions?" Lin Wanrong asked, pretending to be concerned while his eyes continued to explore.


    "You, you must stop looking!" Miss Xu''s face flushed, as she protested.


    "Look, look at what?" Lin Wanrong feigned confusion. "I''m looking straight ahead; I don''t see anything at all!"


    Arguing with such a shameless man was pointless. Miss Xu had no way to handle him, so she sighed and thought, ¡®Well, he has seen it all before. What does one or two more times matter?¡¯ She spoke calmly, "Lin San, your performance today was astonishing. I underestimated you before."


    "Where, where? Mutual feelings!" Lin Wanrong said, without a trace of seriousness.


    "Lin San, what impression do I make in your heart? Can you tell me?" Miss Xu asked softly, sighing.


    "Impression? Oh, it''s big, very big!" Lin Wanrong said, wiping a bit of drool from the corner of his mouth.


    "What''s big?" Miss Xu asked, confused, only to understand his meaning when she noticed his lewd gaze on her chest. Her face turned bright red, and she clenched her small fist, fighting an urge to punch him.


    "Lin San, I will honor our bet!" Xu Zhiqing almost bit her lip, pushing her chest out proudly, her eyes slightly closed, and long eyshes quivering. A faint drop of moisture clung to them. Her voice trembled slightly, "Here, take it! Just please be quick!"


    "Quick? Quick about what?" Lin Wanrong asked, genuinely puzzled.


    "You want to tease me again?" Miss Xu''s tears fell like rain, and suddenly her eyes widened as she yelled in anger, "I''ve agreed to your conditions, and I can fulfill them now. You wanted to touch, right? Well, here you go!"


    Seeing Miss Xu''s firm chest advancing straight toward him, Lord Lin''s eyes widened more than that of an orangutan. Startled, he leaped back two steps, his face losing color as he eximed, "Miss Xu, what do you mean by this? When did I ever say I wanted to touch you¡ªtouch that? Please respect my dignity!"


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 Chapter 388

    Chapter 388


    Chapter 388 Ning''er Catches the Adulterers


    "Dignity? Do you have any dignity? Didn''t you want to touch? Go on then, touch!" Xu Zhiqing eximed, her voice filled with both grief and anger. She thrust her full chest toward him, a scornful sneer on her lips, stepping closer and closer to him. The tension and unease of the day seemed to have found an outlet, bursting forth like a breached dam on the Yangtze River, overwhelming and unstoppable.


    "You, what are you doing?" A man called Lin Wanrong, terror in his eyes, retreated hastily. Xu Zhiqing appeared fearless, closing the distance further. Her soft breasts, radiating warmth, seared Lin Wanrong''s nerves.


    Cornered and with nowhere to retreat, Master Lin''s face was confronted by a tear-streaked Xu Zhiqing. Her proud breasts were mere inches from his palm, and she coldly snorted, "Go on, touch! Once you''ve touched, I won''t owe you anything!"


    ¡®This little girl sure is feisty, trying to force me into submission,¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, no longer backing away. He grinned and said, "Miss Xu, do you really want me to touch? In that case, I won''t be polite."


    "Polite? When have you ever been polite?" Miss Xu seemed to have given up, her voice filled with grief and anger, "Since I lost to you, I''m prepared for this. Just consider it a mosquito bite."


    Lin Wanrongughed again, "Since Miss Xu is somitted to her promise, please close your eyes, or I might feel embarrassed."


    Xu Zhiqing listened, her voice filled with sorrow, "You''re the one taking advantage, what do you have to be embarrassed about? Truly the most shameless person under heaven." She tightly closed her eyes, her long eyshes trembling slightly, her heart pounding, her chest heaving, waiting for that wicked hand to arrive.


    After waiting for what seemed like forever without any movement, suddenly, a pair ofrge hands gently grasped her small hands. Miss Xu was startled and cried out, "You, what are you doing?""What am I doing? Of course, touching!" Master Lin''s yfulughter rang in her ears, "Remember, keep your eyes closed, or I will really feel embarrassed!"


    ¡®Only a fool would believe you,¡¯ Miss Xu snorted, only to feel him pull her hand slowly upward, covering a patch of hot skin. She hurriedly opened her eyes and saw her hands touching Lin San¡¯s body.


    "Ah," Miss Xu screamed, quickly withdrawing her hands, "What, what are you doing?"


    "Fulfilling your promise!" Lin Wanrongughed, "Miss Xu likes to be clever. That day when we made the bet, I didn''t even finish my sentence before you cut me off, causing a misunderstanding. You should have thought about it; I''m such an upright person. How could I do something so shameless?"


    Miss Xu was momentarily stunned before hesitatingly saying, "But didn''t you want to touch¡ª" Her face turned crimson, and she dared not continue.


    This youngdy, now suddenly acting shy, had been as brash as a mother monkey just a moment ago. Lin Wanrong fake-coughed twice, and said with all seriousness, "Touching must still be done. However, I will not touch you, although I wish to. Oh, oh, please forgive me, I identally spoke the truth." Seeing Miss Xu''s eyes widen in surprise, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Last night, I rashly barged into your room; it was a huge misunderstanding. If Miss Xu mes me for taking advantage of her, it''s understandable. To express my most sincere apologies, today I''m letting loose. My only request is that Miss Xu also touch me, to take advantage of me, so we can be even and owe nothing to each other¡ªhey, hey, what are you doing? Don''t get physical; I sincerely want you to touch me!"


    With a crisp crash, a teacup shattered at Lin Wanrong''s feet. He quickly jumped away, only to see Miss Xu''s beautiful face flushed red, her eyes filled with fury, ring at him.


    Was there really such a shameless person in the world? Was there no justice? Miss Xu was filled with both shame and anger, yet a strange feeling welled up in her heart. It was as if a tightly stretched string had suddenly snapped. It turned out that this rascal wasn''t really going to touch her, and she had been letting her imagination run wild. He wanted her to touch him? No way!


    Her face flushed with heat, thinking about the day''s fright and fear, a surge of grievances welled up, tears brimming in her eyes. She suddenly rushed to Lin San''s side, small fists pounding on him, "I''ll beat you to death, you shameless, wicked thing."


    Feeling her soft little fists, Lin Wanrong helplessly smiled bitterly, ¡®Women truly are unreasonable creatures. You are the one who misunderstood, and now you me me?¡¯


    Miss Xu vented for a while and felt somewhat better. Then she suddenly felt something strange. Usually, Lin San, who only took advantage and never suffered a loss, how could he be so honest today and let her beat him like this? She looked up hurriedly to find Lin San leaning against the wall, smiling, but with a fatigue in his eyes that wouldn''t go away.


    "You, what''s the matter?" Miss Xu''s heart trembled as she quickly stopped her fists, examining her hands. This guy was thick-skinned; her little punches were probably not even enough to tickle him. How could he look like this?


    Lin Wanrong sighed slightly, "It''s nothing, just a bit tired."


    Miss Xu was stunned for a moment, noticing Lin San''s cracked lips, the fatigue in his eyes, and her heart suddenly tightened. She could no longer bring her little fist down. From the capital, he had traveled day and night, continuously investigating the scene and making deductions, looking for silver in the vast Weishan Lake. Fish leaping through the dragon''s gate, wooden boats bringing up silver; it all sounded simple, but who knew how much effort Lin San had put in? For the past three days, he had been like an iron man, never resting, bearing a tremendous burden. Even the most resilient would wear out. What''s more hateful was that he always seemed carefree, and she didn''t know how he had endured it all.


    Miss Xu remained silent for a long while, then stealthily withdrew her hand, turned her head, and whispered, "You, you should sit down and rest for a while."


    "That''s not good, is it? This is your boudoir, and we''re alone together; it would not look proper!" Lin Wanrong said with a worried frown.


    "You," he was born a scoundrel, his spirits rising whenever taking advantage of others was mentioned. Miss Xu was so angry that her chest quivered, pointing at his nose, she said, "A dog bites Lu Dongbin, failing to recognize a kind-hearted person. If you don''t want to stay here, then leave quickly so I don''t have to dirty my eyes looking at you."


    The situation was grave; he couldn''t just leave! Lin Wanrong chuckled, plopping himself down at the table, and yfully said, "Well then, I''ll stay. It''s rare that Miss Xu is so hospitable, so I must show some respect, right? Hey, is there tea? Bring some fragrant brew! And some snacks would be good too; I''m hungry after all this fuss!"


    This guy was certainly making himself at home, and Miss Xu didn''t know whether tough or to get angry. How did she end up with such a troublesome person? She shook her head in bitterness, red at him, and turned to brew the tea.


    Today had been truly exhausting, busy from morning till night, under immense mental pressure. Lin Wanrong sat at the table, dozing off, sneaking nces at Miss Xu''s bustling figure. Her ink-ck hair was coiled high, a jade hairpin casually inserted in her bun. Simple yet warm. Her proper purple robe and pleated skirt concealed her enticing figure, outlining her graceful curves, alluring to the extreme. Recalling their earlier tussle, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but shake his head and chuckle. This little girl was not only well-shaped but also had a wonderful temperament. She felt truly unique!


    "What are you looking at?" Seeing his sly eyes on her, although she knew exactly what he was looking at and had been appraised by him many times before, Miss Xu couldn''t help but feel flustered. She ced the freshly brewed tea and snacks in front of him, and huffed heavily.


    "Looking at you!" Lin Wanrong grinned, "Miss Xu, please don''t misunderstand. Someone like me has transcended such base interests, purely appreciating beauty with an artistic eye¡ªMiss Xu, could you sit a little closer so I can admire you more closely?"


    "You''re going to die!! Admire my head!" Miss Xu''s face flushed, and she snorted, ignoring his words. ¡®You''ve transcended base interests? I think even base interests are more noble than you!¡¯


    Master Lin lifted the teacup and took a gentle sip, a faint fragrance greeted him, slightly bitter at first, then sweet, it was excellent Longjing tea. He tasted a few bites, clicking his tongue in praise, "Good tea, good tea. I didn''t expect Miss Xu to have such fine Longjing. It seems I''ll have to visit you again for tea."


    "You wish!" Miss Xu softly said, "This is the finest Hangzhou Longjing that my father wanted me to give to Lord Luo. It''s a reward from the Emperor, only seven or eight ounces in total. I fancied it, so I secretly skimmed some."


    "You have a taste for it?" Lin Wanrong asked, surprised, "I didn''t expect Miss Xu to have this hobby! I have a taste for it too; can you skim some more for me?"


    Miss Xu red at him, her face slightly flushed, and huffed, "Who''s going to skim for you? You''re dreaming! If youe to drink it again, it will be gone."


    Gone after one more drink? What a pity, what a pity! Lin Wanrong held the tea bowl and drank a few more mouthfuls. The fragrant taste filled his mouth, and in a few sips, the tea cup was empty.


    ¡®Is this how one tastes tea? Drinking as if determined to finish it all in one go!¡¯ Miss Xu realized then that this fellow was like an ox gnawing on a peony, having no understanding of the art of tea. Silently, she refilled his bowl and sat beside him, watching him take a few sips before asking, ¡°How do you feel now? Still tired?¡±


    ¡°With fragrant tea and a beautifuldy apanying me, I feel much better,¡± Lin Wanrong yawned and chuckled. Miss Xu lightly scoffed and paid him no more attention; the room fell into a profound silence.


    The two of them were ustomed to either fighting or arguing along their journey, so being in the same room and sitting together in silence was a new experience. It was not just Lin Wanrong who felt out of sorts, even Miss Xu found the atmosphere peculiar, causing her heart to race countless times. She stealthily nced at Lin Wanrong, noticing his robe was torn and disheveled in several ces, undoubtedly the result of their earlier roughhousing. Her face slightly flushed, she parted her cherry lips and whispered, ¡°You, take off your clothes!¡±


    Lin Wanrong, with a mouthful of tea, sprayed it out in shock and cautiously said, ¡°No, no, I''m not ready yet?! Why don''t you undress first?¡±


    ¡°What did you say?¡± Miss Xu''s face turned beet red as she snapped, ¡°You have such lewd thoughts, always thinking about who knows what. I saw your robe torn and was simply trying to help you, but you, you, you make me so angry!¡± She turned her head away in a huff, furious with this shameless man, wishing she could kick him a few times to vent her frustration.


    ¡®Why didn¡¯t this girl exin herself clearly? I got my hopes up for nothing,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong, his face reddening. He hurriedly waved his hands, saying, ¡°No need, no need. I¡¯ll have Ning¡¯er mend it when I get back. While she''s at it, she can undress too, and I¡¯ll mend her clothes.¡±


    Miss Xu abruptly stood up, her eyebrows slightly raised, ¡°If I did something, I¡¯ll take responsibility for it. I tore your clothes, so I should be the one to mend them. Otherwise, how will you exin it to Ning¡¯er? I don¡¯t want her to misunderstand me because of you.¡± As she spoke, she had already moved to Lin Wanrong¡¯s side, her silver teeth gritted, and her small hand reached out to unbutton his robe.


    ¡°Really, there¡¯s no need,¡± said Lin Wanrong, smelling the faint fragrance of a young womaning from her and seeing her full and upright figure. He couldn¡¯t help but feel a wave of desire, smiling broadly, ¡°I¡¯ll just tell Ning¡¯er I identally bumped into a tree¡ª¡±


    Miss Xu angrily punched him, ¡°You would lie to Ning¡¯er? I hate you oily-tongued men who deceive us gentle women. Off with it, take it off now!¡±


    ¡®Violent, she¡¯s really violent!¡¯ Lin Wanrong stifled augh, allowing her to remove his robe.


    Seeing Lin San standing before her, wearing only his short undergarment and grinning, Miss Xu clutched his robe, her heart pounding and hurriedly turned away, her voice trembling, ¡°You, why are you wearing so little?¡±


    ¡®Why am I wearing so little? Miss Xu, you¡¯re really something, asking such a question! If you hadn¡¯t removed my clothes, would I be disying myself like this to you?¡¯ Lin Wanrong bitterly smiled, ¡°I really don''t know how to answer that without offending you. Please don¡¯t ask anymore, just mend my clothes quickly. Otherwise, I might freeze into an ice pop.¡±


    Miss Xu knew she had misspoken, and her cheeks immediately flushed with embarrassment, unable to suppress her shame! Seeing him sitting there, shivering and trembling, she burst into a lightugh, feeling that Lin San had never been so adorable before!


    "You, you wait a moment," Miss Xu said, her face flushing. She turned to take a neatly folded silk quilt from the bed and handed it to him, speaking softly, "Put this on first. I''ll return your clothes once I''ve mended them."


    The silk quilt still carried her lingering scent, probably because Miss Xu had slept under it the night before. Lin Wanrong reluctantly epted it, wrapping himself tightly and only revealing his head. "Miss Xu, please hurry. We''re alone here, and I''m so scantily d. If Ning''er sees us, it will be hard to avoid misunderstandings."


    "I know, wrap yourself quickly, and don''t catch a cold," Miss Xu replied softly, lowering her head. She took a fine embroidery needle, rubbed it against her hairpin, moistened it with her lips, and then, under themplight, began to mend the clothes carefully.


    The two were silent, with only the sound of the needle pulling the silk thread filling the room, creating a quiet and warm atmosphere. If this shameless man could sit quietly like this every day, it wouldn''t be a bad feeling. The thought startled Miss Xu, making her ears burn. She hastily lowered her head and continued her careful mending.


    Looking at the beauty under themp, she seemed even more enchanting. Compared to women like Luo Ning, Miss Xu had an extra mature charm in both her demeanor and character. Her slender eyebrows, clear eyes, straight nose, transparent skin, tender lips, blushing cheeks, and upturned smile gave her a unique beauty, showing her strong personality, and adding a touch of charm and grace.


    "Miss Xu, you are truly beautiful!" Master Lin praised sincerely.


    "Ah!" Miss Xu panicked at hispliment, pricking her finger, a bead of blood slowly oozing out. Her face flushed as she softly said, "Why do you tter me? Save those words for Ning''er."


    Master Lin replied seriously, "I, Lin San, am upright and unyielding, never ttering others. Everyone knows this. When I say Miss Xu is beautiful, she is indeed beautiful. I''m not ttering, just stating the truth!"


    "Nonsense! Only a fool would believe you," Xu Zhiqing turned her head away, speaking softly, "Don''t distract me with your talk; I''ve nearly sewn these stitches in the wrong ce."


    Such gentle and refined Xu Zhiqing was rare to see, Lin Wanrong sighed sincerely, "Miss Xu, if you were this pleasant every day, it would be wonderful."


    ¡®If you didn''t provoke me intentionally, would I make things difficult for you?¡¯ Miss Xu lowered her head in silence. Just as she was about to speak again, she saw Lin San yawn, his face showing signs of fatigue, and he soon fell asleep on the table.


    ¡®How could this man just fall asleep anywhere? What if Ning''er sees this?¡¯ Lin San, asleep, was a hundred times quieter than when awake. His mouth even dribbled a line of saliva, looking quite ridiculous. Xu Zhiqing''s face blushed, and she shook her head, smiling softly as she dimmed themp.


    "Tap" "Tap," two gentle knocks on the door, followed by a woman''s voice from outside: "Sister Zhiqing, Sister Zhiqing, is big brother with you?"


    "Ah!" Miss Xu was startled and stood up at once. She urgently shook the slumbering Lin Wanrong: "Wake up, wake up quickly, Ning''er is here!"


    Master Linzily adjusted his sleeping position, mumbling, "If she''s here, she''s here, it''s time for sleep!"


    Looking at the silk quilt draped over Lin San, and then at the robe in her hands, still not mended, Miss Xu''s heart pounded, her panic unbearable. How could this be good? Although she and Lin San were innocent, it was already deep into the night, and he was in her room, his clothes ragged and his eyes bleary with sleep. If Ning''er saw this, wouldn''t she misunderstandpletely?


    "Sister Zhiqing, Sister Zhiqing, are you there?" Luo Ning''s voice grew more urgent, each call like a peal of spring thunder striking at Miss Xu. She pressed her chest where her heart was beating like thunder, her voice trembling, "I''m here, I''m here, Ning''er, please wait a moment!"


    Looking at the soundly sleeping Lin San, Miss Xu felt tears welling up in her eyes. Desperately, she pushed his shoulders: "Wake up quickly, Ning''er is here. Wake up, you dead pig!"


    "Ning''er?" Master Lin woke up from his dream, jumping up in a start: "What''s she here for? Is she going to catch us in the act?"


    "Catch your head!" Miss Xu was both embarrassed and angry, and she jabbed a sewing needle into his buttocks. Master Lin leaped up, about to shout, but a warm little hand covered his mouth, Miss Xu''s anxious voice saying, "Don''t yell, if Ning''er hears, I could jump into the Yellow River and still not wash myself clean."


    Seeing Miss Xu''s eyes filled with tears, Lin Wanrong sobered up. He nodded and said, "It''s alright, Ning''er won''t suspect us. Just tell her we were chatting and identally tore some clothes, that''s all!"


    Miss Xu was almost overwhelmed by his words. She twisted his arm hard, tears flowing down: "Aren''t you ruining me? It''s all because of your damned condition that I''m in such a mess. I, Xu Zhiqing, have always been pure and dignified, how did I run into a troublemaker like you? I hate you, I hate you to death!"


    Caught between a rock and a hard ce, being a man was indeed difficult. Lin Wanrong asked with a bitter smile, "If you don''t want me to exin to Ning''er, what should we do?"


    Xu Zhiqing''s intelligence and wit were instantly at work. Looking at the brocade quilt draped over him, she softly said, "Could you please endure a little difort and hide for a while? I''ll talk to Ning''er and send her away, then you cane out."


    Seeing her gaze fixed on the quilt draped over him, Lin Wanrong felt a secret delight, wondering if she was thinking of him in a certain way. But for the sake of Miss Xu''s reputation, he would endure! With ascivious grin and a face of righteousness, he dered: "Miss Xu, whatever you want me to do, I will face even fire and water without hesitation!"


    "Can I please ask you to temporarily go to..." Miss Xu''s face flushed in waves, seeming too embarrassed to speak. Master Lin was itching with impatience inside, urging her to speak. ¡®Come on, hurry up and say it. Say you want me to go to your embroidered bed to hide for a while. Oh, what''s there to be shy about? I, a proud man, don''t care at all, so what''s there for you, a youngdy from a prominent family, to care about?¡¯


    "Sister Zhiqing, what''s wrong? Are you not feeling well? Why haven''t you opened the door yet?" Luo Ning''s voice urged once again.


    Xu Zhiqing responded and nced at Lin Wanrong, her rosy lips parting slightly, and she said softly, "Could I please ask you to hide under the bed for a while?"


    "Where?" Master Lin could hardly believe his ears. ¡®Under the bed? How can you say that with a straight face? How can you justify this to Ning''er, to Great Hua, to me?¡¯


    "Miss Xu, I think I''d better be honest with Ning''er. I''m a grown man. Hiding under a woman''s bed, would that not be inauspicious for me? How will I be able to face others, to lead others?" Master Lin''s face was filled with sorrow, his heart aching as he spoke, and he headed towards the door.


    "I''ll die from your torment!" Miss Xu''s eyes brimmed with tears as she lightly sighed and pushed him onto the embroidered bed, quickly covering him with the quilt and drawing the silk curtain. "Stay hidden in there and don''t move. Once I''ve sent Ning''er away, you cane out. Understand?"


    "Understand, understand, there''s nothing unclear here." Lying on Miss Xu''s embroidered bed, smelling the sweet fragrance, Master Lin blissfully self-reprimanded, ¡®I''m despicable, I''m sordid, to have gotten on Miss Xu''s bed like this. It''s so wrong.¡¯


    Miss Xu tidied up the room and wiped her eyes, thinking that everything was in order before opening the door. Luo Ning''s charming face peeped in, her anxious hand grabbing Miss Xu''s, "Sister Zhiqing, are you ill? Why did it take so long to open the door?"


    Looking at Ning''er''s beautiful face, Xu Zhiqing''s cheeks burned, and she shook her head, "I''m not ill. I justy down to sleep, but when I heard you knocking, I had to take some time to dress."


    Luo Ning looked her up and down and giggled, "Sister, we''re no strangers. You didn''t need to dress so formally, with this lotus skirt and sleeve guards. It looks like you haven''t slept at all. You could have just thrown on a nightgown. I saw the light in your room and thought you hadn''t settled down, so I came to call you."


    Xu Zhiqing, usually calm andposed, was made almost to crawl into the ground with embarrassment by Luo Ning''sments. She had thought everything was perfect without a trace, but Ning''er had easily spotted the ws. Her face turned rosy, and she hurriedly said, "Oh, I had justin down, thinking about today''s silver-fishing event, and my mind was unsettled. I forgot to put out the lights, and I''ve made youugh."


    "That''s just like me!" Luo Ning pped her hands joyfully, her face full of delight, "I couldn''t sleep, thinking about today''s silver-fishing event. I wanted to talk to sister. I don''t know where big brother has gone. I''ve looked for him all day and haven''t found him. The maid said you called him, so I came over to check. Since big brother isn''t here, let''s chat."


    Luo Ning spoke and then walked into the room. Miss Xu''s heart panicked. It wasn''t suitable to stop her or let her go, so she allowed her to enter. Luo Ning saw the teacup ced on the table, the lid still tilted to one side, and eximed, "Sister Zhiqing, did you have a guest?"


    "Oh, no. Lin San came by earlier, and we talked for a bit. He left afterward. Didn''t you see him?" Miss Xu Zhiqing calmly said, suppressing her nervousness.


    Hearing that her big brother had been there, Luo Ning made herself at home, taking the teacup and taking a sip. She giggled, "The tea is still warm! Big brother must not have left long ago! This big brother, staying out sote at night, is there a romantic friend in Jining? Sister, since you''ve been in the capital for a long time, do you know if big brother has any romantic acquaintances?"


    Miss Xu Zhiqing, her face flushed with embarrassment, nevertheless put on an air of indifference andughed openly, "In the capital, I heard that Lin San from your family has quite a few romantic acquaintances. There''s the Eldest Miss from the Xiao family, and even the Emperor''s daughter favors him. Recently, I heard that he''s been exchanging nces with a little pce maid from Goryeo named Seo Jang Geum, and they seem quite fond of each other!"


    Ashamed, ashamed! Lin San shook his head from behind the curtain, hearing Miss Xu Zhiqingbel him as romantic; he had barely even touched Jang Geum''s little hand a few times, and he felt he had truly let her down.


    "A princess?" Luo Ning was startled, and quickly grabbed Xu Zhiqing''s hand, "Sister Xu, please tell me everything, how did big brother get to know the princess? This big brother, even keeping such significant matters from me, how annoying. I''ll let him sleep outside tonight."


    The moment the words were spoken, both women''s faces turned red. Luo Ning was embarrassed for inadvertently revealing her intimate rtionship with big brother. Although it had been a poorly kept secret, revealing it still felt somewhat improper. Xu Zhiqing was concerned about the phrase "Let him sleep outside." It was a situation of the speaker being unintentional and the listener having a particr interest.


    Seeing that Luo Ning had no intention of leaving soon, Xu Zhiqing inwardly groaned. Her slip of the tongue had led to this unexpected situation. She quicklyughed, "What I know of his rtionship with the princess is merely hearsay and not to be taken seriously. You should ask him directly."


    Luo Ning nodded, smiling, "That''s true. If big brother really could be a prince consort, that would be a wonderful thing."


    Xu Zhiqing was taken aback, asking incredulously, "Ning''er, if Lin San became a prince consort, and a princess stole your husband, wouldn''t you worry?"


    "Worry, of course I would worry," Luo Ning said, blushing with a shy smile. "I won''t lie to you, Sister. Seeing big brother bing more and more outstanding, I worry more than ever that one day he might leave me. But, we women should have confidence in ourselves and learn to capture our husband''s heart. Take the princess, for example. Although she is of noble birth, I, Luo Ning, have qualities that surpass her. For example, I treat big brother tenderly and affectionately, daring to do what the princess would not dare to do¡ª"


    Her face flushed a deep red, and she leaned close to Xu Zhiqing''s ear, whispering something. Miss Xu blushed to her ears, and spat out, "That shameless man, to force you to do such an embarrassing thing, he is truly despicable!"


    Luo Ning shook her head and smiled bashfully, "Sister, you are mistaken. It was not big brother who forced me, but I who willingly did it. Big brother was right when he said that intimacy between a couple is more beautiful than a painted brow, an essential part of human rtionships. As long as the husband and wife sincerely love and cherish each other, whatever pose or position they take is all about mutual pleasure and happiness. Why shouldn''t we enjoy it? Furthermore, being with Big brother, I experience an insurmountable joy. I know how to enchant him, so what''s wrong with that? Once you marry and if your husband possesses big brother''s capabilities, you''ll naturally understand."


    ¡®Brilliant!¡¯ Master Lin, hiding behind the curtain, was grinning from ear to ear. He hadn''t expected such wise words from the Talented Lady Luo. How joyful it was to discover her modest exterior and passionate interior! Miss Xu, you should learn from her.


    Miss Xu''s heart trembled, and she rushed forward to cover Luo Ning''s mouth,ughing, "You reckless girl, since you''ve married, you''ve be so unrestrained! It''s all Lin San''s fault for spoiling you."


    Luo Ning, blushing, nestled in Xu Zhiqing''s embrace, confidently saying, "If being spoiled by big brother is the result, I''m willing! Though he''s always lecherous, likes to bully others, and takes advantage of people, I still love his wickedness; it''s extraordinary. Sister Xu, you say that I''m not inferior to others in public, and I enjoy more than others in private. With such pleasure, should I fear the princess? I can keep big brother''s heart, make him happy when he''s with me. Even if I spend his money on good deeds, and people call me a vase, I''m willing. Living happily and doing what one loves is not easy. I have a good husband who supports what I love to do. What''s wrong with that? I want to be big brother''s vase forever. Hehe, big brother taught me all this, and I think he''s absolutely right."


    At this point, Miss Xu couldn''t even utter the word "shameless." Lin San had transcended the realm of shamelessness, and words failed to describe him.


    Luo Ning talked for a while, her face beaming with joy. Being happy in spirit when good things happened, having recovered the silver and marrying the man she loved, how could she not be overjoyed? "Eh, Sister, why are you keeping the curtain closed after getting up?" Luo Ning wandered around the room and, seeing the curtain drawn by the bed, reached out to pull it.


    Miss Xu''s soul nearly left her body as she hurried forward, grabbing Luo Ning''s hand. Her nose was tinged with a hint of sweat, "Ning''er, have the guards for the silver in the treasury been properly arranged? This time, we must be vignt. There can be no more mishaps."


    Luo Ning nodded, sitting down by the bed and smiling slightly, "Big brother has arranged everything. General Hu, leading ten thousand soldiers, will personally guard it, and Little Yuan will assist. Plus, big brother''s ingenious ns are in ce, so nothing will go wrong. I wonder where that stinking big brother has run off to. Sister, let''s share the bed tonight and ignore him."


    Miss Xu''s heart leaped into her throat as she quickly sat down beside Luo Ning, her silver teeth gently biting together, and she whispered, "Ning''er, didn''t you just say you wanted to treat big brother well? Howe you''re ignoring him now? Aren''t you afraid he''ll run off with someone else?"


    "I am a little worried." Luo Ning nodded with a smile, her face tinged with a faint blush, looking as enchanting as a flowering begonia in spring, "But we women cannot always be at our husband''s beck and call. A little coquetry, a little yfulness, can make our husband like us more. Besides,st night my husband said he wanted to try a new position with me, and also wanted me and Qiaoqiao to serve him together. Looking at his greedy expression, I''m sure no one has tried it with him before. He can''t bear to leave me¡ªah, it''s so embarrassing."


    To think of such a thing, both human and divine beings would be furious! Miss Xu''s face turned red, her heart pounding. If it were not for Luo Ning still sitting in front of her, she would have rushed to the bed, dragged down that chatan, and beaten him half to death.


    ¡®Ah, shame, shame! With so many lovers, besides Ning''er and Qiaoqiao, there really is no third one willing to join. How is sister An doing? However, with her coquettish temperament, if I tried to exclude her, she would surely fight me to the death, haha.¡¯


    Listening to Ning''er''s "true confession" outside, Lord Lin on the bed was already itching with desire. Seeing the two women sitting side by side in front of the bed, their plump and fragrant buttocks hidden beneath their skirts, looking particrly tempting.


    To not take advantage would make one a fool. ¡®Would I, Lord Lin, take advantage? The one outside is my wife, the other her intimate friend, perfect for having an affair. If I did not make some mischief for my wife to catch, I would really be failing myself.¡¯


    Lord Lin hesitated for a moment, then thought, ¡®Oh well, let''s be fair about it, left hand or right hand, let''s flip a coin! If the left hand won, I would touch Miss Xu once, if the right hand won, I would touch Miss Xu twice! Ning''er is my wife; I could touch her as much as I wanted under the nket, so there is no hurry.¡¯


    He pretended to decide, and the right hand always won. It seemed it was fate''s arrangement, he would touch twice. As he listened to the two women talking outside, he slowly reached out and gently touched one of the plump buttocks, silky smooth, incredibly full, and he couldn''t help but press it slightly.


    "Ah!" The woman eximed and looked at the person beside her, her face turning red, "Miss Xu, you''re so naughty. How did you learn from big brother?"


    Sweating, Ning''er was really sensitive, able to tell it was big brother''s hand. ¡®Good girl, little Ning''er had developed nicely these few days, I am stunned that I couldn''t distinguish these two fragrant buttocks, which is her and which is Miss Xu''s, both are my sessful cultivation. I wonder what Miss Xu will look like after being cultivated; I''m really looking forward to it.¡¯


    "Why would I learn from him?" Miss Xu asked in confusion.


    "You, you learned to touch me like him! Big brother is always mischievous like that." Luo Ning''s little face was flushed, and she yfully hit Xu Zhiqing, giggling.


    Miss Xu was about to say something more when she suddenly felt a warmth on her buttocks, a hot hand touching her through her clothes, gently kneading a few times. "You naughty girl," Xu Zhiqingughed, pinching Luo Ning''s cheek, "You''re being naughty too."


    Luo Ning pressed her small hands with both of hers andughed, saying, "I''m not your big brother, why would I do anything wrong?"


    Xu Zhiqing wanted to continue her teasing, but suddenly felt something was amiss. Ning''er''s both hands were outside, where could there be a third hand to touch her? Her face turned pale, her silver teeth clenched, and her body began to tremble slightly.


    "Sister, what''s wrong with you?" Luo Ning sensed something was off and hurriedly asked.


    Xu Zhiqing moved her body forward a little without showing any emotion and shook her head, saying, "Oh, it''s nothing. A mosquito bit me. Ning''er, why were you so eager to find Lin San earlier?"


    Lin Wanrong had only reached out a few times when he saw Miss Xu move forward a little, so he also stretched his hand out. Just as he was about to touch her, he saw a small hand press down hard on his own, sharp fingernails digging into his flesh, causing him so much pain that he almost jumped out.


    You touch, you touch! Miss Xu showed no mercy, her heart filled with satisfaction as if avenging a long-held grudge.


    "Sister Xu, you will be returning to the capital the day after tomorrow, but big brother has not mentioned whether he will take me with him. It''s so frustrating. I was in a hurry to find him to ask about this," Luo Ning pouted, grumbling.


    "You''ve captivated his heart and soul, haven''t you? Are you still afraid he won''t take you with him?" Miss Xu, feeling vindicated and more at ease, spoke with a hint ofughter in her words.


    "Sister, you''re teasing me too," Luo Ning cooed. "I have some confidence. But I''m also worried that there may be fox temptresses more skilled than me. Big brother has told me about that little pce maid from Goryeo. Judging by his tone, she seems quite enchanting."


    Xu Zhiqingughed, patting her little face. "Don''t worry, no fox temptress canpare to you, this little fox spirit. Even hearing about it makes me feel sorry for you. If your beloved big brother heard, he would cherish you even more. Wait when you get back; I guarantee he will take you with him." Luo Ning smiled sweetly, her charm seeming to melt rock. Xu Zhiqing sighed to herself, recognizing that married and unmarried women were indeed different.


    When Luo Ning left and closed the door, Miss Xu could no longer hide her anger. Without even taking off her embroidered shoes, she leaped onto the bed and kicked viciously at the culprit hiding there.


    Lin Wanrong was hiding under the nket and with a gentle pull, Miss Xu fell down with a cry,nding on Lin Wanrong. They ended up face to face on the pillow, with Miss Xu''s fists raining down, while Lin Wanrong justy there, smiling.


    After a while, Miss Xu''s strength waned, and seeing his bright eyes staring at her, her face flushed and her heart pounded. She quickly moved away a bit. "What... what are you going to do?"


    "What do you think I''m going to do?" Lin Wanrong smiled slightly, moving closer to her.


    "You... you stay back!" Miss Xu eximed, quickly covering her chest with both hands. Her unrestrainable weakness was revealed in her eyes.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "I won''te closer; I''m leaving now, Ning''er is waiting for me!"


    "You¡ª" Seeing him serious for once, Miss Xu was unustomed to it. Her mouth opened, and she stared at him nkly, unable to articte her emotions, which seemed to be a mix of joy and disappointment.


    "Thank you, Miss Xu, for the embroidered bed. It''s fragrant and very cozy!" Lin Wanrong chuckled as he got up, jumped down from the bed, and stretchedzily.


    Miss Xu looked at him bewilderedly. He wasn''t bullying her anymore, and that in itself was unfamiliar. Even being bullied had be a habit to her. Her mouth was dry, and she stammered for a while, not knowing what to say.


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, "Miss Xu, we are now even, and neither of us owes the other anything. Remember the past, as it is the teacher of the future. Never make such a mistake again, or you''ll be the one who suffers. Also, I must reiterate that what happenedst night was truly not intentional on my part."


    "What about just now?" Seeing him near the door, Miss Xu couldn''t hold back anymore and snapped angrily.


    "Just now?" Lin Wanrong turned his head and smiled, "That was indeed intentional! One more thing, Miss Xu, you have an excellent figure!"


    "Get out!" Miss Xu''s cheeks flushed with anger, and in her fury, she hurled her embroidered shoe, hitting the door. The door made a faint noise, but Lin San was already gone without a trace.


    Thinking of his shameless behavior, she felt as if thousands of words were stuck in her chest, not knowing where to begin. Her face burned as she bit her lip and muttered softly, "Cowardly and heartless, I despise you the most!"


    Lord Lin stepped out of the room and finally exhaled a long breath. The excitement was quite thrilling, and Miss Xu''s fragrant hips were truly breathtaking. However, his little Ning''er was also not bad.


    Thinking of Luo Ning, his heart felt like it was on fire. Pushing open Ning''er''s chamber door, he gently called, "Ning''er, Ning''er, your husband is back."


    After calling twice without a response, he was puzzled. Suddenly, he heard a soft click behind him. The door was closed, and a woman with an iparably slender figure was leaning against the door, shyly looking at him.


    She was dressed in a ck silk nightgown, highlighting her snow-white, tender skin. The hem only reached just below her belly, revealing twopletely exposed, round, and slender jade legs, crystal clear, and alluring. Her wet hair hung to one side, droplets falling onto her snowy skin, shimmering with a colorful luster under the light. Beneath the thin clothing, two full and firm jade breasts were vaguely visible, along with the pert jade buttocks he had touched earlier.


    Even more peculiar was the small dressing table beside her, on which stood arge ss mirror, allowing Lin Wanrong to clearly see both their reflections.


    "Ning''er¡ª" Lord Lin was overjoyed and ran to hug his dear girl, whispering in her ear, "Don''t worry, big brother won''t leave you behind. We''ll go to the capital together."


    Luo Ning had been waiting a long time for these words. Her heart filled with joy and surprise, she tightly hugged big brother''s body and softly said, "I knew it, I knew it, big brother would hear it, big brother would take me with him."


    Lord Lin was greatly rmed and held her tender body, saying, "What, what did you say? How did you know I would hear it? Could it be¡ª?"


    Luo Ning mysteriously smiled, rubbing against his chest, allowing her wet hair to dampen her big brother''s chest. "Of course I knew you were in Sister Xu''s room, don''t forget, whose home this is."


    Sweat! He had jokingly mentioned being caught in the act, but he hadn''t expected it toe true. Fortunately, Miss Xu had covered for him in every way, not knowing that everything had fallen into Ning''er''s eyes.


    "This, Ning''er, Miss Xu and I have nothing going on. She''s just overly suspicious, worried that you would misunderstand, and that''s why it turned out like this. Look at your big brother, clean and pure with her, nothing happened."


    Luo Ning chuckled, lightly tapping his forehead. "Of course I know that nothing happened between you two. With Sister Xu''s talent, she wouldn''t be interested in you. I found it amusing watching you two act earlier."


    Thank goodness, Ning''er didn''t know that he had touched Miss Xu again. Lin Wanrong wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, seeing Ning''er''s charming smile, feeling a burning sensation in his heart. Hisrge hand lifted her short skirt, gently massaging her beautiful jade leg.


    Feeling thatpelling heat and hardness, the thinyer of clothing could no longer block his invasion. Ning''er''s face was flushed like fire, leaning her body against Lin Wanrong''s embrace, letting out a soft moan, and exhaling a fragrant breath. "Big brother, do you see that mirror? Ning''er wants to watch big brother dote on Ning''er! Do you like Ning''er like this? Sister Xu doesn''t want you, but Ning''er loves you madly!"


    Boom! An explosion in Lin Wanrong''s mind. This little darling, if she wasn''t a fox spirit, then there were no fox spirits in this world.


    "Oh¡ª" Gazing at herself in the mirror, positioned by big brother in a shameful posture, the Talented Lady Luo let out a low moan, her seductive eyes like silk, her blushing cheeks, enchanting and alluring as if she was drunk...


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 Chapter 389

    Chapter 389


    Chapter 389 Spring Rain on the Official Road


    The search for the silver had finallye to an end, providing a rare opportunity to make an official journey, and a return to familiar ground. Master Lin, naturally, would not pass up such an opportunity, and he and Ning''er thoroughly enjoyed themselves in Jining, easing her yearning heart.


    The waters of Weishan Lake had long since returned to calm. Three hundred thousand fish fry had been released, to be harvested by autumn. Master Lin had aplished a tremendous good deed, winning not only the love of the fishermen but also further captivating the infatuated Miss Luo. The several thousand taels of silver had indeed been well spent. Seizing a beautiful day, Master Lin personally rowed out on theke, spending the day on Weishan Lake with the beguiling and beautiful Miss Luo. Boating on the water, their sensual wishes were fulfilled under the bright sun. Master Lin took out a spring-themed painting, and together they studied and emted it,posing a song of flowers on the water. Miss Luo''s passion was no empty boast, her partially exposed soft chest pressed against her husband, her speech as sweet as flowers, thoroughly captivating Master Lin''s heart and soul. Facing her big brother''s indecent requests, Ning''er was half-resistant, halfpliant, her face blushing, her soft sighs and sweetughter filling the boundless Weishan Lake with the most enchanting smiles. Upon returning to shore, Miss Luo clung tightly to her big brother, her pretty face flushed, her eyes and brows overflowing with fiery passion. Her voluptuous body exuded the charm of a mature young woman, causing Master Lin to feel both arouse and love.


    To find a wife like Ning''er, dignified in public and sensual in private, a genuine talented woman, how could one not be enthralled? Miss Xu, upon seeing the happiness radiating from Ning''er''s eyes and face, could only sigh in emotion.


    After a day''s rest, and with Hu Bugui having organized the troops and stocked up on provisions, Master Lin personally led tens of thousands of soldiers to escort the recovered 350,000 taels of silver, marching grandly towards the capital city. The journey back was much more rxed, with so many soldiers for protection, and Ning''er''s presence to provide pleasantpany, making it a hundred times better than the journey out.


    The only dissatisfaction came from the fact that since the night she "caught him in the act," Miss Xu hadpletely ignored Lin San. It was as if he didn''t exist, only engaging with Ning''er in casual conversation within the carriage, rarely showing herself, and thus cutting off Master Lin''s desires.


    "General," seeing Master Lin riding his prized steed, trailing listlessly behind the carriage, Hu Bugui spurred his horse to catch up, "Yesterday, the Emperor sent another urgent document, instructing us to hasten our journey and transport the silver quickly. General Li Tai''s army is gathering, waiting for the silver for urgent use."


    "There''s nothing we can do to hurry," Master Lin waved his hand, looking helpless, "We must take it one step at a time, escorting these dozens of carts of silver with tens of thousands of soldiers. We are moving quickly as it is. Moreover, this silver was lost once; who knows if there are bandits waiting for us on the road? We must proceed with caution. Here''s what we''ll do: you send a report, stating that our army is covering over a hundred li per day, and we are rushing towards the capital."


    Hu Bugui responded with an acknowledgment and passed on the order. After pondering for a moment, he looked at Lin Wanrong and said, "General, there''s something that I find rather strange. Who was behind the robbery of the Shandong military pay silver? During our search for the silver, we made such a bigmotion, yet the other side remained unresponsive the entire time. Could there be some sort of conspiracy afoot?"Lin Wanrong''s eyes focused intently on the path ahead, and he nodded with a sigh, "Brother Hu, you''re right. We were fishing and castings in Jining, and the noise we made was certainly not small, yet they remained so calm. Unless they no longer want the silver, there must surely be a conspiracy hidden within this matter. That''s one of the reasons I''m being so careful. Right now, Li Tai''s army urgently needs the silver, and every day we dy on the road puts more pressure on him. But if we proceed recklessly, who knows what kind of tricks the enemy might be ying? It puts us in a difficult position indeed."


    Hu Buguiined, "I''ve led troops in battle all my life, but this is the first time I''ve been tasked with escorting silver. We can''t move fast, but we can''t stop either. It truly frustrates me."


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile and patted his shoulder, "What can we do? Who made us take on this responsibility? Brother Hu, look at me, I''ve always imed that I don''t want to get involved in these matters, and I even refused Li Tai''s invitation to join the army. But what''s the result? I''m still entangled in all of this, and it''s even moreplicated than being in the military. My fate is harder than yours!"


    His words were not untrue, and Hu Bugui nodded sympathetically, a faint joy in his heart. The deeper Lin Wanrong was mired, the better, and it would be best if he led the troops straight to the northern frontier, sweeping away the humiliation of the Great Hua Empire for the past hundred years. That would be truly satisfying.


    Distant thunder rumbled, and the sky gradually darkened, as heavy clouds umted on the horizon. Lin Wanrong nced at the sky, frowning and shaking his head with a wry smile, "Just as I feared. Even the heavens seem to be against us, raining at this moment. This spring rain will likely persist for three to five days. The eight hundred miles from Jining to the capital will not be so peaceful, I''m afraid."


    Hu Bugui also shook his head, "Damn it, I''ve fought so many years in the North, and returning to the capital has me out of sorts. General Lin, you wouldn''t know, but when it rains in the nomads''nds, it''s not like here. Ites crashing down like hailstones, then the sun shines brightly, with temperatures like fire. Not like our Jiangnan, where the rain is like a gentle woman!"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Nomads''nds are quite different from here. There are great temperature differences between day and night, and the weather changes erratically, hence the saying ''Wear a fur coat in the morning, gauze by noon, and eat watermelon around a stove.'' Our Jiangnan has a mild climate, which is why it''s rich in fish and rice. This is the fortune of our Great Hua."


    "Yes, yes, that''s exactly it. General Lin, have you been to the nomads¡¯nds? Ah, I know, it must be from your extensive reading. Your love for learning is truly admirable, General. I hold you in high esteem," Hu Bugui praised.


    Lin Wanrongughed and scolded, "Nonsense, when have you ever seen me reading a book? Damn it, besides having an interest in erotic picture albums, other leisurely books just annoy me."


    His tterynded on the wrong spot, Hu Bugui burst into heartyughter, finding General Lin''s words very much to his liking.


    As the two were talking, raindrops began to fall, first fine and delicate, then growing dense. By the time it started pouring down, it was like ice knives shing at their cheeks, causing sharp pain. Spring rain is as precious as oil, nourishing everything in the season of growth. But for Lin Wanrong, it was terrible news; he didn''t know how much this continuous spring rain would dy them.


    After standing in the rain for a while with Hu Bugui, Lin Wanrong waved his hand and asked, "Brother Hu, where have we reached now?"


    "We are about to leave the Shandong region. This official road hasn''t been repaired for many years, and it''s bumpy and rugged. There''s a mountain path ahead that''s especially difficult to traverse!" Hu Bugui, a native of Shandong, was well acquainted with the local terrain.


    Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Right now, the enemy is hidden, and we are exposed. We can only take one step at a time. Brother Hu, send out more scouts to investigate the situation within thirty miles of the silver convoy. Instruct our brothers to be extra cautious, especially regarding the treacherous terrain,ndslides, or copses, and check for any signs of sabotage. If anything is found, sound the rm immediately and report back at once!"


    "Understood!" Seeing General Lin''s serious expression, Hu Bugui dared not dy and hurriedly went off to carry out the order.


    Lin Wanrong sighed deeply and was about to turn away when he suddenly felt the rain above his head stop. A small oil-paper umbre was held over his head, and a faint, pleasant fragrance wafted from a beautiful face beside him.


    "Ning''er, why did youe out? It''s cold outside; go back to the carriage and take shelter from the rain," Lin Wanrong said, smiling.


    Holding an umbre in one hand and grasping him with the other, Luo Ning softly said, "Big brother, you shoulde inside the carriage too, so you don''t get soaked."


    "That''s out of the question!" Lin Wanrongughed and patted her little hand, "Ning''er, we''re on a military march, and over ten thousand brothers are out in the rain. If theirmander were to run away, what would they think? Have you heard of the saying ''lead by example''? It''s tailor-made for me!"


    Luo Ning burst into a gentleugh at his words, her coquettish charm momentarily dumbfounding General Lin. He thought to himself, ¡®This youngdy is certainly catching up with Sister An!¡¯


    "Sister Zhiqing is truly clever; she knew what you''d say," Luo Ning said with a sweet smile, reassuringly. "Don''t worry, I''m not making it difficult for you. Miss Xu has something to discuss with you, and you surely can''t ask her toe out and join you in the rain, can you?"


    Something to discuss? That was odd. They had been traveling for two days, and Xu Zhiqing had acted as if Master Lin were a gue, not speaking a word to him. Why would she want to talk now, in the rain?


    Lin Wanrong shook off the raindrops from his body and got into the carriage with Luo Ning. The carriage was filled with a gentle fragrance, and a small stove was burning brightly, casting a rosy glow on Luo Ning''s exceptionally beautiful cheeks.


    Miss Xu was seated by the carriage window, her delicate hands busy with knitting, as she lifted the curtain to gaze into the distance. Her eyes seemed misty as she softly recited, "Watching spring rain on the official road, each drop teems with emotion."


    "Don''t get too emotional," General Lin said, epting the towel handed to him by Luo Ning and wiping his wet hair. He breathed on his hands, then chuckled, "If we''re any more sentimental, heaven might just trap us here!"


    Miss Xu''s face changed, and she snapped angrily, "Why are you eavesdropping? Ning''er, this is a ce for women, and it''s improper to bring a man here. Send him away at once, lest he taints our carriage!"


    ¡®You care about propriety now? When you invited me to your bed, why didn''t you mention that?¡¯ Lin Wanrong winked at Miss Xu and smiled mysteriously. Xu Zhiqing seemed to remember something, her small fist clenched, ring at him fiercely, her face tinged with a blush.


    Luo Ning quickly intervened,ughing, "Big brother, it''s been so long since I heard Sister Xu recite poetry. Today she is in such a refined mood, and I''m delighted. ''Watching spring rain on the official road, each drop teems with emotion.'' Sister Xu, you''re so talented. Big brother, you should recite a poem too, about spring rain."


    "Garments moisten with apricot flower rain, willow breeze on the face is not chilly. Don''t admire me too much; I copied this poem!" Master Linughed yfully, winking at Miss Xu.


    Miss Xu red at him, "At least you know yourself a little, and you''re notpletely worthless. Ning''er, your big brother finally has a small virtue."


    "Annoying! Big brother loves to fool around." Luo Ning giggled, giving him a flirtatious nce, then turned to Xu Zhiqing, "Sister Xu, didn''t you have something to tell big brother?"


    Xu Zhiqing nodded, her face growing serious. She slowly began, "Lin San, have you noticed anything unusual on our journey?"


    "Unusual? What''s unusual?" Master Lin asked, perplexed, "Apart from Miss Xu taking Ning''er away being a bit strange, everything else seems quite normal."


    Seeing that he was not taking things seriously, Xu Zhiqing frowned and sighed, "If you don''t want to listen, then forget it. Do what you need to do; I don''t feel like talking to you anymore."


    Miss Xu''s stubbornness was rising again, and Luo Ning hurriedly signaled to her big brother. Lin Wanrong spread his hands,ughing, "Alright, I''m all ears. Miss Xu, can you tell me what''s unusual?"


    "As astute as you are, I don''t believe you''ve sensed nothing at all," Miss Xu said calmly. "The greatest feeling this journey has given me is silence, too much silence, as if nothing had ever happened. We caused such amotion in Jining. If those thieves were really after the silver, they wouldn''t remainpletely unresponsive. They should at least have put up some decent resistance! For over three hundred thousand taels of silver, they could poison five thousand soldiers who had defected to them. I don''t believe they''ll let us transport the silver to the capital with ease."


    Her words struck at the heart of Master Lin''s worries. This Miss Xu, who had once resisted the northern nomads at the frontlines as a female strategist, was truly thoughtful and wise. Her insights were profound and showed great intelligence.


    Seeing Lin San deep in thought but not showing the slightest surprise, Xu Zhiqing knew that this fellow had already thought of these things. With his cleverness, he must have sensed something was amiss but chose not to speak about it. Miss Xu shook her head and sighed, "It seems I was superfluous; Master Lin, you must have already made arrangements."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Miss Xu, please don''t taunt me. We''re in the open, and our enemies are hidden; how would I know their plots? How could I counter them in advance? Even if they nned to rob us on the way, I wouldn''t have any way to stop them."


    Luo Ning was taken aback and quickly grabbed his arm, "Robbery? Surely not! We''re the official army, with ten thousand troops; have those bandits really be so bold?"


    Xu Zhiqing''s tender jade finger lightly tapped on Luo Ning''s nose, smiling lovingly, "Silly girl, it''s not about numbers. If it were a head-on confrontation, they wouldn''t daree, even with ten times the courage. But attacking from the shadows is not something we can guard against. These three hundred and fifty thousand taels of silver are the first payment for hundreds of thousands of troops, vital to our n against the northern nomads. We can''t afford any mistakes. Even if they can''t steal the silver, merely trapping us for a few days, dying the deployment of the army to the border, would be a victory for them. At this time, a dy of one day means the loss of lives at the frontier."


    Luo Ning hadn''t expected the situation to be so serious. She stuck out her little tongue, pulling Xu Zhiqing closer and asked, "Sister, I find it strange that stealing this silver would only benefit the northern nomads. But the northern nomads are still in the north, a thousand miles away from here. Could they have wings to fly here and rob the silver? Even if they did fly over, how would the northern nomads know that we''re transporting the pay to the capital?"


    Clever! Right to the point! Lin Wanrong nodded at Luo Ning, who looked at him and smiled enchantingly.


    This question seemed to stir up endless feelings in Miss Xu. After a long silence, she sighed, "Ning''er, you''re right. Even if the northern nomads were more formidable, they could not prate into our greatnd to steal the silver. There must be traitors within our ranks, treacherous individuals who, for personal gain, would disregard the nation and conspire with the northern nomads to harm their brethren. Such treachery is like a festering sore on our body, and if not eradicated, will cause endless harm!"


    "Sister, are you talking about Prince Cheng?" Luo Ning looked at Xu Zhiqing and asked tentatively.


    Since they were not in the presence of outsiders, Miss Xu did not conceal the truth and helplessly nodded. Suddenly, she remembered something and her face turned pale, "Lin San, you mentioned before that the assassins who targeted the Emperor were from Dongyin. Were those same people involved in the theft of the silver?"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong nod, Xu Zhiqing''s face changed dramatically, murmuring, "Ambitious wolves, ambitious wolves! With northern nomads in the north and Dongyin invaders in the southeast, and treachery within, our great nation is in peril!"


    Xu Zhiqing was indeed quite intelligent, connecting these sporadic clues together to see the critical point in the situation. Lin Wanrong shook his head, saying, "It''s not as grave as that. The cmities brought by the Dongyin, the chaos stirred by the northern nomads; these are not new. But our Great Hua has stood for years and has always found a way to cope. Miss Xu, well-versed in history as you are, should know this even better than I. Ournd has nevercked heroes and has always found a way to survive against the odds. This is an inevitable pattern, and we needn''t worry too much."


    Lin San''s words seemed to hold some truth. The hardships in the history of the Great Hua were much more severe, but each time the country had persevered. Miss Xu nced at him and nodded, saying, "Your words may be twisted logic, but they seem to contain some insight!"


    Lin Wanrong smiled wryly, for this youngdy really had a spirit of never admitting defeat. Seeing her big brother frown, Luo Ning quickly grabbed Xu Zhiqing''s arm, pleading, "Sister, can you find a way to help me? This silver was lost on my father''s watch, and we''re three days behind schedule. We must make up for it, or my Luo family will be the eternal sinners of the dynasty."


    Xu Zhiqing saw that she didn''t ask Lin San for help but instead came to her, andughed, shaking her head, "You silly girl, after marrying your husband, you''ve changed. For such a strenuous matter, you don''t ask him bute to me. Do you care for him more than your sister?"


    Luo Ning''s cheeks flushed, and she quickly embraced her, acting spoiled, "Who says I don''t care for Sister? I care for Sister and my husband equally. But this matter is extraordinary, so I want to ask Sister to help my husband!"


    Seeing Luo Ning''s infatuated appearance, Miss Xu patted her little face, helplessly saying, "I really don''t know what to do with you. I don''t know what''s so good about him that''s made our Ning''er so infatuated, unable to leave him for a moment."


    "If Sister were married to big brother, Sister would understand," Luo Ning giggled, eliciting a flurry of embarrassed little punches from Xu Zhiqing. The two women wrestled in the carriage, their hairpins askew, and the front of their robes barely concealing their charming figures.


    ¡®Look not at what is improper,¡¯ thought Master Lin, sitting upright, though his eyes were rolling around, ncing at Ning''er and then Zhiqing, missing neither one.


    "Enough, enough, stop messing around." Xu Zhiqing had the stronger self-control, and seeing Lin San''s sly eyes, she knew he had taken advantage again. But since it wasn''t the first time, she was ustomed to it. What could she do? Her face turned slightly red, and she whispered, "We are about to leave the territory of Shandong. From what I know, this border region has broken roads andplex terrain, including a rugged mountain path. If those thieves have any ns, they will surely act here. Once we cross this border, it''s a straight road to the capital with no obstacles. Therefore, we must be especially careful in this hundred miles, heighten our vignce, send out scouts thirty miles ahead, pay attention toplex areas, and watch for anything unusual."


    This idea was precisely in line with Lin Wanrong''s thinking, and Master Lin grinned, giving a thumbs-up, "Military Advisor Xu''s insight is remarkable; I''ve already given these orders."


    "I knew you would have everything arranged properly," Xu Zhiqing nced at him, sighing, "With the enemy in darkness and us in the light, this is all we can do. Ning''er, I can only help him this much. How are you going to thank me?"


    Luo Ning''s eyes twinkled, and a coquettish smile appeared on her face. She gestured with her little finger to her big brother, "It¡¯s easy for me to thank Sister Xu! Big brother,e sleep in Sister Xu''s bed for a while, and I''ll mend your clothes."


    "Ah¡ª" Miss Xu''s heart fluttered, blushing as she covered her cheeks, stealing a nce at Luo Ning. She saw Luo Ning''s coquettish expression, seemingly an innocent remark.


    Seeing Lin San''s strange smile, Miss Xu''s anger was directed at him, pushing him towards the outside of the carriage, "Enough talking, what are you still doing here? Go, go, Ning''er and I are going to rest!"


    "Don''t you want me to sleep?" Lin San inquired, puzzled.


    "Scram!" Miss Xu angrily kicked, but Lin San dodged quickly, tumbling down from the carriage. Just as he was about to burst intoughter, there was a soft ssh, and his feetnded in a puddle that had just formed. Rainwater sshed, dousing him head to face.


    The surrounding soldiersughed uproariously, and Lin San wiped the rainwater from his face, shouting, "What are youughing at? Haven''t you ever seen a man kicked out of bed by his wife?"


    Theughter grew even louder, drowning out the sound of the falling rain. Miss Xu could only grit her teeth in anger, and she grabbed Luo Ning''s hand and said sternly, "Ning''er, how can you not control him? Letting him talk nonsense like this. How can we stand it in the long run?"


    Lying on the bed, Ning''er stretched her little waistzily, replying helplessly, "Sister, you know as well as I do, once I met big brother, he took hold of me. How can I control him? Whoever wants to control him, let them do it!"


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 Chapter 390

    Chapter 390


    Chapter 390 Holding Too Tightly


    The spring rain lingered, continuing until evening without stopping. This chilly weather left even the horses feeling tired, to say nothing of the people. The road was muddy and difficult to travel, particrly as it ran along a section of official road that had been neglected for years and was in terrible disrepair. The carts carrying silver repeatedly became stuck in the mud, and it took the effort of soldiers to push them forward. The pace of advancement in such conditions could be imagined.


    "Damn it all," spat Hu Bugui, throwing aside his rain cape and revealing a face full of thick beard. "At this rate, we won''t reach the capital even if we walk for another ten days. If we miss the opportunity to resist the northern nomads, we''ll be eternal criminals. What are these Shandong officials doing, eating their meals without even repairing the roads? It''s so broken down that even a wild donkey wouldn''t walk this path, let alone us, the imperial army!"


    The soldiers under hismand were temporary garrison troops from Shandong. Amander of a hundred men said with a bow, "General Hu, you haven''t returned to your hometown for many years and are unaware of the situation here. Shandong''s tax revenue amounts to hundreds of thousands of taels each year, but it''s all taken away by the imperial court, leaving nothing behind. With the White Lotus Rebellion a few years ago and the people taxed from both ends, they are in dire straits. Even if they wanted to repair this road, the higher-ups couldn''t scrape together the money. It''s really a tough situation. To speak irreverently, we can only me the great lords in the imperial court, for they never considered Shandong''s local construction issues."


    Discussing the court''s rights and wrongs left Hu Bugui without a solution, and he could only snort, "Unlucky, truly unlucky. Following General Lin is better; as long as he''s around, we brothers won''t suffer. If someday he takes charge of the court, with his intelligence, raising funds for local development would be easy."


    "What are you grumbling about, Brother Hu?" A clear voice came from behind. Hu Bugui turned around and couldn''t help butugh. He saw Lord Lin holding a small oil-paper umbre that barely covered his head, pretending to be refined, looking utterly ridiculous among the army.


    "We''re talking about this road," Hu Bugui grumbled, helplessly saying, "It''s rainy, and there''s mud everywhere. The carts are stuck, and today we''ve only managed to cover a dozen or so miles. At this rate, we''ll die before we reach the capital. Oh, General Lin, where did you find this little umbre? Compared to your mighty stature, it''s quite out of ce!"


    "I had no choice; my wife was worried about me, so she insisted on giving me this small umbre. This damn little thing doesn''t even shield the rain, and it''s a burden to carry. If it weren''t for my wife''s good intentions, I would have thrown it away long ago," General Lin said, folding the umbre that Ning''er had lovingly given him,ughing cheerfully.


    "So it was Miss Luo who gave it to you. No wonder you treasure it so. To have such a beautifulpanion by your side, General, you are indeed a fortunate man," Hu Bugui said, showing a knowing smile that men understand, and the two of them burst into heartyughter.Lin Wanrong stood firm, looking ahead. Before him stood a perilous mountain, towering into the clouds, majestic and erect, exuding an extraordinary aura. The official road wound through the mountain''s waist, appearing as though it was suspended on the mountain ridge. Lin Wanrong''s brows furrowed; such a vast mountain could easily conceal thousands, making the path ahead untraversable by night.


    With the day turning to dusk and the storm intensifying, the advancing silver carts were facing great difficulties. Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment and resolutely said, "Brother Hu, have our men set up camp. We won''t continue today. Let''s station ourselves at the foot of the mountain for the night."


    "So early for camping?" Hu Bugui asked, puzzled. "We''ve moved so slowly today that if we don''t press on a bit further, I''m afraid we''ll fall even more behind schedule."


    "We have no choice," Lin Wanrong replied gravely. "This strong wind and heavy rain are hindering the carts and horses. And the path ahead is mountainous and treacherous, mired in mud. If we push on in the dark, the danger will be even greater. Safetyes first. Order the men to halt and set up camp, keeping a strict watch. It won''t be toote to continue tomorrow morning."


    Hu Bugui looked ahead and saw the winding official road extending to the mountain, rugged and hard to navigate, with the army''s vanguard already at the mountain''s base. Camping on the mountain while transporting three hundred and fifty thousand taels of treasury silver overnight felt unsettling. It was safer to stay at the foot of the mountain. He nodded in agreement, appreciating General Lin''s wise decision.


    "By the way, Brother Hu, have the scouts been sent out?" Lin Wanrong asked, seeing that Hu Bugui had passed down the order and the army had stopped.


    "They''re on their way; over ten small teams, more than two hundred brothers, all very sharp. They''re expected to return by thetter half of tonight," Hu Bugui answered.


    Lin Wanrong felt slightly more at ease. As he was about to turn back, he spotted a figure approaching from the distance, holding an oil umbre, tiptoeing towards them.


    "Miss Xu, why have youe down from the cart?" Seeing Xu Zhiqing''s long skirt soaked and her hair wet with rain, Lin Wanrong was taken aback and quickly asked.


    Gazing at the distant mountains, Xu Zhiqing''s brows slightly furrowed, she softly said, "The mountains ahead are steep and the forests dense. We cannot proceed today; we should set up camp quickly."


    Her view coincided with Lin Wanrong''s. Hearing that General Lin had already ordered the encampment, Xu Zhiqing nodded, lifted her long skirt, and continued to walk through the rain.


    Hu Bugui hurriedly stopped her, "Miss Xu, the camp has already been set up ahead. You should go back and rest!"


    "I want to go and look at the mountain ahead," Xu Zhiqing continued walking, speaking calmly, "This is thest barrier to the capital. If the bandits make no move, they will lose their chance. I do not believe they will let go so easily."


    With her determined expression and no intention to stop, Hu Bugui looked helplessly at General Lin. Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile, knowing her stubborn personality was easy to entice but hard to block. He nodded to Hu Bugui, saying, "Brother Hu, go and organize the men to station themselves. Strengthen the guard, extend the posts by two miles, and rotate the mobile sentries to patrol. We must never let our guard down at any time. I''ll apany Miss Xu to take a look ahead."


    Miss Xu shook her head, snorting through her small nose, "Why would I need you to apany me? I can go myself!"


    ¡®You bratty girl, are you addicted to backtalk? Even rebelling now, are you?¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s face hardened, his expression stern as he said, "I said we''re going, so we''re going! I''m the one leading this expedition, and whether or not you like it, you must obey mymand. If you dare to disobey the military order, no matter who you are, I''ll spank you just the same!"


    As he mentioned spanking, he couldn''t help but feel a thrill, recalling the wonderful sensation from that secretive night. His eyes couldn''t resist stealing a nce.


    Miss Xu seemed to think of the same incident, her face heating up in anger. She lowered her head, murmuring in irritation, "Shameless!" But seeing his demeanor, so different from his usual jesting, he seemed quite authoritative, and she found herself unable to retort.


    The spring rain grew heavier, showing no signs of stopping. As they continued down the slope, the water umted, making their progress more difficult. The soldiers ahead had stopped and were setting up camp.


    After a few steps, Lin Wanrong looked back, hearing that the footsteps behind him had be more scattered. He saw Miss Xu''s dress soaked through, her long hair dancing in the wind and rain. The paper umbre had torn in several ces, barely shielding her from the storm. Xu Zhiqing gritted her teeth, following him silently, her steps uneven in the puddles.


    ¡®What a masochistic girl,¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed, shaking his head, taking a few steps back and offering her his umbre. But Miss Xu stubbornly shook her head, "I don''t want it! Keep it for yourself!"


    Raindropsnded on her face, entuating her clear, pristineplexion. Lin Wanrong sighed, saying, "Go back first. I''ll take a look and report back to you."


    "Why can you go, but I can''t?" Xu Zhiqing''s expression was stern, impable, "This is a military campaign. There''s no distinction between men and women. We are equal!"


    "Equal? Equal, my foot!" Seeing how obstinate the girl was, Lin Wanrong became angry and frustrated. He reached out, saying, "Give me your hand."


    "What are you doing?" Seeing his face darker than the sky, Miss Xu was startled and quickly stepped back, her embroidered shoe thoroughly soaked in rainwater.


    "Troublesome girl!" Lin Wanrong muttered, grabbing her small hand and leading her forward without another word.


    "What are you doing? Men and women shouldn''t have such close contact!" Miss Xu was both embarrassed and angry, crying out. Seeing Lin Wanrong ignoring her, pulling her along with soldiers looking at them in surprise, her face flushed with embarrassment, her voice much softer, "Don''t let others see. You... you better let go of me."


    After hurrying for a while, they reached the mountain path. Lin Wanrong finally released her small hand. Miss Xu was panting, her face covered with a deep blush, angrily saying, "How can you be so rude?"


    ¡®Rude? You haven''t even seen the worst of it!¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s face darkened, angrily retorting, "Miss Xu, I''ve tried to reason with you both politely and impolitely. Don''t challenge my patience. Either you shut up and follow me quietly, or you go back!"


    Miss Xu hummed but said nothing. Lin Wanrong nced at her, noticing that her clothes were soaked through and her lips were turning purple from the cold, yet she stubbornly refused to utter a word. Such a woman was indeed rare! He sighed inwardly, his face contorting into a fierce expression as he growled, "Did you hear me clearly?"


    Xu Zhiqing clenched her teeth and nodded. When she saw him reach out to her again, a faint blush appeared on her face, and she let him take hold of her hand. She hadn''t noticed it when they were walking quickly earlier, but now as he held her rough hand, she felt a warmth spreading through her body, dispersing much of the chill. Her palm trembled slightly, and she unconsciously gripped his hand a little tighter.


    The two of them stood on a steep hillside, with no one else in sight except for the faint movement of sentries in the distance. Lin Wanrong looked around at the distant green pines and cypresses, thick clouds, and the winding official road that stretched out of sight. The road was slippery with fallen pine needles and leaves, making it difficult to walk.


    "What do you think of this situation?" Miss Xu asked, feeling a strange sensation in her heart as he continued to hold her hand, her face flushing with inexplicable warmth.


    "I was cursing the heavens earlier, but now it seems that the gods have done us a great favor. This spring rain hase at just the right time¡ªah, be careful, Miss Xu. Hold my hand tightly, don''t slip," Lin Wanrong said with a chuckle, lightly brushing her palm. The soft sensation made his heart flutter, and he pointed seriously at the dense trees in the distance. "This official road is tens of miles long and winds around the mountainside. With our tens of thousands of troops stretched out, we lose the advantage of close formation, making us weak everywhere."


    "Are you worried that the enemy will charge down from the mountains to fight you?" Miss Xu tried to pull her hand back but found it tightly gripped, unable to move. She could only re at him angrily, turning her head away. ¡®It''s his fault for holding so tightly, not mine,¡¯ she consoled herself, feeling somewhat calmer.


    "Fight us? Only a fool would try to rob an official army on the road," Lin Wanrong shook his head, his face suddenly bing serious. "Good rain knows the season, blossoming in spring! If not for this timely spring rain, the mountains and fields might already be engulfed in mes. Even with a hundred thousand soldiers, we couldn''t stop such a fire. If they spread tung oil on both sides and the fire catches the wind, even with three heads and six arms, I would be helpless. Damn it, I must burn incense tonight in thanks!"


    Miss Xu shot him a nce, clearly unhappy with his foulnguage, and snorted, "At least you have some sense, not making such a foolish mistake. We have rules when we march and fight. Not crossing bridges in snow or forests at night prevents the enemy from taking advantage. If we were reckless and overconfident, we would surely pay a heavy price."


    Seeing Lin San listening to her chastisement obediently, Miss Xu felt a faint sense of joy in her heart. Although she had led a hundred thousand soldiers against foreign invaders, she had never felt such a sense of aplishment. Teaching him alone seemed more rewarding than training a million soldiers.


    ¡®I had just taught her a lesson, and now this youngdy was looking for an opportunity to educate me in return.¡¯ Seeing Miss Xu with her clothes soaking wet and her lips turning purple from the cold, Lin Wanrong wanted to spar with her verbally but couldn''t find the words. He took her small hand and smiled faintly, "Let''s go back quickly."


    When had he be so gentle? Gazing into his eyes, filled with a fleeting expression of tender affection, Miss Xu''s heart pounded in her chest. She was about to speak when Lin San''s face suddenly turned serious.


    In the distant sky, a re shot up and almost immediately withered away in the wind and rain, leaving behind a trail of long green smoke.


    "It''s bad, something has happened!!!" Miss Xu cried out in rm, but Lin Wanrong''s loud shout to muster the troops had already resonated throughout the entire army: "Hu Bugui, assemble the soldiers!"


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 Chapter 391

    Chapter 391


    Chapter 391 Finding Your Sensitive Spot


    With a sudden sshing noise, the soldiers who were busy setting up camp hastily dropped their tasks and assembled in formation.


    Hu Bugui ran over, not caring about the mud sshing under his feet, panting as he said, ¡°General Lin, the re was sent up by our scouts. There must be something unusual ahead.¡±


    Xu Zhiqing looked into the distance with slightly furrowed brows, her face full of concern. ¡°It''s already dusk, and the mountains are dense with trees. We can only determine the general direction; the specific location is hard to discern. We must wait for the scouts ahead to return before we know what has happened.¡±


    This was a prudent and mature approach, and Hu Bugui nodded in agreement. Lin Wanrong sighed, ¡°Miss Xu, your method is certainly safe, but have you considered whether the brothers who sent up the re will be able to return alive? If they cannot return safely, even if we wait ten days and nights, we won''t know what''s happened ahead.¡±


    Xu Zhiqing was experienced in battle and deeply understood Lin San''s point, but the current situation did not allow for therge army to advance into the mountains. After some thought, she said, ¡°The situation in the mountains is perilous, so we cannot send a lone army in deep. In my opinion, General Hu can lead two thousand soldiers to search the mountains along the way, connecting closely from front to back. Do not rush to advance; keep contact with the main force, proceed steadily, and search for the scouts ahead.¡±


    This n was sound, and with Hu Bugui''s capability, nothing should go wrong. Lin Wanrong nodded, ¡°Brother Hu, do as Miss Xu has said. Remember, safety first. Don''t be impulsive, and stop advancing as soon as you find the scouts.¡±


    Hu Bugui epted themand, assembled the troops, and slowly began to march up the mountain. Seeing Lin San silently staring ahead, Miss Xu nced at him and huffed, ¡°You can let go now, can''t you?¡±


    ¡°Let go? Let go of what?¡± Lin Wanrong looked at her in surprise.Miss Xu struggled a few times before finally freeing her small hand from his grip. Angrily, she looked at him but said nothing.


    Master Lin was not embarrassed in the slightest and chuckled, ¡°So easily freed, yet Miss Xu insisted on not moving. It must be that my palm is too warm. You don''t have to thank me; I''m always eager to do good.¡±


    There was truly nothing more to say to this man. Miss Xu stood on the slope for a while, observing the terrain carefully, before turning to head down the mountain. The slope was steep, full of water, and muddy. She lifted her long skirt, tiptoeing cautiously.


    Seeing her walk unevenly, with the potential to slip at any moment, Lin Wanrong rushed to her side, reaching out to assist her. Miss Xu stubbornly waved him away, ¡°What are you doing? I don''t need your help!¡± Distracted by speaking, she stepped into a puddle and screamed, ¡°Ah!¡± One embroidered shoe sank deep into the mud. Lin Wanrong quickly grabbed her to steady her.


    Miss Xu''s face was pale, a cold sweat on her forehead, and one leg seemed unable to lift; it looked like she had twisted her ankle. Lin Wanrong shook his head and chuckled bitterly, ¡®Was there a need to avoid me like this? I''m not a flood or a wild beast. You''ve suffered for it now, haven''t you?¡¯


    Seeing Lin San shaking his head and looking smug, Miss Xu Zhiqing''s heart was filled with bitterness. She turned her head and snapped, "What are you looking at? Even if I broke my leg, I wouldn''t need you to care!"


    Spring rain pattered down, falling on her face, and one couldn''t tell what was rain and what was tears. The temperament of this little girl was truly one of a kind. Lin Wanrong sighed helplessly, and just as he was about to assist her, Xu Zhiqing violently pushed him away. With a defiant stride, she attempted to move forward. As soon as her ankle felt pain, she could stand no longer and fell forward.


    Lin Wanrong stepped up and spread his arms wide, catching her as she threw herself into his embrace. Miss Xu fell into his arms, her heart pounding, and she cried out, "Let go of me, let me go!"


    "Let go of what? Haven''t you caused enough fuss?" Lin Wanrong''s face darkened, and he lightly patted her buttocks, "What? Are you not afraid that I will punish you with militaryw?"


    It seemed like a revisit of old grounds, this girl''s backside seemed to have grown a bit in a matter of days, its sticity, its resilience, oh, such a vor! It looked like "militaryw" would have to be applied a few more times!


    Before Miss Xu couldprehend what had just happened, she realized she had been taken advantage of once again. Just as she was about to erupt in anger, she saw Lin San bend down and, with a cheerful grin, lift her legs. Xu Zhiqing''s heart raced, and she shouted, "What are you doing? Put me down!"


    "Militaryw!" Lord Lin hummed, raising his hand to p her buttocks again, this time with added force. Upon contact, a soft, smooth, and fragrant sensation spread through his hand, but her surprising resilience pushed his wrist back slightly.


    As he executed his "militaryw," she felt a tremor like an electric shock wherever he touched her body. Miss Xu''s shame and anger mingled as tears involuntarily fell. "Shameless! Despicable! Shameless!" she struggled, shouting, her little fists raining down on his neck and shoulders.


    The usually gentle and intelligent Miss Xu, when angered, was no different from any other woman, throwing punches and kicks. After a while, it seemed she had tired and her efforts began to wane.


    "Go ahead, hit me; your little fists are no more forceful than a tickling itch," Lin Wanrong chuckled, carrying her body downhill. The undting, full, and exquisite body pressed against him was as soft as fine silk, soft to the heart.


    "Ah--" A sharp pain emanated from his shoulder. Lord Lin cried out in pain and turned to roar, "Are you a dog, biting me like that?"


    Miss Xu''s eyes were red as she looked at the clear and tidy bite mark on his neck. Her heart was bewildered, but she defiantly hummed, "You can bully me, but I can''t bite you?"


    ¡®Carrying you down the mountain out of kindness, enduring your "poisonous mouth," and you still argue? There''s no reasoning with women.¡¯ Lin Wanrong sneered, "If you dare to bite me, I dare to carry you. I don''t believe I can''t deal with you!" No sooner had he spoken, he hoisted her little behind onto his back, striding urgently down the mountain.


    "If you dare to carry me, I dare to bite!" Miss Xu''s temper was even more stubborn. Seeing him ignore her, she became angry, opened her small mouth, and bit down on his neck.


    Both were stubborn individuals, and their back-and-bite struggle resembled a battle, with neither willing to admit defeat. Although Lord Lin asionally felt pain in his neck, he was not one to be trifled with. During the lifting, his hands often crossed the line, pinching her raised buttocks a few times aspensation. Xu Zhiqing, being a woman, gradually weakened after bouncing on him for a while. At first, she could support herself without lying on him, but after walking a few steps and fighting for a while, she became exhausted and had to lean softly on him, panting.


    Lin Wanrong only felt two soft, jade-like mounds pressing against his chest and back, indescribably smooth and tender. His heart swayed, and he deliberately lifted her body, allowing her soft breasts to rub against his back. This "chest push" was genuine, and Lord Lin sighed contentedly in his haste, thinking that even if this girl bit off his neck today, it would be worth it for her perfect figure.


    Miss Xu felt his unusual movement and felt her tender breasts heat up, her body igniting with a wave of heat. In her embarrassment and anger, she opened her small mouth and bit his ear.


    Lord Lin turned his head and chuckled, "Miss Xu has worked hard, biting for so long, and finally found one of my sensitive spots. Only a few of my wives know about this sensitive spot. Of course, there are more sensitive ces on my body. Keep going!"


    Miss Xu''s face turned red at his words, and she wanted to hit him but didn''t even have the strength to lift her hand. She sighed softly. It didn''t matter; it wasn''t the first or second time she had been bullied by him. She was getting used to it.


    Her mind calmed, and she suddenly felt weak and tired. The battle with him seemed to have consumed her life''s energy, and she just wanted to lie on his back quietly.


    The spring rain kept falling, and the night grew darker. The soldiers'' tents at the foot of the mountain were already set up, and the dim light from the ox-hidenterns warmed the heart.


    Miss Xu pressed her body close to his back, and her arms unconsciously wrapped around his neck. Seeing him wading through the mud with uneven steps, his neck full of "seeds" she had nted, and clear sweat beads in the rain, she stared nkly for a while. Her heart rose and fell like a small boat drifting on the waves, the ups and downs making her dizzy.


    Why was this girl silent? Seeing the foot of the mountain in sight, Lin Wanrong sighed in relief. His clothes were soaked, and only the hot body on his back gave him some warmth. Taking advantage was good, but the damn rain kept falling, making him shiver uncontrobly.


    In his busy moment, he turned his head and saw Miss Xu''s bright eyes, gently staring at his face. They were close, and her fragrant breath sprayed on his face, warm and indescribably sweet. Looking at her small face, it was transparently red, and that heat wave attacked his back.


    "Miss Xu, what''s wrong? You''re not feverish, are you?" Lin Wanrong was startled. The spring rain was chilling, and Miss Xu''s body was thin. If she caught a cold from this journey, it would be terrible.


    "I''m fine," Miss Xu''s voice came smoothly, but with a subtle tremor that was almost undetectable. It seemed she was tired from arguing with him. She clenched her teeth and whispered, "Lin San, I want to ask you a question."


    "Is it about where my next sensitive point is? Such a private question, how could I possibly answer it?" Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    "You may talk nonsense all you like, I don''t have the energy to bite you anymore." Looking at the rows of bite marks on his neck, Miss Xu''s face became increasingly flushed. How could she exin this to Ning''er? She sighed softly and said gently, "Lin San, can you tell me, exactly how many intimate female friends do you have?"


    That question was really difficult to answer, and Lord Linmented, "Miss Xu, that''s a good question, and quite embarrassing to answer. In this world, the women I meet are either my wives or intimate friends, and I can never figure out why it''s like this. Ah, having too much charm is indeed troublesome."


    "Braggart." Miss Xu snorted, seemingly regaining some energy, "Don''t think that all the women in the world are as easily fooled as Ning''er. Those with even a slight sense of caution won''t fall for your tricks."


    "That''s true, that''s true. A woman like Miss Xu will never fall for my tricks." Lin Wanrongughed heartily, but then stepped into a puddle, almost causing both of them to fall.


    "Be careful," Miss Xu admonished gently.


    "Yes, yes, I''ll be careful next time." Lord Lin was secretly annoyed, thinking: ¡®Just now, you were desperately refusing to let me carry you, but now you''re telling me not to drop you. Damn it, touching you ten more times wouldn''t make me feel better, I''ll touch!¡¯


    Feeling Lin San''s big hand moving again, that hot devilish palm holding her buttocks, gently kneading, Miss Xu''s face flushed with embarrassment. She thought to herself that she''d get used to it, as it wasn''t the first time. She pretended not to mind and said, "Lin San, I''ll ask you another question, and you must answer me honestly. You have several wives, and several more intimate female friends. Do you like each of them the same way?"


    How did this girl change the topic, shifting from schrly matters to romance? Lord Lin answered seriously, "That question is really hard to answer. Since people are different, each of them gives me a different feeling. Qiaoqiao is gentle and kind, Ning''er is passionate and fiery, Eldest Miss is determined and strong, and Madam Xiao is mature¡ªoh, I mean Second Miss. Second Miss is na?ve and affectionate. I like all of them. It''s like loving fish but not excluding meat. These girls all have different styles; abandoning any of them would be like cutting off my flesh. Let''s all wash up together, without anyints. Isn''t that right?"


    "Wash up together? Wash hands?" Miss Xu asked, puzzled. She remembered that Luo Ning had exined it to her that way.


    Wash hands? Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment, then burst into loudughter, "Yes, wash hands, let''s all wash hands together. Unite our hearts and jointly build a beautiful big family. s, you must know, being a man and having to be responsible for every girl who likes me, it''s such a difficult thing to do. Fortunately, I have an incredibly broad and loving heart, or I wouldn''t have been able to persist until now. How much bitterness and tears have been behind this; who can I share it with?"


    "What sorrows could you have?" Miss Xu scoffed lightly. "You''ve taken all the advantages in the world, and you''re still not content? Qiaoqiao, Luo Ning, Miss Xiao from the Xiao family; any one of them is a rarity, not to mention the fortune you''ve gathered over several lifetimes."


    Master Lin''s eyes sparkled, and he grinned, panting and taking a few steps forward. Simultaneously, he moved her body up, performing a "chest push." "Miss Xu is too kind. They must have discerning eyes to recognize a hero, or why else would they all fancy me? Our love is true, even more genuine than gold and silver."


    "True love?" Miss Xu sneered disdainfully. "A man with several wives, iming to truly love each of them? How ludicrous! Stories of mutual affection between men and women in this world, aren''t they all about the devoted love between one man and one woman? Yet you alone have so many wives, still iming true love. This is the biggest joke in the world. Can you really love them all? In my view, only a one-man, one-woman rtionship, steadfast and unmoving even in the face of death, represents truly great love."


    So this youngdy was a supporter of monogamy, a strong advocate for women''s rights. No wonder she was so confrontational. Master Lin, while caressing her raised hips, giggled, "I have a famous saying, ''Love even in death.'' Whether I can love enough or not is not something you need to worry about, Miss Xu. If I can live happily with Ning''er, Qiaoqiao, and the others for a lifetime, then all is well. As for how many wives I have, hehe, a teapot paired with a dozen cups is quite natural. But a cup paired with a dozen teapots, now that would be an oddity! That''s just the way it is!"


    Seeing his paw brazenly touching her, Miss Xu''s cheeks flushed with anger, further infuriated by his absurd analogy. She scratched his hand fiercely, "What nonsense are you talking? I can''t be bothered to argue with you. I, Xu Zhiqing, will only ever love a man who is wholeheartedly devoted to me in this lifetime!"


    Lin Wanrong replied with an unconvinced smile, "A beautiful wish indeed. Fortunately, I''m not in love with you, otherwise, my other wives would suffer! Ouch¡ª" Before he could finish speaking, he felt a pain in his waist as Miss Xu''s eyes filled with frost and a thin mist, her small foot kicking him in the ribs. With a light crash, Master Lin fell heavily to the ground, Miss Xu right on top of him. Mud sshed all over both their faces and arms, a most embarrassing situation.


    ¡®This girl''s gone mad again!¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought to himself, lying in the puddle, sighing inwardly. Xu Zhiqing was on top of him, her chest heaving continuously, her eyes misty and enchanting like the drizzling spring rain, "Shameless wretch, I''ll remember what you said today!"


    "I''ve said a lot today; what exactly did you remember?" Master Lin asked with a wry smile.


    "I''ll beat you to death!" Miss Xu hammered her fists heavily into his chest, stood up, and raised her foot to kick him. Seeing Lin San lying there,zilyughing, his body covered in mud that washed away with the rain, yet unable to conceal the clear bite mark on his neck, Miss Xu hesitated for a moment. Her small foot, heavy as a thousand pounds, couldn''te down. Raindrops adorned her face, highlighting her cheeks, crystal-clear like jade, warm and beautiful. Her shoulders trembled slightly, and she suddenly turned, stepping through the rain and dashing away. Her captivating figure swayed like willow branches on the water''s edge.


    Didn''t this girl sprain her ankle? Watching Miss Xu''s retreating figure, sprinting away like a gust of wind, Master Lin couldn''t help but feel puzzled. Reflecting on her words today, he wondered which were true and which were false. Like the blossoms brought forth by the spring rain all around him, they seemed ethereal and elusive, difficult to discern. How vexing, how very vexing!


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 Chapter 392

    Chapter 392


    Chapter 392 Discovery of the Fairy


    When he returned to the tent, Luo Ning was tidying up and was greatly taken aback by his appearance. She hurriedly grabbed his sleeve, eximing, "Big brother, what happened to you?"


    "Oh, I was walking too hastily and identally tripped, falling into a pit," Lord Lin said without batting an eye, grinning all the while. Yet in his heart, he was relishing the delightful sensation that Miss Xu''s tender hips and chest had brought him.


    "Fell into a pit?" Ning''er looked him up and down, obviously not quite believing it. "Big brother, you always walk with the stride of a dragon or a tiger; how could you be so careless today? Look at all this mud on you; take it off quickly so I can wash it for you."


    Having a wife was indeed wonderful; there was no need to worry about anything. Lord Lin cheerfully took off his jacket, along with his underwear, throwing them away. Luo Ning''s face turned red, and she scolded, "Big brother, you''re so naughty! Who told you to take off so cleanly? No wonder Miss Xu said you have thick skin. Oh, what''s this?"


    Her gaze was drawn to Lord Lin''s neck, where there was a red area, filled with neat and clean bite marks, and some faint lipstick, which could be clearly seen under themp.


    "Oh, when I fell into the pit, a hedgehog bit me identally. It''s no big deal; it will heal by tomorrow," Lin Wanrong hurriedly covered his neck, jokingly said.


    "Oh¡ª" Luo Ning seemed to understand, nodding her head, her delicate fingers lightly touched his forehead as she smiled and said, "So a hedgehog bit you. A hedgehog bite is indeed a rare urrence; big brother''s luck truly makes Ning''er envious. However, there''s one thing that seems strange to me. When Miss Xu returned just now, she was also soaked and covered in mud. Big brother, did she fall into the water pit as well?"


    This girl was clever and bright; it was impossible to deceive her. Lord Linughed heartily, shamelessly saying, "Perhaps, that water pit is quite big, so ten or eight people falling into it wouldn''t be a problem. Ning''er, is there any hot water? It''s been days since we had a mandarin duck bath; I miss it a lot. Why don''t we share a bath tonight? And big brother can teach you something new, called ''oil massage''; it''s very creative, I believe you''ll like it."Even though she knew he was using this as an excuse to change the subject, hearing her husband''s teasing, Miss Luo could not dare to retort, even though her heart was burning. Her long, slender, white neck blushed slightly, and she scolded, "Don''t talk nonsense; Miss Xu is next door, be careful she hears you and is embarrassed!"


    ¡®Embarrassed? Embarrassed my foot! She just did a "chest push" for me, even more unrestrained than you,¡¯ Lord Lin thought, smirking and saying no more.


    He ordered a few soldiers to prepare the hot water and sent a few buckets to Miss Xu next door. Luo Ning then began to help her big brother bathe.


    Spring rain on a spring night, deep within the woman''s quarters with red makeup, waves of steam rising, reflecting Ning''er''s jade-like cheeks, making them appear alluringly beautiful, as if adorned with the finest rouge. Lord Lin''s heart felt restless, and from the bucket, he reached out to explore Miss Luo''s body, finding soft, smooth touches everywhere, like caressing the finest silk.


    ¡®My little Ning''er''s skin is no worse than that of Seo Jang Geum,¡¯ Master Lin mused, touching her with delight. Hisrge hand moved forward, lightly pressing on her soft chest. Luo Ning let out a soft cry, her body going weak, and she shyly nced at him. "Big brother, don''t tease Ning''er like this. I can''t bear it."


    Seeing the seductive look in her eyes, Master Lin''s heart burned with desire. He was about to pull her closer when Luo Ning dodged with a giggle. "Big brother, don''t be naughty. Let''s finish washing first."


    The two of them yed around, and although they were on the march, they found a unique joy in the moment. Luo Ning carefully washed his back and, upon seeing the deep bite marks on his neck, lovingly stroked the area and scolded, "Who did this? How could they be so cruel?"


    Master Lin, rxing in the tub, took a deep breath and yfully sshed water at Luo Ning, who squealed with delight. "Ning''er, don''t you trust me? Do you think I''m the type to suffer a loss?" He wiped water droplets from his face, a mischievous smile appearing. "That hedgehog bit me, but I pulled out its spines. We''re even; neither of us lost."


    Luo Ning knew his character well. There was no one in the world who could get the better of him. But to leave him in such a state, that person was no simple individual.


    The two were affectionate, touching and teasing each other, finally finishing the bath. Luo Ning then said sweetly, "Big brother, I''ll go next door to check on Sister Zhiqing. She''s frail and got caught in the rain. I hope she hasn''t caught a cold."


    Thinking of Xu Zhiqing''s stubborn face, Lin Wanrong didn''t know what to say. He thought it was a good idea to send Ning''er to check on her, lest she be upset. He nodded, then suddenly remembered something. He found a bottle of medicinal wine and handed it to Luo Ning. "Miss Xu twisted her foot. Go check on her and apply this medicine. I''ll have someone make ginger soup for both of you to dispel the cold. This spring rain won''t stop for days, so take care of yourselves."


    Luo Ning gave him a sweet smile, hugged his neck, and kissed him on the cheek, saying shyly, "My love, you are so kind!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, touching her soft cheek. "Of course I''m good, especially to my precious Ning''er. Tell your Sister Xu to learn from you¡ªlearn your gentleness, your passion¡ªso she can find a good husband like me."


    Luo Ningughed coquettishly, shot him a nce, and went off, full of charm.


    The situation was bing dangerous ahead. Hu Bugui led his men forward, reporting back every half hour, but they found no sign of the enemy or the scout who had signaled with fireworks. Lin Wanrong felt uneasy, unable to sleep, as if a significant disaster awaited him.


    Luo Ning had gone to Xu Zhiqing''s tent, and it had been a while since she left. He strained his ears and heard the soft conversation andughter of two women from the neighboring tent. He wondered what they were talking about, what made them so happy.


    Lin Wanrong slept in a daze until midnight when he suddenly felt a soft little hand gently nudging him. A beautiful, delicate voice rang in his ear: "Wake up, wake up quickly!"


    "Ning''er, you''re back. Get under the covers quickly, and big brother will warm you up." Master Lin, still half-asleep, rolled over and pulled the woman into his arms. A delicate fragrance wafted into his nostrils, and her body felt soft and boneless, utterlyforting to touch.


    "You''re asking for death!" The woman angrily rebuked, a sh of silver light in her hand striking Lin Wanrong''s buttocks.


    "Ah¡ª" Master Lin jumped out of bed as if his butt were on fire, bellowing, "Who poked my butt? Come, drag them out and beat them with a hundred heavy nks¡ª"


    The woman, dressed in white as pure as snow, nced at him dismissively and stood silently in the tent, ignoring his threat as if she hadn''t heard it at all.


    "Is it you?" Recognizing the beautiful face of the woman, Master Lin''s sleepiness vanished instantly. His eyes widened as he stared at her intently: "Fairy Sister, it''s been a long time, and your little brother has missed you. Come, let''s hug!"


    Ning Yuxi lightly dodged his bear hug, her beautiful eyebrows slightly raised, casually saying, "Weren''t you going to beat me with nks? What happened, changed your mind?"


    "How could I?" Master Lin''s face twisted into a lecherous smile: "Beating Fairy Sister with nks, how could I do such an outrageous thing? If there''s beating to be done, I should do it myself. Wow, Fairy Sister, after a few days without seeing you, your white dress surpasses snow, your long hair floats, and you stand quietly in my tent. You''re like a fairye to this world, making my heart beat wildly. Truly, you are a person among immortals."


    Ning Yuxi didn''t know who this ''fairy'' was, but from his tone, she understood that he was praising her. ustomed topliments, Ning the Fairy didn''t take it to heart, smiling at him: "I am no immortal, but Master Lin, you''re bing more divine. With just your mouth, you can turn rivers and seas, forcing others to admit defeat."


    "You tter me," Master Lin beamed, "I''m just amon person, scraping by to feed my family. How could Ipare to Fairy Sister, a person like an immortal, untouched by the mundane world? By the way, Fairy Sister, what brings you here? I left for Shandong in a hurry and thought you hadn''t followed."


    As he spoke, he eyed Ning Yuxi, regretting in his heart that if he had known it was her earlier, he could have pretended to be asleep and pushed her down, saving much trouble. Fairy Ning''s figure was more appealing in certain areas than Miss Xu.


    "I, of ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall,'' have a weighty word. Since I promised to protect you, I naturally wouldn''t leave you unattended. I''ve followed you to Shandong, and you''ve beenting and collecting silver all the way, making quite amotion," Ning Yuxi spoke slowly, seemingly unaffected by his gaze.


    Seeing Ning Yuxi''s calm and peaceful demeanor, Master Lin felt somewhat puzzled. What exactly was Fairy Ning? Beautiful, always dressed in white, that was all well enough, but why did she remain untouched by mud while others were soaked like drowned chickens in the rain? Not even a drop of rain seemed to have touched her. Strange!


    "Turns out, Sister has been with me all along, vowing to live or die together, with a love stronger than gold, never leaving or forsaking me. Little brother is truly touched," Lin Wanrong said, tears of gratitude in his eyes, and tenderly offered, "It''s cold outside; I fear it may chill you, Sister. Pleasee under the covers, and we can chat intimately."


    Ning Yuxi''s eyebrows flicked, and she snorted softly, "Stop with your smooth talk. If you don''t want to die, follow me."


    "Follow you? Where to?" Lin Wanrong was startled. "Yuxi, be clear with your words. I''ve recently been overly merry, and my mind is still foggy."


    This man was shameless by nature. Ning Yuxi''s eyebrows furrowed, and without another word, she grabbed his sleeve, marching him outside. It was the dead of night, and the rain was unrelenting. There was a faint light in Miss Xu''s tent, suggesting that Ning''er was still talking to her.


    As they exited the tent, the raindrops mixed with a biting chill hit their faces. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but shudder. Seeing Ning Yuxi walking briskly ahead without a word, he hurriedly stopped and said, "Yuxi, where are you taking me? It''s all rain and mud outside, and I''ve just bathed and changed clothes!"


    "Shut up! Don''t call me Yuxi again!" Ning Yuxi''s face showed faint anger, and with a flick of her slender hand, a silver needle hit his buttocks. Lin Wanrong yelped softly, thinking to himself, ¡®She always strikes my buttocks, it seems Fairy Sister also appreciates a beautiful backside, quite like me.¡¯


    Ning Yuxi took hold of his sleeve, her body as graceful as a swallow in the wind, gliding effortlessly, her feet untouched by the ground, moving swiftly atop the continuous line of tents in the rain.


    Lin Wanrong suddenly realized a serious problem; if Ning Yuxi could enter his camp so easily, so could others. If an enemy with such martial prowess existed, he would be doomed. His protective forces were too weak, thank goodness Yuxi was on his side.


    His face became solemn, "Fairy Sister Ning, tell me, in this world, how many people besides you could easily enter and leave my camp?"


    Ning Yuxi smiled proudly, "In this vast world, only two or three people can treat a hundred thousand soldiers as if they were nothing. Besides me, perhaps my Junior Sister An can. Why, are you afraid someone will assassinate you?"


    Hearing that only two or three people could break in, two of whom he was acquainted with, Lin Wanrong''s mood lifted, and he chuckled, "I''m not afraid of being killed, I have Fairy Sister to protect me. Sister, I''m really fragile, so you must stay by my side at all times."


    Ning Yuxi sighed softly and shook her head, "I really don''t know why Qingxuan chose you? If she were to choose a husband, there are plenty of outstanding men in the world. Why did she pick you?"


    Hearing her mention Qingxuan, Lin Wanrong was immediately filled with rage, and he sneered, "Fairy Sister, Qingxuan has much better taste than you. Among the countless men in this world, only I, Lin San, can be close to her heart. You float above the ground, high and mighty; how can you ever experience the most sincere emotions of this world?"


    Speaking of Qingxuan had touched Lin San''s sore spot, his face turned as ck as coal, and he even lost the mood to tease Ning Yuxi.


    The world had finally be quiet, and he fell silent. Fairy Ning gave a faint smile, finding it both mentally and physically taxing to match wits and strength with this fellow. But once Qingxuan was brought into y, everything was settled. Perhaps there was truth to the idea that everything in the world could counteract one another.


    Fairy Ning, dressed in white as pure as snow, moved like lightning, pulling him along at a brisk pace, heading up the mountain. With this highly skilled woman at his side, he no longer had to worry about falling into the mud. It felt safer than climbing the mountain with Xu Zhiqing, but itcked the warmth.


    ¡®If Miss Xu learns that I''m missing in the middle of the night, I wonder what she will feel. She''ll probably be cheering,¡¯ Lin Wanrong shook his head and smiled. He nced sideways at Ning Yuxi to find Fairy Ning''s long hair fluttering, her delicate face shimmering with a faint glow, reflecting her cheeks in a way that was both beautiful and captivating, stirring his heart. After being quiet for a moment, he began to feel restless and sneakily reached out his hand, sliding it along her sleeve toward Ning Yuxi''s pale wrist. Just as he was about to touch her, he heard a faint hum, and a sh of silver light from Fairy Ning''s hand, as a silver needle swiftly flew out. Lord Lin''s quick reflexes allowed him to hastily withdraw his hand, feeling a chill as the needle returned to Fairy Ning''s hand.


    Lord Lin gave a sly grin, "I was just testing you, Fairy Sister. Don''t mind it. With this touch, I''ve confirmed that Fairy Sister has incredibly quick reactions, and great martial arts skills. I feel very safe following you."


    "Hush¡ª" Speaking, Fairy Ning stopped, her delicate and fair little finger raised to her lips as she hummed softly, "Don''t talk."


    They stood atop the mountain, surrounded by jagged and towering rocks, the scenery both magnificent and majestic. The mountaintop was a cliff, split into two parts in the middle, with each side extending out several dozen feet. The smooth and steep cliffs on both sides were difficult to climb. Below the cliff was a bottomless abyss, and the cold wind howled, terrifying and chilling to the bone.


    Lord Lin stood at the edge of the cliff, peering down. Before his sight could reach far, he felt a sensation of dizziness. He felt a chill all over, clenching his teeth, his face showing a rigid smile: "Fairy Sister, what a mood you''re in, bringing me up the mountain in the dead of night. Do you want to stargaze with me?"


    Fairy Ning looked at him, lightly stroking her hair and said softly, "Are you afraid?"


    "Standing on the edge of a bottomless cliff, if I''m not afraid, then I''m not human, I must be a ghost," Lin Wanrong frankly admitted. "But Fairy Sister, bringing me here in the middle of the night, I''m afraid I''ll be scared to death by you before being killed by the enemy."


    "You''re honest for once," Fairy Ning nodded and smiled. "Scared to death? Is your courage so small? When bullying Miss Xu, I saw you had courage bigger than the sky."


    Fairy Ning''s martial arts were exceptional, elusive like a mythical dragon. Naturally, it would be challenging to keep anything from her. Lord Lin''s heart suddenly stirred with a wild thought. Since Fairy Sister knew everything, had she been secretly watching and learning when he was with Ning''er in the "rear-entry" position?


    With this thought, it felt as if hundreds of ants were crawling over his heart, causing unbearable itchiness. Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard Fairy Ning say, "Look, what is that?"


    Where Ning Yuxi pointed, was precisely the steep cliff of the opposite precipice, at a distance of several dozen feet from the top of the cliff, and a winding official road was passing not far below.


    "What is it? I don''t see anything!" Lin San''s eyes darted around, and the distant scene was rather vague, making it difficult to discern clearly. Concentrating for a moment, he saw the smooth, steep cliff across the way, almost impossible to climb. At the ce Ning Yuxi pointed to, faint glimmers of light seemed to be seeping out. The glow was extremely weak, and if not for his excellent vision and Ning Yuxi''s guidance, he certainly would not have detected anything unusual there.


    "A cave?" This time he saw it clearly; the ce where the light shone through was indeed a small cave. The entrance was small, and the terrain was concealed, situated on the steep cliff''s mid-slope, almost impossible for anyone to discover.


    "The scouts you sent out; several teams, I fear, will not be found," Ning Yuxi said, her voice calm as she stood gracefully upon the rocky cliff. The gentle breeze caressed her long hair, making her seem ethereal and enchanting, like a fairy gracing the world.


    "How do you know?" Lin Wanrong was astonished. "Have you seen them?"


    Ning Yuxi did not answer his question but sighed lightly, "Whether I''ve seen them or not is not important. What''s important is that they set off fireworks, alerting those behind, andpleted the scout''s task. They can die without regret now."


    She took a small paper bag from her sleeve and tossed it to him. "Look at this, what is it?"


    Unfolding the paper bag, a pungent smell hit his face. The bag contained a fine gray powder, and he didn''t know what it was. Lin Wanrong grabbed a handful, feeling it carefully, and his face changed dramatically, "Gunpowder! This is gunpowder! Damn it, this is gunpowder!"


    Hearing his coarse words, Ning Yuxi frowned and nodded at him, "At least you have some insight; this is indeed gunpowder. Ordinary people would not recognize it."


    "Fairy Sister, where did you get this gunpowder?" Lin Wanrong''s expression was solemn, his brow furrowed, and a heavy stone seemed to weigh on his heart.


    Seeing his worried face, Ning Yuxi didn''t answer his question but smiled, "Do you remember what I said earlier? Follow me if you don''t want to die. Did I deceive you?"


    "Alright, Yuxi, you were right." Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Please tell me, where did you get this gunpowder?"


    Ning Yuxi snorted in annoyance and turned to leave. At such a crucial moment, that fellow would surely try to stop her, she thought. After walking a few steps without hearing anyone following, she stole a nce back, only to see Lin San standing still, smiling at her.


    "Fairy Sister, you have the right to leave. However, if something happens to me, my dozens of wives and brothers will go around proiming that ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall'' deceives the world and breaks promises. Ah, this really isn''t the result I want." Lin Wanrong said, winking.


    "An insignificant person taking advantage!" Ning Yuxi secretly huffed, her expression returning to normal, calmly saying, "I arrived here only a few moments earlier than you. I found this gunpowder on the opposite cliff. It seems to be some residue, but I don''t know what they want to do with the gunpowder. The bandits in the cave on the other side are very vignt. I couldn''t get close, and fearing a change, I went down the mountain to find you."


    Damn it, he really owed Ning Yuxi for this. The enemy was hiding in such a concealed ce that it would be difficult for ordinary people to find. The scouts sent ahead must have been silenced because they had identally discovered this cave.


    But what were these bandits nning to do with the gunpowder? What could be done with such a small amount? Could it be for cooking wild chickens over a fire?


    His gaze fell on the dimly glowing cave, and after a moment of thought, he asked, "Fairy Sister, how do you think the bandits got down into this cave?"


    "What''s so hard about that?" Ning Yuxi smiled faintly. "They could tie arge basket at the top of the mountain and lower it down slowly. Not only a few bandits, but even a thousand-pound boulder could be lowered that way."


    Basket, cave, gunpowder. His eyes slowly moved downward, looking at the winding official road on the mountain''s slope, and a light shed in his mind, eximing, "Oh no, they want to blow up this cliff!"


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 Chapter 393

    Chapter 393


    Chapter 393 "Madam Lin"


    st the mountain? Fairy Sister looked towards the cave in the mountainside, her eyebrows slightly furrowed: "No wonder they''ve hidden so well. So this is their wicked scheme. All they need to do is bury the gunpowder in the belly of the mountain, and ignite the fuse when the silver cart happens to pass by on the official road. Then there will be andslide and the sky will change color. Let alone the silver, not many people would survive. This is indeed a brilliant move. I wonder how much gunpowder they have?"


    "I''m afraid it''s not a small amount!" Lin Wanrong sighed, with a bitter smile: "I made such a big noise in Jining to get the silver, yet these thieves made no sound. I''ve felt something was strange for a while, but I never expected that they woulde up with such a wicked n. No wonder they can keep theirposure. With these few days'' effort, they can get as much gunpowder as they want. What''s blowing up a mountain cliff to them?"


    Ning Yuxi knew that bandits were hiding on the other side, but she never thought they would be so malicious. If they hadn''t discovered it in time, tens of thousands of government troops and more than three hundred thousand taels of silver would have been destroyed at once. The thought alone made her somewhat fearful.


    "Fairy Sister, do you know how many people are hiding in that cave?" Lin Wanrong asked softly, looking at the cave entrance.


    "They are highly vignt, and the cave has only one entrance, so I can''t investigate. But judging by the size of the entrance, if they have indeed hidden gunpowder inside, it can''t conceal many people, no more than twenty or so," Ning Yuxi said calmly, her face full of confidence.


    Lin Wanrong looked intently for a while; the cliff walls were steep, hard to climb. The cave was on the cliff, a natural barrier, easy to defend and hard to attack, giving off a "one man holds the pass, ten thousand are unable to advance" stance! If the government troops were to attack, sess would be unlikely, and it might force the bandits into desperate actions, igniting the fuse. Even if no one was hurt, if the mountain was blown up, it would block the way forward, greatly dying the progress of the march, something no one wanted to see.


    Seeing Master Lin looking around suspiciously, Ning Yuxi gave him a puzzled nce and asked, "What are you looking for?"


    "People!" Lin Wanrong said seriously: "Since they are ready and waiting for us to arrive, there should be spies nearby. Fairy Sister, have you seen any?"Ning Yuxiughed, "Look at you, usually so clever, how can you be so confused now? Before the government troops arrived, they naturally sent out spies to gather information. But now that tens of thousands of your soldiers have arrived at the mountain, everything is clear. All sides are surrounded by your scouts, carefully searching. Why would theye out now? Besides, it''s stormy out there; hiding in the cave is both safe andfortable. When the day breaks and your scouts retreat, they cane out to observe the situation then."


    Lin Wanrong lightly pped his hands, chuckling: "Sister Ning, your analysis is utterly thorough. If it weren''t for you saving my life tonight, I would definitely think you were on the bandits'' side."


    "What nonsense are you talking about? Who has colluded with them?" Ning Yuxi''s eyebrows raised, and a touch of pride appeared on her face. "Twenty years ago, I assisted the Emperor in defeating Prince Cheng. Is there anything in this world that my ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall'' cannot do?"


    ¡®If the Emperor doesn''t put an end to your Hall with such arrogant attitudes, that would be strange indeed.¡¯ Seeing Ning Yuxi brimming with confidence, Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Of course you''re not with the bandits. You and I are a family."


    Knowing Lin San''s character, that he was a relentless, indestructible chatan, Ning Yuxi chose not to argue with him. Pretending not to hear his words, she snorted and said, "The dawn is only two hours away, and the army will have to take this official road. You seem so rxed now. Have youe up with a n to defeat the enemy?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I haven''t thought of anything yet, but being able to detect the enemy''s plot in advance is a reason to be happy. The rest, we''ll talk about it when we get back."


    Hearing his tone, as if he was about to descend the mountain, Ning Yuxi nced once more at the opposite cave, flicked her long sleeves, and turned to leave. Lin Wanrong grabbed her sleeve, "Hey, Fairy Sister, it''s dark and blind out here, aren''t you leaving me alone here? To y and then cast aside, you are too heartless!"


    Ning Yuxi''s expression turned angry, and she snapped, "What are you talking nonsense about? What ''y and cast aside''?"


    "Is it ''y and not cast aside'' then?" Gripping her sleeve tightly and refusing to let go, Lin San grinned mischievously and drew out a long "oh": "Sister, you are indeed sentimental and righteous. Your little brother is so grateful, I''m almost bursting with it. Since we went up the mountain together, naturally we shoulde down together!"


    How could anyone be so shameless? Was this even a human being? Ning Yuxi sighed helplessly, pointed to the distant lights, and calmly said, "It''s not that I won''t escort you down the mountain, but that your troops areing for you."


    Following her direction, Lin Wanrong saw the distant torches, numerous in number, and heard the shing of armor and swords. His spirits lifted, "It''s Hu Bugui''s two thousand soldiers. Old Hu is really slow; I''m already at the top of the mountain, and he''s still on the mountainside!"


    He already got the information, so he didn''t understand theck of it in others. With Hu Bugui''s pace, to search through the hills in the wind and rain, arriving here at thiste hour was already incredibly fast. If it weren''t for Ning Yuxi''s assistance, Lin San might not have reached the summit until the next evening.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong striding down the mountain, Hu Bugui was momentarily stunned. He hurried to greet him, his face full of admiration, "The General is indeed extraordinary, able to arrive first even when startingte. I admire you greatly. Oh, who is this?" Looking at Ning Yuxi, standing beside General Lin without speaking or smiling, Hu Bugui''s eyes widened in astonishment. Was there really such a beautiful woman in the world? Old Hu felt he had wasted his life.


    Lin Wanrong, smiling, put his arm around Hu Bugui''s shoulder and whispered, "Who is she? Ah, I can''t go into too much detail. Anyway, Brother Hu, you know in your heart. I''m really not that romantic."


    "Understood, understood." Hu Bugui couldn''t help but chuckle, giving Lin Wanrong a thumbs up. General Lin was too extraordinary; every woman by his side was incredibly beautiful, each one more attractive than the next, making others green with envy.


    "Brother Hu, have you found those brothers responsible for setting off the fireworks?" Lin Wanrongughed for a while, then remembered what had been on his mind and asked.


    Hu Bugui shook his head: "Of the more than ten scout teams we sent out, except for two that have not reported back, all the others have returned. Along the way, we discovered some traces they left behind. But those marks were faint and intermittent, as if someone had deliberately erased them. We looked for a long time, but lost their trail here."


    Ning Yuxi nodded, her expression indifferent: "That must be it. Those two scout teams must have searched up to this point and been silenced, their bodies probably nowhere to be found."


    "Madam, is this really true?" Hu Bugui''s face showed horror. "Does that mean the bandits are nearby?"


    "What did you say? What ''Madam''?" Ning Yuxi''s soft and beautiful face suddenly turned ice-cold, like a gorgeous peony covered in a blizzard, sending chills down one''s spine.


    "You''re General Lin''s wife, aren''t you?" Hu Bugui, a straightforward man, said carelessly: "Every woman with General Lin ends up as Madam Lin, don''t they?"


    "Damn!" Ning Yuxi lightly scolded, a sh of cold light in her hand, a small sword sliding out of her sleeve, swiftly aiming for Hu Bugui''s neck.


    Although Hu Bugui was a brave general on the battlefield,pared to Ning, he was far outmatched. Seeing this "Madam Lin" unsheathing her sword without a word, he had not even finished blinking when the sharp de was already in front of him, as fast as lightning.


    Lin Wanrong was prepared and quickly stepped in front of Hu Bugui, embracing his shoulder andughing: "Misunderstanding, misunderstanding. Fairy Sister and I are just ordinary friends, nothing more than sharing meals and stargazing, really very pure. Brother Hu, don''t overthink it."


    Seeing Lin San block Hu Bugui, Ning Yuxi had no choice but to divert her sword''s edge. The long sword brushed past his ear with a whoosh, and she snorted in annoyance, falling silent.


    Hu Bugui nodded, thinking that this Madam Lin had quite a fiery temper. He wondered how General Lin managed to tolerate it, suggesting that he should find a gentle wife like Miss Luo.


    Lin Wanrong exined to Hu Bugui what he had seen earlier. Hu Bugui was startled and eximed: "Blowing up the mountain? Damn, have these bastards gone mad? General, I volunteer to take three hundred suicide troops to seize that cave."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, pacing back and forth: "Brother Hu, we must not act rashly. The terrain there is treacherous. If they hold the cave''s entrance, an attack by even tens of thousands would be ineffective. Moreover, the cave is filled with a massive amount of gunpowder. A slight mishap could lead to utter ruin. We must discuss this carefully; it requires a strategy, not brute force."


    These words were true. If the cave were really filled with gunpowder, not just ten thousand, but a hundred thousand soldiers would be finished. Hu Bugui reluctantly said: "If we don''t attack, do we just let them light the gunpowder and blow up the mountain? In that case, wouldn''t all the silver be stuck here, unable to move? The imperial court''s two hundred thousand troops fighting against the northern nomads are all waiting for this silver."


    Pressure, that''s what it was! Lin Wanrong''s brows were tightly furrowed as he slowly treaded the mountainside, fine rain soaking his clothes. He was so preupied that he didn''t even notice his feet stepping into the muddy water.


    Hu Bugui, who had followed Lin Wanrong for quite some time, knew that he was thinking of a n, so he could only anxiously watch him, not daring to make a sound. Ning Yuxi looked as usual, her eyes slightly moving, and her gaze fell on Lin Wanrong as well.


    After a long consideration, Lin Wanrong suddenly let out a long sigh and then burst into heartyughter. "Brother Hu, do you think I''m a hero?"


    Where did thate from? Old Hu was momentarily stunned before quickly reacting, loudly responding, "If General Lin is not a hero, who in the world could deserve such a title?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and slowly shook his head, "Brother Hu, I''m not as noble as you think. I''m just an ordinary person, equally afraid of death, but I''ve been just a bit luckier."


    Hu Bugui stared at him nkly, not understanding the meaning of General Lin''s words. Lin Wanrong sighed heavily, helplessly saying, "But this time, I''m afraid I really have to y the hero!" He nced at Ning Yuxi, who hummed softly, "Don''t look to me for help; I''ve already said that my duty is only to protect your safety. I won''t be involved in anything else."


    "As long as you promise that, it will be enough," Lin Wanrong nodded, whispering a few instructions into Hu Bugui''s ear. Hu Bugui turned pale with shock: "How can this be possible? General, let me go instead!"


    Lin Wanrong''s face revealed a bitter smile as he patted Hu Bugui''s shoulder, "Brother Hu, do you think I want to y this damned hero? Nonsense! I have more than a dozen beautiful and spirited wives waiting for me at home. Who would want to lose their life here? But if I don''t go, who will? Brother Hu, are you sure you can quickly and safely deal with those bandits in the cave?"


    Hu Bugui hesitated for a moment, then shook his head reluctantly, "I''m not sure, but do you?"


    "I certainly don''t," General Lin said with a mysterious smile, his eyes ncing at Ning Yuxi. He lowered his voice, "But someone can. If I go, she has to go. Sigh, being a pair of fated lovers with this sister, I''ll just have to endure it."


    Hu Bugui seemed to understand but not quite, and Lin Wanrong didn''t exin further. He ordered, "Brother Hu,ter you''ll take the men to the cliff top and make some noise to scare those bandits. Come back down at the fourth watch. Then hide in secret, monitoring the situation in that cave. If they send out scouts to the cliff, report to me immediately. There can be no mistakes."


    Hu Bugui still wanted to say something, but Lin Wanrong coldly humphed, his face darkening, "Brother Hu, this is not the time for sentimentality. If you really care for me, take a few blows for me on the battlefield next time. Now, you must follow the military order."


    Helplessly, Hu Bugui epted themand and left. Lin Wanrong stood quietly, silent, lost in thought.


    Ning Yuxi walked to his side, nced at him, and said reflectively, "Sometimes I think you''re very clever, but at other times, you seem both foolish and dull."


    "Do I have a choice?" Lin Wanrong looked at her with a bitter smile, "If I send someone else, Fairy Sister, would you be willing to take this risk?"


    Ning Yuxi firmly shook her head, "I have principles. What I promise, I will do. But I can''t expand them indefinitely. The safety of your subordinates is not within my responsibility."


    "That settles it then," Lin Wanrong helplessly spread his hands. "After all is said and done, I still have to go myself, right? Fairy Sister, you wouldn''t really abandon me, would you? If that''s the case, I definitely won''t go. Damn it, my life is precious. I have to make money, chase women, and teach Ning''er how to y with flowers. There are so many meaningful things I haven''t done yet, how can I waste my life here?"


    His words were full of passion, but suddenly he realized that everything around him had fallen silent. Turning his head, he saw Fairy Ning standing quietly, her eyes flickering, as if thinking about something.


    Master Lin was momentarily stunned, and a sudden anxiety welled up in his heart. His eyes widened as he asked, "Fairy Sister, you''re not serious, are you? You''ve made a promise! Isn''t your Hall known for its integrity and keeping its word?"


    Ning Yuxi closed her eyes in contemtion, seemingly ignoring his words. After waiting a while with no response, Master Lin became furious. "Damn it, ying with me? Women can be relied upon as much as pigs can climb trees! Sending me to die, do you think I''m a fool?" He shouted, "Cancel the order! Old Hu, prepare the fastest horse for me. I have to leave! You''re in charge here!"


    Ning Yuxi let out a chuckle, covering her lips, "How can you be so shameless to speak such words?"


    Herughter transformed her demeanor from cold to warm, like a hundred flowers blooming in winter. Master Lin sighed in relief and said gratefully, "I knew you wouldn''t abandon me. Fairy Sister, you are too kind. I can''t repay you, so how about ten hugs? I promise I won''t take advantage of you!"


    Fairy Ning suppressed herughter and red at him, "It serves you right to be frightened! Otherwise, next time you''ll be assigning me to pluck stars and gather the moon!"


    "That would require your ability, Sister," Master Lin said, a ttering smile on his face, "Honestly, sending you to deal with these little thieves makes me feel guilty. Once this is settled, I''ll treat you to something good, like a hundred strings of candied hawthorns at three pennies a string."


    This man''s change of face was faster than a child''s. Ning Fairy was at a loss and could only shake her head and smile, "Save your candied hawthorns, do you take me for a three-year-old? Let me make it clear, I don''t know the situation inside the cave. Whether it can be resolved smoothly, I can''t say now. I can only do my best. You wait here for my news!"


    "Okay, okay," Master Lin nodded eagerly like a pecking chicken, then suddenly widened his eyes, his face full of disbelief, "What did you say? Wait here for you? Fairy Sister, you don''t want me to go?"


    "What would you do there?" The fairy spoke indifferently, "You''d be in the way, less useful than a monkey''s help."


    Moved, Master Lin tightly grasped Fairy Ning''s sleeve, wishing he could pledge himself to her. "Sister, you''ve worked hard. I''ll make you some excellent crucian carp soup. When you return triumphantly, I''ll feed it to you myself. But you must be careful; there are guards at the cave entrance, surely armed with crossbows. It would be best to find someone to distract them first. However, with Fairy Sister''s superb skills, this small matter will surely not trouble you, and you will undoubtedly seed with ease. I will wait here for your good news."


    "Is that so?" Fairy Ning''s eyes twinkled, "Now that you mention it, I do recall that cooperation is indeed needed. It seems that only you¡ª"


    "Old Hu, prepare the fastest horse for me. I have to leave¡ª"


    "They''reing out, they''reing out." Old Hu came running, panting, and cried out, "General Lin, the bandits'' scout ising out." No sooner had the words fallen than two figures shed before his eyes, and "Madam Lin" and General Lin vanished like the wind, disappearing from sight.


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 Chapter 394

    Chapter 394


    Chapter 394 Can Even a Fairy Die?


    The horizon was tinged with the pale white of a fish''s belly, indicating that it was nearly the fifth watch of the night. The wind and rain had gradually lessened, leaving the surroundings open and eerily quiet. The two reached the peak and hid behind a rock, peering across.


    A dark shadow emerged from the cave opposite, asionally poking its head out to look around, appearing and disappearing as if observing the situation outside. The surrounding soldiers had already received the order from their leader and loudly made disturbances, pretending to see nothing, cursing and retreating, leaving behind a few capable scouts hiding in the shadows, carefully watching every move across.


    The person on the other side looked around for a while, seeing that there was no one guarding nearby, waited a bit longer, then suddenly threw a rock. It smashed into the cliff on their side with a dull thud, followed by echoes that resounded through the empty valley, lingering for a long time.


    "Cunning creature!" Lin Wanrong muttered under his breath, turning away and stretching his back, catching a glimpse of the Fairy Ning beside him, hiding behind the rock, her eyes fixed on the front. She leaned against the rock, her body slightly tilted forward, buttocks slightly raised, her full and voluptuous body forming a wonderful curve that looked quite tempting.


    Lin Wanrongughed softly, lowering his voice, "Sister, can you let me go? I really have urgent matters to attend to, my wives at home are waiting for me to warm the bed!"


    Ning Yuxi tightened her hand, locking his wrist pulse, and smiled at him, "It was you who said you would assist me, I never threatened you. Besides, this is to help you. If you''re not here, who knows if something might happen while I''m distracted? Don''t me me for not warning you in advance."


    Having been with him for so long, even the Fairy has be so cunning, learning to threaten him. Lin Wanrong was secretly annoyed. He had finally gotten Fairy Ning to take action, but this Fairy was no easy target; she had seen through his tricks and was pulling him in to take the fall. Unlucky, truly unlucky.


    His anger inside was hard to quell, and he was stuck by the Fairy''s hold on his pulse, so he twisted his hand and moved it towards Ning Yuxi''s soft, slender hand holding his wrist. "Ouch!" Lin Wanrong yelped, his wrist stopped in mid-air, unable to move. Ning Yuxi''s lips curled in amusement, adding strength to her hold, and no matter how he struggled, he couldn''t break free.¡®Damn, met my nemesis,¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed, "It''s not fair, so unfair. Why is it that you can touch my hand, but I''m not allowed to touch yours? Is there no justice in this world?"


    ¡®Speak to me of justice? With a face as thick-skinned as yours, I''ve never seen anyone talk about justice,¡¯ the Fairy smiled lightly, turning her face away and ignoring him.


    Across, the spy deliberately made a noise and waited a long time without any response, thinking that the government troops had indeed retreated. He finally rxed, slowly sticking his head out from the hidden cave. The man was not tall, his face waxen yellow, thin, and his eyes rolled around nimbly; clearly, he wasn''t an honest person.


    "Fairy Sister, what do you see?" Lin Wanrong moved closer to her, gazing at her white and tender earlobes. Feeling a tickle in his heart, he couldn''t help but blow a breath of fairy energy at her crystalline ear, asking with a teasing smile.


    Ning Yuxi''s body trembled, and a few strands of red cloud appeared on her cheeks. She turned her head and red at him angrily, "What are you doing? Stay away from me!"


    "Fairy Sister, it''s not that I want to stay away from you, but you are too enthusiastic, making it impossible for me to leave you," Lin Wanrong wagged his wrist, which she had tightly gripped, and his face habitually broke into a sly smile. This Fairy Ning might be high and lofty, but her body''s sensitive spots were no different from ordinary women, and Master Lin had a sure touch.


    Ning Yuxi hummed in disdain and turned her eyes to the cliff opposite. The man there put his finger in his mouth and blew a whistle. In no time, a few more heads appeared behind him, holding strong crossbows,den with short arrows and shing a pale blue glint, signaling that they were poisoned.


    "These thieves are as cunning and malicious as you," Fairy Ning''s eyebrows furrowed slightly, as if recalling something.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, knowing she was referring to the time when they first met in the forest, and he had shot a poison needle at her. It was indeed treacherous, but it was a matter of life and death, and she couldn''t me him. With an innocent expression, he said, "You tter me, I merely did what I had to. Compared to you, Fairy Sister, I am far from a match."


    The several men on the other side surveyed the surroundings, chattering and then forming a line, holding their poisoned crossbows and standing guard at the mouth of the cave, looking around vigntly. The thin man who came out earlier tested the rock a few times, nodded to the others, and then with a forceful leap, like a frog diving into the water, clung to the precipice.


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened, "Is this guy trying to die, jumping like that?" But the world is full of strange things. Rather than falling as Lin Wanrong had expected, the man''s hands and feet clung to the vertical steep rock like suction cups, unmoving. From a distance, he looked like a gray gecko. After a brief pause, he raised both hands, kicked his legs, and clung to the protruding crevices of the rock, climbing straight up. His movements were nimble and agile, like a flexible monkey.


    "What kind of skill is this?" Master Lin was dumbfounded, thinking that with such ability, this person would undoubtedly be invincible at a rock-climbingpetition.


    Ning Yuxi, having seen much of the world, wasn''t particrly surprised. Seeing Master Lin''s astonishment, she smiled and said, "The world is vast and full of wonders. There are schrs and beauties, and also people who are cunning thieves or masters of special skills. There''s no need to be surprised."


    "Not surprised, not surprised! Whether it''s a gecko or a spider, one shot, and they''re all done for. I wonder how many of these ''geckos'' they have?" Lin Wanrong rubbed his cheek, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and said, still in shock.


    Ning Yuxi, with a smile at the corner of her mouth, shook her head and said, "Don''t worry, this skill is very difficult to master. Having one such person is already rare in the world. Not everyone can be proficient in it. He is probably going up to set a forward position, then lowering a rope basket to assist his aplices below."


    As they were speaking, the "gecko" had already climbed to the top of the cliff, turned over with a roll, and quickly got up.


    Lin Wanrong finally saw clearly that the man had a rope tied around his waist, presumably as a safety belt. If he lost his footing and fell, he could still be pulled back. Lin Wanrong was dumbfounded to think that bungee jumping existed in this era and no longer revered the mysterious wall-climbing technique as he once had.


    After reaching the top of the cliff, the man searched around and found nothing unusual. He slowly untied the rope from his waist and secured one end tightly to arge tree. Standing on the edge of the cliff, he mimicked three bird calls. Arge basket was handed up from the cave below, with a thick rope tied to it and a person crouching inside.


    As Fairy Ning had predicted, only one of the bandits was skilled in the wall-climbing technique; the others all relied on him to pull them up. Just as Lin Wanrong was about to praise Fairy Ning, he heard her shout softly, "Go¡ª"


    As her voice fell, he felt a gentle, jade-like hand take his, and Fairy Ning pulled Lin Wanrong up. They leaped into the air, soaring like graceful swallows, shooting straight forward.


    Between the two cliffs was aplete void, several yards apart, with the wind howling and causing their clothes to p loudly. Fairy Ning''s feet did not touch the ground as she seemed to fly, covering the distance to the edge of the cliff in just two steps.


    Master Lin looked down and was instantly terrified, seeing only emptiness beneath his feet, and below that, a bottomless abyss. Wisps of smoke slowly rose, and he was walking on air, as if he had be an immortal riding clouds and mists.


    "Ah¡ª" Master Lin was about to cry out, but a gentle hand covered his mouth, and Fairy Ning''s voice whispered in his ear, "Do not make a sound, lest we alert the bandits."


    Looking to his side, Fairy Ning was gliding, her white robe floating, her feet above the clouds, leaping across several yards to reach the opposite cliff top.


    ¡®By heaven, I''m flying, I''m flying.¡¯ Even after setting foot on solid ground, Lin Wanrong was still shaken, repeatedly patting his chest, ¡®Even this is possible? A fairy truly is a fairy!¡¯


    With movements as swift and gentle as a breeze, Fairy Ning passed by without anyone noticing. The thin "wall-climbing" man, facing away from them and about to talk to his aplice below, suddenly felt a slight wind and found himself unable to move or speak, as if turned to stone.


    ¡®What is happening?¡¯ He thought in horror, only to hear a voice near himughing, "Brother, your pose is quite unique, full of power and beauty!"


    A healthy-looking young man was grinning in front of him, beside a breathtakingly beautiful woman, elegant and pure, like a celestial fairy who had descended to earth, captivating the eye.


    Seeing the man''s gaze fixed on Fairy Ning, unmoving as if entranced, Lin Wanrong grew angry, and with a fierce kick to his behind, the man toppled over like a stone.


    "Fairy Sister, are you alright?" Master Lin asked with concern. Fairy Ning frowned, not understanding the meaning of his words. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I saw this fellow staring at you, and I was worried he might harm you."


    Fairy Ning snorted. ¡®This man looked at me only once, and you were worried he would harm me. But you stare at me so shamelessly every day, is that supposed to be to my benefit?¡¯


    "Time is of the essence; we must not arouse the suspicions of the thieves below. Hurry and question him," Ning Yuxi said, smiling helplessly.


    The bandit on the ground didn''t have time to speak before Lin Wanrong kicked him, saying, "Boy, I warn you, only I''m allowed to peek at this Fairy Sister, not you. If you dare to look again, I''ll gouge out your eyes, cut off your little thing, and throw you into the Yangtze River to feed the turtles."


    Ning Yuxi''s face turned red with embarrassment and anger, and she wished she could kick Lin San off the cliff. What was he thinking at a time like this?


    The man on the ground groaned in pain, unable to speak. Ning Yuxi twisted her delicate hands in the air and swiftly swept them across the man''s neck. A bright silver needle appeared in her palm.


    "You... who are you?" The man on the ground finally managed to speak, though his voice was hoarse and weak, his face contorted with pain. If it were not for Lin Wanrong''s keen hearing, he might not have understood what was said.


    Lin Wanrong looked at the Fairy Sister in confusion, and Ning Yuxi said indifferently, "I have severed his tendons and veins with this needle. If he screams, it will cause excruciating pain. I don''t think he''s brave enough to try that. Go ahead and question him."


    The man had not expected such a beautiful and ethereal woman to have such skills. His face turned pale, andrge beads of sweat rolled down his face.


    ¡®The Fairy Sister has this trick? It''s terrifying! I''ve been pricked by her countless times. If she''s in a bad mood one day, won''t I die without realizing it?¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt his courage falter and his body go numb. He stopped looking at the fairy''s beautiful face and smiled at the man on the ground, kindly saying, "You will find out who I am soon enough. But don''t be afraid, this Fairy Sister is just trying to scare you. This needle won''t tear your heart or lungs; it will only cause bleeding from your orifices. It''s not serious; you''ll recover after lying down for seventy or eighty years."


    The man was rendered speechless. Lin Wanrongughed heartily and said kindly, "Heaven rewards the kind-hearted. Just answer my questions honestly, and I won''t trouble you. I''m always very kind; you can see that, can''t you?"


    The man quickly nodded, ttering, "I can see, I can see. You have a full forehead and kind eyes, surely a future filled with many wives and children, and great wealth and honor." His voice was soft, clearly fearful of Ning Yuxi''s needle.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and pointed at the man''s head, "You are quite clever to figure out my identity so quickly. Indeed, I am Lin San. The government troops below the mountain are under mymand. What''s your name?"


    "So you are the renowned Master Lin, known as ''the fish leaping through the dragon''s gate.'' I am Pan Shao, and I have long admired your name." The man was astonished at hearing Lin''s name.


    "Young Master Pan?" Lin Wanrong''s face darkened, and he angrily said, "In front of me, Brother San, you dare to call yourself Young Master Pa? Fairy Sister, give him another needle. Paralyze him for life, so he''s impotent and crippled!"


    Pan Shao shuddered and quickly waved his hands, saying, "Please forgive me, Master Lin. I didn''t mean to take advantage of you. My surname is Pan, and Ie from the capital. I''ve been the youngest one wandering around for many years, so my parents named me ''Shao,'' hence the name Pan Shao!"


    [TL: "ÉÙ" or ¡°Shao¡± in Chinese can mean "young" or "little", but it can also be a shortened appetion of Young Master.]


    That name seemed to match up well with some of the important figures in the area. Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "Tell me, Pan Shao, since you were born in the capital, why did you run up to these mountains instead of staying in the city?"


    "Hunting, I came here for hunting!" Pan Shao quickly answered, his eyes shifting.


    "Fairy Sister, give him an injection!" Master Linmanded without blinking.


    Ning Yuxi raised her slender hand, and dozens of silver needles appeared, poised to strike. The sight even caused Lin Wanrong to break into a cold sweat. Pan Shao hastily cried out, "Spare me, my lord, spare me. I''ll tell you everything. We came here to wait for your lordship''s army to arrive."


    "Wait for my army to arrive for what? Are you nning to enlist?" Lin Wanrong said, his smile not reaching his eyes.


    "No, no," Pan Shao hesitated for a moment, but seeing Master Lin''s expression change, he hurriedly continued, "Someone instructed us to obstruct you here, to prevent you from advancing."


    "Obstruct us? Who sent you?" Master Lin raised an eyebrow and snorted.


    Pan Shao quickly answered, "I don''t know exactly. I was chosen because of my climbing skills, brought here, and promised a substantial reward to work for them."


    "Really?" Master Lin smirked coldly, "Hasn''t the master of your royal mansion taught you how to lie?"


    Hearing this, Pan Shao''s face changed dramatically, and cold sweat dripped down his forehead. "Don''t talk nonsense; I have nothing to do with Prince Cheng¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, "The Prince truly has great vision, with thousands of followers and countless extraordinary talents, even finding someone like you who''s proficient in gecko skill. I can''t help but admire him. Tell me, Pan Shao, how much gunpowder have you buried down there?"


    "How... how do you know?" Pan Shao eximed, feeling a sharp pain in his internal organs as he raised his voice. Remembering the fairy''s words, he quickly lowered it.


    "What can''t I do when I can aplish feats like fish leaping over a dragon''s gate?" Lin Wanrong boastfully bragged, his face full of confidence as if everything was under his control. "Pan Shao, you''re not being honest. It seems I''ll have to give you an injection."


    Fearing Master Lin''s mythical abilities, Pan Shao didn''t dare say more and kowtowed on the ground, "No! Please give me one more chance, my lord. I''ll report everything truthfully and will no longer hide anything!"


    Lin Wanrong snorted, "Then tell me, how much gunpowder is buried in the belly of this mountain?"


    Pan Shao, sweating profusely, whispered, "The whole cave below is filled with gunpowder. I didn''t calcte it in detail. But they said it''s enough to tten tworge mountains."


    tten tworge mountains? Lin Wanrong inhaled sharply. ¡®Damn it, these bastards are really going all out. How many people are in that cave? Who''s in charge?¡¯ he demanded coldly.


    Pan Shao answered obediently, "The cave is packed with gunpowder, guarded by over twenty people. There are also four or five Dongyin people, led by someone called Tsugumi¡ª"


    "Tsugumi?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "A Dongyin person? Tsugumi from the Imperial Pce?"


    Seeing Lord Lin''s face filled with anger, Pan Shao nodded cautiously, "He''s a man from the Dongyin, fierce and arrogant. The idea to rob the silver in Shandong was theirs. After you retrieved the silver, Tsugumi Takeshita took the initiative to bury explosives here to annihte you, Lord Lin. That''s all I know. Theymanded me toe up and observe the situation."


    ¡®This Tsugumi Takeshita must have harbored resentment against me since I beat him upst time in court. He was so determined to get rid of me. Damn it, on my Great Hua''snd, there''s no room for you Dongyin to run rampant.¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s anger was aze as he said fiercely, "Do you have a way to call them all up here?"


    Pan Shao quickly shook his head, "My Lord, they only kept me around because I can climb cliffs, and I''m of some use. That Dongyin person, Tsugumi, is extremely cunning, hiding in the cave, never to leave until thest moment."


    "Pan Shao, what are you doing? Why haven''t you pulled the rope?" An impatient voice came from below the cliff. These bandits had sent scouts in pairs, and Pan Shao, having a unique skill, naturally had to lead.


    Lin Wanrong snorted and nodded at Pan Shao, who slowly pulled the rope. After a while, a cursing voice came up, and as soon as a head appeared, it was brushed away by Fairy Ning. The man softly hummed and then fell silent. Pan Shao watched, secretly terrified, deeply grateful he had not struggled earlier.


    "What do we do now?" Ning Yuxi looked at Lin Wanrong and asked softly.


    Lin Wanrong was silent for a moment, then suddenly grabbed her hand, "Fairy Sister, are you really sure?"


    Ning Yuxi shook her head faintly, "There''s no certainty, only doing our best."


    "Good, I''ll be waiting for the good news of your victory." Lin Wanrong said with great righteousness, about to turn and leave, but was stopped by Fairy Ning, who snorted, "Are you thinking of running away? Have you forgotten what I said earlier?"


    "Run away? No!" Lord Linughed, "I''m just going to prepare a victory banquet for you. I''m a very passionate person, as you well know."


    "No need." The fairy smiled, "This is for you, so you can''t escape. The bandits in the cave are very cunning and alert. If I go down alone, it''ll be hard to make a move with all eyes on me. Someone must distract them."


    "Let me distract them? Sister, are you joking? I''m only good at attracting young girls." Lord Lin took a few steps back, ready to flee at any sign of trouble.


    Ning Yuxi found it amusing and ignored him, turning to Pan Shao with a cold look, "Tell them below that nothing unusual has been found and prepare to return immediately!"


    After Pan Shao passed the message, Ning Yuxi waved her delicate hand, knocking him unconscious, then said to Lin Wanrong, "Quickly, put on his clothes."


    Realizing her n, Lin Wanrong understood. It seemed that Sister Ning had figured it all out. Seeing Ning Yuxi standing motionless, Lord Lin couldn''t help but curiously ask, "Sister, why aren''t you changing into their clothes?"


    Ning Yuxi snorted, "How can I wear such filthy garments? You the spitting image of them, so it''s just right for you to wear them."


    ¡®A spitting image? Praising me? Go on and praise me!¡¯ Official Lin chuckled dryly, noticing Pan Shao''s clothes were in a terrible mess. He quickly stripped off another person''s grey long robe and put it on himself, randomly fastening a few buttons. Just as Fairy Ning had said, with his temperament, he looked more like a bandit than the bandits themselves. When ying the part of a bandit, he didn''t need any makeup at all.


    Ning Yuxi looked him up and down, suddenly covered her lips with augh, and softly scolded, "A base bandit indeed!"


    With herugh, like a hundred flowers blooming in the cold winter, the world itself seemed to lose its color. Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded, he muttered, "A bandit is a bandit, one who robs both wealth and beauty."


    "What are you standing there for?" Ning Yuxi snapped at him, annoyance in her eyes, as she rummaged around in the carrying basket, "Hurry up and get in!"


    Official Lin''s heart raced, his legs trembled. Damn it, this was no game. Who knew how much dynamite was hidden below?


    "Sister, can you hug me a hundred times? I''m a little scared, I need your encouragement!" Official Lin''s voice quivered.


    "What are you scared of?! I''m with you!" Ning Yuxi raised an eyebrow, standing straight up. Her white shirt and skirt danced with the brisk mountain wind, making her look like a celestial being.


    Driven by lust, Official Lin climbed into the basket, but as soon as he was inside, he realized something was wrong. Ouch, he was deceived! This was a bewitching art, even more potent than Sister An!


    "Get out, I want to get out! I have acrophobia!" Lin Wanrong cried out urgently, but it was already toote. With a graceful movement, Fairy Ning let out the rope, and the basket fell halfway. Official Lin''s iling magical ws touched Fairy Sister''s hand for a moment before dropping down.


    He''d lost, he''d lost, despair filled Master Lin. All day long, flirting with young girls, but today he was yed by a young girl. He hadn''t even touched her hand and now was sent down to risk his life. He''d failed Qingxuan, Ning''er, Eldest Miss, and Madam Xiao!


    The rope rustled as it was slowly let down. Below him was a bottomless abyss; the shaking of the basket made him dizzy and frantic. Chilled by the piercing wind, his body felt cold as if he could hear the call of Death.


    The rope was released a bit, and the cave was in sight. Heads peered out looking upward from time to time. Lin Wanrong quickly pulled his cor up, covering half his face.


    "Zhang Laosi, why are you covering your face?" A bandit below shouted.


    Startled, Lin Wanrong quickly feigned a voice, "None of your damn business! Damn it, I''m up here in this heavy wind and rain, freezing, while you''re down there cozying up with a woman¡ª"


    A burst of strangeughter from the men reached him, and the few hidden sentries by the cave dispersed. Master Lin copsed in the basket, wiping the cold sweat from his brow. Looking up, the first thing he saw was a pair of exquisitely embroidered shoes. Fairy Ning, dressed in white, as light as a swallow, one hand pulling the rope, one foot on the rope, was descending with Lin Wanrong.


    A human flying through the air! Lin Wanrong stared nkly, entranced. Ning Yuxi smiled faintly, suddenly waving her hand at him and pointing downwards. Lin Wanrong turned his head to see that the basket had already touched the cave wall. A head poked out from the cave and demanded, "Password?!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, whispering, "The white day''s clothes are exhausted, and the Yellow Dragon returns to the stream. Do you understand, you?"


    Before the sentinel could even speak, his eyes bulged, and he froze on the spot. Lin Wanrong flipped out of the basket, carefully catching his breath. "Granny, that scared me to death." A faint fragrance wafted by, and Fairy Ning, graceful as a falling leaf,nded beside him, humming lightly, "What did you just recite?"


    "A great poem. If you like it, I have even more spectacr ones!" Lin Wanrong whispered in her ear, smiling. The two were standing side by side at the cave entrance, and Master Lin, though among bandits, was not afraid of her raging.


    Knowing how low and despicable he was, Fairy Ning ignored him and took a silver needle from the sentry''s body, looking inward. Although the cave entrance was small, facing it was a stone chamber, several yards wide, with four or five bandits drinking and feasting, seemingly very merry. Looking further into the quiet and eerie depths, Master Lin wondered how deep the cave was, but burying tens of thousands of pounds of explosives was certainly no problem. He also wondered how the bandits had found this ce.


    "Fairy Sister, I''ve done my part. Now it''s up to you; I''ll just wait here for you," Lin Wanrong whispered in her ear.


    Fairy Ning nced at him, softly chuckling, "It''s fine if you stay here, but I fear the bandits wille charging out¡ª"


    "Oh, it''s warmer inside. I''ll just stick close to Sister. We''ll be inseparable in life and death, unwaveringly faithful," Master Lin hastily corrected himself.


    Fairy Ning smiled and nodded, "Then follow me, and remember, don''t try to y the hero!"


    ¡®You wish! At a time like this, it''s good enough if I don''t y the fool.¡¯ Lin Wanrong nodded solemnly and followed Fairy Ning, sneaking in behind her.


    Inside the stone chamber, four or five bandits were drinking merrily when one with a keener sense of alertness suddenly eximed, "Eh, where are Li Dakui and Zhang Lao San? They haven''te in yet."


    "Who cares? Let them drink the northwest wind," another bandit replied,ughing as he bit into a chicken leg.


    With a flick of her wrist, Fairy Ning sent several silver needles flying like they had eyes, swiftly and silently striking their targets. The room suddenly fell silent, creating a stark contrast with the earliermotion. This unexpected stillness made Fairy Ning frown, apparently taken aback by the situation.


    Lin Wanrong was secretly terrified by the sudden change. If the people inside were alerted, and thousands of pounds of explosives went off together, he and Fairy Sister would be going to the underworld together. His face turned pale, and he quickly held his breath. Fairy Ning also stood still, the silence in the room bing so profound that both could hear their own heartbeats.


    After a moment of silence with no signs of movement, Lin Wanrong finally exhaled, ncing at Fairy Ning beside him. Her eyes were calm, her face showing no tension, but her small hand was tightly gripping several silver needles.


    "Don''t be afraid, I''m here!" Lin Wanrong reassured her, patting her fragrant shoulder with a righteous look.


    ¡®Could you say something like that?¡¯ Fairy Ning suppressed augh and nced at him. The two carefully crept forward, and as they passed through the stone chamber, they reached a corner. The sounds of conversation drifted from within, and the two lightly stepped and hid behind the rock, staring inside. Both were momentarily dumbstruck.


    The cave ahead unexpectedly branched into two paths, and from the entrance of each branch, bags were piled up tightly, stacked five or six people high, reaching the top of the cave and extending inwards. It was impossible to see how far it went, and there were several guards on each branch path. The bags were dyed ck, with powder seeping out, and the entire cave was filled with a pungent odor.


    Lin Wanrong turned his back, his heart pounding violently, and he couldn''t help but take a deep breath. Gunpowder, all this was gunpowder. If ignited, it would be more than enough to level the entire mountain in the rtively confined space of the cave, let alone the tens of thousands of troops and horses. It was too damn terrifying!


    Though Fairy Ning was worldly and remained calm in chaos, seeing this mountain of gunpowder, she couldn''t help but be greatly rmed. Her voice slightly trembling, she grabbed Lin San''s sleeve and asked, "What shall we do now?"


    "Don''t be afraid, I''m here!" Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth.


    This time, Fairy Ning was extremely calm. In this intense fear, only Lin San''s seemingly joking words could give her some strength.


    "What''s that?" Fairy Ning suddenly grabbed him, pointing to something standing at the fork in the road.


    It looked like a thick lever, supported in the middle by a wooden frame, of equal length on both sides. On the right was fixed a small iron bucket filled with tung oil, with a thick wicking out of it. On the left was a lead block tied to a small oilmp, not yet lit. Below on the ground was a paper box, filled with gunpowder, connected to the pile of gunpowder. There was also arge hole at the bottom of the box, leading straight to the ground, with gunpowder flowing in, as if it connected to the outside.


    "It''s a timer," Lin Wanrong nced and quickly understood the principle, "When they retreat, they just need to fill the iron bucket on the right with tung oil, light the wick, and then light the oilmp on the left. When the tung oil on the right burns out, the bnce tilts to the left, and the fire from the oilmp falls into the pile of gunpowder, igniting it."


    Listening to his exnation, Fairy Ning understood. To create such a sophisticated timer, these bandits must have been preparing for a long time. Lin Wanrong frowned and said, "But what does therge hole under the powder box lead to? Could there be another detonation device outside?"


    It was already toote to go outside and examine it further. Fairy Ning''s brow furrowed slightly, and she gently shushed, "Don''t talk, someone ising!"


    On both sides of the mountain-like piles of gunpowder, small paths just big enough for one person to pass through had been cleared. The sound of footsteps rustled from within. The guards on both sides immediately perked up, gathering their strength.


    "Baka!" Several shouts in the Dongyinnguage came, and a few men dressed in samurai attire, with samurai swords at their waists, came out from the cave. They pointed at the Great Hua guards at the entrance and roared furiously.


    Lin Wanrong furrowed his brow as he failed to find the figure of Tsugumi Takeshita. Turning to Fairy Ning beside him, he asked, "What did they say?"


    Ning Yuxi, fluent in the Dongyinnguage, gritted her teeth and hummed, "The Dongyin people are too bullying, daring to insult our Great Huapatriots like this!"


    Since those words could make the usually gentle Fairy Ning so angry, it was enough to guess what the Dongyin people had said. Lin Wanrong''s fingers crackled with anger. "These servile and kneeling people dare to call themselves citizens of Great Hua?! Sister Ning, let''s first kill these Dongyin people, and then deal with these traitors!"


    This idea was in perfect agreement with Fairy Ning. Seizing the opportunity, Ning Yuxi''s fingers slightly spread as she sent several silver needles whistling away, while simultaneously leaping forward, brandishing her long sword, and charging towards the several men in front. Lin Wanrong also did not show weakness, picking up a in de he found outside and chopping it down on the neck of a Dongyin soldier in front of him. The Dongyin soldier didn''t even have time to cry out before his hot blood sshed up, staining half of the wall red.


    With Fairy Ning''s skill, several silver needles were deadly. The Dongyin people had roused her killing intent, and she showed no mercy. Several Dongyin people who were in the front were killed in the blink of an eye. The two of them working together, in one concerted effort, swiftly eliminated more than ten men in the passageway, cleanly and quietly, without making a sound.


    After all the enemies had fallen, Fairy Ning looked at the two branching paths ahead and whispered, "Which way shall we go?"


    "Let''s split up." Lin Wanrong held the in de, blood dripping down its tip, his body exuding an air of murder.


    Ning Yuxi shook her head firmly, "No! We must stay together!"


    "So, Sister cares for me so deeply; I am truly grateful!" Lin Wanrong said, grinning.


    Ning Yuxi ignored his teasing, speaking seriously, "I think you understand my point. If we split up, I will not be able to protect you fully. My duty is to ensure your safety, and I will not ept any other decision. If necessary, I will forcibly take you away from here. Choose for yourself!"


    At this critical moment, Fairy Sister had indeed be stubborn. Lin Wanrong looked left and right, only to nod in agreement. All in all, they had already eliminated seventeen or eighteen bandits along the way. The remaining three, including Tsugumi Takeshita, must be hiding in one of these two paths.


    The two of them ventured deeper into the left tunnel, and after a moment, they saw a dimly lit stone chamber ahead. Ning Yuxi nodded to him, and they looked inside. On the table inside the roomy a samurai sword, and beside it, two warriors were sound asleep.


    Lin Wanrong felt relieved, and Ning Yuxi quickly moved forward, dealing with the two Japanese warriors in the blink of an eye. Lin Wanrong turned their bodies to look at their faces but found no sign of Tsugumi Takeshita. Counting the numbers, he was the only one missing.


    "Tsugumi is on the other side!" Lin Wanrong grunted, and Fairy Ning, without uttering a word, grabbed him and ran quickly outside. Just as they reached the fork in the road, a loud shout came, "Baka, enemies have broken in, they''re dead!"


    "Not good!" Lin Wanrong was rmed, leaping out. He recognized that voice; it was Tsugumi Takeshita.


    Fairy Ning''s movements were faster than his. In an instant, she moved, flitting past him like a wisp of light smoke, her traces almost invisible to the eye. As they reached the fork in the road, they encountered a Dongyin Samurai with a fierce and hideous face, looking at the body of hisrade, his eyes blood-red: "For the honor of Dongyin Samurais, for the great His Majesty the Emperor, I will die with you. Lin San, you are as good as dead!"


    Heughed wildly towards the sky and ignited the oilmp in his hand, ready to throw it at the box of gunpowder.


    Ning Yuxi was still several steps away and it was toote to intervene. At the critical moment, Fairy Ning let out a delicate shout and a short sword flew from her sleeve with the speed of lightning, striking the Samurai''s chest like a bolt of thunder. The force of the blow was extraordinary, and the short sword prated his chest without losing momentum, carrying his body several feet before finally stopping at the mouth of the cave. The Samurai, Tsugumi Takeshita, spat out a mouthful of blood, half of his body hanging out of the cave, motionless.


    With the strike of the sword, the oilmp fell from Tsugumi Takeshita''s hand, but Fairy Ning was as quick as lightning. Before themp could hit the ground, her delicate hand reached out and caught the ignitedmp, mere feet from the pile of gunpowder on the ground. The entire process was extraordinarily perilous; had Fairy Ning not been highly skilled, the mountains would have be their grave that day.


    Lin Wanrong arrived in haste, just in time to see Ning Yuxi catch the oilmp, the mes almost touching the gunpowder. He copsed to the ground, gasping for breath, and it was a long while before he opened his eyes. Fairy Ning held the oilmp and gently extinguished the me. She smiled at him and handed themp to him.


    At that moment, the two were close. Fairy Ning''s crystalline nose was tinged with sweat, and a faint fragrance lingered. Considering her skills, she was normally unaffected by heat or cold, yet now she had perspired. Her duty as a guard was indeed performed to perfection.


    Master Lin stood up, seeming to regain some strength and cheerfulness. Heughed, "Thank you, Sister, for saving my life. Shall we hug? Don''t worry; this time, it''s entirely pure, truly pure!"


    Ning Yuxi chuckled, "You''re the type who forgets the pain once the wound has healed, acting like this again."


    A faint blush spread across her iparably beautiful face as sweat beaded her small, exquisite nose. This was an unprecedented sight in Ning Yuxi, making her appear less unapproachable and more like an ordinary woman, giving an incredibly genuine and intimate feeling.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Fairy Sister, I like you best at times like this, close to people''s hearts, warm to the touch."


    Ning Yuxi''s face changed instantly, her eyes briefly closing. When they reopened, her calm, rippleless demeanor was restored.


    She has turned back into a fairy! Lin Wanrong saw this with some disappointment, shaking his head with a bitter smile. Recalling Tsugumi Takeshita''s treachery, he nced around, only to find that the body at the cave''s entrance had vanished without a trace.


    "Tsugumi is gone!" Lin Wanrong shouted, and Fairy Ning was equally startled. The two rushed to the cave''s mouth, finding only a thick trail of blood, flowing down the cliff.


    Could he have fallen down? The two exchanged nces, finding this possibility unlikely.


    "Look quickly!" With a nce down the cliff, he saw the trail of blood slowly oozing. Several yards below the cave opening, Tsugumi Takeshita''s blood-drenched body was clinging to a steep cliff, barely alive, his hand-held fire starter gleaming brightly. Not far from him was a small stone cave, from which a fuse the length of an arm was extending.


    A sh of understanding went through Lin Wanrong''s mind, and the image of the stone cave with a timer beneath appeared before his eyes. "No good, this is the second detonation point!" Lin Wanrong eximed.


    Tsugumi Takeshita''s face was covered in fresh blood, and with a ferocious smile, he ignited the fuse with his fire starter, shouting, "His Majesty the Emperor Banzai!" Having already expended all his strength, he copsed after uttering these words, and his corpse fell straight down the mountain.


    The fuse was only as long as an arm, sizzling and burning, and would soon reach the cave filled with gunpowder.


    "Get back!" Ning Yuxi''s footnded on Lin Wanrong, kicking him far away. Her eyes shed with determination, and she softly said to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, remember, my ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall'' never breaks a promise to anyone!"


    With these words, a charming smile appeared on her face, and she shook her long sword, gathering all her life''s strength. Like a bolt of lightning, she shot straight toward the abyss.


    "Fairy Sister¡ª" Lin Wanrong cried out miserably, his eyes blood-red, frantically rushing towards the cave opening.


    The fuse had already reached the gunpowder, and Fairy Ning plummeted straight down, her sword shing, and the burning sound was instantly silenced. This sword, concentrating all of Sister Ning''s lifelong power, made her graceful figure look like a dazzling meteor, plunging straight toward the bottomless abyss.


    "No¡ª" Watching Sister Ning''s rapidly vanishing figure, Lin Wanrong grabbed the rock with both hands, traces of blood splitting from his fingertips, issuing a heart-wrenching scream that echoed through the mountain range.


    Ning Yuxi''s figure had already vanished without a trace, and Lin Wanrong sat dully on the ground, seemingly soulless. Since he had met Ning Yuxi, there were many times when they joked and few when they were serious. Even this time, when he ventured deep into the mountain to search for explosives, he had used tricks to deceive Fairy Ning into helping him, yet he never expected such an ending. It was an indescribable feeling when a fairy-like woman lost her life to save him, and her vow in his mind seemed like a joke, yet he never thought she would be willing to carry it out with her life.


    "Big brother¡ª"


    "Lin San¡ª"


    "General Lin¡ª"


    A chorus of shouts came from all directions. Lin Wanrong looked up to see Luo Ning, tears streaming down her face, rushing forward, with Miss Xu following her, and Hu Bugui leading countless soldiers surging like a tide.


    Lin Wanrong suddenly jumped up, his eyes bloodshot, roaring, "Hu Bugui, I order you to lead all the troops to the bottom of the cliff to find Fairy Sister! If she''s alive, I want to see her; if she''s dead¡ªah, pah, that doesn''t count, alive or dead, I want her alive! If you don''t find her, bring me your head!"


    Hu Bugui was stunned by the order, but seeing Master Lin''s disheveled hair and blood-red eyes, looking as if he wanted to eat someone, he quickly agreed and arranged for his soldiers to search the bottom of the cliff.


    Upon bringing Master Lin out of the stone cave, Ning''er immediately threw herself into his arms, crying loudly, "Big brother, how can you be so foolish? You scared me to death!"


    Miss Xu''s eyes were ame, tears rolling, as she angrily eximed, "As the Commander of the armies, risking your life so recklessly, you, you, are simply too foolish!"


    "Foolish, then foolish be it!" he embraced Luo Ning tightly, "As long as Fairy Sister can survive, I am willing to be as foolish as a pig!"


    "Big brother, who is this Fairy Sister you speak of? Is she very capable?" Luo Ning asked, wiping her tears.


    "Fairy Sister, ah, is a beautiful bodyguard, her abilities reach the heavens! If not for her today, big brother would not have seen you again. When there''s a chance, big brother will introduce you to her!" Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile, not knowing whether he wasforting Luo Ning or himself.


    "If she''s so capable, then big brother doesn''t need to worry." Luo Ning smiled charmingly, "I''ve never heard of a fairy dying, have you?"


    "Ning''er, what did you say?" Master Lin looked puzzled.


    Luo Ning yfully tapped his forehead and softly said, "Silly big brother, Ning''er said, ''I''ve never heard of a fairy dying!''"


    "Right!" Master Lin pped his hands, his face breaking into a smile, and he hugged the woman beside him, nting two quick kisses, "My little darling is absolutely right, I''ve never heard of a fairy dying. Darn it, I was scared silly."


    The woman, both surprised and angry, rained down punches on him, "Whether she''ll die or not, I don''t know, but today you''re going to die a miserable death!"


    Seeing big brother being beaten by Sister Xu and fleeing with his hands covering his head, Luo Ning was momentarily stunned, then she covered her mouth,ughing with a giggle, her eyes filled with a rich tenderness...


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 Chapter 395

    Chapter 395


    Chapter 395 Through Thousands of Years, Unifying the Xiao Family!


    At the cliff''s base, the water flowed turbulently, without cessation. Hu Bugui led tens of thousands of soldiers to search for several hours, but other than a few cloth strips hanging from the trees, they found nothing.


    Lin Wanrong was relieved. Not finding the Fairy Ning was good news. Considering Ning Yuxi''s abilities, she wouldn''t perish so easily. Perhaps one day, she would suddenly appear before him and scare him.


    They dispatched soldiers to carefully remove the gunpowder from the mountain cave, taking half a day to clear it all. Staring at the mountainous pile of gunpowder, Hu Bugui was sweating profusely. If not for General Lin''s heroic courage to break into the enemy''sir, those tens of thousands of brothers might have died without even knowing how.


    Xu Zhiqing was initially furious at Lin San for abandoning his post, but upon seeing the small mountain-like boxes of gunpowder, she was terrified and didn''t scold him anymore.


    With thest obstacle gone, a wide open road led straight to the capital, and the more than tens of thousands of troops marched day and night, arriving in the capital region in just over two days, right within the Emperor''s seven-day deadline, an astonishing speed indeed.


    Xu Wei received the news and waited outside the city early. Seeing the approaching army from afar, a young general in a white robe, wearing silver armor and a golden helmet, riding a steed, waszily looking around, looking very majestic.


    "Little, little brother Lin!" Xu Wei eximed in joy, urging his carriage to rush over, calling out from afar.


    "How dare I trouble Mr. Xu to greet me personally? I am unworthy," Lord Lin pretended to bow on horseback, his face serious.Miss Xu lowered the carriage curtain, humming to Luo Ning beside her: "Ning''er, your husband should perform in a theater. He''s been so joyful andughing all the way here. But now that my father ising out to greet him, he puts on an act. Pretending to be serious, he''s indeed a fine actor."


    Miss Luo giggled: "Sister, you know how big brother is. He''s naturally like this. If he ever bes serious, you mightin again."


    Miss Xu stared at Luo Ning for a while and suddenly sighed: "Ning''er, the way you talk now, you really seem carved from the same mold as your Lin San. Is it true that one bes red when near cinnabar and ck when near ink?"


    "Really?" Luo Ning unconsciously touched her pink face and peeked out of the curtain, shyly saying, "''Husband sings, wife follows,'' it should be like this. Sister, I think you understand big brother even more deeply than I do."


    "Is that so?" Through the window, seeing Lin San chatting happily with Xu Wei, Xu Zhiqing''s cheeks flushed, and she waved her hand annoyedly: "Don''t talk to me about that despicable fellow; I''m annoyed when I see him."


    "Do little brother and this old man still need to be so formal?" Xu Wei chuckled, stroking his beard: "You are now a hero of our Great Hua. It would only be right for all the civil and military officials to greet you."


    Master Lin, knowing he had inadvertently been too familiar with Mr. Xu''s daughter, felt a pang of guilt. With an embarrassed smile and a humble expression, he said: "Mr. Xu, you overpraise me. I am unlearned and have much to learn from you. I hope you will continue to guide me in the future."


    Has the sun risen from the west? How had this youngster changed so drastically, bing so humble all of a sudden? Xu Wei looked at him, puzzled, only to see Master Lin''s face filled with ingratiating smiles, his expression quite odd, but he couldn''t discern anything amiss. Strange!


    Xu Wei snorted and turned his head, looking at the dozens of heavily guarded silver carts, then at the brand-new fire-sealedbels on the silver boxes. His heart thrilled with excitement, and he hurriedly walked over to the carts, slowly stroking the cold silver boxes, murmuring to himself, "Found it, finally found it, Heaven bless Great Hua, Heaven bless our Great Hua! Little brother, tell me in detail about the process of finding this silver."


    Telling stories was indeed one of Master Lin''s specialties, and this was a miracle he had created with his own hands. When it came to boasting, he naturally took the lead. Right then, he borated on their overnight journey to Shandong, searching for clues, determining the location of the silver,ting fish, and raising silver from wooden ships. His livelihood depended on his ability to talk big, and he knew how to praise himself; how he was so wise and held all the aces, how he went against all odds to fish with a, and how they used wooden boats to sift the sand and retrieve the silver. For a moment, words were flying everywhere, the world seemed to change color, and even he felt that Lin San was a rare genius, unparalleled in both Heaven and Earth.


    Xu Wei listened with great interest, asionally questioning, sometimes sighing. When the story was over, he breathed a sigh of relief and said, "The process of finding this silver has already spread in the capital, but it''s all hearsay. Today, after hearing your ount, I realized that it''s even more thrilling and splendid than the rumors. It seems I missed a great show! Little brother Lin, do you know that now in the capital, it''s widely said that you are truly the number one schr in the world."


    ¡®My goodness, isn''t this stirring up conflict between me and old Xu? Everyone knows he''s the number one.¡¯ Master Lin shook his head solemnly, "Who''s spreading these rumors? Mr. Xu, you must not believe them. I''m young and ignorant, how can Ipare to your youthful aplishments, your elegant schrship, your support for the Emperor, and your respect throughout thend? At most, I could im to be second in the world."


    Xu Weiughed heartily, patting him on the shoulder, "Little brother Lin, don''t be too modest. The people have seen what you''ve done. When Princess Nishang chose a husband, you fought the Turks, winning every battle, already beyond everyone''s expectations. In the arena, you defeated many with few, and the strong with the weak, which was extraordinary. This time in Shandong, you created the spectacle of fish leaping through the dragon''s gate, worthy of being called a world-ss genius. Moreover, your stories in Jinling have already spread to the capital. In taverns and tea houses, the most popr story is ''Lin San''s Furious Battle with the Couplet King, Brave Houseboy Winning Back the Beauty.'' It''s about you and Miss Luo. Your couplet verses have even been transcribed, framed, and sold, and they''re not cheap. Even your newly renovated mansion, though still uninhabited, has many people waiting day and night, hoping to receive a calligraphy piece from you."


    "No way!!!" Master Lin was taken aback, people asking him for calligraphy? ying with a brush, he couldn''t even create a simple "chick-pecking-at-rice" picture. But if people were willing to pay, why not learn to use a brush for a few years?


    ¡°Brother Xu, all these honors are bestowed by the fellow vigers and elders; they mustn¡¯t be taken seriously,¡± Master Lin said, his face alight withughter after Xu Wei¡¯spliment. ¡°You know me, Brother Xu, I always live simply and humbly, with indifference to fame and wealth. All these titles like being the first or second in the world are mere vanities; they matter not to me!¡±


    ¡®How shameless this boy must be to speak without any regard for propriety,¡¯ Xu Wei thought,ughing out loud before nodding, ¡°Understood, understood, your integrity and virtue are known to all. But our Great Hua has not seen such outstanding talent for hundreds of years. With a foreign invasion looming and internal strife at hand, our nation faces a great crisis. Great Hua needs a hero, a symbol admired by the people, to unite hearts and share in the country''s difficulties. Among all the learned men in the world, little brother Lin, you are aplished in both literary and military fields, your experiences are legendary, and your origins as amoner give you an unparalleled lofty status among the people. Who else could bear the mantle of this symbolic hero but you?¡±


    ¡®From this perspective, it really seems like I am the only choice,¡¯ Master Lin thought, chuckling, ¡°Brother Xu, did someone tell you to say all this to me? I was wondering why you would personallye out of the city to meet me, so this is the reason.¡±


    Xu Wei coughed awkwardly a few times,ughing, ¡°This, this is truly from my heart, little brother. Please do not misunderstand.¡±


    The Emperor''s campaign to deify Master Lin was indeed grand, quietly forcing Master Lin into a corner without any escape. Xu Wei, being such a clever man, must have sensed something, to speak so fervently on the Emperor''s behalf.


    ¡°Let''s talk about thister,¡± Master Linughed. ¡°For now, we should focus on delivering this silver to the national treasury. Brother Xu, you are the Minister of Revenue, so please count these 350,000 taels of silver, and I will have fulfilled my duty. Then I can go home and sleep beside my wife.¡±


    The officials who hade with Xu Wei had already opened the silver chests and counted them under the supervision of soldiers. They reported the final amount to Xu Wei, who stamped the receipt document, smiling, ¡°Little brother Lin, how could I not trust your work? All 350,000 taels are here, not a bit more or less.¡±


    ¡®Xu Wei is indeed a master at lying without batting an eye,¡¯ Master Lin thought. The scribes had counted the silver several times, and only after confirming the uracy did Xu Wei stamp the document, yet he spoke as if he hadplete trust in him.


    Xu Wei nced around and saw Xu Zhiqing and Luo Ning jumping down from the carriage, walking towards them. He stealthily pulled Master Lin aside, whispering, ¡°Little brother Lin, did my daughter Zhiqing cause you any trouble on this journey?¡±


    Master Lin responded with a lewd smile, his face disying ascivious expression, ¡°No trouble, no trouble at all, only that my hand grew a bit tired.¡±


    Master Lin''s words were profound and elusive. Despite Xu Wei''s vast knowledge, he couldn''tprehend the meaning hidden within them and could only nod in agreement, saying, "Indeed, it must have been tough for you on this journey. Our Xu family''s Zhiqing is delicate in body and innocent in mind. I would be worried if she were with anyone else, fearing that she might be mistreated. But with you, little brother Lin, I have a hundred percent trust. With you by her side, nothing can go wrong with her!"


    Master Lin couldn''t help but grit his teeth and grimace at hearing this. Delicate? Was Xu Wei really willing to say such words? Along the way, he didn''t know how many times he had been beaten up by her. But her innocence? Well, that was indeed as pure as his own, truly very pure!


    "Niece Luo Ning pays her respects to noble Uncle Xu. For your great kindness in assisting my father this time, along with sister Zhiqing, I am eternally grateful," Luo Ning said,ing forward with Xu Zhiqing and bowing to Xu Wei.


    Xu Wei hurriedly helped her up,ughing, "These were just my duties, noble niece. Please, no more formalities. Do rise."


    Luo Ning smiled slightly, respectfullypleting her courtesy, and stood beside her big brother. Xu Wei nodded to Xu Zhiqing, "Zhiqing, you should thank little brother Lin for taking care of you on this journey."


    "No need, no need," Master Lin modestly waved his hands, "Miss Xu and I helped each other; there''s no need to thank."


    Xu Zhiqing recalled the bullying she had endured on the way, snorted, and ignored him. Xu Wei, looking somewhat embarrassed, said, "Ah, Zhiqing is still young, andcks manners. I hope you can forgive her, little brother Lin."


    Young? Master Lin was taken aback. Luo Ning chuckled; Uncle Xu''s skin was not much thicker than her big brother''s.


    After some pleasantries and settling necessary matters, Xu Wei climbed into his carriage, preparing to depart. Suddenly, he turned around, ncing at Lin Wanrong, and asked, "Little brother Lin, there is one more thing. I''m not sure if I should speak about it or not."


    "What''s there to question? Mr. Xu, why the need for formality between us?" Lin Wanrong replied with a magnanimous smile.


    Xu Wei nodded and sighed, "In less than half a month, General Li Tai''s army will be setting out. I hope you''ll consider his proposal and not act rashly. The army is in dire need of talented leaders. A real man should be on the battlefield, making a name for himself. With your abilities, it would be a great waste if you couldn''t serve the country. I urge you to give it serious consideration."


    From inside the carriage, Xu Zhiqing lifted the curtain, giving Lin San an annoyed look, and snorted, "Father, this man is selfish and short-sighted, concerned only with his own pleasures. What''s the use of speaking to him? Let other men stain the battlefield with their blood while he remains trapped in his world of beauties."


    Hearing that Uncle Xu wanted her big brother to go to battle, Luo Ning''s grip on her big brother''s hand tightened, and she looked at him anxiously.


    It was the same old issue raised again, and Lin Wanrong couldn''t remember how many times he had been advised. Even he was puzzled. He had never studied military strategies or formations, so why did Xu Wei, Li Tai, and this defiant Xu Zhiqing value him so much? Just because he had won a battle in Shandong? That seemed far too careless.


    Lin Wanrong smiled with a fist salute and said, "I thank Mr. Xu for his kind intentions. Achieving great deeds and sess is of no concern to me; what truly matters is bringing those brothers who charged onto the battlefield back alive. To be honest, on the way to Shandong, I''ve been constantly pondering this matter. It''s not that I''m afraid to go, but the responsibility is too great, like a massive burden weighing on me, making it hard to breathe."


    "What are you afraid of if you have the ability to bear the responsibility? I''m not afraid, why should you be?" Xu Zhiqing nced at him, her face softening, her voice gentler.


    "Exactly, exactly." Seeing Master Lin''s attitude seeming to waver, Xu Wei became energized and hastily persuaded, "Only the sage and virtuous are brave enough to bear responsibility. I have seen little brother Lin''s talent inmanding troops with my own eyes. Just the love and admiration of tens of thousands of soldiers alone is something that others cannot achieve. Moreover, you are clever and resourceful, wise beyond measure, and the soldiers under yourmand are disciplined and fierce. You are highly regarded in the army. With these two points, you can surely fight the northern nomads."


    ¡®This old man sure knows how to sweet-talk,¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Thank you, Miss Xu, for your advice, and thank you, Brother Xu, for the encouragement. Hearing you speak, even I start to think of myself as a military genius. If not for my mind being elsewhere, I would surely have been persuaded by you."


    "Mind elsewhere?" Xu Wei heard a glimmer of hope and hurriedly said, "If there''s anything troubling you, little brother Lin, anything that I can help with, I''ll certainly spare no effort."


    "You know of this matter too, Mr. Xu," Lin Wanrong sighed, taking Luo Ning''s small hand and smiling affectionately, "When I was in Jinling, I encountered a close female friend named Xiao Qingxuan. Later, we were separated, but we promised to meet at the Jade Buddha Temple in the capital on the seventh day of the seventh month this year."


    ¡®So he went to the Jade Buddha Temple to find Miss Xiao. How many close female friends does this guy have?¡¯ Xu Zhiqing thought of her first meeting with Lin San at the Jade Buddha Temple and felt a pang in her heart. She looked at him and lowered her head, silent.


    "I won''t hide it from you all," Lin Wanrong continued, "the reason I left Jinling for the capital was to keep this promise. Qingxuan''s ce in my heart is like Luo Ning''s; I can''t bear to leave either of them."


    Luo Ning lowered her head in joyful shyness at his words, while Miss Xu shook her head repeatedly. This girl had really turned foolish since marrying her husband, not even recognizing Lin San''s deliberate ttery.


    "The seventh day of the seventh month?" Xu Wei furrowed his brow, "That''s more than five months away. Little brother Lin, do you have any clues about this Miss Xiao? If you have any leads, I''ll risk my life to help you find her."


    "I can''t say I have no clues," Lin Wanrong said, full of emotion, "I must admit, Mr. Xu, just before leaving for Shandong, I happened to see Qingxuan''s portrait in the pce."


    "In the pce?" Xu Wei eximed, looking at Lin Wanrong, "I understand, little brother Lin. After all that beating around the bush, you want me to inquire about this youngdy with the Emperor. But there''s one thing I don''t understand. With your current standing near the Emperor, why don''t you speak to him yourself?"


    The old man was indeed shrewd. Lin Wanrong shook his head with a bitter smile and said, "My dear brother Xu, if the Emperor were willing to tell me, would I bother you? That old man is now avoiding me, and I don''t know what he''s thinking."


    Since the Emperor was unwilling to tell Lin San, there must be something unspeakable. Xu Wei thought for a long time. Lin San cared so much for Miss Xiao, so if he could persuade her to speak and ask him to lead the troops into battle, wouldn''t that be wonderful? Miss Xiao should be easier to talk to than Lin San.


    A glimmer of light appeared in Xu Wei''s eyes as if he had found a bright path. Heughed a few times, his chest thumping with assurance, "Little brother Lin, rest assured, even if it costs me my life, I will find the Emperor and inquire about Miss Xiao''s whereabouts, and help you and your wife reunite. Everyone knows that I, Xu Wei, love to y matchmaker."


    Ignoring thetter part of the statement, Lin Wanrong nodded, "Brother Xu is eager to help others, and I am eternally grateful. In that case, I await your good news."


    With everything said, Xu Wei felt assured, urging the carriage to move on.


    "Father, are you really going to look for Miss Xiao for Lin San?" Xu Zhiqing bit her lip, asking softly.


    "Of course. Lin San is loyal and affectionate. As long as I find Miss Xiao, and she speaks, Lin San will obediently lead the troops into battle," Xu Wei stroked his beard, smiling triumphantly.


    "Loyal and affectionate? Bah!" Miss Xu felt a strange bitterness in her heart, quickly turning her head away.


    "Zhiqing, my dear," Xu Wei sighed softly, full of meaning, "Life is short; you must seize it in time. Don''t y dumb and miss your chance."


    "Father, you''re the one who ys dumb the most!" Miss Xu''s face flushed as she chided softly. Xu Wei was momentarily startled, then burst intoughter, "Right, right, Father ys dumb the most, but Zhiqing doesn''t!"


    With Xu Wei''s help, there seemed to be hope. Having handed over the military token and seal, Master Linyfortably in the carriage on the way back, stretchingzily and tenderly touching Luo Ning''s waist, his hand gradually moving towards her chest.


    "Big brother!" Ning''er''s face turned rosy, as she snuggled into his arms, softly asking, "Where will we rest tonight?"


    Master Lin was taken aback. That was a good question. Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao were in the capital, and if they continued to stay at the Xiao residence, although he didn''t mind, the two girls might be ufortable. Luo Ning, being passionate, would probably be too embarrassed to express herself, hindering his grand ns. But if they moved to a new house, what about Eldest Miss? What would she think? Theoretically, he still belonged to the Xiao family; would he be directly fired by Eldest Miss?


    He thought back and forth but found no good solution, inwardly regretting that he hadn''t turned the Xiao family into his harem earlier,bining Ning''er, Eldest Miss, and the others in one swoop, solving all his troubles.


    "Big brother, what are you thinking about?" Ning''er''s seductive voice rang in his ear.


    "Through thousands of years, unifying the Xiao Family," Master Lin uttered through gritted teeth.


    Luo Ning chuckled, punched him yfully in the chest, and said with a hint of sarcasm, "The poor Xiao family, with their widowed women, chose you out of thousands, only to have you, a wicked man, bewitch the souls of both Eldest Miss and Second Miss. The Xiao family doesn''t need to be unified; it''s already yours."


    "Is that so?" Lin Wanrong teased, "I never realized Ning''er had nned so meticulously. I really didn''t see that you have some potential as a little housewife!"


    Luo Ning wrinkled her little nose and huffed, "Of course. Big brother, earning money isn''t easy, and Ning''er can spend, but she can also save. Big brother, in the future, when Ning''er uses the money you''ve earned to do good deeds, you can just take the opportunity to advertise; two birds with one stone."


    Intimacy really did make a difference. As Master Lin marveled at this, he heard the Talented Lady Luo lean into his ear and whisper with fragrant breath, "Big brother, don''t we have a mansion in the capital? Uncle Xu said that the renovation isplete, so why don''t we stay there tonight¡ª"


    "This..." Master Lin was hesitating when Talented Lady Luo blew a breath into his ear, her eyes sparkling with wild mes, her face so hot and flushed it seemed it could drip water, "¡ªand Qiaoqiao will be there too, just the three of us! Ah, big brother, what will you do to satisfy me?!"


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 Chapter 396

    Chapter 396


    Chapter 396 The Proposal


    When Lin Wanrong returned to the Xiao family, he found neither Qiaoqiao nor the Eldest Miss, and even Madam Xiao had gone out. This puzzled him greatly. After being absent for a few days, why were all the women in the house so busy?


    The little maidservant Huan''erughed and said, ¡°Brother San, Miss Seo Jang Geum from Goryeo has taken Qiaoqiao and Eldest Miss away, as if they are going to y with some rare toy. Even the Madam went with them.¡±


    Seo Jang Geum? Hadn''t she returned to Goryeo? How had Qiaoqiao be involved with Seo Jang Geum? Lin couldn''t help but feel perplexed.


    Luo Ning, having heard of Seo Jang Geum''s reputation, and more about her flirty rtionship with his big brother, nced at Lin Wanrong and smiled, ¡°This Miss Jang Geum is quite skillful. She managed to win over both Eldest Miss Xiao and Qiaoqiao. Big brother, don''t you think there will be more people speaking for her in the future?¡±


    Lin Wanrong gave an awkward smile and asked Huan''er, ¡°How did Seo Jang Geum be so familiar with Qiaoqiao? What did she invite the Eldest Miss and Qiaoqiao to do?¡±


    ¡°Brother San, on the second day after you went to Shandong, Miss Seo Jang Geum came looking for you. As it happened, you were not here, and Miss Qiaoqiao spoke a few words with her. I don''t know what they talked about, but Miss Qiaoqiao became very excited. Even Eldest Miss talked with her for a long time. They became familiar with each other, and whenever they had free time over these past few days, the two youngdies would go visit Miss Seo Jang Geum. They have be quite friendly,¡± Huan''er exined the matter in brief.


    Seo Jang Geum''s dy in Great Hua was probably due to what she sought, Master Lin thought. Since he hadn''t yet reported to the Emperor, they hadn''t received a definite response, so they naturally wouldn''t leave easily. This girl was quite cunning, realizing she could influence his wife. With her vast knowledge and firm character, she easily won the favor of Qiaoqiao and Eldest Miss, so their friendship was no surprise.


    Lin Wanrong settled down, chatted with Luo Ning for a while, and then gave her a tour. When Luo Ning saw the mandarin duck pillows in big brother''s room, she thought of Qiaoqiao''s daily romantic time with big brother. Her face turned red, and she quickly grabbed his hand, firmly deciding to move out.¡°Big brother, is big brother back?¡± Qiaoqiao''s cheerful voice came from outside the door. Her delicate face was flushed with excitement from her haste. Seeing big brother smiling in front of her, she couldn''t help but let out a soft cry and rushed into his arms.


    Lin Wanrongughed and hugged her, giving her a quick kiss on the face. Qiaoqiao eximed in surprise, her face turning beet red as she looked behind him at Luo Ning and joyfully said, ¡°Sister Ning, howe you are here too?¡±


    Luo Ning smiled, taking her hand and tapping her nose, ¡°I''ve been here for a while, but you were too busy being affectionate with big brother to notice. Now that you have married your husband, things are indeed different.¡± Luo Ning''s face warmed, and herst words seemed to be speaking of herself.


    Qiaoqiao shyly lowered her head and whispered in Miss Luo''s ear, ¡°Sister, aren''t you the same? Now that big brother has gone to Shandong, Sister must have had her long-cherished wish fulfilled! Hee hee, congrattions, Sister!¡±


    ¡°Naughty girl!¡± Luo Ning cried sweetly, pouncing on her, and the two copsed onto the small bed, tumbling into a yful mess. Master Lin watched with unblinking eyes, thinking, ¡®Good, this is just the warm-up, the real drama will be performed tonight.¡¯


    Behind Qiaoqiao, Eldest Miss who was following nced at the two women in the midst of yful teasing, sighed slightly, and was about to leave. Lin Wanrong''s eyes were quick, and he grabbed her hand in surprise, saying, "Eh, Eldest Miss, not seeing you for a few days, how have you lost so much weight?"


    "Where have I lost weight?" Eldest Miss withdrew her hand, snorting coldly, "It''s just that your sights have broadened, and others can''t catch your eye."


    Seeing her gaze fall on Luo Ning, her face full of bitter resentment, Lin Wanrong suddenly understood. Eldest Miss had already been somewhat envious of Luo Ning back in Jinling; now, seeing that he had brought her, she was naturally irritated.


    He quickly grabbed her little hand, leading her out of the room, his face full of worry, "Eldest Miss, you know, I have my difficulties."


    "What difficulties do you have?" Eldest Miss looked at him, angrily saying, "With such beautiful and closepanions, all of whom have fallen for you, this is the good fortune that all men dream of in the world. What are you worried about? Is it that you think you haven¡¯t attracted enough youngdies?"


    She stood tall, her eyebrows raised in anger, her figure slender and elegant, her beautiful and smooth cheeks flushed with a hint of annoyed pink, her cheeks like dewdrops, her nose like powdered rouge, her eyes misting up, and her full bosom heaving, utterly adorable. Lin Wanrong was stunned, mumbling, "Eldest Miss, you look really beautiful."


    "What''s the use of your sweet talk? You think this will make me not angry at you?" Xiao Yuruo turned her head, humming softly, her voice much softer.


    "Ah, Eldest Miss, you have every right to be angry, and actually, I''m very distressed too." Lin Wanrong frowned, putting on a pitiful look, "You probably know some of my situation. Whether it''s Ning''er or Qiaoqiao, I never actively pursued them. These feelings just happened naturally, and it was toote to avoid them. Moreover, they shared hardships with me, and it¡¯s hard to abandon them. If you were me, what would you do? Could you cast aside one of them?"


    Stealing a nce at Eldest Miss''s face, seeing her quietly listening without speaking, Lin Wanrong sighed in relief, smirking, "Actually, from another perspective, isn''t my poprity proof of Eldest Miss''s good taste? You surely can''t love someone whom nobody else likes, can you?"


    "Who likes you? Shameless!" Eldest Miss turned around, her neck flushed red.


    Lin Wanrong grabbed her little hand, gently stroking it a few times, smiling, "Even if you don''t like me, I like you, that''s good enough. Eldest Miss, actually, these days when I went to Shandong, I''ve been thinking about you every day. Evenst night, I dreamt of going back to Jinling with you."


    "I don''t believe your nonsense. You had Luo Ning''spany every day; how could you think of me?" Eldest Miss''s face was flushed, and after shaking her little hand a few times without breaking free from his grip, she gave up the useless effort and let him hold her.


    "Really, I swear to the heavens," Lin Wanrong raised his right hand, his expression utterly sincere, "If I didn''t think of Eldest Miss every day, I''d be her ox or horse and let her ride me for a lifetime."


    Xiao Yuruo chuckled, then immediately realized that she shouldn''t, quickly straightening her face, "Who wants to ride you for a lifetime? You wish. With all your flowery words, you must have used them on many other women. Theye easily to you. It would be strange to believe you."


    Though she spoke thus, her small hand clenched his palm tightly. Her skin, clear and lustrous as jade, flushed a faint rose color, and her autumn water-like eyes sparkled, alluring and captivating.


    Lin Wanrong''s heart itched as he looked at her, and he yfully tickled her palm for a moment, then slowly let his hand drift toward her waist.


    "What are you doing?" Xiao Yuruo''s voice trembled slightly, whispering, "Qiaoqiao and the others are still in the room!"


    Lin Wanrong wrapped his arm around her slender waist, pressing her against the wall. He breathed softly in her ear and chuckled, "They are talking among themselves, and we are having our conversation; one does not disturb the other."


    Feeling his body leaning towards her like a zing fire, Eldest Miss''s heart rate elerated manyfold. Her small hands, as if unsure where to ce them, gently pinched his back a few times, "Don''te closer, you rogue, hmm¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong lowered his head and kissed her lush and alluring red lips, swallowing her soft protestations. Eldest Miss felt weak all over, and the longing of the past few days surged out like a volcanic eruption. Knowing full well that the time and ce were both inappropriate, she was unable to resist his fiery passion, and she melted into his ardent embrace.


    Lin Wanrong''s arms were incredibly strong, and the two were tightly embraced as if they had merged into one. Eldest Miss felt dizzy and breathless, her waist soft and delicate, her full and stic chest pressed against Lin Wanrong''s chest like two dollops of cream. Hisrge hand slid slowly down her slender waist, about to touch her hip, when a soft cough was heard. Eldest Miss''s body trembled, and she hastily pushed him away. Seeing the person who had arrived, her face turned bright red, "Mother, Mother¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly turned around to find Madam Xiao standing in the courtyard, her face stern, staring coldly at him. Eldest Miss quickly gave him a gentle push. Lin Wanrong was flustered, his mind momentarily short-circuited, and he blurted out, "Mother, Mother¡ª"


    "Ah! You''re killing me!" Eldest Miss covered her blushing cheeks, stamped her foot, and ran off.


    Lin Wanrong wiped away a cold sweat, cursing himself, ¡®Damn, what a slip-up. Why did I say those words?¡¯


    Madam Xiao''s face was calm as she slowly said, "Lin San, are you here to propose marriage?"


    Madam Xiao was indeed clever. Lin Wanrong quickly nodded andughed, "Exactly, exactly. I was just about to mention it, but it seems Madam Xiao beat me to it."


    Madam Xiao snorted and said, "You''d better think it through and not change your mindter. Although the Xiao family consists of a lone widow and daughters, we are not to be trifled with. If you are sincere, well and good, but if you''re trying to take advantage quietly, even if you were the Emperor himself, I would hold you to ount."


    Caught in the act of stealing a kiss from her daughter, Lin Wanrong felt ashamed andughed awkwardly, "What are you talking about, Madam? Taking advantage quietly? Could I, Lin San, stoop so low? I''m here today to propose, and I beg you to betroth your daughter to me. Here is the betrothal gift!"


    He rummaged in his pocket for a while, producing banknotes, bee stings, a firearm, a bottle of sleeping potion¡ªeverything that a wanderer of the jianghu would have¡ªandid it all before Madam Xiao.


    Madam Xiao''s face slightly changed, and she picked up a colorful little booklet from the pile in front of her and started to flip through it nonchntly. She snorted, "With these random and messy objects, you want to marry my daughter? That''s far too simple. Oh, dear, what is this?!"


    With a "p," the colorful booklet was fiercely thrown to the ground. Madam Xiao turned around, visibly angry, her face tinged with a bright rosy hue, looking strikingly beautiful.


    Lin Wanrong picked up the booklet, and his eyes widened at the sight of the vivid images of dragons and tigers and two lifelike little figures in various positions. It was the erotic picture album he had been carrying with him for a long time. In his haste, he had pulled it out without thinking, only to be caught red-handed by his future mother-inw. How shameful and disgraceful!


    "You shameless man, to hide such obscene material! How can I trust you with my daughter?" Madam Xiao''s face was still flushed as she looked at him, both shy and angry.


    "This is a misunderstanding, Madam." Master Lin picked up the booklet, looking extremely serious, "Having been in the Xiao family for so long, don''t you know what kind of person I am? To be frank, my colleagues in the residence have even given me a nickname behind my back."


    "What nickname?" Madam Xiao asked coldly.


    Lin Wanrong, without blinking an eye, answered righteously, "My nickname is ''Charming to All, Upright and Unequaled''! Think about it, how could someone as upright as Lin San ever engage in such vulgar acts? I don''t believe it, and neither do you, Madam. Isn''t that right?"


    Madam Xiao red at him fiercely and huffed, "The evidence is right in front of us, and you still want to argue?"


    "What is evidence? What you see may not be the truth." Master Lin smiled mischievously, ncing around cautiously and lowering his voice, "Today, I will tell Madam a huge secret. Please watch¡ª"


    He picked up a bee needle from the ground, activated its mechanism, and with a whooshing sound, the needles were shot out, hitting a potted nt in the yard. The nt immediately withered and copsed, surrounded by ck smoke.


    "What is this?" Madam Xiao stepped back in shock.


    "This is a hidden weapon called a bee needle that I carry with me when I wander the martial world. And this is called a firearm." Master Lin yed with the firearm, the firing pin shing with a rattling noise.


    "Wandering the martial world? Bee needle? Firearm?" Madam Xiao looked at him, perplexed, "Lin San, what do you mean by this?"


    Lin Wanrong became unusually serious, "Madam, think back to our time in Jinling. Why did Mr. Xu value me so highly when we were strangers? How did the Eldest Miss and I escape unharmed from the White Lotus Sect? Why were the northern nomads afraid of me during the princess''s martial contest, and why does the Emperor trust me? Have you ever thought about this?"


    Indeed, when Lin San''s various encounters and rtionships were considered, everything seemed extraordinary. Was there a hidden secret to it all? Madam Xiao looked at him, her brow furrowed in confusion, and said nothing.


    "Madam, to tell you the truth, on the surface, I may appear to be a mere servant in the Xiao mansion, but in reality, I am a top-notch martial artist, known in the jianghu as ''Quick Pleasure Cannon King.'' Only you and a few others, like Qiaoqiao, know this secret. I don''t tell it to ordinary people, so please be sure to keep it confidential. The reason I have been able to help the Xiao familyplete so many impossible tasks is that I have the aid of divine martial arts, which makes the northern nomads fear me and the Emperor trust me."


    "Divine martial arts assistance?!" Hearing his increasingly mystical words, Madam Xiao was half skeptical and half believing. But apart from this exnation, there really was no way to exin his miraculous experiences.


    "Madam, what you saw in this little book might seem like erotic art at first nce, but appearances are meant to deceive the ordinary man. Vulgar people only look at its surface, but profound people can see its extraordinariness. This erotic art, in reality, represents a special martial art technique called ''Dongxuanzi''s Thirty-Six Scatter Hands.'' You see, this pose is called ''Flying Dragon in the Sky,'' this one is ''Fierce Tiger Leaping Out,'' and this move is even more amazing, called ''Golden Cicada Attaching Tail.'' It can be used as a hidden attack, and it is one of the secrets of my school. Madam, please take a look but never reveal it."


    Madam Xiao spat lightly and waved her hand, pping the album away, so it fell on the ground. She turned her head, saying, "Speak properly, what do you show me this for?"


    Lin Wanrong said sincerely, "I am telling you this earth-shaking secret today to gain your trust, so you won''t misunderstand me anymore."


    "I don''t care about your ''Quick Pleasure Cannon King,''" Madam Xiao said, not easily deceived, and hummed coldly, "Since you have a contract with my Xiao family, you must naturally execute it as agreed. There''s no escaping it."


    "I haven''t thought about running away," Master Lin said, smiling broadly, "Madam, what about my affair with the youngdy? Have you agreed to it?"


    "Lin San, don''t y dumb with me," the Madam said with a slight smile, "You keep asking me to agree to your marriage with the youngdy, but my Xiao family has two youngdies. Which one are you proposing to?"


    "This..." Lin Wanrong hesitated, and just as he was about to shamelessly say he wanted both, Madam Xiao''s face changed, "My daughters, Yuruo and Yushuang, are each a phoenix among people. If you want to marry both, I advise you to give up on that idea early. Yuruo, Yushuang, you can only marry one of them!"


    "No way!!!" Lin Wanrong was horrified, ¡®How can you say such a thing, Madam? You know full well the passionate rtionship I have with both youngdies, so why obstruct it? If I can really only marry one, should I choose the eldest or the younger sister?¡¯


    "What do you mean, ''no way''?" Madam Xiao said, dissatisfied, "You have many beloved women around you. Asking you to marry one of my daughters is already apromise on their part. What more do you want?"


    Seeing that the Madam''s stance was quite resolute and she seemed intent on separating the lovers, Master Lin hurriedly called out, "Madam, let''s negotiate further. How about this, today I''ll be the brother-inw to the Second Miss, and tomorrow I''ll be the brother-inw to the Eldest Miss. I''ll take on both roles. Ah, it will be hard, but the capable should work harder!"


    "Bing the brother-inw to the Second Miss today and the Eldest Miss tomorrow?" Lin San''s words were full of twists and turns. The Madam pondered for a long while before she regained her senses, her anger suddenly ring up. "You shameless man, you want both of them? Dream on! My Xiao family''s two youngdies will never serve the same man. Whether you want Yushuang or Yuruo, Lin San, you must think it through. Once you''ve decided, prepare the betrothal gifts, ask Master Xu to be the matchmaker, ande to propose in an upright and open manner. My Xiao family''s daughters will never engage in sneaky affairs."


    With a "p" sound, thedy raised her small foot and kicked the abandoned "Dongxuanzi''s Thirty-Six Scatter Hands" far away. Angry, she turned around and walked away with long strides!


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 Chapter 397

    Chapter 397


    Chapter 397 Seo Jang Geum''s Invention?


    "Big brother, what were you talking to Madam about?" Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning walked out,ughing and joking. They noticed that the face of Madam Xiao was flushed with a hint of displeasure as she flicked her sleeve and left. They had no idea what had happened, so they asked Lin Wanrong.


    "Oh, it was nothing," Lord Lin said, his face full of righteousness, and he spoke seriously, "I was discussing an academic issue with my wife concerning the ''Dongxuanzi''s Thirty-Six Scatter Hands.'' It''s very profound; I''ll teach you when I have time."


    Luo Ning snorted in disbelief, covering her lips, "Big brother, you''re so good at talking nonsense, I don''t believe you at all. Madam Xiao left in such a hurry; surely you''ve done something inappropriate that upset her. If you ask me, it might have something to do with the two youngdies from the Xiao family."


    She was not entirely right, but not far from the truth. Who would have thought that the passionate and charming Miss Luo would be so astute? Lin Wanrongughed and yed dumb, grabbing Qiaoqiao with one hand and wrapping his other arm around Luo Ning, caressing her waist, and he said, "You sisters have been reunited, hiding in the room and whispering. Let me hear what you were talking about."


    Qiaoqiao giggled and interjected, "I was listening to Sister Ning tell of your heroic deeds, big brother. How did you conquer her? Tell us about it. Seeing Sister Ning''s radiant face, I think she must have tasted great sweetness already."


    "You naughty girl," Luo Ning''s cheeks turned peachy red, and she rushed to cover Qiaoqiao''s little mouth. Theughter of the two women echoed throughout the courtyard. Watching the graceful figures of the two women frolic, Lin Wanrong felt a faint sense of peace in his heart. Life was short; how many times could one enjoy such warm moments? Contentment was the key.


    The two women yed for a while, finally stopping, panting and embracing. Luo Ning nced around, sticking out her bright red tongue, making a face, and carelessly said, "I almost forgot, this is the Xiao residence. Qiaoqiao, have we been too presumptuous?"


    The master of the Xiao family, Eldest Miss, had shyly retreated into her room, and the Madam had left in anger, leaving only the three of them in the courtyard. It felt odd, as though they were neither guests nor hosts. At this, Qiaoqiao fell silent, and the two of them waited for their big brother to speak.Lin Wanrong waved his hand generously, smiling, "No worries, no worries, we''re all family, soon to be rted by marriage. Everyone, rx, that''s how we''ll feel close."


    The girls didn''t understand what he meant by "rted by marriage." Luo Ning gave him a charming nce and softly said, "Big brother, I''ve asked Qiaoqiao earlier, the mansion the Emperor has rewarded is all ready. We can move in anytime. I think we should move sooner, to give Madam Xiao and Eldest Miss some peace, so as not to disturb them for too long."


    It seemed that Ning''er didn''t want to stay in the Xiao family any longer. But regarding Eldest Miss, he had just taken advantage of her; it wouldn''t be right to just leave. Moreover, contractually, he was still part of the Xiao family, unable to leave.


    "Qiaoqiao, my little darling, what do you think? Should we move or not?" Seeing Qiaoqiao''s somewhat reluctant look, Lin Wanrong held her little hand, caressing it as he asked.


    Qiaoqiao hesitated for a moment, whispering, "I heard it from big brother and Sister Ning. But since I came to the capital, Madam and Eldest Miss have treated me like a child or sister, with unparalleled warmth. I can''t bear to leave like this. If there''s a way for us all to never be apart, that would be best."


    This wasn''t really a problem. As long as Master Lin seeded in his marriage proposal this time, bing both a brother-inw and a brother-inw to the sisters, everything would be perfect, especially since the mansion bestowed by the Emperor was spacious.


    Lin Wanrong gave a frivolous smile, and while Ning''er wasn''t looking, he rubbed Miss Luo''s tender little face. Luo Ning blushed all over, quickly dodging, her face flushed as she nced at Qiaoqiao, shyly saying, "Big brother, don''t tease people, Qiaoqiao is still here."


    Master Lin smacked his lips and kissed Qiaoqiao''s bright red little face, triumphantly saying, "Now it''s even, neither of my two wives can be left out."


    The two women blushed with joy, bowing their heads together. Lin Wanrong pped Luo Ning''s raised hips, leering with a smile, "Ning''er, where''s your bold deration? Have you discussed with Qiaoqiao about tonight¡ª"


    "Big brother¡ª" Luo Ning cried out in rm, her face burning hot, her eyes soft and tender, almost as if they could squeeze out water. She tightly held Qiaoqiao''s little hand, her voice as fine as a mosquito, "As long as big brother likes it, and Qiaoqiao is willing, Ning''er can do anything, willing to do anything."


    Qiaoqiao looked at Luo Ning in confusion, "Sister Ning, what are you talking about? What does big brother want you to do?"


    Luo Ning lowered her head and whispered a few words in Qiaoqiao''s ear. Qiaoqiao let out a cry of surprise, her face blushing to her ears, her little fists pattering on Lin Wanrong''s chest, "Big brother, you''re so bad. Sister Ning, how can you not control big brother, even aiding and abetting him like this?"


    Luo Ning, seemingly gentle on the outside but passionate inside, took Qiaoqiao''s little hand andforted her, "Big brother is just such a wicked person, Sister, you know that. We three spouses are one, eating from the same pot, sleeping on the same bed, what can''t we talk about, what can''t we do? Besides, Qiaoqiao, what did big brother do to you that day in Jinling in my boudoir? Don''t I know? Hee hee, there''s even a sensual painting as evidence, you little girl, you''re much more open than me."


    Qiaoqiao let out a whimper, quickly covering her mouth, the two women''s bodies heating up, unable to resist stealing a nce at Lin Wanrong, quickly turning their heads away.


    The Talented Lady Luo, knew the big picture, recognized the essence, and Master Lin secretly sighed in his heart, ¡®My Ning''er, not only is her figure and appearance top-notch, but even in procuring women for her husband, she is so dedicated and loyal, truly virtuous and lovable.¡¯ Heughed and said, "Let''s not rush to move, but asionally spicing things up is necessary. Tonight, I will ask the Eldest Miss for a vacation. Let''s live in a new house. There can''t be too many people, just the three of us."


    These words were spoken by The Talented Lady Luo, and she didn''t expect them toe true so quickly. Seeing big brother winking at her with a lewd smile, Luo Ning''s heart raced, her face burning, her body softening, unable to resist secretly holding his big hand, her soft little fingers scratching a few times, further arousing Master Lin''s urgency. If it weren''t for the wrong time and ce, he would have publicly executed his grand n of seduction.


    Qiaoqiao saw Big Brother and Sister Ning begin to exchange affectionate nces right in front of her. She never expected that the usually timid Sister Ning would have such a charming side. Qiaoqiao''s heart was startled for a moment, and suddenly she heard Ning''er whisper in her ear, "Qiaoqiao, naughty big brother said we will stay out tonight. Will you go?"


    "Ah," Qiaoqiao panicked inside. Saying "yes" was not right, and "no" was even worse. Her face turned red as fire, and after pondering for a long time, she finally whimpered and buried her head in Ning''er''s arms, not daring to lift it again.


    Luo Ning, shy and coquettish, nced at him with a myriad of emotions and gently patted Qiaoqiao''s shoulder, "Sister, he is so wicked. Tonight, let''s deal with him together. What do you say?"


    Qiaoqiao softly hummed in agreement, not daring to speak. Lin Wanrongughed heartily. This little girl was tricked and didn''t even know it. Ning''er, this girl, had always been trying to emte Sister An, truly possessing the potential of a fox spirit.


    "Big brother, how will you thank me?" Seeing that the courtyard was quiet and no one was around, the charming fox spirit bit her red lips, her eyes flowing with emotion, and her face filled with spring feelings that could no longer be concealed. She whispered in his ear.


    Is it bearable, or is it unbearable? Lord Lin gently caressed Ning''er''s plump buttocks, from the tip of her buttocks to her slender leg crease. The soft feeling was heart-stirring, and he lewdly smiled, "Little darling, tonight we will practice a magical technique called ''Dongxuanzi''s Thirty-Six Scatter Hands,'' and there are illustrations too!"


    Luo Ning''s body was numb, and she copsed softly into his arms with Qiaoqiao, her small mouth exhaling fragrances like orchids and musk, tempting the heart. Qiaoqiao, huddled with her in big brother''s arms, felt her heart was about to jump out.


    With two beauties in his arms, was there anything more joyful in the world? Lord Lin slowly enjoyed the moment. These two women, one charming and the other shy, had different tastes. Touching and grabbing were inevitable, but with the example of Eldest Miss, he dared not go too far for the time being.


    With Luo Ning''s cooperation, a "happy" life was imminent. Although Lord Lin was itching inside, he knew that haste makes waste. He forcibly gathered his mind, kissed Qiaoqiao''s face, and smiled, "By the way, Qiaoqiao, I heard that during the days I was away, Seo Jang Geum got along well with you. Is that true?"


    In front of Sister Ning''er, being frivolously teased by big brother, Qiaoqiao was panting and quickly covered her half-unbuttoned little cotton jacket. She nodded and shyly said, "The day after you left, Sister Jang Geum came to visit the mansion. We chatted for a while, and she taught me many Goryeo dishes, such as cold noodles, kimchi, and soju. I made some and was waiting for you to taste them."


    Soju? Lord Lin scoffed at the mention of soju. Was it even wine? As nd as water, drinking ten bottles wouldn''t even intoxicate a cat. It was far from the taste of Great Hua. However, the cold noodles and kimchi could be used as a gimmick to enhance the fame of the restaurant.


    "Did she teach you how to make medicinal meals?" Speaking of serious matters, Qiaoqiao''s shyness lessened. Lin Wanrong smiled, "That''s her specialty, very famous in the Goryeo royal family. I heard that the Goryeo king can''t sleep without eating medicinal meals."


    Qiaoqiao looked at him with a surprised delight, "Big brother, did Sister Jang Geum even tell you about this? She said the medicinal dishese from Great Hua''s nourishing diet and possess various effects such as nourishing the Yin and moisturizing the lungs, enriching the blood and invigorating the spleen, and fortifying Yang and nourishing the kidneys. Their effects are incredibly magical, and now she is perfecting the method of medicinal dishes, intending to teach me in a few days."


    ¡®What kind of medicinal dishes could be so magical, even being able to fortify Yang and nourish the kidneys? It can''t be tiger, deer, or bear tendons, can it?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, pleased to see Qiaoqiao showing interest in this area. He thought it best to let her interact with Seo Jang Geum on this. If she could bring the eight major cuisines of our great Hua to Goryeo, the merit of this cultural invasion would fall on Qiaoqiao.


    "What about Eldest Miss? Is Eldest Miss also going to learn about medicinal dishes? How is she getting along so well with Seo Jang Geum?" Lin Wanrong inquired further.


    "What do you mean ''getting along so well''? If Eldest Miss hears that, she''ll never forgive you." Qiaoqiao giggled louder, "Eldest Miss is working on something serious. Sister Jang Geum said that she could help the Xiao family open a cloth store in Goryeo, as Goryeo girls are more beauty-conscious. If the Xiao family can open a store there, it will surely find a huge market."


    No wonder, given Eldest Miss''s temperament, the challenge of opening a shop abroad was indeed an extremely exciting challenge and absolutely irresistible. Seo Jang Geum must have understood Eldest Miss''s mindset and intentionally catered to her tastes. Moreover, once the Xiao family established a shop in Goryeo, Lin Wanrong would never stand idly by if Dongyin wanted to take any action against Goryeo. Truly, it was a brilliant idea.


    "Not only that, Sister Jang Geum also gave us several nice things. Not only I and Eldest Miss, but even Madam was extremely pleased. Before you came back today, we went to Sister Jang Geum''s ce to try them." Qiaoqiao took out a small bag from her bosom, fetched two small boxes, and joyfully handed them to Lin Wanrong, "Big brother, take a look, do you recognize this?"


    What could have made Qiaoqiao and Eldest Miss so delighted and even attracted the mature and wise Madam? Lin Wanrong was deeply curious as he slowly opened the first small box, inside of which was a tiny amount of transparent liquid with a faint fragrance. Lord Lin looked up and down, left and right, but couldn''t figure out what it was.


    "You can''t recognize it even with your broad knowledge, big brother?" Qiaoqiao teased, grabbing Luo Ning, "Sister Ning''er, please help, let me demonstrate for big brother."


    Luo Ning also didn''t recognize what it was, but seeing Qiaoqiao acting mysteriously, she leaned over with a smile, "Qiaoqiao, what are you going to do?"


    Qiaoqiao cooed, "Never mind, I assure you it will be a pleasant surprise, and you''ll soon fall in love with this thing. Close your eyes first!"


    Luo Ning obediently closed her eyes, and Qiaoqiao took a soft brush from the small box''s lid, dipped it into the transparent liquid, and applied it a few times to Luo Ning''s long eyshes. Strangely enough, the liquid caused her long eyshes to curl upwards slightly, forming a beautiful arc, and along with her charming expression, she looked even more enchanting.


    "Done!" Qiaoqiao pped her hands with a smile, carefully putting the soft brush back into the box. Luo Ning slowly opened her eyes, her long, curved eyshes trembling slightly, adding a seductive charm to her look.


    "Mascara?!" Lin Wanrong could no longer conceal the astonishment in his heart and cried out loud.


    "So, big brother knew about it." Qiaoqiao looked at him joyfully, "That''s right, this is mascara. Sister Jang Geum said it could make our eyes look brighter and more charming. Seeing Sister Ning''er today, it''s indeed true."


    Luo Ning suddenly grabbed Qiaoqiao''s little hand, "Dear sister, is this really something Miss Seo Jang Geum gave you? It''s amazing! I also want to buy some from Miss Seo. Oh, what''s the other thing?"


    Qiaoqiao opened the second small box, revealing some faint grey powder that shimmered slightly. She took a soft brush, absorbed some of it, and gently spread it on Luo Ning''s eyelids. A soft and charming glow appeared, making Luo Ning even more attractive.


    "Eyeshadow, this is eyeshadow." Lin Wanrong was utterly astonished, finding it hard to believe. Mascara and eyeshadow,mon makeup items used by women in his previous life, how could they appear in Seo Jang Geum''s hands? Were these inventions of hers? It was extraordinary, on par with his own perfume! No wonder even Madam Xiao was fascinated by them; there wasn''t a woman in the world who wouldn''t like them.


    "So big brother recognizes both of them, that''s great!" Qiaoqiao pped her hands andughed, "Sister Jang Geum said that these two items are private belongings of us women, and only two people in the world know their names. I said that big brother would surely recognize them, and I guessed right."


    Lin Wanrong looked astonished, "Qiaoqiao, are these given to you by Seo Jang Geum? Did she make this mascara and eyeshadow?"


    Qiaoqiao shook her head, "Sister Jang Geum didn''t mention that, and we liked them so much that we forgot to ask at the moment. But they must be from Goryeo. Big brother, if you want to know, I''ll ask her next time."


    That girl Seo Jang Geum, astonishingly, had this up her sleeve. If these two items were promoted, the profit would surely be no less than that of perfume. But why hadn''t he heard of them before? Were they operated by the royal family of Goryeo? He thought about it and shook his head again. If they were managed by the Goryeo royal family, they would have been known in the Central ins long ago. Beauty-loving women like Madam Xiao and Eldest Miss would not have been unaware of them. It seemed that the secret stilly with Seo Jang Geum.


    Indeed, just as Qiaoqiao had described, Luo Ning became enamored with these two items in the blink of an eye. Her interest in visiting Goryeo grew even more intense, and even the mischievous little Qiaoqiao was filled with curiosity about Goryeo, showing a strong inclination to go along. Seo Jang Geum''s charm was not to be underestimated.


    After chatting casually with the two youngdies, Lin Wanrong''s mind was preupied with the matter of proposing marriage to Madam Xiao. He could only marry one between Eldest Miss and Second Miss, a decision that was greatly perplexing.


    Thinking it over and over without reaching a conclusion, he decided to leave the matter aside for now. Mounting his prized horse, he quickly galloped toward the outskirts of the city. After a short while, he arrived at the camp of General Li Tai''s army, where Du Xiuyuan had already received the news and came out to wee him.


    "Brother Du, how have you handled the matter I entrusted to you before going to Shandong?" Lin Wanrong dismounted, handing the reins to Xu Zhen, who was curiously stroking the horse''s blood-red mane, andughed, "Go on, take it for a stroll."


    Xu Zhen was ecstatic, so thrilled that he didn''t even have time to express his thanks. He mounted the horse, spurred the reins, and the horse let out a long neigh before galloping away.


    "General Lin, I was just about to report to you," Du Xiuyuan smiled, "Those northern nomads, there has been some movement."


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 Chapter 398

    Chapter 398


    Chapter 398 The Search


    "I came here precisely for this matter." Lin Wanrong nodded, patting Du Xiuyuan''s shoulder with a smile, "Is it about those nomads wanting to y with the cannon?"


    Du Xiuyuan looked at him in surprise, folding his hands in salute, "General, your strategic thinking is beyondpare; I''m nowhere close."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "What strategic thinking? Brother Du, don''t tter me. These northern nomads want to borrow this ''F*ck Cannon''; do you think they intend to use it for mountain hunting? They''re obviously nning to use our Great Hua''s cannons, it''s clear as day."


    Du Xiuyuan nodded, "Upon receiving your instructions, General, I dispatched personnel to watch over these northern nomads around the clock. When the F*ck Cannon was first delivered to their camp, the northern nomads were amazed. They had probably never seen such an exquisite piece of ironwork before, and immediately treated it like a treasure, allocating arge tent specifically for it. Although these northern nomads are skilled horse archers, they have suffered from our cannons during our battles. Naturally, they are extremely interested in it. It''s quite funny. They consider themselves the majestic eagles of the vast ins, yet they don''t know how to operate even this simple cannon, unaware of how to load ammunition or adjust its position, let alone fire it."


    "Oh, really?" Lin Wanrong thought for a moment, puzzled, "Other people may not know, but the Turkic National Tutor Lu Dongzan is no ordinary man; he''s knowledgeable and well-versed in physics. To say he doesn''t know how to operate even this simple cannon is a bit exaggerated."


    "I''m not sure about that," Du Xiuyuan replied, "Our spies have been watching them closely, including Lu Dongzan and the Turkic special envoy Ashile. They''repletely baffled by the cannon. In the end, they had to find a few skilled cksmiths from the city and reward them handsomely to learn how to operate it. This incident has be a joke known to everyone in the capital."


    Lu Dongzan can''t really be that stupid, can he? To make such a fuss in the city by hiring craftsmen? Isn''t that ying dumb? Lin Wanrong frowned, "What happenedter? Did they fire the cannon after learning how to use it?"


    Du Xiuyuanughed loudly, "General, this is a cannon that our Great Hua has long abandoned. How could it be fired? Besides, even if the northern nomads had the courage, they wouldn''t dare fire it within the crucial areas of our capital. As for the gunpowder, our control is extremely strict; they wouldn''t be able to get their hands on it."Strict control? Lin Wanrong chuckled. On his way back from Shandong, he had almost been blown sky-high by thousands of pounds of gunpowder, even endangering his fairy sister''s life and his own. And this young man dared to talk to him about strict control? If the northern nomads really had collusion with Prince Cheng, obtaining gunpowder would be effortless. Why would they need to buy it openly?


    The northern nomads couldn''t operate the cannon, and they couldn''t buy gunpowder. The people of Great Hua hadughed their fill at their expense. Lu Dongzan''s performance was so poor that it greatly surprised Lin Wanrong. A vague sense of difort arose in his heart, and he asked, "The northern nomads never tried to fire the cannon?"


    "It won''t fire, so any attempt is in vain. The northern nomads studied it for a few days, then gradually lost interest. They covered the cannon with cloth and ignored it. These days, they are packing their bags, preparing to return to theirnd."


    Covering the cannon with cloth? Could it be that the northern nomads were so concerned about hygiene that they feared the dust would dirty therge cannon? After all, on the grasnds, these very people used horse dung as pillows to sleep on.


    "Brother Du, did your men actually see the northern nomads cover the cannon with their own eyes?" Lin Wanrong furrowed his brows and asked.


    "I didn''t see it myself, and to avoid rming the enemy, our spies kept their distance. But judging by the shape of the cover, it must be the cannon," Du Xiuyuan replied.


    This was strange indeed. The northern nomads had been lingering in the capital for so long and finally obtained a cannon, so how could they possibly abandon it like this? Lin Wanrong thought for a moment and chuckled, "Brother Du, you said earlier that the northern nomads are leaving the capital. How much luggage did they pack? Were there severalrge carts to carry everything away?"


    Du Xiuyuan eximed in surprise, "How did the general know? These northern nomads must be scared of poverty,ing to our great Hu¨¢, purchasing many things such as tea leaves and fabric, and filling a whole sevenrge carts."


    "They must indeed be scared of poverty." Lin Wanrong grinned slyly. "Brother Du, when are these northern nomads leaving the capital?"


    Du Xiuyuan looked at the sky and replied, "At dusk today, probably just starting now. These northern nomads are strange, preferring to travel at night rather than in the morning. Truly, the ways of foreigners are incorrigible."


    "Not incorrigible, but rather, they have be exceedingly cunning." Lin Wanrong chuckled, swung himself onto a horse left behind by Xu Zhen, and said, "Brother Du, gather our men, let''s go catch some thieves."


    "Catch thieves? General Lin means to¡ª" Du Xiuyuan suddenly realized, regretting, "Ah, how did I not think of that? Brothers, gather quickly!"


    Du Xiuyuan''s soldiers were all seasoned veterans brought by Lin Wanrong from Shandong, well-trained and quickly assembled. In no time, thousands of warhorses neighed, and hoofbeats thundered, heading north from the city.


    As dusk approached, and the roads were empty, it was a perfect time to gallop. After a while, they hadn''t spotted the northern nomads. Du Xiuyuan was anxious as fire; if not for General Lin''s timely reminder, he almost fell for the northern nomads'' trick. If they couldn''t retrieve that object, he wouldn''t know where to put his face.


    Lin Wanrong, riding alongside him and noticing his anxiety,ughed, "Don''t worry, the northern nomads are carrying something heavy, even if they had the best horses, they couldn''t get far. Hey, look ahead¡ª"


    Du Xiuyuan looked in the direction General Lin was pointing, and not far away, dust was rolling. Dozens of fast horses were pulling four or fiverge carts, and the riders atop the horses were tall and robust, clearly the Turks.


    "Charge¡ª!" Du Xiuyuan shouted excitedly, and like an arrow released from its string, his horse bolted forward, followed by thousands of cavalrymen, raising a thick cloud of dust on the highway.


    From a distance, Du Xiuyuan could see clearly those high-nosed, deep-set eyes; they were indeed the Turks. These northern nomads seemed unaware of the pursuit behind them, the fiverge carts maintaining a tight formation, neither fast nor slow, blocking Lin Wanrong and the others'' path.


    Lin Wanrong''s brow furrowed as he grabbed Xu Zhen, who was following him. "Little Xu, take five hundred brothers, cut through the shortcut, and search another fifty miles. When you find the northern nomads, seize them without hesitation."


    "Halt! Halt quickly!" Du Xiuyuan spurred his horse forward, leading dozens of soldiers to the front of the horse team. The riders reined in their stallions, pulling hard on the reins. The tall and spirited warhorses tossed their heads, uttering a long neigh. Their front hooves leaped, their heads turned, and their manes fluttered in the wind, facing the northern nomads'' horse team directly. The move was clean and beautifully executed, so smooth that even Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but inwardly praise it.


    The northern nomads'' horse team slowly stopped, and from the midst of the ranks, a fast horse leaped out. Other Turkic people led their horses back, and Lin Wanrong saw that the leader was Lu Dongzan, the National Tutor of the Turkic Khanate.


    Lu Dongzan ced his right hand on his chest in greeting, speaking in awkward Great Huanguage, "Respected Sir, I am Lu Dongzan, the National Tutor of the Turkic Khanate, here on the orders of Bilge Khagan to visit Great Hua and build a longsting friendship between our two nations. Having sessfullypleted my mission with the Emperor''s permission, I was about to return to the Turkds. But you have suddenly blocked our way with your soldiers. May I know your intention?"


    The northern nomads were treacherous, and Du Xiuyuan had nearly been deceived. Anger bubbling within him, he snorted coldly, "You want to return to the Turkds? Leave what belongs to Great Hua and then go!"


    "You jest, Sir," Lu Dongzan smiled, ncing at Du Xiuyuan and pointing to the carts behind him. "These goods indeed belonged to Great Hua, but we have traded horses and curved des for them. Now, they are ours. If you wish to retrieve what belongs to Great Hua, I''m afraid you will be disappointed."


    The cavalry had already surrounded the horse team. Du Xiuyuan, not wanting to waste words, waved his hand, "Search!" Hundreds of soldiers dismounted, ready to approach the carts.


    With a swish, the Turkic people''s curved des were suddenly drawn. The horses neighed in unison, and the riders stood with des in hand, an intimidating and murderous presence.


    Du Xiuyuan''s men were unhesitant, thrusting forward with long spears and sabers, meeting the Turkic people''s challenge. Du Xiuyuan grunted, "What''s this? Do you intend to go to war with Great Hua?"


    A trace of pride crossed Lu Dongzan''s face: "The matter of war is not something you can speak of lightly. You have blocked our Turkic envoy for no reason. Are you challenging the Turkic Khanate? If you do not withdraw, I will protest to your Emperor. Can you bear the consequences of damaging rtions between our countries?"


    In terms of eloquence, how could Du Xiuyuan match Lu Dongzan, a talent in governance? Although a life-and-death battle between Great Hua and the Turkic was inevitable, he couldn''t act rashly against these visiting envoys. Du Xiuyuan hesitated, unsure how to proceed.


    "Brother Lu, after just a few days, your Great Huanguage has be so fluent. I''m truly impressed," Lord Lin, riding a white horse, came smiling from among the soldiers, looking quite carefree.


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong arrive, Lu Dongzan''s face changed momentarily but quickly returned to normal. He sped his hands across his chest and greeted, ¡°I''m at a loss to wee the esteemed Lord Lin. My apologies for not having received you further on the way.¡±


    ¡°Haha, Brother Lu, yourmand of the Great Huanguage is even more authentic than mine. It seems this trip to Great Hua was not in vain!¡± General Lin said with a yful smile. His eyes fell on Du Xiuyuan, and he paused before shouting, ¡°Du Xiuyuan, I told you to look for the Persian cat, what are you still doing here?¡±


    ¡°Persian cat?¡± Lu Dongzan nced curiously at him and said seriously, ¡°Lord Lin, you''vee at the right time. This general suddenly and inexplicably blocked our Turkic delegation''s way and wants to search my carriages. My Lord, is this how Great Hua treats its guests?¡±


    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± Lin Wanrong feigned surprise and smiled, ¡°Brother Lu, this is actually a misunderstanding. Here''s what happened: A few days ago, His Majesty bestowed me a Persian cat, a tribute from Persia. Coincidentally, my seventh wife is very fond of the little creature, unable to sleep without seeing it a few times a day. Yesterday, she took it out for a stroll, but the creature mysteriously disappeared near here. Ah, I won''t hide it from you, Brother Lu, I am most fond of this wife. For this Persian cat, I''ve deployed troops, searching this area for two days and nights without even drinking water. Having to serve the Emperor and my wife is not easy for me. You, on the other hand, enjoy thepany of those norther nomads beauties, drinking and enjoying yourself every night. Brother Lu, please let it go, for we are fellow men.¡±


    ¡°This¡­¡± General Lin''s ¡°appeal to emotion¡± left Lu Dongzan somewhat at a loss, who then said hesitantly, ¡°Yourdy lost the Persian cat yesterday, but we only arrived today. How could the cat be hiding in our carriages?¡±


    ¡°You never know, that little creature has legs, and it runs faster than a donkey. I couldn''t catch it, and it escaped.¡± Lin Wanrong chuckled, ¡°Never mind something with legs; even something without legs can run on its own. Brother Lu, do you believe it?¡±


    Lu Dongzan pretended not to hear his words and shook his head, ¡°Lord Lin, if these were my belongings, I would not only allow you to search but would even give them to you for free if you wanted. But these gifts are prepared for Bilge Khagan. If they were searched, I''m afraid it would be highly disrespectful.¡±


    ¡°Is it really that serious? It''s just a search for a Persian cat; it won''t ruin anything. If your Bilge Khagan mes us, tell him toe to me directly. I am a very hospitable person, as you know, Brother Lu. How about this: I''ll give you time to think it over, and I''ll count to five. If you don''t object, I''ll take it as consent.¡±


    Lu Dongzan hesitated for a moment, and just as he was waiting for Lord Lin to count one, two, three, four, he heard Lord Lin directly shout, ¡°Five! ¡ª Oh, Brother Lu, I knew you would agree. You''re so straightforward. Du Xiuyuan, what are you standing there for?¡±


    People said Great Hua was and of etiquette, but how did it produce a maverick like Lin San? Other than admiration, Lu Dongzan felt nothing but admiration.


    Seeing Du Xiuyuan leading men and horses to search therge carriages, Lu Dongzan''s face remainedposed, showing not the slightest sign of nervousness. Lin Wanrong seemed unconcerned as well, smiling and saying, ¡°Brother Lu, do you still have any of that pungent herb? Could you spare a few ounces for me? I''m quite craving it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any left either,¡± Lu Dongzan shook his head. ¡°This thing is extremely precious. Even Bilge Khagan doesn¡¯t use a few pounds in a year. What we had was given to you some days ago.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Lord Lin smiled mysteriously. ¡°A few days ago, a certain personage also invited me to taste this pungent herb. Brother Lu, do you know who he was?¡±


    Lu Dongzan''s face changed, and he stammered a few times before forcing himself to say, ¡°Is that so? I didn¡¯t know. Oh, My Lord, how is the search going? We must hurry on our way.¡±


    Hundreds of soldiers turned the numerousrge carriages upside down, but their search yielded nothing. Du Xiuyuan came over with a dejected look, ¡°General, we didn''t find your wife''s Persian cat.¡±


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 Chapter 399

    Chapter 399


    Chapter 399 The Small Cannon


    Lu Dongzan smiled and nced at Du Xiuyuan, without a word, the color of contempt was in to see.


    "Didn''t find it?" Lord Lin snorted. "This little beast runs fast. If I catch it, I''ll definitely deal with it properly. Ah, Brother Lu, where were we?"


    Lord Lin rambled on, but Lu Dongzan had no time to waste on him. Crossing his arms and bowing, he spoke solemnly, "Lord Lin, the vehicles have been searched, and the Persian cat was not taken with us. Can you rest assured now? Bilge Khagan is eagerly awaiting our return with news of friendship with the Great Hua. With the Khagan''s orders upon me, I dare not dy. Could you please let us embark quickly?"


    "Embark?" Lin Wanrongughed. "Brother Lu, you are a guest from afar, and I haven''t had a good match with you yet. How can you leave so soon? The Turks and my Great Hua are thousands of miles apart. It will take at least ten days to half a month to travel. It wouldn''t hurt to wait another half hour, as I have something more to say to you."


    Lu Dongzan was momentarily stunned, appearing to nce inadvertently into the distance, his face as calm as ever. "What else would Lord Lin have me do? Please speak your mind."


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand, and Du Xiuyuan handed him an object. Lin Wanrong yed with it for a moment, smiling, "Brother Lu, do you recognize this?"


    "A cannon?!" Lu Dongzan''s face showed surprise. In Lin Wanrong''s hand was a small wooden model of a cannon, palm-sized, exquisitely crafted.


    "This little toy is made by the skilled craftsmen of Great Hua. The children love it, and you can buy it everywhere," Lin Wanrongughed. "Just like how you Turkic people ride horses all year long, under pressure, your cannons are all this small size.""My Lord, is this for me?" A smile crept onto Lu Dongzan''s face. This Lord Lin seemed quite warm-hearted, even remembering to give him a gift as he leave.


    "Oh, this is too big for you to use; I''ll leave it to my pet dog Wangcai. Here''s what I''m giving you." Lord Lin waved his hand again, and Du Xiuyuan, holding backughter, pulled out another small object. Lu Dongzan looked at it and was instantly dumbfounded. This time it was another cannon model, but only one-third the size of the previous one, thumb-length, with a thin, frail barrel, obviously a substandard product.


    "Hmm, this one is about right." Lord Lin examined the tiny cannon with satisfaction, his face glowing. "Brother Lu, this is specially made by my Great Hua. A concise version of the small cannon designed for foreigners, limited edition, not avable in the market, and highly collectible. Just as the saying goes, ''A treasured sword for the hero, a small cannon for the Turk.'' Now I present it to you. You must treasure it."


    ¡®A useless trinket that even a child wouldn''t want, and you have the gall to gift it to me? What I gave you, the nose-piercing Grass, the sweat-blood treasure horse, which isn''t worth a fortune?¡¯ Lu Dongzan was torn betweenughter and tears, but seeing Lord Lin''s seriousness, he had to pretend to ept it with enthusiasm, "gratefully" saying, "Thank you, Lord Lin, for this generous gift. May we now proceed?"


    "Leave? Oh, you can, of course you can. Eh, why don''t I see your country''s special envoy, Ashile? I have prepared a small cannon for him too." Lord Lin spoke with exuberant enthusiasm.


    Lu Dongzan hastily shook his head, "Oh, Ashile had other matters to attend to and leftst night. I thanked you on his behalf for your kind intentions."


    In the distance, clouds of dust were rising, and the urgent sound of hooves broke the silence. Lin Wanrong chuckled as he put away the small cannon, "Is that so? He must have run faster than my Persian cat. Eh, isn''t that Xu Zhen? Du Xiuyuan, go and see what''s going on. Don''t block the way for Master Lu Dongzan; he''s in a hurry to hit the road."


    Ahead, the dust was billowing as hundreds of cavalrymen escorted threerge carts and dozens of Turkic people towards them. Leading the way, spirited and proud, was Xu Zhen himself. Lu Dongzan''s face changed abruptly at the sight of the carts, and he quickly signaled to his guard knights. The Turks raised their sabers high, and in the light of the newly lit fires, they glinted with a cold brilliance.


    "Boom!" "Boom!" Two loud sts rang out, followed by a distant flicker of firelight. The startled horses of the Turkic cavalry reared and neighed, the riders scrambling to tighten the reins and grip the horses'' bellies. The horses jumped frantically, almost throwing off their riders. It took a while for them to calm down, their formation inplete disarray.


    Du Xiuyuan excitedly said, "General Lin, our Divine Machine Unit soldiers are operating the cannons ahead. These two shots are urate!"


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong said, smiling and shaking his head, "Tell them to fire a few more shots to send off Master Lu Dongzan. They''vee such a long way, after all."


    Xu Zhen galloped over, dismounted, his face covered in dust and not caring to wipe it away, cheerfully said, "General, when I patrolled ahead twenty miles, I found something unusual with the Turks¡ª"


    "I protest! I protest¡ª" Xu Zhen''s words were interrupted by a harsh voice in the Great Huanguageing from the front, from one of the three surrounded carts, a person yelling at the top of his lungs.


    "What are you screaming about?" Two of Xu Zhen''s lieutenants spurred their horses forward and whipped the back of the foreigner''s horse. The frightened horse leaped forward but was blocked by the crowd. It let out a long neigh and reared, nearly vertical to the ground. The Turkic man lost his grip and fell heavily to the ground, provokingughter from the Great Hua soldiers. Lu Dongzan''s face turned ashen, and his surrounding Turkic cavalry could hardly contain themselves, raising their sabers to charge but were stopped by Lu Dongzan''s re.


    "Lord Lin, what is the meaning of this?" Lu Dongzan shouted, unable to contain his anger any longer.


    "Master Lu, what do you mean by this?" Lord Lin widened his eyes, feigning confusion, "I don''t seem to have offended you."


    Lu Dongzan snorted, a hint of malice in his eyes, "Ashile is my Turkic envoy, sent by Bilge Khagan to pay respects to the Emperor of Great Hua. An old saying in Great Hua goes, ''Do not kill the envoy in times of war between two countries.'' Why do you insult Ashile in this manner?"


    "Ashile?" Lord Lin''s eyes widened even more than Lu Dongzan''s. "You say the one being stopped up ahead is Envoy Ashile? Ah, how we have dyed such an honored guest. A few days ago, Shandong was gued with banditry, and the areas near the capital were affected. The Emperor ordered increased patrols, and all suspicious persons were to be arrested. Little did we know, we mistakenly captured Lord Ashile. But, Brother Lu, I must say you''ve confused me. You mentioned earlier that Brother Ashile left the capitalst night. How has he appeared around here now?"


    "This..." Lu Dongzan hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to exin. Xu Zhen beside him saluted, "Reporting to General Lin, I was ordered to patrol within fifty li of the capital. Twenty li ahead, I discovered a group of riders and three big carts, hurrying forward in a suspicious manner. Despite my repeated warnings, they refused toply. With no other option, I took them into custody and brought them back, seeking the General''s judgment."


    "Lord Lin, I protest, I protest." Ashile had already gotten up from the ground, his body covered in dust, looking quite disheveled. "I am the Turkic envoy and have been treated so barbarically by your men. I must report this to the Great Khagan and will urge an attack¡ª"


    "What did you say?" Lord Lin''s slightly squinted eyes suddenly snapped open, exuding a profound brilliance, stern to the extreme. It startled Ashile so much that he didn''t dare continue speaking.


    "Lord Lin, I must seek justice for today''s incident from your Emperor," Lu Dongzan said, maintaining moreposure than Ashile as the Turkic National Tutor. "Your tant deployment of troops to besiege and arrest the Turkic envoy is utterly outrageous. We will report the truth to the Bilge Khagan when we return home."


    "Outrageous? Brother Lu, it seems like I should be the one saying that." Lin Wanrong said with a cold smile. "You Turkic peoplee to Great Hua, and our Emperor and people treat you with courtesy and sincerity. Yet, how have you treated Great Hua in return?"


    "Lord Lin, though our two nations have disputes, even we Turks would not resort to detaining envoys. Your rash actions escte the conflict, plunging the people into misery and suffering. Aren''t you afraid of being branded a sinner for all eternity in Great Hua?" Havingid bare their differences, Lu Dongzan responded without hesitation or concession.


    "Detaining envoys? Plunging people into suffering? What grand usations!" Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Brother Lu, I never expected that the Turkic people would be so adept at throwing big hats. But look at my face¡ªis it the face of someone who''s frightened? To put it bluntly, I''ve seen many foreigners with white, green, and ck hair. The moment you raise your behind, I know exactly what you''re about to excrete."


    Lord Lin sneered contemptuously, his brash and shameless tone giving Lu Dongzan a headache. Though the Turkic National Tutor, he found himself at a loss facing such an unconventional character from Great Hua. He could only snort coldly, "So this is how Great Hua treats its guests. The Turks have indeed learned a lesson."


    Lord Linughed loudly, "The hospitality of Great Hua is renowned, and it''s not for thieves like you toment."


    Before Lu Dongzan could respond, Ashile started shouting, "We Turkic warriors are the eagles of the valley and ins. How could we be thieves? How dare you insult the brave and invincible Turkic eagles? Lin San, I challenge you to a duel."


    "Duel?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Excellent, I enjoy dueling the most. But before that, I need to prove something, to show the people of Great Hua, whether you ferocious and overbearing Turks are really noble eagles or mere thieves? Xu Zhen, Du Xiuyuan, search¡ª"


    The people of Great Hua had grown ustomed to being bullied by foreigners, always bearing the brunt of aggression. Yet, today, Lord Lin swept away Great Hua''s past timidity, adopting an unyieldingly firm stance, to the delight of his men. To be able to turn the tables on the foreigners, under Lord Lin''s leadership, was something they could boast about for the rest of their lives. Without waiting for Du Xiuyuan''s order, hundreds of Great Hua soldiers, hungry like wolves and ferocious like tigers, rushed forward, overturning the threerge carts where Ashile was located.


    Countless pieces of silk, satin, cloth, and tea leaves were uncovered, and with a ng, the tip of a soldier''s spear seemed to strike something hard. Du Xiuyuan''s face brightened, and several soldiers turned the cart over, revealing a dark, shiny iron cannon barrel lying on the ground, its luster faint but visible.


    Ashile and Lu Dongzan''s faces changed drastically. Ashile gripped his saber tightly, shooting nces at Lu Dongzan. Lu Dongzan looked around at the ring Great Hua soldiers and shook his head slightly.


    "General, we''ve found a Great Hua-made cannon barrel, a base, and several fuses," Du Xiuyuan reported proudly, chest puffed out.


    "Finely crafted" indeed, Lin Wanrong thought, smiling inwardly as he stepped forward and gently touched the specially made "F*ck Cannon." A sensation of coldness spread into his palm. Even a pile of scrap iron could not be allowed to be taken away by foreigners.


    Lin Wanrong sneered, "Ah, Brother, is this how you noble eagles of the grasnds treat your hospitable hosts? What are you nning to do with this cannon? Research it thoroughly for imitation? Your Khagan, what''s his name, Bishuang [TL: Means arsenic], he seems quite clever, recognizes quality."


    "It''s Bilge Khagan, not Bishuang," Ashile muttered, but Lord Lin red at him, and he dared not speak again.


    Lu Dongzan sighed secretly. Great Hua''s cannons were the greatest threat to the Turks, and with war looming between the two nations, he had carefully nned to acquire Great Hua''stest cannon technology to take back to the Turks. He hadn''t expected to fall entirely into Lin San''s hands. This Lin San''s way of doing things bore none of the virtuous traditions of the Great Hua people. He was the worst of the worst.


    "General, look!" Xu Zhen''s face was serious as he ordered the soldiers to overturn the other two carts. With a crashing sound, the lids of the hidden boxes scattered, and ck powder poured out.


    Dipping his finger into the powder to inspect it closely, Lin Wanrong said with a cold smile, "Brother Lu, what is this?"


    "Why ask when you already know, Lord Lin?" Lu Dongzan responded calmly. As a wise national tutor, he knew that preserving strength was the best course of action. He had unhesitatingly rejected Ashile''s proposal just now, as Lin San''s cunning would lead to a ughter should they resist. Lu Dongzan had no doubt about this.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Brother Lu, you truly go to great lengths. I don''t know where you managed to get these several hundred pounds of gunpowder, but you''re willing to carry them all the way back to the Turks. What tenacity, what skill. By the way, Brother Lu, where did you purchase this gunpowder? I''d like to get some myself, to set off firecrackers for the New Year!"


    L¨¹ Dongzan spoke calmly, "Gunpowder? I bought it at the market. Just as Master Lin said, we are merely taking it back to set off some fireworks."


    Lin Wanrong threw his head back andughed, "Fireworks, very well then! A few days ago on the road, I too nearly had fireworks set off at me. It seems, Brother Lu, that you share the same hobby as they do."


    General Lin''s sharp and meticulous mind could dissect the slightest detail, and his casual remark struck at the heart of the matter. A shock went through Lu Dongzan, and he hurriedly shut his mouth.


    "Even if you didn''t say anything, I would know," Lin Wanrong said with a faint smile. "These several hundred pounds of explosives are no small matter, and it couldn''t have been done without immense influence. Am I right, Brother Lu?"


    Knowing that some things were inevitably transparent to Lord Lin, Lu Dongzan, a straightforward person,ughed heartily, "Brother Lin, although we stand on opposing sides, in my eyes, you are the only person in Great Hua that I respect. If the others possessed even half of your spirit and wisdom, Great Hua would not be what it is today. Unfortunately, the people of Great Hua cravefort andck ambition. Some even sell out their ancestors for personal gain, which is truly shameful."


    Being looked down upon by a foreigner should have angered Master Lin, but Lu Dongzan''s words hit the mark. Great Hua''s tribtions and humiliations were painful enough, but what was even more infuriating was that throughout its history, Great Hua had always suffered from traitors. Why had thise to pass?


    "General Lin, General Lin¡ª" Hu Bugui''s gentle question interrupted Lin Wanrong''s thoughts: "What should we do with these northern nomads?"


    Capturing them had been easy, but dealing with them was not so simple. They could neither be killed nor released, which made the situation problematic. No wonder Lu Dongzan seemed soposed as a prisoner; he clearly understood the situation. Unlike the rash impulsiveness of ordinary northern nomads, he could bend and adapt¡ªa true talent.


    "Take them to the military camp and inform Master Xu Wei and General Li Tai. Let them report to the Emperor for disposition," Lin Wanrong waved his hand, passing the hot potato to the old Xu and the Emperor to worry about.


    "Let me go, let me go! I can walk myself!" A few soldiers were pushing Lu Dongzan forward, and he struggled, his clothes in disarray. The small cannon in his hand even fell to the ground.


    "Let him go!" Lin Wanrong waved his hand.


    Lu Dongzan looked back at him and smiled, "Master Lin, today in this contest, Lu Dongzan admits defeat first. However, in the future on the battlefield, when our two nations sh, Lu Dongzan will never lose to you again."


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand, signaling his generals to take away the few northern nomads. Du Xiuyuan stood beside him, puzzled, "General, how did you know of Ashile''s whereabouts?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, "It''s quite simple, really. Lu Dongzan is an extraordinary man with a great interest in our Great Hua''s cannon technology. He went to great lengths to borrow a cannon and then yed a trick to deceive our eyes. Knowing that we would send people to watch him secretly, he deliberately acted foolish and caused an uproar in the capital, making everyone let down their guard against a few fools. But in secret, he had already nned, disassembling the cannon and taking it back to the Turks after ying the ruse. When we pursued them here, we only saw Lu Dongzan, not Ashile, and his caravan was so orderly and unhurried, as if intentionally blocking the way. The most important point, as you, Brother Du, have mentioned, is that they had packed at least sevenrge carts, yet Lu Dongzan only had four or five. Where had the other three gone? There was only one possibility: they had divided their forces into two paths. This official road is the necessary route to the north, so I ordered Xu Zhen to lead light-armed cavalry to take shortcuts across the fields and wilderness to chase them, and indeed, I found them."


    Listening to General Lin''s analysis, Du Xiuyuan was suddenly enlightened, his admiration beyond words. Lin Wanrong crouched down and picked up something that had fallen in the mud and sand.


    It was the small cannon that had been given to Lu Dongzan earlier; it had fallen apart. Seeing Master Lin carefully blowing the dirt off the barrel, Du Xiuyuan asked, puzzled, "General Lin, what are you going to do with such a small cannon?"


    Master Lin chuckled, "Though the cannon is small, it is better than an earthworm. The people of the Turks may need it, but the people of Dongyin desire it even more. Pack it up, pack it up, we''ll take it as a gift to Dongyin next time!"


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 Chapter 400

    Chapter 400


    Chapter 400 "Wanrong Oppa"


    After Du Xiuyuan led the troops to escort Ashile and Lu Dongzan back, the remaining thorny issues were left for Xu Wei and his associates to puzzle over. The rupture between the two nations was an imminent event, just a matter of time. Ashile was insignificant, but Lu Dongzan was a formidable figure. In Lin Wanrong''s view, the best course of action would be to ostentatiously release him and then secretly dispose of him on his way back to the Turks, effectively severing one of the Turks'' strong arms. Although this approach was somewhat disgraceful, its practicality was undeniable. Sadly, this method might not be epted by Xu Wei and the Emperor, who, in their haughty pride, would surely disdain to resort to such roguish and unscrupulous tactics as those of Lin San.


    "General, this Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse¡ª" The young Xu Zhen, looking at Lin Wanrong''s steed, a Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse, had a face filled with longing. A cavalryman loves his horse, and he, personally trained by Hu Bugui, was no less skilled than a nomad. His desire for this Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse naturally exceeded that of ordinary people.


    Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong remembered that he had earlier promised Hu Bugui that he would leave this Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse with the army for their training, perhaps giving birth to a new breed, a significant contribution to the cavalry of Great Hua.


    "This Treasure Horse, I entrust to you," Lin Wanrong said, dismounting and patting the shining yellow mane of the Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse with a smile. "If you can cultivate a new breed, consider it a contribution from the Turks to our great Great Hua."


    Xu Zhen was overjoyed, "Thank you, General. I will do my utmost." He took the reins, beaming as he led the Blood-Sweat Treasure Horse a few steps. The treasured steed of the Turks, with its clear hoofbeats and mighty build, was naturally a cavalryman''s favorite. Xu Zhen touched the sweat-like bloodstains on the horse''s back, reluctant to let go.


    ¡®This is all money, and I''ve truly given my all for Great Hua,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought with a pang, riding away on another Blood-Sweat Horse with resignation.


    Entering the city gates, he had not gone far when he saw a figure suddenly appear, blocking the path. Lin Wanrong was taken aback and hastily reined in. The horse beneath him neighed and reared up, spinning on the spot. It took a moment to regain stability.


    It was dark, and Lin Wanrong couldn''t see the person''s face clearly. Angered at being blocked, he snapped, "Hey, friend, could you watch where you''re going? Don''t think you can walk sideways just because there''s no traffic light."The person in front giggled and replied softly, "Shouldn''t I be saying that to you, Mr. Lin?"


    "Seo Jang Geum?" The voice was gentle and crisp, familiar to Lin Wanrong. Looking closely, he saw that the person standing in front of the horse was none other than Seo Jang Geum, a young pce maid from Goryeo, dressed in a long skirt, her skin translucent, smiling radiantly.


    How did this girl get here? Lin Wanrong wondered, a broad smile on his face. "Oh, isn''t this Miss Seo Jang Geum? Howe you haven''t returned to Goryeo yet?"


    "Sir, may I have a word with you?" Seo Jang Geum asked, her face serious.


    "You may have not just one word, but ten if you need," Lin Wanrong said, dismounting and standing before her. Looking at Seo Jang Geum''s jade-like wless skin, he felt a teasing itch in his heart, quite wanting to reach out and touch her.


    Upon seeing Lord Lin so close,ughing and frolicking, Seo Jang Geum hastily stepped back and bowed her head, saying, "I''m sorry to trouble you, my Lord. Pleasee with me."


    ¡®Goryeo women are indeed courteous. Even if one day they were to undress and get into bed, a Goryeody would certainly say, "My Lord, please enjoy!"¡¯ Gazing at Seo Jang Geum''s slender and graceful figure, Lord Lin felt a sly thrill in his heart.


    Seo Jang Geum led him to a nearby tavern, ascending to the top floor. She pulled back a curtain and said softly and respectfully, "My Lord, please enter!"


    Jang Geum really had no need to be polite. As Lin Wanrong entered the room, he was momentarily stunned. The room was small, but there was a raised tform with a low table on it, just like a typical Goryeo dwelling.


    Seo Jang Geum bent down, picked up a pair of cloth slippers from the side, and said with a slightly reddened face, "My Lord, allow Jang Geum to help you change your shoes."


    "This, well, might not be appropriate," Lord Lin responded with a smile, plopping down onto a chair beside him, and said carefreely, "I''ve never been one for being waited on."


    Having grown ustomed to Lord Lin''s say-one-thing-and-do-another character, Seo Jang Geum didn''t hesitate. Once he was seated, she knelt down and carefully removed his boots, her face a faint pink.


    The feeling of being attended to by a beautiful woman was indeed wonderful. Lord Lin sighed in contentment,ughing, "Miss Seo, your Goryeo customs are quite special, even having the habit of taking off shoes for guests."


    Seo Jang Geum''s face turned rosy as she quickly lowered her head and softly said, "No, Goryeo women only do this for, oh, esteemed guests like you, my Lord. It is right for Jang Geum to take off your shoes."


    "Is that so?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Miss Seo, I have been to Goryeo, surfed the waves in Jeju Ind, picked flowers on Mount Kumgang. I know a bit about your customs. In Goryeo, only the most intimate may enter one''s bedroom, and taking off a man''s shoes is even more special. Heh, you must know more than I do, Miss Seo."


    "It''s not as you think, my Lord," Seo Jang Geum replied, her face flushed like a sunrise, then gradually returning to normal, she continued calmly, "In Goryeo, women only take off shoes for their husbands or elders. That''s our custom. But please do not misunderstand, my Lord; you are our esteemed guest, and Jang Geum respects you. This act has nothing to do with anything else."


    "I see," said Lin Wanrong, rising with a smile as Seo Jang Geum put the slippers on him, "Miss Seo, you should have exined this earlier to avoid any misunderstanding. My wife just ordered me today not to flirt with other women, or I''ll be sleeping on the floor when I get home."


    Seo Jang Geum covered her mouth,ughing softly, "So the women of Great Hua can actually control their husbands like this; Jang Geum is truly envious. My Lord, whichdy gave you thismand? Was it Lady Qiao, Eldest Miss, or Miss Luo?"


    The sweat broke on Lord Lin''s forehead. The Goryeos'' way of addressing people was indeed special, giving him a headache. Lin Wanrongughed, then suddenly, as if recalling something, eximed, "Miss Luo''s? You know Ning''er?"


    Seo Jang Geum nodded with a smile, "I only just met her earlier. I learned about your return to the capital after lunch, my Lord, and hurried to the Xiao family. I even chatted with Miss Luo for a while. How else would I know of your whereabouts? Miss Luo is beautiful, dignified, and talented; I admire her greatly. Lord Lin, you are indeed fortunate."


    Ning''er was indeed very "dignified." Lin Wanrongughed heartily. Seo Jang Geum''s visit had precisely suited Ning''er''s temperament. Chatting with her and acquiring some cosmetics, the two quickly became familiar with each other.


    "Sir, pleasee inside," Seo Jang Geum invited, bowing gracefully. Lin Wanrong stepped onto the tatami, soft and warm to the touch, walking on it was quitefortable. Seo Jang Geum removed her shoes and wore pristine white socks, exposing her exquisite little feet. She gave him a slight smile, and the two sat down across a low table.


    Seo Jang Geum pped her hands, and two elegantly dressed Goryeo women came in, holding bowls and dishes. They carefully ced the food on the table and bowed before retreating.


    "So Miss Seo has invited me for a meal," Lord Lin said with a smile. "Goryeo cuisine, it''s been a long time since Ist had it. I never expected that in the capital of our great Great Hua, there would be such an authentic Goryeo restaurant. It''s quite astonishing."


    "This is not a Goryeo restaurant," Seo Jang Geum shook her head. "All the food here is Great Hua cuisine. Only this top floor is reserved for the Goryeo royal family. To be frank with you, sir, this restaurant is owned by the Goryeo royal family. Whenever wee to Great Hua, we always stop here."


    With those words, Seo Jang Geum essentially revealed that this restaurant was a Goryeo intelligence-gathering site. Her candid admission showed that Goryeo''s situation was indeed urgent.


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "In that case, the Goryeo food in this restaurant must have something special about it. Today, I must try it thoroughly."


    Seo Jang Geum smiled faintly, "Sir, you are joking. Great Hua''s eight major cuisines are varied and full of vor, something our Goryeo food cannot match. Our Goryeo food''s strength lies in its simplicity and unique taste, unforgettable once tasted. Please, sir, have a taste."


    Seo Jang Geum used a small spoon to serve him some side dishes, respectfully handing it to him. Lin Wanrong tasted it and nodded with a smile, "Good, good. It''s much more authentic than the Goryeo food I''ve had before."


    "This is our specially brewed Goryeo wine. Please try it, sir," Seo Jang Geum filled a small cup in front of him and handed it to him. Lin Wanrong said with augh, "Since Miss Seo invited me to dinner, I can''t be the only one drinking."


    Seo Jang Geum''s beautiful face tinged with a blush, she filled her cup and raised it with both hands, softly saying, "In that case, Jang Geum toasts you, sir. Here''s to a thousand years of friendship between Great Hua and Goryeo, evergreen like the pine!"


    "I wish Miss Jang Geum grows more and more beautiful," Lin Wanrongughed loudly, downing the wine in one gulp. Seo Jang Geum took a small sip, furrowing her brow slightly, her face flushing, seemingly unable to handle the alcohol.


    ¡®Really? It''s just water. If it were stronger, you would be in trouble,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, chuckling to himself.


    "Sir, please try this. This is a medicinal dish personally prepared by Jang Geum. Its functions¡ª"


    "Are to nourish the blood, strengthen the spleen, moisten the lungs, nourish the kidneys, and increase vitality, right?" Lin Wanrong teased.


    "Sir, how did you know?" Seo Jang Geum was taken aback but then realized, "It must have been Qiaoqiao who told you."


    Lin Wanrong smiled slightly, "Miss Seo, since the medicinal dish has so many functions, what is the purpose of the one you''ve invited me to eat? Is it to nourish the blood, moisten the yin, or enhance vitality?"


    Seo Jang Geum''s face turned red, but she forced herself to remain calm. "My Lord is in the prime of youth, so you do not need the effects of these medicinal dishes. This particr dish is meant to clear heat and eliminate internal fire."


    "I never thought that Qiaoqiao would even tell Miss Seo about this. How shameful, how shameful, indeed. Recently, I''ve been overzealous, overindulging in bedroom activities," Lin Wanrong said, his face serious. "I don''t know if Miss Seo''s medicinal dish will work, s, I''ll try it tonight, and if it works, I''ll definitely report back to Miss Seo."


    Seo Jang Geum, ovee with embarrassment, lowered her head and whispered, "My Lord, please don''t joke around. You have such beautiful wives at home. If you don''t cherish and love them, wouldn''t that be a waste?"


    ¡®Brilliant,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought. Seo Jang Geum indeed had insight. He burst into heartyughter, raising his cup, while Seo Jang Geum took another sip of clear wine, her face growing even redder.


    "By the way, Miss Seo, I heard from Qiaoqiao that you gave them some mascara and eyeshadow. Forgive my bluntness, but are these two things inventions of yours?" Lin Wanrong asked, remembering the things Qiaoqiao had shown him, and he wanted to rify while face to face with Seo Jang Geum.


    "Lord Lin, how do you know these two things are called mascara and eyeshadow?" Seo Jang Geum replied, ignoring his question and asking one of her own.


    This was not an easy question to answer. Lin Wanrong answered evasively, "Oh, I''ve heard of these before, but I never thought you''d have them as well. Miss Seo, did you really make these yourself?"


    Seo Jang Geum smiled slightly, "These were passed down by one of my masters. I heard they were brought over from the West. The ingredients are hard to find, so I only have a few. I gave them all to your wives."


    "Your master?" Lin Wanrong frowned, "Has she been to the West?"


    "I never heard her mention it," Seo Jang Geum replied indifferently, "Perhaps she has been. Lord Lin, my master is a private person, and she doesn''t wish to be known. If your wives hadn''t be close to me, I would never have gifted these things that my master gave me. So, please, keep it a secret. I beg you."


    Seo Jang Geum bowed deeply, her words earnest. Lin Wanrong chuckled. He knew her intentions well; she was merely trying to appear generous because she wanted something from him. However, Seo Jang Geum''s master knowing about mascara and eyeshadow meant she was no ordinary person and likely had been to the West. Fortunately, from Seo Jang Geum''s exnation, mass production seemed unlikely, so the Goryeo royal family couldn''t challenge Great Hua with these products. Lin Wanrong felt a bit relieved, sipped his clear wine, and changed the subject with a smile. "Miss Seo, I heard that young women in Goryeo have a habit of calling close male friends by certain names, like ''Seong-jun Oppa'', ''Ji-hwan Oppa'', ''Wei Oppa''. Is that so?"


    "My Lord is so knowledgeable to even know this," Seo Jang Geum said, nodding slightly. "We Goryeo women indeed call our close male friends in this manner."


    Lin Wanrong grinned and said, "Well, my full name is Lin Wanrong. If we were in Goryeo, how would you address me?"


    "This, um," Seo Jang Geum stammered, her face growing hot. After hesitating for a while, she finally whispered, her voice as soft as a mosquito''s buzz, "Wanrong Oppa¡ª"


    "Ah, Jang Geum Dongsaeng¡ª" Master Lin''s eyes sparkled with joy, responding with extreme enthusiasm, "Today, I have be Wanrong Oppa for once, specifically Jang Geum''s Wanrong Oppa, truly an honor."


    Seo Jang Geum remained silent for a long time. The atmosphere in the room became ambiguously intense for a moment, and Master Lin teased, "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, hearing you call me Wanrong Oppa so naturally, did you have many ''Oppas'' when you were in Goryeo?"


    "How could you think that way, sir?" Seo Jang Geum bit her lip lightly, her eyes shing with a hint of anger, "Jang Geum has grown up in the Goryeo pce, merely a little pce maid. I had no close male friends, let alone many Oppas. Do you belittle me so, thinking that I am a vulgar woman?"


    This girl has spirit, Lin Wanrongughed, "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, don''t be angry, Wanrong Oppa is just joking. I know that you and I are not frivolous people."


    Seo Jang Geum huffed, lowering her head and falling silent. The previous ambiguous atmosphere was shattered by Master Lin''sment. After waiting a long time without a response, she looked up to see "Wanrong Oppa" enjoying the cooling medicinal dish as if nothing had happened.


    "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, you should try it too, it''s cooling," Lin Wanrong said, passing the dish with a smile.


    Dealing with this unkible man, even her own face had to be much thicker. Seo Jang Geum shook her head with a wry smile, sighing, "Sir, do you know how Jang Geum feels about you?"


    "I hope there''s no feeling. Honestly, I''m not ready for international romance, fearing that someone might fall madly in love with me," Master Lin said carelessly.


    "Sir, what are you talking about?" Seo Jang Geum said, shyly rebuking, "How could Jang Geum have such thoughts? I must confess, when I first met you, I thought you were truly shameless, disregarding all diplomatic etiquette and capable of anything, utterly detestable. Butter¡ª"


    "Later, what?" Lin Wanrong asked with great interest.


    Seo Jang Geum smiled softly, speaking tenderly, "Later, as I had more contact with you, I realized you were not as greedy and shameless as you appeared. You were merely expressing your feelings in a particrly covert way. This method is inconsistent with the Confucian teachings revered in Great Hua for a thousand years, making you stand out as unique and special. Even regarding your eptance of bribes from the Turks and Goryeo, I once misunderstood you. It was only after one incident that I realized I was wrong."


    "Oh? What incident? s, I''ve done too many good deeds; I can''t remember them all at once," Lin Wanrong said, proudly.


    Seo Jang Geum chuckled, shaking her head. Then, a touch of mncholy appeared on her face, her eyes reddening slightly, "Sir, do you remember the day when the Prince sought your help and offered you a condition?"


    A condition? Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment, then he remembered and smiled, "Are you talking about those luminous pearls? I took them, and you even reported me to the Emperor."


    "You are always so modest, sir," Seo Jang Geum''s face flushed slightly, "Jang Geum is talking about something else. That day, the Prince promised that if you spoke on behalf of Goryeo, he would give me to your household. Surprisingly, you refused without hesitation."


    ¡®So it was about this matter,¡¯ Lin Wanrong smiled and said, "A gentleman loves beauty, but he must have principles. I adhere to mine very strictly."


    Seo Jang Geum lowered her head and spoke slowly, "Judging from the beautiful wives and concubines in your residence, Sir, it is clear that you are naturally flirtatious and fond of feminine charms. There''s no doubt about it. Although Jang Geum''s appearance is humble, I do not offend the eyes. Your outright refusal was indeed remarkable. What''s even moremendable is that no matter how much Jang Geum tried to challenge you afterward, you never mentioned this matter in front of me, nor did you use it as leverage. You remained an unsung hero, leaving me with much dignity. Your noble character is clear to see, and I am infinitely grateful. I thank you for your kindness."


    ¡®Flirtatious by nature, fond of feminine charms? Is this your assessment of me? Superficial, utterly superficial.¡¯ Although Lady Jang Geum was praising him, Lin Wanrong was somewhat irritated. ¡®Don''t judge by appearance, yet what you see now as my fondness for beauty, my willingness to be an unsung hero¡ªaren''t these surface-level observations? I don''t even care to correct you.¡¯


    Seo Jang Geum stood up and knelt before him, bowing deeply. Lin Wanrong hurriedly helped her up, saying, "Hey, hey, Jang Geum Dongsaeng, why this grand gesture? You should know that your ''Wanrong Oppa'' always stands firm on his principles."


    "Sir, your adherence to principles shows me what sets you apart. Beneath your dissolute appearance, there indeed lies a fervent heart that cares for the country and the people. It''s as if amidst the frivolous melodies, a noble tune ys, something I greatly admire," Seo Jang Geum softly said.


    "In truth, I''m not as good as you say." Listening to Seo Jang Geum praising him, Lin Wanrong''s eyes sparkled with joy, and he modestly said, "Apart from being slightly handsome, a bit skilled in martial arts, a little more learned, a touch more capable, and slightly morepassionate, I really have no virtues. Jang Geum Dongsaeng, you''re over-praising me."


    Seo Jang Geum sighed softly and lowered her head, tears welling in her eyes. She choked up, saying, "Sir, you are so noble and upright; I have a request to make of you. You must agree to it."


    After all the ttery, now came the real matter. Seeing "Jang Geum Dongsaeng" in such a pitiful state, "Wanrong Oppa" felt distressed and nodded, "Tell me, as long as it doesn''t harm the interests of our great nation, or the interests of the Xiao family, and as long as I don''t have to run errands, spend money, or expend mental energy, I''ll agree to anything. Ah, I truly have a heart ofpassion. I can''t stand to see a girl cry. Jang Geum Dongsaeng, don''t cry anymore; Wanrong Oppa cares for you."


    Jang Geum was irritated by his response. With all those conditions, what could he possibly agree to? She fell to her knees with a thump, tears falling as she said, "Sir, we received intelligence yesterday that the Dongyin armies are set to embark tomorrow. Thousands of ships are heading directly for our Goryeo. Goryeo is in imminent danger. I beg you to persuade the Emperor to send troops to aid Goryeo. The people of Goryeo will remember the kindness of our great nation for generations toe."


    "The Dongyin are mobilizing their troops, so quickly?" Master Lin eximed with a sigh, "Miss Seo, the matter of waging war is not so simple. We must not act rashly; careful consideration is required."


    "But tens of thousands of our Goryeo people are in imminent danger. If they fall into the hands of those Dongyin beasts, their lives will be worse than death." Seo Jang Geum looked up at him, her beautiful eyes filled with sparkling tears.


    "It''s difficult, very difficult!" Master Lin sighed, his face filled with concern.


    "Sir¡ª" A voice, filled with allure and tinged with a quiver, rang in his ears.


    "Huh?" Lin Wanrong looked up and was instantly dumbfounded.


    Seo Jang Geum''s pretty face was wet with tears, her cheeks tinged with two beautiful shades of red. She gave him a gentle nce, bit her silver teeth, and her delicate little hands quickly undid her sash. With a soft rustling sound, her long robe fell to the ground, revealing a wondrously delicate and beautiful body.


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 Chapter 401

    Chapter 401


    Chapter 401 Thank You, I Hate You!


    The gently flickering oilmp emitted a soft crackling sound, casting brilliant sparks throughout the room. The atmosphere inside was eerily quiet, and Lin Wanrong felt as if he could hear the pounding of his own heart.


    Seo Jang Geum''s beautiful eyes were closed gently, and tworge tears slowly welled up, her face flushed with an extraordinary, alluring, and feverish red. Her delicate skin was as smooth as ss, shining iparably under themp, seemingly as translucent as crystal. Her nose and cheeks were exquisite, her beautiful eyes slightly closed, and her cherry-red mouth slightly open, trembling as she exhaled a hot and fragrant breath.


    She was only dressed in a set of fiery red lingerie, her full and towering bosom half exposed, her ample breasts pushing up the fabric, and the deep cleavage inviting one''s imagination. Her waist was slender, as soft as creamy fat, her plump and beautiful hips like newly ground millstones, round and full. Her long and graceful legs were tightly closed, smooth and lustrous, seemingly washed with milk, without a single w. Her slender legs were slightly trembling, and the exquisite whiteness shimmered seductively in the dim light. This body, with its perfect curves, was like a wless work of art, making it unbearable to touch.


    "Sir, please save the people of Goryeo. For them, I am willing to give anything," Seo Jang Geum''s tears fell like raindrops, her body shivering. At first nce, she seemed frail and helpless, yet she looked extraordinarily elegant and refined.


    "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, what are you doing? A gentleman loves beauty but must acquire it in a proper way. To take it improperly would lead to decay," Lord Lin said righteously, yet his eyes couldn''t help but fall on her, enjoying the soft and fragrant contours of her body. Her body was truly a feast for the eyes.


    ¡®My goodness, the Goryeo women of this time should not have had any stic surgery, right? This must be the original and genuine material,¡¯ Lord Lin thought to himself, uncontrobly.


    Seo Jang Geum''s face was flushed with embarrassment, her beautiful lower lip almost bitten through: "Sir, please agree to my request. I am willing to give anything to save the people of Goryeo."


    Hearing her words, Lord Lin suddenly became furious: "Miss Seo, what do you mean by this? Do you think you are an object for exchange, or do you think I''m a fool? Let me tell you very seriously, you have underestimated me!"Seo Jang Geum sobbed: "Sir, please treat me as amodity. Besides this way, I can''t think of any other solution. Goryeo is in imminent danger, people are shedding blood, and I, a weak woman, have no other way but this."


    "You think you''re weak? Do you think the Goryeo people are truly helpless? You say it''s all for the Goryeo people, do you think you are great?" Lord Lin sneered: "Do you really think I, Lin San, am such a fool that I would go to war just for a few words from you?"


    Hearing him speak like this seemed to arouse Seo Jang Geum''s pride. Her face flushed even deeper, yet she bravely straightened her chest, the breasts hidden beneath her red lingerie trembling: "Master Lin, did I say something wrong? I do not seek personal greatness, nor do I seek eternal fame. I only wish for the happiness and well-being of my Goryeopatriots, to live forever in joy and contentment. Is that wrong?"


    In her excitement, her delicate skin flushed with waves of beautiful red, catching Lin Wanrong''s eyes and leaving them dazzled. His heart was filled with infatuation, and he had to silently chant a mantra to suppress the lustful fire within.


    "Miss Seo," he said, finally finding his voice, "I suppose you have some self-awareness, knowing that you are praying for the happiness and well-being of the Goryeo people. Every word you speak is about them, and you truly are great! But don''t forget, what you are asking for now is the help of the people of Great Hua. Have you ever considered us? In order to save your Goryeo people, our Great Hua sons must wage war across nations, fight on the battlefield. How many lives will be lost, how many wives will lose husbands, how many children will lose fathers? How much will our national treasury suffer? Have you calcted that? Your Goryeo people may suffer less, but has that suffering vanished into thin air? No, it has shifted onto the people of Great Hua. We are bearing the suffering for your Goryeo. Do you understand?"


    Lin Wanrong spoke in one breath, feeling iparably exhrated. He detested people like her, who loudly proimed to save their nation and people, full of slogans but when it came to action, ten of them were not equal to one man.


    "But Master Lin," Seo Jang Geum spoke without fear of his imposing demeanor, "Have you thought that once Dongyin annexes Goryeo, settles on the maind, with their wolfish ambitions, Great Hua will be their next target? Then, the people of Great Hua will suffer just like the Goryeo people. Do you really think you can escape?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled coldly, "Miss Seo, you are right. The annexation of Goryeo is not Dongyin''s goal; their ultimate target is Great Hua. Just as you said, our people will have to face this disaster sooner orter, but then we will be fighting a prepared battle, not rushing to deploy troops at your whim, creating a situation where we are attacked from both sides. Thew of the jungle is the rule of this world. If you love your homnd, you must not only love its prosperity but also endure its suffering. There is no savior in this world. Don''t ce all your hopes on others. Think about Great Hua facing the Turkic massacre, full of disasters, we have never asked anyone for help, have we?"


    Seo Jang Geum remained stubbornly silent. Lin Wanrong sighed softly, "Between nations, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests. If it was your personal hardship, I could stand by your side, but when it concerns the state''s affairs, it''s not something that can be covered by mere loyalty. Miss Seo, your suffering is not caused by Great Hua; we owe you nothing. To be blunt, your war against Dongyin is buying time for Great Hua, and we would prefer the more brutal it is, the better, so we can have more time. Once we deal with the Turkic forces, we will deal with Dongyin. I''m sorry, I''m being very direct. Perhaps you will be heartbroken to hear this, but if I don''t say it, you may be even more heartbroken."


    Seo Jang Geum felt her heart grow colder with each word, looking at him with ashen face, "Master Lin, are these your true feelings? Does Great Hua not always im to be a friendly neighbor, ready to help in times of trouble? Are you really so calcting?"


    Lin Wanrong sneered with disdain, ¡°Neighbors in friendship? Miss Seo, three feet of ice does not form in a single day. When my great Great Hua was powerful, all came to pay homage, including Goryeo, and all other foreign tribes, all were very submissive. Because at that time, submitting to Great Hua brought benefits, and we were called neighbors in friendship. But what about when Great Hua was weak? Everyone pushed when the wall fell, and the tea cooled when the guest left. Who else but you would set traps and hide nails behind our back? Ever since Great Hua has been at war with the Turks, how many of you have been truly loyal, truly treating Great Hua with sincerity? Don''t say you don¡¯t know, this time if the Turks and Dongyin hadn''t joined hands to threaten Goryeo, would you havee to Great Hua? I''m afraid you wouldn¡¯t even bother with the imperial decree from our Emperor.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because Goryeo is a small country, unable to face the pressure of strong enemies, so we can only¡ª¡± Seo Jang Geum sighed helplessly.


    Lin Wanrong snorted, ¡°Isn''t that exactly the point? When Great Hua was in trouble, you faced the threats of strong enemies and remained silent, sacrificing Great Hua''s interests in the process. Now that your interests are harmed, you bring up neighbors in friendship, expecting Great Hua to sacrifice its own interests to help you. Why should I?! Do you really think I''m a fool? You keep proiming love for your country and people, thinking you are noble? What you love is the people of Goryeo, not Great Hua. Shouting slogans in front of me is useless. You get what you pay for. This is an unchangeable truth. Miss Seo, think about it carefully!¡±


    Lin Wanrong''s anger red as he spoke. He picked up the bowl of medicinal soup, gulping down two big mouthfuls, only then did his anger subside slightly. His eyes fell upon Seo Jang Geum''s graceful and alluring figure, the attractive curves and shapely legs, leaving him dry-mouthed and thirsty. Damn it, he thought, discussing national affairs with a woman was like ying music to a cow. He took another couple of sips of the soup.


    Seo Jang Geum copsed softly to the ground, mumbling to herself, ¡°Is there truly no hope for Goryeo? Master Lin, you are learned and talented, please think of a way for us.¡±


    As she slumped down, her long, rounded thighs and slender, sturdy calves came into view, the hidden scenery at the root of her legs particrly enticing.


    How can one live like this? Lin Wanrong sighed. Forget it, being a gentleman is too hard; he might as well gaze openly. He rxed his mind and allowed his eyes to linger on Seo Jang Geum''s full and smooth thighs, bing entranced, even missing her question.


    ¡°Master Lin, Master Lin¡ª¡± Seo Jang Geum''s heart pounded as she saw his eyes scanning her body, lingering especially on her beautiful legs. Her face grew hot with embarrassment, wishing she could find a crack in the ground to hide in. Especially as he neither agreed to help nor answered her question, but instead unabashedly admired her beauty. He was the most shameless man in the world.


    ¡°Ah, what''s the matter?¡± Lin Wanrong quickly wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth, his face taking on a serious expression.


    Seo Jang Geum sighed sadly, ¡°My Lord, if you can think of other ways to save Goryeo, I will be yours.¡±


    ¡®This girl coveted my beauty to such a point of obsession?¡¯ Master Lin sternly and righteously said, "Miss Seo, I am a person with principles. Any thought of monopolizing me is pure folly. If Goryeo, facing such a situation, relies solely on outsiders, that is absolutely not advisable. You must dig deep within yourselves, resist Dongyin''s influence. That''s what you need to do."


    "Then hasn''t Goryeo made a wedding dress for Great Hua? We exhaust our national strength to resist Dongyin, but cannot escape the act of national destruction. In the end, won''t the benefits all go to Great Hua?" Seo Jang Geum, the most famous remarkable woman in Goryeo, finally showed her weak and helpless side, lowering her head on the verge of tears. Speaking of taking advantage, her head was buried in her chest like an ostrich, not knowing whether she wasmenting Goryeo or herself.


    "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, don''t only think of yourself. ording to your thinking, can''t I also say that Great Hua has made a wedding dress for Goryeo? If it weren''t for Great Hua fighting to the death against the Turkic people, Goryeo, that tinynd, would have long fallen under the hooves of the Turkic cavalry, with all the benefits going to you, Goryeo," Lin Wanrong said calmly.


    It seemed to be a skewed argument, yet it left Seo Jang Geum unable to rebut. She sat on the ground, stunned, tears falling like raindrops, without a word.


    Where have all the men of Goryeo gone, leaving such a heavy responsibility to a weak woman? In the end, Lin Wanrong felt no ill will toward Jang Geum Dongsaeng. While he shamelessly admired her tempting chest and hidden charms, he also felt full of sympathy for her.


    "Enough, enough, who else can help you if not your Wanrong Oppa?" Master Lin thought for a long time and finally spoke.


    Seo Jang Geum''s face lit up, and she stared at him nkly, asking, "Master Lin, are you serious? You really want to help me?"


    "Ah, I''ve always been the most soft-hearted, and you are my Jang Geum Dongsaeng. It''s truly a headache," Lin Wanrong said helplessly, tapping his forehead, his face filled with vexation.


    Seo Jang Geum, not caring about her scantily-d appearance, leaped up from the ground, clung to his arm, and eximed joyfully, "Is it true? Are you really going to help me? Master Lin, you are wonderful!"


    A faint fragrance wafted from Jang Geum''s body. The thin undergarment was like ayer of gauze between them, adding to the temptation. Jang Geum''s arms gently embraced his, her shoulders soft and smooth, her skin luminous as jade, the trembling peaks of her chest pressing against his arm, disying their voluptuous charm. Her long eyshes, quivering with some teardrops, were pure and sparkling, breathtakingly beautiful.


    Master Lin lowered his head and saw the thin undergarment loosen, revealing two soft white mounds. The deep valley between the peaks was dizzying.


    "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, I have a profound question for you. You must answer me truthfully," Master Lin said, suppressing the urge to nosebleed, his voice serious.


    Seo Jang Geum nodded, only to hear Master Lin say, "Is stic surgery popr in Goryeo right now?"


    "What is stic surgery?" Seo Jang Geum asked, puzzled.


    "To put it simply, it''s raising the nose, shaving the chin, padding the chest with foam, and adding some fat to the buttocks to make them perkier. Do people undergo this surgery in your country now?"


    Seo Jang Geum was unable to suppress her embarrassment and hurriedly shook her head, saying, "My lord, where are you taking this conversation? A woman should cherish her natural beauty; how could anyone resort to such shameless acts?"


    Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, thinking, ¡®It seems this is a genuine product indeed; Goryeo also has pure, natural beauties. How rare!¡¯


    ¡®Don''t touch what you shouldn''t, don''t touch what you shouldn''t!¡¯ Lord Lin, holding onto Jang Geum''s slender waist, let his big hand slide downward. Seo Jang Geum let out a cry, her face blushing, and quickly pulled away. Her face as red as fire, she sternly said, "My lord, you¡ª"


    "Ah, don''t mention that matter to me again!" Lin Wanrong grandly waved his hand, "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, I understand your feelings towards me. But I am not a fickle man. Will you please show me some respect?"


    Jang Geum could not help but smile and nod, "My lord, I won''t tease you anymore. Please tell me quickly, how are we to save Goryeo?"


    "Don''t move; let me think. Just a reminder, don''t let your mind wander. I am an upright and profound thinker. You won''t find any indecent or erotic thoughts in my eyes, will you?" Lord Lin stared intently at Seo Jang Geum''s exquisite body, not blinking.


    Could this really work? Standing naked in front of an "upright" man, Seo Jang Geum felt humiliated to the point of death, her chest heaving, her white and rounded thighs tense, like a mermaid that had floated out of the water. But Lord Lin¡¯s focus was all on her, so she dared not move, fearing that if Master Lin lost focus for a moment, the happiness of the Goryeo people would be lost at her hands.


    Time ticked away, and saliva flowed like a waterfall from the corner of Lord Lin''s mouth. No one knew how he was thinking.


    "Jang Geum Dongsaeng¡ª" Lord Lin extended his hand with ascivious grin toward Seo Jang Geum.


    "My Lord, you¡ª" Seo Jang Geum, horrified, in a panic, grabbed a jar from the table that contained medicinal soup and threw it at his hand.


    Lord Lin screamed in pain, standing up suddenly and hastily covering his wrist with a piece of cloth from the ground, his face pale, "After thinking deeply and almost leaving my body, drooling from my pondering, I finally found a solution¡ªhey, Jang Geum, what are you doing with that big jar?"


    Seo Jang Geum was speechless; it turned out the lord was truly deep in thought, even having an out-of-body experience. It was not his true intention earlier.


    "My lord, what solution have you found?" Seo Jang Geum asked, her voice filled with both shame and urgency.


    "This solution is simple, really. As I said earlier, my great nation and Dongyin will eventuallye to blows. It''s only a matter of time. But right now, we face a significant threat from the Turks to the north and cannot divert our attention to external matters. So, it''s a bit difficult, but there are ways to resolve it."


    Lord Lin had already mentioned this viewpoint earlier, and Seo Jang Geum, hearing nothing new, became impatient, "My lord, what are you trying to say?"


    ¡®This wretched girl! Thatst blow almost made me bleed; I must tease her a bit to make it up to my hand.¡¯ Lord Lin chuckled, "I''ve already told you, saving Goryeo is at the expense of our great nation''s interests. However, if you can find a way to make up for my great nation''s loss, there might be room for negotiation."


    "Recoup the interests of Great Hua?" Seo Jang Geum was no fool; after a moment''s contemtion, she ventured, "My lord, are you referring to the military expenses, provisions, andpensation for wartime losses incurred by your nation''s deployment of troops?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled without saying a word, neither confirming nor denying.


    This guy was so annoying. Seeing Lin Wanrong''s eyes continually roaming over her, Seo Jang Geum''s face turned red with embarrassment. After a moment of thought, she answered, "Our Goryeo is weak and might not be able toe up with that much money all at once. But this matter is negotiable, and I will report to the King."


    Now, this was strange. How could a lowly pce maid like her report directly to the king of Goryeo? Did she have some special rtionship with him? No, that couldn''t be. Looking at her closed legs, she was clearly still a virgin. Lin Wanrong gave her an odd look, and Seo Jang Geum sighed, "My lord, do not ask so much. As for your request, I will report it to the King."


    "Miss Seo, you are mistaken. This is not my request but something you yourself brought up. I did not agree to it," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    "What?" Seo Jang Geum''s face was a mixture of shock and rage as she stood up abruptly. "My lord, what exactly do you want?"


    As she stood up, her shapely and alluring body was pressed against Lin Wanrong, very enticing indeed.


    "What can I do?" Lin Wanrong spread his hands in vexation. "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, I am only offering friendly advice here. If you don''t want to hear it, then forget it."


    "You, you¡ª" Seo Jang Geum''s whole body trembled, tears falling like raindrops. "My lord, all you do is bully me! What else do you want? Just say it all at once!"


    "Actually, what you mentioned earlier is not insignificant," Lin Wanrongughed. "But you missed the most important part. Right now, Great Hua is facing the threat of the Turks, and we are suddenly supposed to aid apletely unrted Goryeo, bing enemies on all sides. We are in constant danger of national ruin. How can we justify this to Great Hua''s people? How can we mobilize our troops with honor? This is no simple matter. If mishandled, it could be exploited by those with ill intentions and lead to internal chaos in Great Hua."


    With Lin Wanrong painting such a grave picture, Seo Jang Geum became worried about him going back on his word and hastily asked, "Then what''s your solution?"


    "There is a solution, but it depends on whether or not the King of Goryeo can ept it," Lin Wanrong sighed.


    "Speak quickly." Seo Jang Geum was highly dissatisfied with his teasing, not even addressing him as ''My lord''.


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "Great Hua is now unable to deal with foreign affairs, but if it is an internal matter, that''s an entirely different story. If Goryeo''s affairs be part of Great Hua''s internal politics, then everything bes simple."


    "What?" Seo Jang Geum was horrified, her face filled with anger. "You, you want to annex my Goryeo?"


    "Miss Seo, can you have a little patience?" Lin Wanrong said with a bitter smile. "When did I ever say I wanted to annex?"


    "Then what is your intention?" Seo Jang Geum demanded angrily.


    Lin Wanrong smiled enigmatically, "We can adopt a special approach called ''One Country, Two Systems.'' Goryeo is nominally not a vassal of Great Hua, but pays tribute to Great Hua every year, right? Why not take it a step further, having the King of Goryeo recognize Great Hua''s central authority, dere the two as one, but let Goryeo continue to be governed by its people? You would haveplete judicial and economic rights, with only foreign affairs and the military managed by Great Hua. This is called ''One Country, Two Systems'': Goryeo governed by Goryeo people! If the Dongyin people want to attack you, that would be an attack on Great Hua. Would they dare? That''s the question. And for Goryeo, there would be no loss. Ah, what a grand idea!"


    "One Country, Two Systems?" Seo Jang Geum thought it over carefully. She was no fool and immediately grasped the key issue, her voice filled with anger: "Without military and diplomatic rights, what''s the meaning of Goryeo''s existence?"


    "Miss Seo, that''s a good question." Lin Wanrong said with a cold smile, "When our Great Hua assists Goryeo in resisting Dongyin, driving away the Dongyin people, your threat will no longer exist. Then what is the meaning of keeping the Goryeo army? Without the threat from Dongyin, whom are you guarding against? Guarding against our Great Hua? If Great Hua sends troops to help Goryeo drive away the Dongyin people, and Goryeo sets up defenses against Great Hua, Miss Seo, if you were the Emperor of Great Hua, would you be foolish enough to do this? What''s the point of us sending troops? Does Goryeo just want to take advantage without giving anything in return? Where in the world does such a good thing exist?"


    It was undeniable; Lin San had hit the nail on the head. Everyone has their own interests, and though Seo Jang Geum was intelligent, when it came to these matters, how could she match Lin San? She could only respond with silence.


    "After the unification of Goryeo and Great Hua, the two ces can freely trade and marry. Great Hua will encourage the residents of both ces to migrate to each other, and Great Huanguage teaching will be added to Goryeo schools." Lin Wanrong sighed slightly, "Politics has no justice; there is something to gain but something to lose. Choose between losing the country or losing the people; you must think it through. Report to the King of Goryeo truthfully, and I will also petition the Emperor of Great Hua. Ah, this really puts me in a difficult position."


    This method was utterly outrageous, but just as Lin San said, it was a choice between losing the country or losing the people. Seo Jang Geum''s heart was bitter, and she wiped away her tears, "What are you troubled about? Goryeo has already been bullied to this point by you."


    Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile, "Do I need to bully you? Even a heartfelt embrace is rejected; have you ever seen such an honest person? Honestly, Miss Seo, I hate politics, especially talking about politics with women. If it weren''t for your insistence, I wouldn''t even have mentioned these things. It''s really a waste of brain cells. Ah, don''t cry¡ª"


    Seo Jang Geum''s tears flowed like a floodgate, unceasing. Her face full of tears, she looked pitiful as a pear blossom in the rain. Lin Wanrong patted her shoulder sympathetically, "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, be careful not to catch a cold; better put your clothes on first."


    "Mind your own business!" Seo Jang Geum hastily wiped her tears, her anger rising, no longer willing to stand naked before him, "Give me my clothes back."


    "What did you say?" Lin Wanrong eximed, "Miss, even though I am good at ''undressing'' women, heaven knows, I didn''t undress you."


    "What are you holding in your hand?" Seo Jang Geum snorted.


    Lin Wanrong looked down and realized that the cloth he had used to wrap his hand was actually Seo Jang Geum''s garment that had fallen to the ground. Shameful, truly shameful, Lin Wanrong chuckled embarrassingly.


    Seo Jang Geum dressed herself and walked to the door. She turned back to look at him, her eyesplex and inscrutable, and after a long while, she said, "I will convey your intentions to the King. I don''t know what the final result will be."


    "Actually, I really don''t want to be the viin. You know I''m inclined to goodness." Lin Wanrong helplessly shrugged.


    Seo Jang Geum nodded, then suddenly rushed over and kissed him on the cheek, her face streaming with tears, "Wanrong Oppa, thank you, I hate you!"


    She turned and ran out quickly, disappearing in the blink of an eye. Lin Wanrong touched his cheek and smiled helplessly, thinking, ¡®An international romance? I''m really not ready for that!¡¯


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 Chapter 402

    Chapter 402


    Chapter 402 A Cat in Heat


    When he stepped out the door, it was unexpectedly raining. Everything was rejuvenating, and the spring rain was like oil, with thin dropsnding on his face, cold and refreshing, waking him up. Seo Jang Geum he had met earlier that morning was nowhere to be seen. Thinking of the conditions he had offered her, he realized they were indeed hard for a young girl. But from the perspective of his nation and people, he couldn''t betray his passionate heart.


    "Why have you only just returned?" As he entered the shop, Eldest Miss stood up from her chair, softly scolding.


    Lin Wanrong shook off the rain from his cape and smiled, saying, "It was raining, and the roads were hard to traverse. I was also dyed by some trivial matters, so I returnedte. I hope I haven''t caused Eldest Miss any worry."


    "I wasn''t worried about you at all." Eldest Miss''s face turned slightly red as she approached him, gently brushing the rain from his clothing, and huffed, "You have countless admirers outside. Even if you didn''te back for one or two months, no one would worry about you. Oh, what''s this¡ª"


    A bright red lipstick mark was printed on the right cheek of Master Lin, forming a small cherry mouth. Eldest Miss''s face changed drastically, and she pounded her small fist on his shoulder, shouting, "You, get out!"


    Xiao Yuruo desperately pushed him towards the door, and Lin Wanrong hastily leaned against the door panel, confused, "Eldest Miss, what''s going on? We were just talking fine a moment ago. How have I offended you?"


    Eldest Miss, panting and ring at him, her beautiful eyes aze, and her chest heaving, eximed, "You scoundrel, living a debauched life outside while I''ve been waiting for you to return. You, you, you''ve infuriated me¡ª" Two sparkling teardrops welled up in her eyes. Xiao Yuruo''s face was filled with grief, on the brink of tears.


    A debauched life? Master Lin was taken aback for a moment. Had something about him and Miss Seo been exposed? Bah, bah, nothing had happened between them, and he was more innocent than tofu. "Eldest Miss, what exactly is going on? Don''t you know my righteous character? How could I possibly be the person you''re describing?"Seeing his wide-eyed innocent expression, Xiao Yuruo became even more annoyed. ¡®You sure act the part,¡¯ she thought. ¡®As if the two at home weren''t enough for you to mistreat, now you''re hooking up with vixens outside. Absolutely despicable.¡¯


    Eldest Miss sneered, "Don''t you dare make up more lies to deceive me. Don''t you know what''s on your face?"


    ¡®On my face?¡¯ Lin Wanrong hurriedly touched it, suddenly recalling the soft kiss from Seo Jang Geum before leaving. Oh no, a disaster! He had neither gained anything nor avoided trouble.


    "What else do you have to say, you heartless man?" Seeing his stunned expression, as if he were recalling that embracing vixen, Eldest Miss''s anger intensified. She pummelled him with her fists as tears flowed like broken pearls.


    "Oh, so that''s what Eldest Miss was talking about." Master Linughed heartily, his mind working quickly, and said very seriously, "Eldest Miss, you''ve misunderstood. Westerners have a custom of a cheek kiss, a kissing greeting. Haven''t you heard of it?"


    The Eldest Miss had seen Westerners with her own eyes. During that day in Hangzhou, the one who sold diamonds, Tavernier, was a Frenchman from the West. She had heard that their customs were strange and women were quite liberal. Could it be¡ªEldest Miss covered her face and wept, saying, ¡°You, you ursed Lin San, even Western women you won''t leave alone?¡±


    Lord Lin was stunned for a moment, and thought, ¡®The imagination of the Eldest Miss is truly rich!¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed and said, ¡°Eldest Miss, where has your mind wandered to? This facial greeting and kissing gesture aremon Western courtesies, akin to our Great Hua''s custom of bowing and saluting when meeting. On my way back, I encountered Seo Jang Geum and helped her solve a problem that had been troubling her for a long time. In a moment of excitement, she simply performed a Western courtesy. There is nothing more to it.¡±


    ¡°Seo Jang Geum?¡± The Eldest Miss was also taken aback. Earlier, when Seo Jang Geum hade to find Lin San, she was present and saw her anxious appearance as though there was some urgent matter. Could it really have been Seo Jang Geum who performed this gesture out of gratitude? She had never seen her act so freely before.


    ¡°Ah, Eldest Miss, were you specifically waiting here for me?¡± Taking advantage of the Eldest Miss''s distraction, Lin Wanrong quickly changed the subject, ¡°Ah, the weather is getting cool; why didn''t you wait inside?¡±


    ¡°Who was specifically waiting for you?¡± The Eldest Miss snorted. She had a good rtionship with Seo Jang Geum, the knowledgeable and mild-mannered pce woman. She hadn''t heard of any scandals between her and Lin San, so perhaps it was truly a gesture of gratitude. Comforting herself, she quietly wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye, her face glowing as she whispered, ¡°Did, did Mother say anything to you?¡±


    So this girl was worried about this matter. Lin Wanrong closed the door and chuckled, ¡°She did, of course. Not only did she speak, but Madam and I also had a very pleasant chat.¡±


    The Eldest Miss''s heart pounded, her pretty face flushed as she lowered her head and softly asked, ¡°What, what did she say to you?¡±


    ¡°She said something very important.¡± Lin Wanrong teased, reaching to take her small hand. Having learned from the lesson of being caught red-handed by her mother, the Eldest Miss looked around before cing her hand in his.


    ¡°I proposed to the Madam.¡± Lin Wanrong whispered in her ear.


    Xiao Yuruo uttered a soft cry, lowering her head, her face flushed, her heart beating even harder, her body twisting as she tried to pull her hand from his grip, ¡°What does your proposal have to do with me? The affections of that girl, Yushuang, will finally be fulfilled.¡±


    So the elder sister was jealous of the younger one. Seeing the Eldest Miss''s shy yet expectant look, Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but burst intoughter. The Eldest Miss''s face turned red, and she twisted his arm angrily, saying, ¡°What are youughing at so foolishly? You fool!¡±


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, ¡°I asked the Madam for her blessing to marry the Second Miss. Eldest Miss, do you agree?¡±


    Xiao Yuruo sighed, turning her face away, softly saying, ¡°It should be so. Yushuang is devoted to you, and now, for you, she''s studying hard at the Capital Academy. You must not fail her; otherwise, Mother and I will never forgive you.¡±


    "Understood, understood, I thank Eldest Miss and Madam for their support," Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, "That''s about it, really. There wasn''t much else said. Eldest Miss, do you have any more questions? If not, I''ll go to my room."


    "You¡ª" Xiao Yuruo''s face clouded with intense disappointment, her teeth clenched tightly. "Is that all you talked about with Mother? What about the rest?"


    "The rest? What rest?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled. "It seems I didn''t talk to Madam for very long."


    "You can leave!" Eldest Miss defiantly turned away, refusing to look at him. After waiting in silence, she started to turn her face back towards him, only to hear Lin San''s infuriating voice in her ear, "I also asked Madam for your hand in marriage, to have Eldest Miss promised to me."


    "You, you, you''re talking nonsense," Xiao Yuruo''s face turned a shade of embarrassed red, and she hastily turned her head away again. Her red, burning ears were as hot as if they were on fire, and a shy joy rapidly spread across her eyes.


    "Let it be nonsense, then," Lin Wanrong sighed. "Anyway, Madam doesn''t¡ª"


    "What did Mother say?" Xiao Yuruo, hearing a change in his tone, couldn''t help but interrupt, no longer mindful of her shyness.


    Speaking of Madam Xiao''s attitude, Lin Wanrong truly felt distressed: "Madam made it clear, saying I can only marry either Eldest Miss or Second Miss. Eldest Miss, tell me, isn''t this making things difficult for me? Both are dear to me; I can''t bear to give up either."


    Eldest Miss was stunned for a moment, murmuring to herself, "Only marry one?" A bitter expression crossed her face, her eyes closing slightly asrge tears rolled down, her voice resolute: "If that''s the case, then you must treat Yu Shuang well. She is still a child, ignorant of the world''s ways. If you wrong her, even as a ghost, I won''t forgive you."


    Seeing Eldest Miss''s determined expression, Lin Wanrong was torn betweenughter and tears, grabbing her hand tightly: "Eldest Miss, you''re not intending to y a part in a drama about yielding your husband, are you?"


    "What yielding husband? It sounds so unpleasant!" Xiao Yuruo, her face originally filled with grief, couldn''t help butugh at his distraction, hitting him in annoyance, her heart filled with a sour sensation.


    "Ah, I must say, Madam isn''t handling this matter fairly, putting both Eldest Miss and Second Miss in a difficult position," Lin San sighed, shaking his head and looking regretful.


    "Don''t you dare speak ill of Mother behind her back!" Eldest Miss red at him angrily, then added in a softer voice, "How is Mother being unfair?"


    Lin Wanrong wore a worried expression: "Think about it, if I marry Second Miss, won''t I still have to see Eldest Miss every day? Eldest Miss will be thinking of me every day. This will be an elder sister-inw longing for her brother-inw. What if something happens in the future? What will we do then?"


    "You''re asking for trouble," Eldest Miss flushed crimson, her heart pounding wildly. "What elder sister-inw longing for brother-inw? I, I won''t think of you."


    "Ah? So it''s a younger sister-inw thinking of her brother-inw? Eldest Miss, you have such thoughts! Ah, why did I have to run into such a difficult situation? Being too charming can be deadly!" Lin Wanrong muttered to himself.


    "Shameless, despicable, vile, low!" Eldest Miss cried out in a panic, her mind a flurry of insults. Unfortunately, her vocabry of invective was limited, and she kept repeating the same few phrases. To Lin San, these words were practicallypliments.


    Seeing Lin San''s gleeful face, Eldest Miss gritted her teeth in anger, but his few words had stirred in her a strange emotion. She felt both afraid and yearning, a mixture of extreme shame and excitement. She quickly lowered her head, not daring to speak.


    Having teased her enough, Lin San''s expression became entirely serious, and he took her small hand gently, saying, "Eldest Miss, don''t worry. I''ll handle the Madam. You know I have quite a way with women."


    Eldest Miss turned her head away, not daring to respond, while Lin San stretched andughed, "It''ste. Time to rest. Oh, by the way, where are the Qiaoqiao and Ning''er? I''ve been back for a while, but they haven''te to greet me."


    Xiao Yuruo responded softly, "They went to the new residence and asked for you to go thereter. They have something to discuss with you."


    "Oh, something to discuss with me? That must be important. I must hurry over." Lin San''s eyes sparkled with joy, sensing that Luo Ning had persuaded Qiaoqiao. ¡®She really is a good politicalmissar.¡¯


    Seeing Lin San''s ted expression, Eldest Miss didn''t know what they were nning, but knowing Lin San, whenever his eyes sparkled like that, there had to be a beautiful woman enticing him. Qiaoqiao was naturally mild and wouldn''t use those cunning tricks, but the other one was hard to guard against. Eldest Miss gritted her teeth and snorted, "That foxy Luo Ning, using such low methods to lure away your soul."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and suddenly eximed, "Ah, I''ve thought of a way to make the Madam submit. Eldest Miss, how about this? Let''s present a fait apli, and then there won''t be any worries."


    "You''re courting death!" Eldest Miss blushed with anger and pinched his arm fiercely, "Do you think I''m like that foxy Luo Ning? I can see from her eyes what you two have been up to. I, Xiao Yuruo, am an innocent girl and won''t imitate others in a base union."


    With a toss of her hand and a twist of her body, Eldest Miss red at him and turned away. Jealousy, it was pure jealousy. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, found a carriage, and headed straight for the grand mansion bestowed by the Emperor.


    The grand mansion, located opposite the Golden Jade Bridge, was a prestigious ce in the capital, surrounded by dignitaries and officials. Lin San''s status was on par with Xu Wei and Li Tai, indicating the Emperor''s high regard for him.


    Upon reaching the front gate of the residence and disembarking from the carriage, he found the mansionpletely refurbished with golden ques, jade lions, red bricks, and green tiles, looking quite majestic. The vermilion door was tightly shut. Lin Wanrong pushed it a couple of times but found it bolted from inside.


    ¡®Damn, they''re not going to make me climb the wall to get in, are they? Stealing into my own home to see my wife? What a world!¡¯ Just as he was preparing to scale the wall, he heard a muffled sound, and the red door opened. A dimntern emerged, and a charming young maid poked her head out, asking, "Who are you? What are you doing here?"


    ¡®Who am I? That¡¯s a good question.¡¯ Seeing the adorable appearance of the young maid, Lin Wanrong leaped forward a few paces with a yfulugh. "Are you asking me?" he teased. "Everyone calls me Brother San! Little sister, how old are you? Do you live here alone? Are you scared? Would you like Brother San to keep youpany?"


    "Ah¡ª" the little maid screamed in surprise, stepping back, her face flushed. "You''re Master Lin?!"


    "Hmm, little sister, you recognize me?" Lin Wanrong nodded, adopting a serious tone. "Well, considering my dashing and handsome appearance, which has already captured the hearts of countless young maidens, your recognizing me is not so surprising."


    The little maid burst into giggles. "I don''t recognize you at all. My young mistress told me about your characteristics. I recognized you as soon as Ipared them."


    "My characteristics? What characteristics?" Lin Wanrong was intrigued.


    The little maid exined, "My young mistress said, ''If you see a man who''s alwaysughing and flirting, shamelessly arrogant, and tries to tease every woman he sees, peeking around at the front door, that''s undoubtedly Master Lin.''"


    "What? That''s a mistake! Who knows me so well?" Lin Wanrong protested angrily. "Do I even have any privacy left? Who is your young mistress? I need to argue with her."


    The little maidughed coquettishly, holding up herntern, revealing arge character "Xu" on the oxhide paper. Master Lin''s face changed, and he waved his hands in regret. "I take back thest sentence. Forget I ever said it. But let me remind you, little sister, you''re still young. Don''t always believe what you hear. Flirty, shamelessly arrogant, teasing women¡ªis that me? I don''t flirt with more than a few each year. Most of the time, I''m the one being teased."


    The little maid smiled demurely and bowed to him. "Master, my young mistress has specially instructed me to meet you. Please follow me."


    ¡®Your young mistress is meeting me? In my own house? How absurd!¡¯ The little maid led the way with herntern, and Master Lin followed, feeling disgruntled. The mansion had beenpletely renovated, clean and tidy, with freshly nted flowers and nts throughout the courtyard. They made their way through halls and alleys, stopping at an elegantly designed three-story pavilion in the backyard, where bright lights were shining. The little maid curtsied, "Master, the three young mistresses are waiting for you upstairs!"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, and as he crossed the threshold, he heard a burst of joyfulughter from upstairs. The voice of Qiaoqiao rang out, "Sister Zhiqing, your eyeshadow looks really good. If big brother sees it, he will surely be stunned."


    Miss Xu''s voice responded, "Why mention him out of the blue? It ruins the mood. By the way, Qiaoqiao, is this eyeshadow and mascara really a gift from the Goryeo girl named Seo Jang Geum? I never knew Goryeo had such talent. However, Qiaoqiao, Ning''er, don''t me me for not warning you. I heard that this girl Jang Geum is ambiguously involved with your family''s Lin San. You''d better keep an eye on him. If a foreign vixen seduces him, that would be a disgrace to our Great Hua women."


    Lin Wanrong listened, grinding his teeth in secret. So what if he had identally touched her a few times, or mistakenly kissed her a few times? Was it worth her gossiping and scheming behind his back?


    He strode up the stairs with amanding presence, only to find three young women sitting in front of a mirror, giggling and painting their eyebrows, enjoying themselves. On Miss Xu''s eyelids was a newly drawnyer of pale blue eyeshadow mixed with some silver, paired with her mature and fiery body, she was truly as enchanting as had been described by Qiaoqiao.


    "See, I knew big brother would be stunned by the sight," Qiaoqiao''s softughter rang in his ears. Lin Wanrong snapped out of his trance, chuckling, "My eyes aren''t stunned, what do you think they are, crooked? Hey, am I mistaken? Isn''t this Miss Xu? We parted only a few hours ago, howe we meet again now?"


    Xu Zhiqing snorted, discontentedly saying, "You think I want to see you? If it weren''t for my father''s message from the pce, instructing me to inform you, I wouldn''t bother seeing you."


    Seeing that big brother and Miss Xu seemed to be somewhat indifferent to each other, Qiaoqiao quickly grabbed Lin Wanrong''s hand, smiling, "Yes, big brother, Miss Xu hase to convey a message from Lord Xu from the pce. Also, she has put a lot of effort into refurbishing our mansion. Many ces were nned by her personally. You could say, she knows our home even better than you. Isn''t that right, Miss Xu?"


    Xu Zhiqing smiled faintly, saying, "I came to help for the sake of you, Qiaoqiao, and Ning''er, and it has nothing to do with anyone else."


    Lin Wanrong, having long understood this girl''s stubbornness, didn''t argue with her. Considering that tonight was a special night, he sneaked a nce at Luo Ning, noticing her blushing face and the intense affection in her eyes as she gazed at him.


    "So Miss Xu is here to convey an order, I wonder what Lord Xu hasmanded?" Lin Wanrong said, his heart burning with impatience, eager to send Xu Zhiqing away and enjoy his romantic evening.


    Miss Xu snorted and said, "The Emperor urgently summoned my father for a meeting, and he has not yete out since noon. A message just came from the pce, saying that tomorrow morning, the Emperor has summoned you to discuss urgent military matters in court. You must attend."


    "The morning court?" Lin Wanrong hesitated, saying, "But I still need to sleep!"


    "You¡ª" Miss Xu was infuriated to the extreme, almost wanting to march over and beat him up. The Emperor had been gracious enough to Lin San, summoning anyone to court would normally be met with profound gratitude. Yet Lin San treated state affairs so lightly, naturally stirring some anger in Miss Xu.


    Suppressing her irritation, Miss Xu slowly said, "My father said, there are three urgent matters that need discussion. First, the Emperor of Dongyin has sent an envoy, demanding an exnation from Great Hua for the disappearance of Tsugumi Takeshita within our borders; second, yesterday Dongyin''s army of a hundred thousand set sail for Goryeo, war is imminent; third, General Li Tai''s army is about to set out, and the expedition must be discussed."


    These three matters were all somewhat rted to Lin Wanrong, and there was no avoiding them. Lin Wanrong nodded reluctantly, "Then let''s see what it''s about. s, it''s a pity that I won''t be able to fulfill my dreams of spring."


    "My father also said, concerning Miss Xiao Qingxuan''s matter, he is probing the Emperor''s intentions, and he will notify you immediately when there''s news," Seo Jang Geum added.


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. Old Xu was indeed efficient in handling matters.


    Xu Zhiqing snorted and said, "Who would bother to deceive you?"


    Having finished discussing serious matters, Xu Zhiqing seemed to have more to say, and without regard to whose house she was in, she began to whisper to Qiaoqiao.


    "Big brother, I have something to tell you. Come in with me." Luo Ning gave him a charming smile and stepped into the inner room.


    Something to tell him? Lin Wanrong had just stepped into the room, and the door gently closed behind him. A fiery body wrapped around him like a serpent, and Ning''er, dressed only in a thin garment, pressed tightly against him, panting, "Big brother, this is our home, do you like it?"


    "I like it." Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment, then his blood boiled, and he feigned seriousness, "Ning''er, Miss Xu is still outside."


    "I don''t care." Eldest Miss exhaled a fragrant breath, "Big brother, this is our home, and Ning''er is truly happy. Do you remember what you did to Qiaoqiao in my room in Jinling? Ning''er wants a turn too."


    This request was truly hard to refuse. Lin Wanrong''s hands slid down her buttocks, feeling a damp sensation. Luo Ning softly moaned, her body ame, and her smooth, voluptuous legs entwined around him like serpents. Her hips twisted slightly, and her eyes were full of seduction, "Big brother, be gentle, Ning''er is afraid she can''t help but make noise, and Miss Xu might hear. Oh, big brother, you''re so naughty¡ª"


    Eldest Miss had seen through the nature of the Talented Lady Luo, an unabashed enchantress. How could Lin Wanrong resist? Pressing against her raised buttocks, Luo Ning let out a cry, a little shriek like a kitten, stealing a nce at him, her lips slightly parted, her eyes watery, "Big brother, you did that on purpose! You mustn''t think of Miss Xu; she''s just outside. Oh, she heard¡ª"


    "What was that noise?" Xu Zhiqing''s eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she curiously peeked into the inner room.


    "Oh, it''s nothing." Qiaoqiao''s face turned red, and she hurriedly covered up, "It''s probably just a little cat in the house!"


    "A cat in heat!" Miss Xu snorted, and for some reason, her face also turned red.


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 Chapter 403

    Chapter 403


    Chapter 403 Going to Court


    A night of tender whispers needed no words. Under the guise of celebrating their new home, Luo Ning, the foxy temptress, opened her arms, pulling the shy Qiaoqiao into the fray. Under Luo Ning''s exemry lead, Qiaoqiao reluctantly joined the lustful man and woman, fulfilling Lin Wanrong''s grand dream of having two at once. The ecstasy of the experience was beyond words for outsiders.


    The fine rain drizzled non-stop, and Lin Wanrong was sound asleep when he suddenly felt a small hand gently nudging him. "Big brother, wake up, wake up!"


    Lin Wanrong groggily grabbed her little hand and kissed it. "Qiaoqiao, my little darling, it''s still dark outside. Sleep some more."


    Qiaoqiao giggled, covering her red lips. "Big brother, you''re talking nonsense. It''s already past the fourth watch of the night."


    "Who cares what time it is? Sleep is what matters." Lin Wanrong yawned, groping a plump hip beside him, only to hear a kitten-like moan as Miss Luo mumbled, "Big brother, don''t tease me. Ning¡¯er can''t take it."


    Miss Luo''s face was flushed in her sleep, perhaps dreaming of spring. Her smooth arms tightly embraced Lin Wanrong''s arm, her full and firm breasts pressed against his waist, forming a deep cleavage.


    Master Lin''s lust was ignited. With closed eyes, he caressed Ning''s smooth leg. Miss Luo was very sensitive, moaning in half-sleep, her hot body moving closer to him.


    Qiaoqiao''s cheeks turned red as she covered her face. "Big brother is so naughty, and so is Sister Ning.""You naughty girl, where was I naughty?" Luo Ning opened her eyes, her face flushed with seductive charm, her eyes seemingly dripping with passion.


    "You, you¡ª" Qiaoqiao was both shy and embarrassed, peeking at her and whispering, "You and big brother, teasing me like that, I could die of shame."


    Luo Ningughed, burying her head in big brother''s chest, pointing at Qiaoqiao''s pretty nose. "You hypocritical little girl, since you say I''m naughty, I''ll ask you a question. Answer me honestly."


    "Answer what?" Qiaoqiao asked, her shyness fading.


    Luo Ning smiled seductively, drawing circles on Lin Wanrong''s bare chest. "Little girl, tell me honestly, how did it feelst night? Were you happy or not?"


    Qiaoqiao''s face turned purple with embarrassment. "I, I won''t say!"


    Luo Ningughed sweetly. "You don''t have to say, I know. Who was the one clinging to big brotherst night, first saying no, then not letting go? We both have eyes, you know. You seem so innocent, but who knew you could be so wild?"


    Qiaoqiao was mortified, burying herself in Lin Wanrong''s arms. "Big brother, Sister Ning is bullying me. Punish her like you didst night. Sister Xu hasn''t left yet, and she''s already throwing herself at you. I bet Sister Xu heard everything, hee hee!"


    Luo Ning''s face turned red, her big eyes blinking, her hot little tongue licking her red lips, shyly and seductively saying, "Big brother, Sister Xu heard everything. What should we do?"


    ¡®Damn it, with these two bewitching vixens, both big and small, I can''t find any peace to rest. If this continues, I''ll soon have to use that thing Seo Jang Geum sent me.¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt unbearably itchy, suddenly opened his eyes, and with a swoosh, pulled the two women into his embrace: "Did you hear? Done, it''s all done!"


    Qiaoqiao let out a startled cry, and Luo Ning moaned softly twice, causing the temperature in the room to rise again.


    "Sister Ning¡ªsister, all the good things are done by you." Seeing big brother''s hands misbehaving on Sister Ning, Qiaoqiao''s little face turned red as she panted: "Big brother, it''s time, don''t forget, you have to attend the morning court."


    Attend court? Lin Wanrong paused for a moment but didn''t stop his hands: "Ning''er, what time is the court?"


    Eldest Miss Luo, her face glowing, nestled in his arms and trembled: "Big brother, court is at the fifth watch. It''s a rule; you must get up quickly."


    Lin Wanrong sighed in disappointment. Going to court at the peak of a man''s vitality, what a bloody inhumane rule. He buried his head in the nket in a fit of pique, causing Miss Luo and Qiaoqiao to giggle.


    Ning''er, through the embroidered quilt, gently stroked his chest and sighed softly: "Attending court is something others can''t even beg for, yet my husband is unique. Just a little servant, yet even the Emperor''s ounts mean nothing to him. Such a mindset, how many in the world possess it? No wonder even Eldest Miss Xiao, who''s so high and mighty, is smitten with you."


    Qiaoqiao giggled: "Not just Eldest Miss Xiao, but also the famous Talented Lady Luo. Didn''t she also fall into big brother''s arms? Big brother, being this servant, gaining property, and deceiving beautiful women, is truly a wonder in the world."


    The two women chatted like birds, their beautiful faces blooming, singing softly around him. The spring sentiment in the room dispelled some of the chill from the spring rain outside. Lord Lin stretchedzily and thought, ¡®No wonder they say "A man''s grave is his love nest"; being entangled by these two girls, even if I were offered the Emperorship, I wouldn''t take it.¡¯


    The three got out of bed, enduring his fondling. Miss Luo and Qiaoqiao gently helped him dress.


    ¡®Calling me, a mere servant, to attend court and discuss matters, the old Emperor must have quite the imagination. My position as a vice minister is just a small, nominal role; I''ve never handled any real business. At court, won''t I have to behave ording to others'' whims? It''s not as enjoyable as being a servant in the Xiao household, where Eldest Miss serves tea, Second Miss massages my back, and the Madam sings. Everyone looks to my face; that''s real freedom and joy.¡¯


    Hearing big brother sigh, Luo Ning''s face turned red. Suddenly, from behind, she tightly hugged his waist and said: "Big brother, there''s something Ning''er wants to ask you."


    "What is it?" Lin Wanrong casually groped her round, jade-like hips andughed.


    Luo Ning''s face turned redder, and she stammered for a moment, her voice as fine as a mosquito''s: "Big brother, is Ning''er so wanton?" At these words, even Qiaoqiao''s face turned red.


    "Wanton?" Lin Wanrongughed loudly: "Ning''er, my little darling, don''t you know who your big brother is? In terms of being wanton, who in the world canpare to me?" He whispered in Luo Ning''s ear: "Keep on being wanton; big brother likes it very much."


    "How annoying!" Miss Luo clenched her little fist and punched him in the chest, her expression bing more and more charming. She grabbed Qiaoqiao''s hand, then her big brother''s, and said softly, "To be married to my big brother and Qiaoqiao is the blessing of Ning''er''s lifetime. Ning''er is very happy. Since we are husband and wife, we are one body. Qiaoqiao, don''t me your sister for being so wanton; in front of my husband, even if it''s a hundred times more, what does it matter? The affection between husband and wife is a very important thing. As long as the three of us are happy, the form and content are irrelevant. Sister, don''t you agree?"


    Qiaoqiao blushed, lightly nodded and looked down. Miss Luo was truly learned and talented. Even Lin Wanrong couldn''t think of this theory andughed heartily. Just as he was about to embrace her, Ning''er gave a slight smile, stopping him. "Big brother, there''s one more thing Ning''er wants to discuss with you. Yesterday, I agreed with Seo Jang Geum that when she returns to Goryeo, I will apany her. As I''ve told big brother before, I''ve wanted to travel around since I was young. Now there is such a good opportunity, Ning''er doesn''t want to miss it. Big brother, will you support Ning''er?"


    Lin Wanrong fell silent for a moment. It wasn''t a good time to go to Goryeo right now. Thousands of Dongyin ships were ready, and a great war was about to erupt on the Goryeo Kingdom. But he had long known Luo Ning''s wish. Born with this nature, loving to help others and travel, if she didn''t do these things, she wouldn''t be Luo Ning. Now that Seo Jang Geum was going with her, if it wasn''t for a war, it was indeed a good opportunity.


    He pondered for a moment before saying, "Ning''er, whatever you want to do, of course, big brother will support you. But isn''t Goryeo quite unsettledtely? Hasn''t Seo Jang Geum told you?"


    Luo Ning grabbed his hand, smiling, "I know that. But as Miss Jang Geum has said, life is not only about enjoying happiness but also learning to face hardship. I want to see how the people of Goryeo resist the invasion."


    ¡®This Seo Jang Geum girl is indeed harmful.¡¯ Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile and said, "Let me think about it first. Sigh, I haven''t encountered such a difficult question in a long time."


    Luo Ning suddenly giggled, rubbing against him and looking at him with alluring eyes. "Silly big brother, all these were told by Seo Jang Geum. If you want Ning''er to stay, Ning''er will never leave you."


    Lin Wanrong pped her on the buttocks, and Luo Ning let out a delicate moan, giggling as she ran away. Qiaoqiao brought his rain gear, carefully tidied his clothes, and escorted him downstairs with Luo Ning.


    Outside the door, there was a carriage, and the little maid they had seenst night popped her head out, waving excitedly, "Master Lin, Master Lin, we''re here."


    "Oh, little sister, up so early?" Lin Wanrong, holding an umbre, smiled as he walked over.


    "It''s not that I''m up early, but that you''re upte," the little maid said yfully, making Lin Wanrong''s face turn red.


    The little maid turned back to the carriage and said, "Miss, Master Lin is here; can we go now?"


    The carriage was silent for a moment before Xu Zhiqing''s voice came out, "He''s walking outside alone, and if he''s too slow, it could dy national affairs. Considering the urgency, let hime up and join us."


    ¡®It''s just an invitation to ride in a carriage, and there''s so much fuss,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, not being modest and stepping into the carriage. He heard Miss Xu say, "You, going out alone like this? Don''t you know to bring some people with you?"


    "Have you ever seen a house servant going out with attendants?" Lin Wanrong patted the raindrops on his body andughed, "If word of this were to spread, it would surely make peopleugh their teeth off."


    Xu Zhiqing snorted slightly, "You have even taken possession of other people''s mistresses, two at that. How do you even resemble a house servant? Calling you a wicked servant would be more like it."


    "Thank you for thepliment," Lin Wanrongughed heartily, and looked up to see Xu Zhiqing dressed in a green lotus-root silk dress, her hair adorned with a pure gold phoenix hairpin, her face lightly made up with rouge, glowing with a faint red hue, radiantly beautiful.


    "Oh, Miss Xu, what''s this all about? Going on a date?" Lin Wanrong was stunned and asked.


    Miss Xu''s face changed drastically, "Yuzhu, fetch my golden whip and cast this shameless scoundrel down from the carriage."


    In a daze, the maid Yuzhu had already taken out a golden whip from somewhere and weakly said to Lin Wanrong, "Master Lin, please forgive this servant. You''d better get down quickly. Our mistress''s golden whip was bestowed by the Emperor himself, used to strike treacherous officials and behead viins¡ª"


    ¡®A golden whip? Seriously, that works? I have a man''s whip, but I don''t know if it will withstand it!¡¯ Seeing Miss Xu''s face as cold as ice, without a hint of kindness, and not knowing where he had offended her, Lin Wanrong sheepishlyughed twice and dejectedly stepped down from the carriage.


    "Little girl, where is your mistress going?" Little maid Yuzhu peeked out to pull the curtain, and Lin Wanrong quickly asked.


    "The Emperor has summoned my mistress to attend court and discuss matters," the little maidughed, and her body disappeared behind the curtain. The carriage sshed away, moving further into the distance.


    Xu Zhiqing is also attending court? No wonder she waited at the door for me to apany her. It seems the old Emperor is serious this time; this battle against the Turks must be won, or the Great Hua will surely perish.


    Though the Golden Bridge was just opposite the mansion, as the old saying goes, ''the mountain seems closer than it is,'' and Lin Wanrong took the time of two cups of tea to reach the outer city. The continuous cold rain and chilly spring dew had chilled him to the bone, and his anger toward the old Emperor, his father-inw was burning. No wonder Xu Zhiqing was riding in a carriage; that girl was too clever.


    Upon entering the inner city, moving straight ahead, through the Hall of Extended Years and the Hall of Supreme Harmony, he finally saw the shadow of the Hall of Literary Brilliance. Mr. Lin rubbed his frozen palms, and a figure came over, calling in a shrill voice, "Oh, my Mr. Lin, you''ve finally arrived."


    "Ah, isn''t this Eunuch Gao? Long time no see," Lin Wanrongughed, sping his hands in greeting.


    Gao Ping hurriedly returned the gesture, anxiously saying, "Sir, today is your first time attending court, why are you sote? This old servant has been waiting for you for a long time."


    ¡®I was busy being affectionate with my wife; I don''t have time to apany you to court,¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, taking out a hundred taels of silver note and stuffing it into Gao Ping''s hand, "Little brother got lost and took a few wrong turns, that''s why I''mte. I''ve made a fool of myself in front of you."


    Gao Ping quickly drew his hand back and ingratiatingly smiled, "I dare not. The Emperor has ordered me to wee you here. He said it''s your first time attending court, and there are some rules to exin. Please follow me."


    Gao Ping led him to the Hall of Literary Brilliance, exining the rules of attending court all the way. Lin Wanrong yawned non-stop, with seven parts of it going in his left ear and eight partsing out of his right.


    "¡ª¡ªSir, have you understood everything?" Gao Ping finished exining, then looked at him uneasily. This Master Lin was prone to mischief, and it would be disastrous if anything went wrong.


    "What''s there not to understand?" Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Eunuch Gao, rest assured. I''ll stand there without uttering a word, ensuring no mistakes will ur. Once you announce the end of the assembly, I''ll head home for dinner."


    Master Lin was refreshingly blunt. Gao Ping led him to the front of the great hall and pointed to a spot. "Master Lin, remember, this is your position. You must not overstep it."


    Lin Wanrong looked up and saw that the position Gao Ping was pointing to was at the far right, in thest seat of the second row. It was right near the doorway, so if he stood there, the people in front would shield him, and he could even take a nap without anyone noticing. ¡®Damn, what a great spot reserved for me,¡¯ he thought, thrilled. This was like snagging the back row in college lectures, definitely something to celebrate.


    Master Lin held the idle title of Vice Minister in the Ministry of Personnel. Although the name sounded impressive, the reality was far from it. Among the three chambers, six ministries, and nine bureaus, there were hordes of schrs and officials, easily numbering forty to fifty. The Ministry of Personnel alone had over a dozen Vice Ministers, epitomizing bureaucratic bloat. Master Lin was famous, but he had never actually worked in the ministry. Everyone knew his main job was as the steward of the Xiao family. There was really no ce for him in the court. Having a corner spot to stand in was a huge grace from the Emperor.


    Gao Ping was initially worried that Master Lin might feel slighted, but seeing Master Lin''s excitement, as if he''d found a gold ingot, he admired the man''s ability to be flexible and thought he had a promising future. Then, he hurried away.


    Officials arriving for court always came early, rushing as if chased by dogs. Master Lin''s leisurely stroll, singing along the way, was rare, like a lone star in the morning sky. By then, the great hall was filled with seventy to eighty officials, each clutching documents, standing in groups, and chattering away.


    In the crowded hall, Master Lin couldn''t spot Xu Wei or Li Tai, but given their status, they were undoubtedly in the front. He did notice the long-absent Top Schr Su Mubai, chatting lively with a few ministers. He seemed to be doing welltely, thriving in the political arena.


    He had heard from the young maidservant that Xu Zhiqing was also attending court, but despite looking around, he couldn''t spot her. Given her imperial-gifted golden whip, she held a significant position. The old Emperor had convened an expanded meeting, so if Master Lin had a seat, Miss Xu surely wouldn''t be left out.


    After surveying the area and finding no acquaintances¡ªthose standing nearby were all like him, small officials who stood stiffly without chit-chatting¡ªLin Wanrong grew bored and yawned, leaning against the door to doze.


    "The Emperor arrives!" Gao Ping''s shout rang out, and the great hall immediately fell silent. The civil and military officials took their ces and knelt. Lin Wanrongzily sat on the floor, looking towards the Dragon Throne.


    After not seeing him for a few days, the old Emperor''splexion had turned much paler, though his spirit seemed quite well. Next to him, a temporary screen had been erected, and a thin, sparse curtain hung in front of it. Behind the curtain, a woman sat quietly.


    Her silhouette was blurry, her features indiscernible, yet somehow, Lin Wanrong''s heart suddenly began to thump rapidly.


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 Chapter 404

    Chapter 404


    Chapter 404 Might of Ten Thousand Years


    "Rise, my Dear Ministers," the old Emperor''s voice rasped slightly as he slightly lifted his hand. The civil and military officials of the entire court thanked him in unison and respectfully stood up. Lin Wanrong examined the woman behind the curtain closely. She sat quietly, neither speaking nor smiling, her figure extraordinarily graceful.


    The Emperor raised his eyes and looked around, nodding slightly, "At today''s morning assembly, there is an important matter of state that I must discuss with you all. Concerning the rise and fall of our great Empire, I specifically permit Miss Xu Zhiqing to enter the court with a golden whip. Although Xu Zhiqing is a woman, she has several times personally fought fiercely with the northern nomads and is a true heroine among women. I allow her to enter the court to discuss politics, situated in the adjoining room. Does anyone object?"


    Allowing a woman to participate in the court''s affairs was against the rules, but since the Emperor had spoken, and the woman had achievements and status, and she was also discussing politics in the side room next to the Hall of Literary Brilliance, everyone nodded, praising the wisdom of the Emperor.


    Gao Ping loudly called out, "Summon Xu Zhiqing to the great hall''s side room for discussion."


    "Thank you for the Emperor''s great grace," a crisp voice of a woman came from outside the hall. Lin Wanrong heard it clearly; it was Xu Zhiqing. Though Miss Xu was full of talent, surpassing many in the court by hundreds of times, she stillcked the qualification to enter the main hall. Such was the difference between men and women. Lin Wanrong had been outsmarted by her earlier that day, and he felt a bit aggrieved. He then looked at the woman behind the curtain, whose treatment was much higher than Xu Zhiqing''s, wondering what her identity might be.


    "Dear Minister Xu, what major issues need to be discussed today?" the old Emperor asked Xu Wei.


    Xu Wei stepped forward from the first position on the right and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, at today''s morning assembly, there are three major matters that need to be discussed. Firstly, the Emperor of Dongyin sent a letter yesterday, stating that his second son, Prince Tsugumi Takeshita, hade to our capital for pilgrimage and has been missing for many days within our borders. Dongyin hopes that we thoroughly investigate Princec Tsugumi''s whereabouts, insisting on an exnation."


    Seeing Xu Wei''s hesitant manner, it was estimated that Dongyin''smunication was not so polite, and old Xu was understating it. Hearing the first matter, the ministers looked at each other, and no one spoke.Lin Wanrong was the clearest about Prince Tsugumi Takeshita''s whereabouts. He wouldn''t be foolish enough to draw attention to himself and simply leaned against a nearby pir, yawningzily, listening to these people''s ideas.


    The old Emperor snorted and pondered, "Regarding the disappearance of the Dongyin prince, what are your opinions?"


    Everyone looked at each other, not knowing what the Emperor meant, and dared not speak rashly. Prince Cheng, standing at the first position on the left, gave a profound smile and nced back casually.


    One person stepped forward from the row and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, Dongyin and our great Empire are close neighbors, connected by water, and are friendly to each other. Prince Tsugumi Takeshita came to our great empire for pilgrimage and disappeared on his return journey, which is not unrted to us. This concerns the interaction between the two countries, and if mishandled, it could lead to a diplomatic dispute, affecting our Empire''s face. We must not take this lightly. In my humble opinion, we can strengthen the investigation on one hand, search for Prince Tsugumi''s traces, and crack down on those who are causing chaos between the two countries. On the other hand, we can offer some concessions first, issue a decree to appease, and temporarily halt the dispute between the two countries."


    Lin Wanrong was feeling drowsy, but the moment he heard someone speaking, he immediately became alert. The one who had stepped forward was the long-lost top schr, Su Mubai. Su Mubai had been responsible for receiving the envoys of the three countries when they came to the capital for the pilgrimage, and he had considerable say in diplomatic matters.


    The old Emperor nodded slightly, nced left and right, and asked, "What do my beloved ministers think of Top Schr Su''s proposal?"


    Another man from the left chimed in, "Top Schr Su''s proposal is well-considered and sensible, and I fully support it." Lin Wanrong recognized this person as his superior''s superior, Minister Ye, whom he had met at Prince Cheng''s mansion a few days earlier.


    With the leadership of Minister Ye and Top Schr Su, the other ministers began to express their agreement, and the atmosphere became lively. Only Xu Wei and Li Tai remained silent.


    "Where is Lin San? Where is Lin San?" the old Emperor looked around and suddenly shouted. Among the dozens of people in the great hall, Lin San was nowhere to be found.


    A civil official beside Lin Wanrong hurriedly nudged him, anxiously saying, "Master Lin, wake up, the Emperor is calling you!"


    "He''s calling me?" Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment. Seeing everyone''s eyes fixed on him, it seemed that the man''s words were true, and he had to step forward, saying, "Your Majesty, did you call me?"


    Upon seeing Lin Wanronge forward, the woman behind the curtain trembled slightly, her eyes fixed on him.


    Daring to address the Emperor in such a way in the golden hall, Lin San was the only one who would do so. The old Emperor did not mind, smiling and saying, "Lin San, are you satisfied with your spot in that corner?"


    "Satisfied, there''s no better position than this," Lin Wanrong said with augh.


    The ministers shook their heads and chuckled. A servant''s lot was a servant''s lot; to have a foothold even in the most remote corner of the court was a fortune he must have rued over several lifetimes.


    The Emperor nodded indifferently, "You are indeed rare, content in every circumstance. Do not underestimate your position. When I first attended court at the age of sixteen, I stood right where you are. Thete Emperor told me, ''In small things lies great benevolence.'' Lin San, remember this well."


    At these words, the entire court was astonished. The Emperor was actuallyparing Lin San to himself and openly instructing him in the court. Master Lin''s rapid advancement seemed imminent. Prince Cheng''s eyes shed a sharp cold light, and he remained silent, his eyes slightly closed.


    "Lin San, Prince Tsugumi is missing. Top Schr Su suggests that we shouldfort the Dongyin by extending a small favor. What do you think?" the old Emperor said with a smile.


    "Ah, the prince is missing?" Lin Wanrong eximed. "Your Majesty, who told you this? Could it be a deception?"


    Hearing Lin San''s disrespect, Su Mubai snorted and said, "This was personally informed by the Emperor of Dongyin; it concerns the rtionship between the two countries, how can it be false?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "So ording to Sir Su, if the Emperor of Dongyin writes a letter himself, it can''t be false? Decades ago, when our Great Hua was iparably strong, the Emperor of Dongyin even wrote a letter of submission to Great Hua, pledging to send ten thousand rolls of brocade and one hundred thousand taels of silver every year. Sir Su, you''re well-educated, don''t you know about this? How much have they umted so far? Did they deliver the silver when Prince Tsugumi came to pay tribute this time?"


    Lin San was indeed a master of sophistry. Su Mubai''s face changed, and he stammered for a moment, murmuring, "That was then, this is now. We are talking about Prince Tsugumi''s affair now; it has nothing to do with the silver."


    "Discussing Prince Tsugumi? That''s rather simple. He came to our Great Hua to pay tribute, and we entertained him with the best food and drink, fulfilling the duties of a host. He''s not a three-year-old child who could be enticed away by some courtesan. Can it also be asked that Great Hua bears responsibility? If so, Your Majesty, I dare to make a request!"


    A smile appeared on the Emperor''s face. "Speak!"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "I dare to propose, please send Sir Su on a mission to Dongyin. Along the way, send two beautiful youngdies to secretly entice him and abduct him back. Then Your Majesty can write to the Dongyin Emperor, demanding the return of Su Mubai, who ranks two hundred and fifth in our Great Hua''s examination. Otherwise, our close rtionship between the two nations will be affected, and the consequences will be severe. Please ask the Dongyin Emperor to give an exnation."


    Everyone who heard this couldn''t help but chuckle. Clearly, it was a sophistry, yet this Lin San made it sound so logical. Such talent was indeed rare!


    Su Mubai''s face turned livid, and he angrily said, "Sir Lin, matters of diplomacy can''t be resolved through mere analogy. If we act as you suggest, how can nations deal with each other? If this continues, who can guarantee that Dongyin and other nations will not harbor ill will?"


    "Ill will?" Lin Wanrong scoffed with a smile. "Sir Su, I want to ask you, with promises unkept and tributes unpaid, when has Dongyin ever been sincere with us?"


    Su Mubai was rendered speechless, and after a long while, he managed to say, "If you continue like this, acting forcefully in every matter, what nation would dare to deal with our Great Hua?"


    Lin Wanrongughed coldly, "Sir Su, it''s Dongyin who is aggressively demanding a person from Great Hua, how did it be us being forceful? A tiny speck ofnd, daring to insult Great Hua like this; if we ept this humiliation, where will our nation''s dignity stand? Where will Great Hua''s honor be? If this is considered being forceful, I hope Great Hua is forceful for ten thousand years!"


    "Lin San, well said!" came the voice of Miss Xu from the adjacent room, "I, Xu Zhiqing, agree with Lin San!"


    Lin Wanrong''s few words, full of stirring power, especially his slogan "forceful for ten thousand years," made everyone''s blood boil.


    "What a ''forceful for ten thousand years''!" Xu Wei suddenly spoke, "I, the old minister Xu Wei, agree with Sir Lin!"


    "I, the old minister Li Tai, agree with Lin San!"


    ¡­


    "Forceful for ten thousand years?!" Tears welled in the eyes of thedy behind the curtain, and she quickly penned down a vivid figure on paper.


    The old Emperor squinted his eyes, a smile ying on his lips, and nodded slightly toward Lin San. The echoing voices of agreement from the courtiers indicated their unanimous support for Lin San.


    "Gao Ping, draft the decree!" the Emperor smiled slightly, "Notify the King of Dongyin, his second son, after paying tribute to our celestial empire, has not returned on time, and we do not know where he has gone. He''s of a very unruly nature. Instruct him to be well disciplined, and not to repeat such behavior. By Our decree!"


    "Your Majesty is wise," Lin Wanrong chuckled, ttering.


    The court''s first matter had thus reached a unified decision. Xu Wei, greatly pleased, seemed more confident about the following court discussions: "The second matter of today''s court meeting also concerns Dongyin. ording to reports from the southeast coast, Dongyin has assembled a hundred thousand soldiers and hundreds of ships, all set to sail. In the past two days, they have embarked and are heading straight for Goryeo."


    As these words fell, amotion erupted in the court. Two consecutive matters had Dongyin ying the leading role, and it seemed as if there was a hidden mystery behind it. The officials started to whisper and discuss amongst themselves.


    The matter was rted to the significant affairs of the military and the state, so Lin Wanrong said no more, retreating to the position where the Emperor had once stood, and resumed his pleasant dream.


    "Dear General Li, you are a general of our imperial court. How do you see this matter?" the Emperor asked Li Tai.


    Li Tai nodded, "Your Majesty, Dongyin''s invasion of Goryeo this time happens to coincide with the moment our Great Hua''s soldiers are about to embark on a distant expedition. The timing is certainly not idental. Goryeo borders our Great Hua; if Dongyin were to conquer Goryeo and establish a foothold in the northeast, it could coborate with the northern nomads, creating a pincer attack and leaving our Great Hua with enemies on both sides, hard to defend. In the view of this old servant, the matter of Goryeo cannot be ignored; it must be treated with caution."


    This was the word of an experienced and prudent man, and the people nodded in agreement. The Emperor nced at Prince Cheng, smiling, "What are your wise thoughts, brother?"


    Prince Cheng sped his fist and said, "General Li is right in his words. If Dongyin were to conquer Goryeo, it would indeed pose the risk of having our Great Hua face enemies on both sides. However, there are two sides to every matter. At present, the Turkic tribes are invading, the north is in urgent danger, and if the Turkic people break through, they could march straight in, leaving our Great Hua in imminent peril. Between two evils, we must choose the lesser. While Goryeo is in trouble, our Great Hua is equally in dire straits, and there are no more troops to deploy. We must wait until the Turks are repelled before considering the matter in the northeast. This brother is blunt; please scrutinize the situation carefully, Your Majesty."


    Prince Cheng''s words were logical and well-reasoned. Great Hua itself was still in peril, so how could they find the time to take care of Goryeo?


    "Your Majesty, this cannot be!" A woman''s voice rang out, "Goryeo is our Great Hua''s close neighbor, and the Dongyin people are ambitious like wolves. Once they conquer Goryeo and have and base, they can march straight in, directly targeting the northern hearnd of our Great Hua. The Dongyin people are taking advantage of our Great Hua''s battle with the Turkic tribes to attack Goryeo recklessly. This move can also be seen as their test toward our Great Hua. If we abandon Goryeo, their arrogance will surely grow, and our Great Hua will be like cing a wolf at the doorstep, susceptible to its fangs at any time. In the view of thismon girl, our Great Hua must not only send troops to assist but also send our elite and strong soldiers to cut off the wolf''s ws and make them roll back into the sea."


    Xu Zhiqing indeed had foresight, much stronger than most of the fools standing in the hall. Had it not been for her being a woman, she would have been worthy to seed her father as the top person in court.


    Xu Zhiqing''s words were not without reason, but Prince Cheng was also considering the welfare of Great Hua, leaving the Emperor in a difficult position to choose.


    A note was suddenly passed from behind the curtain; Gao Ping hurriedly received it and respectfully presented it. The Emperor nced at it and suddenly called out, "Dear Minister Lin, Dear Minister Lin!"


    "Sir, the Emperor is calling you!" a civil official beside him reminded, his tone unusually respectful.


    Dear Minister Lin? Why did that name sound so awkward? Lin Wanrong smiled and stepped forward, "Your Majesty, don''t ask me about fighting a war; I faint at the sight of blood!"


    "It''s not I who wish to ask you!" The Emperorughed, took the note, and looked at it with a serious expression, "Is it imperative to save Goryeo?"


    ¡®Coming from your mouth, isn''t it you who''s asking?¡¯ Lin Wanrong nodded, "It is imperative!"


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 Chapter 405

    Chapter 405


    Chapter 405 The Brave and Loyal Army of the Great Hua Empire


    The Emperor slightly moved his countenance, pausing to ponder for a long while before saying, "Lin San, why are you so certain? You''ve heard Prince Cheng''s opinion. This matter concerns the very lifeblood of our Great Hua. We must not take it lightly. In this time of crisis, if we divide our forces to Goryeo, won''t we put our Great Hua in peril? What do you think?"


    Lin San was widely knowledgeable, and others had heard of him. Seeing that his opinion was at odds with Prince Cheng''s, the courtiers were instantly intrigued, eager to hear what he would say.


    "As Prince Cheng said, everything has two sides. His Highness has seen the threat from Dongyin, considering the safety of our Great Hua. His loyalty and wisdom can serve as a model for the world," Lin Wanrongughed, metaphorically patting the prince on the back without spending a cent. "However, from another angle, might this not be a grand opportunity created by Dongyin for our Great Hua?"


    "Opportunity?" The courtiers were momentarily puzzled. The people of Dongyin had reached Goryeo, and Lin San was calling it an opportunity? Had he gone mad? The Emperor frowned, "What do you mean by opportunity, Lin San? Come forward and exin more clearly."


    Lin Wanrong took a few steps closer, glimpsing through the curtain at the gentle and calm woman inside, feeling a sense of familiarity welling up in his heart.


    "Your Majesty, I will not mention the strategic importance of Goryeo''s geographical location, as Miss Xu has already exined it clearly. Sending troops to Goryeo is not merely a tactical need; it''s a strategic deterrence, firmly stating the attitude of our Great Hua. We will never allow anyone to create chaos under our watch."


    Prince Cheng smiled slightly, saying, "Lord Lin''s action is indeed to uphold the dignity of our Empire. But sending troops to Goryeo not only consumes our manpower and resources but also poses a great danger to our Great Hua. To exhaust the national treasury and strength for mere fame is something we must approach with caution."


    How could upholding national pride be more important than maintaining the stability of Great Hua? Prince Cheng''s words hit the nail on the head, and the courtiers nodded in agreement."Your Highness is right; only fools would exert effort for no gratitude." Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I dare to ask, considering Dongyin''s arrogance, there will be a battle between Great Hua and Dongyin sooner orter. Do you agree, Your Highness?"


    Prince Cheng replied seriously, "Of course. Dongyin''s disobedience and self-importance deserve a proper lesson. However, as there are issues in the north of Great Hua, dealing with Dongyin can wait until we have driven away the northern nomads."


    "Deal with themter? By then, if Dongyin conquers Goryeo and establishes a foothold onnd, how easy will it be to deal with them?" Lin Wanrong snorted, "Your Highness, if sending troops to Goryeo is beneficial for Great Hua, will you support it?"


    Prince Cheng shook his head, replying indifferently, "I''m short-sighted and can''t see the benefits. I hope Lord Lin can enlighten me."


    Lin Wanrong grinned and looked around, his eyesnding on Xu Wei as he smiled and said, "Mr. Xu, there''s something I don''t understand. I hope you can shed some light."


    Seeing Lin San and Prince Cheng locked in a heated debate, the courtiers'' interest was piqued. One was a powerful royal prince, and the other a rising star favored by the Emperor. Their lively argument on the golden hall was certainly entertaining to watch.


    Xu Wei bowed to the Emperor, then turned around, smiling, and said, ¡°Little brother Lin, if you have anything to ask, please speak freely. This old man will surely tell all that he knows.¡±


    ¡°Well said, well said.¡± Lin Wanrong sped his hands together and chuckled, ¡°Mr. Xu, who should be the most worried about the Dongyin attacking Goryeo?¡±


    That question seemed needless to ask; even a fool knew the answer. Xu Wei replied, ¡°The most anxious, of course, should be the King of Goryeo!¡±


    Lin Wanrong nodded, ¡°Considering Goryeo¡¯s national strength and resources, can they resist the Dongyin?¡±


    ¡°Goryeo is weak, and cannot bepared to Dongyin. In my humble opinion, the request for assistance from the King of Goryeo will certainly arrive by today,¡± Xu Wei confidently stated.


    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Lin Wanrong said, smiling. ¡°Since Goryeo is seeking assistance from our Great Hua, expenses such as military funds, provisions, andpensation should naturally be borne by them. Thus, the talk of draining our treasury does not apply. By timely deployment of troops, we can also minimize the loss to Great Hua''s military strength. Mr. Xu, isn''t that how it''s calcted?¡±


    Not quite sure what Lord Lin was up to, Xu Wei nodded, then shook his head, ¡°If you only calcte the loss of material and manpower, Little brother Lin''s calctions are correct. However, when deploying troops to Goryeo, the enormous risks that our Great Hua must undertake have not yet been considered.¡±


    ¡°First, we must not suffer any losses; that''s our basic principle. As for risks¡ª¡± Lin Wanrong slightly smiled and spoke lightly, ¡°Compared to the immense benefits, all risks are worth taking!¡±


    ¡°Nonsense! Helping Goryeo, where''s the benefit?¡± An earlier offended official, Su Mubai, angrily said.


    Lin Wanrongughed a few times, ¡°Mr. Su, just because you don¡¯t see something doesn''t mean it doesn¡¯t exist. If our Great Hua can take Goryeo without a single shot, tell me, isn¡¯t that a benefit?¡±


    Take over Goryeo? The officials in the hall were all stunned. This Lin San was really bold, speaking words others would not dare to utter. With the Turks attacking at the moment, how could Great Hua even think of taking over Goryeo?


    Xu Wei, rich in experience, thought deeply for a while before saying, ¡°Little brother Lin''s intention, could it be to take advantage of Goryeo¡¯s request for troops and seize the opportunity to take over Goryeo? The idea is good, but the King of Goryeo might not be unprepared. If they are determined to die rather than submit, this might be difficult to achieve.¡±


    ¡°That''s why a more gentle approach is needed. After several days and nights of deep thought, I finally came up with a grand idea, called ¡®One Country, Two Systems; Goryeo Governed by Goryeo.¡¯ If all goes well, Goryeo will be incorporated into Great Hua''s territory.¡±


    ¡°One Country, Two Systems; Goryeo Governed by Goryeo?! What does this mean?¡± Not only the people in the hall but even the Emperor on the dragon throne could not sit still and eagerly asked.


    Lin Wanrong was triumphantly beaming, his face lit with a smile, ¡°The so-called ¡®One Country, Two Systems; Goryeo Governed by Goryeo¡¯ means that the King of Goryeo recognizes the central authority of the Emperor of Great Hua, dering the two as one entity. Yet, Goryeo continues to be governed by the King of Goryeo. They may haveplete judicial and economic rights, with only foreign affairs and military matters managed by Great Hua. After the unification of Goryeo and Great Hua, the two can freely trade and intermarry, with Great Hua encouraging mutual relocation, and the inclusion of the Chinesenguage in Goryeo schools. Once this announcement is made, if Dongyin wants to attack Goryeo, it would be attacking Great Hua, directly confronting our Empire. Tell me, does Dongyin have the guts to do that?¡±


    Everyone listened with eyes wide and mouths agape. Was this idea really conceived by Lin San? Such a magnificent n was beyond what an ordinary citizen could think of.


    In the meantime, Xu Zhiqing was also secretly sighing. Seeing how Lin San used tough and joke with Seo Jang Geum, she never expected that when he acted, he was utterly resolute. How could he face the little pce maid like this? Even Qiaoqiao could see Seo Jang Geum''s deep affection for him, and he was so heartless? Miss Xu gritted her teeth, her nose snorting, "Unfaithful and heartless, you traitor!" Her small face flushed red, and her hands covered her cheeks, feeling a surge of heat.


    Xu Wei was skilled in statecraft, and hearing Lin San''s words, he was truly ted. By preserving the Goryeo royal family''s rule but stripping them of military and diplomatic power, this was a brilliant move. It didn''t annihte thempletely but caused the Goryeo king both pain and a touch of constion. It ensured that the resistance would not be too intense, ultimately epting this "one country, two systems" grand dream under the pressure from the Dongyin. Even more wonderful was Lin San''s proposal for mutual marriage and mutual relocation, subtly achieving national assimtion. With a mix of both sides, Goryeo would never be able to revolt.


    The Emperor''s eyes shed with a tiger''s re. After much thought, he said to Prince Cheng, "Brother Wang, what do you think of Lin San''s suggestion?"


    "Your Majesty, although Lin San''s words are bewitching, our Great Hua''s greatest enemy is the Turkic tribes. Only by driving away these nomads can we preserve our Great Hua''s foundation. If we are distracted, it will inevitably affect the great cause of resisting the nomads, leading to irreparable consequences. Please, Your Majesty, think thrice," Prince Cheng earnestly said.


    "Please, Your Majesty, think thrice!" Su Mubai led some court officials, echoing in unison.


    Prince Cheng was experienced and prudent, Lin San was sharp and explicit. Both sides had valid points, but as Prince Cheng said, Great Hua''s foundation was the priority. Whether focusing on Goryeo would bring fortune or disaster to Great Hua remained unknown. The Emperor closed his eyes, deep in thought, before finally sighing heavily, "The statees first! Lin San, if you want to persuade me, you only have one chance."


    "I don''t intend to persuade Your Majesty," Lin Wanrong said, smiling indifferently, "This is a matter of state, nothing to do with me. But seeing the indecisiveness of the gentlemen in the court, I have something stuck in my throat that I must say!"


    "Speak!" The Emperor''s eyes shed sharply, his hands resting on the dragon throne, staring at him.


    Lin Wanrong did not back down, speaking loudly, "In our Great Hua''s hundred years, not one person has expanded our territory!"


    The court fell into silence; no one dared to speak, so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.


    "Good, good!" The old Emperor pped his hands, suddenly standing up, his face flushed with excitement, shouting, "No one has expanded our territory; Lin San speaks well! I will be the first to do so. We will not tolerate Goryeo''s issues. My ministers, discuss how to send military assistance to Goryeo!"


    Seeing that the Emperor had made up his mind, no one dared to contradict him. Prince Cheng nced at Lin Wanrong and said, "Your Majesty, our Great Hua has no troops to spare at present. To aid Goryeo, Lord Lin must go himself."


    A woman behind the curtain passed out another note. The Emperor nced at it, his furrowed brows rxing, and heughed, "Brother Wang, don''t worry. Lin San hasn''t finished speaking. Dear Minister Lin, I see you are full of confidence, do you have a way to send troops? But let me warn you, I have not a single soldier to spare."


    ¡®It''s as if the old Emperor was the worm in my stomach. How did he know I had a way?¡¯ Lin Wanrong looked forward with puzzlement, only to see the old Emperor''s face mysterious, smiling at him.


    "Your Majesty, thismoner has a small idea that I wish to discuss with everyone."


    "Speak quickly!" Upon seeing the sly smile on Lin San''s face, the Emperor immediately sensed that the matter had been settled. With Lin San alone, he could counter millions of soldiers.


    Lin Wanrong stamped a few steps, smiling and said, "The battle with Goryeo is imminent. If arge army is dispatched at this time, I fear they may arrive only after Goryeo has been attacked. In my opinion, it would be better to recruit soldiers locally in the northeastern part of Great Hua, as well as the areas near the border, and name them the Great Hua Loyal and Brave Army. They would be directly under the control of the court, and experienced officers would be appointed to lead and train them. First, the north is closer to Goryeo, and the turmoil of war may affect it at any time. The people there are more enthusiastic about defending their homes and country. Second, the northern folk are rugged, with many horse-riding and herding tribes, so it will be easy to form an army without much effort. Of course, all military expenses and provisions will be paid for by Goryeo. The Great Hua Loyal and Brave Army will be solely responsible for the defense and security of the Goryeo region, fostering growth through war, and thus adding a new vitality to our great Great Hua. What do you think of this idea?"


    Even a fool could see that this method would work. The court would not have to make any effort, and all the funds would be paid for by Goryeo. Where else could they find such a great deal as this newly forged brave army, tempered by blood and fire?


    "Miss Xu, you are known for your wisdom. What do you think of Lin San''s suggestion?" the Emperor asked Xu Zhiqing on the other side.


    Xu Zhiqing softly sighed, and spoke faintly, "Your Majesty, Lin San is innovative and good at thinking, and I, amon woman, am ashamed to be inferior. This method of local conscription is indeed a novelty. As long as it is properly implemented, it can add fresh forces to our great Great Hua in no time."


    The Emperorughed heartily, "Well done, Lin San! You really thought this through. Listening to you today is better than ten years of studying the ssics. If anyone dares to say you cannot govern the country, I will be the first not to forgive them. The Great Hua Loyal and Brave Army, loyal and courageous, protecting the homnd; this name is well chosen, ha ha ha ha!"


    Li Tai and Xu Wei looked at each other. This Little brother Lin was truly unfathomable, capable ofing up with any kind of idea. His absence from the army was indeed a great pity.


    "Can Zhi''er persuade him to join our army?" Li Tai frowned deeply, "This kid''s ideas pop up like beans. Having him would be worth a hundred thousand strong soldiers."


    "Zhi''er?" Xu Wei shook his head with a bitter smile, whispering, "That foolish girl is deeply involved but unaware of it. Who will persuade whom, I am not sure."


    Li Tai furrowed his brow, "Deeply involved?" He nced at Lin Wanrong and nodded with a smile, "So that''s how it is. I was wondering why Zhi''er has been spending more time in her roomtely. Lin San is not bad, possessing character and ability. Aside from being a bit thick-skinned and fancy, hecks nothing."


    Prince Cheng''s brows were tightly furrowed, and he cautiously said, "Your Majesty, I have one more concern. Even if we form the Loyal and Brave Army locally with these untested recruits to aid Goryeo and fight against Dongyin, will it be effective? I have seen the swordsmanship of the Dongyin warriors with my own eyes, and it is incredibly formidable!"


    "Oh, so the prince knows the Dongyin people?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "The Dongyin warriors'' swordsmanship is indeed powerful, but don''t forget, they are fighting onnd, so how much of their sword skills can be utilized? There''s another essential point. Once our great Great Hua sends troops to Goryeo, showing our unwavering resolve, would Dongyin still dare to challenge us? Dongyin is like a spring; the weaker you are, the stronger they are. As soon as they show up, we must firmly strike them, and never show mercy."


    "That settles it then," the Emperor said with a smile. "Draft the edict at once, and conscript soldiers from both inside and outside the passes. Select capable officers from the capital''s imperial guard to be responsible for training the Loyal and Brave Army. Since this n was conceived by Lin San, Dear Minister Lin, I appoint you as themander of the Loyal and Brave Army¡ª"


    Commander of the Loyal and Brave Army? Everyone was taken aback. Though this army was newly established, its focus was on guarding the security of Goryeo beyond the borders. With the Emperor''s word, Lin San held military power in his hands, bing the uncrowned King of Goryeo. How could this not astonish people?


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand andughed, "I am but a humble servant of the Xiao family, dedicated to serving the Eldest Miss and the Madam. The Emperor''s handwritten honorific title of ''First Talent Under Heaven'' is an encouragement for me to be loyal and do my duty. As for other matters, Lin San''s ambitions are small, and I''ve never considered them. I ask Your Majesty to retract themand."


    To be content with the status of a servant and not ept a title of nobility, Lin San was probably the first in history. People looked at him with burning eyes, filled with admiration, jealousy, mockery, and a hundred different thoughts.


    The old Emperor seemed unsurprised, as though he had expected this response. He smiled, "The Xiao family is indeed fortunate to have such a loyal servant as you. However, I have heard that you have a significant connection with the Xiao family''s second daughter. It seems suspicious, as if guarding one''s stolen property. Haha!"


    Many had heard something of this matter, and when the Emperor mentioned it, everyoneughed heartily. Lin Wanrong, looking helpless, replied, "Your Majesty, as you can see, with my outstanding character, it''s impossible not to be liked by women! Could Your Majesty teach me how not to stand out? I am genuinely perplexed!"


    From national affairs to personal matters, Lord Lin was always the pioneer, and the ministersughed heartily.


    The third matter was the previously nned campaign to the north against the nomads. Li Tai exined the routes and distribution of troops in detail, with Xu Zhiqing supplementing from the side, speaking for more than half an hour. The woman behind the curtain listened quietly to the conversation, without any movement.


    Lin Wanrong''s gaze fell on the quiet figure behind the curtain. As he calmed his mind, that familiar feeling grew stronger. As everyone''s eyes focused on the military map, he approached the curtain, reaching the bottom of the stairs. He heard a soft sigh, a choking voice, quietly reciting, "Mountains beyond mountains, towers beyond towers, when will the songs and dances of West Lake end? The warm breeze intoxicates the traveler, mistaking Hangzhou for Bianzhou!"


    "Qingxuan?!!!" Lin Wanrong''s mind went nk with a loud thud, and he knew nothing more.


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 Chapter 406

    Chapter 406


    Chapter 406 Year After Year, nting Peach Blossoms, Blooming at the Time of Heartbreak


    The first encounter by Xuanwu Lake, the chance meeting at Miaoyu Pavillion, the earnest conversation in the Xiao family home, the joy atop Dangtu Mountain, scene by scene surged into Lin Wanrong''s mind like a movie. Months had passed without a sight, and longing grew like a curse, ever more intense.


    "Qingxuan¡ª" Lin Wanrong stood, stupefied, as if he had lost himself, rooted to the spot, muttering like a man bewitched.


    "Little brother Lin, Little brother Lin¡ª" Xu Wei''s soft words roused him, "What''s wrong with you?"


    Lin Wanrong came to his senses only to find more than a hundred pairs of eyes in the court all staring at him. It turned out that Li Tai had finished his deration, and everyone was surprised to see Lin San, who had previously been witty and lively, standing there as if stupefied. He looked behind the curtain, but it was empty. Where was Qingxuan''s shadow?


    "Qingxuan¡ª" Lin Wanrong cried out, stepping forward to lift the curtain.


    "Lord Lin," several eunuchs hurriedly blocked him, "One cannot overstep boundaries in the court, please return to your position at once."


    Lin Wanrong heard nothing, his mind filled with images of Qingxuan. The meeting he had anticipated day after day had unexpectedly arrived but then slipped away just as unexpectedly. The taste of being so near yet so far, even for someone as strong as Lin Wanrong, drove him to madness.


    "Out of my way!" he shouted, pushing aside the two eunuchs blocking him, striding in. Imperial guards rushed forward, drawing their long swords to block his path. Lin Wanrong paid them no heed, continuing to charge forward.The court officials, who had beenughing and chatting with Lord Lin moments ago, were all astonished by this sudden madness. They looked at each other, no one daring to speak.


    Next door, Xu Zhiqing, peering through a carved window, watched this extraordinary scene unfold. A roar in the Golden Hall meant certain execution; why was Lin San acting so madly, as if he didn''t care about his life? Her eyes fell on the slightly quivering curtain, and her heart sank. What kind of woman could make Lin San willingly risk his life for her?


    "Your Majesty!" Xu Wei was nearest to Lin Wanrong and realized something terrible was about to happen. Seeing a conflict brewing with the imperial guards, he urgently pleaded, "Your Majesty, this matter is significant, Lord Lin is acting out of desperation. Please allow him to go forward and investigate!"


    The Emperor smiled slightly, gesturing with his hand. The imperial guards hastily retreated, and Lin Wanrong darted inside. Behind the curtain was a room adorned with in and elegant furnishings, a table and a chair, nothing more. The air was filled with a faint fragrance of orchids, refreshing and soothing. On the tabley a thin sheet of paper, depicting a person standing tall among peach blossoms, smiling faintly, an air of leisurely grace emanating from the ink. The ink had not yet dried, and spots were stained as if with a woman''s tears. In the upper right corner were lightly penned two lines: "Thete dawn of spring, known before all the flowers. Year after year, nting peach blossoms, blooming at the time of heartbreak!"


    The familiar elegant handwriting, the unparalleled fragrance of orchids, and an understanding of Lin Wanrong''s character ¨C who else but Qingxuan could it be? Lin Wanrong, trembling, picked up the painting, looking at the tear stains yet to dry on the paper, faintly imagining Qingxuan shedding tears as she wrote with swift strokes. His nose tingled, his eyes moistened, and an indescribable warmth and emotion welled up within him.


    "Year after year, nting peach blossoms, blooming at the time of heartbreak!" Lin Wanrong murmured with a sigh, carefully rolling up the painting scroll. He pushed aside the curtain and strode out, only to find the grand hall empty, the court assembly having dispersed long ago.


    "Qingxuan¡ª!" Lin Wanrong shouted with all his might, the resonating echo filling the grand hall, unanswered for a long time.


    Why did Qingxuan refuse to meet him, and leave in such a hurry? What is the reason behind it? Gazing at the dragon throne shimmering with golden light, Lin Wanrong''s heart was filled with doubt, wishing he could fly to the old Emperor''s side to ask what was going on. He gritted his teeth and was about to step out of the grand hall when he saw someone rushing towards him, bumping into him.


    "Ouch!" A feminine voice cried, "You, how do you walk?"


    "Miss Xu?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "What are you still doing here? Hasn''t the court assembly dispersed?"


    "What if it has?" Xu Zhiqing''s face turned red, feeling the warmth of his body. She quickly pushed him away, biting her lip and saying, "The pce is so vast, can''t I walk around it? This pce doesn''t belong to your family."


    Had it been any other day, Lin Wanrong would have made light of such an intimate encounter, but today he was in no mood for such trivialities. Shaking his head with a smile, he walked past her.


    "Where are you going?" Xu Zhiqing asked, her brow slightly furrowed.


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "To borrow Miss Xu''s words, the pce is so vast, can''t I walk around it?"


    Xu Zhiqing sighed, "I know even without asking, you are going to see the Emperor, aren''t you?"


    "You guessed it, but there''s no reward," Lin Wanrong said, continuing to walk away.


    Xu Zhiqing smiled faintly, "I don''t know about a reward, but I do know the answer to your question."


    "You know where Qingxuan is?" Lin Wanrong turned around suddenly, his eyes wide, grabbing her small hand with joy.


    Miss Xu''s face turned pale, and she scolded, "You, you hurt me! Let go of me, you shameless person!"


    Hurt her? Lin Wanrong was stunned. He looked down to see that he was holding Miss Xu''s tender, white hands and unconsciously caressing them.


    "Silly girl, silly girl," Lin Wanrong released her hand, smiling awkwardly, "A habitual movement, Miss Xu, don''t mind. Do you really know where Qingxuan is?"


    Miss Xu lightly clenched her wrist, noticing that her jade-like, clear white hand had turned red from Lin San''s grip. Seeing his excited face, her anger increased, and she snorted, "Idiot and flirt!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Thank you for thepliment, Miss Xu. It''s been a long time since I''ve been a flirt, and today''s a nostalgic return; it feels good. Since you know Qingxuan''s whereabouts, could you please tell me?"


    Xu Zhiqing gave him a cool nce, unperturbed, "Do you really care so much for Miss Xiao? Would you do anything for her?"


    "Of course." Lin Wanrong nodded without hesitation, "My feelings for Qingxuan are beyond your imagination. As long as I can find Qingxuan, I''ll agree to any condition. Even if it''s killing or cheating, I''ll ept it without a frown, and if I do frown, you can ride on me for a lifetime."


    Xu Zhiqing spat lightly, her face flushed red, and said, "What is this talk of killing and then viting? How can you speak such words? How can you be so shameless? Speak a few words to you, and you take them to the extreme."


    Her face was red to her ears, her translucent small earlobes seemed to be tinted pink, her full bosom heaved slightly, coupled with her beautiful face and upright figure, she resembled a blooming pear tree, dazzling to the extreme. Even Lin Wanrong was left stunned by the sight.


    "What are you doing?" Caught by his gaze, Miss Xu was thrown into confusion, her pretty face blushing, and her voice diminished, "This is the pce; you must not behave as you did before."


    "Behave as before? Miss Xu, have I ever treated you improperly before? I have a poor memory; please give me a hint. Know that I am called the honest young man, a righteous young master, not one who enjoys an undeserved reputation. Just say it, and I will never abandon you." Looking at Miss Xu stamping her foot, Lin Wanrongughed, his mood brightened considerably after feeling momentarily lost at the sudden sight of Qingxuan.


    "You lowly person, I¡ªI will not spare you." Xu Zhiqing''s little fists clenched, her eyes reddened, tears swirling in her eyes before they fell.


    Oh no, this was a bigmotion, and this was the pce, where this woman would create a scene without considering the time or ce. Lin Wanrong muttered to himself and quickly reached out to take her hand, "Miss Xu, everything I just said was false. I have never treated you improperly before, it was all serious, please do not mind. How about this? You are called the honest little Miss, the righteous beautifuldy, why not abandon me for once? I won''t mind."


    "Pfft," hearing his nonsense, Xu Zhiqing, who had been crying, could not help butugh, her face flushed red. She hurriedly turned her head away, her face covered with tears, beautiful and enchanting like a begonia flower wet with dew.


    "I want Qingxuan, I want Qingxuan." Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened as he quickly chanted to himself, using Qingxuan to suppress the allure of the beautiful Miss Xu.


    Crying in the pce courtyard, Miss Xu felt a bit embarrassed, but she could not bear Lin San''s teasing. She quickly wiped her tears, red at him angrily, and snorted, "Was I indebted to you in a past life? Why must I endure such treatment from you? Why don''t you treat Qiaoqiao and Ning''er this way?"


    Can that even bepared? Lin Wanrong elongated his reply and chuckled, "I see, so Miss Xu wants me to treat you as I do Qiaoqiao and Ning''er. You should have said so earlier!"


    "I¡ªI didn''t mean that¡ª" Xu Zhiqing''s face flushed, and in her haste, she didn''t know how to defend herself, blushing as she lowered her head, "You''ll be the death of me someday!"


    Lin Wanrongughed and said, "If you want to avoid that, it''s quite simple. We just need to see each other less. Tomorrow, I''ll talk to the Emperor and ask for another mansion so that we can move far away from your home. Is that eptable?"


    Miss Xu thought for a moment and nodded slightly, "That''s a good idea, but right now, our Great Hua is in a crisis, and the whole country is contributing money and effort to resist the invaders. We should be saving everywhere. You just got a big mansion, and now you want a second one. Even if the Emperor doesn''t say anything, what will the civil and military officials think of you? How will you establish your prestige? Perhaps you shouldn''t move, and when I meet with Qiaoqiao and Ning''er, you just hide and don''te out."


    ¡®You actually thought of this ''burying one''s head in the sand'' scheme?¡¯ Lin Wanrong raised his thumb, praising, "Brilliant, truly a brilliant n. If you meet more often with Ning''er and the others, I will only have half a wife left. Miss Xu, your vision is far-reaching; I admire you, I truly admire you."


    Xu Zhiqing snorted and nced at him, her charming demeanor faintly surpassing even Luo Ning''s foxy allure. Thinking of Ning''er''s overwhelming charms, Lin Wanrong stared at Xu Zhiqing, his eyes momentarily mesmerized. Ning''er was already so enchanting, what kind of allure would it be if she were to engage in flirtation with Miss Xu one day? The mere thought made his blood boil.


    Seeing Lin San''s eyes filled with lust and his mouth curling into ascivious smile, although not her first time witnessing it, Miss Xu couldn''t help but step back in surprise, her face like powdered porcin, and she eximed, "Why are you silent? What wicked thoughts are you harboring?"


    "Heaven and earth can bear witness, I have no wicked intentions. I''m merely wishing to delve deeper into the rtionship between circles and crosses. If you don''t mind, Miss Xu, we can ''circle and cross'' together for some academic exchange," Lin Wanrong shamelessly dered.


    Although Miss Xu did not know what ''circling and crossing'' meant, she had long understood Lin San''s cunning. She didn''t dare to reply lightly to words she didn''t understand, so she merely snorted and said, "I can''t be bothered to argue with you; you can ''circle and cross'' by yourself."


    "Me ''circle and cross'' by myself? How ingenious of you to think of that. Oh, let''s talk about Qingxuan instead." Lin Wanrong wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, feeling infinite contempt for himself. Although Miss Xu was charming, she surely couldn''t surpass Qingxuan. He had thought himself above such base interests, yet found himself no different from any ordinary man. Shameful, indeed shameful.


    At his mention, Xu Zhiqing was reminded of the serious matter at hand, her face flushing slightly. Why did idle matters turn serious and serious matters turn idle when with him? It was infuriating! She wanted tough but dared not, a strange feeling rising within her heart, sweet and tender yet also sour and bitter, a mix of emotions overwhelming her.


    She quickly shook her head to dispel the jumbled thoughts, and said sternly, "Finding out Xiao Qingxuan''s whereabouts is not difficult, but don''t forget what you have said."


    "What have I said?" Lin Wanrong looked surprised, thenughed, "If it''s those words like ''endless love'' and ''eternalmitment'', I advise you to take them lightly; don''t hold them against me."


    ¡®Here ites again, turning serious matters into trivial ones. I won''t fall into your trap,¡¯ Miss Xu warned herself, cautiously saying, "Stop talking nonsense. When have you ever spoken such words to me? A man''s words are like rootless water, theye fast and leave even faster. I won''t believe you."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and gave a bitter smile, "Believe or not, just tell me where Qingxuan is!"


    Why did it happen again? Xu Zhiqing was secretly annoyed, and snapped, "Since the day you returned from Shandong, you said that you were staying in the capital and not going to the front line to fight the northern nomads because you had unfinished business. You also promised my father that once you had news of Miss Xiao, you would reconsider leading the troops. Do you remember that or not?"


    "I remember a bit." Lin Wanrong nodded, as if understanding, "Miss Xu, did the Emperor himself inform you of this news?"


    "It''s good that you remember." Xu Zhiqing nced at him lightly, "Just after the morning court was dismissed, my father pleaded with the Emperor, and His Majesty finally bestowed a silken pouch. Father ordered me to deliver it to you with the utmost haste. Otherwise, who would want to stay in the pce?"


    Miss Xu took a golden silk pouch from her bosom, and Lin Wanrong quickly unwrapped it. On the paper, he found a line of vermilion characters: "All manner of troubles lie within the Jade Buddha!"


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 Chapter 407

    Chapter 407


    Chapter 407 st It To Smithereens


    "All manner of troubles lie within the Jade Buddha!" Lin Wanrong looked at the slip of paper, utterly stunned. This sentence that seemed like a verse but not a verse, like a riddle but not a riddle, what did they mean? From the literal meaning, it seemed to refer to the Jade Buddha Temple. He had visited that temple when he first came to the capital, and it was there that he first met Xu Zhiqing. Besides that, he only remembered the temple''s broken walls and ruins, and arge reclining Buddha statue. Wasn''t the Emperor''s note equivalent to saying nothing at all?


    Xu Zhiqing watched him in a daze, sneakily nced at the note in his hand, and after seeing the sentence, slightly started. Recalling how they met, she asked softly, "When you went to the Jade Buddha Temple initially, was it to find Miss Xiao Qingxuan?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a helpless smile, shaking the note in his hand, "I am not a devout man or woman; why would I go to worship at a temple? Qingxuan and I agreed to meet at the Jade Buddha Temple in the capital on the seventh day of the seventh month this year, so I hurried to see her. The Emperor''s note now is no different from what I already knew."


    Miss Xu took the note and looked at it closely, then shook her head, saying, "Don''t be disappointed yet. Miss Xiao suddenly appeared today and then suddenly disappeared, as if she has some unspeakable secret. This note seems like a hidden riddle; the Emperor''s wisdom is extraordinary. His instructions may not be as simple as you imagine, and there must be a profound meaning in it. Why not go to the Jade Buddha Temple again? Perhaps you will discover something."


    Xu Zhiqing''s analysis was logical, and Lin Wanrong snorted, saying, "I will definitely go to the Jade Buddha Temple. But His Majesty the Emperor is truly disappointing. I''ve been working hard to help him think, and he knew Qingxuan''s whereabouts but didn''t tell me, making me extremely frustrated."


    "You want to die?!" Xu Zhiqing hurriedly covered his mouth with the note, looking around to see if anyone was paying attention. Only then did she rx slightly, her eyes filled with anger as she red at him, "Criticizing the Emperor in the inner pce, don''t you want to live?"


    ¡®He''s my father-inw, and I''ve criticized him more than once or twice,¡¯ Lin Wanrong didn''t mind. Seeing Miss Xu''s angry yet worried expression, he knew she was concerned about him and felt a touch of emotion. Suddenly he grinned, holding her hand, saying, "Miss Xu, did you stay in the pce specifically to pass messages for me?"


    "What nonsense are you talking about?" Xu Zhiqing''s face flushed, slightly panicking, she hurriedly took her hand back, scolding, "I have no time to wait for you. I saw that you are talented, and it would be a waste if you couldn''t lead the troops against the northern nomads. That''s why I wanted to do something for Great Hua. Don''t get it wrong."¡®Did I get it wrong?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled and sighed, "Actually, Miss Xu, you''re quite good, knowledgeable, pretty, with a nice figure. If you could calm down and earnestly pursue me, s, I''m currently in a period of emotional confusion; maybe you would have a chance."


    Xu Zhiqing''s face turned red with embarrassment, she scolded hastily, "Stop talking nonsense! Who wants to pursue you? You can remain confused on your own!" She stomped her little foot and hurried out of the pce. Not far away, she suddenly stomped her foot again in slight anger, saying, "Are you dead or something? What are you doing still standing here? Hurry to the Jade Buddha Temple to find your Miss Qingxuan. If you''re toote, and you miss each other, that would be a tremendous regret."


    A single sentence reminded Lin Wanrong, and he dashed toward the exit. Xu Zhiqing bit her lip and swiftly grabbed his sleeve, saying firmly, "I will go with you!"


    "Go together?" Lin Wanrong looked at her curiously. "I am going to look for my wife; what are you going for?"


    Xu Zhiqing''s face was serious as she calmly replied, "Very simple, to help you find Miss Xiao as soon as possible, fulfill your wish, and then devote yourself wholeheartedly to serving our Great Hua."


    The reason was noble, and Lin Wanrong had nothing to say. He took strides out, while Miss Xu delicately lifted her skirt, cautiously stepping through the rainwater as she followed behind him.


    Upon reaching the pce gate, they saw Xu Zhiqing''s carriage parked there. A maid looked at the two and hurriedly approached, brushing the rainwater off Xu Zhiqing while eximing, "Miss, why have youe out with Master Lin? This morning, didn''t you say you never wanted to see him again?"


    "Don''t chatter nonsense." Xu Zhiqing''s pretty face turned red as she softly replied, "When did I say I wouldn''t see him again? You must have heard wrong." Her voice inadvertently lowered near the end, and she looked away guiltily.


    ¡®Wasn''t this morning''s incident just a joke? Why did it make you so angry?¡¯ Lin Wanrong pretended not to hear the conversation between the maid and the youngdy. Seeing that Miss Xu was entering the carriage, heughed, "Miss Xu, you go ahead in the carriage, and I''ll follow in the rain. Don''t worry, I''m fast."


    Xu Zhiqing nced at him annoyedly, whispering, "If you want toe up, juste up. Why do you have to find so many reasons, trying to make people pity you?"


    The maid, Yuzhu, giggled and said, "Master Lin, Miss Xu invites you to ride with her."


    "You won''t kick me off this time, right?" Lin Wanrong, still concerned about the morning''s incident, cautiously climbed into the carriage. Seeing that Miss Xu was sitting there smiling without making a move, he rxed and settled infortably.


    Xu Zhiqing turned her head away, a light blush spreading across her beautiful neck. She muttered, "I''ve never seen such a cowardly person. Where did the courage you had whenmitting evil deeds in Shandong go?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, murmuring to himself, "Don''t remind me of the heartbreaking events. I did some good deeds in Shandong, but people caught and beat me, and I''m still recovering. It''s truly hurtful."


    Xu Zhiqing gave a slight scoff, feeling ufortable all over, and dared not speak. The maid, Yuzhu, couldn''t understand what riddle her youngdy and Master Lin were ying, and she waspletely baffled by the situation.


    The journey was quiet, and the carriage was filled with silence, interrupted only by the rhythmic patter of rain, as intense as Miss Xu''s own heartbeat.


    The carriage sped through the rain toward the outskirts of the city. After nearly half an hour, Yuzhu peered out and announced, "Miss, Master, we have arrived at the Reclining Buddha Temple."


    Xu Zhiqing let out a soft "Ah," returning from her thoughts, and murmured, "We''ve arrived so soon?"


    "So slow to arrive?" Lin Wanrong''s words came out simultaneously with Xu Zhiqing''s, but they expressed two entirely different meanings. Seeing Miss Xu''s angry stare, he quicklyughed, "I meant that the carriage was slow, not as fast as my flying heart. Miss Xu, please don''t misunderstand. Actually, I wanted to spend a little more time with you."


    He tumbled out of the carriage, the fine drizzle sprinkling on his face, refreshing his spirits. In the distance, the faintly discernible mountains hid within the thin mist, like a fairy donning a veil, exceptionally alluring.


    The walls of the Jade Buddha Temple had copsed in the spring rain, shattered and broken all around. The asional standing rafter and scattered tiles and bricks showed no difference from his first visit.


    Xu Zhiqing dismounted the carriage, and the young maidservant held an oiled-paper umbre for her; both stood at a distance from him. In the misty rain, the distant green mountains and waters appeared elusive and untouchable. Xu Zhiqing sighed softly and slowly recited, "The starsst night, the windst night, rain pelted the pavilion amid the mist; whose servant girl sings a mournful song, half with tears dripping, half with sorrow!"


    Upon revisiting the Jade Buddha Temple, Lin Wanrong''s feelings were extraordinarilyplicated. The appearance of Qingxuan had brought some new hope, but he also feared that the greater the hope, the greater the disappointment. Looking at the ruined buildings, he was unable to move for a moment.


    "This is the ce." Xu Zhiqing''s gentle voice broke Lin Wanrong''s reverie. He looked up to see Xu Zhiqing and Yuzhu had already walked into the temple, to the only intact spot, where he had encountered Xu Zhiqing sheltering from the rainst time. Miss Xu''s face wore a faint smile, as she said something to Yuzhu, then looked back at him. The young maidservant giggled, "So, this is how Miss and Master Lin know each other; no wonder you are so familiar."


    "Isn''t it familiarity?" Lin Wanrongughed as he walked over, patting the pir beside the door, where several deep arrow marks were clearly visible. "Your mistress is so ruthless, unparalleled in the world. Had I not run fast, I''d have be a night ghost in this deste temple."


    Remembering the past, Xu Zhiqing couldn''t help but cover her lips andugh, "Who told you to look so sneaky, like a bad person? A woman was sheltering from rain in a ruined temple, and you had to barge in; if you had bullied me, what then? Not shooting you into a ho''s nest was already letting you off easy."


    The two womenughed together, but Miss Xu gradually lowered her head. At first, she had been afraid of being bullied by him, only to find that, after bing familiar, she had grown numb to his bullying, even ustomed to it. How could she exin this?


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, ncing at Xu Zhiqing, "Bullying you, so what? As long as I make a move, I can bully you into joy, believe it or not!"


    Though the Jade Buddha Temple was expansive, it was dpidated everywhere. Only the one giant reclining Maitreya Buddha faintly revealed the splendor of the past. Taking out the brocade bag bestowed by the old Emperor, he once again pondered the two lines: "All manner of troubles lie within the Jade Buddha." Now in the Jade Buddha Temple, he saw nothing at all. ¡®Old man, don''t y tricks on me!¡¯


    Xu Zhiqing also stoppedughing and slowly walked to his side, gazing at him before saying, "This line seems to have a Zen meaning. Think back again; when you parted with Miss Xiao, did she say anything else? Did she mention anything else rted to this Jade Buddha Temple?"


    That day on Mount Tu, had he not been alert, he would have been left without notice by Qingxuan. At that time, he hadn''t even heard the name of the Jade Buddha Temple, so how could he have heard Qingxuan mention information about it?


    Seeing Lin San shake his head, Xu Zhiqing felt a wave of disappointment. If he could not find Xiao Qingxuan, would he never have the opportunity to serve his country? Soon after, a baffling thrill of joy emerged within her heart, and she quickly shook her head, dispelling the chaotic thoughts. "Do not be anxious," she said, "There must be another secret within this imperial edict."


    "All manner of troubles lie within the Jade Buddha!" Lin Wanrong murmured the two phrases as he paced slowly back and forth in the main hall, his eyes falling upon the massive Jade Buddha.


    ¡®In the Jade Buddha, in the Jade Buddha,¡¯ a spark shed across his mind, and he suddenly pped his palm, eximing joyfully, "In the Jade Buddha, in the Jade Buddha, I know, I know!"


    He dashed towards the towering Jade Buddha, seemingly possessed, and slowly caressed the cold stone figure. This stone Buddha, carved into the cliffside and standing several dozen feet tall, was sorge that Lin Wanrong could only reach its ankles. Miss Xu also gasped and, lifting her long skirt, ran to his side. "In the Jade Buddha? You mean there''s a secret inside the Jade Buddha''s belly? Oh, how did I not think of that!"


    "Actually, your intelligence falls just a bit short of mine. With a little more effort, you may even surpass me," Lin Wanrong said yfully, in high spirits.


    Miss Xu looked at him and smiled coyly, "I already knew that. Except for boasting, you may not be able to beat me at anything else."


    Xu Zhiqing''s hair was sprinkled with droplets of rain, and her charming cheeks were filled with joyous smiles. Her bright red lips were slightly curled, appearing like a longing young wife, yet also like a shy young girl. Lin Wanrong felt touched and smiled at her, "Miss Xu, thank you!"


    "Thank me for what?" Seeing his fixed gaze, Xu Zhiqing felt a bit flustered and quickly turned her head, whispering.


    "Thank you foring with me." Lin Wanrong sighed, "Actually, my mood was really bad just now. If it weren''t for you being with me, I don''t know what I might have done."


    Xu Zhiqing blushed and whispered, "You always jest and never seem serious; what great thing could you do? However, your feelings for Miss Qingxuan are beyond what I expected. It''s not like your usual carefree style."


    "My rtionship with Qingxuan goes beyond your imagination and even beyond my own," Lin Wanrongughed, "Although we haven''t spent much time together, she is the person who understands me best in this world. She''s a clever woman who knows me, understands me, and even risked her life to save mine. If you were me, what would you do?"


    He recounted his experiences with Qingxuan in Jinling, including how she was able to converse with Lin San through the night¡ªa feat that even she couldn''t match. Listening to this, Xu Zhiqing couldn''t help but sigh, "Miss Xiao is sincere and devoted. She knows you, loves you, and is willing to die for you. No wonder you are so attached to her. If it were me, even losing my life for her would be worth it."


    "Losing your life is not eptable," Lin Wanrongughed, "If two people genuinely love each other, you should hope that you won''t depart before her."


    "Not depart before her?" Xu Zhiqing asked, puzzled, "What does that mean? Do you wish for the one you love to die before you?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, saying, "Considering the favor you''ve done for me today, I''ll teach you a lesson you might find useful when you marry someday. The highest realm of loving someone is to watch over her until the end of her life, bearing all the grief and pain of longing. Do you understand?"


    Such a novel idea was new to Miss Xu, and she was entranced as tears welled up in her eyes. She suddenly lowered her head, saying, "You''re absolutely right, Lin San. Where did you learn all this?"


    "I taught myself," Lin Wanrongughed. "I''m naturally intelligent, as I''m sure you''ve noticed."


    Xu Zhiqing looked deeply into his eyes and spoke softly, "There''s one thing I don''t believe, though. If the person you love dies before you, could you really go on living? If it were me, I''d never eke out a miserable existence."


    The notion of dying for love was ancient, but Lin Wanrong''s education had moved beyond such thoughts. Hearing Miss Xu bring it up, he paused for a moment, then softly recited, "Connected, connected, you and I agreed for a hundred years; Whoever dies at ny-seven, wait on the Bridge of Helplessness for three years."


    "Whoever dies at ny-seven, wait on the Bridge of Helplessness for three years!" Miss Xu murmured to herself, tears streaming down. "Where did you learn this poetry? You must have brought it out just to make me cry."


    "How did you know? Stealing bits of poetry to fool girls is my specialty," Lin Wanrong said,ughing.


    ¡®I wonder how many poor girls have been deceived by this wicked spirit.¡¯ Miss Xu''s face turned red, and after a few stammers, she slowly wiped away her tears, saying, "Lin San, can you tell me, did you love any other women before Miss Xiao?"


    Lin Wanrong was momentarily taken aback, then burst intoughter, "Who remembers such embarrassing things? I''m a very loyal person, as you well know."


    "I don''t believe you at all," Xu Zhiqing said with a covered smile, a wistful look in her eyes. "You must have loved other women. I can see it. The woman you love must be the happiest in the world. Miss Xiao is truly lucky."


    "Naturally," Lin Wanrong replied unabashedly. "I have a famous saying: Love until you live, love until you die, love until you''re both alive and dead. Love until you''re numb, love until you''re tingling, love until you''re both numb and tingling!"


    Xu Zhiqing covered her lips, smiling, a soft light in her eyes. "After being so serious for a moment, you''ve be unserious again. Just now, you were the most serious Lin San I''ve ever seen. If you were like that every day, I''m sure you could deceive many youngdies of good families."


    Lin Wanrong spread his hands, looking helpless. "That''s difficult. Somedies like me serious, some like me unserious. It''s hard to please everyone! Miss Xu, do you prefer me serious or unserious?"


    "Like you? Ghosts might!" Xu Zhiqing snorted, easily seeing through his scheme, her face slightly flushed. He was deep and profound when serious, like the starry sky, and cunning and sly when not, like a fox. Choosing which she preferred was genuinely hard to say at the moment.


    After talking with Miss Xu for a while, Lin Wanrong''s mood was even more buoyant. He climbed up the Maitreya Buddha statue, tapping it continually, the smile on his face growing ever brighter.


    Seeing Lin San climb so high, Miss Xu was terrified, calling out in a delicate voice, "Lin San,e down quickly! Don''t hurt yourself!"


    Lin Wanrong descended from the stone statue, eximing excitedly, "Miss Xu, this stone statue is hollow!"


    Xu Zhiqing showed no surprise and covered her mouth as she giggled, "You fool, I knew that already. Hundreds of years ago, at the time of the founding of the Great Hua Dynasty, Emperor Taizu built this Maitreya Buddha statue. Thousands of workers were employed to hollow it out from the inside and cast the statue."


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened, "Why didn''t you say so earlier? You made me climb up and down like a monkey!"


    Miss Xu''s face turned slightly red, and she spoke softly, "You were so eager just now, and I was fascinated by your storytelling. I didn''t get a chance to tell you before you went up. Now what? Even if the statue is hollow, what does that prove?"


    "I don''t know either." Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat from his brow, only to be handed a fragrant handkerchief. He thanked her and continued, "But since His Majesty pointed to this ce, there must be a secret inside. I''ll return and gather the Infantry, Cavalry, and Divine Machine Unit and use cannons to st this statue open."


    Xu Zhiqing jumped in fright, thinking Lin San was indeed crazy. She hurriedly said, "No, you can''t. This statue was built by Emperor Taizu, and it has a long history. No one can damage it without authorization. If someone reports you to the Emperor, it will be a capital offense!"


    "What''s a capital offensepared to Qingxuan?" Lin Wanrong scoffed, rushing out, "Miss Xu, lend me your carriage and maidservant."


    Lin Wanrong hurried out and handed his personal seal to a maid named Yuzhu, instructing her to take it to General Li Tai''s camp outside the city and find a general named Du Xiuyuan. Lin San ordered him to assemble the troops and cannons and hurry to the reclining Buddha temple within half an hour.


    The maid looked helplessly at Xu Zhiqing, who had run out panting. Seeing Lin San''s determined look, Miss Xu reluctantly nodded. As the carriage departed, she sighed softly, "Your unauthorized troop deployment and selfish motives, the bombardment of the reclining Buddha; any of these are capital offenses. You''re doing all this for Xiao Qingxuan. If I were her, having a husband like you, I would be content for a lifetime."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "You could also have me as a husband. I would consider it."


    "Don''t even think about it!" Miss Xu snapped angrily, tears suddenly rolling down, "I remember clearly what you said outside this temple. Do you think I''m that easy to deceive?"


    Realizing that she still remembered that incident, Lin Wanrong was unsure how tofort her as she sobbed. After waiting for a moment, they heard the distant sound of hoofbeats, and a man leaped down, saying, "General Du Xiuyuan greets General Lin and Miss Xu."


    Miss Xu quickly wiped her tears and nodded slightly. Lin Wanrong was not polite either, pping Du Xiuyuan on the shoulder, "Brother Du, how many cannons have you brought?"


    "General, upon receiving your order, I have brought all of the Divine Machine Unit cannons under mymand, a total of eight," Du Xiuyuan reported formally.


    "Good," Lin Wanrong shouted, pointing at the Buddha''s belly, gritting his teeth, "See that Buddha statue? Gather all the cannons and aim at that stone statue. st it to smithereens!"


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 Chapter 408

    Chapter 408


    Chapter 408 Peach Blossoms, Seeing Peach Blossoms Again


    Destroy this stone statue? Du Xiuyuan was startled, ncing at the Maitreya Buddha, and whispered, "General, is this perhaps inappropriate? To my knowledge, this reclining Buddha was built by Emperor Taizu¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong smiled faintly and said, "Brother Du, don''t worry. I, Lin San, will take full responsibility for any consequences. I''ve been disliking this Buddha statue for a long time. A few cannon shots to get rid of it will ease my irritation."


    That''s a reason? Du Xiuyuan and the men behind him, Xu Zhen among them, looked at each other in disbelief, unable to utter a word. Xu Zhiqing helplessly shook her head, saying, "Just follow General Lin''s orders. If anything goes wrong, I''ll take responsibility with him."


    Lin Wanrong whispered something into Du Xiuyuan''s ear, and Du Xiuyuan slightly nodded. Clenching his teeth, he saluted and said, "Your subordinate obeys!" He waved his hand, and the officers behind him quickly led the soldiers into formation, with Divine Machine Unit positioned at the front. Eight brand-new Divine Machine Unit cannons were ced on the ground, their dark barrels gleaming coldly.


    Lin Wanrong gratefully nced at Miss Xu and whispered, "Miss Xu, don''t be too kind to me; I fear I might not be able to resist offering myself to you."


    Having be ustomed to his mad ravings, Xu Zhiqing had developed some immunity and snorted, "What nonsense. When you find Miss Qingxuan, just contribute more to our Great Hua."


    Lin Wanrong sighed helplessly, thinking, ¡®Contribute to Great Hua? Have I not contributed enough? Though I im not to want to do the work, haven''t I always handled things when they go wrong? Who do I tell my grievances to?¡¯


    "The gunpowder is loaded, and the angle is adjusted. General, please give the order," Du Xiuyuan''s loud shout awoke Lin Wanrong from his thoughts. Looking not far away, he saw that Du Xiuyuan had brought a full five thousand troops. Banners waved, des gleamed, and the force was mighty. Divine Machine Unit''s cannons were fully adjusted, waiting for hismand to fire in unison, shattering the stone statue into pieces. The atmosphere at the scene was tense and grave.Xu Zhiqing''s small hands were covered in sweat. Bombarding the reclining Buddha, something she never would have imagined before, had she be as mad as Lin San? "Lin San, can''t we wait a bit¡ª" She had barely started speaking when Lin San cut her off with a wave of his hand.


    "Prepare!" Seeing General Lin''s gesture, Du Xiuyuan waved his colorful g, and the cannon operators focused intently on the Buddha statue.


    "Fire!" Lin Wanrong gestured with his hand, and Du Xiuyuan pushed down his small g, shouting loudly.


    "Boom!" "Boom!" Several deafening explosions startled the surrounding warhorses into neighing. The maid, Yuzhu, hastily covered her ears. Xu Zhiqing''s face turned pale, and she hardly dared to look at the stone statue. After a round of cannon fire, thick smoke rose in the distance, enveloping the stone statue, making it difficult to discern the situation.


    Lin Wanrong stood in his ce, unmoved and calm, as if nothing had happened. Du Xiuyuan wiped the sweat from his brow, his heart pounding; every time he followed General Lin, it made his heart race.


    When the smoke cleared, Miss Xu mustered the courage to look towards the stone Buddha. To her surprise, the statue was intact, without the slightest damage. Around the statue, several feet away, stones were strewn about, the eaves were ckened, and there were several traces of fire. Could she have seen it wrong? She couldn''t believe her eyes and looked again, only to find the statue whole and undamaged.


    Poor uracy? It couldn''t be. The newly calibrated cannon she helped improve was not to be underestimated in both precision and power. Puzzled, she looked at Lin Wanrong and found him asposed as ever, without any sign of surprise.


    "What''s going on?" Xu Zhiqing frowned and asked Du Xiuyuan.


    Wiping his sweat, Du Xiuyuan replied, "Miss Xu, it was Master Lin''s order to aim in front of the statue first. To tell you the truth, I''ve been urate many times before, but this is the first time I''ve been asked to miss on purpose!"


    Xu Zhiqing looked at Lin Wanrong with joy and surprise, "Lin San, did you change your mind?"


    "Not a change of mind," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "but rather a show of force first. We''ll fire a few shots and see if there''s any reaction. If nothing stirs, I''ll st it."


    Stir, what kind of stir? Seeing Lin Wanrong''s inscrutable face, Xu Zhiqing dared not ask more and kept her doubts to herself. Everyone waited in silence for a moment, but the statue remained eerily still, leaving Lin Wanrong uncertain as well.


    "Brother Du, aim carefully this time and hit it hard!" Lin Wanrong said through gritted teeth. As his words fell, they suddenly heard a soft sound, and the statue''s belly slowly opened to reveal a dark cave. Everyone was too far away to see inside clearly.


    The sudden appearance stunned everyone. No one could have imagined that this man-made jade Buddha would contain such a mechanism, with a deep cave several feet above the ground, half the height of a city wall, leading to who knows where. Even well-read Xu Zhiqing had not expected such a secret within the Buddha built by the founding Emperor.


    "What should we do?" Xu Zhiqing asked softly, her nose beaded with sweat, her small hand unconsciously grasping Lin Wanrong''s tightly.


    ¡®Damn, it really is "all in the jade Buddha." My father-inw didn''t fool me. Since he directed me here, it must be right,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, and with a wave of his hand, he ordered, "Prepare the clouddders and attack!"


    Du Xiuyuan was taken aback. Attack? But since Master Lin had given the order, they had to at least make a show of it. He waved his hand, and the infantry rushed forward with thedders.


    "Who are you attacking?" Xu Zhiqing quickly grabbed his hand, "We can''t see anyone right now, where are you attacking?"


    "Who says there''s no one?" Lin Wanrong gently caressed her small hand, "Miss Xu, think about it, why was there no sign from the statue before we fired, and suddenly arge hole appeared after we fired a few shots?"


    Xu Zhiqing, being intelligent, thought for a moment and eximed, "You mean, the mechanism is operated by someone? After we fired, they were intimidated by the power of the artillery and had to open the cave?"


    "Exactly!" Lin Wanrong said reluctantly, patting her little hand. "That''s the power of artillery. Therefore, we should always engage in more cannon firing, for the enjoyment of others and ourselves." As he spoke, a hint of a roguish smile appeared on his face.


    Xu Zhiqing was utterly confused, but his public caress of her small hand was clear. She hurriedly lowered her voice and said, "Let go of me quickly, before others see."


    "Eh? Isn''t this Du Xiuyuan''s hand?" Lin Wanrong said in surprise. "How did it be Miss Xu''s? Am I dreaming?"


    Du Xiuyuan inhaled sharply, hearing Lin Wanrong''s ridiculous excuse. "General Lin, I''m eight cannon-lengths away from you!" Lin Wanrong continued to y with Xu Zhiqing''s hand before finally letting go, sighing, "One mistake can lead to endless regret. Next time, Miss Xu, don''t stand so close to me. This time I mistook you for Du Xiuyuan, but next time, if I mistake you for Qiaoqiao or Ning''er, it will be a disaster."


    These words served as a warning, and Xu Zhiqing thought about how she had been taken advantage of by him multiple times because she had stood too close. Oddly enough, even when she was far from him, she always seemed to unconsciously drift closer. That was the real mystery.


    "General, shall we attack the cave now?" Seeing the soldiers ready to go, Du Xiuyuan hastily called out, feeling ufortable even saying the words "attack the cave."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, saying, "Prepare to attack the cave!"


    At hismand, hundreds of soldiers raised theirdders to the cave entrance, ready to storm upwards. Just as they were about to reach it, a tender child''s voice called out, "Who dares to cause trouble at the entrance of the ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall''?"


    "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall?" Lin Wanrong was stirred, thinking, ¡®I''m looking for you.¡¯ He knew that Qingxuan and her fairy sister were from the same source, so Qingxuan must also belong to this Hall.


    A petite and exquisite figure appeared in the cave entrance, a girl of about eleven or twelve, with two little braids swinging, her face carved like jade, looking incredibly adorable. She held a bright and gleaming treasure sword, standing imposingly at the entrance.


    "What a cute little girl," Xu Zhiqing eximed, her eyes shing with a deep affection.


    "Cute, yes," Lin Wanrong said with a wry smile, "but she might be a little tiger. Miss Xu, have you ever heard of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall? What exactly does this hall process?"


    Xu Zhiqingughed, scolding, "What nonsense are you talking about? Jade Virtue Fairy Hall is a legendary, mysterious organization with high prestige in various ces. During the time when the founding Emperor seized thend, they were relied upon heavily. Afterward, the Emperor named the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall as the ''Holy Hall,'' iming it to be ''Equated with the nation.'' Many people, especially the gentry, are their staunch supporters. Is that Miss Xiao of yours also from the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall? No wonder she can sit in the court!"


    "Equated with the nation?" Lin Wanrong sneered. Upon hearing this title alone, he knew that the founding Emperor was a person with intentions. A small civilian organization dared to im equality with the nation. Wasn''t this seeking death? The founding Emperor might have refrained from taking drastic measures out of helplessness, but this title of "Equated with the Nation" would undoubtedly be a thorn in the side of subsequent Emperors. No wonder his father-inw was unimpressed with this immortal hall; there was more to it than met the eye.


    "Miss Xu, what exactly is practiced in this hall? Literature or martial arts?" Thinking of the exceptional skills of Fairy Sister, including Sister An, who had betrayed her teacher, Lin Wanrong assumed that this Hall must be a martial arts society that relied on fists to make a living.


    "It teaches both literature and martial arts. The Jade Virtue Fairy Hall does have martial artists, but they are more famous for their cultural education, producing generations of great schrs. Many master thinkers who started schools of thought were disciples of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. Most of the influential ministers in the current court have been influenced by the Hall. When my father was young, he even studied Confucian virtues under a former master of the Hall. Mei Yanqiu, whom you fought in Jinling, is also a disciple of the Hall," Xu Zhiqing exined calmly.


    ¡®No way?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was greatly shocked. He had originally thought that the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall was just a small martial arts faction, but it turned out to be a forum of master thinkers who made their living through literature, not martial arts. No wonder he had these thoughts. Qingxuan, Ning Yuxi, An Biru¡ªweren''t they all top-notch experts?


    "So, meeting them can be considered encountering a worthy opponent," Xu Zhiqing said with a slight smile. "You''ll find both literary and martial challenges, and their eloquence and wit are boundless. I wonder how you''ll handle it."


    His head was spinning. If it were just a martial arts faction, he could have easily defeated them with a few cannon sts. But facing such a master forum, he was not up against one person, but a group of wise schrs. What could he do?


    "Are you attacking or not?" Seeing his distressed expression, Xu Zhiqing couldn''t help but ask, holding backughter.


    Attack? He was facing a group of schrs. A mere reference from one of those old chaps would leave him sprawling.


    "Hey." As he was hesitating, he heard the little girl standing at the entrance speak: "You soldiers, what are you going to do? Are you attacking or not? Who''s the leader among you? Come out and answer me."


    Being pointed at and questioned by such a young girl was somewhat embarrassing. Lin Wanrong walked forward with a smile and said, "Little sister, how are you? What are you doing here? It''s noon already; you should go home for lunch!"


    The little girl nced at him, suddenly pped her hands, andughed, "So you''re the leader! I saw you sneaking around earlier. You looked like bad news, but I didn''t expect you to be the leader. What''s your name?"


    She could see that? Lin Wanrong was annoyed. If she could tell, he couldn''t be that bad. He chuckled, "My name is very special, and everyone likes to say it. My surname is Shu, and my given name is Shuhao [TL: Shu Hao means ''loves reading'')!"


    "Shu Shuhao [TL: Coincidentally, Shushu means Uncle, and Hao can mean good, and can be used as a form of greetings. So his made-up name can be interpreted as Good Uncle or Hello Uncle]?" The little girl called out, frowning, "It does sound a bit strange!"


    The soldiers below had already burst into heartyughter. Xu Zhiqing walked over to Lin Wanrong''s side and yfully jabbed him, scolding, "You can never be serious, not even with such an adorable little girl!"


    ¡®Damn it, I''m the victim here! It''s clearly her who''s not letting me off,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, his face contorted in distress, unsure whether tough or cry. The little girl understood the pun in a moment, her face turning bright red, as she pointed at Lin Wanrong and furiously dered, "You, you treacherous minister, I won''t let you go!"


    "Treacherous minister? That''s quite a unique name; I''ve never been called that before," Lin Wanrongughed. "Little sister, you''re mistaken. I am a loyal minister, a grand loyal minister, known by everyone in Great Hua. What''s your name? Tell your big brother."


    The little girl snorted and refused to answer. Xu Zhiqing kindly said, "Little sister, don''t be afraid. This big brother may look quite vile, but he''s good at heart. What''s your name? Will you tell me?"


    The little girl nced at Xu Zhiqing and smiled slightly, "Sister, you''re really pretty. My name is Li Xiangjun."


    "Li Xiangjun? That name sounds familiar," Lin Wanrong squeezed out a friendly smile, "Little sister Xiangjun, is this ce Jade Virtue Hall?"


    "What Jade Virtue Hall?" The little girl snorted, "It''s Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. You, howe you have no knowledge at all?"


    "Yes, yes, I''m ignorant," Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat from his forehead, embarrassed by being called ignorant for the first time ever. Xu Zhiqing and Du Xiuyuan and the others secretly held back theirughter, witnessing Lin Wanrong''s rare defeat.


    "Were you the one who just bombarded our gate?" The little girl angrily asked, "How could you do such a brutal thing?"


    "Where, where, little sister, we were just setting off a few fireworks to pay tribute to your esteemed Hall," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "By the way, little sister, can I ask you about someone? You''re so beautiful and smart, I''m sure you''ll know."


    "I won''t tell you even if I know," Li Xiangjun snorted, her expression unwavering.


    "Actually, even if you don''t say it, I know you must be familiar with Xiao Qingxuan, right?" Lin Wanrong casually asked, though his palm unconsciously grabbed Xu Zhiqing''s, sweat beading in his palm.


    The little girl''s face lit up with delight, "You, you know my Senior Sister?"


    Lin Wanrong''s mind exploded with realization, his eyes moistening as he squeezed Xu Zhiqing''s hand painfully. Xu Zhiqing''s face turned pale with pain, but seeing his excited expression, she seemed to be infected by his emotion and gritted her teeth to endure it.


    Lin Wanrong''s voice trembled slightly as he said, "I know her, of course I know her, she''s the most important person to me! Little junior sister, where is Qingxuan? Can you tell me?" Realizing that this girl named Li Xiangjun was Qingxuan''s junior sister, he hastily changed his address.


    "Why should I tell you?" Li Xiangjun huffed, "Senior Sister said that most people in this world are deceitful and insincere. Even Brother Liu of the literary school, Senior Sister does not approve of, let alone you? Just by looking at you, I know you''re not a good person."


    "The literary school''s Brother Liu? What does he do?" Lin Wanrong was shocked, chuckling, "Is he as handsome as me?"


    The little girl didn''t bother to nce at him andughed, "My senior sister is the most beautiful woman in the world. Unparalleled in both literature and martial arts, Brother Liu is Literary school''s number one schr. His looks are like those of the legendary beauty Pan An; he''s elegant and refined. Despite being repeatedly rejected, he remains infatuated with my senior sister. You could neverpare to him."


    ¡®Trying to court my wife?¡¯ Lin San was furious, "Is there anyone in this world more handsome than me? If so, he must be a monster or a freak! What''s this Brother Liu''s name? Where does he live? How tall is he? I''ll go meet him! Whether it''s a battle of literature or martial arts, I''ll beat him until he can''t find his way home!"


    Li Xiangjun giggled and drew her fingers across her face, "Bragging! Brother Liu is the number one literary talent in the world. Even our old master praises his elegant demeanor, recognizing him as a true genius. How could youpare to him?"


    ¡®Number one literary talent in the world? Damn it, boasting doesn''t cost a thing.¡¯ Lin Wanrong snickered, "Little junior sister, do you know Master Xu Wenchang? How does your Brother Liupare to him?"


    "This..." the little girl hesitated, "Master Xu is a recognized leader among the talented. Brother Liu has not yet left the mountain topete with him, so it''s hard to judge who''s better. But I believe Brother Liu won''t lose to him."


    ¡®Damn, so this is how you create your so-called number one in the world,¡¯ Lin Wanrong grinned, "Little junior sister, I''m also the number one suave genius in the world. Do you believe it?"


    The little girl snorted dismissively, "If you say you''re the number one shameless person in the world, I might believe that!"


    Xu Zhiqing burst intoughter at their bickering, this little girl had indeed seen through Lin San''s true nature.


    Lin Wanrong''s face turned red, and he stopped arguing with the little girl. Instead, he took out a small bottle from his chest, smiling slightly, "Little sister, do you recognize this? This is called Orchid Fragrance, a unique treasure in this world."


    "You, how do you have this?" Li Xiangjun was astonished, "The Orchid Fragrance was obtained by my senior sister in Jinling. She said it was the only one in the world. Where did you get it?"


    Lin Wanrong''s voice caught in his throat as he slowly said, "Take this to her and tell her: On Mount Dangtu, in front of the Jade Buddha Temple, on the seventh day of the seventh month, husband and wife will reunite."


    The little girl was eager to ask but finally spoke, her voice soft, "You are one step toote. Senior sister just returned and was called by the Master for a chat."


    Master? Lin Wanrong probed, "Is the master Ning Yuxi, the Fairy Ning?"


    "Hold your tongue!" Li Xiangjun''s eyes widened, "My master''s name is not something you can call!" Her expression darkened as she continued, "My master is the head of the Martial school. The Master of the Halles from Literary school and oversees both literary and martial schools."


    So Fairy Ning was Qingxuan''s master. No wonder she protected Qingxuan so strongly. ording to the little girl, the head of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall had a background in literature. What did she want with Qingxuan?


    "Are you really my senior sister''s friend?" the little girl suddenly asked, "Do you know someone named Lin San?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded hurriedly and said, "Know him? How could I possibly not know someone as handsome as that? What do you want with him?"


    The young girl gritted her teeth and said, "I want to kill him. It''s all his fault that my senior sister is in such a state."


    "Little junior sister, please rify what you mean. How did he harm Qingxuan?" Lin Wanrong''s eyes narrowed, and he spoke loudly.


    Li Xiangjun wiped away her tears with her little hand and said, "My senior sister has changedpletely since she returned from Jinlingst time. She has be much more haggard and thin, sometimes looking worried and sometimes secretly smiling, never letting go of that bottle of orchid perfume. My master found it strange, so she went to Jinling and found out that it was that Lin San who had ruined my senior sister. In her anger, she descended the mountain to kill Lin San. When my senior sister found out, she fainted on the spot."


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes turned red as he listened, and he clenched his fists, saying, "Little junior sister, please do me a favor and take me to see Qingxuan. I must see her."


    Seeing the fierce look in his eyes, Li Xiangjun jumped in fright and hurriedly waved her hands, saying, "No, no, the Hall''s master has ordered that no one may visit my senior sister without permission. Vitors will be expelled from the mountain. Even when I visit her, I must do so secretly. Besides, you are not a disciple of the Fairy Hall; you cannot even enter the mountain gate, let alone see my senior sister."


    "Not a disciple of the Fairy Hall, so I cannot enter the gate?" Lin Wanrong said with a cold smile, "All under heaven is the Emperor''snd. If the Emperor were toe, would he not be allowed in either?"


    Seeing his imposing manner, the young girl replied, "If one has an imperial order, that would be another matter."


    "Very well!" Lin Wanrong pulled out a golden token and shouted, "Today I am here on imperial orders to enter the Fairy Hall. Please, Miss, do me this favor." Xu Zhiqing nced at it; the golden token was the one bestowed by the Emperor before he left for Shandong. She hadn''t thought it woulde in handy now.


    Li Xiangjun hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Please wait a moment while I consult with others." She returned shortly and said respectfully, "The Fairy Hall wees the imperial envoy!"


    As Lin Wanrong was about to enter through the opening, Du Xiuyuan hurriedly grabbed him and said cautiously, "General, be careful. There may be a trap. Let me take my brothers with you."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and said, "Brother Du, don''t worry. I have the Emperor''s mandate. Would this Jade Virtue Fairy Hall dare to rebel?"


    Xu Zhiqing bit her lip and said, "I will go with you. I also want to see this world''s foremost Fairy Hall."


    This girl was stubborn, and refusing her would be futile. Lin Wanrong smiled helplessly and indulged her.


    After the two entered the cave mouth, Li Xiangjun led them up the steps. The Jade Virtue Fairy Hall stood on the steep peak next to the Jade Buddha Temple, surrounded by water on three sides, with only one side connected tond. The entrance was within the reclining Buddha at the foot of the mountain. The valley was steep, with many peculiar peaks, surrounded by green pines and cypresses, and misty clouds, resembling a paradise in the clouds. The jade-like towers and pavilions that Lin Wanrong had glimpsed from afar during his first visit to the Reclining Buddha Temple were perched on this insurmountable peak, looking like a heavenly pce.


    "Big, Brother Lin," the young girl Li Xiangjun suddenly spoke, calling out timidly.


    Lin Wanrong was surprised, "How do you know my name?"


    Li Xiangjun said, "My Senior Sister once said that if one day someone breaks into the mountain gate to see her, disregarding all means and fearing no death, it must be Lin San without a doubt. Big Brother Lin, my Senior Sister regards you like these green pines and cypresses; if you betray her, I, Li Xiangjun, would rather lose my life than not kill you with my sword."


    Following behind them, Xu Zhiqing whispered a sigh, Lin San was right; the one who understood him best was none other than Miss Xiao.


    Lin Wanrongughed loudly, "In a person''s life, there are things that can be done, and things that cannot. Those who abandon their loved ones and forsake their children are loathed by both man and god!"


    Li Xiangjun nodded slightly, hesitated at a fork in the road, then suddenly bit her lip and gently pulled Lin Wanrong like a nimble cat, "Big Brother Lin, Sister, follow me and keep silent."


    This was a small path leading to the mountaintop. Halfway up, they came across a garden in full bloom with peach blossoms. Li Xiangjun suddenly stopped, looked around to see that no one was paying attention to her, and nodded, whispering, "Big Brother Lin, I can only take you this far. Inside the peach garden is my sister''s favorite ce. Try your luck in there." She paused, almost spoke again, then sighed softly, "You are fortunate toe today; Heaven blesses my sister. If you miss today, you and your wife will have no more fate."


    What did she mean? Just as Lin Wanrong was about to grab her to ask for an exnation, Li Xiangjun had already run far away.


    This was a small courtyard, with only a tiny archway for entrance and exit. From outside the garden, a fewrge trees peeped out, flourishing and lush.


    Xu Zhiqing hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, "You go in. You and your wife should reunite; I should not disturb."


    Would Qingxuan be inside? Could he see her? Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded, as if he were back on the night of his first date with his girlfriend. The difference was that Qingxuan was his dearly beloved wife and confidante, and as he approached home his courage faltered. He did not dare ask about her, feeling a mix of happiness and pain that threatened to suffocate him.


    Lin Wanrong slowly moved forward. Miss Xu watched his back, her heart aching, her feelings indescribable. "Lin San¡ª" she suddenly called out.


    Lin Wanrong quickly turned around, smiling, "You shoulde in with me, and I''ll introduce you to Qingxuan."


    Miss Xu shook her head firmly, saying softly, "What am I to do at your reunion? If you see Miss Xiao, just stay inside. If you don''t see her,e out quickly; I''ll wait for you here."


    Her voice was soft and low, showing a vulnerability that sharply contrasted with her usualpetence. But under these circumstances, Lin Wanrong had no time to pay attention to that.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, his footsteps heavy as though weighing a thousand pounds, and slowly moved forward. Xu Zhiqing stared nkly at him, tears sparkling in her eyes. The mountain wind caused her long skirt to dance and flutter, and from heart to body, she trembled slightly. Her lips stammered a few times, and the words "We''ll not part unless we meet" slipped from her mouth, so faint that only she could hear them.


    Upon entering the garden, the first sight that met his eyes was a yard full of peach and plum trees, with the ground strewn with a riot of colorful fallen petals. Red, white, yellow, and multicolored petals seemed like a shower of blossoms raining down, swaying and falling through the air, dazzling to the eyes. The peach blossoms atop the sheer peak bloomed so vividly, and recalling Qingxuan''s painting of the falling flowers, his heart twitched with a pang. He seemed to see Qingxuan sitting alone in the courtyard at sunset, her delicate hand slightly raised, gently scattering the lonely peach blossoms.


    With a gentle p on the tree trunk, the blooming peach blossoms drifted down onto his face and body, and a faint fragrance assailed his senses. He slowly continued, his footsteps taking him deeper into the garden.


    He had only taken a few steps when he looked up and was struck as if by thunder. He froze, unable to move another inch.


    A graceful woman sat quietly in the center of the garden, surrounded by a riot of fallen petals that entuated her jade-like, radiant cheeks. The gentle breeze lifted her pale yellow dress, and her long, graceful hair danced with the wind, making her look like a fairy, pure and ethereal.


    Her slender, fair hand gently lifted, catching the falling peach blossoms, as brilliant tears slowly trickled from her beautiful eyes. She murmured, "Thete dawn of spring, known before all the flowers¡ª"


    "¡ªYear after year, nting peach blossoms, blooming at the time of heartbreak!" A clear yet deep voice resonated behind her, both strange and familiar.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s body trembled, and the small bottle of perfume she tightly held in her hand dropped to the ground with a soft clink.


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 Chapter 409

    Chapter 409


    Chapter 409 A Joyous asion at Home


    Xiao Qingxuan slowly turned around, her unparalleled face that had been the subject of Lin Wanrong''s thoughts day and night appeared before his eyes.


    Her cloud-like hair danced gently, and her exquisite skin, wless to the touch, seemed as if it could be broken by a mere blow. Her fine willow eyebrows resembled the spring waters of March, and her deep, dark pupils were like the vast starry sky. Her rosy lips were bright as crimson spots, and on her cheeks as white as jade, two rows of tears slowly fell. Her eyebrows slightly furrowed, conveying an endless sorrow. Her graceful figure stood in the peach blossom forest, akin to a resentful goddess, surpassing even the celestial fairies by a fraction.


    "Qingxuan¡ª" Lin Wanrong called out softly. His legs felt as though they were filled with lead, heavy as a thousand pounds, and for a moment, he couldn''t move his feet.


    Xiao Qingxuan stared at him nkly, her red lips quivering a few times, but she couldn''t say a word. Her tears fell like beads off a broken string, tumbling down.


    "Qingxuan¡ª" Lin Wanrong''s heart ached greatly. The beauty was right before his eyes, and he cared for nothing else as he sprinted towards her.


    "Don''te over," Xiao Qingxuan turned away, her fragrant shoulders trembling, sobbing, "You, you must go back quickly. Our marital fate has ended; don''t let me ruin you."


    "What are you saying?" Lin Wanrong was stunned, "Marital fate ended? What does that mean?"


    Xiao Qingxuan''s shoulders shook even more violently, her voice choked, "Don''t ask any more, just go back quickly. If someone sees us, it will endanger your life. I can''t hurt you, and I can''t hurt our¡ª" She choked up, unable to continue, her long sleeve subtly gesturing for him to leave quickly.Who was Lin Wanrong? By nature, he was one who would not leave when urged, nor retreat when driven. Seeing Qingxuan''s distressed face only made him more obstinate. After going through endless hardships to find Qingxuan, how could he simply leave? That was not his nature. When matters reached this point, he instead became calm, walking to Qingxuan''s side, reaching out with hisrge hand to firmly grasp her small one.


    The long-missed Qingxuan, her little hand as soft as silk, yet cold as ice, devoid of any warmth. As he held it, Qingxuan felt somewhat frightened, but more so, warmth. Though she wanted to refuse, her heart ached like a prickling needle, as though happiness were slipping away from her fingertips. Both joy and pain filled her as tears rained down, sprinkling onto their intertwined hands.


    "Why aren''t you leaving yet? Do you want to annoy me to death?" Xiao Qingxuan sobbed, using all her strength, yet her small hand unconsciously grasped his even tighter.


    "Why should I leave?" Lin Wanrongughed, "I''m chatting with my wife; even the gods of thunder and lightning wouldn''t dare to strike us. Where would I go? If I left, not only you, but even I would be annoyed to death by myself."


    Xiao Qingxuan, torn between joy and sorrow, closed her eyes as her tears continued to fall. Her voice, though, involuntarily softened, "How can you still have this shameless nature? I must have owed you something in a previous life."


    Lin Wanrong, holding her hand,ughed heartily, "Isn''t this nature good? If not for this nature, how could I have married you? I''ll be like this for my whole life; except for you, no one can make me change."


    His words were sweeter than honey, and even Xiao Qingxuan, a woman transcending the mundane world, couldn''t resist his sugary bombardment after being his loving wife. Her little hand hastily covered his lips, whispering, "Don''t speak loudly; if someone hears us, our entire family will be finished."


    "Are we a family?" Lin Wanrong''s heart filled with joy, and he lightly kissed her jade-like, tender fingers, delightfully saying, "I knew it, Qingxuan, you can''t bear to part from me. If you ask me to speak softly, I will."


    Xiao Qingxuan was a little ted, but also a bit pained in her heart. Her face turned pale, and tears wet her cheeks. "A tragic fate, you and I are a tragic fate from past lives. We''re entangled in such a way, and I''m afraid it will cost you your life and hurt us even more."


    Lin Wanrong hastily replied, "Are you worried that your master will still kill me? Don''t worry, Fairy Ning and I are now very, very good friends. The misunderstandings from the past have been cleared."


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head slightly, "You won''t understand. My master loves me and favors me privately. If she wants to kill you, she''ll definitely seed. The affairs of the Fairy Hall are incrediblyplex, and as the head of the Martial School, my Master can''t manage all these big issues. Only I¡ª" She sighed softly, tears falling, "I''ve heard of everything you''ve done these days. You''re now famous, respected by all. I have no regrets in being your wife for a lifetime. But sadly, Qingxuan''s fortune is thin, unable to enjoy the beautiful moments of this world, and may even bring you disaster. You must forget me, live your happy life, for if I ruin you, I''ll never be at peace in this world."


    Lin Wanrong was shocked, and the words of Qingxuan seemed to be exining what would happen after her death. Could it be that she¡ª?


    He quickly grabbed her hand and said seriously, "Don''t think nonsense, we''re husband and wife, united. No matter what, we''ll face it together. To be humble, nothing has been born yet that can defeat me. You mustn''t lose hope. If I lose you, I guarantee I don''t know what I''d do."


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head with a bitter smile, "What are you thinking? When did I say I would take my own life?" Her voice softened, and a flush of color appeared on her face, whispering, "Even if I did, it would be after five months. You and I were husband and wife, I must give you an exnation."


    Qingxuan''s face was pale but tinged with a hint of red, like a peach blossom emerging from the snow, elegant and noble. Months had not seen her; her face was more refined, her figure more voluptuous, and a soft glow spread across her face, like a transcendent, beautiful fairy, noble and stunning. Looking at her, Lin Wanrong''s heart felt incredibly peaceful and serene. No one else could bring him this feeling; at this moment, not even the most beautiful women like Sister An or Fairy Ning couldpare to the iparable Qingxuan.


    Five monthster? What did that mean? Lin Wanrong stared at Qingxuan in a daze for a while, pondering her words, puzzled and unsure, but Xiao Qingxuan bit her silver teeth, pushed his body away, and said through teary eyes, "You must leave the mountain quickly, not a moment longer. If the Hall Master sees you, he will take your life, and I won''t be able to go on."


    "What nonsense from the Hall Master, to separate me and Qingxuan like this?" Lin Wanrong roared in anger, "Why should I be afraid of him? He''s just a Hall Master, and I''m not even afraid of the Emperor, let alone him? If he angers me, I''ll st this green mountain t with cannons. For my wife, I''ll be ruthless, crazy, there''s nothing I wouldn''t do."


    Xiao Qingxuan felt a wave of dizziness in her heart. The deeper the happiness, the deeper the pain, and tears fell like spring rain in March. Choking back her sobs, she pushed him away, "You must leave the mountain quickly, and don''t talk nonsense. If you anger the Hall Master, everything will be lost. Even if you''re not afraid, we have our child¡ª"


    "What did you say?" Lin Wanrong was struck as if by lightning, his mind ceased to think, feeling nothing but emptiness. He tightly gripped Qingxuan''s hand, "Qingxuan, what did you say? Say it again! Our child? Our child?!"


    Xiao Qingxuan was shocked, no longer able to push him away. She covered her cheeks with both hands, tears streaming through her fingers, "I don''t know, I don''t know¡ªI hate you, I hate you, why did youe only now?" Ovee with emotion, she could no longer contain herself and fell into his embrace. Her tender little fists pounded against his chest like erratic drums, tears pouring down like a floodgate had been opened. Months of umted emotions burst forth in that moment. Even though Xiao Qingxuan was usually as calm as water, after living through months of longing and worry, joy and terror, even her strong will couldn''t hold up any longer. She copsed in his arms, choking back sobs, nearly fainting.


    "Our child, our child¡ª" Lin Wanrong was in a daze, his mind unable to grasp anything else, his words reduced to just those few sybles. He didn''t even feel the blows raining down on him from Qingxuan.


    "I came toote?" Lin Wanrong was suddenly rmed and quickly loosened his grip on Qingxuan''s soft waist, his eyes gazing at her belly. He didn''t know until he looked, and when he did, he was ecstatic. He saw Xiao Qingxuan, dressed in a gentle satin yellow dress, her figure incredibly graceful. If not for careful examination, he wouldn''t have noticed her slightly protruding belly, already pregnant.


    "Ah¡ª" Lin Wanrong madly lifted Xiao Qingxuan, spinning her around in severalrge circles, shouting with joy, "I''m going to be a father, I''m going to be a father¡ª"


    "You must put me down, put me down quickly." Seeing his wild actions, Xiao Qingxuan was bothforted and worried, and hurriedly patted his shoulder, whispering, "Don''t hurt the child."


    ¡®Dammit, I''m just too happy,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, carefully setting her down and having her sit on a stool, his face a mix of shock and joy, his hands not knowing where to ce them.


    Xiao Qingxuan was touched, and took his hand with a gentle smile, like a hundred flowers blooming, that kindly maternal glow making everything else lose its color.


    Holding Qingxuan''s small hand, Lin Wanrong experienced an unreal yet genuine sensation he had never felt before, a feeling of blood connection that nothing could sever. Looking at Qingxuan''s slightly raised belly, where a new life was growing, Lin Wanrong suddenly felt the urge to cry. He actually had a descendant now, after being in this world for so long, this was the first real feeling of integrating himself into it.


    Lin Wanrong smiled, his lips dry, and murmured, "Qingxuan, do you know, not until today did I have a feeling of putting down roots. It''s so real. Thank you!"


    The words contained too many meanings, and although Xiao Qingxuan was the person in this world who understood him best, she couldn''t fully grasp his intent. A mix of sourness and joy filled Xiao Qingxuan''s heart, as if she could feel the surging emotions in his soul.


    Having been with him for so long, she had never seen him cry. She extended her small hand, gently wiping away the tear marks from the corner of his eyes, softly saying, "You''re going to be a father now, why are you acting like a child? If our child is born and sees you like this, won''t he or she dieughing?"


    Lin Wanrongughed and wiped the corner of his eyes, crouching beside Qingxuan, "I''m happy, so happy. Qingxuan, let me hear our son''s movements."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face showed displeasure as she huffed, "Do you prefer sons over daughters?"


    "Never, absolutely never!" Lin Wanrong hurriedly swore to the heavens, "I prefer daughters over sons, daughters over sons!"


    Qingxuan chuckled and covered her lips, lightlyughing, "I''ve never seen a father like you before." Since their reunion, Xiao Qingxuan had shed countless tears, and this was the first time she had shown a smile. Her soft and gentle radiance seemed to outshine even the fairies.


    Lin Wanrong stared in awe, murmuring, "Qingxuan, you look so beautiful."


    "Don''t need your praise," Xiao Qingxuan softly replied, tightly gripping his hand, a faint blush spreading across her face. The two enjoyed a moment of silentpanionship, as if they were back in their small room in Jinling, at Lin San''s humble yet warm house.


    "Let me listen," Lin Wanrong said with a yful smile.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face turned red, and she lightly said, "Don''t, if someone else sees, oh, you rascal..." Lin Wanrong leaned close to Qingxuan''s slightly protruding belly, listening to the soft sounds of his own bloodline, and Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly, her face flushed with a mix of pain and happiness. She tightly clutched his hair, knowing that all the suffering and waiting were worth this moment.


    After listening for a while, Lin Wanrong looked up,ughing, "I bet it''s a boy in there, kicking merrily, like it has four feet moving."


    "You''re the one with four feet," Qingxuan blushed and argued, "Don''t you dare bully our child. No matter if it''s a boy or girl, you mustn''t tease them."


    "How could I?" Lin Wanrong patted his chest, "If we have a son, he''ll be as handsome as his father, and if it''s a daughter, she''ll be as pretty as her mother. The next generation of the Lin family will be of top quality. But, speaking of that, Qingxuan, you''ve done a great deed for the Lin family. We''ve had a thin lineage for generations, and I never thought that with me, it would flourish at once. Sigh, I''m just too capable, can''t help it."


    "What do you mean ''flourish at once''? It sounds so crude," Qingxuan''s face turned crimson, and she chuckled, punching him yfully. Listening to his nonsense, her uneasy mind calmed considerably. This profound sense of security was iparable and was what attracted her to him.


    Lin Wanrong stood up, embracing her waist, and Xiao Qingxuan lovingly nestled against his shoulder. The couple, having waited for many days and endured hardships, finally reunited, enjoying a warmth that outsiders could never understand. This brief peace and tranquility were so precious that even if they were offered to be immortals, they wouldn''t desire it.


    "Oh my, I forgot something," Lin Wanrong suddenly jumped up, his face full of regret.


    "What is it?" Xiao Qingxuan brushed her disheveled hair from her temples, speaking softly.


    Lin Wanrong counted on his fingers and said, "I forgot to purchase baby supplies. Things like milk powder, diapers, cotton clothes, a crib, a wet nurse ¨C oh my, there''s so much to do. I also need to refurbish the garden at home so the baby won''t stumble when learning to walk."


    Xiao Qingxuan listened and shook her head, chuckling lightly, "It''s still early days, why are you worrying about all these things? Moreover, I live on the mountain; even if you prepare all this, how are you going to get it up here?" As she spoke, her expression turned mncholy, and she sighed, looking at Lin Wanrong without saying a word.


    Thinking of how Qingxuan was once an untouchable fairy, and how, after a trip to Jinling, she returned pregnant while still unmarried in an era when propriety was valued above all else, one could imagine the hardships she had endured.


    Lin Wanrong snorted, "I understand now. Has someone used our baby to threaten you? This ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall,'' proiming the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, the path of the schr, would stoop to such despicable acts? Qingxuan, why don''t we just go home? Let''s see what they can do to you."


    "Don''t talk nonsense," Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes filled with tears, "No one is forcing me, it''s all my choice. When I was young, I made a vow. Only after meeting you did I stray from that path. Now, I''m simply fulfilling my promise. After you descend the mountain today, don''te back. Wait for our child to be born; taking care of the child is what matters."


    Recalling what Li Xiangjun had said, that missing today would sever his marital connection with Qingxuan, Lin Wanrong grabbed her hand and shook his head, "Asking me to leave the mountain is absolutely impossible, unless youe with me."


    Xiao Qingxuan choked, "Do you want to die? Even if you don''t care about your life, what about our child? Are you going to let him be born without a father and mother? You heartless rogue, so stubborn, you''ll be the death of me one day!"


    Among the women Lin Wanrong knew, only Xiao Qingxuan would scold him like this. Strangely enough, he found it bothforting and touching. He smiled and pulled her close, "Who says I don''t care about my life? My Lin family just received joyous news; how could I throw my life away so quickly? I''m only doing what a normal person would do, spending every day happily with my wife and child. Is that wrong? Even if your Masteres personally, I''ll argue with her. And even if you were wrong, as your husband, I''ll take the me for you. Whatever punishment they have should be directed at me; it has nothing to do with you."


    ¡®Even if Qingxuan refused to leave the mountain, as long as she remained there for one day, I would send troops to surround the peak, ignoring whoever is the Master or sect leader. As long as my wife is here for a single day, I''ll make sure you all would be trapped within, unable to move. You im to be above worldly matters here, don''t you? You im not to partake in worldly pleasures, don''t you? I''ll send food, cotton clothing, baby bottles every day, and in a few days, I would bring a massive family entourage up the mountain to show concern. I''ll make your tearing apart lovers known to the world, and let''s see what you can do about it. In short, once I found Qingxuan, I must never let her slip away.¡¯ Lin Wanrong smirked, having made up his mind about the n, knowing that only someone with his shamelessness could pull it off.


    Xiao Qingxuan couldn''t argue with him, feeling warmth in her heart as if bathed in brilliant sunshine. She leaned gently on his shoulder and sighed helplessly, "Why didn''t I meet you earlier?"


    "It''s all my fault, making you suffer," Lin Wanrong said,ughing mischievously.


    "Silly talker!" Xiao Qingxuan gently smiled, knowing his nature, and didn''t press him further. She grabbed his hand and began to shed tears, "Since you are so determined, we as a family will face life and death together, never to be separated!"


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 Chapter 410

    Chapter 410 Once United by Heaven and Earth, We Will Never be Parted!


    "Lin San, Lin San¡ª" From outside the courtyard, a woman''s anxious call suddenly rang out. Xiao Qingxuan''s expression changed slightly, and she pulled Lin Wanrong behind her to shield him.


    Seeing Qingxuan protecting him this way, Lin Wanrong''s heart was touched, and he hurriedly took her small hand, softly saying, "Don''t worry, she''s my friend."


    "Your friend?" Qingxuan sighed. "Your journey up the mountain has already been arduous enough. Why should you let someone else trouble themselves for our sake, especially a woman?"


    ¡®Telling her not toe would have been a hundred times harder than having here.¡¯ Lin Wanrong patted Qingxuan''s little hand, smiling, "It''s okay, Miss Xu is no outsider. Let me introduce you. Miss Xu, I''m over here¡ª"


    Xu Zhiqing''s face was filled with anxiety as she hurried over, and the first thing she saw was the woman standing beside Lin Wanrong. With skin as white as snow, cherry-red lips, an extremely beautiful face, and a quiet and elegant demeanor, her cloud-like hair scattered in the wind, she seemed like a celestial being who had fallen to earth, making others feel ashamed of their appearance.


    Xu Zhiqing stared in amazement. Was this extraordinarily beautiful woman Lin San''s wife? Although she prided herself on her looks and intellect, in front of this noble woman who resembled a banished fairy, she could not help but feel a little inferior.


    "Is this Miss Xu?" Xiao Qingxuan took Lin Wanrong''s hand and smiled slightly, her demeanor gracious and graceful, outshining all flowers. "I have only just reunited with My Dear today, and in my excitement, I have forgotten my manners. If I have been remiss in my treatment of you, Sister, I hope you will forgive me."


    A single call of "My Dear" made Lin Wanrong''s heart blossom with joy. He felt a tingle inside and hurriedly said with a beaming smile, "Qingxuan, there''s no need for such formality. We are all family here. Miss Xu is the daughter of the world''s number one schr, Mr. Xu Wei, and her learning and insight are no less than Mr. Xu''s."Xiao Qingxuan''s beautiful eyes moved, and she nced at him, then smiled at Xu Zhiqing, saying, "So, Sister, you are the daughter of the great literary master, the first extraordinary woman of our great country. I have long admired your name. Had fate not dyed us, Qingxuan would have met you long ago."


    ¡®No wonder Lin San is so concerned about Xiao Qingxuan. This Miss Xiao''s beauty and grace are unparalleled in the world, far beyond me.¡¯ Xu Zhiqing sighed inwardly and gently stepped forward, softly saying, "Miss Xiao is too kind. I am just a woman, with nothing extraordinary about me. But you, Miss, with your celestial bearing and graceful demeanor, like a white lotus that has washed away the dust of the world, make me feel utterly inferior. Lin San, if you ever wrong this angelic woman, you will surely incur the wrath of heaven and earth."


    ¡®Nonsense! She''s my wife, my child''s mother; how could I not love her?¡¯ Even Xu Zhiqing has to bow to Qingxuan''s charm, which appeals to both men and women. Lin Wanrong took Qingxuan''s hand andughed, "You can rest assured on that ount. My greatest virtue is loving my wife."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face turned slightly red, and she softly said, "Don''t talk nonsense, lest Miss Xuugh at us. Sister, My Dear has always been like this; please don''t think him frivolous."


    ¡®This is considered frivolous? More "frivolous" deeds, your husband has done many.¡¯ Xu Zhiqing sighed softly without speaking. Lin Wanrong said, "Miss Xu, you were calling me earlier. Is there something wrong?"


    Xu Zhiqing let out a cry of "Oh!" Her expression turned anxious, and she hurriedly said, "I was just outside and saw someoneing this way. I don''t know if it''s urgent or not."


    Qingxuan''s face tightened, and she nced at Lin Wanrong. Lin Wanrong shook his head firmly, and Xiao Qingxuan sighed. Turning to Xu Zhiqing with a slight smile, she calmly said, "Thank you for your kindness, sister. It might have been urgent just now, but it''s no longer important. My Dear and I share life and death, fortune and misfortune together. Nothing else cane between us." A lotus-like smile surfaced on her face, dignified and pure. Lin Wanrong, filled with joy, held her hand, and the two were full of affection and unspeakable sweetness.


    Xu Zhiqing felt a pang of emotion and quickly turned her head away. "Miss Xiao, hearing you say that reassures me. I wish you both a hundred years of blissful marriage and a lifetime together."


    No sooner had her voice fallen than a clear male voice rang from outside the garden, "Junior Sister Xiao, are you in there?"


    The only junior sister surnamed Xiao in the garden was naturally Xiao Qingxuan. Lin Wanrong nced outside, spotting the edge of a white garment fluttering near the gate. The man had not yet entered the garden, presumably waiting for Xiao Qingxuan to speak.


    "It''s Senior Brother Liu!" Xiao Qingxuan''s eyebrows furrowed slightly, and she gave a bitter smile, shaking her head. She grabbed Lin Wanrong''s hand and asked softly, "Husband, should we let him in?"


    ¡®This Senior Brother Liu seemed quite obedient, but he dared to call my wife ''junior sister,'' as if I wouldn''t beat him for that.¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed, feigning indifference, "Let him in, it''s windy and rainy outside, cold enough. Don''t want him to freeze. Ah, generous men like me are a rare breed nowadays."


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head, smiling, and pinched his hand, calling out to the garden, "Senior Brother Liu, what do you want with me?"


    Senior Brother Liu''s voice carried urgency, "Junior Sister Xiao, I heard two peoplee up the mountain, a man and a woman. I''m afraid they might harm you, so I came to check on you."


    ¡®How ridiculous, wanting to see my wife with such ame excuse!¡¯ Lin Wanrong was irritated, chuckling without saying a word.


    Xiao Qingxuan seemed to know Lin Wanrong''s feelings and smiled at him, calmly saying, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother. I am fine. Please go back."


    A silence hung outside the garden,sting for quite some time before Senior Brother Liu''s voice came again, "Junior Sister Xiao, I have something urgent to discuss with you. Please let me in to talk."


    ¡®This Senior Brother''s face is indeed thick,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong, clenching his fist and humming, "Qingxuan, has this Senior Brother Liu ever practiced martial arts?"


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head, "Senior Brother Liu is a schr and doesn''t practice martial arts. Why do you ask?"


    "That''s good to know." Lin Wanrong smiled, "Such a schr, I could beat seven or eight of them with my fists and feet. If he keeps chattering outside and interrupts me and my wife''s conversation, I won''t be polite."


    Qingxuanughed, holding him back, "Don''t talk nonsense. Your martial arts are mediocre. What if you hurt yourself in a fight?"


    "Junior Sister Xiao¡ª" Senior Brother Liu, waiting outside for a long time with no response, became somewhat agitated, "Please forgive my rashness. But I have something to say today, and if I miss today, I will regret it forever. This Peach and Plum Garden is a sacred ce to me. You''ve never allowed me in, but today''s matter is urgent. Even if you scold me a thousand times, I''ll ept it."


    Lin Wanrong blinked in disbelief. ¡®Grandmother''s, pursuing my wife openly in front of me? Do you think I''m just thin air?¡¯ He was about to rush forward, but Xiao Qingxuan slightly smiled and took hold of his hand, saying, "You can''t even bear this slight indignity? From my childhood till now, I have met countless men and never shown a pleasant face to any of them. But then I met you¡ª"


    A gentle blush spread across her face as she looked at Lin Wanrong and gave a coquettish smile. Her voice soft, she called to the outside, "Senior Brother Liu, pleasee in!"


    Outside, a young gentleman approached, of average build, dressed in white, his hair bound with a light blue silk scarf. His eyebrows were like drawn swords, his nose like a gallnut, walking with calm andposed temperament, graceful and elegant, resembling the looks of Pan An, and the style of Song Yu. [TL: Both are extraordinarily handsome men in ancient China.]


    Upon seeing the vigorous and spirited appearance of Senior Brother Liu, Lin Wanrong felt a surge of annoyance. ¡®What''s so special about nice clothes? It was probably your parents who paid for them; what''s there to be arrogant about? If you''ve got guts, take them off andpare!¡¯


    Xu Zhiqing nced at Lin San and then at Senior Brother Liu, suddenly covering her lips with a chuckle. Lin Wanrong looked at her curiously, "What are youughing at?"


    Miss Xu''s face turned slightly red as she haughtily replied, "This Senior Brother Liu surpasses you in looks and grace. Miss Qingxuan taking a liking to you is truly a blessing you''ve cultivated over several lifetimes."


    Lin Wanrong paid no heed,ughing, "Looks and grace? Miss Xu, if you had seen me losing my temper, you wouldn''t say that. Ask Qingxuan what I looked like when she first met me?"


    Recalling their first encounter by Xuanwu Lake and how he had bullied her, Xiao Qingxuan''s face turned a shade redder. Yet her heart was filled with warmth, and she gently smiled at him, holding his hand, expressing all her affection wordlessly.


    Seeing the understanding between them, Miss Xu sighed softly. Lin San''s unruly nature could only be tamed by ady like Miss Xiao, who was detached from worldly conventions. Luckily, someone was there to keep him in line; otherwise, with his wild and bullying ways, few women in this world could escape his clutches. Miss Xu''s face flushed, and her heart was filled with a mixture of emotions.


    "Junior Sister Xiao¡ª" A sudden call broke the sweetness between the two. Lin Wanrong snorted in annoyance and looked up to see Senior Brother Liu staring intently at him, his face shing with surprise, anger, and jealousy. At least, this Senior Brother Liu''s manners were still decent, tightly clenching his teeth without exploding.


    ¡®See, kid, you''ve never seen someone so handsome, have you?¡¯ Lin Wanrong grinned, carelessly saluting in mock respect, "Wow, I haven''t seen such a handsome talent in a long time, almost catching up with me!"


    Senior Brother Liu was taken aback, unfamiliar with Lin Wanrong''s yful and unserious demeanor. He thought that Junior Sister wouldn''t like someone with such a bizarre style. Feeling a bit lucky, he forced a smile and quickly returned the salute, "I dare not, I dare not!"


    "Yes, yes!" Lin Wanrong giggled and said, "I''ve roamed the world of martial artists for over ten years, always looking for someone handsome but never finding anyone. Who would''ve thought that today, on this visit, I''d unexpectedlye across a brilliant fellow like you, just dripping with handsomeness? It''s truly fate. Brilliant fellow, may I ask for your esteemed name and your age this year?"


    "My name is Liu Shiyuan, aged twenty-two, and I am the eighth-ranked disciple of the Fairy Hall''s Literary School," Senior Brother Liu hastily said. "But may I know who this distinguished brother is¡ª"


    "So, it''s Brother Bullshit [TL: Homonym with ¡®Senior Brother Liu¡¯]." Lin Wanrongughed and said, "I am Fairy Ning''s nominal disciple from the Fairy Hall''s Martial School, diligently studying the thirty-six scattered hands of Dong Xuanzi. I specialize in victory with a single strike, wandering the Jianghu for many years. My brothers on the road have given me a nickname, ''Fast Sensation Cannon God.''"


    [TL: It has a modern ng, meaning ¡®Exciting Master of Seduction.¡¯]


    "Fast Sensation Cannon God?" This nickname was quite unique indeed. Liu Shiyuan quickly responded with a fist salute, "I have heard much of you, much indeed. So, you''re a Junior Brother from Martial School. Oh, has Fairy Ning returned? I have never heard of the Fairy Ning epting male disciples."


    "Indeed, Fairy Ning does not ept male disciples." Lin Wanrong said with a mysterious smile, "But I have some connections with the Martial School, and because of her love for the School, she took me as a nominal disciple. Just a nominal one, nothing more. It''s all about sending gifts on holidays and receiving New Year''s money, that''s all."


    Xiao Qingxuan listened to his nonsense and felt amused. She quickly pulled him and chided lovingly, "Don''t talk nonsense. If Master hears you, you''ll have to bear the consequences."


    Hearing Qingxuan and this Senior Brother Liu''s conversation, and understanding that Fairy Ning had not yet returned, Lin Wanrong''s heart sank a little, but he did not show it and smiled without speaking.


    Seeing the "Fast Sensation Cannon God" acting intimately with Junior Sister Xiao, Liu Shiyuan''s heart tightened. His eyes fell on Xiao Qingxuan, and he softly said, "Junior Sister, these two are¡ª"


    Xiao Qingxuan smiled slightly and took Xu Zhiqing''s hand, "This youngdy is the world''s number one schr, Mr. Wen Chang''s daughter, and also our Great Hua''s number one exceptional woman, Miss Xu Zhiqing."


    "You are Miss Xu from Jinghua Academy?" Senior Brother Liu was astonished, and quickly bowed deeply, "Miss, I have long admired your great name. Meeting you today is truly a fortunate asion in this life."


    Xu Zhiqing calmly returned the salute, "Young Master Liu, you tter me. Zhiqing is but amon woman, undeserving of such praise."


    Seeing Liu Shiyuan''s gaze fall on Lin Wanrong again, Xiao Qingxuan lightly smiled, holding Lin Wanrong''s hand tightly, their fingers interlocking. She looked at Lin Wanrong tenderly and said firmly, "As for this man, he is my lifelong and inseparable husband¡ª"


    "Junior Sister, what did you say? He is your husband?" Liu Shiyuan''s face turned pale, as if struck by a hammer, and he staggered back a few steps, staring nkly at their intertwined hands, like a man stunned.


    Xiao Qingxuan said calmly, "Senior Brother Liu, everyone in the Fairy Hall knows that Qingxuan has practiced diligently since childhood, indifferent to the men of the world. However, fate yed a trick on me. I encountered my husband in Jinling, and since then, I have been hopelessly entangled. Breaking my past promise, I know I''m at fault, but even if there are countless trials, My Dear and I will face them together. Living in the same bed, dying in the same tomb, once united by heaven and earth, we will never be parted!"


    Lin Wanrong listened, a mix of joy and sorrow overwhelming him. He hastily grabbed her small hand, wanting to say something. His lips moved a few times, but he could not utter a single word.


    Xiao Qingxuan tightly held Lin Wanrong''srge hand, smiling gently, "My Dear, you are my husband, so please tell Senior Brother Liu your full name."


    Xu Zhiqing, standing to the side, listened with a heavy heart and astonishment. This one sentence was no different from pushing Lin San to dere war against the Fairy Hall. But this fool, Lin San, probably would dare to poke a hole in the sky for Miss Xiao. Xu Zhiqing shook her head and sighed lightly. Unknowingly, tears began to flow freely.


    This was the day he had been waiting for. Lin Wanrong''s blood boiled with excitement, and heughed loudly, "My name is Lin San, and I am the number one servant of the Xiao family in Jinling Prefecture!"


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 Chapter 411

    Chapter 411 Peach Blossom Rain


    "You, you are Lin San?" Liu Shiyuan''s face turned pale, and he retreated a few steps, looking closely at Lin Wanrong, fixing his eyes on him, and urgently cried, "Defeating the King of Couplet of the Seven Northern Provinces, the champion of the Jinling Poetry Contest, the bandit-suppressing hero of Shandong, the one who suppressed the Turkic national tutor Lu Dongzan in the capital, and the Lin San who made the fish leap over the dragon gate on Weishan Lake¡ªis that you?" He was clearly familiar with Lin Wanrong''s deeds, obviously having heard of his name.


    "It is indeed I," Lin Wanrong said, squinting with a smile, "Merely a notorious figure, Brother Bullshit, you tter me."


    Liu Shiyuan nced at Xiao Qingxuan and suddenly nodded, "Excellent, just excellent. Brother Lin, your name is well-known, and I have admired you for a long time. Today, seeing you in person, your reputation is indeed well-deserved. Even Junior Sister Xiao treats you with great respect. Taking advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I wish to learn a thing or two from you."


    "Learn?" Lin Wanrongughed, "Brother Bullshit, what do you wish to learn from me? If it''s about poetry and prose, forget it; I haven''t been involved in that for many years. If you''re interested, go buy a collection of Lin San''s works on the street. They are beautifully printed and don''t cost much. Couplet, poetry, jokes, none are missing, and it''s worth every penny. Buy ten, and you can get one free."


    Liu Shiyuan proudly replied, "There are many fame-seekers in this world, and those poems can be fabricated by others as well. Brother Lin, with your great talent, why not teach me something? Could it be that Sister Xiao''s chosen husband is a coward? That would be aughingstock."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face changed, her sleeves fluttering slightly as she coldly said, "Senior Brother Liu, my husband''s reputation is bestowed by the world, reflecting his courage and wisdom. His experiences are well-known, and not something your baseless nders can obtain. I''m grateful for your affection towards me, but if you insult My Dear, I won''t let you off."


    Within the sacred ce, Xiao Qingxuan''s beauty was breathtaking, her demeanor elegant, a fairy-like figure. Seeing the fairy angry, Liu Shiyuan felt as though he was pierced by ten thousand needles. Just as he was about to speak, Xu Zhiqing snorted, "Young Master Liu, it wasn''t my ce to interrupt your conversation with Miss Xiao. But your contempt for Lin San is your own disgrace. Lin San''s reputation is widespread, acknowledged by all, and well-documented. It''s the result of his own hard work, not something your words can deny. If you think you can fabricate it, try it if you can! Not to mention others, my father and I both respect him wholeheartedly. To be frank, with his reputation and honor, challenging him is beyond your qualifications."


    Xu Zhiqing''s face was icy, her heart''s grief having no outlet, and when she saw this Liu fellow daring to challenge Lin San, her anger erupted uncontrobly. Her words were eloquent and left Liu Shiyuan''s face both red and white, unable to make a sound. As Miss Xu had said, with Lin San''s reputation, Liu Shiyuan was far from being his match."Sister, I''m infinitely grateful for your support of My Dear," Xiao Qingxuan took Miss Xu''s hand, smiled faintly, and said gratefully.


    Xu Zhiqing''s face turned red, and she hurriedly lowered her head, speaking softly, "I only spoke out because I couldn''t stand others being so overbearing, not specifically to defend Lin San. Miss Xiao, please don''t misunderstand."


    Xiao Qingxuan nced at her, shaking her head with a light smile, and took Lin Wanrong''s hand, yfully saying, "You fool, being friends with Sister Xu must be the result of many lifetimes of good fortune."


    "I''ve always been straightforward with Miss Xu," Lin Wanrong nodded andughed, looking very honest. Xu Zhiqing sighed inwardly; he was only ying the fool in front of Miss Xiao, while in front of others, he was like a ferocious wolf.


    On the other side, Liu Shiyuan, seeing the two women and one man talking, all appearing quite intimate, felt increasingly bitter as he was left out. He shouted, "Junior Sister, even if you''re married, I must finish what I have to say today. Since I first met you more than ten years ago, I have been deeply in love, constantly thinking about you. I''ve studied hard, even bing the best in literary writing, all to earn a word of praise from you. I''ve lingered outside this garden every day just to catch a glimpse of you, and even the servants know of my feelings. Yet, Junior Sister, you were entirely devoted to your studies and treated everyone with indifference. I''ve kept these feelings hidden, afraid to upset you. I nned to express my years of longing before the big day tomorrow, but I didn''t know you''d already secretly chosen a husband¡ª"


    Tears rolled down Liu Shiyuan''s cheeks, his expression impassioned as he loudly continued, "I have no reason to live. Even if I be a wandering soul, I''ll still surround you, Junior Sister, I''m going now¡ª"


    With that, his eyes filled with determination, he threw himself like a fierce tiger at a nearby tree, intending to end his life.


    Lin Wanrong had grown impatient listening and, seeing Liu''s intent, kicked him in the rear. Liu Shiyuan''s body twisted, missing the tree trunk, and he fell to the ground.


    Xiao Qingxuan had not expected Liu Shiyuan to be so impulsive. She frowned, smiled bitterly, and said, "My Dear, you saved his life this way, but he may not appreciate your kindness."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I don''t have time to save his life; I actually intended to assist him just now. Who would have thought my kick would be off, and instead of helping him, I saved him? It''s incredibly annoying; it seems I need to practice my martial arts more."


    "You better not learn martial arts," Xu Zhiqing interjected with a huff. "You''re already bullying others enough as it is; if you learn martial arts, won''t you be a tyrant?"


    Xiao Qingxuanughed, "Sister, don''t worry. As long as I''m here, he won''t dare to do anything to you."


    Xu Zhiqing''s heart jumped, and she hurriedly said, "Miss Xiao, what should we do with this Senior Brother of yours? Such a man, although handsome, is narrow-minded and extreme, truly difficult to reform."


    Xiao Qingxuan nced at Lin Wanrong, who smiled and said, "Forget it, forget it. Let me be the viin." He took the sword beside Xiao Qingxuan and slowly walked towards Liu Shiyuan.


    Xu Zhiqing was startled, asking, "What is he going to do?"


    Xiao Qingxuan gave a rxed smile, softly saying, "Whatever he wants to do, let him do it. If he''s constantly restrained, he wouldn''t be My Dear."


    With just one sentence, Xu Zhiqing was filled with shame and embarrassment. The one who knew Lin San best and understood him most was none other than Miss Xiao, who was like a fairy.


    Lin Wanrong walked slowly and gracefully to the side of Liu Shiyuan, crouched down, and grinned, "Talented brother, what''s happened to you?"


    Liu Shiyuan roared angrily, "Mind your own business, let me die!"


    "Die? That''s quite easy," Lin Wanrongughed. "Talented brother, look, what''s this?"


    Liu Shiyuan looked up to see Lin San''s ferocious face, holding a long sword. With a swish, the sharp de was drawn, the cold sword tip shing like lightning towards his forehead.


    "Ah¡ª" Liu Shiyuan let out a miserable scream, instinctively dodging, rolling several times on the ground, covered in mud and grass. He red at him and shouted angrily, "You, you¡ª"


    "Me? What about me?" Lin Wanrong raised an eyebrow, his long sword swishing as it stabbed into the tree trunk. He shouted loudly, "Don''t you like to die? Thene on, bash your head against a tree, let the blood spatter, how heroic and inspiring! Many noble and virtuous people in ancient times chose this way to die, Talented brother, you''re no exception, right?"


    Seeing Lin San''s sneering face, Liu Shiyuan unconsciously stepped back, biting his teeth, about to charge into the tree again. But he saw Lin San draw the precious sword with a swish,ughing twice, and then reinsert it into the tree trunk. The bright de was so dazzling that it was difficult to keep one''s eyes open. His heart pounded, a sense of cowardice spontaneously arising.


    "Charge," Lin Wanrong said, smiling as he approached Liu Shiyuan. His face was kind and gentle. When he came closer, he suddenly lifted Liu Shiyuan''s body, his voice rising sharply, "Charge, damn you, just do it!"


    Liu Shiyuan was frightened, retreating several steps with a pale face, "You, you¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong did not deign to look at him andughed out loud, "Brother Liu, Miss Xu was right. You and I are not of the same level. How did I marry Qingxuan, such a beautiful and gentle fairy? Was it because of those rumors you heard? Think with your brain. I stand here not because of my abundant knowledge or broad-mindedness, but my perseverance. In this world, I am like a stone squeezed out of a crack. I have nothing, and I fear nothing. Mount Tai could fall and not crush me, I could not be hacked on Mount Dangtu, not be blown apart by thousands of cannons. What I have been through, you can''t imagine in ten lifetimes. I can be defeated, utterly crushed, but I won''t die. I am like a lump of y; anyone can knead or step on me. I will be the earth when I lie down, and a standing spear when I stand up, standing tall and never giving up¡ªI am a cockroach, who am I afraid of? If you want topare with me, go back and learn for another two hundred years."


    Xu Zhiqing was stunned. During her time with Lin San, she had only seen him jesting andughing, even when dealing with significant matters like investigating the loss of official silver in Shandong. He never seemed serious, but today''s words were passionate and stirring, almost like a summary of his twenty-odd years of life. Somehow, Miss Xu''s heart was filled with sadness, and she murmured, "Is everything he said true?"


    Xiao Qingxuan wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and sighed softly, "My Dear has sorrows in his heart; he just never speaks of them."


    Xu Zhiqing snorted, annoyed, and said, "Miss Xiao, even if everything else is true, saying that he popped out from the cracks of a rock, isn''t that infuriating?"


    Xiao Qingxuan smiled faintly, responding, "I know his nature; he speaks falsely on trivial matters, but is honest on important ones. He is my husband; if he says it, I believe it!"


    Xu Zhiqing was stunned. It had seemed that Miss Xiao had kept Lin San in check, but now, it sounded like Lin San was the one dominating Miss Xiao.


    Seeing her confusion, Xiao Qingxuan took her hand, speaking with slight apology, "Sister, My Dear and I have been apart for some time, with no one beside him. Thank you for taking care of him. I know my husband well; he might not do great evils, but he never ceases with his petty mischief. Sister, you must have suffered a lot from him. Don''t worry, if we both survive this time, I''ll be sure to restrain him and not let him trouble you again."


    ¡®You do indeed know your husband,¡¯ Xu Zhiqing thought bitterly, smiling, but not knowing how to reply, and fell silent.


    Observing Lin San''s ferocious expression, yet with eyes that seemed both sad and joyful, Miss Xiao stared nkly at Lin San. Her eyes were filled with deep love. Liu Shiyuan''s heart turned to ashes, and he suddenly fell to the ground, crying out in grief.


    "All done, let''s wrap it up," Lin Wanrong ced the long sword on the table, smiling at Qingxuan and Miss Xu. "Now, Talented Brother won''t seek death anymore. Ah, to save a life is better than building a seven-tiered pagoda. Save two more, and I can be a Bodhisattva."


    "Is this saving him? It seems more merciful to kill him," Miss Xu chuckled. "There''s no greater sorrow than a dead heart. You''ve beaten him down so; even if Young Master Liu survives by chance, he will be but a walking corpse. Miss Xiao, your husband''s invisible killing is truly terrifying."


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head, smiling bitterly without replying. Xu Zhiqing nced at Lin San, her eyes misting over, and sighed softly, "The most pitiable in the world are those full of passion, and this Brother Liu is indeed pitiable."


    "Sister, don''t sigh," Xiao Qingxuan said calmly. "I''ve always been this way since childhood; even an outstanding man wouldn''t catch my eye. Perhaps Brother Liu has strong feelings for me, but that doesn''t mean I have to respond in kind. It''s not that I''m heartless; I simply feel no obligation to do so. To allow him to continue misunderstanding would be ungracious."


    "Exactly, exactly, that''s the way. Cut the Gordian knot, and then we can rest easy," Lin Wanrong embraced Qingxuan''s waist, strongly agreeing.


    "Don''t be too pleased," Xiao Qingxuan gave him a nce, "If we talk about cutting the Gordian knot, you''re the very example of a dull knife. Ambiguously entangled, who knows how many women you''ve attracted? How can there be such a blunt knife as you in the world?"


    Knowing he couldn''t hide these matters from Qingxuan, Lin Wanrong helplessly spread his hands and grinned, "I''m too charming; there''s nothing I can do about it. Actually, I''ve been quite honest, never actively pursuing other youngdies. Miss Xu can testify to that."


    Xiao Qingxuanughed, "Don''t make Miss Xu perjure herself; it will put her in a difficult position. If I can leave the mountain, I''ll cut these entangled ropes for you, to ease your mind."


    ¡®Since the First Wife has returned, Jang Geum Dongsaeng, our game is over. Miss Xu, you should give up your foolish dreams.¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s heart was bleeding, but the smile he managed to squeeze out on his face was radiant as he said, "Of course, of course.¡±


    Liu Shiyuan had been crying for half a day. When he came to his senses, he was dazed and confused, his eyes lifeless, looking like a ghost who had lost its soul. He nced nkly at the three of them, then turned and left. Lin Wanrong eximed, "Such a high mountain. I don''t know if this talented brother might stumble and fall. Let me rify, I have nothing to do with this. Miss Xu, you must testify for me."


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and smiled, her expression slightly somber, "Stop fooling around. Once Brother Liu leaves, I''m afraid the entire Fairy Hall will know about us. My Dear, you grabbed my hand, oh, I told you to hold my hand, not to hug me¡ª"


    Chided tenderly by his wife, Lin Wanrong felt his bones go soft. He released her slender waist, his face bashful, and smiled, "I just didn''t hear clearly, and misunderstood for a moment."


    Such an excuse could only be thought of by Master Lin. Qingxuan frolicked with him, her heart warm. She held his hand tightly and said softly, "I broke my promise and married you. I must face others whether in life or death, I no longer care, only wishing to be forever by your side. Since we have done it, we must be brave enough to bear it. This peach garden, beautiful as it is, is not where we can stay long. Although Qingxuan is wrong, she is not weak. Let us walk out openly and proudly!"


    Lin Wanrong took her hand, naturally cing her behind him, andughed, "Naturally. I''m taking my wife home. Why would we need to sneak around?"


    As Xiao Qingxuan walked, her belly slightly bulged. Xu Zhiqing, who knew medicine, eximed in surprise, "Miss Xiao, you are pregnant¡ª"


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded with a smile, caressing her belly, a gentle and sacred maternal glow on her face, "This is my child, he is with us."


    No wonder Lin San was so pleased; it was indeed a double celebration. Xu Zhiqing''s lips trembled a few times, and she silently said, "Miss Xiao, congrattions."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Congrattions to us all, Miss Xu, remember toe for the sweet soup and red eggs."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face flushed as she yfully hit him and then held his hand tighter, coquettishly smiling, "My Dear, do you find me beautiful?"


    Xiao Qingxuan''s eyebrows were like spring water, her face as if powdered, her beauty unmatched in the world. Her pale yellow pce dress made her appear even more graceful and distinguished. Lin Wanrong stared, dumbfounded and foolish, murmuring, "So beautiful it''s bubbling."


    Qingxuan blushed and smiled shyly, swinging her long sword with force. The peach blossoms in the garden were suddenly stirred into a dance, like a shower of peach blossoms, spreading and sprinkling, flying towards them.


    "Wow, it''s raining, peach blossom rain!" Lin Wanrong grabbed her hand andughed out loud.


    Xiao Qingxuan held his hand, swinging her long sword rapidly. The colorful flower petals fluttering in the air slowly descended, forming a pathway leading straight to the door. As the dance progressed, Xiao Qingxuan let out a gentle rebuke, and her long sword flew from her hand, shooting straight into the treetops. The hilt of the sword buried itself, causing the branches to tremble slightly.


    Xu Zhiqing was dumbfounded. This Miss Xiao was indeed like a celestial being.


    "The sword was bestowed by Fairy Hall and must not be taken away, nor used against my brothers and sisters," Xiao Qingxuan said with a gentle smile, turning to Xu Zhiqing, "Sister Xu,e here."


    Xu Zhiqing came to her side, and Xiao Qingxuan took hold of her small hand, the other hand tightly grasping Lin Wanrong. A sweet smile spread across her face as she resolutely said, "My Dear, you lead us away!"


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 412

    Chapter 412 Equal to Heaven? Equal to Man?


    Xu Zhiqing''s heart trembled, and she involuntarily raised her head, only to see Xiao Qingxuan''s faceposed, her eyes shooting an iparably determined look, gazing at Lin Wanrong with a tender smile. This Miss Xiao, whose background was unknown, possessed such grace that she outshone all the women in the world without even saying a word. Xu Zhiqing sighed softly and grasped her hand.


    Lin Wanrong was not shy, quickly taking Qingxuan''s little hand and rushing outside. In those few short steps, peach blossoms fell, brilliant and colorful,nding on the heads and bodies of the two women, as if they had be the flower goddesses of the peach garden, incredibly beautiful.


    "Don''t look back," seeing him continuously looking behind, Qingxuan shyly smiled and softly said, "Keep an eye on the path ahead so Miss Xu doesn''t trip."


    "Miss Xiao is joking," Xu Zhiqing''s face reddened slightly. Seeing Xiao Qingxuan''s clear eyes, she somehow felt uneasy and quickly lowered her head.


    Once they were out of the garden, a scattering of fine rain fell on the three people''s hair, giving a cool sensation. Situated atop an isted peak, the cold air was biting. Looking into the distance, the mountains and waters were hazy, illusory, further enhancing the fairnd-like environment, a paradise on earth.


    Gazing at the distant scenery, Xu Zhiqing was spellbound and only after a while did she sigh, "I''ve spent so much time in the capital, but I never knew that such a wonderful fairnd existed here. If it were me, living a lifetime in this peach blossom paradise would not be a problem."


    "Fairy mountains are indeed fairy mountains," Lin Wanrongughed, "but theyck a lot of human warmth. In my opinion, living in the city is better with taverns and teahouses, graceful dances and melodies, gossip and diverse cultures, everything to make you cry orugh. That is the earthly paradise for us mortals."


    That was crass to the extreme. Miss Xu shot him a nce, his words ruining her good mood. Xiao Qingxuan softly sighed, "Retreating from the world or embracing it is a great wisdom in itself. Some prefer the mundane, some prefer the fairy mountains; the paths may be different, but they all eventually converge.""My wife is the clever one, cutting through theplexities of life with a single sentence," Lin Wanrong chuckled, ncing down the mountain to see the scattered white tents at the foot. Needless to say, they must have been the troops brought by Du Xiuyuan. With a strong army backing him, Lin Wanrong was even more energized. He held onto Miss Xiao and said, "Down the mountain, down the mountain, quickly, Qingxuan, let me carry you!"


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face was like powdered makeup, and she punched him lightly, whispering, "Don''t be foolish, or Miss Xu willugh at us."


    "How is this foolish!" Lin Wanrong said earnestly, "You are pregnant now, and the mountain is steep and slippery. If you twist your waist carelessly, that would be a disaster. No, no, I must carry you."


    Xiao Qingxuan, with her strong martial arts, didn''t need his help at all. His righteous words made her both amused and touched. Xu Zhiqing, who knew medical principles, gave him a stern look and said, "Miss Xiao is five months pregnant, a stable period. Walking a few more steps is beneficial for the fetus. If you carelessly drop her while carrying, that would be the real disaster. Just admit you want to take advantage, don''t make up so many excuses."


    Miss Xiao''s face turned a shade redder, and she tightly clutched Lin Wanrong''s hand, her eyes filled with tenderness. Lin Wanrong''s face was thick enough to not mind being exposed by Miss Xu, and he chuckled, "Is that so? Miss Xu seems to know a lot about this. Perhaps you can be a doctor specializing in childbirth in the future."


    The three of them quickened their pace, with Lin Wanrong leading the way, and in a blink of an eye, they arrived at the fork in the road where Li Xiangjun had led the two of them up the mountain. Seeing that there was no one to stop them, Lin Wanrong felt more at ease. He was about to turn the corner with Xiao Qingxuan when Miss Xiao suddenly halted, listening intently for a moment. Her expression darkened as she said softly, "What was destined toe has finally arrived."


    "What hase?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    Xiao Qingxuan gave a slight smile and took Lin Wanrong''s hand, leading him around the corner. Xu Zhiqing followed the two, ncing ahead, and was suddenly stunned. In the clearing at the fork in the road, hundreds of people had already gathered. At the forefront sat several schrs over fifty, all appearing as learned men of great substance. Behind the schrs were young students and youngdies, their eyes filled with envy, jealousy, and indifference as they gazed at the three. Judging by the formation, they had been waiting here for quite some time.


    "Miss Xiao, what is this?" Xu Zhiqing hesitated to ask.


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head with a bitter smile, sighing, "These are the elite of my Fairy Hall. Those sitting at the front are the teachers of the Fairy Hall, great schrs of the Literature School, renowned throughout the world, not inferior to your esteemed father.Grand Academician of the Wuying Hall, Yanzhai Recluse Yan Ne, Shengan Recluse Yang Shen, Shen Shitian from Yunnan, Taoist Xuanzhen Song Jinglian, Mr. Cangming Li Panlong, Zhongxi Recluse Li Yuanyang¡ª"


    Xu Zhiqing was horrified upon hearing these names. It was not only that she had heard of them; any schr of the time would know them. These men were renowned schrs, not inferior to Xu Wei by much, and some were even Xu Wei''s seniors. That these men were teachers of the "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall" exined the school''s immense reputation. They were all gathered here; could Lin San handle them?


    "What''s wrong? Are these people very famous?" Lin Wanrongughed, "What ''Sheep Kidney Yuanyang'' or something, I don''t recognize any of them."


    Even these people were unknown to him? Was his knowledge simply dropped from the sky? Xu Zhiqing gave him a helpless look and whispered, "These are schrs on par with my father. Any one of them is hard to meet, and I didn''t expect to encounter so many today. You must not take them lightly."


    ¡®Me, take them lightly? My cannons are stationed at the foot of the mountain; whoever blocks me, I''ll st.¡¯ He snorted, patted Qingxuan''s little hand, chuckled, and shouted, "Wow, so many people! Are you all holding a convention here?"


    A man in front with white hair and beard, dressed in a grey robe, stroking his long beard, looked at him sternly and shouted, "Who are you? Why have you trespassed the gate of our Fairy Hall?"


    "Who are you? Why do you question me so rudely?" Lin Wanrong raised an eyebrow andughed aloud.


    Such a response was a first for the old man, who paused, then proudly said, "I am Shen Shitian from Yunnan, former Schr of Hall of Literary Brilliance in the previous Emperor. Who are you?"


    Xu Zhiqing saw that Lin San truly did not recognize this person, and hurriedly tugged at his sleeve, urgently saying, "This Mr. Shen is an old minister from the time of thete Emperor, a generation senior to my father."


    An old minister from the previous Emperor? Wasn''t that a retired position? Lin Wanrongughed and said, "I am Lin San, the number one servant of the Xiao family mansion in Jinling Prefecture, also known as the Exciting Master of Seduction."


    Shen Shitian shook his head, the man before him who was calling himself the Exciting Master of Seduction was frivolous and impetuous, truly disgraceful. He snorted, "You slick-tongued little thing, daring to y tricks with your words in front of me. If you exin yourself well today, then that''s fine; if not, I will report to the head of the court and punish you for trespassing the Fairy Hall."


    Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter, "Trespassing the Fairy Hall? What a serious crime! You rely on this so-called Fairy Hall to privately enforce punishment, using me of a crime, under the broad sky and bright sun. Have I somehow wandered into a foreignnd?"


    Shen Shitian proudly said, "It is not that we privately enforce punishment, but the Founding Emperor once granted our Fairy Hall the title of ''Equal to Heaven.'' You trespassing the Fairy Hall is disrupting the order of Heaven. Why can''t I use you of this crime?"


    Xu Zhiqing listened and sadly shook her head. Indeed, the older the ginger, the spicier it gets. By invoking the Founding Emperor''s decree and charging with the crime of "disturbing Heaven," even the current Emperor would not dare object. Worried, she was about to speak, when Xiao Qingxuan gently shook her head, softly saying, "Sister Xu, trust my husband. There is nothing in this world that can stump him."


    "What a great im to be ''Equal to Heaven,''" Lin Wanrong said with a cold smile, "Esteemed Mr. Shen, may I ask, who is the Heaven of our Great Hua?"


    Shen Shitian bowed and replied, "The Heaven of Great Hua, of course, is the reigning Emperor, the exalted one known as the Son of Heaven."


    "Excellent, excellent!" Lin Wanrong pped andughed, "You are charging me with disturbing Heaven, thus treating the Fairy Hall as Heaven itself, aren''t you?"


    "That is naturally so." Shen Shitian said, "Our Fairy Hall is ''Equal to Heaven,'' and your trespassing the Fairy Hall is naturally a disturbance to Heaven."


    Lin Wanrong''s face suddenly changed, shouting loudly, "You, Shen Shitian, dare to plot treason? Seize him!"


    Shen Shitian''s face turned pale, pointing at Lin Wanrong and stammering, "You, you are fabricating things! My loyalty to the Emperor is clear for all to see!"


    "What a im of ''clear for all to see.'' I wonder which Heaven you are referring to?" Lin Wanrong said, his lips curling into a smile.


    "This¡ª" Shen Shitian hesitated, unsure how to respond, finally forcing out after much thought, "Both apply; both are considered Heaven."


    Lin Wanrong burst into uproariousughter, a sound that could shatter stones. Suddenly, he stopped, pointed a finger, and yelled, "You, Shen Shitian, despite being well-read in the ssics, dare to proim the Fairy Hall as Heaven. As the saying goes, ''A country has one ruler, and the people have one Heaven.'' By treating the Fairy Hall as Heaven, where do you ce our Great Hua Emperor and our Great Hua citizens? Your treacherous heart is truly exposed!"


    Shen Shitian''s face turned ashen. He never dreamed that this seemingly unimpressive young man could speak so eloquently, securely pinning a traitorousbel on him. He regretted his momentarypse, which allowed his opponent to seize the advantage.


    "Look, what is this¡ª" Lin Wanrong suddenly pulled out the imperial golden medallion from his bosom, sneering slightly. Shen Shitian, being a former court official, naturally recognized the object, and a shudder ran through his heart. He staggered back two steps, pointing at Lin Wanrong and stammering, "Is, is this sent by the Emperor?"


    Seeing Shen Shitian not kneel upon seeing the imperial golden medallion, Lin Wanrong was annoyed, and coldly snorted, "Could it be that you invited me here instead? The Emperor said that there are some people on this mountain who, sheltered under the grace of the Founding Emperor, know not right from wrong, are arrogant, and regard themon people as nothing. He specially instructed me toe here and punish them. Mr. Shen, since you are so loyal and devoted to your ''Fairy Hall Heaven,'' it seems I may have to start with you."


    A taboo for the royal family, Shen Shitian, a seasoned court official, was certainly aware of it. However, generations of Emperors of Great Hua had tolerated the situation, allowing the Fairy Hall to flourish, and Shen Shitian had not taken it to heart. He never expected to capsize in the gutter today. Regardless of whether this envoy was genuine, just the fact that he dared to say such words meant he was no ordinary character. Perhaps he was indeed sent by the Emperor.


    The more Shen Shitian thought about it, the more frightened he became, his face pale, slumping into a chair, gasping for breath. A man next to him shook his head and snorted, standing up and loudly dering, "Even if you are the Emperor''s envoy, what of it? Our Fairy Hall has the sacred Founding Emperor''s personally inscribed ''Equal to Heaven,'' which everyone must admire and bow to, even the current Emperor must bow his head."


    "What''s your honorable name, sir?" Lin Wanrong asked with a yful smile. The man who had stood was a few years younger than Shen Shitian, but still over fifty.


    The man snorted, "Ignorant youth, I am known as Cang Ming!"


    Xu Zhiqing hurriedly said, "This is Mr. Li Panlong, also known as Cang Ming. His calligraphy and painting are second to none, even the Emperor would pay a thousand gold pieces for one of his works. He is highly respected among the people."


    "Oh," Lin Wanrong sighed, bowing his fist, "So it''s Brother Li. Why, instead of selling your calligraphy and paintings, are you hiding in this Fairy Hall to teach?"


    Li Panlong angrily retorted, "Who is your brother? The three words ''Equal to Heaven'' were personally inscribed by the sacred Founding Emperor. Even the reigning Emperor must pay his respects, and no one can deny it. Brother Shen''s respect for Heaven means respecting both the current Emperor and the sacred Founding Emperor. To say that you are disturbing heaven is urate; where is the mistake?"


    Damn, this guy indeed has a background in art, concocting a concept of two heavens. Lin Wanrong, who had only dealt with conflicting elements, had no interest in learning about these two heavens. He pulled Xu Zhiqing aside and whispered, "They say that the Founding Emperor inscribed those three characters; have you ever seen them?"


    Xu Zhiqing was taken aback and shook her head, "Great Hua has been established for hundreds of years. Where would I see the handwriting of the Founding Emperor? Not even my father has seen it."


    "Qingxuan, have you seen it?" Lin Wanrong whispered.


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head, "I''ve only heard of the Founding Emperor''s handwriting; I''ve never seen it."


    "So it means that none of us have seen those three characters?" Lin Wanrong smiled triumphantly, "Could it be fake? Nowadays, there are more fake things than real ones!"


    Xu Zhiqing gave him a sidelong nce, "If it were fake, wouldn''t the Emperor investigate it rigorously? It''s just that the writing of the Founding Emperor has been lost for many years, and everyone doesn''t know where it is stored."


    "Who cares if it''s real or fake? If they can''t produce it, then it''s fake." Lin Wanrong''s eyebrows danced with joy as he stood up, pointing at Li Panlong and saying, "Brother Li, you say that the Founding Emperor personally inscribed the words ¡®Equal to Heaven¡¯ (ÓëÌìÆë,) is this true?"


    Li Panlongughed heartily, "Such a fine saying has been passed down for a hundred years, known to all, even women and children. You alone are ignorant of this matter, yet you dare to disturb our Fairy Hall gate? Ridiculous, absurd."


    "Ha ha ha ha--" Lin Wanrongughed uproariously, overwhelming Li Panlong with his presence before abruptly stopping. Calmly, he said, "It''s not that I''ve never heard of it, but that I''ve never seen it. There are stories of the Horse King having three eyes; do you believe it? Ah, it''s just a street tale. Believing it makes it real; disbelieving makes it vanish. I have always been diligent and inquisitive in my studies, and I won''t easily believe in something I haven''t seen with my own eyes. Since you im there''s the Founding Emperor''s inscription, why not produce it for us younger generations to admire, to satisfy our yearning?"


    "This¡ª" Li Panlong was momentarily stunned, then his face changed, snorting, "The Founding Emperor''s gift is not something you youngsters can see at whim. If I say it''s there, it''s there!"


    Seeing Li''s blustering appearance, Lin Wanrong was certain in his heart,ughing, "I''m strict in my studies. Since you can''t produce it, I''ll consider it nonexistent. Since the Founding Emperor didn''t bestow the ''Equal to Heaven'' inscription, you all must be deceiving the Emperor¡ª"


    "Silence¡ª¡± Li Panlong yelled angrily, "If I produce this inscription, I''ll have you charged with disrespect for thew!"


    Disrespect for thew? Lin Wanrong smiled slightly, with the Emperor''s gold medal in hand, not even the Emperor''s golden seal could touch him. He opened his hands, giggling, "Disrespect for thew? Such a grave charge; I''m so scared."


    A victorious smile spread across Li Panlong''s face, "Lin San, is this all you''ve got? Where''s the talent you showed in the Jinling poetrypetition? Today, I''ll show you something."


    Lin Wanrong was startled, "You know me?"


    Li Panlong gave a cold smile, "Mei Yanqiu, whom you humiliated in Jinling, is my grand-disciple. I heard of your sharp words long ago, and today I set this trap to lure you in. The Founding Emperor''s inscription hangs in the private chamber of the Head of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, and I''ve sent people to fetch it. The Emperor''s handwriting will be revealed, and we''ll see whether you''ll win, or I''ll win!"


    "No¡ªreally?" Lin Wanrong jumped a step back, his face showing great astonishment, "You really have this inscription? Wow, it''s been hundreds of years, has it not turned to ashes? Brother Li, Brother Li, let''s step aside and talk. Earlier, it was just a misunderstanding. I came to buy paintings from you. I''ll pay ten wen for a painting, and you can give me an inscription as a gift¡ª"


    Li Panlong''s sleeves flicked, his voice filled with anger, "Today''s matter cannot end well; I will avenge Yanqiu''s past disgrace."


    Xiao Qingxuan pulled Lin Wanrong aside, whispering, "My Dear, are you confident?"


    "I''m not entirely confident, but if you''ll kiss me, then I''ll be absolutely certain." Lin Wanrong said with a mischievous grin.


    Miss Xiao''s face turned pink, and she scolded, "Be serious, don''t set a bad example for our child."


    From a distance, two young boys came running at full speed, holding a scroll of painting in their hands. Judging by the wooden roller and paper''s color, the scroll seemed quite ancient.


    Li Panlong''s face lit up with pride, and he bowed respectfully to the scroll before carefully unrolling it.


    This was the Founding Emperor''s personal inscription, a treasure preserved for several hundred years. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on the scroll. As it slowly unfurled, the three majestic characters "Equal to Heaven" appeared, causing the people of "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall" to erupt in unified cheers.


    "Hold on, hold on¡ª" Lin Wanrong walked over to Li Panlong, smiling, "I was too far away earlier, and couldn''t see clearly. Brother Li, let me have a good look."


    Li Panlong nodded haughtily, and Lin Wanrong took hold of the scroll, turning it over carefully to admire it. Li Panlong grew impatient, calling out loudly, "Have you admired it enough? Do you have anything else to say?"


    Lin Wanrong giggled, "I''ve finished admiring it. The Founding Emperor''s authentic handwriting is indeed extraordinary. Brother Li, your learning is vast; can you read these three characters for me?"


    Li Panlong gritted his teeth, huffed, and shouted, "Equal¡ª¡ªto¡ª¡ªHeaven¡ª¡ª"


    "No way?" Lin Wanrong stepped back a few paces, shouting, "Brother Li, you''re quite old, and you don''t even recognize these characters? Allow me to teach you. These three characters read Equal¡ª¡ªto¡ª¡ªMan!''"


    [TL: Heaven = Ìì; Man = ·ò. The difference is very small.]


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 Chapter 413

    Chapter 413 The Three-Beat Drum


    "What?" Li Panlongughed heartily, stroking his beard with contempt, "You can''t even recognize a few characters, Lin San, you might as well go back and find some tutors to teach you how to read. Don''te out and make a fool of yourself. With your knowledge, to discuss poetry and debate, and even win the title in Jinling, truly the world''s greatest joke."


    All the schrs in the Fairy Hall and the gathered students and intellectuals around burst intoughter, looking at Lin Wanrong with eyes full of disdain.


    "What is he up to?" Xu Zhiqing nced at Lin Wanrong, not daring to be distracted, and whispered to Miss Xiao, her voice tinged with a hint of concern.


    "No matter!" Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and smiled, "Has Miss not seen his abilities? From Jinling to the capital, he has refuted others in all matters under heaven, rarely being bested by anyone. Turning death into life, ck into white, this is my husband''s unique skill that no one can learn."


    Xu Zhiqing chuckled, recalling Lin San''s eloquent debates during the flower-viewing event and the unique experience of seeking silver in Shandong. With his ability, there was really no task in the world that could stump him. She felt much more rxed and couldn''t help but stamp her foot,ining, "This dead man, always fooling others with tricks, never realizing how much worry he causes others."


    "Really? Miss Xu is worried about him too? My husband has found a true friend in you," Xiao Qingxuan said with a faint smile, as beautiful as a fairy.


    Xu Zhiqing''s face turned slightly red, and seeing that Miss Xiao said nothing, her expression calm, she did not know what she had understood and felt uneasy, not daring to speak.


    Seeing everyoneughing, Lin Wanrong didn''t mind and chuckled, "No matter, if I really made a mistake, I can hire a tutor to teach me. But, if Brother Li, you made a mistake, what then?"This was an outright insult to Li Panlong''s intelligence, and the people in the Fairy Hall became impatient. Several young schrs shouted, "Master Li is renowned for his calligraphy and painting. He painted continuously for seven days and nights on West Lake, creating vast waves, a story passed down for ages. Even the Emperor takes pride in possessing his works. How could he recognize a character wrong? Lin San, you better release Miss Xiao, and we will spare your life." Li Panlong approvingly looked at the schrs, stroking his beard and smiling, looking very pleased with himself.


    ¡®Paint for seven days and nights? If it were making love, I might consider it, but painting, let''s forget it.¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed twice and said, "So Brother Li is so stalwart, I admire, I admire. However, as the saying goes, ''To err is human,'' and if he identally recognizes a word wrong, that is not out of the question."


    "Nonsense." Li Panlong waved his sleeve angrily, "Such simple characters, even a three-year-old child recognizes them. How could I mistake them? Lin San, I will make a bet with you."


    "A bet? I''m not very good at that." Lin Wanrong shyly smiled, "Do you want to roll dice, y Pai Gow, orpare sizes?"


    Li Panlong disdainfully said, "Those are the trivial pursuits of the petty, the height of vulgarity, and I, Li Panling, could never engage in such things. I will bet with you on recognizing characters, specifically these three characters inscribed by the Founding Emperor. If you are wrong, you will bow respectfully to me in the Fairy Hall and ept our punishment."


    "What if you are wrong?" Lin Wanrong was unfazed, grinning mischievously.


    "Hahaha¡ª" Li Panlongughed uproariously, proiming with arrogance, "I, Li Panlong, have been inscribing and painting all my life and have never read a character wrong or misrecognized one. If I am wrong, I will bow three times and kowtow nine times to you, and call you Lin San my master."


    The surrounding schrs were startled, crying out in unison, "Master, do not."


    Li Panlong waved his hand, snorting angrily, "You need not worry for me. I recognized characters at three years old and have never been mistaken. Today, I want to see what Lin San is really capable of."


    Seeing that everyone''s eyes were on him, Lin Wanrong shook his head, saying, "This isn''t very appropriate. I''m still young, haven''t even had a son yet. How can I take on a disciple? Why don''t you bow to me as a big brother and I''ll take you as a younger brother? s, in these times, humble people like me are truly rare."


    "Enough of your nonsense. With your abilities, you are not a match for our master." Seeing Lin San''s shameless self-praising, Li Panlong''s disciples couldn''t stand it and interrupted Lin Wanrong''s words, cheering for their master.


    Li Panlong''s face turned deep red, shouting, "Enough talk! The Founding Emperor''s inscription is here, one nce is all it takes to know. Everyone present is well-educated; no one can falsify. Lin San, do you have any objections?"


    Everyone in the field held their breath, waiting for Lin San''s reply. Lin Wanrongughed, "Reading and recognizing characters is a good thing; what objections could I have? The characters inscribed by the Founding Emperor are clear as day. Anyone cane up and look."


    "So you agree?" Li Panlong sneered, "Good. As today''spetition is within my Fairy Hall, to prevent you from making excuses after losing, I''ll let you choose someone to recognize these three characters, so that you may be utterly convinced."


    "Choose anyone?" Lin Wanrong nced around and pointed at a fourteen or fifteen-year-old schr, smiling, "Young man, can you read? What, your master is Li Panlong? Then it''s you, I choose you."


    The young schr looked uncertainly at Li Panlong, who snorted, "Lin San, you indeed have nerve, daring to choose my disciple."


    "Who to look at is not about nerve," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Brother Li, you said yourself, these characters are extremely simple; even a three-year-old child recognizes them. Naturally, your disciple won''t mistake them. Young man,e take a good look. Just don''t get it wrong, for I have tens of thousands of troops and ten cannons waiting down the mountain. If I''m dyed, and they fire up the mountain because they''ve waited too long, it won''t be my fault."


    Hearing about the army and cannons below, everyone became a little uneasy. The young schr looked at his master with fear. Li Panlong snorted, "Yu Yonglian, don''t be afraid, recognize the characters boldly, your master will take responsibility."


    Yu Yonglian, the young schr, bowed and made his way forward slowly. Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on Lin San and Li Panlong. The field was quiet, so quiet that the sound of a pin dropping could be heard.


    The two boys who brought the scroll held it upright before everyone. Though they stood at a distance, the three mboyant characters were clearly visible. It read "Yu Tian Qi," meaning "Equal to Heaven."


    Xu Zhiqing was taken aback, and even Xiao Qingxuan eximed in surprise, her face full of confusion. The people at "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall" had already begun to p and cheer, while Li Panlong stroked his beard and smiledcently. "Lin San, the victory has been decided. Do you have anything to say?"


    "The victory has been decided?" Lin Wanrong asked incredulously. "Brother Li, where did you get that idea? The young fellow hasn''t even approached yet, nor has he spoken a word. Where does the victorye from?"


    Li Panlong, thinking that he had already won, paid no mind and snorted. "Yonglian, hurry up and recognize it, don''t keep your uncles and brothers waiting."


    Yu Yonglian quickly acknowledged, and as he was about to approach, Lin Wanrong grabbed him, smiling. "Little brother, how old are you this year? How many years have you been reading?"


    Yu Yonglian replied, "I am fifteen this year. I have been following my mentor since I was eight, so it has been over seven years."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. "Fifteen years old, that''s not too young. You must look carefully at these three characters, not missing a single stroke, and definitely not reading them wrong. Otherwise, if this spreads, your whole life will be ruined."


    Yu Yonglian, hearing this, kept nodding his head as he approached the handwriting of the Founding Emperor. He observed it carefully, not missing a single detail. At first, his expression was normal, but when he looked at the character for "heaven," his face gradually changed,rge beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, and his legs began to tremble.


    Li Panlong, growing impatient, shouted, "Yonglian, have you seen it clearly? If you have recognized it all, then tell your uncles and brothers loudly."


    "Master, disciple, disciple has seen it clearly¡ª" Yu Yonglian''s face turned pale, his voice trembling as he dared not speak.


    Li Panlong frowned, snorting, "Since you have seen it clearly, then speak quickly."


    Lin Wanrong coldly smiled, interjecting, "Little brother, this is a sacred relic of Founding Emperor, visible to everyone. You cannot fabricate it, or you''ll lose your head. Speak the truth."


    Yu Yonglian''s sweat poured like rain, trembling as he said, "With¡ªwith¡ªwith¡ª"


    Li Panlong urged him on, "With what? Read it out quickly!"


    Yu Yonglian''s knees gave way, and he fell to the ground, continuously kowtowing. "Master, disciple dares not read, disciple dares not read!"


    The schrs of "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall" were all shocked, and the disciples couldn''t help but make amotion. Li Panlong''s face changed drastically, and he yelled, "What did you say? How do you dare not read? Have you wasted over ten years of my teaching?"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Brother Li, this young brother is doing you a favor. If he had read these three characters straight, you would have beenpletely defeated today."


    "Nonsense, how could I bepletely defeated?" Li Panlong shouted angrily.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, pointing to two little boys, "You, hold the scroll closer, let the present schrs and talents see it clearly." The two boys held up the scroll, disying it before everyone. All eyes fell on the character for "heaven" (Ìì) in the middle. Without looking, one wouldn''t know; with one look, one would be shocked. On the original character for "heaven," there was a faint ink mark at the top, just a tiny speck, not clear from a distance, but it was unmistakably the character for "man." (·ò)


    The schrs'' faces turned pale, and the disciples of the Fairy Hall were dumbfounded, almost unable to believe what was happening before their eyes. The handwritten characters of the Founding Emperor, passed down for a thousand years, had changed in an instant. Li Panlong was like a man struck by lightning, his eyes wide, mumbling, "Impossible, this is impossible¡ª" He suddenly pointed at Lin San and used, "It was you, you tampered with it¡ª¡ª"


    "Me, tampered with it?" Lin Wanrongughed out loud and said, "Brother Li, with your unparalleled mastery of both painting and calligraphy, can you really not see that when the Founding Emperor wrote the character ''Heaven,'' there was already an extra dot? You are all well-known schrs of this era, please take a good look."


    Everyone looked and saw that, as Lin San had said, the character Heaven (Ìì) had a slight extra protrusion when the Founding Emperor had written it (·ò). Although the mark was faint, they had disregarded it, assuming it to be an unintentional slip by the Emperor. Who would dare question such a thing? But now, with the spring rain dampening the paper, the protrusion became more pronounced.


    "This, this¡ª" The crowd looked at each other in disbelief, no one daring to say a word.


    Lin Wanrong said coldly with a smirk, "What a ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall.'' The words of the Founding Emperor were clearly ''Equal to Man,'' urging you to set aside your arrogance and learn from themon people. But you dare to twist the Emperor''s words, considering the people of the world as insignificant, iming ''Equal to Heaven.'' Such deceptive behavior towards the Emperor and disdain for the subjects is despicable, and the crime is punishable."


    The slogan "Equal to Heaven" had been the proud pir of the "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall" for hundreds of years. But now, Lin San''s words had turned their world upside down, transforming equality with heaven into equality with themon folk¡ªa massive difference. Although the academy was filled with learned schrs, faced with this shocking change, they could think of no response.


    Was it really necessary to bow to this young man? Li Panlong, who had previously been so confident, now looked ashen-faced, his lips quivering, his expression filled with despair.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled sinisterly and was about to speak when Xiao Qingxuan gently tugged at his clothes and softly said, "If we can spare them, let''s do so. I''ve been educated by the Hall since I was young, and I still have respect for them. Let''s not make it difficult for these gentlemen here; we can just leave the mountain."


    Lin Wanrong spread his hands, looking innocent, and said, "You saw it too; it was clearly them who made things difficult for me, not the other way around. But since my wife has spoken, I''ll let them off. I was going to attack the Fairy Hall, but s, who knows when I''ll fulfill my wish?"


    Xiao Qingxuan gave a softugh and nced at him. Xu Zhiqing, puzzled, asked, "Lin San, is the Founding Emperor''s inscription really ''Equal to Man''?"


    Caught in a small trap, even the clever and wise Miss Xu couldn''t discern the truth. Lin Wanrong grinned, looked around, and mysteriously said, "The Founding Emperor was clever. That character for Heaven ''Ìì'' that doesn''t look like Heaven ''Ìì,'' and the Man ''·ò'' that doesn''t look like Man ''·ò,'' who knows what it''s meant to be? Probably something left forter generations to guess. I just took advantage of the rain and fulfilled the old Founding Emperor''s wish from many years ago."


    Miss Xu gave a long "oh" and huffed, "So you really did tamper with it. The masters of the Hall opposing you truly have terrible luck."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled a few times, holding onto Qingxuan as they were about to descend the mountain when suddenly a soft sound came from a distance. It was like the striking of a wooden fish, the sound bing more and more urgent, like the beat of a drum pounding in one''s heart.


    "Who is that, ying with a wooden fish in broad daylight?" Lin Wanrong said,ughing.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s delicate body quivered slightly, and she shook her head with a bitter smile. "The abbess is summoning me, My Dear. Hold me tight."


    "Abbess?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback for a moment, noticing Qingxuan''s continuous trembling. He quickly hugged her tightly and eximed, "Qingxuan, Qingxuan, what''s wrong with you?"


    Xiao Qingxuan leaned weakly against him, her face as pale as paper, tears rolling down her cheeks. She murmured, "My Dear, I''ve followed you this far today, and even if I die, I will die content. But leaving behind our child is my failure to you. Hold me, hold me tight!"


    The wooden fish''s knocking grew more frantic, Xiao Qingxuan''s whole body trembling lightly, seeming to lose all strength, tears falling like rain, her face pale as paper. She clung tightly to Lin Wanrong''s waist, desperately wanting to melt into his embrace.


    Lin Wanrong was horrified and held her body tightly, anxiously saying, "Qingxuan, Qingxuan, what''s wrong? Don''t scare me¡ª"


    A fleeting brilliance bloomed on Xiao Qingxuan''s beautiful face as she murmured, "Three-Beat Drum, I''m not afraid! I''ll live and die with My Dear. My Dear, My Dear, take me away quickly!"


    "Three-Beat Drum?" Xu Zhiqing murmured to herself, her face shing a hint of surprise.


    Lin Wanrong let out a loud cry, embracing Xiao Qingxuan''s soft, boneless body, and charged down the mountain. The sound of the wooden fish seemed to follow his movements, bing more urgent. But the breath of Xiao Qingxuan, nestled in Lin Wanrong''s arms, grew weaker and weaker, a faint gloom appearing in her beautiful eyes, her body gradually softening.


    Feeling the chill emanating from Qingxuan''s body, as if life was slowly ebbing away from her, Lin Wanrong''s eyes cracked, his blood boiling as if ame. "Ah!" he suddenly stopped, howling at the sky, drawing a musket from his bosom. "Bang!" A gunshot rang out, the smoke rising, Lin Wanrong brimming with murderous intent. "Du Xiuyuan, fire the cannons, fire the cannons!"


    Down the mountain, Du Xiuyuan heard the gunshot from above, the unique signal General Lin had instructed before leaving. He hesitated for a moment, then clenched his teeth, waved a small g and shouted, "Fire the cannons¡ª"


    Eight giant cannons belched hot mes, and several cannonballs sped through the air, striking the cliff in front of the Fairyu Hall, stirring up a fierce cloud of dust. The previouslyposed schrs were instantly pale and confused, their disciples thrown into chaos.


    As the cannon sound rang out, the grating noise of the wooden fish stopped. Lin Wanrong gently stroked Xiao Qingxuan''s cheek, softly saying, "Qingxuan, don''t be afraid, as long as I''m here, no one dares to harm a hair on your head. Listen, that''s the sound of cannons. I''ll blow this Fairy Hall to smithereens. Anyone who dares to hurt you, I will make them pay a hundredfold."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s body slowly warmed up, tworge tears slid down her cheeks, her long eyshes trembling slightly. She slowly opened her eyes, lightly calling "My Dear," and her tears fell like raindrops.


    Xu Zhiqing sighed, softly saying, "If you want to save Miss Xiao''s life, you''d better not take her down the mountain just yet."


    "What does that mean?" Lin Wanrong eximed in shock.


    Xu Zhiqing didn''t answer him but nced at Xiao Qingxuan and asked softly, "Miss Xiao, is the ''Three-Beat Drum'' that you just mentioned the method used by Tibetan Living Buddhas to find the reincarnated soul child?"


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded and sighed gently, "Sister Xu is indeed knowledgeable and has a strong memory, even knowing about the Three-Beat Drum."


    Lin Wanrong was utterly confused, and he quickly grabbed Xu Zhiqing''s hand, saying, "Miss Xu, what''s this about the Three-Beat Drum, Four-Beat Drum? What does it all mean?"


    Xiao Qingxuan gently grabbed him and said, "My Dear, let me exin it to you. My childhood was filled with hardship, and I entered this Fairy Hall and was chosen by the abbess as the sessor. Every generation of the Fairy Hall''s abbess must cultivate virtue and live ascetically without earthly desires. If you hadn''te today, I would have be the next abbess tomorrow."


    Lin Wanrong was greatly shocked and tightly held her hand, saying, "Qingxuan, how can this be? Didn''t you promise to meet me at the Jade Buddha Temple on the seventh day of the seventh month? How could you suddenly change your mind?"


    Tears rolled down Xiao Qingxuan''s face as she shook her head, "It''s not that I changed my mind. It''s because I carry your bloodline, and that''s why the world has suddenly changed. I originally intended to meet you on the seventh day of the seventh month, but the abbess saw that I was pregnant and forced me to abort the child. I fought her tooth and nail, so she suggested apromise: I would inherit the abbess position tomorrow and give birth to our child in seclusion, never to see you again. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, I waited for you but you never came. Today, on the golden hall, was supposed to be ourst meeting¡ª"


    Tears streamed down Xiao Qingxuan''s face, and she choked, unable to continue. Lin Wanrong was covered in cold sweat, unable to believe the twists and turns that had urred. If he hadn''te today, Qingxuan would have be a nun.


    He quickly grabbed Qingxuan''s hand andforted her, "Wife, don''t be afraid, now that I''m here, no one will bully you. I''ll destroy this Fairy Hall today, and let''s see who dares to force you. Quickly tell me what this Three-Beat Drum is about?"


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed, "The Three-Beat Drumes from Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, used specifically for enlightenment and as the Fairy Hall''s abbess''s secret, used to choose a sessor. When I was a child, the abbess recited it to me every day. It was like a spell, trapping my mind. If recited three times in a day, my mind would be exhausted, I''d enter deep meditation, and never wake up. That''s why it''s called the Three-Beat Drum."


    Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat. This so-called Three-Beat Drum was actually a kind of sinister hypnotism. It had already been recited once. If it were recited twice more, he and Qingxuan would be separated by life and death.


    Xiao Qingxuan smiled tenderly and said, "Since I''m married to My Dear, we''ll be husband and wife through life and death. The Fairy Hall is no longer my dwelling. I broke our old promise, and it''s my fault. What''s wrong with enduring this Three-Beat Drum? My Dear, you''ll support me, won''t you?"


    How could he support this? Lin Wanrong''s heart was bitter. He grabbed Xiao Qingxuan''s hand and said gently, "Three-Beat Drum, Four-Beat Drum, we''re not afraid of them. I''ll blow up this Fairy Hall today, and let''s see how they can y their drum."


    "Bomb my Fairy Hall?" A woman''s voice rang in their ears, filled with cold authority, "With just you?"


    "Pay respect to the abbess!" From afar, the disciples of the Fairy Hall ran forward, and on hearing this voice, they seemed to find their backbone, respectfully bowing their heads. Even some other people respectfully saluted.


    Xiao Qingxuan tightly held Lin Wanrong''s hand, her face blooming into an exceptionally beautiful smile, "My Dear, this is ourst hurdle. In this life and the next, we''ll be husband and wife, never to be parted!!!"


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 Chapter 414

    Chapter 414 Bombarding the Archway


    From a distance, several people approached, all dressed in grey robes. Walking on both sides were two young girls, with their hair coiled up and daoist pins inserted into their hair, their expressions solemn. In the middle of them was an old daoist nun, around fifty or sixty years old, her hair white and her demeanor majestic. Wherever the three passed, people were sincerely terrified and respectful, bowing and saluting.


    Behind them stood a tall archway. When they had been hurrying up the mountain earlier, they hadn¡¯t taken a good look at it. Now, upon closer inspection, the archway was grand and imposing, with four shimmering golden characters written on it¡ª"Jade Virtue Fairy Archway."


    Xiao Qingxuan saw Lin Wanrong deep in thought, not speaking, and whispered, "That ce is the sacred inheritance site of the archway, the core area of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, where ordinary people cannot enter."


    The core of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall? Lin Wanrong sneered a few times, having made up his mind.


    "Disciple Xiao Qingxuan, paying respects to the abbess." Seeing the old daoist nun slowly approaching, Xiao Qingxuan remained calm, about to bow down, but Lin Wanrong quickly stopped her, saying with concern, "You are pregnant; it¡¯s best to do less of this needless action. From now on, you are not allowed to bow to anyone except Heaven and Earth and your parents."


    Xiao Qingxuan sweetly smiled, nodding her head. The abbess, having arrived in front of them and hearing this, raised her eyebrows in anger, "Qingxuan, is this the evil man who has led you astray? For his sake, you even forgot the rites?"


    "Rites? What rites?" Lin Wanrong spread his hands andughed, "In the world, only justice and righteousness are the greatest rites. I have treated Qingxuan sincerely, yet suffered malicious obstruction. I ask you, olddy, do you understand the rites?"


    While they were talking, the schrs and disciples of the Fairy Hall had already gathered around the abbess, emboldened. The abbess signaled them, then coldly said, "What a brazen child, daring to spout such madness, undermining my Fairy Hall''s hundred-year foundation. Today, I must properly deal with you.""Fairy hall?" Lin Wanrongughed loudly, "Abbess, don''t take yourself too seriously. You call yourself ''Fairy,'' but where is the Fairy?"


    Upon hearing him repeatedly call her "olddy," the people of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall were already seething with rage. The abbess raised her eyebrows, her robes fluttering, proudly saying, "Our Fairy Hall has produced countless schrs and great learned men through the generations. They have devoted their lives to caring for the people, leading the masses, rescuing them from disasters. The name of the virtuous and fairy is respected all over the world."


    "What a caring for the people, leading the masses, rescuing them from disasters." Lin Wanrongughed loudly, pping, "This is indeed the biggest joke I have ever heard. Your Fairy Hall is truly extraordinary in its sanctity."


    The abbess shouted, "Audacious rogue, why do youugh?"


    Lin Wanrong stoppedughing, disdainfully asked, "Abbess, what is your daoist name?"


    As soon as his voice fell, there was an uproar on the other side, "How dare you! Our abbess''s daoist name is not something an ignorant person like you can inquire about."


    Lin Wanrong nced at the speaker, who turned out to be Li Panlong, who had lost a bet earlier. Seeing Lin Wanrong looking at him with a smiling face, Li Panlong somehow felt a chill in his heart, quickly shutting up and not daring to speak again. The abbess waved her hand to stop her disciples from talking, calmly saying, "Telling you my daoist name does no harm. I am the seventeenth abbess of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, Recluse Jing¡¯an." [TL: Jing¡¯an means ¡®Quiet peace.¡¯]


    "Recluse Jing''an?" Lin Wanrong nodded and said, "The name does indeed resemble that. It''s just a pity that such a good name has been wasted."


    "How dare you¡ª" Li Panlong yelled, but Lin Wanrong angrily pointed at his nose, "You''re the one being daring! I, the master, am speaking here; it''s not your turn, you little monkey, to interrupt." Everyone had witnessed Lin San''s magical duel, so Li Panlong couldn''t deny it. Having his nose pointed at and scolded by Lin San in front of everyone, his face turned both red and white, and he was unable to make a sound.


    Recluse Jing''an angrily said, "You have quite the nerve to insult me!"


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Where''s the insult? You, a recluse, are not calm, and not peaceful; where do the words ''quiet'' and ''peace''e from? Saying that this good name has been defiled is not at all an injustice. The word ''Fairy Hall'' is indeed the greatest absurdity under the heavens."


    "You¡ª" Recluse Jing''an angrily said, "Stop spouting such nonsense, insulting my Fairy Hall!"


    "Do you not agree?" Lin Wanrong shouted, "Caring for the people, leading the masses, rescuing all from fire and water ¨C this is really the biggest joke. You lords and masters of the hall, detached from the masses and lofty, regard all living beings as mere weeds. How dare you talk about leading the masses? Themon people of remote mountains and countryside work from sunrise to sunset, supporting themselves with their own hands. Why do they need your leadership, your rescue? Do you truly think that reading a few shabby books allows you toment on the country and write passionate words? Without the millions of peasants tilling fields and paying taxes to support you, you would be nothing but a lump of dung in thetrine. Who are you leading? Who are you saving? Except for yourselves, you cannot save anyone. Your so-called ''Fairy Hall'' is nothing but a harlot in a brothel, unting herself daily to attract attention. Do you think yourselves noble? iming the name of Fairy, respected by all, I spit on it¡ªrespect my foot!"


    Lin Wanrong''s cursing was heartfelt and unrestrained. With a "snap," he kicked a small stone, which flew up andnded in front of the abess, startling everyone.


    "You, you¡ª" Recluse Jing''an''s face turned pale, her body swayed, and she was unable to speak a word. The "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall" had stood for a hundred years without falling, unparalleled in reputation; when had it ever suffered such an insult? Across the vast world, no one dared to bombard the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall like this, except for Lin San.


    Xu Zhiqing saw Lin San''s body filled with a furious aura, seemingly carrying a storm of anger, and felt secretly startled. Being highly wise, she felt an affinity for the populist thoughts embodied in Lin San''s words. The world belonged to themon people, who possessed infinite courage and wisdom. They were the true rulers of the world. How could this aloof and out-of-touch Jade Virtue Fairy Hall qualify to lead or save them?


    Seeing his impassioned appearance, Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes brimmed with tears, and she was faintly reminded of their first meeting by the side of Xuanwu Lake in Jinling Prefecturest golden autumn. He had looked just like this, capturing her attention. This moment, this scene, made her feel as though she had returned to the time when they first met. Her heart filled with tender emotions, she took his hand and smiled charmingly, like a hundred flowers blossoming, overshadowing the brilliance of heaven and earth.


    Lin San''s words were like heavy artillery shells,nding on the people of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, leaving them wide-eyed and speechless. Faced with Lin San''s domineering and stern appearance, the room fell into an extreme silence, with no one daring to speak.


    Recluse Jing''an swayed a few times, barely steadying himself, and shouted angrily, "What a sharp tongue you have! Our sacred hall''s century-old foundation is not as disgraceful as you describe. As for this matter concerning the masses, I will not argue with you today. Xiao Qingxuan is our disciple, the chosen heir of our residence many years ago. No one can take her away; this is a universally epted principle, and you cannot deny it."


    Seeing Recluse Jing''an no longer daring to call herself "Fairy Hall," Xu Zhiqing inwardly chuckled, casting an admiring nce at Lin Wanrong. No matter how wild and unyielding the sacred hall was, they had to bend their waists in front of the stone-like, unyielding Lin San.


    Lin Wanrong''s fierce scolding had subdued everyone''s momentum. Hearing Recluse Jing''an backpedal, he sneered, "I say, old madam, Qingxuan is just a disciple under your care, not sold to you. She has the right to marry and have children. How can you obstruct this and im righteousness?"


    Recluse Jing''an snorted, "If this were happening to another disciple, I would certainly not stop it. But Qingxuan is an exception. She was directly chosen by the previous head as the heir, a matter concerning our Hall''s eternal cause. I absolutely cannot let her go. Besides, she vowed in the past to cast away worldly desires, practice asceticism, lead our disciples, and carry forward the spirit of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. How can we forget such a vow?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "What a ridiculous rule, utterly inhumane. Even if Qingxuan is to be the head, must she renounce her desires and be a nun? Why don''t you reorganize the sacred hall? Make the Literary School a Department of Culture, the Martial School a Fighting Club, and the Sacred Hall a corporation, with Qingxuan as the chairman and me as the chairman''s husband. This way, everyone would be satisfied, and it would be perfect."


    Recluse Jing''an flicked her long sleeve and scolded, "Nonsense! The heads of our Hall have always been talented individuals with high cultivation, willingly sacrificing worldly desires for the pursuit of heavenly truth, single-mindedly maintaining Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. Only this path can gain the disciples'' support."


    "Pursue heavenly truth?" Lin Wanrong scoffed, "Worldly emotions are the natural rights ofmon people. Who are you to take them away? You ask people not to enjoy their humanity but to pursue an elusive heavenly truth. Is this how your Jade Virtue Fairy Hall cultivates? Seeking the heavenly way while destroying the human way, who would agree? You''re forcing Qingxuan to do what she doesn''t want to do for your so-called selfish desires of the Hall, yet you speak as if it''s so selfless, so noble. It''sughable, justughable!"


    Xu Zhiqing listened and apuded, for Lin San''s words hit the nail on the head, tearing off the veil of supposed nobility and sanctity covering "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall." Xiao Qingxuan''s face flushed, holding Lin Wanrong''s hand tightly, and softly said, "My Dear, Qingxuan does not seek the heavenly way, only wishing to follow the path of human rtionships with you, life after life!"


    "Exactly, exactly." Lin Wanrong nodded hurriedly, yfully whispering in her ear, "The way of human rtions, the pinnacle of intimate emotions between husband and wife, is truly sacred. I have always been tireless and assiduous on this academic path. My good wife, after we take care of things here, let''s explore it further."


    Miss Xiao lightly spat and blushed, hitting him once. The two were affectionate and loving, envied by all around.


    Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s words, the younger generation of disciples in the Fairy Hall were all moved. "Seeking the Heavenly Way, Destroying Human Way" ¨C these seven characters were deafening and enlightening, giving a feeling of sudden rity. Everyone looked at each other, whispering amongst themselves.


    Recluse Jing''an saw that the situation was somewhat out of control and hastily shouted, "A person without trust is unstable. No matter what you say, Xiao Qingxuan''s vow from the past is true. Qingxuan, do you admit it?"


    With her proud character, Xiao Qingxuan''s integrity was akin to that of a man, so how could she deny it? She calmly nodded and said, "What the head of the sect says is not false. I indeed made that vow in the past. Today''s matter is my vition of the promise I made. I am willing to ept any punishment." Lin Wanrong knew Miss Xiao''s temperament and didn''t stop her, allowing her to act freely. After all, whatever his wife did, he¡¯d take care of it.


    Upon hearing Xiao Qingxuan''s straightforward admission, Xu Zhiqing became anxious and quickly tugged at Lin Wanrong, giving him a stern look. She whispered, "With your intelligence, why don''t you think of a way to have Miss Xiao phrase it more tactfully? That way, there may still be room to remedy the situation."


    Miss Xiao shook her head gently and gratefully said, "I appreciate your concern, sister. This is how My Dear understands me; what''s white is white, and what''s ck is ck. What I have done in life, even if wrong, cannot be erased. I will never deny what I have done."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said unconcernedly, "Exactly, exactly. What are we afraid of? Let''s just say it as it is. After all, I''m the world''s most notorious viin; I''ll handle the wicked deeds."


    These two, one foolish and the other naive, one good and the other evil, were indeed a perfect match. Miss Xu was moved and at a loss for words. She could only grasp Lin San''s hand, showing support.


    The Fairy Hall''s head, Recluse Jing''an, was waiting for these words from Miss Xiao. Upon hearing Xiao Qingxuan''s candid admission, she immediately gave a chant and nodded, "Since Qingxuan admits it, there are no further concerns. As the saying goes, ''a person without trust is unstable,'' and to vite a vow is something despised by the world. It''s not toote to turn back now."


    "Turn back? Turn back to what?" Lin Wanrong sneered, loudly saying, "Recluse Jing''an, my dear, do you remember when Qingxuan made this vow?"


    The head of the hall snorted and said angrily, "Of course I remember this matter. It was the eighth year after Qingxuan came to the mountain, probably when she was around eight or nine years old."


    Lin Wanrong turned and softly said, "Qingxuan, she''s not wrong, is she?"


    Miss Xiao nodded lightly, "The head of the hall remembers correctly; I was not even nine years old at that time."


    Lin Wanrong let out a long "Oh," leaped to a schr, and smiled, "May I ask this gentleman, what were you doing when you were nine years old?"


    The young schr was momentarily stunned, then said, ¡°When I was nine years old, I was learning to write and memorize poetry with my father.¡±


    ¡°Oh, did you have any dishonest behavior at that time?¡± Lin Wanrong teased, ¡°Like asking your honorable father to buy you candied hawthorn, he gave you ten wen, and you secretly pocketed six?¡±


    The schr''s face turned red, and he nodded hesitantly, ¡°One winter, he forced me to get up early to write. Under his authority, I had to agree. But when he went out, I sneaked away to y with others, betraying his teachings.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that''s breaking a promise then,¡± Lin Wanrong said, spreading his hands in resignation. ¡°Schr brother, it seems you''re no gentleman.¡±


    The schr was horrified and quickly said, ¡°It''s not like that. I was young and mischievous, momentarily tempted to y, but that was merely childish mischief. I believe everyone has had such experiences. It can''t be taken seriously. I haven''t broken my word inter years.¡±


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, his face full of sympathy. ¡°Schr brother, I believe you. But if someone thinks you''re no gentleman, I can''t help it.¡±


    The schr hastily asked, ¡°Who?¡±


    Lin Wanrong pointed at the abbess, smiling, ¡°Why, this olddy here. ording to her reasoning, since my dear Qingxuan made a vow at nine and didn''t keep it now, that''s dishonesty. And schr brother, you knew how to deceive at that age, so you''re naturally no gentleman either. s, what a pity.¡±


    The schr became frantic and quickly defended himself, ¡°What happened at nine is a child''s doing; one could even be misled and not know it. How can that be taken seriously?¡±


    Lin Wanrong let out a long, enlightened "oh," and said, ¡°Ah, I see, childish ignorance, misled. Well said, schr brother, I support you. You are a gentleman, a great gentleman. I have a rtive who has an aunt, I''ll set you up with her sometime.¡±


    Miss Xu sensed the way out and suddenly rxed, pping her hands inughter, ¡°I don''t know where this rascal gets his bizarre ideas from, Miss Xiao, I''m truly impressed by this scoundrel. Your husband is indeed unparalleled in the world.¡±


    Xiao Qingxuan heaved a sigh, saying helplessly, ¡°Unparalleled, yes, but I only worry that his allure to us women is also unparalleled. If any awkward situations ariseter, it would be quite unsightly.¡±


    Miss Xu, who had her own secrets, let out a soft sigh, hurriedly lowering her head, not daring to speak.


    Upon hearing Lin San''s words, some clever individuals began to understand, and whispers spread among the crowd. Lin Wanrong walked over to the schrs, smiling as he greeted them, ¡°My respected sir, may I know your name? Ah, Brother Song, I''ve heard much about you. Did you do anything dishonest when you were ten? Like stealing candy from a child¡ªno way, you could do such a heinous act? That''s outrageous. We must have you severely punished!


    ¡°Oh, Brother Yan Ne, what bad things did you do before you were ten? Touching little girls'' hair, stealing copper coins, tying up horses, gambling¡ª


    "Brother Li Yuanyang? May I ask what misdeeds youmitted as a child? Throwing stones into the horse stable, luring other people''s hens, peeping at widows bathing¡ª"


    He questioned them all the way, and everyone had some youthful indiscretions. Seeing him was like seeing a gue, and they scattered in panic.


    Recluse Jing''an angrily said, "Lin San, what is the meaning of this nonsense?"


    "Oh, I almost forgot about you, Lady Abess. Tell me, before you were ten, did you ever steal silk threads from other children, or snatch their paper cranes¡ª"


    "No!" Recluse Jing''an proudly said, "I was raised with good family values and never engaged in such filthy acts."


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes twinkled, and he chuckled, "Then, when you took the vow of celibacy, did you discuss it with your parents?"


    Recluse Jing''an hesitated and stammered, "That¡ª"


    "Oh!" Lin Wanrong pursued relentlessly, "You must have deceived your parents, telling them you were well-fed and cared for here, so they could rest easy. My God, you could do such a heinous act. You deceived your parents, leading to no descendants, a great act of filial impiety. You took vows, causing a man to remain unmarried, unable to have children, leading to an imbnce of Yin and Yang for generations. You disrupted the birth policy, harming our great nation for generations, a great act of disloyalty. You, a disloyal and unfilial person, dare to speak of righteousness and morality, it''s utterly absurd!"


    Recluse Jing''an was trembling with rage, her fingers quivering, her lips pale, unable to utter a word.


    Xu Zhiqing smiled slightly, "He has won again. His talk of disloyalty and unfilial piety seems absurd, but it''s not without reason."


    Eldest Miss nodded solemnly, "Though he makes everything sound ridiculous, there''s hidden wisdom for those who understand."


    "We, we are talking about Qingxuan''s matter, why, why are you going off-topic?" Recluse Jing''an said, her voice trembling.


    "Qingxuan''s matter has already been judged by the public," Lin Wanrong slowly walked a few steps, smiling, "A nine-year-old girl, still a child, how could she make independent judgments? Think about what you all did at the age of nine, and how much you remember now. Forcing a child to make a vow, then demanding she keep it, sacrificing her happiness, is something a gentleman would despise. If it happened to you, what would you think?"


    Everyone nodded silently, and Lin Wanrong loudly said, "So, the truth is, Qingxuan was naive and ignorant, and was lured or even coerced by Abess to make such a malicious vow. s, thinking back to those times, Qingxuan''s suffering is unknown to all! Abess, how could you be so heartless!"


    "You¡ª" Recluse Jing''an''s blood rushed to her head, and she swayed, about to copse.


    "What ''you''? Don''t point your middle finger at me. You''re so malicious, and I haven''t even used you of abducting and deceiving children, or mistreating childborers. You should go home and offer up incense in gratitude." Lin San''s words flowed smoothly, and he looked at the recluse, smiling disdainfully, "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall should be put to rest."


    The recluse''s eyes went dark, and she slumped to the ground, her two female disciples hurriedly catching her, crying out, "Abbess, Abbess¡ª"


    "General Lin, General Lin¡ª" From down the mountain, a group of soldiers came rushing, led by Du Xiuyuan. Behind him were several fine horses, pulling two cannons, heading up the mountain.


    ¡®Finally, they havee. I''ve talked myself dry,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, and plopped down on the ground, panting heavily. Du Xiuyuan quickly helped him up, "I apologize for my tardiness, General. Please forgive me."


    Lin Wanrong pointed to the distant archway with the words "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall" inscribed on it, and yelled angrily, "Brother Du, st that archway for me."


    "At once!" Du Xiuyuan hastily set up the cannons, and the gunners loaded the ammunition. With several thunderous "Boom! Boom!" noises, amid the curling smoke, the noble archway crashed down and copsed...


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 Chapter 415

    Chapter 415 Vanishing like Smoke


    Upon witnessing the towering, century-old sacred archway copse thunderously, everyone present, be it the learned schrs or the young prodigies, was struck dumb, unable to utter a word. These four characters, "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall," had undoubtedly been the spiritual pir in their hearts for many years. To see it copse right before their eyes was an indescribable feeling of loss and helplessness. However, the formidable Lord Lin had circled the Fairy Hall with swords and cannons. These schrs, who had been studying hard for years, were full of worry and frustration but were helpless.


    Though Xiao Qingxuan had decided to sever ties with the Fairy Hall for her husband''s sake, she could not help but feel an unpleasant sensation as the moment arrived. Gazing at the broken remnants and ruins of the archway, she could only sigh deeply.


    Recluse Jing''an trembled violently, spitting out a mouthful of blood, and suddenly screamed madly, "Where are the disciples of the Martial School who protect the Hall?"


    "Here we are!" came a unified delicate shout, as over a dozen women stepped out from the crowd. Graceful and heroic, with treasured swords at their waists, among them was the young girl Li Xiangjun who had guided Lin Wanrong into the mountain gate. She was secretly making eye contact with Xiao Qingxuan.


    With all her strength, Recluse Jing''an shouted, "Lin San has insulted our Fairy Hall, severed our lineage, and destroyed our thousand-year foundation in a single day. Imand you to put forth all your strength to kill Lin San. Don''t stop until he is dead!"


    The women looked at each other, uncertain how to respond. They nced timidly at Xiao Qingxuan and whispered, "Senior Sister¡ª"


    Xiao Qingxuan helplessly sighed, "My dear sisters, we have studied and grown up together like siblings. I never wanted to see thingse to this. Our master is away, and I dare not issue orders on my own. But you must have heard what my husband said earlier. The Fairy Hall has stood for a hundred years; while it has merits, there are also many unsatisfactory aspects. I hope you will think it over before deciding."


    It turned out that they were all disciples of Fairy Ning. Observing them, each with a treasured sword on their back, looking as beautiful as flowers, Lin Wanrong shook his head. The heavy responsibility of protecting Jade Virtue Fairy Hall had fallen on a few young girls, while the schrs, learned in poetry and literature, were powerless in the face of real disaster. It was truly pitiful andmentable. The old saying, "schrs ruin the country," seemed to have some truth in it.Li Xiangjun, the youngest girl standing in thest row with tears in her eyes, suddenly turned to Recluse Jing''an and loudly asked, "May I ask, Master, do you have evidence that Lin San destroyed our Fairy Hall''s foundation? Did he speak or act wrongly? He and my Senior Sister love each other sincerely, where is the fault in that? Why can''t our Fairy Hall''s thousand-year tradition of benevolence and morality apply to my Senior Sister? Is it true, as Big Brother Lin said, that the Fairy Hall is ''Pursuing the Heavenly Way while destroying the Human Way''? I am confused, Master, please enlighten me.¡±


    "Disciples are confused, and seek guidance from the Master!" Fairy Ning''s ten or so disciples all knelt down together, imploring Recluse Jing''an for direction. These young women were all under twenty, in the most brilliant season of their lives. Their hearts were filled with infinite beautiful dreams about love between men and women, yet they had been painfully suppressed by the rules of the Fairy Hall. Today, they saw Miss Xiao, whom the entire Fairy Hall worshipped and adored, opposing the entire establishment for the sake of a predestined love. Her spirit and bearing were awe-inspiring, setting an example for the young maidens. Lin San''s astonishing words were like a ssh of cold water, waking up the young people of the Fairy Hall, making them reflect on whether they needed the Way of Heaven or the Way of (Hu) Man as mere mortals.


    Seeing Li Xiangjun taking the lead in pleading, and remembering her kindness in leading the way, Lin Wanrong secretly nodded at the bravery and boldness of such a young girl. Miss Xiao''s eyes were moist, and she spoke softly, "Sisters, you are so genuine and affectionate towards me. My Dear, if conflict arises, you must not harm my sisters."


    "Of course not. These sisters are all as beautiful as flowers. If they were to be injured somewhere, it would be quite unsightly if they couldn''t marry in the future," Lin Wanrong chuckled. Xiao Qingxuan gave him a yful re, somewhere between a smile and a frown.


    "Oh no, what a mess!" Lin Wanrong suddenly seemed to remember something and smacked his head. Miss Xiao quickly asked, "What''s the matter?"


    Lin Wanrong pointed at Li Xiangjun and asked, "Is this young sister called Li Xiangjun?"


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded andughed, "She led you up the mountain, and you don''t even know her name?"


    Lin Wanrong helplessly replied, "She mentioned it once, but I didn''t pay attention. You know I tend to be indifferent and don''t pay much attention to girls." Xiao Qingxuan''s expression remained unchanged, and she automatically skipped hisst sentence.


    "Li Xiangjun, Li Xiangjun, I knew the name sounded familiar." Lin Wanrong whispered to Miss Xiao, "Is this young sister Xiangjun engaged to someone now?"


    Xiao Qingxuan blushed and scolded, "Stop talking nonsense, she''s only thirteen or fourteen. Where would she have a lover? Do you think everyone is as shameless as you?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "That''s good, that''s good. Qingxuan, you must watch over your young sister. If she meets any man surnamed Hou, it''s best to kill that Hou kid with a single blow, so as not to ruin her entire life. Remember, remember."


    [TL: Li Xiangjun is a real historical character, read her story here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Peach_Blossom_Fan]


    Miss Xiao didn''t understand his words, but seeing his serious expression, she realized he wasn''t joking and simply nodded. She didn''t know where all these seemingly serious instructions came from.


    Recluse Jing''an''s face turned pale when she saw her martial school disciples collectively opposing her will. She pointed at Li Xiangjun and others, trembling, "Very well, do you also want to betray my Jade Virtue Fairy Hall? I say it again, kill Lin San quickly, without error!"


    "How dare you! Plotting against a court official, are you nning to rebel?" Du Xiuyuan shouted, his thousands of soldiers raising their weapons, surrounding the martial school disciples. Numerous archers aimed at the crowd, waiting for Lin Wanrong''smand to wash the Fairy Hall in blood.


    The schrs in the field were pale, experts at poetry and literature, butpletely helpless in the face of weapons.


    Lin Wanrongughed loudly, took two steps forward, and his face suddenly changed, "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, you im to be supreme, trying to be independent of Great Hua, secretly training armed forces, endangering others'' safety, and undermining Great Hua''s stability. Just these two points alone can convict your Jade Virtue Fairy Hall of treason."


    "If you want to use someone of a crime, you can always find an excuse," Recluse Jing¡¯an eximed loudly. "The disciples of my Jade Virtue Fairy Hall are spread all over the world, and they won''t let you act so recklessly. Even if I were to stand before the Emperor, I would not be afraid¡ª"


    The Emperor? Lin Wanrong chuckled. "You old nun, you still haven''t understood even at the brink of death, what the existence of this shoddy hall threatens, and who it really threatens." He waved his hand, and two cannons from Du Xiuyuan''smand fired in unison. The distant que of the Fairy Hall was sted into fragments, silencing the roar of Recluse Jing¡¯an, and everyone''s faces turned pale.


    Lin Wanrong sneered, "The Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, involved in mass brawls and secret gatherings, is an illegal organization. I will report it to the Emperor, and it will be resolutely banned and punished. All of you schrs and talented young men have been temporarily deceived, falling into the trap. In the spirit of curing the illness to save the patient, punishing the past and penalizing the future, as long as you recognize your mistakes and write a letter of repentance, I will plead for you before the Emperor and strive for leniency. Please make your choice."


    He waved his hand, and the soldiers under Du Xiuyuan''smand rattled their swords and spears, causing the schrs to tremble with fear and their faces to turn pale. A few of them nced at Recluse Jing¡¯an and the ferocious soldiers, finally raising their hands, trembling, and whispering, "We repent!"


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand, and the soldiers brought ink and paper. Those few wrote quickly, detailing their involvement in the "illegal organization" of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, listing the heinous crimes, such as forging edicts, inciting ignorant youth, forming private alliances, arming themselves secretly, engaging in corruption, oppressing young disciples, defying imperial discipline, plotting against government officials, and many others too numerous to mention.


    Lord Lin looked it over again and again, delighted with the powerful writing that listed the crimes of the Fairy Hall in full detail. He handed the documents to Miss Xu, sighing, "It turns out that the Fairy Hall is so wicked, Miss Xu. Look, their crimes are so appalling that I broke out in a cold sweat just reading them once. s, fortunately, I arrived in time to rescue the people from this disaster."


    Xu Zhiqing was left speechless by this forced confession, disgusted by his self-praise. Seeing more and more schrsing forward to repent, with the Fairy Hallpletely divided, and looking at the growing stack of repentance documents, Miss Xu shook her head, sighed softly, and thought that without Lin San''s coercion, who could have imagined these seemingly honorable schrs were so weak? From this point of view, Lin San had done a great thing; these lofty and impractical schrs, although appearing as the pirs of the nation, were hollow at the core.


    Miss Xu gave a bitter smile and shook her head, sighing, "Schrs are useless, as our ancestors have taught us, and only now do I understand. Think about the talents nurtured by such a Fairy Hall. If they were to enter the court, manipte the government, and assist in governance, what would our greatnd look like? Can we expect them to fight against the nomads? Devoted to dead readings, cowardly in nature, no wonder the nomads bully us, even the small nation of Dongyin dares to pull our great nation''s whiskers."


    Xiao Qingxuan listened, her expression turning gloomy, and she silently bowed her head without speaking. Lin Wanrong shook his head, feeling that he had said too much, so he simply grew tired of speaking.


    With the fall of the walls, people pushed forward. Faced with the strong presence of Lin Wanrong, Jade Virtue Fairy Hall no longer possessed its former dignity, and the disciples were divided into two extremes. Recluse Jing''an never expected that the once thriving Jade Virtue Fairy Hall would copse and dissolve so quickly in the face of military disaster; it was simply unimaginable. She became furious, her white hair suddenly turning gray and dull, her eyes losing all their shine, and blood gushing from the corners of her mouth. She stared nkly at the scene before her, as if turned to stone.


    "Lin San!" Recluse Jing''an suddenly called out.


    "Recluse, are you calling me?" Lin Wanrong paused.


    Recluse Jing''an''s face was ashen, and she nodded, saying, "Can you tell me why my prosperous Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, upon encountering military disaster, would vanish into thin air, leaving no trace?"


    This question was indeed hard to answer. Even though Lin Wanrong considered himself knowledgeable and eloquent, he couldn''t respond, only managing a bitter smile and a shake of his head. "This, I don''t understand."


    Recluse Jing''an sighed sadly, then suddenly whispered, "Qingxuan,e here."


    "Abess¡ª" Miss Xiao''s eyes filled with tears as she hurried over. Lin Wanrong became anxious and was about to grab her, but Xu Zhiqing stopped him, sighing, "When a person is about to die, their words are kind. Don''t worry, the Recluse will not harm Miss Xiao."


    "Here, take this," Recluse Jing''an said, slowly handing the wooden fish she was holding to Xiao Qingxuan. Lin Wanrong eximed, "Oh my, this olddy''s treacherous heart still lives! She wants to make Qingxuan the headmistress."


    Miss Xu gave him a stern look, twisting his arm hard, and said, "Don''t assume everyone is as crafty as you. In my view, the Recluse is saving Miss Xiao."


    Lin Wanrong was confused, but over there Miss Xiao eximed, "Abess, what are you doing?"


    Recluse Jing''an''s face was calm as she nodded, "This wooden fish represents your fate. Smash it, and you will no longer suffer the torment of that three-beat drum. Be a free woman, marry and have children, no longer troubled by the heavenly path, and reim your human destiny."


    Miss Xu was indeed right. The old nun seemed to have had a change of heart. Lin Wanrong''s eyes sparkled as he stared intently at the wooden fish in Qingxuan''s hand, itching to rush over and smash it to pieces.


    Miss Xiao''s tears fell like rain, and she tightly grasped Recluse Jing''an''s withered hand, crying out in a heartbreaking voice, "Abess¡ª"


    Recluse Jing''an coughed violently, her face flushing as she seemed to talk to herself, "Qingxuan, you have grown up under my watch since you were a baby. From your infancy, I have chanted scriptures and prayed for you daily. Back then, your master was just a little girl and didn''t understand many things, so I kept you by my side and took care of you. Though I pursue the heavenly path, I am still human. Who can be without feelings? Watching you grow up day by day, graceful and tranquil, no one could be happier than me. Among the countless disciples in Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, I have only ever treated you this way. Cough, cough¡ª"


    Miss Xiao silently shed tears, unable to speak a word. Recluse Jing''an''s face grew redder, and her eyes seemed to brighten as she bitterly smiled, saying, "You, of noble birth, found yourself in our Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. The previous head of the institution saw something in you, and it was fate that you would face this tribtion. The only mistake I made was urging you to make that vow of suffering. But for me, to continue the thousand-year tradition of the Fairy Hall, there was no other way. Anyone in my position would have done the same. If you want to me me, I have noints."


    Xu Zhiqing listened and shook her head, sighing silently, "The Recluse is right. In her position, if she hadn''t pressured Miss Xiao, another girl would have suffered. It''s not her fault, Lin San, you were too cruel."


    ¡®Women''s logic is truly confusing,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought. ¡®One moment they sympathize with Qingxuan, the next they turn to care for Granny Hermit. In any case, the bad person is always me.¡¯ He chuckled dryly, not saying a word.


    Xiao Qingxuan sobbed, "Abess, I don''t me you. It''s my fate to face this difficulty, just like meeting My Dear. These are my hardships, and I must bear them."


    Recluse Jing''an sighed, "I tried my best to carry on the Fairy Hall''s tradition, only to end up like this. Betrayed by everyone, the Fairy Hall vanished under my watch. I have failed our ancestors. Even if I go to the Western Paradise, I will be too ashamed to face them. Gathering and dispersing is the great morality of humanity, contrary to the Way of Heaven. Yet, I am so concerned. It seems that the Way of Heaven is truly beyond us ordinary people."


    Xiao Qingxuan suddenly turned around, "My Dear,e here."


    Lin Wanrong hurried to her side. Miss Xiao took his hand and softly said to the head of the hall, "Abess, look, this is the man I have chosen. He taught me that we are human, subject to birth, aging, sickness, death, emotions, and desires, riches, and hardships. These are rights bestowed upon us by Heaven, something we mortals must bear. Departing from humanity to pursue the Way of Heaven is to act against nature. I don''t want to be a detached person; I only want to be an ordinary woman, to love my husband, teach my children, bear sons and daughters, and follow the great path of human rtionships. Please grant us your blessing."


    Recluse Jing''an scrutinized Lin Wanrong carefully and nodded, "Qingxuan, you are strong-willed and decisive, far stronger than I was at your age. This man you''ve chosen, unrestrained in appearance, is a leader among men and a perfect match for you. Very well, very well!"


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "Old Lady Recluse, I''m not as good as you say."


    The Recluse looked at him and shook her head, "But your eyes arescivious; you seem like a frivolous and base man. You must watch him closely in the future; don''t let him ruin the pitiable women of this world."


    Lord Lin''s face darkened. ¡®This old woman, ndering me in front of my wife, is truly stubborn.¡¯ Annoyed, he snorted twice but said nothing, while Miss Xiao expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Abess, for your kind words. I know my husband, and I will surely keep him in line in the future."


    Recluse Jing''an nodded, her breathing in hurried gasps. She looked around, worry in her voice: ¡°The Jade Virtue Fairy Hall has dispersed, and I am the one at fault. Yet, under my care, there are many young disciples who are now without clothes and food. How can I rest easy? Qingxuan, their livelihood is a great matter, and I have no one else to entrust this to; only you can take care of them.¡±


    Xiao Qingxuan hurriedly nodded, saying, ¡°Master, rest assured, My Dear is full of wisdom and strategy; he will definitely find a way to properly settle these young disciples.¡±


    The Recluse silently nodded, looked at Lin Wanrong and softly said, ¡°Lin San, I have been such an obstacle between you and Qingxuan. Do you resent me?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn''t say resent, but in this world, one can''t always control their own fate,¡± Lin Wanrongughed, thinking to himself that he couldn''t really fault her since she had handed over the wooden fish.


    Recluse Jing''an suddenly coughed violently, weakly gasping, ¡°Qingxuan is fortunate to have you to assist her. But as for me, back in my time, who ever helped me? In the end, my suffering was the same as Qingxuan''s!¡±


    Lin Wanrong was silent for a moment, thinking that Miss Xu was right: this Recluse was also an innocent victim. But who was the evil mastermind behind all this?


    ¡°Lin San, believe me,¡± the Recluse choked suddenly, spitting out a mouthful of blood. Her eyes lost their spark, and two tears rolled down her cheeks as she tightly grasped their hands, ¡°I... I am not a viin¡ª¡± With herst breath, her body hung in mid-air, lifeless, passing away.


    ¡®I''m not a viin!¡¯ Lin Wanrong muttered to himself, smiling bitterly.


    ¡°Abess¡ª¡± Xiao Qingxuan cried out in grief, embracing the body, tears falling. Lin Wanrong was startled and quickly supported her delicate frame, gently saying, ¡°Qingxuan, you are pregnant, extreme joy or sorrow isn''t good for our baby.¡±


    Xiao Qingxuan''s tears fell like rain, ¡°My Dear, the Abess has raised me; I must pay my respects to her!¡±


    Unable to refuse this request, Lin Wanrong supported her as she knelt on the ground, respectfully bowing to the Recluse. Lin Wanrong followed her down, saying helplessly, ¡°Recluse, as I said before, I am honoring an elder, not your Fairy Hall. May you not misunderstand in the heavenly realms.¡±


    Xu Zhiqing gently nudged him, angrily saying, ¡°You, how can you be so tactless?¡±


    The few schrs who had remained faithful looked on in horror as the Recluse passed away, losing theirst support, their faces aging as tears fell. The disciples of the Fairy Hall, seeing their master gone, all knelt and wailed in pain, including the young maiden Li Xiangjun, who had previously opposed the Recluse.


    Xu Zhiqing, having witnessed the rise and fall of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall in a mere instant, was full of emotions. She clung to Lin Wanrong, whispering, ¡°Lin San, did we go too far?¡±


    Lin Wanrong replied helplessly, ¡°Miss Xu, if you want to sympathize with the opponent, think first what would have happened if I had lost.¡±


    His words were true; mercy to enemies was cruelty to oneself. Lin Wanrong nced at the scattered archway in the distance and sighed, ¡°To be honest, although we won today and found Qingxuan, my heart feels empty.¡±


    "Why?" Xu Zhiqing asked curiously.


    Xiao Qingxuan took Lin Wanrong''s hand, speaking softly, "My Dear means that although we won this battle, it is a victory without a real opponent. Isn''t that right, My Dear?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Forget it, such profound content is not my style; let''s talk about something more rxed."


    Miss Xu frowned, nced around, and said with a bitter smile, "Rxed? How can we be rxed? With such a mess, I''m afraid you won''t find it easy."


    The Jade Virtue Fairy Hall had undergone a sudden and devastating change. With the death of the Hall Master and the fall of the Fairy Hall, the emblematic building was also destroyed by Lin Wanrong''s cannon. This was akin to shattering the pir of everyone''s heart. The mountains were filled with cries, schrs sighed, and the young disciples, who had never experienced such harsh realities, were weeping uncontrobly.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s expression turned somber. The chaos at the Fairy Hall had all started because of her, so her grief was understood without saying, "My Dear, do you have any good ideas to stabilize the situation on the mountain and calm the hearts of the disciples for now?"


    Destruction is easy, but rebuilding is hard. The copse of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall might not have been entirely a good thing, especially since there were now hundreds or even thousands of schrs and talented individuals left unemployed. They all needed food to eat. Miss Xu realized the difficulty of the situation and nced at Lin Wanrong, softly saying, "If these people are not properly settled, I''m afraid they will all be unstable factors."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, smiling brightly, "Wife, give me some motivation. A kiss on my cheek will help me think."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face flushed as she shook her head, "You always take advantage of situations like this. I won''t fall for it." Xu Zhiqing grabbed Xiao Qingxuan''s hand, smiling, "Miss Xiao, you know him best. You can''t be too kind to this kind of person."


    Xiao Qingxuan gave a faint smile, casually saying, "Miss Xu knows him quite well too!" Xu Zhiqing quickly turned her head, her face flushed, not daring to speak. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, and Miss Xiao red at him, snorting, "Stopughing and tell me what''s going on. If it gets dragged outter, I won''t bother helping you."


    "I''m thinking of a solution, right now." Lin Wanrong broke into a sweat. His wife''s words were profound, like a silent thunder that made his heart pound.


    Seeing Miss Xiao''s method, Xu Zhiqing felt inferior, believing that there was finally someone who could keep him in check. Otherwise, he would continue to run wild, harming countless innocent women, and eventually bing an unrestrained stallion. Miss Xu''s face turned red, and she quickly looked around to divert her attention.


    "Sister¡ª" the little girl Li Xiangjun approached Xiao Qingxuan, her teary eyes glistening, looking utterly pitiful and delicate, "The Hall Master is gone, the Fairy Hall is no more, and the Master is not here. What shall we do?"


    The little girl''s ability to support Qingxuan during such a difficult time, an act akin to sending charcoal in snowy weather, was deeply touching. Lin Wanrong quickly reassured, "Little sister, don''t be afraid, we will protect you."


    Li Xiangjun snorted, "I don''t need your protection. Just take my senior sister and leave. Why did you have to fire the cannon? Our Fairy Hall is in this state today, all thanks to you."


    ¡®Children speak without thinking,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, and heughed off thement, pretending not to hear her words. Xiao Qingxuan took Li Xiangjun''s hand and spoke softly, "Little junior sister, My Dear is trying to find a solution. Don''t worry. We''ve been together as senior and junior sisters for many years, and you''ve all treated me with deep affection and loyalty. I will never abandon you."


    "I''ve got it!" Lin Wanrong suddenly pped his hands andughed.


    "What do you have?" Little Li Xiangjun asked, "Didn''t senior sister already have a baby?"


    Xiao Qingxuan let out a soft cry, her face flushing with embarrassment as she covered her cheeks with her hands. Xu Zhiqing took Li Xiangjun''s hand and giggled, "Little sister, you''re still young. There are some things you may know, but you must not speak them out loud. Remember that next time."


    Even though Miss Xiao was usually elegant andposed, she found herself without a ce to hide, her cheeks flushed as the two women teased her. She took Lin Wanrong''s arm and pinched it hard.


    ¡®I''ll endure!¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed, "I''ve thought of a way to handle the arrangements for this hall. I''m not sure if it''ll work."


    "Don''t keep us in suspense. Tell us now," urged Xiao Qingxuan, managing to set aside her embarrassment to focus on the serious matter.


    With all the women''s eyes on him, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Wasn''t this hall originally a gathering ce for discussion, and forming cliques for personal gain?"


    Xiao Qingxuan and Li Xiangjun spat in unison. Miss Xiao scolded, "What do you mean by forming cliques for personal gain? Your words sound so unpleasant! It should be teaching and imparting knowledge."


    "Yes, yes, that''s what I meant, just expressed differently," Lin Wanrong smiled, "Since this hall was originally a forum, why don''t we expand it? The original hall was exclusively forposing poetry and imparting Confucianism and Daoism, a rather one-dimensional function that can foster arrogance in talented individuals and lead them to bezy and disconnected from reality. Let''s expand it into a top-level forum."


    "A top-level forum?" Several people were taken aback at once. Even Miss Xiao and Xu Zhiqing, both with extraordinary insights, were somewhat puzzled by this new term.


    "Yes, a top-level forum," Lin Wanrong smiled, "Instead of just focusing on literature, let''s expand it into five major disciplines: literature, engineering, agriculture, science, and medicine. We''ll teach the mostmon knowledge in these areas, allocate substantial funds to reward outstanding talents, and promote innovative knowledge. Regr academic conferences will be held to stimte schrly activities, enriching the culture and technological enterprise of the nation. By intertwining these five disciplines, everyone can learn from each other, allowing those high-minded schrs to understand the profundities within engineering, agriculture, science, and medicine. It will promote open discussions, eliminate their tendency to work in istion, and avoid the emergence of a second Jade Virtue Fairy Hall in a hundred years."


    Miss Xiao nodded as she listened, "Prosperity fosters culture, chaos fosters martial arts. The cultural flourish of Great Hua was in full swing, unobstructed during prosperous times, but not a good omen in the face of this crisis." Lin Wanrong''s train of thought, which she had heard back when they first met in Jinling, was surprisingly put into such a grand proposal, and this n ingeniously utilized the strengths of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, achieving two goals in one stroke.


    Miss Xu apuded, eximing in a delicate voice, "This idea is good! Our Great Hua emphasizes culture heavily, yet the principles of all things and machinery remain unexplored. If we could truly establish such a forum, apanied by great rewards, it would indeed be a magnificent deed, rallying countless skilled craftsmen to strive for higher levels of knowledge. A hundred yearster, the craftsmanship of our Great Hua will certainly have risen to the next level. Lin San, where did youe up with this idea?"


    "s, I''ve always been such a great person, just not good at expressing it," Lin Wanrong sighed, but the expression in his eyes and brows couldn''t hide his pride.


    Xiao Qingxuan chuckled, "Don''t be too pleased with yourself. Although the idea is good, it involves fostering schools, organizing forums, and offering hefty rewards. Where will all the moneye from?"


    Xu Zhiqing shook her head with a yful smile, saying in a sweet voice, "Miss Xiao, this is where you are uninformed. Your husband here deals in industry and sells perfume, and soon the Xiao family of Jinling will be his. He now has wealth in the millions, leaping towards tens of millions. Where would he notice these few taels of silver?"


    ¡®You stand there speaking without any pain, but that silver is my hard-earned money, which can''t be spent so casually.¡¯ Lin Wanrong inwardly sighed. Miss Xiao''s expression became serious, and she grabbed his hand, saying, "My Dear, even with money, don''t squander it recklessly. You must be frugal¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong nodded to himself, thinking, ¡®This is my wife, who knows how to care for me.¡¯ But before he could finish his self-satisfaction, he heard Miss Xiao continue, "¡ªthis time for the forum, you only need to take out one hundred thousand taels, no more, not even a penny more."


    Lin Wanrong wanted to cry without tears. Was one hundred thousand taels not enough? That could buy thousands of young and beautiful maids, one for each day, enough for ten years.


    Seeing his worried and bitter face, Miss Xiao covered her mouth with a gentleugh, and tapped her finger on his forehead, saying, "I''m reminding you not to waste money. It''s not easy to earn silver, but it''s spent like running water. Now that you have a family, you can''t be so extravagant. Let''s settle this matter of education this way. I''ll think of ways to handle the money, and from now on, the rewards will be given in the name of my Lin family, called Lin''s Schrships. My Dear, what do you think?"


    "Good, good!" Lin Wanrong naturally nodded. His wife truly had a sense of grandeur, settling the matter with just a few words. He felt grateful in his heart, raising a finger and saying, "Alright, I will donate this amount first!"


    Miss Xu''s eyes brightened, and she eximed urgently, "Ten thousand taels?!"


    Lin Wanrong gave her a look, saying irritably, "One thousand taels, to be donated over five years, two hundred taels a year."


    "Stingy!" Miss Xu snorted, expressing her resignation.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face was full of shy blushes, and she suddenly kissed him on the cheek, softly saying, "My Dear, this is Qingxuan thanking you for taking care of my senior and junior brothers and sisters."


    "That''s only right, only right. Qingxuan, I also thank you for looking after my son¡ª" Lord Lin was smiling between his eyebrows, about to "thank" Miss Xiao, when Miss Xu, her face flushed red, bit her silver teeth, grabbed him, and kissed him on the cheek like a dragonfly skimming the water. Her voice was as fine as a mosquito''s, saying, "Lin San, thank... thank you for proposing such a great idea."


    Oh, what was this about? The faint fragrance lingered on his face, and Lin Wanrong was stunned.


    Miss Xiao kicked him in the leg, and Lord Lin lost his bnce, thudding down to sit on the ground with a bump.


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 416

    Chapter 416 Dealing with Him


    Silence lingered for a moment, and when Lin Wanrong looked up again, he saw Qingxuan still by his side, but Xu Miss was nowhere to be seen. In astonishment, Lin Wanrong stammered, "Where is Miss Xu?"


    Du Xiuyuan, who had just approached him, hurriedly whispered in his ear, "General, Miss Xu has gone down the mountain."


    ¡®Gone down the mountain? No way. Eating stealthily and then running away¡ªwhere in the world can you find such an easy deal?¡¯ Lord Lin pped the dust off his hands and snorted, "Uneptable, utterly uneptable! She was whispering so much that she even spat on me. Tomorrow, I must find her and have a serious talk with her."


    Du Xiuyuan seemed to have more to say, but Miss Xiao nced at Lin Wanrong, her expression a mix of smiling and not smiling. "Were you really whispering? My Dear, what is your rtionship with Sister Xu?"


    "I swear, nothing has happened between us yet!" Lin Wanrong quickly raised his hand to pledge his loyalty. Du Xiuyuan urgently tugged at his sleeve, whispering, "General, General, this humble officer has something to report¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong red at him, "If you have something to say, say it directly. She is my wife; there''s no need to talk behind her back. Listen, Qingxuan, what happened just now was a misunderstanding. Miss Xu and I have a purely working rtionship, don''t get any wrong ideas."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s expression was indifferent, and she didn''t speak, leaving her thoughts inscrutable. Du Xiuyuan hesitated for a while before saying, "General, someone has asked me to tell you that they would like you to visit their residence tomorrow morning."


    "Visit their residence?" Lin Wanrong wondered aloud. "Who invited me, and which residence? Ah, Brother Du, why are you stumbling over your words? You''re not usually like this."Xiao Qingxuan grabbed Lin Wanrong and looked at him calmly, "Is it to visit the Xu residence?"


    "This, this¡ª" Du Xiuyuan stammered, not daring to speak. Lin Wanrong was shocked, thinking, ¡®Damn you, old Du, are you trying to sabotage me? Are you even a man, reporting this in front of my wife? How could you do this to me?¡¯


    Du Xiuyuan looked embarrassed as well, thinking, ¡®This was what you asked me to report in front of your wife, General; it''s not my fault.¡¯


    The mischievous young girl, Li Xiangjun, also huffed, "Sister, who was that woman earlier? Big Brother Lin is your husband, what does she mean by kissing? And visiting the residence¡ªcould it be a marriage proposal?"


    Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth and red, ¡®You little girl, no one would mistake you for mute if you stayed quiet.¡¯ "Ah, haha, little sister, it''s not what it seems. Miss Xu and I are just work partners, and she likes to y pranks sometimes. She was just biting my ear; everyone misunderstood. Du Xiuyuan, hurry and find a pnquin, my wife can''t walk." Lin Wanrong''s face was thick enough to hastily defend himself. With one order from him, Du Xiuyuan disappeared in a sh, leaving Lin Wanrong grinding his teeth, muttering, ¡®Damn you, old Du, don''t let me catch you keeping a mistress.¡¯


    Seeing Xiao Qingxuan neither angry nor smiling, Lin Wanrong couldn''t discern what she was thinking. He let out a couple of awkwardughs, probing, "Qingxuan, let''s settle the matter of running the school then. You mentioned raising money, but where will we get it from? I have tens of thousands of taels at hand; why don''t you take it for now?"


    Xiao Qingxuan said expressionlessly, "You don''t have to please me. If I say I can raise the silver, it means I have a way. When you go to the mansion tomorrow, exin it clearly to Sister Xu, and tell her that after we have set up this forum and school, we will invite her to be an instructor. On ount of your face, I think she won''t refuse."


    Upon hearing the words "go to the mansion," Lin Wanrong''s head became as big as a cow''s, thinking that this girl Xu Zhiqing must be crazy. Clearly seeing his wife beside him, she yed this act, wasn''t this intentionally asking for his life?


    "What mansion are you talking about? I don''t know. Qingxuan, we''ve been through hardships to be together, and I won''t go anywhere tomorrow; I''ll stay at home with you and our son," Lin Wanrong said, blushing.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes softened for a moment, but she quickly suppressed her tenderness and said indifferently, "I''ve told you my piece, your legs are on your own body, whether you go or not, can I drag you?"


    Miss Xiao spoke neither warmly nor coldly, and Lin Wanrong could not discern her attitude. Secretlyining, he thought of how adept he was in dealing with various women, but his talents seemed of no use facing Qingxuan. The current situation was the most difficult kind; though they had been apart for many days and had just reunited at a time when they should be affectionate, this Xu girl had created such a big fuss. It was unbearable even for him, let alone for Qingxuan, who had suffered so much for him. Lord Lin, though eloquent, felt somewhat helpless and for a moment hated Miss Xu. If it weren''t for her fine figure, he would have already tormented her in his heart.


    "Big Brother Lin, will you go to the mansion tomorrow?" Li Xiangjun asked mischievously, grinning.


    "No, I won''t go, absolutely not," Lord Lin firmly said, fully aware that he could not give in at this moment.


    Li Xiangjun yfully stuck her tongue out at her senior sister, and Miss Xiao covered her lips and chuckled lightly. Seeing that Lord Lin was eyeing her slyly, she quicklyposed herself and returned to her indifferent demeanor.


    After burying the body of Recluse Jing''an on the green hills and reflecting on past events and present grievances, Miss Xiao''s emotions overwhelmed her, and tears fell uncontrobly. She had lived for over twenty years, and all her tears seemed to flow that day. Lin Wanrong, worried about her health, stayed close by her side, attending to her every need.


    It was only at nightfall that everything on the mountain was settled, and the people in the Hall gradually calmed down. However, it was inevitable that no one would sleep that night due to the sudden upheaval. There was no way to avoid the acute pain; only time could heal it.


    "General, the sedan is here!" Du Xiuyuan came up from the foot of the mountain with a small sedan, reporting nervously.


    "Is it?" General Lin''s gaze pierced him like two sharp swords, and Du Xiuyuanughed awkwardly before quickly withdrawing his head.


    "My Dear, is our house big?" Xiao Qingxuan suddenly asked, thinking of something.


    "Big, very big," Lin Wanrongughed, "We can even keep sheep in the house." Fortunately, during his recent trip to Shandong, the house had been renovated; otherwise, with Qingxuan found, would they still live in the Xiao residence? Even though Eldest Miss was willing, what about Qingxuan? Even if Qingxuan didn''t mind, where would his own dignity lie? In the end, the matter with the Xiao family hadn''t been settled. If the two families had be one, everywhere would be his home, and there would be no such worries.


    "My Dear, My Dear¡ª" Xiao Qingxuan''s calls interrupted Lin Wanrong''s deep thoughts, and he hurriedly asked, "Ah, what''s the matter?"


    Miss Xiao nced at him and said softly, "What are you thinking about? I just said that we should let Junior Sister live with us at our home. What do you think? I''ve had her with me since she was little, and I wouldn''t feelfortable leaving her alone on the mountain."


    "Good, good," Lin Wanrong eagerly pped his hands andughed, "Wee to our home, Junior Sister."


    Li Xiangjun looked him up and down, disdainfully saying, "Your eyes are insincere, and your smile is frivolous. Your weecks sincerity; it''s quite hypocritical."


    This little sister has a sharp eye, Lin Wanrongughed, "How could that be? You are Qingxuan''s Junior Sister, so you''re my Junior Sister too. Without your guidance today, there would have been no reunion for my wife and me. I sincerely wee you."


    "Save it," Li Xiangjun said with a coldugh, "Better save your sincerity for my sister. She has suffered so much for you."


    Lin Wanrong looked at Xiao Qingxuan and saw a faint smile on Miss Xiao''s face, her eyes radiating tenderness that warmed his heart like fire. Ah, universal love is indeed a noble goal, but it seems somewhat unfair to Qingxuan. Lord Lin rarely took a moment to reflect on his actions.


    "If you dare to flirt with other women behind my Senior Sister''s back, I will¡ª" Li Xiangjun brandished her sword, making a throat-slitting gesture. Lin Wanrong promptly silenced himself.


    "The pnquin is here, Qingxuan. Get in quickly," Lin Wanrong held the curtain and took Xiao Qingxuan''s hand.


    Miss Xiao looked back at the green mountains and rivers that had been herpanions for over twenty years. They were about to be distant now. Her eyes moistened, and after a long silence, she bent down to enter the small pnquin.


    Lin Wanrong let down the curtain, ready to order the departure, but Miss Xiao''s head popped out from inside, her voice sweetly calling, "Come in quickly too!"


    "Me?" Lord Lin was overjoyed, pointing to his nose, hardly believing his ears. Was Qingxuan not angry with him anymore? Was his wife worried about him?


    Just as he was about to step in, smiling, someone pulled him from behind. The little girl''s voiceughed from behind, "Big Brother Lin, move aside. My Senior Sister is calling me in."


    As the small pnquin started downhill, filled with the cheerfulughter of the two women, Lord Lin sighed, his head hanging, looking around for Du Xiuyuan, only to see him walking at the head of the procession, majestic and triumphant.


    Seeing his downcast, utterly dejected appearance, Miss Xiao pursed her lips in a smile, lowered the curtain, and murmured, "This man of mine is always attentive to others. If I don''t rein him in, he''ll turn our home upside down."


    "Hmph, men of this world, all are ungrateful wretches. Not a single one is good," the little girl suddenly spoke up, saying bitterly.


    Miss Xiao was startled; how could a thirteen- or fourteen-year-old girl speak such words? It couldn''t be that her Husband Lin''s actions had upset her.


    "Senior Sister, are you worried about your Husband Lin?" Li Xiangjunughed teasingly, "Your husband is quite explosive when angry, wherever he points, cannons fire in that direction, but in front of you, he''s quite well-behaved."


    Miss Xiao''s eyes softened, and she said gently, "He bears all this because he has me in his heart. Otherwise, with his character that never suffers a loss, he wouldn''t be so easygoing. But he provokes youngdies everywhere, and I don''t know how many sins he''s incurred. If I don''t cure him of this habit, I''m afraid our home won''t even have a ce to stand."


    "Cure?" The little girl scoffed, "Senior Sister, who in this world has ever cured a man''s wandering eye? Your Husband Lin is the worst of the lot when ites to phndering, and I think it''s a bit hopeless!"


    "However hopeless, he must be cured!" Miss Xiao said with a smile, "Starting with this Xu Zhiqing!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 417

    Chapter 417 The Empress?


    When Lin Wanrong, led Du Xiuyuan and others down the mountain, even though it was alreadyte in the evening, countless onlookers had gathered. Soldiers held aloft torches, lighting up the night as if it were day. Before tonight was over, news of Lord Lin''s bombardment of "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall" would spread throughout the Great Hua, and no one knew what kind of reaction it would provoke. Du Xiuyuan and the others secretly wiped their sweat for General Lin, but he alone seemed carefree, smiling and joking with everyone.


    "General," Du Xiuyuan, who had been scouting ahead, hurried back with an unusually grave face, "Several people have blocked our army''s path ahead. It is¡ª" He paused, lowering his voice, "it''s Minister Ye from the Ministry of Personnel, Minister Liang from the Ministry of Rites, and various officials and schrs from the Three Pavilions and Six Ministries, as well as Prince Cheng¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong was surprised butughed twice, "No harm, no harm. Perhaps these honorable gentlemen are here to present a que to praise me. Brother Du, let''s go forward and take a look."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''sck of surprise, as if he didn''t take these influential figures seriously, Du Xiuyuan admired him secretly. A man who dared to speak, act, and take responsibility, truly an extraordinary person!


    As Lin Wanrong was about to move forward, Miss Xiao poked her head out of her sedan, asking, "My Dear, what''s happening up ahead?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled, "Some people havee to visit me. Qingxuan, you and your junior sister stay here and rest for a while. I''ll be back soon."


    Xiao Qingxuan smiled softly, taking out a golden waist token from her bosom. After gazing at it with a faint mist in her eyes, full of reminiscence and longing, she beckoned him and whispered, "My Dear,e here, I have something to tell you."


    When Lin Wanrong approached, Xiao Qingxuan handed the token to him and said softly, "Take this. If anyone dares to trouble you, show them this, and no one will dare touch a single hair on my husband."The gold token was heavy in his hand, carved with a lifelike phoenix. Lin Wanrongughed, "This token is quite simr to the gold token bestowed by the Emperor in my hand. It''s like a union of the dragon and the phoenix; we have nothing to fear in all the world."


    Xiao Qingxuan smiled sweetly, "Don''t waste time talking, hurry up and settle this so we can return home soon."


    Ahead, the soldiers had already stopped, and noisy shouts were heard, with faint cries of "Lin San,e out!" "Lin San,e out and answer!"


    Lin Wanrong, apanied by Du Xiuyuan, looked around and saw many familiar faces from the morning court. More than half of them hade, and standing in front, coldly sneering, was Prince Cheng, followed by two senior officials from the Ministries of Personnel and Rites, along with dozens of schrs and officials. Everyone was in high spirits, shouting loudly.


    "I, Little Brother Lin San, pay my respects to His Highness, and to all the honorable gentlemen," Lin Wanrongughed, feigning surprise on his face, "It''s sote, and all of you have collectivelye to inspect the people''s conditions? Such dedication to the nation, I am truly in awe."


    The Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Lord Ye, barked, "Lin San, cease your absurd ravings! We are here to question you about your crimes."


    "Crimes? What crimes?" Lin Wanrong asked in confusion. "I have always obeyed thew, paid my taxes as required; where are these crimes you speak of?"


    Lord Ye angrily retorted, "Do you dare to deny your own actions? What were you doing on this mountain? Do you think the whole world is filled with fools?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I was simply enjoying the mountain scenery and, in a moment of inspiration, fired a couple of shots. Lord Ye, this matter doesn''t seem to be under your jurisdiction."


    Lord Ye''s beard quivered with rage, and he pointed at Lin Wanrong, his voice filled with fury, "Fired a couple of shots? You make it sound so trivial! Do you know what ce this is? The ''Jade Virtue Fairy Hall'' is a sacred ce that schrs all over the world yearn for. Many great schrs have emerged from there, making enormous contributions to our great nation. Even the Founding Emperor granted a que to this ce, and everyone in the court takes pride ining from the sacred ce. Your reckless behavior here shows utterwlessness and arrogance. The Prince, I, and my colleagues are here to bring you to justice. You''d better surrender and await your fate."


    Lin Wanrong smiled nonchntly, "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall? A nice name, but unfortunately, I''ve never heard of it. I received information that someone was feeding armed forces on this mountain, holding illegal gatherings, privately creatingws, restricting personal freedom, misinterpreting the Founding Emperor''s edicts, confusing young people, and even iming to be equal to Heaven, attempting to break away from our great nation. Their numerous crimes have angered both gods and men. Only by resolutely banning such illegal terrorist organizations can we preserve our country''s eternal prosperity. Lord Ye, is there anything wrong with this?"


    Lin San''s eloquent words left Lord Ye dazed. Lin San was the only one in the world who could categorize the "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall" as a terrorist organization.


    "You, you, you''re talking nonsense!" Lord Ye''s beard shook in anger as he pointed at Lin Wanrong''s nose, "The name of the Fairy Hall is revered all over the world, and countless eminent schrs havee from there. They are the backbone of our great nation. How can youbel it as some terrorist organization?"


    "Whether it''s a terrorist organization or not, Lord Ye, neither your word nor mine will decide. Here, I have some confessions and statements, all written by the deceived schrs on the mountain," Lin Wanrong extended his hand, and Du Xiuyuan brought the confessions. Lin Wanrong said with a beaming smile, "Whether it''s a terrorist organization or not, Lord Ye, please read, and you''ll know at a nce."


    Lord Ye hadn''t expected Lin San to be so cunning. In just a few hours, he had destroyed the Fairy Hall and even prepared the confessions. It seemed impossible to find fault with him.


    "Lin San," Prince Cheng, who had been silently watching, suddenly spoke, "You led the soldiers to the mountain, brandished swords at people, so obtaining however many confessions you wanted was not difficult. These confessions, coerced through intimidation, cannot be counted as evidence. Even before the Emperor, you cannot escape the suspicion of forced confessions."


    "Right, right, the Prince has keen eyes. This is coercion, all these confessions, they cannot be taken as truth." Hearing Prince Cheng''s words, Lord Ye revived in spirit, shouting loudly. The schrs behind them also joined in, yelling, "Coercion, this is coercion!"


    Du Xiuyuan''s heart was a bit tense, and he hastily nced at Lin Wanrong, who appeared as usual, chuckling: ¡°Capturing criminals and taking confessions is a universal method of case-solving. If we were to follow Prince''s reasoning, wouldn''t all the yamen officials be suspect of forced confessions? Wouldn¡¯t such a statementing from Prince chill the hearts of all officials?¡±


    Prince Chengughed, his eyes shing, and nodded: ¡°Well said. Whether the testimony is true or false, ¡®Jade Virtue Fairy Hall¡¯ is a sacred ce inscribed by the Founding Emperor himself, and it enjoys the reputation of being ¡®Equal to Heaven.¡¯ How dare you be so reckless in this sacred ce, disregarding the Founding Emperor?¡±


    ¡°Equal to Heaven?¡± Lin Wanrong grinned and waved his hand. Two soldiers brought out the Founding Emperor''s inscription: ¡°Prince, are you referring to this?¡±


    Prince Cheng took a quick look and immediately knelt to the ground, expressing sincere fear: ¡°Unfilial descendant Zhao Mingcheng, beholding the true handwriting of the Founding Emperor.¡± The officials including Minister Ye also hurriedly knelt, crying out: ¡°Beholding the true handwriting of the Founding Emperor.¡± Lin Wanrong stood in ce, receiving everyone''s homage before hypocritically helping Prince Cheng: ¡°Prince, please rise!¡±


    Prince Cheng and the others performed three prostrations and nine kowtows before respectfully rising. He looked at Lin Wanrong and said: ¡°Lin San, you are quite bold, knowing full well that ¡®Equal to Heaven¡¯ was inscribed by the Founding Emperor, yet you dared to fire the cannon. Do you intend to rebel?¡±


    ¡°Prince, you can mess around with food, but words should not be spoken carelessly,¡± Lin Wanrong solemnly said. ¡°This inscription of the Founding Emperor is the clear proof of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall''s false edict. I am nning to present it to the Emperor myself.¡±


    ¡°How dare you! I, being a descendant of the Founding Emperor, have long admired the handwriting of ¡®Equal to Heaven.¡¯ It''s undoubtedly inscribed by the Founding Emperor, so how can you speak of false edicts?¡± Prince Cheng angrily said. ¡°You dare be so insolent before the Founding Emperor''s handwriting, do you think I cannot deal with you? I already have evidence of your involvement with the Holy Mother of the White Lotus Sect. Tomorrow I will report this to the Emperor, and you will be punished.¡±


    Damn, Prince Cheng was ready topletely fall out with him, even dragging his Sister An''s issue into it, thinking he had a handle on him. Lin Wanrongughed: ¡°Prince, what White Lotus Holy Mother, what conspiracies? Even though you are a royal rtive, I can sue you for defamation. I am upright and clean, indifferent to beauty, and respected by all in the capital. If I''ve done anything wrong, please feel free to report me to the Emperor.¡±


    Prince Cheng sneered: ¡°I won''t waste words with you. The handwriting of the Founding Emperor is before us, and the sacred ce''s reputation is justified. What else can you say?¡±


    Lin Wanrong said disdainfully: ¡°What justified reputation? The Founding Emperor was benevolent and wise, foreseeing the affairs ofter generations a hundred years ago. Being a descendant of the Founding Emperor, how do you not recognize his treasures? Bring the Founding Emperor''s treasure to Prince and the officials, and let''s see what these three characters are.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Two soldiers stepped forward holding the inscription. Prince Cheng, being closest, took a careful look at the scroll and his face changed dramatically. Minister Ye stared for a moment and murmured: ¡°Equal to Man? How... how could this be?¡±


    "Master Ye has good eyesight," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Founding Emperor''s grand vision and foresight were apparent a hundred years ago. His inscription, these three characters ''Equal to Man'', was meant to instruct the people of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall to learn from the masses, to go among the people, and to love the people. Little did he know that this Hall harbored wicked intentions, exploiting a slight difference in two characters to im equality with Heaven, confusing right and wrong, misleading the popce, and going so far as to enact privatews, restricting others, and absurdly trying to turn this mountain into a country within the country."


    Prince Cheng''s face changed, and he shouted angrily, "Founding Emperor''s inscription has been passed down for a thousand years and is well-known. How could it be wrong? Lin San, it must be your doing."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, his voice resounding through the sky, "Your Highness is correct. Founding Emperor''s inscription has been passed down for a thousand years, known to all. But may I ask, who has heard the Founding Emperor himself pronounce the words ''Equal to Heaven''? Or has it ever been recorded that the Founding Emperor personally bestowed this title? All of you are learned schrs; who among you has heard or seen this?"


    Everyone fell silent. Though the words "Equal to Heaven" were circted with great detail, no Emperor would ever say such words. "Heaven" represented the supreme authority; no Emperor would be foolish enough to equate someone else with himself.


    Seeing that these once-ardent officials dared not speak, Lin Wanrong was filled with pride and said to the two soldiers, "Quickly take care of Founding Emperor''s true relic and present it to His Majesty tomorrow."


    The ministers, all looking to Prince Cheng, lowered their heads in silence when they saw he did not speak. Prince Cheng gave Master Ye a nce and sneered at the sedan behind Lin Wanrong. Master Ye instantly became energized and shouted, "How eloquently you speak, Lin San! But do you think the real truth is unknown to me? I''ve received a petition stating that the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Lin San, set his eyes on a female disciple of the sacred ce and tried to seize her by force. When she resisted, you angrily sent soldiers to snatch her. The petition is here; dare you deny it?"


    He pulled out a paper filled with writing from his sleeve and proudly disyed it. The officials were indignant, cursing Lin San as a disgrace to the officialdom.


    Damn, this works too? It seems my skin is not thick enough! Lin Wanrong grinned, "Master Ye, your eyes are indeed sharp, uncovering even this matter. I admire you."


    Seeing signs of Lin San''s submission, Master Ye was overjoyed and said with pride, "I am upright and impartial, kind to the people. Even if you, Lin San, have all the power, I will handle this fairly and justly, ensuring justice. Bailiffs, where are you¡ª"


    The bailiffs behind him quickly responded, "Please instruct us, Master."


    Master Ye pointed at the sedan where Miss Xiao was sitting, his face full of righteousness, "Themon girl who was forcibly taken by Lin San is in that sedan. You must take her quickly and protect her properly. There must be no mistakes."


    The bailiffs looked at one another. Lin San was surrounded by soldiers, and to snatch someone from these ferocious troops would be courting death. Lin Wanrong smiled mysteriously and whispered to Master Ye, "Minister Ye, may I speak with you privately? I have something to show you."


    "Don''t try to bribe me," Lord Ye sternly refused, about to add another feather to his cap, when he noticed Lin San holding up a shiny golden waist badge with a half-smile. "Lord Ye, take a good look. The youngdy in the sedan chair wanted me to show you this waist badge."


    "What waist badge?" Lord Ye nced at it disdainfully, only to have his mouth drop open as if he''d seen a ghost, and found himself unable to speak.


    "Lord Ye, Lord Ye¡ª" Prince Cheng tried to get his attention but became impatient as Lord Ye remained still. He kicked Lord Ye''s leg, demanding, "What''s the matter with you?"


    Lord Ye turned around, his face pale and stammering, "Prince, it''s the Empr, Empr, Empr¡ª"


    "Emperor what?" Prince Cheng pushed him aside, catching sight of the waist badge. His face turned pale, and after stuttering for a moment, he knelt down, "Your humble servant, Zhao Mingcheng, pays homage to Her Majesty the Empress. Long live the Empress, long live, long live a thousand times!"


    The officials were all taken aback. Today truly was a bizarre day. They hade to apprehend Lin San, but now even the Empress had appeared? Seeing Prince Cheng kneel, they all hurried to kneel as well, chanting the Empress''s longevity.


    The Empress? Lin Wanrong''s head was spinning. Qingxuan was the Empress? Was he going to fight with the Emperor over a woman?


    The deration of "Her Majesty the Empress" had a more profound effect on Lin Wanrong than on the other officials, who were simply stunned. Lin Wanrong stood there, feeling empty, unsure of what to say.


    Prince Cheng and the others knelt on the ground, waiting in silence for someone to speak. Lin San looked thoughtful and didn''t say a word. "Her Majesty the Empress" remained silent, and nobody dared to make a sound.


    Lord Ye, who had used Lin San earlier, was trembling like a leaf. Lin San''s "forcibly seized"mon girl turned out to be "Her Majesty the Empress"? This was utterly absurd, not just to others, but even to himself! He feared the Empress''s wrath could lead to the extermination of his entire n.


    "You may all rise," came a youthful female voice from the sedan chair. It was the junior sister, Li Xiangjun: "You have twisted facts and deceived others, making me angry. If you want leniency, write a detailed report about today''s incident and present it to the Emperor. Her Majesty the Empress will deal with it."


    Hearing this young girl''s voice and realizing it wasn''t the Empress who mothered the nation, Prince Cheng was puzzled. But the waist badge was genuine, so he had no choice but toply. Lord Ye''s face turned pale; he knew his position as Minister of Personnel would be lost.


    "You may leave," Li Xiangjun''s voice, although youthful, carried an air of authority. No one dared linger, and they all hurried away. Prince Cheng nced back at the sedan chair, his eyes filled with doubt.


    "My Dear, My Dear¡ª" Miss Xiao''s delicate call rang in Lin Wanrong''s ears, and the little girl Li Xiangjun chuckled, "Senior Sister, your Husband Lin was scared silly by you."


    Lin Wanrong came to his senses and quickly grabbed Xiao Qingxuan''s little hand, "Qingxuan, what''s going on? How can you be Her Majesty the Empress? Oh my, I''ve never contended with the Emperor over a woman before, and now it seems I''ll have to attack the Imperial Pce."


    Li Xiangjun burst intoughter, "Big Brother Lin, you''re quite bold to speak such treasonous words. When you attack the Imperial Pce, be sure to call on me as well."


    Seeing Lord Lin''s somewhat foolish expression, Xiao Qingxuan covered her lips with a smile, her eyes filled with affection, "Pay no attention to Xiangjun''s nonsense. My Dear, my identity is not important. I, Xiao Qingxuan, am your wife. In life, I am a member of the Lin family; in death, I am a ghost of the Lin family. I will be with you forever and ever!"


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 418

    Chapter 418 I¡¯ll Make Sure You Can¡¯t Sleep Tonight


    Indeed, Lin Wanrong suddenly came to his senses. Qingxuan was barely twenty years old and had grown up in the mountains. How could she be the Empress? He had been so confused! With this realization, his mind suddenly became clear, and heughed, saying, "I don''t care whether you''re the Empress or not; you are my wife, and the important task of bearing children and expanding the Lin family falls on you."


    Miss Xiao snorted softly, her cheeks blushing in embarrassment, but she unconsciously touched her belly, her face aglow with tenderness. He handed back the waist token, and as she slowly caressed the glittering golden token, tears shimmered in her eyes. She softly said, "My Dear, I will tell you about Qingxuan''s identity in the future. Just rest assured, my family background is honorable and will not disgrace the Lin family."


    "What family honor does my family have?" Lin Wanrong said,ughing as he grabbed her hand. "In this world, I have no father or mother. As long as I have enough to eat, my whole family won''t starve. I''m like a monkey that jumped out of a crack in a rock [TL: This refers to the Monkey King Sun Wukong]. Disgracing anyone won''t disgrace me."


    "You have a sharp tongue. If you are that monkey, wouldn''t our child be a little monkey?" Miss Xiao covered her mouth andughed, her face turning red. Recalling something, she quickly repressed her thoughts and calmly took Li Xiangjun''s hand to get into the sedan chair. "I''m a bit tired, let''s go home. I heard our house is next to the Xu mansion, is that true?"


    Lin Wanrong was in a cheerful mood, but seeing Miss Xiao''s expression change and hearing her words, he suddenly choked. ¡®Ah, Qingxuan is still angry! It was all that Xu girl''s doing, and now even being neighbors has be a crime. I''m truly wronged.¡¯


    "It''s a coincidence¡ªabsolutely a coincidence!" Lin Wanrong hastily said with a serious face, "Qingxuan, you know that I am a man who always deals with matters calmly and avoids disputes. The house was a gift from the Emperor, and I don''t know how old Xu''s family heard the news and sneaked next door to us. This has absolutely nothing to do with me."


    "Deal calmly, avoid disputes?" Li Xiangjun scoffed, "Big Brother Lin, you are quite modest. There aren''t many people in this world who are as content with ''calmness'' as you."


    ¡®You''re just a little girl; what do you know? I won''t argue with you.¡¯ Seeing the sedan curtain fall, and not knowing what Qingxuan was thinking, Lord Lin found himself in a difficult position, not knowing what to do.With the "Empress" backing him, who would dare to block their path? Everyone had dispersed, and the road was clear. The soldiers set off, heading straight into the city. Du Xiuyuan walked beside Lin Wanrong, cautiously asking, "General, who exactly is the Empress? I would like to meet her too. We mustn''t be negligent."


    Indeed, who was the Empress? Lin Wanrong was also taken aback. Qingxuan had brushed the matter aside in a few words, and even now, he was still in the dark.


    "The Empress, my wife knows her well!" Lin Wanrong nced around, speaking mysteriously, "Brother Du, you just do your job, and someday I''ll have my wife talk to the Empress. Maybe she''ll promote you to amanding general or something. It''s not impossible."


    He casually wrote a nk check without concern, but Du Xiuyuan was overjoyed. What kind of person was General Lin? He was powerful and influential, and his words never fell to the ground. Suppressing the surprise in his heart, he replied spiritedly, "Thank you, General, for nurturing me. I will be loyal and dutiful, repaying your kindness."


    Today''s events had seen Du Xiuyuan putting forth much effort and taking on significant risks, and Lin Wanrong was well aware of it. Rather than wasting any silver, Lord Lin merely expressed his gratitude and approval to Du Xiuyuan, saying, "Brother Du, I will keep your intentions in my heart. You go back and tell Brother Hu, Brother Li, and Xu Zhen that what Lin San says is this: You all do well in the army, and never let our Grain and Provisions Army lose face. If my brothers have any problems, I''ll cover you. This time on the front lines, as long as you fight bravely, I assure you small merits will earn great rewards, and great merits will earn tremendous rewards. I, Lin San, can manage that much righteousness."


    "Thank you, General!" Du Xiuyuan gratefully eximed, then whispered, "It would be even better if the General could personally lead the brothers to the front lines."


    "Brother Du, did someone teach you to say that?" Lin Wanrong looked at Du Xiuyuan with a smirk.


    "General truly has discerning eyes." Du Xiuyuan awkwardly smiled. "It was Miss Xu who instructed me. She also said that with the General''s wisdom and unmatched bravery, if you were on the front lines, our army''s casualties would be reduced by at least fifty percent."


    ¡®Haven''t I suffered enough because of you today?¡¯ Lord Lin thought, infuriated and annoyed. He waved his hand and said, "Right now, I have to apany my wife, prepare baby nkets, milk powder, baby underwear, diapers; I''m too busy for anything else. As for fighting, we can talk about it in a few days."


    Du Xiuyuan gave a forcedugh, nced at the sedan chair where the youngdy was seated, and carefully said, "General, Miss Xu has asked you to visit her mansion tomorrow to talk. I have delivered the message, but I don''t know¡ª"


    "I won''t go. Your persuasion is useless. Hey, Brother Du, don''t pull me. I will never do anything to betray my wife!" Lord Lin''s voice suddenly rose eight decibels, sternly refusing. Du Xiuyuan was utterly frustrated; they were having a decent conversation, when did he ever pull him? It was the General who clung to him shamelessly.


    "General, will you go or not?" Du Xiuyuan asked helplessly.


    "Ah, perhaps it''s better not to go," Lin Wanrong lowered his voice, sighing in despair. "Brother Du, as you can see, my wife is back, and our good days as men are over. Besides, I don''t even know where Miss Xu''s boudoir is. If I stumble into the wrong ce, that could be troublesome¡ªsurely her family would have a maid to guide the way, right?"


    "I wouldn''t know. Miss Xu never mentioned it. Why doesn''t the General ask her in person tomorrow?" Du Xiuyuan chuckled, wanting to have his cake and eat it too without getting his hands dirty. Such good fortune simply didn''t exist.


    "Hmm, it would be disastrous if I stumbled into the wrong ce." Lin Wanrong said with stern righteousness, his expression serious. "Tomorrow, I''ll go to ask Miss Xu for directions and firmly reject her kindness¡ªWhoa, Brother Du, why are you looking at me like that? You must know that I cannot be swayed by poverty or seduced by wealth. It is clear to all, young and old, that I am genuinely going to ask her for directions. You must believe me!"


    Li Xiangjun peered out from the sedan chair, looked around, and then closed the curtain. Turning to her senior sister, she said, "Senior Sister, it seems your husband has changed his ways; he seems to be treating you properly now."


    "Is that so?" Miss Xiao said with a lightugh: "When ites to talking nonsense, there''s no one in the world who can beat him. Only when he really breaks off contact with all the youngdies will he have truly changed. Anything else he says, hear it, but don''t believe it!"


    By the time they entered the city, it was already evening, and the lights of the city shone brightly. Taverns, tea houses, and pleasure quarters were bustling everywhere. Lin Wanrong had not expected that the very ce he and Ning''er and Qiaoqiao had sneaked off to eat just the day before, would today be the ce where he would formally wee Qingxuan to stay, with a ''buy one, get one free'' deal. He was secretly delighted, and hurriedly sent Du Xiuyuan to notify Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning in advance.


    As they reached East Straight Gate Street, Miss Xiao lifted the curtain and nced around. The area was filled with grand mansions, golden bricks, jade trees, silver walls; it was filled with elegance and splendor everywhere. Her beautiful eyes filled with faint tears as she sighed softly, murmuring, "New trees nted in front of the hall, flowers blooming for ten years. By this golden jade bridge, the scenery hasn''t changed much."


    When they arrived at arge mansion, the pnquin was set down, and the vermillion gate swung open, with two hugenterns hanging in the gateway, each embroidered with a golden "Lin" character. The courtyard was clean and tidy, with servants and maids bustling about. Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning were already waiting at the door, and as the pnquin was set down, they rushed forward.


    "Qiaoqiao, Ning''er, why have youe out?" Lin Wanrong greeted them with a smile, reaching out to take their hands. But Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning seemed not to see him, going straight to the pnquin and bowing respectfully, saying, "Younger sisters Qiaoqiao (Luo Ning), greet elder sister."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. What''s going on? These two girls didn''te to greet their husband first but instead bowed to Qingxuan. What sort of rule was this? He was the master of the house!


    "Two younger sisters, please rise quickly!" Xiao Qingxuan came out of the pnquin, hastily helping Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao to their feet. Qiaoqiao and Miss Luo were both seeing Xiao Qingxuan for the first time. With her eyebrows like distant mountains, eyes like autumn water, skin whiter than snow, cheeks tinted like maple, lips touched with cinnabar, and dressed in a gorgeous yellow gown, she looked like a fairy from a painting. Though the two were exceptionally beautiful themselves, they seemed to lose some of their luster in front of Xiao Qingxuan.


    "Sister, you are so beautiful." Qiaoqiao stared, murmuring.


    Xiao Qingxuan took her hand and smiled sweetly, "Sister Qiaoqiao, you are also a delicate and beautiful person, not worse than me."


    Qiaoqiao eximed with joy, "Sister Xiao, how do you know my name?"


    "I not only know you but also know Sister Luo Ning." Xiao Qingxuan took the slightly reserved Luo Ning''s hand and smiled faintly, "Miss Luo is renowned for her talent and wit, and Qiaoqiao is clever and exceptional. We all are familiar faces from Jinling, and you met My Dear before me, so today I should be the one visiting you."


    Luo Ning quickly said, "Sister Xiao, please don''t be a stranger. From Jinling to the capital, the person my big brother has been most concerned about is you. He has been so anxious about this matter, and thank heavens, sister, you have finally returned safely, fulfilling my big brother''s, mine, and Qiaoqiao''s dream."


    "Yes, yes," Qiaoqiao chirped, "When we were in Jinling, big brother was already in a hurry toe to the capital to find you. Today, we finally get to see sister."


    ¡°In the past, when I was in Jinling, mundane affairs upied my life, and I never got the chance to meet with my two younger sisters. Fortunately, today we have met again in the capital, sparing me the regret of missing them," Xiao Qingxuan said, her eyes brimming with tears. She earnestly added, "For various reasons, My Dear and I were separated from each other. Thankfully, my two sisters took great care of My Dear in my absence, enabling this joyous reunion today. I cannot repay this kindness. Please ept a bow from me, my dear sisters."


    With that, Xiao Qingxuan gracefully bowed. Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning were taken aback and quickly pulled her up, eximing, "You mustn''t, sister; you''re ttering us too much."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s grace and poise were unmatched, yet she was also humble and approachable. With just a few words, she had endeared herself to Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao, who naturally regarded her as their elder, harboring no resentment. Meanwhile, Lin Wanrong watched the three women chatting and getting along, a mix of joy and sadness in his eyes. ¡®You sisters seem to be enjoying yourselves. I''m the head of the household, but you''ve left me out. What happened to the usual gentle and charming Qiaoqiao and Ning''er?¡¯


    These three women were all stunningly beautiful, each with her own charm - nobility, tenderness, or allure. Du Xiuyuan looked on with envy, saying, "General, you are truly fortunate. Three wives, all of heavenly beauty and deeply devoted to you. It''s enough to make others envious."


    "Envious of what?" Lin Wanrong sighed woefully, "One monk fetches water to eat, two monks carry water to eat, but three monks have no water to eat. Brother Du, I have unspeakable sorrow; who could be more pitiful than me?"


    "Oh, I suddenly remembered. I have some military affairs that General Li has ordered me to attend to. I must take my leave," Du Xiuyuan said, quickly making his escape, seeing the general''s gloomy expression.


    "Sister, let''s go inside quickly and see if you like the attic that Sister Ning and I prepared for you." After talking for a while, Xiao Qingxuan introduced Li Xiangjun to everyone. Seeing this sister Xiao''s natural and kind words, Qiaoqiao was very happy, grabbed the hands of Miss Xiao and Li Xiangjun, and eagerly led the way.


    "Be careful, sister''s body..." Luo Ning hesitated, then said softly.


    Qiaoqiao paused, ncing at Xiao Qingxuan''s abdomen, and suddenly eximed with embarrassment, "I was too rash, almost forgetting that you''re pregnant, sister."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face flushed, and she hurriedly looked down, whispering, "Sister, who told you that I''m pregnant?"


    Luo Ning giggled, "It was Xu Zhiqing. She informed us about your return and told us all about you and big brother. She was so enthusiastic, bustling around until just before your return¡ªHuh, why are you staring at me like that, big brother?" Luo Ning suddenly asked Lin Wanrong.


    "Oh, nothing. I''m just counting stars. How many stars are there in the sky? I still haven''t counted them all. Ning''er,e count with me." Lin Wanrong looked up, his eyes distant and unfocused. The young girl, Li Xiangjun, chuckled, "Big brother Lin, don''t forget to count the stars when you visit the mansion tomorrow. Tell me the number once you''ve counted them."


    Lin Wanrong grumbled, "The stars in the sky are numerous, only one less than the strands of hair on my head. If you want to know exactly how many, simply count the hairs on my head."


    "Heart filled with mischief!" Li Xiangjun made a face, giggling and hiding behind her senior sister.


    Miss Xiao''s expression was gentle as she nodded and smiled, "This Sister Xu is indeed warm-hearted. My Dear and I received a lot of help from her on the mountain today. We shall have My Dear thank her in person tomorrow."


    "Not going, not going, absolutely not going!" Lin Wanrong quickly waved his hands, his face filled with anxiety. Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao looked at him strangely. "You know Sister Xu, why won''t you go?"


    Xiao Qingxuan ignored him, smiling and saying, "Qiaoqiao, let''s go inside quickly and leave him to his antics outside."


    Qiaoqiao giggled and nodded, "Eldest Sister, let''s walk slowly and you can tell me and Sister Ning what it feels like to carry a baby. Big Brother was saying yesterday that he wants Sister Ning to have a baby as well-- Ah--"


    Luo Ning''s face turned bright red, and she pinched Qiaoqiao, "You silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about in front of Eldest Sister!"


    Qiaoqiao stuck out her tongue, her face flushed, seemingly recalling something that had happened the night before in the embroidery room. Xiao Qingxuan''s face also turned shy, and she hurriedly pulled Qiaoqiao''s hand to move forward.


    "Big Brother," Luo Ning fell behind, secretly pulling Lin Wanrong''s hand, her face disying a hint of charming blush, and whispered, "What''s wrong with you? Why does your face look bad every time Sister Xu is mentioned? Do you have any prejudice against her?"


    Prejudice? How could he not? She openly challenged Qingxuan, wanting to snatch him away. Luckily, he was able to resist her temptation; otherwise, Luo Ning wouldn''t be smiling now.


    "What prejudice?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Sister Xu and I traveled together to Shandong. We had such a good rtionship that it''s like riding two horses and wearing two pants. How could there be any prejudice?"


    "What''s this about riding two horses and wearing two pants? Is this what a good rtionship looks like?" Luo Ning was torn between crying andughing, ring at him.


    "Or should it be riding one horse and wearing one pant? Is that what a good rtionship is?" Lin Wanrongughed.


    Luo Ning spat softly, her face filled with shy annoyance, and punched him, scolding, "Don''t think I don''t know what you''re thinking. What did you do with Sister Xu in Shandong? You were so intimate with her, touching and caressing. You thought I didn''t know, hmm, hmm--"


    "Lower your voice!" Lin Wanrong quickly covered her mouth, cold sweat forming on his forehead. He anxiously nced forward, seeing Qiaoqiao and Qingxuan chatting andughing ahead, paying no attention to them. His heart settled a bit, and he urgently defended, "It was all a misunderstanding, not intentional at all. I had exined it to Sister Xu."


    Ning''er giggled, "So Big Brother is afraid Eldest Sister will know. Finally, someone can control you." She nced around, suddenly leaning into Lin Wanrong''s ear, her breath tickling as she whispered, "Big Brother, Sister Xu''s figure is really good. Ning''er has felt it with her own hands, and you know it too, right?"


    "Ning''er, don''t be so vulgar. Be upright like me," Lin Wanrong reprimanded with a solemn face, though his heart was pounding. Sister Xu''s figure was indeed unparalleled ¨C oh, he couldn''t think like that, he couldn''t betray Qingxuan.


    "Disgusting, you''re the vulgar one." Luo Ning''s eyes were seductive, and she panted softly, "Big Brother, don''t touch me."


    Lin Wanrong reluctantly withdrew hisrge hand,ughing, "Please don''t misunderstand, I was just checking your vignce, Ning''er. I didn''t expect your sensitive area to be so extensive; one touch, and I''ve already tested it."


    Luo Ning gave him an amused look, then reached into her bosom to retrieve a letter and handed it to him, "Here, this is for you!"


    "What''s this? Ning''er, if you want to write a love letter to me, you don''t have to be so formal about it. Just call out to me from the bed; I''ll hear you," Lin Wanrong said.


    "Vulgar!" Ning''er giggled, "You can read it at your leisure. Sister Xu said it will keep you awake tonight--"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 419

    Chapter 419 I Want to Sleep with Your Senior Sister


    ¡®You say I won''t be able to sleep? Is that an exaggeration? Even if you were standing naked in front of me, I would still be able to sleep.¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed twice, opened the envelope, and was greeted by a faint, ethereal fragrance, with several snow-white lettersing into view. He unfolded the letters, revealing several small paintings.


    The first depicted a ruined temple, with a blushing Eldest Miss holding a crossbow, timidly and nervously peeking from behind a broken wall, while a figure resembling a man hid behind the door, looking inside with shifty, rat-like eyes. The second was a scene of a charming boudoir, with translucent screens and dim, cozy lighting. A Young Lady was half-naked, her lingerie faintly visible, and her eyes full of horror. Another male-like figure had his hands on her chest, gently kneading and fondling, appearing to enjoy himself immensely. The third painting showed the vast surface of ake, a man joyfully jumping about, harshly kissing the smiling face of a nearby Young Lady. The face of the woman in these paintings was somewhat indistinct, and unless one looked carefully, it would be hard to recognize her. On the other hand, the man''s face, with his shifty eyes and lecherous smile, was drawn so vividly that even a blind man could tell who it was.


    Luo Ning stood beside Lin Wanrong, stealing nces at the paintings. Lin Wanrong quickly covered them,ughing, "Who drew theseics? They''re not suitable for children."


    Luo Ning red at him and covered her mouth, giggling, "Big Brother, who are the people in these paintings? How could they be so shameless, taking advantage of this woman?"


    "Taking advantage?" Lin Wanrong answered seriously, "The young master in the painting looks as handsome as I do, so it seems more like the youngdy wants to take advantage of him. Ning''er, don''t you think?"


    Miss Luo held back augh, "Ning''er is an outsider, so I don''t know who wants to take advantage of whom. But there''s an old saying, ''It takes two to tango.'' Maybe they were both taking advantage of each other. Big Brother, don''t you think?"


    "Profound insight!" Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs up, admiringly. He nced around and saw that Qingxuan and Qiaoqiao had already turned the corner. He chuckled, "But really, just by these few slightly indecentics, will I be unable to sleep tonight? Ning''er, your sister Xu must underestimate me."


    Ning''er shook her head gently, "I don''t know why Sister Xu said so. Today, when Sister Xu came, she gave Qiaoqiao and me each a letter. Mine is to be passed on to you, and I don''t know about Qiaoqiao''s, it seems to be for Sister Qingxuan. The two letters are of the same thickness, so I don''t know if they contain the same thing?""What?" Lin Wanrong''s mind exploded, and he rushed forward as if smoke was billowing from his behind. As he turned the corner, he saw Miss Xiao holding several letters, looking closely at them. Her face grew redder as she read, tears welling in her eyes, about to fall.


    Cold sweat suddenly dripped down Lin Wanrong''s forehead. Damn, Xu Zhiqing''s move was ruthless,pletely disregarding everything. This was it; even jumping into the Yellow River would not wash away his guilt now.


    "Sister, what''s wrong? What did Sister Xu say in the letter?" Qiaoqiao, unaware of the situation, hurriedly whispered.


    Miss Xiao put away the letter and sighed softly, shaking her head, "It''s nothing, just some trivial matters. Qiaoqiao, where were we in our conversation?"


    "Oh, we were talking about taking Eldest Sister upstairs to see the boudoir that Ning''er and I have prepared for you." Qiaoqiao grabbed Xiao Qingxuan''s hand, happily saying, "Eldest Sister, let''s go quickly."


    "I''m going too, I''m going too!" Lin Wanrong hurriedly joined, smiling obsequiously, "Qingxuan, don''t believe Miss Xu''s words. She has been acting a bit strangelytely due to some family matters. Don''t take it to heart. I''ll apany you upstairs; I''m familiar with it."


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and sighed, "I don''t think that everything Miss Xu says is necessarily false. Concerning a woman''s reputation, and given that Miss Xu is a famously extraordinary woman, how could she joke with her own reputation?"


    It was all about reputation and honor, Lin Wanrong was annoyed inside, thinking that Qingxuan''s view of the letter must be the same as his. If Qingxuan weren''t present, he would have certainly rushed to Xu''s residence next door to find out the truth.


    Li Xiangjun giggled and nced at Lin Wanrong, "Big Brother Lin, how long have you been involved with this Miss Xu, and you still want to hide it from my Senior Sister? There''s not a single good man in this world." As she spoke, her voice became angry, evidently aggrieved for her Junior Sister.


    ¡®Seeing that you haven''t fully matured yet, I''ll endure!¡¯ Lin Wanrong gave a dryugh, pretending not to hear her words. He couldn''t go to question Xu Zhiqing now, or he would fall into her trap. Miss Xiao went upstairs with Li Xiangjun and Qiaoqiao, and the sound of the three women''sughter filled the floor above, leaving Lin Wanrong standing dumbfounded downstairs, not knowing what to do.


    "Big Brother, Big Brother," Luo Ning''s lightugh broke his contemtion, "Eldest Sister and Qiaoqiao have gone upstairs; let''s go see them."


    Lin Wanrong grabbed her hand, helplessly saying, "Ning''er, tell me, what exactly does Miss Xu want to do? I haven''t provoked her recently, have I?"


    Luo Ning chuckled, giving him a sideways nce, "After you''ve treated Sister Xu like that, how did it be that you''re the wronged one? I know Sister Xu''s character well; she''s determined and unyielding. If there''s something she wants to do, she will definitely persist until the end, not stopping until she achieves her goal!"


    "That''s, not so good, right? If she takes over me, what will you all do?" Lin Wanrong was restless inside. Although he knew that this thing couldn''t be done, and doing it would be unfair to Qingxuan, men are naturally cheap. They say one thing and think another.


    "What takeover?!" Luo Ningughed and gave him a punch, "Sister Xu is not that kind of person. When I was studying in the capital as a child, she always took care of me. She''s beautiful and knowledgeable, with high standards. Back then, I wondered what kind of person would be worthy of Sister Xu?!"


    She sighed faintly, her eyes filled with sorrow, helplessly saying, "Who would have thought that, in the end, the person she likes is my husband. Big Brother, if you were me, what would you do?"


    "Like me? How is that possible? She never confessed to me. You should know, I''m always the passive type; taking the initiative is not my strength." Lin Wanrong''s eyes narrowed, and he grinned wickedly, his face as vile as could be.


    Luo Ning red at him and scolded, ¡°Don¡¯t pretend to be innocent after taking advantage. Nobody knows the matter between Miss Xu and you better than me. When in Jinling, that match at the ''Food for Immortals'' Pavilion was against Miss Xu herself. You evenposed a couplet that outshone Miss Xu by some degree. I sent your couplet to the capital in a letter. Mr. Xu spoke so highly of you; though Miss Xu may not have said it, she probably has you in her heart.¡±


    ¡°No way, I don¡¯t feel anything at all,¡± Lin Wanrong said with a beaming smile.


    ¡°I think you¡¯ve lost your sense due to embracing too many women who throw themselves at you,¡± Luo Ning said sourly. ¡°Haven¡¯t you thought, Miss Xu, being a single woman, traveled with you all the way to Shandong? If it were anyone else, would she have trusted you? You took liberties with her in my room, and held and kissed her at Weishan Lake. If she didn¡¯t have feelings for you, how would she have let you go?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all a misunderstanding,¡± Lin Wanrong hurriedly said. ¡°Besides that, I really haven¡¯t done anything else.¡±


    Luo Ning, both amused and annoyed, red at him again. ¡°You''ve done everything you could, what more do you want? Although Miss Xu is nominally a widow, she''s pure and untouched, never even holding hands with anyone. Apart from not sleeping with her, not sleeping with her¡­¡± Luo Ning''s face turned red, and she gave him a look. ¡°You''ve done everything else, what more do you want?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t say that, Ning''er,¡± Lin Wanrong said with a lewdugh. ¡°While Miss Xu may be pure, so am I. I held her, and she held me; I kissed her, and she kissed me too, just like our joyous timest night ¨C heh heh, you enjoyed it, and I was happy. It¡¯s a mutual act; you can¡¯t me everything on me.¡±


    Luo Ning blushed, pinching his arm hard, and scolded, ¡°What nonsense are you talking about, ¡®you enjoyed, I was happy¡¯? You and your twisted logic.¡±


    She huffed a few times, a trace of mncholy appearing on her face, and she whispered, ¡°We don¡¯t need to talk about Miss Xiao, you were destined with her, and she''s like a fairy; I should respect her. Miss Xu is my respected teacher and friend; I care for her, and if she can be with us forever, I would be happy. Qiaoqiao is my dear friend, gentle and pleasing, she¡¯s basically my sister; I''m willing to serve you with her. But if someone else tries to take you, I won¡¯t be so amodating. Let her try to snatch my husband ¨C¡± Luo Ning raised her eyebrows and pouted, ¡°I, Luo Ning, am not a pushover!¡±


    Lin Wanrong was sweating profusely; it seemed Ning''er was hinting at something. Her words seemed to be directed at Eldest Miss. Since Jinling, the two had not gotten along, and even in the capital, they couldn¡¯t live together. No wonder she didn¡¯t want to stay in the Xiao Mansion. At present, neither the matter with Qingxuan nor Xu Zhiqing had been settled, and here Ning''er was shing with Eldest Miss. Being a man was so difficult.


    When he followed Luo Ning upstairs, he saw Qingxuan holding Qiaoqiao, the two engaged in intimate conversation. This bamboo building was already decorated in a simple and elegant manner, but with Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning''s touch, it became even more charming and warm. The rosy curtains, jade canopy, silk quilts, and ivory bed, and on the table, a pair of bright red candles flickered in the gentle breeze. The duvet embroidered with mandarin ducks ying in the water added to the scenery everywhere.


    "Big Brother," seeing Lin Wanronge up, Qiaoqiao joyfully grabbed his hand, her sweet voiceughing, "From now on, this will be Eldest Sister''s boudoir. Our Lin family''s first little treasure will be born here. Sister, do you like it?"


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face flushed, she nced around and softly said, "It''s warm and elegant; I like it very much. Qiaoqiao, Ning''er, thank you for your efforts."


    Luo Ning hurriedly took her hand, "Sister, what are you talking about? We are family; there''s no need for formalities! Now that you are with child, this is the Lin family''s firstborn; we must not be negligent. If you need anything, just tell Qiaoqiao and me. You mustn''t exert yourself."


    "Yes, yes," Lin Wanrong quickly nodded, "Qingxuan, just order me around if you need anything. Apart from things I can''t do, I''ll do everything else."


    Miss Xiao nced at him andughed, "It''s not as serious as you make it sound. I''ve practiced martial arts since I was young; small matters are nothing to me. You mustn''t spoil me."


    The group gathered together, chatting about family matters, all revolving around the Lin family''s future heir in Xiao Qingxuan''s belly. The atmosphere was lively and warm, truly feeling like one family. Qingxuan was noble, Qiaoqiao pure, Ning''er foxy. Looking at the three beautiful faces before him, Lin Wanrongzily sighed. With these wives, what more could he ask for in this lifetime?


    After talking for a while, Luo Ning stood up and said with concern, "Sister, there''s been a lot today, and you must be tired. You should rest early. Big Brother, you''ve been apart from Sister for many days; spend some time talking with her."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face turned red, and she shyly looked at Lin Wanrong before lowering her head and softly agreeing. Lin Wanrong went downstairs, and Ning''er suddenly hugged his arm, humming, "Big Brother, now that you have Qingxuan, you mustn''t neglect Ning''er."


    "How could I?" Lin Wanrong embraced both of them, kissed Qiaoqiao''s face, then kissed Ning''er''s cheek, yfully patting their soft behinds,ughing, "Don''t you know my abilities? A new wife in the room, old ones waiting in bed; my little darlings, so obedient and sensible, I will surely treat you well, making you the happiest women in the world."


    Qiaoqiao nodded, her face blushing, her voice as soft as a mosquito, "Big Brother, I, I also want¡ª"


    "You also want? How about this, you wash up, and after Qingxuan falls asleep, I''lle to you, let you have enough¡ª" Lin Wanrongughed lewdly.


    Qiaoqiao''s face turned red, and she scolded, "Big Brother, you''re so bad, that''s not what I meant¡ª"


    "Oh, you want to try new things." Lin Wanrong nodded, "No problem, my thirty-six scattered hands technique is perfected, guaranteed to vary in style, making you feel like dying or bing immortal."


    "Annoying, that''s not what I want!" Hearing his obscene words, Qiaoqiao was too embarrassed to speak, hitting his chest twice before burying her face in his chest. Luo Ning giggled, "My good Big Brother, this little girl wants to be a mother. Just do a good deed and grant her a few drops of rain and dew."


    "Sister¡ª" Qiaoqiao was shy and embarrassed, whimpering, and burying her head in her big brother''s arms. Lin Wanrongughed and said, "So that''s how it is, Rain and Dew, huh? Your husband has plenty of it, even ten spring rains wouldn¡¯t be too much. Let''s pick a good day soon, and we''ll grandly create the Lin family''s offspring."


    Qiaoqiao dared not raise her head, hearing Luo Ning''s clearughter, Lin Wanrong pinched her buttocks and asked, "Ning''er, don''t you want to be a mother? Why don''t you ask your husband?"


    Luo Ning''s body was heating up, leaning weakly against him, her little hand caressing him, and whispering in his ear like an orchid, "My lord, you bestowed Rain and Dewst night, it''s in Ning''er''s body!"


    "I did bestow it," Lin Wanrong was puzzled, "but I seem to remember bestowing it in the wrong ce!"


    "Ah," Luo Ning''s cheeks were fiery red, her red lips parted, extremely enticing. Her little hand covered Lin Wanrong''s lips, and she said shyly, "Don''t say it, you bad man."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Good Ning''er, don''t be afraid, have you forgotten the scattered hand technique your husband has practiced? That''s a profound skill, and there are many more novelties. Our slogan is, let go a little, then let go a little more, and create a new era of entertainment."


    Qiaoqiaoughed in Lin Wanrong''s arms, "Big brother''s slogan is tailor-made for sister Ning''er. In a few days, even sister Qingxuan will know how considerate Ning''er is to her husband."


    "You naughty girl!" Luo Ning''s face was red, and she lightly pped her, and Qiaoqiao giggled and threw herself into her big brother''s arms. Luo Ning''s ears were burning, and she leaned to his other side, her slender fingers drawing circles on his chest, and softly said, "Big brother, Eldest Sister has be a mother and Qiaoqiao will be one too. If Ning''er is the same as them, there will be no one to apany you, hmm¡ª"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, pinched her buttocks, and happily went upstairs. Entering the room, he saw Xiao Qingxuan and Li Xiangjun, two people tidying up their clothes. Seeing him return, Miss Xiao''s face turned red, and she quickly lowered her head.


    "Ah, little junior sister, you''ve been busy all day, it''s gettingte, you should go rest too." Lin Wanrong chuckled, "concernedly" said.


    "This is what I should say to you, right?" Li Xiangjun smiled cunningly, "I''ve lived with my senior sister since I was a child, if anyone should leave, it''s you."


    ¡®Little girl, I want to sleep with your senior sister, don''t ruin my good time.¡¯ Seeing the little girl''s nonchnt look, Lord Lin was anxious and wished to shout at her.


    "This, little sister, things were different before. You were not grown up, but now you are, and your senior sister has married a husband. You can''t live together anymore, otherwise¡ª"


    "Otherwise what?" Li Xiangjun giggled.


    "Otherwise, otherwise," Lord Lin, usually eloquent, was at a loss for words facing this thirteen or fourteen-year-old girl, and could only say angrily, "Otherwise, you''ll get a corn."


    Xiao Qingxuan couldn''t help butugh, took his hand, and said, "You''re about to be a father, why are you still so shameless?" Her face was blushing, she nced at the little girl, and softly said, "Junior sister, it''s gettingte, you should go rest too."


    Li Xiangjun''s eyes reddened, and tears were about to fall. "Sister, you, you don''t want me anymore?!"


    Seeing her pitiful appearance, Lin Wanrong''s whole body shuddered. Could it be that this little girl had that condition? It would be difficult to treat; he must hurry. But then again, his wife was as beautiful as a celestial being; it was no wonder that both men and women loved her.


    Miss Xiao hurriedly shook her head. "Little sister, don''t misunderstand. I''m just worried that you are tired and want you to rest early."


    "Sister, I want to live with you in the same room. Since childhood, I have always slept with you. You cannot abandon me." Li Xiangjun''s eyes widened, her tear beads spinning in their sockets, about to fall at any moment.


    "This..." Xiao Qingxuan''s face turned red, not knowing how to exin. Should she tell her little sister that since she had married her husband, she must share the bed with him and could no longer apany her? How could she say that? She quickly grabbed Lin Wanrong''s hand, looking at him with a plea for help.


    This was the first time Lin Wanrong had encountered such a situation, and he had no experience in handling it. Seeing Qingxuan''spassionate expression, he let out a dry chuckle. "Little sister, you are still young and might not fully understand some things. When you grow up, you''ll know better. In this world, there are many things that cannot be done. For example, ants cannot marry elephants, turtles shouldn''t race with rabbits, a brother-inw cannot sleep with his sister-inw¡ª"


    Xiao Qingxuan couldn''t help but smile at these illogical exnations, which sounded like something one would say to cate a child. Li Xiangjun nced at him disdainfully and said, "Stupid man, do you think I don''t know what you are thinking? If you have the guts, just say it."


    Miss Xiao lowered her head in embarrassment, not daring to speak. Seeing her sister''s expression, Li Xiangjun became even more annoyed, and snorted, "You dare not say? A man without guts!"


    These days, even children were so bold. Damn it, this was too much; he was Lin San, and he feared no one. Lin Wanrong, extremely annoyed, burst intoughter, "I want to sleep with your senior sister¡ªthat''s not something I''m afraid to say; I''m just afraid you wouldn''t ept it!"


    "What, what did you say?" Li Xiangjun''s eyes brimmed with tears, and she clenched her fists.


    "I want to sleep with your senior sister, my wife!" Lin Wanrong dered righteously. "It''s as natural as the order of the universe, and even thunder would not dare strike me! Do you have any questions?!"


    "You rascal." Miss Xiao hurriedly grabbed him, her face flushing hot. Strangely, hearing him say this, she didn''t feel any repulsion. Instead, a warm and tender feeling spread through her heart.


    Li Xiangjun was dumbfounded and began to cry loudly, her tears flowing like a floodgate had been opened. Xiao Qingxuan was rmed and quickly embraced the little girl. "Sister, what''s wrong?"


    "Sister, you don''t want me anymore?" Li Xiangjun''s tears fell like rain, and she hid in Xiao Qingxuan''s arms, sobbing uncontrobly.


    Xiao Qingxuan didn''t know what to do, so she could only embrace her and softlyfort her. Lin Wanrong blinked in disbelief, cursing inwardly, ''Grandmother''s, I''ve only just found my wife, and before I even had a chance to hug her, this little girl has stolen her away. Is there no justice in this world?''


    The little girl continued crying, her sobs gradually slowing down until she fell asleep in Xiao Qingxuan''s arms.


    "My Dear,e here!" Xiao Qingxuan gentlyid Li Xiangjun on the bed and suddenly beckoned Lin Wanrong, motioning him toe over.


    Lin Wanrong quickly walked over. Xiao Qingxuan''s face was full of apology as she slowly leaned into his embrace, softly saying, "My Dear, I''m sorry you had to go through this."


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "It can''t be helped. She''s your junior sister, our benefactor. Well, I''ll consider her my adopted daughter, although she''s a bit old for that."


    Xiao Qingxuan chuckled, lightly tapping his forehead. "You, you never make any sense when you speak." Her eyes were filled with sweetness, her voice gentle, "But that''s exactly what I love about you. Oh, what are you going to do?"


    Lin Wanrong lifted her body and cradled her in his arms, chuckling, "That little girl has taken our bed; shouldn''t we take hers in return? It''s just a simple exchange; I''m not afraid of her."


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 420

    Chapter 420 Princess Chuyun


    Xiao Qingxuannguidly rested in his embrace, letting him hold her tightly. Her cheeks were flushed, her body weak and weary. Although they were married and their union had been consummated on Mount Dangtu, due to the whims of fate, they had only been physically intimate once and had no other encounters since then.


    Miss Xiao''s face turned a shy pink, and she softly said, "You''re such a scoundrel." She struggled to free herself from Lin Wanrong''s arms, carefully covering Li Xiangjun with a quilt before straightening up. With a charming smile, she grabbed Lin Wanrong''s hand.


    Considering Li Xiangjun''s dependence on Xiao Qingxuan, the young girl''s embroidered room was not far from Miss Xiao''s chamber. As they entered, they found the room simple yet cozy. A precious ss mirror stood on a dressing table opposite the window, and the room was adorned with pink curtains and wind chimes that tinkled in the breeze.


    Xiao Qingxuan looked around and smiled, "Is this Miss Luo''s idea? She is truly thoughtful; my junior sister will surely love this ce."


    "It must be Ning''er''s idea, judging from the mirror," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I guess it''s her; this girl has many clever tricks and knows how to please."


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly, "Both Qiaoqiao and Ning''er are gentle and charming; I can''t help but adore them. It''s lucky they are with you, or who knows what kind of mess you would be."


    "It''s not as bad as you make it sound," Lin Wanrongughed. "I was doing just fine when I was alone in Jinling!"


    "Doing just fine?" Miss Xiao giggled, looking at him tenderly. "When I first met you in Jinling, you were not as splendid as you are now."Lin Wanrong''s face turned red, and heughed awkwardly. He hadn''t achieved sess back then, so a little misery was understandable. But everything had changed since he met Qingxuan; could his beloved wife be his destined benefactor?


    Miss Xiao gracefully touched the wind chimes above her head, producing a pleasing sound. Her face flushed, she gracefully sat down before the dressing mirror and looked at her reflection: eyebrows like crescent moons, lips like painted vermilion, her face like powdered jade, a picture of loveliness.


    "My dear husband," Xiao Qingxuan said softly, her eyes brimming with gentle affection, "Please help me pin up my hair." In those times, a woman would pin up her hair after marriage, signifying her status as a wife. Lin Wanrong knew this, and he hurried over. As Miss Xiao''s hairpin was lightly removed, her silky hair floated around her, like a fairy in the clouds.


    Xiao Qingxuan was naturally beautiful, her hair smooth and shiny. However, pinning up her hair was a delicate task, and Lin Wanrong waspletely clueless. After fumbling around for a while, he managed to pin her hair, but he couldn''t quite capture Xiao Qingxuan''s ethereal charm. Miss Xiao smiled softly, "Haven''t you ever pinned up Qiaoqiao''s and Ning''er''s hair? You seem like it''s your first time."


    "Isn''t it my first time?" Lin Wanrong chuckled twice, and Xiao Qingxuanughed, "How can you be so neglectful of your wives? Don''t they scold you?"


    "They have no choice; my most beloved wife wasn''t back yet," Lin Wanrong said yfully.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face turned redder, her eyes showing a hint of joy. She yfully scolded, "You smooth talker, always saying sweet words. I don''t believe you at all."


    The candlelight danced, lightly throwing out a few sparks, and Lin Wanrong shyly said, "Madam, it''s gettingte. Let''s rest early."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s heart thumped wildly, and she softly hummed in agreement, her face as red as fire: "You, you go close the door." Her voice was so faint that even she could hardly hear it.


    Lin Wanrong sprang up and closed the door. Xiao Qingxuan, infinitely shy, whimpered and covered her cheeks, peeking at him through her fingers. The two had been through bitter hardships to reunite, so joy and excitement were natural. Even someone with thick skin like Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but feel his emotions surge.


    Lin Wanrong embraced Xiao Qingxuan''s soft waist and gently said, "Qingxuan, we must undress to sleep, don''t you know?"


    Miss Xiao, her face flushed, giggled and pinched his arm,ining, "You thick-skinned man, why do you have to say it so inly? Do you think I''m a child like Xiangjun?"


    Her eyes tender, she stood up, took his hand, and shyly said, "My Dear, I will undress you."


    "Let''s help each other, help each other." Lin Wanrong grinned broadly, his hands reaching behind her, pulling at her clothes. Where his hands touched, the skin was slick and delicate, soft as boneless, like the smoothest silk. Lin Wanrong exhaled deeply. What woman in the world couldpare to my Qingxuan?


    Xiao Qingxuan, suppressing her embarrassment, began to unbutton his clothes and saw that his bosom was filled with things clinking together: erotic pictures, silver notes, a gun, and some knockout drugs. These were all essentials for a wanderer in Jianghu.


    "Why are you still carrying these things?" Among them were the knockout drugs and the gun she had given him in Jinling. Seeing that he had carefully preserved them, Miss Xiao was surprised and touched.


    "These are tokens of our love; I can''t lose them," Lin Wanrong said seriously with a smile. "I''ve relied on them to save my life countless times." He briefly recounted his experiences after parting, including using the gun and drugs to fight off enemies and nearly losing his life to her own master. Xiao Qingxuan could not help but weep, holding his hand and saying, "You''re so stubborn. I asked you to learn some martial arts, and you found every excuse to refuse. The world is dangerous, what would I do if something happened to you?"


    Lin Wanrong quickly reassured her with a smile, "Look, I''m fine, aren''t I? We each have our own destinies, and forcing them doesn''t work. I''m quite content with my life now, having a wife and making money."


    "You''re always talking nonsense," Miss Xiao used him, shaking her head helplessly. She slowly nestled in his arms, softly saying, "People in this world are malicious, and now that you have a family to take care of, you must not be careless."


    With her robe removed, wearing only tight undergarments, her long jade legs were smooth and shiny, her ample chest stood tall, and her rounded hips were full. Her figure was curvaceous, and as she nestled in his arms, their skin touched, causing Lin Wanrong''s heart to flutter as he held her tightly.


    Xiao Qingxuan was nervous, and noticing his strong embrace, she hurriedly said, "My Dear, be careful of our child."


    Lin Wanrong was also taken aback, quickly loosening his grip on her, hisrge hand gently stroking her abdomen, anxiously saying, "Qingxuan, is the baby alright?"


    Miss Xiao''s face was flushed, her heart filled with happiness. She softly said, "The child is fine; you must not frighten him."


    Lin Wanrongy on her small abdomen, listening intently to the movements inside. After a while, he suddenly looked up, joyfully saying, "Qingxuan, I heard our son kick."


    Xiao Qingxuan slowly stroked his hair. Seeing his jubnt expression, she somehow started crying, tears cascading down. She embraced him tightly and whispered, sobbing, "My Dear, thank you, thank you for our child. Qingxuan is so happy."


    This sentence condensed too many emotions. Lin Wanrong''s heart ached as he heard it, and he quickly hugged her, forcing a smile, "What are you talking about? We are husband and wife!"


    The joys and sorrows Xiao Qingxuan experienced in one day were beyond what others could feel in ten lifetimes. Even if she were a fairy in heaven, she couldn''t bear such torment. In the deep silence of the night, facing the husband she had longed for, her worries and misery erupted at once. She hid in his embrace, and her tears flowed like a river.


    Lin Wanrong stammered a few times, not knowing what to say. After parting for many days and passing Qingxuan several times, had he not been determined, he might never have seen Qingxuan again. The husband and wife had endured hardships to reunite; these tears of joy could flow freely.


    Xiao Qingxuan was pregnant, and even her supreme martial arts skills couldn''t contain her emotional exhaustion. Lying in his arms, she found a tranquil harbor, weeping for a while before she fell deeply asleep in his embrace.


    Her cheeks were smooth as jade, tear stains still wet, gleaming under the dim light, like pearls broken from their string, invoking love and pity. Lin Wanrong''s heart warmed. He ced hisrge hand on her small abdomen, feeling the pulse of his own bloodline, a sense of peace he had never felt before. He gently kissed the cheek of Qingxuan, who was sleeping like a fairy in his arms, and spent the most innocent night of his adulthood, embracing Qingxuan''s delicate body.


    The next morning, while still in a drowsy state, he suddenly heard a thumping of footsteps, and Qiaoqiao''s voice came from outside the door, "Big brother, sister, are you up yet?"


    Xiao Qingxuan was usually an early riser, but after going through so much and reuniting with her husband, she had overslept in her joy. Hearing Qiaoqiao''s call, she quickly looked to her side, only to see Lin Wanrong turn over in his sleep, his hand unconsciously fondling her chest, then falling back into deep slumber.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s whole body tingled, ovee with shyness. Seeing him sleep so sweetly, she didn''t want to wake him. As she was about to get out of bed, she felt a strong arm around her waist, and her husband Lin''s voice sounded in her ear, "Good wife, it''s not time to get up yet. Let''s sleep a little longer."


    She felt his palm gently caressing her waist and hips, a soft feeling that made both their hearts tremble. Miss Xiao''s voice trembled, "My Dear, stop fooling around; Qiaoqiao is waiting outside."


    Miss Xiao was five months pregnant, and it was indeed a time when her emotions ran high. She hadn''t noticed itst night, being too tired, but now, a few gentle squeezes ignited a fire of passion. She felt her clothes being opened by him in an instant, his tworge hands exploring her body freely within her clothes.


    "My Dear¡ª" Miss Xiao practiced the method of calming the spirit and steadying the breath, usuallyposed and serene. Yet the moment she encountered him, all the techniques became futile. Wave after wave of heat surged through her, and Miss Xiao let out a gentle pant, her body ame. She hastily clung tightly to his body, shyly raising her head, and met his passionate and resolute eyes, like the brilliant rays of the sun, dispelling all the shadows in her heart.


    "Qingxuan!" Lin Wanrong called softly, slowly caressing her delicate skin, ying with a pair of ample jade-like breasts. Xiao Qingxuan''s mind was stirred, her body trembling, and suddenly, she let out a soft cry, feeling a hot force invade her body; he had entered her.


    "You naughty man!" Early in the morning, while Qiaoqiao was still outside, Miss Xiao''s body was weak and soft, her cheeks pressed against his chest, listening to their heartbeats that came one after another, a tidal wave of joy surging through her heart...


    "Big Brother, why are you alone? Where''s Sister?" Qiaoqiao was impatiently waiting outside the room, only to see Lin Wanrong with a smiling face, pulling back the curtain toe out.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "Qingxuan is nourishing herself for pregnancy. I just exercised with her to aid in a smooth delivery. Ah, childbirth is not easy."


    Qiaoqiao, unsuspecting, nodded and said, "Naturally, carrying for ten months and giving birth in one day, Sister must be suffering. Big Brother, you must take good care of her."


    This little girl was bing more and more adorable. Lin Wanrong pecked her cheek and joked, "Little darling, did you knock so early just to ask about childbirth?"


    "Ah," Qiaoqiao eximed, "Disaster, Big Brother, I forgot the important matter. Quickly,e with me!"


    Qiaoqiao grabbed him, hurrying outside, and Lin Wanrongughed, "What matter could be more important than our childbirth?"


    "Big Brother, hurry! The Emperor has sent someone with the imperial edict. It''s already been quite some time." Qiaoqiao cried out urgently.


    ¡®An imperial edict? No way! Making love with my wife and then receiving an imperial edict¡ªmy goodness, how awesome I am! But my Emperor father-inw is really something, issuing edicts so early in the morning. Doesn''t he let people sleep?¡¯


    Lin Wanrong yawned, walking forward at a leisurely pace, then suddenly stopped, remembering something. ¡®I just attacked that hall yesterday, and the Emperor sends an edict this morning. It''s not something wrong, is it? You''re my father-inw, the destruction of the hall was your idea, so don''t me me for it.¡¯


    When he arrived at the main hall, he saw Gao Ping with a smile, chatting with Luo Ning. The teacups had been changed several times. Seeing the smile on the eunuch''s face, Lin Wanrong rxed. Have you ever seen a house-confiscating eunuch this easy-going?


    Heughed, stepping in, and saluted, "So it''s Eunuch Gao who has arrived. I apologize for not receiving you sooner; I hope you will forgive me."


    Gao Ping hurriedly stood up, bowing respectfully, "Not at all, not at all. Disturbing the Master''s rest is entirely this old servant''s fault."


    Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao exchanged puzzled nces. What was their big brother up to, that he could make this edict-announcing eunuch bow so humbly? Waiting impatiently for half an hour was one thing, but it seemed as if announcing the edict was a grave sin.


    Lin Wanrong was also puzzled. When did the pce stewards change their minds and establish a sense of service to the people?


    Luo Ning had already arranged the incense burner and offerings table. Gao Ping nced around the room and then asked cautiously, "My Lord, have all your family members arrived?"


    "Oh, there is one more wife. She felt a little unwell during her activities this morning and is still resting inside the house," Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    Gao Ping responded with a sound of acknowledgment, unfolded the imperial edict, and said with a grin, "The Emperor has said that for this imperial edict, neither Lord Lin nor his family need to kneel. My Lord, the Emperor really can''t praise you enough."


    ¡®Nonsense. Kneeling all day, every day, was that not troublesome?¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed heartily twice without saying anything.


    "By Heaven''s decree, the Emperor proims: Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and Commander-in-Chief of the Loyal and Brave Army, Lin San, is loyal, brave, upright, considerate of the people''s livelihood, diligent in government and loving towards the people. A paragon of virtue, he stands as a model for all. He is specially rewarded with one hundred strings of pearls, a thousand taels of gold, ten thousand bolts of silk, asmendation¡ª"


    ¡®So, it''s an award of silver.¡¯ Lin Wanrong was delighted inside, thinking, ¡®The old man really understands me. I just shut down the hall yesterday, and today the imperial edict has arrived.¡¯


    "Furthermore, hearing that Lin San is devoted to state affairs and works day and night, We are much relieved. Specially granted is a pair of golden longevity locks¡ª"


    ¡®What?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was greatly surprised. ¡®I''m not a newborn child, what do I need these longevity locks for?¡¯


    "¡ªalso, five jin of high-quality blood swallow, ten thousand-year-old ginsengs, ten imperial physicians from the pce, twenty wet nurses of suitable age, eighty midwives from the capital, and a hundred servant women! Everyone must remember to take good care of Lord Lin!"


    ¡®Grandmother''s! What is the Emperor up to?¡¯ Lin Wanrong blinked, ¡®with wet nurses and midwives ¨C is this to take care of me? More like taking care of someone in confinement.¡¯


    "Eunuch Gao, is this edict for me?" Lin Wanrong took the imperial edict from Gao Ping''s hands, puzzled.


    "Lord Lin is joking. If it were not for you, what would this humble servant be doing in your home?" Gao Ping fawned.


    ¡®Indeed, but this edict doesn''t sound like it''s for me,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, troubled. Just then, a softugh came from outside the hall: "My Dear, why haven''t you thanked the Emperor yet?"


    Xiao Qingxuan, dressed in white, her figure graceful and her hair neatly coiled, slowly walked in from outside the hall. Her face was stunningly beautiful, her breasts full, her hips shapely, and her demeanor elegant and dignified. The men and women in the hall were all dumbstruck. If yesterday she could still be called Miss Xiao, then today she should be addressed as Madam Lin, a qualitative change, as if overnight she had transformed from a tranquil lily into a blooming peony!


    Qingxuan was so beautiful that Lin Wanrong''s eyes almost popped out. He stared at her without blinking, his gaze seeming to pierce through her clothes, as if he had returned to the joyful moments they had just shared.


    "Fool!" Recalling their lovemaking earlier that day in broad daylight, and that it happened in front of Qiaoqiao, all in contrast to her lifelong practice of purifying her heart, Xiao Qingxuan''s face turned red. Her heart was tingling, her body softened, and with a mix of shame and joy, she nced at him. Her eyes, turning softly, were as tender as if they could wring water from them.


    Gao Ping''s lips moved a few times, and suddenly he bowed to the ground, saying respectfully, "Old servant Gao Ping pays his respects to Princess Chuyun!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 421

    Chapter 421 The Standing Copper Coin


    The name ¡°Princess Chuyun¡± sounded familiar. Upon careful reflection, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered that Xu Wei had once mentioned it when introducing the Great Hua royal family. The current Emperor had three princesses. The eldest princess was of age and had been married off to the South in Yunnan, and hadn''t returned home for years. The second princess held the title of ¡°Chuyun,¡± and little was known about her since childhood. The youngest princess was Nishang, whoter turned out to be Qin Xian''er. Could Xiao Qingxuan really be the legendary Princess Chuyun? If so, wouldn¡¯t she and Xian''er be real sisters?


    Xiao Qingxuan¡¯s long sleeves brushed lightly as she spoke calmly, ¡°Which pce''s servant are you? How do you recognize me?¡±


    Miss Xiao''s words were tantamount to admitting her identity. Gao Ping was so excited that he hurriedly kowtowed, ¡°You truly are Princess Chuyun, Princess, I''m Gao Ping! Don''t you remember me?¡±


    ¡°Gao Ping?¡± Xiao Qingxuan murmured, her brows slightly furrowed, as if trying to recall when she had heard that name.


    Gao Ping kowtowed on the ground like pounding garlic, his voice trembling with excitement, ¡°I, Gao Ping, have served the Emperor since he was in the Qian Mansion. I was there with Chief Wei when you, little princess, were just a month old, and I even held you in my arms.¡±


    Lin Wanrong felt dizzy listening. ¡®You old eunuch, my wife saw you when she was still in swaddling clothes; how could she recognize you now, especially when she¡¯s grown into a fairy?¡¯


    Hearing that this eunuch was an old servant in the pce, Xiao Qingxuan¡¯s eyes filled with tears as she nodded, ¡°So you''re an old acquaintance of my father and mother. You may rise and speak.¡±


    Gao Ping kowtowed again, respectfully got up, and carefully examined Xiao Qingxuan, eximing, ¡°The Empress was benevolent and virtuous, respected by all. She was especially kind to me. Princess, you resemble her exactly. I knew at once that you must be the Emperor''s Princess Chuyun.¡±¡°My mother has been gone for many years; it¡¯s touching that you still remember her,¡± Xiao Qingxuan said, a tear glinting in her eye, her heart filled with sorrow. Gao Ping was also moved and wiped away a few tears.


    So Qingxuan was the princess borne by the Empress herself. No wonder she had the Empress''s waist token. Thinking back to Qingxuan''s appearance and behavior when they first met in Jinling, Lin Wanrong suddenly understood why she cared so much about the northern nomads and state affairs. This was her family''s business! Lin Wanrong was struck with realization, overjoyed, thinking that he now had two out of the Emperor''s three princesses. How could he not prosper now?


    ¡°Sister, are you really a princess?¡± Qiaoqiao excitedly grabbed Xiao Qingxuan''s arm and asked.


    Luo Ning,ing from a prominent family and knowing the etiquette, quickly curtsied and said softly, ¡°Commoner Luo Ning pays respects to the Princess!¡±


    Xiao Qingxuan took both their hands and smiled, ¡°We''re all sisters here; there''s no need for such formality. Ning''er, don''t be so ceremonious. I''ve been out of the royal family for years, now just an ordinary woman. You mustn''t be so restrained.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes, don''t be so formal,¡± Lin Wanrong chuckled, ¡°We''re all family here; let''s not speak like strangers.¡±


    Gao Ping pulled him aside and whispered, ¡°Mr. Lin, when the Emperor sent me to reward you this morning, I thought it was a bit strange. Seeing Princess Chuyun now, I understand. I suppose you also know the Emperor''s intentions, don''t you?¡±


    Lin Wanrong nodded and thought to himself, ¡®I assumed the old Emperor was worried about his son-inw, but it turns out he was concerned for his daughter. All the gifts of gold and silver, and the attentive care of sending a wet nurse; he truly served her more considerately than anyone else.¡¯


    "Sir, you must take good care of Princess Chuyun," the old servant warned. "If I may be so bold to say, among the three princesses of Great Hua, the Emperor dotes on this one the most. You must be very, very careful not to make a mistake."


    A princess was considered royal, and ording to Great Hua''s customs, even after marriage, the prince consort must still observe the ceremonies of a subject, bowing to the princess morning and evening. Lin Wanrong sneered at this tradition. Kneel to his wife every day? Was that something a man would do? Fortunately, his beloved Chuyun was gentle and unassuming, not at all like those superficial princesses.


    Lin Wanrong nodded andughed, "Eunuch Gao, rest assured, how could I not cherish my own wife? Go back and tell the Emperor that Lin San thanks him for his grace. From now on, Chuyun will eat well, drink well, y well, and be happy in our home. I guarantee she won''t suffer any grievances."


    Gao Ping knew the character of this Lord Lin, and these few words were enough for him. After cing the gold and silver down and giving detailed instructions to the maid and wet nurse, he hurried back to fulfill his duty, not daring to cken in the slightest.


    Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning had never dreamed that their big brother''s heartthrob was the most honorable princess of Great Hua. Seeing that they were now sisters with the princess, their joy was beyond words. The three women''sughter rang through the mansion.


    During their conversation, Xiao Qingxuan nced at Lin Wanrong, noticing his expression of vague amusement, and wondered what he was thinking. She took his hand and asked softly, "My Husband Lin, are you upset that I hid my true identity from you?"


    Considering Chuyun''s demeanor, Lord Lin had long suspected her of being rich or noble but never imagined she was the Emperor''s beloved Princess Chuyun. Lin Wanrong felt a moment of puzzlement but then smiled and sighed, "I don''t me you. Everyone has their reasons for doing things. Since you hid your identity, you must have had your difficulties. Why would I me you?"


    Zhao Chuyun hummed in acknowledgment, a tear falling as she sighed, "My lord understands me. Many things in this world are done out of necessity. Although I was born into the royal family, my fate is pitiable, even worse than that ofmon women." She held Lin Wanrong''s hand tightly, smiling through her tears, "Now that I belong to you, I will hide nothing. My family name is Zhao, and my given name is Qingxuan. I am the second daughter of the current Emperor of Great Hua, bestowed with the title Chuyun."


    Zhao Qingxuan, Xiao Qingxuan; Lin Wanrong suddenly pped his hands and eximed, "Why didn''t I think of this before? Your name ''Xiao'' is taken from the half part of the character ''Zhao.'' Such a simple association, and it baffled me for a long time."


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and smiled, "It''s not just that. My mother''s maiden name was Xiao Feng''er, and taking ''Xiao'' as a surname also serves to remember her. Moreover, these years wandering the world, I have been called Xiao Qingxuan and have grown ustomed to it."


    It turned out that his mother-inw''s surname was Xiao, and Qingxuan was indeed filled with filial piety. Whether she was Xiao Qingxuan or Zhao Qingxuan, she was always his dear wife, without a doubt. Seeing Qingxuan''s pretty face as radiant as a flower, and recalling her charm in bed that morning, Lin Wanrong''s heart was itching with excitement. What did it matter if she was a princess? Wasn''t she still the same, needing a man''s affection? Stealthily pinching her palm, he chuckled to himself.


    Miss Xiao seemed to understand his thoughts, and seeing his lecherous smile, she knew what was on his mind. Thinking of the ridiculous things that had happened that morning, her face turned red, and she pinched his mischievous hand hard, lowering her head in embarrassment.


    Luo Ning didn''t realize the secret exchange between the two and asked doubtfully, "Sister, since you are such a noble princess of our great Great Hua Empire, how did you end up in the Jade Virtue Immortal Hall as the sessor of that ce? Didn''t they know your true identity?"


    Xiao Qingxuan looked downcast and shook her head with a faint sigh, "Being part of the royal family means one does not control one''s own destiny. Though I was born noble, I was less free and happy than ordinary women. My fate was determined at birth."


    Seeing her looking so downcast, Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao quickly and obediently held her hands. Xiao Qingxuan gave a grateful smile, gently stroked her hair, and said calmly, "Since you two sisters are married to My Dear Lin, you''re no longer outsiders. Our Lin family is united and loving, and we keep no secrets from each other. I will tell you everything, but I trust you two to keep it confidential and not share it with others."


    Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning quickly nodded. Lin Wanrong, having had many interactions with the old Emperor, understood some of the secrets involved. Seeing Qingxuan''s expression, he knew it had something to do with his father-inw.


    "Surely you two sisters know something about the dispute between my father and Prince Cheng for the throne," Xiao Qingxuan sighed slightly, expressing her feelings. As a princess, she had an elegant manner. Even speaking of something usually taboo, she did so sincerely, without evoking any displeasure, earning Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning''s admiration.


    The struggle between the two princes was known to everyone in Great Hua, and Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao, both well-educated women, were no strangers to it. Seeing them nod, Xiao Qingxuan whispered, "I must tell you, sisters, that ourte Emperor actually favored Prince Cheng more. At that time, Prince Cheng controlled the Ministry of Personnel, and no one could surpass his influence. Taking the throne seemed a foregone conclusion. However, he was suspicious by nature, and despite his advantage, he never felt secure. He repeatedly plotted against my father and even had my two older brothers assassinated. My mother died from grief and exhaustion three years after I was born. I was not even three, and never got to see what my mother looked like."


    Miss Xiao''s face turned pale, tears flowing down. Her two brothers and mother had died because of Prince Cheng. Such a family tragedy, happening to the ethereal princess of Great Hua, was truly heartbreaking.


    Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao were shocked by the tale of fratricide, a thing highly tabooed in every dynasty. Coming from Princess Chuyun, there was no doubting its truth. No wonder their sister had entrusted them with keeping the secret. The two hurriedly took Xiao Qingxuan''s hands, offering words offort and reassurance.


    Though this matter was already known, hearing it from Xiao Qingxuan''s lips lent it a greater emotional impact. Lin Wanrong heaved a sigh, his heart aching for Qingxuan. At the same time, he found a new level of respect for his imperial father-inw. The loss of a wife and child, a shattered family ¨C these were burdens too great for most to bear. Yet the Emperor had endured them, showing a strength Lin Wanrong knew he himselfcked. Had it been him, Prince Cheng would have been destroyed hundreds of times over.


    Comforted by the two young women, Xiao Qingxuan''s grief lessened considerably. Wiping her tears, she continued, ¡°My father was resolute and patient, but the pain was more than he could bear. Prince Cheng was so aggressive and domineering that my father, with his limited power, had no choice but to seek an alternative n. At that time, the highly reputable Jade Virtue Immortal Hall happened to be selecting its next heir, specifying a noble-born female infant. And my mother had just given birth to me¡ª"


    Xiao Qingxuan tightly grasped Lin Wanrong''s hand, tears falling like broken pearls. Lin Wanrong felt his heart ache and quickly embraced her, wiping the tears from her face and softly saying, ¡°It''s alright, I''m here, no one can bully you.¡±


    "So, the Emperor sent you to the Jade Virtue Immortal Hall to be the heir? This has ruined your life; how could he do such a thing?" Qiaoqiao, innocent and pure, felt her sister''s pain as if it were her own, tears streaming down her face as she cried out in distress.


    Her words were a grave taboo. Luo Ning, shocked, hurriedly pulled her aside and said, ¡°Don''t speak nonsense. The Emperor is her biological father; how could he not love her?¡±


    ¡°You two must not misunderstand,¡± Xiao Qingxuan shook her head, determination in her eyes. ¡°Concerning this matter, I have never med my father. On the contrary, I am grateful to him.¡±


    Grateful? Not only Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao, but even Lin Wanrong found this strange. You were still in swaddling clothes, and your father gave you away; how could you be grateful? What kind of logic was this?


    Xiao Qingxuan smiled gently and said softly, ¡°My Dear, if I had to choose between you and our child, I would definitely choose you.¡±


    Moved beyond words, Luo Ning''s tears began to flow as she said, ¡°Sister, I understand what you mean. A child is a piece of your flesh, but for the sake of big brother, you would willingly give up your child. Your love for big brother surpasses everything.¡±


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded slightly, sighing, ¡°Only after bing a mother did I truly understand my father''s feelings back then. Sending one person away to gain absolute power, to protect my mother, and to keep the family safe¡ªmy father had no other choice. There''s not a parent in the world who doesn''t love their child, but my father''s decision not only forced him to endure the pain of separation but also to bear a thousand curses. His pain is beyond the understanding of ordinary people. He took all the curses upon himself, protecting my mother and my family. If he hadn''t made that difficult decision, who knows what persecution my mother and father might have faced? Though this choice forced me to endure loneliness and pain, it also allowed me to honor my parents and family with filial piety. Tell me, should I hate him or respect him?¡±


    Several people listened, dumbfounded. Xiao Qingxuan was indeed a phoenix among humans, and her way of thinking, though vastly contrary tomon logic, was on point in every word and sentence. The old Emperor was human too, possessing all the feelings and desires, but he had a determination and means unlike ordinary people. He sent Xiao Qingxuan, who was still in swaddling clothes, to the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall to be a sessor, sacrificing her entire life. It was indeed unfair to Qingxuan, but it was fair to other family members.


    "So how did you learn about your originter on?" Luo Ning asked concernedly. "When the people of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall found out you were a princess, did they dare to make things difficult for you?"


    "The situation is not as unbearable as you imagine. To avoid attention, my identity within the sacred hall was kept a strict secret, known only to the master of the hall and my Master." Xiao Qingxuan smiled gracefully, "My father is not a heartless person. When he sent me away, he made an agreement with the sacred hall. Until I reached the age of twenty and inherited the sacred hall, I could visit my parents every year to perform filial duties. I would stay in the pce for a month every year, reuniting with my parents, and the Emperor would have the best schrs teach me. If it weren¡¯t for this condition, my mother could not have survived until I was three. I fear she would have died of grief the moment I was sent away. Unfortunately, she passed away due to lingering illness when I was three, which remains my lifelong regret."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong understood. The old Emperor had employed a dying tactic, using Qingxuan to stabilize the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall while keeping her close to the royal family. With twenty years¡¯ time, he could find a solution. No wonder the mention of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall turned the old Emperor''s face so sour; he had been nning to eliminate it, not only for the sake of the Empire but also for Qingxuan''s sake. Such patience, such tactics were truly profound and pitiable.


    Qiaoqiao wiped her tears and smiled brightly, "Now everything is fine. Without the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, sister has reunited with big brother and has a little baby. From now on, our family will live happily together, and no one can separate us."


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded, her pretty face full of tenderness, looking at Lin Wanrong and murmuring to herself, "Since the day I understood the world, I knew that happiness was forever estranged from me. Yet, during the trip to Jinling, I met My Dear, the inscrutable enigma of my life, unfathomable and indecipherable. In life after life, I¡¯m lost within it. Once I left my master, I became a mere mortal woman, not seeking to be an immortal or a Buddha, only wishing to grow old with My Dear, to be the joyous, carefree pair of mandarin ducks in this world, inseparable¡ªeven in death."


    Though these words were spoken casually by Miss Xiao, they were deeply heartfelt and touching. Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao, being sincere and passionate, were moved to tears. They wondered what kind of fortune their big brother had umted to have met such a fairy-like figure as Sister Xiao.


    Lin Wanrong was overwhelmingly moved, fiercely wiping his eyes, thinking, ¡®Goodness, if this continues, I''ll bepletely conquered by Qingxuan. This is not a good sign; a man losing himself bes infatuated.''


    "Hahaha," heughed hastily three times, "Let''s not talk about these unhappy things anymore. Since my imperial father-inw misses his daughter so much, Qingxuan, I think you should pick a time to return to the pce and visit him. While you''re at it, see if there are any unused gold and silver treasures at your father''s house. Bring them back with you; it will earn some milk money for our baby. Ah, today''s as good a day as any, the outside is bright and sunny, and the peach blossoms are blooming; it''s the perfect time to visit."


    The three women, caught up in the emotion of the moment, had their moodpletely spoiled by his vulgar interruption. Luo Ning and Qingxuan both gave him a disdainful look. Qiaoqiaoughed and said, "What nonsense is big brother talking about? The rain has been falling since yesterday and hasn''t stopped yet. Where''s the spring sunshine?"


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and said, "Though there''s no spring light outside, I fear his heart is already filled with spring. My Dear, Mr. Xu Wei admires you, treats you kindly, and takes good care of you. I''m going to visit himter; will youe?"


    Lin Wanrong was startled and waved his hands quickly, "No, no, absolutely not."


    Luo Ning giggled, looked at him coquettishly, and said, "Big brother, what are you afraid of? If you go with Sister, can someone really eat you?"


    "I don''t know who wants to eat me, but I''ll definitely eat you, you little vixen." Lin Wanrong pped Luo Ning''s hip, which was plump and firm, and then whispered threateningly in her ear.


    Luo Ning let out a sound, her cheeks blushing, and she quickly hid behind Miss Xiao. Her lips slightly parted, and her eyes instantly filled with endless affection.


    "If you won''t go, then I will," Xiao Qingxuan said with a slight smile. "Today I''ll visit the Xu family, and tomorrow I''ll go to the Xiao family to see Eldest Miss Xiao, Second Miss Xiao, and the Madam. When I was in Jinling, I heard they took good care of you. I must thank them for their kindness."


    Lin Wanrong looked at Xiao Qingxuan''s calm expression and felt like a mouse being stepped on. He let out augh and hastily escaped.


    Luo Ning was both annoyed and amused, "Sister, did he go to the Xiao family to tip them off? When you go tomorrow, you definitely won''t see Xiao Yuruo. Eldest Miss Xiao''s treatment of big brother has always been quite arrogant."


    "Even better if I don''t see her," Xiao Qingxuan replied, beautiful as a flower and unperturbed. "As long as she doesn''te to my Lin family''s doorstep, it doesn''t matter to me whether I see her or not."


    Lin Wanrong went out and looked around. On the left, Xu Wei''s residence was eerily quiet. However, the main door was slightly ajar, leaving a small gap, seemingly left on purpose for someone.


    ¡®That old Xu, really, what''s he doing moving next to my house? Even a rabbit doesn''t eat grass beside its burrow; isn''t this making it difficult for Miss Xu?¡¯ He looked around, noticing no one was paying attention, and felt a sudden itch in his heart. ¡®Rabbits don''t eat grass beside their burrows, but I''m not a rabbit. Miss Xu kindly invited me to her house. Although she had some improper intentions, it''s not that severe. If I don''t go, wouldn''t it be rude? I''ve always been a very polite person.¡¯


    He was in extreme difficulty, torn between conflicting emotions. On one hand, he felt guilty about Xiao Qingxuan, thinking that meeting with another woman right under her nose was the act of a beast. On the other hand, he thought of Miss Xu, who had a tough life; the only way to help her move beyond her humble existence was for him to lend a hand.


    After thinking for a long time and unable to make up his mind, he gritted his teeth and pulled out a copper coin from his bosom. He chuckled and said, "This toss will decide the oue. If itnds heads, I''ll walk to Xu''s residence. If itnds tails, I''ll take a sedan chair to Xu''s residence. If the coin stands upright¡ªdamn, if that happens, I''ll strip naked and run tenps around the street."


    Leaving his fate to the copper coin, everything was the decision of the heavens, and he had nothing to do with it. Shifting all responsibility, he felt his mind at ease. With a flick of his thumb, the copper coin jingled and nged, rolling around on the ground for several circles, running far away before it gradually came to a stop. Astonishingly, it had¡ªstood upright!


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 422

    Chapter 422 Heated Debate in the Court


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes stared intently at the bronze coin. Impossible, could something like this really happen? This must be a joke! Seeing no one around, he thought to himself, ¡®It must be because the wind is too strong. It blew the coin and made it stand upright. It''s an ident; it doesn''t count. Let me try again.¡¯


    Ignoring the coin that hadnded, he took out a brand-new bronze coin from his pocket, blew on it with a magical breath, flicked it with his thumb, and threw it casually. The coin clinked and rolled a distance, and Lin Wanrong watched closely. To his surprise, the coin simrly stood upright, stable as a rock.


    What was happening? Could he really be this unlucky? Lin Wanrong''s eyes nearly popped out of his head. He stared in disbelief for a moment before hurrying forward to examine the coin, only to find himself bothughing and crying. The coin had embedded itself in a soft patch of mud, standing perfectly straight without even a wobble. Looking back at the other coin, he saw the exact same situation.


    "What on earth is this?" he muttered, thinking about the unfortunate situation he was in. He chuckled and said, "A deal is a deal. Tonight, when it''s quiet, I''ll streak naked ten times around Ning''er''s room. Heh, heh."


    Shaking his head helplessly, he was about to bend down and pick up the two coins when he suddenly heard a faint whooshing sounding towards his backside. Startled, he dodged quickly, only to hear a soft stter as a clump of mud flew past him, hitting the wall with a light smack, sticking tightly.


    Lin Wanrong immediately understood, and yelled angrily, "Who''s there? Who shot at me?"


    "What if I did shoot you?" A young girl''s voice replied. "For a heartless and faithless yboy like you, it''s already a favor that I didn''t prick you with a needle."


    A girl of about thirteen or fourteen years old, dressed in green, pretty, and holding a sword, walked out from around the corner, smirking."So, it''s you, little junior sister," Lin Wanrongughed, then said seriously, "Little junior sister, I must tell you, some things are very valuable. You shouldn''t waste them by shooting them at the wall."


    Li Xiangjun snorted, "Mud? I have plenty of that. If you want it, I''ll give it all to you." She finished speaking, and with a flick of her right hand, mud shot out like a shower of stars, steady and precise.


    Lin Wanrong leaped several steps, quickly shielding his face with his sleeves. Dodging, he angrily said, "Little girl, I''m warning you, don''t mess with me. I''m quite fierce. I can handle three at a time and carry one on my back. I can perform any difficult task."


    Seeing his clothes covered in mud, Li Xiangjun pped her hands and giggled, "What difficult tasks? I can do many. Just because you bullied my senior sister, I''m not afraid of you. Whatever you''ve got, just bring it on. Senior sister may pity you, but I don''t have time for that."


    ¡®This little brat is truly outrageous!¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, wiping a clump of mud from his forehead. Furious, he said, "Little girl, haven''t you heard the rule ''don''t hit the face''? How do you survive out there? I rely on this face to make a living. If you dare, don''t go anywhere. I''m going back to call a big meeting, chop off a chicken''s head, and drink blood wine. I''ll gather all the rabble from the nine viges and eighteen hamlets to denounce you."


    Li Xiangjun couldn''t help butugh coquettishly: "When dealing with a stinking man like you, one must p you in the face. This is the rule I follow as I wander the world. Those leaders of the Nine Towns and Eighteen Viges, are they just as weak as you? That''s good. I''ll strike down anyone whoes my way." She snorted and added, "I despise white-faced men like you who live off women. You''re aplete waste of a man. What can you do besides bully my senior sister?"


    "Call me a white-faced man? You''re the first! How can such a great and glorious title fall upon me?" Seeing Li Xiangjun approach him with a satisfied smile, Lin Wanrong''s anger arose, and his evil intentions took hold. He suddenly reached out, twisted her wrist, and chuckled: "Besides bullying your senior sister, I''ll bully you, too, ouch¡ª"


    Li Xiangjun was Fairy Ning''s direct disciple, Xiao Qingxuan''s junior sister, so she wouldn''t be easily caught. With a graceful twist, she reversed his grip and locked his arm. Lin Wanrong was quite skilled in fighting, especially against women, with various tactics at hand. No matter if you''re a young maiden or a wife, he''d charge! He was strong and bullish, heaving and pressing directly onto Li Xiangjun.


    "Stinking man!" Seeing him use a shameless technique, Li Xiangjun''s face turned pale with anger, and she quickly let go of his wrist, jumping back. Though young, she had already developed the potential of a shrew and couldn''t be underestimated. Lin Wanrong, unyielding, used all sorts of dirty tricks in fighting with women. No matter how skilled you were, he''d make you go crazy within a few moves.


    Although Li Xiangjun was skilled in martial arts, her young age and her opponent''s utter shamelessness, with no regard for decency, left her unable to use her skills. Lin Wanrong, an unrefined expert, could handle various moves. The two of them fought, neither gaining the upper hand.


    "Fighting to a draw with Fairy Ning''s direct disciple without firearms or poison, my skills are truly extraordinary!" Lin Wanrong said triumphantly, chuckling, "Little sister, I told you before, I''m very capable. You should not have provoked me; it''s toote to regret it now! I strike¡ªDragon w Hand¡ª"


    Seeing his shamelessness, Li Xiangjun was furious. She gritted her teeth, focused on his attacking wrists, and forcefully pped them down.


    "Ouch, are you ying for real?!" Lin Wanrong felt a sharp pain in his wrists and quickly withdrew the "Dragon w Hand," only to find them bruised, clearly outyed by the young girl.


    Li Xiangjun coldlyughed, "Did your tactics seem like a game to me?"


    With a sharp pain in his wrists, Lin Wanrong hadn''t suffered like this before. Damn it, he couldn''t let the little girl get the better of him! With a ferocious look, he charged forward like a hungry tiger. His rush was fierce, and Li Xiangjun''s small body was enveloped in his arms, a mismatch as extreme as a tiger and a chick. To an unknowing observer, it looked as if he weremitting an indecent act. Li Xiangjun stood in ce, a mysterious smile on her face, her eyes filled with a triumphant look of victory.


    Seeing the little girl standing motionless, looking as if she was waiting for death, Lin Wanrong hesitated for a moment. Without giving it much thought, he was about to deal with the young girl, when he suddenly heard a soft cry from behind: "My Dear, you must not¡ª"


    With a booming sound, Lin Wanrong immediately realized that something was terribly wrong. He had been fooled by this young girl. ¡®Damn it,¡¯ he thought, ¡®Has my intelligence declined recently, or what? How is it that I can''t even outwit this little girl, who''s barely in her teens?¡¯


    "Sister¡ª" Li Xiangjun''s tears fell like broken beads, and she cried out and flew into Xiao Qingxuan''s arms, like a baby swallow returning to its nest. ¡®Women are born actresses,¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed helplessly, feeling a chill down his spine.


    Seeing her junior sister weeping pitifully, Xiao Qingxuan hurriedly patted her shoulder, speaking softly, "Don''t cry, don''t cry. My Dear is kind-hearted and good-natured; he''s only joking with you."


    Li Xiangjun nodded, sobbing, "I know he''s joking with me. Big Brother Lin said that I ruined your good timest night, but he won''t hold it against me; a few light ps will suffice to vent his anger." Hearing her mention the previous night, Xiao Qingxuan''s cheeks turned red, and she lightly spat, casting a nce at her husband.


    The onlookers, Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao, secretly stuck out their tongues. Their big brother had looked like a ferocious wolf just now, far from being gentle. ¡®Sister Xiangjun is so kind-hearted andpassionate, still speaking in favor of Big Brother at this time,¡¯ they thought.


    Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth with hatred. "Pretending to be pitiful in front of my wife to frame me, this little girl''s mind is far from ordinary. I''ve got all kinds of weapons ready for you, little girl, don''t fall into my hands."


    "Big Brother," Luo Ning grabbed his hand, blushing, "Sister Xiangjun is not even fourteen. Aren''t you too impatient? Meat raised in a pot can''t fly away. I think she will grow up to be a beauty that will ruin a country! Instead of letting her harm others, better let her harm you. Train her well, and in a few years, she will be as soft as mud, just as you want her to be. Why are you so eager now?"


    Lin Wanrong was covered in cold sweat, "Ning''er, this girl, really dares to do and think anything. Heaven have mercy, is my character really so bad that I would harm a young girl not yet grown? I''m not interested in raising games."


    Xiao Qingxuan looked at him with a half-smile, "My Dear, such a trivial matter, how can you be so petty with little junior sister? She''s only this age."


    ¡®Small in age, but not in strength,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, moving his hands, feeling more heartache than physical pain.


    Li Xiangjun spoke timidly, "Sister, don''t me Big Brother Lin forst night. I was wrong too. I''ve lived with you since I was young, and I don''t want to be separated from you. Don''t me Big Brother Lin; he acted out of love for you." Such an understanding child. The threedies nodded in praise, casting scornful nces at Lin Wanrong.


    ¡®Justice Bao, where are you when I need you?¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt ufortable all over, realizing that this was not a ce to stay for long. With all his wives around, he certainly couldn''t go to the Xu family now. ¡®Miss Xu, you can give up your hopes.¡¯


    Three women were gently consoling the youngest sister, and Li Xiangjun''s face beamed with joy and satisfaction. Lin Wanrong looked around impatiently, hoping to escape this ce of strife as soon as possible. Just as his impatience grew, he suddenly heard the faint sound of horses'' hooves from ahead. A carriage sped towards them, and a gray-haired head peered out from inside. It was none other than Lord Xu Wei.


    ¡®Old Xu, you truly are my savior!¡¯ Lin Wanrong eximed with grateful tears, jumping up and waving his arms. "Master Xu, Master Xu, I''m here! Have youe to discuss matters with me? I''lle with you right away."


    Turning to the others, Lin Wanrong''s face disyed difficulty. "Qiaoqiao, Qingxuan, you see, Lord Xu hase in his carriage specifically to invite me to discuss matters. I must go; it''s a matter of face, is it not?"


    Luo Ningughed and said, "Mr. Xu''s home is just next door; he must have just finished his morning audience at court."


    Being exposed by Ning''er''s words, as if needles were pricking his back, Lin Wanrong''s heart was filled with annoyance. ¡®You wench, why do you have to be so clever? Originally, I was nning to run ten nakedps in your room tonight, but since you''re not taking care of your husband, I''ll cut the number in half to just five.¡¯


    "You should go," Xiao Qingxuan nodded and said, "National affairs muste first, and not be hindered by domestic matters."


    ¡®Qingxuan truly understands,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought with gratitude. He red at his youngest sister-inw, gesturing rudely with his middle finger, and then sprinted towards Xu Wei''s carriage.


    Upon hearing his cries, Xu Wei''s carriage had already stopped. Lin Wanrong leaped onto the carriage in a single stride and pulled back the curtain, smiling, "Brother Xu, you truly are like thepassionate Bodhisattva Guanyin, rescuing me from trouble. I must bow to you."


    Sitting in the carriage, Xu Wei looked worried. Upon Lin Wanrong''s entrance, he smiled and said, "Little brother Lin, are you some kind of fortune teller, to know I wasing to find you?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, thinking, ¡®How could this be a coincidence? Themotion I made yesterday even brought Prince Cheng to my door. How could you not know?¡¯ Seeing Lin Wanrong''sughter, Xu Wei couldn''t maintain his pretense and awkwardlyughed twice, saying, "Little brother Lin, this must be the Miss Xiao you''ve been seeking, right? Truly a beauty of the realm, graceful and elegant. No wonder you even disregarded Jade Virtue Fairy Hall."


    Lin Wanrongughed, "I was somewhat afraid of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, but they dared to force my wife, and that I could not bear. Who doesn''t have something they''re protective of these days?"


    Xu Wei gave a thumbs-up, praising him, "Little brother, you love and hate openly, act with courage, and handle matters with great satisfaction. However," he frowned, sighing with emotion, "this affair has both praised and criticized you. It has clearly divided the world into two factions."


    "Divided into two factions? Which two?" Lin Wanrong asked, intrigued by this new perspective he had not heard before.


    Xu Wei gave a bitter smile and said, "On one side, they praise you for being passionate and righteous, daring to act, and being a person of utmost sincerity. These are mainly youngdies and gentlemen who admire your strong and fearless love with Miss Xiao, and are even drawn to you. On the other side, led by renowned schrs, they berate you for attacking the sacred ce and insulting the schrs of the world. They''ve even presented a petition with hundreds of signatures, demanding that the Emperor punishes you for your grave crimes."


    ¡®Punish me for grave crimes? I''m now the Imperial Son-in-Law, carrying the weight of great responsibility. Will my father-inw really strike against his own family?¡¯ Lin Wanrong snorted and waved his hand, saying, "Let them fuss. Our Great Hua has been stagnant for too long, like a dead poolcking vitality. Taking this opportunity to stir up the people''s fervor might not be a bad thing."


    Xu Wei nodded and said, "It''s rare to find someone as open-minded as you, little brother. I admire you greatly, but this matter concerns your life and property, and you mustn''t be careless."


    "Concerns my life and property?" Lin Wanrong eximed. "Mr. Xu, what do you mean by that?"


    "That''s precisely why I came to find you in haste," Xu Wei sighed, looking helpless. "This morning, during the court session, Prince Cheng suddenly made usations, joining forces with two high-ranking officials and over a hundred schrs, all using you. They med you for attacking the sacred ce, insulting the schrs, and even imed that you conspired with the White Lotus cult to rebel, demanding your execution. Li Tai and I argued fiercely in your defense, and the court was in an uproar. It hasn''t settled even now. I asked for the Emperor''s permission to have youe and confront the charges. Little brother, you muste with me to the pce quickly."


    ¡®Prince Cheng is really determined to have me punished!¡¯ Lin Wanrong snickered, "Brother Xu, with the court in such an uproar, what did the Emperor say?"


    "I really couldn''t say," Xu Wei shook his head. "Both sides were arguing, and the Emperor has not yet spoken. I don''t know who he leans toward. Right now, with Goryeo in danger, the people of Dongyin stirring, and our Great Hua deploying arge army, the situation is extremely critical and sensitive. This widely known incident may be a blessing or a curse for our nation. That''s why I asked for your presence at the Golden Hall to make everything clear."


    Xu Wei''s concerns were not unfounded. The current situation was like a small boat on a vast ocean, where any significant wave could cause turmoil. The incident of attacking the sacred ce had caused a public outcry, and the Emperor had to act cautiously.


    As the carriage sped towards the Imperial Pce, Lin Wanrong chuckled dryly a few times and suddenly asked, "Brother Xu, where is Miss Xu? Today, I walked around your front door a few times but didn''t seem to see her."


    Hearing Lin Wanrong mention Xu Zhiqing, Xu Weiughed, "If you''re looking for Zhiqing, you''ll have toe inside. She''s not a patrol guard. What were you doing loitering around the door? Ah, what do you need her for?"


    "Oh, I just have some profound questions to discuss with her. You know, I''m a person who loves learning," Lin Wanrong said with a shy smile.


    Seeing his mysterious demeanor, Xu Wei chuckled with a meaningful smile, "You went to the mountain to find Miss Xiao yesterday, and Zhiqing went with you, didn''t she? Sigh, that girl, she''s a bit stubborn. I hope she didn''t cause you too much trouble."


    Miss Xu indeed had caused some trouble, leaving him strictly monitored at home. Lord Lin had bitterness in his heart that he couldn''t express, and he could only respond with a forcedugh. Xu Wei sighed and said, "The affairs of you young people are beyond my control. She''s been staying in the embroidery room since returning home yesterday, and I have no idea what she''s up to. If you need to discuss something with Zhiqing, go find her directly."


    When Xu Wei and Lin San arrived at the Hall of Literary Brilliance, the morning court session had not yet dispersed. They were led to the entrance of the grand hall by a junior eunuch, and from inside, a wave of argumentative voices could be heard. Someone spoke loudly, "Your Majesty, Lin San has shown contempt forws and regtions, shelling the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, insulting all schrs across thend. Now, over a hundred eminent schrs have submitted a petition, demanding severe punishment for Lin San, rebuilding the sacred ce, and giving justice back to the schrs. This matter has provoked public outrage and is rted to our Great Hua Dynasty''s foundation of a hundred years. As our Great Hua is about to engage in a decisive battle with the nomads, this issue must not be neglected. I, your humble brother, advise that Lin San be dealt with swiftly and severely to appease the public."


    The voice was familiar, and it was none other than Prince Cheng, who had confronted him the day before. As Prince Cheng spoke, the crowd immediately began to whisper, and those ministers who had intercepted Lin San with Prince Cheng yesterday started to concur.


    Within the grand hall, another powerful voice responded, "What Prince Cheng says, this old servant cannot agree with. As far as I know, Lin San''s shelling of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall had a reason. In private, Lin San''s wife was detained by the sacred ce, and he acted out of anger to save her, amendable action that the world apuds. In public, Jade Virtue Fairy Hall hadmitted the great crime of deceiving the Emperor, altering the ancestral inscription from ''Equal to Man'' to ''Equal to Heaven'', oppressing the popce, and flouting nationalw. Both privately and publicly, Lin San''s actions were justified. He should not be reprimanded but praised for his timely action to eradicate this evil. Your Majesty, please examine the matter closely."


    The speaker was General Li Tai, a highly respected figure in the great Hua''s army. Hearing him defend Lin San, those who supported Xu Wei and Li Tai immediately aligned themselves. The Jade Virtue Fairy Hall was esteemed among the gentry but had little connection to the poor. Those schrs of this faction, many of whom hade from poverty and earned their titles through years of hard study, felt a surge of satisfaction at Lin San''s attack on the haughty Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. With the military support of Li Tai, their alignment with Lin San was natural.


    The two sides argued incessantly, but the Emperor''s face remained calm, neither verbally supporting nor opposing. An attendant whispered a few words to the Emperor, and the old monarch spoke, "Prince Cheng and the Old General need not argue further. Lin San is outside the hall. Let''s hear what he has to say before making a judgment."


    Hearing that Lin San had arrived, Prince Cheng''s face flickered between light and shadow, while Li Tai loudly praised, "Your Majesty is wise. This is exactly what should be done."


    The Old Emperor waved his hand, and a junior eunuch announced, "Vice Minister of Ministry of Personnel and Commander-in-Chief of the Loyal and Brave Army, Lin San, enter the hall!"


    Xu Wei, walking in front, bowed to the Emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, this old servant has brought Lord Lin."


    "Dear Minister Xu has worked hard," the Emperor nodded faintly, ncing at Lin Wanrong beside him, smiling, "Dear Minister Lin, did you sleep wellst night?"


    ¡®The old man must know,¡¯ he thought. ¡®Last night I was his son-inw, loving and cherishing time with Qingxuan; how could I not sleep well?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, bowing his fist, "Your Majesty, thismoner slept peacefully."


    The Emperor''s face changed, and he snorted angrily, "You bombarded the century-honored Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, drawing condemnation from schrs everywhere. Even Prince Cheng advocates harsh punishment against you, and you still sleep peacefully? I see your audacity has reached the heavens."


    The officials were inwardly startled at the Emperor''s stern expression. As soon as Lin San arrived at the court, the Emperor sought to humble him. What did this mean? Did he really intend to punish him?


    ¡®I am the Emperor''s son-inw; what do I have to fear?¡¯ Lin Wanrong smirked, "Your Majesty, indeed I bombarded the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. However, the phrase ''enjoying a hundred years of fame,'' I cannot agree with. If there''s any reputation, it is only in deceiving the world and stealing fame."


    "How dare you, Lin San!" Prince Cheng angrily rebuked, "In the Golden Hall, you still dare to disrespect the Sacred Hall! The Sacred Hall has flourished for a century, honored throughout Great Hua, nurturing countless talents. Almost half of the distinguished men in this Golden Halle from the Sacred Hall, and you dare to say that it deceives and steals fame? By showing such contempt for the schrs of the world, Your Majesty, I boldly request that you order Lin San to be pped in the face to punish his disrespectful words."


    The Old Emperor also snorted, his face stern, "Lin San, quickly exin yourself, or I will follow my brother''s words and p you eighty times."


    "Prince, you say I disrespect the Sacred Hall," Lin Wanrong stepped towards Prince Cheng, smiling, "Allow me to boldly ask, do you respect me?"


    "How audacious!" Su Mubai, behind Prince Cheng, roared angrily, "The Prince is of royal blood, a dragon seed of the nation, and you dare to speak to him like this?"


    Lin Wanrong pointed at his nose, angrily saying, "Silence! In this Golden Hall, the Emperor permits me to speak but hasn''t allowed you. You interrupt so rudely, disregarding even the etiquette between ruler and subject; what is your intention?"


    Xu Wei stroked his beard,ughing softly. Lin Wanrong''s sharp gaze almost made it a fatal blow. Not everyone could speak in the Golden Hall. Su Mubai had overstepped the etiquette between ruler and subject, a great disrespect. Su Mubai, who had never had his way with Lin San, saw the Emperor''s cold face and dared not speak again.


    "Prince, please answer me, do you respect me?" Lin Wanrong said with a smile. His one sentence had silenced Su Mubai, and no one dared to oppose his momentum.


    Prince Cheng disdainfullyughed, "I am the descendent of the sacred ancestor, with a distinguished status. You and I have neither kinship nor friendship, and you''ve never given me any benefits. Why should I respect you?"


    "Prince, you are right," Lin Wanrong shrugged nonchntly, smiling, "Since you and I are neither kin nor friends, and I''ve never given you any benefits, you naturally don''t need to respect me. Simrly, the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall did not raise me or teach me, nor has it given me any benefit. Why should I respect it? I, Lin San, respect Heaven, Earth, my parents, the Emperor, and the sage Confucius, but I nevere to respect the Sacred Hall. So, Prince, if you want to punish me for disrespecting the Sacred Hall, I''m afraid you''ve chosen the wrong ce."


    What a sharp tongue! Prince Cheng sneered, saying, "You are being charged with irreverence because of your insolent words. iming that the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall deceives the world and fishes for fame, we all have heard it with our own ears, and the Emperor witnessed it. How can you deny it?"


    "Indeed, I said those words ''deceiving the world and fishing for fame,'' and I stand by them," Lin Wanrong said coldly. "Prince, you mentioned that this Jade Virtue Fairy Hall has been respected for half a year and is celebrated throughout thend. Allow me to boldly ask, was this reputation earned by itself, or was it bestowed by the Founding Emperor?"


    When the Founding Emperor had seized thend, he had only mutually used the "Jade Virtue Fairy Hall." Prince Cheng knew this in his heart, but denying his ancestor''s achievements was something he absolutely couldn''t do. After pondering for a moment, he replied, "Though the Hall had some reputation in the past, it was never as prosperous as today. If it were not for our ancestors'' personal endorsement, the Hall would not have such a status. This reputation wasrgely bestowed by the ancestor."


    "That settles it then," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "The Founding Emperor''s inscription, which you saw yesterday and General Li mentioned earlier, clearly says ''Equal to Man,'' but was deliberately misinterpreted as ''Equal to Heaven.'' A single wrong character led to a thousand miles of error. May I ask you, Prince, where''s the glory in these words ''Equal to Man''? Clearly, it was a call for them to learn from themon people and strive to reach their heights. What glory does the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall have in that? If anyone deserves credit, it''s the great people of thend, and the Hall has nothing to do with it. The Hall''s reputation doesn''t even exist, so when I say they''re fishing for fame and deceiving the world, where am I wrong, Prince?"


    "You, you''re just arguing sophistry!" Prince Cheng said, infuriated. "How could something respected for a hundred years by schrs all over the world be wrong?"


    "Prince," Lin Wanrong said with a cold smile, "if what schrs respect is not wrong, then did the Founding Emperor write wrongly? Should this so-called Jade Virtue Fairy Hall stand aloof and be equal to heaven?"


    "This, this¡ª" Prince Cheng knew he was trapped the moment he uttered those words. Debating with Lin San was treacherous; a slight slip would lead to an irredeemable situation.


    Lin Wanrong turned, bowed, and said seriously, "Your Majesty, yesterday I retrieved the Founding Emperor''s genuine inscription from the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, and I intend to present it to you!"


    "Summon it, summon it quickly!" The Emperor hastily rose from his dragon throne, straightened his clothing, and led his ministers to receive it reverently.


    The inscription from the Founding Emperor was carried by two young eunuchs, passing through the main gate and central hall, heading straight to the main hall. The Old Emperor and his ministers went forward and knelt, bowing their heads in devout worship. Lin Wanrong chuckled slyly to himself, thinking, ¡®My ancestral grandfather''s inscription surees in handy everywhere; it never fails.¡¯


    After the kowtowing, the Emperor respectfully took the Founding Emperor''s genuine handwriting, returned to the Golden Hall, and examined it carefully. Filled with emotion, he sighed, "The Founding Emperor''s genuine handwriting, returned to the hands of his unfilial descendants after hundreds of years, fills my heart with shame."


    Xu Wei proposed, "The return of the Founding Emperor''s genuine handwriting is a great omen. Whether Lin San''s words are true or false, only Your Majesty needs to discern it with a nce, and the truth will be revealed."


    The Emperor looked at the calligraphy once more, and suddenly, with a fierce strike on the table, he roared in anger, "How preposterous, how preposterous! It really says ''Equal to Manl''! The sagacious Great Ancestor, hundreds of years ago, already imparted this admonition, yet Jade Virtue Fairy Hall dared to forge the decree for a hundred years, deceiving me and the world, attempting to subvert our Great Hua Dynasty, equating themselves with Heaven. Such crimes are heinous, deserving a myriad of deaths. Come here¡ª"


    Gao Ping quickly stepped forward, bowing in respect. The Emperor continued furiously, "Make ten thousand copies of the Founding Emperor''s authentic writing, distribute them to the schrs across thend. Let them see how this Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, which ims to be on par with Heaven, has acted audaciously and deceived their superiors. Anyone who dares to plead for Jade Virtue Fairy Hall will be considered an aplice, and will not be spared."


    The Emperor''s face was livid with anger. No one in the hall dared to defy him, and all fell into silence. Even the intelligent Xu Wei realized early on that this was a drama performed by the Emperor and Lin San, and that the downfall of Jade Virtue Fairy Hall was inevitable, whether by Lin San''s hand or another''s. It was only a matter of time.


    "Your Majesty," Lin Wanrong said earnestly, "Although Jade Virtue Fairy Hall hasmitted grave sins, their disciples were merely deceived for a moment, unintentionally falling into their trap. I suggest, Your Majesty, to punish the wicked but spare those disciples who have truly repented. This act would not only manifest Your Majesty''s benevolent heart but also encourage those who were deceived to strive and contribute to our Great Hua."


    Xu Wei and Li Tai both voiced their agreement, "We concur with Little Brother Lin''s proposal. We should treat the disciples of the Fairy Hall with leniency to demonstrate our Emperor''s magnanimity."


    Lin Wanrong then repeated his proposal to reorganize Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, open forums, establish schools, and promote engineering and other subjects. The old Emperor waved his hand grandly and dered, "Approved! Grant ten thousand taels of silver. Establish the school, attract talent from across the world, schrs and artisans alike. Lin San, you will be the Grand Master of the school, fostering talents for our Great Hua, sustaining ournd for millennia."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback. No wonder Qingxuan told him not to worry about the money; with her status, both official and private funds were endless. With a word from the Emperor, he had be the principal. With the strong support of his father-inw, bing the best in the world was within reach. Then, he would have disciples all over the world, weed wherever he went. However, he soon grew worried, realizing that apart from his thirty-six scattered hands, he didn''t have much to teach.


    Prince Cheng was astonished. Lin San already had Li Tai''s support, and now, if he established a school and gathered talents, his power would be immense, unmatched by anyone. Unable to consider anything else, he gritted his teeth and stepped forward, "Your Majesty, this cannot be."


    "Prince Cheng, what''s wrong with this?" the Emperor asked calmly, "Are you still defending that insidious Jade Virtue Fairy Hall? We have the Founding Emperor''s handwriting as proof."


    Prince Cheng stubbornly replied, "Lin San is in collusion with the White Lotus Holy Mother; his intentions are unfathomable and unpredictable. If he is put in charge of establishing the school, I fear the people will not have faith in him."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled inwardly. If anyone had unfathomable intentions, it was the old Emperor, who knew even more about Sister An''s affairs than Prince Cheng did.


    "Is this true?" the old Emperor asked calmly.


    "This matter is absolutely true; members of my own household witnessed it with their own eyes. Additionally, the newly-crowned top schr, Sir Su Mubai, also witnessed it," Prince Cheng said, giving Su Mubai a knowing nce.


    Su Mubai caught the cold smile at the corner of Lin San''s mouth and felt an ominous sensation, but at this point, he had no choice but to proceed. Steeling himself, he said, "Your Majesty, I personally witnessed this event. I saw Lin San meeting secretly with the White Lotus Holy Mother in an inn¡ª"


    At these words, the entire room was filled with shock. Su Mubai''s identity was no small matter. His personal testimony had set Lin San against him, and no matter if the story was true or false, one of the two was destined for destruction.


    Seeing Su Mubaie forward, a fleeting look of disappointment passed through the Emperor''s eyes, "My Minister Su, this matter is of great importance. You should think it through carefully before speaking."


    Su Mubai''s words were already out, and there was no taking them back. Though fear crept into his heart, he forced a determined look onto his face, "I witnessed it with my own eyes, and I would not deceive."


    The Emperor sighed lightly, then turned to Lin Wanrong and asked, "Lin San, do you have anything to say?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, walking over to Su Mubai, and with a smile said, "Top Schr, you im to have seen me meeting secretly with the White Lotus Holy Mother. May I ask how you recognized her, having never met her before?"


    Su Mubai gritted his teeth, resentfully replying, "I have been reading history since childhood and despise those traitorous ministers who have brought ruin to the nation. From the age of ten, I studied the portraits of the White Lotus Holy Mother and resolved to contribute to my country by eradicating this scourge, hence I recognized her."


    "So you recognized her through a portrait," Lin Wanrongughed. "Top Schr, you have had such great ambitions since childhood. I admire that greatly. I too despise the White Lotus Holy Mother. Could you lend me that portrait to see?"


    "Of course." Su Mubai had prepared for this and with a wave of his hand, a servant presented an old scroll. The scroll was aged and had seen some years. Upon unrolling it, a bewitching woman''s image appeared, stunningly beautiful and voluptuous, with a mysterious smile on her face. It was indeed the likeness of Sister An.


    ¡®You sly vixen, you nearly killed me,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, feeling his heart stir. The fox spirit seemed toe to life before him, her delicate little finger beckoning and herughter saying, "Little brother, I trust you are well?"


    "Little, little brother Lin," noticing Lin San''s distraction, Xu Wei urgently nudged him. Lin Wanrong snapped out of his reverie and quickly picked up the scroll again, examining it closely. The scroll was old and coarse, the ink dry, appearing quite ancient.


    Lin Wanrong inspected the painting up and down, then suddenly began tough, "Top Schr, is this truly the painting you have been studying since you were ten?"


    Both men knew what the other was thinking. Su Mubai snorted, "Exactly so. What, do you doubt its authenticity?"


    Lin Wanrong handed the scroll to Xu Wei, smiling, "Mr. Xu, no one surpasses you in the art of poetry and painting. Please, take a look at this painting."


    Xu Wei bowed to the Emperor, who nodded, saying, "Granted! This matter is of great importance, my beloved minister Xu, you must appraise it carefully."


    "I will surely fulfill my mission," Xu Wei bowed, taking the scroll and examining it carefully. This was a high-stakes gamble, and victory or defeat hung entirely on Xu Wei''s shoulders.


    Xu Wei appraised the painting for a while, and the smile on his face grew thicker and thicker. Lin Wanrong rxed, looking at Su Mubai andughing heartily. The top schr Su had something to hide, and cold sweat poured down his forehead. Were it not for Prince Cheng''s stern words, he would have already copsed.


    "Top Schr Su, is this really the portrait you saw when you were ten years old?" Xu Wei asked, his eyes cold, looking at Su Mubai.


    Su Mubai''s body was soaked in cold sweat, but he stubbornly admitted, "Indeed, it is what I saw ten years ago."


    "So it follows that this painting should be at least ten years old, shouldn''t it?" Xu Wei''s smile grew broader, and he spoke slowly.


    "Yes, yes¡ª" Su Mubai stammered.


    Lin Wanrong and Xu Wei exchanged smiles and shouted in unison, "You lie, this painting cannot be more than a year old."


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 Chapter 423

    Chapter 423 Detecting Forgery


    Su Mubai retreated a few steps, his face deathly pale. "I, I did not lie!"


    Xu Wei shook his head and sighed, "Top Schr Su, I have spent my lifetime with poetry and painting. I can tell who painted what, and when, with just a nce. Nine times out of ten, I am right. This portrait of the White Lotus Holy Mother is neat in brushwork and delicate in strokes, and the artist has quite a level. It''s a pity that like people have lifespan, trees have growth rings, paintings also have their years, and forgeries can''t be hidden."


    Xu Wei was a master, and everyone listened to his words, suddenly quite interested. Even the Old Emperor couldn''t help but speak, "Minister Xu, you said this painting is not more than a year old. How did you see it?"


    Xu Wei nodded and smiled, "To judge the age of a painting, in addition to examining the clothing, expression, and background of the characters, the canvas, scroll, and the degree of dryness and finesse of the ink and brush are also decisive. Thetter points are difficult to forge and are the most important for identifying fake paintings."


    Xu Wei smiled slightly and fell silent. The crowd listened to him tantalizingly and couldn''t help themselves. Even Li Tai spoke, "Brother Xu, don''t keep us in suspense, quickly exin it to us."


    Xu Wei nced at Su Mubai andughed coldly, "Top Schr Su, you ranked first in the special examination, aren''t you well-learned? Haven''t you heard these principles?"


    "I do not know," Su Mubai''s legs were weak, and he rallied his spirits.


    Xu Weiughed, "Then let this old man teach you a trick on how to identify a painting, so that you don''t make the same mistake again. The characters'' clothing, expressions, and background of this painting are all extremely well-matched, with no ws to be seen. The problem lies in the ink and canvas."Ink and canvas? Everyone looked again at the painting. The ink was natural, the canvas ancient, nothing seemed wrong.


    Xu Wei took a few steps and dered loudly, "All good paintings have good ink; this is an unbreakable truth. This painting is no exception. The ink used here is of great value. It should be Huizhou ink from the Xiu Ning School in Anhui''s Jixi, called Dragon Fragrance. This ink is known for itscquer-like touch on paper, lustrous ck color that doesn''t fade, soft and smooth texture, remaining supple for a thousand years. Generally, particles and stripes wouldn''t appear for less than three hundred years."


    Xu Wei''s words were a wake-up call, and some of the clever ones guessed what he meant. They looked at the strokes of the painting, but the brushwork was smooth, with no apparent problems.


    Xu Wei smiled, "Good ink is good ink. Even if there are particles and stripes, they aren''t easily seen. You must touch them to feel them. Please, Your Majesty, evaluate it!"


    The eunuch presented the portrait, and the Old Emperor touched the texture of the clothing. He nodded, "Indeed there are grainy sensations, and it''s uneven."


    "Your old servant dares to ask, please touch the authentic relic of the Founding Emperor, which used the same Huizhou ink. Please, Your Majesty, discern the difference."


    The Emperor lightly touched the sacred relic and eximed joyfully, "The ink of the Founding Emperor, though a hundred years old, has no dull sensation, still smooth as before. Minister Xu, the same ink, but different effects, what is this all about?"


    "This is precisely the characteristic of good ink," Xu Wei said with a faint smile. "The calligraphy and artistic conception of famous people''s characters and paintings can be imitated exquisitely, but not everyone can afford to use such excellent ink. As I have said before, the top-quality Huizhou ink will not show any grantion or striping for less than three hundred years. If the White Lotus Holy Mother was born three hundred years ago, not only would this old man find it unbelievable, but I suspect that even Top Schr Su himself would not believe it."


    The Emperor''s interest was piqued, and heughed, "Then how do you exin this grantion and striping?"


    "That is the key to identifying the age of a painting," Xu Wei nodded. "Every new painting that wants to be passed off as an ancient fake must be artificially dried and baked to create an illusion of age. We all know that ink is derived from pine wood, and this excellent Huizhou ink will not grante easily within three hundred years. Only after baking, due to uneven heating, will granules and stripes protrude irregrly. This is what the Emperor felt just now. From the distribution and texture of the granules on this painting, the ink appears aged, but the bumpy grain still feels new. It should have beenpleted and baked within the past year."


    Everyone exhaled a long breath. Xu Wei was a master in painting, and his words were a thousand times more credible than those of Su Mubai.


    "Truly knowledgeable indeed!" the old Emperor nodded and sighed. "How did you determine this from the canvas?"


    "Let Little Brother Lin exin that part," Xu Wei said, smiling. "I see he seems to be an expert too."


    ¡®An expert my foot,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, breaking into a sweat. Although he had some knowledge of ink and writing, how could hepare to a master like Xu Wei? When everyone''s eyes fell on him, Lin Wanrong let out a dryugh. "Mr. Xu tters me. I know nothing about Huizhou ink. I looked at this painting by examining the canvas. We have all painted before, so we know that the smoothness of silk canvas is essential; otherwise, it is easy for the brush to go astray."


    This was easy to understand, and everyone nodded in agreement. Lin Wanrong continued, "You all know what I do, right? Currently, I''m working as a servant for the Xiao family in Jinling. I get food, amodation, and entertainment, with an annual sry of several hundred taels. As for the Xiao family, you probably know that they sell cloth. Speaking of cloth, I''ve learned some simple principles from Eldest Miss, so I''ll share them with you. Gentlemen, please feel the canvas, isn''t there a slightly curled and fluffy feeling? Prince, you also feel it, something you''ve wanted to feel but haven''t been able to!"


    Prince Cheng''s face turned ashen, and he snorted without responding. Everyone else felt the canvas and found that it was indeed as Lin San had said - the silk was curled and fluffy. If they were to paint on such a canvas, even Xu Wei could not guarantee that the brush would not stray.


    "Logically speaking, the White Lotus Holy Mother is a great figure; the canvas she uses must be top-notch, and the painter she hires should not be too bad. So how could such a basic mistake ur? With the White Lotus Holy Mother''s celestial beauty, why wasn''t there a stray brushstroke?" Lin Wanrong paced slowly around the hall, talking to himself, seemingly asking others, but also questioning himself.


    Li Tai was dissatisfied and said, "Lin San, have you also learned this trick from Brother Xu? Always keeping us in suspense." The Emperor smiled without speaking, listening intently.


    "Actually, the principle was already exined by Mr. Xu earlier; it''s all the work of baking. Most things in the world expand with heat and contract with cold, and this canvas is no exception. This painting was baked afterpletion, causing the canvas to curl and puff up. To conceal the evidence, the forger of this imitation tried to straighten the canvas again. Regrettably, destruction is easy while restoration is difficult, and defying physicalws is not so easily undone. With just a bit more touching and kneading, the true nature will reveal itself. Even the best painter would have made a mistake on this canvas now," Lin Wanrong exined.


    Everyone nodded in agreement. Listening to Xu Wei and Lin San''s exnation, it seemed easy to discern, and they wondered why they hadn''t thought of it themselves.


    "Little Brother Lin, how did you discern that this painting waspleted within a year?" Among the crowd, only Xu Wei was clear-headed. Lin San had talked for a while, only able to judge it as a fire-baked forgery; the specific age was difficult to determine, so he asked.


    "Well, that''s actually a secret. Can I not say?" Lin Wanrong looked somewhat embarrassed, saying shyly.


    The officials were deeply engrossed in his educational discourse and wouldn''t let him off so easily, all gazing at him with expectant eyes. The Emperor smiled and said, "Lin San, do you have a secret that you even want to keep from Us?"


    Seeing that he had no choice but to tell, Lin Wanrong smiled wryly and began, "Actually, this is a trade mark known only to Eldest Miss Xiao and myself. Once disclosed today, it will be a public secret."


    "Trade mark? What''s a trade mark?" Even Xu Wei was surprised.


    "Simply put, it''s a unique symbol exclusive to a particr brand; any imitation will be prosecuted. Look here¡ª" Lin Wanrong turned over the top corner of the canvas to show everyone. Li Tai was closest and saw some tiny characters barely visible to the naked eye. He read softly, "Yi You, Winter, the fifteenth, Hai, Gold. There''s also a circle with the character Xiao inside, what does this mean?"


    "That''s the factory trademark and the production batch number. s, originally intended to prevent counterfeiting by others, I didn''t expect to be forced to reveal it today," Lin Wanrong sighed. "Simply put, this piece of canvas was produced by our Xiao family¡ª"


    Prince Cheng''s face turned the color of liver; he had orchestrated this, but had never expected such a blunder.


    "You see this circle with the character Xiao? That''s our Xiao family''s trademark. Look at the characters ''Yi You, Winter, the fifteenth, Hai, Gold''; this is the production date and number, meaning this piece of fabric waspleted during the Hai hour of the fifteenth day of winter in the Yi You year, in the Jinling factory. Oh, that means it left the factory on that dayst winter. So, I not only know this painting waspleted within a year but also within half a year. s, this huge secret has now been made public. Your Majesty, could I apply for some silver taels aspensation for the Xiao family?"


    It was an extraordinary story; everyone wondered how Lin San''s mind had worked. They looked at each other and couldn''t help but smile. This top schr had made such a blunder, using genuine materials for a counterfeit product, even marked with a production date, without knowing it. This was indeed the most bizarre and amusing case of framing in history; it was simply incredible. Li Tai and Xu Wei suppressed theirughter, their necks turning red.


    Having spent much time with Lin San, the old Emperor had grown ustomed to his unconventional tactics. But this time, it was too bizarre, too amusing. Even though he tried to restrain himself, he couldn''t help butugh till his face turned red and his neck thick. He quickly turned his head aside to avoid losing his dignity.


    "Little Brother Lin, I must admit, I''mpletely impressed by you. This really could work! Your wisdom is truly unparalleled in history," Xu Zhiqingughed, his face twitching with admiration, as if bowing in all directions.


    "Third in the entire nation!" Lin Wanrong chuckled in response.


    With a fierce m on the table, the Emperor shouted angrily, "Su Mubai, you have plotted treachery and framed a good minister. What more have you to say?"


    Su Mubai''s knees gave way, and he copsed to the ground, desperately kowtowing and pleading, "Your Majesty, spare me! I was momentarily confused, influenced by Prince Cheng--"


    "Su Mubai, how dare you!" Prince Cheng roared, delivering a ruthless kick to Su Mubai''s face. Su Mubai tumbled, blood pouring from his mouth, teeth falling out, unable to speak. "To think that I trusted you so much, and you conspired to plot against me. Your crimes are unforgivable. Your Majesty, we must not keep such a deceiving traitor. I propose we imprison him immediately and execute him in due time."


    The Emperor''s face darkened as he nced at Su Mubai, who was on the ground, kowtowing as if pounding garlic. He shook his head and sighed, "Su Mubai, I raised you with my own hands, and you became the top schr through your own merit. I had no favoritism. I wanted to nurture you into a pir of our great nation. But your actions... they have truly disappointed me."


    Su Mubai, his face covered in blood and twisted in agony, was whimpering and kowtowing, blood streaming from his forehead. No one could make out what he was saying. Lin Wanrong found it hard to bear. After all, he and Su Mubai had no deep-seated hatred, just a senseless jealousy.


    Xu Wei shook his head and softly sighed, "The word ''jealousy'' can be a person''s downfall."


    "Take him away," the Emperormanded, looking tired and aged. "Hand him over to the Ministry of Justice for punishment. Report back on the chosen date." The pce guards dragged Su Mubai away as he struggled and stammered, tears mixing with blood, his agony unspeakable.


    The Emperor''s face was stern as he swept his eyes over the assembly and coldly said, "I''ll say this once more: In my great dynasty, only the capable are employed. Those who are jealous of talent, who frame others, will be punished severely. Do you all understand?"


    "Thank you for Your Majesty''s grace!" The ministers hurriedly bowed in gratitude. Today''s affair ended in a way that no one could have expected. Su Mubai, once a brilliant talent, had fallen. It was both tragic and regrettable. It also fully demonstrated one principle: Better to provoke the King of Hell than to provoke Lin San.


    Prince Cheng, ever cunning and seeing the unfavorable situation, quickly turned to Lin Wanrong. His face was sincere, and he squeezed a few tears from his eyes, "Lin San, I mistakenly believed nderous words. I have wronged you, and I formally apologize to you. Please ept my bow."


    He actually bowed deeply. After he had finished, Lin Wanrong pulled him up, feigning modesty, "Oh, Your Highness, such a grand gesture. I am unworthy. It was a small matter, all a misunderstanding. Once cleared up, it''s nothing at all. There''s no need for such formality."


    "Indeed, indeed, only thus can I express my remorse," Prince Cheng sincerely said.


    The old Emperor slightly nodded, then coldly shouted, "Where is the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel?"


    Minister Ye was exceptionally obedient that day. Hearing the Emperor''s stern shout, he trembled all over, quickly stepping forward and kneeling on the ground, not daring to say a word.


    "Minister Ye, were you the one who was disrespectful to the Empress yesterday?" The Emperor asked, his eyes slightly closed, pondering.


    "I deserve to die, I deserve to die. I did not know that was Her Majesty''s phoenix carriage, disturbing Her Majesty. I deserve to die a thousand deaths!" Minister Ye was trembling all over, desperately kowtowing.


    The Emperor said indifferently, "You have been an old servant for many years, and speaking disrespectfully is a crime worthy of death byw. Considering your years of service, without much merit but hard work, I will not make it difficult for you. Write a petition, and retire."


    "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty, thank you for your grace." Minister Ye was tearfully grateful, his head even breaking from the kowtowing.


    The Emperor''s eyes swept across the room, sternly saying, "The Three Chambers and Six Ministries cannot be without someone in charge even for a day. As for the choice of Minister of the Ministry of Personnel¡ª" He nced at everyone in the hall, Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat, thinking, ''Don''t choose me, I won''t do this kind of nine-to-five job, that''s my good time sleeping with Qingxuan, not even thunder can wake me up.''


    Seeing Lin San shrinking his head back, the Emperor slightly shook his head, smiling bitterly, "Minister Xu, you will have to suffer a bit, temporarily taking charge of the Ministry of Personnel. You''ll handle the Ministry of Revenue''s affairs as well, until a suitable candidate is rmended to me."


    Xu Wei reluctantly agreed, knowing that at his level, fame was soaring, and official position was no longer important. This move would only increase his burden, and he felt helpless towards Lin San, who was shirking his responsibilities.


    Prince Cheng suddenly stepped forward, earnestly saying, "Your Majesty, Minister Ye made a mistake, and I heard it was due to the matter of the Empress. There has been no news of Her Majesty in the pce for several decades, and rumors are rife. Now that Her Majesty has returned, it should be announced to the public as soon as possible, to prevent malicious gossip that might tarnish Your Majesty''s reputation."


    ''My mother-inw has been dead for more than a decade, don''t you, old boy, know that? Acting all righteous, I despise you,'' Lin Wanrong thought, contemptuously ncing at Prince Cheng.


    The Emperor''s eyes were moist, his fingers trembling slightly. After a long while, he managed to calm his excited emotions and loudly said, "Brother Wang, your words make sense. I have been waiting for this day for twenty years. The rumors outside are not false. My virtuous Empress passed away due to illness seventeen years ago!"


    "Her Majesty¡ª," a series of mournful cries rang out, and the ministers, maids, and eunuchs in the hall all knelt down.


    ''She was my mother-inw; I must kneel too.'' Lin Wanrong sighed, kneeling down genuinely and sincerely.


    The Emperor''s eyes were red, and he said loudly, "For seventeen years, I have kept this news hidden and never announced it to the world. It was because the Empress had a dying wish, that if my Princess Chuyun did not return, she would not be buried, and the news would not be announced. For this day, I have waited for seventeen years, finally waited, ahem, ahem¡ª"


    "Your Majesty!" Gao Ping eximed in rm, hastily handing over a few medicinal pills. ncing at the brownish bloodstains on the yellow silk handkerchief, the Old Emperor wiped the corner of his mouth, his expression unchanged, and swallowed the pills. Hisplexion recovered significantly. He closed his eyes and rested for a moment before saying, "My princess, away from me for twenty years, has finally returned to my side, fulfilling the Empress''s greatest wish. Tomorrow, I will announce to the world, expressing mourning throughout thend, and bid farewell to my virtuous Empress."


    "Your orders will be obeyed," the ministers stopped crying and respectfully responded.


    "Your Majesty, in that case, the one who returned yesterday must be Princess Chuyun," Xu Wei whispered, casting a meaningful nce at Lin Wanrong.


    "Indeed!" the Emperor proudly dered, "She is the one and only Princess Chuyun of our great nation. She has grown up. After the Empress''s funeral, I will announce to the world and hold a grand wedding for her."


    Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. A grand wedding, something he had not considered. He felt somewhat ashamed. Qiaoqiao, Ning''er, and Qingxuan had followed him just like that, especially Qingxuan. She was already pregnant, yet there hadn''t even been an official ceremony. He was indeed ashamed.


    Today, the great nation experienced both sorrow and joy, and the ministers didn''t know whether tough or cry. The Old Emperor also seemed quite worn out. He waved his hand and said, "Let''s end the discussion here for today, and adjourn the court."


    "Long live the Emperor. Long live, long, long live," everyone bowed deeply and made their way out of the hall. Lin Wanrong was about to leave when Li Tai pped him on the shoulder, "Lin San, you borrowed my troops and cannons yesterday; you must make good on this favor."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled dryly, "Old General, please don''t make things difficult for me. It''s not that I, Lin San, am unwilling to serve the country. It''s just that my knowledge is too limited. If I dy your frontline military affairs, I would be deserving of death."


    Xu Wei, standing beside them, overheard andughed, "Old General, don''t believe his words. Before I invited him to lead troops in Shandong, he said the same thing, but what was the result? Didn''t the White Lotus Sect fall at his hands?"


    Li Tai sighed, "Lin San, your status is not insignificant now, and I can''t do anything about you. But our great nationcks good generals, and I am getting old. If one day I pass away, what will be of our country? With threats from the north and south, who will lead our soldiers? You can''t be too selfish. If you have the ability, you must show it, not hide it. That''s not what a man should do."


    This old man, using both hard and soft tactics, moved him emotionally. And to be honest, Lin Wanrong was somewhat swayed. Seeing Li Tai''s gray hair and wrinkled face, Lin Wanrong''s heart softened, and he was about to agree impulsively. Fortunately, noticing Xu Wei''s sinister smile, he stopped himself just in time, not letting the word "yes" escape his lips.


    "Let''s discuss this matter in a few days," Lin Wanrong sighed. "Before the army departs, I will surely give the old general an exnation."


    Li Tai nodded, and Gao Ping came over, saying, "Master Lin, Master Xu, General Li, His Majesty invites the three of you to the study."


    Upon entering the pce, there were indeed many matters to attend to. Lin Wanrong helplessly shook his head, following behind Xu and Li. When they reached the entrance to the study, the three stopped, and Gao Ping went in to inquire. He came out and said, "Master Lin, His Majesty asks you to enter first."


    ¡®Could it be to discuss the matter of the grand wedding? s, in my two lifetimes as a human, I have never been married!¡¯ He stepped into the study, where the scent of sandalwood filled the air and papers and memorials were piled high. The Old Emperor was standing with his back to him, gazing at the calligraphy of the ancestors on the wall, silent.


    "Old man, you wanted to see me?" The atmosphere was a bit stifling, and Lin Wanrong hurriedly spoke.


    The Emperor nodded slightly and said gravely, "Are you very close to Eldest Miss Xiao?"


    Lin Wanrong was puzzled by this sudden question, but knowing that he couldn''t hide the truth, he honestly nodded, "Somewhat close!"


    "Somewhat close?" The Emperor said with a cold smile, "No need for that anymore, I¡¯ll kill her!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 424

    Chapter 424 A Timeless Stratagem


    "Kill, kill, kill her?" Lin Wanrong''s mind thundered, and his face drained of all color, stammering, "Old man, what do you mean by this? She is Madame Xiao''s own daughter. How could youy a hand on her?!"


    The Emperor spoke calmly, "It''s true that she''s Miss Guo''s daughter, but what of it? When I want to kill someone, do I need to ask whose daughter she is? Lin San, why are you so naive?"


    Seeing the Emperor so tyrannical, and thinking of the Eldest Miss''s beautiful face, Lin Wanrong''s blood boiled, his eyes glowing red, "Naive? So what? I don''t kill indiscriminately, especially the descendants of old friends. Eldest Miss Xiao is beautiful, virtuous, gentle, and kind. What crime has shemitted that you would draw your butcher''s knife?"


    The Old Emperorughed heartily, "Beautiful, virtuous, gentle, and kind? If anyone else said that, I would believe it! Buting from your mouth, it''s the biggest joke in the world! You and Miss Xiao bicker constantly, like sworn enemies. Who doesn''t know that?" His expression turned cold, he sneered, "Moreover, how do you know she hasn''tmitted a crime? In my opinion, her biggest mistake is consorting with you, Lin San! Be honest with me. Besides the two women in your house and the two from the Xiao family, who else is close to you? I''ll kill them one by one!"


    Lin Wanrong''s back was dripping with cold sweat. ¡®What did this old fellow mean? He wants to kill all my loved ones?¡¯ Thinking of the Eldest Miss, his eyes turned red, and he said coldly, "If you want to kill, then kill. All the women in this world are my loved ones."


    The Old Emperor smirked, "Don''t think I don''t know with whom you are intimate. I know everything, Lin San. It''s not that I''m cruel, but you are simply too greedy, and this disaster all falls upon you."


    "Me?" Lin Wanrong pointed to his nose, "Are you mistaken? It''s clearly you who want to kill, so how is it my fault?"


    The Emperor mmed the table, angrily shouting, "In my presence, you still dare to talk back? You are the most shameless in the world. Let me ask you, do you know who Qin Xian''er is to me?"¡®You know the answer, you old man.¡¯ Lin Wanrong snorted, "She''s your Princess Nishang, so what? She''s also my wife!"


    "You know she''s my princess!" The Emperor sneered, "Let me ask you again, what is Qingxuan to me?"


    ¡®The Eldest Miss is gone; I fear nothing,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong, pping the table filled with petitions, and yelled, "She''s Princess Chuyun, my main wife! Both of them are my wives, so what? I specifically marry princesses!"


    The Old Emperor was taken aback; in a thousand years, no one had dared to p a table in his presence. Only Lin San, this obstinate fellow, feared neither heaven nor earth.


    "You dare to act so recklessly in my study? Are you not afraid I''ll exterminate your entire n?" The Emperor''s eyebrows knitted together as heughed coldly.


    ¡®Intimidate me? If you can find my nine ns, you can execute them as you wish!¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled slyly, "Old Man, take a good look. The Lin San standing in front of you is not one to be cowed. I respect you, not because you''re the Emperor, but because you''re the father of Xian''er and Qingxuan, my father-inw. As for the rest, even if you were the Jade Emperor himself, it has nothing to do with me."


    "How generous of you to remember Xian''er and Qingxuan''s identities. Nishang and Chuyun are my most beloved daughters, the unparalleled princesses of the Great Hua. With extraordinary beauty and noble status, any man who obtains one is considered the dragon among men. You have both my daughters, yet you''re still not content. Flitting around, consorting with women everywhere; what do you take my Nishang and Chuyun for? Vegetables in your pot to be steamed and boiled at will?! If people find out that you have my two princesses but are still gallivanting about, where will the dignity of my royal family stand? How will Nishang and Chuyun face the gossip of the world?" The Emperor''s eyebrows flickered as he pointed at Lin Wanrong, furious, "I tell you, for my children, I can endure for years, never allowing anyone to bully them. Since Nishang and Chuyun are devoted to you, that''s your good fortune. They may bully you, but you may not bully them. Thosemon women you''re entangled with, thinking to be on par with my princesses, are just deluded. If you want to marry, you can only marry the two princesses! Miss Guo''s daughter, what about her? If anyone threatens my princesses, I''ll kill them, no mercy! Think it through!"


    The Emperor spoke sternly, his momentum irresistible, as though even the heavens would tremble.


    ¡®How many wives I marry is none of your business, you old man. You consider yourself of noble blood and rejectmon women, but do you dare tell your daughters not to marry me? Let''s see who dies first!¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s forehead was beaded with cold sweat as he gritted his teeth, "Think what? Eldest Miss has been harmed by you. What''s the use of thinking clearly? If you have the guts, kill me too! Let Qingxuan''s child in her belly have no father, and his son have no grandfather! Let him know that it''s not his father who failed his grandfather, but his grandfather who killed his father!"


    His mouth was sharp, and this tongue-twisting statement left the Emperor somewhat dizzy and almost amused. Fearing that Lin San would detect something amiss, he quickly hid his smile and snorted, "I am not heartless either. If you promise never to see them again, I might consider sparing your various insignificant loves, including your Eldest Miss¡ª"


    "Wh-Wh-What do you mean?" Lin Wanrong stammered again, but this time it was with incredulous joy, his words tripping over themselves, "You didn''t kill, kill her?"


    "I said I would kill her," the Emperor smiled, "but did I say she was dead?"


    ¡®This old man, ying word games with me?¡¯ Learning that Eldest Miss was still alive, Lin Wanrong''s mind became much more agile, his thoughts whirring as he grinned, "Old Man, I knew you wouldn''t kill Eldest Miss. She''s Miss Guo''s own daughter, after all; you can kill anyone, but not her!"


    "Stop wasting words with me!" Seeing Lin Wanrong''s habitual mischievous smile, the old Emperor''s face became stern: "Just because I''m not killing Miss Xiao now, doesn''t mean I won''t in the future. I''ll give you three days to think carefully. Do you want my princesses, or thosemon wildflowers of yours? As for Miss Xiao, I have invited her to be a guest at a certain ce. After three days, if I do not hear the answer I wish for, think about the consequences yourself!"


    "What, you''ve kidnapped Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong eximed in shock. "Old man, as thew''s maker, you should uphold its dignity. How can you knowingly break thew?"


    "Knowingly break thew?" The Emperorughed loudly. "Within the Great Hua, my word is the ultimatew. There is no vition of that. Don''t jest. The fate of your beloved ones depends solely on you. Consider your choices well!"


    For all of Lin Wanrong''s wit and agility, he was at a loss in this situation, and he could only shake his head and sigh. The Emperor observed him with a faint smile, his eyes revealing a trace of satisfaction. Suddenly, he asked, "Is Qingxuan doing well in your house?"


    Lin Wanrong didn''t even look up, responding grumpily, "Thanks for asking. She''s doing much morefortably than I am."


    "That''s good!" The Emperor nodded slightly, sighing, "What you did yesterday was reckless. Did you think that by bringing cannons to the mountain and sting the archway, you would haveplete control? Foolish, truly foolish!"


    "Foolish?" Lin Wanrong chuckled repeatedly, his face full of disdain. This old man''s words were unreasonable. Had he not arrived in time yesterday, Qingxuan would have already be a nun.


    "Do you disagree?" The Emperor read his expression and knew his thoughts, saying helplessly, "You underestimate the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. Standing for a hundred years, it''s not something you can destroy with a few shots. Their students are spread all over, and they are all from schrly families. If you provoke them, one call could drown you in a sea of condemnation. Not even I could save you!"


    Lin Wanrong smirked, "Is it that serious? Aren''t I standing here just fine?"


    "That''s because you were lucky, coincidentally finding a w in the sacred relic," the Emperor paced back and forth, smiling wryly, "That was the only right thing you did in your foolishness yesterday, undermining their foundation and leaving the schrs speechless. I could then exert my influence. You''re trulywless, daring even to tamper with sacred relics. Those schrs lost because they don''t have your shameless tactics. But your move was extremely risky. Without proper preparation or understanding of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, you dared to rush up the mountain to rescue someone on mere passion. When I call you foolish, am I wrong?"


    The Emperor''s earnest advice seemed reasonable, but Lin Wanrong did not agree, "Old man, nning before action is an ideal notion. If I had plotted like you yesterday, Qingxuan would probably have already be a nun. Strategy is important, but time waits for no one. When it''s time to act, you must act, holding to the words steady, urate, and ruthless, to ensure no great loss."


    Hearing Lin San''s logical exnation, the Old Emperor pondered for a moment, looked at him, and nodded, saying, "A fine understanding of stability, uracy, and ruthlessness you have there, you indeed have mastered the essence of these three qualities."


    ¡®What''s so fine about it? You even want to interfere with me marrying a few wives,¡¯ Lin Wanrong snorted, not responding to him. The Emperor gave a faint smile, patting his shoulder, and said, "Every effect has a cause; the world may not be as superficial as you see it. Think about it more deeply." Seeing Lin Wanrong''s bewildered look, a gentle light shed across the Emperor''s face, disappearing in an instant, his expression returning to normal. He asked indifferently, "Lin San, how old are you this year?"


    "Eighteen!" Lin Wanrong lied without blinking an eye.


    The old Emperor burst intoughter at this, saying, "You mischievous boy, daring to deceive me! Judging by your conduct, I''m afraid you are more like twenty-eight."


    Lin Wanrong gave a forcedugh, "To maintain my youthful mindset, I always consider myself eighteen. Old man, why do you ask? You''re not trying to match our horoscopes, are you?"


    "I''ll take you for eighteen then." The old emperor smiled for a moment, his face gradually darkening, "Twenty years is but a brief moment. When I think back to the years I spent learning statecraft with my father, it seems like yesterday. In the blink of an eye, I am at this age, with little time left."


    Lin Wanrong felt a sudden jolt in his heart. The old man was so fickle; one moment he was threatening and beating him, the next he was sentimental. What was he up to?


    "Death does not frighten me. But there are two things that have always been stuck in my heart, causing me sleepless nights. Even in death, I would feel shame before my ancestors. Do you know what they are?" The Emperor said, ncing at him.


    "I don''t know," Lin Wanrong hurriedly waved his hands, "This matter has nothing to do with me."


    The Emperor gave a dark smile, "You have married two of my princesses, and no one in the world can match your wealth and glory. How can you say this has nothing to do with you? The two things I worry about most after my death are, firstly, the fate of the two princesses. Since they are both fond of you, I have nothing to say. The second is theck of a sessor to my vast empire. This is the greatest regret of my life."


    Lin Wanrong''s heart thumped, the old man brought the topic back here, what did he mean? He chuckled a few times, saying insincerely, "Well, there''s still Prince Cheng. He has a son, after all. We''re all family, so you can just choose one to adopt¡ª"


    "Prince Cheng?!" The Emperor sneered, his teeth clenched, "He must be dreaming of this, but he doesn''t know that myck of heirs is his doing. How can I entrust this vastnd to the hands of a wolf?"


    "Well, that''s going to be a problem then," Lin Wanrong spread his hands, helplessly saying, "Not everyone can be an Emperor. You can''t just pick someone off the street."


    This topic was indeed somewhat disrespectful. Lin Wanrong, being fearless due to his ignorance, and the Emperor deliberately luring him, paused slightly and said, "Being an Emperor may not be as bad as you imagine. All under heaven is the Emperor''snd, and all within its borders are the Emperor''s subjects. When all the people in the world bow at your feet, and life and death are within your control, what kind of feeling is that? Have you ever thought about it?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a dryugh, thinking to himself, ¡®I have too many wives; I''m so busy with the things I love to do every day, who has the time to think about what it feels like to be an Emperor!¡¯


    Seeing that he seemed unmoved, the Emperor mysteriously smiled and said nonchntly, ¡°Of course, that''s just one aspect. As for the other benefits, I won''t list them all¡ªfor example, an Emperor can have three pces, six courtyards, and seventy-two concubines. Whoever you want to marry as a wife, no one dares to oppose!¡±


    Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. The Emperor, his father-inw, really knew his mind. After all that talk, only this part attracted him. He narrowed his eyes and whispered, ¡°Then Eldest Miss wouldn''t be¡ª¡±


    Speaking of women really energized him. This youngster truly had the potential to be a foolish ruler. The Emperor snorted and angrily said, ¡°My two princesses are national beauties. Are they not enough to tie you down? If you dare to associate with Eldest Miss Xiao or some Pce Lady Seo, I will¡ª¡± He lightly brushed his long sleeve, making a gesture of beheading. Lin Wanrong quickly swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue.


    ¡°Summon Li Tai, Xu Wei!¡± the Emperor called towards the door.


    Waiting outside, Gao Ping quickly sang, ¡°Summon Li Tai, Xu Wei!¡±


    Seeing that the Emperor had summoned others, Lin Wanrong was about to leave, but he heard the emperor say, ¡°You stay here; I have important matters to discuss with you all. These political matters are tedious, and patience is needed. You should learn well.¡±


    Lin Wanrong had no interest in learning about politics; he was only thinking that Eldest Miss was still in his father-inw''s hands. If he were not careful, and she were killed, everything would be over. He could onlyugh awkwardly and stay.


    Xu Wei and Li Tai entered the room and were about to bow, but the Emperor raised his hand, ¡°No need for formalities, Minister Xu and General Li. Come, have a seat!¡±


    A young eunuch brought over cushioned stools, and Xu Wei and Li Tai sat down, thanking the Emperor. The Emperor handed Xu Wei a letter, ¡°Minister Xu, look at this; it''s the news transmitted from Goryeo by carrier pigeon!¡±


    Goryeo? Lin Wanrong was also startled, calcting the time, from the meeting with Seo Jang Geum until now, it was only three days. Goryeo''s response was indeed fast.


    Xu Wei took the letter and read it closely, eximing, ¡°The King of Goryeo rejected Lord Lin''s proposal?¡±


    ¡°What, what?¡± Lin Wanrong couldn''t hold back and snatched the letter from Xu Wei''s hands, ¡°Let me see, let me see!¡±


    It was a confidential letter, and Xu Wei''s expression was troubled, uncertain if he should let him see. The Emperor waved his hand, ¡°Let Lin San see it. The situation in Goryeo is probably not as simple as we imagine!¡±


    Lin Wanrong nced at the letter, ignoring the plethora of formalnguage; the general meaning was clear enough. It was the King of Goryeo''s decision to fight the Dongyin to the end, and once again requested assistance from Great Hua to save their ally. As for the great idea proposed by Lin Wanrong, it was not mentioned at all.


    Li Tai snorted, ¡°This King of Goryeo is indeed insincere, only wanting Great Hua to contribute money and effort. Lord Lin''s proposal of ¡®one country, two systems¡¯ is not mentioned at all. To have my sons risk their lives for him¡ªwhere in the world could he find such a bargain?¡±


    Xu Wei thought for a moment, frowning, ¡°The Dongyin threat is imminent, yet Goryeo refuses our proposal at this time. Is there some change in circumstances? Or have they reached some agreement with the Dongyin? If that''s the case, it''s very bad indeed! Lord Lin, what do you think?¡±


    The proposal was Lin Wanrong''s idea, and at the time, he spoke eloquently in court, mesmerizing everyone present. Now, it had been rejected outright, and embarrassment was inevitable. Lin Wanrongughed it off and asked, ¡°Your Majesty, is the delegation from Goryeo still in the capital?¡±


    ¡°The Dongyin are invading. Yi Seung-Jae has already been ordered to return to Goryeo, leaving behind only a few maids and servants,¡± the Emperor said indifferently.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about Yi Seung-Jae.¡± Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively. ¡°What I want to ask about is someone else. A little pce maid, named Seo Jang Geum!¡±


    ¡°Seo Jang Geum?¡± Xu Wei eximed, surprised. ¡°Little brother Lin, how did youe to ask about her? From the sound of it, this little pce maid seems to be more important than Yi Seung-Jae?¡±


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, ¡°Mr. Xu is correct. Yi Seung-Jae is merely a facade put up by the Goryeo delegation, utterly useless. The real key yer should be this little pce maid. As long as she remains in the capital, things might not be as bad as we imagine!¡±


    ¡°The key yer is Seo Jang Geum? Little brother Lin, how do you know? Why would Goryeo send a little pce maid to take charge?¡± Xu Wei asked, puzzled.


    ¡®I am her ¡®Wanrong Oppa,¡¯ of course, I know.¡¯ Thinking of Seo Jang Geum''s soft and jade-like skin, Lin Wanrong felt a little itch in his heart, and lewdlyughed, ¡°This little pce maid is delicate and elegant, and her figure is not bad either. We¡¯ve had some intercourse, ah, no, I mean, exchanges. From her speech and demeanor, I can tell that Yi Seung-Jae is nothing but a puppet. The real decision-maker is Miss Jang Geum. As for her specific identity, I don¡¯t know yet, but she must be extraordinary.¡±


    Xu Wei and Li Tai looked at each other, puzzled by how certain Little brother Lin was. They wondered to what extent he and Miss Jang Geum had ¡°exchanged.¡±


    Lin San''s prowess with women was such that even a princess had fallen for him, so the Emperor naturally didn''t doubt his words. He nodded and said, ¡°Seo Jang Geum is still in the capital, and she even visited the Grand Prime Minister Temple for sightseeing yesterday.¡±


    The Emperor''s craftiness was unquestionable, and Seo Jang Geum''s every move would not escape his eyes. That Jang Geum was touring around was puzzling to Lin Wanrong.


    ¡°Sightseeing?¡± Xu Wei shook his head. ¡°With the Dongyin so close, if she holds an extraordinary position in Goryeo, how could she be so carefree? It doesn¡¯t make sense, it doesn¡¯t make sense!¡±


    Lin Wanrong suddenly pped his hands, his face lighting up with joy. ¡°It does make sense, it does make sense, the more rxed she is, the more it makes sense.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Li Tai asked.


    Lin Wanrongughed a few times and said, ¡°Your Majesty, since you received this letter, Seo Jang Geum must know about it too, right?¡±


    The Emperor nodded and said calmly, ¡°Two carrier pigeons flew into the Goryeo delegation''s residencest night, so she probably knows about this news as well. Lin San, just say what you have to say, don¡¯t beat around the bush.¡±


    Even the Emperor had grown impatient, so Lin Wanrongughed and said, ¡°There¡¯s no hurry. As long as Seo Jang Geum is in the capital, it means that Goryeo hasn''t refused our Great Hua¡¯s proposal. On the contrary, they are likely in painful struggle¡ª¡±


    ¡°How can you tell?¡± Li Tai waved the letter in his hand. ¡°The King of Goryeo didn¡¯t mention our Great Hua''s proposal at all!¡±


    ¡°Not mentioning it is true,¡± Lin Wanrong said with an easy smile, ¡°But they haven''t refused either. This is the time to test endurance. As long as Goryeo can hold on, so can our Great Hua.¡±


    Li Tai shook his head, ¡°If it is as you predict, that''s well and good, but if Goryeo has indeed reached an agreement with the Dongyin, and at the same time our Great Hua is on the brink of war with the nomads, a single misstep could put us in a significant disadvantage. It''s a risk we cannot take!¡±


    ¡°The old general speaks wisely,¡± Lin Wanrong nodded, his face bing unusually solemn. ¡°For the safety of Great Hua, for the happiness of tens of thousands of ourpatriots, I''ve decided to use a once-in-a-millennium strategy on Seo Jang Geum!¡±


    ¡°What once-in-a-millennium strategy?¡± the Emperor asked with a smile.


    ¡°The¡ªHandsome¡ªMan¡ªScheme!¡± Lin Wanrong dered, his face filled with tragic determination.


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 425

    Chapter 425 Obeying the Imperial Decree to Woo a Beauty


    The handsome man scheme? Xu Wei and Li Tai looked Lin San up and down. A man indeed, but to say he was handsome seemed to becking something. The two men exchanged a nce and forcibly suppressed theirughter. Xu Wei cautiously said, "If we must employ a handsome man''s plot, it''s not impossible. But can we find someone else? That way, our chances would be greater!"


    Lin Wanrong listened and flew into a rage, ring at him, "Mr. Xu, what do you mean by that? Speak with your conscience! Is there anyone in this world more handsome than me? Let me tell you, you won''t find a second handsome man like me, skilled in both literary and martial arts, in the whole world."


    Xu Wei shook his head with a smile, his face full of apologies, "Little brother, you''ve misunderstood my meaning. I''m only worried about you taking such a risk. If anything goes wrong, that would be very bad indeed. A top talent like you is what our great country needs most. How could we let you risk this personally? I suggest finding someone else. I''m really thinking of you, thinking of the state. Please, don''t misunderstand."


    "There''s no way around the danger. Who told me I was born with aborious fate? Wooing the most dangerous beauties, doing the safest things; I''ve long been used to it. As Buddha said, ''If I don''t go to hell, who will?'' For the people of Great Hua, for the state, I''m willing to take this great risk! Your Majesty¡ª" Lin Wanrong turned, looking sincerely at the Emperor, his words earnest, "I volunteer! Please allow me to kill the enemy for the nation!"


    The old Emperor sneered, fully understanding his intentions, "Minister Lin, your patriotic heart is greatly appreciated! But is Seo Jang Geum, a frail woman, aware of Goryeo''s important affairs? Even if she knows, how can I let someone like you, the pir of Great Hua, risk this? In my view, Minister Xu''s suggestion makes sense. Let''s send someone else¡ª"


    "Send someone else? Your Majesty, you must be joking! Is there anyone in this world more suitable than me?" Lin Wanrong said, smiling, his eyes full of confidence. "Furthermore, I''m certain that Seo Jang Geum definitely knows the details. Mr. Xu just said that the Goryeo might be betraying our Great Hua, reaching some agreement with the Dongyin people. This possibility is not zero, but in my view, it''s minimal. Think about it: the Dongyin forces are all deployed, determined to take Goryeo. What price would Goryeo have to pay for the Dongyin to give up? If they really negotiate, I''m sure that the terms set by the Dongyin would be ten or a hundred times more stringent than Great Hua''s, making it even more uneptable for Goryeo. Your Majesty, Mr. Xu, General, isn''t that the case?"


    Everyone thought he was proposing the handsome man''s plot because he was lustful, trying to take advantage of Seo Jang Geum. Little did they know that he had already formed an opinion. His words were indeed insightful, hitting the nail on the head. The Dongyin were not good people; they would not give up unless they obtained satisfactory bargaining chips with their entire national power deployed at sea, and the army besieging the city.


    Xu Wei and Li Tai nodded slightly, and the Emperor pondered for a while before slowly saying, "Continue speaking, go on.""The cruelty of the Dongyin is well-known throughout the world. They have long resided on a narrow and elongated ind, and their national character has determined their impulsiveness and greed. When they have the opportunity to annex Goryeo and acquirend to expand their living area, they will never give up on this enormous interest. Therefore, I say that their demands will be ten or a hundred times more severe, making it difficult for the Goryeo royal family to ept. Byparison, our great concept of ''one country, two systems'' is gentle in its approach. It preserves the Goryeo royal family, allowing them to thrive and reproduce for generations, and shelters them under the powerful arm of Great Hua, protecting them from the wind and rain. With our long history of interaction between Great Hua and Goryeo, it is more eptable to the people of both nations. Theparison shows clearly which is superior and which is inferior. Your Majesty, may I be bold enough to ask, if you were the king of Goryeo and had to choose between the two, what would be your choice?" Lin Wanrong spoke eloquently, his rhetorical question leaving everyone in deep thought.


    The Emperor remained silent for a long while before saying indifferently, "ording to what you say, there seems to be some truth. The king of Goryeo should indeed choose to cooperate with our Great Hua. However, they currently refuse to discuss joining Great Hua. What can I do about it? Goryeo is in peril, and our Great Hua is about to go to war with the nomads. Continuing like this will only lead to a situation where both sides suffer."


    "Your Majesty is wise, that is exactly the case," Lin Wanrong nodded. "The king of Goryeo''s silence is based on our current anxious state in Great Hua. He''s trying to oust us, hoping to negotiate better terms, gain greater benefits. Therefore, it is especially important to probe their bottom line at this time."


    "Do you intend to ascertain Goryeo''s bottom line through Miss Seo Jang Geum?" Li Tai frowned as he spoke. "But can such a young girl really be involved in matters of state?"


    "Old General, do not underestimate this Seo Jang Geum. Think about it, if the king of Goryeo wants to probe Great Hua''s attitude, he must have arranged someone in our capital. This young pce girl is undoubtedly their main person in charge. However, they cannot reveal their anxious state, so Seo Jang Geum is visiting temples and worshipping Buddha under our very eyes, disying a calm demeanor, deliberately allowing us to see, in order to make us feel urgent. If we think about it, if Goryeo has truly reached an agreement with the Dongyin, what is Seo Jang Geum still doing in Great Hua? She should be rushing back to Goryeo."


    Xu Wei nodded, not taking Lin San''s usual yful demeanor lightly. When analyzing significant matters, Lin San was thorough and orderly, demonstrating great wisdom. "Little brother, ording to you, this Miss Seo is waiting for our Great Hua to make the first concession before reporting to the king of Goryeo for disposal?"


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes shed, and he shook his head, smiling, "Not so, not so. Goryeo is thousands of miles away from our capital, and even if theymunicate by carrier pigeon, it would take several days. The Dongyin warships are probably about to reach Goryeo''s water city, and the situation can change in an instant. Such a dy of several days cannot be afforded by the king of Goryeo. If I am not mistaken, the king of Goryeo''s final bottom line has already been conveyed to Seo Jang Geum."


    "What?" This audacious conjecture, not only astonished Xu Wei and Li Tai but even the Emperor seemed a bit moved. If Lin San''s reasoning was true, wouldn''t it mean that the grand opportunity to expand the Empire''s territory was within reach? If they could persuade Seo Jang Geum, they would already have Goryeo in their hands by half! Xu Wei and Li Tai''s faces showed excitement, and as they listened to Lin Wanrong''s words, the situation seemed to be clearer. The key rested on Seo Jang Geum. Were they really going to use a handsome man plot to aplish this? The two looked at Lin Wanrong with strange expressions on their faces.


    To expand the territory at the end of one''s life, surpassing one''s ancestors, was indeed a great honor. Even the old Emperor, as steady as he was, could not suppress a surge of excitement within himself. His face turned flush as he hastily controlled his emotions, speaking calmly, "Lin San, you say Seo Jang Geum has control over Goryeo''s bottom line. How certain are you of this?"


    Lin Wanrong spread his hands, smiling, "Not certain at all, Your Majesty. As you know, what I just said is deduction. The actual truth is only known to Seo Jang Geum herself. Ah, this young girl, stubborn and inflexible as you and Minister Xu have witnessed, even if a knife were held to her throat, she wouldn''t say anything. Quite a thorny issue."


    The old Emperor clenched his teeth, thinking that this young man spoke so much only to find an excuse to pursue a woman. What a bad idea! His own daughters were far better than this little pce girl from Goryeo. After pondering for a while, he found himself helpless against Lin San. The way Goryeo acted was disgraceful, sending a young girl in charge, naturally attracting Lin San like a fly. In dealing with young girls, Lin San was second to none.


    The Emperor exhaled deeply, his face darkening, "Lin San, if I were to send you to handle Seo Jang Geum, what odds do you give yourself?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned slyly, his face showing confidence, "Well, that depends on how it''s handled. Depending on the degree of engagement, the effect will vary."


    "Whatever the degree, whatever the effect, just tell me, and I will consider it carefully." The Emperor''s words had a hidden meaning, understood only by Lin San, while Li Tai and Xu Wei were left puzzled.


    Lin Wanrong chuckledsciviously, "We''re all friends here, so I won''t boast. Handling Miss Seo depends on the level. If it''s just ordinary tea and conversation, I can probably probe about ten percent; if we go further, holding hands, perhaps thirty percent; a kiss on the cheek, I should have at least fifty percent confidence; if we proceed to matrimonial rituals, well, I don''t have to say it, you can all guess."


    Xu Wei and Li Tai broke into a cold sweat as they listened, realizing the extent and effect he was referring to. And this he called ''not boasting''? How could anyone be so shameless?


    As for what Lin San meant by matrimonial rituals, why had he be so pedantic? He could have just said he''d sully the girl''s reputation. The Emperor found it amusing but trusted Lin San''s wordspletely, most notably demonstrated by his own daughters.


    "Minister Xu, General Li, what do you think of this n?" The Emperor''s face was peculiar, his expression somewhere between a smile and a frown, as he sought Xu Wei and Li Tai''s opinions.


    Xu Wei and Li Tai were civil and military officials of Great Hua, advisers and strategists in thousands of councils. Yet openly discussing this sordid "handsome man" strategy with the Emperor, especially when it was to be carried out by a "handsome man" like Lin San, was beyond awkward.


    "This..." The two exchanged courteous refusals for a while, but in the end, Xu Wei had to speak, "If there''s no other way, we must resort to this once-in-a-millennium stratagem. Time waits for no one! There are nomads in the north who want to fight, and new troops in the northeast tomand, all of which are urgent matters."


    The Emperor nodded, pacing slowly in the room. After a long pause, he seemed to have made up his mind and was about to speak when Lin Wanrong interrupted, "Ah, Mr. Xu, what did you just say? Are you saying that this n requires someone else to execute? I''ve thought it over from left to right, and I think you''re right. Although I''m more beautiful than a handsome man, I have a family and children. I am not suitable for this highly dangerous task, and I''m not good at deceiving young girls. My conscience would bother me! Change of ns, change of ns, this suggestion is good!"


    The three people in the room were stunned. At this crucial moment, how had Lin San changed his mind? Xu Wei quickly said, "Little brother Lin, only a young and dashing, wise and cunning hero like you canplete this difficult task. How can anyone else do it? If you are worried about scolding from your wives, I will make excuses for you. I believe they will grant me some favor."


    Lin Wanrong looked sad, his head shaking, almost weeping, "Mr. Xu, don''t mention my wives. I''ll tell you the truth. I will be forced to abandon them due to unavoidable reasons. Under these circumstances, how can I have the mood to carry out such a tremendous task? I have failed Great Hua, failed the people of Great Hua!"


    Li Tai eximed, "Abandon your wives? How is this possible? Who is so bold as to force you to be unfaithful? Tell me, and I will settle the score with him!"


    The Emperor''s face was dark as ink, Lin Wanrong almostughed but managed to hold it back, sorrowfully shaking his head, "Let''s not talk about it. I''m in a terrible mood and unable toplete the task. In any case, it''s my fault, Lin San. I''m sorry for the Emperor''s nurturing, sorry for Mr. Xu and the old general''s trust."


    After much persuasion from the two, Lin San stubbornly shook his head. The Emperor looked at him coldly, pretending to y along, and finally understood. This young man had been going around in circles, and his real goal was not Seo Jang Geum. He was trying to coerce the Emperor into protecting his wives, truly a painstaking effort!


    "Is that so? Tell me, who forced you to abandon your wives?" Seeing Lin San''s self-importance, the Emperor could not bear it any longer and coldly hummed.


    "This... I dare not say." Hearing the Emperor speak, Lin Wanrong took a long sigh of relief. He was not afraid of the Emperor speaking but afraid of him remaining silent.


    "You dare not speak? Is there something in this world you dare not say?" The Emperor''s face turned furious, and he pped his dragon chair heavily, "I see you are presumptuous and unwilling to contribute to my Great Hua. You want to resist mymand¡ª"


    How could they stand being used in such a manner? Seeing the Emperor enraged, Xu Wei and Li Tai quickly knelt down, pleading, "Your Majesty, please calm down! Lin San is just in turmoil due to family issues. We beg your forgiveness! We will certainly advise him properly!"


    The Emperor''s majestic anger was indeed formidable, but Lin Wanrong wasn''t much afraid by now. After all, it wasn''t the first time he had angered the Emperor, and he had grown used to it.


    Seeing Lin San''s obstinate demeanor and realizing that the happiness of his two daughters depended entirely on this man, the Emperor felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. He couldn''t beat or kill Lin San, so what could he do with such a strange creature?


    "Rise, all of you, rise." The Emperor weakly gestured for Xu Wei and Li Tai to stand, then shot a nce at Lin Wanrong, snorting, "I promise you, Miss Dong and Miss Luo in your residence will not be driven away. You should be satisfied with that, shouldn''t you?"


    That was exactly what Lin Wanrong had been waiting for. Beaming with joy, he hurriedly said, "Qiaoqiao and Ning''er are just two of my wives. There are also Eldest Miss, Second Miss, Sister An, etc. None of them can be driven away, otherwise, I''ll be in a bad mood and might fail in the mission. If it jeopardizes the affairs of the state, it would be disastrous."


    The Emperor was furious at Lord Lin''s audacity, snapping, "Enough of this talk! Do you think this is a marketce where you can haggle with me?"


    Xu Wei and Li Tai both fell silent, listening to the conversation between the Emperor and Lin San. It seemed that the person who wanted to separate Lin San and his wives was the Emperor himself. Cold sweat trickled down Li Tai''s forehead.


    "How could dare I haggle with the Emperor? I''m merely stating a fact. To avoid any dys in the state''s affairs because of me, Your Majesty, please find someone else for this handsome-man scheme. You can pick anyone off the street."


    Xu Wei was aghast; Lin San was indeed bold and daring, to talk back to the Emperor.


    The Emperor, though initially incensed by Lord Lin''s defiance, seemed to have grown ustomed to it. His anger eventually subsided, and he coldly chuckled, "I''ll make a note of your request concerning Eldest Miss Xiao and Second Miss. If you aplish the task, I will consider it. If you say another word, I''d rather forsake Goryeo than tolerate you."


    Lin Wanrong pondered, careful not to push the Emperor too hard. As long as Eldest Miss was still within reach, he would find a way eventually. He forced a few dryughs and said, "Since Your Majesty values me so much, I will use my charm topletely conquer the Goryeo pce maid and learn her secrets. However¡ª"


    Both Xu Wei and Li Tai sighed in relief as Lin Wanrong relented, only for their hearts to leap again as he added more to his statement. This Lin San was truly trying to kill them!


    "But what?" the Emperor asked, unimpressed.


    "Your Majesty, what I am doing, in a polite way, is called the handsome-man scheme, but bluntly, it''s deceiving young girls and toying with innocent maidens. I, Lin San, am honest and upright, and such an act would greatly damage my reputation."


    "Ha, you have a reputation?" The other three in the room simultaneously spat in contempt.


    "To prove my innocence and exin myself to my wives, Your Majesty, I boldly request a royal decree from you."


    So, it was a royal decree he wanted; that was a small matter. Li Tai and Xu Wei rxed. The Emperor''s face softened slightly, and he nodded, "What decree do you need? Speak truthfully, and I will write it for you!"


    Lin Wanrong walked up to the Emperor, whispered something in his ear, and the Emperor was momentarily stunned before angrily shouting, ¡°Nonsense! How can I issue such a decree to you? It would make historiansugh their heads off!¡±


    ¡°What''s so funny about that?¡± Lin Wanrong replied, puzzled. ¡°If Your Majesty conquers Goryeo, this decree will be a timeless anecdote, even highlighting your distinctiveness and greatness!¡±


    The Emperor seemed tempted but quickly waved his hand, ¡°No, I will definitely not write this decree! You just go and do your job, and I''ll see who dares mess with you.¡±


    Lin Wanrong tried to speak again, but the Emperor shook his head, ¡°Just do as we discussed earlier; we will end the discussion here for today. I''m a bit tired. All of you may leave.¡±


    A mere decree, why was it so troublesome? Xu Wei and Li Tai looked puzzled, but since the Emperor was dismissing them, they could only drag Lin Wanrong out the door. Before leaving, Lin Wanrong sighed, ¡°Family troubles hinder state affairs; getting things done is not easy. Your Majesty, please understand me. Otherwise, if this matter fails, Great Hua will suffer.¡±


    The door creaked shut, and the Emperor shook his head with a bitter smile. Where did Lin Sane up with so many whimsical ideas? He always managed to think of a way to save himself at critical moments, which was infuriating. Thinking about the decree that Lin San requested, he paced back and forth in his study, picking up and putting down his vermilion pen several times. Finally, he gritted his teeth, ¡°I will draft this decree, and if you fail, see how I will deal with you.¡±


    He wrote quickly, and in a moment it was done. Looking at the absurd content of the decree, he couldn''t help but find it amusing. He stamped it with arge red seal and instructed Gao Ping, ¡°Send this decree to Lin San! Remember, this is a top-secret order, and only he can see it.¡±


    ¡°Little brother Lin, what decree did you request from the Emperor, making it so difficult?¡± Xu Wei dared to ask only after they had left the pce gate.


    Lin Wanrongughed, ¡°Minister Xu, you know I have many jealous women at home. I asked the Emperor to write a decree to prove my innocence. Who knew His Majesty would be so stingy, refusing to write even a few words!¡±


    A decree to prove innocence? This was indeed a rare event in history! Xu Wei knew Lin Wanrong was cunning and couldn¡¯t guess what scheme he was nning that troubled the Emperor so much.


    As they had just stepped out of the pce gate, a shout came from behind, ¡°Master Lin, wait! Master Lin, wait!¡±


    Lin Wanrong turned around and saw a red-robed steward, Gao Ping, running toward him, panting.


    ¡°Master Lin, this is the decree that the Emperor has bestowed upon you!¡± Gao Ping carefully handed the decree to him, reminding, ¡°His Majesty said that only you may read this decree.¡±


    Lin Wanrong was delighted andughed, ¡°Understood, understood. Please convey my thanks to His Majesty for his grace!¡±


    As Gao Ping hurriedly turned and left, Lin Wanrong opened the decree, nced at it, and immediately beamed with joy.


    Xu Wei recalled Gao Ping''s instruction that only Lin San could read the decree, so he turned away, but his curiosity got the better of him. ncing back, his eyes caught four bright red characters on the decree, vivid and clear, boldly stating¡ª¡°(By) Imperial Order, Seduce Women!¡±


    Certainly, this was the most absurd imperial edict in history, and only Lin Wanrong could havee up with such an idea. Xu Wei had to suppress hisughter desperately, his face turning bright red as he hastily sped his hands, "Oh, little brother, I suddenly remember, an old friend is visiting my home today. I must leave immediately. Excuse me, excuse me!" With that, Xu Wei hurried away, his shoulders trembling with suppressedughter. When he reached the corner and could no longer see Lin San, he finally pounded his chest and burst into uproariousughter.


    "This is indeed a treasure!" Lin Wanrong carefully stowed the edict away, his heart filled with joy. "I have beenmanded to woo women for the country; I''m faithfully serving the nation. If Qingxuan mes me, I have an answer for her. Now, who should I woo first? Miss Seo or Sister An? It''s a tough choice!"


    The Goryeo delegation had been staying in the capital city for several days, and their inn was near West Straight Street. Carrying the ''wooing'' edict, Lin Wanrong quickened his pace. As he reached the inn''s entrance, he stopped abruptly. Meeting by chance was always better than nning a visit, and if he rashly barged in to find Seo Jang Geum, it would surely arouse her suspicions. It was best to proceed with caution.


    The inn was secluded, and aside from two guards at the entrance, there were few passersby. Lin Wanrong loitered around the entrance for a few turns, and the guards soon took notice. The one on the right barked, "Hey, who are you? What are you doing wandering around here? This is an inn for foreign guests, and loiterers are not allowed!"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and approached the guards, "Two brothers, I''m not an outsider. Have you heard of the current Minister of Revenue, Xu Wei? His younger uncle''s sister''s daughter is my beloved."


    The two guards exchanged nces. The younger uncle''s sister''s daughter of Minister Xu? What kind of rtionship was that with Minister Xu? Lin Wanrong maintained hisposure, taking out some loose silver from his sleeve and stuffing it into the guards'' hands, smiling, "Actually, I came here today to inquire about something from you two honorable brothers!"


    Upon seeing the silver, the guards'' faces lightened, and they stealthily pocketed the money, maintaining a serious expression, "We, asw enforcement officers, never ept bribes. Don''t underestimate us. Speak quickly and tell us what you need; it is our duty to assist you."


    "You two brothers are upright and honorable. I admire you," Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up, looking around before lowering his voice, "Since you two are so cooperative, I won''t hide anything from you. Actually, I am a top-secret agent dispatched by the Emperor, agent 007, code-named Bond, James Bond! Look here¡ª"


    He nced around cautiously, opened his coat to reveal the ''wooing'' edict, then quickly closed it again. The two guards only caught a glimpse of the words "Imperial Edict" on the cover and were so frightened that they trembled and were about to kneel. Lin Wanrong caught them, "Please, brothers, no need to be so formal. I always keep a low profile and never reveal my identity. Actually, I came here today to carry out a top-secret mission¡ª"


    "Please speak, Mr. Bond, please speak," the two guards hurriedly nodded and bowed.


    The low-profile Mr. Bond slowly nodded, "Is the little pce maid Seo Jang Geum, who came from Goryeo, staying here?"


    "Yes, yes she is. But, sir, you are not lucky; Miss Seo just went out."


    "She''s gone out? So early in the morning?" Lin Wanrong asked in surprise, "Did she go alone?"


    The two guards looked at each other, their lips hesitating for a moment, seemingly afraid to speak. Lin Wanrong snorted, "What''s this? Are you daring to withhold information from a secret agent like me?"


    The two men quickly waved their hands, "No, no. We were initially intimidated by someone and dared not speak, but since Mr. Bond is a secret agent, how could we lie to you, sir? Miss Seo was invited out early this morning for a leisure outing. Apanying her was the young prince from Prince Cheng''s mansion!"


    "Prince Cheng''s young prince, you mean¡ªZhao Kangning?!" Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened in shock.


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 426

    Chapter 426 A Flower for You, Two Cuckoos in Shu


    "Yes, yes, it''s him!" Two guards eximed hurriedly. "Mr. Bond, do you know the Young Prince too?"


    "Oh, yes, of course, I know him. I often walk inside and outside the pce; how could I not know the Young Prince? He and my family''s Wangcai (TL: A popr dog¡¯s name) have even sworn brotherhood and burned yellow paper together." Lin Wanrong chuckled twice. "Do you know where the Young Prince and Lady Seo have gone sightseeing?"


    "I''m not quite sure about that, but I saw their carriage heading towards the North Gate. They might be seeing the spring scenery," one of the guards replied.


    ¡®Seeing the spring? Damn it, I think it''s more like ''enjoying'' spring.¡¯ He had the imperial decree to flirt with girls, yet Seo Jang Geum had gone on a date with the Young Prince. Although the young pcedy had no immediate ties with him, the displeasure was certain.


    "Brothers," Lin Wanrong said, nodding solemnly, his expression grave, "ording to the regtions set by the emperor himself in Chapter Nine, Section One Hundred and Eight, Subsection Ten, use Five of our secret spy work code, I have inquired information from you today. To ensure that state secrets are not leaked, you must¡ª" Lin Wanrong''s face turned vicious, and he drew his hand menacingly across his neck, sneering coldly, "I assume you''ve both heard of the ways we secret spies operate. Dismemberment, skynterns, human-skin drums; which one do you prefer?"


    The two guards shrank back, their faces pale and limp as mud. "Mercy, sir, mercy!"


    Lin Wanrong steadied them, his face showingpassion. "However, since we met today, we must have fate. I won''t do those ugly things. But if anyone leaks the news of mying, well, I won''t do something as cruel as the skynterns, but making a human-skin drum is quite interesting¡ª"


    He gave a dryugh, and the two guards, cold sweat dripping, nodded their heads like pecking chickens. "Rest assured, sir, rest assured. We would rather die than leak a word."Through deception and intimidation, Lin Wanrong had them well under control. He then rose and headed towards the North Gate. The imperial decree was warm in his pocket, but the girl he was supposed to flirt with had slipped away, a definite inauspicious start.


    He thought of the Eldest Miss still "visiting" the old Emperor and that if the matter with Seo Jang Geum wasn''t handled well, it would be even more difficult to deal with the old Emperor. He snorted and had a bowl of soy milk and two fried dough sticks at a tea stall under the North Gate. He even had a haircut before leaving the city.


    Outside the city, the scenery was startling. Late second month in early spring, a gentle breeze and wildflowers everywhere. Shimmering waves on the water, birds singing, bright colors everywhere, and many people enjoying the spring. The roadside and mountains were filled with bright pink flowers, named and nameless, red, yellow, blue, all charming and fragrant after the spring rain, a beautiful sight to behold.


    Youngdies and gentlemen by the roadside were happily picking wildflowers. Some bolder ones had cast aside the barriers between genders, pairing up to challenge each other with poetry and share harmless jokes. Laughter and merry voices were unending, and the atmosphere was lively.


    Indeed, spring had arrived; those in heat were in heat, those feeling frisky were feeling frisky. Sadly, the wildflowers by the road couldn''t be picked. Lin Wanrong sighed and slowly chanted, "In spring sleep, a slumber so deep, dreaming of garments so few! Nightes with rain and wind, while sons and daughters rejoice and have fun! Good poetry, oh, good poetry!"


    "Vulgar!" His voice had barely fallen when a clear and somewhat mocking and gloating male voice sounded from beside him.


    Lin Wanrong looked up to see a group of well-dressed men and women not far away. It seemed that everyone had heard the risqu¨¦ verse he had just recited, the women''s faces flushed, and the men stiflingughter.


    Among them was a familiar face, and Lin Wanrong joyfully eximed, "Oh, isn''t this the Young Prince? I haven''t seen you in a few days, and you''ve grown even more handsome, almost catching up to me! What''s this, leading so many people out to enjoy the spring?"


    "Crude! Can spring be bought?" Before Zhao Kangning could speak, a man beside him interjected. Lin Wanrong nced at him, noticing a man around forty, with a clean-shaven face and an arrogant look.


    "I would dly spend a million coins, to buy a branch as a symbol of spring," Lin Wanrongughed, "I''m just such a vulgar person. Brother, do you have an opinion?"


    "Don''t be angry, Mr. Gu," Zhao Kangning smiled, "This is the famed Lin San, Mr. Lin."


    "You are Lin San?" Mr. Gu was astonished, "The one who bombarded the sacred hall?!"


    The news of the bombardment had spread throughout the capital in just a day and was making its way through several provinces. Lin Wanrong wasn''t surprised and smiled slightly, "Indeed, it is I."


    "Sir, what are you doing here?" A gentle female voice sounded, tinged with pleasant surprise. Lin Wanrong nced over, and standing next to Zhao Kangning was the young pce maid, Seo Jang Geum. Dressed in a light purple robe, her crystal-clear skin gave her a unique charm.


    "Oh, Jang Geum Dongsaeng, you''re here too." Lin Wanrong waved at her, his face unchanging, "I''m also out to enjoy the spring."


    Seo Jang Geum bowed to him respectfully, "I would dly spend a million coins, to buy a branch as a symbol of spring. Sir, your way of enjoying spring is indeed quite unique."


    Lin Wanrong studied her expression, calm and unruffled. Everything seemed normal, and he wondered if he''d guessed wrong.


    The Young Prince nced at him and smirked, "More than just enjoying spring. Lin San''s little poem about spring sleep is quite amusing too, unforgettable to the ear." At these words, the men behind him burst intoughter, and the women blushed, including Seo Jang Geum, who lowered her head.


    "Oh, I never expected the Young Prince to have such a remarkable memory, even remembering the little poem I just recited. What''s so interesting about my little poem?"


    Zhao Kangning recited with a smile, "In spring sleep, a slumber so deep, dreaming of garments so few! Nightes with rain and wind, while sons and daughters rejoice and have fun! I never thought our world-famous schr Master Lin, Vice Minister Lin, would have such refined taste. It seems I must promote you properly!"


    Lin Wanrong was shocked and pointed at Zhao Kangning''s nose, eximing, "What are you reciting, Young Prince? How could you, a royal noble and a descendant of the Founding Emperor, publicly chant suchscivious and licentious words in public? Where is the dignity of the holy ancestor, and the honor of the royal family?"


    "What''s the matter? Won''t you admit it?" Zhao Kangning said coldly with a smile. "The lewd poem was your creation just now, and I heard it with my own ears. Could there be a mistake?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Young Prince, you must have misheard. What I recited earlier was, ''Spring sleep, unaware of the dawn, everywhere I hear chirping birds; during the night, the sound of wind and rain, how many flowers have fallen?'' Such a fine poem, how did it turn into a licentious verse in your ears? They say speech reflects the heart. Young Prince, I suggest you spend less time looking at erotic paintings and more time studying the Buddhist scriptures. This will promote the growth of your body and mind."


    Everyone was taken aback. They had clearly heard him recite an erotic poem, yet now it had be so refined and appropriate? Whether it was a lewd poem or an exquisite one, Lin San indeed had genuine talent. [The two poems sounded simr]


    "What a cunning tongue!" Having been bested by Lord Lin before, Zhao Kangning had learned his lesson. He scoffed, "Young Prince will not argue with you about such useless matters. Today, I am here to enjoy the spring with Miss Seo, and I don''t have time to apany you. Miss Seo, let''s go ahead and take a look, please!"


    With a gracious gesture, the Pce Lady Seo, nodded her head, walked to Lin Wanrong''s side, and suddenly bowed to him, "Sir, would you like to join us?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled slightly and shook his head, "I prefer to be alone, so I won''t mingle with you. But Miss Jang Geum, when appreciating spring and admiring flowers, one must be in the right mood. I see you''re somewhat restless. I''m afraid you''re wasting this beautiful scenery."


    A strange glimmer shed in Miss Seo''s eyes, and she quickly lowered her head, "Thank you, Sir, for your wise words. Jang Geum will remember them."


    "How could you forget?" Lin Wanrong suddenlyughed, "You should call me Wanrong Oppa!"


    Seo Jang Geum''s face turned red, and she turned her head away, unable to speak. Seeing that the situation was not right, Zhao Kangning hurriedly intervened, "Master Lin, how can you be so presumptuous? Miss Seo is a diplomat from Goryeo and an honored guest of our Great Hua. If you try to bully her, I will certainly report you to the Emperor!"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "This is indeed strange. I spoke only a few words with Jang Geum Dongsaeng, and the Young Prince wants to report me? Young Prince, with this time, I suggest you do more meaningful things, such as maintaining world peace, upholding justice, and purifying social customs. These tasks are very suitable for you."


    Seo Jang Geum burst into a chuckle, then quickly covered her mouth, realizing it was inappropriate. Zhao Kangning was annoyed but knew that Lin San was not easy to provoke. He had to swallow his anger. Seeing the blood-red flowers covering the mountainside, the spring blossoms brilliant, the Young Prince smiled warmly at Seo Jang Geum, gracefully waved his hand, and pointed to the blooming azaleas, "Miss Seo, do you think these flowers are beautiful? How about I pick some for you?"


    Seo Jang Geum hurriedly shook her head, "I wouldn''t dare trouble the Young Prince with such a task." But Zhao Kangning paid no heed to her words,ughed loudly, and hurried towards the flowers, "Miss Seo, please wait for me. I''ll be back soon."


    This boy was indeed skilled at picking flowers. Lin Wanrong chuckled lewdly twice, then nced at Seo Jang Geum. In just two days, how had Seo Jang Geum and this Zhao Kangning boy connected? Something about this was strange.


    "Sir, did you trulye out today to enjoy the spring scenery?" Seo Jang Geum looked up at Lin Wanrong and then lowered her head, asking softly. "Why did none of your wives apany you?"


    "I came to court you, believe it or not?" Lin Wanrongughed. "Speaking of enjoying the spring, that is true. To be precise, I came to pick flowers. s, I haven''t picked flowers in several years; I wonder if my skills have be rusty?"


    The young pce maid looked up at him, smiling charmingly. "Sir, you''re really joking. What skill does one need to pick flowers? Besides, why would you be interested in the wildflowers and weeds by the roadside?"


    "As the saying goes, homegrown flowers do not have the fragrance of wildflowers. I like these wildflowers and weeds the most," Lin Wanrong said, looking around and noticing the children of the officials who hade with Zhao Kangning were ncing their way. He grinned mysteriously and leaned close to Seo Jang Geum''s ear, whispering, "Jang Geum, the art of picking flowers is vast. Just speaking of the positions, there are many types, such as picking from behind, picking from above, picking from below, and even three people picking together. It''s absolutely exciting. We can exchange views sometime."


    "Three people picking together?" Seo Jang Geum blinked in surprise, covering her lips with a smile. "Sir, you jest with me. Does picking flowers require two or three people? I think one person is enough!"


    "One person is enough?" Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment, then nodded seriously. "Jang Geum, you are indeed well-versed and talented. Solo y does indeed have a unique taste. Jang Geum, forgive my boldness in asking, but when you eat bananas, do you hold them with your left hand or your right hand?"


    Seo Jang Geum looked at him in confusion and asked curiously, "Sir, what does solo y mean? And what does it have to do with eating bananas? When I eat bananas, I like to hold them with both hands¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong''s face showed shock as he retreated two steps. "Both hands together? My goodness, such a thick banana! It must take you several bites to eat it! Goryeo truly produces talent. Jang Geum, you muste to my house to eat bananas sometime. I have a big one."


    Seo Jang Geum''s expression darkened, and a faint sorrow appeared in her eyes. "Jang Geum wishes to visit your home, Sir, and interact more with you and your wives. But Goryeo''s situation is dire, facing imminent destruction. I don''t know if I''ll have this blessing."


    Lin Wanrong responded with a casual "Oh," and chuckled. "Goryeo is in danger, so you''ve set your sights on Prince Cheng, hoping that he and his friend might be able to help you, right?"


    Seo Jang Geum''s face changed slightly, tears welling in her eyes. She cried out sadly, "No, Sir, please don''t misunderstand. I¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand, smiling. "Let''s not talk about state affairs. I came today to pick flowers, and speaking of these matters would ruin the mood. Once the situation in Goryeo is resolved, I''ll invite you to my house to y."


    Over there, Zhao Kangning had picked arge bunch of dew-kissed azaleas, his eyebrows dancing with excitement as he gleefully dashed down, his movements utterly suave. After descending a few steps, he saw Lin San and Seo Jang Geum whispering to each other. Lady Seo''s expression was both coy and aggrieved, utterly charming. Zhao Kangning''s face darkened, and he gritted his teeth, humming softly. He sprinted a few steps to position himself between the two, handing the azaleas he had picked to Seo Jang Geum''s hand. "Miss Seo, do you find these flowers beautiful? I picked them myself as a token of my feelings. I hope you like them."


    Seo Jang Geum stole a nce at Lord Lin, noticing his indifferent expression, his hands busily picking flowers, seemingly unaware of the Young Prince''s words. The young pcedy bowed her head sadly, forcing a smile: "Thank you, Young Prince. Such beautiful fresh flowers, I am truly unworthy!"


    Zhao Kangning earnestly said, "Miss Seo is too modest. You are the pearl of Goryeo, a hundred times more beautiful than these flowers. To be able to offer you this blooming bouquet is an honor in my three lives! Please ept it quickly!"


    ¡®This youngd has quite the thick skin. With such meager skills in wooing women, he dares to show off in front of me?¡¯ Lin Wanrong found it amusing, plucking a fiery red azalea to sniff, its subtle fragrance refreshing and invigorating.


    The Young Prince''s earnestness was overwhelming. If Seo Jang Geum refused the flower, it would be a slight to his face. She wore a distressed expression and lowered her head in silence.


    Seeing everyone''s eyes on her, Zhao Kangning grew annoyed, raising his voice: "Miss Seo, I genuinely want to be friends with you. Surely you won''t refuse even this small gesture. Our Great Hua and Goryeo have been friendly neighbors for generations."


    He emphasized the words "friendly neighbors for generations" heavily. Seo Jang Geum''s expression darkened. Just as she was about to reach out, she heardughter nearby: "Young Prince, your way of expressing yourself is quite unique. What does being friendly neighbors for generations have to do with offering flowers to a youngdy?"


    Upon hearing this voice, Seo Jang Geum felt a sudden relief, exhaling a long breath. She nced gratefully at Lin Wanrong, only to find him casually swinging a bright red flower, its petals reflecting his smile, appearingpletely rxed and at ease.


    Frustrated that his good intentions were disrupted, Zhao Kangning''s anger surfaced: "Lin San, what do you mean by this? I sincerely offer flowers to Miss Seo. What business is it of yours?"


    ¡®No business with me? What a joke! I''m here by imperialmand to woo her, and you obstruct me. I''ve spared you a beating by the imperial guards, and that''s already a favor!¡¯ Lin Wanrong stepped forward, shaking the flower branch with a grin: "How can it have nothing to do with me? Miss Seo is my ''Jang Geum Dongsaeng,'' after all!"


    Seo Jang Geum''s face turned red with embarrassment, and she lowered her head, not daring to speak. Zhao Kangning snapped, "What Jang Geum Dongsaeng? How could Miss Seo associate with you, a shameless scoundrel trying to take advantage?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily: "The one trying to take advantage should be you, Young Prince. As the saying goes, ''When you see injustice on the road, everyone should trample it.'' I just couldn''t stand it and spoke up for my Jang Geum Dongsaeng."


    "Lin San, how dare you nder me!" Zhao Kangning was furious. "I treat Eldest Miss Seo with the utmost sincerity. What about this do you find uneptable? Don''t think that just because you can speak a few words in front of the Emperor, I can''t do anything to you. Thisnd of Great Hua bears the Zhao family name!"


    "It does bear the name Zhao," Lin Wanrong sneered. "But one Zhao is not necessarily the same as another, Young Prince. You im to treat ''Jang Geum Dongsaeng'' with utter sincerity, even presenting her with beautiful flowers. Let me ask you then, do you even know the name of the flower in your hand?"


    What is the name of this flower? Zhao Kangning was taken aback. Born with a golden spoon in his mouth, he had never had to know the difference between the five grains and had always been idle. He had picked this wildflower from the mountainside on a whim, seeing how beautifully it bloomed, intending to give it to Seo Jang Geum. How could he recognize the name of this wildflower?


    Seeing Seo Jang Geum looking at him, the Young Prince''s heart raced. He hastily signaled to hispanions behind him.


    "Chrysanthemum¡ª"


    "Peony¡ª"


    "Cockb¡ª"


    "Foxtail grass¡ª"


    Guesses rang out from all around, each one offered by the sons of wealthy officials. They could name all manner of expensive flowers but none recognized this wild mountain blossom.


    Seo Jang Geum couldn''t help but chuckle and sneak a nce at Lin Wanrong before quickly lowering her head.


    "I''ve been careless, careless!" Zhao Kangningmented, his face turning red with anger. He red at Lin San, who was smirking. "So, you know it, do you? If you''re so clever, tell me what it''s called."


    Lin Wanrong smiled and nodded, lightly smelling the flower before slowly pacing a few steps. "Naming this flower isn''t anything extraordinary. In Tibetan Esoteric Buddhism, it''s called Gesang; in Goryeo, it''s called Jindae!"


    Hearing this, Seo Jang Geum became ecstatic, grabbing his hand, tears shimmering in her eyes. "That''s right, it''s called Jindae, the flower of my homnd. Every spring, Mount Geumgang is covered in these red and purple Jindae. It''s beautiful. Wanrong Oppa, how do you know about Jindae? You must have been to our Goryeo."


    Hearing Seo Jang Geum call Lin Wanrong "Wanrong Oppa," Zhao Kangning turned pale with anger and snapped, "I asked for its name in Great Huanguage. What''s all this about Tibetan or Goryeo?"


    "Don''t be impatient, let me exin slowly," Lin Wanrong said with a leisurely smile. "This beautiful little flower, in our Great Huanguage, is called the Azalea, also known as Rhododendron. There''s a legend from the ancient Shu kingdom about an Emperor named Du Yu, who loved his empress dearly. After he was tragically murdered, his soul became a cuckoo, crying daily in the Empress''s garden. Its tears were drops of red blood, staining the beautiful flowers there, thus people named it Azalea."


    [TL: The characters for Cuckoo bird and Azalea flowers/Rhododendron are exactly the same]


    "The Empress, hearing the cuckoo''s mournful cries and seeing the crimson blood, realized it was her husband''s soul. Grieving, she wailed ''Come back,e back,'' day and night until she passed away in sorrow. Her soul turned into fiery red azaleas that covered the mountains, living together with the cuckoo. So, this Azalea is also called Rhododendron, and this is the story of ¡®the cuckoo cries tears of blood, its offspring mournfully cry upon return.¡¯ ''Once heard in Shu, the cry of the cuckoo, still seen in Xuancheng, the Azalea flower,'' this tale of undying love between bird and flower is an immortal legend in our world. Young Prince, do you understand now?"


    Unexpectedly, this little wildflower had such a tragic and beautiful origin. It wasughable that after giving Miss Seo the flower, he couldn''t even call its name, let alone narrate such an enticing story. Zhao Kangning''s face turned red and pale, looking extremely unsightly.


    "The cuckoo cries tears of blood, its offspring mournfully cry upon return," Seo Jang Geum listened with a misty chill in her eyes, tears welling up: "So this Jindae has such a beautiful story. Sir, thank you for your teaching. Is there really such devotion, such unyielding emotion in the world?"


    "In spring''s blush fades, yet autumn''s hue returns,


    From a vanished realm, to Chu''s pce it yearns.


    Surely it''s Shu''s grievances that never cease to cry,


    Relying on its colors toment to the western sky.


    Emotion is the essence of humanity, the love that grows stronger with age; there are countless examples in the human world. Miss Seo, you must have faith in others, as well as in yourself," Lin Wanrong said with a slight smile, flicking the flower stem in his hand and slowly handing it to Seo Jang Geum: "One flower for you, two cuckoos in Shu!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 427

    Chapter 427 Sorry for the inconvenience


    "A flower for you, two cuckoos in Shu?!" Seo Jang Geum muttered softly, her face flushed with clouds of red, her small hand trembling slightly. She was eager to take the flower branch but hesitated inexplicably.


    How could he not have thought of this? It was both a flower and a poem; what woman could resist? Zhao Kangning was secretly distressed. Although he had always despised Lin San''s actions, seeing Lin San''s performance today, even he, who considered himself suave, unrivaled, and elegant, had to admit that when it came to courting women, he and Lin San were simply not on the same level.


    "Sir, Sir," Seo Jang Geum''s face turned a deep red, biting her cherry lips, her snow-white hands opening and closing, surging like tides of thought, "Is what you said true? This Jindae, are you really giving it to me?"


    "Oh, it was just a momentary exmation," Lin Wanrong sighed lightly and smiled, "I could have given you this azalea, but this little poem is not for you. To avoid misunderstanding, I better take it back." As if unintentionally, he lightly brushed the fiery red azalea against Seo Jang Geum''s small hand and indeed took it back.


    Zhao Kangning watched with great joy; this Lin San seemed to be showing off, with no real interest in Seo Jang Geum. He hurriedly said, "Exactly, exactly, you have several wives at home, don''t give flowers to other people''s youngdies, it will ruin their reputation."


    Seo Jang Geum lowered her head, tears welling in her eyes. She turned her head away, not allowing others to see, and spoke softly, "Thank you, sir, for telling me the story of the cuckoo in Shu. I know I am like a weak willow, iparable to the beautiful Jindae. But the legend of the weeping cuckoo, I will remember forever. Thank you!" She bent down deeply, expressing a reverence and devotion beyond words.


    "Not at all, not at all," Lin Wanrong smiled and helped her up, "Life is like floating dust; thirty years in the east and thirty in the west. If there is an azalea in your heart, there is grace in life. Don''t belittle yourself."


    Zhao Kangning listened on the side, blood boiling. This Lin San was just reciting some off-tune lewd poems; how could he suddenly speak with such Zen wisdom? How could anyone be so shameless?Seo Jang Geum wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes, nodded lightly, and her eyes fell on the flower branch in his hand, falling into a moment of mncholy again.


    Zhao Kangning hastily handed her arge bunch of rhododendrons: "Miss Seo, Lin San is very unscrupulous, don''t mind him. The story of the Shu Emperor and Empress also touched me. Look, these azaleas, all picked for you. Do you like them? Miss Seo, Miss Seo¡ª"


    Seo Jang Geum''s mind seemed elsewhere, and only when she heard him call her a few times did shee back to her senses, a hint of apology on her face: "Young Prince, what did you say?"


    It was all Lin San''s fault, making Miss Seo so dazed. Zhao Kangning''s heart was full of unspeakable irritation, but he pretended not to care and smiled casually, "Young Prince said, these beautiful azaleas were specially picked for you, Miss. Do you like them?"


    Seo Jang Geum hummed in response, her eyes furtively ncing at Lin Wanrong. Her face turned rosy yet somewhat mncholic as she softly said, "Thank you, Young Prince, for your kind intentions. The azaleas are beautiful, but just like flowers, one can only truly favor a single blossom." As her words fell, she saw that Master Lin had already walked far away, as if he hadn''t even heard her heartfelt words.


    Twice his offer of flowers had been rejected, and Zhao Kangning''s face alternated between red and white. He was unable to vent his frustration and could only secretly snort, awkwardly withdrawing the beautiful, fire-like azaleas. Seeing that Lin San had walked far away, disappearing around a corner, Seo Jang Geum clenched her teeth, staring nkly. The vibrant spring scenery around her lost all beauty in her eyes.


    Zhao Kangning suddenly waved his hand with joy, pointing to a pond ahead and said, "Miss Seo, look quickly, up ahead is the famous Spring Pond in the capital. The pond is best known for its willow trees. Every year in February and March, willows on both banks sprout tender buds,peting to herald spring, offering a spectacr sight. Shall we go appreciate the willows together?"


    Seo Jang Geum had already lost her interest and lightly shook her head, speaking softly, "Young Prince, the situation in Goryeo is urgent. I can''t afford to linger here any longer. What do you think about the matter I spoke to you about yesterday? Have you reported it to Prince Cheng?"


    "Well, this," Zhao Kangning''s face showed difficulty as he shook his head, "Miss Seo, you may not know, but Goryeo and our Great Hua are linked like flesh and blood, so it''s only natural for Great Hua to send troops to assist Goryeo. My father has also spoken favorably of Goryeo before the Emperor. However, someone is deliberately obstructing us from dispatching troops to Goryeo. This person is also greatly favored by the Emperor, so I''m unable to help you at the moment!"


    "Young Prince, who is this person you speak of?" Seo Jang Geum''s eyebrows furrowed slightly, her big eyes blinking as she asked.


    Zhao Kangning sneered coldly, "Speaking of this person, you are no stranger to him. It''s none other than Master Lin San, who was just reciting lewd poetry and showing off his cleverness. He proposed some theory of ''one country, two systems,'' deliberately hindering the friendship between our two nations. It''s utterly despicable. Although my father and I have actively mediated, Lin San is eloquent and favored by the Emperor, so we can''t think of a solution for now!"


    Seo Jang Geum sighed, expressing her difficulty, "Is there no other more flexible solution? The conditions of ''one country, two systems'' are too harsh; the King will find it hard to agree."


    "Miss Seo, don''t worry," Zhao Kangning said with a carefree smile, patting her shoulder, "You and I are such close friends. How could I refuse to help you?"


    Hearing him emphasize the word "close," Seo Jang Geum bit her lip, without responding. Standing closer to this young pce maid, he became infatuated with her translucent, milk-like skin, and reached out to grab her hand, "Miss Seo, the scenery up ahead is wonderful. Let''s go and explore together."


    Seo Jang Geum was taken aback and hurriedly stepped back two paces, avoiding his grasp, and said with her head lowered, "Goryeo is in imminent peril; I really have no interest in sightseeing. I hope Young Prince will understand."


    "Goryeo is in imminent peril?" Seeing her repeated refusals, even a y Buddha would grow impatient. Zhao Kangning''s face reddened in annoyance, and he lightly snorted, "Miss Seo, at least you still remember this matter. In the whole world, the only ones who can speak up for you are my father and I. But you are so uncooperative. How can I help you?"


    "Cooperate? How should I cooperate?" Seo Jang Geum asked in surprise, "Please make it clear, Prince. What must I do for you to help our Goryeo?"


    "This, actually, is not difficult," Zhao Kangning smirked, reaching out again to grab her hand. "Miss Seo, with your extraordinary beauty, if our two nations were to form an alliance as close as that of Qin and Jin, wouldn''t that solve everything? My feelings for you are nothing but sincere, clearer to you than anyone else."


    Seo Jang Geum''s face turned red, and she quickly took two steps back, bowing her head and saying respectfully, "Your Highness, you tter me too much. I''m merely a lowly pce maid in Goryeo, how could I possibly be worthy of someone of your royal lineage?"


    "A lowly pce maid?" Zhao Kangning coldlyughed a few times. "Miss Seo, do you really need to be so modest in front of me? A mere pce maid who can stay in our Great Hua for so long, acting as a mediator between Great Hua and Goryeo? Your true identity¡ªdo you think I don''t know it?"


    There was a rustling noise. Something was startled in the nearby bushes. Zhao Kangning snapped, "Who''s there?"


    The bushes were silent for a moment before two wild ducks quacked and leaped out from the woods, heading straight for the spring pond ahead. Zhao Kangning let out a long sigh, then continued, "Miss Seo, if you say you''re a pce maid, then I, the prince, am taken with such a maid. If you agree to me, Goryeo and our Great Hua will be family, and we''ll work on assisting with military forces. I assure you, Goryeo will be safe for generations."


    Seo Jang Geum''s face turned pale, her small hand gripping tightly, her bright red lips almost biting until they bled. Zhao Kangning felt a surge of satisfaction, as though he''d regained his pride from Lin Wanrong. He chuckled twice, "Miss Seo, I believe you can understand my sincere feelings for you. I''ve said all I can. What you do next is up to you. But let me remind you, Goryeo might not hold out much longer. With every moment you dy, your people suffer more casualties. I''ll be at the mansion, waiting for your good news."


    Zhao Kangning left,ughing heartily, full of satisfaction. Seo Jang Geum''s lips were dry, her heart cold, tears trickling down as she slowly walked forward. By the spring pond''s edge, a gentle breeze blew, green waves rippled, countless willows sprouting fresh buds, their tender green tips delighting the eye.


    Seo Jang Geum stood by the spring pond''s edge, looking into the distance at the hazy mountains and spring rain like smoke. Her heart ached. She stamped her small foot and reached out as if to jump forward.


    "No, no, don''t do it!" A figure suddenly rushed out from the diagonal, tightly embracing her delicate body, with bothrge hands intentionally or unintentionally resting on her chest. "Miss Seo, we can talk this over. How could you be so rash? Ah, you are carrying tworge buns on you!"


    "Let go of me!" Seo Jang Geum trembled, quickly twisting her body. "Sir, let go of me, please let go of me quickly!"


    "Why jump into the river, and what''s with the buns if you''re going to jump?" Lin Wanrong tightly hugged her, giving a gentle squeeze. Seo Jang Geum let out a whimper, her face flushed with embarrassment, and hurriedly said, "Sir, I''m not going to jump into the river. You misunderstood, misunderstood."


    "A misunderstanding?" Lin Wanrong looked at her in confusion, "No way! Clearly, two steamed buns were about to cause a bloody scene, and judging by my countless experiences in saving people, you must have had the impulse to jump into the river. Otherwise, why would you cling to me like this?"


    Seo Jang Geum''s face was as red as fire, and she was filled with embarrassment. It was clearly Master Lin who had clung to her, so why was he ming her now? "Sir, I just wanted to pluck a willow branch, not jump into the river!" Seo Jang Geum said, blushing and lowering her voice, "Please let me go quickly!"


    "Pluck willow branches?" Lin Wanrongughed awkwardly and rubbed the steamed buns, then reluctantly withdrew his hands, saying, "All this fuss about flowers and willows, Miss Seo, you need to be careful. This kind of illness is hard to cure."


    Hearing his tant teasing, the young pce maid could hardly bear it and whimpered, quickly turning her head. She reached out with her slender hand, plucked a freshly sprouted willow branch, and gently sniffed it before lowering her head, softly asking, "Sir, what are you doing here?"


    "I came to pick flowers, of course." Lin Wanrong shook the flower branch in his hand, smiling, "I''m not satisfied yet; how can I return empty-handed?"


    Seo Jang Geum looked at the flower in his hand and suddenly chuckled lightly, "Sir, you truly are a diligent flower picker. Such a beautiful azalea has been tortured into this shape by you."


    "Oh," Lin Wanrong nced at the azalea in his hand, only to see that the petals had long scattered, and the branch was covered in grass and mud, hardly recognizable as the bright red flower it had once been. "Oh, the azalea''s husband called her, so she left home. It''s understandable, understandable." Heughed twice, speaking nonsense.


    Seo Jang Geum shook her head andughed softly. Seeing him covered in mud and grass, she wondered where he had rolled around. Thinking of how he had been reciting poetry earlier, her heart felt both warm and touched. She gently brushed off the grass and mud from his body and said softly, "Sir, what happened to you? Your clothes are in such a state."


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand, smiling nonchntly, "Oh, it''s nothing. I was just catching ducks in the bushes earlier. Eh, where''s the Young Prince? Aren''t you two usually together, enjoying the sights? How could he leave you behind like this? That''s not right, not right!"


    Seo Jang Geum looked at him, her teeth clenched, and shook her head, slowly stepping to the edge of theke. Looking at her beautiful reflection in the water, tears welled up in her eyes, and she found herself at a loss for words. The spring breeze rustled her long hair and elegant skirt, and in the slight chill, this foreign pce maid seemed as fragile as a delicate willow, pitiable and forlorn.


    "Sir, do you think I''m very pitiful?" Seo Jang Geum''s eyes were like spring water, misty, as she looked at him, her voice soft and distant.


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback; this question was indeed difficult to answer. In terms of appearance, Seo Jang Geum was not the most breathtakingly beautiful, but she won people over with the traditional Goryeo grace and gentleness. A young girl, alone in a foreignnd, seeking help ¨C the taste of that was truly unbearable.


    "How could that be?" Lin Wanrongughed, "You''re beautiful, knowledgeable, and you can even cook medicinal meals. Where''s the pity in that?"


    Seo Jang Geum shook her head slightly, her eyes fixed on him: "Sir, even if what you say is false, Jang Geum is still very grateful. They all say that you are deceitful, cunning, fierce, and greedy, but I feel that you are more upright than everyone else, because you are a real viin. You bully me openly and bravely, which is ten times, a hundred times stronger than those hypocrites who talk about benevolence and morality. I hate others'' hypocrisy, but I like your courage." Seo Jang Geum''s eyes were beautifully dewy, and her gaze made one''s heart tremble.


    Lin Wanrongughed dryly a couple of times. ¡®My goodness, I''ll take it as apliment from Jang Geum Dongsaeng. To be thanked for bullying her, the world really is crazy.¡¯ ¡°This world is veryplex," Lin Wanrong sighed, shaking his head: "In many cases, except that lies are true, everything else is false. You shouldn''t trust me too much."


    "Except for lies being true, everything else is false," Seo Jang Geum murmured, her face flushing slightly, tears welling in her eyes. Suddenly she respectfully wept, "Wanrong Oppa, I''m sorry. Please forgive me. I can''t talk to you anymore because I''m afraid if I say one more word to you, I''ll never want to go back to Goryeo again."


    "You''re going back to Goryeo?" Lin Wanrong was surprised, his mind racing. Was Jang Geum leaving? Had Prince Cheng promised her something?


    Seo Jang Geum wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and smiled faintly: "I''m not originally from Great Hua. Going back to my homnd is just a matter of time. My heart longs for the cuckoo, but I don''t know where life will drift me to."


    "You mean Goryeo is really going to fight to the death with Dongyin? This is a dead-end." Lin Wanrong shook his head. If that Goryeo King was really hell-bent, it would not be easy to deal with.


    "If we don''t fight to the death, what else can we do?" Seo Jang Geum''s face showed sadness. "The Dongyin people are fierce and brutal, and Great Hua is unwilling to help. We in Goryeo can only choose to die rather than let the Dongyin seed."


    Lin Wanrong sighed lightly: "Miss Seo, I told you the reasons before. If it''s between the two of us, I would naturally be responsible and save you even at the cost of my life. But between nations, there''s only interest, no sentiment. If the lives of Great Hua''s people can''t get any return, even if I''m willing, the people of the world won''t agree. Isn''t that the way it is?"


    The young pce maid nodded slightly, plucked the willow branch, and gently shook it, staring at it in a trance, her cheeks flushed: "Wanrong Oppa, you''re right, this is not your fault. I have never med you. On the contrary, I respect you and admire you from my heart because you are an upright and honest person."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled: "Miss Seo, I didn''t want to ask originally, but since you brought it up, let me add a word. Is Goryeo now negotiating terms with Dongyin?"


    Seo Jang Geum''s face changed rapidly: "My lord, how... how do you know?"


    ¡®Negotiating peace with Dongyin? Negotiating with a tiger for its skin!¡¯ Lin Wanrong sneered coldly: "Miss Seo, don''t worry about how I know. Let me ask you one more question. If you were a Dongyin person, what terms would Goryeo have to offer for you to withdraw your troops?"


    "This," Seo Jang Geum hesitated for a moment, slowly shook her head, and sighed helplessly, "Unless we cede Goryeo, I will not withdraw the troops. But besides that, Wanrong Oppa, what other options do we have?"


    Lin Wanrong''s face was serious, and he perceived that Jang Geum''s thoughts were not simple. She had avoided mentioning seeking aid from Great Hua even at this point, which indicated her hesitation.


    "Yes, there''s no way out," Lin Wanrong said with a faint smile. "This morning, the Emperor summoned me to the pce to discuss a matter. He ns to move the newly formed army in the Northeast directly to the area near the Altai Mountains in the North, to assist Li Tai in fighting against the Turks¡ª"


    "What?" Seo Jang Geum was taken aback, tightly grasping his hand, and urgently asked, "How could this be? The Northeastern new army was supposed to assist Goryeo in resisting the Dongyin. If they are moved to Altai, what will be of Goryeo?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "You shouldn''t be asking me this. You should be asking your King. Great Hua has suffered greatly at the hands of the northern nomads, and we left a fresh force to help Goryeo resist the invasion. However, your King has been indecisive and hesitant. Great Hua¡¯s military is stretched thin, and having waited long for news from you without reply, we had no choice but to move this army to the North! As for Goryeo, s, we really can''t concern ourselves with it anymore!"


    "Sir, this cannot be!" The young pce girl was truly anxious. "The King is not indecisive; it''s just¡ª"


    "Just what?" Lin Wanrong sighed faintly, "What are you still hesitating about at this critical juncture? Who else in the world can protect the Goryeo people except Great Hua?"


    Seo Jang Geum suddenly covered her face and wept, "Wanrong Oppa, you are forcing me! I cannot be Goryeo''s eternal sinner!" Her shoulders shook violently, her chest heaved, and tears rolled down, a picture of utter misery.


    He must not soften his heart! Lin Wanrong turned his head and reluctantly said, "Standing in this position, you must do what you have to do, and there''s no escape. Who the eternal sinner is might only be clear when Goryeo is destroyed, and those stubborn elders will understand! Ah, such a heavy burden, how could it be ced on a young girl like you? You''ve lingered in Great Hua, endured all kinds of disdain, and it must have been hard on you!"


    Seeing his sincere face, Seo Jang Geum wept like rain, shaking her head, "Sir, don''t me others. I chose to stay here voluntarily. Because, because¡ª"


    "Because of what?" Lin Wanrong shook his head and smiled, "It couldn''t be because of me, could it?!"


    Seo Jang Geum continued to weep, shaking her head frantically and choking out, "Sir, can you grant Jang Geum a small request! I''m sorry, please, you must agree!"


    Seeing Seo Jang Geum''s small face flushed like a rain-kissed peach blossom, full of expectation as she looked at him, Lin Wanrong cautiously said, "What request? Don''t ask for anything improper; I''m always very chaste!"


    Seo Jang Geum wiped the tears from her face, her ears turning red as she lowered her head, her voice almost inaudible, "Sir, can you... can you hug Jang Geum?"


    Lin Wanrong was greatly shocked, stepping back, "Miss Seo, I am a chaste and loyal man, I would never do anything against my nature¡ªHey, hey, what are you doing, don''t hug so tightly, assault is a criminal offense, don''t touch my chest¡ª"


    Seo Jang Geum held him tightly, tears pouring down like rain, soaking the front of his clothes, "Sir, I''m sorry, Jang Geum can''t stop herself from liking you, I''ve caused you trouble!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 428

    Chapter 428


    Chapter 428 Hard to Guard Against


    Lin Wanrong heard and broke into a sweat; his original intention was to flirt with girls, but somehow, he ended up being flirted with. It seemed that next time he faced such a task, he would have to be mentally prepared for this possibility.


    "This, Jang Geum Dongsaeng," he shook his head and sighed, modestly saying, "let''s not proceed, you know, I am already married. With my honest and upright nature, it''s challenging for me to be unfaithful; engaging in an affair a few times has already reached the limit."


    Seo Jang Geum embraced him, her cheek against his chest, gently shaking her head: "My Lord, please say no more; I understand everything. You, for your wife''s sake, would offend the world. Your true feelings are evident, and Jang Geum wouldn''t dare harbor any wild thoughts. I only hope you can hold me, give me some courage, so I can speak my mind, Jang Geum doesn''t want to live with lifelong regret."


    This request was truly hard to refuse; Lin Wanrong was pleased inside, holding her in his arms, slowly caressing her smooth, jade-like skin, feeling a tingling sensation inside, and sighing, "s, Jang Geum Dongsaeng values me so much, I am indeed fortunate. At this moment of parting, my heart aches, and I truly wish to cry out to the heavens."


    Taking advantage of Seo Jang Geum''s distraction, he covertly pinched his nose, blinked hard, and forced out some tears, sighing deeply, "Returning the precious pearl, with twin tears falling,menting we didn''t meet before marriage. Jang Geum Dongsaeng, I only regret that we met toote, missing the opportunity. The greatest regret in life is no greater than this; how can we make up for it?"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s eyes slightly red and misty, Seo Jang Geum''s heart was torn between joy and sorrow, and tears rolled down her cheeks. Shaking her head forcefully, she said, "My Lord, with these words from you, Jang Geum would have no regrets, even in death."


    "Ah, living takes even greater courage than dying," Lord Lin''s face was full of mncholy, "So, don''t speak so lightly of life and death. At this moment of parting, I have much to tell you. How about this, we find an inn, rent a room, and sit down together for tea, chatting, and heart-to-heart talk. Don''t worry, I''m a very upright person; I won''t do anything outrageous."


    Seo Jang Geum''s face turned slightly red, and she held him tightly without saying a word.¡®You''re not speaking, so I''ll take it as agreement,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, chuckling. His big hand gently caressed her smooth back; the young pce maid''s skin was warm and smooth like jade, feeling like a piece of fine silk, just incredible.


    "My Lord!" His big hand slid inside her robe, moving slowly towards her chest. Seo Jang Geum''s face turned crimson, and she quickly raised her head from his embrace, shyly ncing at him, "You cannot do this, Jang Geum is not a casual person."


    "I understand, I understand, I''m not very casual either," Lin Wanrongughed, "Actually, I just wanted to verify a question about the reaction speed of the human hand and brain. After careful exploration, I''ve proven a truth ¡ª sometimes, the human hand is not controlled by the brain."


    Seo Jang Geum gave a sound of acknowledgment, her face flushing, "Speaking my mind has made me feel much lighter. My Lord, thank you for your generosity, and sorry for the trouble."


    Dealing with the Goryeo girl was truly troublesome; constantly apologizing and expressing trouble. Lin Wanrong felt an itch in his heart but generouslyughed, saying, "It''s alright, it''s alright. I''m not afraid of trouble. Miss Seo, are you really going to return to Goryeo?"


    The young pce maid shed tears like rain, "Yes, sir, Jang Geum will soon be returning to Goryeo. I fear that there will be no chance to see you again."


    Lin Wanrong simply replied, sighing, "If you must go, then go. It''s far better than staying here like a rootless duckweed. Jang Geum Dongsaeng, you''ve been sincere with me, but I must remind you of something. There''s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Although Zhao Kangning is of high status, with his ability, he cannot change Goryeo''s fate. If you ce your bets on him, you may end up greatly mistaken."


    Tears floated in Seo Jang Geum''s eyes as she softly said, "Wanrong Oppa, thank you. Jang Geum knows the character of Prince Cheng and his son; I will never let them take advantage." She nced at Lin Wanrong and suddenly sighed softly, "Wanrong Oppa, did youe out to pick flowers today?"


    Before Lin Wanrong could speak, she shook her head, a firm look appearing on her face, "Actually, the moment you appeared beside me, I knew why you came."


    Seo Jang Geum''s gaze became distant as she softly continued, "Between you and Prince Cheng, Jang Geum truly doesn''t know how to choose. Although I know Prince Cheng is deceitful, I''d rather face Zhao Kangning thane to you, sir. Because, whenever I see you, all words fail me. In your presence, Jang Geum loses herself. As a daughter of Goryeo, this is a betrayal of the Goryeo people."


    She choked softly, tears slowly falling from her beautiful face, lingering on her cheeks for a long time before silently dropping, looking so deste in the slightly cold spring wind.


    ¡®Ah, being an outstanding man brings many troubles indeed.¡¯ Lin Wanrong dryly grinned, hiding his embarrassment, "Jang Geum, making the right choice at the right time, that''s a true wise person. I believe the Goryeo people will eventually understand your hardship."


    "Sir, are you free tonight?" Seo Jang Geum wiped her tears, sighed, and her expression turned strong, "I would like to discuss our King''s thoughts with you."


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly replied, "I''m free, I''m free. Miss Seo, you don''t need me to exin the situation in Goryeo; dying even a moment is dangerous. Can you really make this decision?"


    The young pce maid nodded slightly, as if transformed, gentle yet firm, "Please rest assured, sir, the King has authorized me. Just ask your Emperor to obtain the edict. If tonight''s discussion goes well, the two countries can directly conclude a treaty."


    So it was, Lin Wanrong rejoiced, patting his chest loudly, "Jang Geum Dongsaeng, rest assured, the Emperor has already authorized me to negotiate with Goryeo. Where shall we meet tonight?"


    "Sir, do you remember the tavern from a few days ago?" Seo Jang Geum''s tone was mncholic, "I''ll wait for you in that room tonight. Be there, Wanrong Oppa. Jang Geum takes her leave!" With those words, she gave Lin Wanrong a deep look, turned, and quickly left, disappearing from sight in a blink of an eye.


    Seo Jang Geum''s expression seemed somewhat unusual, but Lin Wanrong didn''t have the luxury to pay too much attention to that. As long as she didn''t go to Zhao Kangning, everything would be fine. The Emperor''s authorized edict had long been concealed within his clothing; now he was simply waiting to hear what conditions Seo Jang Geum would propose that night.


    The day had passed and it was already afternoon. Feeling toozy to go home, Lin Wanrong decided to wander outside the city and enjoy the beautiful mountains and waters. He picked some wildflowers and weeds, and for a time, his mood was quite pleasant. He didn''t return to the city until dusk. As he entered the city gate, he heard the chaotic ttering of hooves behind him, and dozens of fast horses galloped past. The cavalries on horseback brandished their whips and yelled, "Make way, make way, all of you move aside quickly."


    ¡®Who''s this? They''re even more arrogant than I am!¡¯ he thought, barely stepping aside in time. Several fast horses whipped up a whirlwind as they flew past, sttering him with mud and water.


    ¡®My battle robe! This is the result of several days'' hard work by Qiaoqiao!¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s heart ached. He was about to curse angrily when he felt a light tug on his sleeve. Someone had grabbed his battle robe.


    "Who dares¡ª" he growled, turning his head, but his expression changed instantly and he smiled obsequiously. "I was wondering who would dare to challenge me; turns out it''s my wives arriving. Qingxuan, Qiaoqiao, Ning''er, howe you''re here?"


    Xiao Qingxuan was dressed in a light yellow skirt, oveid with a white jacket. Her beauty was ethereal and elegant, smiling softly at him. Qiaoqiao was charming and pretty, leaning against Miss Xiao, and Luo Ning, wearing a pink jacket, was voluptuously graceful, looking at him with a flirtatious smile. These three women, whether charming, delicate, or vivacious, all possessed heavenly beauty. Standing side by side, they were like three blooming lotus flowers, dazzling and captivating.


    Qiaoqiao giggled, covering her mouth: "Big Brother, what are you doing? Staring at us like this every day, haven''t you seen enough?"


    "Big Brother is looking at Sister, not us, Qiaoqiao. Don''t get it wrong," Luo Ning winked and smiled mischievously.


    "You two, always so frivolous!" Xiao Qingxuan blushed, her face turning red, and she nced reproachfully at her husband before shyly lowering her head.


    Lin Wanrong turned around, grabbing Miss Xiao, andughed heartily: "Qingxuan, what are you doing here? Thankfully you stopped me, or those wild horsemen would have been in serious trouble."


    "Why act so rashly?" Xiao Qingxuan smiled at him and gently took his hand, saying softly, "Those are people from Prince Cheng''s mansion. I don''t know what urgent matter they are attending to. Why would you bother with them?"


    "No wonder they were more arrogant than me; they were Zhao Kangning''s men," Lin Wanrong chuckled. In the capital, whether it was a duke or a minor prince, they all had to dismount and respectfully call him "Brother San." His triumph was evident in his sinister smile, which caused Luo Ning to twist his arm: "Big Brother, why are you grinning so wickedly? Have you set your eyes on some youngdy again?"


    "Of course not," Lin Wanrongughed, "I''m not that kind of person. I wouldn''t normally fancy any youngdy. Ning''er, why did you alle out?"


    Luo Ning replied seriously: "You left home in the morning and didn''t return by noon. Sister was worried, so she wanted toe out and look for you. Qiaoqiao and I were concerned about Sister, so we all came out together and also went shopping!"


    Lin Wanrong listened, breaking into a sweat. "If you want to go shopping, just say so. Why make up so many reasons? Qingxuan, you''re in a delicate condition now. How can you run around? I''m a full-grown man, what could possibly go wrong if I walk around on my own? Could I possibly get lost?" His heart ached, and he casually ced his hand on Miss Xiao''s belly, gently caressing it.


    Seeing him act so brazenly, regardless of the situation or ce, Miss Xiao''s face turned red with embarrassment. Fortunately, Qiaoqiao and Ning¡¯Er were clever, and since it was almost evening and the street was not crowded, no one could see their faces. The two girls leaned forward to hide the couple''s activities. The four of them huddled together, and nobody could make out what was happening inside the circle.


    "You utter rascal!" Miss Xiao scolded angrily, her face ame. Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning also blushed, having never experienced anything so stimting.


    Lin Wanrong''s expression didn''t change, and he shamelessly chuckled, "Heh heh, this is a warning, telling you not to run around with my son. If you slip and fall in the mud, what then? You and our child are the most precious things to me. If even a hair were to be harmed, I wouldn''t sleep for three years."


    Xiao Qingxuan shot him a nce,ughing helplessly, "You always find some reason or another. Just yesterday, you said you would apany us today. What happened? Did you run into Xu Wei, and then you disappeared?"


    "I was busy! Xu Wei dragged me away, and I was gone for hours. I was so tired, dizzy and weak. Ning¡¯Er, find a ce to massage meter. I promise I won''t take advantage of you," Lin Wanrong said, his eyes roving over Luo Ning''s voluptuous figure, leeringsciviously. He wondered whether he should show the imperial edict to Qingxuan or not. It wouldn''t make sense to show it without her catching him red-handed.


    Luo Ning shook her head, giggling, "Big Brother, you can''t fool us. This morning we visited Xu Mansion, and Master Xu was at home. He said you left after discussing politics with the Emperor. We don''t know where you went."


    Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth, cursing Xu Wei''sck of loyalty. He had promised to vouch for him but instead exposed him.


    "Ah, ha ha, actually, this is what happened. Today, after discussing politics with the Emperor, he gave me a secret decree to handle an urgent matter. This affair concerns our great nation''s honor for a century. Being a citizen of honor, and the princess''s husband, I naturally had to handle it perfectly to report back to the Emperor." His words were a mix of truth and fabrication, grandiose but vague. Miss Luo was already suspicious of him and wrinkled her nose, asking Xiao Qingxuan, "Sister, do you believe what Big Brother is saying?"


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head slightly, smiling but not quite smiling, "In theory, he''s my husband, and I should believe him, but¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, sensing something off in Qingxuan''s words. Fortunately, Qiaoqiao, who cared for Big Brother the most, whispered, "Big Brother, when we went to Xu Mansion today, a maid told us Miss Xu had gone out, and along with you disappearing so early, Sister Ning jokingly said you must have nned this, so we¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong was sweating profusely. It turned out that his eldest wife hade with his younger wives to catch him in the act. Unexpectedly, a wrong hit had turned out right. He did have a date today, but they had mistaken Miss Seo for Miss Xu. He had actually arranged to meet with Miss Seo, not Xu Zhiqing. With this reminder, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered that Xu Zhiqing had arranged for him to visit her mansion today. However, after fondling Jang Geum Dongsaeng''s chest twice, he had be so entranced that he had forgotten all about it. Shameful, truly shameful!


    "Big Brother," seeing him lower his head, lost in thought, Luo Ning eximed with a surprised smile, "Could it be that you really are with Sister Zhiqing?"


    Xiao Qingxuan nced at him indifferently, neither speaking nor smiling. Lin Wanrong hurriedly said, "You must not misunderstand. I have no entanglement with Xu Zhiqing. I really was sent out on imperial orders today. Look at my clothes; do they look like I''m dressed for a date?"


    His clothes were covered in mud and grass, and he seemed to have been fooling around somewhere. It indeed did not look like he was dressed for a date. Miss Xiao looked at him with a mixture of amusement and concern, snuggling up to him and carefully wiping his clothes clean, softly saying, "Where did you fall into a mud pit? You''re a father now, yet you don''t take care of yourself. How can people not worry when they see you like this?"


    Qiaoqiao nodded gently, shaking her head tenderly, "Big Brother, your clothes must be ufortable. Let''s go home quickly, and I''ll wash them for you."


    "Not now," Lin Wanrong shook his head, his expression resolute, "I still have a very important official matter to deal with. I can''t go back yet."


    Luo Ning, however, had a keen nose and sniffed him a few times, looking at him with doubt, "It smells like the fragrance of powdered water, Big Brother, you¡ª"


    "Oh, I picked some wildflowers while I was out on official business, so there''s some scent of pollen. It''s nothing strange, nothing strange." Lin Wanrong felt a chill in his heart, ncing at Luo Ning, only to see the fox-like girl smiling mysteriously and seductively, as if she had discovered something. This little vixen really had a way about her. He thought to himself, ¡®I''ll see how I deal with you tonight,¡¯ and he couldn''t help but leer at Ning''er. Luo Ning hugged her chest, softly and timidly saying, "Husband, don''t torture Ning''er. I can''t bear it."


    Qiaoqiao covered her lips and chuckled, her eyes flushed. She had heard this secretnguage between husband and wife countless times from Sister Ning, and each time it had a different meaning. Lin Wanrong''s heart was ame. ¡®Little vixen, if I don''t make you clutch the railing and tear the sheets tonight, I''ll take my son''s surname.¡¯


    He rambled on for a bit, unsure if Miss Xiao believed him. Just as he was feeling uneasy, he heard Qingxuanugh, "Don''t randomly pick flowers and branches. Our garden is already full of blooming flowers and can''t amodate any more."


    Lin Wanrong wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and quickly nodded in agreement. Miss Xiao took Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning''s hands, softly saying, "Since we''ve found My Dear, and our worries are eased, let''s go back quickly and not dy his work."


    Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning both looked up to her and obediently agreed. "Don''t dy too long. Come back early. The child and I are waiting for you." Miss Xiao nced at her husband with a myriad of emotions, her face flushed.


    "Very well, very well." Lin Wanrong''s heart was filled with joy. After carefully instructing them, he watched as the three of them went farther away, gradually disappearing from sight. Only then did he rx and head straight for the Goryeo tavern where he was to meet with Seo Jang Geum.


    The ce wasn''t far from where he was, and he saw it after just a few steps. It was the time for business, but strangely, the tavern was brightly lit, yet there wasn''t a single guest inside. Two bright rednterns were hung at the entrance, standing out in the silence, radiating a charming warmth, and giving off a peculiar ambiance.


    "Why light thosenterns today? It''s neither New Year''s Eve nor the fifteenth of the month. It''s as if they''re looking for a son-inw!" Lin Wanrong stepped into the shop, looking around, and almost bumped into someone.


    "My lord, you''ve arrived!" A gentle voice rang out, filled with endless charm...


    "Seo Jang Geum?!" From far upstairs, Qiaoqiao and Luoning eximed together.


    Miss Xiao sat on a stool, her heart both bitter and astringent, muttering to herself, "Hard to guard against, truly hard to guard against!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 429

    Chapter 429 Beguiled


    ncing up, Seo Jang Geum was seen dressed in traditional Goryeo attire, a beautiful, vibrant pink blouseplemented by a light blue wide-bordered long skirt that gently unfolded, blooming like a spinning petal. The young pce maid had lightly applied makeup; herrge eyes faintly adorned with ayer of grey eyeshadow, and her face flushed with patches of red, looking stunningly attractive.


    Looking at Seo Jang Geum in this state, it didn¡¯t seem like she was here to negotiate, but rather to talk about love. Lin Wanrong smirked and said, ¡°Miss Seo, you look truly beautiful today, even more radiant than the fairies in heaven by threefold.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for thepliment, My Lord.¡± Seo Jang Geum bowed her head respectfully, her face reflecting both joy and a hint of sorrow. She quickly guided him to a chair nearby and spoke softly, ¡°Please have a seat.¡±


    Lin Wanrong was puzzled. Was the negotiation concerning the life and death of Goryeo to take ce in this hall? Seo Jang Geum was being too careless. While hesitating, he heard her gently say, ¡°¡ªI will assist you in changing your shoes.¡±


    Seo Jang Geum crouched down, an indescribable shyness in her eyes, as she removed his mud-soaked boots and reced them with a brand-new pair of cloth slippers, gently slipping them onto his feet.


    He had enjoyed this sensation before, but tonight was different. There was something odd in Seo Jang Geum''s expression, a mixture of shyness and pain, quite intriguing.


    Not bothering to dwell on it, Lin Wanrong enjoyed being served by the young pce maid and contentedly sighed,ughing, ¡°Miss Seo, you are too courteous; I could have done this myself. But speaking of which, you Goryeos are quite particr, taking off shoes before entering a room, much like how we in Great Hua undress before bed.¡±


    Seo Jang Geum gave a slight smile without replying, leading him by the sleeve upstairs. He had been to this ce before, and the negotiation room seemed to be on the top floor.The young pce maid walked ahead, looking fresh from a bath, her long hair tied up with a delicate scarf, appearing natural and intimate. Her skin, like crystal, shimmered under the dim light, exuding mysterious hues. Her full bosom moved slightly with her steps, giving hints of her enticing figure, letting the imagination wander. The long skirt brushed the floor, smooth and soft, and a faint fragrance wafted into the nostrils, melodious and lingering, precisely the exquisite rose perfume exclusively sold by the Xiao family.


    Women were born to be admired by men. Holding onto this grand notion, Lin Wanrong''s gaze naturally fell on the young pce maid, scanning her chest a few times, internallymenting how rare it was for Goryeo to produce such a naturally beautiful girl. No wonder their descendants were impatient and resorted to surgery to create beauty.


    ¡°My Lord, do you remember what you saidst time?¡± Reaching a higher level, just about to step onto the tform, Seo Jang Geum turned back, her cheeks faintly flushed, and asked softly.


    ¡°What I saidst time?¡± Lin Wanrong shook his head in confusion, ¡°Miss Seo, I''ve said more words than the meals I''ve eaten; which sentence are you referring to?¡±


    Seo Jang Geum lowered her head, ¡°When you camest time, you said that our Goryeo rooms are private, and only rtives may enter.¡±


    It seemed to be so, and Lin Wanrong nodded with a smile, "That''s what I''ve heard, but you also told me that honorable guests could enter as well. I remember correctly, don''t I?"


    Seo Jang Geum hummed in agreement, sighed, and slid open the door, bowing respectfully, "My Lord, pleasee in!"


    It was the same room asst time, but its appearance was somewhat changed. Inside, the floor heating was warm, red candles burned brightly, and a red silk handkerchief was folded on the low table beside a tall vase filled with bright red azalea flowers. The dewdrops on the petals were crystal clear, and they were in full bloom, their faint fragrance permeating the room and refreshing the mind. The entire room, dominated by red, radiated a joyful atmosphere.


    Lin Wanrong was surprised and eximed, "So Miss Seo is the true master of flower arrangement! My apologies, I had no idea!"


    Seo Jang Geum slightly bowed her head and softly said, "Jang Geum has been detained in Great Hua for a long time and has grown quite fond of the people and things here. But as a daughter of Goryeo, I cannot be greedy for the riches of another ce. When it''s time to leave, I only wish to take this bunch of bright red Jindae back to Goryeo to cherish forever, as a token of gratitude for your teachings, My Lord."


    Seo Jang Geum''s gesture was indeed unusual;ing to Great Hua without bringing silk or tea, but only a few Azaleas that would wither in days, revealed a certain noble taste. Lin Wanrongughed, "No need for such formality; they are just a few small flowers and not worth much money. If you like them, I''ll have someone pick a cartful for you tomorrow. You can take them back to Goryeo and have fun spreading flowers every day."


    Seo Jang Geum chuckled, leading him in. Once he wasfortably seated at the table, she sat opposite him. The little pce maid pped lightly, and a Goryeo woman entered from outside the door, serving wine, food, and fragrant tea, before respectfully withdrawing.


    Seo Jang Geum gracefully lifted her long sleeve, revealing her fair wrist and delicate fingers. She picked up the small pot, filled the wine cups, and presented one to Lin Wanrong with both hands, a look of both shyness and mncholy in her eyes, "Wanrong Oppa, this is Soju I brewed myself; please taste it!"


    Lin Wanrong had tasted it before and found it water-like. Heughed, "Today, we''re here on official business. It wouldn''t be good to get drunk and make a mistake, so let''s pass on it."


    "You must not trust Jang Geum," the little pce maid said, her face downcast, her eyes filled with tears, as she almost began to cry. "Please be assured, even if I lose my life, Jang Geum will not harm you." She brought the wine cup to her lips, tilted her head back, and drained the liquid in one gulp, choking and lightly coughing, tears shimmering in her eyes.


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly stopped her, "Miss Seo, what are you talking about? This is Great Hua''s territory, how could I worry about you harming me? What would you gain from harming me?"


    Seo Jang Geum gritted her teeth, nodding, refilled the cup she had just drunk from, and gently said, "My Lord, Jang Geum toasts you!"


    The rouge and powder from her lips still marked the cup, and a faint pink color floated on the clear wine. This girl was indeed stubborn. Lin Wanrong shook his head and smiled, epting the cup of Soju and drinking it all in one gulp. It was cool to the taste, slightly spicy but with a hint of sourness, quite unique.


    "Thank you, My Lord," Seo Jang Geum nodded slightly, her expression suddenly bing extremely serious, "My Lord, regarding the negotiations between our two countries, let us begin! To demonstrate our country''s sincerity, please allow Jang Geum to read our King''s authorization letter first."


    Lin Wanrong broke into a sweat, realizing that even the authorization letter had to be read. This Miss Jang Geum was really meticulous, not willing to overlook the smallest detail. Seo Jang Geum pulled out the prepared document from the pocket of her long robe, ced it in front of Lin Wanrong, and read it aloud, her voice crisp, "¡­ Green hills and clear waters, with flowers as the matchmaker, I, the King of Goryeo, Yi Seong-Cheol, hereby authorize Seo Jang Geum to represent me fully and negotiate friendly rtions between our two nations with the esteemed representative of the Heavenly Dynasty¡­"


    The royal decree of the King of Goryeo was, of course, written in the Goryeo script. Lin Wanrong wondered how Seo Jang Geum had tranted it, as it seemed to resonate somewhat with the Emperor''s tone. Perhaps she had imitated the style of the Great Hua. Seo Jang Geum calmly finished reading, and said softly, "Sir, it''s your turn!"


    "Oh, right, I have an imperial edict too." Lin Wanrong pulled out the four-word edict from his bosom, held it up high, and read aloud, "The greatnd of Great Hua, bestowing equal blessings. A magical handsome man, named Lin San. His achievements are great, with strength to move mountains. He is granted the duty of a statesman, a heavy responsibility to bear. To negotiate with Goryeo, of utmost concern. Sess will bring peace, failure war. Thus, it is decreed!"


    He spoke with ir and invention, shaking his head and wagging his tail. Seo Jang Geum could only see therge characters "Imperial Edict" on the back, and assumed he was not lying, unaware that the edict contained hidden meanings. Hearing the strong words from the Emperor of Great Hua, the young pce maid frowned and sighed in concern.


    "Our Emperor is truly eloquent. Miss Seo, we can begin now, can''t we?" Lin Wanrong put the edict away, took a sip of tea from the cup beside him, and said leisurely.


    "Yes!" Seo Jang Geum replied, bowing, her face exceedingly solemn, "Mr. Lin, regarding your country''s proposal to assist my country conditionally, the King of Goryeo has been informed and has consulted with his ministers. The conditions your country has set are indeed too harsh, and not only the King but even the royal family finds it difficult."


    Lin Wanrong nodded. Seo Jang Geum spoke wisely, opening with a statement that neither agreed nor refused, maintaining an ambiguous stance. Since they were representing their respective interests, Lin Wanrong didn''t feel the need to be polite andughed, "Miss Seo, you are right. The conditions set by Great Hua are somewhat harsh. But as you said, they are only somewhat harsh. Compared to Dongyin''s invading andmitting atrocities, Great Hua''s demands, which neither harm people nor seize cities, protect the people of Goryeo and preserve the royal family, all at a great cost to ourselves, are trulypassionate. Miss Seo, in today''s world, there is no other country as loving in its harshness as Great Hua."


    Seo Jang Geum knew she was no match for him in a debate. Not bothered by his rebuttal, she spoke gently, "Sir, what the one country, two systems proposal means to Goryeo, I believe both our countries are very clear about. Even if the Dongyin invaders are driven out, Goryeo will fall into Great Hua''s grasp. Our nation will lose its sovereignty, and the beloved royal family will be a mere ornament. How can the King exin this to his subjects?"


    Lin Wanrong sipped his tea, smiling slightly, "Miss Seo, whoever has the responsibility must bear it. In other words, Great Hua helps Goryeo, preserves your homnd, and how you exin it to your subjects is Goryeo''s royal family''s business. Great Hua has neither the responsibility nor the obligation to intervene. To put it bluntly, in the dealings between nations, we can only look at the results, not the process. No one is a phnthropist. Miss Seo, since you are sitting here, you should have this realization."


    Negotiating with Lord Lin was genuinely not something that the young pce maid desired to do. Hearing his stern refusal, a mixture of bitterness and sweetness surged within her heart. She lowered her head and said, "My Lord, is there no other way to resolve this? You are so clever; you must be able to think of something."


    "I am clever, but at this moment, I''d rather be a bit foolish." Lin Wanrong shook his head, casually saying, "Miss Seo, I presume you already have an idea in mind. Instead of waiting for my great Great Hua to make a concession and waste time, why not share your thoughts?"


    Seo Jang Geum was silent for a moment, not speaking, the candlelight crackling softly as if striking her heart. The bright red festive colors that filled the room were strikingly at odds with the current atmosphere. Lin Wanrong gave the young pce maid a casual nce. She was biting her lip, her snow-white skin under themp radiating a crystal-like transparency, and her slightly upturned mouth forming a beautiful curve, revealing her determination.


    "My Lord," Seo Jang Geum finally began, "After painful consideration, our King has finallye up with apromise. If Great Hua is willing to send troops to assist, our Goryeo will cover all of Great Hua''s military expenses andpensation. We will pay tribute to Great Hua annually with no less than one hundred thousand taels, and the King of Goryeo will personallye to the capital to pay homage. Additionally, to express Goryeo''s sincerity, if Great Hua is willing, our King is prepared to send the Crown Prince as a hostage to reside in Great Hua permanently. He will not return to Goryeo without the Emperor''s permission."


    The matter of sending a hostage had always been considered a great disgrace throughout history. The fact that the King of Goryeo was willing to send his heir apparent as a pledge to Great Hua was an extreme concession. Lin Wanrong, however, was unimpressed. He chuckled and shook his head, saying, "Miss Seo, I advise you not to y these tricks. A hostage is but a person. In this world, people can be the most valuable and the most worthless. The Crown Prince is of value to Goryeo, but in the eyes of Great Hua, he may not even be worth a de of grass. If one Crown Prince is lost, ten or a hundred can be raised. As for the annual tribute of one hundred thousand taels, to Great Hua''s power, that is but a drop in the ocean. To speak bluntly, we are at your mercy, and you are at our disposal. Goryeo has yet to recognize its position, which deeply disappoints me. Continuing in this manner, even if we talk until tomorrow, there will be no result. I really worry for what will happen to Goryeo tomorrow!"


    He sighed with sympathy and pity, ying with the cooling tea cup, and then fell silent.


    Seo Jang Geum''s small hand clenched tightly, her lips turning pale, and her face darkening in waves as she pondered for a long while. The room was as silent as death.


    With a soft "clink," Lin Wanrong tapped the lid of the teacup and stood up. Seo Jang Geum was jolted from her thoughts by his movement. She jumped up and grabbed his sleeve, her voice tinged with a hint of tears, "Wanrong Oppa, where are you going? You can''t leave!"


    "Who said I''m leaving?" Lin Wanrong smiled, "The tea has gone cold; I''m calling for some fresh tea." He paused for a moment, his expression serious, "However, Miss Seo, you really must hurry. The time being wasted now is yours. With every passing moment, who knows how many Goryeo people will perish in the mes of war?"


    "Sir," Seo Jang Geum''s lips were bitten through, and wisps of fresh blood seeped out, "your idea of ''one country, two systems''¡ªwe in Goryeo can ept, but about the matter of stationing troops¡ª"


    "The matter of stationing troops is non-negotiable!" Lin Wanrong heavily pressed the tea cup on the table with a ng, startling Seo Jang Geum so much that her whole body trembled. Seeing his determined expression, grand and imposing like an insurmountable mountain, the young pce maid looked up at him with a mixture of admiration and heartache, tears gathering in her eyes, but she desperately held them back.


    Lin Wanrong turned his head away, refusing to look at Seo Jang Geum''s face, for fear that his soft heart would ruin the grand n. With a determined wave of his hand, he dered, "One country, two systems; what does ''one country'' mean? The stationing of troops signifies sovereignty; it''s the sovereignty of our Great Hua and Goryeo as one entity. If even the military can''t be stationed, and judicial and administrative powers are all in your hands, may I ask, where is this ''one country'' of Great Hua and Goryeo?"


    His voice resonated like a tolling bell, filled with overwhelming momentum. At this critical juncture, Seo Jang Geum also seemed to gather much strength, firmly saying, "Sir, stationing troops is eptable, but Goryeo must also have its own army; this is our bottom line. Beyond this step, Goryeo would rather shatter like jade than remain whole like tiles."


    ¡®So, you''ve finally spoken the truth.¡¯ Seeing Seo Jang Geum''s teardrops fall, but turning her head away, stubbornly refusing to let him see them, Lin Wanrong felt amused yet also somewhat respectful. At such a critical moment, she, a young girl, disregarded personal pride and shame and stubbornly defended her country''s interests. From her standpoint, there was no fault.


    "Don''t lightly speak of shattering like jade or remaining whole like tiles," Lin Wanrong shook his head, leisurely saying, "Miss Seo, I understand and even agree with your desire to retain armed forces!"


    "Wanrong Oppa, is what you''re saying true?!" Seo Jang Geum seemed not to believe her ears, looking up at him, two lines of beautiful tears rolling down her cheeks, poignant and touching.


    "Do you need me to repeat myself?" Lin Wanrong''s face was adorned with a mysterious smile.


    "Yes, yes, I heard you," the young pce maid eximed joyfully, seizing his hand with a sweet smile, "Wanrong Oppa, you are so kind!"


    ¡®I hope you maintain the same opinion after hearing my full thoughts,¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled twice, "Miss Seo, are you sure you really heard me clearly?"


    Seo Jang Geum joyfully nodded vigorously, "Of course, you said you would allow Goryeo to retain arms¡ª" She stopped abruptly, astonished, "Sir, the arms you mentioned are¡ª"


    This young pce maid finally understands. Lin Wanrong spoke calmly, "Miss Seo, you guessed correctly. Great Hua can permit Goryeo to retain some armed forces. But these arms are only for maintaining regrw and order, assisting in handling crimes, simr to our catchpoles and constables in Great Hua. Their training will be the responsibility of Great Hua, and their weapons will be provided by Great Hua in proportion to basic security needs, without private manufacturing or imitation. As for other security matters, they needn''t trouble themselves with those."


    Seo Jang Geum''s heart plummeted from tion to icy despair. What Lin Wanrong said sounded nice, about preserving some arms for Goryeo. But what use could these controlled catchpoles and constables be? Great Hua merely saw them as tools, maintaining Goryeo''s security; only Goryeo''s people could carry it out.


    All the words had been spoken, and Lin Wanrong sat quietly, waiting for Seo Jang Geum''s decision. He could say for certain that the King of Goryeo had already anticipated the final oue. Authorizing Seo Jang Geum to negotiate with the Great Hua was merely to gain more benefits. Whatever the results, they would not exceed their expectations!


    "You already knew our bottom line, didn''t you?" The distant voice seemed toe from the horizon.


    "There''s no such thing as a bottom line at this point," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "At this stage, your greatest bottom line is that there''s no bottom line!"


    "Sir, meeting you has been the greatest mistake of my life!" Seo Jang Geum bowed her head, tears falling.


    "Jang Geum, you might not believe it, but I''m forced to do all these things. With my temperament, I would have been carefree in the Xiao family. Why would Ie here and upset you? Life is full of ups and downs, and no one can foresee what will happen tomorrow." Lin Wanrong spread his hands, looking somewhat helpless.


    The young pcedy sighed deeply and gently pped her hands. A Goryeo maid entered the room, holding a tray with writing implements. Seo Jang Geum picked up the brush, but before she could put it to paper, tears dropped onto it.


    Lin Wanrong took her hand, and after a moment of closed-eyed contemtion, Seo Jang Geum''s pen flew across the paper, recording the matters discussed between the two nations. The King of Goryeo''s seal had already been affixed, showing his trust in Seo Jang Geum.


    Seeing no objection, Lin Wanrong, to emphasize the seriousness, clumsily signed his name with a brush. Thus, the first territorial agreement of Great Hua in a hundred years was born in his hands.


    Seo Jang Geum stared at the words she had personally written, standing dumbfounded for a long time, then suddenly threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrobly. "Wanrong Oppa, your heart is so cruel!"


    "These matters are not something a girl like you can bear," Lin Wanrong sighed,forting her by patting her shoulder. "In such a weak position, anyone would have failed. Your performance today has been excellent, even better than I imagined. If you want to me me, I''ll ept it!"


    "I don''t me you; this is my fate. Wanrong Oppa, hold me tight! Sir, hold me tight!" Seo Jang Geum''s tears fell like rain, as she clung to him, soaking his chest.


    Sigh, this girl''s requests always put one in an awkward position, Lin Wanrong thought, holding her voluptuous body, feeling helpless.


    "Wanrong Oppa, do you think I''m beautiful?" Seo Jang Geum gradually stopped crying, lifting her head from his embrace, her face flushed with a bright red tint. Her teardrops made her jade-like skin even more delicate and lovely.


    ¡®She is indeed a bit beautiful,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, feeling his eyelids growing heavy, looking at the little pcedy''s face. It became blurry, and he toppled over, fainting.


    "Wanrong Oppa, please forgive me! Meeting you, Jang Geum has been very happy!" Seo Jang Geum slowly rose to her feet, gazing at his slumbering figure, tears falling in strings. She gently pulled at her clothes, and with a rustling sound, they fell away, revealing her exquisite, wless body, lying under bright red azalea flowers, endlessly tempting...


    In his dreams, Lin Wanrong felt like he was in a small boat, caught in a vast sea of waves, sometimes reaching the peak, then falling to the depths, feeling as refreshing as if he''d had a sauna.


    With a cry, he suddenly opened his eyes. Seo Jang Geum, along with the room full of azaleas, had vanished, leaving him lying in the negotiation room, his clothes scattered about, beneath him a small blooming flower, its red color dazzling.


    He had been drugged! A thunderous noise exploded in his head, and his entire body went numb.


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 430

    Chapter 430 Confession


    A sliver of rosy glow seeped in through the window, heralding the break of dawn. A nce around the room revealed it was neat and tidy, spotlessly clean. The crimson candle on the table was about to burn out, and the rhododendrons that had bloomed the night before were taken away. The ce was deserted and left without a trace.


    No wonder yesterday''s wine tasted strange; it had beenced with a sedative by the Goryeo woman. So much for being a hunter; the hunter was blinded by the prey. Lin Wanrong rubbed his slightly aching forehead, struggling to rise. His eyes caught the bright little flower on the bed, and he stared, momentarily stunned.


    Being seduced by a young girl, he must be the first in history. To think that the Goryeo woman had such courage, usually so soft and weak, yet so fierce at the critical moment. Sadly, in the haze of sleep, he had not appreciated her good figure and smooth skin. A great pity indeed.


    He shook his head, tidying up the room with patience. The Goryeo woman hade quietly and left resolutely, without leaving a word or even a note. Reflecting on the mood and her expression the previous night, a sudden understanding dawned on him, albeit toote.


    He put the document signedst night into his bosom and reluctantly went downstairs. All around was deste, without a trace of anyone. The Goryeo woman''s determination was clear. Thinking back on everything, it was like a spring dream. Looking back at the quiet little building, unable to cry orugh, a myriad of indescribable feelings welled in his heart.


    The people of Great Hua were early risers. Although it was before dawn, the streets were already filled with early pedestrians. Suddenly remembering that he hadn''t returned the previous night, he wondered how he would exin himself if asked by Qingxuan and others. The Goryeo woman had truly put him in a terrible spot. His heart filled with silentints, he quickened his steps, hurrying home.


    Upon reaching the Lin residence, he found the main gate tightly closed, silent and peaceful, presumably Qingxuan and the others were still asleep. His anxiety eased slightly. He knew better than to knock at this hour, and after a stealthy look around, he saw that the sky was still dim with no one in sight. His heart rejoiced, and he fetched a fewrge stones to step on. With great effort, he found a hollowed-out windowsill on the wall and clenched his teeth as he climbed up.


    "Woof, woof!" "Woof, woof!" Suddenly, a sharp bark came from someone''s yard. Lord Lin, who was holding onto the wall, nearly fell. He held his breath and inhaled deeply, not daring to move an inch.The barking seemed toe from the neighboring yard and gradually faded. Cold sweat trickled down Lin Wanrong''s back. He was angry and irritated. ¡®Tomorrow I''ll petition the Emperor to issue a ban on keepingrge dogs, and put an end to these arrogant beasts.¡¯


    With a resentful spit, he climbed his own high wall, crossing his legs and panting heavily on the wall. The house was quiet, and from a distance, he could see amp still burning in a small building. He didn''t know who was keeping vigil by themp. Lin Wanrong wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, feeling helpless. ¡®A man making a small mistake in conduct is not a big deal. A man like me, consciously climbing the wall to return home, is already rare.¡¯


    "Who?!" A delicate cry from a woman suddenly came from the neighboring courtyard, followed by a bout of frenzied barking. Antern loomed in the distance, and two big ck-tailed dogs swiftly rushed toward the wall.


    Lin Wanrong let out a cry, hurriedly lifting his legs as both dogs leaped simultaneously. Their teeth scraped his clothes, whooshing past with the wind, leaving him in a cold sweat.


    "You, what are you doing on the wall of my house?" Thentern came closer, and a graceful figure entered his sight, her face tinged with a faint blush as she softly spoke: "Can''t you do something proper?"


    "Miss Xu, could you, first, call your two guard dogs away from me?" Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth in frustration, "I''ve always been allergic to dogs."


    Seeing him perched on the wall, looking quite displeased, Xu Zhiqing covered her lips to hide a smile and said sweetly: "Lin San, Lin Si,e back; don''t frighten him." As her words fell, the two ferocious dogs obediently returned to Xu Zhiqing''s side, sitting and gently lolling their tongues.


    "What did you call them?" The wall was too high, and fearing the names, Lin Wanrong asked, recognizing them faintly.


    "I won''t tell you," Xu Zhiqingughed lightly, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "You, what are you doing on the wall of my house? If someone sees you, what will be of it?"


    "Your house wall?" Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened. "Miss, please be clear, this is my house wall! Whether I''m on the wall or climbing to the rooftop to nt a g, it''s my freedom."


    The wall stood between the two families, and it was unclear whether it belonged to the Lin or Xu family. Miss Xu spat, looked around, and softly said: "You really have no sense. You didn''te when invited, and now you sneak over the wall at dawn; you''re shameless. What am I to you, born to be trifled with? What are you doing up there? Come down quickly, or my father might see you and break your legs!"


    Lin Wanrong was drenched in sweat, realizing that Miss Xu thought he''de over the wall to meet her secretly. Where could he go to dere his innocence?


    Seeing Lin San lost in thought, thinking he was still hesitating, Miss Xu bit her lip, clearly annoyed: "Are you so afraid of your wife? Today she visited my house, and I deliberately hid. I want her to see that I, Xu Zhiqing, am a capable woman¡ªwhat are you still doing up there?"


    Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded. He''d already made a mistake in Seo Jang Geum''s affair; if he now climbed over the wall to meet with Xu Zhiqing and Qingxuan found out, his life would be over. He forced augh, looking to the sky, and feigned: "Miss Xu, you misunderstand; I came here to look at the stars, as standing higher allows seeing farther. This vast starry sky requires my deep eyes to find my constetion."


    "You, you''re really noting down?" Seeing his evasions, Xu Zhiqing''s small hand clenched, tears welling in her eyes.


    He couldn''te down, even if it killed him. Lin Wanrong helplessly sighed: "Miss Xu, you should go back and rest. Once I spot Mars, I''lle to find you."


    Xu Zhiqing''s sorrow rose from the bottom of her heart, and she waved her small hand, eximing urgently, "Lin San, Lin Si, attack! Tear this treacherous and ungrateful thing apart!"


    The two ferocious dogs barked madly, charging towards the wall. Lin Wanrong yelped twice, his bnce atop the wall wavering, almost falling down. Xu Zhiqing''s eyes widened in concern, but upon seeing him unharmed, she swallowed the words on the tip of her tongue. Tears welled in her eyes as she said coldly, "You have deceived me so today, Zhiqing will remember it in her heart. From this day on, I will no longer acknowledge Lin San. Lin San, Lin Si, let''s go, let him look for Mars."


    Miss Xu hurriedly left with Lin San and Lin Si, her departure resolute. Lin Wanrong was caught between a rock and a hard ce, not knowing whether to call out to her or not. He suddenly felt that the most difficult thing in life was this very moment.


    "From this day on, I will no longer acknowledge Lin San!" Miss Xu''s decisive words echoed in his ears. He thought back to the unique and warm experiences of getting to know Xu Zhiqing. Unfortunately, Miss Xu had chosen the wrong day for romance.


    He sighed helplessly, jumped over the wall into his own yard, and crept along, stopping now and then, fearful of being seen. Once inside the house, he found Ning''er and Qingxuan''s rooms silent, with only Qiaoqiao''s room showing some light. He thought for a moment. Among his three wives, Qiaoqiao was the most obedient and always supported him. He decided to seek her cooperation first, hoping to keep this incident under wraps.


    He tiptoed up the stairs to Qiaoqiao''s quiet room, wondering if the young girl was awake. After ncing around to make sure no one had seen him, he tapped lightly on the door, whispering, "Qiaoqiao, little sweetheart, are you up?"


    "Big brother?" Qiaoqiao''s joyful voice came from inside the room. "You''re back?"


    Lin Wanrong felt warmth in his heart and said, "Yes, big brother is back, especially to see you. Hurry and open the door, I have some intimate words to share with you."


    Qiaoqiao hummed in response, seeming somewhat shy, and there was a long wait before the door opened. Lin Wanrong, growing impatient, was about to knock again when he heard a light rustling sound. Qiaoqiao''s door had opened. He rushed in, eximing, "Little sweetheart, what are you¡ªoh, Ning''er, you''re here too. Little darling, you seem to have grown bigger sincest night."


    Luo Ning winked at him and pouted. Lin Wanrong''s eyes swept over, and he immediately broke out in a cold sweat. Miss Xiao was sitting upright at the table, her eyes gazing at him calmly, a mysterious smile ying on her lips.


    A chill ran down Lin Wanrong''s spine. He was doomed; his three wives must have foreseen that he woulde to Qiaoqiao first. By the looks of it, they had been lying in wait for him for quite some time.


    "Ah, Qingxuan, why did you get up so early? Why not sleep a bit more? Ack of sleep gives women dark circles under their eyes. That won''t do; I must go out and buy some ginseng, bird''s nest, bear paw, and shark fin to nourish you. Wait here for me; I''ll be back shortly."


    With trepidation in his heart, he dared not linger. Quickly, he shrank his head and turned to leave. Xiao Qingxuan stood up, her face lighting up with a sweet smile. She took a few quick steps, gently grabbing his hand and softly saying, "My Dear, don''t worry, this trivial matter is no obstacle. You''ve been working tirelessly for the country, and after a sleepless night, you must be very exhausted. It''s time for you to rest."


    Miss Xiao''s voice was melodious, and her smile was radiant. Lin Wanrong''s heart warmed, but then he felt something was wrong. Apart from Qiaoqiao, neither Ning''er nor Qingxuan were simple characters. Would they really let him off without asking any questions?


    "Qingxuan, I¡ª" he began to speak, but a delicate jade hand covered his lips. "My Dear, don''t say anything. I''m your wife, as close to you as your own hands and feet. Whatever you do, I support you!"


    Was this for real? Lin Wanrong''s mouth fell open. The situation was far removed from the storm he had anticipated. It was so unbelievable that although he was prepared to face hardship, he found no ce to use his prepared defenses.


    Miss Xiao''s eyes were filled with deep affection, her face flushed. Taking hisrge hand, she ced it on her small belly, speaking with unparalleled gentleness, "This is our bloodline. A husband and wife are one, and there can be no mutual suspicion. Whatever you need to do, you don''t need to tell me. Just go ahead and do it. Qiaoqiao, Ning''er, and I will wholeheartedly support you."


    "This," Lin Wanrong began, ovee with emotion. He grabbed Miss Xiao''s small hand, tears brimming in his eyes, "Qingxuan, you treat me too well. Actually,st night, I¡ª"


    "My husband, please sit down," Xiao Qingxuan ced both hands on his shoulders, gently pushing him into a chair. Her small hands softly massaged his shoulders, "You''ve been working hard outside. When youe home, just rest. You don''t need to worry about anything in this house; my younger sisters and I will handle everything."


    Miss Xiao''s skill was unparalleled, her gentle touch causing Lin Wanrong''s entire body to go limp with rxation. He ced his hand back on her shoulder, tenderly stroking her small hand, "Qingxuan, having you as a wife is the greatest aplishment of my life. But yesterday, I carelessly¡ª"


    Seeing the indescribable fatigue in his expression, Xiao Qingxuan genuinely felt for him and pressed him down onto Qiaoqiao''s bed, "My Dear, take some rest now. Whatever you have to say can wait. There''s no rush." She sat beside the bed, gently covering him with a nket and softly patting his shoulder, "Rest well, my husband. I and our child will be here with you."


    Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning exchanged nces. Their sister''s gentle treatment of their big brother, without any interrogation, left them wondering what she intended to do.


    The emotions in Lin Wanrong''s heart were beyond words. Compared to his behavior the night before, he felt like nothing but a beast. He firmly grasped Miss Xiao''s hand, agitatedly saying, "No, Qingxuan, if I don''t talk about this, I won''t be able to eat or sleep. I''ll feel cold, and my heart will be unsettled."


    Xiao Qingxuan stroked his cheek, smiling tenderly, "Why are you acting like a child, unable to sleep soundly? I won''t allow you to speak. Just rest quietly for a while."


    ¡®Damn it, I can''t take this anymore. Qingxuan is truly my nemesis!¡¯ Lin Wanrong suddenly threw off the nket and sat up, his face resolute, "Qingxuan, I must confess! Last night, something unbelievable happened. I lost something very important!"


    Xiao Qingxuan''s brow furrowed slightly as she tightly grasped his hand. "My Dear, what has happened? What have you lost again?"


    "To tell you, you might not believe it," Lin Wanrong shook his head in sorrow, "I can hardly believe it myself. Last night, I was negotiating with a female official from Goryeo. Afterward, we had some rice wine, and in my befuddled state, I felt a woman trying to undress me. I struggled fiercely, fighting and defending my chastity. But¡ª" Lord Lin''s eyes filled with tears, "As the saying goes, ''two fists cannot defeat two bosoms,'' and ¡®a brave man struggles in vain against a grinding mill.'' Despite my desperate struggle, I was ovee and ended up losing some incredibly precious seeds!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 431

    Chapter 431


    Chapter 431 The Princess Returns to the Pce


    Qiaoqiao was puzzled, "Big Brother, what seeds have you lost? Is it important?"


    Luo Ning and Qingxuan''s faces turned red as they both spat lightly in disgust. Ning''er whispered something into Qiaoqiao''s ear, causing her to let out a startled cry. Her little face flushed as red as fire, and she shyly eximed, "Big Brother is so naughty!"


    Miss Xiao grabbed his arm and twisted it hard, sighing slightly, "You always act so strangely, even when negotiating with others you get caught in their trap. Fortunately, it was Seo Jang Geum this time; if it had been someone else, what would have happened?"


    "Yes, yes, it would have been terrible¡ªbut how do you know it was Seo Jang Geum?" Lin Wanrong sat up straight, his face full of astonishment.


    Ning''er snorted, her face full of grievance, "Don''t even mention it. Yesterday, when we turned around, we saw you enter Seo Jang Geum''s tavern, withnterns and red candles everywhere. Even a ghost would know what she was up to. In my opinion, we should have charged in and made that Goryeo woman regret her actions. But my elder sister stopped me, saying that if you were meeting Seo Jang Geum for business, and if we truly loved you, we shouldn''t restrict you. We waited here all night for you toe back. My sister even refused to rest, insisting on waiting for you."


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes filled with tears of emotion as he grabbed Qingxuan''s little hand, urgently saying, "Silly girl, why are you so foolish? I was ambushed yesterday and couldn''t return. You''re carrying our baby; how could you stay up all night? Lie down, lie down quickly; you''re breaking my heart."


    Struggling to rise, he lifted Xiao Qingxuan''s delicate body and gentlyid her on the bed.


    Miss Xiao''s face flushed, and she gently nestled in his arms, saying softly, "I''m trained in martial arts, so a sleepless night won''t bother me. But you must not be so careless in the future."Lin Wanrong hastily agreed, thinking to himself that besides Seo Jang Geum, there was likely no one else who would dare to drug him.


    "My Dear," Miss Xiao pressed her cheek to his chest, softly saying, "Do you me me for secretly following you, monitoring you like that?"


    "How could I?" Lin Wanrong stroked her hair like a cloud, chuckling, "Having a fierce wife is a blessing in life. I can hardly contain my joy!"


    "You''re annoying." Miss Xiao blushed and yfully punched his chest, "I''m not a fierce wife." She sighed wistfully, "I grew up in the Sacred Hall, learning to live a life of purity and detachment. I thought I would live that way my whole life, but then I met you, the source of my troubles, and you ruined my years of quiet cultivation. Since bing your wife, I''ve be more greedy and irritable, worrying about whether you are warm and well-fed, and even more worried about you attracting other youngdies, creating unmanageable trouble. I don''t know what happened, but after meeting you, I''m no longer the person I was."


    Miss Xiao lowered her head, gently shaking it, her eyes wandering, seemingly unable to understand her own behavior.


    Lin Wanrong was all smiles, embracing her and kissing her stunning cheek,ughing, "This is jealousy, a sign of love to the utmost degree. As they say, hitting is affection, scolding is love, and kicking with the foot is love at its peak! Qingxuan, you are a celestial being who has taken a fancy to the mortal world, naturally experiencing all human emotions and desires. Ah, what virtue or ability do I have to be favored by a celestial being?"


    Xiao Qingxuan chuckled and shot him a coquettish nce, "What celestial''s favor? You''re just that charming. Jealousy is one of the seven emotions, if I be a jealous and shrewish wife, wouldn¡¯t you have to avoid me?¡±


    "How could I?" Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "We''ve ovee so many obstacles, even dismantled that Hall, to finally reunite as a family. These good days have note easily, and I must cherish them."


    Thinking about how he had attacked the fairy hall for her, unafraid of confronting all the schrs in the world, Miss Xiao felt a warm sensation in her heart, her eyes moistened, as she snuggled into his arms, "My lord, I am a woman, and jealousy is natural for me, but I understand the bigger picture. Your character seems naughty but is indeed sincere and passionate, and this makes you greatly attractive to us women. Just look at all the misses who have had contact with you, which one doesn¡¯t harbor some thoughts about you?"


    Luo Ning began counting on her fingers, excluding the three of them, there were Eldest Miss Xiao, Qin Xian''er, Xu Zhiqing, and even the young pce maid who had spent the spring night with him. Truly, every one of them had been in some way involved with him.


    Lin Wanrong broke into a sweat andughed dryly, "Qingxuan, you know, I waspletely passive, just waiting for an attack. If there''s anyone to me, it''s that my charm is too great."


    "Shameless!" Xiao Qingxuanughed and lightly hit his chest, "Though you''re not proactive, your nature is the natural nemesis to us women. Anyone who meets you cannot help but be moved, I''ve suffered this misfortune since meeting you."


    She giggled shyly and thought back to their first meeting in Jinling, such a warm scene, her heart felt as warm as the bright sun.


    Recalling their leisurely evenings in his little nest in Jinling''s Xiao family, talking with Qingxuan, how free and easy they were, Lin Wanrong was deeply touched. He whispered into her ear, "When we have time, let''s go back to Jinling and live in that little house for a night, fulfilling our previous wishes. What do you think?"


    Xiao Qingxuan looked at him with shy joy, her face flushed, and she gently nodded. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, filled with triumph.


    "My Dear, though I may be jealous, I''m not a shrew," Miss Xiao sighed and continued, "If there''s a woman who truly and sincerely likes you, and you both share mutual affection, not only will I not object, I''ll even personally prepare the betrothal gifts and go to her door, seeking her hand in marriage for you, bringing her into the Lin family''s threshold."


    Qingxuan was truly virtuous. Lin Wanrong was deeply moved and took her hand, "Wife, you are so good to me."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s tone shifted, "But governing a nation might be easy, managing a family is hard. You work hard outside, and the management of the household depends entirely on us sisters, as your support. If the sisters are united, our Lin family will naturally prosper, advancing rapidly. But on the other hand, if an impure-hearted woman enters the family, leading to discord and petty strife, it could create misunderstandings and ruin your important matters, which would be a grave mistake. I love you, My Dear, and I love everything you love. The women you fancy, Qingxuan will regard as sisters. There is just one thing, Qingxuan asks My Dear to promise."


    Miss Xiao was sensible and sincere in her words, Lin Wanrong nodded continuously, "Qingxuan, whatever you want, just say it!"


    Xiao Qingxuan gently caressed his cheek, her voice tender, "Any woman you fancy, you must first tell us sisters. We sisters will personally investigate her, and if she is virtuous and beautiful, without you saying, I will seek her out for you. But if she''s unvirtuous, stirring up trouble, even if you scold me, I will never let her enter the door, never allow her to ruin the customs of our Lin family."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s expression was serious, her words genuine. With her elegant and noble temperament, calm and uncontentious character, if any woman could not get along with Miss Xiao, then that woman was certainly not worth befriending.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, ¡®The girls I know, which one of them isn''t virtuous and beautiful? To discard the dross and select the essence has always been my principle. Without Qingxuan saying, I would do so anyway.¡¯ Lin Wanrong nodded andughed, "Of course, you must trust your husband''s judgment. Qiaoqiao, Ning''er, and my little fairy Qingxuan, aren''t they all top-ss girls?"


    Luo Ning snorted, "What about that Goryeo pce maid? She used drugs on my husband. Is she a good girl too? I think she''s a viiness. Though, I must admit, the eye shadow and mascara she sent me are quite good!"


    Lin Wanrong grimaced, baring his teeth at Luo Ning, who was unafraid of him. She poked him in the waist with her little finger, leaned into his ear, and giggled, "Judging by the skin of this Seo Jang Geum, she must feel soft as jade, and her figure isn''t bad either. Too bad, my lord, you missed the opportunity."


    Seeing Ning''er teasing with Her Dear, Miss Xiao shook her head with a smile, "Ning''er, don''t spoil him like this. When the dayes that he goes to propose to anotherdy, you will be toote to cry."


    The possibility was significant, let alone the issues with Eldest Miss and Second Miss, and that quirky Xian''er. He didn''t know how Qingxuan would react once she found out Xian''er was her half-sister. However, the rules set by Miss Xiao were far more lenient than Lin Wanrong had anticipated, a thousand times more rxed. He sighed with emotion, gently kissed her cloud-like hair, and asked, "Qingxuan, if I truly were to marry anotherdy, would you be upset?"


    Miss Xiao''s pretty face pressed against his chest, feeling a sourness in her heart, softly said, "A little!" After saying it, she felt unsatisfied, her eyes misty, and she lightly pounded his chest with her fist, "Yes, a little, you viin!"


    Lin Wanrong heard her with joy, yet felt a twinge of heartache, and hugged her supple body, chuckling, "Don''t worry, from now on I''ll rest in your room whenever I can¡ª"


    Xiao Qingxuan startled, her heart sweet and her face blushing, "How can that be? How can you favor me over the others? It will make it hard for me among the sisters."


    Lin Wanrongughed yfully, "Don''t panic, I haven''t finished yet. I''ll call Qiaoqiao, Ning''er, and the others, and we''ll all rest together, sharing one big quilt, spreading the affection evenly, isn''t that a solution?"


    "Naughty!" Miss Xiao''s body felt as if it was on fire, her delicate finger pointing at his forehead, "You never take things seriously, always teasing us women."


    "This is no mere jest!" Master Lin said with utmost seriousness, "This matter concerns the unity and great cause of the Lin family, and we must not take it lightly!"


    Xiao Qingxuan, being the chief wife of the Lin family and always considering the unity of the household as her duty, listened to his solemn words and hastily asked, "How does it concern unity?"


    Slowly caressing her wless little belly, the silky, jade-like touch was intoxicating, "My little fairy, think about it. We are all one family. Besides you being my dear big wife, the others are my dear little wives, all of them taking pride in serving their husband well. What''s there to be shy about? First, we share a bed, then we share our hearts. This is the best way to achieve unity!"


    Miss Xiao''s face turned bright red, and she spat lightly, "You scoundrel, you are merely scheming to tease us, but you speak so grandly. I won''t listen to your instigation. Qiaoqiao, Ning''er,e here¡ª"


    Luo Ning tossed her embroidered shoe and crawled onto the bed. Leaning against her sister and sitting by the bedside, Qiaoqiao sat down, and the three women huddled close together. Xiao Qingxuan reached out her small hands, grabbed Qiaoqiao with her right and Luo Ning with her left, and smiled sweetly at Lin Wanrong, "My husband, we are one family, intimate and united, and we must not be suspicious of each other. Let''s not be aughingstock."


    She leaned forward, her cheeks slightly flushed, and pecked My Dear''s lips. Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao followed suit, each kissing him to express their determination.


    Thinking of Miss Xiao''s identity, yet treating him with such genuine affection, and then seeing the three flower-like faces before him, a warm and charming atmosphere welled up in his heart. This was the feeling of home. Lin Wanrong was moved, opened his broad arms, and embraced all three, "My wives, you treat me too well. I must strive to bring more women back for you to review¡ª"


    "Eh?!" The three women looked up together.


    "Oh, I mean to fetch water and pour tea! Just buying a few maids, my wives, please don''t misunderstand." Lin Wanrong wiped his cold sweat!


    "You and your tricks!" Miss Xiao gave him a nce, "We''ve already set the rules. My sisters and I are not jealous. As long as she''s a virtuous girl, marrying into the Lin family, you''ll have your advantage!"


    Master Lin was all smiles, "Oh, not at all, I''ve never been good at taking advantage. Qingxuan, you know me."


    The three wives simply filtered his words, and Xiao Qingxuan suddenly sighed, "Everything else is fine, but this Goryeo pce maid has some schemes. I''m afraid she''ll be hard to deal with."


    Luo Ning raised her eyebrows and snorted, "She dares to use foul means against my husband; for this alone, she must not enter the Lin family''s threshold."


    This Seo Jang Geum had incurred everyone''s wrath, and Lin Wanrong couldn''t get a word in. Miss Xiao shook her head, "What I''m worried about is not whether or not she can enter the Lin family''s door, but what she was trying to achievest night. My Dear, you have had deep interactions with this pce maid. In your view, what was her intentst night?"


    Lin Wanrong spread his hands, his face distressed, "Wife, I''m the victim. How can I judge the perpetrator''s thoughts? She must have seen your husband''s purity and goodness, and his handsome appearance, and harbored evil intentions."


    Miss Xiao sighed, "If it was a sudden impulse, that would be one thing. I''m afraid she had plotted it all along, thinking of taking My Dear''s essence to bear offspring¡ª"


    "No way?!" Lin Wanrong jumped up, "You''re worried she''s carrying my child? Just once, how could this be possible?!"


    What was impossible about that? Miss Xiao''s face turned bright red, and she red at him, clearly annoyed.


    Lin Wanrong quickly closed his mouth, knowing that his fiery energy was capable of anything. The very presence of Qingxuan was proof.


    "If that really is the case, then it would be quite troublesome. The bloodline of my Lin family falling into a foreignnd, and if it were to be abused..." Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and sighed, unable to finish her sentence.


    The consequences were that serious? Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment. It was just a one-night affair; hadn''t the little pce girl taken any precautions?


    "Don''t worry too much. These are just my spections," Xiao Qingxuan gentlyforted him. "Perhaps she truly fell for you, and merely sought pleasure for one night before leaving."


    Hopefully that was the case, Lin Wanrong thought, half crying and halfughing. If they really had created a child, that would be the century''s biggest joke.


    Qiaoqiao, listening with endless longing, blushed and mustered the courage to whisper in his ear, "Big brother, I also want to have a baby."


    Lin Wanrong patted her shoulder, smiling gently, "My little darling, my seeds were stolen today. Let me replenish overnight, and tomorrow we''ll sow the spring fields together."


    They chatted for a while, and the sky gradually brightened. Xiao Qingxuan had not slept all night. Lin Wanrong, feeling sorry for his wife and child, insisted that she lie down, but Luo Ning shook her head, "Big brother, I''m afraid we don''t have time. The pnquin from the pce will be arriving soon."


    "The pnquin from the pce?" Lin Wanrong was puzzled, "What are theying for?"


    Xiao Qingxuan took his hand, tears in her eyes, "My Dear, the Emperor has issued a decree to summon me back to the pce to reunite and inter my mother''s remains in the imperial tomb. As a daughter, how can I not fulfill my filial duty?"


    Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered the Emperor''s decree from yesterday. As a child, it was natural to show filial piety to parents. He hurriedly reassured, "I will apany you to the pce. It just so happens that the terms I discussed with Seo Jang Geum yesterday need to be presented to the Emperor."


    With her husband apanying her, Xiao Qingxuan felt greatly relieved. Lin Wanrong took out the terms they had agreed upon the day before and enjoyed them with his wives. Xiao Qingxuan, a phoenix among humans, nced at the document and nodded with emotion, "My father has been on the throne for over twenty years, but due to various reasons, he never expanded the territory. This is his biggest regret. I never expected that, in hister years, you would present him with such a grand gift, my husband. Our great nation has been founded for hundreds of years, and my father has be the first emperor to expand the territory. My love, on behalf of my father, thank you."


    "Why be so formal? We are all family!" Lin Wanrongughed heartily, tossing the imperial edictmanding him to seduce women into the corner. Qingxuan was so understanding that this ything was useless now.


    When the pnquin from the pce arrived, Lin Wanrong was taken aback. The procession was massive, with red-robed eunuchs and colorful pce maids closely following. There were thousands of them, each respectfully holding fine silk, gold tes, and jade utensils. Fifty phoenix sedans and over a hundred carriages lined up from the gate of the Lin mansion, extending all the way to West Straight Street.


    "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have a daughter, named Chuyun, who has been wandering outside the pce for over twenty years. Loyal and righteous, she has fulfilled her duties, maintaining the stability and well-being of the great nation of Great Hua. Now that all is settled, I hereby grant fifty phoenix carriages and a hundred horse-drawn carriages to wee the princess back to the pce! All people along the way shall kneel and worship! Be it so!"


    After announcing the imperial edict, Gao Ping was the first to kneel on the ground, lifting the yellow silk edict above his head, and loudly chanting, "Wee Princess Chuyun!"


    "Wee Princess Chuyun!" Thousands of eunuchs and pce maidens knelt to the ground, chanting in unison.


    Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao had already assisted Miss Xiao, known as Xiao Qingxuan, in dressing properly. Dressed in a phoenix crown and adorned in yellow silk, her face was as lovely as a lotus, her body as graceful as a willow. Lin Wanrong was delighted, thinking, ¡®My wife indeed is the epitome of heavenly beauty.¡¯


    As the unrivaled delicate beauty of Great Hua, Xiao Qingxuan naturally possessed an air of elegance and nobility. She took the imperial edict and smiled gently, saying in a melodious voice, "You may all rise."


    "Thank you, Princess!" The crowd bowed again before rising.


    "Your servant, following the Emperor''s wishes, hase to escort the Princess back to the pce. The carriages are prepared; I respectfully ask the Princess to board," Gao Ping sang in a high-pitched voice, bowing deeply.


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded, "Thank you, Eunuch Gao, I will board now." She turned and took Lin Wanrong''s hand, whispering, "My Dear, let us go back to the pce together."


    Although Lin Wanrong had shared many intimate moments with Princess Chuyun, ording to Great Hua''s customs, since the Emperor had not yet officially granted them marriage, he was not yet entitled to be called a prince consort. Seeing the princess speaking, Gao Ping saluted him, "Please, Lord Lin, apany the Princess."


    Lin Wanrong had no intention of being polite; he pulled Xiao Qingxuan into the carriage, drew the curtains, and amidst the sound of gongs and drums, the phoenix carriage set off, slowly moving toward the East Straight Street. The return of Princess Chuyun, thest bloodline of the Empress, the undisputed most delicate beauty of the world, caused an uproar that one could easily imagine. The procession specifically started from East Straight Street, weaving through streets andnes, moving along the main road of the capital, celebrating with the people.


    "Princess Chuyun, Princess Chuyun¡ª" The sides of the road were packed tightly; as the phoenix carriage passed, everyone knelt in fearful reverence. Xiao Qingxuan lifted the curtain, smiling and waving to the crowd. Seeing her celestial beauty, the crowd surged like a tidal wave, the shouts resounding continuously, reaching a peak of enthusiasm.


    Lin Wanrongyzily on the couch, taking her little hand and smiling, "My dear wife, you are now with child, do not tire yourself too much. Come rest in my arms, let me massage you."


    Miss Xiao was filled with emotion, shaking her head and sighing, "These are the ordinary people of my Great Hua, hardworking and simple. If not for the invasion of foreign enemies, they could have lived a wealthy and peaceful life. It''s the wild ambitions of the nomads, coveting our richnd, attacking our borders, that have plunged our people into suffering, truly detestable."


    "Though the nomads are hateful," Lin Wanrongughed, "as the saying goes, flies do notnd on a seamless egg. Our Great Hua, prosperous for many years, full of peace and neglectful of defense, gave the nomads an opportunity. Frankly speaking, we have abandoned our martial spirit; the Emperor himself should reflect on this." Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    "You dare to suggest my Imperial Father should reflect on himself?! Speaking such irresponsible words." Miss Xiao, her face flushed, huffed and pounced into his arms, lightly beating his chest. Outside, the cheers of ten thousand people filled the air, but inside the carriage, only theughter of the husband and wife resounded, creating an atmosphere that was both extraordinary and intimate.


    "My Dear, you, you are so naughty!" After the two of them had frolicked for a while, Xiao Qingxuan felt something hard pressing against her, and her cheeks instantly turned a shade of red, pretending to strike him.


    "This, I really didn''t mean for it to happen." Lin Wanrong wore a face of worry andined, "My wife is as beautiful as a fairy. If I didn''t react in some way, wouldn''t I be a eunuch?"


    "You rascal!" Miss Xiao''s face turned bright red, feeling both sweet and embarrassed, ring at him with annoyance, her captivating charm almost tearing Lin Wanrong''s heart out.


    "Wife, this carriage of yours is quite spacious, haha." Lin Wanrong grinned, taking Xiao Qingxuan''s small hand, lightly scratching it a few times. There was a subtle, unspoken lustful undertone in his voice.


    Although Xiao Qingxuan usually possessed a calm and fairy-like temperament, being pregnant for five months was a time when a woman''s desires could easily be aroused. Having her hand held and lightly scratched by her husband, she felt her body weaken, her heart pounding, "My Lord, what are you going to do?"


    Lin Wanrong blinked and chuckled, "My love, your question is good. Here and now, there are only the two of us. You y the princess, so naturally, I must y the prince consort."


    Miss Xiao cried out in surprise, her face suddenly turning a bright red. Though she had long known her husband to bewless and unruly, she never thought he would dare make such a request, wanting to act as the prince consort on this carriage in full view of the public. This scoundrel!


    Lin Wanrong grabbed her small hand, blew a breath by her sparkling ear, and Xiao Qingxuan''s body went limp, unable to struggle. She hurriedly closed her eyes, her long eyshes quivering slightly, flustered in her heart, "My Dear, you, you wicked thing¡ª"


    Miss Xiao''s hesitant demeanor only excited Lin Wanrong further. Making love with one''s wife was a natural right. He reached into Xiao Qingxuan''s dress, giving her perky jade breasts a gentle flick. Miss Xiao cried out, her breath sweet, "My Dear, no, it''s not right! You, you smell like someone else!"


    Impossible, at this moment she was still concerned about this? Lin Wanrong immediately wilted. Seeing his downcast face, Miss Xiao chuckled, covering her lips, "That''s what you get for enjoying yourself so muchst night."


    "Where was I enjoying myselfst night? That was a night of humiliation for me. From my body to my soul, I was in utter agony," he said with a crying face.


    Miss Xiao nced at him, shyly lowering her head, "If it were Ning''er or Qiaoqiao, and you were to indulge with them before seeking my affection, I wouldn''t mind. Sisters from the same family, sharing even in wild indulgence. But that Goryeo pce maid is not of our Lin family, and after a night of passion with her, you reek of her scent. If you seek my love afterward, I won''t pick up her discarded crumbs. If you don''t wash yourself clean, don''t touch me."


    ¡®Qingxuan has this obsession with cleanliness?¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s heart ached with an agony he could not voice. Turning his head and pondering Miss Xiao''s words, he found them to be profoundly insightful. She was concerned that Seo Jang Geum was not officially his wife, but seemed not to mind Qiaoqiao and Ning''er. Did this mean¡ªLin Wanrong was overjoyed. Though today''s n had failed, there was great hope for the future!


    Seeing her husband deep in thought and assuming he was upset, Miss Xiao felt a little nervous and timidly grabbed his hand, saying, "My Dear, don''t be angry. After you wash up, I''ll let you do whatever you want, even in this carriage¡ªoh, I''m so embarrassed, you naughty man!" Miss Xiao was so ashamed that she covered her cheeks and buried her face in his chest, not daring to speak.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, embracing her soft and boneless body, and chuckled lewdly, "Qingxuan, you underestimate your husband. Do you think I''m driven by my lower half? You''re utterly wrong. I''ll tell you the truth: my upper half is for thinking, while my lower half is for supporting that thinking!"


    Hearing his lewdughter, Miss Xiao knew she''d been tricked and whimpered twice in his arms, not letting him off. The couple yfully cuddled together, with Lin Wanrong telling tales about monks beating drums and parrots drinking water. Miss Xiao was shy and coy, feeling that years of refinement had been undone by her time with her husband, as if she was falling step by step from heaven to hell. They exchanged sweet nothings and odd little affections, overturning Miss Xiao''s traditional thinking, and she was momentarily enthralled and unable to pull away.


    The grand procession traveled through the streets, and it was nearly noon before entering the Forbidden City, the entire path covered in red carpet, very festive. As soon as they entered the pce gates, little yellow-d eunuchs constantly sang praises, reporting the princess''s position. Beyond the middle gate, they saw a hundred officials lined up before the Hall of Central Harmony, the Emperor''s dragon throne hanging high, the Emperor was weing the princess personally!


    "Stop, stop quickly!" Xiao Qingxuan urgentlymanded, stepping down from the phoenix carriage with Lin Wanrong. The couple teased each other, Miss Xiao''s blush still lingering. As they walked, they were graceful and full of charm. She hurriedly took two steps and saw the Emperor on the dragon throne smiling at her. Tears welled in Miss Xiao''s eyes, and she knelt on the ground, "Your daughter, appearing from the clouds, greets Father Emperor."


    Lin Wanrong felt heartbroken, ¡®My wife is five months pregnant, how can she kneel? Don''t you know to help her, Father-inw?¡¯ The old Emperor naturally knew, and Miss Xiao was held up as she was about to bend down. "My child, rise."


    Xiao Qingxuan raised her head to see wrinkles across her father''s face, increasingly old, the frost at his temples blooming, no longer his youthful self. She could no longer bear it and wept, throwing herself into the Emperor''s arms, "Father Emperor, your daughter has returned."


    The old Emperor gently patted Xiao Qingxuan''s shoulder, tears streaming down uncontrobly, "Chuyun, you have returned, good, very good! I am very pleased, very pleased!" He released his grip and proudly said to the officials behind him, "My ministers, this is my Princess Chuyun, you have all seen her."


    "We, your humble servants, greet Princess Chuyun!" All the officials bowed in unison. Only Prince Cheng gave a slight bow, his face very unhappy.


    "Ladies and Gentlemen, please, no need for such ceremony," Xiao Qingxuan wiped her tears, graciously speaking, "You all are the backbone of my great nation, supporting my father the Emperor for years, and achieving extraordinary aplishments for our country. Princess Chuyun thanks you all." The crowd hurriedly responded with humble denials. The atmosphere was lively for a moment.


    The old Emperor was in high spirits, leading Princess Chuyun through the ranks of officials, introducing her to the pirs of the court. The Emperor had no sons, only three daughters, and among them, Chuyun, who had been relegated and yet remained graceful and dignified, was undoubtedly his favorite. The ministers all had their thoughts, and they hurriedly paid their respects and good wishes to the princess, hoping to leave a good impression in her presence.


    "This is your Uncle, Prince Cheng," the Emperor said to Xiao Qingxuan with a smile. "He is the left arm and right leg of our great nation, holding up half of the country."


    Prince Cheng quickly bowed, "Your Majesty exaggerates, I don''t deserve such praise. The princess''s return has resolved a major concern for you; I extend my congrattions to Your Majesty."


    "Mutual joy, mutual joy," the Emperorughed twice. Xiao Qingxuan knew Prince Cheng''s true nature and merely nodded without speaking.


    Seeing that the Emperor was busy chatting with Qingxuan and the others, and not paying attention to himself, Lin Wanrong, who had nothing to do, was ignored by everyone. Although his alighting from the princess''s carriage was not in ordance with etiquette, since the Emperor had not questioned it, the officials pretended not to see it.


    "Congrattions, little brother! I offer my felicitations!" The voice of Xu Wei sounded in Lin Wanrong''s ear, his face full of mysterious smiles.


    "Mr. Xu, don''t joke around. What do I have to celebrate?" Lin Wanrong smiled, thinking of Xu Zhiqing, and how she had imed she no longer recognized Lin San. He wondered whether it was said in anger or sincerity.


    Xu Wei looked around and lowered his voice mysteriously, "So the Miss Qingxuan you''ve been seeking is indeed our great nation''s Princess Chuyun. In a few days, this old man will have to call you the prince consort. Isn''t this a joyous matter?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, thinking to himself that as long as he agreed, Xu would likely have to call him a son-inw instead.


    "Mr. Xu, have you seen Miss Zhiqing today? Was there anything unusual about her?" Lin Wanrong thought for a long time before cautiously phrasing his question.


    "I saw her, nothing unusual. I even saw herughing with her aunt at breakfast," Old Xu was surprised, "What''s wrong, did something happen to Zhiqing?"


    No abnormalities? Lord Lin thought, that itself was the biggest abnormality. He whispered, "Mr. Xu, think carefully, has Miss Xu said or done anything strange recently?"


    "Strange words or actions?" Old Xu frowned, thought for a while, and slowly shook his head, "I haven''t seen anything different, except..."


    "Except what?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Xu Wei smiled, "Recently, I don''t know why, but Zhiqing has raised two big dogs, training them to run and fetch all day. She even named them. Her aunt said, it seems like the names are something like..." He looked at Lin Wanrong and chuckled a few times, abruptly stopping himself.


    Lin Wanrong naturally knew what Miss Xu''s dogs were named andughed heartily, saying, "So Miss Xu enjoys ying with pets; that''s quite interesting. Tomorrow I might keep some wolves for fun; perhaps they could even be kin with your family''s dogs and produce some wolf-dogs!"


    Xu Wei, unaware of the rtionship between Lin Wanrong and Xu Zhiqing, assumed Lord Lin was joking with him, and chuckled a few times before his expression became serious: "Enough about Zhiqing. Little brother, there''s something I need to tell you, but please don''t get angry."


    "What could possibly make me angry?" Lin Wanrong shook his head with a smile.


    Xu Wei sighed softly, "The Emperor has released Lu Dongzan and Ashile!"


    "Who, who did you say?" Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened.


    Xu Wei smiled bitterly with a sense of helplessness, "The Turkic Khaganate National Advisor Lu Dongzan and the envoy Ashile. The Emperor issued a decree yesterday proiming their crimes to the world, and at the same time sent them back. They have already left for theirnd overnight."


    "Foolish!" Lin Wanrong pped his thigh, visibly annoyed, "These two were not easy to capture, how could they be released so easily? Especially that National Advisor Lu Dongzan, he is a very difficult person to deal with; I almost fell into his trapst time."


    His voice was loud, and people around were turning to look. Xu Wei, scared, quickly pulled him back, "Little brother Lin, please keep your voice down. You are the Emperor''s son-inw, not fearing the loss of your head, but this old man still wants to live for a few more years."


    Lin Wanrong suppressed his irritation and snorted, "Why did the old man release them? Doesn''t he know this is like letting the tiger return to the mountain? Lu Dongzan is the National Advisor of Turkic Khaganate, with a single thought he could send tens of thousands of our brothers to their death. How could he be released so easily?"


    "The Emperor is certainly aware of all this," Xu Wei exined. "But as the old saying goes, ''When two countries go to war, do not cut off their envoys.'' Even without considering how dangerous Lu Dongzan is, the mere act of capturing the Turkic delegation could be a point of criticism. If they want to steal our cannons and take them back, we can catch them, but what will outsiders think? People can be fearful. They will only believe that we deliberately framed them, turning a white cat into a ck cat. Our interactions with other countries would be passive, as no one would trust us. They would see us as treacherous, for capturing the special envoy sent by the Turks. The Emperor found himself in a difficult situation, and after consulting with the cab ministers, he decided to issue a reprimand and send them back. Because diplomatic matters areplex, I did not oppose it."


    "Diplomatic matters areplex?" Lin Wanrong flicked his sleeve, seething with anger, "My dear Mr. Xu, you are confused. Diplomacy is the simplest thing; it boils down to two words: strength! Strength determines everything! Why are you all so concerned about how other countries view our great nation? Is the opinion of other countries more important than the safety of ournd and our people? When we easily conquered Goryeo, did Goryeo have any diplomacy to speak of? Though alliances and strategies matter, strength is what really counts. A weak country has no diplomacy. If our nation is strong, we don''t need diplomacy, and all nations wille to pay tribute. If our nation is weak, you can shout about diplomacy a thousand times, and you will only be met with scorn."


    He wore a dark expression with cold eyebrows, and his imposing demeanor was intimidating. Even Xu Wei, who was ustomed to grand scenes, was taken aback. He weakly opened his mouth and said in a soft voice, "Does the strength or weakness of our country mean that we should disregard even diplomatic etiquette?"


    "Diplomatic etiquette?" Lin Wanrong eximed,ughing uproariously, "Mr. Xu, you saw with your own eyes how the Turkic Khaganate special envoy Ashile behaved like a ruffian in our great imperial golden hall. Did he ever talk to you about etiquette? When he dismantled our cannons and secretly transported them back, did he talk to you about etiquette then? Why is it that when ites to our great nation, you want to speak to him about etiquette? This code of conduct you speak of is a product of the moderate path our great nation has adhered to for many years. We, the people of our great nation, can y by those rules, but the Turks are not our people; they don''t follow the teachings of Confucius and Mencius, they don''t speak of moderation. These etiquettes you value are worthless in their eyes. How can you impose your own standards on others? How many young lives must our great nation sacrifice, how many beautiful families must be torn apart, all for the sake of this so-called diplomatic etiquette? My dear Mr. Xu, I don''t know what to say to you!"


    Lin Wanrong''s heart ached with fury. Gathering all his strength, he kicked heavily at the small sedan chair beside him. With a crash, the chair wobbled a few times and then copsed with a thunderous noise.


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 432

    Chapter 432 Trust Lin San or the Imperial Edict?


    Xu Wei remained silent, as quiet as a winter cicada. Lin San''s words were intense, but they carried an umon sense of reason. Releasing Ashile and Lu Dongzan, he had once thought it was a righteous act, dispelling the rumors of other countries and proving the innocence of the Great Hua Empire, all perfectly executed.


    But Lin San''s words awakened him to regret and shock: Why should we care so much about how others view our Great Hua? Is saving face truly more important than the rise and fall of the country and the safety of the people?


    "Mr. Xu, I am a man without great ambition," Lin Wanrong sighed slightly, feeling a sense of helplessness in his heart, "But I am also a citizen of Great Hua. I do not wish to see anything happen that endangers our people andpatriots. Sometimes I think, I would rather bear more me, be scolded as shameless and despicable, than let others harm my simple-minded brethren. But what have we done¡ª"


    Xu Wei shook his head in shame: "Little brother, your words have awakened a dreamer. In the matter of Lu Dongzan, I truly made a mistake, failing to stop the Emperor in time. It''s toote to say anything now, I don''t know what can be done to remedy it?"


    "How long have Lu Dongzan and Ashile been gone?" Lin Wanrong asked.


    Xu Wei understood his meaning and smiled bitterly: "The imperial edict was issued yesterday evening, and the Turkic horses can travel a thousand miles in a day. By now, they must be seven or eight hundred miles away; it''s toote for us to take any action."


    Lin Wanrong was helpless and didn''t know what to say. Even Xu Wei, the most learned man in the world, had made a mistake on this matter. Who else could Great Hua rely on? A deep sense of fatigue suddenly welled up in his heart; he felt drained and lost all his spirited appearance, longing to go home and sleep, forgetting these vexing matters.


    He pulled out the treaty signed with Seo Jang Geum and handed it to Xu Wei, saying indifferently: "Mr. Xu, you give this to the Emperor. The matter with Goryeo has been settled. The recruiting in the northeast must be expedited. Don''t wait until the troops are full; best to set off immediately, enter Goryeo directly, giving the Goryeo king no time to rest or prepare, and also effectively deter the Dongyin."Xu Wei took the treaty, quickly nced at it, his expression both excited and ashamed: "Little brother Lin, is this true? You truly are a divine man!"


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled bitterly: "I have done what I can. As for whether we can firmly hold Goryeo, it depends on you."


    The sound of the scattered sedan had already alerted the ministers. The Emperor''s eyes swept over, loudly asking: "Minister Xu, what happened?"


    "Congrattions, Your Majesty, congrattions," Xu Wei, tears streaming down his old face, ran a few steps and presented the treaty: "Little brother Lin has signed a treaty with Goryeo. In the expansion of the Great Hua''s territory over the past hundred years, our Emperor is the first. Long live the Emperor. Long live, long live!"


    "Is this true?!" The Emperor''s face lit up with joy, and without waiting for the eunuch to act, he strode forward, grabbed the paper from Xu Wei''s hand, and began to read it, his hands slightly trembling.


    Li Tai asked anxiously: "Brother Xu, do you mean, we''vee to terms with Goryeo?"


    "Indeed, indeed!" Xu Wei nodded hastily, his smile radiant. "The King of Goryeo has agreed to Little brother Lin''s proposal, and both sides have signed the treaty, incorporating Goryeo into the Great Hua system. Our Great Hua''s territory will expand several hundred li to the northeast. This is a great joy for the country and the people."


    Li Tai''s face broke into a smile. As a military general, he had a deeper understanding of territorial matters. A thin piece of paper had pushed the boundary of the Great Hua nation forward by several hundred li. How could this not bring joy?


    Back during the debates in the Golden Hall, all the princes and ministers were present when Lin San made his proposal. Everyone thought it was absurd, but no one had expected that within a few short days, the dream hade true, incorporating Goryeo into the Great Hua map. The ministers were abuzz with discussion, filled with admiration and awe. Only Prince Cheng looked displeased, coldly snorting without a word.


    The Emperor, looking at the text on the paper, could not hide his joy. "Good, good, today is truly a blessing from heaven. The princess has returned to the pce, Goryeo hase to the court, the might of Great Hua has spread far and wide. Send the decree for a feast in the Imperial Garden tonight. I want to drink heartily with all my ministers, to celebrate this national joy."


    The ministers all congratted the Emperor, ttering words filling the air. The Emperor stroked his beard and smiled, in high spirits. "Lin San, you have achieved this remarkable feat for Great Hua. Whatever reward you want, I will grant it!"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head lightly. "This matter with Goryeo was within expectations, and not a great merit. Right now, all I want to do is go home and have a good sleep. I beg the Emperor''s permission to leave first."


    Everyone was stunned. Lin San had aplished a great feat, and it was the perfect time to seek rewards. Why would he give it up? The Emperorughed, "You should think it over. Whatever you want, I will grant it. Miss this chance, and you won''t have such an opportunity again."


    Lin Wanrong understood the Emperor''s meaning, but he was disheartened and bored, having no interest in anything. He shook his head firmly. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Whatever you are willing to give, you will definitely give, and what you''re unwilling to give, I won''t insist on. Please grant my request."


    Xiao Qingxuan, who knew him deeply, saw the deep fatigue in his face, as if he had encountered a significant setback. She didn''t care about the presence of others, rushed over, took his hand, and softly said, "My Dear, what''s wrong? Have you encountered some difficulties?"


    It was more than just difficulties; it was utterly infuriating. Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile, "Qingxuan, I''ll tell you about thister. Today you are reunited with your father, so spend some quality time talking with him. I''ll go back and rest, ande back for you tomorrow."


    What had happened? Seeing her husband looking worn, Miss Xiao felt both sour and pained. She wanted to talk to him, but this ce was the Golden Hall, not their home, and many things couldn''t be spoken.


    "In that case, go back and rest well." The Emperor sighed. "You have done so much for Great Hua; I will keep it all in my heart."


    Lin Wanrong bowed and, seeing Xiao Qingxuan''s worried face, smiled at her to reassure her. Then he turned and left the pce.


    The streets were bustling with people, and the cacophony of vendors hawking their wares resonated in all directions, creating a lively atmosphere. Yet Lin Wanrong could not muster any interest. What had been a wonderful mood evaporated in an instant when he heard that the old Emperor had released Lu Dongzan. Lu Dongzan, a clever and adaptable man, was the right-hand man of the Turkic Khan. Lin Wanrong understood all too well what his release meant for the Great Hua Empire.


    He couldn''t help but wonder how many of the Great Hua''s brave men would have to pay with their lives for this decision. Shaking his head and heaving a deep sigh, he felt a pang of guilt. If he had known this would be the oue, he would have instructed Du Xiuyuan to take action when they had set the trap. In the end, his methods were not ruthless enough, and he had to bear some of the responsibility.


    He let his horse amble along for a few steps, his thoughts turning to the matters at the Xiao family home. Having been away for two days and with Eldest Miss not around, he didn''t know what chaos awaited him at home. His anxiety grew, and he quickened his pace, hurrying towards the Xiao residence.


    As he approached the entrance, he spotted a graceful figure in the shop, a girl in red around sixteen or seventeen, with a lovely face that seemed a bit pale but determined. Biting her lip, she was busily moving goods with others, bustling about. Lin Wanrong stared, then eximed joyfully, rushing forward, "Second Miss, Second Miss¡ª"


    The young woman''s delicate body trembled, and she slowly turned to look at him, her face expressionless. Her eyes reddened, and she hurriedly looked away, ignoring him.


    Lin Wanrong stepped into the shop and immediately sensed that something was wrong. Not only did the Second Miss, whom he hadn''t seen in days, act coldly towards him, but even the little maid Huan''er red at him and snorted. Only Si De remained loyal, casting knowing nces at him as though something was amiss.


    "Second Miss, aren''t you at the academy? How did you find time toe back?" Lin Wanrong asked, moving closer with a smile. In just a few days, Xiao Yushuang seemed to have grown taller, her figure more curvaceous, and her innocent liveliness had somewhat diminished, reced by a hint of maturity.


    Seeing himing closer, the Second Miss retreated a step, her face flushing as she whispered, "What are you doing here? Don''t interfere with my work."


    "I''ll do it, I''ll do it." Seeing her delicate hands about to lift the fabric, Lin Wanrong felt a pang of distress. He hurriedly grabbed the goods from her hands, saying softly, "This isn''t work for you. Rest, and let me handle it. If I were to ruin your little hands, wouldn''t I die of heartache?"


    The Second Miss grunted in response, then seemed to think better of it and huffed angrily, her face stern, tears in her eyes.


    "Yushuang, when did youe back?" Lin Wanrong stared at her, his face full of tenderness. "I haven''t seen you for a few days, and you''ve lost weight."


    "I, I," the Second Miss stammered, tears about to fall, then turned away, hardening her heart, "It''s none of your business. I¡ªI''m going inside."


    Xiao Yushuang stomped her lotus foot and rushed towards the inner residence, lifting the curtain as she went. Lin Wanrong understood clearly; the Second Miss saying she was going inside was surely a hint for him to follow. But as he took a step to obey her guidance, the little maid Huan''er blocked him like a gust of wind, her face uninviting, "Excuse me, sir, but this inner residence is for the women of the Xiao family. No men or dogs are allowed inside. Please leave."


    Two days without seeing her, even this little girl had be arrogant. Lin Wanrong chuckled dryly, grinning and said, "Oh, isn''t this Huan''er? You''ve grown even more charming in just a few days. I think it won''t be long before young men line up at our house to beg for mercy. Brother San congrattes you, sends his congrattions to you."


    Huan''er snorted, turned around, and ordered Si De, "Today''s mood has been ruined for thisdy, as I saw a treacherous, ungrateful wretch. Si De, quickly close the door, we won''t do business today."


    "What do you mean? You don''t want to do business just because you saw me? Where is thising from? I''m Lin San, the highly respected man of the Xiao family mansion." He hurriedly grabbed Huan''er''s clothes, "Hey, hey, sister Huan''er, you can eat whatever you want, but you can''t talk nonsense. When have I ever been treacherous? I, the handsome servant, protect the Xiao family with loyalty, and Lin San defends the great empire with iron-blooded heart. Everyone knows this, and who doesn''t know or understand? Si De, you know me best, isn''t that right?"


    "Brother San," Si De chuckled twice, his face filled with embarrassment, "It''s not that I don''t want to help you, but the Madam has made it clear, if youe back, she will chase you out with a broom¡ª"


    "The Madam?" Lin Wanrong eximed, "I have no past grievances with her, only recent kindness. How could she do this to me?"


    Si De leaned close to him, cautiously saying, "Brother San, you''d better leave quickly. Who knows what might happen if the Madam sees you?"


    ¡°The Madam is so cruel?¡±


    Huan''er snorted heavily, "I think she''s been more than kind to you. For a treacherous wretch like you who betrays and forgets kindness, you should be beaten to death, bitten to death by dogs, burned to death, choked to death eating food¡ªin short, not die a good death!"


    "What do you mean?" Lin Wanrong gasped. This little girl held such deep hatred for him, but he never took advantage of her. "Sister Huan''er, I have been Lin San in the Xiao family for more than a day or two. Everyone knows what kind of person I am, not many call me of bad character, but you''re the first to curse me as treacherous, unfaithful, and rebellious. What did I do wrong to deserve such a terrible death?"


    Huan''er gave a cold smile, "You didn''t do anything wrong, it''s our family''s two young misses who were wrong, they didn''t see your true character and fell for your deceit, you shameless thief. The two young misses are in pain but silent, yet I, Huan''er, am not afraid of you. So what if you became the son-inw who would bring wealth and honor? You are the one who betrays, even if you cut off my head, I would still curse you to death, you thief. Si De, throw this shameless person out!"


    The little girl rattled on like a string of firecrackers, leaving Lin Wanrong utterly confused, "What son-inw? What betrayal? What on earth is going on, Huan''er, please exin."


    "Brother San," Si De whispered, "You''d better ept it. The Emperor sent someone to take Eldest Miss away, and granted a decree to the Madam, saying that he wants to make you the Imperial son-inw, and you cannot marry amon woman. The decree is still with the Madam, she''s so angry she fell ill. The Second Miss rushed back, and fainted when she heard the news."


    Lin Wanrong was furious, "Are you confused? Let me ask you, am I that kind of person? Si De, tell me, which do you believe, Brother San''s character or the Emperor''s decree?"


    Si De hesitated for a moment, and cautiously said, "It seems that the imperial decree from the Emperor is slightly more credible, just a little bit, Brother San. Please don''t be angry."


    Unjust, it was truly unjust! Lin Wanrong was furious to the extreme. How malicious the old Emperor''s intentions were! Just the day before, he had fought tooth and nail for this matter, only to find that the Emperor had stabbed him in the back. Taking advantage of the moment when he "sacrificed" himself for the country, the Emperor had directly issued the imperial decree to Madam Xiao. If he had been the Madam, he would have vomited blood on the spot. And what about Eldest Miss and Second Miss, who admired him deeply? This was simply life-threatening!


    "Believable, my foot!" Seeing Si De''s ghostly expression, Lin Wanrong pped him on the head. "You''ve been with me for so long, and you don''t even know my character. I always appreciate the new without despising the old. How could I give up a forest for a single tree? This is a divisive plot by the Emperor, aiming to ruin the great unity within the Xiao family and to damage my rtionship with my wife and the two young misses. How can you not see it?"


    Huan''er scoffed and said, "You talk as if you''re innocent! Dare you say that you have not done anything to wrong Eldest Miss and Second Miss?"


    "Oh, this," Lin Wanrong found himself somewhat at a loss, thanks to the sharp-tongued little girl. He had first married Qingxuan and then held a wedding ceremony with Qiaoqiao. While the matter with Second Miss was not so problematic, Eldest Miss hade after, taking precedence. By all ounts, he had wronged Qingxuan instead. However, at this crucial moment, he couldn''t possibly tell the truth.


    "Little sister, you are still young, and matters of the heart cannot be exined in a few words," Lin Wanrong helplessly said. "I am devoted to Eldest Miss and Second Miss, as clear as the sun and moon¡ª"


    "Don''t speak such useless words," Huan''er interrupted, her teeth clenched. "I''ll ask you, are you going to marry the Princess?"


    "Yes! But¡ª"


    "There are no ''buts'' about it." Huan''er''s small face flushed with anger. "If you truly care for our young misses, then divorce the Princess!"


    "Divorce the Princess?" Lin Wanrong almost bit his tongue, astonished at the audacity of the young girl. However, if not for the fact that his princess wives were Qingxuan and Xian''er, he could easily divorce ten princesses for the sake of Eldest Miss. Si De, standing nearby, shivered at the thought. To divorce a princess as a prince consort was like an old man eating poison, a sign of wanting to die.


    A soft cry came from behind the curtain, and the voice of Xiao Yushuang, filled with heart-wrenching sorrow, reached them: "You wicked man, I hate you, I hate you to death!"


    "Second Miss¡ª" Lin Wanrong jumped, hearing the faint sound of footsteps moving towards the house. He rushed forward, darting inside.


    "You heartless and ungrateful man, you''ve ruined our young misses'' lives¡ª" Huan''er mmed the door shut with a loud bang, right on Lin Wanrong''s nose. He yelped in pain, jumping up: "Yushuang, Yushuang. Second Miss, listen to me, the truth is not as you imagine, ow¡ª"


    Poor Brother San, Si De thought, unable to bear the sight, and quickly reminded him, "Brother San, the back door, the back door is open¡ª"


    ¡®Goodd, truly clever indeed, your Brother San will not mistreat you.¡¯ Lin Wanrong leaped to his feet and, amidst his haste, gave Si De a big thumbs-up, then rushed towards the rear gate of the courtyard. He moved fast, but someone was even more quick-witted. Before he could reach the back door, he heard a slight tter as the door bolt was locked, and it seemed like someone was leaning against it from the other side. Silently, he faintly heard the soft sound of sobbing.


    He was a step toote again, and Lin Wanrong could only sigh in desperation. He called out loudly, "Second Miss, Second Miss, are you there? The situation is really not what you think, I am innocent, cough, cough¡ª"


    He pinched his nose and coughed for a moment but did not hear any movement inside, and he didn''t know whether Xiao Yushuang was there or not. Whether she was there or not, the situation was very dire. Lin Wanrong''s mood was utterly depressed. The old Emperor was indeed harmful, and the most hateful part was that he was also the father of Qingxuan and Xian''er, so he couldn''t do anything to him. Frustration, extreme frustration.


    "Brother San, Brother San, how are things?" Si De arrived, panting heavily.


    "Goodd, you are the most loyal," Lin Wanrong patted his shoulder, eximing, "Sticking with your Brother San through thick and thin in this critical moment, and never abandoning me, you have a promising future!"


    Si De gave a dryugh, "I had to be loyal¡ªI couldn''t get through the door, it was locked!"


    So that''s how it is! Lin Wanrong dropped his hand and suddenly sighed, "Si De, do you know why I came here today?"


    Why had Brother San be so profound? Though Si De was puzzled, he still asked with concern, "Brother San, didn''t youe to see Eldest Miss and Madam?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, his face filled with sorrow, "It''s true that I came to see Madam and Eldest Miss, but there''s actually something else. I came to say goodbye to you all."


    "Brother San, are you really going to be a prince consort?" Si De''s voice trembled as he spoke, seeing Brother San winking vigorously at him, he asked in confusion, "Brother San, what''s wrong with your eyes?"


    "Nothing, I''m just moved to tears by you," Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth, wanting to punch thed, "I''m saying goodbye to you not because I''m going to be a prince consort, but because¡ª" he paused slightly, and sighed deeply, "After today, you might never see me again!"


    There was a faint sound from behind the door, as if someone was leaning against it to eavesdrop. Lin Wanrong was ted, this was his chance!


    "Brother San, where are you going?" Si De was also startled, suddenly seeming to understand something. He grasped Lin Wanrong''s hand tightly, his eyes moist, "Brother San, don''t leave! Our Great Hua''s medical advancements can cure anything. You must be strong! Hold on!"


    ¡®If I had any incurable disease, it would be because of you, youd. This kid seems to be inheriting my mantle.¡¯ Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth, "Actually, it''s like this. The northern frontier has been invaded by nomads. They are savage, cruel, burning, killing, looting, andmitting all sorts of evil deeds. The Emperor has already issued a conscription order. All able-bodied men in Great Hua who are over sixteen must join the army and valiantly kill the enemy. Every man has a responsibility to protect his homnd. As a true man, I dare not ck off. I''ve already volunteered to join General Li Tai''s army and will soon head to the front lines to fight the nomads. Brother¡ª" he wiped a couple of crocodile tears, "If I die in battle someday, don''t forget to burn some paper money on my grave¡ª"


    "Brother San, are you serious?" Si De was dumbfounded. If even Brother San could go to battle, those nomads must be easy to defeat!


    "It ends here. I suppose today is ourst meeting. Brother, take care! Farewell!" Lord Lin turned around, his demeanor gant and poised. Just as he was about to stride away, he heard a slight tter. The back door opened, and Xiao Yushuang''s charming figure appeared before him.


    "Second Miss, you¡ª" Lin Wanrong was both shocked and delighted!


    "Lin San, you scoundrel!" Xiao Yushuang''s pretty face was covered with tear drops, beautiful as the morning dew. The dagger in her hand glinted sharply, catching the eye. With a whimper, she lunged directly at him.


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 433

    Chapter 433 The Betrothal Gifts


    "Second Miss, what are you doing? Speak your mind, please don''t think irrationally!" Lin Wanrong was greatly startled and took a quick step forward, ready to snatch her dagger.


    Xiao Yushuang''s face was filled with anger, and she let out a delicate hum, the shiny de poised to strike, "You are the one being irrational, I''vee to settle ounts with you, you faithless man!"


    She made a slow, threatening gesture with the de, so slow that even a three-year-old child would be quicker. Lin Wanrong watched in both surprise and joy, quickly snatching the dagger from her hand, "Second Miss, you misunderstand, knowing my character, how could I evermit such a beastly act?"


    "You still dare to speak," Xiao Yushuang''s eyes reddened, tears falling down her cheeks, "You just said it yourself, you want to marry some princess, the Emperor even sent his decree to our house, and you say you''re not faithless. Give my knife back to me, I want to die with you, you heartless viin!"


    Second Miss struggled to snatch the dagger from his hand, but her strength was too little to be a match for Lin San. After a few attempts, she suddenly burst into loud sobs, hitting his chest with her fists, "You ungrateful wretch, I am going to be bullied to death by you, our entire family has been bullied to death by you."


    This stubborn but soft-hearted girl made Lin Wanrong ache inside. He let her small fists rain down on his chest, smiling and not saying a word.


    "What are you doing?" Second Miss, having vented, her face wet with tears, looked sneakily at his rxed demeanor and became genuinely annoyed. She twisted her hand hard against his chest.


    Lin Wanrong grimaced in pain, holding her small hand andughed, "Tired? Why don''t you rest a bit before continuing to hit me? I promise I won''t run away, I haven''t had such a rxing massage in a long time.""You big head, you always bully me like this," Xiao Yushuang, both embarrassed and angry, scratched at him forcefully a few times, then suddenly gave in to sorrow and threw herself into his arms, sobbing loudly.


    It was all the Emperor''s fault! Seeing Second Miss sobbing and gasping for breath in his arms, Lin Wanrong felt a great ache in his heart. He gently patted her shoulder, "Second Miss, don''t cry, things aren''t as you think¡ª"


    "I''ll cry if I want to, I''ll cry," Xiao Yushuang squirmed in his arms, her tears soaking the front of his shirt, "What are you doing here? Go back and be the prince consort. It seems I''ve misjudged you, you heartless person."


    Second Miss cursed fiercely but refused to raise her head from his embrace, her tears flowing like a surging river. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself; a few days apart, and this little girl''s scolding had grown fiercer, but her heart remained soft. He thought to himself, ¡®Fortunate for her to have met me, if she had met some glib and insatiable guy, he might have bullied her to death.¡¯


    Seeing Second Miss crying uncontrobly, Lin Wanrong felt great pain in his heart and quickly signaled to Si De. The young man, showing some cleverness for once, pricked up his ears and pretended, "Brother San, listen, it seems like the Madam is calling you from the house!"


    Xiao Yushuang jumped in surprise and hurriedly leaped out of his embrace, pushing him away. "You must leave, quickly leave. Don¡¯t let Mother see you¡ª"


    "Why?" Lin Wanrong was confused.


    Second Miss huffed, angrily saying, "How dare you ask? Mother has fallen ill from anger because of you. If she wakes up and sees you, she''ll beat you with a broom, and you, you will just have to bear it. I won''t care for you." Second Miss turned her head away in anger.


    "So Second Miss actually cares for me." Lin Wanrong''s face broke into a broad smile, grabbing her little hand tightly, "Don''t worry, the Madam is a reasonable person; she won¡¯t resort to such crude measures."


    "I don''t care for you at all," Second Miss replied, her face turning red. She tried to pull away, but he held her too tightly, and she couldn''t break free.


    He held her too firmly; it''s no wonder, Second Miss thought, finding an excuse for herself. Held by his warm hand, staring at his familiar smiling face, she felt a mixture of bitterness and sweetness in her heart.


    "Second Miss, Second Miss," Lin San''s calling pulled Xiao Yushuang back from her thoughts. She murmured, "What... what were you saying just now?"


    "I said, please believe in me." Lin Wanrong smiled, "You know my character; when have I ever feared anyone? When have I done anything to offend both man and God?"


    Thinking back to Lin San''s actions since he entered the residence, although asionally unconventional, he had never acted without reason, and had truly never done anything wrong. Xiao Yushuang nodded, then hurriedly shook her head, "Why are you telling me all this? I don''t want to hear it. You go back to being a good son-inw; my mother, sister, and I will suffer alone for the rest of our lives without your concern."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, taking her small hand and caressing it gently, "All of this is a ploy by the Emperor to drive a wedge between us. You must not fall for it."


    "Drive a wedge?" Second Miss pouted, indignantly saying, "The imperial edict has reached our home. Are you telling me your intention to marry the princess is false?"


    This time, Lin Wanrong was wise,ughing twice, "Marrying the princess or not is another matter, but my sweet Second Miss, I am determined to marry you. Second Miss, how old are you this year¡ª"


    "Seventeen, ah, bah¡ª" Second Miss answered reflexively, then realized she had fallen into his trap, her face turning bright red, "Who wants to marry you, you shameless viin." Xiao Yushuang was so young that she lost herposure after hearing hisst sentence and had no time to question the meaning of his previous words.


    "You have no choice but to marry me." Lin Wanrong grinned, "I came today to plead with the Madam."


    "I won''t listen, I won''t listen." Second Miss''s heart fluttered like a little deer, and she covered her flushed cheeks in embarrassment, "Don''t talk to me about it, you, you go talk to Mother, how annoying, you scoundrel!"


    Lin Wanrong blinked helplessly, thinking how easily young girls in love were deceived. Fortunately, she met him, the loyal and upright Lin San. Heughed heartily, "I will naturally go to the Madam, but I must also exin everything clearly to Second Miss. Otherwise, if you worry, my honest and upright soul will suffer torment."


    "Sweet talker." Second Miss''s face flushed, and her eyes were filled withughter as she lowered her head and muttered, "You certainly know how to charm me with pretty words." Oveing her shyness, she softly said, "Lin San,e here."


    ¡®Only two steps away, and you won''t even pull me?¡¯ Lin Wanrong responded, smiling as he walked to her side. Second Miss extended her small hand, "Give me back my little knife."


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "Second Miss, what do you want this little knife for? Its gleam is frightening, so better keep it away."


    Second Miss snorted, snatching the dagger from his hand, and the de shed before his eyes, "This is for self-defense, given to me by my sister. If you dare keep a mistress outside, I will, I will¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong shivered, keep a mistress? ¡®Among the sisters, they rank by age and learning. No matter what, you''re the youngest, so the one I would keep is you.¡¯


    "Look, Second Miss, what are you saying?" Master Linughed nervously, carefully taking back the small knife, "Si De, go to the street and look for a cksmith''s shop to melt this knife down and forge a fine gold ring. I want to give it to Second Miss. Remember, it must be pure gold, even a tiny bit less wouldn''t show my sincerity."


    Si De was stunned. A steel knife turned into a gold ring? And it has to be pure gold? Either Brother San has gone mad, or he had be foolish.


    Second Miss whined and turned her head away, shyly saying, "I, I don''t want it. You should save your silver for future household expenses. Besides, there''s my elder sister too¡ª"


    ¡®This little girl truly has touched my heart,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, beaming as he touched her small hand, "That''s right, Si De, make two gold rings, Eldest Miss will wear the bigger one, and Second Miss will wear¡ªan even bigger one."


    "How annoying!" Second Miss, overwhelmed with embarrassment, tried to run away but was tightly caught by him, unable to move.


    "Yu Shuang, when did youe back? Why didn''t you tell me?" Lin Wanrong caressed Second Miss''s tender hand, smiling sheepishly, his mind contemting how to approach the Madam. Big words had already been spoken here, and to console the Madam and Second Miss''s fragile hearts, he had to follow through with the marriage proposal today.


    Seeing that she couldn''t escape, Second Miss resigned herself, quietly nestling in his embrace, and sulkily hummed, "I''ve been in the academy all this time, thinking about youing to see me every day, but you were nowhere to be seen. My sister said you were enjoying yourself outside, beyond her and mother''s control. So, I asked my sister to bring the General of Zhenyuan from Jinling. If you dare misbehave, I''ll¡ª"


    "What will you do?" Lin Wanrong stared at her, smiling.


    "I''ll bite you, umm¡ª" Her words were cut off, as Lin San sealed her mouth. Having not seen each other for days, Xiao Yushuang''s longing was strong, especially after recently clearing up a misunderstanding. Overwhelmed with emotion, she clung tightly to him, tears and smiles appearing simultaneously on her face. Her body went limp, as she murmured, hiding in his embrace, unable to lift her head again.


    After tasting Second Miss''s sweet, red lips, Lin Wanrong contentedly raised his head and sighed, "Yushuang, you''ve really grown in these few days, you''ve filled out."


    "Of course," the Second Miss said proudly, lifting her head and puffing out her chest. "I''m seventeen this year; naturally, I''ve grown up."


    The older she became, the more Lin Wanrong loved her. He chuckled deviously a couple of times, taking hold of the Second Miss''s hand, and they headed towards the house.


    "Lin San, you, you really want to¡ª" The Second Miss''s heart was in turmoil, and she lowered her head to whisper, "But what about my sister? What will she do?"


    "There''s no way around it," Lin San sighed deeply, his face filled with pain. "Who can me you, Second Miss, for being so enchanting that you stole my heart and soul! As for Eldest Miss, s, she will have to wait¡ª"


    "How can that be?" Yushuang eximed anxiously. "My sister''s affection for you is known to everyone in the mansion. Even my mother has heard the rumors. How can you treat her like this?"


    Lin San looked pained and helpless, spreading his hands. "I don''t want to be like this either, but how can one have both the fish and the bear''s paw?"


    The Second Miss thought for a moment, bit her silver teeth, holding back her tears, and said, "Then propose to my sister. She has been holding up the Xiao family on her own; she deserves someone to look after her. You, you should just marry her."


    "How can that be?" Lin San shook his head quickly. "Second Miss, think about it. If I am with Eldest Miss but thinking of you in my heart, how can I face Eldest Miss, how can I face the Madam?"


    Tears fell like rain from the Second Miss, and she suddenly threw herself into his arms, pounding his chest with her tiny fists. "You scoundrel. If you marry me and still think of my sister, how can you face me, face my mother?"


    "It''s truly a difficult situation," Lin San said, his face filled with sorrow as he stroked the Second Miss''s silky hair, his voice full of helplessness. "Is there not a better solution¡ªah, Second Miss, what are you doing?"


    Xiao Yushuang twisted his waist muscles with all her strength, grinding her teeth, and said, "You scoundrel, don''t think I don''t know what you''re up to. You''ve bullied our entire family."


    When Yushuang entered the door with him, she pouted all the way, ignoring him, and Lin Wanrong couldn''t figure out what she was really thinking. This little girl had indeed grown up, knowing how to keep her feelings hidden. He sighed helplessly.


    Upon arriving in the courtyard, he noticed that Eldest Miss''s room, as well as the Madam''s, was eerily silent. Opposite was his own room. He hadn''t returned in two days and missed it greatly.


    The young maid named Huan¡¯er came out of the Madam''s room holding a bowl of medicine. When she saw Lin San, she was startled. "How did you get in? Who let you in? Do you want to enrage my mistress to death?"


    The Second Miss''s face turned red, and she quietly said, "Huan¡¯er, I told him toe in. There may have been a misunderstanding about the imperial decree. Don''t me him." She was too shy to say that Lin San was here to propose, so she vaguely referred to it as a misunderstanding.


    Since the Second Miss had spoken, Huan¡¯er naturally stopped insisting. She nced at Lin Wanrong and said, "Brother San, is what Second Miss said true? You are not fickle, ungrateful?"


    "Of course not, with my character, how could such things be associated with me?" Lin Wanrong said, smiling awkwardly.


    "Huan, has mother awakened yet?" The Second Miss looked anxiously into the room, her concern evident in her voice.


    Huan''er was about to speak when a faint and weary voice came from inside the room, "Is that Yushuang speaking outside?"


    "Mother, it''s me," the Second Miss gently pushed the door open and stepped in. Madam Xiao slightly nodded, only to see Lin San''s head peeking from behind, grinning, "Madam, I''m here too!"


    Madam Xiao''s face was a mixture of shock and anger, and she began to cough urgently, "You, what are you here for? Come, take the broom and chase him out for me."


    In the two days they hadn''t seen each other, Madam Xiao had be more emaciated. Her appearance had diminished, her eyes slightly red, wearing all white pajamas, her neck as white as jade. Even in anger, there was an extreme sense of mature charm.


    "Mother, don''t be angry!" the Second Miss hurriedly knelt before the Madam, gently patting her back, "I asked him toe in. He said, he said... well, you speak up already¡ª"


    The Second Miss nced at Lin Wanrong anxiously, annoyed in her heart. ¡®You fool, you were so bold in front of me just now, but in front of mother, you''ve fallen silent.¡¯


    "What is there to say?" Madam Xiao wiped her tears, "Considering how much my Xiao family has valued you, you still betrayed us behind our backs, harming not only Yushuang but also getting Yuruo into trouble for you. I, I will kill you for harming my daughters."


    Madam Xiao''s anger made her abruptly sit up from the bed. Yushuang was startled and quickly embraced her, weeping, "Mother, he''s not that kind of person; we''ve misunderstood him."


    Lin Wanrong slightly smiled, walked to the divine cab in the room, and took down the yellow imperial decree, "I dare to ask Madam, is this the imperial edict that allows me to marry only a princess and not amon girl?"


    "So what if it is?" Madam Xiao, in her in white dress and flushed with anger, looked stunning, "Now you''re triumphant, the unparalleled son-inw of the great empire, but you stille to humiliate the widowed and orphaned women of the Xiao family¡ª"


    Madam Xiao''s words were cut short by the sound of the imperial edict being carelessly thrown to the ground by Lin San. In her brief moment of shock, she saw Lin San''s face wearing a cold smile, as he stepped on the decree, making a rustling noise.


    "What are you doing?" Madam Xiao cried out, "This could lead to your execution. Yushuang, quickly, close the door."


    The fool doesn''t even care about his life or death. The Second Miss was moved, tears falling, as she hurried to the door and mmed it shut.


    "Madam, do you still want to chase me out with a broom?" Lin Wanrong said with a smile.


    "You evildoer." Madam Xiao didn''t know what else to say. She quickly put on embroidered shoes, rushed to him, and bent down to pick up the imperial edict. The edict''s delicate and smooth silk was trampled upon and was now unrecognizable. She carefully smoothed the silk, but the dirt marks would not be erased.


    "What shall we do now?" Madam Xiao''s tears fell, "By destroying the imperial edict, my Xiao family will suffer a great cmity. Lin San, you foolish man, you have brought no small harm."


    "Don''t worry, Madam." Lin Wanrong smiled generously, "A decree once issued, will the Emperor take it back? Who knows his intentions better than me? If I want it, he would be happy to draft a thousand, ten thousand such edicts for me."


    "Speaking grandiosely," the Madam cast a nce at him, but her expression rxed considerably. "You have so wantonly mishandled the imperial edict; if you dare to be anything less than fully dedicated in the Xiao family, beware, I might report you to the court."


    He must say, this Madam sure knew how to turn things around! Just now, she had looked at him with a stern gaze, and in a moment''s time, she had undergone aplete 180-degree transformation. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "My attitude, as the Madam must have seen, is as firm as it can be. Do you still have any doubts, Madam? Second Miss, please do me the favor of handing a broom to the Madam. It''s been many years since I''ve tasted this sensation."


    "You''re asking for trouble," said Madam Xiao, her eyebrows slightly tinged with red in anger as she shot him an irritated nce. Wearing only a thin nightgown, with her full chest and rounded hips, she exuded beauty mixed with an air of solidity, incredibly enticing.


    "Cough, cough," noticing Lin San''s eyes were fixed where they shouldn''t be, the Madam''s face blushed, and she hurriedly threw on a garment, ring at him in annoyance. "Where have you been these past two days? If you had business to attend to, why didn''t you ask for leave?"


    "Busy¡ªuh," Lin Wanrong forced out a couple of dryughs, struggling to avert his gaze before suddenly eximing in shock, "Madam, you''re not thinking of docking my pay, are you?! Let me tell you, don''t even think about plucking feathers from a stingy rooster."


    Madam Xiao looked at him with amusement: "You always act so strangely. I don''t know where your luckes from, to have even caught the princess''s fancy."


    Seeing Lin San chatting andughing with her mother, Second Miss finally breathed a sigh of relief. But he kept avoiding the matter at hand, making her anxious. Being a woman, how could she brazenly urge him to speak?


    "Huh, Second Miss, what''s wrong with your eyes? Why are they blinking so much?" Lin San wondered.


    Second Miss, both shy and annoyed, quickly turned and left, "Mother, I¡ªI''m going out to check on the shop. Lin San, don''t you have something to say to mother?"


    Second Miss stamped her small feet and ran off like the wind, and the Madam shook her head in affection, "This mischievous girl, always up to something mysterious. Lin San, what do you want to say to me?"


    Lin Wanrong gave out a couple of dryughs, "Madam, this time I''ve been grievously wronged by you. I wonder if you have anypensation for me?"


    "Wronged? How have I wronged you?" The Madam smiled, "You''ve been absent for two days without reason, and I want to beat you with a broom. How is that wronging you? If you hadn''t returned today, I''d have reported you to the authorities and seen where you could run."


    Madam Xiao''s lightughter was like the wind rustling through the willows, her beauty even surpassing the flowers. Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. Damn it, even though she was Second Miss''s mother, she looked just as beautiful.


    "I never expected the Madam to y word games," Lin Wanrong chuckled and gestured with his hands, "In that case, I won''t hold back. Madam, I have one piece of great good news and one piece of great bad news to tell you. Which would you like to hear first?"


    Great good news and great bad news? The Madam pondered for a moment, unsure of what he was getting at, and hesitantly said, "Then tell me the bad news first!"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, his expression suddenly turning mournful, "Madam, please, you must contain your grief after hearing this news. Eldest Miss and Second Miss, they¡ª"


    Madam Xiao''s heart tightened. "What happened to them? Tell me quickly!"


    "They are getting married!"


    "Married?!" Madam Xiao''s face was a mask of bewilderment as she slowly sank into a chair. "How is this possible? How did I not know? Where''s the good news?"


    "The good news," Lin Wanrong said with a slight smile, "is that the men they are marrying are none other than humble me."


    Madam Xiao paused in surprise, then broke into a delicateughter. "Lin San, if you want to propose, just say it directly. Why indulge in such mysterious talk?"


    "Madam, I''m serious." Lin Wanrong''s expression shifted, his face grave. "I have never been this serious in my life."


    From his robe, he hastily produced a jumble of items: a knockout drug, a firearm, Dongxuanzi Thirty-Six Scattered Pages [TL: The erotic book], some white, some ck, others colored ¡ª a dazzling array that made one''s head spin.


    Madam Xiao asked with puzzlement, "What are these?"


    Biting his lip, Lin Wanrong felt a pain in his heart as if he were slicing off a piece of his own flesh. "These are items as precious to me as my honor. They are the betrothal gifts I bring for your elder and younger daughter."


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 434

    Chapter 434 If She''s Well, Then So Am I


    "What is all this mess?" Madam Xiao''s face blushed as she nced at the mysterious pages of the erotic book, and she turned her head away, lightly spitting, "What are you doing with these? Put them away quickly."


    "Does Madam perhaps find this dowry too modest?" Lin San shook his head, his face serious, "Madam, these items are ranked alongside my life and chastity as the three treasures of the Lin family, and are by no means a mere hollow reputation. Take this knockout drug, for instance; it''s an essential medicine for anyone who walks the Jianghu, and it has saved me from danger several times. Then there''s this musket, incredibly powerful, saving my life countless times on the battlefield. As for the thirty-six loose pages of the Dongxuanzi, which Madam has also seen, it''s my master''s treasure, its importance goes without saying. What''s even more precious is that this is a colorful handwritten version. These are more important than gold, silver, pearls, or agates, and show my sincerity."


    Madam Xiao nodded, a faint smile appearing on her face, "You indeed seem sincere. However, as I mentionedst time, although the Xiao family is few in number, we cannot let people gossip. Yushuang and Yuruo, you can only marry one."


    Lin Wanrong did not argue with her, instead, stuffing all the dowry into her arms, "Madam, please put away these treasures, lest any thievesy eyes on them and be envious. Keep the loose pages close; it would be terrible if they fall into the wrong hands."


    "This knockout drug, musket, and those embarrassing pictures, what should ady like me do with them?" Madam Xiao hurriedly pushed them away, her face flushed, "You keep them. You may need them someday. If you are serious, please hire a matchmaker and prepare cakes and red silk, ande to propose directly. Keep these treasures of your family."


    She quickly stepped back, her face red and transparent, as if what Lin San was holding were fearsome wild beasts.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Madam is indeed benevolent and kind, a model for us all. In that case, Madam, let''s settle this matter. Once I''ve handled my affairs, I will pick an auspicious day to marry the youngdy, and our two families will be one, intimately close."


    Madam Xiao hummed in agreement but then looked up, "Wait, Lin San, after all this talking, are you going to marry Yushuang or Yuruo?""I''ll decideter," Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, looking troubled, "Whether it''s Eldest Miss or Second Miss, whoever is in the better mood can enter the bridal pnquin. I can''t make it difficult for you, Madam! It''s settled then. I''m going to work now."


    "What are you talking about?" Madam Xiao hurriedly blocked his way, her eyebrows frowning, angrily saying, "Carrying the bridal pnquin to the doorstep without knowing who the bride is? Where is such a thing heard of? How could either Yushuang or Yuruo be in a good mood? No, you must settle this matter today, or I won''t let you off!" Her face was angry, her cheeks flushed, and a faint blush spread across her white face, giving her a charming demeanor, making her look like a young woman in her twenties.


    "Madam, if I could decide, I wouldn''t be so troubled." Lin Wanrong spread his hands with a distressed smile, "I know Eldest Miss well, and I''m in love with Second Miss. My feelings for them are equal. How can you ask me to choose one? Can you bear to make me choose? Either way, one will be heartbroken. No matter whom I choose, it''s the same, so you might as well decide for me."


    He pulled the door bolt and was about to step outside, his movements resolute. Madam Xiao was infuriated by Lin San''s cunning, pushing all these matters onto her. Both sides were like flesh to her, and she was unsure how to decide.


    She hesitated for a moment, and seeing Lin San about to leave the room, she quickly gritted her teeth and shouted, "Lin San,e back here."


    This was the response Lin Wanrong was waiting for. He turned around with a joyful smile, "Madam, did you call me?"


    Madam Xiao red at him, annoyed, and humphed, "Don''t think I don''t know what''s on your mind. If you want to marry both Yushuang and Yuruo, just say so outright. Where did you learn this nonsense?"


    "Madam, your insight is profound. You saw right through what I was thinking. Truly, you''re a hero among women, and you do not concede to men." Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up in praise.


    Madam Xiao sighed, shaking her head with a bitter smile, "Lin San, it''s not that I want to make things difficult for you. But we of the Xiao family are widowed mother and daughters, already conspicuous. Those who gossip behind our backs and wait to mock us are countless. We must be cautious not to give them any reason to talk. Yuruo and Yushuang are renowned beauties in Jinling, and many suitors have worn out our doorstep. If I promise both to you, even if they don''t mind, what will the world think? How will I exin to our family? Wouldn''t the rumors fly?"


    Madam Xiao, widowed for many years, was known for her loyalty and chastity in Jinling, respected by all. This, Lin Wanrong was aware of. He snorted, "Madam, why should you care about these things? Eldest Miss, Second Miss, and I are in a rtionship of our own free will. Who dares gossip about us?"


    "You are a man; of course, you can disregard it." Madam Xiao red at him, her expression both shy and angry, "But a woman''s reputation is hard-won and easily lost. If Yuruo and Yushuang both marry you, wouldn''t Jinling erupt into chaos? People''s hearts are hidden behind their bellies; any malicious rumors could arise. I''m afraid even I would be implicated¡ª" Madam Xiao angrily humphed, her pretty face tinged with a faint blush, unable to continue.


    "So that''s how it is," Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed, "Madam, you worry too much. If everyone lived like you, looking forward and backward, never daring to express love or hate, what joy could be found in life?"


    Madam Xiao sighed deeply, murmuring as she sat down, "This is my fate, and I''ve long grown ustomed to it. But Yushuang and Yuruo are different; they''re still young, with many years ahead. If their lives were ruined by rumors, it would be my fault. Do you understand what I''m saying?"


    Her expression was deste, tears glistening in her eyes, her face full of helplessness. Lin Wanrongughed aloud, "Madam, I can understand your plight, but I cannot agree with your actions. As you said, we must not ruin the lives of Eldest Miss and the Second Miss because of rumors. Please think, Madam, what is love for them, and what is misleading them? Breaking up their love and denying them happiness for a lifetime, is that protecting them? Think about the sufferings of your own life, and then think of Eldest Miss and the Second Miss; you should understand what happiness is even more profoundly than I do."


    His words abruptly ended there. Madam Xiao''s brow furrowed as she pondered deeply, the room falling into an extreme silence, with only the sound of her gentle and urgent breathing.


    She was wearing only a thin nightgown that clung to her body, entuating her full breasts, slender waist, and curvy hips. Her full and rounded figure was highlighted by her fair, jade-likeplexion, giving her a unique, mature charm. Madam Xiao had been a beauty without parallel in her youth; even the current Emperor had once lost sleep over her. Now, although her daughters had grown up, her beauty remained unchanged, enhanced by a touch of wistful elegance that was truly admirable.


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes were dazzled by her. He wondered how she managed to maintain herself so well, appearing like a young maiden despite being in her mid-thirties. If his other loves had this ability, he would be the most fortunate man in the world.


    "What a sharp tongue you have." He was enjoying the view when he noticed the color in her face, a hint of pink. She softly spoke. Lin Wanrong quicklyposed himself and leaned in to listen.


    Madam Xiao sighed slightly, "Perhaps you are right. Nothing is more important than the lifelong happiness of Yushuang and Yuruo. Lin San, I agree¡ª"


    "Really?!" Lin Wanrong jumped up, grabbing her small hand, "Madam, thank you so much!"


    "Don''t be too happy too soon," Madam Xiao calmly withdrew her hand, ring at him, "I have a few conditions that you must agree to. Then I can promise you."


    "What conditions?" Lin Wanrong, in his excitement, could not contain himself.


    "First, although the Xiao family is not a prominent and wealthy household, we are not obscure either. Yuruo and Yushuang''s marriage to your family must be honorable and public, with Xu Wei as the matchmaker, announced to the world. We must not disgrace my daughters."


    "Of course, of course." Lin Wanrong was overjoyed, "I yed matchmaker for Xu Wei in Hangzhou; now it''s time for him to return the favor."


    "Secondly, Yushuang and Yuruo are virtuous daughters and will never be concubines. Though you have married a princess, if she forces my daughters to be concubines, forget it."


    This condition wasn''t an issue, for in Lin Wanrong''s mind, there was no distinction between wives and concubines. All were his wives, and he would treat them equally. "Madam, rest assured, Qingxuan is virtuous and will surely get along well with Eldest Miss and the Second Miss. I guarantee it."


    Madam Xiao said coldly, "Virtue is not something that is merely spoken of; keep your head for my daughters. Thirdly, I want you to¡ª"


    She paused, and Lin Wanrong stepped back in rm, eximing, "Madam, what are you saying? You want me? Don''t go too far! I''m not a frivolous person!"


    "What nonsense are you spouting?" the Madam eximed in anger and embarrassment, wishing she could run up and kick him with her delicate foot. "I want you to marry into my Xiao family!"


    "Oh, forget it then," Master Lin shook his head in disappointment, but he was startled by the Madam''s next words. "Marry into the family? Are you marrying off a daughter or taking a son-inw? My old Lin family has been passed down through nine generations, and I would rather die than marry into another family. Give up on that idea."


    The Madam shook her head, helplessly saying, "I know this is unfair to you, but I am giving both my daughters from the Xiao family to you. There has to be some exnation to the n and rtives. If you don''t want to marry into the family, there might be an alternative way, but I don''t know if you would agree."


    "Let''s hear it." Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Lin Wanrong was trembling with fear. "Marrying into your Xiao family, Madam, you truly are extraordinarily courageous."


    "This matter is quite difficult to exin," Madam Xiao said softly. "My Xiao family is thin in numbers, and with a vast estate, only two daughters to inherit it. Once they marry you, more than half of the Xiao family''s wealth will belong to you, making it hard to exin to the n. But there''s a way to silence them, although I fear you may not agree."


    "You almost had me marrying into the family, so what else could I possibly refuse?" Lin Wanrong generously waved his hand, signaling her to continue.


    "After Yuruo and Yushuang marry you, if they bear sons, would you allow one to take the surname Xiao?" the Madam whispered, her face showing some embarrassment. "In this way, the Xiao family will have descendants, and the n will have nothing toin about. What do you think?"


    The children of Eldest Miss and Second Miss should bear the Lin surname after marrying Lin San. That was the ancestral rule. Taking a foreign surname was a great taboo for the Lin family, hence Madam Xiao''s caution.


    "I see," Lin Wanrong said, his face full of difficulty. "Madam, a child is the flesh of my body. To have him not bear the Lin name and instead take the surname Xiao is simply bullying."


    "No, no," Madam Xiao quickly exined. "Only one child will bear the mother''s surname. He''s still flesh of your flesh, raised and taught by you, no different from your other children. He will just inherit the Xiao family''s estate, establishing a new branch."


    Changing a child''s surname was a great taboo in that era, but to Lin Wanrong, it was nothing serious. He pretended to ponder for a while, finally speaking, "Madam, you are carving the flesh from my heart. But fine, since I am deeply devoted to the two young misses, let one child bear the surname Xiao. However, whether or not children are born isn''t up to me alone. The process is troublesome; you must prepare Eldest Miss and Second Miss mentally so that they cooperate fully."


    The Madam gave a light ''tsk,'' her face showing joy and surprise. "So you agree? Lin San, I never expected you to be so open-minded. I have underestimated you. Today should be a joyful day, but Yuruo... We still don''t know where she has been taken."


    Her face turned bleak, but Lin Wanrong shook his head, saying, "Madam, rest assured, Eldest Miss will be fine. I guarantee that in a few days, she will appear before you, safe and sound."


    Lin San was boastful in small matters but never careless in serious affairs. Madam listened with delight, "That''s good, Lin San. Hurry and find Xu Wei to be the matchmaker, lest there be any furtherplications. Humph, no matter the imperial decree, my daughter will surpass that princess!"


    Seeing the smile in Madam Xiao''s eyes, Lin Wanrong had a faint feeling of being deceived. After all the fuss, it turned out that Madam was setting a trap for him. He had thought himself smart, but damn, her acting skills were simply divine.


    Lin Wanrong turned to leave but then suddenly turned back, smiling, "Madam, you just mentioned having a child with the surname Xiao. Was that true or false?"


    "Of course it''s true," Madam Xiao smiled, "Why, are you thinking of going back on your word?"


    "I''m not reneging," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I just suddenly thought of something very important. Madam, you are still young, you could have a child on your own. Why would you need me?"


    "You''re asking for it!" With a light snap, Madam Xiao, in her anger, picked up her embroidered shoe and threw it hard. It hit the door frame. Lin Wanrong dodged andughed gleefully. Teasing her a little was a way to regain face.


    Upon reaching the front shop, he saw the Second Miss hiding behind the door, peeping into the yard. Her face was bright with anticipation yet shy and reserved, radiating an indescribable charm.


    Seeing Lin San approaching, the girl named Yushuang was both ashamed and delighted. She wanted to walk away but couldn''t move. She lowered her head and whispered, "Wicked man, what did you tell my mother?"


    Lin Wanrong grabbed her little hand,ughing, "I didn''t say anything much, just had a casual chat, and then I came out."


    The Second Miss''s expression tightened, "Then, our...our matter¡ª"


    "What matter?" Lin Wanrong grinned, "I''ve forgotten!"


    Yushuang''s face turned pale, tears welling in her eyes, "So, you didn''t mention it to mother? You coward, I hate you!"


    "I''m not a coward," Lin Wanrongughed heartily, spinning her delicate body around, "You better prepare your bridal gown and red veil, and wait for the grand bridal sedan to arrive."


    The Second Miss felt a momentary dizziness, her face flushed like autumn leaves, her joy mixed with tears. "I''ll teach you to tease me," she struck him twice on the chest, then gently rubbed the spot, her face radiant with a smile. Afraid he might see her, she buried her head in his chest with a whimper.


    Lin Wanrong was filled with mixed emotions and gave her a soft kiss on the ear. The Second Miss whispered, "Lin San, did you mention your matter with my sister to mother?"


    Lin Wanrong hadn''t answered when Yushuang spoke again, "If you didn''t, I will ignore you forever."


    Such a threat? Lin Wanrongughed, "Of course I mentioned it. It''s just Madam''s attitude¡ª"


    "What''s mother''s attitude?" Yushuang became tense, "Did she not agree? You, useless person, usually so eloquent, yet unable to persuade even mother. If my sister doesn''t marry, I won''t marry either."


    "Second Miss, honestly, aren''t you jealous?" Lin Wanrong asked with utmost seriousness.


    Xiao Yushuang''s face was wet with tears, and she bit his chest fiercely, "You wicked thing, who''s jealous¡ªI''ll bite you to death! It''s not enough to bully me, you have to bully my sister too."


    Lin Wanrong gently patted her shoulder twice, and the Second Miss loosened her bite, sighing softly, "She''s my sister; I shouldn''t be jealous of her. You scoundrel, if you dare to bully my sister, I won''t forgive you."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "So, would you prefer me to dote on Eldest Miss more, or dote on you more?"


    The little girl pondered for a moment, pouting her small mouth and giving him a look, then huffed indignantly, "Be good to my sister, and be even better to me. If she''s good, I must be good too, not one less!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 435

    Chapter 435 The Fairy Reappears


    "Not a single one shall be left out!" Lin Wanrong''s heart blossomed with joy, and he embraced her delicate body, gently caressing her back. "Second Miss, your words are wonderful. I will certainly adhere to your instructions without faltering, holding fast to the principles of fairness, justice, and openness. I''ll make sure you and Eldest Miss live a happy and contented life."


    Yushuang gave a soft acknowledgment and shyly said, "You''ve taken all the advantages. You must not fail me and my sister. Otherwise, I will die before your eyes."


    "How could that be? Am I that kind of person?" Lin Wanrongughed heartily twice, looking around mysteriously and saying, "In fact, Madam has made an improper request of me, but I cannot do it alone; I need your cooperation and that of Eldest Miss."


    Second Miss was intrigued and anxiously asked, "What request did Mother make? Is it difficult to aplish? You always leave your words hanging and make me worry."


    Lin San whispered a few words into her ear. Yushuang blushed with embarrassment, lightly spat, and covered her burning cheeks. "How shameful! Why would Mother mention this here? If you want to have a child with my sister, I won''t care about you."


    The young girl''s face was tender, and Lin Wanrong could not help butugh, yet he sighed. "Yushuang, I am telling you this out of concern for you. Just think, once you, as my wife, have given birth to a child and added to our Lin family''s bloodline, who would dare to bully you in our home? Wouldn''t everyone dote on you and love you?"


    Second Miss thought for a moment, feeling that his words were reasonable, and shyly lowered her small hand. She hesitantly asked, "Are you really telling the truth? But I have never been a mother, and I don''t know how to have a baby. Lin San, you must teach me!"


    "Teach? Of course, I will teach." Lin San said with a mischievous smile, "I have a colorful illustrated educational book here on how to have a baby. It''s full of various positions, very vivid and lively. Let''s study it together tonight.""Whatever you say," Second Miss, unaware of his wicked intentions, snuggled into his arms and softly said, "Lin San, don''t move out. How joyful the old days were, listening to your jokes and stories, and feeling happy in my heart. Now, if I don''t see you for a day, I feel uneasy. This ce is my home, but it''s also your home. You can''t abandon us."


    Second Miss spoke warmly and sweetly, and Lin Wanrong was also moved. The grand mansion bestowed by the Emperor, with Qingxuan, Ning''er, and Qiaoqiao, gave a feeling of warmth and joy. In the Xiao family, with Madam and Eldest Miss taking care of everything, life was carefree and joyful. Both vors were appealing, but he couldn''t quite articte which one he preferred more.


    "I know you don''t want to give up those little ones you''re raising outside." Seeing that he remained silent for a long time, Second Miss pouted and hummed, her face full of grievance. "What''s so good about them? Do my sister and Ibined notpare to those little foxes you keep outside?"


    He had quite a few wives, both young and old. Considering age, knowledge, or even cup size, it was hard to tell who was the youngest. Lin Wanrongughed dryly, "What are you talking about, Second Miss? There''s no big or small. We''re all family. Even if she''s small, I can make her big. Besides, you should have heard of these sisters. You''ve seen Miss Luo from Jinling Prefecture, right? She''s a famous talent, but once you''re married to me, you''ll discover her other side. You also know Qiaoqiao, gentle and kind, and neither Madam nor Eldest Miss dislikes her. Then there''s Qingxuan, who''s rarely matched in beauty and virtue. When Eldest Miss and I were captured by the White Lotus Cult, she saved us on Mount Dangtu. I bet you''ll like her the moment you meet her."


    Second Miss hummed annoyedly, pouting her little mouth high: "You really live up to the name Lin San, keeping three little ones. I don''t care; since you proposed marriage to my mother today, this is your home now. How can you abandon it and mess around outside? I''ve cleaned up your room for you. If those little foxes give you a hard time, tell them toe to me. The general of Zhenyuan has already prepared everything, and they''ll see the power of Second Miss Xiao, hmph!"


    Xiao Yushuang''s face was stern, and her expression stubborn. The light green lotus-lined gown highlighted her newly developed body, making her look quite adorable.


    "Alright, I''ll stay." Lin Wanrong waved his hand generously, smiling, but he was thinking, ''Living in the Xiao family is fine, but there''s no one to keep the bed warm. The back yard is full of women, Eldest Miss isn''t around, Second Miss is still a blooming flower, unable to withstand my cannon''s assault, and Madam Xiao can''t help either. It seems I''ll have to trouble Ning''er. But with this special environment to stimte, maybe this little fox spirit will be more than happy.''


    Second Miss, although grown up, still had a little girl''s temperament. Seeing Lin San agree toe back, her joy was beyond words. She was busy preparing new quilts and clothes for him, carefully cleaning the doghouse he hadn''t stayed in for two days, looking very focused.


    Two days without returning, and with Eldest Miss not home and Madam falling ill, there was indeed much umted work in the Xiao family. The Tao family in Suzhou, being heavily hit, gradually declined, allowing the Xiao family to reim the top spot in the cloth business. They expanded by absorbing many of the Tao family''s shops, bing even more powerful than before. All the cloth shops across the country had to act ording to the Xiao family''s wishes. It was no wonder that Prince Cheng had to buy fake canvases from them.


    Perfume and soap were already popr in Jinling and the capital, leading the trends of the great nation. The storm stirred up by the Xiao family was spreading to other provinces. Xiao''s perfume and soap monopolized over half of the rouge and powder market. If they could lower the prices, capturing eighty percent wouldn''t be impossible. Fubo from Jinling also brought good news; the newly cultivated gardens were flourishing, ensuring a supply of petals, greatly alleviating the demand for perfume and soap. With the emerging perfume business and reimed cloth trade, the Xiao family was making money hand over fist, drawing envy from peers in various industries.


    Never having lost in a battle with anyone, dealing in business was, for Lin Wanrong, as simple as could be, especially since it was his old trade. He had lived two lifetimes, witnessed three thousand people, wooed women, fought wars, killed men, yed cunning games, and swindled. Whether it was something he should do or not, nothing was left undone. With his experience, what could possibly baffle him?


    After reading the news reported from various regions and Jinling, he approved what needed approval and rewarded what needed rewarding. His handling of matters was clear-cut and orderly, even surpassing the Eldest Miss.


    The young maid Huan''er watched with great astonishment and said, "This is Brother San''s true skill. Once he returned to his old trade, our Xiao family was blessed. Second Miss, Huan''er offers you her congrattions."


    Second Miss pouted, "You little girl, just a moment ago, you didn''t even ask what was right or wrong and scolded him so badly. Luckily, he''s good-natured. If it were me, I would have spanked your little bottom to bits."


    Huan''er stuck out her tongue, ¡®When Brother San wasn''t here, weren''t you the oneining the most, Second Miss? How did you change so quickly after hearing a few kind words from him?¡¯


    "Yes, yes, I wronged Brother San," Huan''er chuckled, "I was just looking out for the two young misses! Second Miss, when should I prepare the wedding clothes and red robes for you? Brother San is quite impatient; I''m afraid he might not be able to wait."


    Xiao Yuruo''s little face turned bright red as she spat lightly, "Silly girl, it seems you''re the one who''s anxious. When you were scolding him earlier, it looked like he had let you down. If you can''t wait, you can go warm his bed first. When ites to sharing his affection, you won''t be left out."


    The mistress and servant teased each other, but their joy was evident. Seeing Lin San work hard, Second Miss tenderly served him tea and water herself. Si De, who was assisting Brother San, watched with envy, thinking, ¡®A servant doing the master''s work, and the young miss serving tea ¨C when will such good fortune fall upon me?¡¯


    Because the Eldest Miss was invited by the Emperor, Madam fell ill, and Brother San disappeared, the Xiao family was left without a head, and Second Miss had to be called back reluctantly. Having spent a long time at the academy, Xiao Yushuang had matured and be sensible. Upon hearing of her family''s misfortunes, although her heart was filled with grief, she persevered and managed things quite well.


    Lin Wanrong, seeing the small abacus on the counter and recalling Yushuang''s vow, smiled and asked, "Second Miss, you''ve been in the academy for a long time. How have you been learning the art of calction?"


    Yuruo yfully moved the beads on the abacus, making a rattling sound, and charminglyined, "Do you even need to ask? Except for that Cheng Dawei, I''m the best student. Even Mr. Xu praised me for being clever and quick-witted. Look, three down five except two, four down five go one¡­"


    Second Miss''s face was full of smiles, her fingers nimble as she demonstrated her skill. Indeed, she was an excellent candidate for an ountant. Thinking of the young man named Cheng Dawei, Lin Wanrong smiled and nodded. Calction was the foundation of natural science; teaching this young man the essentials of bead arithmetic so that he could carry it forward was, perhaps, a small contribution he could make to Great Hua.


    "Lin San, I have a question for you." Second Miss remembered something and suddenly stopped moving the abacus beads. "That Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, was it really destroyed by your hand?"


    Even the Second Miss had asked about this matter, revealing the extraordinary influence of the sacred institution. Lin Wanrong nodded, "I suppose so, but to be precise, it was destroyed by their own hands. Second Miss, why do you ask about this?"


    "You,¡± Xiao Yushuang, looked at him helplessly, her face filled with warmth, "You are truly capable of anything. The academy was turned upside down over this matter. Everyone divided into two factions, those attacking you and those supporting you, arguing to the point of almosting to blows."


    "Is that so? Second Miss, please tell me, what were they supporting, and what were they opposing?" Lin Wanrong became quite interested upon hearing this. The Capital Academy was the grand school of thend, filled with the elite of the elite. The fact that they argued so fiercely was indeed a great pleasure to him.


    Seeing his delighted expression, Yushuang scolded, "You can stillugh about it? When I heard about it that day, I was nearly worried to death. Just by hearing the name, I knew it was you. There''s no one else in the world as daring as Lin San. You bombarded that sacred institution, and the teachers and students of the academy instantly divided into two factions. One side used you of reckless arrogance, daring to insult the sacred ce in the hearts of schrs everywhere. They even talked about petitioning the Emperor together to punish you severely. These were venerable and respected schrs teaching political theory, history, poetry, and prose, and their fame was known throughout thend."


    Lin Wanrong smiled dismissively, "What about the other side?"


    "The other side consists of us, the students learning all kinds of extraordinary techniques. Those studying mathematics, agriculture, metallurgy, and also military strategy." Second Miss shook her head,ughing, "What we learn is considered unworthy of public disy, ipatible with others studying poetry, history, music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and without status in the school. Hearing that you bombarded the sacred institution and nned to transform it into a school to teach all these various arts, offering great prizes to reward talented artisans and thinkers, everyone was thrilled and overjoyed, spontaneously forming a faction to support you, fighting against the other side."


    "But they couldn''t beat us," Second Miss giggled, covering her lips, "Our people are proficient in mechanical calctions, all clever and skillful, while all they could do was reason with us, quoting ssics and giving long speeches that would make one''s ears grow calluses, yet without making any clear point. Why, when we are all people of thend, should they be considered above us?"


    Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter, proud of the influence he''d had, "Second Miss, you hit the nail on the head. This world belongs to the people, not the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. The so-called sacred institution is only representative of those great schrs and aristocrats. It''s quite normal for the students in the Capital Academy, who study these extraordinary skills and are mostly from humble backgrounds, to be indifferent to the sacred institution."


    After resting for a moment, listening to Second Miss''s sweet voice narrate interesting stories from the school, everything felt rxed and pleasant. Suddenly, her expression tightened, and she firmly grabbed his hand, "Lin San, you told Si De earlier that you are going to the front line to fight the nomads. Is it true or false?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, his expression incredibly serious as he spoke, "Second Miss, I have a question for you. If there was a man, somewhat clever and somewhat lucky, having aplished many things, and everyone looked up to him, hoping he could contribute to the country. But he himself knew that his true abilities fell far short. If he hastily epted the task, he might jeopardize national affairs. If you were him, what would you do?"


    Yushuang pondered for a moment and shook her head, saying, "I am not well-versed in military and national affairs. However, since everyone praises him, and he has done many good deeds, it''s impossible to say that he has only small cleverness and no great wisdom. If he is concerned about causing harm to the country because of himself, he is not a foolish person. With this motivation, how could he jeopardize the country? In my view, he is quite intelligent and capable of significant responsibility."


    Lin Wanrong''s face broke into a smile upon hearing this, yfully teasing the young girl, "So, if I go to the front lines, do you want me to go?"


    Tears welled in Second Miss''s eyes, and she nestled in his arms, clutching him tightly, "Of course I don''t want you to go. In the battle at the front lines, swords and spears have no eyes. If you are harmed even slightly, I will not go on living."


    Though she was young, her emotions were sincere. Lin Wanrong was moved, and as he was about to speak, Yushuang''s delicate finger touched his lips, her tears glinting, "But a good man''s ambition knows no bounds, and if you must go, I won''t stop you. My sister and I will wait for you forever. If you live, I live; if you die, I die!"


    The emotions in Lin Wanrong''s heart were beyond words. He hugged her,forting her earnestly. This little girl couldn''t hide anything, and after hearing some jokes, her worries vanished. She served him cheerfully in his office, giving him sweet smiles now and then, dispelling Lin San''s fatigue and filling him with energy.


    Having dealt with all the major and minor affairs of the Xiao family, Lin Wanrong looked up to find that the day was drawing to a close. Shaking his sore wrist, he sighed, ¡®Eldest Miss really has it tough. Handling all these matters alone for so many years, I don''t know how she managed.¡¯


    Qingxuan would undoubtedly be staying in the pce that night, as father and daughter had much to discuss. He sent Si De to deliver messages to Qiaoqiao and Ning''er, each wife replying with a letter. Qiaoqiao''s handwriting was elegant and neat, "At noon, the Emperor issued a decree, sending Gao Qiu to guard our home with pce guards. Big brother, please take good care of the two Young Misses and the Madam, and don''t worry about us."


    Gao Qiu hase? Lin Wanrong was delighted, ¡®He''s a familiar face. With him here, I''m reassured. I wonder if this is Qingxuan''s arrangement or the Emperor intentionally trying to please me.¡¯


    Miss Luo''s reply was much simpler, only a faint red kiss mark on the pure white paper, reminiscent of Ning''er''s bright little mouth. It was indeed a letter that matched its sender. Lin Wanrong''s heart fluttered. This little vixen didn''t write a word; calling her to warm the bed tonight, would she be willing or not?


    "What are you looking at? You haven''t even lit themp?" A soft voice rang in the room, and the one who entered was Madam Xiao, whom he had seen at noon. Compared to earlier, she was now dressed much more modestly, her pale pink gown enhancing her elegant and graceful appearance. Her figure seemed more upright and full. She lit a match and ignited the oilmp. In the dimmp''s glow, her face appeared as radiant as peach blossoms, revealing her charm.


    "I didn''t see anything." Lin Wanrong tucked the letter from the foxy Ning¡¯er into his bosom andughed, saying, "Madam, you''ve just recovered from a severe illness; you should be resting. Why are you up?"


    "You remember that I''ve just recovered from a severe illness?" Madam Xiao looked at him helplessly, lightly coughed, and her face flushed with a hint of anger, "I see you''re like a cat crying over a mouse. Who angered me with their words this noon?"


    "Is Madam referring to me?" Lin Wanrong widened his eyes, feigning innocence, "What have I done? I''ve been dizzy from working all afternoon, and I don''t remember anything I shouldn''t."


    Madam Xiao was well-acquainted with his shameless tactics, so she wasn''t surprised by his words. She smiled faintly and said, "No need to boast in front of me. It''s your duty to work in my house. Moreover, you''ve deceived and taken away my two daughters. What else do you want? Do you expect to be worshiped like a Bodhisattva?"


    It seems like Madam bears some resentment towards him; her cold words have increased since he returned. But it was understandable, as he had stolen her two precious daughters. Sadness was inevitable.


    "Ah, Madam, what''s this?" Seeing Madam holding a porcin cup and smelling a faint fragrance, Lin Wanrong asked in surprise.


    "Nothing much, just a cup of bird''s nest soup." Madam sighed slightly, "I''ve raised my daughter so well, and yet she turns against me. She prepared the bird''s nest and then went to take care of your daily necessities, making me bring you food. Tell me, shouldn''t I be annoyed?"


    "Annoyed, of course you should be!" Lin Wanrongughed, epting the small cup, tasting it, and the light sweetness danced down his throat, intoxicating him, "But you see, I''m not a stranger. It''s a waste to have such good things lying around unused at home. It''s better to favor me. As the saying goes, ''the nourishing water should not be allowed to flow into others'' fields.'' That''s exactly the point."


    "What nourishing water not flowing into others'' fields? You''re quite shameless," Madam chuckled, ncing over the letters from various ces on the table, surprised to find key points marked with circles. The replies were concise and powerful¡ªRead! Send to Madam!


    "You''ve already approved them. Do you need me to go through them again?" Madam shook her head, smiling, bing more amazed as she continued, "Lin San, where did you learn these business tactics?"


    "This is called ''marking points,''" Lin Wanrong shamelessly dered, "I only leave the decisions to Madam that I agree with; the others, I reject. As for business skills¡ªnatural talent!"


    Madam had no time to respond, busily going through the documents on the table. The papers Lin San had agreed to were one thing, but what was strange were those he had rejected. With just a few words, he often pointed out a new path, inexplicable but possible to explore. It truly opened one''s eyes and astonished.


    Madam''s expression was focused, graceful, her delicate face as translucent as crystal. Her eyebrows tightened and rxed at times, her face now worried, now smiling, various emotions intermingling. Seeing her silence, Lin Wanrong was content with the peace, savoring the bird''s nest soup, but thinking about when to cut a piece of the ginseng sent by Dae Jang Geum and add it to the bird''s nest to see the effect.


    "Sometimes, I must thank Yushuang, that girl." Madam closed the letter and sighed with a smile, "If not for her foresight in bringing you into my Xiao family, I would have missed out on such a great talent, and the Xiao family wouldn''t have flourished as it is today. Although, the price was high, costing me my two daughters, and allowing them to fall into your clutches."


    "Pain brings pleasure," Lin Wanrong said with a roguish smile. "It''s called a win-win situation; no one loses."


    What more could be said at this point? Madam shook her head and started to walk out. When she reached the door, she turned back suddenly, "Lin San, Yushuang tells me you''re thinking of moving back to the Xiao residence?"


    "I haven''t decided¡ª"


    "Come back sooner," Madam sighed lightly. "It''s rare for the Xiao family to find a reliable man like you. Inside and outside the residence, everyone has be ustomed to having you around. These past few days when you were out, the house seemed lifeless."


    These words would have meant littleing from someone else, but from Madam''s mouth, it was a genuinepliment, "Thank you for the praise, Madam. I will strive harder to achieve even greater glory¡ªOh, Madam, why are you leaving so quickly?"


    Before he could finish expressing his loyalty, Madam Xiao had already walked far away, seemingly unwilling to listen to his nonsense. He helplessly tasted the bird''s nest soup again. It was delicious!


    After working at the Xiao residence, he felt a bit fatigued, but his mind was exceptionally clear. Yushuang was right; he was not a man without talent. He wasn''t afraid to go to battle; avoiding it only made him seem less of a man. He had mostly taken care of the matters in the capital, found Qingxuan, and settled the marriage issues for Eldest Miss and Second Miss. Once he resolved the quarrels between Xian''er and Qingxuan, the home front would be unified and stable. When the time came, he could ask the Emperor for a hundred or so skilled guards to stand by his side on the battlefield. Even if they lost a battle, the guards would hold off the enemy, and he could escape back home to his wives with ease.


    Going to war was not like other matters; a retreat n was essential. He considered his strategies wellid out, ensuring his safety, and this made him feel more at ease about leading troops into battle.


    Regarding Lu Dongzan, though he was still outraged, he gradually calmed down. What was done was done, andining was useless. If he could catch him once, he could catch him again. He feared nothing.


    However, the situation with Eldest Miss was difficult, and thinking of the Emperor''s three-day deadline made his head ache. That old man was as stubborn as him. It was truly vexing, even Qingxuan didn''t care about him taking more wives! Madam and Yushuang both looked forward to Eldest Miss''s return, and he knew he had to think of more ways to handle it.


    After dinner, he couldn''t find Second Miss anywhere. He asked Huan''er and Si De, and both were unaware of her whereabouts. This was strange; the residence was not thatrge, and where could Yushuang have flown to?


    With a deep sense of bewilderment, he entered his room and was immediately taken aback. The room was cleaned and neat, spotless, with a pink silk curtain dividing it in the middle, gently swaying, its tassels making a soft sound, adding warmth. Looking beyond the curtain, the small bed he usually slept in had been reced by a sturdy rosewood bed, spacious and strong, suitable for any activity. The bed was adorned with yellow and pink curtains, adding an element of allure.


    Had he mistakenly entered the wrong room? The surprise in his heart was evident. As he was about to take a step, he suddenly heard a hurried breath from behind the curtain.


    "Where has the Second Miss gone?" He whispered to himself with a slight smile, "It feels like ages since Ist saw her. I miss her so much it hurts."


    The breathing grew more rapid, as if one could hear the pounding of a heart. Lin Wanrong sighed sorrowfully, "Second Miss, where are you? I miss you so much I can''t sleep."


    A soft chuckle came from behind the curtain. Xiao Yushuang couldn''t hold back any longer, her face flushed as she teased, "You fool, what nonsense are you spouting? When did you ever miss me so much that you couldn''t sleep?"


    "Ah, Second Miss, why are you hiding here?" Master Lin looked as if he''d seen a ghost, taking two steps back, his face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh no, you heard everything I said. How will I ever face anyone now?"


    "Annoying!" The Second Miss, her face glowing, yfully threw a small pillow at him. Lin Wanrong caught it with augh. The pillowcase was brand new, embroidered on the front with a pair of mandarin ducks. Turning it over, he burst intoughter, for the other side had an embroideredzy bear.


    "Second Miss, you truly are imaginative," Lin Wanrongughed heartily, giving Yushuang a meaningful nce. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, she lunged at him, trying to tickle him. "That''s forughing at me!"


    He finally took a moment to admire her. The Second Miss wore a pink dress, her eyebrows delicate, her eyes bright, her nose pert, and her lips as red as cherries. She exuded joy from every pore. Her chest was proudly raised, her waist slender, and her curvaceous hips hinted at maturity. Her long legs entuated her graceful figure, reminiscent of a newly bloomed lotus floating in clear water.


    Lin Wanrong was utterly entranced. ¡®She''s only seventeen and already so enchanting. When she reaches her mother''s age, she''ll be absolutely irresistible.¡¯


    Noticing Lin San''s gaze lingering on her, especially on her chest and hips, the Second Miss blushed deeply. Yet, she unconsciously puffed out her chest, allowing him to admire her. With rosy cheeks and misty eyes, she whispered, "Why are you staring at me like that?"


    Indeed, why was he just staring? It was time to act. Sensing the signals from the Second Miss, Lin Wanrong embraced her tightly, his hand gently caressing her back. "Yushuang, you look stunning. You''vepletely captivated me. I won''t be able to sleep tonight. It''s better not to meet than to be tormented like this after seeing you."


    His sweet words came naturally, and at her tender age, the Second Miss waspletely taken in. She blushed even more but listened intently, hanging on to every word. Feeling his hand slide down her waist, she felt a warmth throughout her body but let him take the advantage.


    "Second Miss, when did you sneak in here? I searched for you all night and couldn''t find you. I almost went to the Madam to ask for you." His ttery came effortlessly, unfairly implicating Madam Xiao.


    ¡°After preparing the room for you, I felt a bit tired, so I took a nap on the bed. Don''t misunderstand, I, I didn''te looking for you on purpose," said the Second Miss, her face as red as rouge, even her ears were flushed through.


    This was a clear case of the guilty party protesting his innocence. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "I understand, I understand. Second Miss surely didn''te on purpose; she must have walked into the wrong room. Second Miss, where is your room? I might walk into the wrong one tomorrow. What, you sleep in the same room as Madam? Never mind then."


    As he spoke, his hands were not idle, caressing her small buttocks, as smooth as milk. He buried his head in her chest, feeling the soft protrusion, the fine warmth, and suddenlyughed, "Yushuang, you''ve really grown up. At least two sizes bigger. Eh, the left one seems a little bigger than the right one, could there be some development issues? Let me examine it closely."


    As he spoke, his hand slyly reached for her chest. Second Miss blushed feverishly, quickly covering her chest with both hands, and gave him an annoyed nce, "You little thief, you''repletely wicked. Mother says I can''t let you take advantage until we''re married."


    "Is that so?" Lin Wanrong sighed, "Then I''ll wait until I return from the battlefield. It won''t take too long, just a year or so."


    Second Miss, shocked, tightly grabbed his hand, "You, you are really going?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed lightly, "If something is destined for me to do, I will not shirk. Life is like being r*p*d; if you can''t resist, you might as well enjoy the pleasure."


    Tears welled in Second Miss''s eyes, and she grasped his big hand, pressing it to her chest, a fiery sensation turning her face red, "Wicked man, I promised myself to you, forever waiting for you. If you want to touch, touch to your heart''s content, I won''t tell Mother."


    ¡®I''m a beast, I''m worse than a beast,¡¯ Lin San thought, as he stroked her chest twice, his face full of shame. He withdrew his hand and chuckled twice, "Just joking with you, I''m not that kind of person."


    The young girl nodded, suddenly pressing herself into his hand, hugged him tightly, then quickly stepped back, blushing all over, "How do you like the room I prepared for you? It took me several days to do it, I started organizing it yesterday."


    "Good, very good," Lin Sanughed, flipping over the mandarin duck pillow, "I love this teddy bear the most."


    "Really?" Second Miss''s eyes lit up with joy, "I embroidered this bear myself, and my elder sister embroidered the mandarin ducks. So you mean you like me more? That won''t do, you must be fair. She''s my own sister."


    Another twist? Lin Wanrong was taken aback.


    Second Miss''s face was flushed, and she plucked up the courage to whisper in his ear, "The dress I''m wearing has a little bear embroidered on it too. When youe back from the war, I''ll wear it for you."


    Your dress? Lin Wanrong looked up and down; there were no bears, only flowers and grass.


    "Dummy!" Second Miss punched him, her face as bright as the morning glow. She rushed out the door with a sh, casting a nce back at him, a mix of coyness, shyness, and resentment.


    Oh dear, what a failure! Lin Wanrong pped his hands together in annoyance. ¡®How have I be so inept?¡¯ he thought. ¡®I''ve regressed so noticeably, wasting all of Second Miss''s efforts. You really can''t underestimate the courage of these girls.¡¯


    He had spoken with Second Miss for a while, and although he had mostly taken advantage of the situation, there were moments of warmth and emotion. Lying in bed, he couldn''t help but daydream. "If one day I go to the battlefield, I''m afraid I''ll never find such touching moments again. Where is Ning''er? Why hasn''t shee yet?"


    Tossing and turning in bed, he drifted into a haze, not knowing what time he fell asleep. Suddenly, he felt a chill around his neck, but thought nothing of it. Turning over, he reached out to embrace the figure, saying, "Ning''er, you foxy temptress, why are you still wearing so many clothes?"


    His hand had only reached halfway when he felt the chill tighten around his neck, a slight pain emerging. His drowsiness vanished, and his eyes snapped open to see a faintly pretty face before him.


    The woman was dressed in white, her face without makeup, her brows like distant mountains, and her eyes like autumn waters. Her cherry-red lips were set in a pale face that was touched with vulnerability. Her expression was indifferent, and in her hand, she held a sword of autumn water, pressing it firmly against Lin Wanrong''s throat, the tip almost piercing into his skin.


    Lin Wanrong was stunned, his eyes widening in shock and joy. Suddenly, he yelled, "Fairy Sister, where have you been? I''ve missed you to death!"


    As he spoke, his throat moved, and the sword''s tip broke his skin. Although it was a shallow wound, it drew blood. Ning Yuxi''s expression remained calm, showing no intention of withdrawing.


    The piercing pain in his throat jolted Lin Wanrong awake. ¡®I haven''t seen blood in a long time. I never thought that Fairy Ning woulde to kill me today,¡¯ he thought with a look of despair, waving his hand in resignation. "Fairy Sister, you saved my life once. If you want to kill me now, just do it. If I even frown, I''m not Qingxuan''s husband."


    Fairy Ning''s expression did not change. She coldly stared at him, the sword''s tip inching further in. Sweat beads rolled down Lin Wanrong''s forehead, and he could almost taste the approach of death. ¡®Damn it, I don''t have to die on the battlefield now. That relieves many of my worries.¡¯


    He had faced life-and-death situations before, but none as perplexing and difficult as today. If Ning Yuxi had spoken, he would have had a fifty percent chance of saving himself. But Fairy Ning was like a person turned to stone, silent and emotionless. He had no choice but toment.


    "Big Brother¡ª" a trembling voice called from outside the door. It was Luo Ning''s voice. Fairy Ning''s sword stopped abruptly, just a fingertip''s distance from his most vital artery.


    ¡°Ning''er,¡± Lin Wanrong said, tears filling his eyes. ¡®Good girl, your call came at just the right moment. If your husband survives this catastrophe, I''ll spoil you three times a day.¡¯


    "Tell her to leave!" Fairy Ning finally spoke, her voice cold as iron, but to Lin Wanrong, it was heavenly music. ¡®As long as you speak, I have a fifty percent chance of surviving.¡¯


    "Lin San, are you asleep?" Madame Xiao''s voice sounded outside the door. "Miss Luo says she has urgent business with you. She also said that if she doesn''t find you, you''ll be unable to sleep all night."


    ¡®This little vixen, still trying to seduce me at this time?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was torn betweenughter and tears, wondering why Ning''er was sote. Then he remembered that she knew no martial arts, and besides entering through the main door, she had no other way. Her courage to rush here to warm his bed was alreadymendable, let alone saving his life temporarily.


    He nced at Ning Yuxi, noticing that her expression remained unchanged, but her sword was once again pressing closer.


    "Ning''er, I''m alright." Under someone''s roof, one must bow one''s head, Lin Wanrong called out, "Under my bed, there''s a cucumber with my name carved on it. You can use it for now and tell Qingxuan to instruct the kitchen chef not to kill the cucumber. Go back quickly."


    "What cucumber? What nonsense?" Madam frowned andughed at his words.


    Miss Luo was also puzzled about her husband''s intention with the cucumber. That her lecherous big brother stayed in his room and didn''te out was strange enough, let alone his random calling for cucumbers and Qingxuan.


    "If that''s the case, I''ll go find my sister." Although Luo Ning didn''t understand his intentions, she knew her big brother well enough to know this was no ordinary matter. Since he insisted on finding her sister, she mustn''t dy. Being decisive, she turned and walked away.


    Once their footsteps had faded, and everyone had gone, Ning Yuxi snorted without expression, "You think Qingxuan can save you?"


    ¡®Only a fool would think that way; I''m saving myself.¡¯ With just one word from the fairy, his chances of escape increased. Lin Wanrong was no ordinary man, his expression unchanged, he sighed, "My heart is dead; no one can save me. Fairy sister, I''ve died once at Qingxuan''s hands and once at Sister An''s hands. Now it''s your turn. In truth, even if I die a hundred more times, I won''t be frightened. Kill me; I''ve already be numb and have nothing to care about."


    He closed his eyes, silent, his face wearing a strange expression, neither crying norughing, as if he had truly seen through the mortal world, his expression extremely calm.


    "You think you can y games with me?" Ning Yuxi slightly raised her wrist, a sword light apanied by a whooshing sound aimed directly at his neck. Lin Wanrong felt a chill to the bone, suddenly opened his eyes, "Fairy Sister¡ª"


    His eyes sparkled like lightning, Ning Yuxi was taken aback, her hand unconsciously slowed, "I''ll never let you go. If you have anyst words, get it over with; I''ll give you a quick death."


    "It''s not really ast word." Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, his expression filled with reminiscence and bitterness, "Life is like a dream. The process of knowing you, Sister, is even more mysterious like a dreand. Initially, a misunderstanding made us enemies, but gradually, after you saved me several times, we got to know each other. During the trip to Shandong, you, the fairy, apanied me all the way, even risking your life to save mine. I once swore that, in my lifetime, I would never be against you again. But the fate of life is not in our control, as if heaven is ying with us. My acquaintance with Fairy Sister began with killing and ends with killing. It''s like drawing a circle, starting and ending in the same ce. Even if you kill me, I will not resent. Dead, dead, dying once ends it all. Sister, please act quickly to avoid Qingxuan''s arrival and spoil your mood."


    He spoke with determination, his demeanor full of masculine fortitude. Fairy Ning faced him with cold brows, as though she hadn''t heard his words at all. Her icy sword stirred a chilling wind as it whooshed past, striking beside his neck with a swish.


    With a loud "boom," the sword grazed his neck, and Lin Wanrong felt a surge of hot blood, his body as light and soaring as a swallow.


    Dead, he was dead, his soul had left his body. His whole body broke into a cold sweat, wanting to scream but unable to utter a sound. Struggling to look down, he was instantly ovee with wild joy.


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 436

    Chapter 436


    Chapter 436 A Complex Matter


    Straining to lower his head, Lin Wanrong caught a glimpse of his legs still attached to his body and immediately felt ted. Fairy Ning was holding a sword in one hand while carrying him with the other, her toes barely touching the roof tiles as they darted forward. She moved like a wisp of smoke, incredibly fast. All he could hear was the sound of rushing wind; he couldn''t even make out their direction.


    Was he really not dead? Cold sweat soaked his clothes. His relief was indescribable. To escape death once was luck, twice was a matter of fortune, but a third time indicated a deep providence. Rejuvenated, he felt as if he could see hope once again. Fairy Ning''s expression remained calm, her white robes fluttering gracefully. After a moment of intense speed, a hint of pallor appeared on her face. A sweet, orchid-like fragrance wafted into his nostrils, lifting his spirits.


    "Fairy Sister," he spoke, causing her to abruptly halt, the tip of her sword touching his neck.


    "Don''t worry, Sister, I''m in no rush. Your well-being is what''s important," he said warmly, sincerity filling his eyes.


    Fairy Ning gave him a cold nce and loosened her grip. His body started plummeting straight down. Looking below, Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. They were several meters above ground; falling from this height would turn him into a pancake. Taking a gamble, he clenched his teeth, shut his eyes, and fell. Just as he was about to hit the ground, a disdainful snort echoed in the air, and like a sh, Fairy Ning caught him again, continuing their rapid advance.


    Lin Wanrong felt as if he had just been fished out of water, his clothespletely drenched in sweat. After so many life-and-death situations that evening, he felt somewhat numb. Closing his eyes, he decided to let Fairy Ning do as she pleased.


    Both remained silent, the long night seeming even quieter. After an indeterminate amount of time, Lin Wanrong suddenly felt a cold wind blowing around him. Opening his eyes, he realized they were halfway up a mountain, Jade Buddha Temple below and the remains of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall above, a ce he had bombarded. Ruins and destion met his eyes.


    ¡®Why am I here?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was shocked. Struggling slightly, he felt a sudden sharp pain in his back. Fairy Ning had mercilessly struck him with the scabbard of her sword. "Where are you taking me?" he groaned.Fairy Ning didn''t reply. She navigated the steep mountain path, the higher they climbed, the stronger the wind became. Her robe billowed, ethereal and elegant, while Lin Wanrong, lightly d, shivered uncontrobly. After roughly the time it takes to brew half a pot of tea, Fairy Ning finally slowed down and unceremoniously dumped him onto the ground. The sharp rocks jabbed into his rear, causing excruciating pain.


    Surveying his surroundings, he found himself at the peak of a cliff, a deste and lonely ce. The copsed arch was close by, as was a newly built tomb¡ªthe final resting ce of Recluse Jing''an, whom he had buried himself.


    Fairy Ning stared vacantly at the new tomb, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Her grip tightened on her sword, veins appearing on her slender hands. Her beauty was tinged with an indescribable sense of destion as the cold wind tousled her hair. She slowly inserted the sword into the ground in front of the tomb and knelt down. Finally, tears rolled down her cheeks as she broke into silent sobs.


    It was over. Lin Wanrong felt his entire body break into a cold sweat. Could it be that the Recluse Jing''an was the mother of Fairy Sister? The head of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, who was driven to death by Lin San, was a matter known to all under heaven. No matter how crafty he was, no matter how well he could talk, he couldn''t deceive the fairy. No wonder Ning Yuxi harbored such hatred toward him, repeatedly putting him in life-threatening situations, disregarding their past friendship.


    Seeing that Fairy Ning remained silent kneeling in front of the grave, Lin Wanrong knew that no method would work this time; he had no option but to risk his life and flee. As his mind made up the decision, he moved like a shadow, slowly retreating down the mountain.


    "Think you can escape?" Fairy Ning seemed to have eyes in the back of her head. She gave a cold snort, lightly raised her hand, and three cold rays shot out. Lin Wanrong dodged two but was hit in the leg by the third. Reeling from the pain, he lost his bnce and fell to the ground with a thud.


    Things had really gone from bad to worse. As he saw Ning Yuxi approaching with a cold expression and a long sword shining with chilly light, all he could do was give a bitter smile. Of all the ways he had imagined dying, he had never thought he would die by her hand.


    "How do you think I''ll let you die?" Her long sword rested against his chest. Her voice was ice-cold, in stark contrast to her once gentle demeanor.


    "If I could die a quick and easy death, that would be best," Lin Wanrong sighed, showing little sadness. His eyes wandered around, taking in thendscape. "This is a nice ce. Green hills and clear waters, chirping birds and fragrant flowers. Being buried here wouldn''t be a waste of my loyal bones."


    "Loyal bones?" The fairy sneered. "You who destroyed my sacred hall and insulted my family, who is reviled and cursed by the world, dare im to have ''loyal bones''?"


    Lin Wanrong angrily retorted, "Fairy Sister, you saved my life. If you want to beat me or kill me, I won''t even frown. But remember this, you can only speak for yourself, not for everyone. How do you know that the world will only curse me and not admire me? This is the typical arrogance of your Jade Virtue Fairy Hall. Everyone has their own hands, feet, brains, and thoughts. Who are you to speak for them?"


    As he spoke, as if by magic, a ck, sinister-looking musket appeared in his hands, its barrel gleaming with a cold light, aimed directly at Ning Yuxi.


    Fairy Ning showed no sign of surprise. "You do have some skill, being able to bring out a hidden weapon in this situation. But that doesn''t mean I''ll be afraid of you." She sighed softly, "There''s nothing left in this mortal world for me to be attached to. Even if it costs me my life, I will take yours."


    Her face resolute, she gritted her teeth and prepared to lunge at him, ready for a fight to the death.


    With a soft ng of metal hitting the ground, Ning Yuxi paused in bewilderment. Lin Wanrong had thrown the musket on the ground and sighed in resignation, "Fairy Sister, as I said, you saved my life. I won''t be your enemy in this life. This is my way of repaying your kindness. If you want to kill me, go ahead. If I even frown, your son can take my surname."


    Fairy Ning was dumbstruck. She had seen the power of that musket; even with her extraordinary martial skills, she had no guarantee of avoiding its bullets. Lin Wanrong had returned a great favor to her, and the price was his own life. When had he be so magnanimous?


    It was a prolonged silence, a moment where emotions teetered on the brink. Fairy Ning''s sword tip quivered slightly. "Don''t think that your life will be spared because of this. You forced the Hall Master to her death; your sins are unforgivable¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, his voice tinged with mncholy. "Fairy Sister, it is your multiple rescues I respect, not your words or your conduct. What fault is there in the love between Qingxuan and me? Why should you all seek to tear us apart?"


    Fairy Ning seemed momentarily stunned. "The matter with Qingxuan is beyond my control. She made a vow in her youth to renounce worldly desires and serve the Sacred Hall for life. How could I betray her sincerity?"


    "Renounce worldly desires? What a joke! We live in a mundane world, sustained by food and graced by life''s ups and downs. Just as blood flows through our veins, how can one renounce the worldly life? You and Master Jing''an may stand high above, but Qingxuan and I are mere mortals. We yearn for a simple life together, not to be otherworldly fairies. Speaking of which, are these so-called ''fairies'' even truly divine? They seem quite phony to me."


    "Do not insult the Hall Master." Fairy Ning''s face turned pale. "You forced her to her death, your sins are unforgivable¡ª"


    "What splendid unforgivability!" Lin Wanrong sneered. "Well then, let''s say I ept my sins. But have you ever thought, what would have happened to Qingxuan and the child in her womb if I had arrived even a momentter? Would they have survived? If I am unforgivable for saving my wife and offspring, then the people you respect must be ten thousand times worse."


    "How dare you!" Enraged, Fairy Ning lunged forward, her sword whistling sharply through the air, aimed directly at Lin Wanrong''s chest.


    Lin Wanrong smirked. A sense of numbness enveloped him as images of familiar faces shed before his eyes¡ªXian''er, Qingxuan, Qiaoqiao, Ning''er, Sister An, the Madam.


    As Fairy Ning closed in, her sword aimed at his chest, she thrust it down fiercely. Lin Wanrong remained unmoved, a smile spread across his face.


    "Why, why are you smiling?" Her sword met his skin but could not prate further. Fairy Ning was visibly confused, her teeth clenched.


    "Sister, is Master Jing''an your mother?" Lin Wanrong asked, his smile innocent, like an unguarded child.


    "She is my aunt¡ªI won''t tell you!" Fairy Ning caught herself, her eyes widening in surprise.


    ¡®So, she''s not her mother?¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed in relief. "I knew it. How could someone as ethereal as you be the daughter of that phony Master Jing''an? You scared me."


    His body was still trembling from the risk he''d taken, his life wagered on a gambit. He forced a smile onto his face, his skin tightening. "Sister, if you tell me who Master Jing''an is to you, I''ll reveal a huge secret."


    "I''m not interested," Fairy Ning huffed, her expression darkening. "I need to avenge my aunt. She''s the only family I have left in this world."


    So it was her aunt, Lin Wanrong sighed in relief with a smile, picking up the musket from the ground. Fairy Ning was taken aback and readied her longsword hastily.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head slightly, a smile covering his face. "Thank you for your sincerity, Fairy Sister. Now it''s my turn to repay you. You don''t have to hesitate to kill me; I can do it myself."


    He raised the musket and aimed it at his temple. Fairy Ning watched, rmed, her voice trembling, "What are you doing?"


    "Nothing special, just curious about the power of this musket," Lin Wanrong nonchntly replied. He pressed the muzzle against his forehead, his smile turning mysterious. "Don''t worry. Perhaps this musketcks power, or maybe my skull is too hard. The bullet might not harm me."


    "Then go ahead and die!" Ning Yuxi''s expression grew increasingly irritated, her teeth clenched.


    Lin Wanrong''s face turned serious, his eyes closed, and his finger reached for the trigger. As he concentrated, Ning Yuxi''s beautiful eyes flickered, filled with a mixture of hate, concern, and confusion¡ªemotions even she couldn''t discern.


    He said nothing, remained calm, his finger slowly moving on the trigger. Even the usuallyposed Ning Yuxi couldn''t maintain her calm; her heartbeat elerated, her grip tightened on the sword, and her teeth clenched audibly. Her mind was torn between conflicting thoughts.


    Lin Wanrong sighed softly, his finger quickly pulling the trigger. Fairy Ning''s heartbeat surged, and without thinking, she swung her sword at his wrist.


    "Aow!" Lin Wanrong cried out in pain as his wrist dropped. "Sister, what are you doing?"


    Ning Yuxi gritted her teeth, "This is a sacred ce. Don''t tarnish it with bloodshed. Jump off this cliff; let''s put an end to all of this."


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but chuckle quietly. He opened the case of his musket, revealing it was empty, with not even ammunition loaded. He shook his head and sighed softly, "Today, I took this musket to ask for the two youngdies of the Xiao family¡¯s hands in marriage. To avoid idental discharge, I had already removed the ammunition. The aim I took at you earlier was deliberate, so you would hesitate to act."


    "You can call me despicable or shameless, but I am true to myself. As with the Recluse Jing''an, our viewpoints shed but there was no hatred. I gave her a proper burial and kowtowed with Qingxuan at her grave. Standing here on this high peak, I can proudly say I have no regrets."


    His expression was stern, every word forceful. Ning Yuxi looked at his resolute face and felt an indescribable sense of awe, her mind in turmoil.


    Lin Wanrong turned back to her and smiled, but his smile was tinged with a kind of indescribable freedom. "Life is full ofplexities and uncertainties, as intricate as Fairy Sister''s desire to kill me¡ªnothing could be moreplicated than that."


    "There''s nothing moreplicated than this," Ning Yuxi muttered to herself, suddenly struck by a realization she''d never had before: the Lin San facing him was someone she could probably never kill, even if she spent a lifetime trying.


    s, Brother San''s skills, they were effortlessly sublime, bordering on the miraculous.


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 437

    Chapter 437 Thousand-Forsaken Peak, Hundred-Foot Chain


    The mountain air was cold and crisp, all else silent. The two of them stood in ce, saying nothing, and for a moment the atmosphere was heavy with tension. Lin Wanrong took a furtive nce at Fairy Ning, whose expression was inscrutable. Her lovely face betrayed no emotion, emanating an aura of indifference. Lin Wanrong felt that he had at least secured his life with his daring gamble, but he dared not show the slightest hint of his inner triumph.


    As the night deepened, ayer of mist condensed into droplets on the edges of Ning Yuxi''s hair, clear and translucent. Under the soft moonlight, they shimmered brilliantly. Her delicate hand and fair face, her clothing whiter than snow, and her hair fluttering lightly in the cold wind, all made her seem like a celestial maiden who had descended to the mortal realm. Her ethereal beauty left Lin Wanrong in awe.


    "Did you think that would be enough to save you?" Ning Yuxi''s voice grew colder, each word tinged with frost. "From childhood, I was separated from my parents. My aunt is like my mother, teaching me reading, writing, and martial arts alongside my master. They are the most important people in my life. I will never forget their kindness in nurturing and educating me. You caused her death; do you think I could simply let you go?"


    "Do you wish to discuss ethics and revenge with me?" Lin Wanrong chuckled coldly. "Very well. You im that my actions led to your aunt¡¯s death. Did you see it with your own eyes, or hear it with your own ears? I may be a scoundrel, but I have never killed anyone outside of the battlefield. I had no personal grudges against your aunt; why would I kill her? What reason would I have?"


    "Don''t y coy. Your words exhausted her to the point of death; this is known to all," Ning Yuxi retorted coldly. "How can you deny it?"


    "So you¡¯re saying I killed your aunt with words?" Lin Wanrong asked with a smile.


    Fairy Ning was taken aback. Lin Wanrong''s ability to twist words was indeed extraordinary. While her aunt had died because of him, it couldn''t be said that he had killed her.


    "If that''s what you believe, I won''t argue," Lin Wanrong sighed. "Your Jade Virtue Fairy Hall is the embodiment of justice, right? Then act justly. Covert assassination will only make you theughingstock of the world. It will disturb your aunt''s soul in the afterlife. I offer you a fair chance: kill me with your words. I will die without regret.""You¡ª" Ning Yuxi had an unparalleled beauty and was unmatched in martial skills. But when it came to verbal battles, she was no match for Lin Wanrong. Furious at his deflection, she raised her hand. A sh of silver light shot out, striking Lin Wanrong''s knee. Already limping, both his legs now wracked with pain, he copsed to the ground, his head hitting the earth. Stars danced in front of his eyes as everything went ck.


    "So you can talk? I''ll cut off your tongue, and we''ll see how you defend yourself then," Ning Yuxi said coldly, holding her sword.


    Laughing heartily, Lin Wanrong showed no fear. "Is this the style of the Jade Virtue Fairy Hall? When you lose an argument, you resort to violence? I''d say your aunt had far better judgment than you. I''ve had enough of talking. Kill me or do as you wish."


    He leaned back, lying on the ground as if it were the natural ce for him, his eyes staring up at the sky. His face was a picture of calm.


    Ning Yuxi raised her jade-like hand several times, tempted to end him with a single stroke, but each time she hesitated. It seemed too easy to let him die like that. Her mind wandered to his past exploits in Shandong¡ªhow he strategized behind curtains and unted his feather fan. Now, as she looked down at his indifferent expression, her emotions surged uncontrobly.


    The rocks on the mountain were freezing. Lin Wanrongy on the ground, shivering uncontrobly. Annoyance welled up within him. ¡®Even if I survive her sword, I''ll freeze to death at this rate,¡¯ he thought. After waiting for a moment, tensely drawing his hands and feet close to his body, and hearing no sound from the fairy, he finally lost patience. He opened his eyes abruptly and saw that Ning Yuxi stood several feet away from him, near the cliff''s edge, seemingly lost in thought as she looked at the distant peak across the way.


    ¡®Maybe my insults awakened her conscience, and she¡¯s contemting suicide,¡¯ he mused. With a grimacing grin, he chuckled to himself. Despite the growing cold, only he would have the audacity to jest in such a precarious situation.


    Noticing that he had opened his eyes, the fairy suddenly shed a faint smile. "I hear you''re someone who loves excitement, never idle for a moment, always drawn to crowds. Is that true?"


    ¡®Is that even a question?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was inwardly amused. ¡®Anyone you ask would know that wherever there¡¯s money and beautiful women, that''s where you¡¯ll find me.¡¯ But seeing Ning Yuxi smile, a sudden chill rose within him. He hastily waved his hand, "No, no, what I really like is solitude and contemtion, especially at the summit of such isted peaks. It¡¯s the perfect setting for a man of depth like myself."


    "Is it?" Ning Yuxi chuckled. "Do you know what the most painful thing in life is?"


    "For men, it¡¯s impotence; for women, it¡¯s infertility."


    This uncouthment made Ning Yuxi grit her teeth. Lifting her delicate hand, she pointed and asked, "What do you see over there?"


    Following the direction of her finger, Lin Wanrong was met with an insurmountable mountain peak, towering sky-high, its cliffs sheared as if cut by a de, impossible for humans to ascend.


    "What a massive peak!" Lin Wanrong eximed.


    "That peak is called Thousand-Forsaken Peak," Ning Yuxi said calmly. "Above a thousand feet, there exists an unparalleled peak. On that peak, one can touch the starry sky. Since ancient times, only one person has ever ascended it."


    "Who?" Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but ask.


    "I don''t know," Ning Yuxi replied, her expression cid. "Probably the person who named this peak."


    "You¡¯re teasing me," Lin Wanrongughed. "If even you don''t know who it was, how can you im someone has climbed it?"


    "Because I have eyes," Ning Yuxi¡¯s expression turned icy. She picked up a small stone and flicked it with her finger. With a crisp sound, the stone plummeted as if it had hit something solid.


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes widened. On closer inspection, he saw that the formidable peak was bound by a dark iron chain that reached all the way to their own mountain. The chain was several hundred feet long and rusted in spots, its age unguessable. Given Ning Yuxi''s skill, the stone she had flung caused hardly a ripple in the chain, attesting to its solidity.


    Could there truly be one who feared not death? Lin Wanrong was dumbfounded. Not only had someone ascended the insurmountable Thousand-Forsaken Peak, but that person had also managed to anchor an iron chain from the summit. How could this have been possible? The chain was rusty and appeared unused for centuries, corroborating Fairy Ning''s im that only one person had ever made it up there, a im that seemed highly credible.


    "What do you think?" Ning Yuxi asked, her expression as still as an ancient well.


    "Incredible," Lin Wanrong muttered, only to startle himself with a sudden realization. "Fairy Sister, this towering peak has nothing to do with me, does it?"


    Ning Yuxi cast him a nce, impassive as ever. "Initially, it didn''t. But something you said reminded me that justice must be served. You may have been the catalyst for my aunt''s death, but you didn''t kill her with your own hands. If I were to kill you now, it would neither quell the rage in my heart nor leave you at peace."


    "Exactly, exactly! It''s good that you think that way," Lin Wanrong eximed joyfully. "Killing benefits neither of us. Why not sit down and chat amicably? Share some stories and enjoy each other''spany? Wouldn''t that be much better?"


    Gazing toward the distant Thousand-Forsaken Peak, Fairy Ning''s expression remained unreadable. "Vengeance is aplex matter, one that leaves no room for joy or happiness. Do you know what the most painful thing in life is? A chasm as wide as the heavens can be but a hair''s breadth away. You have torn me from my aunt for all eternity. I''ll repay you by making you taste the same bitter sorrow of eternal separation."


    Lin Wanrong found her words perplexing, but a chill ran down his spine as he instinctively sensed that something was awry.


    "You look down on my sacred hall, don''t you? You pride yourself as amon man?" Ning Yuxi suddenly grinned. "Then I''ll make you an immortal of another realm, within sight but forever out of reach of worldly attachments."


    Swiftly, Ning Yuxi leapt forward, lifting Lin Wanrong''s body and heading for the cliff''s edge. His heart pounded wildly as he screamed, "What are you doing? I''m not jumping!"


    "I''m being quite fair," Ning Yuxi said tly. "I''ll cross this hundred-foot chain with you. If we fall, it will be both of us; you won''t suffer alone."


    Lin Wanrong''s hairs stood on end, his body as cold as stone. He struggled frantically, shouting, "I''m not going! I don''t like rock climbing¡ª"


    With unyielding determination, Ning Yuxi clenched her teeth, lifted him up, and gracefully leapt onto the rust-covered rope, poised like a swallow. Lin Wanrong''s scream abruptly halted. ncing downward, he saw only a boundless sea of clouds, unable to discern the ravine below. Gusts of cold wind whistled by, turning his cheeks crimson, but he no longer felt any pain.


    Walking a tightrope was an acrobatic feat he had only ever watched, never imagining he''d experience it himself¡ªespecially not hoisted in someone else''s hands, above a bottomless abyss. Lin Wanrong didn''t know how to describe the emotions welling up inside him. He suddenly recalled how he had arrived in this world. Was he going to return everything today? A jumble of sorrow and joy seized him, and yet, he found himself unable to cry.


    Ning Yuxi stood solemnly on the Hundred-Foot Chain, utterly still. She took a deep breath and cautiously took a step forward. The rope swayed slightly, eliciting a startled cry from Lin Wanrong. In response, Ning Yuxi tapped her feet quickly, advancing five steps in one breath. Then she stopped, as steady as a rock, harmonizing her movements with the swaying rope.


    ¡®I really wish I were dead,¡¯ Lin Wanrong inwardly muttered, his face twisted in a grimace. ¡®Not everyone can enjoy the sensation of swinging in mid-air like this.¡¯ He sighed, "Fairy Sister, you look so slender, not fat at all. Why does the rope keep shaking like this?"


    "Silence!" Ning Yuxi''s face turned pale, her teeth clenched. "You''re the one who needs to lose weight; you''re as heavy as a pig!"


    Gazing at the Hundred-Foot Chain ahead, Lin Wanrong realized he couldn''t move forward or backward. His life was once again in her hands. He shook his head, gaining a new understanding of Ning Yuxi''s stubbornness and determination.


    "Sister, let go of me," he suddenly spoke, his expression incredibly calm.


    "Why?" Ning Yuxi was taken aback.


    "Because I''ve experienced something like this before," he said sincerely. "Falling twice doesn''t scare me. It''s just flesh and bones, nothing important."


    "Do you think this is my first time?" Ning Yuxi replied coldly.


    Lin Wanrong paused, understanding her meaning. He remembered how she had risked her life to save him back in Shandong. He looked at their current situation, so different yet strangely the same. His feelings wereplicated.


    "Close your eyes!" Ning Yuximanded softly. Before he could react, she moved again. This time, she didn''t stop, executing several leaps and covering a significant distance.


    Wind howled past Lin Wanrong''s ears, and for a moment he felt as if he were walking among clouds. When he opened his eyes, he saw Ning Yuxi standing on the rope, her face pale as paper, her body trembling slightly. In a rash decision, he tore off his coat and plummeted down.


    At that moment, he was filled with regrets for everything he was leaving behind¡ªQingxuan, Ning''er, Qiaoqiao, and his unborn son. But his mind was calm. "Am I finally going back? I didn''t expect even the circumstances to be the same, truly hitting rock bottom¡ª"


    "You idiot!" A sharp cry rang in his ears. At thest moment, Ning Yuxi had grabbed the cor of his shirt.


    Looking up, Lin Wanrong was struck dumb. Ning Yuxi''s eyes were red, her face as white as paper. She was hanging upside down from the rope, like a monkey reaching for the moon, gripping his cor tightly. As they locked eyes, their breaths seemed to sync.


    On the Hundred-Foot Chain of Thousand-Forsaken Peak, their fates converged in the most magical way. Lin Wanrong grinned, unable to conceal his tears from her beautiful eyes.


    ¡®He''s so ugly,¡¯ she thought, confused but intensely emotional. Her hand clenched his cor even tighter.


    ¡®Do I want to cry orugh?¡¯ Lin Wanrong pondered, but felt incredibly calm. At this point, he had nothing to lose. He leaned in and kissed her red lips deeply. "Sister," he whispered, "I need to lose weight."


    A solemn warning: Do not imitate the ''Kiss of the Stacked Tower'' without Fairy-level skills; it could lead to serious injury!


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 438

    Chapter 438 Make You an Immortal


    "You¡ª" Ning Yuxi paled with shock, her arm that had been reaching out suddenly dropped. Lin Wanrong plummeted several feet, letting out a scream. Suddenly roused, Fairy Ning stretched her wrist and grabbed his cor, halting his descent.


    A little over a foot of distance separated their heads, and the previous intimate moment was lost. Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, recalling the tender taste of the Fairy''s lips and feeling an indescribable yearning.


    Ning Yuxi''s face was as white as paper; her silver teeth gritted so hard they made a noise. Tears fell like raindrops,nding on his face. "Shameless lecher, how dare you tarnish my purity? We are irreconcble!"


    "Fairy Sister, you misunderstand," Lin Wanrong gasped, choked by the cor Ning Yuxi gripped so tightly. "It was merely an innocent blessing, an act from the heart and bounded by propriety. I harbored no other intentions. You may not believe it, but never have I been so pure in my life."


    Lin Wanrong was known for his deceitful beginnings, and Ning Yuxi knew it well. How could she trust him? Just as she was about to let go, tears still falling, her eyes caught the sight of his tattered robe drifting downward in the mountain wind, as soft and soundless as falling catkins. She paused, closed her eyes, and more tears flowed. "Lin San, I will not let you go."


    With a sharp cry, she gripped Lin Wanrong''s cor with one hand and hooked her feet around the rope with the other. Spinning swiftly, her body traced a graceful arc in the air.


    Lin Wanrong felt a whooshing wind by his ear. When he opened his eyes, he saw Fairy Ning sitting at the center of the rope, her face as pale as paper, blood at the corners of her mouth, and her chest heaving rapidly. One of her slender jade legs wrapped tightly around the chain while the other extended straight out to bnce her. Her flowing hair scattered in the wind, making her look like a lotus in bloom high up in the heavens.


    "Fairy, are you hurt? Where is the injury? Let me see." Lin Wanrong was shocked and instinctively reached out his hand. Before he could finish speaking, he felt a sharp pain in his chest and a sweetness in his throat. Coughing up a mouthful of fresh blood, he saw Fairy Ning''s eyes cold as ice, a sword sheath pressed against his chest. She had struck him in her anger.Lin Wanrong let out a few cries but found himself out of breath, unable to speak, as the icy wind swept through the sky. He felt dizzy, his limbspletely devoid of strength.


    "As I said, I will not let you go," Ning Yuxi opened her eyes, devoid of any visible anger, her voice indescribably calm.


    The calmer she was, the worse it boded. Lin Wanrong opened his mouth but couldn''t utter a word as the mountain wind filled his throat.


    After gathering her strength for a moment, Ning Yuxi rose slowly but steadily. Standing on the trembling rope, she bnced herself with feet ced one in front of the other. With her right hand holding the sword and her left lifting Lin Wanrong''s body, she gave a light cry and, with a swift tap of her lotus foot, glided forward like a swallow skimming water. After moving several yards, she paused to catch her breath and then continued, making her way toward the cliff on the other side.


    Lin Wanrong could not speak, but all his fears and anxieties proved fruitless. In a way, he had be ustomed to them. It was like riding a roller coaster, especially since he was in thepany of a fairy. He took a long sigh of relief and a slight smile appeared on his face. Struggling, he drew a circle on his chest and sent a distant gesture toward Ning Yuxi.


    Contemting whether to strike him once more, Ning Yuxi gritted her teeth. But when she saw his pale face, she lowered her sheathed sword.


    The two of them, one who wouldn¡¯t speak and the other who couldn''t, were enveloped by the howling winds of the valley, with not a trace of any other sound. Amidst the utter silence, Lin Wanrong felt a strange sensation. It seemed as if he could hear Ning Yuxi''s heartbeat gradually syncing with his own¡ªa feeling, he supposed, that could only be described as sharing life and death together.


    A distance of a hundred feet, instantly covered onnd, seemed like an endless chasm in this lofty height. With each step they took, both their spirits ebbed and flowed¡ªsometimes overwhelmingly intense like tidal waves, and at other times silent yet saturating like a gentle stream. Ning Yuxi¡¯s lips broke, a trickle of blood seeping out from the corner of her mouth. A thinyer of sweat formed on the tip of her nose. Her beauty nowced with an awe-inspiring resilience. She stole a quick nce at Lin Wanrong only to find his eyes closed, his breathing steady, seemingly as peaceful as a baby floating in a cradle, already deep in sleep.


    ¡®How can he sleep at a time like this?¡¯ Ning Yuxi felt both an urge to cry and tough. She looked ahead and noticed that they were nearing the precipitous peak adorned with green trees, red flowers, and protruding strange rocks. Even for aposed fairy like her, she couldn¡¯t help but feel ted. She bit down on her silver teeth and, with a few quick leaps, reached the edge of the chain bridge. Taking a few more tentative steps to step onto the mountain peak, she felt as if all her energy had been drained. Her body went limp and she copsed onto the cold rock.


    Lin Wanrong, who had been in a deep sleep, was jolted awake as if he had been dropped. The aching sensation throughout his body made him open his eyes. He found himself lying on a protruding rock. The hundred-foot chainy before him. His right hand had already stretched out over the edge of the cliff. One nce was enough to reveal the unfathomable gorge beneath him. The chilling winds blew across, numbing his hands and feet with pain.


    "Ah!" He screamed, hastily pulling himself back, away from the edge of the cliff, gasping for air inrge, frantic gulps.


    "You¡¯re awake?" A calm voice, tinged with exhaustion, spoke.


    "Fairy Sister?" Lin Wanrong looked up to see Fairy Ning sitting at the edge of the cliff, her ck hair dancing in the wind, both legs casually dangling over the edge. She was the epitome of ethereal beauty. She suddenly turned, offering Lin Wanrong a mysterious smile.


    "Awake, awake, very awake," Lin Wanrong stammered. "Could youe closer? I¡¯m scared of heights and can''t stand cliffs."


    "At this point, you¡¯re still afraid of heights?" Ning Yuxi chuckled, her foot kicking something. A soft clinking sound rang out. "Do you hear that? Do you know what it is?"


    "Iron chain," Lin Wanrong said, the memory fresh in his mind. Just tonight, he''d nearlye full circle back to this starting point. How could he forget?


    Fairy Ning nodded with a smile. "You are indeed clever to recognize this. It is indeed an iron chain, but it is also a path¡ªa path connecting the heavenly pce to the mortal world."


    "Yes, yes," Lin Wanrong hurriedly nodded. He nced around to find jagged rocks jutting up from the peak, colorful flowers in full bloom, green trees shading the area, and streams babbling. It seemed like a paradise on Earth. Unfortunately, he had never been one for idyllic settings. Shivering involuntarily, he rushed to say, "Fairy Sister, we can enjoy the scenery for a bit, but let''s think about how to get back. Ah, I''ve got it. I''ll take off my clothes and tie them into a loop, attach them to this chain¡ª" As he spoke, he gestured animatedly. "This side is higher and that side is lower. We can slide down the chain. It''ll be thrilling but not too dangerous. What do you think, Fairy Sister? Don''t worry, I''ll only take off my clothes; you won''t have to."


    "Not bad, you''ve thought of quite a solution," Ning Yuxi smirked. She stared at the iron chain, her expression indifferent. "I wonder how those who first climbed this peak managed to attach this chain. The wisdom of our forebears is beyond ourprehension."


    What was she trying to say? Lin Wanrong felt puzzled. Had he risked life and limb to climb up here just to discuss the wisdom of ancient sages?


    "Lin San, you are quite clever, aren''t you?" Ning Yuxi said coolly. "When you were searching for silver in Shandong, you were able to think of some rather cunning schemes. Do you think you could have attached this chain?"


    Attach the chain? Lin Wanrong paused and looked across the chasm. The closest peak was the one they had just climbed. Even so, the straight-line distance between the two was several hundred feet. A mist filled the air, making it impossible to see any figures, let alone hear any sounds from the opposite side. Considering how Ning Yuxi had led him through a perilous journey to reach this point, he felt a mixture of dread and gratitude. "I can''t say how this chain bridge was built, but I''m certain I couldn''t do it. There are many mysteries in this world that I, a mere mortal, cannot fathom. I don''t wish to be an immortal either."


    Ning Yuxi nced at him but said nothing. Both gazed into the distance, the flickering lights far away seeming like tiny stars in a brilliant night sky.


    ¡®I wonder if Ning¡¯er found Qingxuan? Can she understand me? When will shee? And what about Qiaoqiao, Yushuang, Yuruo, Xian¡¯er? They must be waiting for me in that distant light,¡¯ he thought, a sudden wave of emotion surging through him. His longing had never felt so sincere.


    Reading his thoughts, Ning Yuxi spoke calmly, "This boundless mortal world, full of colorful flowers and willows, dazzling mour and various human follies; do you like it?"


    "As an ordinary man, what else could I like if not these?" Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly.


    "That makes sense," Ning Yuxi nodded. "Youugh, you fight, you curse, but you can never sit still. It would be a miracle if someone of your temperament could stay here for even a moment. The whirlpool of mortal attachments indeed suits you well."


    Confused by the Buddhist talk and fate, Lin Wanrong could hardly grasp what was on the Fairy''s mind. He offered a sheepishugh and chose not to respond.


    Ning Yuxi felt a subtle sense of pleasure holding the renowned and ever-adaptable Lin San in the palm of her hand. With a slight smile, she brushed her flowing hair aside, and with her Autumn Water Sword, she created dazzlingly brilliant arcs of sword light. "Do you recognize this?"


    "What a massive sword!" Lin Wanrong eximed in awe.


    Ning Yuxi rested her sword''s de on the iron chain and smiled, "You should recognize this too."


    "It''s an iron chain¡ªa celestial path leading to the mortal world," Lin Wanrong''s expression drastically changed. He lunged forward, "Fairy Sister, what are you nning to do?"


    "Nothing much," Ning Yuxi said with an aloof smile. "I simply wish to turn you into an immortal."


    Her sword swung with the grace of flowing water. With a sharp nk, the hundred-foot iron chain broke from its anchor and descended. Its pace quickened, disappearing into the clouds until only the faint sounds of the chain striking the cliff on the other side could be heard.


    "Aah¡ª" Lin Wanrong yelled as he reached to grab the broken chain, but he was too slow. Nearly stumbling, he caught himself just in time.


    ¡®Be an immortal, be an immortal. I''m really going to be a damn immortal,¡¯ he inwardly muttered, staring at the chain that had plummeted. His demeanor instantly deted, and he slumped to the ground.


    What is it like to be so close yet worlds apart? To be separated from loved ones for a lifetime? Finally, he understood Ning Yuxi''s intentions. How torturous it would be for a man as lively and freedom-loving as him to be trapped on this deste peak, forever parted from his wife while watching the colorful tapestry of human life unfold below. All his grand ambitions¡ªto conquer Goryeo, to fight off the Turks¡ªhad turned into the world''s greatest joke because of this mountain.


    Ever since she met Lin Wanrong, Ning Yuxi had only seen him spirited and passionate. She had never seen him so dejected. Had she won? A mist appeared in her eyes as she turned her head, leaving her feeling strangely empty, unsure of what to think.


    A deathly silence. The unbearable moment seemed to stretch into a millennium. Lin Wanrong, usually so talkative, remained silent for hours. Even Ning Yuxi, for all her self-possession, couldn''t stand the heaviness. The absence of his voice made her feel oddly ufortable.


    "Do you hate me?" she abruptly asked, noticing the grey in Lin Wanrong''s eyes and feeling an oppressive emotion closing in on her.


    "Why should I hate you?" Lin Wanrong took a deep sigh and then broke intoughter. "As you said, you''ve been fair. We''ve been linked by this hundred-foot chain in life and death. You didn''t abandon me, nor did I abandon you. This mountain that traps me, doesn''t it trap you as well?" He burst intoughter, suddenly standing up, his eyes shining, "What''s wrong with bing immortals together?"


    Ning Yuxi stood at the edge of the cliff, allowing the mountain wind to whip her skirt and long hair, looking like a statue of a fairy. Soft celestial music filled the air as she began to sing softly:


    "People say heaven is wonderful, where immortals are carefree. But how many tears lie behind sess? Immortals are without worries, casting fame and fortune aside. To be like them, you must forget all gains and losses. Heaven is wonderful, so is the mortal world¡ª"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 439

    Chapter 439 The Death of a Robust Man


    The melody was crisp, akin to the gentle fall of pearls on a jade te, serene and ethereal, as if sounds from beyond the heavens were cleansing the soul. Ning Yuxi stood on the cliff in her ethereal white robes. Moonlight graced her pale, beautiful cheeks, her demeanor as profound as the heavens and the earth themselves. Lin Wanrong stood close to her, listening to her soft singing and felt a sudden surge of tranquility. Listening to this celestial music amid soaring clouds was perhaps the happiest moment of his life. In that instant, the mor of the mundane world seemed to have distanced itself from him.


    As the melody came to an end, Ning Yuxi was thoroughly absorbed in the splendid ambiance she had created. A light mist appeared in her eyes as she stood silently, serene in her countenance.


    "Beautifully sung, beautifully sung," a yful voice chimed in beside her. "I never knew that even a fairy like you would sing bads. I haven''t heard any in a long while. Thest I heard was in Jinling, the song was either ''Seventeen Touches'' or ''Neen Touches.'' I''ve read so muchtely that I''ve forgotten."


    "It¡¯s ''Eighteen Touches,''" Ning Yuxi, still engrossed in the celestial atmosphere she had created, vaguely heard him and casually replied.


    "Ah yes, ''Eighteen Touches,''" Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I never knew that the tune was so famous, even you remember it clearly. I wonder if you would grace us with a few verses."


    Realizing the impropriety of her own words, Ning Yuxi hurriedly let out an internal curse, a tinge of blush spreading across her cheeks. Lin San''s casualment had shattered the serene atmosphere, as if she had fallen from a celestial realm back into the worldly dust. The feeling infuriated her.


    "If you speak again, I will cut off your tongue," Ning Yuxi red at him, infuriated.


    "Even without a tongue, I would speak," Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed. "This mountain peak is so high and cold, perpetually shrouded in mist. Apart from us, there¡¯s not even a shadow to be found. Asking me not to speak is like asking me to jump off this cliff.""Then go ahead and speak," Ning Yuxi replied indifferently. "I hope you still find such enthusiasm ten years from now."


    Thement struck a nerve with Lin Wanrong. Being a jovial man, the idea of spending a lifetime on this deste peak was worse than death to him. Ning Yuxi knew his temperament well; her single remark had effectively deted his spirit.


    The peak soared high, far removed from worldly concerns, where years and months had no meaning. Only the moonlight, pure as water, and the deepening night sky indicated the ceaseless cycles of days and months. Silence fell between the two, giving Lin Wanrong an opportunity to take in the sights around the peak.


    The mountain upied a vast expanse, its surface punctuated by jagged rocks of varying heights. Hidden within were expanses of forests, bamboo and pine trees with deep roots and flourishing branches. Between the rocks and in the forest, the ground was covered in blooming flowers. Many were nameless, far surpassing the flora of the valleys below in their vibrant colors.


    Close to the forest, a natural cave formed on the rocky face, its depths unfathomable. Beside the cave was a greenke, its water clear and pure. Bubbles emerged from the middle, suggesting a lively spring beneath. Warm mist rose steadily from theke¡¯s surface.


    Hot springs? Lin Wanrong was overjoyed at the sight and hurried toward the spring. He was quick, but someone was even quicker. Before he had taken more than a few steps, a whoosh of wind passed by his ear. Fairy Ning darted forward like a bolt of lightning, her face filled with delight. Yet, she stopped as she reached the edge of the spring.


    ¡®Could it be that the fairy wants to bathe with me?¡¯ He chuckled and caught up to her. Testing the water, he found the surface to be slightly hot, while the depths werefortably lukewarm.


    "Angelica, Seven-Leaf Orchid, Honeysuckle, Mandrake¡ª" He looked at the abundance of rare herbs spread all around them. Fairy Ning couldn''t contain her happiness and picked one. Just as she was about to sniff it, a loud ''plop'' echoed¡ªlike something heavy had fallen into the water.


    Startled, she saw a pile of clothes scattered not far away. Circles of ripples were spreading slowly across the water, vanishing in the blink of an eye.


    ¡®Where is Lin San?¡¯ Her heart tightened. She scanned her surroundings, but it was eerily silent, and he was nowhere in sight. Just as she was about to call out for him, a head surfaced from the water. Shaking off the droplets from his hair, Lin Wanrong smiled and waved, "Sister, I''m here."


    Half of Lin Wanrong''s body was submerged, the mist from the hot springs enveloping him. His muscr arms were visible, and he looked extremely pleased with himself.


    Fairy Ning shot him a nce, her face flushed. She turned the flower in her hand into a gust of wind that she aimed directly at him. "You shameless man, undressing in front of ady. Do you think I won''t kill you?"


    "Whether you kill me is up to you, but whether I undress is my decision. Being good at undressing has always been one of my strong suits." The vibrant flower barely missed his ear. Rubbing his reddened ear, Lin Wanrong chuckled, "The water is really warm. Fairy Sister, why don''t you join me? I can give you a massage."


    Amidst the red and green nts, by the hot spring, and with a muscr man adorned with wildflowers¡ªthe situation was indeed bizarre. Fairy Ning''s face reddened further. She angrily scoffed and kicked his clothes into the water. "This is a paradise, an earthly Eden. Its beauty is ruined by shameless, disrespectful men like you!"


    Avoiding eye contact with his bare upper body, she quickly skirted around the hot spring and headed toward a cave. Lin Wanrong wiped off the water droplets from his hair andughed, "We are born into this world bare, and I have merely returned to my original state. What is there to be ashamed of? We are alone here, a man and a woman, in primeval chaos like when Pangu created the world. Why bother with norms and shame? Why not return to our origins together? Hey, hey, Fairy Sister, don''t walk so fast, I''m afraid of the dark!"


    Ignoring him, Fairy Ning continued into the cave, not looking back once. Lin Wanrong sshed some spring water onto his face, feeling waves offort wash over him. ¡®Fairy Sister is highly skilled in martial arts; she must have gone in to eliminate demons and protect me. How virtuous, how virtuous.¡¯


    Since he had arrived at this secluded peak, there seemed to be no immediate way down. He consoled himself with the thought that it was a sort of hot spring vacation,plete with thepany of a beautiful fairy. He was always good atforting himself, and after the initial phase of hesitation, he became more resolute.


    He soaked in the hot spring, closing his eyes and catching some sleep. Refreshed, he meticulously washed the clothes that the fairy had tossed aside. He thought to himself, ¡®Although I have reached a state of being one with nature, Fairy Ning has yet to realize this. If I go bare and she does not, that would be unfair to me. Better put my clothes back on.¡¯


    He slipped his still-damp clothes back on, and the mountain wind raised goosebumps all over his body. He sneezed a few times and grumbled, ¡°I must enlighten you, and together we will progress to the primitive society.¡±


    By the hot spring¡¯s edge, in the forest, bamboo shoots had sprouted, and several bamboo trees fromst year had grown quite robust. Feeling discontented, he forcefully uprooted a green bamboo and headed toward the cave, swinging it around.


    The stone cave was ancient and tranquil, its walls smooth. Stctites dripped slowly, exuding a serene scent. Walking further in, he noticed dim light emanating from up ahead. As he approached, he saw Ning Yuxi sitting cross-legged on a stone bench, her eyes slightly closed. An ancient-looking oilmp flickered on a stone table, while a bonfire burned robustly a few feet away.


    "Fairy Sister, where did you find thismp and firewood?" He eagerly approached the bonfire. Given her martial prowess, Ning Yuxi had no need for a fire¡ªclearly, she had prepared it for him.


    "Can''t you see for yourself? This cave has been inhabited many years ago. All these were left by them," Ning Yuxi responded indifferently. Lin Wanrong surveyed the room. There were tables, chairs, beds, as well as farming tools and a pestle for grinding medicine in one corner.


    People had indeed been here, Lin Wanrong nodded. Whoever had been on this peak before must have been an herbalist. Not only had they set up iron chains but had also lived here for a long time, even if the traces had now mostly faded away.


    Sitting by the bonfire, steam rose from his damp clothes, making him feel cozy but ufortable. Yet, with the fairy so close by, even this shameless man didn''t dare disrobe in her presence. He fidgeted ufortably in his seat.


    Ning Yuxi''s face turned a slight shade of red. She stood up to leave, but Lin Wanrong, rmed, quickly grabbed her sleeve. "Sister, where are you going? Please don¡¯t leave; I¡¯m scared to be here alone!"


    ¡®As if I¡¯d believe that!¡¯ Ning Yuxi¡¯s face flushed even more. She smiled slightly and broke free from his grasp, handing him her precious sword. "If you''re afraid, use this for protection. But be careful, don''t hurt yourself¡ªand if you do, make sure I don''t see it. Also, don''t leave this stone chamber; otherwise, if something happens, no one can save you."


    ¡®What do you mean? You want to kill someone for this?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment. Fairy Ning shoved her precious sword into his hand and disappeared around a corner before he could say anything more. He was used to her aloof nature by now. With her martial skills, no one could harm her, and the sword would be more useful in his hands anyway.


    Ning Yuxi had deliberately left him alone. The stone chamber was now his domain. He took off his damp clothes and hung them by the fire to dry, theny on the stone bed and sighed contentedly. The events of tonight felt as unbelievable as a myth. Having survived life-or-death situations only to be trapped on a remote peak, he found himself strangely content, especially with thepany of such a heavenly beauty. He thought to himself, ¡®I''ve got time to kill. In a situation like this¡ªjust the two of us and a roaring fire¡ªif nothing happens, it''d be a real shame.¡¯


    He chuckled lewdly, his mind wandering. His gaze fell upon a few slender bamboo stalks in the corner. He jumped off the bed, drew Ning Yuxi''s precious sword with a swoosh, and felt its chilling de against his skin. What a sword, what a sword, he thought. He blew on it a few times, and with a swift motion, he chopped the bamboo into several sections. The bamboo had grown for many years and was as thick as an adult''s forearm, but under the de, it was cut as easily as if it were rotten wood. Remembering how he had nearly lost his life that night, Lin Wanrong unconsciously touched his neck.


    After skillfully trimming the bamboo sections, he sighed deeply, sweat appearing on his forehead. Such delicate work was exhausting. More than half an hour had passed, his clothes were dry, but the fairy had not returned.


    Could she have been eaten by wolves? he worried. Dropping the bamboo on the ground, he quickly donned his clothes and, holding the sword Fairy Ning had left behind, he headed out. The path was quiet; not a sound could be heard. His concern growing, Lin Wanrong gripped the sword tightly and quickened his pace.


    Reaching the entrance of the cave, he found it partially blocked by a pile of loose stones, about knee-high. This wasn''t the case when he had entered. Lin Wanrong felt his heart tighten. He leapt onto the pile and yelled, "Fairy Sister, where are you?"


    "Stay away!" A frantic voice came from outside the cave. Lin Wanrong recognized it as Ning Yuxi''s.


    Could it be that some rogue was harassing her? Drawing his sword, Lin Wanrong shouted righteously, "Sister, don''t worry! I''ming to save you¡ªouch!"


    As he hurried toward the mouth of the cave, his foot sank into the pile of stones. It was a trap, set deliberately with a few dry twigs as a disguise. His feet plunged into the stones up to his knees, the jagged edges scraping his legs painfully. As he screamed, he opened his eyes and was struck dumb by the sight before him.


    The hot spring was enveloped in mist, where an incredibly beautiful woman bathed, her radiant face and snowy neck submerged in the water, and her long hair trailing down into the pool. Her skin was as delicate as jade, her shoulders as smooth as silk, and her ample chest mostly submerged in the spring. The water seemed to hesitate around her, as if unwilling to flow past such beauty. The mist made her cheeks flush red. Her expression was a mixture of embarrassment, annoyance, and an indescribable allure that words couldn''t capture.


    "Sister, I did it on purpose¡ªah, no, no, I didn''t mean to!" Lin Wanrong''s eyes were fixed on the beautiful sight before him, to the point that he even forgot the pain in his legs.


    "Turn away now!" Ning Yuxi let out a desperate cry, hurriedly submerging her bare shoulders into the water.


    "My legs are stuck; I can''t move!" Lin Wanrong chuckled smugly to himself. Good heavens, if this was a trap, he would dly fall into a hundred more like it.


    "Cover your eyes!" Ning Yuxi spat out through gritted teeth. She had set this trap to ward off wolves, never expecting it to be his excuse for inaction.


    "Oh." Lin Wanrong obeyed, dutifully covering his eyes, although his fingers were spread wide apart.


    "You scoundrel, I''ll kill you!" Flustered and exasperated, Ning Yuxi could not hold back any longer. She pulled a jade hairpin from her hair and, with a flick of her wrist, hurled it through the air with a whooshing sound.


    Lin Wanrong quickly ducked his head, feeling the force of the wind as the hairpin skimmed past his neck, leaving him drenched in cold sweat. Had he reacted a momentter, his neck would have been pierced. Clearly, Ning Yuxi was truly furious.


    ¡®Uh-oh, she''s not ying around anymore.¡¯ Breaking into a cold sweat, Lin Wanrong somehow mustered the strength to free his legs from the crevice in the rock. He immediately turned and ran into the cave.


    "I''ll kill you, you thief!" Tears rolled down Ning Yuxi¡¯s cheeks as she grabbed a handful of stones from the bottom of the pool. Channeling all her strength, she hurled them toward the cave entrance like a shower of stars. The stones smashed against the cave wall, each shattering to pieces, demonstrating the force behind her throw.


    "Ahhh!" A bone-chilling scream echoed from the cave, followed by the sound of a body thudding to the ground.


    Ning Yuxi paused, her hand still poised to throw more hidden weapons. She listened intently; the cave was deathly silent, not a sound to be heard.


    "Think you can fool me by ying dead?" She gritted her teeth and unleashed another volley of hidden weapons, albeit with less force and speed this time.


    Silence! No shrieks or cries, Lin Wanrong¡¯s voice had vanished as if swallowed by ghosts, never to be heard again.


    "You dare to y dead?" Ning Yuxi¡¯s fingers trembled slightly, an inexplicable sense of dread washing over her. "Speak up, speak up now, or I swear I''ll chop you into eighteen pieces!"


    Despite her threats, the cave remained eerily quiet, offering no response. Her face turned pale, and she leapt gracefully from the pool, her wless body appearing ethereal in the moonlight. She hastily draped her clothes over herself and rushed toward the cave''s entrance.


    As she peered into the cave, she froze. Lying at the entrance was a strapping figure with broad shoulders and a powerful chest. On his ear hung a wildflower she had gifted him; she would recognize this robust man even if he turned to ashes. Hey there motionless, as silent as the grave, utterly lifeless.


    "You dare to deceive me!" Ning Yuxi¡¯s face was as white as snow, and her heart felt empty. Her body wavered, and she leaned against the wall, tears streaming down her face. Her mind went nk, unable to think of anything else.


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 Chapter 440

    Chapter 440 The Tender Summit


    Inside the cave, silence prevailed. Sporadic gusts of icy wind whistled through, cutting the stillness. Lin San, who had been animated just moments ago, nowy motionless on the ground. Ning Yuxi''s heart was a blur, her body trembling. She took tentative steps towards him. Though the distance spanned only a few steps, it felt like an eternity.


    Lin Sany there, his face deathly pale. There was no sound of breathing, and his hand still clutched the treasured sword that Ning Yuxi had given him.


    "So, you''re dead then?" Ning Yuxi gently crouched down, tears slowly falling. "I risked my life to save yours on Hundred-Foot Chain, only for you to humiliate meter. Good riddance; you deserved to die. I''ve always despised you¡ªutterly despised you."


    Her small hand trembled as her face disyed a mixture of tears andughter. Slowly reaching toward his cheek, a trace of tenderness filled her eyes. "High above on the celestial mountain, separated from the mundane world, who you are and who I am no longer matter. I wanted to find someone to spend my waning years with. Yet you humiliated me like this¡ª"


    "All my life, I''ve been devoted to the Way, indifferent in my dealings, neverpeting with anyone. But for you, I''ve felt both anger and resentment. Even if I became an immortal, I''d be one who had vited precepts. You enjoy the bustling world, so I''ll trap you here for a lifetime. You may loathe and hate me, but you can do nothing about it¡ªgood that you''re dead. No one will ever humiliate me again. I''ll remain peacefully beside you, reminiscing the days when you tormented me, cultivating my karmic path for reincarnation, letting you humiliate me once more in the next life."


    As she spoke, her tears continued to flow. Her hand touched Lin San''s face, only to find it warm and moist, his breath present. He was no corpse but a living being.


    "You, you¡ª" Ning Yuxi was rmed. She leapt to her feet, wiping the tears from her eyes and fiercely kicking him in the leg. "You faking little thief, I''ll kill you!"


    Lin Wanrong could no longer hold his breath. Taking a deep sigh, he opened his eyes and grinned, "Sister, I never said I was dead. You simply assumed. Ouch, stop kicking!"Mocked by him, Ning Yuxi felt mentally devastated, devoid of anypassion. She kicked him brutally again. Lin Wanrong yelped in pain but then stared at her, his eyes glowing as he forgot his pain.


    Ning Yuxi, seeing that her blows didn''t elicit cries of pain, found it puzzling. ncing at him, she noticed his gaze focused on her chest, drool extending from the corner of his mouth.


    Taking a quick look at herself, she gasped, her face turning crimson. She had just bathed and, thinking Lin San was dead, had rushed over without properly dressing. Her clothes were disheveled, her long skirt hade undone, revealing her slender, elegant legs. Her ample bosom was barely contained by a thin inner garment, the contours clearly visible.


    "You little thief!" Ning Yuxi, usually asposed as a fairy, had never felt so wretched. Both her body and spirit had been toyed with. Overwhelmed by shame and anger, tears flooded her eyes. With a powerful kick to Lin San''s behind, she leapt further into the cave like a flying arrow.


    Lin Wanrong let out a groan as he tumbled several times on the ground, feeling pain surge throughout his body. He had already been dealt a heavy blow to the chest while crossing the chain bridge, and now another thump on his backside. Even an iron man would have found it unbearable.


    Lying on the ground, he gasped for air, but his heart swelled with smug satisfaction. ¡®Lucky that I made it out in time,¡¯ he thought, ¡®I''ve certainly gotten an eyeful today. Fairy Ning¡¯s figure is truly remarkable¡ªcurvaceous and slender. She and Sister An can surely hold their own in a beauty contest. To think that I managed to take advantage of her makes me probably the luckiest man in the world.¡¯


    After basking in his own glory for a moment, he felt rejuvenated, and even the pain in his body seemed to diminish. His clothes were torn and tattered, and his trousers below the knee were shredded into strips. His shins were covered in scrapes, all thanks to the stone trapsid by Fairy Ning. Yet,pared to the advantages he had gained tonight, these trifles were insignificant.


    He rested at the entrance of the cave for a brief moment, listening intently but hearing no sound from within. He wondered about Fairy Ning''s condition. Pushing himself off the ground, he stifled the pain in his legs and tiptoed inside.


    He had barely reached the entrance of the stone chamber when a gust of wind hit him. Various objects flew toward him as Fairy Ning''s voice, filled with loathing, rang out, "You shameless thief! Get out! I never want to see you again!"


    Lin Wanrong quickly dodged, and the objects fell to the ground with a tter. It turned out they were bamboo tubes he had been fixing earlier.


    He hid beside the entrance to the stone chamber and cautiously spoke, "Fairy Sister, do you intend to separate from me? If so, please return my belongings."


    "What connection do I have with a shameless thief like you? What is there to return?" Ning Yuxi scoffed, clenching her fists tightly. Just thinking about Lin San¡¯s misdeeds made her so furious she wished she could cut him in half.


    Lin Wanrong sighed, saying resignedly, "It''s not a big deal. I simply ask you to return my heart."


    "Shameless!" Ning Yuxi''s heart raced as she picked up another object and hurled it at him. "Leave! I never want to see you again!"


    With a ng, an ancient medicinal hoe struck the wall and broke in two. Lin Wanrong leapt up in rm. "Why are you so heartless? Why should I ''leave''? Can''t I just ''walk away''?"


    Outside, the sound of footsteps faded away, suggesting the shameless thief had retreated. Fairy Ning let out a long sigh and looked at the scattered items in the room, astonished. ¡®Did I do all this? How did ite to this?¡¯


    She was naturally calm and peaceful, and had never had a heated argument with anyone. But today, Lin San had enraged her to the point of madness. Her usualposure had vanished, leaving her feeling lost and afraid.


    Lin Wanrong took a few steps and sat down in a corner, leaning against the cold rock wall. There was no fire, and the temperature was far different from the warmth inside the stone chamber. ¡®Fortunately, I still have Fairy Sister''s precious sword,¡¯ he thought, picking up the discarded bamboo tubes. With great care, he began to carve.


    In the dead of night, the stone cave was chillingly cold. Ning Yuxi sat cross-legged for a while, her gaze falling upon the dim oilmp and the zing bonfire, but her thoughts refused to settle. It was cold outside, but how was that scoundrel faring? She suddenly shook her head and spat softly, ¡°Who cares what he''s doing. It would be best if he froze to death.¡±


    Just as she was about to fall asleep, there was a soft rustling noise. Something rolled into the cave from the entrance. She focused her eyes and saw that what had rolled in was a short, thick bamboo tube. It stopped right in front of her, and a brass wire was threaded through the bottom of the tube, extending all the way to the bend of the cave''s entrance outside.


    "What is this?" Ning Yuxi was puzzled as she picked up the bamboo tube and examined it closely. A small hole was drilled at the bottom, and the brass wire was inserted through it. Tied to the other end of the wire was a piece of porous charcoal. It looked very strange.


    On this isted peak, there were only two living beings, and it was obvious that this was Lin San''s mischief. She wasn''t surprised that he had found some brass wire among the tools left by previous inhabitants of the cave, but what exactly was he up to?


    After fiddling with the tube for some time without figuring anything out, she was about to lose patience when a voice suddenly came from the tube, "Sister¡ª"


    "Ah!" Ning Yuxi jumped, inadvertently dropping the tube. ¡®How did I hear Lin San speak?¡¯


    She waited for a moment, and the cave remained eerily quiet. Was it possible she had misheard? Carefully, she put the tube to her ear again, but heard nothing.


    Feeling a tinge of disappointment, she was about to put the tube down when an annoying voice came from it, "Sister, have you gone to bed yet?"


    There was no mistake this time; the voice indeed came from the bamboo tube. Astonished, Ning Yuxi wondered, how did Lin San manage to get inside the tube?


    "Where are you? How are you speaking to me?" She asked, her voice tinged with a tremor.


    "Sister, please speak into the tube. Ah, actually, I don¡¯t even know where I am," Lin San¡¯s voice carried a mixture of deep longing and subtle agony. "In my dreams, I met the Goddess of Xiang River. She said this bamboo was a manifestation of her spirit and asked me what my unfulfilled wish was. I initially wanted her to take me off the mountain, but I couldn''t bear leaving you here all alone. So, I told the bamboo that I wanted to talk to you. When I woke up, I found myself inside this bamboo. Yes, you''re touching me right now."


    ¡®What a genius I am,¡¯ Lin San chuckled silently, hiding in a corner of the cave. He was extremely pleased with the "telephone" he had crafted.


    "So, you can''te back now?" Ning Yuxi''s voice was tinged with doubt and a certain cold detachment.


    "Theoretically, no, I can''t return. However¡ª" Lin San drew out his words with a mysterious tone, "the Goddess said that if you would be willing to kiss the bamboo tube, she would allow me to transform back into human form."


    "Really?" Ning Yuxiughed coldly. "At least you¡¯re aware that you¡¯re not in human form now. Then just stay like that! Wait for someone to kiss you so that you can be human again."


    "Sister, how could you be so heartless? Huh, the voice sounds so close. Could the phone be broken? Why are there a pair of embroidered shoes here?" He looked up to find Ning Yuxi standing before him, holding a bamboo tube, a cold smile on her face.


    "Ah, I have feet and hands again, I''ve returned to human form. Fairy Sister, thank you so much!" Lin San sprang up in joyful surprise, cold sweat covering his forehead.


    The man had no shame! Seeing his antics, Ning Yuxi wanted tough but suppressed it. Noticing that he was thinly d, his lips ck from the cold, and his body shivering, she hurriedly lowered her head, hummed, and turned away.


    ¡®Damn it, I''ve been exposed so quickly,¡¯ Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat from his forehead and sat down dejectedly on the ground.


    "Come in and talk!" A faint voice suddenly came from the bamboo tube. Thanks to the activated charcoal tied inside the tube, he was able to hear it.


    "Fairy, are you talking to me?" Lin Wanrong was overjoyed and shouted into the tube. Silence fell on the other end, no further messages came.


    Quickly gathering the items at his feet into his arms, he reached the entrance of the stone chamber and cautiously peered in. He saw Ning Yuxi casually sitting on the bed, fiddling with the magical bamboo tube, seemingly unaware of his arrival.


    "Sister, I''ming in." Having learned from his previous mistake, Lin San announced his entry beforehand.


    Ning Yuxi did not respond, neither lifting her head nor acknowledging whether he was allowed in or not.


    Not one to fear easily, Lin Wanrong carefully took a step in. Seeing that Fairy Ning had no unusual reactions, he finally rxed and strode in.


    The bonfire zed, and warm air greeted him. Lin Wanrong sat down on the ground, tears of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank God, thank the goddess of Xiang river, I''ve finally returned to the world of the living."


    Seeing his emotional state, a smile crossed Ning Yuxi''s face. She softly asked, "Did you make this talking bamboo tube? What''s it called?"


    "As long as the Fairy doesn''t resort to violence, everything''s negotiable," Lin Wanrong rxed seeing Ning Yuxi y with the tube. He smiled and said, "This? It''s called a municator,'' mytest invention. Two people can talk from a great distance. Quite magical."


    Ning Yuxi smiled faintly, "Talk from a great distance? Can wemunicate from the top and bottom of this mountain?"


    "Not at this stage, but definitely in a hundred years," Lin Wanrong answered with a smile.


    "That''s good," said Fairy Ning indifferently, "In a hundred years, we''ll no longer be in this world. Whomunicates with whom won''t concern us. What matters is now."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly. He understood her intentions¡ªFairy Ning nned to keep him trapped on this peak indefinitely. Lin Wanrong didn''t argue; warmth was the priority, other matters could wait.


    The chamber fell silent. Lin Wanrong picked up the remaining bamboo segments and continued carving. Ning Yuxi''s mood seemed to gradually improve; she looked thoughtful at times, and at others, she smiled as she yed with themunicator. She nced at Lin San to find him holding her treasured sword, carving small notches into the bamboo edges, tightly fitting several long bamboo segments together. It appeared that he had sessfully connected three or four of them.


    "What is this?" Ning Yuxi inquired curiously.


    "It''s a rudimentary telescope! Take a look," Lin Wanrong said, handing her the bamboo tube with a smile.


    Ning Yuxi lifted the tube to her eye and peered through it. To her surprise, she saw another eye blinking back at her. Startled, her heart pounding, she quickly set the telescope down and stammered, "What in the world is this? Stop ying tricks."


    "The telescope stillcks some lenses. I don''t have the materials, so this is as good as it gets. But it does focus and extend your vision," he chuckled awkwardly.


    Between talk tubes and telescopes, his resourcefulness seemed to know no bounds. No wonder the Fairy Hall was defeated by him; they stood no chance. A flood of mixed emotions welled up in Ning Yuxi as she recalled the origin of their enmity.


    "This talk tube is for you," Lin Wanrong said, stuffing both bamboo tubes into her hands. "Keep it well; it will be an artifact in the future."


    Ning Yuxi shook her head lightly, "What do I need this talk tube for? To talk to myself?" She handed it back to him, but then hesitated, took one tube back, and blushed slightly.


    Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter, only to wince in pain from his leg wound.


    "Serves you right," Ning Yuxi snapped, irritated by the sight of his leg marred with bruises and scrapes. "I told you to stay in the stone chamber, yet you deliberately went out to cause trouble. Next time, I''ll set a trap to snap both your legs, then see how you misbehave."


    Though she spoke harshly, she mysteriously produced a jar of ointment. As she opened it, a pleasant fragrance filled the air, indicating its potent qualities.


    Such a task of caring was hardly suited for a celestial being like her, Lin Wanrong thought. Nheless, he epted the ointment, tore a strip of cloth to use as a pad, and began applying it to his leg.


    Watching him clumsily try to apply the ointment to the back of his leg, Ning Yuxi frowned, took the pad from him, and snorted, "You''re just wasting my ointment. Sit still."


    A soothing sensation washed over him as Ning Yuxi knelt down to carefully apply the medicine. He had never seen such tenderness from her.


    Moved beyond words, Lin Wanrong suddenly grabbed Ning Yuxi''s small hand and softly said, "Sister, can we stop this endless fighting? We''re the only two people on this peak. If you die, I''ll be heartbroken; if I die, you''ll be lonely. I can endure hardship and poverty in my lifetime, but loneliness is unbearable."


    Ning Yuxi''s heart trembled. She hastily withdrew her hand and huffed, "I''m not afraid of loneliness. And who wanted to fight you? If you hadn''t provoked me, why would I have acted like that toward you?"


    "I''ve been wronged too; I didn''t actually see anything," Lin Wanrong replied, staring into her eyes and wearing an expression of utter sincerity.


    "You still say that?!" Ning Yuxi''s expression turned furious, her face flushing as she remembered the embarrassing moments. It was only because they were on this isted peak that she was so restrained. Had they been anywhere else, she would have already killed him.


    Above the lonely peak, within a humble chamber, under the dim yellow oilmp, Ning Yuxi spoke softly, expressing fleeting moments of mild irritation and embarrassment. Her cheeks were flushed, her beauty surpassing that of both heaven and earth. Lin Wanrong''s lips were dry as he murmured, "Yuxi, I¡ª"


    Ning Yuxi''s small hand paused, and her breathing became involuntarily erratic. It wasn''t the first time he had called her by name, but this time the impact seemed a hundredfold, as if the pounding of spring thunder were resonating in her soul.


    "What, what do you want to say?" Ning Yuxi was visibly flustered, her chest rising and falling rapidly, unsure of what to do.


    "Yuxi, I like¡ª"


    "Boom¡ª""Boom¡ª"


    The distant sound of cannon fire cut him off. Lin Wanrong''s expression changed instantly, and he shot up, "Qingxuan has arrived!"


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 441

    Chapter 441 The Heavenly Ladder


    "Sister, is Big Brother really on this mountain?" Luo Ning lifted the curtain of the carriage window and peered outside, her face full of worry. The moonlight was like water, illuminating the crumbling ruins of the Jade Buddha Temple with an eerie glow. In the vast darkness, distant peaks and ridges loomed, emanating an indescribable, icy allure.


    Sitting on a low couch, Xiao Qingxuan gently rubbed her belly and sighed. "It should be correct. Qiaoqiao, when you went to the Xiao family earlier, you didn''t see My Dear, did you?"


    Qiaoqiao softly hummed, her face filled with sadness. "When Sister Ning went to the pce to find you, I went to the Xiao family and even alerted the Madam and the Second Miss. At first, they also thought Big Brother was in the room. But after calling out to him for quite some time, there was no response. Helplessly, we broke in. The bed was still warm, but Big Brother had disappeared without a trace. The Madam and the Second Miss had no idea where he''d gone. The Second Miss was so anxious she even cried."


    "What''s there to cry about?" Ning''er''s eyes were red. "We entrusted them with a good husband, and they lost him. We''re already letting them off easy by not settling ounts. I noticed back in Jinling that the Xiao family¡¯s mother and daughter would order Big Brother around yet act cunningly. One moment they¡¯d scold him, the next they¡¯d reward him, making him unsettled. Big Brother is too soft-hearted; they''ve bullied him for so long that he''s actually grown attached. Once we find him tomorrow, I¡¯ll forbid him from entering my room for three days. Let''s see if he learns his lesson."


    Qiaoqiao''s face flushed as she thought, ¡®You wouldn''t evenst three cups of tea without him, let alone three days. It''ll be you pulling Big Brother into the room, for sure.¡¯


    Hearing Luo Ning''s straightforward words, Qingxuan shook her head and chuckled ruefully. This girl was even more jealous than her. She wondered how the Xiao family¡¯s mother and daughter had offended her.


    "It''s just a man. Is he really worth all this worry?" The young girl, Li Xiangjun,zily turned on the couch and extended her fair arm from under the silk quilt towards Xiao Qingxuan''s belly. "All this noise has kept me up. Honestly, it might be better without him. Then I could just share a room with you, Sis, and be happy. Sister, may I also¡ª"


    Her little hand reached toward Xiao Qingxuan''s protruding belly. Qingxuan flushed and lightly pped her hand away. "You cheeky girl, I''m talking with your elder sisters."Li Xiangjun¡¯s eyes reddened slightly. She huffed, "I just wanted to feel what the baby is like, not take advantage of you. Let me guess, if your husband wanted to touch, you''d be delighted. That man was already making waves early yesterday morning. You think I don¡¯t know? He¡¯s not even afraid he might hurt the baby¡ª"


    Qingxuan gasped, her face turning crimson. Ning''er chuckled and covered her red lips. "Sister, Big Brother is a scoundrel of the world; you mustn''t indulge him in everything. Little Sister Xiangjun, you sure are well-informed!"


    Li Xiangjun huffed again, not sparing her a nce. "I know a lot, indeed. Like a certain someone who cries out so sensuously in the middle of the night¡ª¡®Big Brother,e quickly!¡¯" She pinched her nose, imitating Luo Ning¡¯s seductive tone, capturing the essence perfectly.


    "I''ll get you, you little minx!" Ning''er''s face flushed a deep red. Though she was usually unreserved among her sisters, this was too much for her to bear. She lunged forward, chasing after the mischievous young girl. Li Xiangjun giggled and darted behind her senior sister, sticking her tongue out at Luo Ning.


    "Xiangjun, stop fooling around," said Qiaoqiao, the most mild-tempered of them all, as she pulled Li Xiangjun aside. The young girl looked at her gratefully and chuckled, "Qiaoqiao is always the kindest to me. No wonder that awful man dotes on you so much, holding you in his arms every night, even without his clothes on."


    Even the ever-patient Qiaoqiao couldn''t help but blush. Li Xiangjun was an oddball who always seemed to be up to something. ording to her, she had done her fair share of eavesdropping.


    Seeing the young girl tease everydy in the carriage, even her own senior sister, Ning''er felt more bnced. Sheughed, "Little sister Xiangjun, you''re both trained by the same master, so why is the gap between you and my sister Xiao so wide? You seem more like someone taught by my big brother, equally lecherous. Don''t get me wrong, I''m praising you. ''A gentleman loves beauty but is disciplined about it.'' That''s exactly how my big brother is!"


    Li Xiangjun''s diversion immediately lightened the mood in the carriage. Xiao Qingxuan, however, furrowed her brows and turned cold, "Xiangjun, you''re still young and ignorant. Who taught you all this nonsense? A youngdy should not speak so recklessly. What will be of you when you grow up?"


    Apparently fearful of Xiao Qingxuan, Li Xiangjun stopped her antics and quickly grabbed her hand, pleading, "Senior sister, I didn''t mean any harm. You''ve been daydreaming about your Dear Lin for the past six months. Master is often away, and I don''t get along well with the other sisters. So I just read some random books, that''s where I learned all this. Please don''t be mad. I promise I won''t act out again."


    "So it''s ack of guidance," mused Luo Ning, pulling Li Xiangjun behind her as she spoke up for her, "Sister, Xiangjun is still young and was just ying around. Don''t be too harsh on her. By the way, how are you so certain that my big brother is on this mountain?"


    The carriage fell silent as they turned to serious matters. Xiao Qingxuan sighed, "Both you, Ning''er, and My Dear speak with deep meanings. The cucumber carved with his name represents him. Telling the kitchen staff not to kill the cucumber means that my master intends to kill him."


    "Master''s back?" Li Xiangjun eximed in joy before noticing the murderous res from the women in the carriage. She promptly quieted down.


    Ning''er looked horrified, tears slowly streaming down her face, "Your master wants to kill my husband? What are we going to do? Sister, your martial arts are so strong, and your master is even more powerful, my big brother doesn''t stand a chance. If he''s gone, I won''t want to live either."


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head slowly but firmly, "Don''t panic, Ning''er. I understand my master''s character. She''s resolute and decisive. Think about it¡ªif she really wanted to kill My Dear, she would have done it already at the Xiao residence. Why would she bother taking him away?"


    This made sense to Luo Ning, and she regained someposure, "But if your master didn''t take him away to kill him, then why? They''re like fire and water; I can''t even imagine what they''re going through right now."


    Indeed, what could happen when her husband and her master were together? Would they fight? Miss Xiao felt an indescribable sense of worry. She shook her head and sighed softly, "I really can''t say. Only Master and My Dear would know. At this critical moment, we can''t afford to lose ourposure. We must remain focused so that My Dear can feel at ease. Although Master is a skilled martial artist, our husband has never relied solely on martial prowess to win. He has walked all the way from Jinling, facing numerous dangers yet always managing to turn peril into safety through wisdom and calction. If Master fails to kill him the first time, she will find it even harder thereafter. We must have faith in him."


    Xiao Qingxuan spoke rationally and reassuringly. As she pointed out, the best chance to kill Lin San was only once. Miss it, and he''d be as elusive as a cat with nine lives, impossible to kill.


    "Sister, do you know where Master has taken Big Brother? It''s so cold and damp up in the mountains; I wonder how manyyers of clothing he''s wearing. What if he catches a cold?" Qiaoqiao muttered, tears rolling down her cheeks.


    "I don''t know," Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and sighed, her heart even heavier than Qiaoqiao''s. On one hand was her master who had raised her and taught her martial arts; on the other was her lifelongpanion, her husband. How could she choose between them?


    "We''ll have to go up the mountain to find out. First, we''ll visit Master''s residence and then search the surrounding areas. I''ve already secured a military seal from the Emperor, allowing me to mobilize tens of thousands of soldiers from three different camps. We''ll search thoroughly within a twenty-mile radius and won''t retreat until my husband is found."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s words were tinged with determination. Born into a noble family, she carried herself with grace and poise,manding instant respect. Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao felt much more at ease after hearing her words.


    As they arrived in front of the Jade Buddha Temple, their convoy came to a halt. A rider galloped toward them from a distance, swiftly dismounting to kneel in front of the carriage, "General Hu Bugui, at your service, Princess Chuyun. Please give your instructions."


    Luo Ning recognized Hu Bugui. He had helped Lin Wanrong find the silver back in Shandong. ted, she grabbed Xiao Qingxuan''s arm and said, "Sister, this General Hu has been working with our husband and is quitepetent."


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded calmly, "I''m aware. When Ning''er summoned Xu Wei to the pcete at night to find me, I knew something had happened to My Dear. While requesting the military seal from the Emperor, I made sure to mobilize the old forces that my husband hadmanded in Shandong. They would be dedicated in their duties, making it easier for me to coordinate efforts."


    Indeed, Xiao Qingxuan was a royal princess, wise and seasoned, with a meticulous approach to problem-solving. Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao listened in admiration.


    "General, please rise," Xiao Qingxuan said softly from behind the curtain, "My Dear and I are husband and wife, already promised to each other by the Emperor. From now on, I''m a member of the Lin family, so don''t address me as ''Princess'' anymore. All of you are good brothers who have been through life and death with my husband. I''ll call you Brother Hu."


    "I dare not," Hu Bugui was overwhelmed with emotion as he kowtowed repeatedly, "Rest assured, Madam. General Lin is the backbone of our supply army. Without him, we are nothing. The soldiers under mymand have all fought bloodily alongside General Lin in Shandong. We will not allow anyone to harm even a hair on his head."


    "Indeed, a princess is a princess. With just a few simple words, you''ve won their hearts," Luo Ning admired, exchanging a nce with Miss Xiao. Xiao Qingxuan paused briefly. "If that''s the case, I''ll leave it to all of you. Brother Hu, please encircle this area within a radius of twenty miles. Conduct a thorough search, inward from the perimeter. Leave no stone unturned. Fire a cannon every half hour, so that My Dear knows we are close by."


    Xiao Qingxuan orchestrated the proceedings seamlessly. Hu Bugui quickly left to carry out the orders. Soon after, the first cannon fired, its roar echoing through the valley.


    Supported by Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning, Xiao Qingxuan stepped out of the carriage. As she heard the reverberating cannon fire, she lightly touched her protruding belly and gave a wry smile. "This child is truly unfortunate; its mother has just been freed, and now its father is imprisoned."


    Qiaoqiao fretted, "Sister, the mountain is cold, and the journey is hard. You are pregnant; you should not go up. Luo Ning and I can go find big brother."


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head firmly, "That won''t do. You two are not familiar with the mountain or the Master¡¯s habits. You might easily overlook important details. I am trained in martial arts and can handle myself. Don''t worry; we will find My Dear soon so our family can be reunited."


    Their pleas were in vain; they had no choice but to agree. Li Xiangjun, the little girl, pped her hands gleefully, "Wonderful! Both Master and Senior Sister are back, and so am I. This is indeed a family reunion."


    Tens of thousands of soldiers lit their torches and lined up to ascend the mountain. From a distance, it looked like a luminous staircase leading to the heavens. The four women walked amidst the army, their anxious hearts pushing their footsteps to be the fastest.


    Both Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan''s troops were the very soldiers that Lin Wanrong had personally led in Shandong. In everyone''s eyes, these insignificant soldiers became overnight heroes because of Lin Wanrong. General Lin was brave, righteous, and had an illustrious military record; who would not respect him?


    Upon learning that these women were the wives of General Lin, and among them was the renowned Princess Chuyun, the troops felt invigorated. They naturally formed a protective circle around the women, using their bodies to shield them from the chilling wind.


    "What are they doing? Can they really block the cold wind? How silly!" Li Xiangjun couldn''t understand the sentiment and began to mock the soldiers.


    "Silence!" All three women shouted in unison. Not just Qingxuan and Ning¡¯er, even the usually good-tempered Qiaoqiao changed her expression and red at her.


    Annoyed, Xiao Qingxuan snorted, "Xiangjun, you¡¯re too young to discern right from wrong. These soldiers are like ordinary folks; their emotions are the most sincere. They are not being good to us because I am a princess, or because you are attractive. They respect not us, but my husband."


    Qiaoqiao lowered her head, tears shimmering in her eyes. "The respect they have for big brother was won at the cost of his life. Don''t joke about this."


    Ning¡¯er¡¯s expression hardened. "Little sister, let me warn you very seriously. If you dare to speak like this in front of big brother, he will surely kill you."


    "Ah¡ª" Li Xiangjun, startled, burst into tears. "You''re all bullying me; I¡¯m going to find Master!" Stamping her small feet, she dashed toward the mountain and disappeared in an instant.


    The threedies exchanged nces, and Miss Xiao sighed, "Xiangjun is a bit headstrong but means no harm. Please don''t me her."


    "I don''t me her," Qiaoqiao said as she wiped her tears and held Ning''er''s hand, smiling. "Sister Ning''er, your recent mannerisms and expressions seem increasingly simr to big brother''s!"


    "Really?" Ning''er bashfully covered her cheeks, secretly pleased. "Where do I resemble him? That would be dreadful!"


    Qiaoqiao''s words served as a revtion. Even Miss Xiao was shocked. Hadn¡¯t this sort of talk always been exclusive to Lin San? How had it fallen to her? Truly, a woman takes after the man she marries.


    ¡ª---


    "Is that so?" Ning Yuxi''s demeanor suddenly changed, bing unutterably indifferent, a stark contrast from before. Lin Wanrong carefully spoke, "Fairy Sister, I don''t want to leave just yet. But Qingxuan is pregnant and has risked much to find me in these mountains. If something goes wrong, I''ll die heartbroken. As they say, better to be fickle than faithless. I¡¯ll just step out for a moment and return immediately¡ª"


    Ning Yuxi remained silent, eyes closed, a tranquil expression on her face, as if she hadn''t heard him at all.


    What was this attitude? Was she letting me go, or not? Lin Wanrong frowned, deep in thought. Finally, gritting his teeth, he thought, ¡®Ning''er, Qingxuan, Qiaoqiao¡ªthey''re all down the mountain. And Qingxuan is carrying a heavy burden. How could I abandon them? What kind of man would that make me?¡¯


    Determined, he stood up and walked to the door, then looked back to see the fairy sitting motionless on the bed. ''So be it,'' Lin Wanrong sighed deeply and walked away, never looking back.


    Ning Yuxi opened her eyes, looking at the medicinal salve and telescope tossed on the floor. The zing fire reflected on her face, tinged with a hint of unspoken sorrow.


    Exiting the stone cave, crossing the hot springs, he arrived at the cliff''s edge. Gazing into the distance through the mist, he could barely make out rows of lights at the bottom of the mountain, like fireflies, slowly moving upwards. Across from the Fairy Hall, obscured by clouds, the thundering sound of cannons was ceaseless.


    "I''m here, I''m here. Qingxuan, Qiaoqiao, Ning''er¡ª" cupping his hands around his mouth, he shouted down the mountain with all his might.


    The wind whisked his voice away, scattering it before it could travel even ten yards.


    ¡®I must have been hungry tonight,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, gritting his teeth. Gathering all his strength, he yelled at the top of his lungs. This towering peak, Thousand-Forsake Peak, was shrouded in mist and far removed from the closest Fairy Hall. Even if his voice were magnified a hundred times, no one would hear him, no one would see him. In the eyes of the world, he was but a speck of dust on this mountain peak, invisible to all.


    His shouts and leaps were all in vain. Having exhausted all his energy, his throat felt scorched. Overwhelmed by both fresh injuries and old pains, he copsed onto the ground, gasping for air. The Fairy was right; this peak was isted from the world, unreachable by human effort. Even if he screamed for a lifetime, no one would hear him.


    ¡®Am I really going to die here?¡¯ A sense of powerlessness washed over him. Lying on the cold ground, he let the icy wind blow over him,cking the energy to even stir.


    "Why have you stopped shouting?" A gentle voice came. Ning Yuxi stood at the entrance of the cave, her face radiant with an indescribable joy.


    "All I wanted was to speak a few words with Qingxuan. Why is it so difficult?" Looking up at the hazy stars, Lin Wanrong sighed, "Sister, you are Qingxuan''s master. You should care for her as I do. Can you bear to see her lose her husband, and her child lose its father?"


    Fairy Ning''s expression remained calm. "I do care for Qingxuan, but this situation is your doing. Everyone has to be responsible for their own actions. Did you consider the consequences when you attacked the Fairy Hall? This is your punishment."


    Facing the stubborn Ning Yuxi, he felt utterly helpless. He could only shake his head in resignation, his eyes fixed on the twinkling lights in the distance. Though close, they seemed worlds apart¡ªa feeling he knew he''d never forget.


    Seeing his dejected state brought an indescribable satisfaction to Ning Yuxi. The two sat silently, facing each other at the cave entrance. The mountain wind was cold, and Lin Wanrong was already numb, but he bore it silently. Ning Yuxi watched him, her eyes full of mysterious thoughts.


    After an indeterminate amount of time, shouts erupted from the mountain below: "General Lin, General Lin¡ª" Although the collective cry of tens of thousands was earth-shattering, it became ethereal by the time it reached the peak. Lin Wanrong leapt up, shouting, "I am here, Qingxuan, I am here!"


    A pir of fire suddenly rose in the distance, piercing the clouds. Lin Wanrong''s eyes moistened. This was a signal¡ªit had to be Qingxuan and Qiaoqiao.


    Fire? Fire! Startled, he turned and dashed back into the cave.


    "Are you looking for this?" Ning Yuxi held up a lighter, a faint smile on her lips.


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes brightened. He was about to nod when he realized something was amiss¡ª the Fairy wouldn''t be this cooperative.


    "Watch carefully!" With a cold expression, Ning Yuxi hurled the lighter over the cliff. It fell like a gust of wind, disappearing without a trace.


    "You¡ª" Lin Wanrong sprang to his feet, his heart already overwhelmed with fury. "You threw away the fire starter. What are we going to eat or drink now? How could you be so malicious?"


    "What did you say?" Ning Yuxi stood abruptly, her expression filled with indescribable sorrow and anger. "Say it again!"


    "I said you''re malicious. Am I wrong?" Lin Wanrong was infuriated, no longer retaining any pretense of politeness.


    "I¡ªI will kill you!" Tearfully, Fairy Ning shouted, her feet barely touching the ground as she lunged at him.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled disdainfully, holding his head high, "Go ahead and kill me; it won''t be the first time. Do you have anything else to offer other than martial arts?"


    "I''ll kill you, you little thief!" Ning Yuxi charged forward, her fist raised to strike him in the chest. Lin Wanrong steeled himself and took the hit squarely, a grunt escaping his lips as fresh blood trickled down from the corner of his mouth. Yet, he didn''t make a sound.


    Seeing his unyielding spirit, a pang of unspeakable pain struck Ning Yuxi''s heart. Her teeth clenched, she unleashed a volley of punches and kicks onto him.


    "If you can''t kill me, I''ll bite you to death!" Lin Wanrong spat out the blood at the corner of his mouth, his eyes gleaming fiercely.


    For some reason, seeing his ferocious eyes made Ning Yuxi''s heart quiver. Fearing him for a fleeting moment, she turned her head away and softened her blows.


    "Not daring to hit me anymore?" Lin Wanrong sneered, a trace of contempt in his eyes.


    Ning Yuxi was even more stubborn than him. Born never to bow her head, upon hearing his words, rage red up inside her. Gathering all her energy, she aimed a powerful double-palm strike at his chest.


    Lin Wanrong lowered his eyebrows slightly, a fleeting look of longing in his eyes, but not of fear. Fresh blood still flowed from the corner of his mouth, yet his face wore a strange, enigmatic smile.


    Seeing the fresh blood at the corner of his mouth, Ning Yuxi felt as if she had been stabbed in the heart. Realizing her palms were about tond, she dispersed her inner energy hastily. Her palmsnded softly, like tufts of cotton, on his body. Tears involuntarily flowed from her eyes.


    Seizing the opportunity of her emotional turmoil, Lin Wanrong swiftly embraced her slender waist and whispered into her ear, "Sister, I''m going to bite you!"


    "What are you trying to do¡ªumph¡ª" Ning Yuxi eximed in surprise as she was pulled into his arms, her lips met with his bloodstained, fervent kiss.


    Her heart rate surged, her mind going nk, unaware of anything. A mixture of sourness, bitterness, and sweetness overwhelmed her as if a bottle containing all vors had been upended in her heart. She struggled violently, raining punches and kicks on him, but they were feeble. Her ferocity seemed to have vanished.


    Lin Wanrong was not to be trifled with. Clenching his teeth, he drew her tender body closer into his embrace as they both tumbled onto the ground.


    Ning Yuxi seemed to have forgotten all her martial skills, behaving like a petnt woman as she thrashed around, punching and kicking him. Lin Wanrong tightly sped her lithe waist, pressing his lips onto her bright red mouth and refusing to let go,e what may.


    The two of them tumbled ceaselessly on the cliff, grappling with one another, neither willing to yield. Several times they rolled dangerously close to the cliff''s edge, about to plunge down together. Ning Yuxi''s heart trembled as she met Lin Wanrong''s fearless eyes; not knowing how to warn him, she could only return shyly to their previous position. To Lin Wanrong, it felt as though the celestial beauty before him had willingly kissed him. In that instant, he couldn''t help but hold her tighter. His hot tongue invaded her small mouth, seeking out her red, tiny tongue, and sucking on it passionately. Her mouth seemed to have a faint, indescribable sweetness that overwhelmed him.


    Ning Yuxi felt lightheaded and dizzy, as if she had lost herself. The only thing she remembered was: This man had overpowered me, I can''t defeat him, but I will never submit.


    On this isted peak, no one would disturb them. They embraced tightly, rolling around, back and forth countless times. Lin Wanrong''s head felt foggy, and his mouth had been bitten several times by Ning Yuxi. Blood seeped out, causing his lips to swell. Ning Yuxi''s willpower was extraordinary; another woman in her situation would have long given up, but she continued to struggle against Lin Wanrong, leaving their battle unresolved.


    Suddenly, with a yelp of pain, Lin Wanrong''s head collided with a rock, causing him to grimace. Tears nearly escaped his eyes, but he still clung tightly to Ning Yuxi''s waist. Theyy atop each other, panting heavily, staring into each other''s eyes.


    In a daze, Lin Wanrong noticed tears brimming in the corners of Ning Yuxi''s eyes. They were crystal-clear like pearls, trickling down andnding on his chest. For a moment, he was entranced and softly called out, "Sister..." He lifted his head to kiss her small mouth but felt a sudden sharp pain¡ªNing Yuxi had bitten his lip. Her tiny white teeth sunk into his flesh, and droplets of blood oozed out.


    Ning Yuxi sprang up, her clothes torn and disheveled. Her ample bosom and slender waist asionally revealed themselves, bursting with youthful allure. She didn''t care, though, and her tears flowed freely as she covered her cheeks and cried out, "How could this happen? I hate you, I hate you!"


    She had been reduced from her celestial grace, but had gained a touch of worldly charm. Coupled with her stunning face and clear teardrops, she seemed like the world''s most beautiful peach blossom, blooming atop the isted peak.


    Her small foot stomped on Lin Wanrong''s chest, going back and forth a few times. However, she couldn''t muster the strength, and in her teary-eyed vision, she couldn''t describe her mixed emotions. Sobbing, she covered her cheeks and rushed into a nearby cave.


    Chaos, utter chaos. Lin Wanrongy on the ground, taking deep breaths. ¡®Sister is Qingxuan''s master, Qingxuan is my wife, and here I am, alone with her master¡ªeverything''s aplete mess,¡¯ he thought. Just the memory of Ning Yuxi''s taste made his heart warm up again. Not only was she stunning in appearance and figure, but her strong-willed personality was unlike any he had ever encountered. The clingy tactics he usually disdained proved to be incredibly effective here.


    "Ah¡ª" he let out a long, loud cry, finally venting his pent-up emotions. His body was covered with injuries, and not a shred of his clothing remained intact. Worst of all, his lips had swollen like under-fermented steamed buns. Luckily, he was in a ce where no one could see him; otherwise, he would have been aughingstock.


    The cliff on the opposite side had been aze since the fire was kindled, and it never ceased. Amid the roaring mes, he thought he saw the smiling faces of Qingxuan, Ning''er, and the others. The taste of being so near yet so far was enough to break his heart.


    Hey still for a long while, concerned about the fairy inside the cave. Finally, unable to put his mind at ease, he mustered the strength in his fractured bones to walk inside.


    As soon as he entered the stone chamber, he saw Ning Yuxi seated on a couch. Herplexion changed from pale to flushed, her tears not yet dried. Her lips were slightly open and red, and her beautiful eyes were swollen from crying. Her dark hair hung down softly, and she seemed lost in thought. Her clothes were tattered and could no longer be worn.


    "Get out!" Ning Yuxi coldly huffed.


    "I won''t leave, even if it kills me," Lin San stubbornly replied. "Fairy Sister, can we talk?"


    "You won''t leave?" Seeing his swollen lips, Ning Yuxi was annoyed and embarrassed. She wished she could bite him again and suddenly stood up. "Then I will leave¡ª"


    Her expression was resolute, showing no sign of jest. Lin San quickly grabbed her and sighed, "Fine, I''ll leave. My skin is thick; I''ll be fine even if I freeze for ten or twenty days."


    Noting that the fairy made no attempt to stop him, he reluctantly exited. As he turned the corner, he saw the homemademunication device and picked up the bamboo tube, shouting loudly, "Hello, hello, sister, I like you, I like you. Did you hear me? Please reply if you did. Ou Wu Er!"


    What did Ou Wu Er mean? Ning Yuxi felt her face turning red as she grasped the bamboo tube. She thought to herself, ¡®Nonsense, sweet talker. I don''t believe you.¡¯ Her heart was pounding, a feeling she couldn''t describe. She almost threw the bamboo tube away several times but kept it eventually.


    After an indeterminate amount of time, she snapped back to reality. She opened her eyes to find that it was already dawn and there was a faint light outside. Lin San had gone silent, and she wondered what he was doing.


    Looking at her tattered clothes, she shook her head slightly. She could no longer wear her beloved white dress. She was on a cliff, isted¡ªwhere could she find a second set of clothes? She couldn''t hide from his gaze even if she were dressed; what would happen if she were not? Her face flushed at the thought. Pushing aside these concerns, she adjusted her appearance and slowly stepped outside.


    The mes on the opposite cliff had not been extinguished all night. It must have been Qingxuan''s idea. The sky was bright, mist was rising, and the clouds obscured everything. Neither sound nor sight could cross this distance; it would be strange if the others thought of looking here.


    She nced around but saw no sign of Lin San, which struck her as odd. Suddenly, she heard the sound of tinkling from the edge of the cliff. Panicked, she leapt over and found Lin San hanging onto a rock at the edge of the cliff. Half his body was leaning out as he held the precious sword, making tinkling sounds as he carved something into the cliffside.


    "Sister, you''re awake?" Lin San turned his head and smiled at her, dew still clinging to the hair beside his ear, his face flushed from the mountain wind.


    She clenched her teeth and grunted, averting her eyes, "What are you doing here?"


    "Your clothes are torn," Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, a look of regret in his eyes. "Don''t worry, one day I''ll get you new ones, and you''ll be the most beautiful woman in the world."


    "Don''t bother with sweet talk," Ning Yuxi retorted, her voice trembling slightly as she feigned indifference. "Aren''t you afraid of heights? What if I kick you off this cliff?"


    "I''ve grown ustomed to it," Lin Wanrong chuckled, going back to his work. The morning sun, breaking through the thin mist, illuminated his face, painting it a golden hue. Ning Yuxi looked at him silently, a warm feeling stirring within her. It made her heart tremble, though his swollen lips annoyed her enough to look away.


    Down the mountain, the search party''s steps never ceased. Every so often, horns would sound, and cannons would roar. Several times, distant drumming echoed from across the sea of clouds. At each of these moments, Lin Wanrong would stand and shout in that direction, hoping someone would hear him.


    It was all in vain. Ning Yuxi offered a faint smile, not stopping him. Watching him oscite between hope and disappointment was, in its own way, enjoyable.


    By midday, utterly exhausted, Lin Wanrong leaned back and sighed. Suddenly, a strange fragrance filled the air. Turning his head, he found some vibrantly red fruits wrapped in verdant leaves beside him. They were warm to the touch, obviously freshly washed in hot springs. Ning Yuxi looked away, refusing to make eye contact.


    "Sister, are you afraid I might fall?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, noting Ning Yuxi''s proximity. He picked a fruit and tasted it; it was wonderfully aromatic and vorful.


    "Who''s worried about you?" Ning Yuxi quickly backed away, snorting dismissively.


    After gobbling two fruits, Lin Wanrong nodded, "Fairy Sister, were these fruits washed in the hot springs?"


    "Why so many questions?" Annoyed, she took a small bite from a fruit, her movement graceful.


    "They taste wonderful. You must have bathed in the springst night!" Lin Wanrong chuckled, trying to gather the remaining fruits.


    "You''re asking for trouble!" Flushing red, Ning Yuxi flicked her fingers, sending the fruits plummeting into the ravine. Lin Wanrong broke into heartyughter and returned to his work.


    Ning Yuxi stood by his side, resisting several urges to see what he was doing. His teasing remarks made her grit her teeth and hold back.


    The army searching for Lin Wanrong had camped below the mountain. Every so often, they would call out his name, cannons firing and lights visible across the way. Lin Wanrong looked longingly in their direction, eyes moist. Once the calls ceased, he threw himself back into his work.


    Days and years seemed irrelevant in the mountain. Three days had swiftly passed. Each night, he slept outside the stone chamber. Although the fairy sister never invited him in, he always woke up inside, mysteriously relocated, while Ning Yuxi slept soundly on a bed far from his own.


    The army at the base of the mountain had never ceased their search, their mor growing louder by the day. Lin Wanrong could even faintly hear a woman''s cries among the noise. Gritting his teeth, he wished he could leap off the cliff right then.


    By the morning of the fourth day, unable to contain her curiosity any longer, Ning Yuxi peeked out. She saw that Lin Wanrong was carving a series of footholds into the cliffside, each with holes¡ªsteps that could be scaled by hand and foot.


    "What are you doing?" Her expression turned cold.


    "Building a staircase to the heavens," he chuckled. "This mountain may be thousands of feet high, but my energy is boundless. I''ve calcted it; if I keep up this pace, carving one or two steps each day, I''ll reach the base of the mountain in thirty years."


    "Thirty years?" Ning Yuxi sneered. "By then, you''ll be an old man. What would you go down for?"


    "It doesn''t matter how old I am," Lin Wanrong sighed softly. "What''s crucial is that I fulfill the promises I''ve made to you."


    "What promises have you made to me?" Ning Yuxi was puzzled.


    Lin Wanrong smiled gently, "This is called the Ladder of Love. One step a day, and in thirty years, I can carry you down this staircase. I told you, I will get you a brand-new outfit, making you the most beautiful woman in the world. I will keep my word. Sister, you must wait for me."


    Ning Yuxi was stunned. How could this fool have such thoughts? Her shoulders trembled, her body quaked, and her eyes filled with tears as if a dam had burst. She lunged at him frantically, "You''re courting death! You''re risking your life, you thief! I hate you, I absolutely loathe you¡ª"


    Pounding his chest with all her might, her heart felt as if it had been emptied. Unable to contain her aching sorrow, she buried herself in his arms and burst into uncontroble tears.


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 442

    Chapter 442 Sinking Into Despair


    The eastern horizon was barely tinged with a fish-belly white, and looking into the distant sky, all was still shrouded in darkness. No sign of dawn was in sight. The mountain wind howled, and bursts of bone-chilling gusts made faces ache with cold.


    Xiao Qingxuan stood on the edge of the cliff, her face pallid, her eyes filled with a subtle mncholy. The mountain wind rustled through her flowing hair and long gown, making her seem like a fairy who had been banished to the mortal realm.


    "Sister, why didn''t you sleep a bit longer?" A soft voice came. Daintily, a cashmere shawl was draped over Xiao Qingxuan''s shoulders. Teardrops glimmered in the eyes of the speaker, who whispered, "Sister."


    Xiao Qingxuan turned around, took her sister¡¯s hand, and said with a bitter smile, "Aren''t you the same as me? Even Ning''er was calling out for My Dear in her dreamsst night."


    "It''s not the same," the younger sister, Qiaoqiao, responded, her cheeks flushed red from the cold. A trace of resolve appeared on her face. "Without Big Brother by our side, you are the backbone of our family. Moreover, you''re carrying our family''s heir. If something happens to you, Big Brother will be devastated when he returns."


    "Don''t listen to his nonsense," Xiao Qingxuan¡¯s cheeks flushed as she retorted, "My Dear is just a smooth talker. The child hasn''t even been born yet; how would he know it''s a boy?"


    "Big Brother is never wrong about serious matters," Qiaoqiao said earnestly, "Even if he jokes around, he has never been wrong about important things. If he says you''re carrying our family''s heir, then it must be a boy."


    Xiao Qingxuan broke into a delicate smile, "You really spoil him, cing so much trust in him.""He¡¯s my Big Brother, my husband," Qiaoqiao said, her face flushing with shyness as she gripped Xiao Qingxuan¡¯s hand tightly. "I must confess, from the moment I first saw him in Jinling, I knew he was different from others. He seems indifferent about everything, but he handles everything well. From that moment, I trusted himpletely, believing every word he said. Even when he was deceiving the tavern owner and tricking the Xiao family, I felt joyous and fulfilled being with such a ''bad man.''"


    "He didn''t just deceive the tavern owner and the Xiao family; he has also stolen our Qiaoqiao¡¯s heart," Xiao Qingxuan said with a gentle smile.


    Qiaoqiao shyly twisted the corner of her dress, her eyes filled with unwavering affection, "I don''t me him! I... I willingly give him my heart."


    "My sweet sister, you really make my heart ache for you," Overwhelmed by emotion, Xiao Qingxuan pulled her into her arms, "Don¡¯t worry, as long as I''m here, no one will ever harm you."


    Blushing, Qiaoqiao nodded softly, "I''ve only ever told you these things, sister. I''ve never said any of this to Big Brother. Seeing him happy and joyful every day brings me an indescribable happiness."


    Feeling an unspeakable emotion well up inside her, Xiao Qingxuan hugged her younger sister tighter, stroking her flowing hair, "My silly sister, you really know how to make one''s heart break for you." She sighed softly, "The connections between people are truly mysterious. Just half a year ago, you, Ning''er, and I were merely strangers. Now, we share our deepest secrets like sisters. As for My Dear, that scoundrel, although his heart might be fickle, he has chosen extraordinary women. Even if he could bring himself to leave us, I could never let go."


    In the biting wind, two figures huddled close, exchanging words that brought their hearts and minds even closer. The sound of shuffling footsteps drew near. It was Hu Bugui, his hair crowned with dewdrops and his bushy beard encrusted with frost, who came running up the cliff.


    "Madams," he reported, his tone tinged with disappointment, "My men have meticulously searched twice within a twenty-mile radius and found no trace of the General."


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded gently, "Thank you for your efforts, brother Hu. Please ry my order: the troops will make camp here and rest for three hours."


    Hu Bugui shook his head stubbornly, "We''re not tired. The General is our backbone. As long as he remains missing, we will not rest."


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed, "I understand the sentiments of our soldiers. But please, brother Hu, convey my words: our rest now is to expedite our search for My Dearter. We mustn''t let our emotions dictate our actions. The scope of our search will gradually narrow down, focusing on the Jade Buddha Temple and Thousand-Forsaken Peak."


    Hu Bugui nodded, his face etched with anxiety. "Today is the fourth day, and there¡¯s still no word from the General. Could it be¡ª"


    "No," Xiao Qingxuan interrupted, her face radiating a steadfast resolve. "My Dear is unmatched in his wit and intelligence. Nobody can im his life. Not only is he alive, but he''s also surely doing well."


    Seeing such faith from the princess, Hu Bugui felt reassured and hurried down the mountain to make arrangements. Qiaoqiao, still filled with worry, said, "We''ve searched everywhere around us but haven''t seen a trace of Big Brother. I wonder where your master has taken him."


    "Where he is, I don''t know yet," Xiao Qingxuan smiled, "But what I do know for certain is that My Dear is still alive." She slowly opened her hand to reveal a small white medicine pouch. Qiaoqiao eximed, "Sister, what is this?"


    "This is a knockout drug," Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes softened as she smiled. "I gave it to My Dear for self-defense when we were in Jinling. It suits his nature well. The night he went missing, I found traces of this drug sprinkled across the slope, leading all the way here."


    "Really?" Qiaoqiao¡¯s eyes brimmed with joyful tears. "No wonder you ordered our camp to be set here and had torches burning throughout the night. Big Brother is so clever!"


    Qingxuan gripped her hand, her face wearing a deep look of pride. "I''ve said it before, my husband is the smartest man in the world. No one can take his life."


    Excited, Qiaoqiao pped her hands and turned to dash towards their tent. Xiao Qingxuan quickly pulled her back, "Qiaoqiao, where are you going?"


    "I''m going to share this wonderful news with Sister Ning," Qiaoqiao''s face flushed with excitement.


    "Let her sleep a bit longer," Qingxuan sighed deeply. "These past days, Ning¡¯er has been running around like a madwoman, never resting for a moment, personally verifying every single location. Seeing how frail she usually appears, who would have thought she had such strength within her?"


    "Ning¡¯er is just like that, daring to say and do whatever she believes in," Qiaoqiao said with a smile. "Sister, by your ount, if big brother has scattered the medicinal powder all the way here, why do we still need to search within a twenty-mile radius?"


    "Although the powder has reached this point, I can''t determine where Master took him. We have to search the vicinity first to narrow down the area; only then can I gain a clearer understanding," Xiao Qingxuan replied.


    "Then where is big brother now?" Qiaoqiao furrowed her brows. "We''ve already searched this area thoroughly."


    "We haven''t searched everywhere," Xiao Qingxuan said, lifting her eyebrow slightly. She extended a slender finger to point at a distant peak. "There''s still Thousand-Forsake Peak!"


    "Thousand-Forsake Peak?!" Qiaoqiao was shocked. "ording to General Hu''s investigation these past two days, Thousand-Forsake Peak is extremely steep. The cliffs are practically unscble. How could big brother and your master have climbed it?"


    "My master and my husband are extraordinary¡ªone is unmatched in martial arts, and the other in intelligence. What''s impossible for them?" A mistyyer appeared in Xiao Qingxuan''s beautiful eyes, and her expression suddenly grew somber. "I grew up here and know every nt and tree. The day we camped here, I noticed that the chain linking the two peaks was broken. I had people pull it up yesterday and found it had been severed by a sword¡ª"


    "Is big brother really on the other side?" Qiaoqiao stood still for a moment and then suddenly leaped up, frantically waving toward the opposite peak. "Big brother, big brother, we''ve found you!"


    "Silly girl." Xiao Qingxuan grabbed her and wore a bitter expression. "That chain was the only path between the two peaks. With it broken, we''re cut off from him. Even if My Dear is truly there, how could we bring him back?"


    "Don''t worry, don''t worry¡ª" A charming voice sounded from behind. Luo Ning, half-awake and with her clothes still unbuttoned, rushed over with a face full of joy and embraced Xiao Qingxuan''s arm. "Sister, you''re saying big brother is really over there?"


    Seeing that Luo Ning had not fastened her clothes properly and had left most of her ample bosom exposed, Xiao Qingxuanughed. "You little wench, aren''t you afraid of catching a cold? What if big brotheres back and is heartbroken?"


    "I''m not afraid. If he sees, he won''t even blink, and his mouth will be watering," Luo Ning said, exaggeratingly acting it out. Her face flushed as she giggled. "Sister, you''ve worked hard these past few days. Let me reward you. You can touch it, hehe, big brother''s favorite!"


    "You naughty girl! Let him touch it, then!" Xiao Qingxuan blushed and chuckled. Yet deep inside, she felt an indescribable sense of joy. The yful banter between the sisters seemed to lift the oppressive mood of the past days. Most endearing was this little imp Luo Ning, who appeared to enjoy being mischievous but had a heart of gold. She somehow always managed to make everyone happy.


    "Sister¡ª" After frolicking with Xiao Qingxuan for a while, Luo Ning could hold back no longer. Her shoulders began to shake, and she buried her face in Xiao Qingxuan''s embrace, quietly breaking into tears.


    "Don''t worry, don''t worry," Xiao Qingxuan quickly patted her on the back, her heart aching. "It''s all that scoundrel''s fault. Once hees back, I''ll forbid him from entering the house for three days, to avenge my sister Ning."


    "Sister, if you punish him like that, he''ll be more than happy." Luo Ning wiped away her tears and said softly, "He has plenty of vixens outside. Even if he doesn''te home for half a month, he''ll be thrilled. In my opinion, we sisters should employ some tactics to capture his heart and make him forget about those other women."


    Xiao Qingxuan chuckled, "You little minx, if you want him to spend more time in your room, just say so. Why pin the me on others? I think you''re the most beguiling vixen."


    Flustered at being caught out, Luo Ning hurriedly snuggled into Miss Xiao''s arms and cooed, "That''s not true! Anyway, big brother is so wicked that neither Qiaoqiao and I can handle him. You''re wee to join us¡ª"


    Miss Xiao gave a soft tsk, her cheeks flushed. She wouldn''t underestimate this bewitching young girl anymore. The threediesughed and yed for a while, their bonds deepening. Then Xiao Qingxuan''s thoughts returned to the pressing issue, "Ning''er, what did you mean earlier? If My Dear is on that peak, how can we get him down?"


    Luo Ning nodded seriously, "I can''t figure it out, but someone else might! Besides big brother, there''s another genius when ites to mechanical traps!"


    "Xu Zhiqing?!" Miss Xiao eximed.


    Luo Ning nodded softly, "Yes, though I wonder if she''d be willing to help, given how big brother treats her."


    "You little minx," Miss Xiao pointed a finger at her forehead and smiled, "Just now you said he has many vixens, and now you''re speaking up for another woman. Don''t worry¡ª" A resolute look crossed her face, "If Xu Zhiqing can really save My Dear, I''ll beg her toe, even if it means serving her tea and kowtowing."


    Qiaoqiao frowned, "The most important thing now is to confirm whether big brother is really on Thousand-Forsake Peak. Besides, with your master around, even if we invite Sister Zhiqing and she builds a mechanical device, big brother wouldn''t be able to use it!"


    It was a harsh reality. Fairy Ning was so skilled that even ten My Dears together couldn''t match her. If she didn''t approve, the best mechanical device would be useless. The threedies felt a headacheing on. Luo Ning clenched her teeth and grumbled, "Don''t worry, I trust big brother''s capabilities; he''ll defeat sister''s master."


    Defeat the master? How could he? Xiao Qingxuan gazed at the opposite peak, feeling a headache approaching.


    ¡ª---


    Ning Yuxi threw herself into Lin Wanrong''s arms, crying uncontrobly. She didn''t resemble a celestial being from the ethereal realms, but rather amon woman ensnared by love.


    So the celestial being has descended! Lin Wanrong sighed emotionally and held her slender waist. He kissed her ear softly and whispered, "Sister, don''t believe my words. I was lying to make you cry. I''m actually a bad person¡ªvulgar, despicable, shameless. I built thisdder to escape¡ª"


    "What nonsense are you talking about!" Ning Yuxi''s tears flowed like rain. She grabbed the sword from his hand and threw it to the ground, then hid back in his arms, pounding his chest desperately, "You thief, even at a time like this, you''re still lying to me. I know better than anyone what kind of person you are."


    ¡®Am I really a good person in Fairy Sister''s eyes?¡¯ Lin Wanrong deeply wondered.


    "I¡ªI am a shameless woman, aren''t I?" After an unknown amount of time had passed, Ning Yuxi stopped her tears and copsed into his arms, her voice soft and full of tenderness. "I am Qingxuan''s master, and you are Qingxuan''s husband. We¡ª"


    Before she could finish her sentence, his burning lips met hers, sealing them in a passionate kiss. The heat seemed to fill her whole being, warming her thoroughly.


    This was the third time, and that fiery sensation was bing strangely familiar. Her heart pounded wildly, and an indescribable joy filled her. Trained from youth in spiritual practice, aspiring to be a fairy, she felt in that moment as though he had led her into hell¡ªand she reveled in it.


    She surrendered. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she tightly wrapped her arms around him. Their embrace was so close, so intimate, that not even a piece of paper could fit between them. Her eyes closed, her long eyshes quivering, she offered her lips once more, her tongue mingling with his.


    The kiss shook the heavens and stirred the earth, intensifying with each moment. Both of them, like newborn babes, cast aside all societal norms and reveled in their joyous ocean. Even someone as powerful as Ning Yuxi found herself trembling, as if she couldn''t get enough air.


    "Am I a shameless woman?" Finally freeing herself from his entanglement, a faint tenderness glimmered in her eyes. Her face flushed, and her lips parted slightly, oozing an indescribable allure.


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Sister, don''t talk about shamelessness in front of me. All the thick-skinned people in the worldbined couldn''t match me. With an ancestor like me to back you, what do you have to fear? Up here, it''s just the two of us¡ªno Qingxuan''s master, no Qingxuan''s husband. I am a man, and you are a woman. It''s as simple as that."


    Ning Yuxi''s face reddened, "I''ve never met anyone like you¡ªsomeone who isn''t ashamed of shamelessness but takes pride in it. Meeting you must be my karmic retribution."


    "Who cares about fate or karmic retribution? Even the gods can''t tear apart lovers!" Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively, arrogant and domineering.


    This rascal! Ning Yuxi nced at him, wanting tough but found herself shedding tears instead. Lying in his arms felt like the calmest harbor in the world. She felt at peace and couldn''t think of anything troublesome. An inexplicable weariness crept into her heart, and she found herself falling asleep.


    Her long eyshes were wet with glistening tears. In the morning light, they shimmered with a rainbow of colors. Her pure, white face looked as translucent as crystal, as if sculpted from the most beautiful jade, without a single w. Her disheveled clothes revealed a voluptuous chest smooth as jade. Her curvy hips rested on his legs, soft as silk. Her long, beautiful legs, white as snow and smooth as satin, entwined together, forming the most perfect curve.


    Holding her body¡ªa masterpiece of art and beauty¡ªLin Wanrong felt tremors of emotion swell within him. He suddenly leaned down and gently kissed her lips. "Sister, I never wish to know how long the heavens willst or how eternal the earth is. My aspirations are modest: I hope to remember you for ten lifetimes. By the eleventh, I wish to be a stone, knowing nothing at all."


    In her deep sleep, Ning Yuxi''s tears trickled down silently, falling to the ground without a sound.


    The two remained close, from sunrise to sunset, neither moving an inch. Lin Wanrong felt significantly calmer. Looking at the raging fires in the distance, he experienced conflicting feelings. He wanted both to rush over there and to stay right where he was. It was the most difficult decision he''d ever faced in his life.


    By evening, Ning Yuxi finally awoke. Seeing him gaze at her, her face flushed with embarrassment. "What are you looking at, you rascal?" she chided, then suddenly covered her face with her hands, anxiously asking, "Do I look ugly right now?"


    "I wouldn''t know," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "because I''ve never seen you look ugly."


    "tterer!" Ning Yuxi lightly scolded. Her face flushed as she quickly stood up from his embrace. She moved to the edge of the hot spring, washing her face with its clear water, then began tidying her disheveled hair. Every now and then, she would look back at him and smile, an indescribable sense of tranquility and warmth emanating from her.


    ¡®So even a celestial being like her could have such gentle moments,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought. He was captivated by her every charming move, and even more so by the glimpses of her alluring figure, partially concealed by her clothing.


    "What are you looking at?" Ning Yuxi''s face flushed, hastily covering herself. Yet her hurried action revealed even more, delighting his eyes.


    "Stop it!" she lightly spat, but felt an indescribable sense of happiness. Though she was the master of Qingxuan and already in her thirties, her feelings toward such matters were as naive as a young girl''s¡ªexperiencing a mixture of sweet and sour emotions she''d never felt before.


    "I haven''t taken advantage of you," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I''m showing even more skin than you are!"


    "You vulgar rascal," Ning Yuxi murmured. Realizing that she couldn''t properly conceal herself, she finally gave up and gestured for him toe over. "Come here!"


    "What for, Sister?" Lin Wanrong leapt over to her side.


    Shaking her head and smiling, she softly said, "You''re as restless as a monkey. I''ve never seen you so obedient."


    "I was actually at Qing¡ª" He caught himself midway, halting his words abruptly.


    Ning Yuxi seemed not to hear him. She helped him sit down and scooped up a handful of spring water. Gently she poured it over his face and hair, her tender hands softly scrubbing away the dirt and tears from his face, then meticulously arranging his disheveled hair. Her actions were so gentle and caring that she resembled a newlywed wife.


    "Sister, I¡ª" Lin Wanrong''s voice choked up. But Ning Yuxi interrupted him, pulling him by the hand, "Come here!"


    Both of them squatted by the edge of the spring, looking into the water. The pool was crystal clear, reflecting their two faces: one a young man, sharp and rugged, brimming with masculine vitality; the other a woman, extraordinarily beautiful, as enchanting as a flowering branch.


    Fairy Ning stood still for a long time, torn between joy and sorrow. She bothughed and cried, her tears falling into the water below. She murmured, "I was born before you, and by the time you were born, I had already grown old¡ª"


    "Both branches bloom in spring, eternally youthful year after year!" Lin Wanrong tightened his grip on her hand as he responded, his voice unwavering.


    Fairy Ning''s tears fell like rain. She pointed to the opposite shore and sobbed softly, "You speak so beautifully, but I must ask you one question¡ªwill you go back?"


    At this, Lin Wanrong hesitated. As he gazed upon the towering mes on the opposite peak and then looked back at Fairy Ning''s stunningly beautiful face, he was momentarily lost for words.


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 443

    Chapter 443 Lighting a Fire


    He pondered for a long while, cautiously saying, "Theoretically, I should go back because Qingxuan, Qiaoqiao, and my unborn child are all waiting for me there. But emotionally, I want to spend more time with you. Sister, if you were me, what would you do?"


    Fairy Ning looked at him and said softly, "You''re quite slippery, turning the topic back to ask me. Your heart is your own; who can control you?"


    Ning Yuxi''s expression remained indifferent, but a tinge of mncholy was visible in her eyes that she couldn''t quite conceal. Lin Wanrong felt a pang of heartache. He quietly grasped her small hand and ventured, "Sister, why don''t we go down the mountain together¡ª"


    "Go down the mountain?" Ning Yuxi''s face revealed a trace of bitterness. She nestled into his arms and murmured, "Up here on this isted peak, we''re just a man and a woman¡ªnot Master of Qingxuan, nor husband of her either¡ªfree from the world''s vendettas. I can be happy and carefree only when I''m with you. But if we go down¡ª" She paused, unable to continue.


    Lin Wanrong pulled her delicate frame into his arms, lightly kissed her hair, andughed loudly. "So what if we go down? Happiness is something you have to fight for yourself. We''ve been honest with each other and nevermitted any atrocities. Even Heaven can''t control us. I don''t care about other people''s opinions."


    "But what about Qingxuan? Wouldn''t she care?" Tears filled Ning Yuxi''s face as she wept silently. "Even if she doesn''t care¡ªI do! I''m her Master, and you and I share a blood feud. We''ve broken taboos¡ª"


    "What taboos?!" Lin Wanrong stood up, his eyebrows arching in anger. "What taboos could there be between you and me? Yes, you''re Qingxuan''s Master, but you''re also my Fairy Sister. I''ve never called you ''Master.'' In my eyes, you''re a Fairy Sister, not a Master. We are a single woman and a devoted man, mutually in love, neither kin nor trivial. Not even Heaven would dare to separate us. What talk is there of taboos?"


    "But how would the world see it¡ª""What world?" Lin Wanrong swung his sleeve and shouted, "Who is the world? Who can speak for the world? Sister, it''s ridiculous. For someone as divine as you, you''re less open-minded than a mere mortal like me. Life is but a fleeting moment; how can we live for others? If we can''t even fight for our own happiness, what''s the point of living?"


    He cupped his hands around his mouth and, using all his strength, yelled across the empty valley, "Let the whole world hear me¡ªlet the whole world hear me! I, Lin Wanrong, love Ning Yuxi! I love my Fairy Sister, and I will marry her and love her forever, taking care of her for all eternity! Should I break this vow, may I be struck by lightning, pierced by a thousand arrows, suffer unbearable agony, and meet an untimely end¡ª"


    Exerting all the strength he could muster, his voice traveled far and wide, echoing through the vacant valley, faintly reverberating, "¡ªI love my Fairy Sister¡ªwill love her forever¡ªtake care of her forever¡ªshould I break this vow¡ªmeet an untimely end¡ª"


    "You''ve gone mad¡ª" Fairy Ning hastily covered his mouth. Tears streamed down her face as she hid in his embrace, her shoulders trembling violently. She wore a smile that shed with her tears and was choked with emotion, as if on the verge of fainting.


    "I''m not mad!" Lin Wanrong gently stroked her hair and spoke softly, "Reputation, honor¡ªthese things are worthless in my eyes. Happiness is what truly matters. If one day you choose to leave me in secret, I''ll write a love letter, make a million copies, and distribute them door to door. Aren''t you afraid of people knowing? I''ll announce it to the world that the elegant, fairy-like Ning Yuxi is the woman I, Lin Wanrong, adore as my wife. That we were blessed with seven sons and eight daughters, among them a pair of twins. I''ll make sure you can never be a ''fairy'' ever again! You know how ruthless I can be, so don''t doubt my determination."


    Ning Yuxi''s face flushed with both sweetness and bitterness in her heart. She pounded his chest and wept, "Seven sons and eight daughters, twins? You wicked rogue, always bullying me like this¡ªjust kill me!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Not seven sons and eight daughters? Would it be eight sons and seven daughters then? Ah, it seems I remembered wrong. Your memory is certainly better."


    This man had no shame. Ning Yuxi felt a profound sense of helplessness. Facing him, all her strategies seemed to fail. Yet, his cheerful, shamelessly domineering attitude filled her with a joy she couldn''t resist.


    After talking for a while, Ning Yuxi''s mood gradually calmed down. Regarding the matter of leaving the mountain, she neither shook her head nor nodded, leaving her true thoughts a mystery.


    In the past, Lin Wanrong could easily deal with Qingxuan using shameless tricks, but Fairy Ning was different. She had devoted herself to rigorous cultivation from a young age and faced far more trials. Her resolve was iparable to ordinary people, so Lin Wanrong dared not pressure her excessively.


    As dusk settled, the flickering light from a burning fire on the opposite peak faintly glowed. He wondered anxiously about the situation with Qingxuan and herpanions. Casting a nce toward the opposite peak, Lin Wanrong was torn between conflicting emotions¡ªan umon experience for someone usually so decisive. Sensing his inner turmoil, Ning Yuxi''s eyes dimmed as she lowered her head in silence.


    The mountain was full of exotic flowers and fruits, and with Ning Yuxi''s extraordinary knowledge, they had no trouble finding delicious fruits. They would never go hungry if they stayed here for a lifetime.


    "It''ste. Let''s go inside," said Fairy Ning, who had spent the day both crying andughing. Though not physically tired, she felt emotionally drained. She gently pulled Lin Wanrong''s hand and smiled softly.


    "Alright, alright," Lin Wanrong nodded hurriedly, feeling as if he''d received an unexpected favor. He grinned, "Let''s quickly go into the cave¡ªour room."


    Ning Yuxi''s face flushed, and she pped him, "What nonsense are you talking about? I''m a cultivator, I can''t indulge in worldly desires. Who would want to be with you¡ª" She let out a light ''tch'' and couldn''t continue.


    "I know, I know," Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Cultivators don''t call it a bridal chamber, they call it dual cultivation. Essentially, it''s the same thing. I get it, I get it."


    "Scoundrel!" Fairy Ning red at him, her face flushed, and chided softly, "What dual cultivation? I am practicing spiritual arts, not Daoist rituals. I am no different from an ordinary person."


    "In that case, we should be talking about the bridal chamber!" Lin Wanrong nodded, "I was just saying, the bridal chamber is much more straightforward and universally understood!" Hearing his nonsensical rambling, Fairy Sister blushed and shot him a nce before she hurriedly pulled him inside the cave.


    He had been in and out of this stone cave dozens of times, but this one time felt the most exhrating. Holding Fairy Sister''s delicate hand and admiring her exquisite figure and peerless beauty, he might have abandoned everything to stay with her on this mountain forever, had he not already had loving wives waiting at home.


    As they reached the entrance of the stone chamber, Lin Wanrong paused out of habit. Ning Yuxi nced at him, her cheeks tinged with a slight red hue. "What are you doing? Haven''t you had enough sleep on that cold stone floor?"


    What did she mean? ted, Lin Wanrong saw Ning Yuxi had already left him behind and entered the chamber.


    He hurriedly followed her in, only to find Fairy Ning gracefully using the tip of her sword to flick on a dimmer switch, illuminating the room. As she turned her head, her cheeks appeared as if they had been lightly brushed with rouge, a captivating blend of pink and red, utterly enchanting.


    Ning Yuxi sat on the edge of the stone bed. She beckoned him with a soft wave of her hand, "Come over here!"


    Bridal chamber or dual cultivation? He had never seen such a stunningly tender celestial being. Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded uncontrobly. He swiftly leapt to the edge of the stone bed, sitting closely beside Ning Yuxi, the subtle fragrance emanating from her body delighting his senses.


    Ning Yuxi''s face was flushed, her expression gentle. She ced her hands on his chest and slowly leaned into his embrace, "Don''t get the wrong idea. I''m concerned you might catch a chill outside, not that I want to¡ª¡± Her voice trailed off as she lowered her eyelids, her cheeks burning against his chest, unable to speak.


    Good heavens, how could he possibly not misunderstand? Fairy Sister''s soft, boneless body nestled against him felt like a piece of precious silk that could slip away at any moment. Her full breasts pressed against his chest were indescribably plump and soft, while her long, tense legs were pressed against his, creating an indescribably intoxicating sensation through inadvertent friction.


    "What, what do you want to do with me?" Lin Wanrong''s voice quivered as he gently caressed the soft curve of Fairy Sister''s waist.


    "You shameless rogue!" Ning Yuxi''s face was suffused with blush, her body limp in his arms as if drained of all her strength, her own heartbeat loud in her ears, "I have been practicing rigorously for years, you¡ªyou cannot ruin me¡ªah¡ª"


    His heated hands had already slipped under her clothes, caressing her smooth, jade-like back. Her heartbeat quickened, her lips parted, a mist forming in her eyes.


    "Rogue!" She suddenly let out a soft cry, two tear drops rolling down her beautiful cheeks, falling silently.


    Startled, Lin Wanrong looked up to find Ning Yuxi biting her red lips, her eyes clouded like rain,rge tear drops falling one by one. Her face expressed a mixture of joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure, her beauty both poignant and heartrending.


    "Sister¡ª" Lin Wanrong stared in a daze, catching a glimpse of the faint sorrow in her eyes. A profound sense of guilt surged within him. ¡®I''m really such a base creature.¡¯ Fairy Ning had an unparalleled resolve, and she had recently experienced a roller coaster of emotions, falling from the heavens to the mortal realm with no cushion in between. Anyone would be unable to bear such a turn of events. Lin Wanrong quickly embraced her tightly and sheepishly said, "Sister, I was only teasing you. Do you really think I''m that kind of person?"


    Ning Yuxi suddenly bit his arm and sobbed, "You are exactly that kind of person, do you think I don''t know?"


    ¡®I''ll endure it!¡¯ Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth and clenched his jaw, keeping silent. After a moment, Ning Yuxi suddenly lifted her tear-streaked face. Though her visage was awash in tears, she was enchantingly beautiful as she gazed at him with a heartfelt smile. "Little thief, thank you!"


    "Thank me for what?" Lin Wanrong asked in bewilderment.


    Fairy Ning nestled her cheek against his chest, gently rubbing it, her face flushed in bashful emotion. She spoke softly, "Thank you for treating me this way. Making you restrain yourself must be the hardest thing in the world."


    ¡®Is this praise or criticism?¡¯ Lin Wanrong didn''t know whether tough or cry. Seeing his puzzled expression, Ning Yuxi chuckled and shook her head, guiding his hand to her waist as a flush rose on her face. "Since you''ve pulled me into the mortal world, I can no longer be a fairy. Why worry then?"


    "No worries, no worries!" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "The most precious moments should be saved for the best times. I''ll just wait for our wedding night then."


    "The wedding night?" Ning Yuxi murmured. Her rosy face turned slightly pale, and tears suddenly fell like rain. Her voice trembled like a mosquito, "Let''s leave that to fate then. Little thief, hold me tighter, even tighter..."


    ...


    "I love Fairy Sister... if I break this oath... I will never die in peace..." On the cliff edge, Xiao Qingxuan was startled by an elusive voice carried by the intermittent mountain wind. She quickly strained her ears to listen, but the voice vanished. Anxiously, she grabbed Qiaoqiao''s hand beside her. "Qiaoqiao, did you hear that? What was that sound?"


    "Where''s the sound? It''s just the wind; I hear nothing."


    "No, no, there was a sound, it must be My Dear, it must be him!" Miss Xiao became visibly excited, staring intently towards the opposite peak. "He must be there!"


    Qiaoqiao nced across to the opposite cliff; clouds and fog obscured the peak, making it impossible to see clearly. She hurriedly grabbed Xiao Qingxuan''s hand, "Sister, Thousand-Forsake Peak is hundreds of feet away from us. Even if Big Brother shouted, the sound wouldn''t reach us. Are you so smitten that you''re delusional?"


    "No, it has to be My Dear." A mist appeared in Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes, "I heard him shout!"


    "Really?" Qiaoqiao was skeptical, "Is Big Brother really there? What did he shout?"


    "He said he¡ª" Xiao Qingxuan paused and then shook her head, "No matter what he said, he must be there. Qiaoqiao, go down the mountain and inform Miss Xu right away!"


    "Sister, is Big Brother really there?" Looking at the hurriedly retreating figure of Qiaoqiao as she descended the mountain, Luo Ning was filled with worry.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s expression was resolute, "There''s no mistake. I heard my husband''s voice; he must be there."


    That night, Miss Xiao tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Just as dawn was breaking and she was about to close her eyes, an urgent report from a soldier came from outside the tent. "General''s wife, terrible news¡ªthe opposing peak, the Thousand-Forsake Peak, is on fire!"


    "What?!" Luo Ning felt a mixture of joy and shock. She quickly dressed along with Miss Xiao and rushed out. The sky was just beginning to lighten, but a thick plume of ck smoke was slowly rising from Thousand-Forsake Peak, visible even from miles away.


    Luo Ning leapt up and pped her hands. "Big Brother¡ªit must be a fire set by Big Brother!"


    Miss Xiao stared intently for a long moment before gently shaking her head, her eyes slightly moist. "It''s not My Dear, it''s Master."


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 444

    Chapter 444 The Telescope


    It was a rare peaceful night. Holding Ning Yuxi''s delicate and boneless body close to him, Lin Wanrong felt exceptionally calm and, unknowingly, drifted into sleep. When he woke early the next morning, Fairy Ning''s figure was nowhere to be found. The room was immacte, a faint fragrance wafting through the air, inducing a sense of tranquility.


    After dozing contentedly for a short while and still not seeing Ning Yuxi, he wondered where she might be. Lin Wanrong got up, freshened up, and slowly walked towards the mouth of the cave.


    Dawn was breaking. A myriad of rays burst through the fog in the east. The clouds that rested between two peaks gradually dispersed, making the opposite scene still somewhat blurry, but visibility had significantly improved.


    Stretching luxuriously, Lin Wanrong was about to wash his face in a hot spring when, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a figure of transcendent beauty standing atop a towering rock in the distance. Her form was slender, her posture graceful. The morning breeze caressed her flowing hair, and dewdrops clung to her cheeks, shimmering in the dim morning light with a kaleidoscope of colors.


    ted, Lin Wanrong hastily scooped up some spring water to ssh his face, then leaped atop the rock, eximing, "Fairy Sister, you''re out enjoying the scenery? Why didn''t you call me¡ªhuh, what is this?"


    Beneath the rock was arge pile of dry wood, tightly stacked, evidently collected by Ning Yuxi herself. A faint scent ofmp oil emanated from the branches. Lin Wanrong''s expression changed, and he hesitated, "Sister, what are you doing?"


    Ning Yuxi gently stroked her hair, gazing at him with a tender smile. Her eyes hinted at both pain and relief, "You once said that fairness is important in life. I don''t wish to put Qingxuan in a difficult position, nor you. So, let''s be fair and leave our fate to Heaven¡ª" Her eyelids dropped, tears sparkling in her eyes. She slowly reached into her robe and produced a match, identical to the one she had thrown off the cliff the day before.


    ¡®So, Fairy Sister was only scaring me. She actually had two matches with her all along,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, a myriad of emotions washing over him. Just then, he heard a soft "snap" as the match ignited. Ning Yuxi''s eyshes quivered, and a silent tear dropped. Before Lin Wanrong could react, she raised her slender hand, and the burning match fell onto the pile of dry wood.With a "whoosh," themp oil quickly ignited, setting the dry wood ame. Thick, ck smoke billowed into the sky, visible from miles away. The fire illuminated Ning Yuxi''s beautiful face, casting a heartbreaking pallor over it.


    "You fool, what are you doing?" Through her tearful eyes, she saw Lin Wanrong frantically jump down from the rock, stomping on the burning wood, trying to put out the mes. Ning Yuxi was taken aback. With a light step, she swooped past him, pulling him back several feet beforeing to a stop.


    Looking at his tattered pants, smoke-ckened legs, and arms¡ªhis face even had some ash smears¡ªNing Yuxi clutched his hand tightly. Before she could speak, tears uncontrobly fell, "You fool, do you not value your life?"


    "Sister, do you realize what you''re doing?" Lin Wanrong muttered, seemingly oblivious to her words.


    Ning Yuxi clenched her red lips tightly and nodded silently. "The hardest thing in this world is fairness. I have brought you to the pinnacle of this isted peak where few tread. But to Qingxuan and the others, that is profoundly unfair, and it unsettles my heart. Given that, I''ll make a bet with the heavens. If they cannot find a way to save you, then I win, and I will have no more guilt. Then, we can spend our lives together here, happy as immortals!"


    The mountain wind tousled her long hair. With an unwavering look on her face, she gritted her teeth and continued, "But if they do find a way, then I lose and¡ª"


    "And what?" Lin Wanrong suddenly gripped her small hand, red into her eyes, and loudly asked.


    "I, I don''t know." Seeing his resolute expression, Ning Yuxi''s heart softened. She gently nestled into his arms, tears flowing freely as she whispered, "Don''t force me, you scoundrel. I''ve entrusted my fate to the heavens so that I can live at peace with myself, to pass my own internal test. Otherwise, even if I''m with you, my heart will never be free, and I''ll be miserable for the rest of my life."


    Ning Yuxi was not exaggerating. Such was her nature; without resolving her inner turmoil, she would never know happiness.


    Lin Wanrong felt a sharp pain in his heart and shook his head, sighing, "Sister, you''ve left one loop only to be ensnared in another. Why make things so difficult? Getting off this mountain is far from impossible; the way we came¡ª"


    "What did you say?" Ning Yuxi interrupted, surprised.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head with a bitter smile, saying nothing. Ning Yuxi buried her face in his chest and softly said, "I know, with your intelligence, you must have already figured out a way. But I don''t care. Win or lose, I''ve already fallen into the mortal world and can never return. What I am doing is giving Qingxuan a chance, as well as giving myself one, so that I can justly pursue what I want. Scoundrel, can you understand me?"


    Could he understand? Despite Lin Wanrong''s usual eloquence, he found himself at a loss for words. The kindling fire roared brighter and brighter, casting flickering shadows on his face. A mixture of joy and sorrow surged in his heart, leaving him speechless for a long time.


    After saying her piece, Ning Yuxi seemed as if she had shed all her burdens, her expression inexplicably light. She looked at him and smiled tenderly, whispering, "Don''t worry about me. Although you''ve thought of a solution, Qingxuan across from us has no idea. How many people in this world could match your intellect? I may not necessarily lose!"


    "It wouldn''t matter even if you did lose!" Lin Wanrong leaned in to kiss her cherry lips, suddenly breaking intoughter. "You might not believe it, but my existence in this world is a great miracle. There''s nothing I can''t do. What I''m best at is turning the impossible into the possible. For instance, we will definitely have arge family with seven sons and eight daughters, and this will not change with time¡ª"


    "You shameless scoundrel!" Ning Yuxi gently spat, her cheeks flushing crimson as she nestled closer in his arms, ineffably shy.


    "General Lin¡ªThousand-Forsake Peak¡ªGeneral Lin¡ªThousand-Forsake Peak¡ª" Just as the two were enjoying a sweet moment, a synchronized shout suddenly came from the cliff opposite them. The sky was clear, and in the distance, one could vaguely see countless soldiers standing on the peak, shouting in unison toward their location. Soon after, a deep voice carried over on the wind: "General Lin, General Lin¡ª"


    "It''s Brother Hu!" Lin Wanrong quickly stood up.


    The weather was splendid, and the clouds were thin. Ning Yuxi, with her remarkable skills, squinted her eyes and noticed a massive bamboo tube like a horn set up on the opposing peak. Only through this tube could their voices carry so far.


    "We know you''re on Thousand-Forsake Peak, rest assured. With tens of thousands of us brothers, even if we have to build a humandder, we will bring you down. The northern nomads are rampant; the blood of our brothers is boiling, waiting only for you to lead us north to y the enemy and bring honor to our country! For the General, my brothers, charge¡ª"


    A sudden burst of cannon fire erupted from below, followed by countless soldiers rushing out, setting updders against the sheer cliff. Numerous dark spots started to climb thedders toward the summit.


    "Hu Bugui, tell them to stop, tell them to stop! Those are our brothers'' lives, damn it! Are you out of your mind? Out of your mind¡ª" Lin Wanrong roared, his eyes bloodshot, his fists clenched so tightly they seemed as if they''d shatter. But his voice was too soft to reach the other side.


    Ning Yuxi gently took his hand and sighed softly, "With so many brave men guarding you, you are indeed an extraordinary person. Do you really intend to go north to the frontline to fight the nomads?"


    Lin Wanrong felt a surge of passion, clenched his teeth and said, "With brothers treating me this way, if I don''t go, I¡¯m no longer human!"


    "Stop speaking nonsense." Ning Yuxi covered his mouth, her face periodically turning pale, then shouted, "Hu Bugui on the opposite cliff, listen! General Lin orders you to immediately withdraw troops and not to waste the lives of soldiers. Disobey, and face militaryw!"


    Her skills were unparalleled; her voice carried far and floated over to the opposite cliff. Hu Bugui was overjoyed, "Your subordinate obeys the order. Withdraw the troops. Withdraw the troops! The General orders a retreat!"


    Lin Wanrong grasped Ning Yuxi''s hand and expressed his gratitude, "Sister, I thank you on behalf of these brothers!"


    Ning Yuxi nestled into his arms, her tears falling freely as she choked up, "Don''t thank me; I don''t even know if this is right or wrong."


    "Master¡ª" A frantic female voice came from the other side. Lin Wanrong clearly recognized it as Qingxuan¡¯s voice. Miss Xiao''s voice carried a hint of choking, "Master, My Dear, don''t worry. Miss Xu will be here shortly. I¡¯ll definitely find a way to get you down."


    "It¡¯s Qingxuan!" Ning Yuxi mumbled, her expression intermittently nk, unsure how to respond.


    Lin Wanrong¡¯s mind raced. He understood in a sh that Hu Bugui¡¯s earlier move to set up thedders must have been instigated by Qingxuan. Being Fairy Ning¡¯s disciple, she naturally understood Ning Yuxi¡¯s character and used this as a bait to confirm whether the two were on the cliff.


    "Master, Master, it¡¯s Xiangjun. I miss you so much!" Another immature female voice came from the other side, "Please wait a moment. My senior sister and I will bring you down shortly. First, you should beat up that man who bullied my senior sister!"


    Lin Wanrong was caught betweenughter and tears. Just as he was about to speak, holding onto Fairy Sister''s hand, he noticed her face turning increasingly pale and cried out in rm, "Sister, what''s wrong with you?"


    Ning Yuxi covered her cheek, a tear quietly falling. "Rascal, did I... did I do something wrong? Hearing their voices makes me feel like a sinner."


    Lin Wanrong quickly pulled her into his embrace, "Sister, you''ve done nothing wrong, and neither has Qingxuan. Although the situation is somewhatplex, it''s not without a solution. Like you said, this is a gamble with the heavens; win or lose, you can still find peace within yourself."


    After a moment of silence, Ning Yuxi spoke softly, "Then I shall say nothing now¡ªRascal, I''m afraid I might lose."


    "There''s nothing to fear if you lose," Lin Wanrong reassured her, "I''ve told you, there''s nothing I can''t do. I swore to make you my wife, so¡ª"


    Before he could finish, her soft lips suddenly sealed his. The tender sensation made his heart quiver. Feeling Fairy Sister''s burning, trembling body against his, Lin Wanrong felt a pang of emotion. This fallen celestial being, emotionally even more fragile than a mortal, would be a tragedy to abandon.


    "Senior Sister, what did you see? Did you see our Master? Let me look too!" Seeing her sister''s pale face, Li Xiangjun stretched out her small hand, trying to snatch the mysterious object from Miss Xiao.


    Suppressing her tears, Miss Xiao quickly put the object away, saying tly, "I saw nothing. Perhaps Master has gone to rest."


    Luo Ning wiped her own tears and pleaded, "What about big brother?! Can you see him? Sister, let me have just one nce! I haven''t seen him for days; I wonder if he''s gained or lost weight?"


    Miss Xiao clenched the object tightly, almost biting her lips until they bled, as she turned her head away and tears fell, "I can''t see him either, probably he''s resting too. Don''t worry, both he and Master are perfectly fine."


    Luo Ning quickly hugged her, "Sister, why are you crying? You can''t afford to ruin your health after finally finding your husband!"


    "Ning''er, I''m fine," said Xiao Qingxuan, leaning on Luo Ning''s shoulder. Her spirit felt incredibly weak, and her shoulders trembled as she sobbed, "I just miss him after not seeing him for a few days, this damn scoundrel¡ª"


    Confused by her words, Luo Ning patted her shoulder forfort, "Sister, I hate big brother too, but I also miss him terribly. When hees back, we''ll both ignore him."


    "Ignore him," Xiao Qingxuan murmured, but there wasn''t a shred of conviction in her voice.


    Li Xiangjun, watching the two of them sobbing, couldn''t help but pout, "Senior Sister, what is this thing in your hand you called a ''telescope''? Can it really see Master or are you fooling me?"


    At the mention of the telescope, Luo Ning also became interested, her eyes fixed on Xiao Qingxuan. Miss Xiao gave a bitter smile, "I wish I could see nothing with it¡ªThis telescope is a foreign object from the West. It was gifted to Father by a Frenchman named Tavernier just yesterday. He said it can see for miles. Father had it sent to me overnight. But who knew¡ªthis damn thing¡ª"


    Xiao Qingshuan choked on her words, unable to continue. Luo Ning and Li Xiangjun looked at each other in confusion. Who was her sister scolding?


    Sensing that the atmosphere had turned tense, Luo Ning hurriedly spoke up, "Right, where is Qiaoqiao? She went to invite Sister Xu. Why haven''t we heard anything? Could it be that she refused toe?"


    "This audacious woman, daring to defy even my senior sister''s words," Li Xiangjun abruptly stood up. "I''ll go and kill her!"


    Luo Ning jumped in surprise and quickly waved her hands to stop him. Miss Xiao shot Li Xiangjun a stern nce and sighed softly, "It''s likely that Qiaoqiao failed to invite her. This Miss Xu does have a rather strong personality." She clenched her teeth and dered, "I''ll go invite her myself."


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 Chapter 445

    Chapter 445 What Is That?


    "How could we allow this?" Luo Ning was startled and quickly grasped her sister''s hand. "Sister, you''re pregnant; how could you travel around like this? Let me go instead. I''ve been friends with Zhiqing for a long time; she would certainly do me this favor."


    "It''s not a matter of personal favors," Xiao Qingxuan gently shook her head and sighed. "Ning''er, do you know why I secretly stopped My Dear from meeting Miss Xu a few days ago?"


    "Ah, you wanted to keep a tighter rein on big brother, didn''t you?" Luo Ning cautiously ventured. She had known Xu Zhiqing since childhood and was naturally inclined to speak in her favor.


    Xiao Qingxuan smiled and shook her head. "Restraining him is only a pretext¡ªjust to keep him in check. You know his personality; even gods descending from the heavens would find it hard to control him. I''ve only met this Miss Xu a few times. She is indeed wless in character and appearance, but one thing left a deep impression on me¡ªher personality. You don¡¯t know, Ning''er, when My Dear and I were reunited at the Fairy Hall, it was a moment of both joy and sorrow. Anyone else would have slipped away, leaving us some private time. But this Miss Xu was different; she not only stayed by My Dear''s side but also openly flirted with him in front of me. Her intention was clear: she wanted to outdo me."


    Luo Ning was stunned. She could only imagine what it felt like for her sister to be emotionally stirred upon reuniting with her brother, only to have another woman make advances on him in her presence. No wonder Xiao Qingxuan had been so indifferent towards Xu Zhiqing.


    Xiao Qingxuan gave a bitter smile. "I''m not a vindictive person, and I rarely hold grudges. But this incident reveals Miss Xu''s nature¡ªshe''s independent and assertive, unwilling to concede to others. Perhaps she is waiting for me toe and beg her now."


    Luo Ning didn''t know what to say and sighed quietly. "Zhiqing''s personality is tied to her past experiences. She lost her fianc¨¦ even before their wedding night andter took up arms herself. If she weren¡¯t strong and independent, how could she have persevered until now? Big brother will inevitably have dealings with her if he''s going to the northern frontlines¡ª"


    Xiao Qingxuan walked a few steps and pondered for a moment before finally saying, "This is exactly what I¡¯m worried about. Miss Xu''s personality can be described as strong, but being too strong can lead to stubbornness. If My Dear were to go to the battlefield with her someday, who knows what might happen."Luo Ning was speechless; her sister had a point. Experience shaped personality, and she knew Xu Zhiqing''s temperament all too well.


    "Sister, will you still ask Zhiqing to save big brother?"


    "Ask? Of course, I''ll ask," Xiao Qingxuan affirmed, her expression resolute. "Nothing is more important than My Dear. Even if I have to serve tea and water, I''ll still ask Miss Xu to make the trip. Ning''er, you stay here and take good care of My Dear." She paused, hesitated for a moment, and then handed a telescope to Luo Ning. "You keep this for now. Remember, only use it if something happens to My Dear. Don''t use it for any other reason."


    "Why?" Luo Ning looked at her quizzically.


    Miss Xiao bit her lip, her cheeks flushed. She lowered her head and spoke softly, "I''ve heard that the telescope made by Westerners has a restriction; it can only be used three times a day. If you use up those opportunities, it will be much more difficult for us to save My Dear."


    Startled, Luo Ning quickly waved her hands, "Then I won''t look for now. I''ll just talk to big brother here, and I¡¯ll take a good look at him when hees back."


    The cruel deceiver. Tears welled up in Miss Xiao''s eyes, causing her heart to ache. She hurriedly turned her head away, gave a hum, and climbed into her sedan chair. The chair set off at once, hastily descending the mountain. Hu Bugui, who was keenly observant, already knew that Princess Chuyun had considerable influence over General Lin. He immediately arranged for a team of cavalry to escort her, led by Xu Zhen, as they followed the general''s wife.


    The sun was brilliant, the spring scenery splendid. Despite the bustling streets, Miss Xiao had no heart to enjoy it. Urging the sedan chair forward, they had just reached the gates of the Lin Mansion when they heard a guard shout, "Who dares obstruct the Princess''s path?"


    A voice tinged with both urgency and trembling came forth, "Is Princess Chuyun in this sedan chair?" The woman''s voice was crisp, and she sounded young. Miss Xiao lifted the curtain to find a small troop of soldiers, their weapons gleaming, blocking a young girl.


    The girl looked to be about sixteen or seventeen, dressed in a pink shirt. Her lips were red and her teeth white; despite her pallor, her natural beauty remained. She exuded an inexplicable charm, like a flower that had bloomed in the morning¡ªgiven time, she would surely be a great beauty.


    Who was this girl, and why did she look so familiar? Confused, Miss Xiao couldn¡¯t recall where she''d seen her before.


    Desperately clutching the soldiers'' weapons, the girl was on the brink of tears. "Princess, I need to see the Princess!" she cried out.


    Before Miss Xiao could respond, a figure burst forth from inside the Lin Mansion, grabbing the girl¡¯s sleeve, "Second Miss, don¡¯t disturb the Princess. She¡¯s back now and will surely inform you of Mr. Lin''s whereabouts."


    The man who rushed out would certainly excite Lin Wanrong if he saw him. It was Gao Qiu, the leader of the guards assigned to protect the Lin Mansion by royal decree. He had apanied Lin Wanrong and Xiao Yuruo all the way back from Hangzhou and was very familiar with Lin Wanrong.


    Second Miss? Miss Xiao nodded slightly. The young girl bore some resemnce to her sister, which exined her sense of familiarity. It was this Second Miss who had introduced Lin Wanrong to the Xiao family and had even shielded him from the swords of the White Lotus Sect. Lin San¡¯s rise to prominence had started with her, and even Xiao Qingxuan''s own marriage to Lin Wanrong could be partially credited to this young girl. Grateful and delighted to see how bright and attractive the young girl had grown, Miss Xiao waved her hand, signaling the guards to lower their weapons.


    "You''re calling for me, little sister?" A clear,posed voice with an indescribable air of grace resonated beside Xiao Yushuang.


    Second Miss lifted her gaze for a moment, and instantly found herself stunned. A woman gracefully stepped out from the pnquin. She wore a satin yellow gown, her figure alluring, her eyebrows reminiscent of distant mountains, and her eyes like autumn water. She radiated an ethereal air that set her apart, utterly entrancing everyone around her.


    "You, you are¡ª" As her eyes met Xiao Qingxuan''s stunning face, Xiao Yushuang seemed to lose her train of thought and murmured, "Sister, you are incredibly beautiful."


    The word "sister" filled Xiao Qingxuan''s heart with joy. She quickly took Yushuang''s small hand and offered a slight smile. "Dear sister, you are truly charming. Were you waiting for me here?"


    Meanwhile, Gao Qiu bowed deeply, then said, "Princess, you''ve finally returned. Ever since Miss Qiaoqiao and Miss Luo left, Second Miss has been standing outside the mansion, waiting for news of you. This is already the fourth day. I''ve not seen her rest for even a moment."


    Xiao Yushuang looked haggard. Upon seeing Miss Xiao''s unparalleled beauty, her eyes dimmed as she lowered her head and softly said, "Sister, are you the princess? You truly are a fairy. I hate that bad guy for telling me this¡ªI didn''t believe him and even dared topare myself with you. How ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!"


    Her tears flowed freely, her body swaying as if she would fall. Xiao Qingxuan was shocked and quickly embraced her. "Dear sister, what are you talking about? In My Dear''s eyes, you are a little fairy. I am also grateful to you."


    Second Miss''s tears streamed down, her red lips broken and slowly oozing blood. She stubbornly turned her head away, refusing to let anyone see her tears, her voice trembling, "Sister Princess, how is that scoundrel from our house? Has anyone hurt him?"


    Seeing Second Miss''s stubborn demeanor, Xiao Qingxuan felt a surge of pity rise in her heart. She embraced her and said, "Don''t worry, your scoundrel is safe and sound, currently enjoying himself."


    Xiao Yushuang nodded, tears spilling over. "Sister Princess, may I, may I see him? Please don''t misunderstand, I have no other intention, I just want to see him."


    Second Miss choked silently, her small hand covering her cheek tightly, "That scoundrel is not here, our house is in total disarray. Mother is sick, sister is gone, and I¡ªI can''t hold on anymore. I miss him¡ªno, I don¡¯t miss him¡ªI¡ª"


    She had met Xiao Qingxuan, and upon seeing Miss Xiao''s angelic beauty, her emotions were shattered. Muttering incoherently, she could no longer contain her sorrow and suddenly burst into loud sobs.


    Xiao Qingxuan was deeply moved, her eyes wet as she patted her on the shoulder, "Yushuang, don''t worry. Once I''m done with my tasks here, I''ll take you to see him."


    Xiao Yushuang could hardly believe her ears. She abruptly looked up, her face still streaked with tears. "Sister, are you serious?" Seeing Xiao Qingxuan nodding affirmatively, Xiao Yushuang stood in a daze for a moment, and then suddenly threw herself into her arms, sobbing loudly, "Sister, thank you. I miss that scoundrel, I miss him so much¡ª"


    Having waited in front of Lin''s mansion for four days and nights without sleep, Xiao Yushuang finally had her wish fulfilled. Relieved, her body went limp, like a rigid stone, falling backward.


    Xiao Qingxuan acted swiftly, reaching out to catch her. Xiao Yushuang''s body softened, and she nestled in Miss Xiao''s arms, her eyes slightly closed, finally falling into a gentle slumber.


    What a tragedy! Staring at the sweet smile on Xiao Yushuang''s sleeping face, her eyshes still wet with unshed tears, Xiao Qingxuan silently shook her head. "Such a young girl already evokes my pity; what then of my naturally passionate husband?"


    Having settled Xiao Yushuang in the fragrant chamber of her carriage, Xiao Qingxuan turned to ask the tall guard, "Officer Gao, have you seen Qiaoqiao?"


    "Miss Qiaoqiao is back?" Officer Gao shook his head in surprise. "I have not seen her."


    The girl must still be at the Xu mansion. Miss Xiao nodded slightly and, without entering her own home, headed toward the adjacent Xu estate. Being of high standing, several servants were already kneeling at the Xu entrance to greet her. A quick scan revealed only stewards and servants; neither Xu Wei nor Xu Zhiqing were present.


    It was the time of the morning court, so Xu Wei''s absence was not surprising. However, not seeing Xu Zhiqing made her heart skip a beat.


    "Sister, you''vee," Qiaoqiao said, her eyes red. She stepped out from the Xu mansion and took her hand, her voice choked. "The servants and maids in the mansion said that Sister Zhiqing left for a trip a few days ago and has not returned. I didn''t believe them, so I waited in her room all night, but she never appeared. My brother can''t afford any dy. What should we do if Sister Xu is not home?"


    "Not home? What a coincidence." Xiao Qingxuan was slightly taken aback. "When did she leave?"


    "The servants said she left the day before yesterday," Qiaoqiao replied.


    "The day before yesterday?" Xiao Qingxuan suddenly smiled, taking Qiaoqiao''s hand and softly saying, "Then there''s no need to worry."


    "How can we not worry? My brother is on that perilous peak, underfed, cold, and on guard against your master. Each day''s dy increases the danger," Qiaoqiao fretted.


    "Danger? He probably doesn''t know how happy andfortable he is," Xiao Qingxuan said, biting back her own worries. "Silly little sister, do you really think Miss Xu has left?"


    "She hasn''t?" Qiaoqiao eximed, delighted.


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded, "General Li Tai''s army is set to march northward soon. Miss Xu, as a military strategist, wouldn''t leave at this time. I suspect she''s deliberately avoiding us."


    "Avoiding us? That shouldn''t be the case. We all know how fond Sister Xu is of my brother¡ª" Qiaoqiao paused, looking like she wanted to say something but stopped.


    Miss Xiao''s eyes were cool as she scanned the Xu family''s servants. Her gazended on a pretty young maid. She smiled slightly, "If I remember correctly, you''re named Yuzhu, Miss Xu''s personal maid, aren''t you? Yuzhu, I suspect your mistress left a letter, didn''t she?"


    Yuzhu hastily knelt and offered a formal salute, raising a letter high in her hands, "Please forgive my deceit, Princess. My mistress gave instructions before she left: If the Princess inquires, present this letter; if not, burn it on the spot."


    Burn it on the spot? Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and chuckled softly. ¡®Miss Xu is indeed stubborn, already matching wits with me.¡¯ Qiaoqiao quickly took the letter from her, and Miss Xiao opened the envelope. A quick nce revealed that the letter was brief and to the point. Only four concise characters (five words) were elegantly penned¡ª "Return to the mountain immediately!"


    ¡ª---


    "What are you doing?" Fairy Ning leaned quietly against him, watching as he carefully ground down the bamboo joint to fashion it into a tube. One eye was aimed into the tube as he looked around.


    "Making a simple telescope¡ªto peek at sister taking a bath!" Lin Wanrong giggled and nted a kiss on her crystal-clear cheek.


    "You annoying thief!" Fairy Ning¡¯s face flushed a vivid red. She remembered the night he had spied on her during her bath, her cheeks growing hotter. She pinched his arm and warned, "No more peeking from now on!"


    "I don¡¯t need to peek; I am a decent man," Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Now I can look openly."


    When it came to shameless matters, he always became more animated. Ning Yuxi muttered a soft ''tsk,'' her face as beautiful as a blooming flower, but her heart relished the warmth.


    Seeing that the bamboo joint was nearly ready, Lin Wanrong took out a small ss bottle from his pocket. The bottle contained a light blue liquid, only a little left. He held the bottle up to the sunlight, squinting at it, apparently focused on something.


    "Is this perfume?" Fairy Ning scrutinized the small ss bottle and whispered.


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled. "This is called Orchid Perfume, perfectly suited for ady of your delicate, orchid-like nature." He poured a drop onto Fairy Ning¡¯s arm. Ning Yuxi took a gentle sniff¡ªsubtly fragrant, delicate and not greasy. The perfume lived up to its name.


    Women loved beauty, and Fairy Ning was no exception. Delighted by the unique scent, Ning Yuxi took a deeper sniff. Just as she was smiling, her expression changed abruptly. She stared at the small bottle in her hand and sighed softly, "So, the perfume Qingxuan uses is this Orchid Perfume. Thief, did you give it to her?"


    ¡®Women are indeed sensitive,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, smiling as he grasped her hand. "This perfume has countless nuances and moods. No two are the same. When I nt a garden full of orchids, I''ll create a perfume just for you¡ªone of a kind in all the world."


    Ning Yuxi responded with a soft "mm-hmm," lowering her head, lost in thought. Lin Wanrong gently tapped the bottle against a stone, shattering it. The perfume spilled onto the ground. He picked up tworger shards of ss and smiled at Fairy Ning, "Sister, let me show you a magic trick."


    "What magic? Be careful not to cut your hand," Ning Yuxi sat on a rock,zily and carefreely crossing her legs, looking like a teenage girl. Her clothes were already torn, revealing shes of her smooth, jade-like skin. Even from a few steps away, Lin Wanrong could sense the luster and vitality of her legs.


    "Thief," Ning Yuxi¡¯s face flushed a beautiful shade of red as she looked at him and smiled gently. The sunlight cascaded on her face, casting a colorful glow.


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly swallowed a mouthful of water, carefully ced a few dried leaves on the ground, and held a lens in his hand. He repeatedly adjusted the angle to capture the sunlight just right.


    Ning Yuxi had no idea what he was doing. She watched as he crouched on the ground,pletely absorbed in his task. He would asionally nce at the leaves and then look up at the sun, sweating profusely in his anxiety. The sunlight glinted off the ss lens, almost blinding. As Ning Yuxi stared at him, a feeling of happiness she had never experienced before filled her heart.


    "It''s burning, it''s burning!" Lin Wanrong suddenly shouted excitedly. Ning Yuxi looked down to see a small, bright white spot focused on one of the leaves. Wisps of smoke began to rise, and the leaf had indeed caught fire.


    Still exuberant, Lin Wanrong waited for Ning Yuxi''s reaction. When none came, he looked up to see her turned away, her shoulders shaking, her cheeks wet with tears.


    "Sister, what''s wrong?" Lin Wanrong quickly leapt to embrace her trembling shoulders.


    Frustrated, Ning Yuxi pounded on his chest. Biting her lip, tears streamed down her face, "So, it seems I was just fooling myself. You can start a fire even without my fire starter. What use is it for me to keep it then?"


    She pulled out the fire starter from her pocket and was about to throw it away when Lin Wanrong swiftly grabbed it from her hand. Annoyed, Ning Yuxi huffed and kicked a small stone into the abyss below.


    Lin Wanrong stared at her tear-streaked face for a moment before bursting intoughter.


    "What are youughing at?" Ning Yuxi looked at him, both embarrassed and irritated.


    Holding her tightly, Lin Wanrong gazed into her eyes and said softly, "Sister, you''re bing more and more like a woman, a real woman!"


    "Have I really changed?" Ning Yuxi paused, her tears silently falling as she nestled further into his arms.


    Lin Wanrong polished two pieces of lens and fitted them into a bamboo tube. Raising the makeshift telescope to his eyes, he could finally see figures on the opposite cliff. Although the faces were blurry, Lin Wanrong was ted, "Sister,e take a look. This is a telescope I made myself; I am a genius."


    Taking the telescope, Ning Yuxi looked through it and then shook her head,ughing, "You are certainly full of tall tales. This telescope makes me dizzy and the view is unclear. I can see much further without it."


    Given Ning Yuxi''s extraordinary skills, her im was not an exaggeration. Lin Wanrong uttered a disappointed, "Oh," and his spirits drooped. Feeling a softening in her heart, Ning Yuxi took his hand and said gently, "Among millions, only one might possess my abilities. Yet your telescope can give millions my gift of sight; you are truly the most amazing."


    Seeing that Lin Wanrong was still downcast, she hesitated for a moment, then quickly pecked him on the cheek, her face flushed as she said, "You strange little thief, be content!"


    Lin Wanrong felt as if his scheme had seeded. Grinning, he started to y with the telescope again, looking in all directions. The smile on his face was so radiant, it simply couldn''t be concealed.


    "That little thief!" Ning Yuxi eximed with a mix of annoyance and affection, choosing not to say anything more.


    The sky was clear, without a cloud in sight. Ning Yuxi looked ahead, her gaze settling on the cliff on the opposite side. At first, nothing seemed amiss, but gradually her expression changed. Suddenly, she grabbed Lin Wanrong''s hand, her voice trembling as she said, "Little thief, what¡ªwhat is that?"


    "What are you talking about?" Lin Wanrong adjusted the angle of his telescope and saw a dark mass on the opposite cliff, though he couldn''t make out the details.


    Sensing something was off, he quickly closed his eyes to center himself. When he opened them again, this time he saw clearly: dozens of dark, sturdy cannon barrels aimed directly at them from across the cliff.


    Lin Wanrong was terrified, "Cannons¡ª"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 446

    Chapter 446 Flying Ropes


    "Aiming the cannons at us? Is something amiss?" Lin Wanrong took out his telescope and scanned the area. These few cannons were huge in size, with long and thick barrels, clearly of a modified design, not to be underestimated. He put down the telescope and grasped Fairy Ning''s small hand, "Sister, promise me one thing. No matter what happens, you must not leave me."


    Ning Yuxi lowered her head and softly said, "Why are you bringing this up again? Is something unusual happening?"


    Lin Wanrong held her hand tightly, his expressionplicated, "If I''m not mistaken, this should be Qingxuan''s doing. She must have invited Xu Zhiqing. Only Miss Xu, who is skilled at mechanisms and calctions, coulde up with such an idea."


    He spoke simply, but Ning Yuxi tensed, sensing something, "Are you saying that Qingxuan and her group have already found a way?" Her eyes grew vacant as she fell silent.


    Lin Wanrong smiled slightly, unconcerned, "Even if they have found a way, I will never let you leave me. Otherwise, I''d rather not descend this mountain."


    Fairy Sister looked at him softly, a mist forming in her eyes, "Don''t talk like a child. If they really have found a way, then it must be fate. I''d lose willingly. The northern nomads are invading, and Qingxuan is pregnant. There are many tasks waiting for you, don''t dy because of me."


    People are indeed fickle. Thinking back to when she had been determined to trap him on an isted peak, she now worried that he might fail to realize his ambitions. The taste of this change was something only she could understand. Ning Yuxi sighed softly, her expression growing more resolute.


    ¡ª---"Miss Xu, do you really have a way to rescue General Lin?" Staring at the distant Thousand-Forsake Peak shrouded in mist, he couldn''t see where Lin Wanrong was. Hu Bugui looked at Xu Zhiqing standing on the cliff edge, filled with concern.


    Xu Zhiqing''s eyes were slightly closed. Neither shaking her head nor nodding, she finally opened her eyes after a long moment, "General Hu, have all the items I requested been prepared?"


    "They''re ready, all ready," Hu Bugui nodded hurriedly, "Cannons, ropes, chains. My men and I have worked together since early morning to carry them up the mountain. We didn''t miss a thing. Miss Xu, these items are custom-made and couldn''t be prepared in less than two days. General Lin is fortunate to have such a confidant like you¡ª"


    "Do not misunderstand," Xu Zhiqing''s expression was cold, "I don''t know any General Lin, nor have I prepared anything specially. These are regr supplies for the Divine Machine Unit and have nothing to do with the man on the opposite mountain. Whether he lives or dies is not my concern."


    Considering how sweet Xu Zhiqing and General Lin had been in Shandong, why had things turned out this way? Hu Bugui discreetly stuck out his tongue and nodded respectfully, "I understand. Miss Xu came to this peak to watch the sunrise, and it has nothing to do with General Lin."


    Xu Zhiqing''s brow furrowed, wanting to rify, but not knowing what to say, she remained silent.


    A sedan chair was rapidly ascending from the base of the mountain. Hu Bugui noticed and eximed joyfully, "The general''s wife has returned. Miss Xu, you should consult with her quickly¡ªMiss Xu, Miss Xu¡ª"


    Xu Zhiqing''s steps were hurried and her clothes were fluttering. As if she didn''t hear his words, she hurriedly went to the distance without turning her head. Hu Bugui looked back and forth between the sedan chair that had just arrived and Xu Zhiqing, seemingly understanding what was happening. He felt bad for Lin Wanrong. ¡®If I were him, I''d rather stay on the peak. It''s safer that way.¡¯


    Before the chair had even settled, Xiao Qingxuan burst out, followed by Qiaoqiao and a young, pretty girl. "Brother Hu, what is going on? Why are there so many cannons?" Qiaoqiao asked impatiently.


    Xiao Qingxuan looked toward the forest of cannons in the distance. In the middle of it all, a slender figure in blue was busily moving around, followed closely by Luo Ning. "Let''s not trouble Brother Hu further," she said, smiling. "I''ll go find Miss Xu myself."


    The young girl trailing behind Xiao Qingxuan nced into the distance and timidly asked, "Big Sister, where is that bad man from our home? Why can''t I see him?"


    "Don¡¯t worry, Second Miss," Qiaoqiao grabbed Xiao Yushuang''s hand softly. "Big brother is on the opposite peak. He wille down soon; we can wait here."


    Xiao Yushuang looked up at the towering peak, as sharp as a knife''s de, stretching into the sky. "Qiaoqiao, how could that bad man climb so high? He doesn¡¯t have that ability."


    "He¡¯s more capable than you think," said Xiao Qingxuan, a bitter smile on her face. She paused for a moment and then walked toward Xu Zhiqing.


    Xu Zhiqing wore a light blue dress and a simple piece of cloth to hold back her hair. Her body was slim and elegant, like a blossoming rose, as she peered toward the opposite peak. Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly at the sight of the mature and stubborn Xu Zhiqing.


    "Sister, you''re back," Luo Ning turned around and saw Xiao Qingxuan, her face lighting up in joy. "Miss Xu is here; she has a n to bring big b¡ª"


    "Ning¡¯er¡ª" Xu Zhiqing hurriedly cut her off, bowed deeply toward Xiao Qingxuan, and knelt down. "Commoner Xu Zhiqing pays her respects to Princess Chuyun."


    "Why do you act so distant, Sister Xu?" Xiao Qingxuan said with a smile, helping her up. "You''re not a stranger to us. Remember when you and My Dear came up the mountain together? The three of us faced many challenges together."


    Xu Zhiqing''s eyelids drooped, avoiding Xiao Qingxuan''s gaze. "There are distinctions between rank and status, and we must uphold decorum. Please, Princess, do not bring up the past. I am no longer the person I was back then; I''ve forgotten many things."


    Ning''er, hiding behind Miss Xu, sneaked a yful tongue stick-out towards Xiao Qingxuan and subtly shook her head. Xiao Qingxuanughed, "Sister Xu, you truly have a carefree spirit. I admire and look up to you so much. I wonder where you learned the art of forgetting. Could you teach me? So that I might forget about my annoying husband."


    Xu Zhiqing clenched her teeth, "Your Highness jokes. You and your husband are deeply in love, envied by all. How could you ever wish to forget him? If you truly want to forget, I do have a foolish method. Write his name on a piece of paper, and each day pierce it with a needle ten thousand times. When your heart is thoroughly wounded, you won''t think of him, won''t suffer, and will naturally forget."


    "What a unique method," Xiao Qingxuanmented wistfully. "If I had your guidance when I first met My Dear, I might not have the troubles I have today."


    Both Miss Xu and Miss Xiao were talented women¡ªXu Zhiqing possessed exceptional intelligence and innate pride, while Xiao Qingxuan had the elegance and poise that could govern a nation. Their conversation was filled with subtle barbs, each refusing to yield an inch.


    Listening to the two sisters spar, Ning''er blinked in confusion, uncertain whom to side with. She quickly took both their hands andughed, "What''s this about forgetting? If everyone were like you two, my big brother and I would have lost our fate long ago. If you love someone, don''t let go. If you let go, you never truly loved them. So, Sister Zhiqing, tell us how to save my big brother; you two are so close¡ª"


    Xu Zhiqing cut her off, her tone indifferent, "You may be mistaken, Ning''er. My acquaintance with the man across the way is merely superficial; I wouldn''t call it close. I came today at the behest of General Li to assist the Princess, nothing more."


    Ning''er nced at Xiao Qingxuan, who could only offer a resigned smile. Xiao Qingxuan nodded, "So that''s the case. I''m grateful for your help, Sister. But do you have any ns to rescue my husband sessfully?"


    Xiao Qingxuan was of high standing, and her questions demanded answers. Xu Zhiqing sighed softly, "You don''t need to ask me, Your Highness. The man across the cliff is far smarter than me. If you shout over to him, he will tell you himself."


    Xiao Qingxuan chuckled bitterly, shaking her head, "You know his temperament as well as I do. If he doesn''t want to do something, not even a knife to his throat wouldpel him. By the looks of it, he''d rather stay on that Thousand-Forsake Peak for a while longer. That rascal infuriates me."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s words carried an unspoken weight. Xu Zhiqing merely responded, "If that''s the case, I''ll give it a try, but I can''t guarantee sess, especially if he''s unwilling¡ª"


    "He should be willing," tears suddenly welled up in Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes as she tightly gripped Ning''er''s hand. As she spoke, she herself wasn''t sure.


    "Very well," Xu Zhiqing clenched her teeth, "Let''s begin now."


    "Now?" Both Ning''er and Xiao Qingxuan were surprised by Xu Zhiqing''s urgency. They nced around and soon understood. Tools and chains of various shapes and sizes were scattered about the cliff, many custom-made. Clearly, Xu Zhiqing had prepared for this for a long time.


    Feeling the eyes of Ning''er and Xiao Qingxuan on her, Xu Zhiqing quickly turned her head away, her voice trembling, "Please guide us, Your Highness."


    "My Dear, My Dear¡ª" From the bamboo tube across the cliff came a tender voice calling. Lin Wanrong was leaning against a delicate figure, hisrge hand caressing her slender waist, half-asleep.


    "Wake up," Ning Yuxi gently pushed him on the waist, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Someone is calling you."


    "Who is it?" Lin Wanrong yawned, nudged his head against her soft belly, reluctantly opened his eyes, and heard Qingxuan''s voice carried by the wind: "Master, My Dear, you both should take refuge in the cave for now; I''lle to bring you down the mountain shortly."


    "The cave?" Lin Wanrong and Ning Yuxi exchanged puzzled nces. Could Qingxuan somehow see long distances? How did she know there was a cave on Thousand-Forsake Peak?


    "What does Qingxuan want us to do in the cave?" Ning Yuxi softly said.


    Lin Wanrong grabbed her hand and started walking, smiling, "Who cares, Qingxuan wouldn¡¯t harm us anyway. What¡¯s wrong with having another ¡®wedding night¡¯ in the cave?"


    "Stop talking nonsense." Ning Yuxi hit him lightly, her face blushing. Just as they stood at the mouth of the cave, they heard a tremendous roar from across the peak. A thin wisp of smoke arose, and a huge iron ball, screeching as it spun, traced a beautiful arc in the air and came hurtling toward Thousand-Forsake Peak.


    Ning Yuxi was greatly shocked, her face turning pale. "What is Qingxuan doing?"


    "She¡¯s trying to shoot Cupid''s arrows!" Lin Wanrongughed, embracing Ning Yuxi¡¯s delicate figure, showing no signs of panic.


    The iron ball flew for a moment but eventually ran out of force several meters from the peak. It scraped against the rocky cliff and fell, prompting a collective sigh from the tens of thousands of watching soldiers below.


    Sweat covered Qingxuan¡¯s palms as she looked at Xu Zhiqing, who was operating the cannon. She carefully asked, "Sister Xu, are you sure about this? We mustn¡¯t hurt My Dear."


    Xu Zhiqing wiped the sweat from her brow, her red lips tightly pressed. "Princess, don''t worry; he won¡¯t be harmed. Again!"


    She hurriedly moved to the second cannon, directing the soldiers to adjust the position and calibrate the angle, calcting the distances.


    "No wonder Sister Zhiqing insisted on bringing up ten cannons. They were all spares," Ning''er realized, gripping Qiaoqiao''s little hand tightly.


    Xiao Yushuang quietly wiped away her tears and tugged at Qingxuan¡¯s sleeve, timidly saying, "Princess, will this scare that scoundrel? He¡¯s never experienced this kind of thing before."


    "Don''t worry," Qingxuan reassured. "Lin Wanrong is a seasoned warrior. A few cannon shots won''t scare him."


    "Boom!" Another deafening sound. The iron ball whizzed out again, everyone holding their breath in anticipation. The iron ball traced an arc, but it fell from the furthest side of Thousand-Forsake Peak.


    Ning Yuxi turned pale, clutching tightly at Lin Wanrong''s sleeves as she nestled against him. "Rascal, they really found a way. I, I¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong patted her shoulder softly andforted, "Don''t worry. Even if they set up a rope, we will descend the mountain together."


    Before the words had fallen, the third cannon st sounded. This time, the iron ball seemed to have eyes, whistling through the air andnding precisely on Thousand-Forsake Peak. The mountain trembled slightly, and the ball stopped several yards away from the cliff''s edge.


    "We''ve hit the target, we''ve hit the target!" The soldiers on the opposite mountain erupted in unison, cheering triumphantly.


    "My Dear, quickly pull up the rope on that iron ball!" Miss Xiao''s voice carried enormous delight.


    Gazing at the iron ball embedded in the ground, Lin Wanrong was speechless. Both joy and sorrow surged in his heart, and he hesitated, unsure of what to do.


    Ning Yuxi leaned against him, her long eyshes quivering, tears streaming down. Suddenly, she sprang from his arms and darted toward the mouth of the cave. Lin Wanrong couldn''t catch her in time.


    In a few leaps, Ning Yuxi reached the iron ball. There was a small hole in it, tightly bound with a glistening silk thread as thick as a little finger and faintly shimmering in white light. She hesitated for a moment, then clenched her teeth. Her trembling hands slowly untied the silk thread and gently began to pull. The silk was incredibly thin but incredibly strong. Slowly she pulled, and the rope on the opposite mountain began to inch closer, hand over hand.


    "Sister, why are you so foolish?" Lin Wanrong''s heart ached as he hugged her. Ning Yuxi''s tears fell silently. She muttered, "I''ve lost, little thief, I¡¯ve lost."


    "So what if you''ve lost? So what if you''ve won?" Lin Wanrong eximed, "Is there anyone in this world who could separate us? Today, we will go down the mountain together. Let''s see who dares to stop us!"


    Ning Yuxi was silent. Her small hand swiftly pulled, the rope quickly moving closer.


    Lin Wanrong, agitated, pressed her hand firmly. "If you promise to go down the mountain with me, we''ll use this rope. If you don''t agree, I''ll throw this rope away."


    He seized the silk thread, ready to throw it, but Ning Yuxi acted quickly, holding his hand tightly, tears pouring like rain. She choked, "Are you trying to kill me?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed softly, "If I leave you here alone, that would kill me."


    Ning Yuxi was speechless, mist rising in her eyes. Suddenly she looked at him with a sorrowful smile, "Better my life than yours. Let''s go down the mountain together. Let the worldugh at me, curse me, nder me, vex me, annoy me¡ªI''ll be the most shameless woman in the world."


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong jumped up in an instant.


    Ning Yuxi''s face paled, her long eyshes trembled and tears cascaded down. "Since I''ve known you, when have I ever lied to you? Mm¡ª"


    His hot mouth covered her cherry lips, and the wet heat made her tremble. She held Lin Wanrong tightly, her body melting into his arms, pulling hisrge hand into her soft waist. Tears covered her cheeks as she passionately responded.


    Upon seeing that the rope had stopped moving, Luo Ning anxiously inquired, "Big brother, what''s happening? Why did you stop pulling the rope?"


    Xiao Qingxuan put away her telescope, her face flushed with a blend of shyness and annoyance. "He has more important things to do, that scoundrel¡ª"


    "Aren''t you going to pull the rope?" Ning Yuxi finally managed to free herself from his passionate kiss. Her breathing quickened, a faint blush appearing between her brows. Her face was so flushed it seemed like it could drip water. She shot him a look, both annoyed and coy, bewitchingly charming.


    Lin Wanrongughed twice. The two of them gripped the silken rope, and the rope on the other end began moving at an exponentially faster speed. In a short while, they had reached Thousand-Forsake Peak.


    The rope, as thick as an arm, was securely tied by Lin Wanrong to a tree. Ning Yuxi frowned and said, "No matter how thick this hemp rope is, it won''t be able to hold your weight. It''s not reliable."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Don''t worry, don''t worry, there''s more toe."


    As they were speaking, they noticed that the other end of the rope began to rise. Upon inspecting through a telescope, they saw that a long, thick log had been set up on the peak opposite them. About a quarter of the log was lodged firmly into the ground by a high pir, forming an unequal seesaw. A pulley was ced at the front end of the log, from which the rope extended. On the other end, dozens of soldiers pushed down on the lever, raising the pulley high up, making the rope higher on one end and lower on the other.


    "Xu Zhiqing really knows quite a bit, even using the principle of a lever," Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled.


    "Big brother, catch this," Ning Er''s voice echoed again. Sliding down the rope came two specially made wooden chairs and arge winch with a handle. Xu Zhiqingmanded the soldiers to slowly press the lever, adjusting the speed of the chairs, neither too fast nor too slow.


    When the chairs arrived, Lin Wanrong looked them over. Needless to say, they were sturdy. The chairs were tightly wound with silken threads, forming a very secure ring, hooked onto the rope¡ªevidently for sliding purposes.


    He lifted the winch into the air to lock it in ce, tied the thick rope to it, and slowly turned the handle. The end of the thick rope on the other side was connected to arge iron chain, which hundreds of soldiers began to pull.


    Ning Yuxi had a sudden realization. Using silk threads to lead the thick rope, and then using the thick rope to pull the iron chain¡ªit was truly a clever idea. Even the winch had a significant function. Because the distance between the two peaks was several hundred feet, the iron chain would naturally sag when pulled across, requiring immense strength to hold it. This winch was specifically designed to save effort.


    "Who came up with this idea?" Ning Yuxi eximed in silent admiration. "Every detail fits perfectly; it''s utterly ingenious. Scoundrel, did you say once that ''you will go back the way you came''? Is this what you meant?"


    "More or less," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "But Miss Xu has outdone even my imagination. I underestimated her before. Hopefully, she''ll bring these ingenious ideas to the battlefield someday."


    "Do you really intend to go north to fight against the nomads? When will you leave?" Ning Yuxi asked softly.


    "Counting the days, it shouldn''t be long now," Lin Wanrong mused. "Life is truly extraordinary. I could never have dreamt that one day I would voluntarily request to go to the battlefield."


    Ning Yuxi nodded slightly, her smile remaining but her words absent. The wheel slowly turned, and a long iron rope stretched between the two peaks, as if it was a passage between insurmountable chasms.


    Gazing at the faintly trembling iron rope, Lin Wanrong chuckled, recalling the journey that had brought him here. "Life is like a cycle, from the end to the beginning. I can hardly tell which is heaven and which is earth."


    "Which is heaven and which is earth?" Ning Yuxi murmured to herself, her eyshes quivering. Two glistening teardrops silently fell...


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 447

    Chapter 447 Endless Love in Chains


    Lin Wanrong had already determined the next steps. He chose arge, solid boulder to anchor the iron chain. Two custom-made chairs were hung from it. After testing the solidity himself and finding the chain held taut, he finally rxed. As he turned his head, he saw her¡ªher gaze deep, her expression a shifting blend of happiness and sorrow¡ªas she stared at the thick iron chain that spanned between the two peaks.


    Lin Wanrong grasped her cold hand, a chill that felt unimaginable given her martial prowess. Concerned, he quickly asked, "Fairy Sister, what''s wrong with you?"


    "I''m fine," Ning Yuxi replied with a soft smile. She adjusted his clothes gently and spoke softly, "I''m just feeling a bit sentimental. Our past seems as though it happened just yesterday, yet it also feels like a dream."


    What Ning Yuxi said was no lie. Before scaling the Thousand-Forsake Peak, she had been contemting how to kill him. Little did she know, ascending the peak would bring about a drastic turn of events. Describing it as a dream was not an exaggeration.


    "This is no dream," Lin Wanrongughed, his eyes filled with yearning as he looked around. "This mountain range is magnificent, the scenery breathtaking. Despite its name, the Thousand-Forsake Peak doesn''t forsake one''s feelings. This ce is a paradise for both Fairy Sister and me. In a few years, let''se back. Leave the children and the nannies at home; it''ll just be the two of us. We''ll climb this peak, stargaze, soak in the hot springs¡ªit''ll be bliss."


    "You''re quite the dreamer," she replied, her eyes tinged with a fleeting shadow before resuming their usual sparkle. "Do you think this is a yground that you can climb whenever you wish? The peak is impossibly high. Once you''re down, how do you n to return for hot springs and stargazing?"


    Her expression was indifferent as she held his hand. Together, they stood at the peak, gazing at the distant mountains, feeling the cold winds caress their faces and stir their hair¡ªalmost an ethereal sensation.


    Lin Wanrong took a deep breath and chuckled, "The mountain may be high, but it can''tpare to the depths of our love. Even though the peak is named ¡®Thousand-Forsake,¡¯ I intend to transform this ce into a heaven on earth, where all lovers can achieve their union. Fairy Sister, could you ry a message for me? Ask Qingxuan to send another chain.""Another chain?" Ning Yuxi didn''t understand his actions, but seeing his resolute expression, she had no choice but to pass along the message.


    "What does big brother need another chain for?" Luo Ning asked curiously.


    Xiao Qingxuan remained silent, and Xu Zhiqing wore a neutral expression as she softly said, "To build a bridge."


    Having seeded the first time, the second chain was much easier to install. When the second iron chain was finally in ce, Lin Wanrong positioned the chains parallel to each other, leaving less than a yard between them. Ning Yuxi quietly asked, "What are you doing?"


    "You said once I go down, I can''te back up, right?" Lin Wanrong looked at her and smiled, "Well, once we reach the opposite peak, I''ll ce wooden boards between these chains, creating a suspended bridge. It will transform this impassable gorge into a thoroughfare. We''lle and go as we please in the future. I even have a name for it: The Endless Love Bridge."


    "Though the peak may be deserted, the chains are long and our love is longer." Ning Yuxi sped Lin Wanrong''s hand, her eyes shimmering with tears.


    Both floating chains had been set up. Lin Wanrong considered for a moment, then began to dismantle one of the tworge chairs that hung from the same rope. Just as he was about to hang it on the other metal rope, Ning Yuxi hastily stopped him. Softly, she asked, "What are you doing?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I don''t feelfortable leaving you behind. There are two ropes; we can descend side by side."


    "You are rather cautious," Ning Yuxi yfully chided him, her eyes softened with affection. "Where you go, I will follow. Bound by the same rope in life, tethered by the same cord in death, we cannot be separated."


    Lin Wanrong was familiar with Fairy Sister''s resolute nature. Seeing her so determined, he too felt a surge of emotion. "You''re right, sister. We should tie ourselves to the same rope, so that even in death, we''ll be together¡ª"


    Ning Yuxi quickly covered his mouth, her voice tinged with solemnity. "This mountain is perilous and you''re about to go to war; let''s not speak ill-omened words. Remember, no matter the danger, I will be by your side."


    Lin Wanrong eagerly nodded. "I know, I know. My Fairy Sister will never leave me."


    Ning Yuxi offered a tender smile and sat him down on the chair, diligently securing the chains. The rope suspending the chair was woven from silk threads, its texture both smooth and exceptionally strong. Ning Yuxi was quite pleased with it.


    Lin Wanrong, however, was stubborn. Standing up, he said, "Sister, don''t think only of me. Let me make it clear: if you don''t go, I won''t either."


    "You''re overthinking things," Ning Yuxi said with a soft smile, her eyes misty. Quickly, she turned away so he couldn''t see her face. She then sat in the chair behind him, switching their positions. Carefully, she adjusted his clothing and tightened his ropes, checking multiple times to ensure nothing was amiss. Finally, she nodded approvingly.


    Noticing Lin Wanrong''s intense gaze on her, Ning Yuxi haphazardly tied her own ropes. Her emotions were a tangled mess of bitterness and sweetness, and tears slowly rolled down her cheeks.


    "Sister, what''s wrong?" Lin Wanrong hurriedly asked.


    "I''m happy," she said through teary eyes. Leaning into his chest, she listened to the strong beats of his heart, her hands trembling slightly as they caressed his face. Softly, she spoke, "Little thief, can we really be together in this lifetime?"


    Lin Wanrong pointed to the sky and proimed loudly, "I, Lin Wanrong, swear that I will marry Ning Yuxi in this life and beyond. If I break this vow, may heaven and earth annihte me!"


    Ning Yuxiughed, her tears rolling freely. She closed her eyes and nted a kiss on his lips. Suddenly, she stood up; the ropes that had bound her came undone. A determined look crossed her face. Lin Wanrong was shocked. "Yuxi, what are you doing?"


    Laughing and crying at the same time, Ning Yuxi shouted, "Little thief, remember my words: Yuxi will always be by your side. Never forget me. Go¡ª"


    With gritted teeth and a heart-wrenching scream, she mustered all her strength to push Lin Wanrong''s chair forward. All he heard was the whoosh of wind; he felt as if he were flying like a kite. The sound of silk ropes rubbing against metal cables filled his ears. When he looked back, Ning Yuxi''s tear-streaked face was receding into the distance.


    "Fairy Sister, you deceived me? You deceived me!" With all the strength he could muster, he roared loudly, "Stop! Stop at once! Everyone stop!"


    Bound tightly by ropes, even his desperate struggles couldn''t free him as he slid rapidly toward the other side of the cliff. Seeing Lin Wanrong''s relentless struggles and despairing face, Ning Yuxi felt as if her heart had shattered. She suddenly burst into tears, covering her face with her hands, "You scoundrel, I will never leave you. Never forget me! Never forget me!"


    Xiao Qingxuan, watching from the other side, was greatly rmed. "Sister Xu, slow down. Master is bringing My Dear back. My Dear ising back."


    Witnessing Lin Wanrong still struggling in mid-air, Xu Zhiqing gritted her teeth and said furiously, "This man is foolishly reckless. Unless he''s reduced to a pulp, he won''t change his ways." Despite her words, her eyes were intently fixed on him, sweat pouring down her forehead. She was constantly directing the soldiers to adjust the levers, slowing down the chair''s slide.


    The distance of several hundred yards seemed to pass in an instant. The wind whooshed by his ears, and as he saw Ning Yuxi''s face bing increasingly blurred, Lin Wanrong''s face turned pale. Every moment he had spent with the Fairy on the cliff came rushing back¡ªevery smile, every scolding, every anger. It was as if they were etched into his heart, unforgettable.


    "Ahhh¡ª" Unable to control himself, he let out a long howl that echoed crisply from both sides of the cliff.


    "You foolish scoundrel," Ning Yuxi muttered to herself, her sword-holding hand trembling slightly.


    Hearing this, Xiao Yushuang was terrified and quickly grabbed Xiao Qingxuan''s hand, anxiously saying, "Sister Princess, he''s heartbroken. He has never been like this before."


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed, speaking faintly, "Even if he is heartbroken, what about others? It''s hard on Master."


    As the situation on the opposite peak became increasingly clear, Lin Wanrong felt an inexplicable sense of void. Whether it was Yuxi or Qingxuan, heaven or earth, it all became fuzzy in his mind, sometimes separating, sometimes merging again.


    Holding the homemade telescope he had left behind, he saw his feet finallynd on the opposing peak. Several soldiers immediately grabbed hold of him, and Qingxuan, apanied by several women, rushed toward him. Ning Yuxi gave a wistful smile, raising her long sword and swiftly cutting the iron chain.


    Just as Lin Wanrong stepped onto the peak, his hands were grabbed by Hu Bugui. Suddenly, as if sensing something, he turned his head to see a sh of white light rapidly illuminating Thousand-Forsake Peak. It was Ning Yuxi''s sword.


    "Let go of me!" Lin Wanrong roared, his voice filled with desperation. Before the ropes on the chair could be untied, he stepped on the edge of the cliff, and using the force from pushing back, the chair that had justnded swiftly slid back. The chain had already been cut, and the chair, carrying Lin Wanrong, plummeted like a falling meteor.


    "My Dear¡ª"


    "Scoundrel¡ª"


    "Big Brother¡ª"


    "General¡ª"


    "Ahhh¡ª"


    Xiao Qingxuan, Xiao Yushuang, Luo Ning, and Qiaoqiao were all horrified, rushing madly toward the cliff. Thest voice to call out was from Xu Zhiqing, who had always been aloof and cold.


    "Thief!" A sharp, shrill cry echoed from the opposite cliff as a figure glided across with unparalleled speed, fast as lightning. The falling chair abruptly began to slow down. Everyone looked up, stunned into silence.


    Hovering between the cliffs was a white figure with arms outstretched. Shaking violently, each hand grasped a broken chain. Against all odds, the chains were connected solely through human strength.


    The crowd was dumbfounded. These iron chains spanned between two mountains and weighed a thousand pounds. Even if Ning Yuxi was the greatest martial artist in the world, it was inconceivable for her to pull these chains together with her bare hands.


    A mixture of joy and sorrow overwhelmed Lin Wanrong, and he burst intoughter. "Fairy Sister, remember my words¡ªI am not so easily deceived. We are tied by the rope of life and death; you promised!"


    Suspended between the cliffs, the beautiful figure looked like a descended fairy, her strength ebbing away. Her face pale, tears fell as she muttered, "Bound by life and death¡ªoh, you silly, foolish thief!"


    Xiao Qingxuan was the first to snap back to reality. She cried out, "Sister Xu, quick, lower the ropes gently. My Master, she can''t take it!"


    Xu Zhiqing quicklyplied and directed everyone to lower the ropes. Ning Yuxi clenched her teeth, using every ounce of her strength to hold the chains steady, not letting them tremble. Through her tear-blurred eyes, she saw Lin Wanrong grinning triumphantly, as if victorious. Her emotions were like a small boat tumbling at the peak of a wave¡ªsometimes sad, sometimes joyful, tears flowing ceaselessly.


    As soon as Lin Wanrong set foot on solid ground, everyone rushed forward. Hu Bugui lunged at him, grabbing his legs, fearing a repeat of his cliff-dropping antics. Lin Wanrong looked back; a white figure vanished into the opposite peak. The broken chains, through some unfathomable method employed by Ning Yuxi, were now connected, stretching between the two peaks¡ªa magnificent sight that spoke of enduring love.


    "Big brother¡ª" Luo Ning and Qiaoqiao lunged into his arms, tears streaming down their faces. "You idiot, you scared us to death!"


    "Don''t worry, don''t worry. I was just testing the strength of these chains," Lin Wanrong said. Considering his recent actions, even he wasn''t sure where such courage hade from. Seeing the two women crying, he felt a pang of guilt and patted their shoulders to console them.


    "Bad man¡ª" Xiao Yushuang, unlike Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning,cked such audacity. Seeing Lin San return safely, she was torn betweenughing and crying, timidly calling out.


    Touched by the sight of this delicate young girl, Lin Wanrong took her small hand and softly asked, "Second Miss, why are you here too? How is your mother? How has the household been? Is everyone well since I''ve been away for the past few days?"


    "Enough of that." The Second Miss wiped away a tear from the corner of her eye and spoke softly, "Mother was already ill with a cold, but she was really happy when you came home that day. However, you disappeared in the middle of the night, leaving her anxious. She couldn¡¯t find peace of mind and has been bedridden ever since, in worse condition. My elder sister has also gone missing. Our family is falling apart¡ª"


    Xiao Yushuang''s expression was one of profound sadness. Lin Wanrong also felt a pang of sorrow. The Xiao family had yed a crucial role in his rise, and both the Eldest Miss and Second Miss had always been affectionate towards him. It felt like his own home. However, with the Eldest Miss under house arrest by the Emperor, and the Madam bing increasingly ill, the Xiao family was truly facing bad times, and he couldn''t help but feel responsible.


    "Don''t worry," Lin Wanrong said confidently, "Once I have sorted things out here, I will return with you to check on the Madam. Her condition will improve as soon as she sees me."


    Xiao Yushuang nodded softly and said, "Of course. Mother says you are now the only man in our family. You are the one holding up our sky. Seeing you will naturally lift her spirits." She nced around, her face flushing red, then whispered, "You shoulde and live with us. Don¡¯t worry, I''ll be with you all the time to make sure you don¡¯t go missing again."


    Lin Wanrong managed a quiet smile but looked distressed. Right now, his main concern was Fairy Ning on the opposite peak, the Thousand-Forsake Peak.


    "Big brother, what is this?" Luo Ning, who had been examining him up and down, suddenly asked, pointing a slender finger at his chest.


    Lin Wanrong looked down to see a letter stuffed into his ragged clothing, peeking out slightly. Realizing it must have been ced there by Ning Yuxi while she was tidying his clothes, his heart raced as he quickly pulled out the letter. The note was pure white, its small characters inscribed with an eyebrow pencil, "Grateful for your kindness, I vow to follow you all my life. Faithful in life and death!"


    Tears stained the paper. Lin Wanrong couldn''t tell when Fairy Ning had written it. Looking up, he gazed at the opposite mountain peak. All was quiet and empty. Where could Ning Yuxi be?


    The message in the letter didn''t seem heartless. Why did she send him away? Lin Wanrong was utterly confused and felt deeply frustrated. He let out a long sigh. Luo Ning peeked over and sneaked a nce at the letter. Clearing his throat, Lin Wanrong quickly folded it back up.


    Luo Ning, her face still wet with tears, coquettishly nced at him and giggled, "Don¡¯t worry, big brother, I won''t tell my sister. Wait, where is she? Why don''t I see her?"


    Qingxuan? Lin Wanrong was startled. He looked around; Xiao Qingxuan was nowhere to be found. He remembered that she had been at the forefront just a moment ago. Where had she gone?


    As he lifted his head, he saw Xu Zhiqing looking his way from a distance. She quickly averted her eyes. Recalling the vow Miss Xu had made when he was on the wall, Lin Wanrong felt a sense of mncholy. He walked up to her, sped his fists, and said with a smile, "Thank you, Miss Xu, for your help."


    Xu Zhiqing didn''t lift her head as she gave instructions to those around her: "The matter here is resolved. Brothers, please pack up the cannons and other equipment and report back to General Li at camp. If you would kindly step aside, sir, and not obstruct our work."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled lightly, not minding her tone. "In that case, Miss, I shall not disturb you. I will send my wife to express our gratitude another day."


    With a thunderous "boom," everyone jumped in surprise. A cannon near Xu Zhiqing had misfired, stirring up a cloud of dust and smoke in the destendscape beyond. Xu Zhiqing calmly said, "My apologies, the cannon misfired."


    This girl really had a reckless streak. Lin Wanrong broke out in a cold sweat and made a hasty retreat, while the people like Hu Bugui and Xu Zhen had to use all their strength to suppress theirughter.


    "Big brother, go and see Sister," Qiaoqiao quietly tugged on Lin Wanrong''s sleeve and nodded toward a distant point. At the peak of the mountain stood a delicate figure, looking out over Thousand-Forsake Peak in serene contemtion.


    "Qingxuan¡ª" Lin Wanrong was startled and hurriedly rushed over. Before he got close, a youthful female voice yelled, "What are you doing here, you scoundrel? Haven¡¯t you troubled my Master enough?" Li Xiangjun leapt out from beside Xiao Qingxuan, her eyebrows furrowed in anger.


    Ignoring her, Lin Wanrong was about to reach Xiao Qingxuan when Li Xiangjun clenched her teeth and lunged at him, her dagger shing like lightning, aimed directly at his chest.


    "Enough!" Already irritated, Lin Wanrong shouted in annoyance. Seeing his imposing demeanor, Li Xiangjun instantly felt afraid; her strength drained from her, and she burst into tears. "Sister, he¡¯s bullying me. Not content with tormenting Master, now he''s bullying me!"


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly, a bitter smile on her face. "Xiangjun, don''t make a scene. My Dear, he didn¡¯t bully Master."


    "I don¡¯t believe you!" Li Xiangjun red at Lin Wanrong and spat, "If not for him, why would Master go up the mountain and stay there?"


    Li Xiangjun¡¯s seemingly naive words struck Lin Wanrong as both funny and irksome. Xiao Qingxuan gave Lin Wanrong a look, unsure what to say. Finally, she sighed and said weakly, "Don¡¯t worry, Xiangjun. I¡¯ll definitely bring Master down from the mountain."


    Humphing, Li Xiangjun brandished her small dagger at Lin Wanrong onest time before leaving satisfied.


    Seeing Qingxuan standing silently at the edge of the cliff, Lin Wanrong cautiously approached her. "Qingxuan, are you really certain you can bring Fairy Sister down from the mountain?"


    Miss Xiao bit her red lips and hummed, her fragrant shoulders trembling, but she said nothing.


    Lin Wanrong was about to take her hand when he saw that her beautiful face was streaked with tears. In the dim twilight, she looked so vulnerable that he couldn''t help but feel a surge of pity.


    "Qingxuan, what¡¯s wrong?" Lin Wanrong was shocked and quickly embraced her. Miss Xiao suddenly burst into tears and pounded her small fists against his chest. "You shameless rascal, are you tired of living? Jumping down might solve your problems, but what about me? What about our child?"


    "Rest assured, I have it under control," Lin Wanrong tightly embraced Miss Xiao, whispering softly in her ear. "Think about what kind of man your husband is. I''ve never been one to suffer a disadvantage."


    "But what if Master slips up?" Xiao Qingxuan angrily pinched his chest, her tears flowing more freely. "You''re putting me and our child at risk!"


    Slip up? Lin Wanrong sighed. He hadn''t considered that. Life is unpredictable, and even a y Buddha still has some y nature. He was a flesh-and-blood man, not some Daoist sage¡ªimpulsive moments were inevitable.


    Xiao Qingxuan leaned against him, silent for a while. Then she softly asked, "Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled, lightly brushing the tip of her nose. "I''m silent because we are husband and wife; too much exnation makes things tedious. Think about it. Why, when your Master took me away, did I give you a riddle that you instantly solved? It''s because spouses are supposed to understand each other best. You know me better than anyone."


    Xiao Qingxuan felt warmth fill her heart. She buried her flushed cheeks into his chest, "You really know how to sweet-talk. It''s like I owe you from a past life. Who knows how many youngdies you''ve charmed with that mouth of yours?"


    "Not that many," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I rarely use those tricks anymore. I''m afraid others can''t handle them. Saying them only to my wonderful wife is more than enough. If I told you ten sweet things a day, you''d handle it fine, but I wouldn''t."


    Miss Xiao shook her head, smiling bitterly. She had nned to give him the silent treatment for a few days to teach him a lesson. But a couple of sweet words from him melted her resolve. Truly, one thing always conquers another.


    Noticing Lin Wanrong''s eyes fixated on Thousand-Forsake Peak, Xiao Qingxuan felt a pang of sadness. "Are you waiting for Master toe down the mountain?"


    "Yes, ah, no!" Lin Wanrong was startled; it seemed like Xiao Qingxuan had picked up on something.


    At this point, why wasn''t he being honest? Annoyed, Miss Xiao pinched his arm hard. "Let me tell you the truth. Right now, Master definitely won''te down."


    "Why?"


    "You are such a fool!" Seeing his puzzled expression, Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly. "You''re pressuring Master toe down in front of everyone. Even if she were made of mud, she wouldn''t do it. Where did all your usual cleverness go?"


    Lin Wanrong pped his forehead. Ah, her words woke him up like a bolt of lightning. How could he not have thought of that? Being too passionate as a man really could lower one''s intelligence.


    "My good wife. Ah, you''ve gotten even more radiant in just a few days¡ªso tell me, when will the fairy be willing toe down?"


    Annoyed, Xiao Qingxuan huffed, "How would I know? You''ve been with Master these past few days; you should understand her better than I do."


    "You arrived too quickly; I didn''t get a chance to understand you deeply," Lin Wanrong sighed, his face filled with consternation. He stole a nce at Xiao Qingxuan, and carefully said, "As for Fairy Sister, she has treated me quite well these past few days. She is beautiful, has an amazing figure, is well-educated andpassionate. Sometimes I really wish she would be my¡ª"


    "Be your what?" Miss Xiao clenched her teeth and hummed, her expression a mixture of smile and scorn.


    Sweat beads covered Lin Wanrong''s forehead. Even with his thick skin, he found it difficult to express himself. After hesitating for a moment, he gritted his teeth, deciding it was now or never. "Be my¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a soft hand covered his lips. Xiao Qingxuan looked both shy and annoyed: "You always like to make thingsplicated. Is it so difficult to ask my Master to be your Fairy Sister? Let me ept on her behalf. After all, you''ve grown quite ustomed to calling her Fairy Sister. She is my master, and she is your Sister. We can each call her what we like, without any interference."


    "Can we both call her the same?" Lin Wanrong seemed both happy and concerned, his expression yful.


    "How can we call her the same? That would disrupt the hierarchy and make us the subject of ridicule," said Miss Xiao, furrowing her brows.


    Lin Wanrong straightened his expression, speaking solemnly: "Actually, that''s not the case. I want Fairy Sister to be¡ªmmm¡ªmmm¡ª"


    Miss Xiao pressed her hand firmly over his mouth, preventing him from speaking, her face flushed with both shyness and annoyance. "Let¡¯s just leave it at that. Later, I''ll discuss it with Ning''er and Qiaoqiao. Once you and my Master clear up the misunderstanding, we''ll bring her home to be properly taken care of. Won''t it be great if our family lives happily and united?"


    Lin Wanrong was about to protest, but hearing herst sentence, he felt invigorated. Seeing her small hand covering his mouth, he stretched out his tongue and lightly kissed it. Xiao Qingxuan trembled, releasing her hand quickly, her face flushed: "You scoundrel¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong let out a sigh of relief, nodded and smiled: "Living happily and united, Qingxuan, you''ve said it well. But I have no idea when Fairy Sister wille down from the mountain. Thousand-Forsake Peak has beautiful scenery and hot springs; I fear she might forget you two disciples if she stays too long."


    Xiao Qingxuan looked towards Thousand-Forsake Peak, which was gradually bing obscured by mist and clouds in the evening light. Only two iron ropes flying across the peak stood firm.


    "Even if she wishes to forget, I doubt she can," said Miss Xiao, letting out a wistful sigh. But noticing her husband staring at Thousand-Forsake Peak, lost in thought, she felt disheartened.


    One of life''s most frustrating moments was before her. Despite her usually detached demeanor, Xiao Qingxuan was at a loss in this situation.


    "Qingxuan, actually, these past few days, I''ve been pondering over something. Something I''m not sure is good or bad," Lin Wanrong suddenly changed his demeanor, his expression turning incredibly serious.


    "What is it that has you so troubled?" Miss Xiao softened, involuntarily grabbing his hand as she asked in a gentle voice.


    Lin Wanrong found a tree stump to sit on and sighed, "Do you know that when the White Lotus Sect caused trouble, I was invited by Xu Wei tomand troops in Shandong?"


    Xiao Qingxuan nodded and said, "You led tens of thousands of troops, personally slew the foremost warrior of the White Lotus sect, and captured their rebel leader Lu Kanli. You were also the first to break through the city of Jinan. You are the main contributor to the eradication of the White Lotus sect. Everyone knows this; it''s the talk of taverns and teahouses, and storytellers have recounted it countless times."


    "That''s exactly the problem," Lin Wanrong said, his expression unreadable, caught somewhere between a smile and irritation. "After a few victories, everyone thinks I''m a talent. Not only has Xu Wei taken notice of me, but even Li Tai wants me to join his army to fight against the Turks in the North. Not to mention my oldrades like Hu Bugui and Li Sheng from Shandong. But what they don''t realize is that I''ve spent my life perusing erotic art, yet never studied a single chapter of military strategy. Going into battle, it''s all gut instinct. One mistake, and I''d jeopardize the lives of my good brothers."


    Miss Xiao blushed and gently said, "Not everyone''s skillse from book learning. Zhao Kuo read countless military texts, yet he led his men and his country to ruin and suffered endless disgrace. You, on the other hand, have learned everything through practice. Though not schrly, it''s genuinely practical knowledge. Otherwise, you wouldn''t have destroyed the White Lotus sect and gained the respect of learned men like Li Tai and Xu Zhiqing. Moreover, your achievements over the past six months have been nothing short of remarkable. How could anyone aplish that without some level of skill?"


    "So, you''re in favor of me going?" Lin Wanrong brightened at Miss Xiao''s praise.


    Xiao Qingxuan carefully adjusted his clothes and softly said, "Why ask me when you''ve already made up your mind? No wife wishes for her husband to go to war. But if you have talents that go unused, that''s a sin in itself. My father has already mentioned this matter to me some time ago. I didn''t tell you because I didn''t want to influence your decision. To me, you can do no wrong."


    "Dear wife, why do your words always touch my heart?" Lin Wanrong hugged her tender waist and spoke sweetly.


    Xiao Qingxuan looked at him and chuckled, "Enough sweet talk. Since you''ve decided to go to war, my sisters and I will support you. There are still a few days left before you leave; have you considered which youngdies still need to be informed? I can send someone to deliver messages for you."


    "How could I?" Lin Wanrong gave a sheepish smile, his mind racing. Apart from Eldest Miss and Xian''er, almost everyone who needed to know had been informed.


    The troubling part was that he had been stranded in the mountains for the past few days, and he didn''t know what had be of Eldest Miss.


    Seeming to read his thoughts, Miss Xiao held his hand and softly reassured him, "Don''t worry. My father asked me to tell you that whatever is due to you will not becking. If Eldest Miss is so devoted to you, I will plead on her behalf to my father tomorrow."


    With Xiao Qingxuan''s involvement, Lin Wanrong felt his confidence surge. Then, his brow furrowed again. It was one thing for Eldest Miss to be under house arrest and unaware of his situation, but where had Xian''er disappeared to these past few days? She had been at the back hill of the Grand Prime Minister Temple tending to her mother''s tomb; how could she be so out of touch?


    "Qingxuan, you are Princess Chuyun, and you should have a younger sister named Princess Nishang. You know that, right?" Lin Wanrong asked cautiously.


    Miss Xiao hummed in acknowledgement, giving him a nce. "Of course, I know. After descending the mountain that day, Father told me about it. Xian''er has been separated from our father since childhood and has suffered much under the care of Martial Aunt An. Given the longstanding friction between Martial Aunt An and my Master, her resentment towards me is understandable. But had I known she was my sister, would I have fought her in Jinling?"


    "Even if Xian''er harbors resentment towards Qingxuan, she wouldn''t ignore me if she heard I was in danger, would she?" Lin Wanrong said, puzzled.


    Shaking her head with a wry smile, Qingxuan replied, "If she were in the capital, how could she ignore you? The day you rescued me was a spectacr event that became well-known everywhere. When Xian''er heard of your deeds, she burst into tears and left the capital overnight, heading towards Sichuan."


    Headed to Sichuan? Lin Wanrong felt a mix of joy and surprise. This jealous girl must be seeking the help of Sister An. I wonder if Sister An will try to assassinate me like Fairy Ning did. If I get stabbed a dozen times by this seductive fox, I''d be the lucky one.


    "My Dear, My Dear," Miss Xiao softly called out, jolting him back to reality. "If Xian''er has sought Martial Aunt An''s help, that would be bad. Unlike my Master, Martial Aunt An is cunning and capricious. She¡¯s a worldly fox, adept at deception. If she hears Xian''er¡¯sints and bes angry with you, I''m afraid you''ll suffer. Moreover, you''re the one who eradicated the White Lotus cult that she founded¡ª"


    ¡®Suffer at the hands of Sister An? That''sughable; the one I''m afraid of is her noting!¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled lewdly in his mind but feigned surprise on his face. "Oh my, Qingxuan, are you serious? Is Martial Aunt An really that powerful? What should I do? Can you ask Fairy Sister to descend from the mountain as soon as possible to help me deal with Sister An?"


    "What Sister An?" Qingxuan looked puzzled.


    "Oh, if your master is my Fairy Sister, then logically speaking, Xian''er''s master would be Sister An. Fairy Ning will deal with Sister An, you will handle Xian''er, and I will wholeheartedly take care of all four of you. Isn''t that a perfect arrangement?" Lin Wanrong''s eyes twinkled, his heart nearly bursting with joy.


    "I don''t know when my Master will descend the mountain," Qingxuan shook her head softly. "She¡¯s naturally calm and dislikes public appearances. In my opinion, it might be best to withdraw all the troops from this mountain and let things die down. Perhaps when everyone has forgotten about this, my Master will appear before you."


    Lin Wanrong had a good understanding of Ning Yuxi. What Qingxuan said made sense; the greatest surprise oftenes from the most unexpected ces. He touched the letter in his pocket, a sense of anticipation filling his heart. He couldn''t help but wonder what it would be like if Fairy Ning suddenly appeared before him, bringing an overwhelming sense of joy.


    As dusk settled on the mountain, Lin Wanrong gazed at the opposing cliff, where he thought he saw a faint light emanating from a stone cave. He imagined Fairy Ning''s beautiful face, shedding tears of joy under themplight. Her lonely figure seemed like a solitary flower blooming in the crevice of the cliff, filling Lin Wanrong''s heart with waves of mncholy.


    "My Dear, let''s go," Qingxuan finally spoke, her voice tinged with mixed emotions. She took hisrge hand, pulling him forward with resolute determination.


    After taking a few steps, Lin Wanrong suddenly turned back, dashing back towards the edge of the cliff like a madman. He cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled at the top of his lungs, "Bound by fate, never to part! I wille back; I will definitely return!"


    Suddenly, a dim light lit up on the peak of the opposing mountain. It looked like a lonely little star sprinkled into the distant night sky, gently flickering and dancing, never falling...


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 448

    Chapter 448 Dark Skies, Hard to See Clearly


    The night was deep and the streets were deserted. Not a soul could be seen. The clip-clop of horse hooves resonated in the air, mingled with the sounds of shing swords and spears. Hu Bugui and his men were escorting General Lin and thedies back to their residence.


    Noticing Lin Wanrong''s low spirits, Miss Xiao was at a loss. She took his hand and softly said, "Don''t worry. As long as I''m here, I''ll take good care of Master. Once I''ve recovered in a few days, I''ll personally go to the mountain and bring Master down."


    "That won''t do." Lin Wanrong was startled and quickly tightened his grip on her hand. "Times have changed; you''re not the adventuress you once were. You''re five months pregnant. How could you undertake such a dangerous journey? Even after you''ve given birth and recovered, you can''t go. You''re my wife; I can''t bear to put you in danger."


    Miss Xiao smiled tenderly and nestled against him. "Just hearing you say that is enough for me. Is this how you''ve been cajoling my Master these past few days?"


    "Well, sweet words are inevitable," Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly, stealing nces at Xiao Qingxuan''s expression. "As you know, Fairy Sister initially wanted to kill me, butter changed her mind and sent me back. Many twists and turns happened between us. I''ll tell you all about it when we go to bed."


    Xiao Qingxuan touched her flushed cheek, biting her red lip and letting out a shy hum. "Don''t even think about it. Tonight, you''re not allowed in my room."


    "Why?" Lin Wanrong was surprised. "My dear wife, I''ve been taking hot spring baths daily up on the mountain. I''m very clean."


    "What does your interaction with Master have to do with me¡ª" Miss Xiao turned away, her face turning red. "Fast for a day tomorrow, then you may enter my room."¡®What''s going on? Apart from hugging and kissing with your Master, I''ve done nothing else. I''m essentially still innocent.¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s expression was one of distress.


    Luo Ning covered her lips and looked at him flirtatiously. "Big brother, your verbal skills are unparalleled. I''m sure my Sister''s Master must have been conquered by your eloquence. Otherwise, why would she voluntarily send you back? Right?" Ning¡¯er looked somewhat flushed, her eyes twinkling, her smile mysterious.


    "Actually, my verbal skills are just average," Lin Wanrong said, sweating profusely. He turned and yfully squeezed Luo Ning''s hip. "My skills are more in my hands. You''ve experienced it, haven''t you, Ning¡¯er?"


    Qiaoqiao noticed their yful gestures, her cheeks flushing. She hurriedly leaned against Xiao Qingxuan, wanting to watch but not daring to.


    During the days Lin Wanrong had been trapped on the mountain peak, his wives had been anxious and scared, unable to muster a smile. Now that the worst was behind them, their spirits lifted. Inside the carriage, aside from Second Miss Xiao, there were only the four of them, husband and wives. Some teasing and bantering only served to enhance their intimacy.


    Seeing the two of them getting touchy-feely, Xiao Qingxuan had to suppress her own shyness. She shot him a disapproving look, her face flushed, and said, "Stop it. Don''t you see that Yushuang is still here?"


    Second Miss hurriedly lowered her head, speaking softly, "It''s fine, it''s fine. It''s a rare asion to be with my sisters; I feel joyful."


    Lin Wanrong''s heart ached for her. He moved closer and took her small hand, "Second Miss, don''t worry. I promise you, within three days, Xiao Yuruo will definitely return."


    "Really?" Xiao Yushuang eximed in joy, ncing at him softly before lowering her head, "Rascal, you better not be lying to me. You know, there''s no one in this world I trust more than you."


    His heart was touched by her words. He remembered the times in the Xiao family in Jinling before he had made his name. Second Miss had even risked her life to save him; how could he not be concerned for her? Thinking back on their shared past¡ªselling books, dealing with dogs, saving each other¡ªeach scene shed before his eyes. A subtle sense of joy filled his heart. He didn''t care that others were watching; he hugged her and gently kissed her beautiful face, "Yushuang, thank you!"


    Second Miss was delighted beyond measure; her eyes moistened with tears. She let out a soft ''ah,'' covered her cheeks with both hands, and stammered, "Wh-what are you doing? Our sisters are still here. I''m so embarrassed!"


    Qiaoqiao grabbed her hand andughed, "We''re all sisters here; there''s nothing to be embarrassed about. Now, we, the renowned youngdies of Jinling, are all sisters. Look at us, including big brother; we all met in Jinling."


    Mentioning Jinling, everyone in the carriage had an epiphany. Indeed, they had all met in Jinling.


    Xiao Qingxuan smiled and gave Lin Wanrong a white-eyed look before extending her hand toward Second Miss, "Yushuang,e sit next to me."


    Second Miss was usually a little fiery in temperament, and initially wanted to measure herself against Lin San''s ''other women.'' However, upon seeing Xiao Qingxuan''s face, she lost all her spirit. Suppressing her shyness, she softly hummed in agreement and obediently sat next to Xiao Qingxuan.


    "Qiaoqiao is right," Xiao Qingxuan smiled, "We all have an unbreakable bond with Jinling. Yushuang, you probably don''t know that you yed a role as a matchmaker in my rtionship with My Dear."


    "I was a matchmaker?" Xiao Yushuang was surprised for a moment and snuck a peek at Lin San, "Sister Princess, what are you talking about? I had no idea."


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face flushed, she shook her head and chuckled, recounting the story of her rtionship with Lin Wanrong.


    Hearing how Xiao Qingxuan spent her nights in conversation with the man in his room, adding poetic atmosphere with her presence, Second Miss was stunned. Her heart sank, and her face turned mncholic, "It''s vexing that he kept me in the dark. If only I could have met you back then."


    "People meet each other for a reason," Xiao Qingxuan was dignified, perceptively capturing the younger girl''s thoughts with just one nce, "Yushuang, don''t feel resentful. If you hadn''t invited My Dear into the Xiao family, I wouldn''t have had the chance to meet him again, nor would we have such an opportunity. What you didn''t know is that, at that time, the person I was most envious of was you."


    "Envious of me?! Why?!" Second Miss was stunned.


    Miss Xiao nodded slightly and smiled gently, "I speak nothing but the truth. In those days, though My Dear and I conversed daily, we were constrained by our respective statuses, full of unspoken barriers. Many topics we could only touch lightly. While you and My Dear spoke outside, I would listen from within the room. I never saw your face, but I felt your sincerity. You spoke your mind and dared to love and hate, much stronger than me in many ways. What I wished for the most back then was to be like you¡ªto speak and act as my true self."


    Xiao Yushuang''s face flushed, utterly shy, "Sister Princess, you tter me. I am not as good as you describe."


    "You are that good," Lin Wanrongughed heartily, winking, "Second Miss, you may not know, but the first time a dog bit me in this lifetime was your valiant general."


    This statement instantly reddened the Second Miss''s face. She pounced on him yfully, causing everyone to burst intoughter. Seeing Yushuang''s chest pressed against him, her quickened breath, and her flushed face, Lin Wanrong''s eyes softened and he whispered, "Yushuang, do you like this?"


    The Second Miss seemed to melt under his gaze; her body went limp. Lying softly in his arms, she murmured, "I like it! You scoundrel¡ª"


    As for matters concerning the Xiao family, they ultimately had to be resolved. Xiao Qingxuan wouldn''t stand in the way, especially given Yushuang''s purity, her affection for Lin San, and her kindness towards her.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong blowing in Yushuang''s ear, her small ears already a transparent red, wanting to struggle but also not willing to, Xiao Qingxuan shook her head helplessly andughed, "Don''t tease Yushuang anymore. She is still so young¡ªSince all the sisters are here today, why not settle this matter? It couldn''t be more appropriate for Second Miss Yushuang to enter our Lin family. My Dear, have you proposed to Madam Xiao yet?"


    "I have, I have," Lin Wanrong was overjoyed, "Not just proposed, but I also sent a substantial betrothal gift."


    He listed the gifts one by one. The Second Miss''s face turned crimson; thedies giggled. Xiao Qingxuan gave him a sidelong nce, her lips parting slightly, "You''re so entric! Musket, drug, erotic book¡ªare these things to win ady''s hand? It''s fortunate Madam Xiao is good-natured, or she''d have kicked you out. Leave this to me; I''ll prepare the gifts in a few days and personally propose to Madam Xiao, making this perfect for you."


    With Miss Xiao''s promise, it was a done deal. Xiao Yushuang, her wish fulfilled and shyly ecstatic, buried her head in his chest and dared not look up.


    As for the matter of marrying a wife being arranged by Miss Xiao, all that was left for Lin Wanrong was to consummate the marriage. He sighed and smiled mischievously.


    Qiaoqiao pped her hands and giggled, "Today is truly a double celebration. Big brother has returned, and Second Miss Xiao is also joining our Lin family. It seems our family is getting more and more prosperous. Second Miss, why don''t you stay at our house today to get used to the atmosphere¡ª"


    "No, not today," Xiao Yushuang was sweetly flustered, her voice barely audible, "My mother is alone at home, I''m not at ease leaving her. Maybeter¡ªah, you''re making fun of me¡ª" The threediesughed in unison, dispelling days of gloom.


    After exchanging a few words, Xiao Qingxuan instructed the carriage to pass in front of the Xiao residence. When they reached the entrance, Xiao Yushuang excused herself to alight from the carriage. Just as the curtain was lifted, she stole a quick nce at Lin San, her lips parting as though she had something to say.


    "Do you still feel like a stranger among us?" Xiao Qingxuan asked, clearly seeing her hesitation. She grasped her hand and smiled, "If there''s anything you wish to say, please feel free. We''re all family here."


    Second Miss hummed in agreement, her cheeks flushing as she spoke, "Sister Princess, the bad man is not at home, and without any men around, our house has be a mess. Even Mother has fallen ill from the stress. I was thinking... I was thinking of asking him to stay with us for a few days." Her voice faltered, embarrassment preventing her from speaking clearly.


    Xiao Qingxuan had a moment of realization. Ah, she wants her husband to return to the Xiao residence. Yushuang was too pure and lively to ever think of such a scheme; it must be Madam Xiao''s idea. The Xiao family, two daughters and a widowed mother, were already on the brink of ruin. It was Lin San, who had seemingly fallen from the sky, who had lifted them up. Lin Wanrong''s importance to the Xiao family was known to all. Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly, acknowledging that her husband would forever be entangled with the Xiao family.


    "Sister Princess, are you...are you upset?" Seeing Xiao Qingxuan silent for a long while, Second Miss spoke hastily, her face filled with remorse.


    "Don''t worry, your Sister Princess is not so easily angered," Lin Wanrong interjected, taking both women''s hands. He smiled softly, "The Xiao family and the Lin family are one and the same. I would never abandon either."


    Xiao Qingxuan nced at him sharply, her eyes discerning. "Well spoken. But would you feel the same if the Xiao family didn''t have two such stunning daughters?" Nevertheless, she smiled, "Very well, since you''ve made up your mind, Yushuang, I''ll leave him in your care."


    Xiao Yushuang''s face lit up with joy, and she nodded vigorously. "Rest assured, Sister, Mother and I will take good care of him, so he''ll never want to leave us."


    Xiao Qingxuan smoothed out Lin Wanrong''s clothes and spoke softly, "You have only a few days left before you depart for the battlefield. Take care of the Xiao family''s affairs properly and don''t bully them. Just remember one thing: take good care of yourself. Your son and I can''t endure any more scares like this."


    Touched by her sincere words, Lin Wanrong could only nod in agreement.


    "If you find it hard to stay there, thene back. I''ll be waiting for you," Xiao Qingxuan said, her cheeks flushing slightly.


    Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. He looked at her cautiously and asked, "So, are we still abstaining?"


    "How should I know?" Xiao Qingxuan replied, her face turning red as she gently pushed him away. "Go now. Once you''ve sorted things out, I''ll forgive you."


    As Xiao Qingxuan''s carriage disappeared into the distance, Lin Wanrong stood still, pondering the deeper meaning behind her words.


    The moonlight was like water, casting a serene glow over him. Compared to the usual lively and restless Lin San, he seemed to have an addedyer of mature intelligence. Xiao Yushuang stood beside him, her joy manifesting as she wrapped her arms around his and gently leaned into his embrace.


    "Eh, the little white rabbit has turned into a big white rabbit!" Lin Wanrong suddenly eximed.


    "What little white rabbit?" The Second Miss looked at him puzzledly, only to find his eyes mischievously fixated on her chest. "You''re disgusting!" She let out a gentle, pleased spat and quickly pushed the door open to enter.


    The night was deep, and the shop was quiet and somewhat disorderlypared to usual days. Xiao Yushuang lit amp, and she noticed that the official documents he had been working on were still on the table, now adorned with some elegant small characters. She picked up a few sheets and saw that the writing was simple and clear, each containing just one word: "Approved."


    "These were reviewed by my mother," Xiao Yushuang said, snuggling against him with a joyful smile. "She said that no one in the world couldpare to you in handling matters. Wait here; I''ll see if my mother has gone to sleep yet. I''ll give her a pleasant surprise¡ªseeing you will surely improve her health."


    Xiao Yushuang tiptoed towards the inner chambers. Lin Wanrong chuckled and held her back. "Let''s go together. I have to go in anyway. And we can see if there''s hot water for us to wash our¡ªhands!"


    Having been teased by him multiple times, the Second Miss had grown thicker skin. With her cheeks flushed, she took his hand and they quietly moved toward the Madam''s room.


    A faint light came from inside the room, indicating that Madam Xiao hadn''t gone to bed yet.


    "Mother¡ª" The Second Miss called softly. After a moment of silence, an excited voice came from inside. "Yushuang, you''re back? Did you find him?"


    "Don''t worry; seeing him will definitely give you a start," the Second Missughed softly, quite pleased with herself. "Mother, please open the door. It''s cold outside!"


    The sound of hurried footsteps approached, and the door swung open. "You little girl, can''t even wait for a moment, huh¡ª"


    Madam Xiao had delicate features and a tired but beautiful appearance. She was holding antern and wore only a high-quality silk nightgown that barely reached her knees. Her long, well-defined legs glowed softly in the dim light. In her haste, she hadn''t fastened her robe properly, revealing a generous expanse of her full chest between the folds. Her voluptuous figure was barely contained within the thin silk, sensual and inviting.


    "Ah, close your eyes, close your eyes¡ª"


    With a "thud," the door mmed shut before the Second Miss could finish her sentence. Madam Xiao''s panicked voice echoed from within the room, "Yushuang, why did you bring him here?"


    "Why should I close my eyes?" Lin Wanrong said, his expression utterly serious. "It''s pitch dark in here; I can''t see anything. Hey, why isn''t Madam Xiao opening the door? I''ve already been waiting for two tea periods!"


    Still shaken, Xiao Yushuang waved her hand in front of his face for a moment before finally asking, half-believing and half-doubting, "Did you really not see anything?"


    Lin Wanrong didn''t even blink as he said, "It''s so dark here, the lighting is so poor, and my eyes are so small. What could I possibly see? Huh, who touched my face? Madam, this isn''t a joke to be made."


    The Second Miss patted her chest, relieved, andughed, "Mother, don''t be afraid. It''s dark and hard to see clearly. Look, haven''t I brought this rascal back?"


    Hard to see clearly? His eyes were wider than a bull''s. The Madam''s voice trembled as she said bitterly, "You naughty girl, you''re going to scare your mother to death! Lin San, you''re back? Go rest early, we can talk more tomorrow."


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 449

    Chapter 449 Entrustment


    "If that''s the case, Madam, please rest well. I''lle to visit you again tomorrow," Lin Wanrong said gravely, his voice strong. Madam Xiao merely hummed softly in response, saying nothing more.


    Seeing her mother silent, Second Miss pulled him towards the opposite room. Pushing the door open, they found the room exactly as it had been the day he was kidnapped, spotlessly clean.


    Lin Wanrong sank into a chair, his thoughts drifting to Fairy Ning from that night. A sense of longing surged in his heart. ¡®I wonder if the Fairy Sister is ustomed to living alone on the cliff without me.¡¯


    Xiao Yushuang ordered a maid to bring in hot water. Looking at therge wooden tub filled with floating, fragrant petals, Lin Wanrong said, "This is such arge tub; I probably won''t be able to use it all. It''s a waste, Second Miss. How about we each take half? Don''t worry, I won''t peek. We can have Huan''er put up a curtain in the middle to keep watch¡ª"


    Huan''er stifled augh and turned her face away. Second Miss''s cheeks flushed. "You''re incorrigible. Who wants to share a bath with you? My mother was startled earlier; I need to go talk to her. I''lle back to keep youpany after you''ve finished bathing."


    "Ah, Madam was startled? That is a serious matter. Second Miss, you should stay with her," Lin Wanrong reassured Yushuang. Misunderstanding the tone in his voice, she felt grateful and nodded lightly, taking Huan''er with her as she left the room.


    As soon as the door closed, Lin Wanrong quickly undressed and plunged into the wooden tub. The moist, hot steam enveloped him, his whole body tingling infort. Even his pores seemed to sigh in relief. His thoughts drifted to the scene where he''d spied on Ning Yuxi bathing in a hot spring atop a remote peak. His heart filled with both warmth and anticipation.


    On the tabley a set of new undergarments, emitting a faint, pleasing scent. He flicked through the silk clothing and found that it was hand-stitched with exquisite craftsmanship. Embroidered at the hem were a pair of butterflies, their wings unfurled as if in flight. Off to the side, embroidered in red thread, was a small character¡ªLin. Thest stroke was iplete, trailing a few strands of thread.¡®Hmm? Was this specifically prepared for me?¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, flipping the garment over a few times. He noticed the faint scent and realized it was made by a woman. Given that the Xiao family had risen to prominence through the textile business, the craftsmanship was unsurprising. The question was, who had made it?


    Slipping into the new clothing, he felt its soft, smooth texture against his skin; it was incrediblyfortable. Lying in bed, he tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. The moonlight streamed through the window, peaceful and soothing. He wondered what the Fairy Sister was doing right now, where the Eldest Miss was, and whether Xian''er had found Sister An.


    Lost in thought, he suddenly heard the soft sound of a woodentch. The door opened quietly, and a slender figure slipped in.


    "Who''s there?" Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise. ¡®Could it be that Sister An hase to kill me? Even if she had wings, she couldn''t be this fast.¡¯


    "It''s me, you rascal," came the shy, trembling voice of the woman. Through the dim light of night, he faintly made out her elegant silhouette. It was Second Miss. She removed her outer garment, revealing a pink dress underneath. Her voluptuous figure slightly arched forward.


    "Yushuang, weren''t you speaking with the madam?" Lin Wanrong eximed in surprise. Just as he was about to reach out to her, Second Miss raised her head, her face flushed. Suddenly, with a determined bite of her lip, her trembling hand lifted his quilt, and she delicately slid under the silk covers.


    Her body was soft and smooth, her recently matured figure reminiscent of a budding flower, perfectly contoured and crystal clear. She carried the fresh scent of a bath, like a newly bloomed lily, pure and lovely.


    Such a tempting beauty voluntarily climbing into bed made Lin Wanrong''s heart race. He quickly swallowed, pulling her close, "Second Miss, please refrain. I''ve only juste of age."


    "Stop it, you rogue," Second Miss''s face burned like fire. She let out a soft cry, wrapping her arms, as white as lotus roots, tightly around him. Her smooth cheek pressed against his chest, and Lin Wanrong could hear her heart pounding.


    "Kiss me," in the darkness, Second Miss seemed to muster more courage. Her hands circled his neck, her rosy lips slightly parted, her eyes filled with tenderness. She bravely looked up at him.


    "I''m not very good at this," Lin Wanrong said, caressing her soft curves, grinning shamelessly.


    "Stop, mmm," Second Miss moaned softly. Before she could finish speaking, he covered her lips with his. His strong body held her close, their bodies pressed so closely together. Yushuang felt as if she had been struck by lightning, lying weakly in his arms, letting him savor the sweet nectar of her lips, almost forgetting to breathe.


    After what felt like an eternity, Yushuang felt as if she was about to suffocate. Reluctantly, she pulled away, her breathing ragged, her eyes filled with fiery passion. "Rogue, you always tease me."


    Lin Wanrong blinked, smiling, "How did I tease you? I only did as you asked."


    "Don''t speak," Second Miss''s face turned even redder, her hand covering his mouth. "You''ve been teasing me since the moment youid eyes on me." A sweet, shy smile appeared on her face. Pressing her cheek firmly against Lin Wanrong''s chest, she whispered, "I want you to tease me for all eternity."


    Such a request was hard to refuse. Lin Wanrong wrapped his arms around her delicate body, feeling a sense of peace. "Yushuang, has the Madam gone to sleep?"


    Second Miss, her face flushed, slowly shook her head. Lin Wanrong was taken aback, "Really? How is that possible? Is she nning to catch us in the act?"


    "Catch you? Nonsense," Second Miss yfully hit him, her movements gentle, her gaze soft. She hesitated for a moment, then softly said, "Rogue, I have a question for you, and you must answer me honestly."


    Lin Wanrong quickly nodded. Second Miss huffed, "Earlier, when my mother opened the door, did you see clearly..." She paused, not finishing her sentence.


    "See what clearly?" Lin Wanrong asked in confusion. "Huh, Madam opened the door? I wasn''t aware."


    "But mother said she saw you," Second Miss stared into his eyes, trying to discern if he was telling the truth or lying.


    Lin Wanrong blinked and sighed, "Did Madam really see me? s, it seems my eyesight has sharply deteriorated from overusetely. I should find a doctor to have it properly examined. Don''t worry, Second Miss, next time I''ll make sure to see Madam more clearly so as not to disappoint you."


    "What do you mean ''see more clearly''? It''s better if you can''t see clearly!" Second Miss scoffed, her face flushing with embarrassment. She looked at Lin Wanrong from head to toe, finding his expression asposed as ever, utterly inscrutable. Reluctantly, she nodded and softly said, "Fine, I''ll believe you. Scoundrel, it¡¯s enough that you torment me; you better not torment my mother."


    ¡®Well said,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, taking her small hand and letting out a few dryughs. "Do I look like the kind of person who would do that?"


    "Probably not," tears suddenly brimmed in Second Miss¡¯s eyes as she lowered her head and whispered, "Scoundrel, do you hate my family?"


    "Hate? What are you talking about?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback.


    Xiao Yushuang spoke solemnly, "You''ve faced danger several times, all happening within the Xiao family''s estate. This time you almost lost your life. Even my mother feels guilty. Don¡¯t you harbor any resentment?"


    "What is there to resent?" Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Fate governs life and death; fortune is in the hands of Heaven. I''ve faced death more than once or twice¡ª"


    "Don''t talk nonsense," Second Miss hurriedly covered his mouth, "You''ll be fine."


    Lin Wanrong kissed her delicate white palm and smiled, "So, how did you convince Madam toe here?"


    A faint blush spread across Xiao Yushuang''s face, her expression tender and dignified, "I told my mother that from now on, I''ll protect you, always, ensuring you won¡¯t suffer the slightest harm."


    "Protect me?" Lin Wanrong paused.


    "Don''t you believe me?" Anxiety shed in Xiao Yushuang''s eyes. Swiftly, she drew a shining dagger from behind her waist, "With this, if anyone dares to touch you, I¡¯ll fight them to the death¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong quickly snatched the dagger from her hand and threw it far away, "Foolish girl, I¡¯m fine. Don¡¯t do anything rash. Si De is too careless¡ªwhy hasn¡¯t this dagger been melted down? What if you hurt yourself?"


    Xiao Yushuang nestled in his arms and murmured softly, "Better that I die than you. I don¡¯t want anything to happen to you."


    Gazing at the young girl''s earnest expression, Lin Wanrong wanted tough but found himself unable. A gentle sweetness and emotion swelled in his heart. He held her tightly, without uttering a word.


    Sensing his thoughts, Second Miss smiled sweetly at him and kissed his cheek, "Scoundrel, thank you. You¡¯re the best scoundrel there is."


    The best scoundrel? Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter. Embracing Xiao Yushuang¡¯s tender, flower-like body that night, he felt an unprecedented sense of calm. Aside from asional yful touches, not a single inappropriate thought crossed his mind¡ªa remarkable achievement, to be sure.


    The next morning he awoke to find the lingering fragrance beside him, Xiao Yushuang was already gone. As he stepped out of the inner courtyard, Si De was busy moving potted nts into the garden. Seeing him, Si De eximed with excitement, "Brother San, when did you get back?"


    "Ah, probably between morning and evening. Huh, where did these flowers and ntse from?"


    Si De whispered, "The Madam had them brought over from Jinling. They''re all new varieties nted by Fubo. The Madam said that when Brother San was in Jinling, he was most fond of flowers. So, she told us to nt arge garden, just like the one in Jinling. When Brother San has time in the future, he can go flower-picking with the young misses, to relive the past."


    Si De''s words flowed like a river, leaving Lin Wanrong dazed. Picking flowers with the young misses to relive old feelings, truly, not just anyone could pull that off. The Madam certainly had the sentiment.


    After making a full circle without finding the Second Miss, he was about to head back to the inner room when he saw a mature, graceful figure walking towards him. She moved quickly, her demeanor elegant.


    "Hey, Madam, you''re out for a stroll this early? Oh, isn''t this General Zhenyuan? Long time no see, how are you¡ªHey, young man, I warn you, don''t even think about it. I can bite harder than you¡ª"


    General Zhenyuan, being led by the Madam, began to bark wildly and grow restless the moment he saw Lin Wanrong. Startled, Lin Wanrong jumped and quickly covered his rear.


    The Madam found it amusing and covered her small mouth with a lightugh. "Lin San, I heard from Yushuang that you could kill a tiger with a single punch. General Zhenyuan is familiar to you, why would you be afraid?"


    ¡®The Second Miss really cares for me. It took hundreds of punches to kill a wild dog, and now in her mouth, it had turned into me killing a tiger with a single punch.¡¯


    "Madam, you''re so gentle, beautiful, pure, and kind, why would you keep such a ferocious dog?" Seeing the red tongue that General Zhenyuan stuck out, Lin Wanrong broke into a cold sweat. This was an old enemy from Jinling; he couldn''t afford to be careless.


    The Madam didn''t answer his question, but instead looked him up and down. Her voice was soft, "Lin San, have you been well these days?"


    "Thank you for your concern, Madam." Seeing the menacing dog, Lin Wanrong unconsciously stepped back,ughing, "I''m doing very well, walking tall and seeing far, entirely carefree."


    "Walking tall, seeing far?" The Madam muttered to herself. Her face suddenly turned crimson, a mix of embarrassment and anger. She shot him an annoyed look and quickly turned her head away.


    Oops, a slip of the tongue. Lin Wanrong stood stunned. Seeing the Madam''s blushing face and her alluring figure, his heart skipped a beat. He quickly waved his hands, "Madam, you''re mistaken. You were dressed so modestly yesterday; I couldn''t see anything."


    The Madam bit her red lips, her face flushed. She slightly loosened her grip on General Zhenyuan''s leash. The dog lunged forward a few steps, barking loudly. Lin Wanrong was scared out of his wits, turned, and ran, bumping into a soft body. The Second Miss''s voice rang out, "What are you doing, you rascal?"


    As if he had encountered a savior, Lin Wanrong hurriedly hugged the delicate figure of Yushuang. "Second Miss, your timing is perfect. Please protect me; this ferocious dog is about to bite."


    Seeing Lin San, usually as tough as a rock, scared of a dog made the Madamugh. Just as she was about to call General Zhenyuan back, she caught Lin San sneaking a nce at her. Her pretty face turned red, and she quickly put on a cold expression.


    "Put me down quickly; my mother is still here," Second Miss spoke in a soft and hurried tone, her face flushed with embarrassment.


    Upon seeing Xiao Yushuang, the ferocious dog, General Zhenyuan, immediately calmed down, wagging its tail. Lin Wanrong finally let out a long sigh of relief. Xiao Yushuang extricated herself from his embrace and asked, "What were you discussing with my mother? Why did General Zhenyuan try to bite you?"


    "Well," Lin Wanrong nced at Madam Xiao and began, "it''s not much really. I was just discussing matters of taste with Madam. She wasplimenting my good eye when General Zhenyuan became jealous and wanted to bite me¡ª"


    This man is full of nonsense. How could General Zhenyuan be jealous of him? Madam Xiao felt both embarrassed and annoyed but held her tongue.


    Second Miss looked at her mother, then back at Lin San,ughing, "I don''t believe you. You must have upset my mother. Be careful not to wrong her. She is more afraid of dogs than you are. Ever since you had that incident, she''s felt guilty, and bravely decided to adopt General Zhenyuan to guard the house."


    "I see," Lin Wanrong sighed seriously, "please rest assured, Madam. After this northern expedition, if I manage toe back alive, I will treat the Xiao family as my own, work diligently, and strive to repay your kindness."


    One moment he was acting suspicious, and the next he was so earnest; it was hard to know when he was being truthful. Madam Xiao sighed helplessly, "What do you mean treat the Xiao family as your own? I''ve already promised you both my daughters. Is the Xiao family going to be left for outsiders? You really know how to vex me."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly and remained silent. Seeing his eyes fixed on her, Madam Xiao felt slightly ufortable and quickly changed the topic, "Are you truly going to lead troops into battle?"


    "Yes," Lin Wanrong nodded gravely, "since there are things I''m destined to do, I won¡¯t shy away from them. This morning, I¡¯ll help you manage some business affairs. After lunch, I''ll go meet Li Tai to discuss some work. War is ruthless; once I leave, I have no idea when I''ll be able to return."


    Seeing his solemn face, Madam Xiao didn''t know what to say. Conversing with Lin San was a roller coaster of emotions; she couldn''t keep up with his changing moods.


    "Lin San,e here," Madam Xiao beckoned softly. Lin Wanrong hurriedly approached.


    Madam Xiao took Xiao Yushuang¡¯s hand and gently ced it in his. She softly sighed, "From this moment on, I entrust Yushuang to you. I hope you''ll treat her well and never let her suffer."


    "Mother¡ª" Second Miss burst into a mix of joy and embarrassment, her eyes welling with tears as she hugged her mother.


    "Foolish child," Madam Xiao tenderly stroked her hair, her own eyes moistening.


    "Um, Madam, what about the Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong asked, slightly embarrassed.


    Madam Xiao''s eyes welled up with tears, and she was lost in her emotions when Lin Wanrong interrupted her. She couldn''t help but roll her eyes at him, "You really do have a thick skin. Once I''ve promised you both my daughters, where else could you possibly go?"


    Seeing Xiao Yushuang tightly holding Lin San''srge hand, her face a mix of shyness and joy, Madam Xiao let out a long sigh, "Fine, fine. Although Yuruo is not here, I will make the decision for both of them and give you my daughters¡ª"


    Xiao Yushuang spoke shyly, "Since my sister is not here, I request that you, Mother, act as the matchmaker. I''m entrusting my sister to you." Second Miss took her mother''s hand and deliberately ced it into Lin Wanrong''s.


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 450

    Chapter 450 Please Remove This Man From The Tent


    Second Miss was innocent and lively, acting on a whim. She took her mother''s jade-like hand and ced it in Lin San''s palm, startling the Madam.


    "What nonsense are you talking about, you little imp?" Madam Xiao shook her head with a lightugh, her face flushing. She subtly pulled back her hand. "When Yuruo returns, we''ll make up for the formalities. Why would we need a substitute? Don''t you agree, Lin San?"


    "Ah, yes, yes," Lin Wanrong hurriedly nodded, saying earnestly, "Holding the wrong hand is a serious matter, one I have no intention of making at the moment. Besides, with Madam Xiao''s exceptional beauty, standing alongside Eldest Miss and Second Miss, you are like a trio of blooming flowers in this garden. How could anyone simply substitute for another?"


    In one sentence, heplimented all three of them. Second Miss''s eyes sparkled like a painting as she held her mother''s hand and giggled, "Naturally. My mother has been famous for her beauty since childhood. Countless young men have been smitten by her. Even now, her charm and unparalleled beauty have earned her admirers in both Jinling and the capital city. You do have good taste!"


    "You naughty girl," Madam Xiao''s face turned slightly red as she chuckled and patted her daughter''s beautiful face, "I was hoping you''d discipline Lin San a bit. Who knew you¡¯d pick up on his slick talking before even getting married? What are we to do with you in the future?"


    Second Missughed delightfully, holding her mother with one hand and Lin San with the other. The joy and shyness in her eyes seemed to blush half the horizon.


    "What about my poor Yuruo? Where could she be?" Madam Xiao looked at her second daughter''s beautiful face and felt a pang of sorrow, tears forming in her eyes.


    "Don''t worry, Mother. Yuruo will return within a few days," Second Miss whispered in her mother''s ear. Madam Xiao wiped her tears and nodded slightly, "If the princess intercedes, that would naturally be for the best. But she is the First Princess of Great Hua; you two will have to keep that in mind. Lin San, my two daughters have been so kind to you. You must treat them impartially."Madam Xiao''s words made Lin Wanrongugh heartily, "Ever since I joined the Xiao family, I have been grateful for Madam Xiao and both misses¡¯ kindness. I haven''t even had the chance to show my gratitude, so how could I mistreat them? If there''s any favoritism, it''s that I¡¯m more inclined towards them. After all, I''ve spent 300 days of this year with them."


    His words rang true. Lin San had only recently been away from the Xiao family more often. Before that, he had been an exemry employee, protecting the youngdies and helping to restore the family''s glory. He was the most meritorious. Madam Xiao nodded and smiled, "If that''s the case, I feel reassured. You certainly have a way with words; it makes people believe anything you say."


    Upon hearing her mother''s praise for Lin San, Second Miss was overjoyed and chirped, "Mother, Lin San is honest and reliable; he''s not prone to lying. If I say that he saw nothingst night, you must believe me now."


    Lin Wanrong was filled with gratitude. ''So Second Miss does trust me. In the future, I must spend more time in her room. Ah, and invite Eldest Miss as well. As the old saying goes, ''When three people walk together, one will inevitably get wet.''"


    Madam Xiao was taken aback. Seeing Lin San''s sly, rat-like grin, she had no words to express her irritation. Her red lips were tightly closed, her beautiful eyebrows raised slightly, and a blush colored her cheeks as she shot him an angry re.


    Lin Wanrong had spent the entire morning at the Xiao residence, diligently tackling a backlog of official duties. Encouraged by Madam Xiao, he was working with utmost care and attention. The Second Miss, now formally promised to him by Madam Xiao herself, found her long-held wishes fulfilled. She stayed contentedly by his side, her face alight with a constant smile. Madam Xiao was considerate and attentive, personally bringing in ginseng soup and bird''s nest into the study from time to time and watching the couple finish their meal. Seeing their joyful and loving interactions filled her with a sense of indescribable happiness and emotion. Her only reservation was that Lin Wanrong was perhaps a bit too flirtatious for her liking. With this thought, she couldn''t help but shoot him a stern re, causing Lin Wanrong to feel slightly uneasy.


    After lunch, remembering his militarymitments, Lin Wanrong wasted no time. He mounted a fast horse and headed straight to the army camp located outside the city gates. The weather was fine and warm, and as he rode, he heard the distant rumble of cannons and the sh of weapons, apanied by the battle cries and neighing of war horses.


    Shielding his eyes to get a better view, he saw that the field ahead was filled with rolling dust, broken walls, and intense fires. Thick smoke rose into the sky, and the dust kicked up by galloping horses obscured half of the heavens. Countless soldiers were rapidly charging and fighting on horseback, their faces covered in soot and filled with killing intent. The scene was almost indistinguishable from realbat.


    Lin Wanrong realized at a nce that the dust, cannons, fires, and smoke were all simting a real battlefield environment. Most of General Li Tai''s troops had little actualbat experience, so this realistic training exercise was rather innovative and useful for alleviating the soldiers'' fears.


    Urging his horse to go faster, Lin Wanrong had not yet reached the battlefield when he heard approaching hoofbeats. A team of soldiers on patrol duty quickly rode towards him. A young voice shouted, "Who goes there? Are you a spy from the Turkic tribes? Men, seize this spy at once!"


    The voice sounded familiar. Lin Wanrong looked up and saw a young officermanding the team, poised and full of energy.


    "Little Li, are you trying to capture me?" Lin Wanrong pulled on the reins and burst into heartyughter.


    Li Wuling looked intently for a moment and saw a white horse with a rider of mediumplexion, waving at him and grinning. Overjoyed, Li Wuling snapped his whip, and his horse neighed as it galloped towards him.


    "Lin San¡ªGeneral Lin, why did you take so long toe? I''ve missed you terribly," said Li Wuling, who had matured considerably since theyst met, from a frail boy into a young man. He galloped up to Lin Wanrong, steadied his horse, and clutched Lin San''s arm in excitement.


    Lin Wanrongughed loudly, "Miss me for what? I''m not a courtesan from a brothel."


    Though young, Li Wuling had grown up in the army and was brash in nature. Hearing Lin Wanrong''s coarsenguage delighted him. He chuckled, "You may not be a courtesan, but you are more fun than one. When you went to Shandong some days ago, I had begged Aunt Xu to take me along. But my grandfather wouldn''t allow it. Otherwise, how could I have let you monopolize such a universally-known good opportunity like ''the fish jumping over the dragon gate''? I regret it so much¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, taken aback by the boy''s forthrightness. "You were looking for me? Well, that should have been simple enough. My house is right next to yours. I''vee and gone hundreds of times, but I''ve never seen you."


    Li Wuling wrapped an arm around his shoulder, sheepishly admitting, "I did intend to seek you out. But I was stopped by Aunt Xu. She says you''re heartless and ungrateful, a man beyond redemption. She even warned me not to take after you. Oh, she''s also adopted two ferocious dogs, one named Lin San and the other Lin Si. Aunt Xu ims they share your surname Lin, asserting that no Lin is any good¡ªAh, this is what she said, not me. Brother Lin, do you have any grudges with Aunt Xu?"


    A shiver ran down Lin Wanrong''s spine. Xu Zhiqing was indeed relentless. If she happened to call out for Lin San while walking her dogs on the street, he''d probably have to jump out like an obedient canine.


    "No grudges per se," Lin Wanrong sighed. "But you know how women are¡ªdifficult to please. Especially when they see a striking man like me, I be the object of their desires. And that puts me in a difficult position." His expression turned wistful.


    Li Wuling gave him a thumbs-up. "You''ve got guts, Brother Lin. No one else in the entire realm would dare speak about my Aunt Xu like that."


    "Hm, Li Wuling, while everyone else is busy with military drills, why are you the only one idling around?" Lin Wanrong nced at the bustling training grounds in the distance before returning his gaze to Li Wuling.


    "I, I¡ª" Li Wuling''s face flushed a deep red. He gripped Lin Wanrong''s arm, pleading, "Brother Lin, you have to help me this time. The army is about to set out, and my grandpa and Aunt Xu won''t allow me to join the battlefield. Even this patrol duty outside the training grounds took me days of begging to get."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, understanding the situation. Li Wuling was the only surviving heir of the Li family, and both of Li Tai''s sons had died in battle. Naturally, Xu Zhiqing and Li Tai were just concerned for him.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s expression, Li Wuling grew anxious. "Brother Lin, don''t tell me you also look down on me? Since when has my family produced cowards? Am I afraid of death?"


    "Who said you''re afraid of dying?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, patting him on the shoulder. "Your situation is just unique. The Li family has served at the borders for generations, honored throughout history. Both your father and uncle died in battle, leaving you as the family''s sole heir. Moreover, you''re still young. If something were to happen to you, it would be a devastating blow to the General and the empire."


    Li Wuling snorted defiantly. "What could happen? At worst, I''d die. My father and uncle could die, so why can''t I? Sure, I may be the only heir to the Li family, but among the millions of soldiers, how many are the sole heirs? Why can they die but not me? Brother Lin, you''re also an only heir, and even the Prince Consort of Princess Chuyun¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong paused for a moment, then smiled and nodded. "You sure have a way with words. How old are you this year?"


    "Fifteen!" Li Wuling answered loudly.


    Lin Wanrong''s expression darkened. "I asked for the truth!"


    His demeanor stern, Li Wuling felt somewhat intimidated and quickly lowered his head, muttering softly, "Thirteen, but I look like I''m fifteen."


    "Thirteen, still a child soldier, huh?" Lin Wanrong sighed as he caught sight of Li Wuling''s defiant gaze. The young man''s bravery was living up to his family''s reputation.


    "Brother Lin, I''ve already spoken with Brothers Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan. As soon as you arrive, I''ll be under yourmand. Just let me go to the front lines. I promise not to cause you any trouble and I¡¯ll do whatever I¡¯m told," Li Wuling cautiously said, noticing Lin Wanrong''s contemtive silence.


    "Youck ambition," Lin Wanrong scolded. "Just doing whatever you''re told? Then what is your brain for? One must have his own thoughts in life and even more so in battle. It''s all about using your head."


    Li Wuling let out an ''Oh'' and then seemed to have an epiphany, beaming with joy, "Brother Lin, does that mean you agree?"


    "Agree my ass," Lin Wanrongughed. "I haven''t even settled my own affairs, let alone yours. First, take me to see the General, then we''ll discuss the rest."


    Li Wuling, quick on the uptake, sensed the hidden intentions in Lin Wanrong''s words and was overjoyed. Leading him across the training grounds, they headed directly for General Li Tai''s camp.


    All along the way, the sounds of martial training were ceaseless. Lin Wanrong observed closely and recognized many familiar faces¡ªthose young men who had once been green troops under hismand had now be seasoned warriors. It filled him with pride.


    "General Lin¡ª" An old soldier from Shandong saw him and was overjoyed, getting hit on the shoulder by a wooden sword from his opponent as a result. Sweat poured down his face from the pain.


    Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth and snorted, "A soldier can''t afford to be distracted. If he is my brother, cut him down!"


    "At once!" The old soldier was so excited that he forgot the pain, swinging his sword at his opponent, who was forced to retreat, panting heavily, the helmet tumbling to the ground and the hair blowing in the wind.


    "Aunt Xu¡ª" Li Wuling shrieked. Lin Wanrong looked up to see Xu Zhiqing in military garb and armor, her face slightly pale. Her captivating lips were tightly pressed together as she red at him, breathing heavily.


    "General, shall we continue the attack?" asked the soldier quietly, noticing Lin Wanrong''s pause.


    "What a great question," Lin Wanrong smirked coldly, his expression fierce. "Strike! Why wouldn''t you? Remember, she''s the enemy, not a woman¡ªLook, the enemy is fleeing!"


    Xu Zhiqing picked up her helmet and leapt away, never looking back. Li Wuling chuckled, "This is great. I can guarantee that when we go home tonight, Aunt Xu''s ''Lin San'' is going to get whipped again."


    "What the hell are you talking about? Make it clear. This Lin San is not that Lin San," Lin Wanrong said, drenched in sweat, pulling Li Wuling out of the training area. "Little Li, what is Miss Xu doing here, fighting? We nearly hurt her!"


    "Don''t worry, she won''t get hurt. She orchestrated this whole training ground," Li Wuling said nonchntly. "Think about it. Aunt Xu has been through real battles with live des and cannons countless times; she won''t be rattled by a small scene like this. I think seeing you distracted her, causing her defeat."


    It turned out that this practical military drill was Xu Zhiqing''s idea. Recalling her innovative sling tactic from yesterday, Lin Wanrong silently admired the young woman''s intelligence and ingenuity.


    As they walked along, Lin Wanrong caught sight of Hu Bugui, Du Xiuyuan, and others. These men had risen from humble beginnings under Lin Wanrong¡¯s mentorship and were now high-ranking generals in Li Tai''s army,manding tens of thousands of soldiers. Lin Wanrong nodded approvingly; this was indeed the right way to make use of talent.


    When they arrived at the front of General Li Tai''s camp, Li Wuling whispered nervously, "Brother Lin, you go in. But remember, don''t forget about me. You mustn''t forget!"


    "Who dares to make amotion outside my tent?" a powerful voice thundered from within the tent. Li Wuling quickly slipped away, not daring to linger another second.


    "Lin San of Jinling, here to pay my respects to the General," Lin Wanrong announced cheerfully, his voice carrying into the tent.


    The sound of clinking armor emanated from inside the tent, followed by a group of people rushing out. Leading them was an elderly, venerable general¡ªnone other than Li Tai himself. Behind him were several military officers, each radiating a powerful aura.


    Upon seeing Lin Wanrong, Li Tai''s eyes lit up with joy, "Ah, good, good. You''ve finallye. I knew you wouldn''t disappoint me. Gentlemen, this is the renowned Lin San. You''ve all heard of him. The National Tutor of the Turkic Khaganate, Lu Dongzan, suffered a defeat at his hands, and the White Lotus cult was practically eradicated by him alone."


    "It''s an honor," the officers hastily greeted Lin Wanrong, their attitudes a mixture of respect and indifference.


    Lin Wanrong responded graciously, "I apologize for the dy, family matters kept me. I''m sorry to have kept you all waiting."


    Whispers filled the air; no one dared toment aloud. To ce family over state affairs and to admit it so brazenly¡ªLin San was indeed unparalleled in this regard.


    Li Tai beckoned him into therge tent, "Whether early orte, it''s the contribution that counts. Ah, Zhiqing, Lin San is here. Don''t you want to greet him?"


    Inside the tent, a detailed map hung on a wall, marking various locations andndscapes. A slender figure stood in front of it, engrossed in her study. So focused was she that she didn''t even hear Li Tai''s call.


    "General, Miss Xu is currently devising a strategy; it would be unwise to disturb her," a young officer, approximately in his thirties, stepped forward and discreetly informed Li Tai. He nced at Lin Wanrong as he spoke.


    Li Tai nodded, "You and Zhiqing are no strangers; you can always greet each otherter."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly but before he could speak, the silent Xu Zhiqing suddenly broke her concentration and calmly said, "General, please escort this man out of the tent."


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 451

    Chapter 451 The New General


    Removed from the tent? Whom was Miss Xu referring to? Lin Wanrong looked around and noticed that everyone''s gaze had settled on him. Their eyes held various emotions: some sympathetic, others taking pleasure in his misfortune. A young general in his thirties looked at him, wearing a faint smile but saying nothing.


    "Uh, Miss Xu, you''re not talking about me, are you?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, acting as though it didn''t concern him.


    Xu Zhiqing lowered her eyelids, speaking softly, "Commander, everyone in this tent is a trusted leader of our army fighting against the nomads. All are reliable except for this neer. He doesn''t wear a waist knife, nor does he don armor. He has neither an official role nor a symbolic one in our army. Since we are discussing crucial strategies against the enemy, for the sake of secrecy, it''s best to ask irrelevant people to leave."


    Miss Xu¡¯s words left Lin Wanrong speechless. At the moment, he was merely in a ceremonial position granted by the court. Although he had some prestige within the army, he had no official title. Saying he was irrelevant was indeed urate.


    General Li Taiughed heartily, "I understand what Zhi''er means. But how can we ignore a talent like Lin San? I''ve already petitioned the Emperor to appoint him as the vanguard of the right-wing of our army,manding infantry, cavalry, and artillery battalions¡ªa total of over sixty thousand men. Does anyone have objections?"


    The words of Li Tai caught everyone in the tent by surprise. Lin San had indeed won victories in Shandong, but could his battle against the White Lotus sect bepared to fighting the fierce and cunning nomads? Lin San may have been adept at quelling rebels, but he had no experience in dealing with the nomads. Was it appropriate to grant him the position of the right-wing vanguard so quickly?


    "Commander, I think this matter needs further discussion," the young general hesitated before speaking, "Although Lord Lin has a reputation and has distinguished himself in Shandong, the Turks are not the White Lotus sect. Their brutality and cunning are iparable. The right-wing is the sharp de of our army; it must be capable of advancing and defending. One has to thoroughly understand the nomads'' tactics. In this regard, Lord Lincks experience. I suggest appointing him as the deputy adviser general of the right-wing vanguard first. Promotions cer, based on his battlefield achievements."


    The young general had a point. While Lin San''s efforts in defeating the White Lotus might seem like great achievements to outsiders, to these bordermanders who had long battled against the nomads, it was trivial.Lin Wanrong felt like spitting blood. Last time in Shandong, Xu Wei had offered him an adviser general role, and now, this gentleman wanted to add ''deputy'' to it. ''Adviser without rank produces no sound even when farting,'' he thought. Whether he served as the right-wing vanguard mattered little, but they shouldn''t think he was here to be a freeloader. Fortunately, he was easygoing by nature, used to people''s cold shoulders. He chuckled twice and didn''t take it to heart.


    Most generals in the tent agreed with the young general¡¯s opinion. Li Tai looked at a red-faced stout man on his left, "Zuo Qiu, you''re themander of the left-wing army. What do you think?"


    Zuo Qiu was a burly man in his forties, seasoned and mature. Upon hearing Li Tai call out his name, he firmly clenched his fist in a salute and said, "I''ve followed the General for many years, and his judgement has never been wrong. Brother Lin must truly possess extraordinary abilities for the General to hold him in such high regard. However, what Brother Zongcai says also has merit. Brother Lin is young and has been appointed as the Commander of the right-wing vanguard. If he doesn''t demonstrate some real talent, not only will it make it difficult for the brothers and the General, but Brother Lin himself may also feel uneasy, affecting his ability to lead effectively in battle. In the army, words are of little use; what counts is true ability. I''m a straightforward man from Lu, so pardon my bluntness." He saluted Lin Wanrong with a genuinely cheerful expression.


    Zuo Qiu was indeed straightforward, and Lin Wanrong, who was adept at scheming, found this trait likable. He grasped Zuo Qiu''s hand and burst intoughter, "What are you talking about, Brother Zuo? There''s nothing to forgive. Since I''m standing here, my life is in the hands of everyone present. If straightforward words like yours can choke me up, then I might as well drown myself."


    Lin Wanrong was certainly cunning, a man who changed his tune depending on the situation. Xu Zhiqing''s beautiful face flushed as she muttered a curse under her breath.


    The crowd broke into heartyughter. Although Lin Wanrong''s words were crude, they resonated with the sensibilities of the military leaders. In the oppressive atmosphere of the army, such coarsenguage acted as a wee seasoning. Observing that the new General Lin was so congenial, they began to warm to him, feeling a sense of closeness.


    Li Tai chuckled and turned to Xu Zhiqing, "Zhi''er, you are the chief strategist for my army of hundreds of thousands. What''s your opinion on this new Commander of the right-wing vanguard?"


    Miss Xu slightly raised her eyebrows and nced at Lin Wanrong. "This neer indeedcks experience in fighting against the nomads, but I''ve heard he''s quite clever in small ways. With the army''s imminent departure and the vanguard position for the right-wing still unconfirmed, where else can we find such a candidate? We might as well make do with him¡ª"


    "General, Miss Xu," General Zongcai interrupted Xu Zhiqing, suddenly straightening his posture and saluting, "I, Zongcai, boldly volunteer to lead the right-wing vanguard army and fight the enemy. I request the General and Miss Xu to grant this."


    Xu Zhiqing gave a soft ''Oh'' and nced at Lin San, choosing to remain silent.


    So that was it. Lin Wanrong finally understood. This General named Yu Zongcai had grand ambitions and aimed to rece Lin San as the Commander of the right-wing vanguard. Zongcai was young but had amanding presence; however, Lin Wanrong wondered about his actual abilities. ¡®I hope he''s not all show and no substance,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, smiling wryly. At the moment, while his appointment was under discussion, he felt the most rxed because his expectations weren''t high to begin with.


    Li Tai, a lifelong warrior, clearly understood the reluctance people had towards Lin San. Although he could use his authority to force the appointment, that would be unfair to both the men and Lin San.


    "Zongcai, youe from a family of generals and currently serve as the Deputy Commander of the right-wing army. You are outstanding both in martial skills and military strategy. I did indeed consider you for the position of the right-wing vanguard," Li Tai nodded and smiled. He then turned to Lin Wanrong, "As for Lin San, he''s skilled in leading troops,mands the loyalty of his soldiers, and is extraordinarily cunning. Both of you have your merits, and it puts me in a difficult position."


    He pondered for a moment, then smiled at Xu Zhiqing. "In that case, Zhi''er, why don''t youe up with a question to test these two? Let everyone here judge who answers best, and let him be the vanguard of the right-wing."


    The method seemed fair, apetition based on merit, judged by all. The generals nodded in agreement.


    "Perhaps we should skip it," Lin Wanrong humbly chuckled. "Military leadership isn''t really my forte, and I''ve never aspired to be the vanguard of the right-wing. Back when I was in Shandong, I led supply troops. Coming up north this time, give me a few squad leaders, and I would be content."


    The crowd burst intoughter. But a few perceptive individuals caught a different undertone. Lin San had fought against the White Lotus Sect using vulnerable, old, and infirm soldiers responsible for guarding supplies, a triumph far from ordinary. What seemed like a casual remark was a wake-up call to the crowd. Zuo Qiu looked at him appreciatively.


    "What are you declining for? If you don''t have confidence in yourself, how can others entrust their lives to you?" Xu Zhiqing huffed softly, though it was unclear whom thement was for. Li Tai shot her a tigerish nce, and she lowered her head, her face flushing.


    "Zhi''er, have you thought of a way to test them?" Li Tai inquired with a smile.


    Miss Xu pondered briefly before slowly nodding. "I wouldn''t call it a test. I''ve had some questions about battlefield exercises these past few days and wish to discuss them with the generals here. Marshal Li, Elder Brother Yu, and all other elders, as well as the new general, pleasee with me."


    "''The new general''?¡± ¡®What kind of title is that?¡¯ Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but smile wryly. ¡®This Miss Xu is intentionally making things difficult for me.¡¯


    Seeing him trailing sullenly behind the crowd, Li Taigged a few steps and patted his shoulder. "Lin San, what''s going on with Zhi''er? Weren''t you two getting along well when you went to Shandong?"


    "Old General, be careful with your words. I am a married man," Lin Wanrong said with a sly smile.


    Infuriated, Li Tai pped him on the head. "What nonsense! Whether you''re married or not has nothing to do with Zhi''er. Let me remind you, she''s my own daughter. If you dare bully her, I''ll dismantle you in the military camp."


    The old general looked dignified and intimidating, his face etched with the ravages of time, but he radiated an indomitable spirit. Lin Wanrong genuinely respected him. The ps made him feel oddly close to the man. "Old General, there''s something I want to discuss with you about Li Wuling¡ª"


    "That young man roped you into speaking for him?" Li Tai chuckled, yet his eyes glimmered with hope and pride.


    "Not to speak on his behalf," Lin Wanrong answered seriously. "I''m just wondering, what kind of Li Wuling do we all hope to see¡ªa Duke of Peace, or a legendary general for the ages? Old General, have you ever considered it?"


    Li Tai''s eyes flickered; the question seemed to pierce his soul. He paused before letting out a bitterugh. "That boy sure knows how to pick a negotiator. You''re truly unparalleled in that aspect. If you can convince Zhi''er, let him go; I can''t control him anymore."


    Li Tai took a few more steps, then abruptly halted, his expression suddenly turning old and worn. "Lin San, you must train him well¡ªeven if he dies in battle, he cannot disgrace the Li family name."


    Li Tai''s silhouette gradually receded into the distance, leaving Lin Wanrong in a daze. It suddenly dawned on him that he had taken on a hot potato. If nothing went wrong with young Li, it would be fine; but if something did, given Li Tai''s generations-long reputation for loyalty and virtue, he, Lin Wanrong, would be universally condemned, his lifetime''s reputation ruined in an instant. "Damn it, I''ve been had by this brat," he cursed under his breath.


    Catching up to Xu Zhiqing and the others, he found that the generals had already halted, standing atop a makeshift tower, gazing downward. Far off, plumes of dust rolled in the wind, and the battle between infantry and cavalry was fiercely intense. Leading the cavalry was none other than Xu Zhen,manding roughly five thousand men. Their horse hooves thundered, and their momentum was immense.


    The infantry on defenseprised several units. Although they had initially adopted simrly orderly formations, they were thrown into disarray when Xu Zhen''s cavalry charged. Only one unit maintained its formation and engaged Xu Zhen''s cavalry in intensebat. Everyone could see clearly that this lone steadfast unit was led by Du Xiuyuan. Both Xu Zhen and Du Xiuyuan were trained by Lin Wanrong, leaving everyone astounded.


    "Ladies and gentlemen, observe," sighed Xu Zhiqing. "I''ve drilled this infantry formation countless times. Every soldier hasmitted it to heart and trained rigorously. Yet the real-world efficacy leaves much to be desired."


    Yu Zongcai scrutinized the scene for a long while before cautiously speaking, "Miss Xu, our brothers are well-versed in these battle formations. Their positioning and steps are impable. However, when they try to change formations and move, they seem to lose coordination, giving the enemy cavalry an opportunity."


    "You are absolutely correct, Elder Brother Yu," Xu Zhiqing nodded approvingly. Yu Zongcai''s face lit up with joy, and he stole a quick nce at Xu Zhiqing before pretending to look away casually.


    "And what about you, the new general? What''s your opinion?" Xu Zhiqing broke the silence and addressed Lin San in an indifferent tone. Everyone knew that the real test had begun.


    Lin Wanrong knew next to nothing about infantry formation changes; he had been watching for quite some time but could only discern one issue. He suddenly chuckled, "Miss Xu, we have a field full of infantry and cavalry. Why are we not practicing siege warfare withdders?"


    Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned, even Li Tai was left speechless. How ignorant could this Lin San be? Fighting against the nomads involved endless ins and deserts; where were the cities to attack? Training infantry and cavalry was specific tobating the Turkic people; what was the point of practicing siege warfare?


    Frustrated and annoyed, Xu Zhiqing wished she could kick Lin San off the ramparts. She hesitated, ultimately refraining from doing so.


    With Xu Zhiqing ring at him, Yu Zongcai gleefully said, "General Lin probably has never been to the frontier. Beyond the Great Wall lies an endless expanse of deserts and ins. The Turks are nomadic, born on horseback. Where are the cities for us to attack?"


    "So, we''re not going to practice siege warfare just because there are no cities to take?" Lin Wanrongughed. "Miss Xu, don''t you think something is missing from your formation?"


    Lin Wanrong was generally truthful when it came to serious matters, which made Xu Zhiqing take pause. "What''s missing?" she asked.


    "You''ve practiced formations with hundreds and thousands of men, but you''re missing something crucial¡ªcoordination and trust," Lin Wanrong said with a slight smile. "General Li, please summon Du Xiuyuan and bring twenty more men."


    "Coordination and trust?" The words were simple enough, and the generals pondered. Lin Wanrong''s earlier mention of siege practice suddenly seemed to make sense.


    "Reporting to the General, reporting to Lin Wanrong," Du Xiuyuan arrived, his face covered in dust but his expression thrilled. A dozen men, all veterans from Shandong under Lin Wanrong, trailed behind him.


    "Old Du, have you guys been practicing the team-building training I taught you?" Lin Wanrong inquired with a smile.


    "Of course," Du Xiuyuan hurriedly nodded, "the brothers love your team-building exercises the most during practice."


    "Good," Lin Wanrong grinned. "Then set up a clouddder and let our brothers see."


    Clouddder? Team-building? Everyone was confused. Du Xiuyuan hade empty-handed; where would a cloudddere from?


    "At once!" Du Xiuyuan promptlymanded. "Set up thedder!"


    Quicker than words, a dozen men ran to the base of the tower. Two men formed each unit, hands sped together as they crouched. Another sprinted and stepped onto their wrists. Two units closed in, one on top of the other, creating a human pyramid. At a fierce shout, the men raised their arms, and the man at the apex seemed to soar, almost reaching the makeshift wall.


    So this was the clouddder. Astonishment filled the faces of the generals. Such coordination, like building a tower where each man willingly became a brick, would surely lead to sess in formation exercises.


    Xu Zhiqing nced at Lin Wanrong, who remained impassive, neither speaking nor smiling, as if this were amon urrence.


    Du Xiuyuan nodded, then shouted, "Prepare to fall!"


    An astonishing sight unfolded. The soldier at the top of the pyramid fell backward without hesitation, soaring through the air. Before anyone could shout in rm, eight men from the rear rushed up and extended their arms to form a bridge, catching their plummetingrade. The nextyer followed suit, and they rotated, each trusting their lives to theirpanions.


    "Excellent team-building, excellent clouddder!" The generals were speechless. To ce one''s life in the hands of arade was the highest level of trust. How Lin Wanrong had conceived such an idea was beyond them, but it was brilliant.


    "Brother Lin, that was impressive!" Zuo Qiu pped Lin Wanrong''s shoulder, his eyes filled with admiration.


    "It''s nothing, just a little trick," Lin Wanrong chuckled. His serious demeanor from moments ago vanished in the blink of an eye.


    "Always the show-off," Miss Xu huffed, turning her head away. Her pretty face flushed, her eyelids drooping, and her eyes emanating an inexplicable warmth.


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 452

    Chapter 452 So, You Like Lin San


    Li Tai nodded slightly, nced at his generals, and chuckled, "Zhiqing''s question can serve as a test for all of us. Any opinions? Let it be known that the appointment for the vanguard of the right-wing will be decided by collective judgment."


    The people present were all seasoned war veterans. The performances of Lin San and Yu Zongcai had already made it clear who excelled. Setting aside other matters, Lin San''s innovative training methods alone constituted a significant breakthrough. Thinking back on his military achievements in Shandong, the disdain that many initially held for him began to dissolve. At the very least, he was no fool.


    "Commander," Zuo Qiu, who held Li Tai''s utmost trust, began, stepping forward with a fist salute and a heartyugh. "Both Yu Zongcai and Lin San have shown keen insights into the training issues raised by Adviser Xu. Yet Lin San went a step further, diagnosing the issue and offering a solution. I believe he deserves extra credit. With your permission, I''d like to adopt this expanded training method in my left-wing army. This would not only enhance trust and coordination among our soldiers but also consolidate our forces effectively in battle."


    Zuo Qiu was the vanguard for the left wing and was one of the few influential figures in Li Tai''s army. His words, therefore, reflected the majority''s opinion. Yu Zongcai, a bit disappointed by the endorsement of Lin San, shifted his hopeful gaze to Xu Zhiqing.


    Miss Xu nodded, "Brother Zuo is quite right. This new training method is groundbreaking and highly targeted. I think it would be beneficial to implement it throughout the army. Given this, it''s only reasonable that Lin San should get the position. But Brother Yu, don''t be discouraged. You''re also incredibly insightful and capable, certainly worthy of great responsibilities."


    Yu Zongcai''s face initially disyed disappointment, but upon hearing Miss Xu''s praise, he was overjoyed. Quickly, he thanked Xu Zhiqing, "I''m grateful for your guidance, Miss Xu. I''ll strive to serve the Empire valiantly and live up to the high expectations you and the Marshal have set for me."


    "Lin San, what are your thoughts on the suggestions made by Zhiqing and Zuo Qiu? Can this training method be implemented across the army?" Li Tai stroked his beard and smiled, pleased with the harmonious discussions among his subordinates. However, when his eyes met Lin San''s, he noticed a furrowed brow as if something weighed on his mind.


    "The expanded training method can indeed be implemented," Lin Wanrong nodded, his expression serious. "But both Brother Zuo and Miss Xu mustn''t put the cart before the horse. The army should primarily focus on formations and tactics. This expanded training should only be a supplementary approach, incorporated within those primary tasks. It shouldn''t take precedence."This young man knows how to handle favor without bing arrogant, Li Tai thought, nodding approvingly. The room''s atmosphere was imbued with a newfound respect for him.


    Lin Wanrong was generous with his knowledge,ying out the training methods he was familiar with. Many of its novel features left the room agog.


    While training troops in Shandong, Lin Wanrong had always stood apart from the rest. He didn''t put on airs but engaged with his men like brothers, joking andughing with them. Yet when it came to battle, he never showed cowardice. He was also extremely protective of his subordinates. His famed outburst at the banks of Weishan Lake had already made him a legend among the troops. Soldiers respected him wholeheartedly and enjoyed being around him¡ªwilling even toy down their lives for him.


    Lin Wanrong was aware of his limitations. He had no expertise in conventional military strategies, so he entrusted those responsibilities to Hu Bugui and Du Xiuyuan, focusing only on general coordination and directional guidance.


    His candid sharing of his experiences, even highlighting his shorings, won him nods of approval from the assembled generals. Zuo Qiu grinned, grabbing Lin Wanrong''s arm, "I like your character, straightforward like mine. I''d trust you with my life on the battlefield."


    Lin Wanrong was moved, "Brother Zuo, you really understand me. People see my deceptive exterior but not my sincere heart."


    Xu Zhiqing chuckled quietly at Lin San''s ''straightforwardness,'' fully aware of his character. This was his strategic maniption of emotions topensate for hisck of initial prestige.


    Li Tai patted him on the shoulder, "Understanding the bigger picture and using men wisely is more critical for amander than knowing specific strategies. Your ability to choosepetent officers like Hu Bugui, Du Xiuyuan, and others and make them willingly serve you ismendable. You shallmand the right nk, as most of your troops are your old subordinates from Shandong. Lin San, your orders¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong quickly bowed, "I obey."


    Li Tai''s voice boomed, "Starting this moment, you will be the vanguard of our right nk against the Turkic troops. Prepare provisions and supervise the training. In six days, we move."


    Six days? Lin Wanrong was startled. He was worried about how his news would affect Eldest Miss and others at home. Would they cry?


    Xu Zhiqing nudged him abruptly. Realizing hispse, Lin Wanrong quickly responded, "I obey."


    The army''s decisions were irreversible, and Lin Wanrong received congrattions from all, even the slightly resentful Yu Zongcai.


    After the generals dispersed, Li Tai, scrutinizing Lin Wanrong from top to bottom, asked, "Now that you''re my right nk''s vanguard, have you sorted things out at home?"


    Lin Wanrong hesitated, "I''ll need a few more days." He was calcting how to break the news to his loved ones. Going to war was no joke, and he could only imagine the emotional toll it would take on them.


    Li Tai showed no surprise, nodding, "By His Majesty''s grace, you are permitted to remain outside the camp for a few days. There are matters he wishes for you to attend to. The troops on the right nk are mostly your old subordinates from Shandong. This saves us the trouble of introductions. Use the journey north to integrate well with them. For now, take care of the tasks assigned by His Majesty."


    Serving His Majesty? How audacious of him to say so when he still has Eldest Miss in his custody! Lin Wanrong snorted, his face full of disdain.


    When he left Li Tai''s tent, night had already fallen. The thought of heading north into the unknown territory, where life and death hang in the bnce, weighed heavily on his mind. He looked up, his gaze settling on Thousand-Forsake Peak in the distance, enveloped by clouds and mist. What could the fairy be doing at this time? Did she know he was about to go to war?


    He sighed silently, mounted his temporarily tethered horse, and galloped toward the city. After traveling a few miles, he came upon a carriage moving at a leisurely pace, its curtains drawn so that he couldn¡¯t see inside.


    Just as he was about to pass, he heard a loud "woof" emanate from the carriage. It sounded like no ordinary dog¡ªcertainly something on the scale of the Second Miss¡¯ Mighty General.


    ¡®What kind of times are these? Everyone has arge dog.¡¯ Lin Wanrong, who had more than a few unclear tales involving dogs, felt the hairs on his body stand up at the sound. As he was about to spur his horse to flee, a soft female voice came from inside the carriage, "Lin San, don''t bark."


    ¡®I didn''t bark,¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt wronged and was about to retort when another bout of barking erupted from inside. The female voice spoke again, "If you bark again, I''ll throw you off the carriage and make you walk."


    Realizing who it was, Lin Wanrong reined his horse to a stop and turned to the carriage, smiling, "Is that Advisor Xu speaking?"


    Silence filled the carriage, even the ferocious dog that had barked seemed to quiet down. Lin Wanrong chuckled darkly, "If you don''t speak, I''ll take it as a yes. Advisor Xu, you probably don''t recognize me. I''m Lin San, a new recruit who just joined the camp today. Marshal Li has kindly appointed me as the vanguard of the right nk. I look forward to your guidance."


    After waiting for a moment without a response, Lin Wanrong was about to leave when the curtain suddenly lifted. Xu Zhiqing''s voice came out coldly, "So what if it''s me? What do you intend to do by stopping my carriage at this dark hour?"


    The evening had deepened, and Miss Xu looked icy, her eyshes trembling slightly. She sat majestically inside the carriage, her gaze fixed on him, not uttering a word. Beside her crouched a menacing dog, its eyes glowing mysteriously, its red tongue sticking out.


    Who stopped whose carriage? That''s still up for debate. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "So it really was Advisor Xu speaking just now. No wonder it sounded so familiar. Ah, who is this beside you¡ª"


    "This is a fierce dog I''m raising," Xu Zhiqing spoke indifferently, "I''m currently teaching him to speak humannguage. It seems he disturbed General Lin just now."


    "Teaching him to speak humannguage?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback, sping his fists and bowing repeatedly. "Advisor Xu is indeed knowledgeable and creative, even capable of thinking of such an idea. Ah, this canine friend of yours is quite handsome¡ªtwo eyes, a mouth, a nose, and four legs. No wonder Miss Xu is inseparable from him, even bringing him along in military campaigns."


    Xu Zhiqing gave a coldugh and patted the head of the dog beside her, whom she called "Lin San." "I keep him close to me to teach him the ways of humans, to know good from bad. So he doesn''t end up like some¡ªungrateful and disloyal."


    "Ah, well-trained," Lin Wanrong nodded solemnly. "You must be very fond of this dog to put in so much effort."


    Xu Zhiqing¡¯s face turned slightly red with irritation. She clenched her teeth and hummed, "So what if I like him? At least a dog can understand human speech and is loyal. Better than some people whose hearts are worse than a dog¡¯s and have skin thicker than a wall!"


    Clearly, the youngdy harbored deep resentment. Lin Wanrong didn''t mind her indirect insults and chuckled, "You have a point, Miss Xu. Your affection for this canine friend is justified. By the way, what''s his name?"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong¡¯s sneaky grin and smug demeanor, Xu Zhiqing couldn¡¯t help but be even more agitated. "His name is identical to yours, Lin San!"


    "Lin San? What a good name!" Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up, a mysterious smile flitting across his eyes. He nodded as if realizing something significant, "I understand now, I finally understand."


    "Understand what?" For some reason, his smile angered her even more. Especially when she thought about how he might be flirting with other women in the same manner.


    "What I understand is a very important matter," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "that the one you like is Lin San."


    "You, you, you shameless!" Xu Zhiqing was both shocked and embarrassed. Her eyes began to well up with tears. Her face turned red, then white. Abruptly, sheshed her whip on the horse''s back. Startled, the horse pulled the carriage forward at a great speed, causing "Lin San" inside to burst into a series of woofing sounds that didn''t cease for a while.


    After a considerable distance, the speed of the carriage finally slowed down. Xu Zhiqing covered her burning cheeks, her heart in turmoil. Reflecting on their conversation, she realized that she had been outwitted by that scoundrel from the start, falling into his traps one after another¡ªshe was simply too emotionally flustered to see it.


    "''The one you like is Lin San''¡ª''The one you like is Lin San''¡ª" The rascal''s words kept echoing in her ears, making her both embarrassed and oddly expectant. She hesitated for a moment, finally gritting her teeth and reaching out to lift the curtain, sneaking a peek behind her.


    The road was empty, not a trace of that rogue to be found¡ªhad he not bothered to catch up?


    "I was wrong about you, you despicable creature!" Xu Zhiqing was ovee with both sorrow and indignation. She raised her hand and pped it on the head of "Lin San," who was disoriented from the bumpy ride. "Lin San" let out a pitiful woof, looking utterly wronged.


    Teasing the youngdy felt so refreshing. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, preparing to mount his horse and give chase. But just as he was about to swing his leg over the saddle, a sudden tension gripped his heart. His leg tensed up as if responding to some unseen signal.


    Thend near the forest was eerily quiet¡ªno passersby, no signs of animals. Only the asional snorts of his war horse broke the silence. A suffocating atmosphere filled the air, making the hair on the back of his neck stand on end.


    "Someone is trying to kill me!" Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead as his heart pounded uncontrobly in his chest.


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 453

    Chapter 453 Tying the Red Thread Again


    The shadows of the trees swayed, their outlines indistinct, and in the silence emanated a terrifying aura of death. Before Lin Wanrong had time to react, a sudden change urred. A dense barrage of arrows buzzed out from the forest, carrying a dim, cold light. With tremendous force, the arrows reached him almost instantly.


    Lin Wanrong leapt into the air, performing several rolls on the ground just in time to evade the shower of arrows. The horse he had been riding wasn''t as lucky¡ªit let out a piercing neigh as countless arrows punctured its body. It copsed, dark blood gushing out.


    Just as Lin Wanrong was about to move, dozens of ck figures burst from the woods on either side, their movements swift. The steel knives in their hands glinted with a terrifying white light, apanied by a sharp, cutting wind, as they lunged at him in unison. These assassins were d in ck and wore masks. Their movements were agile, their attacks ferocious. They attacked from every direction, giving him no room to escape.


    ¡®Damn it, let''s see how you handle my bee stingers,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought. Just as he was about to activate the mechanism of his bee-stinger weapon, another change urred. A clear, resounding howl echoed from the forest. Another set of figures leapt out, their movements even more agile. These neers said nothing. In just a few moves, they had already positioned themselves in front of Lin Wanrong, unsheathing their long swords. Amidst the cacophony of shing des, they sessfully blocked the approaching ck-d men, and a fierce fight ensued.


    ¡®What''s going on?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was puzzled but dared not act recklessly. His finger remained poised over the bee-stinger mechanism, ready to act at the slightest provocation. The two groups of fighters shed intensely. Theter arrivals were dressed in casual blue attire, their faces uncovered, but their moves were skillful and experienced. They managed to keep the ck-d assassins away from Lin Wanrong, gaining the upper hand. Every now and then, a muffled groan or scream could be heard from the ck-d men, clearly at a disadvantage.


    However, these assassins were extremely fierce. Despite being impaled by multiple swords, they fought on fearlessly, attacking recklessly and engaging the blue-clothed men in a deadlock.


    Another long howl resonated from the forest, followed by a man''s clear voice, "Brothers, quickly dispose of these bastards and protect Lord Lin!"


    "At once!" As the words fell, more figures in blue dashed from the forest. Their long swords and sabers moved like lightning, weaving through the battleground like dragons. In an instant, several more ck-d assassins fell.Recognizing the voice, Lin Wanrong looked towards the forest and saw a burly man in blue charging forward, his sword felling multiple enemies in the blink of an eye.


    "Gao Qiu, Brother Gao!" Lin Wanrong shouted in joy, waving his hand.


    "Sir, be careful¡ª" Just as Gao Qiu yelled out, another change took ce. From the retreating line of assassins, two figures suddenlyunched into the air, their bodies moving like lightning, heading straight for Lin Wanrong.


    Emboldened by Gao Qiu''s support, Lin Wanrong was about to fire his hand-held gun when he noticed something strange about the airborne assassins. Somehow, it was as if their acupoints had been struck, draining them of their energy. They thudded to the ground. Gao Qiu quickly leapt forward to shield him, wiping the cold sweat off his forehead, and gasping, "That was close, too close. Brothers, quickly finish off these scum!"


    These two attackers were the ringleaders. Once they were taken down, the formation of the men in ck became instantly disordered. Yet, they fought more recklessly, wielding their des as if they had lost all fear of death,pletely exposing themselves to lethal strikes.


    "These are well-trained suicide warriors," Gao Qiu observed with a chill in his heart. With a wave of his hand, his men ceased holding back. Swords rose and fell, cutting the attackers in half at the waist.


    Lin Wanrong hurriedly grabbed his sleeve and said, "Brother Gao, leave a couple of them alive."


    Gao Qiu shook his head solemnly. "Brother Lin, you don''t understand. These men are brainwashed suicide warriors, trained by whoever is behind this. They¡¯ve ingested substances that erase their reasoning but heighten their aggression. Even if we capture them, they''d be useless."


    Lin Wanrong had heard of such suicide warriors before and was not willing to let it go. "Is there really no one clear-headed among them? How would they know if they killed the wrong person? There must be one or two who are in their right minds!"


    Gao Qiu nodded and smiled. "You''re quite sharp, Brother Lin. To carry out such an assassination strategy, there must be one or two leaders who are clear-headed. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t even know if they had killed the wrong person."


    Lin Wanrong looked at the two men who had tried to assassinate him and finally understood. He gave Gao Qiu a thumbs-up, saying, "Brother Gao, you''re so knowledgeable and experienced. I owe you my life today."


    Gao Qiu shook his head andughed. "Rest assured, Brother Lin, with us by your side, nobody will harm even a single hair on your head. The Emperor himself assigned us to secretly protect you ever since you returned from Shandong. These men are the Emperor¡¯s personal guards. Their skills go without saying."


    "So that¡¯s the case!" Lin Wanrong eximed, both surprised and delighted. "Why didn¡¯t you say so sooner? If I¡¯d known you guys were here, what would I have to fear? We''ve fought our way from Hangzhou and Jinling all the way to the capital!"


    Gao Qiu burst intoughter, recalling Lin Wanrong''s various exploits on the journey back from Hangzhou. "It was the Emperor''s decree to follow you secretly. I dare not go against the imperial order. As soon as you left today, I sensed something was wrong and prepared in advance. I''m sorry if you were startled."


    Lin Wanrong, now feeling secure, chuckled. "Brother Gao, you''re wrong. I''m a man; I only impregnate, I don''t get startled. By the way, who are these assassins? Why do they want to kill me?"


    Gao Qiu shook his head solemnly. "I don''t know. General Li Tai''s army is about to set out, and the situation in the capital is very strange. Since you descended from the mountain, unfamiliar faces have appeared both inside and outside your residence, as well as around the shops of the Xiao family. Their target is undoubtedly you. I''ve secretly added more guards, especially around you. But Brother Lin, you mustn''t let your guard down. Whoever can train such an elite force of suicide warriors should not be underestimated."


    "What am I afraid of? You guys are the Emperor''s personal guards. How powerful can the enemy bepared to the Emperor?" Lin Wanrong said with a slight smile.


    Gao Qiu chuckled and nodded, admiring Lin Wanrong''s unshakeable demeanor. Lin Wanrong then pulled out a stack of silver notes from his pocket and, without even looking, shoved them into Gao Qiu''s hands. "Brother Gao, take this and buy some tea for your men."


    The first note alone was worth five hundred taels; the entire stack must have been worth thousands. Gao Qiu was startled and quickly pushed the notes back. "What are you doing? Do you look down on me, Gao Qiu? I serve the Emperor and my life belongs to the court. Even if we hadn''t been through life-and-death situations together, I couldn¡¯t ept your money."


    When they were suppressing bandits in Shandong, Gao Qiu had always been at Lin Wanrong¡¯s side. Their friendship was indeed deep. Lin Wanrongughed, "You misunderstand, Brother Gao. I wouldn''t give you money like this. If you needed money, you could take it directly from my house. This money is for your men. They have been guarding my family diligently, day and night. They are following imperial orders, true, but they¡¯ve also done me a great favor. They risk their lives for a living; life isn¡¯t easy for them. If I don''t return this favor, not only would it make things difficult for you, but I would also feel guilty. Please pass this on to them. I entrust my family and the Xiao family to their care."


    Lin Wanrong was no ordinary man; he understood that the Emperor could be great, but the people who did the actual work were these guards. If any harm came to the women in his household, he would be devastated. Spending some money to ensure their well-being was entirely worth it.


    Gao Qiu was also clever and quickly understood Lin Wanrong''s intent. He stopped refusing, pocketed the silver notes, and gave Lin Wanrong a thumbs-up. "Brother, I admire you. No wonder you can lead an army and make everyone willing to die for you! Rest assured, I¡¯ll handle this perfectly."


    "You''re too kind, too kind," Lin Wanrong said slyly, casting his gaze at the unconscious assassins on the ground. "Brother Gao, can we wake them up?"


    Gao Qiu agreed and walked over to the unconscious men. After examining them and patting them a few times, they still didn¡¯t wake up. Gao Qiu looked ufortable and cleared his throat awkwardly.


    Lin Wanrong asked curiously, "Brother Gao, what''s going on? Are they dead?"


    Gao Qiu''s face reddened. "They''re not dead. But I can''t remove the concealed weapons from their bodies. Wait a moment; let me get some cold water to try."


    Can''t remove the concealed weapons? That was strange. Weren''t those hidden weapons fired by Gao Qiu to save him? Noticing Gao Qiu''s embarrassed expression, Lin Wanrong chose not to dwell on it and simply smiled it off.


    The masks of the two assassins had already been removed. Lin Wanrong slowly walked up to them. Both men were in their thirties, robust and strong. One was thin, and the other slightly overweight. Their faces were grim, their expressions fierce. Each held a steel needle in his hand; the needles gleamed with a bluish light, clearly coated with some sort of poison.


    Lin Wanrong shuddered at the thought of the earlier situation. ¡®Had Gao Qiu not intervened, if I had been careless enough to get pricked, I''d have been doomed.¡¯


    He hastily retreated two steps, and Gao Qiu removed the steel needles. With a casual flick, he shot one of the needles into a nearby leaf. Almost immediately, ck smoke rolled off the leaf, which disappeared into a puff of thick smoke.


    "Is this what they call ''corpse-dissolving liquid''?" Lin Wanrong asked through gritted teeth.


    Gao Qiu solemnly nodded. "It''s known as ''corpse-dissolving powder,'' also called ''bone-dissolving powder.'' It''s created from the most poisonous substances in the world¡ªseven-step snakes, deadly scorpions, flying centipedes¡ªfurther refined with aqua regia. It''s very difficult to produce. If these assassins had more of it, they would''ve used it earlier, and we would''ve been at a significant disadvantage."


    "Damn it," Lin Wanrong hissed, kicking one of the unconscious assassins hard. "Soon you will taste the bone-dissolving powder."


    A servant brought a bucket of clear water. Without hesitation, Gao Qiu picked up the bucket and sshed it over the slightly overweight assassin''s face and body. The chill of the spring air instantly shook him awake. Before he could fullyprehend his surroundings, a sh of white appeared before his eyes¡ªa sharp, gleaming short sword, which cut off several of his eyshes.


    Even though he was a hardened criminal, he couldn''t help but break into a cold sweat. Clenching his teeth, he remained silent. Through the gaps in the de, he stealthily looked at the cold face before him. Lin Wanrong was casually rubbing the short sword across his eyes, making him shudder from the icy sensation.


    With a swoosh, Lin Wanrong thrust the sword horizontally. The assassin''s eyshes were cleanly cut in half. The man''s eyes widened in terror, daring not to move.


    "What a great sword," Lin Wanrong sighed, slowly standing up. "Gao Qiu, cut off this bastard''s tongue."


    "Sir, aren''t you going to interrogate him?" Gao Qiu, having coborated with Lin Wanrong many times, asked spontaneously.


    "What use is interrogating these worthless men? I already know who''s behind this," Lin Wanrong said, his smile tinged with malice. "His Highness sure has a lot of free timetely, remembering even me¡ª"


    The assassin''s face remained expressionless, but a glimmer of panic flitted through his eyes. Lin Wanrong continued, "His tongue is useless. Cut it off and let himmunicate with his master in signnguage."


    "As you wish," Gao Qiu responded, pinching open the assassin''s jaw. He extended his short sword, ready to insert it into the man''s mouth.


    The assassin''s eyes widened in panic, and he began to twist and turn. Gao Qiu hesitated for a moment and said, "Sir, it seems like he has something to say."


    "Don''t speak!" Lin Wanrong shouted angrily, "Even if you do, I won''t listen. Gao Qiu, you''ve wasted enough time; punish him by severing his everything from top to bottom."


    Gao Qiu acknowledged themand. His men turned the assassin onto his back on the ground, legs spread wide. Grasping his short sword with both hands, Gao Qiu chuckled ominously and thrust downwards.


    "Ahh¡ª" The assassin screamed, letting out a sharp yell, "The prince will not let you go! He will avenge me¡ª"


    After a moment of screaming, he felt no pain below. Lifting his head, he saw Gao Qiu standing beside Lin Wanrong, both of them stroking their chins and smirking, radiating smugness.


    "Brother Lin, following you has taught me many tactics," Gao Qiu sincerely said. When it came to psychological warfare, no one could outmatch Lin San.


    "Nonsense, nonsense," Lin Wanrong replied with a cunning smile. "I''ve learned much from you as well. For instance, that stroke you just made was incredibly precise, skimming just the edge, more urate than a circumcision. I''m deeply impressed."


    Listening to their self-congrattory banter, the assassin finally realized he''d been yed. But it was toote for regrets; he''d already exposed everything with his earlier shouts. His face turned ashen, and he fell silent.


    "There''s no need to actually do it this time. Do you really think you''re worthy of being a martyr?" Lin Wanrong disdainfully kicked the assassin and casually waved a hand, "Cut off whatever you can from him. Let some of our new recruits practice. Use dull des; if one cut doesn''t do it, make it two or three. We rarely have a live subject to practice on¡ª"


    The assassin, usually fearless of death, found himselfpletely disarmed by Lin Wanrong''s tactics. He had blurted out things he should never have disclosed. Feeling utterly defeated, he shouted, "You dare? Even as a ghost, I won''t forgive you!"


    "Not forgive me?" Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter. "Hearing that from you is hrious. You''ve killed so many people for your prince. How many times have you heard this line? Just ept it. Proceed¡ª"


    At Lin Wanrong''s harshmand, four or five guards rushed forward. The assassin''s face changed dramatically, and before he could speak, he felt a sharp pain in his leg. One impatient guard had already stabbed him there. "Ah¡ª," he screamed, finally realizing that they weren''t joking. Seeing the fresh blood flowing profusely from his leg, he felt as if he was falling apart.


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand, signaling his men to stop. He calmly said, "What''s your name? Oh, if you don''t want to say, I don''t mind. My men are eager to continue."


    "Zheng Qiulei," the assassin replied, too weak to resist any longer.


    Lin Wanrong hummed an acknowledgment without even lifting his eyebrows, "How many years have you been with the prince?"


    "Twenty-one years!"


    "Twenty-one years?" Lin Wanrong nodded, "That''s a long time. No wonder the prince trusts you so much to entrust you with such an important task. And you dare to betray him? Don''t deny it; all my men heard you. Ah, I can only wonder how heartbroken the prince will be when he hears of this tragedy!"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head continuously, his expression tinged with pity for Prince Cheng. Gao Qiu, standing off to the side, couldn''t help but chuckle silently. Lin Wanrong had a knack for this sort of thing; he would first ce a metaphorical "bedpan" over your head so that any rebuttal would be akin to soiling one''s own pants. It was a futile endeavor.


    "Damn it, have I fallen into your trap?" Zheng Qiulei was on the verge of cursing out loud but held back when he saw the sly smile in Lin Wanrong''s eyes.


    "Brother Zheng, how many mistresses does Prince Cheng have?" Lin Wanrong abruptly changed the subject, grinning as he asked.


    Zheng Qiulei was taken aback for a moment. "That''s not a secret, right? Prince Cheng has one principal wife, ten concubines, and roughly twenty or so lesser consorts."


    "What a waste," Lin Wanrongmented, swallowing hard. He turned to Gao Qiu and smiled, "Brother Gao, how many wives does the Emperor have?"


    Gao Qiu spoke earnestly, "His Majesty is wise and valorous, and he loves his people. From the time he was a prince until now, including the Empress, he hasn''t had more than ten consorts."


    "Indeed, a ruler who loves his people as if they were his children. Yet our Prince Cheng loves beautiful women as if they were his children," Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up, then turned to the assassin with a sinister grin. "There''s another thing. I''ve heard that in Prince Cheng''s household, there''s a hidden dragon trapped in water and a golden dragon ever ready to fly into the sky. Whether you admit it or not, I''ve seen them myself when I was at his residence."


    "Damn it, you''ve exposed everything. What''s the point of my even answering?" Zheng Qiulei felt utterly aggrieved and could only nod.


    "Hey, scribe, you know what to record, right?" Lin Wanrong gave a slyugh. "Brother Zheng, let''s talk about something serious. Why does Prince Cheng want to kill me?"


    Zheng Qiulei gritted his teeth. "I don''t know. You must have provoked him."


    Lin Wanrong gave a coldugh. "At this point, Brother Zheng, what do you have to hide? You know Prince Cheng better than anyone. Consider your words just now. If they were to get out, do you think Prince Cheng would let you off? I''ll remind you: when I first arrived in the capital, a mysterious woman tried to assassinate me on Prince Cheng''s orders. On my way back from Shandong, I was ambushed¡ªring any bells?"


    Lin Wanrong had clearly set his sights on toppling Prince Cheng. All he needed was a testimony. Zheng Qiulei sighed in resignation; he had no other options left.


    Under Lin Wanrong''s gentle prodding, he listed a litany of crimes¡ªranging from Prince Cheng''s assassination of the former Emperor and the massacre of his brothers to his collusion with foreign enemies and assassination plots against high-ranking officials. With Lin Wanrong narrating these "facts," Prince Cheng was painted as nothing less than a traitor.


    ¡®What Brother Lin is doing involves highly critical matters. If this goes wrong, our Great Hua Empire will be thrown into chaos,¡¯ Gao Qiu listened, hardly daring to breathe. He cautiously pulled Lin Wanrong aside, "Brother Lin, even if you unearth all of this, will the Emperor believe you? Can he? This is no trivial matter; you might not get the mutton and instead stink up the ce."


    "Thank you for the reminder, Brother Gao," Lin Wanrong grinned ear to ear. "Whether he believes it or not is the Emperor''s affair; he''ll know what to do. But there is one small favor I''d like to ask of you."


    He whispered a few words into Gao Qiu''s ear, leaving him visibly pale and trembling. "You want me to spread rumors about Prince Cheng?"


    "Who says they''re rumors? They might very well be true. You saw the assassination attempt yourself," Lin Wanrong said, his expression hardening. "At this point, it''s either his life or mine. Find some trustworthy and loyal people, put up somerge posters, or get some gossip going in tea houses. Trust me, people will be interested. Let''s make sure that everyone in the capital knows about Prince Cheng''s atrocities, so he has nowhere to hide. As for the Emperor, don''t worry. Would I dare to do this without his consent? He told you to protect me; have you thought about who it is I need protection from?"


    Gao Qiu was speechless. He understood what Lin Wanrong meant: this was a ploy to force Prince Cheng''s hand. "Will this really work?" he cautiously inquired.


    "There''s no reason it shouldn''t," Lin Wanrong responded, a glint in his eyes. "I am Princess Chuyun''s husband, and Prince Cheng chose this night to move against me. If I''m not mistaken, the Emperor must be making moves against him, rendering his position untenable. So let''s go big; before our troops head north, let''s remove this thorn in our side. Then our soldiers can focus solely on fighting the Turks. To be a bit selfish, as long as he''s alive, I can''t be at ease with my property and wife left in the capital."


    With conviction shining in his eyes, Lin Wanrong gave Gao Qiu a hearty p on the shoulder. Considering Lord Lin was the Emperor''s son-inw, and universally known for the Emperor''s favor towards him, Gao Qiu clenched his teeth and said, "Fine. It''s settled then. It seems I, too, have a score to settle with Prince Cheng."


    After their ndestine discussion, there was no need to question the would-be assassin, Zheng Qiulei, any further. Obtaining his confession would suffice.


    "Let''s get his thumbprint on this," Lin Wanrong grinned. "Brother Gao, read the confession to old Zheng here. We are following procedures, no torture to extract a confession. All of you are witnesses for me!"


    Gao Qiu eloquently read out the confession, detailing how Zheng Qiulei, having enjoyed the Emperor''s grace since childhood, was coerced by Prince Cheng¡ªusing the lives of his family as leverage¡ªto assassinate Lin Wanrong, the most loyal and capable servant of the empire.


    Seeing Gao Qiu''s piercing gaze fixated on his thumb, as if ready to cut it off to imprint the confession, Zheng Qiulei felt utterly defeated. With no other option, he reluctantly pressed his thumb onto the paper, his face ashen.


    Turning to the remaining unconscious assassin, Lin Wanrong snorted. "Let''s leave this one for the Emperor to interrogate personally. Brother Gao, find some reliable men to deliver both the confession and these two to the pce tonight. And then leak the news that the Emperor is interrogating assassins overnight, one of whom, named Zheng Qiulei, has been serving his master for twenty-one years¡ª"


    ¡®That''s a brutal move,¡¯ Gao Qiu sighed internally, nodding repeatedly. He gathered a team of guards, loaded the two men into a carriage, and sent them to the pce under the cover of darkness.


    Lin Wanrong knelt beside his fallen warhorse, heaving a deep sigh. Gao Qiu, who had also experienced the battlefield, knew the bond between a man and his horse. He stood silently by Lin''s side, saying nothing.


    Lin Wanrong stood up, gazing into the distance where the moonlight shimmered like water against the bleak night sky. Miss Xu''s carriage had long since disappeared into the distance. Thinking of the teasing banter that had just transpired, he felt a mixture of emotions. This time, she was probably even more irritated with him.


    Riding into the city with Gao Qiu, it was alreadyte, and there were few people on the streets. Lin Wanrong, lost in his thoughts, spurred his horse to a gallop. As he reached a bend in the road, he saw a pnquin moving slowly ahead. He paid it no mind, intending to ride past, when the curtain of the pnquin lifted. A woman peeked out, her eyes brimming with tears. "Lin, Lin San¡ª"


    "Whoa!" Lin Wanrong eximed, pulling hard on the reins. He could hardly believe his ears. Who was calling him?


    "Lin San¡ª" The woman, seeing him in a daze, felt both joy and sorrow. She softly called his name again, tears rolling down her cheeks.


    Lin Wanrong turned his head and saw the forlorn face of Xiao Yuruo. Her skin was like porcin, cheeks slightly flushed, and two trails of tears flowed down. She looked poignantly beautiful in the cold night air.


    "Eldest Miss, you''re back?!" Overjoyed, Lin Wanrong leapt off his horse and rushed to the pnquin, taking her small hand into his. He noticed she looked more haggard than before, yet her proud demeanor was unchanged. Looking into her tearful eyes and thinking of their shared past, Lin Wanrong suddenly felt choked up, unable to say a word.


    Tears fell like rain from Xiao Yuruo''s eyes, yet she spoke with a smile. "You fool, what has stunned you? It''s rare to see you so dumbfounded. Aren''t you usually as sweet-talking as if you¡¯ve swallowed honey?"


    Wiping the corner of his eyes, Lin Wanrongughed. "Eldest Miss hasn''t been home, so I''ve gone without honey for days. Where have you returned from?"


    "I don''t know," Xiao Yuruo said softly. "The day the Emperor came with a decree, I was taken away by a pce maid and ced in a garden within the pce. Every day, officials from the Weaving Department discussed various matters with me¡ªmostly about fabrics and textiles. They never let me leave."


    Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth, filled with loathing. "That decree was a trap set by the Emperor. Eldest Miss, you must not believe it. Do you think I could be such a person?"


    "Do I not know your character?" Eldest Miss shook her head and gave a bitter smile, her face flushing. "If you were a trulymitted man, it would be fine. That would save us women from a lot of heartache. Unfortunately, you are the kind of man who wouldn''tmit to one woman at the cost of others."


    Her words hit home, but Lin Wanrong wasn''t ashamed. He was rather pleased. "Exactly, exactly. You know me so well, Eldest Miss."


    His giddyughter was just as before, unchanged. She thought back to when they first met in Jinling; he and her cousin Guo had returned from some mischief. She had wanted to p him then, and he had that fearless look, unafraid of anything.


    Overwhelmed with emotion, Eldest Miss smiled through her tears, dusting off his clothes. "Where have you been gallivanting this time? You look as if you''ve rolled in mud. As punishment, you must wash these clothes clean first thing tomorrow morning. Otherwise, I''ll dock your sry."


    Listening to Eldest Miss speak in that familiar tone, Lin Wanrong felt as if a weight had lifted off his shoulders, his entire being filled with delight. With a grin, he said, "Eldest Miss, there''s a question I''ve always wanted to ask you!"


    Xiao Yuruo responded softly, "What question? Go ahead and ask."


    "Do you remember our bet in Jinling about washing clothes?" Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I''ve always wanted to know who actually washed my clothes that time."


    "It wasn''t me who washed them," Xiao Yuruo said, her face blushing as she quickly lowered her head.


    "Oh," Lin Wanrong sighed, his face falling. "No wonder they were so¡ª"


    "So what?" Eldest Miss lifted her head, her expression keen.


    "So unclean," Lin Wanrong grinned cheekily. Before he could finish, her tiny fists pummeled him like the wind. "What nonsense are you spouting? How were they unclean? I washed them five times!"


    Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, seizing her small hand and pulling her out of the pnquin. Eldest Miss was both shy and frustrated, kicking at him with her small feet. Her face flushed, she was breathless and seemingly devoid of strength. Their interaction was reminiscent of their bickering days in the Jinling residence¡ªa mix of sour and sweet emotions, overwhelmingly warm.


    "What''s this?" Lin Wanrong noticed a bright red strand wrapped around her constantly moving ankle.


    "Nothing!" Her face turned even redder as she hastily jumped back into the pnquin, preparing to instruct the bearers to move on. Just then, Lin Wanrong also squeezed in, sitting beside her.


    "What are you doing? No fooling around!" Xiao Yuruo''s heart raced, her chest heaving and her voice trembling.


    Lin Wanrong lifted her ankle gently, revealing smooth, wless skin under her loose gown, as exquisite as a piece of fine jade. A bright red thread was tightly wound around her dainty ankle. At the spot where the thread had been joined, someone had intricately woven it into a pair of beautiful butterflies, poised as if to take flight.


    Lin Wanrong felt a surge of emotion. Memories of their time on West Lake, the wrongly tied red thread, Xian¡¯er''s sword cutting it, Eldest Miss''s heartbreak¡ªall etched deeply in his heart, never to be erased.


    Touching her smooth ankle, he asked softly, "Have you been wearing this red thread all along?"


    "Absolutely not," she turned her head away, her face flushed. "I tied this myself; it''s not from that time."


    "Was it really a mistake that time?" Lin Wanrong gently began to untie the loose end of the thread. "Let''s try again and see if it''s still a mistake this time."


    He tied one end of the red thread tightly around Eldest Miss''s dainty ankle, while the other end he held up in front of her, grinning. "Eldest Miss, pay close attention. We still don''t know whether it''s tied correctly or wrongly this time¡ª"


    As he bent down to wrap the thread around his ankle, Eldest Miss''s face flushed a deep red. She whispered, "Wrong, wrong!"


    "Wrong?" Lin Wanrong froze in confusion.


    Seeing his bewildered expression, Eldest Miss couldn''t help but giggle. Her tender, white finger lightly touched his forehead. "When did you be such a fool?" She lowered her head, not daring to look into his eyes, yet her voice carried a trembling warmth. "I''m a woman, so the thread should be tied to my right ankle. You''re a man; it should be tied to your left ankle¡ªyou silly man!"


    Lin Wanrong''s face lit up in sudden realization. "Ah, how could I have been so confused? It seems I''m getting rusty from not flirting for a few days."


    "Thank you for enlightening me, Eldest Miss," Lin Wanrong grinned as he securely tied the red thread around his own ankle. The two of them were squished tightly together, the snugly tied thread pulling them even closer, making it difficult to part.


    "Lin San¡ª" Eldest Miss felt a tremor in her heart, her face flushed rosy pink. She slowly leaned her head against his shoulder. Both tears and smiles came to her face at the same time.


    Taking a satisfied sigh, Lin Wanrong smirked, "Heh heh, it''s tied tightly this time. I''d like to see who can cut it now¡ª" His words were cut short as a sh of shimmering white light apanied by a whooshing sound moved swiftly toward their ankles.


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 Chapter 454

    Chapter 454 Heartbeat


    ¡®Am I seeing things?¡¯ Lin Wanrong eximed, quickly pivoting his body to shield Xiao Yuruo. A red thread remained tightly bound around both of their ankles. The two looked into each other''s eyes; Eldest Miss''s gaze was soft as water, and she nestled unmoving in his arms.


    Turning his head, Lin Wanrong saw an enchanting woman standing before him, sword in hand. Her eyebrows were like willow leaves in spring, and her eyes as calm as autumn waters. Her tiny, red lips slightly opened and closed as she breathed rapidly. Her face alternated between red and white, clearly quite angry. She was dressed in a pale red robe, looking travel-worn as if she had rushed here from a great distance.


    "Xian''er?!" Lin Wanrong was ted. He leapt out of the sedan chair and was about to dash forward when he felt his feet being hindered. Looking down, he noticed the red thread binding him and Eldest Miss together, rendering them unable to move. Qin Xian''er stared at the tightly bound thread, bit her red lips, hummed and said nothing.


    "Xian''er, what are you doing here? When did youe back?" Lin Wanrong gave a couple of awkwardughs. His face flushed with embarrassment. ¡®This girl Xian''er seems to have a grudge against Eldest Miss. Last time, she cut the red thread with her sword, leaving Eldest Miss devastated. Almost the same thing happened again; thankfully, I was quick-witted.¡¯


    Qin Xian''er did not respond to his words. She looked Xiao Yuruo up and down, sneering, "Isn''t this the Eldest Miss of the Xiao family? What are you doing tying up my husband with that red thread? Didn''t you drive him out of the Xiao residence the day he returned from Shandong?"


    Xiao Yuruo''s pretty face flushed, and she clung tightly to Lin Wanrong''s sleeve, softly saying, "Miss Qin, what are you talking about? When did I ever drive him away? He came back that day with some questionable women. I merely advised him. On the other hand, since when did you marry him, to be calling him ''my husband'' so liberally?"


    "You wouldn''t know, then," Qin Xian''er took a step forward, grasping Lin Wanrong''s hand and dered loudly, "We wandered together at Weishan Lake; we were alone on a boat during sunset. My master personally acted as our matchmaker. I have already married him and we are a loving couple. There''s no need for you to know."


    Xiao Yuruo studied her from head to toe, shaking her head lightly and smiling, "A loving couple? I doubt it. Miss Qin, your eyebrows are not dispersed and your hair is not styled like a married woman''s. Where is this ''loving couple'' you speak of?"Lin Wanrong nced at her with delight; Eldest Miss knew quite a bit. Noticing the intensity of his gaze, Xiao Yuruo''s face flushed. She lowered her head and softly said, "What are you looking at? My mother taught me this."


    ¡®Madam knows all this? How surprising!¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled heartily, his gaze roaming over Xiao Yuruo as if trying to see something. Eldest Miss felt her heart pound and her face heat up; she lightly spat in disdain and ignored him.


    Xiao Yuruo''s words hit the nail on the head, pointing out precisely what Qin Xian''er was anxious about. Seeing Eldest Miss''s expressive eyes and her unspeakable emotions, Xian''er hummed and quickly shifted her eyes. She softly and seductively said, "My husband, what does it mean to be a wife? Isn''t it enough that I sleep next to you every night and let you take liberties?"


    In terms of feistiness, ten Xiao Yuruos were no match for Qin Xian''er. Hearing Miss Qin''s words, Eldest Miss felt a wave of shock and her face flushed hotly. She hurriedly covered her face and turned away, inwardly cursing, ¡®What a pair of adulterers.¡¯


    Qin Xian''er''s voice was as melodious as a nightingale, and even though she was visibly travel-worn, her radiant beauty remained impossible to hide. Her face was flushed, and her full chest and hips stood prominently, exuding a sense of pride.


    Lin Wanrong swallowed hard. Truly, a disciple trained by the vixen An had a unique charm, even her seductiveness was enchanting.


    "My husband," Qin Xian''er tenderly gripped Lin Wanrong''srge hand, looking down demurely, "When will you make me a woman? I don''t want to be aughingstock."


    ¡®Damn it, this is life-threatening!¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded wildly as he hurriedly patted his chest. He nced at the Eldest Miss, her face shy and bashful, then at Qin Xian''er whose face was flushed with a coquettish smile. His feelings were a mix of joy and astonishment, and for a moment, he didn''t know what to do.


    Seeing him remain silent, both women also fell silent. Each avoided eye contact, neither willing to concede.


    The night was deep, and the streets were empty. A cold wind blew, making Lin Wanrong shiver slightly. He chuckled, "It''s gettingte. Let''s go home and continue this discussion. Eldest Miss, may I ride in your sedan chair?"


    The red thread of fate still bound their feet, making it hard for either to refuse. Xiao Yuruo blushed slightly, hummed in agreement, and moved over to make room for him.


    Seeing that he was really about to ride in the sedan, Qin Xian''er hastily gripped his hand, as if to speak. Lin Wanrong gave her little hand a squeeze and said teasingly, "Don''t worry, the sedan is spacious; we can all sit together."


    He climbed into the sedan and sat next to Xiao Yuruo. The touch of their skin created a warm, soft sensation that sent heat through him. Unable to resist, he took the Eldest Miss''s hand. Xiao Yuruo gave him a sweet smile and was about to speak when Qin Xian''er also squeezed into the sedan. She sat beside Lin San on the other side, her arms tightly wrapped around his arm, her full chest pressed against him, highly provocative.


    "What are you doing?" The Eldest Miss''s face changed, a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.


    Qin Xian''er retorted, "I should be asking you that. What are you nning, sitting so close to my husband?"


    "Let''s go, let''s go!" Seeing the atmosphere turning sour, Lin Wanrong hastilymanded. The sedan swayed as it started moving. Both women nced at him and huffed, turning their heads away.


    The sedan was neitherrge nor small. Lin Wanrong sat in the middle, sandwiched between the two women¡ªone gentle, the other flirtatious, yet both remained silent.


    "Eldest Miss, how have you been these past days in the pce?" He softly asked, holding and gently stroking her hand.


    "Fine," Xiao Yuruo replied indifferently.


    Realizing his attempt at conversation fell t, Lin Wanrong then turned to Miss Qin and said, "Xian''er, have you returned from Sichuan? How is Sister An?"


    "She''s better than me," Qin Xian''er''s brows furrowed, as if she was about to cry.


    The hardest thing in the world to reconcile is jealousy. Far from being a man who enjoys thepany of two beautiful women, Lin Wanrong felt as if he were in prison. He sighed lightly, "Eldest Miss, Xian''er, do you think I had ulterior motives asking you both to sit in this sedan?"


    The Eldest Miss rolled her eyes at him, snorting dismissively, as if saying, ''as if I don''t know what you''re thinking.'' Xian''er, however, was more obedient and softly said, "My husband, I am your wife, so any ''ulterior motives'' you may have toward me are to be expected."


    At those words, Lin Wanrong rolled his eyes, clearly exasperated.


    "Do you really think I''m that kind of person?" Lin Wanrong chuckled a few times. His expression gradually turned serious. "Even if I wanted to take advantage of you, I wouldn''t have the time or effort to do so. In a few days, we''ll have to part ways."


    "My husband, what are you saying? Where are you going?" Qin Xian''er was shocked and hurriedly clung to his clothing. Xiao Yuruo also tensed up, casting him a side-nce while unconsciously gripping his hand tightly.


    "I am going to a ce far, far away. I don''t even know if I''ll be able to return." Lin Wanrong looked at Xiao Yuruo with a bitter smile, "Eldest Miss, from now on, the affairs of the Xiao family will rely on you."


    "You¡ªwhat are you saying?" Xiao Yuruo paled, and tears welled up in her eyes. "You''re leaving our family? No, I won''t allow it."


    "Whether you allow it or not is no longer important." Lin Wanrong''s face turned exceedingly solemn as he held Qin Xian''er tightly. "There''s something I must tell you, Xian''er. Actually, you have a sister named Qingxuan¡ª"


    "I know, I know," Qin Xian''er hastily covered his mouth, her voice filled with grievance. "My father told me. But I can''t ept it. Her master bullied my master. We even fought in Jinling. She even wanted to snatch you away from me. Tell me, where does she act like a sister? I won''t acknowledge her!"


    Lin Wanrong broke into a sweat; this girl had a stubborn streak. Quarreling about who would snatch who¡ªweren''t they all family?


    "If you don¡¯t want to acknowledge her, then don¡¯t." Lin Wanrong sighed, "Qingxuan is my wife, and so are you. I''ll simply separate you two¡ªone staying in Jinling, and the other in the capital. I''llmute between the two cities on a fine horse, would that work?"


    Eldest Miss pinched his hand and hummed, lowering her eyes in a blend of mncholy and bitterness. Seizing the moment when Qin Xian''er was lost in thought, Lin Wanrong whispered into her ear, "Eldest Miss, you might not be aware that something significant has happened at home while you were away."


    "What significant thing?" Xiao Yuruo looked deste, apparently uninterested.


    "It''s not much, just that both youngdies have been betrothed." Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly.


    "What?" Eldest Miss was rmed, gripping his hand tightly, "How could mother do this? To whom have they been betrothed? You fool, why didn''t you stop her?"


    "I wanted to, but I was afraid that Eldest Miss would not be pleased," Lin Wanrong grinned, "Because Madam has betrothed you both to this humble self¡ª"


    "Don''t say¡ª¡± Eldest Miss''s face turned crimson. She hurriedly covered his mouth, too embarrassed to lift her head.


    "Yuruo, would you be willing to be my wife?" Lin Wanrong sneaked a kiss on Eldest Miss''s soft hand, causing her heart to tremble. Hearing his marriage proposal, she felt a whirlwind of emotions¡ªjoy, panic, and confusion¡ªand didn''t know how to respond.


    Qin Xian''er pondered for a moment, leaning gently against his shoulder. "My husband, my enmity with that person surnamed Xiao dates back to our masters. You''ve seen how miserable our lives have been as I wandered the ends of the earth with my master. All of that was because of her master. If I were to acknowledge her, what about my master? How could I repay the kindness of her raising me?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and smiled, thinking of the old grudge between Sister An and Fairy Ning. He had promised An Biru that he would help her defeat Ning Yuxi. Now that he and Fairy Sister were intimately close, had he already "avenged" Sister An?


    "My husband, my husband¡ª" Qin Xian''er''s tender calls woke Lin Wanrong from his reverie. Seeing her charming face, he smiled slightly, "Xian''er, if I were to fulfill your master''s wish, would you still resent Qingxuan and Fairy Ning?"


    Xian''er thought for a moment and snorted, "But she stole you away from me. How should that ount be settled?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily and lightly scraped her small nose, "What nonsense are you talking about? Where have I gone? Am I not sitting right here?"


    "But your heart has flown away," Qin Xian''er pouted and hummed. Seeing Xiao Yuruo listening attentively, she felt a pang of jealousy. "Also, this Eldest Miss Xiao wants to steal you away too."


    "Don''t talk nonsense¡ª" Xiao Yuruo¡¯s face flushed red, and she was about to retort when she saw Lin San smiling. Her heart melted, her body weakened, and she couldn''t say another word.


    "Fight over me then, go ahead and fight." Lin Wanrong sighed, "There are only a few days left, you might as well go ahead and fight over me."


    "Where are you going?" Xiao Yuruo couldn''t contain herself any longer. Lifting her head to gaze intently at him, her eyes filled with tears, the deep affection within them impossible to hide.


    Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, ncing at both of them, "I have joined General Li Tai''s army. In five or six days, I will be heading to the northern frontier to have a decisive battle with the Turkic people. Whether I live or die, only heaven knows."


    Eldest Miss was stunned, looking at the Lin San before her. He seemed a stranger yet irresistibly familiar, leaving her heart trembling with aplex, indescribable emotion. She muttered to herself, "Is it true? Are you really leaving?"


    "My husband, don''t be afraid. I will go with you. We''ll be together in life and death!" Qin Xian''er gently caressed his cheek, her voice soft.


    "What would you do there?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Why do men go to battle? It''s to protect women. You stay home and behave. Stop quarreling with Eldest Miss and the others; that would be the greatest support for me."


    Tears filled Qin Xian''er''s eyes. She bit her red lips, pondering for a while, then broke into a smile, "Eldest Miss Xiao, when have I ever had a conflict with you?"


    With this smile, teardrops glistening in her eyes, she appeared alluring and coquettish. Even Xiao Yuruo was stunned. Xian''er grabbed the Eldest Miss''s hand, tears streaming down her face, "Eldest Miss Xiao, for my husband''s sake, I am willing to do anything. Would you feel the same?"


    Xiao Yuruo was different from Qin Xian''er in temperament¡ªnaturally reserved. Hearing her tender plea, although her heart was willing, her face flushed with shyness, and she couldn''t bring herself to speak.


    Qin Xian''er slightly smiled and slowly leaned against Lin Wanrong''s chest, listening to the strong beat of his heart. Her eyes were half-closed, her expression serene and iparably gentle.


    Eldest Miss watched them, feeling a secret admiration. Although Miss Qin had a fiery temperament, she dared to love and hate, fearless in the face of life and death. For the man she loved, she could endure any humiliation. Indeed, she was a woman unlike any other.


    After a moment of thought, Eldest Miss gently bit her silver teeth, her delicate body trembling ever so slightly. Silently, she slowly pressed her cheek against Lin San''s chest.


    "I am also willing to do anything," Eldest Miss murmured to herself. Seeing Qin Xian''er''s flirtatious smile from close range, her face flushed. The sound of her own heartbeat was so loud, she could hear it herself.


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 Chapter 455

    Chapter 455 A Beautiful Misunderstanding


    Before they even reached the entrance to the Xiao family residence, the joyful voice of Xiao Yushuang echoed in the distance, "Sister, sister¡ª"


    Eldest Miss lifted the curtain of the pnquin, only to see Xiao Yushuang, with her little hand holding up her long skirt and a face glowing with joy, sprinting towards her. Xiao Yuruo stepped out of the pnquin just in time to catch Yushuang, who threw herself into her arms, tears of joy in her eyes, "Sister, you''re finally back. Mother and I have been so worried."


    Gazing at her sister''s beautiful face and the deep concern in her eyes, Eldest Miss felt her own eyes moisten. She softly spoke, "Silly girl, I was just in the pce discussing some matters with the female officers of the Weaving Bureau. What''s there to worry about? How is Mother''s health?"


    Xiao Yushuang responded with a slight hum, "A few days ago, when you and Lin San both disappeared, Mother fell seriously ill. Her condition only improved a little yesterday when Lin San returned. She''s busy in the back right now, and I haven''t yet told her you''re back. Just wait until she sees you; she''ll be so overjoyed."


    As Yushuang spoke softly with a lovable face, Xiao Yuruo affectionately pinched her little nose, feeling extremely happy.


    "Ah, who are you?" The curtain was lifted again, and a stunningly beautiful woman emerged, her cheeks flushed and her eyes tender, breathtakingly beautiful.


    Remembering the intimate moments they had shared inside the pnquin, Eldest Miss felt her cheeks flush, unsure how to introduce this youngdy.


    Qin Xian''er was no stranger to Xiao Yushuang. The day when the White Lotus sect attacked the Xiao family, it was Yushuang who had thrown herself in front of Lin Wanrong, something Qin Xian''er remembered vividly. Thinking about the past, her heart felt a little sour, but she bore no ill will toward this faithful girl. She took a step forward and took Yushuang¡¯s hand, giggling, "Little sister, although you don''t know me, I¡¯ve admired you for a long time. Back in Jinling, I heard of your name, so beautiful and gentle, so kind andpassionate; you¡¯ve captivated my husband."Xiao Yushuang quickly hid behind Eldest Miss, blushing, "Don''t speak nonsense, sister. I''ve never met your husband, so how could I have done anything disgraceful. Besides, I also have, have¡ª" She was, after all, only seventeen, and there were things she couldn''t articte, so she hid behind her sister, her face flushed.


    "Do you mean, a sweetheart?" Remembering how she almost had killed this little girl in a fit of jealousy, Qin Xian''er felt a bit guilty. Sheughed, "So if you have a sweetheart, you can''t tempt my husband? Little sister, let me tell you a secret: my husband would be more than happy to be tempted by you."


    "You, you''re talking nonsense." In terms of audacity, Xiao Yushuang was no match for Qin Xian''er. Hearing her "nder," Yushuang¡¯s eyes welled up, and she cried out, "I have only ever liked the scoundrel from our family; I won''t give a nce to anyone else."


    Hearing this, Qin Xian''er giggled, but felt a twinge of emotion. What man could bear to harm such a straightforward and lovable girl?


    "Yushuang, stop being silly," said Eldest Miss, holding her sister''s hand. She softly introduced, "You haven¡¯t met this youngdy yet. She''s well-known throughout Jinling, her surname is Qin, first name Xian''er¡ª"


    "Qin Xian''er? You''re the Qin Xian''er from Miaoyu Pavilion?" Xiao Yushuang was taken aback, her eyes widening as she looked Qin Xian''er up and down. After a long pause, she sighed, "You are indeed as stunning as they say. No wonder that scoundrel visits you so often. Sister, how did youe to be with Miss Qin?"


    Eldest Miss bowed her head in embarrassed silence, unsure how to respond. Qin Xian''er took her hand and gave a slight smile, "Sister Yushuang, from now on, Eldest Miss is not just your sister; she is mine as well. Right, sister Xiao?"


    Xiao Yushuang nced at the blushing Eldest Miss and then at the smiling, enchanting Qin Xian''er. Seeming to understand, her face turned equally red. She softly said, "It must be the doing of that scoundrel. Where could he have gone off to now?"


    "Are you talking about me?" Lin Wanrong emerged from the sedan, yawning. He stretchedfortably and chuckled, "It''s been a while since I''ve felt this rxed. Eldest Miss, have you finished discussing your matters? Shall we go inside?"


    This guy was the most carefree and unbothered of them all. Eldest Miss shot him a disdainful look and spat, "Dream on. What would we have to discuss with you? Xian''er, Yushuang, let''s go inside. Leave this rascal out here to entertain himself."


    Rtionships sure developed quickly; in the blink of an eye, Xian''er had be a ''sister.'' Lin Wanrong chuckled lecherously. However, he watched as the three women held hands and walked away, not sparing him a second nce. Even the usually sweet and gentle Xian''er ignored him, following the other two inside.


    "Si De, close the door," Eldest Miss instructed as she stepped inside the shop.


    "What about Brother San? He''s still outside," Si De cautiously asked.


    Eldest Miss huffed dismissively without looking back, "This scoundrel is resourceful enough. Let him climb over the wall if he has to. Now close the door."


    Si De stuck his tongue out at Brother San, and with a loud bang, shut the door, nearly smashing Lin Wanrong''s nose in the process.


    ¡®This girl, was she angry just because I touched Xian''er a bit during the ride? If I wanted to touch you, and you act coy, can you me me?¡¯ Lin Wanrong touched his sore nose, thought about knocking but hesitated and lowered his hand.


    The door was shut tight, and no sound could be heard from inside. He wondered what those three women were up to. It seems that ''too many cooks spoil the broth.'' Is this the price for trying to have the best of both worlds? Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly and hesitated outside the door, unable to think of a good solution.


    "Brother Lin, are you alright?" Gao Qiu suddenly appeared like a shadow, patting Lin Wanrong on the shoulder and startling him.


    "Brother Gao, could you please make some noise next time you appear? I''m not that brave; can''t take too many shocks," Lin Wanrong took a deep breath, patting his chest, still shaken.


    Gao Qiuughed heartily, "Brother Lin, you jest. Given your exploits, who in the world would dare say Lin Sancks courage? I''d say that person is asking for trouble."


    "Hmm, that makes sense." ttered by Gao Qiu''spliment, Lin Wanrong beamed from ear to ear.


    Gao Qiu nced cautiously around him before speaking. "Brother Lin, did the princess give you any trouble just now? I wanted to help, but she is the Emperor''s favored Princess Nishang. I can''t afford to cross her."


    ¡®Damn it, some help you are.¡¯ If Miss Qin had severed the red thread earlier, Eldest Miss would never be happy for the rest of her life.


    "Do you not know of my capabilities? I can handle even a princess," Lin Wanrong chuckled, patting Gao Qiu on the shoulder and ncing at the courtyard wall. "Brother Gao, with your skills, climbing over this wall should be a piece of cake, right?"


    Gao Qiu nodded proudly. "Of course. With my skills, scaling tall buildings is as easy as walking on t ground. Even if this wall were ten times higher, I could still scale it."


    ted, Lin Wanrong quickly grabbed his sleeve. "That''s perfect, then. Brother Gao, get me over there quickly. My wives are all waiting for me inside to consummate our marriage."


    Gao Qiu furrowed his brows, looking troubled. "Brother Lin, it''s not that I don''t want to help. There arews in the country and rules in our line of work. We martial artists have our own small circles, and we can''t use our strength to bully themon folk. I could easily vault over this wall, but as a man of honor, how could I trespass into a civilian¡¯s home?"


    Listening, Lin Wanrong blinked rapidly. So much ceremony and pride over just hopping a wall¡ªmy skin must really be too thin.


    "But¡ª" Gao Qiu suddenly shifted his tone¡ª"if someone else helps you, then that¡¯s not my business. Wait here a moment."


    Gao Qiu pped his hands twice, and from a dark corner, two men ran over, carrying a longdder between them.


    After ensuring thedder was securely propped against the wall, Gao Qiu nodded with satisfaction. "Use this. It''s safe and convenient, far better than showing off martial arts, and it doesn''t break any rules. Even if you''remitting burry, it has nothing to do with me. Please¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong was bbergasted. ¡®What is shamelessness? Compared to Brother Gao, I am downright virtuous.¡¯


    "Brother Gao is indeed a man of honor and righteousness. I am impressed," Lin Wanrong saluted before climbing up thedder and over the wall. He found himself in the back garden of the Xiao family home, a garden full of blooming flowers under the soft moonlight. The delicate scent filled the air, a sight and smell to lift anyone''s spirits. Gao Qiu and his men had already removed thedder, disappearing silently into the night.


    Choosing a spot where the wall was slightly lower, Lin Wanrong scanned his surroundings and found no one in sight. Pleased, he leapt down into the flowerbed.


    ¡®So I''m in. Now to sneak into Eldest Miss''s room and see what she can do about it.¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled lecherously, pleased with his n. Just as he was about to move, a woman''s voice suddenly rang out behind him, "Thief! Someonee quick¡ª"


    Amidst a shriek, a wooden stick whooshed through the air, aimed at Lin Wanrong''s back. In the distance, the wailing barks of a dog filled the air.


    The sudden noise was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky, causing Lin Wanrong''s hair to stand on end. Caught off guard, the stick squarely hit his back. Even though the force from the attacking woman was weak, it still stung painfully.


    Angry, Lin Wanrong swiftly turned around. Without even taking a good look at the woman''s face, he roughly pushed her against the wall. One hand was on her soft chest, the other over her mouth, and his knee pushed apart her delicate, silky legs. "What are you screaming about? Look, look who I am!"


    The moonlight was dim; at first nce, he couldn''t see her face clearly. What he did feel under his hand was soft and supple, asforting as touching milk yet incredibly stic. The woman''s legs were silky smooth, like the finest silk. Pressing against her felt like touching luxurious satin, which could slip away at any moment. "When did the Xiao family get someone with such a good figure? How did I not know?" Lin Wanrong was confused but still caressed her chest gently.


    "Mmm, mmm¡ª" The woman seemed to recognize his face. Struggling even more frantically, her legs kicked out at him.


    "What are you¡ª" Lin Wanrong was already annoyed by the pain on his back. He looked up to shout, but the moment he saw her face, his jaw dropped.


    "What are you doing, you shameless thief¡ª" Seeing him stunned, the woman, flushed with both shame and anger, had already thrown etiquette to the wind. Her open palm reached for his cheek.


    Startled by the pain, Lin Wanrong yelped and quickly jumped back. "Don''t hit, don''t hit! It''s a misunderstanding, a pure misunderstanding! I didn''t see clearly!"


    "You asked for it!" The woman didn''t care for his exnations. Her tears flowed like rain as she lunged at him, punching and kicking in a fit of madness.


    "God, what a mess. I really am down on my luck," Lin Wanrong muttered to himself. Dodging left and right, he didn''t dare to fight back. Just then, a fearsome dog, as imposing as a warrior, lunged at him.


    "General Zhenyuan, bite him! Kill him!" The woman cried softly, her eyes ame with fury.


    Lin Wanrong leapt back, shouting, "Don''t bite! Anyone who bites me is asking for trouble!"


    As if the dog named General Zhenyuan would listen to him. Eyes reddening upon seeing his enemy, the dog let out a growl, its fangs bared, and sprang at him.


    Gardens, a ferocious dog, Lin San; how simr the situation was to the one with the Second Miss. Lin Wanrong''s mind momentarily drifted. It was only when he saw those gaping jaws near his face that he snapped back to reality. With a high-pitched scream, he dodged out of the way.


    His speed and strength had improved enormously since then; dodging was incredibly swift. Unable to catch him, General Zhenyuan grew even more agitated, barking and howling as he gave chase. The spectacle of a man and a dog running and chasing in the garden was indeed a sight to behold.


    Themotion in the back courtyard had long alerted the rooms at the front. Faint sounds of footsteps and voices could be heard. The woman hesitated for a moment, ncing at General Zhenyuan in hot pursuit and the scattering Lin San, then down at her disheveled clothing. With tears streaming down her face, she suddenly let out a sob and covered her face as she walked away.


    As soon as the woman left, General Zhenyuan lost his fighting spirit. He squatted down, tongue hanging out, panting heavily.


    "What''s the matter, why did you stop chasing?" Lin Wanrong leaned against a pir, feeling a surge of delight as he observed the pitiable state of the ferocious dog and heard his own pounding heart. This scene was a reenactment of the past, only the leadingdy had changed.


    Therey a hoe in the corner, covered with soil. Lin Wanrong had taken a hit from it just moments ago. Beside it was a bucket of fresh water and a few newly nted peonies standing upright in the garden, their nting interrupted midway. These flowers had been sent from Jinling by Fubo, and Lin Wanrong had personally overseen their transntation. Their petals were beautiful and in full bloom.


    Seeing General Zhenyuan still squatting in ce without any movement, Lin Wanrong slowly walked to the wall and looked at the blooming peonies. He sighed softly, "Beautiful flowers they may be, but they too require regr watering, otherwise they''ll wilt."


    After straightening the flowers and filling the soil, he watered them with the bucket of fresh water. Only after inspecting them from all angles did Lin Wanrong nod satisfactorily, pping the soil off his hands as he stood up.


    The sound of hurried footsteps grew closer. A maid named Huan¡¯er was carrying antern, illuminating Eldest Miss''s charming face, soft and radiant as jade. Seeing Lin San grinning at her, Xiao Yuruo was taken aback, a mixture of shyness and delight crossing her face as she nced at him, "What are you doing here?"


    "How could I not be here?" Lin Wanrong sighed, "Someone wouldn''t let me in, so I had to climb over the wall. I almost broke a leg doing it."


    The maid Huan¡¯er looked him up and down, and then burst into giggles, "Brother San, how did you be so foolish? The front gate was only closed, not locked. Even General Zhenyuan could have pushed it open easily. Why didn''t you try? Our Eldest Miss cares so much for you, yet you don''t understand her feelings."


    So the door could have been pushed open? Seriously? Lin Wanrong was dumbfounded. Ah, the pitfalls of empiricism!


    "Chatty little maid," Eldest Miss''s face turned red. She walked over to him, looking at him with a smile, her eyes full of tenderness. "You fool, what are you trying to prove, climbing your own home''s wall? Even if you couldn''t get in, a few soft words would have sufficed. Who would actually keep you out?"


    "I see," Lin Wanrong smirked, "Then I''ll stand outside your room tonight, saying a hundred soft words to see if you''ll let me in."


    "Shameless," Eldest Miss lightly huffed, her heart pounding, her face flushed to her ears.


    In his memory, it seemed that a long time had passed since hest experienced such a tender moment with Eldest Miss. On this quiet night, with the moonlight veiled in mist, the two were alone and face to face, enveloped in a romantic warmth. Lin Wanrong held her small hand, gently rubbing it, forgetting even the pain on his back.


    "Eh, what happened to your face?" Just as Eldest Miss was deeply absorbed in emotion, she noticed the vivid red finger marks on his face and was instantly shocked. "And what are these marks on your back? Who was so merciless to you? What happened earlier?"


    Xiao Yuruo''s expression turned anxious, her heart both rushed and pained. She pulled him into her embrace, her small hands gently massaging the wounds on his back, unable to hold back her tears.


    Inhaling the captivating scent of Eldest Miss and feeling the pulse of her tenderness, Lin Wanrong nestled his head against her soft bosom, puffing a breath of air onto the curve there. "It''s nothing, just a beautiful misunderstanding. Considering the severity of my injuries, Eldest Miss, may I make a not-so-improper request?"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 456

    Chapter 456 The Method of Undoing Curses


    "What else do you want?" Xiao Yuruo chided, gently caressing the scratches on his cheek. She lightly bit her red lips as she inspected his injuries.


    Lin Wanrong grabbed her small hand and mournfully responded, "Eldest Miss, I''ve been severely injured this time. It''s hard for me to find peace at night alone. Could youfort me this evening¡ªah, why do you look so impure? Don''t get any funny ideas. I''m just asking you to take care of the injured; nothing will happen."


    Despite his eloquence, Eldest Miss knew what he was thinking. She couldn''t help but blush and sternly red at him. "You''re already in such bad shape, and you still can''t behave? Tell me, who did this to you in our family''s backyard?"


    "Ah, that''s actually your fault, Eldest Miss. Since we''ve been apart, tea has lost its vor, and food is hard to swallow. I think of you day and night. Finally, I get to see you, and you cruelly lock me out. I was so lost in thoughts of you while climbing the wall that I lost my bnce and fell,nding on this hoe," Lin Wanrong quickly spun a tale, his eyes twinkling.


    Eldest Miss coldly snorted, her eyes sharp as lightning, "What about the scratches on your face?"


    "This, well, was caused by the peony flowers," Lin Wanrong pointed to the newly nted flowers in the garden without blinking an eye, chuckling, "The saying goes that peonies have many thorns; I''m sure you''ve heard of it."


    "Peonies have many thorns?" Xiao Yuruo didn''t buy his nonsense and said through gritted teeth, "It seems like you''d be more of a romantic ghost under the peonies. The marks on your face are clearly those of a woman''s scratch. Do you think I don''t recognize it? You must have offended some youngdy again, which led to this." She hummed and turned her head, "Si De, who has been to this backyard tonight? I want to see who has the audacity to even make our household''s tyrant cower."


    Si De, holding argentern, stood behind Eldest Miss and Lin Wanrong. Seeing Lin Wanrong''s eyes and eyebrows squeezed together, he hesitated, "It''s¡ª"Before he could utter another word, Lin Wanrong eximed, "Ah, whose silver bill is this? Si De, it seems to have fallen from you. That''s not a small amount¡ªfifty taels, enough to cover your sry for two years. How could you be so careless?"


    "Really? Where?" Si De hastily lowered hisntern to find a silver bill right at his feet, precisely fifty taels.


    "Ah, thank you, Lin San, for the reminder. This is the betrothal gift my mother prepared for me; I almost lost it." Si De grinned so broadly that his mouth nearly closed, quickly pocketing the fifty-tael note and bowed to Lin Wanrong, "Thank you, Brother San, thank you, Brother San."


    "It''s no problem," Lin Wanrong chuckled and patted him on the shoulder, "I noticed your vision seems a bit off, Si De. You''ll need to take better care of yourself; there''ll be more opportunities to pick up silver in the future."


    Eldest Miss found their behavior odd and furrowed her brows, asking, "Si De, now tell me, who has been to the backyard tonight?"


    Si De peered under his chin, lost in deep thought. After a while, he finally shook his head, "I can''t quite remember. I think Second Miss came by, as did the Madam, Huan''er, and you, Eldest Miss. Brother San, am I right?"


    "Exactly, exactly. When I jumped down earlier, I only saw a white shadow sh before my eyes and a few streaks of silver light flutter by. Before I could even make out the figure, my face ended up like this," Lin Wanrong nodded, his expression grave.


    Xiao Yuruo wouldn''t listen to his nonsense. Seeing that he had colluded with Si De to deceive her, she couldn''t help but feel both irritated and amused. She shot him a frustrated nce, "What white shadow? What silver light? Are you suggesting it was a ghost? Just who is this woman you are so keen on protecting? I''d really like to see for myself."


    Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, "Eldest Miss, you''re overthinking it. Why are you still hung up on something even I can''t remember? Wait, where are Xian''er and Second Miss? Weren''t they with you?"


    Since he refused to say anything, Xiao Yuruo had no choice but to drop it. Seeing the bright nail marks on his face and his pitiful appearance, it was clear how ruthless the woman had been. Eldest Miss couldn''t bring herself to probe further. She sighed softly and lowered her voice, "You really need to learn your lesson. Not every woman is as easy to bully as me. Yushuang is with Xian''er visiting Mother. I heard noises in the backyard and came running."


    Lin Wanrong merely hummed in response, cautiously asking, "And how is, um, Madam?"


    "You do care about Mother," Eldest Miss smiled sweetly, her eyes twinkling with a rosy glow. "I haven''t seen her yet. But Yushuang and Miss Qin should be chatting with her right now, so it should be fine."


    "That''s good, that''s good," Lin Wanrong patted his chest, exhaling deeply, visibly invigorated. Eldest Miss cast him a suspicious nce; his behavior was peculiar, as if he''d stolen something.


    Upon returning to the courtyard with Eldest Miss, they found the room across brightly lit, softughter and chattering from women echoing within. Lin Wanrong listened intently; the charming voice belonged to Yushuang, the gentle and alluring one to Xian''er, and the slightly hoarse and weary voice, to the Madam.


    "What are you doing?" Noticing him eavesdropping outside the window, Eldest Miss chuckled, "You look like a thief. If you want to listen, we can go in together and chat with Mother."


    "Ah, no, no," Lin Wanrong took a quick step back, visibly uneasy. He chuckled, "Look at the state I''m in. How could I meet Madam like this? It would be better to wait a few days, change into something presentable, and then pay her a visit."


    Seeing his muddy face and tattered clothes, she assumed he was being considerate of her. Xiao Yuruo felt a sweet sensation in her heart. She nodded slightly, her face flushing, "In that case, go rest. Tomorrow, we''ll change into better clothes and go together to meet Mother."


    For now, the matter seemed settled. Seeing Eldest Miss''s gentle and loving expression, Lin Wanrong felt a surge of happiness. He grabbed her hand and whispered, "Yuruo, do you remember what I told you earlier? I was injured tonight and need somefort¡ªit''s really quite innocent¡ª"


    "Smooth talker, who said anything aboutforting you? Go find your Miss Qin," Xiao Yuruo snapped, her heart pounding and her ears flushed red. She quickly lowered her head and hurried into the inner room.


    Seeing her coy demeanor, Lin Wanrong chuckled a few times. He went into the house to fetch some hot water, and with a ssh, he leapt into the tub, letting out a satisfied sigh. Tonight had been strange indeed¡ªhis first venture as a thief had led him to meet someone he shouldn''t have, and suffer injuries he shouldn''t have sustained.


    The scratches on his face burned, and a swollen welt formed on his back. Soaking it in the water, he felt a tingling pain. But the lingering sensation of the woman''s soft and voluptuous body made him feel as if his entire being had lightened.


    "Husband¡ª" A soft call echoed from behind him. Qin Xian''er had entered the room unannounced, her pretty face flushed in the misty steam. She reached out her small hand and gently touched his bare back.


    Lin Wanrong let out a surprised "Oh," his body shuddering. Wiping the water droplets from his face, he smiled, "Xian''er, weren''t you talking to the Madam? How did youe back so soon?"


    Gently massaging his back, Qin Xian''er''s face was flushed and exquisitely beautiful. "I was worried about you, so I came to see how you were doing. Eldest Miss Xiao said that a woman had entered the Xiao residence earlier, and you had a skirmish with her and got injured¡ª"


    "No, no," Lin Wanrong hurriedly shook his head. "Eldest Miss is joking. Who in the world would be a match for me in a fight?"


    Qin Xian''er giggled, and the mist slowly cleared. The scars on his face and back suddenly came into view. Miss Qin gasped, her eyes filled with tears and her voice turning icy, "So, what Eldest Miss said was true. Who did this, Husband? I will kill her!"


    "Kill? There''s no need for killing," Lin Wanrongughed, grabbing her small hand. Seizing the opportunity, he lifted her delicate body into the tub. Qin Xian''er let out a surprised yelp, feeling a sudden warmth envelop her.


    A martial arts expert impervious to heat and cold, she wore lightweight clothing. As she plunged into the water, her clothes clung to her like a second skin, tightly wrapping around her voluptuous chest, curvaceous hips, and slender legs¡ªshe was like a sculpture made of ice and jade, exquisitely delicate.


    The wooden tub was small, barely enough to fit two people, and quite cramped. Qin Xian''er had be his wife but their mutual desires remained unfulfilled. Feeling shy, she clung tightly to his sturdy body, murmuring, "Husband¡ª"


    Her flushed face lifted slightly, as if the sky was lit by flying rosy clouds, her eyes misty and enchanting. Her nose twitched slightly, and her alluring lips seemed like ripe lychee, tempting Lin Wanrong to taste their sweet vor. Between her shy expressions, dimples asionally shed, enhancing her seductive gaze.


    "Xian''er¡ª" Lin Wanrong was mesmerized, feeling as if he were on fire. He slipped his hand into her clothes, slowly caressing her back, which was as smooth as jade. The sensation was even softer than the water.


    "Husband, I want to be your wife, your true wife." Qin Xian''er''s mouth opened and closed rapidly, as fragrant as an orchid, her eyes exuding an enchanting allure that seemed as if they could drip water. Nervously and shyly, she took hisrge hand and slowly covered her own soft chest with it. Her pink shirt was already soaked through, pushed up by her full bosom into a high contour. Under the cover of her thin, white veil, her tender white skin and voluptuous curves were hazily visible. Her slender waist twisted subtly, revealing a deep, enticing cleavage.


    Lin Wanrong exhaled deeply, his hands holding onto the protruding jade-like softness. The silk-like sensation sent a thrill through his heart. In that busy moment, he couldn''t help but think of the woman he encountered tonight. Compared to her, his wife''s figure wasn''t bad at all.


    A hot sensation surged from her chest into her heart, making Qin Xian''er''s entire body tremble. Unable to hold back a soft whimper, she rushed into his arms, panting, "Husband, I don''t want to wait any longer. Take me, I want to be your wife."


    Her voice seemed like a spell, igniting the fire of desire in Lin Wanrong''s heart. But there was a glimmer of rationality left in him. Although his hands were busy, he suppressed his lustful feelings, thinking of their future happiness: "Xian''er, the Love Bug in you¡ª"


    Qin Xian''er let out a soft cry and threw herself into his arms, sobbing, "Husband, if I can''t rid myself of the Love Bug, will you never want me?"


    "How could that be?" Remembering Qin Xian''er''s deep affection, Lin Wanrong was overwhelmingly touched. With newfound courage, he gave her a light kiss on the ear and softly said, "Silly girl, we''ve exchanged vows as husband and wife. We are to be together for life. You, such a good girl, are a precious gift from heaven. Not only do I want you, but I will also treasure you as the most beautiful gem in the world."


    Hearing his sweet words, Qin Xian''er trembled, her arms wrapped tightly around him, their bodies close. She choked up, "Husband, I have a Love Bug in me, and I''m a jealous type. Are you not worried that I might harm Xiao Qingxuan, as well as the two youngdies of the Xiao family?"


    Lin Wanrong affectionately stroked her little nose, chuckling, "Just because of what you''ve said, I would marry you in this life and every life toe. Xian''er, you''re a good girl who would never harm anyone. I trust you."


    Joy and excitement rushed to her head, so sweet it was almost unbearable. Qin Xian''er nestled in his arms, looking up at him, her tender body trembling, "Husband, kiss me! Kiss me once, and I will tell you a secret."


    "How could one kiss be enough? Let''s make it a hundred." Lin Wanrong chuckled, leaning in to cover her luscious red lips with his own. The silky, sweet sensation made both of their hearts tremble.


    Qin Xian''er pulled away from his arms, her breath rapid. She looked at him with an enchanting smile, her slender hand slowly unhooking her wet gown. She tossed it aside, revealing her ivory-like translucent body in the water. Her full, soft chest pushed the warm water into a surging channel.


    She slowly pressed herself against him, her soft breasts pressing against his chest. Her face flushed with a mix of pride and joy, she allowed him to caress her legs, hips, and chest. Her emotions surged like waves.


    "Husband, there''s no need to be afraid," Qin Xian''er whispered, her voice trembling with excitement. She felt weak, as if all her strength had been drained. Leaning close to his ear, she continued, "My master has found a way to get rid of the curse. She said you would be pleased. From tonight, I will truly be your wife."


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 457

    Chapter 457 The Deceitful Husband and the Sensuous Wife


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong was overjoyed, hugging Qin Xian''er''s delicate and soft body tightly. His face was filled with disbelief. "Tell me quickly, what''s the solution?"


    "Do you think I would lie to you?" Qin Xian''er lowered her head to nestle in his embrace, her ears flushed red, her pretty face radiant as if kissed by fire. She lightly traced circles on his chest with her finger, incredibly shy as she spoke, "But I have a condition. After I tell you the method to get rid of the curse, you must not mock me. Xian''er is doing this all for you¡ª"


    "Alright, alright," Lin Wanrong was utterly infatuated, his passions ame. He had been waiting impatiently for this moment. He lightly pressed her full, soft bosom and shamelessly chuckled, "Don''t you know me by now? As long as my little Xian''er''s wishes are fulfilled, I''m willing to try any method."


    Flustered, Qin Xian''er hummed for a moment but was too shy to speak. Encouraged and enticed by Lin Wanrong, she finally mustered enough courage to whisper a few words in his ear. She buried her head in his chest immediately after, not daring to look up at him, her heart pounding like a drum.


    Lin Wanrong let out a soft "Ah," his eyes filled withscivious glee, yet his face feigned surprise. "Xian''er, is this really going to work? You do know that I''m quite pure at heart, right? I''ve never even heard of such unconventional methods of intimacy."


    Her face flushed a deep red, Qin Xian''er yfully punched him. Her voice was as soft as a mosquito''s, filled with both shyness and annoyance. "You''re teasing me. What about that picture book you have? It has every lovemaking technique known to man. I don''t know how many hundreds or thousands of times you''ve looked at it, and now you pretend to be all pure? I''m not scared anymore, yet you still mock me."


    Not embarrassed in the least at being exposed by Qin Xian''er, Lin Wanrongughed heartily and caressed her smooth, soft belly, frivolously saying, "My little darling, who came up with this ingenious and challenging method? She must have looked at that erotic book even more than I have. When I have the time, I should definitely exchange ideas with her."


    Qin Xian''er''s eyebrows were tinged with red, her face as if painted with rouge, her red lips alluring. She lightly touched his forehead and scolded, "Who else but my master? She exhausted all her wits to think of this way for you to take advantage of me. Even you, a man as insensitive as you, should not make fun of her.""That''s true," Lin Wanrong nodded solemnly, "Reading an erotic book is really tough work, it subjects you to both psychological and physical torture. I speak from personal experience." His expression suddenly shifted, and he groped Qin Xian''er''s curvaceous hips, his smile utterlyscivious, "In that case, my little darling, we shouldn''t let Sister An''s good intentions go to waste. Let me help you dispel the curse now. Ah, this is both hard work and technical work, it might take several hours."


    Qin Xian''er was already too shy to contain herself, and hearing her husband''s teasing made her entire body soften. She let out a soft cry and rested her cheek against his bare chest, her hands unsure of where to go.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled heartily, rising to his full height. Qin Xian''er''s voluptuous figure clung to him like a shy octopus, her smooth, jade-like legs wrapped tightly around his waist.


    In the misty moisture, the atmosphere was warm and romantic, carrying a humid, fragrant scent. The dim light flickered, revealing a captivating body sculpted from jade and ice before his eyes.


    Qin Xian''er''s features were as if drawn by an artist, her delicate lips panting lightly, appearing as frail as a freshly budded flower. Her slender eyebrows, crystal-clear eyes, and jade-smooth cheeks framed her exquisite face, making it exceptionally charming. Her crimson lips opened and closed as if hiding endless expectations in her dreamy eyes.


    Her body was as white as jade, wless and voluptuous. Her curves were clear and distinct, and her bosom rose in high crimson points like freshly bloomed roses. Under the dim light, they shimmered in a rainbow of colors. Her t abdomen was smooth as satin, and the soft curve of her waist and the swell of her hips formed a flowing line. Her long, slender, and lustrous legs were taut and powerful, as captivating as a newly risen moon.


    "Husband, stop staring; you''ll make me die of embarrassment!" Qin Xian''er seemed to feel the heat of his gaze piercing her body, her entire being quivering slightly, her face blushing unbearably.


    "Xian''er, you are my wife, how could I not take a good look?" Lin Wanrong swallowed hard, picked up a towel next to him, and meticulously wiped away the droplets of water on her body, missing not a single detail. His slightly rough fingers gently moved over Qin Xian''er''s delicate frame, arousing a wave of heat within her. She could no longer contain herself, throwing her arms around him and panting, "Husband, take me, take me¡ª"


    nting a soft kiss on her alluring cheek, Lin Wanrong swiftly moved her to the warm bed. Her peerless face, her full and snowy bosom, and her round and elevated hips seemed like the best aphrodisiacs. His heart aze, Lin Wanrong licked his dry lips and chuckled, "Xian''er, let me rid you of your curse¡ª"


    "Husband, I am yours." The overwhelming heat carried a piercing sting, making Qin Xian''er let out a cry that sounded like both pain and, more so, joy. She bit her red lips and looked at him seductively, her slender fingers deeply digging into his back. Her hips swayed, epting his embrace, and tears of joy spilled over her cheeks.


    After an unknown period, Qin Xian''er''s panting voice sounded in Lin Wanrong''s ear, "Husband, quickly, let''s change positions, dispel the curse, oh¡ª"


    Finally fulfilling her heart''s desire, she became his true wife. Holding onto his strong arms, her eyes still wet with tears, she fell into a satisfying sleep, both joyful and relieved.


    ...


    The next morning, Lin Wanrong was sound asleep when he heard a soft call from outside the door, "Lin San, Lin San, are you awake?"


    "It''s the Eldest Miss," Lin Wanrongzily rolled over, embracing the delicate body beside him. He lightly caressed her ample breasts and yawned, "Of everyone in the Xiao family, she''s the one who can''t stand to see me idle."


    Qin Xian''er, newlywed and deeply in love with her husband, was reluctant to let him leave. Her flushed face clung tightly to him, as she nuzzled against his chest and softly chided, "Ignore her, Husband, I want you to stay with me a little longer. I haven''t slept thisfortably in a long time."


    Now truly a woman, the love and affection in her eyes could not be concealed, like pools of autumn water, slowly swirling. An unspeakable affection flooded the room. Lin Wanrong felt the mes rise in his heart and yfully pinched her on her pert bottom, chucklingsciviously, "Xian''er, are you trying to tempt me into staying in bed? Very well, let''s take advantage of the early hour to ''untangle the knot'' once more."


    At that, Qin Xian''er blushed, her body slipping into the quilt. She covered her cheek with the silk quilt, revealing only her deeply affectionate eyes. "Husband, spare me some mercy. I haven''t fully recovered yet," she said shyly, the temperature in the room seemingly rising even further.


    Lin Wanrong swallowed hard, pulling her into his arms, and gently caressing her backside. He chuckled, "You really had a tough timest night, my little darling, ying the bride twice."


    "You''re awful, don''t say that¡ª" Qin Xian''er''s cheeks flushed even redder, her slender jade fingers covering his lips as her body rxed.


    ¡®This girl is indeed sensitive,¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed out loud and then sighed, "I really have to hand it to Sister An,ing up with such a brilliant idea. We are kindred spirits. I must find time to consult her more¡ªhuh, Xian''er, why are you giving me that look? Sister An and I are merely engaged in academic discussions, don''t get the wrong idea."


    Qin Xian''er gave him a coquettish nce, "You men always want to take advantage without looking guilty. You even dare to say such things to my master? Aren''t you ashamed?"


    "That''s a fair point," Lin Wanrong nodded, recalling the night with An Biru. He felt warmer and chuckled suggestively, "In that case, Xian''er, you can speak on my behalf. Discussst night''s positions with your master. I feel there are several aspects we didn''t quite grasp. Consult Sister An; you''re both women, it will be easier to discuss."


    Qin Xian''er scoffed lightly, covering his eyes with her hand andughing shyly, "Positions? I think you know more than my master does. She only taught me the basics, how to ''untangle knots.'' You, however, are a lecher wanting to make groundbreaking contributions to the ''doctrine of lechery.''"


    "To be a grandmaster in that field, I am still far too inexperienced and need more cultivation. It would be best if Sister An could personally guide me. That way, I would progress faster," Lin Wanrong sighed with a look of regret on his face.


    Xian''er pped him lightly on the face and giggled, "Keep dreaming! My master is busy; she has no time for you."


    "Busy?" Lin Wanrong asked in surprise, "Isn''t she home visiting rtives? What''s so busy about that?"


    Qin Xian''er shook her head and chuckled softly. "It''s not as simple as you think. My master is busy with matchmaking; how could she have time to entertain you?"


    "What? Matchmaking?!" Lin Wanrong eximed, his tongue almost sticking out. He sprang up from his bed, the covers falling away, exposing his muscr physique.


    "Lin San, what''s going on? Are you up?" Eldest Miss had been waiting outside the room for some time. Hearing themotion inside, she hastily called out.


    Lin Wanrong responded, "Eldest Miss, please wait. I''ll be out in a moment." He grabbed Qin Xian''er''s hand and asked frantically, "Xian''er, who is Sister An meeting for matchmaking? By heavens, when I''m not home she''s busy with this? Where is justice, where isw?"


    Qin Xian''er giggled again and nced at his exposed body. Blushing, she quickly pulled him back under the covers and teased, "What''s your rush? What does my master''s matchmaking have to do with you? She is a Miao leader, and ording to their customs, only someone who is married can lead the tribe. My master has been drifting outside for many years; it''s rare that she can finally reunite with her people. Therefore, she has to go through matchmaking."


    "Matchmaking can''t be better than love by choice," Lin Wanrong grumbled, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Xian''er, who are the men Sister An is meeting? Are any of them taller or handsomer than me? If so, I''ll go cut them down!"


    Xian''erughed and shot him a flirtatious nce. "You''ve been spoiled by my master. How can you say such things? If she seeds in matchmaking, then she will have found her life''s partner and we will have a new master. We should congratte her, not talk about cutting him down."


    ¡®I want to be your master,¡¯ Lin Wanrong mouthed silently to Xian''er. The very thought excited him so much that he felt like he was being scratched by a cat. He wished he could fly to the Miao vige right then to take that vixen into his arms and ravish her to death.


    "Husband, what did you say?" Not hearing his words but seeing his peculiar expression, Qin Xian''er looked at him curiously and whispered.


    "Ah, I said I want to be your husband," Lin Wanrong grinned, and then clenched his teeth. "Xian''er, tell me, who are the men meeting Sister An for matchmaking? Are they men or women, Han or Miao? If any are handsomer or more talented than me, list their names. I''ll personally investigate them. Those that Sister An doesn''t like, she can eliminate¡ªand those she likes, I''ll eliminate!"


    Seeing his brash and domineering attitude, and recalling how he was ustomed to fooling around with her master as well, Qin Xian''er didn''t take him seriously and giggled. "Both Miao and Han people are involved, and yes, some are better looking than you. However, none of that matters. Since my master is the leader of the Miao vige, the matchmaking will naturally follow the vige''s traditions. They have to pass through the Peach Blossom Miasma, walk on fire, duel in songs, and choose the bravest warrior¡ªthere are many such customs in the Miao vige."


    Peach Blossom Miasma? Walk on fire? Duel in songs? Lin Wanrong''s head felt like it was about to burst. He knew nothing about Miao customs, and it was clear to him that Sister An was setting up a situation that would benefit someone else.


    Qin Xian''er wore a faint smile on her face as she softly spoke, "I visited the Miao Vige festival when I was a child. It''s quite lively. Husband, when you return from the frontier, we can go visit my master and also see how her matchmaking is going."


    The thought of watching the vixen An match with another man was more unbearable for Lin Wanrong than death itself. He grunted and reluctantly said, "I have to set off immediately. There''s no time to go to the Miao Vige. How about this, Xian''er? Write a letter to Sister An and ask her to dy the matchmaking for a decade or so. After I finish the battle and return, I''ll apany her in the matchmaking."


    Seeing her husband''s face tinged with bitterness, looking thoroughly vexed, Qin Xian''er shook her head and smiled. She recalled the times when her master and her husband would banter and argue, while she listened attentively at the side, feeling immensely warm at heart. She missed her master a little. Grabbing Lin Wanrong''s hand, she giggled, "Don''t worry. Every year around June or July, the Miao Vige holds a Torch Festival. It''s a time when unmarried men and women are free to meet and match. My master will also be matchmaking then. If you can''t make it back, I will find a way to ruin it¡ªhmph, I don''t like seeing other men beside my master either."


    "Exactly, exactly," Lin Wanrong eximed, overjoyed, and gave her a thumbs-up. "My darling, we are truly of one heart. I can''t stand the sight of other men with Sister An either. So this crucial task is yours. Once I return from battle, I''ll go to match¡ª"


    "Hm?!" Xian''er looked at him quizzically.


    "Ah, no, no, I mean to watch Sister An''s matchmaking," Lin Wanrong hastily corrected himself, a smile blossoming in his heart.


    When it came to causing trouble, this couple was indeed a match made in heaven. Qin Xian''er was top-notch at spoiling others'' ns, and Lin Wanrong was no gentleman keen on making people''s lives better either. They quickly conspired and set a major n in motion. With Xian''er taking care of things, Lin Wanrong waspletely at ease¡ªthese were lessons learned from his own experiences, after all.


    Eldest Miss called from outside the room several times before the two finally emerged. Xiao Yuruo''s face looked pale, and there were traces of red in her eyes as if she hadn''t slept well the previous night.


    "What happened to you, Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong was concerned and was about to take her jade-like hand, but Qin Xian''er preemptively stepped between them, holding Xiao Yuruo''s delicate hand, asking affectionately, "Yes, Sister Xiao, what''s the matter? Didn''t you sleep wellst night?"


    ¡®This girl still couldn''t change her jealous nature,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, smiling without taking offense.


    Upon seeing the couple step out together, with Lin San looking pleased, and his face blooming with smiles, and Qin Xian''er had a gleam in her eyes, her beauty seemed to blossom overnight, transforming into a mesmerizing young woman, Xiao Yuruo sensed something had happened; she felt a twinge of sorrow and her nose tingled. She turned her head away and spoke defiantly, "Nothing. I stayed up talking with Yushuang and Mother untilte. I didn''t sleep until the third watch of the night and woke up early. So I''m a bit down."


    "So that''s how it is," Qin Xian''er''s beautiful eyes flickered as she smiled and nodded. "Eldest Miss and her family, mother and daughters, all get along so well. I''m envious. I, on the other hand, have been unfortunate, sharing a bed only with my husband and being teased by him. Sister Xiao¡ª" She slowly lowered her head, a tempting blush appearing at the roots of her ears. Her lips parted shyly, and she whispered, "You probably don''t know yet. I won''t be the subject of your mockery anymore. Last night, I¡ªI became his wife. He also¡ªoh, it''s too embarrassing¡ª"


    Qin Xian''er lowered her head, unable to conceal the happiness and pride on her face. Though she had mended her rtionship with Xiao Yuruo, herpetitive spirit was hard to change overnight. By saying this, she intended to recover the ground she had lost to Xiao Yuruo''s taunts the previous night.


    Noticing the raging fire in Eldest Miss''s eyes, Lin Wanrong hurriedly shrank his neck and chuckled awkwardly. "Well, I was injuredst night and needed someone to take care of me¡ª"


    "You dare to speak¡ªWho told mest night that taking care of each other was something very pure?" Tears began to form in Eldest Miss''s eyes. She bit her red lips, wishing she could punch him.


    Qin Xian''er, sensing victory, couldn''t help but giggle. With flushed cheeks, she warmly took Xiao Yuruo''s hand and said, "Eldest Miss, don''t you know your husband? When he speaks of purity, he means purity of the soul. He won''t shirk any of his responsibilities."


    ¡®This little minx is undermining me,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong as he red at her. Qin Xian''er ignored him, fluttering her eyshes seductively and smiling coquettishly, her whole demeanor exuding a sense of spring that even Xiao Yuruo could somewhat feel.


    "He indeed shirked no responsibilities," said Xiao Yuruo, herpetitive spirit roused by Qin Xian''er''s triumph. She hummed dismissively and said, half-mocking, half-serious, "Sister Xian''er, you are indeed charming. No wonder he cherishes you so much. Even I feel a bit of heartache hearing it. ''Husband, quickly, quickly, change position, lift the curse, oh¡ª''. My mother, Yushuang, and I listened to your melodious cries all night."


    Even the bold Qin Xian''er was struck dumb by Xiao Yuruo''s sharp retort. Her cheeks instantly turned red, and she hurriedly covered her face, stomping her feet, "You¡ªyou all heard? What should I do, how can I face people now?"


    ¡®These two women, neither of them is easy to handle,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong. Xian''er did indeed make quite a noisest night, but it wouldn''t have been audible unless one was intentionally listening. He chuckled nervously and patted her on the shoulder, "Don''t worry, don''t worry. This courtyard is only upied by a few women, all of whom you know¡ªEldest Miss and the Second Miss. We''re all one family now; there''s nothing to be ashamed of. Besides, didn''t I make more noise than you?"


    This wasn''t consoling; it was more like mutual self-indulgence. Eldest Miss blushed and huffed softly.


    Qin Xian''er nodded, incredibly shy, and said softly, "Letting Eldest Miss and Yushuang hear is one thing; after all, we''ll be sharing a bed as sisters in the future. It''s no big deal if they hear and I hear back. But what about Madam Xiao, the elder? If our behavior reaches her ears, wouldn''t it be against propriety?"


    ¡®Is this what you call chaos?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled. "It''s fine, it''s fine. I bet that the Madam didn''t hear anything. If you don''t believe me, go ask her yourself."


    Qin Xian''er chuckled, her face flushed with color. Suddenly, she turned to Xiao Yuruo and softly said, "Sister Xiao, if you mustugh, thenugh. I, Qin Xian''er, love as deeply as I hate. Since everything already belongs to my husband, I give myselfpletely to him without any reservations, and I''m not afraid of beingughed at. Husband, don''t you agree?"


    She shot Lin Wanrong a seductive smile, surpassing the beauty of blooming flowers, causing even the Eldest Miss to stare in awe.


    Lin Wanrong felt a warmth inside, and hurriedly nodded his head. Xian''er giggled, "Husband, Sister Xiao is looking for you. I won''t disturb you any longer. I''ll go and see Sister Yushuang and chat with the Madam."


    With that, she turned and left, her petite figure as captivating as ever, leaving Lin Wanrong feeling as warm as if he were bathed in bright sunlight.


    "Even your soul has been charmed away, hasn''t it?" Eldest Miss gazed at him sadly, her toneced with a mixture of bitterness and mncholy.


    Lin Wanrong quickly replied with a smile, "If it were you, my soul would''ve scattered long ago."


    Xiao Yuruo''s expression softened slightly. She hummed, lowering her head, "Then you may not stay in her room tonight."


    "What?!" Lin Wanrong eximed, "Where will I sleep, then?"


    "I don''t care." The Eldest Miss felt her cheeks burn. Her fists clenched as she saw his bewildered expression. Hurriedly lowering her head, she whispered, "Someone will take care of you tonight."


    "What do you mean by that?" Lin Wanrong was utterly confused.


    "You fool!" Xiao Yuruo was a mix of embarrassment and frustration, yet unable to exin herself. Suddenly remembering that they had been squabbling for quite a while without addressing the important matter, her cheeks flushed even more. She hurriedly reached out to straighten his clothes and softly said, "Quickly go to the front hall; Mr. Xu has been waiting for you all morning. I heard something happened in the pce."


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 458

    Chapter 458 Asking for Your Help


    Xu Wei had arrived? Lin Wanrong nodded without surprise. Judging from Prince Cheng''s reactions yesterday, there had likely been some unusual happenings in the capital these past few days. Xu Wei must havee specifically for this matter.


    Watching Eldest Miss gracefully walk away, he pondered for a moment before takingrge strides toward the front hall. As he reached the doorway, he saw Xu Wei pacing back and forth in the hall, his face lined with worry and eyes bloodshot. The teacup ced beside him hadn''t been touched and had long since gone cold.


    "Ah, Little brother Lin, you''re finally out," Xu Wei hurried over as soon as he saw him, visibly relieved.


    "Good morning, Master Xu," Lin Wanrong greeted with a fist-sp and a smile. "On such a fine spring day, why didn¡¯t you get some extra sleep instead ofing over here?"


    With a wry smile, Xu Wei shook his head. "I''ve been unlucky. From yesterday to this morning, I''ve been in constant discussions with His Majesty. Haven''t even had a moment to rest my eyes. Unlike you, who seems to have all the leisure in the world." He paused, looked around to ensure that no one else was around, and lowered his voice. "Enough small talk. His Majesty already knows about the assassination attempt on youst night. He¡¯s also read the confession from the assassin. You really are audacious, aren''t you? Do you have any idea what the consequences could be if this document were to leak?"


    "Consequences?" Lin Wanrong gave a faint smile. "I only report what I see and hear. As for the consequences, that''s something for His Majesty and people like you, the pirs of the state, to consider. It''s not within my jurisdiction."


    Hearing how Lin Wanrong had deflected responsibility with just a few words, Xu Wei chuckled. "Little brother Lin, you''re being too modest. Even if you want to stay out of this, I''m afraid it''s not possible anymore. With Li Tai''s army soon to mobilize and the political situation in the capital growing increasingly vtile, not to mention your unique standing as the favored husband to two princesses, you can''t possibly extricate yourself. As far as I can see, the document you submittedst night is like adding fuel to an already raging fire."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled a few times, quite pleased with himself. "From the way you put it, do I look like someone who thrives on chaos?"¡®Thrive on chaos? That''s hardly an association with you, Lin San,¡¯ Xu Wei thought, a touch of disdain in his heart. The two were old acquaintances, and Xu Wei knew all too well the tricks Lin Wanrong yed. Still, he maintained a friendly smile on his face. "Of course not, of course not. If the world falls into chaos, it benefits neither of us and only harms themon people. It gives opportunists an opening." He nced outside before whispering, "Little brother Lin, the reason I sought you out today is to inform you about something¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, unperturbed. "Is it rted to the pce?"


    Xu Wei looked him up and down in surprise. "How did you know? Don''t tell me you''ve learned to tell fortunes?"


    ¡®Fortune-telling my ass,¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed. "Eldest Miss told me. I suppose you, Brother Xu must have deliberately leaked this news, huh? Your tactic to confuse the enemy has already fooled us, your own allies."


    Xu Wei chuckled awkwardly, ncing around to make sure no one was nearby before whispering, "Little brother Lin, there has been a mishap in the pce recently¡ªsomeone is plotting against the Emperor!"


    Plotting against the Emperor? Lin Wanrong softly eximed, feeling a vague sense of unease. At this moment, Li Tai''s army was still in the capital, and the city was heavily guarded. Who would be foolish enough to target the Emperor now? In a few days, when Li Tai''s forces moved north and the capital was vulnerable, that would be the opportune moment. Glimpsing some understanding, he looked at Xu Wei with a mysterious smile, "Mr. Xu, who is plotting against the Emperor? Is His Majesty unharmed?"


    "A pce eunuch on duty took advantage of the Emperor reading reportste at night in the Imperial Study and lit candles there!" Xu Wei huffed, grinding his teeth. "Fortunately, heaven protects our sovereign. A pce maid on duty discovered his plot, shouted loudly, and pce guards rushed in. They apprehended the eunuch on the spot, but half of the Imperial Study was already burned. Although the Emperor was uninjured, the shock he suffered was not insignificant. Enraged, he immediately reced the head of the pce guards, the manager of internal affairs, and dismissed several city defense generals¡ª"


    Xu Wei''s words abruptly stopped there. Lin Wanrong uttered an ''Ah'', piecing it together, and smiled, "Mr. Xu, you haven''t finished your sentence, have there been changes within the court as well?"


    "You are indeed sharp," Xu Wei gave a thumbs-up, genuinely praising him. "Over the past month, the Emperor has quietly reshuffled the Three Chambers and Six Ministries, recently appointing a new batch of assistant ministers and schrs. Just the night beforest, under the pretext of investigating corruption, he dismissed the Minister of Rites and several senior schrs from the Pavilion of the Source of Literature. Altogether, they discovered embezzled money, jewelry, and financial documents totaling more than five hundred thousand taels¡ª"


    The Emperor was taking action, Lin Wanrong nodded, "Mr. Xu, with such significant personnel changes in the court, has no one interceded or opposed?"


    "Of course there are those who oppose. Prince Cheng has entered the pce three days in a row to plead on behalf of several people," Xu Wei chuckled, a trace of sternness shing in his eyes. "You have little contact with court affairs and probably don''t understand. The dismissed individuals are more or less connected to the Prince, either as his students or people he has promoted. The links between them are intricate!"


    Xu Wei was so forthright that it was clear he understood the Emperor''s intentions. This was a calcted move to cut off the Prince''s branches and limbs, clearly forcing Prince Cheng to make a move. After years of restraint, the old man was finally going to explode.


    "Starting from yesterday, fifty thousand imperial guards responsible for defending the capital sealed the city gates, on alert day and night. Until Li Tai''s army departs, the capital will only allow entry and no exits. Additionally, the Emperor has transferred thirty thousand troops from Shandong and Hebei for defense¡ªLittle brother Lin, we can expect great things!"


    Having said all this in one breath, Xu Wei could hardly contain his excitement. He picked up the tea cup beside him, which had long since gone cold, and gulped down the tea until it was empty, then wiped the corner of his mouth with lingering satisfaction.


    The situation was clear. The Great Hua Empire was mobilizing its entire strength for a decisive battle against the northern nomads; the old Emperor would not allow a ticking bomb to remain in the court. Removing Prince Cheng was just a matter of time. But why had he chosen to act just a few days before Li Tai''s departure? If this triggered arge-scale upheaval, leading to attacks from both inside and outside, wouldn''t it be a case of losing more than gaining?


    Lin Wanrong''s brow was tightly furrowed as he sank deep into thought. Xu Wei seemed to see right through him and said with a faint smile, "Little brother, let me be frank with you. In the past few days, there''s been frequent movement of the guards around the capital. His Majesty also suddenly announced an investigation into corruption. Not just me, but everyone in the court was taken aback. At this critical moment when Li Tai''s army is about to march, everyone was thinking about maintaining stability. No one expected the Emperor to suddenly reform the court. Think about it, if the hidden puppeteer behind the scenes wanted to make a move, they would never choose a day when Li Tai is still in the capital. Everyone thought the same, but the Emperor acted against expectations, striking when the enemy was unprepared. This audacity, this momentum, is something we, as subjects, wouldn''t dare even dream of."


    Xu Wei''s analysis made sense. An Emperor should indeed possess such thunderous tactics. Lin Wanrong nodded, deeply impressed by the old Emperor''s decisiveness and cunning. "Mr. Xu, based on what you''re saying, the real mastermind is now trapped in the capital?"


    "Of course," Xu Weiughed triumphantly. "The Emperor acted so suddenly that everyone was caught off guard. How could he possibly escape? Right now, his residence is under close surveince. Not even a fly could escape."


    "Has he shown any abnormalities himself?"


    Xu Wei shook his head, "During the early morning court session today, he was chatting andughing with his colleagues, showing no signs of irregrity. Truly, ''great viins have extraordinary dispositions.'' If one could easily read his thoughts, he would not be Prince Cheng."


    This made sense. With Prince Cheng''s cunning, he would never wear his heart on his sleeve. Seeing Xu Wei''s animated expression, Lin Wanrong said seriously, "Mr. Xu, it''s not a time to celebrate yet. Prince Cheng has been nning diligently for years. He will not sit and wait for death. Beneath this calm exterior, a storm is surely brewing. Please ry to His Majesty that he must be extremely cautious."


    "Don''t worry, little brother Lin. We have a full-proof n. We are just waiting for that scoundrel to make his move," Xu Wei said, nodding slowly. He then took out a small yellow folded note from his robe, "This is a confidential letter from the Emperor. His Majesty specifically instructed me to tell you to handle this matter well. As for Eldest Miss Xiao, consider her an advance reward. After you read this confidential directive, I will immediately destroy it."


    Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but smile wryly. This old man was not losing out on anything. Eldest Miss Xiao was captured by him in the first ce; the reward he promised him was essentially meaningless. Shaking his head, he opened the letter. It was a simple piece of white paper with a single line of small characters: "Traitor or brother? Only my father''s entrustment is something I cannot and dare not forget. Handle it! Do not disappoint me."


    These few words,cking both a heading and a signature, were like a hot potato that Lin Wanrong couldn''t push away or ept. The old man really trusted him, giving him such a difficult task, he sighed, his face full of helplessness.


    "Little brother, have you finished reading?" Xu Wei cautiously asked.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled bitterly, "Brother Xu, I won''t hide it from you. What the Emperor has assigned me is an almost impossible task. I''d rather not have read this letter."


    "What''s there to be modest about? Your talents are known to the world, little brother Lin. If it were a simple task, would the Emperor evene to you?" Xu Weiughed, lit a taper, and burned the letter to ashes.


    After discussing with Xu Wei, Lin Wanrong was deeply convinced that as long as Prince Cheng was trapped in the capital, even if he didn''t initiate any trouble, the Emperor would surely have other ns to corner him. Given the cunning and shrewd nature of the old man, Lin Wanrong had no doubt about it. At the moment, both sides were in a tug-of-war, unsure who would make the first move. However, one thing was certain: a significant event was bound to happen in the next few days.


    "Little Brother Lin, do you have any other instructions? The Emperor has decreed that in this important matter, I should listen to youpletely." Despite the tense atmosphere in the capital, both sides understood each other well. The Emperor had not yet issued a royal edict announcing this to the world. Xu Wei felt somewhat awkward confronting Prince Cheng without formal authority.


    "Well, I guess we''re in a bit of a predicament then," Lin Wanrong sighed. "There''s nothing else for it but to grit our teeth and proceed. Luckily, Prince Cheng and his son are old adversaries of mine. I even narrowly escaped an assassination attempt yesterday. So, I have no psychological barriers in dealing with them. My instruction is simple: keep a close eye on them. If they make a move, strike them down mercilessly. Additionally, have our brothers guarding the city outskirts push the perimeter ten li outward and intensify patrols. Not even a mosquito should be allowed to leave the city."


    Xu Wei nodded in agreement. He had personally witnessed Lin Wanrong''s strategic brilliance. None who had opposed him had met with a good end.


    "Little brother Lin, there is a personal matter I am unsure whether to discuss," Xu Wei hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, his expression full of anticipation.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Why be so formal, Mr. Xu? You know I don''t separate personal matters from official ones."


    Xu Wei nodded, "Little brother Lin, what exactly happened between you and Zhiqing? Today at the court, I met with the general. He told me that Zhiqing was quite rude to you yesterday. Didn''t you two get along well back in Shandong? I even heard that¡ªwell, Hu Bugui already told me. Why has the situation deteriorated like this?"


    Love was such¡ªquarrels and break-ups were normal. Lin Wanrong sighed, "Miss Xu''s emotional fluctuations have indeed been somewhat erratictely. It''s hard to grasp, and as you know, I''ve never really understood the minds of youngdies."


    Hearing this, Old Xu nearly spat blood. Not understand the minds of youngdies? The audacity of Lin San to say that, when each of his wives was lured by his sweet words.


    "Little brother Lin," Xu Wei sighed deeply, his eyes moistening, "Zhiqing''s future happiness was ruined by me, her foolish father. I''m getting old and don''t have many aspirations left. All I wish for in my remaining years is to see Zhiqingugh happily once, and I would be content. Could you please help me?"


    Moved by Xu Wei''s sincerity, Lin Wanrong responded, "Helping others is the foundation of happiness. Even if it sacrifices my own dignity, I will do it without regret. Mr. Xu, when shall we act?"


    This young man certainly had thick skin. Xu Wei sighed again, feeling like he was throwing his daughter to the wolves. After hesitating for a while, he finally said, "Today is Zhiqing''s birthday. Could you go and see her on my behalf? Don''t worry about the gifts¡ªcakes, rouge, and cosmetics, I''ll cover all the expenses."


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 459

    Chapter 459 The Battle Robe


    "Miss Xu''s birthday?" Lin Wanrong eximed, "That''s an important day indeed! It''ll take a birthday cake, roses, a diamond ring, and so on. I don''t see how you can manage without spending at least a thousand taels of silver."


    "That much?" Xu Wei was taken aback. He had no clue about a birthday cake and a diamond ring, but seeing Lin Wanrong speak so confidently and fluently, he assumed they must be no trifling matters. He pondered for a moment before gritting his teeth. "A thousand taels it is then. As long as Zhiqing smiles, I''d be willing to eat in cabbage and tofu for a whole year."


    Lin Wanrong patted him on the shoulder and gave a thumbs-up, smiling, "Rest assured, Mr. Xu. For others, it might cost a thousand taels, but in my hands, a mere few dozen taels will suffice. Spending dozens of taels on a birthday is extravagant enough."


    Xu Wei looked at him skeptically, "Little brother Lin, are you sure a few dozen taels will be enough? Don''t cut corners now."


    Humans are odd creatures; the more expensive you tell them something is, the happier they are, yet if you quote them a low price, they grow suspicious. Even Xu Wei, despite his schrly brilliance, was no exception to this rule. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Since Mr. Xu has doubts, let''s stick to the one-thousand-tael rule then. After all, you''re not short of money."


    Xu Wei hurriedly waved his hands, chuckling apologetically, "I was only joking with you. Please don''t take it to heart. My entire fortune isn''t worth a thousand taels. Here''s a promissory note for fifty taels, my entire stash of private funds. Please ept it."


    Carefully, Xu Wei pulled out a piece of red silk from his bosom and unwrapped it. Indeed, it was a well-preserved promissory note for fifty taels. Though he held a position of power, he lived a life of integrity, never forming factions or mingling with the rich and powerful. Fifty taels was not a small sum for him.


    "My good Mr. Xu, there''s no need for this extravagance." Lin Wanrong smiled as he pushed the note back, "Keep this money and buy some cosmetics to please your new wife. Miss Xu and I are good enough friends to exchange gifts without her father footing the bill. Wouldn''t want to be theughingstock, would I?""You truly are a loyal friend, Little brother Lin," Xu Wei said, happily tucking the note back into his pocket. He made a fist and palm salute, "In that case, I''ll leave Zhiqing''s matters in your capable hands. I look forward to hearing good news soon. By the way¡ª" He looked around furtively and whispered, "My wife has gone to the Grand Prime Minister Temple to pray today. Other than Zhiqing, there''s no one else at home, so feel free to make your move."


    "W-what do you mean, Mr. Xu? Don''t underestimate me; I, Lin San, am not someone to act recklessly." Lin Wanrong thought less of the old man and felt his heart race; he could hardly speak clearly.


    Xu Wei nodded with a sly grin, "I''m aware. With so many wives, little brother Lin, how could you be reckless? They were won over by your true capabilities. I entrust Zhiqing to you. I have urgent matters to attend to and must take my leave."


    Having wrapped up both official and personal matters, Xu Wei didn''t linger. He patted his trousers and made to leave. Lin Wanrong escorted him to the door and watched as he climbed into his carriage. Still a bit uneasy, Lin Wanrong grabbed hold of him and admonished, "Mr. Xu, make sure you find some sharp-witted fellows to keep tabs on that traitor. Should anything suspicious arise, hesitate not¡ª"


    He stopped mid-sentence, making a shing gesture with his hand. Xu Wei, wise beyond his years, understood his meaning perfectly. A sh of intensity glinted in his eyes as he nodded. He signaled the carriage driver to proceed and slowly faded into the distance.


    Upon returning to the hall, Lin Wanrong''s mind was far from calm. If the old man had chosen this time to act against Prince Cheng, it was a desperate gamble. Qingxuan and Xian''er were both his wives, and he had various grudges against Prince Cheng; both personally and publicly, he had to win this battle so he could set his mind at ease and head to the front lines.


    "Husband, what are you thinking about?" A gentle voice broke into his reverie. Qin Xian''er stood there, a hint of a smile on her face, her cheeks faintly flushed. Her body had the enchanting curves of a woman, alluring and irresistible.


    "I was thinking about when to dispel another curse for you," Lin Wanrong felt his heart stir. He took his wife''s hand and joked, a look of desire unabashedly filling his eyes. "Sweetheart, whenever you have time, why not teach this technique of curse lifting to Qiaoqiao and Yushuang? I really enjoy it, and good things should be shared, haha."


    "Husband¡ª" Qin Xian''er''s voice trailed off in a tender outcry, her body weak, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Stop talking nonsense, the Eldest Miss ising."


    "Eldest Miss?" Lin Wanrong jumped up as if a monkey had just had its tail stepped on. He looked around frantically, "Where is she? Ah, I remember, Old Xu asked me to take care of an urgent matter, and I can''t dy any longer. Sweetheart, I''ll step out for a bit. If the Eldest Misses, don''t tell her you''ve seen me."


    Qin Xian''er stared behind him, a strange look on her face, as if she were fighting hard not tough.


    Feeling unusually uneasy, as if needles were pricking his back, Lin Wanrong slowly turned around. He found himself face to face with a beautiful yet somewhat pale countenance, the eyes piercing his chest like sharp swords.


    "Too close to see clearly. I have urgent matters to attend to, I must take my leave." Lowering his head, he tried to walk past the figure in front of him.


    Qin Xian''er chuckled and grabbed his arm, "Husband, are you actually blind? Can''t you recognize the Madam of the Xiao family?"


    It wasn''t that he couldn''t recognize her, but that he shouldn''t. Lin Wanrong inwardly groaned. With an audible gasp, his face turned a shade paler. He jumped back, eyes widening, "Ma, Ma, Madam? Ah, I was wondering who could be so beautifully divine, transcending the immortals. So it is you, Madam. What brings you here? I was just about to buy some pastries to honor you."


    Madam Xiao looked indifferent, her face tinged with annoyance. She stared at him, a cold smirk on her lips, but said nothing.


    What Lin Wanrong feared the most was this kind of silence. After a few glib remarks, he saw her gaze sharp as a sword, as if she wished to stab him full of holes. He could only force a few awkwardughs and shut his mouth.


    Second Miss followed behind her mother. Seeing him hanging his head in a dejected manner, she couldn''t help but chuckle. "You scoundrel, why have you be so meek in front of my mother? Have you done something you shouldn''t have?"


    "How could I? I''ve always been honest and upright¡ª" Lin Wanrong was abruptly cut off by a fierce re from Madam Xiao, as if she wanted to drink his blood and eat his flesh. His forcedughter fizzled out, his voice involuntarily softened, and his face flushed red.


    Qin Xian''er observed their expressions and felt that her husband''s behavior in front of Madam Xiao was exceedingly strange, a far cry from his usual self. This naturally puzzled her.


    "Husband, I have talked to Madam. From now on, I''ll be staying with them. I will keep Madam Xiao and Xiao sisterspany, and we will all apany you. What do you think?" Qin Xian''er gently grabbed Madam Xiao''s hand, her face flush with affection and her voice sweet as a songbird. Madam Xiao was forthright with Lin San but seemed to get along wonderfully with Qin Xian''er. As Qin Xian''er held her hand, Madam Xiao showed a genuinely warm smile.


    "Good, good¡ªwait, what did you say?!" Lin Wanrong, who had been covertly gauging Madam Xiao''s expression, was initially not bothered by her words. But upon hearing them clearly, he was somewhat surprised. ¡®In just this short amount of time, how did Xian''er be so close with Madam Xiao, almost like a mother and daughter?¡¯ He quickly lowered his voice and said, "Xian''er, you''re going to live here? What about Qiaoqiao and Ning''er?"


    He was quite the expert at flirting with women and deliberately avoided mentioning Qingxuan to gauge Qin Xian''er''s reaction. She pouted and snorted, "If you can''t bear to part with that Xiao woman, just say so. Why bring up Qiaoqiao and the others? I get along well with Yushuang and Yuruo, and we''re like sisters in the same household. Madam Xiao treats me as warmly as a mother, so this is my home now. Madam Guo, may I be your daughter? Is that alright?"


    Madam Xiao smiled softly and affectionately took her hand, her lips lightly parting to say, "You are a princess of royal blood; our humble home may not be worthy of you."


    "What are you talking about, Madam?" Qin Xian''er threw herself into Madam Xiao''s arms, her eyes brimming with tears. "I''m not some royal princess. In the past, I followed my master across thends, wandering everywhere and suffering much hardship. Now that I have my husband and you, Madam, I''m truly happy. Where is the suffering? Madam, will you take me or not? Tell me quickly!"


    Qin Xian''er was as beautiful as a celestial being; not only men but even women were captivated by her. Madam Xiao was extremely fond of her and gently patted her on the back, showing heartfelt affection as she smiled and said, "How could I refuse? Where would I find another such wonderfully gentle and beautiful young woman?"


    "Good, good." The Second Miss eagerly pped her hands, overjoyed. "Sister Xian''er is like a celestial being and is so educated. Having her as my sister is a wonderful thing indeed. Scoundrel, don''t you agree?"


    What a mess, Lin Wanrong thought, unable to voice his grievances. Now things hade to this: a handful of wives divided into two factions. One faction was led by Qingxuan, with Ning''er as her aplice. The other faction was headed by Xian''er, with the Eldest Miss and Second Miss leading the charge. And then there was the cute and obedient Qiaoqiao, who obviously stood neutral. Xian''er''s intentions were clear¡ªshe sought to unite with the sisters of the Xiao family and use them as a base to counter Qingxuan.


    Two princesses, two opposing factions, age-old grudges between their families, rivals in life and love¡ªthe situation had all the elements for an intriguing drama. ¡®My household could host its own martial arts tournament,¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed, his face full of worry.


    "Husband, do you not want me here?" Xian''er, who loved him deeply, saw the worry on his face and asked softly, looking down.


    "How dare he?!" Madam Xiao red angrily at Lin Wanrong, her face flushed. "Xian''er, don''t worry. If he dares to mistreat you, I''ll¡ªI''ll¡ª"


    "What will you do, Madam? Sic the dogs on me?" Lin Wanrong said, half-smiling.


    Madam Xiao spat out a contemptuous "Hmph!" Her face was red, her ears burned, and her eyes were aze with anger, as if ready to devour him.


    "Husband," Qin Xian''er gently tugged at his sleeve and said timidly, "It''s not that I want to make things difficult for you. I''ve been enemies with the Xiao girl and her master for so long; it''s not easy to change overnight. Even if we are to be sisters, there should be an order¡ªwhy should I be the one to ask her for forgiveness? Why doesn''t shee to me first?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled at her logic. This was just her nature; if she changed, she wouldn''t be Qin Xian''er anymore. "Life is short, and time is fleeting. The most enduring thing is the bond of blood and kinship," he said, taking her small hand gently. "Xian''er, I won''t force you to reconcile with Qingxuan. But I must remind you¡ªthe blood that flows in both you and Qingxuan is the same. No matter how the world changes, this is an unalterable truth. Do you remember what I told you in Jinling? Wealth, status, glory¡ªall these are fleeting. When you grow old, the only ones who will be there for you, calling your name with love and apanying you in your final moments, are your kin. Don''t be stubborn now and regret itter when it''s toote."


    His heartfelt words touched Yushuang, who nodded in agreement. Qin Xian''er pondered for a while, then slowly nestled into his arms and said softly, "Husband, you can make peopleugh to death when you joke, but you move them deeply when you are serious. The happiest moment of my life was meeting you and bing your wife."


    Madam Xiao sighed. Lin San could infuriate people when he acted improperly, but when he was serious, he seemed like the best man in the world¡ªhis words full of deep wisdom, leaving people wanting to hear more.


    Seeing Qin Xian''er deep in thought and seemingly moved, Lin Wanrong didn''t press her further. He smiled and said, "Since Madam has graciously invited you, Xian''er, why don''t you stay here? We are all family, sooner orter. Feel free to ask for whatever you''d like to eat or drink. Don''t stand on ceremony!"


    After uttering these words, his true colors shone through. Madam Xiao bit her red lips in annoyance but nced at him less harshly, her eyes softening.


    Recalling the words of Xu Wei, Lin Wanrong quickly regained hisposure and spoke solemnly, "Madam, and you, Second Miss, there will be some disturbances in the city in the next few days. It would be best if you stayed home and avoided going out."


    "How could we do that? Our family business can''t be put on hold¡ª" Madam Xiao, being stubborn by nature, was about to argue when she noticed Lin San looking solemn and serious, emanating an aura of authority she had never seen before. It was as if he were a truly extraordinary man! She lowered her head, unable to muster the heart to oppose him any further.


    "Xian''er, be extra cautious in the mansion during these days," Lin Wanrong said as he gently held onto Qin Xian''er''s hand, making a special point to remind her. Qin Xian''er was originally a seductress from the White Lotus sect, skilled and knowledgeable, so Lin Wanrong was quite at ease with her. Her staying in the Xiao residence would surely prevent any mishaps.


    Seeing his serious expression, Qin Xian''er obediently nodded her head, speaking softly, "Husband, what about you?"


    "I have some very important things to do," Lin Wanrong nodded gravely. Such a serious matter as romancing women needed to be kept a secret, especially from Xian''er, who was prone to jealousy. The consequences otherwise would be unthinkable.


    "You naughty man,e back early; we can''t do without you," the Second Miss whispered, setting aside her shyness.


    Gazing at her rosy face, Lin Wanrong found it hard to keep a straight face. A roguish smile broke out as he lightly touched her cheek, "Second Miss, I can''t do without you either¡ªAh, Madam, I was just shooing away a mosquito for the Second Miss."


    Madam Xiao pulled her daughter back and gave him a sharp look, "Yushuang is young and you''re not yet wed. There''s plenty of time ahead, don''t corrupt her early on."


    "Yes, yes!" Lin Wanrong lowered his head, taking the opportunity to size up Madam Xiao''s voluptuous figure. Her body was well-proportioned, like a ripe peach. He secretly swallowed his saliva, humming to himself, ''You''re not that young yourself. I''d corrupt you if you''d let me!''


    Madam Xiao noticed his eyes flickering to her chest. Though irritated, she felt a touch of resignation. She was used to it by now. If anyone could elevate shamelessness to this level, it was Lin San and Lin San alone.


    As Lin Wanrong stepped outside burdened with "important tasks," he pondered what sort of gift to bring Xu Zhiqing. Just then, a voice rang out beside him, "Brother Lin, Brother Lin¡ª"


    This time, Gao Qiu had learned his lesson. He held something in his hands and called out to Lin San from a few steps away, so as not to startle him.


    "Oh, Brother Gao, did you make a new outfit?" Lin Wanrong smiled. Gao Qiu was holding a set of brand new clothes, made of an unknown material that was soft, white, and as light as air.


    Gao Qiu shook his head solemnly, saying, "Brother Lin, I''ve brought you a battle robe."


    A battle robe? For womanizing? Intrigued, Lin Wanrong took the garment from him and saw that it was intricately woven from countless strands of silk, light as paper and meticulously crafted by hand.


    "This is made from the finest heavenly silk. Wearing it will protect you with divine power; des and spears will not harm you. It''s a gift from the Emperor for your protection," Gao Qiu hastily exined, seeing Lin Wanrong examining it intently.


    Lin Wanrong gave a knowing nod, increasingly interested. "What about cannon fire? Would that harm me?"


    Gao Qiu hesitated for a moment, "We haven''t tested that¡ªthe ones who did are all dead."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled slyly at the clever response. "Brother Gao, your timing is impable. Come with me to take care of some business. We''ll test the durability of this battle robe while we''re at it."


    Gao Qiu extended his arms, shielding him as he asked anxiously, "Brother Lin, is someone trying to kill you?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Not trying to kill me, no. I''m just concerned about being bitten to death. Your gift is timely¡ªI could really use this robe for my romantic endeavors!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 460

    Chapter 460 The Gift


    Walking down the bustling main street with Gao Qiu, Lin Wanrong was enveloped by a cacophony of vendors shouting their wares. Tea houses and restaurants teemed with people, lively as ever, seemingly unaware that the capital was teetering on the brink of chaos.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong meandering about, picking up trinkets that seemed tailored to feminine tastes, Gao Qiuughed, "So, you really are meeting up with a youngdy. I thought you were joking with me. You''re truly fortunate; your wives at home are all gentle beauties, like celestial beings, and yet you keep mistresses on the side. Such luck in love is enviable to people like us."


    "What''s there to envy?" Lin Wanrong made a grimacing face. "Being a man isn¡¯t easy either. You have to be good-looking, make money, and be skilled at sweet-talking. Act like a gentleman by day and be a beast by night. Fall short in any of these aspects, and you''ll fail. Maintaining a harmonious household while entertaining affairs outside¡ªdo you think it''s that easy?"


    Gao Qiu burst into heartyughter. "Every conversation with you, Brother Lin, is more entertaining than flipping through ten erotic paintings."


    Lin Wanrong had boasted loudly in front of Mr. Xu about how impressive he was, but when it came to picking a gift for Miss Xu, he was scratching his head. Not to mention the icy state of their current rtionship, but the youngdy¡¯s tastes were particrly hard to cater to. No wonder Mr. Xu seemed so eager to marry her off, even if it came at a cost to himself.


    "What''s troubling you?" Seeing Lin Wanrong stop in his tracks, lost in thought, Gao Qiu looked puzzled but quickly grasped the situation. He casually picked up some rouge and powder from a small stall by the road. "When ites to gifts for women, why hesitate? Buy her heaps of cosmetics and fine silk. She will be delighted and cling to you, calling you ''my dear'' incessantly. If all else fails, just whip out a stack of silver notes and make it rain."


    ¡®You must frequent the brothels often,¡¯ Lin Wanrong clicked his tongue, looking Gao Qiu up and down. He chuckled, "Brother Gao, I never would have guessed. Such wisdom and insighting from your mouth? No wonder thedies at the brothels must adore you."


    "They do adore me, and I adore them," Gao Qiu replied, grinningsciviously."Truly profound. I''m impressed!" Lin Wanrong first gave him a thumbs-up, then flipped him off, expressing disdain from head to toe.


    They walked for a while but found nothing that truly caught his eye. Something that would be both unique and unforgettable to Xu Zhiqing was proving to be a real challenge.


    "Brother Gao, is there a good toy or doll shop in the capital? One with skilled artisans and fine craftsmanship?" Lin Wanrong asked Gao Qiu, who was walking beside him.


    Having lived in the capital for many years and being familiar with they of thend, Gao Qiu nodded, "Of course, there is an old, reputable shop not far from here called De Sheng Tower. They specialize in handcrafted puppets and cloth toys. Why the sudden interest in children''s ythings? Are you expecting a son or daughter?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned slightly, not replying. He motioned for Gao Qiu to lead the way and headed straight for the De Sheng Tower. As soon as he walked through the door, he was immediately captivated by the sight before him. The shelves across the three levels were filled with a plethora of curiosities¡ªvarious dolls, wooden tools, flora and fauna, predators and prey, everything imaginable.


    Surveying the merchandise from top to bottom, Lin Wanrong slowly shook his head. "Too small, all too small. Shopkeeper, have you ever made anything bigger? Something my size, for example!"


    "Something your size?" The shopkeeper followed him, shaking his head repeatedly. "We''ve been in business for a hundred years, and the biggest puppet we¡¯ve ever made was a tiger or a leopard. We''ve never seen anything asrge as what you''re suggesting."


    "My requirements are indeed not small," Lin Wanrong chuckled, whispering something in the shopkeeper''s ear. The shopkeeper looked visibly surprised, scrutinizing Lin Wanrong for a while before finally saying, "We''ve never undertaken such a project before. Your idea is feasible, but the size of what you want is rather... excessive."


    "Enough with the nonsense, just say if you can do it or not!" Gao Qiu, the leader of the imperial guards, was used to giving orders and was a man of impatient temper. He didn''t care what Lin Wanrong was up to; annoyed by the shopkeeper¡¯s evasiveness, he barked out his demand.


    Being close to the Emperor, Gao Qiu''s shout carried weight. Startled, the shopkeeper''s legs trembled as he stammered, "M-Mercy, sir¡ª"


    "What did you say?!" Gao Qiu mmed the table, ring with his eyes wide. "Mercy? What do you take me for?! I rule by virtue, do you understand? By virtue!"


    ¡®A person even more shameless than me has finally appeared!¡¯ Lin Wanrong, standing nearby, couldn''t help but feel grateful. He wished he could shake Gao Qiu''s hand and burst intoughter.


    "Don''t be afraid, shopkeeper," Lin Wanrong smiled, "My dear brother Gao here just has a fiery temperament. But when ites to punishing the wicked and protecting the innocent, he''s top-notch. Now, can you or can you not make this object? How long will it take? We need it urgently."


    "We can, we can!" Seeing the young man¡¯s friendly demeanor, the shopkeeper nodded hastily, finding him far more agreeable than the terrifying Gao Qiu. "As long as you cooperate, I can gather the best craftsmen in our shop to rush the work. I assure you, it will be done before sunset. However, regarding the price¡ª" He hesitated, ncing cautiously at Gao Qiu, his face tinged with fear.


    "What, afraid we won''t pay you?" Gao Qiu snorted angrily. "I rule by virtue¡ª"


    ¡®Oh, here we go again!¡¯ Lin Wanrong found this rather amusing. ¡®If you rule by virtue, then I, Lin San, must be Guanyin reincarnated.¡¯ Seeing the shopkeeper fall silent, fearful that he might be scared off, Lin Wanrong reassured him. "Shopkeeper, don''t worry. I have the utmost respect for people who earn their keep through skill. Your workers feed their families with their craftsmanship, which is in no way inferior to anyone else, and is far better than corrupt officials. Just name your price."


    "Sir, your words warm my heart. Just for that sentiment alone, I''m eternally grateful. Today, I''ll only charge you the cost price¡ªten taels of silver!" The shopkeeper sighed with gratitude. Since ancient times, craftsmen have been considered inferior, looked down upon by all trades. High officials and nobles in the court had never been willing to speak on their behalf. This gentleman, Lin San, was the only one who dared to openly advocate for them, leaving him deeply moved.


    "Here is twenty taels." Lin Wanrong smiled as he shoved the silver note into the shopkeeper''s hand. "I can''t let my brothersbor for nothing, can I? I just hope you''ll hasten your work. Don''t disappoint me."


    "Yes, yes, pleasee with me, sir." The shopkeeper joyfully pocketed the silver note and led Lin Wanrong into the inner chamber. Gao Qiu stayed outside, hearing the chattering of craftsmen from within. Someined that the figure was too tall; others imed the shoulders were too broad. He had no idea what Lin Wanrong was having made.


    After a considerable wait, Lin Wanrong emerged from behind the curtain, smiling and looking quite satisfied.


    "Brother Lin, is everything done? What are you having made?" Gao Qiu, who had been waiting impatiently, rushed to ask as Lin came out.


    Calling it an object wouldn''t be quite urate, yet it wasn''t something else either. Lin Wanrong wasn''t sure how to answer, so he chuckled and said, "It''s a secret. You''ll find out when the timees."


    Lin San was famous for his intelligence and wisdom, so Gao Qiu had no doubt about his capabilities. He gave Lin San a thumbs-up and said with augh, "When Lin San takes action, he conquers hearts! I wonder which youngdy will be captivated this time. This is truly a cause for celebration."


    Lin Wanrong shuddered. ¡®Good grief, has this guy been influenced by me? He''s even more lewd in hisughter.¡¯


    "Sir, did you just say Lin San? Is this gentleman the Lin San who bombarded the Fairy Hall, reformed the Hall, and is nning a grandpetition for all trades?" The shopkeeper, who had been following Lin San, overheard Gao Qiu and couldn''t contain his surprise. He grabbed at Gao Qiu''s sleeve and inquired.


    Lin Wanrongughed, "It''s true that I''m Lin San, and I did bombard the Fairy Hall. But what is thispetition for all trades you speak of? I''ve never heard of it."


    "My heavens! You really are Lord Lin? I failed to recognize your greatness!" The shopkeeper was thrilled and quickly pulled out the silver note from his pocket, offering it back to Lin Wanrong. Tears filled his eyes, "I''ve been so foolish. You are our great benefactor. How could I ept money from you? If this were to get out, I''d be cursed by my peers!"


    "Shopkeeper, what are you talking about? What is thispetition for all trades? I don''t understand a word." Lin Wanrong smiled as he pushed the silver note back. "You make an honest living through your craftsmanship. Even the Thunder God wouldn''t dare to strike you down. Even if the Emperor came here, he would have to ept this payment. If you refuse, you''re looking down on me, Lin San."


    "Exactly, exactly," Gao Qiu chimed in. "We believe in winning people over through virtue, not taking advantage of them. Now, quickly tell us about thispetition for all trades. What is it all about?"


    Lord Lin persistently refused, leaving the shopkeeper with no choice but to ept the banknote. The shopkeeper took out a notice from the counter, gleefully saying, "Lord Lin, how could you not know about this? This is the announcement you issued ¡ª ''By the order of His Majesty, Lin San, the Chief Libation Officer, has been appointed to establish the Holy Virtue Academy, to promote craftsmanship and teach a wide range of skills. We will select the most skilled artisans from all over the realm, rewarding excellence and encouraging innovation. Generous rewards will be given for outstanding performances in various fields.'' This notice has been posted all over the streets and alleys. It bears your illustrious name and even the imperial edict of the Emperor. How could this not be your doing?"


    True, this was his intention, but he had never issued a public announcement before, only ¡®ssroom ckboard notices.¡¯ Lin Wanrong held the notice in his hands, scrutinizing it. The calligraphy was neat and precise, and the imperial seal of the Emperor was prominently disyed. The scale of this announcement was grand, leaving no room for doubt about its authenticity.


    ¡®I get it!¡¯ Lin Wanrong pped his hand in sudden realization, his face lighting up with joy. "Qingxuan, you are truly my good wife; your handling of this matter is a hundred times better than if I had done it myself."


    "Lord Lin, you have no idea how powerful this announcement is," the shopkeeper wiped away a tear. "For generations, craftsmen like us have been looked down upon. Nobody wants their children to learn our trade, considering it lowly. Many crafts are at risk of being lost, and we''ve dishonored the legacies of our ancestors. But now that you''ve posted this notice, everything has changed¡ª"


    Suddenly, the shopkeeper was animated, his hands waving excitedly. "It has the golden seal and the imperial edict. It''s silenced so many critics. This is not just an announcement; it''s a deration of grace for us craftsmen! You have no idea how many lives and crafts you''ve saved¡ªSir, I must bow to you!"


    As the shopkeeper bent down and began to kowtow fervently, Lin Wanrong was startled and quickly lifted him up. "It''s a small matter, shopkeeper. Don''t shorten my life by doing this; I can''t bear it!"


    "To you, it might be a small thing, but for craftsmen like us, it¡¯s a tremendous benefit for our descendants and an endless blessing. You have no idea how many craftsmen are lighting incense and worshiping you as if you were the Guanyin Bodhisattva, the Goddess of Mercy."


    ¡®Worship me? I''m in the prime of my life.¡¯ Lin Wanrong was torn betweenughter and tears, but deep inside he was thrilled. The oue had exceeded his expectations. ¡®Qingxuan truly understands my heart.¡¯


    "A nation grows strong when its industries thrive, and falls into decay when theynguish," Lin Wanrong sighed. "Shopkeeper, please tell everyone that this academy will be managed by me, Lin San, for a long time toe. Talent will be rewarded and put to good use, regardless of the field."


    With those words, he quickened his pace and left, almost too fast for Gao Qiu to keep up with him.


    What got into Brother Lin? Gao Qiu was puzzled.


    After walking a good distance, Lin Wanrong''s repressed emotions began to ease. He slowed his steps, gazing pensively into the distance, his thoughts flying to some unknown ce.


    "Brother Lin, Brother Lin¡ª" Gao Qiu''s soft calls roused him. He quickly nodded and smiled, "What''s the matter, Brother Gao?"


    Gao Qiu looked puzzled, "Brother Lin, what''se over you? I''ve always seen you happier than anyone else. Never seen you like this before."


    "It''s nothing. I just find themon folk of our Great Hua to be really simple-hearted. Something that should have been done long ago finally takes ce after hundreds of years, yet it elicits shouts of joy and dancing in the streets from them. They¡¯ve only learned gratitude and forgotten to demand ountability. Can there be anything more naive than this?"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s downcast expression, Gao Qiu shook his head, "Brother Lin, what you''re saying is too profound for me to understand. I only know one thing¡ªbetterte than never."


    Lin Wanrong paused for a moment, then burst intoughter, "Brother Gao, you''re not confused; you are truly wise, very wise indeed!"


    After speaking a few words with Gao Qiu, his mood gradually improved. His thoughts also became more agile. What was the use of dwelling on pointless things? It was better to focus on important matters.


    Speaking of important matters, Gao Qiu got excited, "Brother Lin, which youngdy are you meeting ndestinely today? I can go scout for you."


    Lin Wanrong didn¡¯t answer him and instead hurriedly led him forward. Gao Qiu looked around at the familiar scenery and couldn''t help but exim, "Hey, isn''t this the way back to the mansion? Brother Lin, are you meeting the Princess or perhaps the Ladies Qiaoqiao and Ning¡¯er?"


    ¡®How could he be so dense? Does sneaking around like this look like I''m going home to see my wife? Clearly, I''m off to see a mistress!¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed, "Brother Gao, keep quiet and stay alert. There are guard dogs ahead."


    Gao Qiu quickly took the lead to protect him. When he saw Lin Wanrong peeping towards the Xu Mansion, he understood instantly. Filled with awe and admiration, he thought, ''Brother Lin actually dares to have a secret rendezvous with Master Xu''s daughter under the very noses of his wives. What audacity, what courage; truly unparalleled!''


    "Brother Lin, are we going in? Thedder is ready for you," Gao Qiu whispered, suppressing augh as he saw Lin Wanrong staring silently at the wall of the Xu Mansion.


    ¡®Damn it, do I look addicted to scaling walls? The guard dogs in the Xu Mansion are even more ferocious than I am; I can¡¯t afford to provoke them lightly!¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Brother Gao, you may not know this, but I have a habit. Whenever I enter my own yard, I like to climb the wall. If I have to enter someone else¡¯s house, I prefer to be carried in on a pnquin."


    ¡®You''re nning to steal someone¡¯s daughter, and you expect to be carried in on a pnquin?¡¯ Gao Qiu stifled a fewughs and said nothing. His expression clearly spelled out four big words¡ªI don''t believe it!


    "You don¡¯t believe me, Brother Gao?" Lin Wanrong smirked, "Have you forgotten my name? When has Lin San ever failed in doing what he intends?"


    It wasn''t boasting; indeed, there were no records of Lin San ever failing. Just as Gao Qiu was about to speak, a distant mor of gongs and drums, along with firecrackers, broke the air. Slowly approaching was arge pnquin, carried by none other than eight bearers!


    The eight-bearer pnquin stopped in front of the Xu Mansion. An official began loudly announcing from a scroll, "In celebration of Miss Xu''s youth and beauty, a gift of longevity and ritual is specially presented. Please graciously ept it¡ªno need to ask who it''s from, as known or unknown, the name will not be disclosed!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 461

    Chapter 461 The True and False Lin San


    ¡®Known or unknown, the name will not be disclosed?¡¯ What did that mean? The servants and maids at the entrance of the Xu family estate were utterly baffled. They couldn''t figure out who had sent this mysterious gift, or who had thought of such a strange congrattory message.


    "What should we do, Sister Yuzhu? Should we ept this gift or not?" whispered a young maid standing beside Yuzhu. Yuzhu was Xu Zhiqing''s personal maid, and her status within the Xu household was naturally significant. After pondering for a moment, she said, "You all wait here; I will go inform Miss Xu and let her decide."


    Yuzhu quickly walked into the mansion, leaving those who had brought the gift waiting outside. After waiting long enough for a cup of tea to be brewed, she still had not returned. Gao Qiu, growing anxious, asked, "Brother Lin, it''s been quite some time. Do you think we''ve been discovered?"


    Lin Wanrong had already staked his reputation on this. If he couldn''t gain entry to the Xu mansion today, it would be a significant loss of face. He chuckled, "I''m not afraid of being discovered; I''m afraid of not being discovered! Miss Xu should be clever enough to see through this, right?"


    Brother Lin''s words were indeed mysterious, and Gao Qiu was puzzled. Just when even Lin Wanrong was beginning to grow impatient, the grand doors of the Xu mansion suddenly creaked open. Yuzhu emerged from the crowd and smiled, "My mistress thanks the nameless benefactor for the gift. Please, follow me."


    The sound of drums and music filled the air as eight bearers lifted arge pnquin and followed Yuzhu. Everyone filed in, creating a lively atmosphere. Gao Qiu joyfully eximed, "Brother Lin, we''re in! We''re in!"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and smiled, "Getting in is just the first step; the key is whates next."


    The eight bearers carried the pnquin into the Xu mansion and followed Yuzhu gracefully. Soon, they arrived at the back garden. There stood a mature, stunningly beautiful woman, d in a pink robe. She gave the bearers and musicians a slight nod and smiled faintly, "Thank you all. Yuzhu, give them their reward."The young maid took out some small silver pieces and distributed them to everyone, who then thanked her and left. Once the area was quiet, Yuzhu curiously asked, "Miss, who sent this gift? He didn''t even include a name!"


    Xu Zhiqing snorted, "Known or unknown, the name will not be disclosed, he clearly has something to hide, so naturally, he wouldn''t reveal his name. Does he think he can trick me with some gimmicks? I won''t fall for it."


    Yuzhu nodded, "Deceiving our Miss is not so easy. So, should we open the gift or not?"


    "Don''t open it!" Xu Zhiqing hesitated for a moment, then huffed, "Does he think I am so easily deceived? There''s no sincerity here!"


    Yuzhu looked at therge pnquin, wondering what could be inside that had the Miss both irritated and intrigued. She saw Xu Zhiqing''s lithe figure heading toward the embroidered tower and quickly followed her.


    Once upstairs, Yuzhu found Xu Zhiqing leaning against the railing, silently gazing at the pnquin in the garden. Her expression changed from red to white, from joy to irritation; her eyes held an array ofplex emotions that were difficult to read.


    "M-Miss," Yuzhu, growing impatient after a long silence, softly asked, "Shall we open the gift and take a look?"


    "If you want to see it, go ahead. I won''t fall for his tricks," Xu Zhiqing said, her tone gentle andcking any firmness.


    Yuzhu found it odd and asked, "Miss, do you know who sent this gift?"


    "I don''t know," Xu Zhiqing gritted her teeth, her cheeks gradually flushing. "It must be from some damn scoundrel."


    Upon hearing this, Yuzhu chuckled. The person who could make her mistress so irritated didn''t need to be named; it was clear who it was. Yuzhu nodded nonchntly. "It''s rare for such a scoundrel to remember Miss''s birthday. But since the gift is not to your liking, shall I have it returned to spare you the displeasure?"


    "Do as you please. I don''t care," Xu Zhiqing turned away and said lightly.


    Yuzhu acknowledged and hurried downstairs. Hearing her footsteps grow faint, Xu Zhiqing felt a pang in her heart and quickly shouted, "Yuzhu, Yuzhu!"


    Yuzhu turned back, puzzled, "Miss, what is it? I was about to have the gift returned."


    Xu Zhiqing''s cheeks were pink. She shook her head and huffed, "After all the awful things he''s done, why should I return his gift? Consider it found property. Open it and take a nce, then throw it away. Don''t report back to me."


    Yuzhu responded with a sweet smile, "Understood, Miss. But if you don''t want to see it, there''s no point in my looking either. We might as well throw it away directly."


    Just as she began to speak, she saw Xu Zhiqing rushing downstairs, her face a mixture of embarrassment and irritation. "What are you thinking, girl? Even my jokes you dare to take seriously?"


    Yuzhu giggled and whispered into Xu Zhiqing''s ear, "Miss, what harm is there in just taking a look? If you don''t like it, you can throw it away."


    Xu Zhiqing pondered for a moment, her face flushed. She spoke softly, "This is something you want to see, not me. Don''t tell anyone."


    "Yes, it''s me who wants to see," Yuzhu giggled, impressed in her heart. To make her usually astute and decisive mistress act this way, the young man who sent the gift must be quite something.


    Watching Yuzhu walk toward the pnquin, Xu Zhiqing''s heartbeat quickened. She suddenly called out again, "Yuzhu!"


    Turning her head, puzzled, Xu Zhiqing lowered hers, "There are too many people in the garden. Don''t make a spectacle; better to bring it to my loft before opening it."


    "Understood." Yuzhu made a face at her mistress and winked mysteriously. Xu Zhiqing couldn''t contain her embarrassment and turned her head away, cursing the man who had upset her so much.


    Yuzhu instructed several servants to carry the pnquin to Xu Zhiqing''s loft. Once it was set down and everyone else had dispersed, only the two of them remained. Yuzhu finally said with a smile, "Miss, I''m going to look at the gift now."


    Xu Zhiqing responded with a soft ''hmm,'' her cheeks flushed, "If you want to look, go ahead. Why do you need to inform me?"


    Yu Zhu chuckled as she lifted the curtain of the sedan. After just a nce, she couldn''t help but exim, "What is this?!"


    Upon hearing her words, Xu Zhiqing looked up and saw that the contents of the sedan were quite peculiar. Approximately as tall as a person¡ªtaller than the two of them by more than half a head¡ªwhatever it was had beenpletely covered by a cloth, making it difficult to identify. Yu Zhu touched it through the cloth a few times; it was soft and seemed to weigh very little. In her astonishment, she wrapped her arms around it and, with a slight effort, lifted it.


    The surprise on Miss Xu¡¯s face was needless to say. What kind of gift was this, to be sorge? She quickly stepped forward to assist Yu Zhu in holding it. The object was light to the touch; the two women could easily lift it.


    Once they had ced the gift properly, Yu Zhu giggled, "Judging by the size of this gift, it''s not something small. Maybe it''s a dashing and handsome young man."


    "You silly girl, what are you talking about?" Miss Xu''s face turned red, and she let out a soft "tsk."


    Yu Zhuughed lightly and took scissors to cut open the cloth that covered the gift. What could this gift be? Xu Zhiqing felt her skin heating up and her heartbeat elerating¡ªboth scared and excited.


    "Ah¡ª" When the cloth fell to the ground and they saw the gift for what it was, both women opened their mouths wide, unable to close them again.


    The gift was an exact replica of Lin San, matching him in height, appearance, and even attire. Even his wheat-colored skin, half-closed eyes, and mischievous smile were all vividly depicted, almost lifelike.


    "Young-Young Master Lin, why are you here?!" Yu Zhu''s voice trembled with unbelievable surprise.


    Xu Zhiqing chuckled lightly, "Silly girl, this isn''t him! It¡¯s just a cloth puppet! I don''t know what that scoundrel was thinking,ing up with such an idea; it''s maddening!"


    "A puppet?!" Yu Zhu still couldn''t believe it. She gently touched the "Lin San" figure and immediately eximed, "It really is a cloth doll! I¡¯ve never seen one sorge, and it''s modeled after Young Master Lin. Miss, you should feel it too¡ªit''s so soft andfortable!" Given that the puppet was so realistic and the lighting in the attic was dim, it was understandable that Yu Zhu had mistaken it at first.


    "Why would I touch it, when you''re so shameless?" Xu Zhiqing''s pretty face flushed as she whispered.


    "Miss, there¡¯s nothing to fear; it''s just a cloth doll. What harm is there in touching it? Just imagine, if you could sleep holding a doll like this every day, wouldn''t that be incrediblyfortable?" Yu Zhu touched "Lin San," clearly enchanted, and said, "Miss, do you want this gift? If you don''t, you should just give it to me."


    Her words grew increasingly brazen. Xu Zhiqing felt her heart flutter, her face reddening as if painted by the evening glow. "I don''t want it. My room is just missing a few sandbags for practicing my martial arts. So, just take this puppet to my room. I can kick it a few times every day to feel better¡ª"


    "Oh¡ª" Yu Zhu suddenly understood and smiled mysteriously, "So Miss is using Young Master Lin as a punching bag. I see, I see!"


    "You impertinent girl¡ª" Xu Zhiqing chuckled and attempted to swat her maid, the two embroiled in yful banter, when the sudden sound of drums and music echoed from outside. A young maidservant rushed in, eximing, "Miss, Miss, something''s amiss! Someone has sent another congrattory gift!"


    "Let them send, what''s so strange about that? Oh, who is it from?" Yuzhu ceased her frolics and grinned.


    The young servant hesitantly replied, "The man said, ''Known or unknown, the name will not be disclosed!''"


    "It''s him again!" Eldest Miss Xu''s face flushed a rosy pink, her expression tinged with unspoken bashfulness.


    Yuzhu acted quickly this time. Without waiting for her mistress''s instructions, she waved her hand and said, "Quick, quick, bring the pnquin to Miss''s chamber." Once the young maidservant went to convey the orders, Yuzhu leaned into Xu Zhiqing''s ear and giggled, "Miss, congrattions are in order. Judging by Mr. Lin''s behavior, it seems he won''t rest until he aplishes something wonderful today." Xu Zhiqing softly spat, unable to utter a word.


    When the pnquin was brought in, Xu Zhiqing felt much more at ease thanks to the experience of the first time; her heart also felt sweeter.


    Yuzhu lifted the pnquin curtain and peered inside. She instantlyughed, "Miss, Mr. Lin has sent another cloth doll. Ah, why is there no veil this time? And the legs are even flexible!"


    "Young girl, I warn you, don''t touch my butt!" Lin San''snguid voice resonated from within the pnquin. Miss Xu let out a sound of surprise and stood there, stunned!


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 462

    Chapter 462 You Are My Teacup


    Yuzhu trembled in fright, her small feet hopping as she hid behind Xu Zhiqing. She peeked out her head, both astonished and delighted, "Miss, Miss, this doll can talk! And his voice sounds just like Young Master Lin''s! Ah, look, he can even walk! Oh my heavens, he''s actually walking out by himself! What an adorable plush toy!"


    Lin Wanrong rolled his eyes at hearing this. ¡®How on earth did you grow those eyes of yours? Have you ever seen a plush toy so dashing? I''m the first one you''ve dared call ''cute,'' aren''t I?¡¯


    Xu Zhiqing''s eyes were sharp as daggers. Her delicate face flushed a light pink as she hummed dismissively, "What plush toy? More like a living ghost. You are bing more and more ignorant. This is my private chamber; how could you let a strange man barge in? Have someone kick him out immediately."


    "Are you really Young Master Lin? Not a doll?" Yuzhu was still unconvinced, pointing a tiny finger and blinking herrge eyes inquisitively.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Have you ever seen such a handsome ''doll''? If you still don''t believe,e and touch me again¡ªjust don''t go for any crucial areas this time. Don''t worry; I won''t charge you."


    Yuzhu let out a soft cry, her hands mping over her reddened cheeks, not daring to make a sound. Who else would dare to speak so frivolously in front of the Miss? No one would believe he was anyone but Lin San.


    Lin Wanrong took a few slow steps and propped himself next to a life-sized plush toy that was about his height. After giving it a quick once-over, he nodded approvingly, "Old pal, the more I look at you, the more handsome you seem."


    "Yuzhu, why are you still talking to him?" Watching Lin Wanrong praise himself, Xu Zhiqing felt likeughing but restrained herself and let out another hum, "Quickly, kick this shameless man out before my father and stepmother see him."Lin Wanrong winked, ¡®That''s the funniest joke I''ve ever heard. Your father sold you off long ago; you probably just don''t know it yet.¡¯ Xu Zhiqing saw his suggestive expression and her heart pounded. Forcing down her embarrassment, she whispered, "Yuzhu, what are you waiting for? Quickly, tell him to leave."


    Yuzhu did not dare to go against Xu Zhiqing''s wishes. Lowering her hands, she said timidly, "Master Lin, this is the Miss''s chamber. She, she requests that you leave."


    Master Lin''s eyes widened, "Leave? Yuzhu, my dear, you must be mistaken! When did I even enter? I was sitting in my sedan, here to talk with Lord Xu, and before I knew it, I was carried into this chamber. I haven''t even uttered a single word and you want to kick me out? This seems somewhat unreasonable. You should know that I haven''t done anything wrong from beginning to end!"


    This seemed reasonable enough. Just moments ago, she and the Miss hadn''t yet determined the right or wrong of the situation and had already carried Master Lin''s sedan in. Ultimately, he wasn''t to me.


    "Miss¡ª" Yuzhu looked at Xu Zhiqing in embarrassment, not knowing how to proceed.


    Xu Zhiqing knew very well that Yuzhu was no match for a slick character like Lin San. Even if she herself were to step up, she would likely be defeated within a few moves. Seeing Lin San''s eyes gleaming as they looked at her, her heart rate quickened. She quickly lowered her head and huffed softly, "Yuzhu, ask him what he''s here for. If he can''t give a satisfactory answer, then kick him out!"


    Yuzhu yfully stuck out her tongue and giggled, "Master Lin, did you hear that? My Miss is asking, what business brings you here to seek her? If you have none, you''re kindly asked to leave."


    Master Lin sighed, a look of sorrow covering his face. "The world is truly a difficult ce; people have lost their virtues. Who would have thought that even giving someone a gift would be met with so much scrutiny? Think about it, youngdy, I''ve gone through great trouble to find out someone''s birthday, painstakingly prepared a gift for them, and even discreetly avoided her parents. And yet, all I receive is suspicion and interrogation. How would you feel in my shoes?"


    Yuzhu nodded sympathetically. Xu Zhiqing blushed and muttered under her breath, "You scoundrel, always bullying people. I don''t believe you. Yuzhu, ask him where he learned my birthdate."


    Chuckling, Yuzhu ryed, "Master Lin, my Miss says you''re a scoundrel who loves to bully people. She also wants to know how you found out her birthdate."


    Xu Zhiqing huffed softly, her face flushed. "You silly girl, who asked you to repeat it word for word?"


    In this era, a woman''s birthdate, much like her age, was a closely guarded secret, discussed only in the context of marriage arrangements. Understandably, Miss Xu wanted to rify this matter. Lin Wanrong and Xu Zhiqing were standing just a few steps apart, and could hear each other clearly. Despite her embarrassment, Miss Xu spoke through her maid. Lin Wanrong didn''t mind; he chuckled, "As for the birthdate, I searched for it in the Household Registry. Oh my, such a thick volume, I flipped through each page, and it took me three days and nights without sleep."


    His exaggerated hand gestures had Yuzhuughing uncontrobly, and even Xu Zhiqing couldn''t help but smile. Though she knew he was lying, she no longer cared to pursue it. What a woman wanted was the feeling of being cherished and protected.


    Seeing her Miss'' flushed cheeks and soft gaze, Yuzhu whispered in Xu Zhiqing''s ear, "Miss, do you still want to send him away?"


    Xu Zhiqing hesitated and quickly turned her head, "Send him awayter! Ask him, what exactly is this gift? It''s so big; isn''t he intentionally making my parentsugh?"


    Lin Wanrong almost burst outughing. This Miss Xu always had her father in mind. He patted therge cloth doll and said, "This? It''s called Lin San Doll, my own unique invention. Look how tall and handsome it is, absolutely lovable. There''s only one in the whole world. Yuzhu, could you please ask Miss Xu if she likes this Lin San Doll?"


    Yuzhu looked at the doll once more, "It''s such a big Lin San! Miss, do you like it?"


    What kind of question was this? How could she answer? Her cheeks burning, Xu Zhiqing hummed softly, not daring to look up. She sneaked a nce at Lin San who was nodding and shaking his head, looking iprehensibly pleased with himself. Unwilling to concede, she whispered a few words into Yuzhu''s ear. Yuzhu stifled augh and said, "Master Lin, my Miss says that if the doll''s face were covered and its appearance concealed, she would like it very, very much. But if its true face were exposed, she would dislike it very, very much."


    Hearing the maidservant''s coquettish tone and seeing Xu Zhiqing''s bashful beauty, Lin Wanrong felt as if a weight had been lifted from his bones. He chuckled in a flirtatious manner, "Really? I also find him quite annoying, quite annoying indeed!"


    "Scoundrel!" Both the maidservant and her mistress spat out the word, their faces blushing beyond their ears. They intended to scold him, but somehow, their words stuck in their throats.


    "Miss, should we continue to question him? From what I see, it seems we''ll never get a straight answer out of Master Lin. He''s quite the rascal," the maidservant hesitantly and softly inquired, her face flushed.


    "Ask. Of course we will ask," Xu Zhiqing replied, her pretty face burning. Despite her embarrassment, there was a hint of defiance in her voice. "We can''t let him get away with it. Ask him again, what am I to him? Why is he giving me this gift?"


    Yuzhu nodded repeatedly, thinking her mistress indeed was astute for not overlooking such a crucial question. She stared at Lin Wanrong and smilingly said, "Master Lin, my mistress wants to know why you''re giving her such an extravagant gift. What exactly is she to you?"


    This was a difficult question. Answer too deeply, and they might not understand; answer too shallowly, and he would appear superficial. Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment before grinning, "She''s my teacup!"


    "Teacup?" Not only was Yuzhu puzzled, but even Xu Zhiqing was at a loss. She mused for a while, then subtly signaled Yuzhu with her eyes. The maidservant caught on quickly and sweetly asked, "Master Lin, could you please rify? I''m having some difficulty understanding."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, offering a shy smile, "Little sister, let''s leave it at that. I''m an introverted person and not very good at expressing my emotions¡ªbesides, it might not be appropriate to discuss this with you."


    "Ha!" Xu Zhiqing and the maidservant both scoffed simultaneously. Lin San, introverted? Even pigs wouldugh at that.


    Yuzhu leaned into Xu Zhiqing''s ear and whispered, "Miss, Master Lin is truly an interesting man. Whoever ends up with him would have an endless supply of happiness in life."


    Xu Zhiqing blushed, retorting, "What do you know, little girl? Mere wit won''t suffice. He must be resourceful, adaptable, and capable of serving the people¡ª"


    Yuzhu looked at her in astonishment and broke intoughter, "Ah, I see, Miss. Are these criteria for choosing your husband?"


    Xu Zhiqing''s cheeks were suffused with a rosy glow. She lightly spat out, "Nonsense! What choosing a husband? You''re the one with spring fever."


    Yuzhu giggled, "If it''s not the criteria for choosing a husband, why are youparing Master Lin to them? Aren''t all the qualities you mentioned Lin Wanrong''s strong points? Not only is he romantic, but he also stands up for the people. Could you find someone better who''d earn both your and the master''s admiration?"


    Xu Zhiqing lowered her gaze, remaining silent. Just as her maidservant had pointed out, although Lin San appeared to be unserious and frivolous, everything he had done was extraordinary and awe-inspiring. Even the gift he presented was consistently surprising and delightful. She softly smiled, her voice gentle, "This man certainly knows how to scheme. Don''t be taken in by him. Quickly find out, what does he mean by saying I''m his teacup? What a vulgar metaphor!"


    The mistress and her maid were conversing in hushed tones. Lin Wanrong pricked up his ears but couldn''t catch a single word. Just as he was about to inch closer to eavesdrop, Yuzhu looked up and grinned. "Master Lin, my Miss said that as long as you exin the story behind this teacup, she will not drive you away."


    "Must I really exin?" Lin Wanrong asked awkwardly. Seeing the maid''s assured expression and Miss Xu''s coy, bashful gaze, he sighed and shook his head. "Little sister Yuzhu, please pour me a cup of tea."


    Before the Miss could give the order, Yuzhu happilyplied, handing him a cup of hot tea. After watching him take a sip, she softly said, "Master Lin, tell us, why did you ask my mistress to be your teacup?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned mysteriously and sighed, "¡ªSo I can hold her in the palm of my hand."


    "Ah!" Both women blushed furiously. Lin San had no filter; he could actually utter such cheesy lines. Yuzhu chuckled, her face red, "Miss, Master Lin, better save such words for yourselves. They''re not quite appropriate for a maid like me to hear¡ª hee hee¡ª"


    Twirling around, the young maid gracefully scampered out. Xu Zhiqing called out a few times but to no avail. Only she and Lin Wanrong remained in the room, in total silence.


    Noticing that he was staring at her but saying nothing, Xu Zhiqing felt uneasy. Her face flushed up to her neck. She spat out, "What are you looking at?"


    Lin Wanrong took a few steps closer, looked her up and down, and asked solemnly, "Miss Xu, how old are you today?"


    Hearing this, Xu Zhiqing''s face darkened. She was a widow who had lost her husband before even crossing the threshold into his home. She had been in mourning for years, her youth slipping away. In the capital, everyone knew her story. Lin Wanrong''s question struck her where it hurt the most. She lowered her head, tears forming, and angrily turned away. "If you''re repulsed by me, just say it. I don''t need your pity!"


    Lin Wanrong seemed not to have heard her. Fixated on her lovely face, he sighed, "Ah, you look more beautiful than a dew-kissed begonia, more stunning by far. How will I celebrate your neenth birthday next year? It''s really a headache!"


    "You¡ª you''re annoying!" Xu Zhiqing was both angry and pleased, bursting into a smile. She finally understood that this scoundrel was deliberately praising her beauty, making her feel miserable for a moment.


    Already renowned for her beauty, Miss Xu looked even more enchanting with her coyness, resembling a begonia blushing in shame¡ªunparalleled in the world. Lin Wanrong took her trembling hand and said softly, "Miss Xu, let''s stop being at odds. Wasn''t it nice when we got along in Shandong?"


    With a snort, Xu Zhiqing almost conceded. Though famous for her intelligence, she couldn''t withstand his sweet talk. A flush of red soared to her cheeks, and she tried to pull her hand away. "You scoundrel! You''re only good at talking. I don''t know how many innocent girls you''ve deceived. I don''t believe a word you say¡ªwhat was so good about our time in Shandong? All you did was bully me!"


    "I''m not just good with words," Lin Wanrong chuckled, tightly holding her small hand. "Miss Xu, you are mistaken if you think I''d bother with just any woman. It''s only you¡ª"


    Seeing his shameless demeanor, Miss Xu wanted nothing more than to give him a good whack on the head. After hesitating for a moment, she couldn''t bring herself to do it. Instead, she humphed, "Don''t just say things that sound nice. You have a strong-willed wife at home. Can you even make such decisions? Let her speak for herself!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 463

    Chapter 463 The First Man


    A strong-willed wife? Lin Wanrong was caught betweenughter and tears. Miss Xu seemed like no easy person to deal with either. Qingxuan, such a beautiful and magnanimous woman, was considered "strong-willed" in her eyes? Comparing the two, it wasn''t clear who was more domineering.


    "Why, can''t you speak now?" Seeing Lin Wanrong''s hesitance, Miss Xu felt a pang of bitterness. She bit her lip and turned her head away. "Are you really that afraid of her? You can''t even express what''s in your heart?"


    The young woman''s thoughts were getting increasingly muddled. Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Miss Xu, you''ve probably heard of how Qingxuan and I met. Princess Chuyun is both beautiful and kind, renowned far and wide. She''s not the arrogant person you make her out to be. On the contrary, Qingxuan understands me and always puts me first. She''s never onceined. She also gets along well with Ning''er and Qiaoqiao, like they are sisters. Where else would I find such a good wife? As for what''s on my mind, I''ve already spoken it. What do you mean, ''dare not say''?"


    Xu Zhiqing lowered her head, remaining silent for a while before finally speaking, "So, what you''re saying is that earlier, those words were instructed by Miss Xiao?"


    ¡®That''s not the case. Qingxuan has already made it clear: any woman I take an interest in must first be approved by them before they can join the family. Considering your strong-willed nature, it remains to be seen whether you would pass their scrutiny.¡¯


    "Do I even need Qingxuan''s instructions?" Lin Wanrong didn''t even blink as he chuckled mysteriously, ncing at Xu Zhiqing. "I came of my own ord."


    Among all the things he said, this sentence appealed to her the most. Xu Zhiqing''s face turned red; she lowered her head and whispered, "So, you came here yourself? Aren''t you afraid she will¡ª"


    "Will what? Catch me cheating?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled."Catch your big head!" Miss Xu was both angry and annoyed. Her face flushed, she clenched her fist andnded a punch on the chest of the nearby Lin San doll, creating a dull thud. The doll wobbled a bit. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but marvel¡ªhad this young woman been practicing boxing recently? That punch was not light. ¡®Poor doll,¡¯ he thought.


    "Miss Xu, is your boudoir upstairs?" Lin Wanrong asked with a teasing smile.


    Feeling his gaze deeply fixed on her face, Xu Zhiqing''s heart began to race. Struggling under his scrutiny, she lowered her head, her voice trembling, "What are you trying to do? Don''t act recklessly. I¡ªI will call for help!"


    "What could I possibly do?" Lin Wanrongughed boisterously, picking up the cloth doll and moving step by step toward the stairs. "I''ll carry this doll upstairs for you. If you''re ever angry, just take it out on him. You can even cuddle him in bed at night¡ªno one will see."


    "Scoundrel!" Miss Xu muttered, not even having the chance to stop him. The indecent man had already quickly ascended the stairs with the cloth doll. Xu Zhiqing became anxious, hurriedly saying, "Wait, wait a minute, there''s something upstairs¡ª"


    "What is it? Could it be a hidden portrait of me?" Lin Wanrong was pleased with himself as he effortlessly entered Miss Xu''s boudoir. He chuckled softly and stepped in, only to feel a warm sensation at his leg, as if something was nearing him. Unconcerned, he chortled, "Move away. Move away, don''t hinder me from moving things! Hey, what are you licking me with¡ª"


    "Woof¡ªWoof¡ª" Two fierce barks suddenly erupted within the room, akin to the abrupt roll of spring thunder, jolting Lin Wanrong to his core. He stood motionless, sweat trickling down his forehead. He finally looked down to see a menacingrge dog beside him, its green eyes ring and its red tongue slowly licking his pant leg.


    He let out an involuntary "Ah!" before hurriedly covering his mouth, standing frozen as sweat drenched him. ¡®I''ve been careless, very careless. I didn''t expect Miss Xu to keep this vicious dog ''Lin San'' in her boudoir. She cares for this beast more than me!¡¯


    Xu Zhiqing quickly ascended the stairs and couldn''t help but giggle at the sight of him standing in a cold sweat, trembling in fear. Lin San was renowned for his intelligence and bravery, but nobody would ever guess that the celebrated hero was actually afraid of dogs. If word of this got out, it would be utterlyughable.


    "Miss Xu, could you ask this creature to leave? It and I don''t quite get along," Lin Wanrong cautiously said, wiping his forehead.


    "You brought this upon yourself!" Miss Xu rolled her eyes at him, her cheeks flushed. She softly said, "Stay still, I¡¯lle to your rescue!" Her voice was tinged with an indefinable tenderness, and her face was radiant with a maternal glow. Seeing Lin San, usually so clever and cunning, look so helpless for once was akin to seeing a child.


    "Come with me." Xu Zhiqing gently gripped Lin Wanrong''s rough hand with her own trembling one. Her whisper seemed to possess a magical allure, causing him to feel somewhat entranced. He turned his head and saw her blushingly radiant ears and slightly quivering long eyshes, undeniably enchanting.


    Strangely enough, as soon as Xu Zhiqing held Lin Wanrong''s hand, the menacing dog ceased its barking and sat down. Its eyes glowed green as it watched the pair, giving Lin Wanrong a chill down his spine. They walked into the inner chamber, and he caught a subtle fragrance in the air. "Rose perfume? Miss Xu, so you like this scent!"


    "What nonsense are you talking about?" Xu Zhiqing frowned, slightly irritated. "This was a gift from Aunt Guo. I didn''t know initially that you were the one who made this perfume. By the time I found out, it was toote to refuse. I''ve grown fond of the scent."


    Lin Wanrong let out a long "Oh," grinning from ear to ear. "So, Miss Xu and the Madam share the same taste, both fond of this rich rose scent. Understood, understood!"


    Confused by his implication, Xu Zhiqing, a diligent learner, couldn''t help but knit her brows. "What''s wrong with liking a rich rose scent? Is there some sort of ssification for this perfume?"


    This was Miss Xu''s boudoir, a room furnished with only a single square stool, ced before a vanity. The mirror reflected the faces of two individuals: one as fragrant and pink as a peach blossom in March, the other grinning mischievously like a monkey in the mountains.


    ¡®At a time like this, you still can''t manage to look serious. How annoying.¡¯ Xu Zhiqing cast a furtive nce at their reflections, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of shame and delight. She led him to sit on the square stool, then quietly lowered her head, unwilling to speak.


    A light white gauze curtain obscured the room''s pink ivory bed, faintly revealing the rosy quilt and jade pillows. A subtle fragrance filled the air, creating an atmosphere of warmth. Lin Wanrong''s heart pounded as he imagined the enchanting scene of Miss Xu, her chest partially covered, her icy skin glowing against the jade and ivory bedding. It seemed as though Xu Zhiqing had seen right through him, her blushing cheeks now even more radiant than the embroidered quilt, as if she were a freshly bloomed peach blossom. ?£Á¦­??§£¦¥?


    Lin Wanrong has entered quite a few boudoirs¡ªQiaoqiao''s, Qin Xian''er''s, Luo Ning''s, the Eldest Miss''s, Yu Shuang''s, and even Madam¡¯s. Each room was unique in its arrangement, each woman with her own style, creating unforgettable impressions. But this room of Miss Xu''s contrasted sharply with her usually aloof demeanor; here, subdued pinks prevailed, revealing a unique taste. Swallowing, Lin Wanrong grinned and said, "There''s some truth to it. It''s been studied that girls who like rose perfume are generally outgoing, and those who prefer a stronger scent are even more passionate¡ª"


    Xu Zhiqing scoffed, "More nonsense. I bet the only one who enjoys studying such ridiculous theories is you. Do I look like such a person to you?"


    "That remains to be seen," Lin Wanrong replied with a lecherous smile. "You haven''t explored certain aspects yet. How can you be sure you''re not that kind of person?"


    At first, she didn''t catch his implication, but Xu Zhiqing was Xu Zhiqing¡ªthe renowned intelligent woman. A brief moment of thought made her understand his devious intentions. Her face flushed deep red, and she red at him, speechless.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly. In Shandong, he had held, touched, and kissed Miss Xu to the point of crossing almost every boundary. At this juncture, any pretense of being refined but not vulgar would not only make him lose respect for himself but would likely not sit well with Miss Xu either.


    "Eh, what''s this?" Noticing Xu Zhiqing''s silence, Lin Wanrong''s gaze wandered andnded on a cradle near the door. Laid with straw and holding a knitted sweater, it puzzled him. "What is this for?"


    Xu Zhiqing gave a secretive smile and pped her hands lightly. From outside the door, the fierce dog "Lin San" leapt in with a swish. Lin Wanrong, however, was even quicker to react. He jumped up and hid behind Xu Zhiqing, stammering, "Miss Xu, why did ite in?"


    "Don''t worry," Xu Zhiqing said, patting his hand reassuringly. "Without my permission, it won''t bite you. Lin San, go to sleep."


    Sleep? Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment. Could it be? Miss Xu was telling him to sleep? In her private chamber, on this sole ivory bed, and in broad daylight? Could she share the same hobbies as he did?


    "What are you waiting for? Sleep, quickly!" Xu Zhiqing raised her voice again, her tone tinged with impatience.


    ¡®This girl isn''t afraid, so what am I afraid of?¡¯ Lin Wanrong let out a grunt andy straight down on the bed, grinning as he said, "Alright, I¡¯ll heed your words and sleep well. Miss Xu, you should join me."


    Startled by the voice behind her, Xu Zhiqing turned around abruptly. Seeing Lin Wanrong stretched out on her embroidered bed, her cheeks flushed red. She hurriedly pulled him up and stammered, "What are you doing? If my parents see this, how would I ever exin? You scoundrel, you''re trying to get me killed!"


    "Don''t cry, don''t cry," Lin Wanrong quickly said, bewildered by her tears. "Didn''t you tell me to sleep? Ah, I get it now. You want me to sleep on the floor, to strengthen my core, right? Ah, such a unique hobby; it''s my first time hearing about it."


    "What nonsense are you talking about!" Xu Zhiqing was a mix of embarrassment and annoyance. She realized the problem in her prior words and actions, her tears falling faster even as she wanted tough. She pointed at the dog, "I was telling it to sleep, not you!"


    The dog had already leaped into the cradle, poking its head mysteriously through the sweater and closing its eyes. From a distance, it appeared to be napping.


    He had really been wronged here. Lin Wanrong couldn''t express his grievance. This misunderstanding was not the first of its kind, and he med it on Miss Xu. Why did she have to name the dog "Lin San"? Was that a name she could just casually give?


    "Are you alright?" Seeing the changing expressions on Lin Wanrong''s face, Xu Zhiqing wanted tough but dared not to. She secretly sped his hand, feeling an indescribable warmth in her heart, and softly asked.


    "I¡¯m fine," Lin Wanrong said, his voice full of disdain. "I didn¡¯t expect this Brother Lin San to enjoy such high standards¡ªsleeping in a sweater. It really makes me jealous. Miss Xu, may I ask, did you knit this sweater yourself?"


    Xu Zhiqing turned her head away, a shy and slightly annoyed expression on her face. "I won¡¯t tell you."


    "This beast, even wears a branded sweater." Miss Xu''s attitude said it all, and Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth. Observing the dog''s peaceful slumber and with Miss Xu beside him, he figured the dog wouldn¡¯t dare to do anything. He chuckled twice and discreetly stretched out his hand, tugging at the sweater on the dog.


    "What are you doing?" Xu Zhiqing, partly annoyed and partly amused, found herself puzzled. She wasn''t young and was usually considered mature and steady by everyone. Yet, why did she feel as if she lost herself when she was around this rascal? Laughing and crying, fighting and ying along with him, and yet never growing tired of it¡ªwhat an odd predicament!


    Lin Wanrong chuckled without answering, eyeing the "napping" Lin San cautiously, his movements slow and subtle. Xu Zhiqing''s cheeks flushed; she wanted to stop him but couldn''t find a reason to.


    The vicious dog, known as Lin San, seemed unaware of his movements. Lying there quietly, Lin Wanrong''s courage swelled. With a flick of his wrist, he snatched the woolen sweater from the dog''s head. The beast let out a howl and rolled its eyes but, noticing that Miss Xu was too shy to pay any attention to him, it closed its eyes and went back to sleep.


    "That was close," Lin Wanrong patted his chest, a smug expression on his face. However, when he looked at the woolen sweater, he paused. The craftsmanship was exquisite,rge and roomy withplete sleeves. It didn''t look like it was meant for a dog; instead, it seemed tailored for him.


    "What a waste to put something this fine on a brute!" Lin Wanrong held the sweater up against himself, and the more he looked, the more it seemed to fit. He couldn''t help but shake his head in wonder.


    Miss Xu''s eyes moistened, tears swirling, on the brink of falling. Abruptly, she yanked the sweater from his hands and sobbed, "It''s none of your business! I made it for the dog, not you. Give it back to me! Ugh, you''re so annoying."


    No matter how brilliant or wise a woman is, in the end, she is still a woman, sharing many of the same petty tempers. Sighing, Lin Wanrong embraced Xu Zhiqing and whispered in her ear, "It''s not that I''m ungrateful; you never told me, so how could I know?"


    "You never thought of me in the first ce! I started knitting this in Shandong, and you never had any clue. I hate you, I hate you!" Xu Zhiqing seemed to erupt like a volcano, tears flowing freely. She threw a few small punches at the Lin San toy, then, finding it not satisfying enough, her fists came like a torrential rain against the real Lin San''s chest.


    "You started in Shandong?" Lin Wanrong felt a pang of guilt. Back then, he had been busy searching for the silver and deeply engrossed in his studies with Ning''er, not having the time to consider Xu Zhiqing''s feelings.


    Stubbornly, Xu Zhiqing nodded, tears streaming down her face. "That night you barged into Ning''er''s room and mistook me for her, treating me like that... I hate you to death," she said through gritted teeth, her eyes tinged red, but also showing a hint of nostalgic tenderness.


    "From the next day on, I started secretly knitting and crocheting, with only one thought in mind: to fill this sweater with steel needles and kill you, you wretched man!" Miss Xu bothughed and cried, her expression bitter. "Back then, I had to deceive everyone, including you and that clever, tricky Ning''er. When she was walking, I talked to her; when she was asleep, I worked in secret. From Shandong back to the capital, I couldn''t get a single good night''s sleep."


    It must have been hard. Deceiving others might be easy, but deceiving Ning''er was another matter entirely. She was a vixen far craftier than a fox spirit. How could she not notice any rustling?


    Lost in thought, Lin Wanrong was jolted back to reality by the escting intensity in Xu Zhiqing''s voice. "So I, Xu Zhiqing, am just unlucky, huh? Just as this gift was nearly finished, you happened to reunite with Miss Xiao again. I nned to give you this and invite you over, yet you, you scoundrel, treated me like this. I might as well turn this gift into a doghouse¡ªyou wretch, I hate you! Now, get out!"


    Fiery by nature, tears rolled down Xu Zhiqing''s cheeks as she forcefully pushed him towards the door. Lin Wanrong had known Xu Zhiqing for more than a day or two and understood her temperament well. No wonder she harbored such resentment; there was more to this situation than met the eye.


    Just as he was about to be pushed out the door, he softly sighed into her ear, "Zhiqing, am I not the first man to enter your chamber? Would you really send me away like this?"


    "You''re not the first!" Xu Zhiqing''s heart softened, her body rxing considerably.


    Not the first? There had been men before me? Lin Wanrong froze in ce.


    "You fool!" Seeing his sullen face, a sense of unspeakable sweetness filled Xu Zhiqing''s heart, and she pushed him down the stairs without hesitation. "The first one was my father!"


    Ah, how could he be so foolish! pping his own face, Lin Wanrong leapt up as if waking from a dream, only to smack his forehead against a decorative rock by the side. The loud thud resounded clearly, even to Xu Zhiqing who was secretly watching him from the upstairs embroidery room.


    "Idiot!" She bashfully covered her cheeks, her heart filled with sweet happiness.


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 464

    Chapter 464 Unfulfilled


    Gao Qiu had been waiting outside the gate for quite a while. When he saw Lin Wanronging out in high spirits, he hurriedly approached, inspecting Lin San''s forehead. His face immediately turned into a look of shock. "Brother Lin, what happened to you? Were there assassins in the mansion? How did you get such a serious injury?"


    Lin Wanrong had been too ted to think about it earlier. Only when Gao Qiu mentioned it did he suddenly feel a burning pain on his forehead. He touched it with his hand and found arge bump forming. "It''s nothing serious," he grimaced. "It''s just that the rockery in the Xu Mansion walked into me without looking. Brother Gao, can you check if it''s serious? Will it affect my handsome face? Damn it, my livelihood depends on this face."


    Gao Qiu burst into heartyughter, waving his hand dismissively, "It''s no big deal. As long as it didn''t hit your mouth, it won''t hinder you from eating or flirting with girls."


    "Look who''s talking," Lin Wanrong rolled his eyes, unimpressed. "I earn my meals and woo women with real skills, not just smooth talk."


    Gao Qiu rummaged through his pouch, revealing various small bottles and jars. Lin Wanrong, with keen eyes, noticed several famous miracle cures among them, like the "Arhat''s Mighty Stick" and "Immortal''s Undressing Elixir". He whistled admiringly, "Brother Gao, you really live up to your reputation. With all these miraculous medicines you carry, you won''t use them up in ten lifetimes. The chivalrous women out there are truly lucky."


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s lecherous grin, and recalling theirst run-in in scamming Young Master Tao on their way from Hangzhou, Gao Qiu felt a bit apprehensive. He quickly put away his treasures, chuckling awkwardly, "What are you talking about? When ites to women I''m fond of, it''s all about building emotional connections, with medicines as a supplement, a supplement¡ª"


    ¡®What a supplement! How can you even say that? How did I end up befriending a scoundrel like you? One with character, just like me!¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed heartily, pping Gao Qiu on the shoulder, suddenly feeling a sense of camaraderie.


    After some searching, Gao Qiu took out a bottle of bruise ointment and carefully applied it to Lin Wanrong''s forehead. Then, grinning slyly, he asked, "So, how did things go? Judging by your cheerful demeanor, did you seed? Miss Xu is a renowned icy beauty in the capital, both aloof and educated. I didn¡¯t think you''d be the one to win her over. Let me congratte you in advance!"¡®This old Gao is surely someone who''s ustomed to "supplementing with medicines,"¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, disdainful. ¡®With all his talk about ''seeding'' and ''winning over,'' what kind of person does he think I am? I''ve always believed in mutual affection and resonance of the soul and body, without relying on medicines.¡¯ Wanting to answer Gao Qiu''s question, Lin Wanrong found himself puzzled. Speaking with Miss Xu, he had been abruptly sent away. What did that mean? Was it a sess or not?


    "Brother, how did it go? Did you seed? Ah, we''re brothers, there''s no need to hold back. Just tell me honestly!" Gao Qiu looked at him eagerly, pressing for an answer.


    "I''ve truly let you down, Brother Gao," Lin Wanrong lowered his head in shame. "I failed."


    "Failed?" Gao Qiu''s expression instantly turned serious. He nodded gravely, "Miss Xu is indeed worthy of her reputation. She even managed to rebuff you, Brother Lin. If word of this gets out, her prestige will likely soar even higher. No, we can''t let her seed. I must lend you a hand, Brother Lin." He shook the vials and jars tucked in his clothing, looking around conspiratorially. "Choose whichever medicine you like; my entire inventory is right here. How about this one? It''s called ''Fiery Maiden''s Chant,'' thetest trend. It''s what all the brothels use on their new girls¡ªone packet is equivalent to ten¡ª"


    ¡®How could you be so audacious? Do you think I''m that kind of person?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled, awkwardly dismissing the notion. "Thank you for your kind offer, Brother Gao, but there''s no rush. I''lle to you for medicine when the need arises."


    The two chatted for a bit. Just as Gao Qiu finished applying ointment for him and they were about to leave, the grand vermilion gates of the Xu residence suddenly swung open. A young maid named Yuzhu rushed out, shouting urgently, "Master Lin, Master Lin, please hold on¡ª"


    "Young miss, what''s the matter?" Lin Wanrong grinned yfully. "We''re outside the residence now; if you touch me again, you''ll have to pay!"


    Blushing a deep red, Yuzhu lowered her head and muttered softly, "Master Lin, my mistress asked me to give you this letter and bottle. Please take a look for yourself. I¡ªI have to go now."


    Yuzhu hurriedly handed him a letter and a small bottle before turning and running off as quickly as she could. Intrigued, Gao Qiu picked up the bottle and examined it. "Well, well, well, Brother Lin, you''ve already won her over and you didn''t tell me. And here I was, worrying about you."


    "Win her over? That''s not true!" Lin Wanrong felt wronged. Gao Qiu chuckled and shook the bottle in his hand, "Trying to hide it from me? Look, what is this?" ????????¦¥?


    "It''s medicine for bruises and sprains," Lin Wanrong replied, puzzled. "What''s so special about that?"


    "It''s not just any medicine for bruises. It''s top-grade stuff. This ointment contains dew from willow branches collected in the springtime and year-old snow lotus flowers from ice mountains. It''s incredibly effective for reducing swelling and relieving pain," Gao Qiu proudly proimed, unting his expertise.


    Lin Wanrong felt confused. Dew from willow branches and year-old snow lotus might relieve pain, but what did that have to do with whether he''d won someone over?


    "Still pretending, eh?" Gao Qiuughed. "Brother Lin, you''re so knowledgeable, skilled in both poetry and prose. You surely know what this medicine is called among schrs like you, don''t you?"


    ¡®Do I look like some kind of schr to you?¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed. "Brother Gao, do you really not understand my character? Have you ever seen a burly and strong schr like me who goes around causing trouble?"


    ¡®True enough,¡¯ Gao Qiu nodded in agreement, chuckling. ¡®Given the way Brother Lin carries himself¡ªneither wearing white robes nor holding a folding fan, but instead flirting with the youngdies from various households all day¡ªyou could hardly consider him a schrly figure.¡¯ Heughed heartily, "No wonder you''re unaware. Think about it¡ª''Dew of Spring,'' ''Snow of the Iceberg.'' Such poetic names would surely be transformed if they passed through the lips of schrs and beauties. ''Bruise ointment''¡ªwhat a vulgar name!"


    "So what''s it really called?" Growing impatient at Gao Qiu''s rambling, Lin Wanrong hurriedly interrupted, "Out with it!"


    "How can you not guess it?" Gao Qiu grinned. "The Dew of Spring, the Snow of the Iceberg. Combine them, and isn''t it ''Spring Wind and Jade Dew''? That''s what this medicinal balm is called! I have no idea how those idle young masters and mistresses came up with such a name."


    "Spring Wind and Jade Dew?" [In Chinese literature, it has romantic and sexual undertones] Lin Wanrong gasped. ¡®What an...erotic name, almostparable to the immortals shedding their garments!¡¯ He quickly opened the letter and nced at its contents. "Flowers wilt at dawn with the spring wind; jade dew knows of the cold years. Who cuts the window''s candle, when tears fall in the night''s rain?"


    The handwriting was elegant and neat; it was penned by none other than Miss Xu. The meaning of the poem was clear to Lin Wanrong: the waning of flowers was known to the spring wind, and theing of the cold was felt first by the jade dew. The lines seemed toment the tears shed by a lonely young woman on a rainy spring night. A genuine poem of emotion; Miss Xu did indeed have remarkable talent.


    As he continued reading, a line of smaller characters caught his eye: "My affairs you already know. Only hope for the golden phoenix toe; the doors will open by themselves."


    This cryptic sentence puzzled Lin Wanrong. Golden phoenix? Doors opening? What kind of riddle was this? Upon reflection, he understood. The ''golden phoenix'' must be Qingxuan; Xu Zhiqing was indicating that only if Qingxuan personally came to propose could she agree to the match. This youngdy was indeed vying for a rivalry with Qingxuan; it seemed like all proud and talented women had this sort of disposition.


    But Miss Xu ought to consider: before Qingxuan knew him, she barely paid attention to anyone else. If she knew of Xu Zhiqing''spetitive mindset, how could she possibly make a house call to propose?


    Lin Wanrong felt as if his head would explode. Already at home were two factions: one led by Xian''er, supported by the Xiao mother and daughters, and another looking up to Qingxuan, guarded by Ning''er. If he added an unpredictable Xu Zhiqing into the mix, wouldn''t his household turn into aplete mess?


    "Brother Lin, is it good news? Is Miss Xu urging you to propose?" Seeing the changing expressions on Lin Wanrong''s face, Gao Qiuughed.


    Lin Wanrong''s face turned serious: "Propose what? The moment I propose, all hell would break loose. I''m not indulging her whims!"


    Gao Qiu gave Lin Wanrong a thumbs-up in admiration. To dare ignore Miss Xu¡ªthis Brother Lin was truly extraordinary.


    Gathering the ''Spring Wind and Jade Dew'' medicine and the love letter, Lin Wanrong put them into his chest pocket, his thoughts lingering as he nced back at the Xu residence. He wondered if Miss Xu was secretly watching him from somewhere. Once he left, his wooden puppet left in the residence¡ªLin San¡ªwould probably suffer all kinds of abuse and torment.


    Unwilling to fuss over it any longer, Lin Wanrong tugged Gao Qiu along for a few steps. His mansion was just beside them. Thinking of Qingxuan, Ning''er, and Qiaoqiao busy packing his luggage at home, he missed them dearly and strode toward the front door.


    "Brother Lin, you can''t go there," Gao Qiu hurriedly stopped him, pointing mysteriously at Lin Wanrong''s forehead. "You''re injured. The princess and Miss Luo are astute people; they will realize something is amiss after only a few words."


    Gao Qiu had a point; his caution was invaluable. Lin Wanrong promptly halted, reminded of the challenging question posed by Xu Zhiqing. He shook his head in resignation. What a mess, caught between a rock and a hard ce. With injuries to show, if Qingxuan and the others saw him, they would surely me Xu Zhiqing, making matters even moreplicated. Unable to think of a solution on the spot, he decided to ignore these trivial issues and turned to ask, "Brother Gao, how many men are watching Prince Cheng''s mansion?"


    Gao Qiu became serious when it came to important matters, "At least a hundred or so reliable brothers, all concealed around his mansion. Mr. Xu has instructed that, without military orders, no one is to alert the big fish."


    A hundred or so men¡ªit was not a small operation. Lin Wanrong pondered for a moment and then resumed walking. "Brother Gao,e with me and let''s take a look." Gao Qiu nodded, quickening his pace to follow.


    Lin Wanrong had visited Prince Cheng''s mansion several days before. It was the night when he had seen the true face of An Biru. Recalling her flirtatious eyes and helpless tears, a wave of emotions surged within him. If he could turn back time, he wouldn''t make the same foolish mistake.


    What was she doing now, still busy with matchmaking? Was she deliberately trying to irritate him to death? As he looked at the majestic mansion, adorned with golden walls and jade railings, the vivid expressions of Sister An shed before his eyes, leaving Lin Wanrong bitter and nostalgic.


    The mansion''s gates were still bustling with carriages and horses, seemingly as prosperous as before. However, those who paid attention knew that things had changed significantly since Prince Cheng''s days of power. Despite the Emperor''s subtle maneuvers that didn''t feel as drastic as a swift cut, the nobles in the court, who made their living in such a sensitive environment, had keen instincts. Any slight movements were enough for them to sense the shifting winds, and they had gradually distanced themselves from Prince Cheng.


    "Brother Lin, this is the ce," Gao Qiu said as they reached an alley opposite the mansion. After fumbling around in the dark, he found the front door of an ordinary residence and knocked in a distinct pattern: three long knocks, followed by two short ones.


    The door creaked open and a robust man peered out. Seeing Gao Qiu, his face lit up, "Commander Gao, you''re here."


    Gao Qiu nodded and gestured toward Lin Wanrong, "This is Lin San, Mr. Lin. Come and pay your respects."


    "Are you the Mr. Lin who defeated the Turkic military advisor?" The guard''s eyes lit up as he hurriedly bowed and clenched his fists in greeting.


    When it came to the matter at hand, Lin Wanrong still felt uneasy. He sighed helplessly, "It''s a shame, truly a shame. He escaped again, disappointing the brothers."


    "You can''t be med for this. We all understand," the guard quicklyforted him, and then continued, "Master Lin, Commander Gao, your timing is perfect. Lord Xu just arrived and is inside speaking."


    Before the words had fully left his mouth, Xu Wei''s voice rang out from inside, "Is that little brother Lin? Come in and let''s talk."


    Lin Wanrong and Gao Qiu entered the room and saw Xu Wei wearing a tattered cotton robe, his head drooping under a winter hat, and his face smudged with soot. At first nce, he was nearly unrecognizable.


    So, the old Xu is in disguise, Lin Wanrong thought amusingly. For someone as famous as Xu Wei, going out in public without altering his appearance would be impossible.


    "Mr. Xu, for the sake of the nation, you''ve made such sacrifices. I am impressed, truly impressed," Lin Wanrong greeted with a smile and a fist-sp. Thepliment was not entirely sarcastic; for a man of Xu Wei''s schrly demeanor to disguise himself in this manner was no small feat.


    "Don''t joke, don''t joke," Xu Weiughed, pulling Lin Wanrong aside. Making sure no one was listening, he lowered his voice and asked, "Little brother Lin, how did the matter I entrusted to you go? Have you seen Zhiqing? Didn''t I tell you that the house would be empty today, so you could take action?"


    ¡®That''s a long story,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong, not wishing to admit he had been turned away halfway by Miss Xu. After some deliberation, he replied, "As for Miss Xu, yes, I saw her¡ª"


    "You did?" Xu Wei was overjoyed, gripping Lin Wanrong''s hand even tighter. "How was it? What gifts did you bring for her? Today is Zhiqing''s birthday; did she enjoy it?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a bashful smile, "I gave myself as a gift to her¡ª"


    "What?" Xu Wei was stunned, his beard trembling. "How could you two do something so immoral? My Zhiqing is still an innocent girl! Quick, find a matchmaker and propose tomorrow!"


    ¡®Old Xu really has a twisted mind, jumping to conclusions before I even finish talking,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought. Looking disdainfully at Xu Wei, he rified, "Mr. Xu, you misunderstood. I simply gave her a gift; nothing inappropriate happened between Miss Xu and me. We are perfectly innocent."


    "Innocent?" Xu Wei''s face visibly fell. "Why didn''t anything happen¡ªah, I mean, why didn''t you celebrate her birthday together? Ah, what happened to your forehead? Are you hurt?"


    Lin Wanrong touched therge bump on his forehead and sighed, "Due to technical issues, a minor human error urred, causing the birthday celebration to go awry. But rest assured, Miss Xu probably had a good time."


    Old Xu, despite being the most learned man in thend, couldn''t fathom the cryptic message. Helplessly waving his hand, he chuckled, "You young people, do whatever you want to do. I can''t manage your affairs, as long as my Zhiqing is happy, it''s all good."


    ¡®Typical of him to pass the buck,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought. Heughed and responded, "Mr. Xu, listen to you talk. We young peopleck experience and could really use your guidance. Others might not know, but I know very well that you were once a master who roamed the four seas¡ª"


    "Brother Lin, Lord Xu, this is terrible," Gao Qiu burst into the room before Lin San could finish, eximing, "Prince Cheng is here!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 465

    Chapter 465 I Did It On Purpose


    "Who did you say has arrived?" Lin Wanrong felt momentarily dizzy. "This can''t be a coincidence. How did Old Xu''s agents carry out their work? They were supposed to be watching others, but it seems they''ve been watched instead."


    Xu Wei was equally shocked. "Prince Cheng is here? How is that possible? He couldn''t possibly know we''re here. Gao Qiu, calm down and speak slowly."


    Gao Qiu swallowed hard, visibly deted. "I don''t know what''s happening. The gates of Prince Cheng''s mansion suddenly opened, and the prince led dozens of people straight toward us. Our perimeter guards just sent word. He and his men are already at the entrance of the alley, practically here."


    "He really came?" Xu Wei stroked his beard, pondering for a while before looking at Lin Wanrong. "Little brother Lin, what do you suggest we do?"


    Old Xu was cunning, passing the hot potato to him at a crucial moment. Lin Wanrong was visibly displeased. He chuckled, "Brother Gao, are you certain that Prince Cheng has brought only dozens of people?"


    Gao Qiu nodded repeatedly. "Absolutely certain. The alley is narrow; even a hundred people would have to queue to enter. Bringing more men would be pointless."


    "I see," Lin Wanrong nodded, then asked, "One more question, Brother Gao. How many eyes do we have around the mansion?"


    "Not a hundred, at least eighty. They are skilled men from the pce. If things turn ugly, we won''t be at a disadvantage," Gao Qiu answered confidently. He was the captain of the pce''s inner guards; he knew his men well."That''s strange," Lin Wanrong slowly paced back and forth, smiling as he spoke. "Judging by the situation, we''re in the dark and they''re in the light. In terms of manpower, we have around a hundred men in the surrounding alleys; he has only dozens. They wouldn''t stand a chance in a fight. So, why would he actively seek us out? To find trouble?"


    Upon hearing Lin San''s analysis, Gao Qiu became puzzled too. By all ounts, Prince Cheng was deeply cunning and shouldn''t take such risks. What was he up to?


    "Brother Lin, this alley is thergest one opposite the mansion, and it houses dozens of families. Could he be visiting rtives or friends?" Gao Qiu pondered, as if asking himself, offering an opinion.


    This old fellow really knew how to console himself. Lin Wanrong shook his head, smiling. "Brother Gao, would anyone visit rtives or friends at night? Moreover, he''s a royal prince; if there were visits, others should go to him, not the other way around."


    "Makes sense," Gao Qiu nodded in agreement. Xu Wei, stroking his beard, asked, "Could it be that he has discovered our whereabouts? This old man has some confidence. I personally arranged the guards and watchers around here, all highlypetent men. There''s no way they could have leaked information. Even I came here in disguise, unrecognizable. They shouldn''t have discovered this ce."


    "That''s unlikely," Lin Wanrong shook his head. "If this residence had truly been exposed, he wouldn''t show up personally."


    Xu Wei nodded repeatedly, finding that Lin San''s words struck right to the point. "If Prince Cheng really discovered this ce, he would never reveal it so openly. In your opinion, Little brother Lin, what is he up to?"


    The fact that even Xu Wei, a man of renowned reputation, sought advice from Lin San showed how increasingly extraordinary Brother Lin was bing. Gao Qiu listened intently, his admiration unabated.


    "From what I can gather, he''s here to show off his power," Lin Wanrong said softly.


    "To show off?" Both Gao Qiu and Xu Wei were taken aback.


    "Exactly, to show off," Lin Wanrong confirmed, his expression solemn. "Mr. Xu, you''ve been an official in the court for quite some time and are well aware of the fickleness of human nature. The Emperor''s recent actions in the court, although carried out in secret, are already the subject of spection even amongmoners. Do you think someone as experienced as Prince Cheng is unaware?"


    Xu Wei nodded, "He understands better than anyone else, but given his cunning, he would never show his hand."


    "Exactly," Lin Wanrong pped his palm. "Who the Emperor''s actions are targeting is public knowledge. How could Prince Cheng not know? If my guess is correct, he already knows there are people spying outside his residence. We''re in a standoff right now, and all that''s missing is a spark to ignite things. He''s probably expecting that we stillck a good reason to make a move. Thus, he staged this sudden show of force to both catch us off guard and unsettle our arrangements. At the same time, it serves as a subtle warning, discouraging us from taking any hasty actions."


    "Ah, I see. So, you''re saying Prince Cheng might not even know we''re here? His sudden appearance is to intimidate the spies we''ve nted around?" Gao Qiu finally grasped the idea.


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "Exactly. He''s not specifically targeting us. His goal is to show his face and let the news spread back to us. This is a psychological battle to see who loses their nerve first."


    When it came to reading people''s minds, Lin San was second to none. Xu Wei found the argument convincing. Just then, a guard hurriedly entered and whispered something into Gao Qiu''s ear. Lowering his voice, Gao Qiu said, "Mr. Xu, Brother Lin, Prince Cheng is only a few steps away from us¡ª" ??


    Just a few steps? Lin Wanrong''s heart skipped a beat. Though his analysis had been thorough, it was based on spection. What Prince Cheng was actually thinking remained a mystery. Seeing him brazenly advancing, in stark contrast to his usual calcted demeanor, Lin Wanrong felt a surge of anxiety. Biting his lip, he gestured for silence, then quietly moved with Gao Qiu and Xu Wei into the courtyard. They had just taken their positions against the wall when they heard the pitter-patter of footsteps approaching.


    "Father, it''s sote, why are you heading to the Grand Prime Minister Temple? Why not wait until tomorrow?" A clear voice rang out. Lin Wanrong recognized the speaker as none other than Zhao Kangning, the young prince who had once crossed paths with Luo Ning and Seo Jang Geum.


    Prince Cheng heaved a light sigh, his voice tinged with age. "Is there a right or wrong time to visit the Grand Prime Minister Temple to pray? Just yesterday, myte father appeared in my dreams, reproaching me for not having offered incense to him for some time. I feel like a failure as both a son and a subject. I''ve been restless all day, unable to concentrate even in court. Tonight, I''ll go to Grand Prime Minister Temple and keep himpany."


    Upon hearing that the message came through a dream from thete Emperor, Zhao Kangning immediately held his tongue. Prince Cheng paused briefly, ncing around with a look of infinite wistfulness. "Ever since I moved out of the pce as an adult, more than three decades have passed in the blink of an eye. These residentialnes and houses haven''t changed much. They still look like they did years ago, yet I have aged."


    Zhao Kangning hurriedly offered words of deference, "Father is in the prime of life, as unyielding as evergreen trees. How could you be aging?"


    Prince Cheng softly coughed twice and shook his head. "There''s no need for ttery. I know my own body. I''ve been declining year by year. I''m not even sure if I''ll be able to see this autumn''s red leaves. Kangning, if I can''t make it this year, go in my stead, and fulfill my final dream for me."


    "Father¡ª" Zhao Kangning burst into tears, unable to speak further.


    As footsteps in thene grew fainter and voices were no longer audible, Lin Wanrong finally let out a long sigh of relief. Gao Qiu said, "Brother Lin, did we get it wrong? Was the Prince actually here to show remorse? He seemed regretful to me."


    Xu Weiughed out loud. "They say that great viins have great wisdom. If he truly felt remorse, he would have kept it to himself at home. Why venture into thisne to announce it? In my opinion, Brother Lin got it right; he''s here to intimidate us, catch us off guard, and perhaps even confuse us with his words."


    Gao Qiu''s face reddened as he heard this. Although he served in the pce, he was a man of the martial world and didn''t understand the cunning ways of a figure like Prince Cheng. Smiles and tears were his unyielding weapons, and had Xu Wei not woken him up, he might well have been deceived by the Prince''s heartfelt remarks.


    "It''s not necessarily all fake," Lin Wanrong smiled. "Human nature always has elements that are real and cannot be concealed. But Mr. Xu has reminded me of something: a personage like the Prince would never act without purpose. When he expresses his thoughts in public, what exactly is he trying to convey to us?"


    Xu Wei nodded. A man like Prince Cheng would imbue every word with deep meaning. It was rare for little brother Lin to be so perceptive; it was truly a shame he hadn''t pursued a career in officialdom. With his talents, rising to a high position wouldn''t be mere talk.


    Gao Qiu,cking the analytical abilities of Lin San and Xu Wei, thought in simpler terms. He snorted, "What''s there to think about? Either he''s genuinely showing weakness, or he''s faking it. One of the two has to be true."


    "Brother Gao''s insight is indeed extraordinary," Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up andughed.


    Xu Wei was also quite amused. The words of Gao Qiu basically amounted to saying nothing at all. He sighed, "If he is truly showing weakness and begging for mercy, then it would be a blessing for our great empire. Unfortunately, matters are probably not that simple. He must have other ns. The White Lotus Sect that he painstakingly built waspletely destroyed by usst year. Now, with no troops at hismand and trapped in the capital, what can he do?"


    Xu Wei furrowed his brow, deep in thought, as if speaking to himself.


    "Who says he has no troops?" Lin Wanrong said calmly, "Can''t he borrow some?"


    Borrow? Xu Wei looked horrified, suddenly enlightened, "Little brother Lin, are you suggesting he could ally with the nomads? Would he dare tomit such a treacherous act?"


    The notion Lin Wanrong put forth was audacious. Even Xu Wei, a man seasoned by the harsh realities of life, could hardly bring himself to voice it. Ever since the founding emperor established the nation, nomad invasions had been incessant, each battle at the frontier stealing awaynd from the empire, their power growing upon the spilled blood of their people. Even the founding emperor, on his deathbed,mented the need to eliminate the nomad threat. If Prince Cheng, a royal descendant, were to ally with the nomads, it would be more than a betrayal of his ancestors; it would be a monumental disgrace for the empire.


    "There is no question of daring. When interests are at stake, all are vulnerable," Lin Wanrong responded, shaking his head with a bitter smile, "Mr. Xu, you''ve been in the court for many years. You should have seen more of this than I have."


    Xu Wei had no reply. There had been countless examples throughout history of people betraying their heritage for personal gain. Prince Cheng wouldn''t be the first, nor would he be thest. Xu Wei sighed, "Little brother Lin, this matter is grave. Without substantial evidence, we shouldn''t recklessly spread rumors."


    Lin Wanrong knew what he was talking about. Given that the Turkic Khan could gift Zhao Kangning something as precious as tobo leaves, their rtionship must be extraordinary. Zhao Kangning did not have Lin Wanrong''s knack for trickery, to obtain those leaves with just words.


    "I too hope I have misunderstood Prince Cheng," Lin Wanrong chuckled twice, "but I fear the situation is more severe than you think, Mr. Xu. Don''t you know? The army that Prince Cheng has borrowed has already set out."


    "Set out? Where to?" The more Xu Wei listened to Lin Wanrong, the more horrified he became. Why had Lin Wanrong changed his style today? It used to be good when he just joked around. Now, when he spoke of military and national affairs, it was as if he wouldn''t stop unless he shocked people to their core.


    "Goryeo!" Lin Wanrong''s answer was concise yet powerful.


    Xu Wei copsed into his chair, his face turning pale in an instant.


    "Goryeo! Goryeo!" he muttered to himself. If Lin Wanrong''s spection was correct, Prince Cheng had not only allied with nomads but also colluded with Dongyin. He would be a sinner against the people for all of eternity. Considering the case of the Shandong army provisions and the timing of the Dongyin invasion of Goryeo, Lin Wanrong''s words hardly needed any evidence to support them.


    "Mr. Xu, what''s the situation in Goryeo? How far have our Loyal and Brave troops advanced?" Lin Wanrong continued, unperturbed by Xu Wei''s astonishment.


    Xu Wei was, after all, a man of worldly experience. He regained hisposure after a brief silence. "The warships from Dongyin have already arrived. For the past few days, the Dongyin people have been sending small units of soldiers to attemptndings. The Goryeo army has sworn to resist to the death, and both sides are now in a stalemate. The King of Goryeo has already sent several urgent reports, requesting reinforcements from the imperial court. Our Great Hua Loyal and Brave Army is moving at a snail''s pace due to therge number of new recruits, and we have yet to cross the river."


    "There''s no rush, no rush at all," Lin Wanrong said with a sly grin. "If Goryeo and Dongyin are still locked in a stalemate, let our men practice a bit more. We can cross the river in a couple of days. The Goryeo soldiers are willing to die for theirnd, so let''s just wish them bravery and valor."


    Lin Wanrong''s words were veiled, but Xu Wei understood immediately. This was a soft-kill strategy¡ªlet the people of Goryeo fight the Dongyin people first, clearing obstacles for the entry of the Great Hua Loyal and Brave Army. Even if the King of Goryeo knew it was a trap, he had no choice but to jump in.


    Hearing Lin Wanrong''s crafty words, the unease Xu Wei had felt due to Prince Cheng''s collusion with the Dongyin people seemed to dissipate considerably. "Little brother Lin," Xu Wei said approvingly, "listening to you is better than reading ten years of books on sages and virtuous men. With you here, Great Hua will surely not suffer any losses."


    ¡°That''s because we''ve already suffered enough,¡± Lin Wanrong sighed, then chuckled and saluted. "You are too kind, Mr. Xu. Actually, I have another favor to ask."


    He whispered something in Xu Wei''s ear. "Ah," Xu Wei eximed, looking at him with a smile. "You really are young and romantic, even going after a little pce girl from Goryeo. Though she is rather knowledgeable; if she weren''t a foreigner, she might even be suitable for you. Don''t worry, I''ll have someone look into it right away."


    Lin Wanrong was at a loss for words. That incident was his great shame. If people were to find out that thepetent and resourceful Lin San was deceived by a little pce girl from Goryeo, what face would he have left to live in this world?


    "It''s not about being romantic," he said with an awkward smile. "Unknowingly, I left something very important behind with her, something that may trigger a chain of unpredictable adverse reactions in the future. That''s why I need your help to investigate."


    Here we go again, thought Xu Wei. Every time Little brother Lin spoke in riddles, it left him scratching his head. Fortunately, he too was a man of the world and gave Lin Wanrong a knowing look. "Don''t worry, I''ll handle this for you."


    "By the way, Mr. Xu, are there any ns from the Grand Prime Minister Temple?" Lin San asked Xu Wei as he was leaving with Gao Qiu, noticing that it had already gotten dark.


    Lin Wanrong was truly diligent and indefatigable. Xu Wei praised him, nodding his approval. "Rest assured, little brother Lin, wherever the big fish goes, a will follow."


    Lin Wanrong nodded without saying a word. A vague sense of unease settled in his heart, but despite pondering over it, he couldn''t pinpoint what was bothering him. This remained on his mind as he returned to the Xiao residence and entered the main courtyard. Absorbed in his thoughts and not watching his step, he almost bumped into someone. The soft, silky feeling immediately rxed his nerves that had been tense all day. Grinning mischievously, he reached out and said, "Ah, Xian''er, did you intentionally bump into me? You''ve done quite a number; look, you''ve even raised two big bumps."


    "Who intentionally bumped into you?!" The woman eximed, her face a blend of embarrassment and anger as she quickly evaded his groping hand.


    Still not lifting his head, he teased, "You may not have done it on purpose¡ª but I certainly did! Come, let your husband give you a hug¡ª"


    "What? You did it on purpose?!" Several indignant, yet melodious reprimands simultaneously filled his ears, making them buzz.


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 466

    Chapter 466 A Spark of Fire


    This was bad! Lin Wanrong quickly withdrew his hand and looked up, only to see a furious Madam Xiao standing in front of him. Her pretty face was flushed red and her bosom quivered with anger. To her left stood the sisters Yushuang and Xiao Yuruo, and to her right, she was holding Qin Xian''er''s hand. All three women were ring at him¡ªSecond Miss looked tense and anxious, Xian''er wore a smirk that was neither here nor there, and Xiao Yuruo clenched her fists, staring daggers at him. It was clear that if he couldn''te up with a reasonable exnation, he was in for a world of trouble.


    Lin Wanrong felt a chill run down his spine. ¡®Damn it,¡¯ he thought, making a mistake was one thing, but being caught red-handed was another. The woman in front of him was his wife, and the other two were soon to be. This was a huge mess.


    "Ah, everyone''s here," he stammered, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere. His eyes darted around, his mind racing for a solution.


    "Actually, I was just joking with everyone," he nervously grinned at Madam Xiao, "Ah, Madam, you really are youthful and radiant. Standing next to Xian''er, you two could easily pass for sisters. When I first saw you, I honestly couldn''t tell who was the elder and who was the younger. Please don''t take offense at my little joke. If anything, it''s your fault for being so young and beautiful!"


    Second Miss gently patted her chest and breathed a sigh of relief, giggling, "You scared me to death! No more jokes like this, okay? If outsiders heard, it would be a huge embarrassment. But Mother, you really are young and beautiful, so he''s not entirely wrong. Right, Mother?"


    She cooed and cuddled Madam Xiao''s arm. Madam Xiao was caught betweenughter and tears, touching her daughter''s forehead with a delicate finger, "You silly girl, what nonsense are you talking about?"


    "Are you really joking?" Xiao Yuruo was shrewd andpetent, far less gullible than her sister. She cast a skeptical nce at Lin Wanrong, her face filled with disbelief.


    "Of course, it was just a joke," Lin Wanrong hastily raised his right hand, "I swear, I often joke like this with Madam Xiao. If you don''t believe me, you can ask her yourself.""Mother¡ª" Eldest Miss hesitated. This was a matter that concerned her mother''s reputation; it was hard for her, as a daughter, to intervene. After a long pause, Xiao Yuruo softly said, "Is he... is he trustworthy?"


    ¡®When have you ever heard of Lin San being trustworthy?¡¯ Madam Xiao couldn''t voice her grievances. Seeing Lin Wanrong''s anxious gaze fixed upon her, she felt a surge of resentment. "Trustworthy? I wouldn''t say¡ª"


    "What?!" At her mother''s words, Xiao Yuruo''s eyebrows shot up, and her face turned crimson. She pointed at Lin Wanrong, "How could you¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong frantically waved his hands, "It''s a misunderstanding! I haven''t done anything unforgivable. Eldest Miss, you have to believe in my character! Madam, think carefully before you speak, this could be life-or-death!"


    Xiao Yuruo clenched her fists tightly, tears on the verge of falling. She thought to herself, ''The more I know about your character, the less I trust you. With Mother vouching for you, how can you deny it?''


    Madam Xiao sighed, gripping Xiao Yuruo''s trembling hand. Her mood slightly lifted seeing Lin Wanrong''s guilty posture. "Even if he is unruly, you two mustn''t spoil him. Otherwise, you''ll be under his thumb for the rest of your lives." Both sisters nodded vigorously, taking their mother''s advice to heart.


    "What are you smiling about?" Qin Xian''er had been quietly observing and now questioned Lin Wanrong''s downcast expression with a slight smile.


    "I''m not smiling. I''m touched by Madam Xiao''s kindness," Lin Wanrong lifted his head, his face now showing a grateful expression.


    Knowing her husband''s ability to change faces, Xian''er chuckled softly, "Husband, did you do something to Madam Xiao that you shouldn''t have?"


    "Impossible," Lin Wanrong whispered as he grabbed her hand, "Xian''er, don''t you trust my character? How could I do such a thing? Even if I wanted to, Madam Xiao wouldn''t allow it. Never mention this in front of Eldest Miss or Yushuang, the consequences would be severe."


    "Really?" Xian''er gave him an inscrutable look, scrutinizing him from top to bottom.


    ''What does this mean? Doesn''t she trust me? Honesty is the foundation of my character,'' thought Lin Wanrong, increasingly ufortable under her gaze. His face flushed red. Annoyed, he said sternly, "Xian''er, you should go freshen up. Later, we need to lift the curse together."


    "Ah!" Qin Xian''er gasped, her face flushing crimson in an instant, as if her life''s secret had been exposed. She hurriedly covered her beautiful face, hummed softly, and lowered her head, no longer daring to speak.


    Eldest Miss exchanged a few words quietly with her mother, noticing Lin San engaging in some banter with Qin Xian''er that left the youngdy blushing a vivid red, radiant like peach blossoms in full bloom in March.


    She snorted softly and slowly walked over, her gaze fixed on Lin Wanrong. Her face reddened before she could even speak. After a long silence, she finally whispered, "Are you still mad at me? I apologize; I wronged you earlier and caused you distress."


    Xiao Yuruo''s face was flushed and her expression beautiful; she almost seemed to bow her head to her chest as she apologized. Lin Wanrong was so entranced he quickly swallowed and waved his hands, saying, "It''s fine, it''s fine. I don''t feel wronged at all."


    That was his true feeling, but how could Eldest Miss know? Assuming he was magnanimous, she gently nodded and suddenly slid a sharp weapon from her sleeve, softly asking, "Do you know what this is?"


    The sharp dagger shimmered in the dim courtyard light, and Lin Wanrong was instantly reminded of the time in Jinling when Eldest Miss and Yushuang each carried a dagger for self-defense. What did she intend now? Keeping his expression neutral, he reached for the dagger in Xiao Yuruo''s hand and said, "Eldest Miss, it¡¯s more fitting for a girl to use a sewing needle. Weapons are not suitable for you. Let me keep it safe for you for the time being."


    Eldest Miss avoided his grasp by rotating her hand and snorted lightly, "This is for my own protection. Our honor as women is more important than even our lives. If anyone dares to take advantage of my mother or act dishonestly before her, I will¡ª"


    "What will you do?" Lin Wanrong was startled and involuntarily took a step back.


    With a grit of her teeth and a flush on her face, Eldest Miss abruptly waved the dagger down, saying with resolve, "I will cut!"


    Lin Wanrong was both startled and horrified, stammering, "Cut where?"


    Xiao Yuruo¡¯s cheeks turned icy, and she smirked coldly, "Wherever the evil is done, there shall I cut."


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong instinctively covered his vital parts, whispering, "Eldest Miss, do you really need to be so harsh?"


    Xiao Yuruo suddenly gave a charming smile, her soft cheeks tinged with a tender blush. She teasingly said, "If you''re not the one doing evil, what are you afraid of?"


    With that smile, she seemed to bloom like a hundred flowers, captivating and gorgeous, making it difficult for Lin Wanrong to turn his gaze away. He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and chuckled, "Exactly, exactly. I rarely do bad things."


    Seeing his lustful gaze, Xiao Yuruo felt both shy and pleased. She knew this rascal liked what he saw. No wonder Qin Xian''er had such a hold on him. Though she had be friends with Qin Xian''er, outstanding women like them would naturallypete with each other in secret.


    "What happened to you? Where did you get hurt?" Lin Wanrong looked up, his eyes squinting as they fell on Xiao Yuruo. Only then did Eldest Miss get a clear view of his forehead, and she was shocked.


    Yushuang also let out a gasp, hurriedly crowding beside him. Even Madam Xiao nced his way, a trace of concern hidden in her eyes.


    The courtyard was dimly lit. Xian''er had been standing beside him talking and hadn''t examined him closely. Hearing Eldest Miss''s words, she quickly turned to look at him. Seeing his condition, she felt a pang of pain in her heart and angrily said, "Husband, who injured you? I will kill her."


    Xian''er was the sort who meant what she said. If she killed Xu Zhiqing, everything would be ruined. Lin Wanrong couldn''t possibly tell the truth. Quickly covering his forehead, he mumbled, "Ah, it''s nothing. I identally bumped into a rockery while walking."


    Xian''er and the others felt distressed. All six of their hands began massaging his forehead. The sweet, soft touch made Lin Wanrong itch inside, regretting only that the injury was not on his behind instead.


    Madam Xiao, standing apart, had the clearest view of it all. Seeing his evasive gaze and ambiguous words, she scoffed, "Where exactly did you get ''hit by a rockery''? In some youngdy¡¯s courtyard, perhaps? Or were you beaten and thrown out?"


    Her words immediately reminded the three youngdies. Given Lin Wanrong''s disposition, no man capable of beating him like this had yet been born. This injury was most likely caused by a woman.


    "No wonder," Eldest Miss snorted, slowly retracting her jade hand. Xian''er also turned her head away, saying nothing. Only Yushuang was truly considerate, unaffected by the atmosphere, and continued massaging him, albeit with much greater force.


    Lin Wanrong, knowing he had been caught,ughed it off, pretending not to have heard Madam Xiao¡¯s words. He grabbed Yushuang¡¯s hand and said, "Second Miss, what a coincidence. What are you, Madam, and Eldest Miss doing here?"


    Yushuang, always straightforward with him, nodded seriously and said, "Our family has been having some misfortunestely. My sister was trapped and only returned yesterday. My mother went to the temple today to seek a solution. The high priest advised us to hang eighteenrgenterns around the house to ward off evil spirits. You arrived while we were hanging thenterns. Mother is deeply devout and was so focused that you surprised her."


    "Is that so?" Only then did Lin Wanrong notice that where Madam Xiao stood, a wooden frame had been set up and colorful banners hung. Eighteen brightnterns were already up, swaying gently in the wind, unlit but quite beautiful.


    He nced at Qin Xian''er. The capital had been tense these past few days, and he had advised everyone to stay indoors. How could Madam Xiao go out to seek a divination today? If something happened to her on the way, what would they do?


    "Husband," Xian''er understood his concern and unconsciously lowered her head, saying apologetically, "I tried to dissuade her, telling her to wait a few more days. But her love for her daughters was too strong, and she couldn¡¯t wait to find a solution for the Xiao family. I couldn''t persuade her, and you were nowhere to be found. I had no choice but to apany them."


    Lin Wanrong had firsthand experience of Madam Xiao¡¯s stubborn temperament, even more so than Eldest Miss. He couldn''t me Xian''er for this. Grabbing her hand, he smiled and said, "Silly girl, when have I ever med you? You are my wife; whatever happens, I¡¯ll bear it with you."


    Xian''er gave a sweet smile and held his arm tightly. Eldest Miss saw their intimacy and couldn''t help but hum in contentment. Setting aside her previous disagreements with Lin San, she softly said, "Thisntern has yet to be lit. ording to tradition, it should be lit by a grown man of the Xiao family. However, our familycks a male figure¡ª"


    "I know, I know," Lin Wanrong eagerly interrupted with a smile, "I''m half a son-inw, so it counts if I light it."


    Eldest Miss''s pretty face flushed and she retorted, "Wishful thinking! My mother is an elder. Although you may be considered half a man of the Xiao family, you''re not a full member. Therefore, you and my mother should light thisntern together."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, finding some truth in her words. Madam Xiao nced at him and gave a subtle nod.


    The Second Miss had already instructed Huan¡¯er to bring the candles. Eighteennterns were strung together by a fuse, making lighting them quite simple. Xian''er and the two sisters from the Xiao family stepped back. Lin Wanrong and Madam Xiao each held a torch. Perhaps standing too close, Madam Xiao''s face took on a hint of blush; even Lin Wanrong could feel the warm air emanating from her radiantplexion.


    The two of them lit the fuse, and in a short while, the eighteennterns were illuminated one after another. The soft glow of themps created a warm atmosphere.


    Madam Xiao stood bathed in the dim yellowntern light. Her white dress tightly wrapped around her beautifully sculpted figure, and her exquisite face shimmered with a faint glow. Her neckline flushed with a beautiful red hue, her chest rising and falling softly, revealing glimpses of her ivory-like skin. Her demeanor was noble, almost divine, and seemed beyond reproach.


    Each woman stood amidst the rednterns on the ground, exuding their unique charm. Lin Wanrong was dazzled, unsure of where to look.


    Madam Xiao bent down to put the torch away, her mature figure drawing an enchanting curve. Lin Wanrong, standing beside her, felt momentarily dazed. Sensing his gaze, Madam Xiao''s neck flushed even redder and she quickly straightened up.


    "Thesenterns are so beautiful," the Second Miss pointed at thenterns and giggled. "The monk from Grand Prime Minister Temple really didn''t deceive us."


    "Where, what are you talking about?" Lin Wanrong felt a sudden pang of anxiety. He had grown wary of Grand Prime Minister Temple.


    Yushuang smiled sweetly, "Where else could it be but Grand Prime Minister Temple? You bad man, you wouldn''t know. The monk there is miraculous; he not only guessed our names but also knew our mother¡¯s background. Thenterns he bestowed upon us are not ordinary either. They''re heavy and worth double the usual ones. It took two carts to bring them back. The monk assured us that once lit, they would shine as bright as autumn leaves."


    Overjoyed, the Second Miss chirped happily, leaving Lin Wanrong shocked. Unable to consider anything else, he quickly embraced Madam Xiao who was standing beside him.


    "Lin San, what are you doing?!" The women of the Xiao family screamed in unison. Madam Xiao was a mixture of shame and anger, delivering a sharp kick to Lin Wanrong''s shin.


    Wincing in pain, Lin Wanrong¡¯s eyes reddened as he shouted, "Xian''er, take the youngdies and run¡ª"


    Before he could finish his sentence, a series of thunderous explosions resounded like firecrackers, shaking the earth and sky. In that moment, a burst of red light illuminated the heavens...


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 467

    Chapter 467 Buried


    Qin Xian''er had unconditional trust in him. Though she didn''t understand his intentions when he spoke, she didn''t hesitate for even a moment. Swiftly grabbing the arms of the two women beside her, she burst forward like a swallow skimming the water, a sh of light and a streak of fire followed.


    Before the trio could even steady themselves, a tremendous explosion erupted behind them. Broken bricks and shards of tiles flew toward them like a swarm of locusts. The deafening roar seemed like it would burst their eardrums.


    "Bad man¡ª"


    "Mother¡ª"


    Ignoring the flying debris, they hastily turned around to witness a heart-wrenching scene. Explosions echoed one after another, and the spot where Lin San and Madam Xiao stood appeared to be the epicenter. Fragments of brick filled the sky, clouds of smoke billowed up, and the intense heat scorched their faces as if they were leaning into a furnace.


    Amid the noise, mes erupted everywhere. The woodenntern holder had been close to the Xiao family''s cloth storage, and beyond the courtyard wall was a four-story tavern. With a thunderous "boom," surrounding buildings were leveled, shaking the tavern to its foundation. It began to copse, bricks and beams hurtling through the air. Thick smoke and dust filled the sky, making it impossible to see anyone within a several dozen-foot radius, let alone find Madam Xiao and Lin Wanrong.


    "Husband¡ª" Qin Xian''er''s eyes were bloodshot as she dashed toward the epicenter of the explosion.


    Another round of "booms" resonated as the hidden explosives within thenterns ignited. A massive shockwave rolled through, enveloping Qin Xian''er. A stifled cry escaped her lips as if she''d been struck in the chest. Blood trickled down from the corner of her mouth, and her petite body was hurled back through the air."Sister Xian''er¡ª" Xiao Yushuang let out a mournful cry, and along with Eldest Miss, they both lunged forward to catch her. The impact threw all three women to the ground with a hard thud.


    Explosions continued, one after the other. The crackling sound of fire apanied the noise of crumbling walls, piercing the soul. Tiles and eaves fell all around them. Xiao Yuruo felt as if her heart was being torn apart,pletely oblivious to the looming danger.


    "Bad guy¡ªMother¡ª" The Second Miss wailed, scrambling to her feet, ready to dash into the lingering mes. Her cry snapped Xiao Yuruo back to reality. With tears in her eyes, she tightly gripped her sister and said, "Yushuang, what are you doing? Don''t be reckless!"


    Second Miss stared nkly at her for a moment, then suddenly broke into sobs and threw herself into her sister''s arms. "Sister, where are the bad guy and Mother? Will they die? I... I don''t want to live anymore."


    "No, they won''t. They absolutely won''t. You know him, he''s so terrible that even the King of Hell wouldn''t take him." Xiao Yuruo caressed her sister''s hair, speaking softly tofort her. However, her own body couldn''t stop trembling, and tears poured down like rain. Though she had always been strong and independent, today''s disaster had far exceeded her imagination. Especially Lin San and her Mother¡ªthey were the two most important people in her life. Just moments before, they had beenughing and joking, but in the blink of an eye, they were swallowed up by the smoke and mes right in front of her. Faced with such a tragic scene, how could her heart not break?


    "Is it true?! They won''t die, will they, Sister?" Second Miss''s gaze was vacant, murmuring as shey in her sister''s arms. It was as if she was asking her sister and also reassuring herself, her eyes filled with a lifeless gray.


    "My dear sister, they won''t," Eldest Miss replied, tears streaming down her face. She held Yushuang tightly and whispered, "Mother and he won''t die. Even if they do, we will be with them. We are a family. We''ll never be separated."


    "Sister¡ª" Xiao Yushuang let out a startled cry and clung to her tightly, ovee with grief. Her body grew colder and colder, and she eventually fainted from crying.


    Recalling how she had just been joking around with Lin San moments ago, and how everything had turned uncertain within an instant, Xiao Yuruo felt so heartbroken she could barely breathe. But she had managed the Xiao family for years and was not easily defeated. Now was the time when herposure was needed the most, as the fates of her mother and Lin San were still unknown. ?


    Qin Xian''er slowly woke up from her unconscious state. The first face she saw was that of Xiao Yuruo, her expression both resolute and beautiful. She coughed lightly, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth. She murmured, "Sister... Sister Xiao, where is my husband? Have you seen him?"


    Tears welled up in Xiao Yuruo''s eyes, but the corners of her mouth lifted into a smile of strength. She gently wiped away the blood from Qin Xian''er''s mouth, "Don''t worry, he''s fine. You''re injured and need to rest. Otherwise, he''ll be heartbroken when he sees you."


    Qin Xian''er struggled to her feet, her eyes sharp despite her injuries. The explosion had subsided, and the smoke slowly dissipated, leaving the air filled with the smell of burnt things. The grand courtyard of the Xiao family, along with the surrounding walls and buildings, had been ttened. There was no sign of Lin Wanrong or Madam Xiao; the ce where they had been standing was now covered with a pile of rubble that was several yards high.


    Among the ruins, a corner of a garment protruded, stained a vivid red by blood. Eldest Miss''s face turned pale, and she wobbled on her feet, her fists clenched so tightly that her teeth broke the skin on her lips.


    "My husband!" Qin Xian''er cried out, spotting the cloth, and lunged forward like a madwoman.


    Xiao Yuruo quickly grabbed her, and they pressed close together as they moved forward, their heartbeats audibly racing. Eldest Miss bent down and, her hands trembling, gently touched the fabric. Tears silently fell, and after a long while, she pulled at the cloth. It moved easily, revealing itself to be just a torn corner, its stains of blood clearly visible.


    Qin Xian''er stood beside Eldest Miss, forgetting even to breathe as she looked at that bloody fragment. Unable to bear the agony any longer, she suddenly copsed and frantically began to tear away the rubble with her hands, crying out, "My husband, where are you? Xian''er ising to find you!"


    Xiao Yuruo was startled and quickly grabbed her hands, "Sister Xian''er, stop! This isn''t helping him; you''re endangering him!"


    Qin Xian''er paused, "Sister, what did you say?"


    Eldest Miss sighed, "This area is covered in rubble. If Mother and Lin San are really buried underneath, we don''t know their exact location. Acting recklessly will only exacerbate the copse of the rubble, ultimately endangering them."


    Upon hearing this, Qin Xian''er froze, unable to move. She hurriedly grasped Xiao Yuruo''s hand, her eyes shining with tears and a flicker of hope. "Sister, are you saying that he will be alright? Is that what you mean?"


    Even though she knew that Qin Xian''er was merelyforting herself, Xiao Yuruo was no different. She wiped her tears and said with a sorrowfulugh, "Don''t you know him? A scoundrel like him wouldn''t leave us until he''s had his fill of tormenting us."


    Qin Xian''er nodded, seemingly invigorated by her sister''s words. Wiping away her tears, she said with pride, "You''re right, Sister. No one can harm him. Our husband is the strongest¡ª"


    Before she could finish, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed in the distance. Hundreds of robust men rushed toward them. The one in the lead fell to his knees, kowtowing and crying, "I deserve to die! I have failed in my duties and couldn''t protect Lord Lin and the others. I deserve the worst punishment! Please, Princess, grant me a swift death!"


    "Would your death bring my husband back to life?" Qin Xian''er, infuriated, her face cold and her eyes wet with tears, retorted loudly, "I will exterminate your nine generations, wreaking havoc on your lineage for eighteen generations!"


    Although she was a princess, she had grown up within the White Lotus Sect and had been educated by An Biru. She was a fearless witch by nature. Seeing her husband in danger, murderous intent flooded her eyes, which had be swollen from crying, as she reverted to her natural ferocity.


    Xiao Yuruo, regaining herposure, quickly grabbed Qin Xian''er''s hand and spoke softly, "Xian''er, revenge can wait. Our immediate concern should be saving people."


    Qin Xian''er huffed, her eyes red, "You all better hope nothing happens to my husband. If even a single hair on his head is harmed, I''ll cut off each of your legs. When I say something, I mean it."


    Gao Qiu, feeling guilty, bowed his head and remained silent. Xiao Yuruo wiped the tears from her eyes and recounted what had just happened. She sighed and said, "Mr. Gao, ording to your experience, do you think that Lin San and my mother are under these ruins?"


    Gao Qiu slowly approached the pile of debris, examining it carefully and sniffing the air. He was taken aback by the strong smell of gunpowder. The explosion had urred within the courtyard of the Xiao family, in a confined space; its force could only be imagined. He bowed his head, paused for a moment, and softly said, "The remains of Madam Xiao and Lin San should be beneath this¡ª"


    "What did you say?!" Qin Xian''er''s eyebrows shot up, her tears glistening like diamonds, almost as if she were grinding her teeth. Xiao Yuruo too staggered, her face pale as death, almost fainting.


    To survive such a powerful explosion and the weight of the rubble was nothing short of a miracle. Gao Qiu''s eyes welled up with old tears. He didn''t dare to cause the youngdies further pain. Realizing there was no other option, he bellowed, "Bring the hoses quickly!"


    The guards had already connected the hoses. Gao Qiu ordered water to be poured on the rubble to cool it down, aiming to prevent any further burning or heating that might suffocate the people trapped beneath.


    Seeing the people start to take action, Qin Xian''er felt slightly relieved. She tightly grasped Xiao Yuruo''s hand and said, "Sister, when will they start rescuing them? The dy is unbearable, how can my husband and your mother endure being trapped underneath?"


    "There''s no rushing this," Xiao Yuruo sighed helplessly. "The rubble all over the ground could copse again at any moment. The speed of the water stream cannot be too fast. We have to clear the debris manually. If there''s another copse, even if mother and Lin San had ten lives, they wouldn''t survive."


    Qin Xian''er clenched her teeth, closed her eyes devoutly, and brought her palms together at her chest. Two crystalline tears slowly slid down her cheeks.


    The Eldest Miss felt a pang in her heart. She hugged Qin Xian''er''s arm and gently rested her head on her shoulder. The two women clung tightly to each other, providing mutualfort.


    ¡­


    "Where am I?!" Lin Wanrong slowly opened his eyes, only to find himself engulfed in endless darkness.


    Silence filled his ears; not a single noise could be heard. Every now and then, a faint crackling sound arose from an indeterminate direction. The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder, making it hard for him to even open his eyes. A searing heat radiated near his face, as if charcoal fires were burning around him.


    "Where is this?" He asked himself again. He tried to stretch out his hands but found himselfpletely unable to move¡ªhis whole body hot and in pain. A simple movement exhausted all his strength. He let out a groan; his throat was so dry it felt as though it would catch fire, his voice weak and hoarse, barely audible even to himself.


    Gasping for air, his arms hung limply by his sides. Beneath him seemed to be a soft sandbag; the texture was remarkably pleasant. Subconsciously, he pressed down again. Strands of fine hair brushed past the corner of his mouth, and a faint fragrance filled his nostrils.


    The strong scent of rose perfume made him praise involuntarily. Just as he was about to take another whiff, he suddenly froze.


    Madam! It''s Madam Xiao! His sluggish brain snapped back to reality. The scenes during the explosion shed before his eyes. A fiery wave had struck, and all he remembered was shielding Madam Xiao beneath him. Then, everything went ck.


    ¡®An explosion? And I''m still alive?!¡¯ The more intense the pain, the happier he felt. Such vivid pain was proof that he was alive. Emotional tears filled his eyes. ¡®I want to burst into song!¡¯ With a hoarse voice, he let out an indistinct cry, resembling the sound of spring rain hitting the soil.


    ¡®Is Madam still alive?¡¯ His heart gradually cooled. Madam Xiao''s soft body was pressed tightly against him, as smooth as fine silk. Her skin was as wless as milk.


    The two were pressed closely together. Usually, facing the beautiful and maturedy, he would seize the opportunity to flirt. Now, however, he seemed to have be noble. Somehow, in this life-or-death situation, he became much calmer, and there was not a shred of irreverent thoughts in his mind.


    Madam Xiao''s body was icy cold, devoid of any signs of life. Lin Wanrong''s heart trembled violently. Ignoring the pain that enveloped him, he mustered all his strength to stretch out his arm and grab her hand. That small hand was as cold as a block of ice, devoid of any warmth.


    Lin Wanrong stared nkly, immobilized. A wave of intense sorrow, unlike anything he had ever felt before, suddenly overwhelmed him. He let out a loud scream, as if trying to vent all his anguish. His broken voice rustled like a silkworm munching on mulberry leaves, and those two trails of tears could no longer be held back¡ªthey fell freely.


    "Where, where is this? Is it raining?" A soft and weak voice faintly echoed in his ears.


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 468

    Chapter 468


    Chapter 468 The Secret


    "Madam, you¡ªyou''re alive?" Lin Wanrong''s words came out haltingly, choked by the sudden joy that filled his heart. Though he couldn''t make out her face in the darkness, her voice sounded like celestial music, irresistibly pleasant and captivating.


    "Are you... Lin San?" Madame Xiao shifted slightly. She felt a weight on her, as if a heavy mountain pressed against her body. Waves of a man''s warm breath reached her from behind, causing her cheeks to flush, yet also sending aforting warmth through her.


    "Madam, it''s me, it''s me," Lin Wanrong responded, the tears of happiness falling down his face. "We''re alive, we didn''t die."


    His voice was raspy, and had Madame Xiao not been so close, she would not have heard him clearly. Drops fell in the darkness,nding warmly on her face.


    She suddenly remembered the moment of the explosion¡ªit had been Lin San who had shielded her with his body. Choking back a sob, two lines of clear tears rolled down her cheeks. "Lin San, thank you."


    "What is there to thank? As long as Madam doesn''t think I''ve taken advantage of you, that''s all that matters," Lin Wanrong sighed, his tone a mixture of seriousness and jest.


    He shouldn''t have mentioned it. The moment he did, Madame Xiao felt her cheeks burn even more. There they were, tightly entwined, a young man and herself in such apromising position. If anyone saw them, even the Yellow River couldn''t wash her reputation clean. Trained from a young age in the strict etiquette between men and women, she felt ufortable being this close to him. She clenched her teeth and started to move away, but the moment she did, Lin San groaned softly. His teeth were clenched so hard they made a grinding noise, and his voice weakened considerably.


    Madame Xiao was startled and stopped moving. "Lin San, what¡ªwhat''s wrong with you?"Sweat rolled down Lin Wanrong''s forehead. Even without looking, he knew how pale his face must be. Clenching his teeth, he gasped, his voice feeble, "I''m fine, continue¡ª"


    His voice waspletely different from the buoyant Lin San she was ustomed to, and Madame Xiao felt uneasy. Over time, she had be somewhat ustomed to the darkness. Though she couldn''t see clearly, she could make out vague shapes.


    They were hiding in a crater created by an explosion, so cramped that it could barely fit one person. Lin Wanrong had protected her body with his own, and they had fallen into the hole. Arge wooden frame had copsed across the top, preventing anyrge rocks from falling in.


    The narrow, shallow pit had wedged them tightly together, immobilizing them. Scattered around them were pieces of wood, bricks, and tiles, all hot as boiling water and emitting suffocating smoke that stung her cheeks. She coughed several times, finding the air increasingly thin. Her breathing became rapid, and her head began to feel dizzy.


    "Bend down¡ª" Madame Xiao lowered her head, and an arm reached up to her mouth. Lin San''s raspy voice sounded in her ear, tinged with an undeniable firmness, "Bite my arm¡ª"


    In a state of extreme oxygen deprivation, Madam Xiao felt dizzy and her consciousness began to blur. Upon hearing Lin Wanrong''s words, she slightly opened her mouth and bit down on his arm.


    "Bite harder!" Lin Wanrong shouted, enduring the pain. Her teeth sank into the flesh of his arm. Agonizing pain shot through him; he clenched his fist but said nothing.


    As Madam Xiao''s jaw opened, she instinctively took a deep breath. A rush of fresh air filled her nostrils and mouth. She gasped for breath and felt immediately relieved. When her consciousness returned, she realized she was biting tightly onto Lin Wanrong''s arm. Shocked and embarrassed, she quickly let go and her cheeks flushed red.


    Lin Wanrong knew her temperament. He shook his head and sighed, "Madam, don''t me yourself. It''s just a small trick for self-preservation when oxygen is low. If you feel dizzy again, just take another bite."


    ¡®Another bite? You make it sound like braised pork knuckle,¡¯ Madam Xiao thought, her cheeks still flushed. The darkness hid her expression. She just hummed in acknowledgment and said nothing more.


    "Madam, you can''t fall asleep," Lin Wanrong said anxiously after a long silence. "The air isn''t circting well under this debris, and oxygen is scarce. If you pass out, you may never wake up again."


    "I''m not asleep," Madam Xiao softly replied, though a hint of weariness tinged her voice¡ªamon symptom of oxygen deprivation.


    "Madam, you mustn''t sleep. You have to hang in there. If you fall asleep, I will take advantage of you. You''ll suffer a big loss, so you must hang on," Lin Wanrong warned urgently.


    His threat was soden with roguishness that Madam Xiao''s cheeks turned an even deeper shade of red. She hummed in agreement but felt ufortably close to him. She slowly shifted away, her movement causing pain to Lin Wanrong''s leg. He groaned, and beads of cold sweat dripped down his face.


    "Lin San, what''s wrong?" Madam Xiao was rmed. Her shaking hand reached out in the darkness and touched his cheek, only to find it wet and icy cold with sweat.


    "I don''t know. Maybe my leg is broken," Lin Wanrong gasped heavily.


    Trapped beneath him, Madam Xiao could not turn her body. Her fingers traced down from his cheek to his shoulder and eventually to his leg, only to find it wet and sticky. She withdrew her hand tremblingly, the faint scent of blood filling the air. "Lin San, your leg¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile. "Being alive is already good enough. Who cares about a leg? It¡¯s probably just broke."


    Struggling, Madam Xiao managed to look back and saw that arge rock had smashed through the wooden frame above andnded on Lin Wanrong''s leg. The bright red of blood had already soaked through his clothes. Broken bricks and rubbley across his back, as if he''d been embedded alive into the debris. Then she looked at herself, unharmed except for her tattered clothes and a few minor scrapes on her arm, all because he had protected her. She stared in a daze for a long while, tears blurring her vision.


    "Madam, don''t be too moved," Lin Wanrong said, sweat dripping down his face as he grinned carelessly. "I''m taking your money to eliminate disasters for you. Your monthly wages aren''t given to me for nothing."


    Seeing him still making sarcastic remarks in this state, Madam Xiao was both angry and annoyed. She wanted to rebuke him, but her lips quivered for a long time without uttering a word. Tears began to fall like beads from her eyes.


    From above her, Lin Wanrong could feel her delicate body trembling slightly. In the darkness, he couldn''t see her face clearly. Assuming she felt embarrassed due to their physical closeness, Lin Wanrong gave a faint smile, "Madam, rest assured. Though I may be greedy and lustful, I would never engage in deceitful acts. In this ruin, I won''t take advantage of you. If I break this vow, may I be struck down by heaven and earth."


    "What nonsense are you spouting?!" Madam Xiao interrupted him, visibly shocked and embarrassed. "When did I ever say you were taking advantage of me¡ªnever mind, why are we even discussing such nonsense?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, then clenched his teeth and arched his body. With great effort, he moved his broken legs, enduring a piercing pain that made him tremble from head to toe. His jaws clenched tightly, sweat rolling down his face, he managed to create a small gap beneath him.


    As the sweatnded on both him and Madam Xiao, she tremulously asked, "What are you doing?"


    With his right arm, Lin Wanrong pulled Madam Xiao away from him. She let out a surprised gasp, her body instantly moving a few inches away from his. At the same time, drained of energy, Lin Wanrong leaned to his left with a roar. With a crunching sound, therge rock loosened, and he used thest of his strength to move his broken legs. Debris and dust fell on his back, but he clenched his teeth, not uttering a sound.


    With this movement, Madam Xiao was able to move off him, and they found themselves face to face, though still intimately close. Despite the closeness, it was a more respectable arrangement than before. In the small crater created by the explosion, this was the most physical distance Lin Wanrong could manage.


    Madam Xiao was stunned. This proud Lin San was unlike the man she knew, who was usually yful and never serious. Despite people getting mad at him and cursing him, he had never shown anger. Who knew that deep inside, he was more stubborn and proud than anyone else?


    Their faces were close, his breath gently brushing her face. Madam Xiao''s eyes filled with tears, her chest trembling rapidly. Even Lin Wanrong could feel the waves of her emotion. "Lin San, what are you doing? Do you have a death wish?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a faint smile, "Life is important, of course. But perhaps in Madam''s eyes, there are things even more important than life. So, I have to oblige."


    Tears fell like rain from Madam Xiao''s eyes. "Are you insulting me? At a time like this, when even our lives are at stake, would I still care about minor details? Am I some backward, inflexible person? Are you the only noble one, while I can only be despicable?"


    Madam Xiao''s words came out like rapid-fire, melodious but piercing, leaving Lin Wanrong dizzied and rueful. Women are truly hard to please. Madam used to scold him for being despicable; now sheined he was being too noble. He really felt like Zhu Bajie [TL: A character in the novel Journey to the West] looking into a mirror¡ªneither human nor beast.


    A faint fragrance wafted into his nostrils, and the breath she exhaled tickled his face. Lin Wanrong listened to her tirade with a smile, but his mind was surprisingly calm. In this pitch-ck ruin, the oxygen was slowly depleting, and he didn''t know whether the two of them couldst until they were found. Fortunately, he wasn''t alone; he had someone to talk to.


    The Madam finished her rant in one breath, her face flushed, feeling dizzy and short of breath. Having been educated by Lin San, she knew it was due to the thinning air. Just as she began to feel anxious, an arm stretched towards her mouth, "Bite down¡ª"


    "I don''t want to¡ªMm¡ª" She resisted stubbornly, but the arm had an irresistible force, pushing against her mouth and making her open it.


    In the darkness, she couldn''t see Lin San''s expression or discern his thoughts. Strangely, she felt this Lin San before her was both proud and pure.


    Both remained silent in the cramped, narrow pit, feeling intensely alone. Facing each other, they could smell each other''s breath and hear each other''s heartbeat, feeling a sense of vastness, as if the world had receded. The Madam''s heart thumped wildly, yet she sensed that Lin San had no impure thoughts whatsoever.


    What was the matter with him? Was he really so pure now? Her face flushed; she had grown ustomed to his taking liberties and was now disoriented by his changed demeanor.


    "Madam, do you have a mother?" Lin San''s voice echoed softly in the boundless darkness, raspy yet distant, as ifing from far away.


    ¡®What kind of question is this? Do I look like I sprang from a rock?¡¯ The Madam responded softly, "My mother passed away a long time ago. What about you? Are your parents still alive?"


    Perhaps it was an illusion, but Lin San''s voice seemed to choke, "They should be, along with my sister¡ªI really miss them."


    Their bodies were so close that she could feel the trembling of his palm. Lin San, who was always unscrupulous and cunning, also had this vulnerable side. Her heart trembled, and she gently held his hand, soothingly saying, "If you miss them, go back and visit. Take Yushuang and Yuruo with you."


    ¡®Go back? Easier said than done.¡¯ Lin Wanrong shook his head with a bitter smile, a montage of faces shing before his eyes¡ªparents, sister, Qingxuan, Xian''er, An Biru, Ning Yuxi... Face after face floated past him, sometimes blurry, sometimes clear. Unwittingly, from a lone wolf, he had gained so many emotional ties. The changes in life were truly unpredictable; he couldn''t help but sigh softly.


    "What are you thinking about?" Lin San had suddenly transformed before her eyes, bing profound and thoughtful, making her feel restless. Strangely, she missed the simpler Lin San of the past.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I was thinking about my experiences." He clicked his tongue and shook his head, "Sometimes I find it strange¡ªdid I really do all those things? Am I really that great a person?"


    "Blowing your own horn, are you?" The Madam chuckled softly. Though her face was hidden, herugh gave the impression of a gentle spring breeze. "What extraordinary feats have you aplished? Do share."


    Amid the ruins, survival was a game of fate. Lin Wanrong smiled faintly and began recounting his story from Jinling, sharing his adventures one by one.


    His experiences were so diverse that no one else in the world couldpare. Whether it was poetrypetitions, fierce battles against the bandit leader of White Lotus Sect, solving riddles at Lingyin Temple, or vying for the top merchant positions, his stories included both familiar and unknown tales that left the Madam trembling, her eyes wide and mouth agape. She had initially considered him merely a carefree rogue; little did she know his life could fill volumes of legendary tales.


    Many of these stories he had never shared with anyone. Seeing the Madam listening so intently, a sense of unprecedented calm arose within him. He felt no urge to hold anything back. Even his interactions with Qingxuan, Eldest Miss, and others, as well as his emotional history with Ning Yuxi, wereid bare.


    His most astonishing story involved a life-and-death love affair with Fairy Ning, captivating and soul-stirring. The Madam gasped in shock, "You were involved with Miss Xiao''s master? How could this be allowed?"


    "What''s wrong with it?" Lin Wanrong retorted calmly.


    She shook her head repeatedly, "Fairy Ning is Miss Xiao''s master. What you''re doing defies social norms; it''s uneptable."


    "Fairy Ning is Qingxuan''s master, true. But she''s also my Fairy Sister. Both are correct," Lin Wanrong snorted. "I am unmarried, as is she. We share no blood rtions and our feelings are mutual. Why is this uneptable? I intend to marry her, to love her, to protect her. What can anyone do to me?"


    At a loss for words, the Madam found herself speechless.


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "Madam, have you ever been in love?"


    She gasped and quickly withdrew her hand, her face flushing as she chided, "Why do you ask? My marriage was arranged; my husband and I respect each other. We''re not as audacious as you."


    "Ah, so you''ve never been in love," Lin Wanrong sighed, nodding his head. "No wonder. You haven''t experienced that kind of heartbeat, so naturally you can''t understand."


    Heartbeat? What kind of heartbeat? She nced at him, asking softly, "How old are you this year?"


    "Neen," Lin Wanrong answered earnestly.


    She chuckled, "You look more like thirty-nine to me. Even a man of fifty-nine would not possess your experiences."


    "I''ll take thirty-nine, then. Age has never concerned me much," Lin Wanrongughed.


    "Thirty-nine, thirty-nine... Why couldn''t you be thirty-nine?" The Madam sighed quietly, her eyes welling up with tears.


    "Madam, what did you say?" Lin Wanrong asked, as if he hadn''t heard her words.


    "Never mind," the Madam chuckled, wiping her tears. "My thoughts are rather chaotic today, and I can''t even remember what I''ve said. Let''s keep this as our little secret. You''re not allowed to tell anyone." She extended her delicate little finger, hooking it around Lin Wanrong''s, her face flushed with a charming rosy hue.


    "Our secret," Lin Wanrong smiled softly, hooking his finger around her delicate one. A warm, soft sensation filled his heart...


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 469

    Chapter 469


    Chapter 469 Guo Junyi


    The explosion had kicked up dust and debris, enveloping the surrounding area of the Xiao family''s shop. Numerous soldiers, armed with des and arrows, stood guard nearby, keeping the crowd of onlookers at a distance. The ruins left by the explosion piled up several meters high, and fearing a second copse, people hesitated to use any tools. They were forced to clear the debris by hand, making for slow progress.


    Qin Xian''er clutched Eldest Miss''s hand tightly. Her pretty face was devoid of color. Xiao Yuruo fought back her tears, quietlyforting her. Aside from the noise of soldiers shifting bricks and rubble, the scene was eerily silent.


    Gao Qiu wiped away his sweat hastily and ran over, falling to his knees: "Reporting to Princess Nishang, Miss Xiao, Princess Chuyun has arrived¡ª"


    Before he could finish speaking, a small sedan chair appeared in the distance. Its curtain was lifted, and three disheveled, haggard women rushed out.


    "Big brother¡ª" Ning''er and Qiaoqiao called out softly, tears falling like pearls cut from their strings. They choked up as they ran toward the ruins, their faces illuminated by the flickering fires around them. Their expressions were so forlorn that even the Gao Qiu couldn''t help but shed tears.


    Xiao Yuruo was familiar with Qiaoqiao, and she had also known Miss Luo from her time in Jinling. Seeing the two women crying to the point of fainting, she thought of Lin San and felt a suffocating sense of heartbreak. She grabbed their sleeves and whispered through her tears, "Sister Qiaoqiao, Miss Luo, he... he will be alright¡ª"


    In the midst of her tears, Luo Ning suddenly looked up. Her tear-streaked face shone with anger as she choked out, "Eldest Miss, does your family have a vendetta against my big brother? Why do terrible things always happen around your family? Last time he was captured, this time he was ambushed. Is this how you treat him?!"


    Anger overrode any calm Luo Ning might have had. Eldest Miss was at a loss for words, her heart feeling like it was being pierced by needles. She let out a soft cry and copsed into Qin Xian''er''s arms, muttering, "It''s my fault, Sister Xian''er, I''ve doomed him¡ª"Having spent thest few days with the sisters, Qin Xian''er had gotten over her initial reservations and established deep emotional bonds with them. Especially just now, in the face of crisis, they had depended on andforted each other. Seeing Luo Ning angrily confront Xiao Yuruo, she couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow and scold, "Miss Luo, what happens between Sister Xiao and my husband is none of your concern, nor is it your ce toment."


    "What did you say?" Luo Ning trembled with rage. She was a proud person, and with the uncertainty surrounding her big brother''s condition, she could no longer contain her anger, saying, "Your husband is also my spouse, as my father promised me to him, with Lord Xu Wei as the matchmaker. How could this have nothing to do with me?"


    Qin Xian''er''s face turned icy. "A promise? It seems more like you''re clinging to my husband shamelessly¡ª"


    "You¡ª" Luo Ning had never been subjected to such disdain, her chest quivered with anger, and she was at a loss for words, tears streaming down her face.


    "Both of you, please stop arguing," said Qiaoqiao, who was already feeling sorrowful. Listening to the two women bicker made her even more deste. "You are the people closest to Big Brother. If he saw you arguing, wouldn''t he be even more heartbroken?"


    Qiaoqiao was gentle and charming. Qin Xian''er had gotten along well with her when they were in Jinling. Hearing her speak, Qin Xian''er was reminded of Lin Wanrong, whose fate was unknown, and she choked back a sob. Luo Ning''s eyes also reddened, and tears fell freely. Neither of them spoke further.


    The woman walking behind Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning stared at Qin Xian''er for a long time before she couldn''t help but softly sob, "Xian''er, is it you?"


    Qin Xian''er''s expression was icy. She didn''t even look at her and said, "So what if it is me? What, you want to fight me? My master isn''t afraid of yours, so why should I be afraid of you?"


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head gently, tears mixing with her smile. "All of that was a misunderstanding. You are my sister; how could I fight you? If I had known the truth earlier, we would have recognized each other back in Jinling. We would have been a reunited family, offering our filial piety to our father. Wouldn''t that be wonderful?"


    "Sister?" Qin Xian''er looked at her slightly protruding belly, bitterness filling her heart. She scoffed, "Don''t make it sound so nice. When you were seducing my husband, did you think about the fact that I was your sister? Weren''t you chosen as the sessor of the Fairy Hall,mitted to the heavenly path and caring for the world? How did you end up carrying my husband''s child? My master was right; the so-called Fairy Hall is full of sanctimonious hypocrites. They dare not love, they dare not hate; they are a hundred times more hypocritical than ordinary people. Your master is like that, and so are you."


    The harshness of her words was such that even Eldest Miss couldn''t bear to listen and hurriedly tugged at Qin Xian''er''s sleeve. But Qin Xian''er remained fearless. Having grown up in the White Lotus Sect under An Biru''s guidance, she had developed such a devil-may-care attitude that even Lin Wanrong couldn''t handle her, let alone Xiao Qingxuan.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s face flushed, then paled. Although Qin Xian''er spoke harshly, her words were true. When it came to being candid, daring to love and hate, neither she nor Ning Yuxi couldpare to Qin Xian''er and her master.


    "Well, call me a hypocrite then," Xiao Qingxuan gently wiped away a tear and said softly, "But the blood ties between us can never be severed. Whether you acknowledge me as your sister or not, you will always be my sister."


    "Who cares," Qin Xian''er snorted softly, her eyes misty as she quickly turned her head away.


    Xiao Qingxuan had understood Qin Xian''er''s character back in Jinling and had nearly fallen for her tricksst time. She knew that rushing wouldn''t get her anywhere; having a peaceful conversation with Qin Xian''er was already a significant step forward. She sighed and looked at Xiao Yuruo with a slight smile, nodding, "Eldest Miss, it''s been a while. How have you been?"


    Upon seeing Xiao Qingxuan, Xiao Yuruo couldn''t help but think of what had happened on Mount Dangtu. Her cheeks flushed as she lowered her head and mumbled, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I''ve been well, and I haven''t yet had the chance to thank you for saving me before."


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head and smiled, "If we''re talking about gratitude, I should be the one thanking you. You yed the role of a matchmaker for My Dear and me. He''s mentioned it several times, saying that we should express our gratitude to you."


    Xiao Yuruo felt a shy thrill at Xiao Qingxuan''s meaningful words. She lowered her head slightly and gripped Qin Xian''er''s small hand tightly.


    The atmosphere in the scene was exceptionally quiet. The few young women standing there had invisibly divided themselves into two factions, and neither group was to be trifled with. Gao Qiu, after listening to their conversation and observing their expressions, had a pretty good idea of what was going on. In this world, if there was a man who could subdue all these young women, it would be Lin San.


    "Officer Gao, is my My Dear hiding here?" Xiao Qingxuan''s elegant eyebrows flickered as she nced at the pile of rubble, her voice trembling.


    Gao Qiu respectfully replied, "Master Lin and Madam Xiao should be buried under this rubble. Please rest assured, Princess, I will do my best to rescue Master Lin as soon as possible."


    Xiao Qingxuan gently nodded, tears glittering in her eyes, as she softly sighed, "You, my troublesome husband, never giving people peace of mind."


    ¡­


    After conversing with Madam Xiao for a bit, Lin Wanrong shared everything he had been holding back¡ªthings said and unsaid. Feeling much lighter, heughed and said, "Madam, I have never told anyone else these things. Not even Qingxuan knows about them. Now that you''re aware of eighty percent of my secrets, you could be considered my confidante."


    In this dark world where they couldn''t see each other''s faces, they could still feel each other''s warmth¡ªa trulyforting feeling. Madam Xiao gave a light scoff and said shyly, "Who''s your confidante? Be careful or someone will hear you and toss you into a pigsty."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled nonchntly, "Madam, I¡¯m not easily scared. Given the purity of our rtionship, we are far from deserving a dip in a pigsty."


    Madam Xiao sighed softly, "Lin San, why do you be a different person herepared to when you''re outside? If we really escape from here, will you revert back to your former self?"


    Such a profound question left Lin Wanrong at a loss for words. He gave a wry smile and countered, "Madam, do you wish for me to revert back?"


    Madam Xiao was silent for a moment, pondering theplexity of the question. After a long pause, she sighed, "I never understood why both Yuruo and Yushuang were smitten with you. It''s only now that I somewhat understand. Lin San, you said I know eighty percent of your secrets. What about the remaining twenty percent? Can you share it with me?"


    "No," Lin Wanrong smiled, "Some secrets are mine alone and cannot be shared. Although sometimes, it makes me feel very lonely."


    His tone was light, yet it masked an indefinable sadness that seemed to overshadow the surrounding heat. Perhaps influenced by him, Madam Xiao suddenly felt an oppressive sensation. In the hazy atmosphere, even his heartbeat seemed exceptionally clear.


    After an indefinite period of silence, he felt wetness on his arm as warm droplets fell. Lin Wanrong eximed, "Madam, what''s wrong? I didn''t take advantage of you."


    Madam Xiao shook her head, wiping away her tears, "Do you hate me?"


    "Hate you? Hate you for what?" Lin Wanrong was genuinely puzzled.


    "Do you truly not know, or are you just pretending tofort me?" Madam Xiao sobbed, her eyes shining with tears. "If I hadn¡¯t insisted on going to Grand Prime Minister Temple to pray today against Xian''er''s advice, you wouldn¡¯t have fallen into this trap or ended up stuck here. I know you have many things left undone, and an unborn child. It''s all my fault! If something happens to you, I will never find peace."


    Madam Xiao''s voice gradually grew louder, her emotions suddenly bing more intense. Choked with sobs, tears flowed freely, staining the fabric of his shirt on his chest and dripping onto his arm, turning from warm to cold.


    Lin Wanrong reached out firmly, gently patting her tender shoulders, and sighed, "This has nothing to do with you. Someone is targeting me. If anyone is to me, it''s me for involving you. Ah, why are you biting me?"


    "The air is getting thin. If I don''t bite you, who should I bite?" Madam Xiao said irritably, her eyes filled with tears. "Why do you always take all the me onto yourself, as if doing so will make me feel any better? Are you so noble that I''ll be forever indebted to you? It''s infuriating; I''ve never met someone as stupid and awful as you!"


    Madam Xiao seemed genuinely angered, her chest heaving rapidly, pressed against Lin Wanrong''s. She then turned her head away, refusing to speak.


    ¡®What is going on?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was bewildered. One moment she was crying, the next she wasughing¡ªso different from her usualposed self. And she said he had changed; little did she know she was the one who was different.


    In this ruined ce, there were only the two of them. When one person stopped talking, the other naturally had nothing to say. Lin Wanrong quickly tugged at her arm, to which Madam Xiao huffed angrily, "What are you doing? Go on, be your noble self and don''t touch me!"


    ¡®Noble or shameless, both are my faults,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought bitterly. The previously warm atmosphere was now frozen in tension.


    The ruins grew increasingly dark, the air thinner, an oppressive feeling flooding his mind. Lin Wanrong''s breaths quickened, his heartbeats audible, his eyelids growing heavy.


    The sound of Madam Xiao''s hurried breathing rang in his ears, jolting Lin Wanrong awake. He tightly embraced her waist and patted her face energetically, "Madam, you can''t fall asleep! Wake up! I haven''t taken advantage of you yet. Wake up!"


    That shout drained all his energy. He gasped for air, drawing in stale atmosphere into his lungs. The sensation of suffocation intensified, his eyelids feeling like they weighed a ton, and he was on the brink of falling asleep.


    "Lin, Lin San," Madam Xiao panted, her trembling chest pressed tightly against his, her voice hoarse, "Are we¡ª are we going to die?!"


    "No, we won''t die," Lin Wanrong''s eyes moistened as he shook her vigorously, his limbs trembling, "Hold on, Madam. Let''s talk. I promise I won''t be noble anymore. In fact, I''ve always wanted to be a despicable person."


    Madam Xiao''s face flushed red as she coughed violently, the sensation of suffocation making her feel increasingly lightheaded. Tears trickled down her cheeks, "Lin, Lin San, is your name Lin Wanrong?"


    "Yes, yes it is," Lin Wanrong nodded hastily.


    "Lin Wanrong, Lin Wanrong¡ª" Madam Xiao gasped for air, attempting to take in deep breaths but inhaling more stale air instead. Her eyes felt incredibly heavy as she mumbled, "I don''t like that name; I prefer calling you Lin San. Do you know my name?"


    Her body grew increasingly limp, and with every breath, he could hear the tremor in her lungs. The immense pain rendered her voice incredibly weak: "My name is Guo Junyi. You¡ªyou won''t remember¡ª" Her body suddenly tensed, her breathing bing intensely erratic for a moment, and then gradually, it slowed until there was no sound at all.


    "Guo Junyi, Guo Junyi¡ª" Lin Wanrong embraced the body that was growing cold, tears cascading down his cheeks.


    With a heart-wrenching scream, he let out a roar that seemed to reach the heavens, holding Guo Junyi''s body tightly. Like a helpless child, he broke down into uncontroble sobs.


    A delicate ''ding'' resounded, followed by the ecstatic voice of a woman: "My Dear, My Dear¡ª"


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 Chapter 470

    Chapter 470


    Chapter 470 The Rescue


    "Qingxuan!" Lin Wanrong was overjoyed, hurriedly wiping away his tears and shouting, "Qingxuan, I''m here, I''m here!"


    Darkness pervaded the rubble around him. Xiao Qingxuan''s voice echoed for a moment and then vanished. Thest traces of warmth were slowly leaving Guo Junyi''s body cradled in his arms; her delicate form was growing rigid.


    Memories ofughing and joking with the Madam flooded his mind. He had never imagined that one day she would die right before his eyes. Lin Wanrong felt a lump forming in his throat; an unbearable pain surged through him. Gathering hisst bit of strength, he let out a scream, "We are here¡ª"


    Suffering from extremeck of oxygen, his voice was weak and hoarse, almost powerless. His breathing became increasingly rapid. Faintly, he could hear the sound of air churning in his lungs, and his consciousness began to waver.


    ¡®Am I going to die?¡¯ His mind was drifting, memories rushing back¡ªthe sweetness of leaning on each other with Eldest Miss and Qingxuan in Dangtu Mountain, the warmth of boating in Weishan Lake with An Biru and Xian''er, the steadfastmitment of facing life and death with Fairy Ning.


    His nose tingled; he wanted to cry andugh at the same time. Holding Guo Junyi''s stiffening body tightly against him, he felt her gradually fading warmth and a strange sense of peace washed over him. ¡®Is this it? Am I going back to where I came from? Qingxuan, Xian''er, goodbye forever! Fairy Ning, Sister An, I miss you!¡¯


    "My Dear, My Dear¡ª" Xiao Qingxuan''s soft, weeping voice echoed in his ears, almost inaudible but incredibly clear, "Can you hear me? Respond to me, respond to me!"


    His eyelids felt as if they weighed a ton; his consciousness was fading. Hearing that familiar voice, he mustered all his strength, took a breath, and slowly opened his eyes. A sliver of light was projected from the rubble above, illuminating the pale cheeks of Madam Xiao. Her delicate eyebrows were slightly furrowed, her expression peaceful, as if she were a sleeping fairy.It was a narrow iron tube, hollow in the center, forcefully inserted through the debris above. The light came through the hollow middle. Lin Wanrong was ecstatic. He squeezed his way to the tube; a barely perceptible breeze brushed his cheeks. Though feeble, it was precious to him.


    "Madam, wake up, wake up," tears flowed down his cheeks as he forcefully pped Guo Junyi''s pale and delicate face, "We''re saved, we''re still alive, wake up. Wake up!"


    Guo Junyiy limply in his arms, her body cold and rigid, lifeless. The grief in Lin Wanrong''s heart surged like a torrential river, impossible to contain. "Ah¡ª" he screamed frantically, shaking Madam Xiao''s tender body, tears rolling down his face. "Wake up, Guo Junyi, wake up! If you don''t wake up, I will take advantage of you; I mean what I say¡ª"


    No matter how much he shouted and called, Madam Xiao''s body remained limp, as if she were asleep; her breathing had long since ceased.


    Tears streamed down his face, his sobbing unrestrained. Bending down, he pinched Guo Junyi''s delicate nose and pressed his lips forcefully onto her luscious red lips. Her lips were soft and fragrant, carrying a faint sweet scent, but her mouth and teeth were icy cold; he couldn''t find a trace of breath.


    Lin Wanrong took several sharp breaths, lifting his head to exhale the stale air from his lungs before taking another breath. This cycle repeated, each inhtion pulling in the pitifully limited air avable through the iron pipe. Without a moment''s hesitation, he passed his own breath into Guo Junyi''s mouth.


    In that moment, he felt like an innocent child, nursing from his mother, his mind devoid of any other thought but one heart-wrenching realization: he must save her. There was no time to take a full breath for himself, fearing that anypse on his part would extinguish Guo Junyi''sst hope for survival.


    Madam Xiao, however, seemed almost hypnotized; her breathing was growing fainter and her cold body showed no response.


    "You can''t die; you must not die!" Lin Wanrong muttered feverishly as he assisted her breathing. His cheeks had gone numb from the effort, and each breath caused a tearing pain in his lungs. His mind grew increasingly cloudy; his vision darkened. He no longer knew what he was doing, mechanically repeating the breathing action in a daze.


    Beneath the extreme physical and emotional strain, he felt as if his soul had detached from his body. It was only his unwavering conviction that enabled him to continue the repetitive motion, again and again.


    In his semi-conscious state, Lin Wanrong had reached the limits of his strength and awareness. He was like a puppet on strings, utterly manipted. The soft body in his arms shifted slightly, but he noticed nothing.


    "My Dear, My Dear, speak to me!" Xiao Qingxuan''s anxious voice came through the iron pipe, followed by a slow trickle of water that sshed onto their faces.


    Madam Xiao''s eyshes quivered, and her lips parted slightly as she struggled to open her eyes.


    The cool water on Lin Wanrong''s face snapped him back to his senses. Seeing Guo Junyi''s trembling eyshes, he was stunned for a moment before shouting ecstatically, "Madam, you''re awake, you''re awake! Cough, cough¡ª"


    A searing pain erupted in his lungs, but he had no time to care. Holding Guo Junyi tightly, he broke into uncontroble sobs, feeling as if they had been reborn through fire.


    The thin airing through the iron pipe gradually normalized Madam Xiao''s breathing. Slowly, she opened her eyes. Under the faint light, she saw Lin San''s face. His hair and cheeks were covered in dust and grime, yet the streaks left by his tears were clearly visible.


    "Lin, Lin San," Guo Junyi gasped, tears gushing forth, "Did we die?"


    "No, we didn''t die," Lin Wanrong grinned, half his face ck and half white from the mingling of dust and tears, looking for all the world like a mischievous monkey. "We''re saved, we''re saved."


    His eyes were clear as crystal, filled with an innocence she had never seen in Lin San before. Guo Junyi could only stare in amazement.


    It was as if she sensed the fervent joy in his heart, a feeling that transcended mere desire. Madam Xiao''s eyes brimmed with tears, a warmth spreading through her. She gently smoothed her sleeve to wipe away the tears on his face and smiled, "You''re a man. How can you cry so easily? What would others think if they saw you?"


    Her demeanor was both gentle and natural, like a sister, yet also like a mother. Lin Wanrong grunted in agreement, wiping away his tears andughing, "These are not tears; they''re dewdrops from the sky. You know, I''m a capable and intelligent person; nobody can bully me. How could I cry?"


    Guo Junyi softly hummed, grasping his hand, tears trickling down her cheeks.


    Seeing her pale face and dazed expression, Lin Wanrong hastily pped a shining metal pipe and eximed, "Madam, look, what is this?"


    Hearing him call her ''Madam'' had once felt so natural, but now it made Guo Junyi slightly ufortable. She stared nkly for a moment before finally saying, "It looks like a piece of metal pipe. Where did ite from? I didn¡¯t see it earlier."


    Lin Wanrong sighed with emotion, "Madam, without this thing, we both would have lost our lives here. The air you breathed earlier came from this."


    "What breathed air? I don''t understand!" In the dim light, a light flush crept up Guo Junyi''s pretty face. She turned her head away, her voice trembling.


    "Never mind. What I mean is, this pipe allows us to talk so freely now," Lin Wanrong chuckled, glossing over the subject. In the case of a chaste widow like Madam Xiao, who valued her reputation more than life itself, it was better to keep some matters hidden, buried under the debris.


    Guo Junyi lowered her head and softly hummed, her eyes moistening.


    Lin Wanrong took a deep breath from the pipe, and a cool breeze wafted in. He felt immediately refreshed, though his head was still a bit muddled; he was nheless far better than before.


    "Does it still hurt?" Seeing him greedily breathe in the air, Guo Junyi sighed softly. Her delicate hand gingerly touched his injured thigh, which was pressed tightly against her body. Blood stains had seeped onto her clothes, making them rough and coarse, yet incredibly real.


    Lin Wanrong''s forehead broke into a cold sweat as he gritted his teeth, "A little, yes."


    Madam Xiao suddenly cried out, "Don''t ever be so foolish again. Your life is as precious as gold and gems. How can you risk it to save others? If Yushuang and Yuruo found out, they would hate me!"


    "I am but a worthless life, I''ve already died countless times. I am not as precious as gold and gems," Lin Wanrong said,forting her. "Not just you, if even a cat or dog were in trouble, I would save them too."


    "You might as well belittle me," Madam Xiao sighed deeply, murmuring, "I would rather you save that cat or dog than save me." Her words became increasingly iprehensible, even to him. Lin Wanrong shook his head andughed, choosing not to engage her any further. He had been stirring up trouble for quite some time and was already extremely exhausted. As he was yawning, he suddenly felt a small hand groping around on his body. Startled, Lin Wanrong eximed, "Madam, what are you doing? Men and women should not touch so freely!"


    "What nonsense are you talking about?!" Guo Junyi said with augh. With a ripping sound, she tore a piece of cloth from his tattered clothes. Crouching down with all her might, she finally reached his thigh and carefully bandaged his injured leg.


    Lin Wanrong grumbled, "Madam, I have clothes on, and you have clothes on too. Why did you have to tear mine?"


    Guo Junyi red at him, her face flushed. "I am a woman. How could I tear my own clothes?"


    The ruin they were in had been dark, making it difficult to see. Now, with the faint light avable, Lin Wanrong took a quick look. He saw that Guo Junyi''s clothes were already in tatters, like strips of cloth wrapped around her body. As she crouched, glimpses of her full bosom and slender jade-like legs became visible, her skin luminous. Lin Wanrong immediately understood; her clothes really couldn''t be torn any further.


    "What are you staring at?" Guo Junyi quickly looked away, speaking feebly. The space was so cramped that the two of them were pressed tightly together. Even if he wanted to do something more out of line, it would be all too easy.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and said nothing. Seeing his silence, Guo Junyi stole a nce at him. His eyes were tightly closed, looking as if he had fallen asleep. Recalling the vows he had made earlier, she felt uneasy and said apologetically, "I was just joking with you; don''t take it to heart."


    "It''s fine," Lin Wanrong replied nonchntly, "I''m used to being treated as a viin."


    Petty! Seeing his childlike, pouty lips, Guo Junyi couldn''t help but shake her head and smile, a warm maternal glow spreading across her face.


    "My Dear, where are you? Answer me, answer me!"


    This must have been the umpteenth time Xiao Qingxuan had called out. Lin Wanrong had been so preupied with rescuing Madam Xiao that he had forgotten about it. He hurriedly moved to the pipe and shouted, "Qingxuan, I''m here! Respond if you hear me!"


    Hearing his voice, Xiao Qingxuan burst into tears of joy, "My Dear, I heard you, I heard you! Wait for me, I''ming to rescue you."


    How embarrassing. Lately, it seemed like he was always being rescued by his wife. He sighed but felt a hint of pride. ¡®My wife is capable, always rescuing me. But I am even more capable, for I found such a capable wife!¡¯


    As he was lost in his triumphant thoughts, he realized that the pit had fallen silent, devoid of Guo Junyi''s voice. Looking down, he saw her head lowered in silence, lost in thought.


    "Madam, don''t worry. We will be able to leave here soon," he immediatelyforted, assuming she was worried about their fate.


    "Is that so?" Guo Junyi nced at him lightly. "Are you happy?"


    ¡®What kind of question is this? I''ll be seeing daylight soon and will be reunited with Qingxuan; how could I not be happy?¡¯ Seeing his puzzled look, Guo Junyi smiled charmingly, "I was just teasing you; I''m quite happy too!"


    It was a peculiar turn of events; in the past, he was the one making light of her. Now, the tables had turned, and she was teasing him. Lin Wanrong turned serious, "Madam, I haven''t told Qingxuan about my rtionship with Fairy Sister yet. Please keep it a secret for now. When I return from the North, I''ll tell her everything."


    "You''re just a coward who has the guts to act but not to speak!" Guo Junyi berated.


    From above came the sound of loosening tiles and rubble, followed by a wave of voices. Seeing Lin San''s expression light up, Guo Junyi sighed, "Lin San, do you remember my name?"


    "I do, Guo Junyi! Madam, why do you ask?" Lin Wanrong, hearing the sweet call of Yushuang from above, was already restless and eager to return.


    "Nothing," noticing his distracted demeanor, Guo Junyi smiled, "Just testing your memory!"


    With a tter, the bricks and rubble above were moved aside. "Bad guy, Mother¡ª" The Second Miss cried softly and leaped straight into their arms.


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 Chapter 471

    Chapter 471


    Chapter 471 I''m Dead


    Her body was delicate and soft as she fell into the arms of Guo Junyi and Lin San, the three of them tightly huddled together. A warm sensation instantly enveloped them all.


    "Yushuang¡ª" Madam Xiao cried out sorrowfully, tightly hugging her. Tears poured down her face like a floodgate had opened. The Second Miss held Lin San with one arm and her mother with the other, sobbing so hard she couldn''t catch her breath, a truly touching scene.


    Lin Wanrong, wounded all over, felt pain surging through every part of his body from the pressure. Seeing the two women crying heartily, he couldn''t help but give a bitter smile. "Second Miss, let''s save the idle talk forter. I really need some sleep."


    Hearing this, Madam Xiao suddenly remembered something and quickly wiped her tears away. "Yushuang, get up quickly. He''s seriously injured; don¡¯t press on him."


    Second Miss nodded, somewhat embarrassed, and lifted her head. She saw Madam Xiao almost clinging onto Lin San, both covered in blood. Startled, she noticed that Qin Xian''er had already rushed over. Seeing Lin Wanrong''s state, she let out a sob and embraced him, "Husband, Husband, how are you?"


    Lin Wanrong nestled into her chest, nudging his head forcefully. The depletion of both his physical and mental energies had drained himpletely. The soft,fortable feeling made him utterly rxed. He gasped for air; his consciousness blurred and his vision foggy. He muttered, "Xian''er, save the Madam first. She¡¯s frail; I fear she won¡¯tst long."


    Tearfully, Qin Xian''er nodded and with great effort lifted Madam Xiao from his arms, dashing out. Guo Junyi looked back at him and saw Lin San¡¯s face weak and tired, but still managing a smile for her.


    "Big Brother¡ª" Ning''er and Qiaoqiao ran over frantically, navigating through the ruins. Xiao Yuruo, supporting Xiao Qingxuan, followed them, her eyes shimmering with tears."You all came?" He grinned with chapped, pale lips. His voice was so faint it was almost mosquito-like. An overwhelming sense of exhaustion flooded him. As he looked at their teary yet beautiful faces, his mind gradually clouded over and darkness closed in. An indescribable exhaustion overcame him, and finally, he couldn''t resist anymore. Hey in the Second Miss''s arms and fell into a deep sleep...


    ...


    "Little Brother, what are you doing? Why haven¡¯t youe to find me these days?" An Biru moved gracefully toward him,ughing softly. Her mature, voluptuous figure lightly quivered like waves. She pressed her cheek to his chest, her voice clear and melodious, yet tinged with an indescribable mncholy.


    "Sister An." Lin Wanrong was overjoyed and quickly grabbed her hand. "How did you get here?"


    "You heartless little thing." An Biru feigned anger and annoyance, tapping him gently on the forehead with her jade-like finger. "If you don''te looking for me, am I not allowed toe looking for you? Be careful, I might tell Xian''er you''ve bullied her master, and bullied her badly at that. I''m still hurting!"


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong felt a warmth in his heart. He pulled her into his arms and chuckled, "Look at what you¡¯re saying. Even if I dared to bully everyone in the world, I would never dare to bully you, Sister."


    "Really?" An Biru giggled flirtatiously, casting a seductive nce at him. "So, it''s alright for you to bully my senior sister? Don''t forget, she is the master of Qingxuan!"


    Fairy Sister? Lin Wanrong was stunned for a moment. An Biru''s fox-like cheeks momentarily transformed into Ning Yuxi''s extraordinarily beautiful face. Fairy Ning smiled softly, her expression mncholy. "You scoundrel, have you forgotten me? Why haven''t youe to pick me up from the mountain?"


    "Yuxi¡ª" He called out in a daze, gripping her hand tightly. "Wait for me, I''ll be right there!"


    "Really?" Ning Yuxi''s face grew colder. "You speak to Junior Sister An in the same way, don''t you? Men who are unfaithful are all the same. It seems I misjudged you."


    A faint, deste smile appeared at the corners of her mouth. She turned away, her skirt fluttering, floating away like a feather-light immortal.


    "Fairy Sister¡ª" Lin Wanrong cried out in desperation, reaching to grab her sleeve, but grasping nothing but air.


    A gentle voice sounded in his ear, "My Dear, My Dear, what''s wrong? Were you having a nightmare?"


    Lin Wanrong slowly opened his eyes to find Xiao Qingxuan''s fairy-like face before him. She looked somewhat pale, her eyes red and swollen, as if she had been through much, but this did not diminish her breathtaking beauty. Instead, it added a touch of vulnerability that invitedpassion.


    He blinked, swallowed, and took a few deep breaths. "Qingxuan, where am I?"


    Seeing his confused state, Xiao Qingxuan¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears. She wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and cheeks with her sleeve, softly saying, "Fool, you''re in our home, of course. Don¡¯t you see, this is Ning''er¡¯s chamber?"


    "Big Brother, I won''t forgive you." Luo Ning nestled beside Xiao Qingxuan and burst into tears of joy upon seeing him awaken. "You don¡¯t even recognize Ning''er¡¯s room. You''ve really angered me. Once you''re better, you''re staying in my room for a full month. If you don¡¯t memorize every inch of it, I won¡¯t let you leave."


    Ning''er''s chamber? So, both An Biru and Ning Yuxi were just figments of a dream? He nced quickly around the room; the furniture, curtains, embroidered quilts, and bed all felt familiar. They had been handpicked by Ning''er and Qiaoqiao when they decorated the bridal chamber. The three had even shared an intimate moment here; how could he forget? Seeing Luo Ning''s face wet with tears of joy, her beautiful smile blooming like petals, he couldn''t help butugh. "How could I forget? I was just a bit groggy from sleep. This is our haven."


    Luo Ning blushed, softly responding with a hum. "You''ve slept for quite a while. Big Brother, were you dreaming earlier? Why did I hear you calling someone else''s name?"


    "Really? Whose name did I call?" Lin Wanrong was shocked and quickly nced at Xiao Qingxuan. Miss Xiao took his hand and smiled gently.


    "It sounded like some ¡®fairy,¡¯ some ''sister.'' I was too far away to hear clearly. Sister, did you hear it?" Luo Ning chuckled and leaned over, carefully tucking in the corner of his quilt.


    "I was just half-asleep; how could I have heard clearly?" Xiao Qingxuan shook her head slightly. She looked at him with concern and gently said, "My Dear, you''re injured. You shouldn''t leave your bed. You need to rest more. Ning''er and I will stay here to keep youpany."


    Upon hearing that he was injured, Lin Wanrong suddenly remembered and hurriedly looked down at his body. He waspletely unclothed;yers of gauze were wrapped around his chest, back, and legs. He had been turned into a giant dumpling of sorts, with a faint smell of medicinal herbs emanating from the wrappings. Hastily stretching his leg, he winced and let out a cry of pain.


    Xiao Qingxuan''s heart ached for him. She quickly grabbed his hand. "Don''t move around. I just changed your dressing; the medicine is still taking effect." She paused, and then softly sighed, "I don''t understand how this could have happened. You''re usually so agile. How did Madam Xiaoe out unscathed while you ended up like this?"


    Seeing that Luo Ning was looking at him eagerly, he realized that this girl and Xian''er were simrly cruel. Not daring to reveal that he had been injured while saving Guo Junyi, he awkwardly chuckled without saying a word.


    Miss Luo seemed to have guessed his thoughts and pouted. "Big Sister, I think Big Brother was injured so badly because he was trying to save Madam Xiao. You saw it too. When we found Big Brother and Madam Xiao, they were tightly embracing each other. Madam Xiao used to be a renowned beauty¡ª"


    "Ning''er, don''t talk nonsense," Xiao Qingxuan lightly scolded, helpless against Luo Ning''s straightforwardness. "Madam Xiao has shown great kindness to My Dear. Without her, we wouldn''t have had a good rtionship with him. If he got injured while saving her, it just means he''s an honorable man, repaying kindness with kindness. We should trust the character of both My Dear and Madam Xiao, and not make baseless spections."


    Ning''er made a face but said nothing. Lin Wanrong wanted to recount his ordeal under the ruins with Guo Junyi, but considering it could tarnish the Madam''s reputation, he stifled the impulse. Smiling, he said, "I''m a well-known gentleman. Don''t you know that, Ning''er? What I want to know is, who took off my clothes? Did anyone take advantage of me?"


    "I certainly didn''t take advantage of you," Luo Ning said with a gentle smile, her eyes filled with tenderness. She slowly rested her head on his leg, her cheeks flushing. "You are my husband. If I want to take advantage of you, I don''t need to do it covertly. I would do it openly."


    Miss Xiao lightly tsked, her ears turning red. Seeing Lin Wanrong resuming his usual jovial interaction with Ning''er, she felt a sense of joy as if something precious had been regained.


    Lin Wanrongughed for a while, but theughter brought a new wave of pain to his body. Though it was considerably milder than before, it was still agonizing. Luo Ning tenderly wiped the sweat off his face and asked tearfully, "Big Brother, does it still hurt?"


    ¡®Pain in the leg is a good sign; it means the nerves are functioning normally,¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed. "The pain is a minor issue. The real problem is that the army is soon to depart to resist the nomad invaders, and here I am with a broken leg. Bone and muscle injuries take a hundred days to heal. By the time I recover, the war at the front would likely be over."


    "Why are you worrying about those matters when you''re injured like this?" Miss Xiao looked at him with concern. "Last night, Father came to visit you in person. I''ve already mentioned to him that you''re injured and need to recuperate. You won''t be going north this time."


    "How can that be?" Lin Wanrong cried out anxiously, "A man''s worth is in his word. Had I not promised, that would be one thing, but I''ve already given my word to Xu Wei and General Li, as well as Du Xiuyuan, Hu Bugui, and all those old brothers in Shandong who are counting on me. How could I not go? I would never be able to face them again."


    Xiao Qingxuan was a woman of great wisdom. She knew that although her husband was often yful and jovial, he took his promises extremely seriously. He could be flippant about many things, but when it came to keeping his word, he was steadfast. This was the foundation upon which he conducted himself.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s worried expression, Ning''er lightlyughed, "Silly big brother, Sister was just teasing you. While it''s true that bone and tendon injuries require a long time to heal, have you considered who she is? The Emperor has sent numerous precious medicines, and the elixirs I use are far from ordinary. With daily treatment to improve your blood cirction and overall health, you should be up and about in less than ten days, and as agile as ever in about twenty."


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong''s eyes lit up with joy.


    Xiao Qingxuan shook her head helplessly and smiled, "I didn''t tell you this because I was afraid you''d think these were minor injuries and act recklessly in the future. You saved Madam Xiao this time, but who knows who it might be next. My husband, you are now the pir of our family." Tears began to fill her eyes as she snuggled against him, weeping silently.


    A feeling of both sweetness and sorrow filled Lin Wanrong''s heart. Having married such a gentle, virtuous, and intelligent wife, he felt that he must have rued good karma over multiple lifetimes. Gazing at Xiao Qingxuan''s weary face, his heart ached. "Qingxuan, I promise you, once I return from the north, I''ll stop gallivanting around and will spend my days happily with you and our family."


    Getting him to settle down was no small feat¡ªarguably as difficult as asking for his life. Xiao Qingxuan was touched and softly hummed in response.


    Grinning, Lin Wanrong took her hand and pulled her into bed, "Qingxuan, you must be tired too. Come, rest for a while. And let''s not forget about our son."


    Xiao Qingxuan blushed deeply, "Don''t be ridiculous, you''re still injured, and Ning''er is here."


    Ning''er giggled, "Sister, why be formal with me? You''ve been busy all night without a moment''s rest. Let big brother take care of you."


    They were sisters, after all; there was no need for propriety. Besides, considering Lin Wanrong''s injuries, it''s not like anything inappropriate could happen. Qingxuan bashfully agreed and slowly took off her outer garment, nestling into his arms.


    The faint scent of orchids filled his nostrils as he held his wife''s soft body, feeling the pulse in her belly beat in unison with his own heart. Lin Wanrong''s eyes gradually moistened. Being alive felt incredibly good.


    United in love, Qingxuan seemed to sense the turbulent emotions stirring within him. The sensation filled her with an exciting tremor, wishing she could be by his side forever.


    Noticing Ning''er looking at them enviously, Xiao Qingxuan''s cheeks flushed as she softly invited, "Ning''er,e join us."


    "Thank you, Sister." Luo Ning''s face showed a trace ofint. "But if someone doesn''t invite me, I dare note." She stealthily nced at her big brother, Lin Wanrong, her eyes both tender and charming.


    Lin Wanrong felt his heart soften at her look. Lifting the corner of the nket, Luo Ning giggled and crawled in, tightly wrapping her arms around his neck. Although she was beaming, tears of happiness trickled down her cheeks.


    "Hey, don''t touch me randomly, I''m injured¡ª" Lin Wanrong eximed. His hand was already caressing Luo Ning''s well-endowed chest, shouting as if he was the victim. All three of them¡ªhusband and wivesughed and cuddled into a ball.


    "Hmm, where is Qiaoqiao?" Lin Wanrong wondered, suddenly recalling that since he had woken up, he hadn''t seen her. He knew how close Qiaoqiao, Qingxuan, and Luo Ning were to him.


    Luo Ning hesitated for a moment before gently speaking. "Big Brother, don''t be anxious when I tell you this."


    "How can I not be anxious hearing you say that?" Just as he was about to inquire further, Qingxuan softly ced her jade-like hand over his lips and sighed, "It''s about Xian''er."


    "Xian''er? What happened to Xian''er?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    Luo Ning huffed in annoyance. "I just don''t understand. Both are princesses, real sisters. Why is there such a big difference between Miss Qin and Sister Xiao? After rescuing you the other day, she''s been holding onto you. Apart from the sisters from the Xiao family and Qiaoqiao, she won''t allow anyone else near you. She only reluctantly agreed to let us take shifts taking care of you, because Sister is carrying the Lin family''s bloodline. Qiaoqiao has it the hardest. She''s close to both us and Miss Qin, so she''s mediating between the two sides. She didn''t want you to feel ufortable when you woke up and saw this situation, so she''s over there persuading Miss Qin."


    Lin Wanrong''s head started to ache. He knew full well the matters between Qin Xian''er and Xiao Qingxuan. Given the current situation, this was to be expected.


    Xiao Qingxuan softly spoke, "Luo Ning, you don''t understand her temperament. My sister is not a bad person; she''s just a bit willful. Her affection for my husband even surpasses mine. My Dear''s rapid recovery is due to her spending all her spiritual energy to stimte his vitality. When I entered the room, she was lying on him, crying. It really touched me."


    At that, Lin Wanrong felt his heart soften. He couldn''t bring himself to me Xian''er. In the end, any grievances between Qingxuan and Xian''er were unintentional results of other people''s conflicts.


    Through the gauze window, a faint light heralded the dawn. Lin Wanrong, cuddling the soft bodies of Qingxuan and Luo Ning, inhaling their gentle fragrance, couldn''t fall asleep no matter what.


    "Qingxuan, what did you say? Last night?" Lin Wanrong suddenly felt rmed and asked urgently.


    "Yes," Luo Ning cuddled his arm and softly spoke, "Big Brother, you''ve been asleep for a whole day and night. We''ve already changed shifts with Miss Qin twice."


    "This is not good." Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth, attempting to sit up but was met with a body full of aching pain. Luo Ning hurriedly helped him lie back down. Xiao Qingxuan said with a pained expression, "Tell me what you need. You just had your medicine changed; don''t move recklessly."


    Lin Wanrong groaned in pain, "Qingxuan, send someone to summon Xu Wei quickly. Tell him that I am dead."


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 Chapter 472

    Chapter 472


    Chapter 472 Time to Leave


    "What?" Ning''er eximed, her small hand quickly covering his mouth. "Big Brother, don''t think foolishly. Our good days are still ahead of us."


    "It''s not foolish thoughts." Seeing Luo Ning''s pale, anxious face, Lin Wanrong was touched. He quickly held her cold hand. "Don''t worry, if I don''t live to be at least 180 years old, I absolutely won''t die."


    Luo Ning snuggled tightly against his chest and whispered, "Even at 180, you''re not allowed to die. I, along with Sister and Qiaoqiao, will be your wives forever, never to be separated."


    His heart warmed at her words. Lin Wanrong gently patted her soft shoulder, feeling her sincere and passionate affection. Xiao Qingxuan pondered for a moment and softly asked, "My Dear, are you trying to lure the person behind all this into revealing himself?"


    "Whether they reveal themselves or not, I can''t judge now," Lin Wanrong snorted. "These past few days when I''ve been in trouble, I''m afraid things have been chaotic for Old Xu as well. Hopefully, he will be more cautious and not fall into the trap set by that person behind the scenes. Qingxuan, find someone clever to send a message to Xu Wei, and make the act as convincing as possible. Since that person has set such a cunning trap for me, if I don''t survive, it would be too disappointing for him. Heh heh."


    Xiao Qingxuan was exceptionally clever; she understood his words immediately and nodded slightly. After some thought, she couldn''t find a servant in their house clever enough for this. Luo Ning thought for a moment andughed, "I doubt we have anyone in our household clever enough to handle this. But I think the Xiao family might have a couple of candidates. Yesterday, Eldest Miss Xiao assigned a servant named Si De to go to the market to get medicine for you. He was quite efficient. I observed his behavior and it seems he has received quite a lot of instruction from you. He''s as crafty and slippery as an eel."


    Ning''er was teasing him. Miss Xiao chuckled quietly, and Lin Wanrong happily said, "Si De is here too? This kid does have my style. Let him go then."


    "He''s naturally at our home," Ning''er giggled. "All the buildings of the Xiao family copsed, resulting in great loss. They don''t even have a ce to stay now, so Sister invited them all to live with us. Both Misses from the Xiao family and Madam Xiao havee. Our house is now quite lively."Qingxuan was the sensible one. Lin Wanrong was touched and held her hand sincerely, "Qingxuan, thank you."


    "Why thank me for such trivial matters? Do you consider me an outsider?" Xiao Qingxuan smiled, half yful, half serious. "Since you''ve already taken advantage of the two Misses Xiao and received Madam Xiao''s permission, our two families are now rted by marriage. I was originally nning to visit them personally in a few days to propose marriage to both Misses. Although this incident has caused some dy, it''s still a joyous asion with two families bing one. I''ve met both Misses from the Xiao family. Eldest Miss is strong and calm in crises, and the Second Miss is innocent and lively, gentle and charming. Neither of them is selfish. It would be quite appropriate to have them as sisters."


    "That''s true, that''s true." Getting Qingxuan''s approval for the happy event, Lin Wanrong was overjoyed and couldn''t help nodding continuously. However, when Qingxuan mentioned that neither of them was selfish, was she indirectly referring to Xian''er?


    Lin Wanrong was severely injured and was now treated as a rare, protected species. Qingxuan was also heavily pregnant, making it hard for her to move around. So the tasks fell on Miss Luo.


    Upon seeing her big brother unharmed, Luo Ning was ecstatic. She giggled as she left the room. Not long after, hurried footsteps could be heard from outside the door. "Husband, Husband, are you awake?!"


    Hearing this voice, Xiao Qingxuan''s face flushed red instantly. She struggled to sit up. Before she could even put on her clothes, the door burst open with a bang, and Qin Xian''er dashed in.


    "Sister, you''re here," said Xiao Qingxuan softly.


    Noticing that Xiao Qingxuan was disheveled and sitting on the bed with a faint blush on her face, Qin Xian''er couldn''t help but snort disdainfully. As if not seeing her, she sidestepped and joyfully lunged toward the bed. "Husband, how are you?"


    Having not seen him for just two days, Qin Xian''er seemed to have lost some weight. Dust stained her clothes, and although her face was weary, her eyes shone with immense joy. Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, gently stroking her hair. "I''m fine. You must''ve had a tough couple of days."


    Qin Xian''er nodded softly, her eyes brimming with tears. "Husband, it''s my fault for not protecting you well. If anything happened to you, I couldn''t go on living."


    "Silly girl, what could happen to me?" Lin Wanrong said with a smile, wiping away the tear from her eye. "I''m perfectly healthy. I was thinking, once my injuries heal, I''ll take you and Sister An to revisit Weishan Lake."


    "Really?" Qin Xian''er cried out in joy, burying her head tightly into his chest. "Husband, you''re so good."


    Seeing the intimacy between Qin Xian''er and Lin Wanrong, Xiao Qingxuan felt a bit sour yet somewhat relieved. Just as she was getting lost in her thoughts, she felt someone take her hand. Turning around, it was Lin Wanrong. "Xian''er, you know Qingxuan as well. No wonder you both are equally beautiful; you''re biological sisters. Had I known this earlier, I would have introduced you to her back in Jinling."


    "I dare not reach such heights," Qin Xian''er huffed. "She''s a noble and beautiful fairy from Jade Virtue Fairy Hall, while I''m a wicked witch from the White Lotus Sect¡ª we''re not of the same ilk." As she spoke, she noticed Lin Wanrong''s face turning pale, sweat trickling down his forehead, and cried out in rm, "Husband, Husband, what''s wrong?!"


    Lin Wanrong took a few shallow breaths, his face ashen. "I''m fine," he sighed, "I just lost a leg and have a few broken ribs. Give it three to five years and a few thousand ginseng and bird''s nest, and I''ll be as good as new. Don''t worry."


    Tears fell from Qin Xian''er''s eyes. "That won''t happen, Husband. Don''t let your imagination run wild. I took your pulsest night; you should be much better in less than twenty days. Then, we''ll call upon my master, and all of us will go back to Weishan Lake. I''ll y the zither, you''llpose poems, and Master will dance. We''ll boat on theke together, inseparable."


    ¡®Sister An can dance? Why hasn''t this vixen mentioned it to me? But with her magnificent figure, a few pole dances would be¡­¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s thoughts started to wander, disying hisscivious tendencies.


    "Husband, what''s going on?" Seeing him with bright eyes and a sly grin at the corner of his mouth, Qin Xian''er asked, puzzled.


    "Oh, never mind, never mind." Lin Wanrong coughed violently, his face flushed and he shook his head with a wry smile. "Let''s not talk about whether I''ll live long enough to go back to Weishan Lake. Even if I do, I doubt I''ll be in the mood for it. Things have changed. There are so many matters at home to attend to, and then there''s your attitude towards Qingxuan. How could I be at ease?"


    Listening to him act out the whole drama just to mediate between her and Xian''er, Xiao Qingxuan felt both amused and touched. Silently, she tightened her grip on his hand.


    Qin Xian''er was no fool. Hearing his words, she understood his intentions. Seeing the tearful look in Xiao Qingxuan''s eyes, she felt disoriented for a moment before she hummed and lowered her head.


    "Xian''er, as the saying goes, ''Sisters should not carry grudges overnight.'' Even if you two didn''t know before and had your squabbles, that''s fate. Now it''s different. You two share the same bloodline, and your children will as well. If not for yourselves, think about our children. And if not for them, think about me, your husband. You and Qingxuan are like two great mountains in our family, awe-inspiring. How can our family prosper if you two are constantly at odds? Moreover, I''ve thought it through. You two don''t really have any deep-rooted hatred, but rather a genuine blood connection. Why can''t you coexist peacefully and make our family flourish?" He spoke fluently, leaving even Xiao Qingxuan a little dizzy. He strung together children, mountains, and family affairs as if they were all rted. Truly, only he had such a talent.


    Qin Xian''er''s face flushed as she softly said, "I don''t want to have children. Husband, you''re aware of the issues between me and this... this Miss Xiao. My Master had a rtionship with her Master that was closer than real sisters, but what happened in the end? I owe so much to my Master; if I were to forget her teachings and befriend this Miss Xiao, how could I face her? Husband, how could I do that?"


    ¡®Clever girl, invoking the name of Master An to win her case,¡¯ thought Xiao Qingxuan. She felt a newfound respect for this younger sister.


    Lin Wanrong was delighted. He chuckled and said, "So you admit, Xian''er, that besides the issue with Sister An, you don''t actually harbor any deep grudges against Qingxuan?"


    It seemed to be the case. Qin Xian''er pondered for a moment and reluctantly hummed in agreement, then immediately shook her head. "No, she also stole you, my husband!"


    Lin Wanrong was dripping with sweat. This girl really had a character. "Well, she didn''t exactly steal me. It''s more like sharing; the dew falls on every de of grass," he said,ughing awkwardly. Both Qin Xian''er and Xiao Qingxuan''s faces flushed, and they both let out a small ''hmph''.


    "Xian''er, I''ll ask you seriously: if Sister An and Fairy Ning make amends, will you stop being at odds with Qingxuan?" Lin Wanrong said gravely.


    ¡®Make amends? Is that even possible?¡¯ Qin Xian''er thought for a while and then slowly nodded. "As long as she stops trying to take you away from me, I won''t hold any grudges against her anymore."


    Lin Wanrong rolled his eyes. Qin Xian''er also felt that the situation seemed unrealistic at the moment. She pondered briefly before huffing, "Then you can only spend one day a month in her room, but ten days in mine."


    This youngdy really dared to say anything. Xiao Qingxuan''s face flushed, and she nodded shyly, "Sister, if you can tolerate this scoundrel, then keep him as you wish."


    Hearing the hidden meaning in her words, Qin Xian''er''s face also turned red. She understood what Xiao Qingxuan was hinting at, being truly married to Lin Wanrong.


    ¡®I¡¯m angry, angry. What does this mean? Am I some kind of bargaining chip in your sisterly negotiations?¡¯ Lin Wanrong grimaced, about to explode. Xiao Qingxuan secretly squeezed his hand, ncing at him disapprovingly, and whispered, "Don''t you know my sister''s personality by now? She talks tough but is soft-hearted. If I make peace with her, we can negotiate everything."


    "Everything is negotiable?" Lin Wanrong, being naturallyscivious, immediately began thinking about other matters, his eyes lighting up.


    "You scoundrel!" Xiao Qingxuan lightly spat, her ears turning as red as fire. She knew her husband too well; he was capable of any shameless act.


    "Ah, Qingxuan, where has your mind wandered off to? I am not driven by lower instincts." Seeing his wife''s irresistible blush, Lin Wanrong yfully pinched her hand, "I simply can''t bear to be apart from you and wish to hold you every night."


    Hearing her husband''s sweet words and feeling his tender touch, yet still under her sister''s watchful eye, Xiao Qingxuan couldn''t help but feel weak all over. She was fully aware that he couldn''t spend every night with her alone. Yet, she loved hearing him say those things. It must be fate''s cruel joke, she thought shyly, feeling a wave of happiness wash over her.


    "Only ''ten days''? Why wait a whole month? I can aplish it in one night. Even double that," Lin Wanrong muttered triumphantly, his words falling right into Xiao Qingxuan''s ears. Her sense of happiness vanished, reced by a wave of embarrassment, and she jabbed him hard in the arm.


    Qin Xian''er had been watching their yful exchange. Though her heart was bitter, she had to admit that driving Xiao Qingxuan out of the Lin family was an impossible task.


    "Sister, don''t listen to his nonsense. We are blood sisters; we should get along well and not be the subject of others'' ridicule," Xiao Qingxuan gently said, grabbing Qin Xian''er''s hand.


    Qin Xian''er lowered her head silently, her hand struggling slightly, when a rough,rge hand intervened, firmly gripping both of their smaller hands. A clever move from her thoughtful husband, thought Xiao Qingxuan, smiling contentedly.


    This time, Qin Xian''er didn''t resist; she had no choice but to let their hands hold hers. With a sigh of resignation, she said, "Husband, can you really resolve the longstanding grudge between my Master and Fairy Ning?"


    The situation was far moreplex than resolving the issues between Xian''er and Qingxuan. At least, the two princesses were wives he had won for himself; he could shape their opinions as he pleased. However, Fairy Ning and An Biru were entirely different¡ª one as haughty as a celestial being and the other as cunning as a fox; neither was easy to deal with. Even though he had some ambiguous rtionships with both, God only knew what could happen if these two ipatible women crossed paths.


    "Husband, Husband¡ª" Qin Xian''er noticed that he was lost in thought and softly called out to him.


    "Of course, it can be done. Have you ever seen me fail in any undertaking?" Gazing at the hopeful eyes of Xian''er and Xiao Qingxuan, Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth and boasted. "For the evesting prosperity of the Lin family and life as long as heaven, no difficulty is too great! What are An Biru and Fairy Ning in the face of that? I am better at handling women than enemies."


    Xiao Qingxuan knew of his capabilities and joyfully said, "Sister, every word My Dear has ever said hase to pass. Now we can finally be together forever."


    Qin Xian''er wanted to retort but caught the smile in Lin Wanrong''s eyes and ultimately lowered her head, remaining silent.


    Finally having a moment''s peace, Lin Wanrong wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Indeed, family matters were difficult to resolve, far more challenging than killing enemies on the battlefield.


    "Bad man¡ª" Two women entered from outside, the one behind was Qiaoqiao. Her eyes reddened upon seeing Lin Wanrong, but she bravely held back her tears. The one leading was Yushuang. Her eyes glistened with tears as she held a porcin bowl, a faint fragrance emanating from it.


    "Ah, Second Miss, you look even more beautiful than when Ist saw you," Lin Wanrong teased upon seeing Yushuang''s delicate face. When Qiaoqiao came near, he stealthily took her hand. "Big Brother¡ª" she softly uttered, her eyes brimming with tears yet also full of smiles.


    "Stop it," Yushuang bashfully chuckled. Seeing Qingxuan and Xian''er, she quickly bowed, "Greetings to both princess sisters."


    The young girl was charming; Xiao Qingxuanughed and helped her up, "Sister Yushuang, what is this? It smells so fragrant."


    "This is ck chicken ginseng soup. My mothermanded me to bring it over when she heard you had awakened," Yushuang said, tears falling from her eyes as she noticed Lin Wanrong was unharmed. "Bad man, this chicken soup was personally prepared by my mother. She hasn''t cooked for many years, yet she spent all of yesterday making it. The soup has been simmered for an entire day and night; she said it would greatly benefit your injuries."


    "Is that so? Then I must have a taste," Lin Wanrong smiled. "By the way, how is Madam? She was quite shocked that day."


    "The Madam is fine, just caught a cold the night beforest but was better by yesterday," Qiaoqiao softly smiled. "This soup was painstakingly made by her; she''s also prepared many pastries that will be sent overter. Big Brother, only today did I realize that her culinary skills surpass mine a hundredfold."


    "My mother''s culinary skills have always been renowned far and wide," Second Miss said, her face radiant with joy as she listened to Qiaoqiao praising their mother. Gently, she scooped a spoonful of chicken soup and fed it to Lin Wanrong. "When I was younger, there were even gourmets from the capital who wrote articles praising my mother''s cooking. However, as domestic affairs piled up, she stopped cooking."


    The chicken soup warmed Lin Wanrong from the inside out as its rich fragrance filled his senses¡ªit was extraordinarily delicious. Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but marvel, "I never expected Madam to possess such culinary skills. I am indeed fortunate."


    Yushuang''s expression dimmed, her voice soft as she said, "Bad man, could you please persuade my mother?"


    "Persuade her about what?" Lin Wanrong asked, puzzled.


    Yushuang''s face turned even more somber as she said, "Mother is leaving."


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 Chapter 473

    Chapter 473


    Chapter 473 Evidence


    "She wants to leave?" Lin Wanrong was stunned. "Where is she going?"


    The Second Miss looked down, her expression somber. "Mother wishes to return to Jinling. My elder sister is still trying to persuade her, but no matter what we say, she seems resolute."


    "Why return to Jinling?" Struggling to sit up, Lin Wanrong let out a groan. Pain shot up his leg. Xian''er and Qingxuan hurriedly pushed him back down. Qingxuan softly said, "You''re seriously injured; why don''t you stay still? Just lie down and listen to what Yushuang has to say. There must be a reason why the Madam is so eager to leave."


    "Exactly," Lin Wanrong grimaced through the pain. "Both the Eldest Miss and Second Miss are here in the capital, and the Madam has been happy living here. What could she possibly have to do in Jinling? She won''t even have anyone to talk to, she''ll be so lonely."


    Yushuang nodded, her brows furrowed in worry. "My sister and I tried to make the same argument, but Mother insists that the roots of the Xiao family lie in Jinling. No matter how good the capital may be, it''s not where she belongs long-term. She said she has been away for quite some time and it''s about time to go back. Last night, she even wrote a letter to Cousin Guo, instructing him toe to the capital as soon as possible to discuss the rebuilding of our shops."


    Roots in Jinling? Lin Wanrong nced at the young women around him¡ªQiaoqiao, Xian''er, Qingxuan, and the Second Miss. Hadn''t they all met in Jinling? The Madam had built her life there, living for many years; it was natural for her to have such thoughts. But why choose to leave at such a chaotic time? The Xiao family in the capital was in dire straits; this was when they needed her most.


    Madam Xiao wasn''t someone who acted without reason. If she decided to return to Jinling at a time like this, she must have her reasons. Lin Wanrong took sce in this thought after pondering it for a while.


    Setting aside the chicken soup, the Second Miss took his hand and began to softly weep. "Mother said that your severe injuries are her fault, as she acted impulsively. She''s been feeling guilty and says she can''t face you, so she insists on returning to Jinling. Bad guy, I can tell she''s going through a lot, although she won¡¯t talk about it with my sister and me. You are the person she values the most; please try to persuade her to stay in the capital with us. Will you?"¡®Me, persuade her?¡¯ Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile. He knew Madam Xiao''s character well¡ªstubborn and strong-willed, even more so than Xiao Yuruo. Once she made up her mind, it was unlikely that anyone could change it.


    "Husband, please give it a try," Qin Xian''er implored. She had grown fond of Madam Xiao during the few days they spent together.


    Sighing, Lin Wanrong said reluctantly, "I can try, but I doubt it will make much difference. When the Madam gets stubborn, even I have to tread carefully around her."


    ¡®You mean you usually don''t?¡¯ The sisters in the room all smiled at his words, lightening the heavy atmosphere considerably.


    "Qiaoqiao, help me up. I should go see the Madam. If I wait any longer, she might be packed and ready to go, leaving no room for any discussion," Lin Wanrong concluded after some thought.


    The women in the room were startled. Qingxuan scolded softly, "How can you move in your condition? Madam Xiao isn''t heartless. If she decides to return to Jinling, she will certainlye to bid you farewell."


    "Indeed," seeing his anxiousness, Yushuang felt a pang of pity and quickly said, "Mother is currently busy in the kitchen. It''s not a good time to talk. She''lle to see you once she''s free."


    Being injured was indeed inconvenient; there was nothing one could aplish. Before Lin Wanrong could speak, a long wail came from the courtyard, "Little brother Lin, little brother Lin, just days ago we were still toasting and talking joyfully. How could you just leave like this¡ª" The voice choked on sobs, its mournful cry unbearable to hear, "¡ªit''s rare to find a true friend in life; you''re abandoning me, this isn''t the act of a gentleman! How could you be so heartless? Little brother Lin,e back, even if it kills me¡ª"


    A thud followed, the sound of something heavy hitting the ground. Immediately after, Si De''s voice echoed in grief, "Lord Xu, what''s wrong, what''s wrong? Please restrain your grief! Someonee, Lord Xu has fainted. Brother San, how could you just leave like this¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong felt his whole body bristle with goosebumps. ¡®Please, guys, if you''re going to act, at least be professional about it. Don''t just wail. Start by sounding the gongs and drums and putting on mourning clothes; otherwise, how will everyone in the capital know that I''ve died?¡¯


    The youngdies exchanged nces. Even though they knew it was an act, the sounds were still unpleasant to hear. The Second Miss pouted and snorted, "What nonsense is Si De spouting? He just died. Don''t good people always die young while the wicked live on? Doesn''t he know this?"


    Everyone knew Xiao Yushuang was genuinely adorable. Unable to contain theirughter, the youngdies burst into giggles, clearly delighted.


    ¡®Children say the darnedest things,¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled and lightly touched Yushuang''s rosy cheek, as if to regain hisposure.


    This room was full of women. Seeing that Xu Wei was about to arrive, it was time for them to leave. Xiao Qingxuan held Qin Xian''er''s hand gently and smiled, "Sister, you can stay here and look after My Dear. He enjoys talking to you."


    Qin Xian''er wanted to argue but found herself speechless, so she lowered her blushing face.


    "Little brother Lin, little brother Lin," Xu Wei staggered in, his clothing covered in dust, his face streaked with tears, sobbing uncontrobly, "What happened to you?! I, this damned person, am still alive while you, in the prime of your life, have left us? Where should I look for such a good and loyal friend like you? Ah, I don''t want to live anymore¡ª"


    Annoyed, Qin Xian''er muttered from behind the curtain, "Husband, what kind of person is this Xu Wei, so false and insincere, utterly unworthy of his reputation!"


    "That''s just the kind of person he is," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Back in Jinling, he tricked me into attacking your White Lotus sect, even iming he would make me an adviser general. In reality, I was just in charge of transporting provisions. I''ve long seen through his act. Ah, Mr. Xu¡ª"


    Qin Xian''er slowly pulled back the curtain. Xu Wei saw Lin Wanrong lying on the bed, wrapped up like a rice dumpling, and took three steps back in astonishment. After a moment of stammering, tears streaming down his old face, he eximed in joy and surprise, "Little brother Lin, you''re... you''re not dead?!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Look at what you''re saying. If I were dead, could I summon you? I wouldn''t do something so unfilial."


    Xu Wei seemed unable to believe what he saw. He walked closer and rubbed his eyes forcefully. Then he patted Lin Wanrong a few times. "Ah," Xu Wei eximed, pulling Lin Wanrong''s hand. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he trembled with emotion. "Little brother Lin, you''re really not dead? Thank God, this is such great news for our Great Hua Empire!"


    ¡®This old man has quite a grip. Doesn''t he know I''m seriously injured?¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, grimacing. Just as he was about to speak, Si De whispered in his ear, "Brother San, when Miss Luo sent me to find Mr. Xu, she said the act must be convincing. How to be convincing? I thought about it and decided to tell him you had passed away without mentioning you were still alive. He believed it and has been crying all the way here. Look, he didn''t even have time to put on his shoes properly. Isn''t the act convincing?"


    "You clever boy," Lin Wanrong said, chuckling. He nced down and saw Xu Wei was indeed in a sorry state: one foot was in a cloth shoe while the other was merely socked.


    ¡®It was a misunderstanding. I didn''t expect Old Xu to be genuinely concerned about me.¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt guilty and quickly raised his fists in a respectful gesture. "Mr. Xu, I apologize for the inconvenience caused. Xian''er, quickly bring a stool for Mr. Xu."


    "Oh no, I couldn''t ept such treatment," Xu Wei hurriedly bowed deeply. "I pay my respects to Princess Nishang."


    "Mr. Xu, please, no need for formalities. We''re in my private residence; there''s no need for such ceremonial gestures," Qin Xian''er said, waving her hand and smiling graciously.


    Si De brought over a chair, inviting Xu Wei to sit beside Lin Wanrong''s bed. Xu Wei sighed deeply and wiped away his tears. "Little brother, you scared me to death when you sent the news of your supposed death. If something were to happen to you, especially at this difficult time for our Great Hua, it would be an irreparable loss."


    ¡®Do I really matter that much?¡¯ Lin Wanrong wanted to joke, but when he saw the old man''s snow-white hair and the tears still on his face, he sensed the genuineness in Xu Wei''s emotions and decided to hold back.


    "Little brother, is this act of yours meant to draw out the snake?" Xu Wei, experienced and cunning, quickly realized Lin Wanrong''s intentions upon seeing him alive.


    "I don''t care if the snakees out or not; either way, I intend to strike it," Lin Wanrong said, grinding his teeth. He never liked being on the losing end. Not only had he nearly lost his life this time, but he had also almost dragged the Xiao family''s mother and daughters into it. His fury was far from quelled.


    Xu Wei chuckled. "You really scared me this time. I''ve already sent for General Li Tai. I don''t need to tell you how highly he thinks of you. He''s probably just as scared as I was. When he sees you''re fine, his stubborn nature will kick in, and he''ll surely use me of falsely reporting military intelligence."


    Seeing Xu Wei in good spirits, Lin Wanrong nodded gravely. "Mr. Xu, how are things at Grand Prime Minister Temple? Has there been any movement?"


    Hearing talk of serious matters, Xu Wei''s expression instantly turned solemn. "Little brother Lin, on the night I heard you were in trouble, I knew something was off. I immediately had the Grand Prime Minister Temple surrounded. The troops outside the city also withdrew ten li ording to your instructions. Just as expected, that very night, several hundred suicidal warriors suddenly appeared in the southeast corner outside the city¡ª"


    "Did Prince Cheng escape?!" Lin Wanrong''s face paled in shock, regret filling his heart instantly.


    "If he had dared to truly flee, that would have actually been convenient. I''ve been vexed about not having a proper reason to act," Xu Wei said, a chilling murderous intent shing in his eyes as he scoffed.


    "It wasn''t Prince Cheng?" Lin Wanrong furrowed his brows in query.


    "It was the Dongyin!" Xu Wei snorted. "These hundreds of suicidal warriors were highly skilled in martial arts and extremely ruthless. We lost three hundred soldiers before we managed to kill them all. Yet, we didn''t find anything useful among them."


    "Dongyin?" Lin Wanrong was deeply puzzled. "They appeared out of nowhere and gained nothing. Did they reallye just to sacrifice a hundred warriors?"


    "That may not necessarily be the case," Xu Wei stood up and paced a few steps. "They might have been trying to test our defenses or perhaps to assist someone."


    What exactly were these Dongyin trying to do by suddenly appearing? To nt suicidal warriors in the hearnd of Great Hua was a crime deserving of death! Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth and hummed, "Mr. Xu, where is Prince Cheng? What is he doing?"


    "He''s been quite calm," Xu Wei dryly chuckled, "spending thesest two days fasting and praying in the Grand Prime Minister Temple. On the day you got into trouble, he even invited the Emperor to listen to the master''s teachings in the abbot''s room."


    "The Emperor went as well?" Lin Wanrong was more and more perplexed. What was Prince Cheng up to if he didn''t use this chaos as an opportunity to escape? Had he suddenlye to his senses? Fat chance! Were the explosives at the Xiao family dropped from heaven?


    Xu Wei nodded, "He imed it was to pay homage to thete Emperor and to propagate Buddhist teachings. How could the Emperor, as a son, not attend? When I learned the root of the trouble at the Xiao family was at the Grand Prime Minister Temple, I had it surrounded that very night. However, with the Emperor inside, a royal decree came down, and I couldn''t act rashly."


    This Prince Cheng really had some guts. Plotting in the dark while making merry with the Emperor, this man needed to be eliminated, or he would be a major problem. Lin Wanrong sneered, "Mr. Xu, in your opinion, what is Prince Cheng trying to do? He has no troops and is heavily surrounded by us. How can he be so at ease?"


    "At ease?" Xu Weiughed, "I think he really wants to escape. If my guess is right, those hundreds of suicidal warriors were sent to probe our actual situation. If we had been disorganized that day, he might have already fled to the nomad camp."


    Lin Wanrong pondered for a while before asking, "Mr. Xu, are you saying that he is trying to feign an attack in one direction and escape in another? Not to join the Dongyin but the nomads?"


    "Only this could exin why those hundred suicidal warriors threw themselves into the; he wanted to divert our attention," Xu Wei nodded in agreement.


    ¡®Is that really the case? Prince Cheng''s diversionary tactics are as shallow as my faked death scheme!¡¯ Lin Wanrong, always priding himself on his cunning, couldn''tpletely fathom Prince Cheng''s intentions. But there was one thing he could do. A sinister grin spread across his face, his eyes filled with murderous intent. "No matter where he runs, if we strike first, he''ll have no chance. Mr. Xu, why don''t we just¡ª"


    He menacingly gestured with his hand, but in doing so, he aggravated his leg wound. He grimaced in pain, breaking into a cold sweat. Qin Xian''er hurriedly massaged his temples, slightly alleviating his difort. But thinking of the main culprit only increased his murderous resolve.


    "That''s not advisable," Xu Wei urgently shook his head. "While Prince Cheng is undoubtedly wicked, he has not revealed this to the public. He''s the only one apart from the Emperor with royal blood. Skilled in deception and rallying public sentiment, he has a fair amount of prestige both in court and among themoners. With the impending war in the north, our Empire is in a critical state. Acting rashly without evidence could, at best, ignite resentment from both officials and the popce, destabilizing the military; at worst, it could lead to the disintegration of the Empire. We must not act hastily."


    ¡®What resentment from officials or the popce? What about destabilizing the military?¡¯ Lin Wanrong sneered. ¡®Though Xu Wei has led troops, he''s still too much of a schr, considering things too minutely. Whoever strikes first seizes the initiative. Even if we bear temporary infamy, who will remember it after ten or twenty years of stability and prosperity? I understand this very well. Plus, Prince Cheng and I are like oil and water; waiting for him to attack isn''t my style.¡¯


    "Mr. Xu, what does the Emperor have to say?" Seeing Xu Wei waver, Lin Wanrong decided not to argue and gently asked. He had full confidence in the old Emperor, who wasn''t a person of mere kindness. If he could be both stern and lenient with his own son-inw, what about Prince Cheng, who harbored ulterior motives? The Emperor had been biding his time for twenty years, waiting for this day. To think the Emperor would merely stand by¡ª he would never believe it.


    Xu Wei nodded, "After your incident, the Emperor has been in his study. Late at night, he sent a six-word decree: ''Present the evidence, set things right.''"


    "Present the evidence, set things right?" Lin Wanrongughed. "Excellent! The old Emperor thinks just like I do."


    Xu Wei seemed puzzled. "The decree is easy to understand, but finding the evidence is extremely difficult. Prince Cheng is as cunning as a fox; he won''t easily expose his weaknesses. If I had such evidence, I would have acted long ago, rather than waiting until now."


    ¡®How could you be so obtuse, failing to understand the subtext in the Emperor¡¯s words after all these years in court?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled slyly. "Mr. Xu, how do I even describe you? You''re just too upright. If that old fox doesn''t expose himself, can''t you fabricate evidence against him?"


    "I know I''m too upright, not really suited for manipting politics," Xu Wei shook his head with a sigh, looking very dignified.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, beckoning him to lean closer. After whispering a few words, Xu Wei was shocked and immediately shook his head, "How can I do that? After reading the teachings of the saints and sages for so many years, how could Imit such a deed? If people found out, my reputation would be tarnished forever."


    "Don''t worry about it. How could someone as upright as Mr. Xu evere up with such a bad idea?" Lin Wanrong casually waved his hand and chuckled, "Just put it on my ount; everyone knows I''m unscrupulous anyway."


    Xu Wei shook his head and sighed, suppressing a smile. He cupped his fist in his hand and said, "You''re quite the strategist, little brother. I''ve truly broadened my horizons under your leadership. Please pardon me, for this was not my idea."


    Seeing the cunning look on the old man''s face, Lin Wanrong suddenly eximed inwardly, ¡®Ah, damn it, I''ve been had! He gets the credit for the good idea, and I get med for the bad one! This old man isn''t foolish at all; he''s clearly ying the fool to catch the wise!¡¯


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 474

    Chapter 474 Temptation


    "Little brother, in your opinion, when should we take action?" Xu Wei broke into a smile before asking.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled darkly, "The sooner, the better. Of course, it also depends on when you, Mr. Xu, can have everything prepared. In my view, it would be best to catch them off guard. This lesson is learned from my own experience¡ªlook, I got hit by an explosive without any warning at all. The effect was, ah, exceptionally good." He clenched his teeth, stretched his arms, and shook his legs, a torrent of resentment bubbling within him, without an outlet.


    Seeing Lin San''sughter "etched in his bones," Old Xu understood his intentions. Provoking Lin San meant that even if Prince Cheng had three heads and six arms, he would still be doomed. The two men meticulously plotted their ns. Xu Wei took on the responsibility of preparing everything. Lin Wanrong felt quite assured with the older man''spetence.


    "There''s one more thing," Xu Wei blinked mysteriously at the end, "Little brother, will you inform Zhiqing about your injury?"


    "What? Miss Xu doesn''t know about my situation?" Lin Wanrong was somewhat surprised. The Xu family lived next door; how could they not know when there had been such amotion here?


    Xu Wei shook his head and gave a wry smile, "General Li Tai''s army is set to move soon. Zhiqing entered the military camp the evening beforest to discuss strategies with themanding general and hasn''t returned since. When I sent someone to summon Li Tai earlier, I specifically instructed them not to inform Zhiqing about you. The girl has suffered for many years, and finally, she has someone she favors. I fear she won''t be able to handle it if something suddenly happens¡ªAh, little brother Lin, are your eyes ufortable? You''re blinking so fast!"


    ¡®You old man, can''t you understand my hints? Don''t you know there''s a little jar of jealousy right next to me? You''re going to ruin everything!¡¯ He coughed hastily a couple of times but before he could speak, Qin Xian''er preemptively huffed and said, "Mr. Xu, what about your precious daughter? What do you mean by ''someone she favors'' and ''can''t handle it''? Does it concern my husband?"


    "Ah, well¡ªwell¡ª" Xu Wei stammered, his old face turning red. However thick-skinned he was, he didn''t dare to make a match for his daughter in front of Princess Nishang."Don''t misunderstand, please don''t misunderstand," seeing the little jar of jealousy changing herplexion, Lin Wanrong hastily smiled, "Xian''er, you''ve heard of Miss Xu, haven''t you? She''s knowledgeable in physics and skilled in strategy, acting as the think tank for the anti-nomad forces. Your husband also has a minor reputation for intelligence. She invited me to join the army and fight the nomads in the North. That''s why Mr. Xu said she takes a liking to me; it''s all about her recognizing my skills. Just think, if someone as promising as me were to encounter trouble, it would indeed be a significant loss. So, she would find it hard to handle it. Mr. Xu, isn''t that what you mean?"


    "Ah, yes, yes!" Old Xu nodded rapidly this time, giving Lin San a covert thumbs-up.


    "Where did I misunderstand?" Qin Xian''er''s face bloomed with a radiant smile. She yfully said, "I was just asking casually. Who knew you would hasten to exin for so long? If an unrted person heard it, they might think you and Miss Xu have some sort of secret affair."


    "We shouldn''t be making such remarks," Lin Wanrong quickly put on a serious face and said earnestly, "It doesn''t matter if you talk about me, but Miss Xu is a virtuous youngdy. Spreading such talk could ruin her reputation. Mr. Xu, Xian''er was just joking; don''t take it to heart."


    Frustrated by Lin Wanrong''s shamelessness, Old Xu could only heave a sigh. He thought to himself, ''Such bad luck meeting people like this.''


    After a bit of small talk, Xu Wei saw that Lin Wanrong was unharmed and had important matters to attend to. He stood up to take his leave. No sooner had he left than Luo Ning rushed in, breathless, "Big Brother, the Emperor is here!"


    "The Emperor, my father, is here?" Qin Xian''er was ecstatic. Clutching Lin Wanrong''s hand tightly, she said, "Husband, with my father backing us, there''s nothing to be afraid of. Whoever harmed you, I swear they''ll pay a hundredfold."


    Upon hearing that the Emperor himself hade, Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. ''What an honorable father-inw, visiting his son-inw twice in three days. His affection for me is almost as good as my biological father.''


    "Quick, let him in¡ªwait," he hastily gestured, then corrected himself, "No, no, help me up to receive him."


    Seeing his excitement, Luo Ning hesitated for a moment before carefully saying, "Big Brother, don''t be too eager. The Emperor''s pnquin has already arrived at the door."


    ''If the pnquin is at the door, why shouldn''t I be eager? When someone gives you face, you should return the courtesy.''


    "Big Brother, please hold on," Luo Ning pressed him back gently, seeing that even Qin Xian''er was getting impatient. "The Emperor dide, but listen, you mustn''t get angry."


    "Angry? Why would I be angry if the Emperor came to see me?" Lin Wanrong nodded with a smile.


    After hesitating a moment, Luo Ning softly said, "The Emperor has sent hemp and white gauze, three thousand lengths of it. His pnquin stopped outside because... he hase to pay his condolences to you."


    "Condolences? What an odd term! I''m not dead, why such a grand gesture with all this gauze and hemp?"


    "What is my father doing?" Qin Xian''er huffed angrily, "My husband is perfectly fine; there''s no need for condolences. He must have been misled by some cunning people. I''ll go find him right now."


    ''Cunning people? My father-inw is the most cunning of all,'' Lin Wanrong thought, grabbing Xian''er''s hand and smiling, "No need to look for him. Whether I''m alive or dead, I bet the old man knows better than I do."


    Qin Xian''er paused and thought for a moment, then suddenlyughed, "I get it, Husband! My father is just like you, putting on a show. How annoying, he''s as cunning as you!"


    Embarrassed, Lin Wanrong thought, ''When ites to cunning, I can''t hold a candle to him.''


    A subduedugh echoed from outside the hall, "Xian''er, how could you speak ill of your father behind his back?"


    Two figures slowly entered from outside, both in in green robes and sandals, appearing like ordinary folks. The older man in front had a strong nose and thick eyebrows. His pale cheeks bore a slight flush of illness, but his eyes shone with brilliance. Despite his slow steps, he carried a natural air of authority,manding respect without needing to express anger.


    "Father!" Qin Xian''er''s face was a mix of astonishment and joy as she ran toward him like a fledgling returning to its nest. She began to kneel, but Eunuch Gao, the eunuch following the Emperor, quickly helped her up.


    The old Emperor took her hand and scrutinized her from head to toe with his piercing eyes. Noticing the telltale signs of her bing a married woman, he grunted, "Nishang, my daughter, has anyone mistreated you? Speak, and let me deal with them!"


    Even the fearless and rebellious Qin Xian''er was startled by the Emperor''smanding aura. She hurriedly waved her hands, "No, nobody has mistreated me. My husband treats me very well; he''s never been unfair to me."


    Feeling slightly embarrassed, Lin Wanrong was touched by how Qin Xian''er defended him.


    "Is that so?" The Emperor''s tiger-like eyes briefly scanned the figure lying on the bed. Lin Wanrong quickly waved his hand and loudly proimed, "Commoner Lin San greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor! Your Majesty, you look a bit off today. You should rest and avoid staying upte."


    The Emperor snorted coldly, "Your bowcks sincerity. Never mind such formalities. Moreover, you lie there while I stand; the master-servant etiquette seems rathercking."


    The Emperor''s tone was icy and full of authority. Luo Ning, standing to the side, looked afraid. Lin Wanrong subtly took her hand and said, "Your Majesty, it''s not that Ick manners, but by the rules, it is you who should be standing this time."


    Eunuch Gao secretly stuck out his tongue behind the Emperor. Only someone like Lin Wanrong would dare to be so audacious. Anyone else would have been subjected to severe punishment.


    "Why should I be the one standing?" the Emperor askednguidly.


    "Your Majesty, you''re here to offer your condolences to me," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "If I were to sit up, no one would believe it. So, it makes sense for you to stand while I lie here."


    Qin Xian''er burst intoughter, recognizing her husband''s way of undermining the Emperor''s intent to pay his respects. Rare were the individuals who dared to turn the tables on the Emperor like that.


    The old Emperor also couldn''t help but smile. Whenever he encountered this young man, he always managed toe up with an unassable rationale. The Emperor grunted and said to Qin Xian''er, "Fine, then lie down. Nishang, my daughter,e back to the pce with me. I''ve selected a prince consort for you; we''ll set a date for the wedding¡ª"


    "What?!" Qin Xian''er''s face changed dramatically. She hurriedly stepped back and clung to Lin Wanrong, "Father, I won''t marry! My marriage to my husband has already been arranged, and I, Qin Xian''er, am forever his!"


    "Are you sure you won''t marry?" The Emperor grinned slyly, "Don''t regret it. The prince consort I''ve chosen for you is¡ª"


    "Marry, let''s marry!" Lin Wanrong, lying on the bed, hastily raised his hand.


    "Darling (Big Brother)¡ª" Qin Xian''er and Luo Ning both yelled out, as Qin Xian''er''s eyes filled with tears and her body trembled with anger.


    "How can we not marry?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "The Emperor is right. Finding another young, promising man like me would indeed be difficult. Princess, you''ll just have to settle."


    "What?!" Catching sight of the Emperor''s enigmatic smile, Qin Xian''er suddenly understood. Her cheeks flushed a deep pink as she lightly scolded, "Father, you''re so naughty, even making jokes about your daughter."


    The Emperor nodded and smiled, "Nishang,e to your father."


    Qin Xian''er hummed in agreement, her steps light as she moved to stand beside the Emperor. The old Emperor''s eyes were gentle as he lightly stroked her hair. "Life is but a fleeting moment, much like a white steed passing a crack in the wall. As I age and reach the twilight of my life, there are many regrets that weigh on me. Your mother perished saving me, and you, my own flesh and blood, were lost in the world for over twenty years. Nishang, the deepest regrets of my life concern you and your mother."


    The Emperor''s voice wavered with emotion. Qin Xian''er''s tears flowed freely as she hugged him tightly, "Father, I don''t me you. It wasn''t until today that I understood why my mother did what she did. For the man I love, I am willing to sacrifice myself."


    "Foolish girl," the Emperor grunted, "You are a princess of our great empire, the most precious of our lineage. Who is worth such a sacrifice from you? Is it him?" He pointed at Lin Wanrong, and Qin Xian''er nodded shyly, her eyes filled with emotion.


    "Why would you choose him?" The Emperor sighed, "He''s neither handsome nor particrly learned. He knows nothing of governing a country. Other than being quick-witted, I find no merits in him."


    ¡®The old man is just trying to bring me down, no matter, I''ll just interpret it the other way around,¡¯ Lin Wanrong consoled himself.


    Seeing her father belittling her chosen man, Qin Xian''er grew anxious, "Father, how can you say he has no merits? Who in the world couldpare to his handsomeness? Who could match his wisdom and talent? As for governing a nation, how would you know he''s incapable when he hasn''t even tried? In my opinion, he has the talent to rule. When ites to understanding people''s hearts and employing strategy, who in the world canpare to him? Apart from being a bit frivolous, he''s perfect in every way!"


    Lin Wanrong felt quite pleased by her praise, until thest sentence made himugh and cry at the same time. Has Xian''er been raised in a vinegar jar since she was young?


    The Emperor chuckled, "You naturally think highly of your own choice. His looks and wisdom are subjective matters, but as for governance¡ª I don''t think he even has the guts for it."


    "Who says he doesn''t?" Qin Xian''er was about to retort when Lin Wanrong suddenly cried out, "Ouch, it hurts!"


    "Big brother, where does it hurt?" Luo Ning eximed.


    "Everywhere hurts," Lin Wanrong said, grimacing.


    The old Emperor''s gaze was piercing. He saw through Lin Wanrong''s act but could do nothing about it. He nodded slightly, his voice grave, "Nishang, if you''ve chosen him as your husband, I won''t oppose. But let me be clear¡ª my daughter is the epitome of grace and beauty, and she must not suffer any grievances." He slowly moved toward Lin Wanrong, fixing his gaze on Miss Luo and asked ominously, "You''re Luo Min''s daughter?"


    Luo Ning didn''t dare to meet his eyes and quickly knelt down, "I am Luo Ning, daughter of Luo Min. I pay my respects to Your Majesty."


    The Emperor gave her a cold look, "You''re not without talent, but you''ve chosen the wrong ce. The Lin family is not your home. I will select a suitable family for you in the court and marry you off."


    "Your Majesty¡ª" Luo Ning gasped in horror, her whole body shaking as she clung to Lin Wanrong''s hand, tears rolling down her cheeks.


    ¡®Again?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was irate. This old man had targeted his weak spot. His expression suddenly turned cold. "Your Majesty, are you nning on going back on your word? I remember very clearly what you told me that day."


    "Going back on my word?" The Emperor sneered. "You''ve aplished the matter in Goryeo, and even Princess Chuyun pleaded with me on your behalf. I''ve already pardoned the Eldest Miss Xiao. How have I broken my word? I granted you my daughters with the expectation that you''ll treat them well, but you disregard my words. On the peak, you acted ambiguously with Ning Yuxi, and now you''re getting too close to the youngdy from the Xu family. Do you think I''m easy to bully? Take Luo Ning away and choose a day for her to be married off¡ª"


    "Big Brother¡ª" Luo Ning cried out in despair.


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes narrowed in fury. In his anger, he sat upright despite a piercing pain shooting through his leg. "Who dares?"


    "Husband¡ª" Qin Xian''er cried out as she threw herself at him, her tears falling like rain.


    Lin Wanrong''s face was stern, a man who had been to battle, who feared neither life nor death. He stared directly into the Emperor''s eyes without backing down, his imposing aura making even the guards outside hesitate to act.


    "Father, please do not me him," Qin Xian¡¯er suddenly knelt and pleaded tearfully. "I have not been mistreated. I am very happy with Sister Luo Ning."


    Luo Ning was moved. Despite her initial animosity towards Qin Xian''er, seeing her willing to endure so much for Lin Wanrong, she clenched her teeth and softly said, "Thank you, Sister Xian''er."


    Qin Xian''er stubbornly nodded, "Don''t thank me. I''m doing this for him."


    Understanding her hard-headed but soft-hearted nature, Luo Ning smiled through her tears, holding onto her hand and not letting go.


    "Lin San, are you defying me?" The Emperor seemed to have ignored Qin Xian''er''s plea, his eyes falling on Lin Wanrong. Seeing the young man''s fearless demeanor, he spoke calmly.


    ¡®So this is why this old man came to pay his respects. If the explosion didn''t kill me, he would.¡¯ Lin Wanrong snorted and calmly said, "Your Majesty, Qingxuan, Xian''er, and Ning''er and I are truly in love. What''s wrong with that? Why are you so insistent on breaking us apart? Just because Qingxuan and Xian''er are princesses, they must be put above everyone else, unable to mingle withmon folk? Is this your idea of authority?"


    "Authority?" The Emperorughed. "At least you know this word. This Empire is mine, my word isw. Who dares to defy me? Now do you see the benefit of power? It elevates you above the masses, earns you respect, allows you to do as you please. Who dares to oppose you, even if you break every moralw? Millions desire such power; why don''t you? You despise power? Fine, let me show you how it feels to be oppressed. Yes, this is my authority. What will you do about it?"


    The old Emperor stood tall, his expression brimming with haughty pride. His piercing gaze bore down on Lin Wanrong, the corner of his mouth lifted in a mocking smile.


    It was undeniable. Although this old man was domineering, his words hit the mark. He wielded the power over life and death, enough to drive anyone mad with desire. Before Lin Wanrong could even speak, the old man chuckled, "Think about it carefully! With such power, whoever you like, whoever you want to marry, who could stop you¡ª"


    The words seemed infinitely tempting. Lin Wanrong''s heart suddenly began to pound, throbbing like a drum!


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 475

    Chapter 475 Life is Like Flowing Water


    Seeing Lin Wanrong deep in thought, seemingly considering the offer, the old Emperor faintly smiled and gestured to Gao Ping. Eunuch Gao understood, and gently helped Qin Xian¡¯er up, respectfully saying, "Princess, Miss Luo, His Majesty has important matters to discuss with Mr. Lin. Would the two of you please leave with me?"


    Qin Xian''er nced at the Emperor worriedly and said, "Father, my husband has severe injuries. Please do not make it difficult for him."


    "Difficult?" The Emperor chuckled and gently caressed his daughter''s hair. "Do you know how many people in this world wish that I would trouble them in such a way? Yet, he is hesitating. He truly doesn''t know how fortunate he is."


    Once Eunuch Gao had led the two youngdies out, the room became exceedingly quiet with only the two men left. The Emperor slowly took a seat, his face rxed. He closed his eyes for a moment to rejuvenate, appearingpletely at ease.


    After pondering for a while, Lin Wanrong swallowed hard and cautiously asked, "Really, I can do whatever I want, marry whoever I want?"


    "Yes!" The old Emperor''s smile was slight, but his tone was resolute and firm.


    "And what about Sister An, and Fairy Ning¡ª"


    "Yes!!!" The Emperor interrupted, as if reading his mind, giving a decisive answer before Lin Wanrong could finish speaking."Even that is possible?" Lin Wanrong hesitated, then cautiously added, "What if there are some actions that go against morals and public decency?"


    "Go against morals and public decency?" The Emperor burst into uproariousughter, dering loudly, "What is morality? What is decency? Why do you believe in the judgments ofmon folk? When you stand at the pinnacle of Mount Tai, with thends and the people at your feet, who will question your morality or your decency? Your every word, your every action, will be the unbreakable rule ofw. Who would dare to oppose you?"


    "That... seems to make some sense," Lin Wanrong felt greatly moved.


    Seeing that the young man seemed tempted, the Emperor was secretly delighted but did not show it. He dusted off his sleeves and calmly said, "So, have you made your decision? I have many state affairs to attend to and can''t wait around for you."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, smiling, "I''ve considered it, but I¡¯m afraid you might not like my decision."


    "What?" The Emperor was infuriated. All his kind persuasion had only resulted in this? His face flushed red with anger. "You dare to mock me? Guards, drag Lin San out¡ª"


    "Wait, wait." Seeing that the Emperor was genuinely angry, his booming voice causing the window curtains to flutter, Lin Wanrong quickly interjected, "Please, don''t be hasty. Let me finish speaking."


    "What more is there to say?" The Emperor coldly chuckled, "You are very bold, aren''t you? Do you think that with the protection of Nishang and Chuyun, I wouldn¡¯t dare to touch you? You have not yet seen what I''m capable of. Guards, guards¡ª"


    "Your Majesty, it¡¯s a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding." Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly, sensing the Emperor was about to take serious action, "That''s not what I meant."


    "Then what did you mean?" The Emperor''s eyes shimmered with intense light as he fixed his gaze on Lin Wanrong, continuing to huff in irritation.


    ¡®You know, for an old Emperor who''d been on the throne for quite some time, he did have a certain intimidating aura about him.¡¯ Lin Wanrong couldn''t withstand his gaze and hurriedly lowered his head, chuckling. "The truth is, Your Majesty, you know me well. I''m by nature a free-spirited man who can''t stand too many constraints. As for the matters you mentioned¡ªif I manage to aplish them, then that''s all well and good. But if I mess things up, not only would it endanger the prosperity of the Empire, but it would also tarnish your legendary reputation, wouldn''t you agree?"


    The Emperor snorted. "Don''t try to dodge the issue. I know your capabilities better than anyone. You''re just making excuses because you don''t want to serve me."


    ¡®Ah, this old man, always harping on my thick skin.¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled audibly. "Look at you, making assumptions. We''re all family here; why wouldn''t I help you? I''m not making excuses; I''m actually considering other options¡ª"


    "What options?" The Emperor looked indifferent, calmly asking.


    "Your Majesty. Xian''er and Qingxuan are both your daughters, correct?" Lin Wanrong nced mysteriously toward the outside and lowered his voice.


    Was this even a question? Observing Lin Wanrong''s sly and enigmatic manner, the old Emperor felt both amused and irritated. If it weren''t for the fact that Lin Wanrong was injured, he would''ve probably kicked him right then and there.


    "They are your daughters, and at the same time, my wives. Moreover, Qingxuan is¡ª" Lin Wanrong patted his own belly a few times, mimicking a round shape. The Emperor burst out bothughing and cursing, "How dare you bring that up? My Princess Chuyun was like a goddess, admired and loved by countless young talents across the world. And you, you scoundrel, not only did you desecrate her, but you also got her pregnant. You''ve disgraced and scandalized the royal family, and I haven''t even settled the score with you yet!"


    ¡®The fact that a goddess-like girl like Qingxuan is pregnant only proves how capable your son-inw is. It''s just a little ahead of schedule; if this happened after the wedding, there wouldn''t be any issue.¡¯ Of course, he was unashamed about it. Instead, he was pleased, chuckling, "Your Majesty, Qingxuan being pregnant is a good thing. Think about it, this child will not only inherit the excellent genes of my Lin family but more importantly, he''ll carry your royal bloodline¡ª" ?


    "You, what did you say?" The Emperor trembled, asking eagerly.


    Lin Wanrong''s expression instantly became incredibly serious. "Your Majesty, Qingxuan is your daughter, carrying the most exalted royal bloodline. The child in her belly¡ªdoesn''t that mean he has the royal bloodline as well?"


    The Emperor gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "What''s the use of having my royal blood if his surname is Lin, not Zhao?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Whether his surname is Lin or Zhao, aren''t we all one family? If you''re feeling lonely, why don''t you ask Qingxuan and Xian''er to work a little harder and have a few more children? In the future, we can name two boys ''Zhao.'' Problem solved!"


    "You, are you serious?!" The Emperor shook with emotion, his facial muscles twitching. His beard even bristled. "Lin San, you better not go back on your word!"


    In this era, aside from special cases like Qin Xian''er and Xiao Qingxuan, following the matrilineal surname was a great taboo. Even adoption would only happen within the same n; adopting children with different surnames was absolutely forbidden. Someone as liberal as Lin Wanrong was truly rare under the heavens.


    "What''s true or false about it?" Lin Wanrong chuckled carelessly. "Whether they take their father''s surname or their mother''s, they''re still my children! Of course, Qingxuan and Xian''er have to agree to it; I have no objections."


    "Good, good, you said it yourself," the old Emperor mumbled excitedly, his hands trembling. This was an unexpected gain he had not anticipated. No wonder Lin San had been so reluctant; he had already thought of a way out. This young man was indeed cunning, leaving the difficult decisions for his descendants to handle. He held real power, yet remained free and unburdened¡ªtruly the best of both worlds.


    The Emperor was ted for a moment, but then his face suddenly darkened as if remembering something. He sighed softly, "I fear it''s still impossible. Though you are willing, I simply don''t have the time left¡ª"


    "Your Majesty, please don''t say such things," Lin Wanrong said solemnly. "The most important thing in life is to be happy. If one spends their days sighing and worrying, even a healthy person can''tst long. On the other hand, even if one is sick, as long as they live a fulfilling and joyful life, what''s the harm in it being short-lived? Take yourself, Your Majesty. Despite your poor health, once Qingxuan and Xian''er give birth and the royal bloodline is secured, you''ll spend your days happily doting on your grandchildren. Your body will naturally be robust. To speak inly, with your imperial majesty, what''s stopping you from borrowing a few more years from Heaven? Do you not even have the courage for that?"


    "What a ttering yet truthful remark!" The Emperor looked deeply at him and then burst into heartyughter. "Good, good, Lin San, you''re absolutely right. After weathering so many storms, what''s stopping me from borrowing a few more years from Heaven? Who would dare refuse me?"


    Lin Wanrong was overjoyed, "So does this mean, Your Majesty, that you agree to my suggestion?"


    "Agree? Agree to what?" The Emperor chuckled mischievously, "You''ve pushed all the responsibility away quite cleanly. Rare to see such a father. However, your idea is indeed to my liking. Let''s settle it then. If the Princess gives birth to a male heir, he will take the surname Zhao and be my legitimate grandson. Hahaha! Heaven has finally opened its eyes; I, Zhao Yuanyu, finally have descendants!"


    So the Emperor''s name was Zhao Yuanyu. Seeing his excited demeanor, Lin Wanrong understood, but couldn''t help but find it amusing. With this and his promise to Madam Xiao, the Lin family was truly branching out¡ªinto three ns!


    "Your Majesty, then do you still object to my matters with Ning''er and the others?" Lin Wanrong seized the opportunity to ask as Zhao Yuanyu was in high spirits.


    Zhao Yuanyu snorted softly and spoke slowly, "You think you can win me over with the promise of a grandson? Such a thing won''te easily. However, in consideration of your filial piety, I''ll make a concession. You can marry the Princess and then marry Miss Luo; I won''t interfere. But whatever responsibilities that should belong to you, you must take them all on."


    "Impossible," Lin Wanrong shouted, his face a portrait of misery. "Old man, haven''t I already found a solution for you? Why are you still after me?"


    "Do you take me for a fool?" Emperor Zhao Yuanyu gave a coldugh. "Ignoring a perfectly good candidate in favor of a child who isn''t even born yet? What if that child turns out to be a righteous person? Where would I go toin then? So, you see, you are the most reliable option, which also saves me from worry." Lin Wanrong was at a loss for words. So, the old man valued not his talents but hisck of integrity!


    "However, you don''t need to be too afraid." The Emperor patted Lin Wanrong''s shoulder, grinning wickedly. "I will guide you well, and of course, my virtuous grandson too. Ah, this is the happiest moment I''ve had in years!"


    Lin Wanrong was fuming inside. He finally understood that when it came to cunning and craftiness, he was no match for Zhao Yuanyu. The old man had fooled him again.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong''s sullen face and knowing he had gotten a great deal, Zhao Yuanyu waved his hand and chuckled, "Well, let''s discuss this matterter. Now, there''s something I need to ask you."


    ¡®Do I have to answer just because you ask?¡¯ Lin Wanrong hummed inwardly, his expression unfriendly.


    The old Emperor sighed softly, "I heard that Miss Guo is returning to Jinling. Is that so?"


    Lin Wanrong was shocked. How did the Emperor know news he had just found out himself? Was there a spy in his house?


    "You don''t have to be surprised," Zhao Yuanyu seemed to see through his thoughts and waved dismissively. "I don''t necessarily have to keep an eye on you. You''ve even refused what the whole world desires, what would I be worried about? The maids and servants in your house were personally selected by me for their loyalty. It''s not a big deal that I knew some news." He paused and sighed, "Why is Miss Guo suddenly leaving for Jinling? Do you know?"


    ¡®Nonsense. I just found out too. How could Madam, so strong-willed, tell me why she wants to leave?¡¯ Lin Wanrong snorted, "I don''t know. I just heard about it."


    Zhao Yuanyu gave him a long look, stood up, and began pacing the room. For a long while, he didn''t speak, and the sound of his footsteps rustled on the floor.


    Growing impatient, Lin Wanrong was about to speak when the old Emperor quietly asked, "Did you offend her?"


    ¡®Offend her? I''ve saved her, actually. As for minor bumps and scuffles, those were things of the past.¡¯ He shook his head firmly, "No!"


    "No?" The Emperor suddenly approached him, his gaze as sharp as lightning, his face icy, and his voice raised, "Are you telling the truth?"


    ¡®Suspicious old man! Even if I did offend her, would I tell you?¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s stubborn streak surged, and he met the Emperor''s gaze fearlessly, "Your Majesty, do I have a reason to lie?"


    The old Emperor looked at him for a long time before sighing, "Even if you didn''t offend Miss Guo, her sudden departure must have some reason! I know Miss Guo''s temperament. At such a crucial time for the Xiao family, she wouldn''t leave without good reason. Considering all the people she''s met, you''re the most suspicious when ites to being cunning and crafty!"


    ¡®used of what? I had a golden opportunity to take advantage while buried under rubble and even that I let go. I''m cleaner than tofu, for heaven''s sake.¡¯ Lin Wanrong sneered inwardly, but of course, he couldn''t say this out loud. "Your Majesty, instead of asking me, why don''t you ask the Madam herself? That would clear everything up."


    His words struck a nerve in Emperor Zhao Yuanyu. "If I could ask Miss Guo, why would I be seeking you out?" The Emperor huffed. "Your handling of the Xiao family affair was a mess. You couldn''t even take care of your own household. How could you handle anything else? If it weren''t for your timely actions, this could have been a lifelong regret for you."


    Though the Emperor''s words were harsh, they were also true, and Lin Wanrong had to grit his teeth in eptance. "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of this. Not for anyone else, but for Xian''er, for my wives, and for myself!"


    "Four days until the army deploys¡ª" Emperor Zhao Yuanyu nodded slightly, speaking softly. "Do what needs to be done and take care of yourself. Don''t let your carelessness trip you up again. And don''t misunderstand; I''m not concerned for you, but I don''t want to see my two princesses heartbroken."


    "Understood, understood," Lin Wanrong nodded, smiling. "I will give you a satisfactory answer."


    "What did you say?" The Emperor''s face changed. "What answer do I want? I swore before my deceased father¡ªI know nothing of what you do!"


    ¡®When will I ever get as thick-skinned as this old man?¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly, full of admiration.


    Gao Ping hurriedly entered and whispered a few words into the Emperor''s ear. Zhao Yuanyu nodded, nced at Lin Wanrong, and said, "I need to return to the pce; we have a message from Goryeo. Oh, and about that young pce maid of yours¡ª"


    Young pce maid? Seo Jang Geum? Lin Wanrong was stunned. Could she really be pregnant? If so, the Lin family would be set for life.


    "Don''t ask; even if you do, I won''t tell you. Focus on the tasks at hand," the Emperor chuckled, patted Lin Wanrong on the shoulder, and walked away.


    As he reached the doorway, he paused, lingering in thought. "Lin San, take good care of Miss Guo."


    ¡®Take good care? In what manner?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was puzzled, but then heard the Emperor sigh, "If you can convince her to stay, that would be ideal. If she truly wishes to leave, see her off warmly and tell her that Mr. Zhao will never forget those days."


    With those words, he hurriedly left. Lin Wanrong stood there, contemting. Even someone as powerful and wealthy as the Emperor had unattainable desires. Who could im a perfect life? His mind wandered to a myriad of past events, and his expression grew increasingly somber. Sister An was trapped in the Miao vige, Fairy Ning was alone in the mountains, and now even Madam Xiao was leaving. Life was like a flowing river, and who could stop its currents?


    Hours dragged on until dusk set in. Yet, sleep eluded him, leaving him agitated. "Xian''er, I want to go for a walk. Xian''er, Xian''er¡ª"


    He called out several times, but there was no response. Just as he was about to call again, a subtle fragrance drifted through the air, and a soft female voice resonated beside him, "Where are you going?"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 476

    Chapter 476 Matters of Great Importance


    "Thinking of taking a walk in the garden¡ªeh, Eldest Miss, is that you?" Lin Wanrong looked up and saw Xiao Yuruo standing quietly in front of him. She was dressed in a goose-yellow gown, her slender waist reminiscent of young willows in early spring. Her curvaceous figure traced an enchanting curve.


    Eldest Miss Xiao looked gently at him, her willow-like eyebrows slightly arched, radiantly beautiful. Her long eyshes flickered slightly, and her bright red lips were as inviting as newly-ripened cherries. A subtle touch of rouge gave her face a faint pink glow, as radiant as peach blossoms in March. Her clear, distinctly ck-and-white eyes seemed as pure as ake in autumn, free from any blemish.


    "Why can''t it be me?" Xiao Yuruo let out a soft sigh, sat down beside him on the edge of the bed, and tightly grasped his hand. "Does it still hurt?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "I was a bit sore, but now that I''ve seen you, I feel all better. If you could bless me with a sweet kiss, I would recover even faster."


    In the past, joking with Eldest Miss would invite a coy scolding from her, but today was different. Xiao Yuruo stared at him nkly before her tears began to flow. "You''re such a shameless scoundrel. You''re already injured, yet you still harbor mischievous thoughts. While you¡¯re feeling all right, you''ve scared the wits out of others!"


    She lifted her sleeve to wipe away her tears, but they only fell faster. As if recalling some sad affair, she gave a soft sob and covered her cheeks, crying.


    "Eldest Miss, please don''t cry," Lin Wanrong, noticing her ceaseless tears, hurriedly took her hand and said, "I''m the one who''s injured, I''m the one in pain, yet I''m not crying. Why are you shedding tears instead?"


    Having spent the most time with Xiao Yuruo and endured most of her caprices, Lin Wanrong''s feelings for her were quite special. From Jinling to the capital, they had experienced many misunderstandings and separations, yet his memories of her were vivid. He loved her strong-willed nature and was captivated by her gentle demeanor.Xiao Yuruo wiped her tears and huffed, "I didn''t want to cry. Since meeting you in Jinling, you''ve constantly tormented me and never let me live a peaceful day."


    "I haven¡¯t been living peacefully either," Lin Wanrong smiled, yfully scratching her palm. His expression was mild, but his tone was resolute. "But the times I spent with you have always been the happiest."


    "I, I''m also very happy." Hearing his gentle words, she felt an unprecedented warmth. She smiled but soon started crying again, and gave his arm a good punch. "You scoundrel, always making me cry."


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, bearing her light punishment. In the room, just the two of them, Eldest Miss tightly held his hand, looking at him with affection. Neither spoke. The tender moment seemed to hark back to the time they spent alone in Jinling, serene in its peacefulness.


    "What have you done to my mother?" Lin Wanrong was relishing this long-absent intimacy with Miss Xiao, eyes closed in contentment, when he suddenly heard her sigh in a mncholic tone close to his ear.


    "What, what did you say?" Lin Wanrong was so stunned that he could barely articte his words. "Eldest Miss, you can''t just make wild usations. I''m innocent. What could I possibly have done to the Madam?"


    Xiao Yuruo stared intently at him, her beautiful eyes misting over slightly. She pinched his wrist hard enough to hurt. Faced with her piercing gaze, Lin Wanrong became rmed. First, it was the old Emperor''s questions, and now this from Miss Xiao. Had he actuallymitted some unforgivable act? Damn, why couldn''t he remember anything?


    The time he''d spent buried under the rubble had been the purest since he hade to this world. He''d had no inappropriate thoughts then¡ªhow could he have wronged the Madam? He didn''t argue, just met Xiao Yuruo''s eyes in quiet eptance.


    Finally, she looked away, exhaling softly. Her voice broke as she said, "Do you know? My mother is leaving!"


    "Um, I heard a little from the Second Miss," he said, blinking away the tears forming in his eyes. "Eldest Miss, why is Madam leaving?"


    Xiao Yuruo gave a bitter smile and shook her head. "If I knew, I wouldn''t be asking you. Before the incident, my mother was quite happy and never mentioned returning to Jinling. But after you all were rescued¡ªa time that should have been joyful¡ªher demeanor changed. She became much more reserved. She used to love talking to me." ?


    This puzzled Lin Wanrong too. He had treated the Madam with the utmost respect while they were trapped, avoiding her as much as possible. What could she be unhappy about? Why was she insisting on going back to Jinling?


    "What really happened when you and my mother were buried under that rubble? Can you tell me?" Xiao Yuruo''s grip on his hand tightened, her voice full of hope.


    Why hide it? Lin Wanrong smiled and recounted the events of that day, glossing over certain details that might harm Madam''s reputation if they got out.


    Hearing that he had maintained his manners¡ªeven risking the pain of a broken leg to keep his distance from her mother¡ªXiao Yuruo eyed him suspiciously. "Really? Since when have you be so well-behaved?"


    "Eldest Miss, what are you talking about?" Lin Wanrong retorted, indignant. "When have I ever been ill-mannered?"


    She harrumphed, lowering her head. Her cheeks flushed a rosy hue, contrasting beautifully with her immacte skin.


    He was utterly entranced. Grasping her hand, he chuckled, "Well, I might be a bit rough sometimes, but that''s only when I''m with you, Eldest Miss. Otherwise, I''m absolutely proper."


    "You rascal!" She felt his hand sliding upward along her delicate wrist, turning her face even redder. She scolded him, yet couldn''t bring herself to stop him. Remembering she hadn¡¯t finished questioning him, she managed to stammer out, "Wait, stop, I still have questions for you."


    "What else? Just ask," Lin Wanrong gently stroked her soft waist, the touch as smooth as silk, causing his heart to tremble. He grinned cheekily, "You ask your questions, and I''ll do my thing; neither will interfere with the other."


    "How annoying." Xiao Yuruo quickly removed his mischievous hand and pouted, her cheeks flushing red. "Apart from this, you really haven''t done anything wrong to my mother?"


    "I, Lin Wanrong, swear to the heavens." Lin Wanrong earnestly raised his right hand, "If I have done anything in that ruined building that night to dishonor your mother or you, may I choke to death while eating, drown while drinking, or be crushed to death by banknotes¡ª"


    "That''s enough of your rambling." Seeing him sweating profusely, seemingly in intense pain as if touching upon his wounds, Xiao Yuruo felt her heart ache. She gently lowered his hand and said softly, "Why are you swearing? Isn''t it enough that I believe you? Haven''t you ever done anything to disappoint my mother on other asions?"


    Lin Wanrong was about to raise his hand to swear again when a gentle, warm hand covered his mouth. "Enough with your oaths; I believe you. You seem to have no regard for your own injuries. You''re going to worry me to death," Eldest Miss said, her eyes brimming with tears and annoyance.


    Feeling ashamed, Lin Wanrong chuckled twice. How could he truly swear? He had had his moments of levity with the mature and beautiful Madam.


    "Yuruo, you must believe me. After your reminder the night beforest, I''ve been strictly disciplining myself, being alert at all times, and not doing anything inappropriate. Ah, speaking of which, what did you mean that you would ''take care of me'' before the ident?" He changed the subject smoothly while maintaining an earnest expression.


    Xiao Yuruo''s cheeks turned crimson, radiant as if about to drop dew. "Take care? What take care? I don''t remember!"


    Her alluring figure and gorgeous face coupled with her shy smile made her look like a begonia blossoming in an autumn night, causing Lin Wanrong to feel an overwhelming heat surge through him. Had it not been for his impaired mobility, he would have proceeded to resolve the matter entirely.


    "Why are youughing?" Seeing the cunning smile on his face, Xiao Yuruo seemed to sense something, her body softening as she tremulously asked.


    "I''m notughing," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "I was just thinking about when we could pick a good day for you to ''take care of me.''"


    "Ugh!" Eldest Miss lightly spat, her cheeks ming. Lin Wanrong held her hand and felt the tremor in her heart, overwhelmed by warmth. All his amorous feelings subsided, and he fully savored the joy of mutual affection.


    "It is strange indeed," Xiao Yuruo finally said, her mood much improved after their banter. "If you didn''t do anything wrong, why is there such a huge difference in my mother''s behavior before and after the incident?"


    "Maybe it''s menopause," Lin Wanrongzily yawned, speaking without thinking.


    Xiao Yuruo furrowed her brow, clearly puzzled by his words. "What did you say? What''s menopause?"


    This was a bit tricky to exin. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "What I mean to say is that Madam has reached middle age. With many concerns on her mind, it''s understandable if she asionally acts in ways that baffle us."


    "What nonsense about reaching middle age," Eldest Miss huffed in dissatisfaction, shooting him a look. "My mother is mature and beautiful, in the prime of her life. She doesn''t have any of these issues you''re talking about."


    "Yes, yes," Lin Wanrongughed. "Both Madam and Eldest Miss are as beautiful and youthful as the peonies in the garden. Year after year they bloom, and each season they are lovely! I''m but the diligent gardener, watering by day, irrigating by night!"


    "Stop talking nonsense," Eldest Miss scolded, though she couldn''t conceal her smile and no longer pressed him about her mother. She let out a long sigh, leaned her head into his chest, and began to weep silently. "Lin San, my mother is leaving, our home is gone. What should I do?"


    She closed her eyes, her face a picture of sorrow and despair. Lin Wanrong, moved, patted her fragrant shoulder gently. "What do you mean gone? This is our home, isn''t it?"


    Eldest Miss slowly shook her head. "I still miss the days when we were at home, with my mother, my sister, and you. There were many moments I can''t forget¡ªeven the days when you bullied me were days I felt happy."


    Xiao Yuruo had beenmitted to restoring the glory of the Xiao family since she was young. Now, their homes and properties in the capital had vanished. Her years of effort hade to nothing. Lin Wanrong was touched by her words andughed aloud, "Don''t worry. As long as we''re safe and sound, we can start all over. When the Xiao family is re-established, I''ll marry you and Yushuang and make this your home as well."


    Xiao Yuruo let out a shy but delighted hum. "Will you alsoe back to our family?"


    "Of course I will," Lin Wanrong replied solemnly. "If I don''t, where else can I find another young miss to bully?"


    "You''re annoying!" Hearing him tease her, Xiao Yuruo felt both shy and delighted, gripping his hand tightly and not letting go.


    Having opened her heart, Xiao Yuruo detailed her ns to rebuild the Xiao family''s estate in the capital to Lin Wanrong. She knew where the shops would be, where the warehouses, gardens, and embroidering rooms would go; everything was nned. Most surprisingly, within the garden, she had arranged for three wooden rooms, nestled among a variety of flowers¡ªsimple yet harmonious. Lin Wanrong thought for a moment and then suddenly realized. "Eldest Miss, is this where I stayed in Jinling?"


    Xiao Yuruo hummed in confirmation, offering a tender smile.


    The Eldest Miss''s thoughts touched Lin Wanrong deeply. Those few wooden rooms, though simple, were ces he''d never forget. Memories of the Eldest Miss, the Second Miss, and Qingxuan flooded back.


    "What are you thinking about?" Seeing his expression turn serious for a moment before bing strange again, Xiao Yuruo couldn''t help but ask.


    "I wasn''t thinking about anything in particr," Lin Wanrong grinned. "I just hope that once these wooden rooms are built, they can be used for some great endeavors."


    Second Miss shook her head and chuckled lightly, "Is there something so grand that it must be done in this wooden cabin?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled in response, nodding toward Yuruo. Eldest Miss yfully chided him before leaning in, her ear close to his mouth, to listen to what he had to say.


    A faint fragrance emanated from her. She had a slender physique; her cor slightly ajar, revealing her porcin-white neck. Her skin was as smooth as jade, and her curvaceous body was soft and full. As she leaned on him, her silk-like touch was smooth against his skin. From within the opening of her garment, a hint of a pink undergarment was vaguely visible, her smooth, voluptuous breasts slightly rising and falling, stretching the garment taut. In her hurried breaths, a sultry allure made itself evident.


    Swallowing hard, Lin Wanrong blew a soft breath in her ear and chuckledsciviously, "Is seducing a youngdy in this cabin not grand enough?"


    Xiao Yuruo let out a soft moan, her body ame, her heart tingling. Although the wooden cabin was small, it held special significance. If they could truly be a couple within these walls¡ªoh, the embarrassment! She hurriedly covered her flushed cheeks, her ears red, but her heart was filled with endless longing.


    After conversing with Eldest Miss and seeing her coy demeanor, Lin Wanrong felt extraordinarily happy. Reminiscing about their first encounter¡ªhow she had been domineering and strong¡ªhe chuckled. It felt as if lifetimes had passed. Kissing her cheek, he was overwhelmed by a deep sense of nostalgia. If he survived the northern expedition against the nomads, he vowed to return to Jinling with all his wives.


    Everyone seemed to sense his special feelings for the Eldest Miss, giving the two some time alone. Even Qin Xian''er, his jealous little wife, had been quiet for a long time. It was only after Eldest Miss left that she pouted and jumped into the bed, tightly hugging his neck. "Husband, am I good?"


    "Good, good," Lin Wanrong genuinely responded.


    Tears in her eyes, Qin Xian''er softly said, "Husband, I may be jealous, but it''s because I love you so much. Tell me whom you like, and I will lure them to serve you. Don''t worry about me; I''ll get over it."


    Lin Wanrong pped her rounded buttocks lightly, "Lure them to serve me? What do you think I am, some kind of lecher?"


    Wiping away her tears, Xian''er giggled, "My master once said you''re a grand lecher, equal to her in skill!"


    That sly vixen. Lin Wanrong felt a stirring in his heart, and as he softly caressed Xian''er''s behind, he chuckled, "Well, I''ll have to conquer this little lecher before conquering that grand lecher."


    Xian''er grunted, panting, "I knew you were up to no good, even thinking of conquering my master! Ah, Husband, you''re still unwell¡ª"


    It was just a thought. With his current broken condition, what could he really do? Lin Wanrong sighed. Seeing his charming wife beside him, knowing he couldn''t act upon his desires, he felt terribly frustrated, cursing those who had harmed him in his thoughts.


    Awakening in the middle of the night, Lin Wanrong opened his eyes, startling Qin Xian''er who quickly clung to his arm, disying an infinitely beautiful figure, "Husband, what are you doing?"


    With a sly grin and a glint in his eye, Lin Wanrong said, "It''s a dark and windy night, the perfect time for murder."


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 477

    Chapter 477 The Swaying Pnquin


    "Killing is so enjoyable," Qin Xian''er said, pping her small hands with a smile, showing no sign of fear on her face. "It''s been a while since I''ve killed anyone. I''ve missed it. Husband, who would you like me to kill? I''ll do it for you."


    My goodness, Lin Wanrong inhaled sharply. ¡®My wife really doesn''t have any qualms, treating killing as if it''s child''s y.¡¯ But then again, Xian''er was originally a witch from the White Lotus Sect; she feared neither heaven nor earth. What was the big deal in killing a few people? He gently caressed Xian''er''s silky hair and chuckled coldly, "Whoever dares to harm me, I will kill them."


    A few days ago, Lin Wanrong had been injured, and Qin Xian''er was too anxious to think about who might be plotting against him in the shadows. Seeing that he was now out of danger, her mind started to be active again. She quickly nodded, "Husband, you''re still injured. Let me handle this matter. Rest assured, I won''t let the person who harmed you get away with it."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled darkly, "This is not something that can be done alone. We all need to go together. I love a good group fight." Just as he was speaking, a soft rustling noise came from the courtyard below the embroidered building, followed by the sound of footsteps.


    "Big Brother, are you asleep?" A tender voice called out from outside the door.


    "No, no," Lin Wanrong hurriedly called out. "Little darling,e in quickly."


    Dong Qiaoqiao''s face flushed at hearing this, but her heart swelled with sweetness. Lifting the curtain, she entered and saw Qin Xian''er half-dressed, her body pressed tightly against Lin Wanrong''s arm. Qin Xian''er''s figure was voluptuous and curvy, her long hair cascading like a waterfall over her smooth, delicate shoulders. Her face flushed, she revealed two enchanting dimples. Truly, she was more enchanting than a flower.


    "Darling, you''re so naughty!" Though Qin Xian''er was bold and unrestrained, this was the first time she had been seen in such an intimate state with her husband by another woman. She couldn''t help but feel a little embarrassed. Fortunately, the person was Dong Qiaoqiao, an old acquaintance from Jinling. She had always appreciated this young girl''s gentle and obedient nature.Seeing Qiaoqiao''s red face and her eyes constantly scanning both her and Lin Wanrong, Miss Qin smiled gracefully, "Qiaoqiao,e closer. I''ll make room for you so that my husband can pamper you."


    As she spoke, she lightly tapped the pillow with her tender wrist. Herughter rippled through the room. The swaying corner of the nket caught the light, dazzling Lin Wanrong''s eyes.


    Though Qiaoqiao had served Lin Wanrong alongside Miss Luo, she remained extremely shy. Witnessing such a sensuous scene, she lowered her head and said softly, "Sister Xian''er, I didn''t see anything¡ªbut Big Brother did."


    Though they were like sisters behind closed doors, and seeing each other was no big deal, being teased by Qiaoqiao made Qin Xian''er blush. Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she let out a small whimper and dived under the nket, feeling both shy and delighted.


    Lin Wanrong sneaked a touch on Xian''er''s ample bosom and burst into heartyughter. Grabbing Qiaoqiao''s delicate hand, he said, "Little darling, why are you still awake sote? Did you miss me? It''s been a long time since I''ve had the lotus seed porridge you make; I''ve been thinking about it a lot."


    Qiaoqiao hummed in agreement and sat down beside him. "Madam is still busy," she said softly. "She''s preparing another pot of ginseng and bird''s nest soup for you to eat tomorrow morning. I''ve been assisting her. Big Brother, would you like some lotus seed porridge? I can make it for you now."


    She rose to leave, but Lin Wanrong quickly grabbed her arm. Seeing the bloodshot whites of her eyes, evidence of days and nights without adequate rest, he felt a sudden pang of concern. "Silly girl, you need to take care of yourself. Big Brother loves your lotus seed porridge and wants to eat it for the rest of his life."


    "Of course! I will always serve Big Brother!" Qiaoqiao''s face lit up with joy, her small hands tightly gripping his. Had it not been for the presence of Qin Xian''er beside them, she would have already thrown herself into his embrace.


    Among the women Lin Wanrong knew, Qiaoqiao had the mostmon background, yet her life experiences were the closest to his own. Compared to all the other youngdies, she was the most reliable and had been by his side the longest, always silently watching over him, causing his heart to ache for her.


    A soft warmth filled Lin Wanrong''s eyes as he whispered, "My little darling, once my injuries are healed, Big Brother will cook something delicious just for you. And no one is allowed to snatch it from you!"


    His tone was firm, not caring that Qin Xian''er was beside them, disying his deep affection for Qiaoqiao. "Big Brother¡ª" her voice quivered as she burst into tears of joy, unable to restrain herself any longer as she threw herself into his arms. Being able to have a man like Big Brother cook for her made her feel like the luckiest woman in the world, and it made all her hardships worthwhile.


    As Qin Xian''er listened to Lin Wanrong speak so affectionately to Qiaoqiao, she didn''t feel jealous. She too loved the charming girl, and so how could she me her husband who was naturally affectionate? Seeing Lin Wanrong''s resolute look, a sense of inexplicable emotion welled up within her. She joined Qiaoqiao in his arms and whispered, "Husband, I will also serve you forever."


    Despite the pain from his injuries, Lin Wanrong endured it; such blissful moments were rare.


    "Oh, Big Brother¡ª" Qiaoqiao suddenly let out a soft exmation, her body trembling slightly, her face flushed.


    Qin Xian''er, who knew her husband well, chuckled softly. "Husband, now is not the time to pamper Qiaoqiao. Wait until you''ve recovered, then you can do as you please."


    "Sister Xian''er, you''re so naughty!" Qiaoqiao blushed to her ears, stealing a quick nce at Big Brother before lowering her head in embarrassment.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly and reluctantly pulled his hand away from inside Qiaoqiao''s blouse. The lingering scent remained on his fingers, but he could only yearn without acting upon it.


    "Qiaoqiao,ing to find your big brother sote, did something happen?" After some light banter among the three, Qin Xian''er asked.


    Qiaoqiao nodded repeatedly, blushing slightly. She had been so engrossed in talking to Big Brother that she''d nearly forgotten the main issue. "Big Brother, Officer Gao is here. He''s waiting for you downstairs."


    Qin Xian''er nced at Lin Wanrong, who nodded thoughtfully without showing any signs of surprise. She instantly understood, "Husband, are you sending Officer Gao on a mission?"


    "Don''t send him!" Lin Wanrong shook his head emphatically and snorted. "I will go myself."


    "No!" Xian''er and Qiaoqiao cried out in unison.


    "Husband, you''re still recovering from severe injuries. How can you take such risks? Let me go in your stead," Xian''er pleaded.


    Qiaoqiao nodded fervently, "Exactly, Big Brother. How can you even think of leaving in your condition? Just tell me what needs to be done, and I''ll handle it."


    Observing their anxious expressions, Lin Wanrong sighed deeply and shook his head solemnly. "This matter is of great importance. If done correctly, I can journey north without any worries, and you both can live peacefully in the capital. But if things go awry, not only will our family be endangered, but the entire Empire will face cmity. I must go personally to ensure its sess."


    His tone was so serious that both Xian''er and Qiaoqiao wanted to argue further but were silenced by a stern look from him. Everyone knew Lin Wanrong''s character: He was up for all sorts of mischief, but once he made a decision, it was final. The two women exchanged worried nces, uncertain how to convince him otherwise.


    "Don''t worry," Lin Wanrong said, sensing he had been too stern. "It''s not as dangerous as it sounds. I just need to oversee things; I won''t be taking direct action. Besides, look at me¡ªdo you think I could even if I wanted to?"


    Seeing his resolve, Xian''er spoke firmly, "Husband, I will go with you." She felt guilty about the mishap that had happened under her watch; if not for his great luck, he might have lost his life. She was determined not to leave his side.


    "It''s good that you''ll be with me. With your skills, there aren''t many who could pose a threat," Lin Wanrong nodded approvingly. At that, Xian''er smiled, her face radiating a captivating charm.


    Resigned, Qiaoqiao sighed softly. "Big Brother, should I inform Sister about this?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head. "Qingxuan has been extremely busy these days, and she''s pregnant. Let her rest. I''ll tell her when everything is sorted."


    Qiaoqiao hummed in agreement and, along with Xian''er, assisted him in getting dressed. His most severe injury was to his thigh. Although Xian''er and Xiao Qingxuan had both administered their best treatments, recovery wasn''t easy. His leg was braced with thick ster, making it hard and ufortable to move. Fortunately, his other injuries were only superficial.


    Qiaoqiao ced a soft cushion under him, and with assistance from both women, he managed to sit up¡ªhis leg erupting in sharp pain. Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth and broke into a cold sweat but managed not to cry out. Seeing this, Xian''er gently wiped the sweat from his forehead, her eyes misty. "Husband, if it hurts, don''t hold back your cries. There''s no one else here."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I''ve stared death in the face several times and lived through horrors you can''t imagine. What''s a little pain inparison? But if you give me ten kisses, I assure you, the pain will lessen considerably."


    Qin Xian''er didn''t understand the meaning behind his words, thinking he was speaking nonsense as he usually did. While she found it amusing, she was also touched by his enduring spirit. This stoicism was a stark contrast to his usual jovial demeanor, deepening her affection for him even more.


    Gao Qiu had been waiting downstairs for some time. He sent Qiaoqiao to call him up. When he entered the hall and saw Lin San, who was sitting in arge chair wrapped inyers of gauze, Gao Qiu hesitated for a moment. Then, rushing forward, he grabbed Lin San''s arm, his voice tinged with excitement: "Brother Lin, are you... are you all right?"


    "I''m fine, I''m doing very well," Lin Wanrong answered with a faint smile. "Apart from a broken leg and a few cracked ribs, everything else is pretty minor."


    Gao Qiu suddenly knelt down, his voice trembling with emotion, "Brother Lin, I''ve wronged you¡ª"


    "Brother Gao, what are you doing?" Lin Wanrong was startled and quickly reached out to help him up. However, the sudden movement aggravated his wounds, causing him great pain.


    Gao Qiu lowered his head in shame, gripping Lin San''s arm even tighter, his eyes moistening. "It''s my failure that you were injured so severely, nearly losing your life. I owe you an apology. Brother, please hit me. It''s the only way I''ll feel better¡ª" He swiftly unsheathed his dagger and offered it to Lin Wanrong.


    The glinting dagger startled Qiaoqiao, who let out a small cry but said nothing.


    Holding Gao Qiu''s arm firmly, Lin Wanrong spoke coldly, "Brother Gao, do you look down on me, Lin San? Have you forgotten our time in Shandong, in Jining? If it weren''t for you guarding me, I''d be nothing but bones by now. I might be known as cunning and deceitful, but I remember who''s been good to me. I never mentioned the life-saving favor you did for me in Shandong, because I felt it was unnecessary. We are brothers who''ve exchanged lives on the battlefield; what need is there for all this talk? If you truly respect me, if you really consider me your brother, then stand up straight! Damn it, you''re squeezing my arm so hard it hurts¡ª"


    Jolted by Lin Wanrong''s words, Gao Qiu chuckled awkwardly and finally stood up. "Brother, I was wrong. Let me apologize."


    "Forget about the apology. Put the knife away. You know I''d never raise my hand against a brother," Lin Wanrong said,ughing as he pushed the dagger back into its sheath. "Brother Gao, it''s been just two days, and I see you''ve learned many tricks. You''ve made quite the progress!"


    Gao Qiu chuckled, somewhat embarrassed, "Being around you, how could I not pick up a thing or two? Otherwise, wouldn''t I be theughingstock of the world?"


    ¡®Is he praising me or insulting me?¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, lifting his foot to give the old fellow a kick. But a sharp pain in his leg made him wince and change his expression.


    At first, Qiaoqiao had been touched by their brotherly affection. But as she witnessed their yful banter, a smile crept onto her face.


    Seeing Lin Wanrong wrapped in thick bandages, Gao Qiu''s face turned serious. He whispered, "Brother Lin, since you''re injured, let me handle that matter. Don''t worry, if I mess it up, I won''t have the face to see you again. I''ll just slit my throat right at their doorstep."


    Eager to redeem his past wrongs, Lin Wanrong smiled nonchntly, "Brother Gao, you''re being too formal. If it were a good deed, I wouldn''tpete with you. But for a nefarious task? Without me, Lin San, how could you do it without bing theughingstock of the world?"


    Gao Qiu burst into heartyughter, fully aware that Lin San was beyond persuasion. After all, when it came to viiny, who could outdo Lin San? He would indeed feel uneasy without Lin San by his side during such endeavors.


    "Brother Gao, have you prepared everything I requested?" Lin Wanrong asked seriously, after they both shared augh.


    "Everything is ready," Gao Qiu hurriedly nodded, pulling out arge, bulging package from behind him, its contents unknown.


    "Good," Lin Wanrong''s eyes sparkled as he chuckled. Seeing that it was gettingte, he hummed, "The moon is dark and the wind is high; it''s a night fit for murder. Let¡¯s set off!"


    Since he was mobility-impaired, Gao Qiu had already prepared a litter. Lin Wanrong was slowly carried downstairs. The chilly winds of early spring howled, stinging his cheeks. A crescent moon hung in the night sky, its dim light casting an eerie glow, rendering the garden unusually deste.


    Oncefortably seated in the litter, Qin Xian''er snuggled up next to him. Just as he was about to give the order to proceed, he heard Gao Qiu''s subdued voice outside, "I, Gao Qiu, pay my respects to the Princess!"


    A gentle voice softly replied, "Thank you, Commander Gao. Please rise."


    "Qingxuan?!" Lin Wanrong was startled. He hastily lifted the curtain of the litter to see Xiao Qingxuan standing nearby, smiling tenderly at him. Bathed in moonlight, her skin was translucent; her eyes, clear aske water; her cheeks, lightly flushed. She looked radiant, ethereal, as if a celestial being had descended to earth. Beside her stood Miss Luo, voluptuous and seductive, casting flirtatious nces at Lin Wanrong.


    "Why are you here?" Lin Wanrong extended his hand out of the window and grasped her soft, slender palm as Qingxuan gracefully walked over.


    Miss Xiao smiled gently, "You¡¯re embarking on such an important mission, how could I note?"


    "You knew?" Lin Wanrong eximed.


    Luo Ningughed, "Big Brother, I think Sister knows you best. She suspected that something major was afoot when Mr. Xu came to visit you. We¡¯ve been waiting for you here for as long as it takes to brew a pot of tea."


    Lin Wanrong gazed at Qingxuan, whose face was filled with a serene, otherworldly smile. He felt both joy and sorrow. Happy that Qingxuan understood him so well, he thought, ¡®I¡¯ve married the right woman.¡¯ But he also felt sad because she could read him so easily¡ªwhat about his secrets concerning Fairy Sister and Sister An?


    "What are you pondering so deeply?" Miss Xiao seemed to see through him. Her delicate finger traced a line in his palm as she gentlyughed, "What I should know, I will know. What I shouldn¡¯t, I won¡¯t ask. You needn''t worry."


    Although her words wereden with deeper meaning, Lin Wanrong, intelligent as he was, couldn''t quite grasp it. He hurriedly said, "My good wife Qingxuan, I didn¡¯t intentionally keep tonight¡¯s matters from you. You''ve been so exhaustedtely; I just wanted you to get some rest tonight."


    "My Dear, you''re so considerate," Miss Xiao said with a sweet smile. "Go ahead and do what you need to do. We sisters all support you. Just make sure to think of us and not act recklessly."


    Lin Wanrong sighed a few times in response. Miss Xiao gently smiled, took off her cloak, and draped it over him. Turning to Qin Xian''er next to her, she said, "Sister, I''m leaving My Dear in your care."


    Qin Xian''er hummed, "You needn''t worry, he''s also my husband¡ªGao Qiu, let''s get going!"


    ¡®This girl is just stubbornly soft-hearted,¡¯ Miss Xiao thought, giving Lin Wanrong''s hand a tight squeeze before letting go. However, that warm feeling lingered in his heart.


    "Husband, who do you like more, me or her?" A few steps after the sedan started moving, Miss Qin cuddled close to him and asked, with a bit of apetitive edge.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, about to evade the question, but Qin Xian''er''s small hand covered his lips and she hummed, "You''re not allowed to say you like both. You must say who you like more!"


    ¡®This girl really is domineering,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong, scratching his head. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "When I''m with you, I like you more!"


    He was notorious for his slickness, mumbling the first part of his sentence, making it unclear. However, thetter half was clear and concise, even a stone could understand.


    Though Qin Xian''er might be fearless and quite the femme fatale, she wasn''t as cunning as he was. Overwhelmed by sweet shyness, she only heard thetter half of the first sentence. Her heart filled with sweetness, and she wrapped her arms around his neck to deliver a passionate kiss.


    "Uh, why is the sedan swaying? Brother Lin, Princess, are you both alright?" Gao Qiu found it odd and quickly inquired.


    "It''s fine, it''s fine." Seeing that Qin Xian''er''s cheeks were flushed and her clothing partially disheveled, Lin Wanrong lightly touched her ivory skin, making her tremble with a whimper. Her smooth arms wrapped around his neck like a snake.


    "All is well, then. We''re about to leave the estate," Gao Qiu finally breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that no mishap had urred. If anything happened to Brother Lin again, he''d have to take drastic measures against himself.


    Lin Wanrong grunted in response and absentmindedly lifted the curtain to nce outside, suddenly bing lost in thought.


    "Husband, what''s the matter?" Qin Xian''er, who was close to him, suddenly sensed that his movements had stopped. In the close quarters of the sedan, though they couldn''t fully indulge in their desires, the atmosphere was hot and spicy. When she noticed his pause, she mewed like a kitten, her hot breath evident as she spoke.


    Lin Wanrong sighed and didn''t say anything, which made Qin Xian''er quickly follow his gaze through the curtain.


    Not far from the embroidered tower, there was a secluded cottage where a dim yellow light still seeped out despite thete hour. A mature and graceful woman moved in front of the window. Her figure was enchanting, ineffable, with a full bust and a slender waist. She wore a pale pink silk shirt and her hair was neatly pinned up. Only the silhouette of her profile was visible, showing her long eyshes and almond-shaped eyes. The faint yellow light illuminated her cheeks, making her skin appear as lustrous and wless as jade, like a radiant peony flower.


    Inside the cottage, a wisp of smoke rose as a faint aroma wafted into the air. The woman bent down repeatedly and then stood up after a short while. In her hand, she held a small, crystal-clear spoon which she asionally brought to her lips for a taste. Her eyebrows furrowed and she shook her head, bending down again.


    "Is that the Madam?" Xian''er eximed in surprise. "It¡¯s sote. Why hasn''t she gone to bed? What is she doing in the kitchen?"


    Recalling what Qiaoqiao had told her, Xian''er chuckled knowingly. "Husband, the Madam really cares for you. She''s making ginseng and bird¡¯s nest soup for you at this hour. Even the young misses of the Xiao family never had such a treat."


    "Really?" The sedan chair stopped quietly at that moment, unnoticed by Madam Xiao. Lin Wanrong looked at her bustling around in the kitchen and gave a faint smile.


    Xian''er nodded, "Husband, has Madam always been so attentive to you?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled at the memory. "When I first came to the Xiao family, Madam was busy plotting against me, scheming to exploit my worth for her family¡¯s benefit. I would have been satisfied even with a cup of hot water, let alone ginseng and bird¡¯s nest."


    "That¡¯s because the circumstances were different," Xian''er, having spent a considerable time with the Madam, naturally defended her. "You saved her life this time and she is immediately reciprocating. You may not know, but even when Master Xiao was alive, the Madam rarely cooked. These past few days, she''s been extremely busy just for you. She really cares."


    Lin Wanrong smiled dismissively. "She¡¯s just grateful that I saved her life. It will go back to normal soon."


    Xian''er sighed softly and shook her head, "There¡¯s no need to wait for that. Madam is leaving for Jinling soon. If you wish to enjoy this delicious ginseng and bird¡¯s nest again, no one can make it as well as she can. Husband, don''t you want to talk to her?"


    Talk to her? About what? Lin Wanrong shook his head and bitterly smiled. "I''ve been awake all day, and everyone has visited me except for the Madam. She even mentioned going back to Jinling at this time. Clearly, she doesn¡¯t want to see me. I really can¡¯t understand her thinking. Her savior seems to have turned into her enemy."


    The more he thought about it, the more dejected he felt. "Let''s forget it. It¡¯s not appropriate to visit her at thiste hour. We''ll talk another day. Let¡¯s go, Brother Gao."


    Maintaining secrecy on his journey, the sedan chair arrived quickly and left just as quickly, vanishing into the night. When it was far away, Madam Xiao lifted her head, casting a nce towards the departing sedan. Her expression was somber.


    ¡­


    Leaving the estate, the small sedan chair dashed towards the north. Gao Qiu had already sent men to sweep the area clean, ensuring that no one was around before daring to proceed. Having experienced an ident before, Gao Qiu was naturally much more cautious, not daring to ck off in the slightest.


    Upon reaching a small alley, another sedan chair had already been waiting. Xu Wei lifted the curtain and stepped out, quickly walking over, "Little brother Lin, you''ve finally arrived!"


    Xian''er lifted the curtain, and Lin Wanrong smiled and gave a slight bow, "I apologize for my tardiness!"


    Seeing that Lin Wanrong was still bandaged and injured, Xu Wei was moved but also relieved, "You''re notte; now is exactly the right time." He took a small package from his robe and handed it to Lin Wanrong, lowering his voice, "Little brother, this is an imperial decree for your inspection mission. The Emperor said to act ording to the situation and not to stick to formalities. You have the power to execute and then report."


    Lin Wanrong took the imperial decree, his palms sweaty. The old man''s meaning was clear: kill whomever he wanted to kill and report afterward. It was almost like being the Emperor himself.


    "Mr. Xu, have our enemies shown any unusual behavior?" Lin Wanrong asked as he tucked the decree into his robe.


    "So far, no. He has been praying in the Grand Prime Minister Temple all day, showing no abnormal behavior," Xu Wei nodded. "However, today news spread that the Emperor personally visited your residence to pay condolences. He heard it and stayed in his room for two hours, which made me quite anxious."


    Two hours? Lin Wanrong was startled, "Did anyone enter his chamber during that time?"


    "No," Xu Wei shook his head firmly, "He was bathing and observing rituals to worship his ancestors. Nobody could enter his chamber. Moreover, ording to my investigation, nobody went in to talk with him today."


    Two hours could be long enough to do many things. Was it possible that he just stayed in the room contemting by himself? What about his entourage?


    Finding it all strange and unable to figure it out, Lin Wanrong decided to ignore it for now. "Mr. Xu, ording to you, most of our forces are concentrated around the Grand Prime Minister Temple, right?"


    Xu Wei nodded solemnly, "The main objective is in the Grand Prime Minister Temple; naturally, this is where our main guard is. Although there are troops at the royal residence, they areparatively weaker."


    "Do you think our enemy knows that we''ve deployed the majority of our forces around the Temple?" Lin Wanrong asked, his eyebrows furrowed in thought.


    "With his keen intelligence and sense, how could he not know?" Xu Wei suddenly looked startled, "Little brother, have you discovered something?"


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile, "Mr. Xu, look at me. Wounded and broken, what could I have possibly discovered? I just find it odd that our enemy is too calm, unnaturally calm. Could he really be innocent?"


    Innocent? Xu Wei burst intoughter and shook his head, "I''ve served with this man in the court for over twenty years; how could I not know his nature? Let''s not talk about other things; just the fact that he''s been secretly cultivating the White Lotus sect to disturb the peace of the Empire makes him an absolute viin. Not to mention colluding with foreign invaders and betraying his ancestors!"


    Lin Wanrong raised an eyebrow decisively. "No matter what, we must handle this situation well. Mr. Xu, the Grand Prime Minister Temple is certainly important, but we can''t ck off on the royal mansion either. The manpower we deploy there must be no weaker than here!"


    Xu Wei sensed something. "Little brother Lin, are you suggesting¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth. "Ever heard of the saying, ''a clever hare has three burrows,'' Mr. Xu? His tranquility within the Grand Prime Minister Temple may just be a diversion."


    "Thank you for the reminder, little brother Lin!" Realization dawned on Xu Wei. "I''ll go back and arrange it right away!"


    "Hold on!" Lin Wanrong stopped him and chuckled, "Mr. Xu, tonight is crucial. You must trap him in the Grand Prime Minister Temple at all costs; he cannot slip away halfway. Once things are set on my end, I''ll signal with fireworks. You can then move in to apprehend him; execute on the spot if there¡¯s any resistance."


    His smile turned cold immediately, the tone icy enough to send a chill down Xu Wei''s spine. Hurriedly, Xu Wei nodded, confirming the signal for their respective actions, before turning to depart in his sedan chair.


    Seeing everything arranged, Lin Wanrong felt somewhat reassured, but a strange intuition told him that tonight''s events would not go as smoothly as expected.


    "Husband, what¡¯s the matter with you?" Qin Xian''er nudged him gently, seeing him lost in thought.


    Lin Wanrong caressed her face and smiled, "Xian''er, do you know who we are dealing with tonight?"


    "Mm," Qin Xian''er nodded, aware of Prince Cheng''s collusion with the White Lotus sect, having once helped Zhao Kangning fight the government troops on her Master''s orders.


    "Finally, an end is in sight," Lin Wanrong sighed, "Considering Prince Cheng is your royal uncle, Xian''er, will you be able to go through with it?"


    "Husband, you underestimate me," Miss Qin pouted, "Even my father wants him dealt with; what reservations could I have?"


    Fair point, she had never felt a sense of belonging to the royal family. Even when there had been misunderstandings, she had once plotted to assassinate her own father. Dealing with such an unreliable royal uncle was naturally of little concern to her.


    The sedan chair wobbled its way towards the royal mansion. Commander Gao was extremely cautious, sending guards ahead to scout the way. Only after confirming there was no danger would they continue, a paranoia reminiscent of the saying, "Once bitten by a snake, one is scared of a rope for ten years."


    Arriving at an alley opposite the royal mansion, they ducked into a spacious residence and the sedan chair came to a stop. Lin Wanrong noticed that they were in a two-story building quite far from the residence Prince Cheng had passed a few days ago. Xu Wei was indeed very cautious in his arrangements.


    The guards at this location, familiar from a previous night, were visibly shocked to see Lin Wanrong''s injuries. He waved it off, shing a brilliant smile at them.


    On the second floor, in an empty room, he had a bird''s eye view through the window. The massive gates of Prince Cheng''s mansion were visible, tightly shut. Two enormous rednterns were hung high, emitting a faint red glow. Below them stood two ferocious stone lions, their forms menacing and intimidating. The sound of a watchman announcing the time rang out; it waste into the second watch of the night, and the third watch was drawing near.


    The moonlight was veiled by dark clouds, and only a few morning stars twinkled faintly in the sky, their light flickering in and out of view. The earth was enveloped in darkness, eerily quiet on all sides. In the distance, lights from homes appeared dim and hazy, like candles floating on water, swaying gently and casting innumerable shadows that were difficult to make out.


    Lin Wanrong sat quietly in his chair, the subtle pain in his legs keeping his mind sharply focused. Qin Xian''er ced a soft pillow she had slipped into the room behind him and nestled silently by his side, saying nothing.


    "Brother Lin, when shall we make our move?" Seeing Lin Wanrong deep in thought, Gao Qiu had grown impatient and spoke in a hushed voice.


    "Wait," Lin Wanrong uttered, resolute in his reply.


    "Wait?" Gao Qiu didn''t understand Lin''s hidden intentions, but seeing him soposed, he knew it was not his ce to intervene. Observing the couple in their sweet embrace, he realized he didn''t belong here. He gave Lin Wanrong a knowing nce and went downstairs with a smile.


    "It''s too quiet," Lin Wanrong sighed after what seemed like an eternity.


    "Is quiet bad?" Qin Xian''er nestled closer to him, whispering softly, her beautiful face full of tenderness. "Husband, wouldn''t it be wonderful if it were just the two of us, forever so peaceful and quiet?"


    ¡®Women are emotional creatures,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought; even in a tense moment like this, she was in the mood for romance. He couldn''t help but chuckle. He yfully flicked her nose and said, "Behind tranquility often brews a storm, and it''s usually the most violent kind. That''s not necessarily a good thing."


    "What storm? You''re so naughty," Qin Xian''er yfully scolded, her cheeks flushing red.


    Ah, he didn''t mean that, but seeing her misinterpret, Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter, eliciting sweetints from Qin Xian''er. The moment was delightfully joyous.


    "Brother Lin, did you call for me?" Gao Qiu, who was growing impatient downstairs, hurried upstairs as he heard theughter.


    "It''s about time," Lin Wanrong said with a slight smile. "Brother Gao, have you arranged everything?"


    Noticing his expression, Gao Qiu instantly grew excited. "Everything is ready. Over a hundred brothers we can trust."


    Lin Wanrong pointed at the bundle that Gao Qiu had brought. "Do you know what''s inside?"


    Gao Qiu shook his head, puzzled. "I have no idea. When Mr. Xu gave it to me, he warned that anyone who peeked inside would lose his head."


    "Good," Lin Wanrong chuckled and slowly unwrapped the bundle. It contained several smaller parcels of varying shapes and weights, tightly bound.


    Gao Qiu was amazed but kept his curiosity in check. Having served in the pce for many years, he knew better than to ask about matters that could cost him his head.


    "Brother Gao, this is the most crucial and dangerous task tonight. It requires someone with the best martial arts skills and the sharpest mind. After considering all the options, it seems I must trouble you to undertake it personally," Lin Wanrong whispered into Gao Qiu''s ear, grinning.


    ttered by the high praise, Gao Qiu couldn''t contain his joy. He tucked the smaller parcels securely and said earnestly, "Rest assured, if I can''t handle this, you won''t even have to lift a finger; I''ll cut off my own head."


    Without waiting for further instructions from Lin Wanrong, he floated down the stairs like a wild goose, disappearing into the gathering twilight.


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 Chapter 478

    Chapter 478 Did You Bully My Master?


    "Husband, what task are you sending Gao Qiu off for? It seems like a significant matter; can he handle it alone?" Qin Xian''er asked, puzzled as she watched Gao Qiu move swiftly, agile as a civet, disappearing like a wisp of smoke into the distance.


    "He''s off tomit a bit of thievery; there''s no need for a crowd," Lin Wanrong chuckled, looking pleased. "Brother Gao is highly skilled in martial arts and smart to boot. He''s the perfect man for the job."


    Seeing that he was beating around the bush and still not revealing what he had sent Gao Qiu to do, Qin Xian''er rolled her eyes in resignation and fell silent. The surroundings were eerily quiet; not a sound to be heard. Across the way, the royal mansion stood in deep tranquility, punctuated only by the asional distant noise of patrol drums, sounding piercingly crisp in the stillness of the night.


    Gao Qiu''s form was concealed in the dark corner of an alley, still as a gecko on a wall. Unless someone like Lin Wanrong and Qin Xian''er were specifically looking, nobody would notice him there.


    The alley was separated from the royal mansion by only a few dozen feet. Heaven only knows how many pairs of eyes were watching simultaneously. Lin Wanrong''s heartbeat quickened; a crucial moment was approaching. Sess or failure hinged on the next move.


    After a long silence, Gao Qiu suddenly sprang into action. Swift as smoke, he crossed the alley in the blink of an eye and pressed himself against the tall wall of the royal mansion.


    ¡®Good!¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, exhaling softly. Gao Qiu hid in the shadows beneath the wall, looked around, and, seeing nothing amiss, vanished as he scaled the wall.


    Seeing that Gao Qiu had sessfully infiltrated the ce, Lin Wanrong finally nodded, gripping Qin Xian''er''s little hand, which was already sweaty. Half of the mission was nowplete; all that remained was to wait for Gao Qiu''s signal.Leaning back, Lin Wanrong took a deep breath. Just as he was about to flirt with the flower-like Qin Xian''er beside him, he heard a swish-sound twice. res burst in the distant sky, cutting through the pitch-ck night, blindingly brilliant.


    Signal arrows?! Lin Wanrong was shocked. Something''s gone wrong with Old Xu!


    Before his thoughts could settle, hurried footsteps echoed from below. Several guards rushed up, shouting, "Sir Lin, Sir Lin, something terrible has happened!"


    Lin Wanrong recognized two of them as Xu Wei''s personal guards. Both were covered in dust and sweat, seemingly having just arrived.


    "What''s the matter?! Speak!" A sense of dread intensified within Lin Wanrong as he lowered his voice and spoke sternly.


    "Sir," the guard at the front clenched his fists, his face filled with regret, "Something terrible has happened. The main target... he has escaped!"


    "What?!" Lin Wanrong''s face turned pale with shock. He pped the arm of his chair, intending to stand, but forgot about his injury. A searing pain shot through his leg, and he broke into a cold sweat, copsing back into his seat.


    "Be careful, Husband!" Qin Xian''er cried out softly, quickly helping him sit back down and gently wiping the sweat from his brow.


    He had escaped?! Lin Wanrong was indescribably horrified. How could Xu Wei, so astute a man, make such a basic mistake, allowing Prince Cheng to escape right under his nose? Not only were days of preparation ruined, but given Prince Cheng''s cunning and deceit, his escape could bring untold cmity upon the Empire.


    His grip tightened, and his face wore an unmistakable grimace. Seeing his distress, Qin Xian''er hurriedly took his hand. "Husband, don''t worry. We''ll find a way."


    Lin Wanrong grunted, forcing himself to calm down. Yet his eyes involuntarily sharpened as he fixed his gaze on the guard. "Tell me exactly what happened," he said in a low voice.


    The guard saluted. "Sir, the prisoner has been meditating at the Grand Prime Minister Temple, showing no signs of disturbance. We had brothers disguised as monks inside, making rounds near his room every half hour. Today, after Lord Xu Wei returned, we intensified our vignce, assigning more men to watch him. At first, everything seemed normal; he stayed in his room. But about half an hour ago, we found the room empty; the man had disappeared."


    "Disappeared?" Lin Wanrong looked perplexed. "You''re saying that under our watchful eyes and thorough security, he vanished without a trace?"


    The guard nodded, visibly ashamed. "His disappearance was highly unusual; there were no warning signs. Lord Xu immediately sealed off the area surrounding the temple and initiated a search¡ª"


    "What good would searching do now? If the Prince had orchestrated this escape so meticulously, he would surely have foolproof ns. Did he grow wings and fly away? Xu Wei is no fool; how could someone slip through his fingers?"


    "As we searched the room, we found a tunnel," the guard continued.


    "A tunnel?" Lin Wanrong''s expression shifted. "Where does it lead?"


    "It appeared to have been dug recently and led to a civilian house within the city. Near that house, we found another tunnel leading to a forest ten miles outside the city."


    "Hold on, slow down," Lin Wanrong interjected. "So, you''re saying these two tunnels aren''t connected? Were they dug at the same time?"


    The guard shook his head. "The tunnel from Grand Prime Minister Temple to the city is fresh; it seems to have been dug recently. The other one leading out of the city is older, with dry soil. They likely hadn''t had time to connect them."


    "Tunnels, of course! Damn it, why didn''t I think of that?" Lin Wanrong pped his forehead, frustrated. No wonder the Prince was so audacious; he''d already prepared an escape route.


    "What does Lord Xu n to do now?" Lin Wanrong sighed, seemingly resigned.


    "Lord Xu instructed us to inform you immediately. He has already left the city to marshal forces for a search."


    Although the tunnel leading out of the city extended ten miles, Xu Wei had already pulled the stationed troops back twenty miles, as per Lin Wanrong''s instructions. The Prince would surely be aware of this. Would he still run into the trap? Lin Wanrong fell silent for a moment, as if recalling something, then asked, "How far apart are these two tunnels within the city?"


    The guard hastily said, "They''re located in two different households, separated by a small alley."


    Qin Xian''er pouted as she listened. "If they''re so close, why not just connect the two tunnels?"


    Lin Wanrong''s eyes lit up, and he eagerly grasped Qin Xian''er''s hand. "Exactly, why not connect them? Xian''er, if you were in this situation, knowing there''s an army outside, would you rush into the trap?"


    "I''m not that foolish," Xian''er giggled. "I would think of a way to divert them first, and then make my move."


    Forgetting they were in public, Lin Wanrong passionately nted a kiss on Xian''er''s cheek. "Oh, you''re so clever, Xian''er!"


    "Stop it!" Xian''er yfully scolded, her cheeks flushing, her beauty radiant.


    "Sir, what should we do next?" Seeing that Lin Wanrong seemed much improved and even found time to flirt with the princess, the guard hurriedly seized the opportunity to inquire.


    Lin Wanrong whispered a few words into Qin Xian''er''s ear, and she nodded with a smile. Quickly, he instructed a servant to fetch ink and paper. After a few swift strokes, Lin Wanrong nced over the letter, signed his name, and handed it to the guard. "Take this letter to Lord Xu and tell him to increase the search efforts. Make as much noise as possible; the bigger, the better. Tear the sky open if you can."


    "Understood!" The guard acknowledged and hurriedly left.


    Qin Xian''er watched as everyone dispersed and whispered, "Husband, how sure are you?"


    "Not sure at all," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "If your royal uncle isn''t foolish, he should still be in the city. Nobody''s better at these kinds of tricks than he is."


    "I don''t consider him my royal uncle," Xian''er retorted, smiling coquettishly. "Husband, I see you''re not much worse at these tricks."


    "You''re too kind," Lin Wanrong flirtatiously grazed his hand over her curvaceous rear and chuckledsciviously.


    Xian''er let out a soft cry, her cheeks flushed. She whispered, "Husband, answer me honestly about something."


    "Absolutely, I''ll be honest," Lin Wanrong replied eagerly, captivated by her allure.


    "Don''t lie to me. Have you ever done anything bad to my master?" Qin Xian''er bit his ear, her fragrant breath warm against his skin, and she gritted her teeth on thest few words.


    Startled, Lin Wanrong tensed up and shook his head vehemently. "No, no, absolutely not. Xian''er, if you don''t trust me, at least trust your Master. She''s always the one mistreating me; when have you ever seen me mistreat her? Even if I wanted to, I wouldn''t stand a chance!"


    "Really?" Xian''er snorted, her expression enigmatic. "Who was it that said they would take care of the ''little demon'' before dealing with the ''big demon''?"


    He had thought the matter was behind them, but it seemed she had held it in her heart all along, seeking to settle the score with him now. He chuckled and said, "I was just speaking thoughtlessly, how could you take it seriously? Besides, you''re not some little demon; you''re my sweet and obedient fairy wife."


    As cheesy as the words were, even making his own skin crawl, Miss Qin seemed to be quite pleased. Her face immediately softened, and she giggled, "Husband, there''s something I haven''t told you. When I was in Sichuan, my Master would constantly criticize you in front of me¡ªcalling you glib, a womanizer, and shameless."


    "So, Master An knows me so well, listing all of my virtues. How humbling," He responded, unabashed but grinning from ear to ear. "Now you can rest assured. How could I dare to take advantage of her when she speaks so poorly of me?"


    Miss Qin hummed and sighed, "You don''t understand my Master''s character. Although she appears unrestrained, she''s actually quite dignified deep inside. To her, all men are insignificant, hardly worth her interest. She may criticize you, but you''re the first man she''s ever mentioned in all the years I''ve known her. Doesn''t that mean she cares for you?"


    What a unique vixen, expressing her emotions in such a peculiar way. Lin Wanrong felt a warmth in his heart, but he dared not reveal a hint to Qin Xian''er. He feigned ignorance, "Really? That''s quite special. When I meet Master An again, I''ll ask her myself. But discussing this now seems inappropriate, Xian''er. As you know, I''m a man of integrity; there are certain things beasts may do, but I cannot."


    She hummed again, "Don''t think I don''t know that you pride yourself on being worse than a beast."


    "How did you find out?" He was truly surprised; he had never told her this saying.


    Xian''er smirked, "What you keep hidden will be known, unless you don''t do it at all. Sister Xiao told me about what happened between you two in Hangzhou. When will you take me to draw a marriage fortune stick? I want you to exin it for me!"


    "Uh, well¡ª" He was sweating buckets, at a loss for what to say. He recalled how the twodies had been at loggerheads back in Hangzhou. It was Qin Xian''er''s sword that had nearly pushed the Eldest Miss to jump into West Lake. Times had changed, and now these two got along so well that even such secrets were shared. Would they exchange notes on the different positions he used with them in bed?


    Seeing him with such ascivious smile, Qin Xian''er twisted his arm in annoyance, "You''re not allowed to take advantage of my Master anymore. Let me tell you, she''s not one to be trifled with. If you anger her, she might cast a spell on you that will make you impotent for life. You''ll regret it then."


    "Really?" His tongue felt heavy with fear. Come to think of it, given that sly vixen''s character, anything was possible. Xian''er herself showed hints of her. Would a single intimate encounter with Master An condemn him to her control for the rest of his life? What should he do?


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 Chapter 479

    Chapter 479 A Love Letter to Sister An


    "Of course it''s true," Xian''er purred, pleased with herself. "Husband, you may not know this, but my master has specially prepared hundreds of love bugs for this matchmaking. She told me herself, every man she takes a liking to will receive one. That way, they will be forever loyal to her, never betraying her."


    "Hundreds of love bugs?" Lin Wanrong inhaled sharply, fuming. "So you''re telling me, Sister An is preparing to select a hundred robust men? Preposterous! Absolutely preposterous! How could she do this to me¡ªto us?"


    Sister An was cunning and versatile, fearless of heaven and earth. In her case, there was nothing she couldn''t do; the unimaginable was the only limit. Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth in exasperation, wishing he could sprout wings and fly to the Miao vige right now, drag that bewitching woman to a bed, and interrogate her ruthlessly.


    Seeing his heightened fury, his face flushing red, Xian''er giggled. "Husband, what''s the rush? Whoever my master chooses has nothing to do with us. If she picks someone neither of us approves of, we can simply find a way to sabotage them. I doubt she would mind; she loves me the most, after all."


    ¡®When there are no men around, she indeed loves you the most. But once men enter the picture, who knows who she''ll favor?¡¯ Lin Wanrong shook his head. He prided himself on his way with women, fearless whether they were young or old, slender or robust. But Sister An was the exception. She seemed close yet remained distant, elusive like a wisp of smoke, covered in thorns that made her untouchable. He had zero confidence around her.


    "No, it won''t do," Lin Wanrong grumbled, grabbing Xian''er''s small hand. "My darling, write a letter to your master right away. Tell her that selecting her future husband isn''t just her business, but the concern of our entire family. As the saying goes, themands of the parents and the words of the disciple must be respected. She can''t make that decision without our approval. We must at least wait until I return from the North and meet this man in person. He must be superior in martial arts, more talented in writing, and smarter than me¡ªand even better looking¡ªbah! Do you think such a man even exists?"


    Xian''er thought for a moment, then smiled. "Meeting all those criteria would indeed be challenging, but exceptions might exist. However, in my eyes, no matter how strong or handsome he might be, he will neverpare to my husband."


    "My wife truly loves me the most," Lin Wanrong said, gratefully rubbing her soft, delicate hand. "In that case, Xian''er, hurry and write that letter. Tell your master we''re only looking out for her best interests. Men as exceptional as me are rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns¡ªirreceable and iparable. She shouldn''t even think aboutparing others to me, not that I''m worried¡ª""Really?" Xian''er hummed through her tiny nose, casting him a meaningful nce.


    Lin Wanrong was momentarily startled but quicklyughed it off. "I was merely making an analogy. Don''t get any wrong ideas, Xian''er. I''m genuinely concerned for Sister An. Imagine if she got entranced by someone''s sweet talk and ended up with a worthless man. That would be like sticking cow dung on a beautiful flower. Not only would she regret it, but we''d also feel heartbroken, wouldn''t we?"


    Xian''er remained unmoved, her beautiful eyes fixed intently on him, as though searching for clues in his words and actions.


    Though Lin Wanrong''s skin was as thick as a city wall, he found it hard to withstand her piercing gaze. His face flushed slightly, and he chuckled awkwardly, bowing his head. "The moon is too harsh tonight; it''s turned my face red. Xian''er, I''ll send you some sunscreen tomorrow. It''lle in handy when you''re under the moon. I promise, it''s something nobody else has used!"


    Xian''er let out a coldugh, "I don''t need it. You can give it to someone else."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled mysteriously, "Then, I''ll give it to Qingxuan¡ª"


    "How dare you!" Miss Qin grabbed his arm tightly, her voice filled with menace. Lin Wanrong yelped in pain, his face twisted as if the wound had been touched.


    "Husband¡ª" Xian''er was startled and hurriedly loosened her grip, full of remorse. "I''m sorry; I didn''t mean to."


    Lin Wanrong kissed her on the cheek, speaking softly, "Silly girl, you''re my little darling. Even if you tore me to pieces, I wouldn''t me you. That sunscreen was specially prepared for you; I wouldn''t give it to anyone else."


    Miss Qin hummed softly, bowing her head in shame, "Husband, you''re so good to me."


    ¡®This girl is not easy to manage,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong, amused. His expression suddenly turned solemn, "Actually, I''m not as good as you think. I admit, I had ulterior motives when I spoke to you earlier¡ª"


    Xian''er looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears, on the verge of crying.


    Lin Wanrong ced hisrge hand over her mouth, preventing her from speaking, and forced a bitter smile, "Look at you, jumping to conclusions again. Actually, I was worried that you would feel hurt when your master gets married¡ª"


    "Why would I feel hurt?" Upon hearing it wasn''t what she had imagined, Miss Qin felt a weight lifted off her, gazing confusedly at her husband.


    Lin Wanrong spoke seriously, "As the saying goes, a woman marries outward. Xian''er, think carefully. Ever since you''ve been with me, haven''t you grown distant from your master?"


    Xian''er pondered and nodded slightly, showing a hint of guilt, "Indeed, before I met you, my master and I were inseparable, sharing a bed every night. But since I met you, she has rarely crossed my mind, and I seldom consider her feelings. I''ve let her down!"


    "That''s the point," Lin Wanrong nodded seriously, "It''s a natural phenomenon. For a woman will marry one day, and her husband will be her priority. Simrly, if your master marries, her husband will also be her priority, relegating you to a secondary role. She will no longer think of you first when ites to good things. How would you feel about this shift after two decades of close familial ties?"


    Putting herself in her master''s shoes, Miss Qin realized Lin Wanrong had a point. She hung her head low, "I don''t know, but my master wouldn''t be so heartless."


    "I hope so too," Lin Wanrong gently patted her shoulder tofort her, craftily instigating, "My darling, don''t worry. Even if you are no longer the number one in your master''s heart, you will always be the number one in mine!"


    ¡®Ah, Buddha, it''s a tie for first, along with Qiaoqiao, Ning¡¯er, the Eldest Miss, Qingxuan, and so on; there''s no particr order!¡¯ Feeling guilty, he quickly added that sentiment in his mind.


    His words were eloquent and vivid, sopelling that even the stones on the ground could bloom. Swept up by his sweet talk, Qin Xian''er considered her own situation and found it increasingly convincing. She burst into gentle sobs and threw herself into his arms: "Husband, I want to be the number one in your heart and also in my master''s heart. Help me! Husband, Xian''er loves you the most¡ª"


    "This will be difficult to aplish!" Lin Wanrong, relishing the kiss Xian''er offered, beamed with joy but feigned deep thought as he sighed, "When it rains, it pours, and when Sister An decides to marry, who can stop her?"


    "Then I''ll make sure Master doesn''t get married!" Xian''er defiantly hummed, her eyes shimmering.


    Lin Wanrong looked earnestly solemn as he said leisurely, "How can we do such a thing? Your master is seeking her own happiness, which is a natural course of human life. How could we deliberately sabotage that? I''m not that kind of person!"


    "That won''t do. I want to be with Master forever and cannot allow any other men near her. I don''t care; Husband, you must find a way. Otherwise, you''re not allowed to kiss me for three hours!" Miss Qin spoke resolutely.


    What a terrifying punishment! Lin Wanrong took a sharp breath, held back a smile, and sighed softly, "Xian''er, why must you torment me like this? I really can''t think of any way around it¡ªshe has to marry someone, doesn''t she?"


    "Then let her marry you¡ª" In her urgency, Miss Qin said something she shouldn''t have. Realizing her mistake, she quickly covered her mouth, her face flushing between red and white, visibly annoyed.


    "How could that be possible?!" Lin Wanrong reacted with extreme intensity; had he not been crippled, he would''ve leaped up. "Xian''er, how could you even think of such a thing? It''s horrifying! Even if you''re willing, Sister An wouldn''t agree¡ªeven if she agreed, I haven''t considered it!"


    He appeared utterly serious and somber, speaking as though he were a moral lecturer. To the uninformed observer, he might have appeared to be a virtuous schr teaching a lesson on ethics.


    Miss Qin nced at him, a look between smiling and not, and said discontentedly, "Husband, what are you talking about? What''s this about willingness? What I mean is, if Master is to marry, she can only marry the person that you and I like, where on earth has your mind wandered off to?"


    "Ah¡ª" Lord Lin suddenly found himself dumbfounded. Catching Xian''er''s peculiar gaze, he finally realized he''d been yed by this wily girl. What an oversight!


    Miss Qin was also incredibly clever. Seeing his realistic performance, she secretly scoffed and said leisurely, "Of course, I won''t let Master marry some unknown person. But as for the letter you mentioned, as a disciple, how could I possibly write it? It might be more effective if you write it; I believe the oue would be far better than if I were to write it myself."


    ¡®Should I write?¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt a stir within him; the idea was indeed tempting. But upon witnessing Xian''er''s probing gaze, he realized that she had set a trap for him. This left him in a dilemma. If he didn''t write, he would seem guilty; if he did write, how could he produce a love letter that would move both himself and Sister An under the scrutiny of this youngdy?


    A servant brought ink, brush, and paper. Miss Qin rolled up her sleeves and personally ground the ink, appearing genuinely sincere.


    "Husband, will you write or not?" Seeing Lin Wanrong''s hesitation, Qin Xian''er pouted her rosy lips, humming softly. Her smooth, jade-like wrist glimmered faintly under the dim light.


    "What is there to fear? Thank you for preparing the ink, Princess!" Lin Wanrong chuckled and grabbed the brush. He quickly began to write on the pure white sheet of paper.


    His movements were swift, finishing in the blink of an eye. Qin Xian''er nced at it and found herself momentarily stunned. On the clean paper were only three words¡ª''Difficult to Speak!''


    The characters were awkward and crooked, the calligraphy barely better than a child''s who was still in school. If not for the few traces of force in his strokes, it would have been no better than a scribble.


    ¡®No wonder my husband never uses a brush; it turns out he has never attended school!¡¯ Qin Xian''er covered her mouth andughed. "Husband, who taught you this unique style of writing? It''s so distinctive that no one else could possibly learn it!"


    "Your praise is too kind. I practiced randomly and ended up like this. As the saying goes, it''s not about learning well but marrying well. See, didn''t I marry a princess of unparalleled beauty?" Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter, handing the paper to Xian''er.


    "Always the chatterbox." Hearing his praise, Miss Qin was secretly pleased and shyly said, "In Xian''er''s view, it''s not about learning well but marrying well. Am I right, Husband?"


    "Right, right. Learning well is not as good as marrying well; you are truly wise," Lin Wanrong yfully agreed. How valuable it was for Xian''er to have this insight!


    After a bout ofughter, Qin Xian''er stared at the three awkward words and softly read, "''Difficult to Speak.'' Is this all you have to say in the letter? Even I don''t understand its meaning; how will my Master?"


    "''Difficult to Speak.'' If she doesn''t understand, then consider it unwritten!" For the first time writing a love letter to Sister An, it may have been ugly, but it was from the heart. Lin Wanrong smiled, his expression a bit wistful.


    Unable to decipher the cryptic message, but reassured that he had not written anything inappropriate, Qin Xian''er carefully sealed the letter and instructed someone to deliver it overnight.


    "What time is it? Why hasn''t there been any movement from Gao Qiu?" Perhaps it was Sister An affecting his emotions, or maybe it was being under Xian''er''s watchful eyes, but Lin Wanrong became increasingly restless.


    "Sir, since Prince Cheng is no longer in the residence, is there still a need for all this effort?" Xian''er asked, puzzled.


    "Not in the residence?" Lin Wanrong grinned, "All the better. The work that needs to be done can''t be overlooked. I''ll make him regret it¡ªas the saying goes, it''s not feces, but it''s just as bad!" Hearing this, Qin Xian''er blushed and lightly spat in disapproval.


    "Dry weather, be cautious with fire!" As they waited, the sound of the night watchman''s call suddenly rang out from the mansion across the street, echoing twice. Lin Wanrong''s face lit up with joy. "Sess!"


    Before the words had even left his lips, a loud "boom" resounded from the side walls of the mansion opposite them. Twin plumes of fire erupted, reaching for the sky and engulfing the area in a thick smoke that rose up into the clouds. The vivid mes illuminated everyone''s faces, casting them in a rosy hue, as if the dawn had been reborn.


    "It''s started!" Qin Xian''er eximed, her face a mixture of astonishment and delight. "Gao Qiu has made his move!"


    Patting his sore thigh lightly, Lin Wanrong sneered, "You set fire to my family''s home; I set fire to yours. Now we''re even!"


    In the midst of the mes, several bodyguards appeared, asking excitedly, "Sir, shall we make our move?"


    "Not yet," Lin Wanrong replied with a shake of his head and a smile. "This mansion is sorge, it will burn for at least a few days. Besides, there''s real gold and silver inside, and those won''t melt easily."


    Everyone stared at the roaring fire, feeling its heat even from a distance. They remained silent.


    "Water, water! Quickly, put out the fire!" A cacophony of desperate shouts emerged from the mansion, the loudest among them belonging to Gao Qiu.


    "Water? Where is the water leaking?" A robust shout followed as thousands of armored soldiers, neatly arranged and exuding an aura of deadly intent, approached. A young junior officer asked loudly upon arriving at the scene.


    "General, it''s Prince Cheng''s mansion that''s on fire. Driven by the wind, the mes have spread throughout. If we don''t act soon, the fire could spread further. However, the mansion''s doors are tightly shut, and we can''t get them open!" A scout reported.


    The young junior officer quickly waved his hand. "Under the Emperor''s watch, how could we let a fire rage in Prince Cheng''s mansion? Everyone, dismount! Break down the doors and bring out the fire hoses; follow me to save the Prince!"


    A sea of soldiers rushed towards the mansion like a gust of wind. The first wave of scouts began pounding on the mansion''s grand, redcquered doors, shouting, "Open the doors quickly! We''re from the city guard, here to put out the fire!"


    After what felt like an eternity, a trembling voice from inside finally responded, "How dare you! This is Prince Cheng''s mansion; who gave you the right to enter?"


    The young junior officer drew his sword with a swish and roared, "The mansion is aze and the doors are closed. Could someone be plotting against the Prince? Who daresmit such a crime under the Emperor''s nose? Men, break down these doors and save the Prince!"


    On hismand, soldiers lifted logs and smashed against the doors. With a series of crashes, the grand entrance copsed. Like a flood breaking its banks, thousands of soldiers surged in, trampling over the fire hoses lying on the ground.


    Lin Wanrong watched in secret amusement. ¡®That young man Xu Zhen certainly prepared well, with fire hoses and logs and all. Quite the tactician.¡¯ With a wave of his hand, his bodyguards followed, swarming into the mansion like hungry wolves.


    Qin Xian''er furrowed her brow, "That general looks familiar. I think I''ve seen him in Shandong before¡ªOh, Husband, he''s one of your subordinates¡ª"


    "That''s not my concern. He''s the city defense general," Lin Wanrong said, feigning seriousness.


    Qin Xian''er nodded with a smile, "Whatever you say, Husband. Now that the mansion is breached, what do we do next?"


    "Burning down a mansion is easy. Whates next is the real challenge," Lin Wanrong replied, chuckling mischievously. "Xian''er, shall we go inside? The mansion is sorge; I could show you some interesting things."


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 Chapter 480

    Chapter 480 Breaking into the Royal Mansion


    The origin of the fire was the royal mansion¡¯s firewood storage. Gao Qiu had even added some gunpowder to fuel the mes. Once ignited, the fire zed fiercely, lighting up half of the sky with its intense glow. Chaos reigned within the royal mansion, as countless maids and servants frantically rushed towards the source of the fire with buckets and basins of water in hand.


    Xu Zhen led thousands of soldiers, smashing open the mansion''s grand gates. Brandishing their weapons and radiating an aura of violence, they burst inside. The maids and servants of the mansion, who had never witnessed such a spectacle, were immediately stricken with fear. Dropping their buckets and basins, they scattered in all directions.


    "Attention, men! The situation is critical. First, rescue the prince and his consorts, and then put out the fire!" Xu Zhen shouted. His troops responded in unison, discarding the wooden buckets they were carrying on the ground. Like a torrential river, they surged towards the inner quarters of the mansion.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" A portly steward, dressed in fine silk, hastily blocked the entrance to the inner quarters. His ample flesh quivered as he shrieked, "How dare you! Are you staging a rebellion? Do you know what this ce is? This is the residence of the prince, his sons, and his consorts, a home granted by thete Emperor. Commoners like you have no business wreaking havoc here. Leave immediately, and I may plead for mercy on your behalf before the prince. Otherwise, the prince will report you to the Emperor and you will be executed!"


    The corpulent steward was in the midst of his heated speech when Xu Zhen¡¯s de shed, and he bellowed, "Audacious! I am here to assist the prince and to prevent any harm that might befall him. You dare obstruct us? Are you in league with the arsonists? Soldiers, follow mymand: advance into the residence and protect the prince and his consorts. Anyone who disobeys will be punished by militaryw!"


    "Protect the prince, protect the prince!" Over a thousand soldiers echoed the chant as they stormed into the inner residence. Someone extended a foot, connecting squarely with the portly steward¡¯s behind.


    The rotund steward yelped and stumbled forward, taking a nosedive. Quickly turning his head, he saw the cold steel of swords and shining armor. The atmosphere was deadly serious. No longer daring to utter a word, he hurriedly covered his mouth, where a tooth had been knocked out, and retreated.


    Inside the royal mansion, amidst the twin cmities of fire and military invasion, the scene had descended into utter chaos. The servants and maids had no heart left to fight the fire. A few bold ones grabbed valuables and tried to escape, only to be forced back at the gate. Surrounding the mansion were banners fluttering and war horses neighing; countless soldiers had effectively sealed off the area like an iron bucket, to the point where not even a basin of water could be thrown out.Fanned by the wind, the fire continued to rage, gradually spreading to the inner courtyard. Beams and pirs began to copse amidst the cracking sounds, triggering a cacophony of screams and cries for help.


    "Boldness¡ª!" Just as Xu Zhen and his men broke into the inner courtyard, a stern shout rang out, revealing hundreds of burly men ahead. Dressed uniformly in blue short shirts, they appeared as household guards. Their hands grasped shiny swords and their eyes emitted a fierce light. They locked eyes with Xu Zhen and his men, their expressions markedly ferocious.


    "Who are you all, daring to intrude into the inner quarters of the royal residence at night? Do you intend to rebel?" Standing at the forefront of several hundred strong men was a schr in his forties. Clean-shaven with a white face, he wore flowing traditional robes and looked haughtily at Xu Zhen and hispanions.


    "I am General Xu Zhen,mander of the city''s defensive force. We''ve heard reports of arson in the royal residence that jeopardizes the lives of the prince and his consorts. We havee to apprehend the culprits. Who are you to obstruct my official duties? You even brandish weapons against us, the city''s defense force. Are you the ones endangering the royal residence? Seize these rebels!" With a derisiveugh, Xu Zhen waved his hand, and the well-prepared formation of the government troops shifted. Hundreds of archers lined up, awaiting hismand to shoot at the men before them.


    "General Xu Zhen of the city defense?" The schr sneered. "You are audacious to impersonate the city''s defensivemander. The realmander, Lord Yu Hang, is a disciple of the Prince. I know him well. When did a wet-behind-the-ears boy like you rece him?"


    Xu Zhen spoke gravely, "His Majesty issued a decree this afternoon directing Lord Yu Hang to move to Shandong for another appointment. I have been temporarily appointed to his position. Do you wish to see this imperial decree? And who are you?"


    "Who am I?" The schr burst intoughter, snapping open his folding fan with a flick. With insufferable arrogance, he said, "I am but a humble schr, known as Gu Bingyan, graced by the affection of His Majesty and the prince. I asionally visit the inner pce, and even the Emperor calls me younger brother Bingyan."


    Gu Bingyan? Xu Zhen, having grown up under the guidance of Hu Bugui, was clever but not well-read. He did not recognize the name. One of his staff officers whispered into his ear, and Xu Zhen eximed, "You''re the son of Master Gu Shunzhang?"


    Gu Bingyan replied haughtily, "Even His Majesty dares not casually speak my father''s name. Who are you brats to be so presumptuous?"


    "What''s the story with this Gu fellow?" Seeing Xu Zhen''s face filled with concern and apparent hesitation, Lin Wanrong consulted with Miss Qin who was sitting beside him. They were both outside in a sedan, tucked into a corner of the wall, eavesdropping on the conversation inside.


    Qin Xian''er giggled, "My Lord, are you not a true citizen of our Great Hua? How could you not know about the Gu family?"


    He chuckled softly, lowering his voice, "I met this Gu Bingyan once while I was out enjoying the springtime. He was apanying Zhao Kangning then, but I didn''t know who he was¡ª"


    "Enjoying the spring?" Qin Xian''er''s lips pouted slightly, and she huffed, "With whom did you go without telling me?"


    Realizing he had misspoken, Lin Wanrong quickly corrected, "It was not for leisure; I was on a secret mission ordained by your father. Truly, it was a top-secret task crucial to the honor of our Great Hua¡ªsomething I absolutely couldn''t talk about!"


    "What kind of secret mission? What top-secret task?" Annoyed, Qin Xian''er snorted, "Was it just another assignment to seduce women¡ª"


    Lin Wanrong looked at her in shock. "How did you find out?!"


    "If you don''t want people to know, you shouldn''t have done it in the first ce," Miss Qin said, lightly punching him on the arm. "When Qiaoqiao was washing your clothes, she found the imperial decree. We''ve both seen it. Sent to seduce women under imperial orders¡ªhow could father issue such an edict!"


    Unbelievable! Lin Wanrong sighed, thinking he still had some secrets left. Now, it had be public knowledge.


    Xian''er grabbed his hand and said irritably, "Just what did you do with that Goryeo pce girl? You can''t¡ª"


    "Can''t what?" Lin Wanrong noticed that Xian''er''s face was flushed and she was hesitant.


    Miss Qin''s face turned rosy, and she snorted, her mouth looking exceedingly cute. "¡ªyou can''t bestow your ''rain and dew'' upon her!"


    Good heavens, this girl really dared to say anything. Lin Wanrong burst intoughter, patted her pert behind, and teased, "I have plenty of ''rain and dew,'' if I don''t bestow it on her, then who should I give it to?"


    "Give it to¡ªstop it!" Miss Qin''s cheeks were flushed, herughter infectious, and she didn''t dare ask about the seduction matter any further.


    Lin Wanrong was reminded of the real issue. "Tell me quickly, what sort of person is this Gu? He looks so pompous; he''s even more arrogant than me!"


    Miss Qin smiled and said, "Even if he''s not as arrogant as you, he''s not far behind. His father is among the most famous schrs in our Empire¡ª"


    ¡®A schr?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled. ¡®I''m known as the bane of schrs; I''ve knocked down quite a few of them.¡¯


    Seeming to read his mind, Miss Qin added, "If it were any ordinary schr, that would be one thing. But Gu Shunzhang is no ordinary man. He is the Teacher of the Emperor, respected by all in our empire!"


    The Emperor''s teacher? Lin Wanrong stuck out his tongue. That was a big deal indeed. Xian''er continued, "Gu Shunzhang is a master of the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and he has a great reputation for his noble character. He was a close friend of my imperial grandfather, who deeply respected him and entrusted him with the education of the imperial sons. Both my father and Prince Cheng were his students. He is known to be a strict educator; even my father was once beaten by him when he was young. Every time he visits, my father personally goes to meet him, first offering the salute between sovereign and subject, then that of student and teacher. It''s a well-known story among the people."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "And what about this Gu Bingyan? He can''t be the Emperor''s teacher!"


    Miss Qin said, "Although Gu Bingyan is not the Emperor''s teacher, his status is by no means ordinary. He is the only son of Gu Shunzhang and has grown up studying with my father and Prince Cheng. Although he has no official title, he is practically half a prince. Even my father calls him ''younger brother Bingyan''!"


    So that was how things stood. Lin Wanrong''s head throbbed as he listened. Everything had been so well arranged, but out of nowhere came this Gu Bingyan. Though the man held no official position, he was unmistakably a power yer, shielded by his influential father. Even the Emperor could not touch him easily, let alone Xu Zhen.


    On the other side, Xu Zhen seemed to have realized Gu Bingyan''s true identity as well¡ªan untouchable bone that could neither be struck nor touched. This left him in a difficult position.


    Seeing the young general''s face cloud over with concern, Gu Bingyan arrogantly sneered, "A mere city defensemander dares to act recklessly in the royal mansion? Wouldn''t that be aughingstock if word got out? Today, I''ll discipline you on behalf of His Majesty and the Prince. Strip him of his armor and take him to the Ministry of War for¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a jolly voice came from outside, "Is anyone home? Anyone there?"


    Gu Bingyan was momentarily stunned. Who could be so audacious as to shout like that within the walls of Prince Cheng¡¯s Residence? The pudgy steward, finding that Gu Bingyan had taken control of the situation, scrambled up from the ground and chanted, "Who dares to make such a racket¡ªdo you value your life so¡ª"


    A sharp p interrupted him, leaving the steward''s cheek swollen and several of his teeth scattered about. A fierce guard stood before him, "You blind fool! How dare you disrespect the Princess and Mr. Lin!"


    A striking young woman, dressed in yellow, slowly entered, pushing a wheelchair. Seated in the wheelchair was a man covered in bandages, grinning from ear to ear.


    "Young Lin San here to pay my respects to the Prince!" Lin Wanrong greeted, raising his fist in a traditional salute and smiling.


    Gu Bingyan''s face paled. He stared at Lin Wanrong, "You... you are Lin San? You''re not dead¡ª"


    "You''re the one who''s dead!" Qin Xian''er, the princess, snapped coldly. Even if Gu Bingyan was the son of an imperial tutor, he was no match for this royal princess of pure lineage. He promptly closed his mouth.


    "Ah, who is this gentleman? He seems familiar. Oh, I remember now, Mr. Gu, we met outside the city," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Thank you for your concern. I initially thought I was done for. But when I got to the underworld, the King of Hell told me I still had years to live¡ªeighty years of good fortune, in fact. So he sent me back. How embarrassing, truly embarrassing."


    Gu Bingyan couldn''t help but scoff at Lin Wanrong''s pretense. He forced a smile, "Mr. Lin, you''re truly lucky. I wish you a long, prosperous life."


    "Much obliged, much obliged," Lin Wanrong chuckled. "After returning from the dead, I''ve had much to reflect upon. Particrly, I remember the Prince''s kindness to me. That''s why I''vee, hoping to repay his grace. Oh, where is the Prince? Is he at home?"


    Gu Bingyanughed, "The Prince is at the Grand Prime Minister Temple, praying and offering incense for thete Emperor. Surely you''re aware?"


    Lin Wanrong elongated his response, "Is that so? I''ve juste back to life, so naturally, I wouldn''t know. You say the Prince is at the Grand Prime Minister Temple, Mr. Gu, are you certain?"


    Faced with Lin Wanrong''s scrutinizing, half-smiling gaze, as if he had grasped some hidden leverage, Gu Bingyan hesitated and didn''t dare to reply.


    Lin San nodded absentmindedly, muttering to himself, "No wonder Mr. Gu wants to use the royal residence for a bonfire. Turns out the Prince isn''t home!"


    "What did you say?" Though Lin San''s voice was low, it was perfectly audible. Gu Bingyan felt his blood boil when he realized that Mr. Lin was using him.


    "Am I wrong?" Lin Wanrong gave a sly smile, "The royal residence is engulfed in a roaring ze. Mr. Gu, not only are you unconcerned, but you''re also preventing others from putting it out. Isn''t that akin to wanting a bonfire?"


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 Chapter 481

    Chapter 481 Something Unusual


    Gu Bingyan had long heard of Lin San''s eloquence and cunning. Seeing Lin San''s sinister smile, he instantly calmed down. He snorted and said coldly, "Lord Lin, your arrival is timely. Do you recognize General Xu Zhen, themander of the city''s defense? He trespassed into the royal mansion and even broke into the inner residence. I suspect he has ulterior motives and was about to send him to the Ministry of War for investigation."


    Lin Wanrong nced at Xu Zhen and chuckled, "You mean this General Xu? I know him, know him well, in fact. We''ve fought together."


    Gu Bingyan snorted disdainfully, "I suspect it''s more than just having fought together. If I remember correctly, General Xu Zhen followed you during the campaign against the White Lotus sect. He was among the topmanders under you, as reported by Minister Xu Wei of the Ministry of Revenue to His Majesty. Am I wrong, Lord Lin?"


    Lin Wanrong looked at him, feigning surprise, andughed heartily, "Oh, is that so? My, if you hadn''t reminded me, I would''ve forgotten. As you know, I''ve always been indifferent to fame and fortune. It''s you, Mr. Gu, who remembers even my minor achievements, and for that, I am truly embarrassed."


    As the two spoke, the tension between them intensified. Behind Gu Bingyan, a hundred strong men armed with sharp weapons subtly shifted their stance. Xu Zhen, not one to be underestimated, subtly signaled, and a group of Divine Mechanism Unit soldiers advanced, their rapid-firing crossbows aimed squarely at those in front, gleaming darkly.


    Seeing Lin San''s evasive words, Gu Bingyan gave a coldugh and dered loudly, "Lord Lin, today is not the day to discuss military achievements. This is a residence bestowed by thete Emperor, a ce where his royal descendants reside. It holds a lofty status. You not only condoned your soldiers trespassing into the royal mansion at night and breaking into the inner residence, but you also engaged in violence and arson. What exactly are you plotting? If you don''t exin yourself clearly today, no matter who you are, I will report you to the Imperial Pce and ask His Majesty to administer justice!"


    Gu Bingyan was indeed a tough opponent; he had just used Lin San of several severe crimes in a few sentences. Anyone less courageous would have probably retreated in fear by now.


    "Report me?" Lin Wanrong put on an innocent face, spreading his hands, "Mr. Gu, what are you using me of? Condoning my subordinates to trespass into the royal mansion at night? That hardly makes sense.""What doesn''t make sense? Isn''t Xu Zhen under yourmand?" Gu Bingyan snapped, visibly frustrated.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Xu Zhen was indeed under me¡ªah, no, let me correct myself. He was under me in the past. Mr. Gu, you seem to know a lot about me, so you should also know that I am now the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, a minor position. As for General Xu, he has been promoted to themander of the city''s defense. His direct superior should be the high-ranking officials in the Ministry of War, not me. To say he is my subordinate is truly an overestimation. As for the charges of condoning my subordinates to trespass into the royal mansion, ah, I''m a timid man, Mr. Gu, please don''t scare me like that."


    He spoke with ease. With a few words, he had managed to absolve himselfpletely, leaving no room for others to pin anything on him. Gu Bingyan pondered his words. Indeed, Xu Zhen was no longer under Lin San''smand; based on this point alone, he could not be used. However, he was still dissatisfied, snorting coldly, "Even if Xu Zhen was not assigned by you, how do you exin assaulting someone in the royal mansion, or even attempted arson?"


    "Attempted arson?!" Lin Wanrong''s face paled in shock. "One can eat indiscriminately, but one mustn''t speak carelessly. Mr. Gu, you use me of arson, but with what eyes did you see it?"


    "This¡ª" Gu Bingyan hesitated momentarily, then snorted, "What a coincidence it is that just as the pce caught fire, you happened to break in. If you say you''re not involved, who would believe it?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled faintly, leisurely asking, "So these are all your spections?"


    "What of it?" Gu Bingyan saw the contempt in Lin San''s eyes and became enraged.


    Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter, then abruptly stopped, pping his palm heavily onto his wheelchair. "Mr. Gu likes to specte? Then allow me to follow suit. Are you saying that it was your idea to nt explosives in the Xiao Mansion to harm me?"


    His words were like a bolt of lightning, making everyone''s ears buzz. Xu Zhen''s soldiers, whom he had brought from Shandong, were instantly stirred into a passionate uproar. "Kill him¡ª"


    "Chop this scoundrel¡ª"


    "Avenge General Lin¡ª"


    "You¡ªwhat did you say?" Gu Bingyan''s face turned ashen. He unconsciously took a step back, "You can''t falsely use me!"


    To sneak explosives into antern and have them brought back to the Xiao family was a truly ingenious scheme. If it weren''t for several advisors, Prince Cheng would never have thought of it. Seeing Gu''s eyes flicker and recalling his astonished expression when they first met, Lin Wanrong gritted his teeth and chuckled coldly, "Falsely use? Mr. Gu, who did what is clear to the doer. You can specte about me, but can''t I specte about you? What a joke!" ?


    Faced with Lin San''s predatory gaze and recalling various rumors about him, Gu Bingyan felt a tinge of fear and snorted softly, lowering his head.


    Lin Wanrong gave Xu Zhen a knowing look. Xu Zhen nodded slightly and shouted, "Brothers, charge with me¡ª"


    A thousand soldiers roared in unison, brandishing their weapons and rushing towards the crowd on the other side. Gu Bingyan''s face turned pale, angrily shouting, "This is a crucial area of the royal pce. Whoever dares to trespass will be used of rebellion. General Lin, you''ve seen it; Xu Zhen is assaulting the royal mansion. You''ll be my witness on the Imperial Throne tomorrow."


    "An assault, you say? Oh, I must testify then." Lin Wanrongughed. Turning to Xu Zhen, he said, "General Xu, Mr. Gu says you assaulted the royal mansion. Is this true?"


    "General Lin, please consider the facts carefully." Xu Zhen saluted with a clenched fist and spoke solemnly, "As the Commander of the City Defense, it is my duty to maintain stability within the capital. Tonight, while I was patrolling the city, I heard that the royal residence was on fire. I immediately rushed here with troops to provide aid. However, to my surprise, Mister Gu here not only obstructed us but also gathered his own forces, brandishing weapons and confronting my official army. I suspect that he harbors malicious intentions and that the prince might already be in his grasp¡ª"


    "You''re talking nonsense!" Gu Bingyan angrily pointed his finger at Xu Zhen''s nose.


    "Who is talking nonsense will be clear by tomorrow," Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Mister Gu, you used General Xu of attacking the royal residence, but I disagree. Ensuring the safety of the capital and maintaining stability are the primary responsibilities of the City Defense Commander. The royal residence is an important ce in the city and should be a focal point for defense. If General Xu had ignored the fire at the royal residence, he would be the one neglecting his duties. Therefore, your usation is baseless. General Xu is dutiful and should bemended. General Xu, please proceed with the firefighting efforts, otherwise, we may have bigger problems."


    "Yes!" Xu Zhen smirked, ready to give orders when Gu Bingyan stretched out both arms, standing in front of everyone and shouting, "Hold on¡ª"


    "Mister Gu, could it be that you started this fire?" mes roared, already reaching the inner chambers as the sound of copsing beams and walls continued to ring. Lin Wanrong spoke with a deceiving smile, "Otherwise, why would you keep stopping General Xu from putting it out?"


    "We don''t need him to put out this fire!" Gu Bingyan roared, "My royal residence has its own methods for firefighting."


    "Is that so?" Lin Wanrong smirked, "Mister Gu, may I ask what your role is within the royal residence?"


    Gu Bingyan hesitated. Though he held no official position, he was widely respected and feared. Lin Wanrong feigned ignorance, leaving Gu Bingyan speechless. Finally, Gu Bingyan said, "I am a close friend of the prince¡ª"


    "So, you are a guest minister," Lin Wanrong interrupted, speaking indifferently, "The safety of the royal residence concerns the future of our nation. The City Defense cannot and dare not ignore it. Neither the prince nor the young prince have spoken, yet you, a mere guest minister, are giving orders and obstructing the firefighting efforts. What are your intentions?"


    Flustered and unable to outwit Lin Wanrong, Gu Bingyan shouted in frustration, "Lin San, how dare you disrespect me! My father is a mentor to both the Emperor and the Prince. I''ve grown up with them; we are as close as brothers¡ª"


    "What is your official position?" Lin Wanrong interrupted, coldly smiling.


    Gu Bingyan was furious, "I don''t need an official position¡ª"


    "How dare you!" Before he could finish, Lin Wanrong interrupted with a shout, "You audaciousmoner! Holding no official position, ignorant of state affairs, yet you dare to incite armed resistance and obstruct an official from performing his duties. Your audacity is truly unbearable! General Xu, the Princess is here with me today. Go ahead and perform your duties boldly. I''d like to see who dares to stop you!"


    "By yourmand!" Xu Zhen''s face instantly turned cold as he shouted loudly, "All soldiers listen up! Quickly enter the mansion and put out the fire. Should anyone obstruct the execution of official duties, treat them as violently resisting thew, akin tomitting treason. Show no mercy!"


    "Show no mercy!" A thousand soldiers roared in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.


    "Who dares?!" Gu Bingyan, his eyes red with desperation, stood firm before the crowd. Behind him, a hundred burly men were ready to move. Xu Zhen sneered and with a swift wave of his hand, the Divine Machine Unitunched their repeating crossbows in unison. These crossbows had been modified by Xu Zhiqing to shoot three or five bolts in quick session, each with astonishing force and unparalleled power. These royal mansion guards might have been well-trained, but they were no match for battle-hardened elite soldiers, especially the archers of the Divine Machine Unit, carefully chosen by Xu Zhen, whose arrows never missed their mark.


    Amidst a shower of arrows, screams rang out incessantly. In the blink of an eye, over a dozen royal mansion guards behind Gu Bingyan had been hit by arrows. Whether struck in the neck or chest, their crimson blood gushed out, staining the garden red.


    Gu Bingyan was flustered and exasperated, never having witnessed such a brutal ughter before. Frightened, he copsed to the ground, his face as pale as paper. Trembling, he raised his head, "Lin San, you... you have a lot of nerve! I will report you, I will tell the Emperor!"


    In the heat of the moment, no one was paying attention to what he was saying. Xu Zhen''s elite soldiers rushed in, shing with the remaining guards. The royal mansion garden was expansive and the royal mansion guards had the advantage of superior martial arts skills and familiarity with the terrain. The official army excelled in disciplined training and tactical formations, and with the support of their expert archers, the sounds of killing filled the air as mes and bloodshed lit up the chaotic scene.


    Lin Wanrong furrowed his brows. Such ughter was costly and ultimately pointless; those who could have fled had already done so.


    He whispered a few words into Qin Xian''er''s ear. She nodded and spoke in a soft yetmanding voice, "Everyone in the royal mansion, listen! General Xu is here on official duty. Resisting him is the same as resisting the imperial army, and resisting the court. This is treason, a crime punishable by death and the extermination of nine generations of one''s family! I, under the name of Princess Nishang,mand you toy down your weapons. Considering that you may have been misled or even bepletely unaware, I can plead for leniency on your behalf. Anyone who continues to resist will be deemed a traitor, subject to death and the extermination of their family. Think carefully!"


    Qin Xian''er was no ordinary person; many in the royal mansion recognized her. Having a princess here represented the will of the Emperor. To continue resisting her would meanmitting treason, even if they were in the right. Understanding this, the remaining guards'' resistance gradually weakened.


    The soldiers'' spirits lifted, their formations tightened, quickly capturing the remaining guards. Lin Wanrong nodded at Miss Qin, who then ordered the ropes binding the captured individuals to be untied. She spoke softly, "I keep my word. You are free to go! Just remember never tomit unjust acts in the future."


    The captured guards, numbering around forty or fifty, initially assumed that although they might escape execution, imprisonment was inevitable. To their surprise, Princess Nishang graciously set them free herself. Confused, they nced at each other, uncertain of how to react. A few of the braver ones cautiously moved toward the door. Seeing that both the princess and Master Lin paid them no mind, as if they were invisible, they felt a sudden surge of confidence and bolted. Within moments, all the captured guards had vanished without a trace.


    Qin Xian''er looked at Lin Wanrong and smiled, "Husband, your strategy really worked wonders. Had I known, I would have shouted earlier, sparing your men some casualties."


    "Darling, if you had shouted earlier, it wouldn''t have been convincing," Lin Wanrong yfully caressed her cheek, "Ah, your skin is getting smoother. Let your husband touch it some more!" He was entirely unserious, a mysterious smile on his face.


    Gu Bingyan copsed on the ground, speechless. No matter what, he couldn''t have predicted that a massive conflict would end like this. It was as if the copse of a tree had sent the monkeys scattering. Lin Wanrong''s tactics were truly unfathomable.


    "Lin Wanrong, I will report you to the Emperor," Gu Bingyan''s face flushed with rage as he struggled to his feet.


    "You''re more than wee to," Lin Wanrong grinned, "By the way, Mr. Gu, you might want to bring the prince along when you go to the Imperial Throne. Otherwise, with your obstruction of official duty, calling you a troublemaker would be putting it lightly. using you of treason¡ªwell, your father wouldn''t be pleased, would he?"


    "You, you¡ª" In a battle of words, no one could match Lin Wanrong. Gu Bingyan was choked silent, his face turning pale, nearly gasping for breath.


    Xu Zhen emerged from the inner residence, his face serious, and shook his head slowly at Lin Wanrong, indicating that they had found nothing. Although Lin Wanrong had expected this oue, he couldn''t help but feel a pang of disappointment. The cunning Prince Cheng had emptied the residence in advance. If he had escaped, the empire would never know peace.


    The air was filled with the acrid smells of gunpowder and dust. Soldiers were busy using water hoses to extinguish the mes. Xu Zhen had sent a dozen more to clean the garden battlefield. The crimson stains of blood had seeped into the soil, and the garden was in ruins, its beauty lost.


    All the servants and maids, along with Gu Bingyan, were detained in the garden. A few soldiers with shovels started digging beneath arge tree nearby, burying various remnants and blood stains, a sight that made everyone''s hearts quiver.


    "What''s this?" A soldier unearthed something while they were covering up the stains. As they lifted the soil, a glint of golden fabric was revealed beneath the tree. Though it was just a corner, it shimmered brilliantly under themplight.


    The garden''s servants and maids were gathered around the area. When they saw the soldiers dig up this object, their faces filled with astonishment. Those with keen senses immediately changed their expressions, and a buzzing sound filled the garden as people whispered amongst themselves, tension rising. Gu Bingyan, hearing themotion and casting an inadvertent nce, turned as white as a sheet when he saw what it was.


    "What is themotion?" Lin Wanrong asked, furrowing his brow.


    Xu Zhen rushed over, falling to his knees in a state of panic. "Report, report to Lord Lin, something unusual has been found under therge tree over there."


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 Chapter 482

    Chapter 482 Framed


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "What''s so rming? Do you really need to be this flustered? What exactly happened?"


    Xu Zhen''s face was flushed with excitement as he panted for a few moments, his voice trembling, "I, I dare not say!"


    "You dare not say?" Lord Lin looked surprised and signaled for Qin Xian''er to push his wheelchair forward a couple of steps. "General Xu, you were personally appointed by the Emperor to oversee the city''s defenses. Every minor and major issue in the capital, especially those concerning its safety, falls under your jurisdiction. What could you possibly dare not say?"


    Xu Zhen hesitated for a while before saying, "My Lord, I am but a low-ranking official, unworthy to speak of it. I''d rather you see for yourself."


    He waved his hand, and two soldiers approached, holding up a tray. On the tray was a thin, satin yellow robe. The fabric was as smooth as water and glittered with a golden sheen. The robe was adorned with a ck silk hat, featuring a Mandarin cor and narrow sleeves. Embroidered on the shoulders were golden dragons, and the robe itself was decorated with various dragon and phoenix patterns.


    Upon closer inspection, the dragons on the robe had the head of a bull, the body of a snake, antlers like a deer, and eyes like a shrimp. With different types such as winged dragons, cloud dragons, and coiled dragons, each was unique in its pose, majestic and awe-inspiring. That such a delicate piece of clothing required two soldiers to present it indicated its immense value.


    Lin Wanrong looked amazed, "Ah, what a beautiful robe! It''s golden and embroidered with so many dragons; it looks awfully familiar¡ª"


    Xu Zhen gave him a nce, hesitant to speak, when Lin Wanrong suddenly eximed, "I remember now, this, this is the Emperor''s dragon robe!"Among those present, he was thest to realize. Who else but the Emperor would dare to embroider golden dragons on such a robe? Xu Zhen nodded gravely, "Indeed, my Lord, it is the dragon robe."


    "A dragon robe?" Lord Lin furrowed his brows, puzzled, "Xu Zhen, this robe is only fit for the Emperor. Where did you find it?"


    Xu Zhen quickly bowed, "I dare not deceive you, my Lord. This dragon robe was found under arge tree in the royal mansion garden. Many witnesses saw it there."


    "Arge tree in the royal mansion garden?" Lin Wanrong expressed his bewilderment, "That is truly strange. Why would the Prince bury a dragon robe? He can''t even wear it."


    Gu Bingyan, who had been listening, suddenly blurted out, "You mustn''t make baseless ims! This dragon robe is not the Prince''s."


    "I am fully aware that the dragon robe belongs to the Emperor, not the Prince. I''m just puzzled why a robe that should only be worn by the Emperor was buried under a tree in the Prince''s garden," Lin Wanrong mused aloud, then turned to Gu Bingyan and asked, "Mr. Gu, do you know why?"


    Gu Bingyan roared angrily, "Someone is deliberately framing and setting up the Prince. The Prince would never do such a thing."


    "Framing and setting up?" Lin Wanrong let out a cold chuckle, "I hope that is the case. However, what puzzles me is why no one has tried to frame me in the same manner? Mr. Gu, this dragon robe was unearthed from the Prince''s estate, witnessed by many. Do you admit that?"


    "Yes, but¡ª"


    "Sigh¡ª" Lin Wanrong waved his hand, interrupting him with a smile. "Mr. Gu, this matter is of great importance. When I ask you a question, you only need to answer ''yes'' or ''no''. No furthermentary is required. General Xu, please arrange for a clerk to record Mr. Gu''s responses. When we''re finished, have him sign and seal the document."


    "I won''t sign!" Gu Bingyan sneered. "You''re taking things out of context to deceive the listeners. I will never sign such a document."


    "Not signing?" Lin Wanrong chuckled heartily, spreading his hands in a show of indifference. "No matter, I can hardly manage a case like this myself. I just happened to be on the scene. Ah, what could Prince Cheng be doing burying a dragon robe beneath that tree? Let me ponder¡ªcould it be for a y? Ah, how puzzling. General Xu, what do you think?" ?¨¢


    General Xu Zhen stifled augh and shook his head. "I''m as puzzled as you are, sir. I suppose we can only solve this mystery by questioning Prince Cheng himself. Sir, what should be our next step?"


    Lin Wanrongughed uproariously. "General Xu, you are themander of the city''s defense; this matter falls under your jurisdiction. As far as I can tell, Prince Cheng must be putting on some kind of performance. I doubt anything else of value is buried in this garden! ¡ª Ah, just forget I said anything. Handle it as you see fit, General Xu!"


    Xu Zhen''s eyes lit up, and he immediatelymanded his men, "Continue the search, dig up this entire garden. Report any abnormalities immediately, and don''t ck off!"


    The soldiers had been eager to begin. At Xu Zhen''smand, they quickly went to work, their spades and pickaxes striking the ground with a ngor. It didn''t take long before another startled cry rang out. "Sir, we''ve found something unusual!"


    This time, something was discovered beneath a peony bush in the garden¡ªa golden bundle deeply buried under the flowering branches. It would have been almost impossible to find had it not been for Lin Wanrong''s "helpful" hint.


    Xu Zhen quickly had it brought over. The small bundle was somewhat heavy, its contents unknown.


    "Open it!" Lin Wanrongmanded, squinting his eyes. Two soldiers cautiously ced the bundle on a garden table and slowly unwrapped it.


    "Ah¡ª" The sight that met everyone''s eyes drew gasps of astonishment. Inside the bundle was a magnificent crown, woven from fine gold thread into the shape of mythical creatures. On each side, golden dragons, crafted from the same thread, faced each other. At the crown''s center was a fiery red gemstone. The crown weighed almost two pounds, with the golden dragons appearing to be in flight¡ªmajestic and fierce. The craftsmanship was unparalleled, the colors pure, and the design opulent.


    "Wow, what a big golden dragon hat!" Lin Wanrong eximed.


    Qin Xian''er couldn''t help butugh, giving him a disapproving look. "It''s not a golden dragon hat. It''s called a Golden Silk Crown, also known as Winged Crown. The gemstone in the middle is known as the me Pearl. This is the golden crown of our Great Hua Emperor."


    "The Emperor''s golden crown?" Lin Wanrong let out a prolonged ''oh'', as if he had just understood. Then he blinked a few times. "Princess, if I understand correctly, only the Emperor can wear this crown. Is that right?"


    "Of course," Qin Xian''er nodded, "If anyone else wears them, it would be considered treason, and they''d be executed."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Now I understand. Ah, the prince really has quite a collection, doesn''t he? Aside from the dragon robe, there''s also the golden crown. It''s enough to make my heart race! Mr. Gu, you''ve seen these treasures before, haven''t you?"


    "You''re framing me," Gu Bingyan''s face turned pale as he urgently responded, "I have never seen these items in the prince''s mansion¡ª"


    "What?!" Lin Wanrong''s expression changed dramatically. He pointed at Gu Bingyan''s nose and said, "Mr. Gu, you''re very bold to say these dragon robes and golden crowns are mere ''items.'' So what are they then?"


    Gu Bingyan was startled, instantly regretting his choice of words. Caught in his blunder, he hurriedly tried to exin, "No, no, they are not ''items''¡ª"


    "What?!" Lin Wanrong inhaled sharply, pointing at Gu Bingyan''s nose again. "Mr. Gu, I thought I was daring, but I have to admit you surpass me! You could actually utter such treacherous words. Very good, very good! General Xu, did you take note of this?"


    Xu Zhen chuckled, "Rest assured, my lord. I''ve taken note of everyone''s actions and words here. No one can deny it."


    Caught off guard, Gu Bingyan was no match for Lin Wanrong''s cunning. Realizing his mistake had been seized upon, he clenched his teeth, his face flushed. "Lin San, are you intending to carry out a literary inquisition? I am not afraid of you. You''re framing the prince and harming the loyal and good. I will never let you off."


    Lin Wanrong blinked and smiled, "Mr. Gu, you keep saying I''m framing and deceiving. What proof do you have? These dragon robes and golden crowns were unearthed from the prince''s mansion, witnessed by everyone here. How can you me it on me? Mr. Gu, you should be fair. Whether or not I''m framing someone is up for debate, but your crime of defamation cannot be escaped."


    "What do I have to fear? My family has been loyal for generations, and my father serves as the Emperor''s teacher. I have the favor and grace of the Emperor; whom should I fear?" Gu Bingyan dered defiantly, "Although this dragon robe and golden crown were found in the prince''s mansion, where is your evidence that the prince buried them himself? As far as I can see, someone is trying to frame him. I will inform the Emperor and thoroughly investigate this, punishing the viin responsible."


    "Mr. Gu is indeed resolute; I admire that," Lin Wanrong sneered dismissively. "While you''re investigating, please also find out who the lowbred cur is that wants to harm me. Goddamn it, may that cur have a son whose head is bigger than his own!"


    Caught up in his emotion, the pain throughout his body surged again. He spat vehemently, his eyes bloodshot as he burst into curses, as though ready to kill. Qin Xian''er chuckled and gave him a few nces, "You, you''re just a rogue!"


    Seeing Lin Wanrong cursing like a ruffian, Gu Bingyan trembled with anger, unable to utter a single word.


    "Sir, another significant discovery!" Xu Zhen hurriedly ran over, holding a dark green bundle in his hands. His face was visibly ted as he handled the package with extreme care.


    "What discovery?" Lin Wanrong''s spirits lifted instantly. He twisted his neck to loosen up and said, "Do tell."


    "Sir, look¡ª" Xu Zhen carefully unfolded the small bundle with trembling hands. A mysterious glow emanated from it. Everyone present was stunned, their eyes fixated on the phosphorescent object before them.


    It was a square piece of green jade, about the size of an adult''s palm. The jade was smooth and exquisitely crafted, its dark green hue glowing faintly under the dim light, giving off an aura of warmth. Engraved on the jade were two golden dragons coiled together. Their heads looked back, their bellies touched, and their tails were tightly intertwined. Their whiskers bristled and ws extended, conveying an air of majestic might.


    Upon hearing of another discovery, Gu Bingyan had initially shown disdain. However, seeing the jade in Xu Zhen''s hands, his face changed dramatically. "Impossible, how can this be?" he murmured.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t care about what was or wasn''t possible. He had seen many fine jades before, but never such a rare treasure. After staring at it for a long time, he cautiously asked, "What is this?"


    Qin Xian''er took the jade from Xu Zhen, her face a mix of sorrow and joy. She whispered, "This is the imperial jade seal of our Great Hua Dynasty. It disappeared the night before my father ascended the throne twenty years ago. For all these years, there was no news of it, and my father has always felt ashamed. I can''t believe that this symbol of our nation was stolen by these treacherous people¡ª"


    "The missing imperial jade seal?" Lin Wanrong gasped, covering his mouth. "My goodness, this is extremely valuable. Let me touch it a hundred times before you put it away¡ªMr. Gu, what do you say? Is someone still framing this?"


    Gu Bingyan seemed lost in his thoughts, murmuring to himself with a disbelieving expression. The imperial jade seal was such a priceless object that not just anyone could bring it out as a set-up.


    Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, "Ah, truly astonishing. Dragon robe, golden crown, and now the jade seal¡ªone could lose their head several times over for just one of these items. To think that they were all collected by one person is beyond belief. I''ve lived a long time, but today I''ve truly seen it all. General Xu, gather these items and present them to the Emperor. Make sure you note everyone''s contributions. It''s no small feat for everyone to forgo rest and patrol in this cold weather."


    Hearing this, Xu Zhen chuckled inwardly but maintained a serious face, "As youmand, General. And what shall we do with Mr. Gu?"


    After ncing at Gu Bingyan, Lin Wanrong nodded, "Well, as you know, I''m a man of integrity. Let''s hand him over to the court. Whatever the Emperor decides to do, we have no say."


    The ze had been extinguished, but themotion had left three-quarters of the royal residence in ruins. All the servants and maids were detained. The once bustling and prosperous residence had, in a single night, turned into a scene of destion and decay.


    Xu Zhen left some men behind to put out the fire, then took Gu Bingyan and the others away. Before leaving, Gu Bingyan shot Lin Wanrong a piercing nce. "Lin San, I will never let you go. We''ll meet in the Golden Hall!"


    "It''s better to be missed than met. Farewell, Brother Gu!" Lin Wanrong waved cheerfully, watching as Xu Zhen took him away.


    Qin Xian''er stared at the rising plumes of smoke, the charred wooden beams, and the shattered roof tiles scattered everywhere. Her face grew somber, and she sighed softly. "How difficult it was to build this mansion, and yet it was destroyed in a blink. Wealth and status are as fleeting as clouds. Wake up one day, and it all scatters with the wind."


    "Why such mncholy?" Lin Wanrong grasped her small hand and smiled. "Where there''s destruction, there''s also construction. That''s thew of societal change, inevitable for anyone."


    Xian''er hummed in agreement, slowly resting her head on his shoulder. "Husband, do you think our Lin family might also face such decline one day?"


    Lin Wanrong was taken aback; the question was profoundly difficult, rendering him unable to answer.


    "Don''t worry," he said, stealing a kiss on Xian''er''s cheek, not taking it too seriously. "The Lin family has produced talents for generations and led in various fields for centuries. As long as you help our family branch out, one of our descendants will surely inherit my style. No worries, no worries!"


    Qin Xian''er smiled sweetly, nting a soft kiss on his lips. "Husband, I love listening to you. When I''m by your side, it seems I can''t feel any sorrow. No wonder my master¡ª"


    "Sister An? What happened to her?" Lin Wanrong was suddenly rmed.


    "Nothing." Xian''er yfully stuck out her tongue and swallowed her words, giggling. "Husband, where did you find that imperial robe, golden crown, and jade seal? They gave me quite a fright! Those aren''t trivial matters, you know."


    "Ah, don''t make assumptions. I had nothing to do with it," Lord Lin insisted solemnly, putting on a straight face.


    Miss Qin yfully scolded, "Stop it, you had Gao Qiu do your bidding, and you think I don''t know? Where did you get these three items?"


    "Really, it wasn''t me," Lord Lin shrugged innocently. "These items were sourced by Xu Wei, and Gao Qiu executed it. I had nothing to do with it, I knew nothing."


    Qin Xian''er chuckled and pinched him. "Mr Xu is quite resourceful. All these items are genuine. It would take years to prepare them. Did he start waiting for this day many years ago?"


    Lin Wanrong pondered briefly, then pped his forehead, breaking into an enlightened smile. "I get it now¡ªno wonder Old Xu prepared everything so quickly. Xian''er, my father-inw is truly the greatest man in the world. Even someone as clever as me has be a pawn in his game!"


    "Only now you realize?" Xian''er giggled. "As the revered Emperor of Great Hua, if he didn''t have such skills, how could he rule the nation?"


    After acknowledging her lineage, her sense of identity with her father had be much stronger. Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled. However, Xian''er sighed again, "Today''s affairs may have framed them with crimes, but it allowed the father and son to escape. I fear Great Hua will have much trouble in the future."


    "Don''t be disheartened," Lin Wanrong said with a mysterious smile, no longer able to hide his satisfaction. "Who says they escaped?"


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 Chapter 483

    Chapter 483 Miss Xu''s Visit


    Lin Wanrong nodded, smiling as he said, "I can''t be certain, but ording to my guess, they haven''t escaped yet. The army is densely deployed outside the city, making escape nearly impossible. They''ll only have a chance once we divert the troops."


    "I see," Qin Xian''er pped her hands and spoke in a sweet voice, "Husband, you''re using their strategy against them. You''re deliberately ordering Xu Wei to deploy troops and search vigorously outside the city. By making a lot of noise, you''re creating an illusion, making them think you''ve been fooled and that our formation is broken¡ªproviding them a perfect opportunity."


    "You''ve truly learned well, my darling," Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs-up, praising both her and himself. "You''ve picked up so much of my cleverness after being with me for so long."


    "Shameless," giggled Miss Qin, her face a mix of allure and annoyance. She then frowned slightly, "However, Prince Cheng is not to be underestimated. If he is determined to hide, how can we find him? What if hees out to create chaos after our army heads north? Wouldn''t that be disastrous?"


    "Don''t worry, he can''t escape from my grasp," Lin Wanrong confidently patted his chest, his smile rather mysterious.


    Seeing his expression, Qin Xian''er knew he had a n. However, no matter how much she pestered him, Lin Wanrong only responded with a smile, not revealing anything. Frustrated, she pinched his arm until it turned blue, regretting it immediately when she saw the bruise.


    Time flew by amidst their chatter, and dawn began to break. Lin Wanrong, having not slept all night and still recovering from serious injuries, started to yawn incessantly, overwhelmed by fatigue. Just as Qin Xian''er was about to take him home for some rest, the distant sound of galloping hooves reached their ears. A few momentster, several horses arrived at the entrance of the mansion. Leading them was an aged Xu Wei, his hair and beard both white.


    "Little brother," Xu Wei quickly dismounted and walked up to Lin Wanrong, bowing with a fist and a look of shame on his face, "I''m sorry, I''ve messed up your ns."Seeing the old man¡ªworn and bloodshot-eyed from traveling through the night¡ªLin Wanrong couldn''t muster any me. He waved it off and said, "Mr. Xu, it''s not your fault. Our enemy is just too cunning. So, any results from the search outside the city?"


    "You''re teasing me," Xu Wei shook his head with a bitter smile, "The search was merely a show for others to see; what results could there be?"


    ¡®Ah, so old Xu had the same idea as me,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, suddenly filled with renewed confidence. He chuckled, "The more it''s a show for others, the more convincing it must be. Think of it as putting on a monkey show."


    Miss Qin couldn''t help but smile. Whenever something passed through her husband''s lips, it took on a different vor. Xu Weiughed heartily and said, "Little brother, you do have a way of seeing the lighter side of things. I truly find it hard to reconcile with the fact that the real culprit got away right under my nose, but fortunately, there''s still room for redemption."


    "How will you redeem it?" Qin Xian''er was eager to glean some information from Xu Wei. However, before she could, he exchanged a nce with Lin Wanrong and both burst intoughter, their understanding mutual and unspoken.


    "Little brother, have you captured that Gu Bingyan?" Afterughing for a while, Xu Wei suddenly seemed to remember something. His eyebrows furrowed slightly as he quietly asked.


    Lin Wanrong, who had apprehended the man, had nothing to hide from Old Xu and nodded, "Yes, I have. Why? Is this Gu Bingyan so formidable that Mr. Xu had to specially mention him?"


    Xu Wei nodded and sighed, "You must already have some understanding of Gu Bingyan''s identity. Since his youth, he has been reading alongside the Emperor. He was personally appointed by thete Emperor, who was extremely fond of him. I heard he even granted him an ''Imperial Pardon Token.''"


    "An Imperial Pardon Token?" Lin Wanrong was stunned. "Good heavens, that''s not trivial! It''s a talisman that can save one''s life! No wonder Gu Bingyan was so arrogant. Even when I found the imperial robe, golden crown, and jade seal in the garden, he didn''t seem scared; he was actually nning to retaliate against me."


    Qin Xian''er frowned slightly, "Mr. Xu, does he really have an Imperial Pardon Token bestowed by thete Emperor? Wouldn''t that mean even my father, the current Emperor, can''t do anything to him?"


    "Hmm," Xu Wei grunted. "When thete Emperor was alive, I hadn''t yet entered court. I can''t verify whether this rumor is true or not. However, thete Emperor was very close friends with Mr. Gu Shunzhang, and held Gu Bingyan in high regard. I''ve even heard he wanted to adopt him as a godson. So granting him an Imperial Pardon Token wouldn''t be out of the question."


    Lin Wanrong felt like spitting blood upon hearing this. "Why didn''t my father-inw tell me about such a significant matter? If Gu Bingyan really is the godson whom Xian''er''s grandfather wanted to adopt, wouldn''t that make him another prince? My father-inw is really insincere, keeping even this from me."


    Xian''er shook her head, "That can''t be trusted. If my grandfather had indeed adopted him, there would be records in the imperial annals. He would certainly have been granted a title already, and wouldn''t have been so easily captured by you today."


    "You are absolutely right, Princess," Xu Wei nodded. "These are all folk rumors; no one knows if they''re true or false. But since you have captured Gu Bingyan, these things must be considered. Also, there''s Mr. Gu Shunzhang; the prestige of that old man¡ª"


    "Hold on, hold on¡ª" Lin Wanrong felt his head throbbing and interrupted him, "Mr. Xu, let''s rify one thing first. Is this Mr. Gu Shunzhang you''re talking about still alive or not?"


    "What kind of question is that?" Xu Wei trembled with fright, looked around, and seeing that no one was nearby, lowered his voice cautiously. "Little brother Lin, we cannot be reckless with our words. Mr. Gu is a venerable teacher of our great empire, highly respected and esteemed. His demeanor and character are admired across the four seas. Even those who haven¡¯t read a book have heard of his reputation. At seventy-two, he remains physically robust and mentally sharp, stillmanding respect. Even the current Emperor has to address him respectfully. You mustn¡¯t offend the public."


    Lin Wanrong sensed that things were going awry. ¡®I''ve captured Gu Bingyan. Doesn''t that mean I''ve offended this Gu Shunzhang? And offending Gu Shunzhang is likemitting a public offense? Goodness, why didn''t anyone notify me beforehand?!¡¯


    He nced at Xu Wei with a sardonic smile, "Mr. Xu, you''ve truly done me a favor. Knowing full well that Gu Bingyan is blocking my way, you didn''t even give me a heads-up. Are you waiting to see me make a fool of myself?"


    "Far from it!" Xu Wei quickly responded, bowing with his fists sped. Seeing that they were alone, he lowered his voice, "Someone prevented me from telling you. Besides, I thought you had already investigated everything about the royal mansion."


    Official Lin felt like spitting blood. ¡®Is this old man setting a trap for me? What is he really up to by hiding such crucial information?¡¯


    Reading the displeasure on his face, Xu Wei sensed his thoughts and felt a twinge of guilt. He whispered, "Little brother, there are things I would never dare say under normal circumstances. But we have been through thick and thin; it would do no harm to entrust you with my life. His Majesty ordered me not to inform you about Gu Bingyan. He said these are obstacles you will face in the future. Knowing about them in advance might help you this time, but what about next time? You''ll encounter more situations like this, and it''s an opportunity for you to grow."


    ¡®An opportunity? I''d rather not have this kind of opportunity.¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt a headacheing on, but there was nothing he could do.


    Qin Xian''er, noticing his predicament, couldn''t help but hum, "Husband, don''t be afraid. What can that imperial tutor, Gu Shunzhang, do? You have solid evidence against Gu Bingyan that everyone witnessed. Besides, you''re also a royal son-inw, and not just an ordinary one. Who in Great Hua could match your prestige? My father has no heirs and cherishes both me and that Xiao girl. You are our husband. Frankly, even if you wanted the throne, my father would give it to you. What''s there to fear?"


    Qin Xian''er was bold and forthright, causing Xu Wei to secretly marvel. This Princess Nishang, raised in the White Lotus Sect, dared to speak such sphemous words.


    "Don''t spout nonsense. If Mr. Xu hears and reports to the Emperor, then I''m finished," Lin Wanrong chuckled.


    Xu Wei quickly waved his hands, "I heard nothing, absolutely nothing! Princess, Prince Consort, I have official duties outside the city. I must take my leave." Sensing the situation turning awkward, he didn''t dare to linger. Mounting his horse, he galloped away.


    ¡®You sure know how to run.¡¯ Watching Xu Wei''s retreating figure, Official Lin snorted in resentment.


    "Husband, do you want to be the Emperor? If you''re willing, I''ll talk to my father, and the throne could be yours in the future!" Miss Qin was now excited, her face flushed and her long eyshes trembling. She clung to his arm, chirping melodiously.


    ¡®This girl really loves to stir the pot,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, shaking his head with a wry smile. "Xian''er, don''t say such treasonous things in the future. Besides, if that day everes, I''d have a harem of wives and concubines. Would you be able to ept that?"


    "Absolutely not!" That point seemed to catch her off guard, and her face twisted in jealousy. "You''re not even content with my sister and other wives? Even including my master¡ªhmph, if you bring in so many women, I will kill them all. Every single one!"


    Her temperament was unlikely to change in a hundred years. But if she were to change, he feared she would no longer be the jealous little woman he loved. Lin Wanrong chuckled to himself and tightly held her small hand.


    "In that case," Miss Qin''s voice softened as she leaned her head against his shoulder, murmuring with a touch of regret, "Husband, perhaps you shouldn''t be the Emperor. Isn''t it enough to have all of us by your side, keeping youpany? What a shame to miss such an opportunity!"


    Looking at her face, a mixture of contradiction and discontent, Lin Wanrong could only respond with a wistful smile.


    When they returned to the mansion, the sky was already bright. After a night of turmoil, Lin Wanrong was genuinely exhausted. He copsed on the bed and fell into a deep sleep. After an uncertain amount of time, he vaguely heard a woman''s voice from outside the window, speaking in a low tone, "Is he awake yet?"


    "Not yet. Big Brother is still recovering from a serious injury, and yet he went out against night despite his condition. We were all worried sick. He has just now fallen asleep. Let him rest a bit more," another woman''s voice softly replied.


    "He''s always been restless like this, sometimes enough to infuriate one," said the first woman with a mncholic tone. "It''s mysterious how such a clever man fell victim to a plot. He must have been distracted for someone to catch him off guard. Ning''er, don''t you think so?"


    Luo Ning gave a grunt of agreement. "Sister Zhiqing, it''s not entirely Big Brother''s fault. Madam Xiao had gone to the temple with good intentions, unaware that she would fall into a trap. When we found Big Brother, he was shielding Madam Xiao with his body, drenched in blood, unmoving. At that sight, my heart broke¡ª"


    Luo Ning choked up and couldn''t continue, her light sobs trailing off. Xu Zhiqing hastilyforted her, "Ning''er, don''t worry. He''s fine now, isn''t he?"


    Luo Ning softly hummed in agreement, sighing, "It''s fortunate that Big Brother is alright. If anything happened to him, life would lose its meaning for me. Following him in death would be my only happiness."


    ¡®Is she trying to move me on purpose?¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt his eyes moisten. Xu Zhiqing sighed, her voice tinged with hesitance, "Ning''er, may I¡ªmay I¡ª"


    Confused, Luo Ning interjected, "Sister Zhiqing, whatever it is, just say it. Why are you being so polite with me?"


    Miss Xu gave a small hum, her voice dropping significantly, "Can I go in and see him? Ah, don''t misunderstand. I''m just worried that his severe injuries might dy his journey north."


    Wiping away her tears, Luo Ning chuckled, "Sister Zhiqing, it turns out you and Big Brother share the same concerns. Even when he first woke up disoriented, he was still thinking about heading north. If one didn''t know better, they would think you two have some sort of agreement."


    Miss Xu gasped, hastily shaking her head, "No, no¡ªso will you let me in or not?"


    Luo Ningughed heartily, "You snuck in through the back door and even asked me not to tell Sister Qingxuan. If I don''t let you see him, wouldn''t that be too heartless? Go on, and I promise I won''t eavesdrop!"


    "Talking nonsense," Xu Zhiqing muttered dismissively, spitting lightly. All was quiet outside the room. After a long pause, the curtain at the entrance lifted slightly. A woman held her breath and tiptoed inside. Her footsteps were so light they were almost inaudible. Yet, amidst the silence, Lin Wanrong seemed to hear the pounding of her heart.


    The woman reached his side and sat down, her breathing growing noticeably rapid. She gazed at Lin San lying on the bed, his body wrapped up like a rice dumpling, his face pale and lips cracked, a far cry from his usual demeanor. She stood there for a moment, muttering under her breath, her voice quivering and tinged with a sob. "Serves you right. For being a womanizer, for bullying others, for always making me angry, for not visiting me¡ª"


    Upon hearing her first few words, Lin Wanrong felt a pang of guilt. But herst statement almost made him burst intoughter. Women''s logic was truly unfathomable.


    Just as he was about to chuckle, he felt a few faint dropletsnd on his cheek. Sneaking a nce, he saw Xu Zhiqing''s lovely face hovering in front of him. Her shoulders trembled, and two streams of crystal-clear tears trickled down her beautiful cheeks. She wept silently, resembling a pear tree in bloom, nourished by spring''s rain and dew.


    What had happened? Lin Wanrong felt dryness in his mouth and struggled to speak, but no words came out.


    Unaware that he was already awake, Xu Zhiqing sighed deeply, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I''ve never seen you this peaceful. Not bullying people now, are you? What is your rtionship with Madam Xiao? For her, you''re willing to risk your life? Do you want to infuriate me to death?"


    Lin Wanrong was instantly drenched in sweat. What was all this? What had been a simple act of heroism had be so misconstrued. Weren''t they concerned about damaging not just Madam Xiao''s reputation but also his own?


    Miss Xu sighed softly, murmuring to herself. "What rtionship you have with her is none of my business¡ªI am no one to you. I had to ask Ning''er to help mee see you, sneaking past the ''tigress'' in your family. Is this how you treat me? I''ve been waiting at home, and nobody came. Is Miss Xiao so important that she can''t endure the slightest grievance? Yet you think you can do whatever you want with me. What do you take me for? Huh?"


    Xu Zhiqing stifled her sobs, her shoulders shaking as she wept silently. Lin Wanrong was taken aback; Miss Xu''s resentment ran deep indeed. Being a smart man, he knew that now was not the time to "wake up."


    Just as Miss Xu was about to wipe her tears, her gaze shifted slightly. She noticed the subtle movement of his little finger, the trembling of his eyshes, and his peculiar facial expression.


    "You...you weren''t asleep?" She suddenly stood up, her eyebrows furrowing, and her voice unconsciously rising.


    "It''s a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding," Lin Wanrong hurriedly gestured. "I really was asleep, so asleep that I couldn''t wake up!"


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 Chapter 484

    Chapter 484 The Poetry in Colors


    "You, you¡ª" Miss Xu thought about how every word and action of hers had fallen under his gaze, and yet, this man feigned ignorance. Embarrassed and angered, she was at a loss for words. Tears filled her eyes as she stood up to leave.


    Understanding Miss Xu Zhiqing''s prideful temperament all too well, Lin Wanrong quickly reached out to grab her sleeve. "Miss Xu, I truly am innocent!"


    "Innocent?" The thought of having lowered her guard just to see him, while he yed dumb, intensified Xu Zhiqing''s feelings of injustice. She sneered bitterly, "Even if you lied in bed to deceive my tears, letting others mock me, you are innocent? I utterly despise you!"


    Lin Wanrong was indignant beyond words. By her logic, had he broken his own leg to lie in bed and trick her into visiting him? Wasn''t it just that he had not woken up in time to hear her speak? And given what she had said, dare he even wake up? Now he felt like Zhu Bajie [The Pig-demon character in Journey to the West] looking in a mirror, neither human inside nor out!


    Seeing him silent, Xu Zhiqing''s heart sank further. She scoffed, "Mr. Lin, you''re quite the actor! Was your life-risking rescue of Madam Xiao just as pretentious? Unwilling to abandon her even at the point of death¡ª"


    "What did you say?" Hearing her words, Lin Wanrong''s anger surged. His impulsive rescue of Madam Xiao had been a pure act, misunderstood repeatedly, causing an inner frustration. Yet Miss Xu chose to bring it up, fueling his fury.


    His face darkened, and he exuded a murderous aura that made it hard for anyone to meet his eyes. His presence was truly imposing. Xu Zhiqing had never seen him this way and felt a pang of fear. But seeing his anger peak for Madam Xiao, she bit her silver teeth and retorted, "So, was I wrong? You risked your life to protect her, witnessed by all. Ning''er and the others love you, so they dare not speak up¡ª"


    "Enough!" Lin Wanrong''s expression suddenly softened, and he took a deep breath. His eyes became so calm that they were frightening. "Miss Xu, thank you for visiting me. I will repay this favor as long as I live. Please go now.""You''re telling me to leave?" Seeing his intent to drive her away, Xu Zhiqing''s face changed rapidly. A piercing pain surged in her heart, and tears uncontrobly streamed down.


    Lin Wanrong spoke softly, "Miss Xu, as a woman, you should know that a woman''s reputation is even more precious than her life. I, as a man, can afford not to care, but it''s different for ady. Her reputation is her life. By doubting her, you''re essentially taking her life. I admit, Madam Xiao is quite beautiful, but what does that prove? I saved her simply because she is a woman, and I am a man. A man saving a woman is natural, and not as sordid as you imagine."


    "You''re calling me sordid?" Her tears fell like raindrops, pouring out of her.


    "Perhaps it''s a bit too heavy," Lin Wanrong sighed faintly. "Miss Xu, I wronged you back in Shandong. I admit it. I was despicable. Ask of me whatever you will, even if you want me to admit my guilt before the world. But remember one thing: I, Lin San, may not admit to good deeds, but I''ll never deny the wrongs I''ve done! This applies to you, and even more so for Madam."


    His words cut through Xu Zhiqing like a sharp knife, bringing back memories of Shandong like a reel of film. She mumbled to herself through tears, "What do I want? What do I want? What a good question¡ªwhat can I want?"


    Had she been too harsh? Had she ever considered how his wife felt? Seeing Xu Zhiqing''s tears fall like rain, Lin Wanrong felt an indescribable emotion. He lightly tugged at her sleeve, "Miss Xu¡ª"


    "Don''t touch me¡ª" Xu Zhiqing violently shook off his grip, momentarily forgetting that Lin Wanrong was wounded. He lost his bnce, and a sharp pain shot through him as he clenched his teeth.


    "Big Brother¡ª" Luo Ning rushed in from outside the door, holding a porcin cup. She witnessed the scene and felt her heart shatter. She hurriedly embraced Lin Wanrong, tears falling uncontrobly, "Big Brother, how are you? What happened? Sister Zhiqing, what are you doing?"


    "I''m fine," Lin Wanrong gasped for air, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Ning''er, it''s not Miss Xu''s fault."


    Looking at Lin Wanrong''s pain-stricken face, Xu Zhiqing was stunned. Was this still the same Lin San? How had he be so frail? "You, you¡ª" she couldn''t contain her pain as tears fell like broken pearls. Trembling, she reached out to touch his forehead.


    Luo Ning clutched her brother tightly, not allowing Xu Zhiqing to touch him. She sobbed, "Sister Zhiqing, what are you doing? If you''re angry, take it out on me. Big Brother is badly injured, he can''t handle this kind of stress. In our family, he is the most precious treasure to all my sisters. How can I exin this to them?"


    ¡®Me, their treasure?¡¯ Lin Wanrong couldn''t help but feel both amused and exasperated, though he had no inclination to argue.


    Unbeknownst to her, today''s visit would end like this. Xu Zhiqing muttered to herself, then stormed out of the room, flinging her sleeves dramatically. "Lin San, I hate you, I hate you!"


    "Sister Zhiqing, Sister Zhiqing¡ª" Luo Ning realized she had been too harsh. However, her concern for her husband left no room for other considerations. She deeply cherished her sisterly bond with Xu Zhiqing. Seeing her leave in such haste, Luo Ning called out several times, but to no avail.


    "Big Brother, what should we do?" Ning''er was anxious and confused. She murmured, "Sister Zhiqing must be angry with me now."


    "If I knew what to do, I wouldn''t have ended up like this," Lin Wanrong said with a bitter smile. Yet he didn''t feel he was in the wrong. Miss Xu could be capricious in other matters, and he would not mind, but today she took issue with Madam Xiao, leaving him with a lingering sense of unease.


    "Big brother, does it still hurt?" A warm, soft hand gently massaged his shoulder, moving to his arm with practiced finesse.


    Lin Wanrong sighed in relief; the pain in his body instantly diminished. "Not at all, do you think I''m that fragile? Ning''er, who taught you this technique? Ah, it feels so good¡ª"


    Ning''er hummed softly and sighed, "Sister Zhiqing taught me. She heard you were injured and rushed here from outside the city before dawn. She hesitated for a long time at the back door, too shy to enter. It wasn¡¯t until one of the Xu family¡¯s servants informed me that I knew and discreetly invited her in."


    Comparing Xu Zhiqing with Xiao Qingxuan, given Zhiqing¡¯s nature, she wouldn''t easily enter the house of a romantic rival. Ning''er continued massaging him, "You have no idea, big brother. When Zhiqing came, it was like she brought an entire pharmacy with her. All kinds of medicinal herbs and dozens of ointments. She taught me which to apply in the morning, which at night, and even what to use when you''re in a pnquin. Despite her shyness, she insisted it was a gift from General Li Tai, and took advantage of your absence to teach me these massage techniques. She said it would benefit your recovery since you and I are close. She even taught me many other ways to tend to bone injuries¡ªI suspect she would willingly do the massages herself."


    "Is that so?" Lin Wanrong sighed softly, "Miss Xu is a renowned healer; treating me with a parent''s heart, she wouldn¡¯t consider it improper."


    "Are you pretending to be confused or are you really clueless?" Ning''er eximed, tapping him lightly on the arm, eliciting a yelp from Lin Wanrong.


    Miss Luo chimed in, "You really don''t understand Xu Zhiqing¡¯s feelings for you? Even back in Shandong, you treated her as you did, and she neverined. Learning you were injured, she rushed here in the middle of the night. Think about it: for a young woman to take such steps, to be so busy on your behalf, she¡¯s all but given you her heart. What more do you want?"


    "Is that so?" After hearing Ning''er''s words, Lin Wanrong was genuinely moved. Considering his history with Miss Xu, it seemed he had only ever taken advantage of her; she had never wronged him¡ªtoday¡¯s incident with Madam Xiao notwithstanding.


    Xu Zhiqing was stubborn, the type to act rather than speak. It was touching, but it was also this obstinate nature that created an invisible divide between them, making it difficult to get closer.


    "Big brother, what exactly do you feel for Sister Zhiqing? When I see her looking so sad, it breaks my heart." Seeing Lin Wanrong lost in thought, Ning''er pouted her rosy lips and huffed softly.


    "The me isn''t mine, as the old saying goes: choose a concubine for beauty, but choose a wife for virtue. Miss Xu is proud and haughty, and she doesn''t get along with Qingxuan. If she doesn''t change her ways, wouldn''t bringing her into the family just create chaos?" Lin Wanrong sighed, "Let''s discuss this matter after the war, provided we both survive."


    That seemed to be the only option. Luo Ning nodded and then suddenly asked, "Big Brother, why did you have a falling out with Sister Zhiqing today? When she came to see you, she was so happy. How did she end up so upset after just a few words?"


    Lin Wanrong dared not mention that it was due to the mention of Madam Xiao, so heughed and said, "Maybe I was too blunt, saying things I shouldn''t have said in front of her."


    Blunt? Big Brother? She''d never believe that. Luo Ning gave him a yful nce, "Big Brother, what''s gotten into you? Sister Zhiqing came all the way to see you; all you had to do was say something pleasing to win her over. Isn''t this your strong suit? Hasn''t every sister in our familye under your spell this way? Why would you not use your secret weapon and waste a good opportunity?"


    "You make it sound like I''m deceiving you all. That''s all heartfelt, more genuine than gold or silver. If you don''t believe me, feel my chest; this heart beats for you," Lin Wanrong said earnestly.


    Listening to this, Luo Ning was both embarrassed and delighted. She giggled, her eyes zed with enchantment, "Big Brother, if you say these things to Sister Zhiqing, I guarantee you won''t have any problems. When women like us meet you, we meet our nemesis¡ªstop that, don''t touch me inappropriately; I''m giving you a massage!"


    After themotion with Xu Zhiqing and the teasingly sensual massage from the yful Luo Ning, Lin Wanrong had lost all desire for sleep. He caressed Luo Ning''s soft, smooth chest, the silky texture making it hard for him to let go. Hezily sighed, "Ning''er, do you know what is the most vast thing in the world?"


    "The ocean!" Luo Ning answered without thinking.


    "And what''s vaster than the ocean?" Lin Wanrong nodded, a sly smile creeping onto his face.


    Luo Ning thought for a moment before slowly saying, "The sky!"


    "And what''s vaster than the sky?"


    Luo Ning frowned, deep in thought but unable to find an answer. Sheughed, "Big Brother, you''re just making it hard for me on purpose. What is it, then?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckledsciviously as his hand lightly pressed against the prominent curve on Luo Ning''s chest, "Vaster than the sky, of course, is the breadth of my Ning''er''s heart¡ªgoodness, Ning''er, how did you grow such a soft and abundant chest? I can barely get my hands around it!"


    "You''re incorrigible!" Luo Ning blushed crimson, realizing that her Big Brother''s winding conversation was meant to tease her. But he even turned his lecherousness into poetry. Luo Ning felt a warm, tingling sensation,pletely smitten by him.


    The husband and wifeughed and yed for a while, the atmosphere truly intimate and warm. Luo Ning then took out some ointment to reapply on Lin Wanrong''s wounds. The variety was stunning, with a dozen different colors. She didn''t know how Miss Xu had managed to concoct it; it must have been hard for her.


    Luo Ning carefully undressed her husband Lin Wanrong to change his medicine. After being married for quite some time, she had seen his body countless times. Although she still felt shy, she could endure it. Lin Wanrong, however, was not content. "Ning''er, this isn''t fair! Why am I the only one who has to undress? No, we must have equity. You should undress while applying medicine to me. That way, I can check if your body has developed symmetrically. We wouldn¡¯t want any imbnces now, would we?"


    Miss Luo chuckled and yfully punched him, lightening the atmosphere and making it rather romantic.


    After changing the medicine, Lin Wanrong''s eyes fell on the porcin cup that Luo Ning had brought in earlier. The cup was deep, set on a stove in the room to heat. A gentle steam arose, apanied by an inviting aroma. Lin Wanrong''s stomach growled audibly, making his mouth water. "Ning''er, what''s this that smells so good?"


    "It''s Ginseng and Blood Swallow soup; it''s been simmering for a whole day and night," Luo Ning said as she uncovered the dish. The soup looked like a rich, translucent gruel, faintly tinged with red. The aroma filled the entire room.


    Wonderful! Lin Wanrong swallowed a mouthful of saliva. Seeing his hungry look, Luo Ning lovingly brought the small dish to his lips. "Big Brother, have a taste!"


    Lin Wanrong took a sip; the soup was creamy and smooth, steaming hot yet immediatelyforting. The moment it touched his lips, a sweet aroma filled his senses. He gulped down several mouthfuls, almost wishing he could swallow the entire dish. Luo Ning looked on, her eyes full of love and tenderness. "Big Brother, slow down. No one ispeting with you."


    Lin Wanrong took another sip and eximed, "Ning''er, did you make this? It''s amazing! Your cooking is as good as your figure."


    ¡®Ugh, Big Brother always has to bring that up,¡¯ Luo Ning thought as she yfully rolled her eyes. "You''re mistaken, Big Brother. How could I make this? I told you about it yesterday; you''re just pretending to forget, aren''t you?"


    "Yesterday?" Realizing what she meant, Lin Wanrong was stunned. "Wait, did Madam make this?"


    "Who else could it be?" Luo Ning nodded. "She said that making Ginseng and Blood Swallow soup is a delicate art. From the pot used to the firewood and the heat level, nothing can be overlooked. This soup simmered for two full days and nights. It''s invaluable and extremely precious."


    "Is that so? She must have worked really hard," Lin Wanrong said, touched by the gesture.


    Luo Ning hummed in agreement. "Earlier, when you were speaking with Sister Zhiqing, the Madam came by. She personally brought this soup¡ª"


    "What? She was here?" Lin Wanrong was visibly shocked.


    Luo Ning nodded softly. "I was helping in the kitchen at the time. When I returned, I saw the Madam hurrying down the stairs, carrying the soup. She asked me to give it to you. Didn''t you see her?"


    Oh no, Lin Wanrong thought. Did the Madam hear something she shouldn''t have? He worried what she would think, given her strong-willed nature. What if she misconstrued something?


    "Big Brother, Big Brother¡ª" Luo Ning called out, jolting him back to reality.


    "It''s okay, it''s okay. Did the Madam say anything?"


    Luo Ning paused to think and then shook her head. "Aside from looking a bit pale, she seemed fine. It''s probably just fatigue from thest few days."


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 485

    Chapter 485 Ning''er''s Touching Moment


    A pale face? Ah, all these confusing matters. What on earth were they about? He sighed, his mood immediately soured. Even the most exquisite ginseng and bird''s nest, though fragrant and delicious, became unptable.


    Ning''er sensed his mood intuitively. After hesitating for a moment, she finally spoke. "Big Brother, don''t worry too much. The matters of the world exist for those who believe, and are nonexistent for those who don''t. If you have a clear conscience, why concern yourself with what others think or say?"


    This girl Ning''er was bing increasingly philosophical. Lin Wanrong listened and smiled. "Ning''er, how did you know what I was worrying about?"


    Miss Luo nodded gently, "Your nature, Big Brother, is inherently carefree. Few things in this world can make you frown. Furthermore, based on what Sister Zhiqing told me earlier, I could guess what''s on your mind. Sister Zhiqing has her own temperament. If she said something wrong, don''t take it to heart. Over time, when she meets with Madam to catch up, perhaps any misunderstandings will naturally be cleared up."


    Ning''er''s words were alwaysforting. Lin Wanrong embraced her tender body, groping aimlessly for a moment, then said with grateful emotion, "Ning''er, you''ve been so good to me. In this world, you''re one of the people who understand me the best. However, you got one thing wrong!"


    "What did I get wrong?" Miss Luo asked curiously.


    "I may be unrestrained, but it''s not a fa?ade. I truly am dissolute." Lin Wanrong chuckled, pulling her close and nting a light kiss on her delicate ear. Miss Luo blushed, snuggling tightly against him. She felt his warm body heat, and a sense of happiness filled her heart. She wished that time could stand still at this very moment.


    "Ning''er, has everything been quiet in the house these past few days?" After basking in warmth for a bit, the troubles brought by Xu Zhiqing didn''t seem to lessen. Thinking about Xian''er and Qingxuan made his head ache, so he turned to Miss Luo with a question.Ning''er was clever enough to catch his drift and answered, "Things are rtively peaceful. Everyone is busy with their own matters, all while thinking of you, of course."


    Lin Wanrong asked in confusion, "Busy? Busy with what?"


    "What could they not be busy with?" Miss Luo smiled charmingly, tapping him lightly on the forehead. "Qiaoqiao is busy setting up a food shop; she''s already found a location and has started the interior decoration. As for Sister, she is nning an academy in the Fairy Hall, collecting funds, and recruiting staff. There are countless tasks."


    "What about you? What are you doing?" Lin Wanrong naturally had some doubts, as she hadn''t mentioned herself at all.


    "What else could I be doing?" Ning''er huffed, "I am your decorative vase¡ªjust kidding. I''ve organized a charitable school, taking in children from poor families to educate them. You said it yourself, Big Brother, that I am your vase, and spending your money is only right. You''re not allowed to be stingy."


    Hearing this, Lin Wanrong burst intoughter and nted a kiss on her cheek, "Don''t worry, Ning''er. In this world, I might worry about many things, but money isn''t one of them. Besides, what you''re doing is meaningful. Compared to you, gold and jewels are nothing but rubbish!"


    Miss Luo felt irked and annoyed, her fingers tightening into a pinch on his arm. "Why do those words sound so strange?"


    At home, all the beautifuldies were preupied with their own affairs. The Eldest Miss was, needless to say, busy enough with the reconstruction of the Xiao family mansion. Lin Wanrong listened and felt somewhat disappointed. "Living in the same courtyard yet keeping to ourselves¡ªis this how it should be? We should be more intimate as a family. At night, when the lights are off and clothes are shed, even I can''t tell who is who among us. What boundaries could there be?"


    Hearing his lewd remarks, Ning''er felt so embarrassed she wished she could burrow into the ground. Annoyed, she knocked him on the head. "You''re the one undressing. How disgusting!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckledsciviously, but the sadness on his face remained. Luo Ning knew what he was thinking and whispered softly in his ear, "Big Brother, these things can''t be rushed. You''ve just gone through an ordeal, and the mood at home is understandably somber. Besides, the two Misses from the Xiao family haven''t formally moved in, and naturally, they''ll feel constrained. With Miss Qin also being at odds with her sister, they''re hesitant to get too close to us. Give it some time for everyone to getfortable. Actually, Madam Xiao and the Second Miss are quite approachable."


    ¡®A hidden message, huh?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled. "So, you''re saying the Eldest Miss is difficult?"


    Luo Ning had never gotten along well with Xiao Yuruo, a tension that had started back in Jinling. Lin Wanrong knew this, of course. Ning''er hummed softly, saying, "The Eldest Miss rarely talks to us, always busy with her business. It''s as if she thinks she''s too good for us. If it weren''t for your fondness for her, I wouldn''t even care!"


    Lin Wanrong gave a bitter smile. "Jealousy, eh? The Eldest Miss may be reserved, but she''s passionate andmitted in her rtionships. Didn''t you notice that when we were in Jinling?" He couldn''t help but give her curvaceous rear a light pat.


    Miss Luo let out a soft, sultry moan. "I''m jealous because you''re so fond of her, because you tie red threads for her, solving her marital issues. You hold her so high in your affections!"


    Lin Wanrong sighed inwardly. This had bemon knowledge, it seemed. "Ning''er, my fondness for her doesn''t surpass what I feel for you. The best part of my life, I''ve given to you, while she hasn''t received any."


    "What best part?" Miss Luo was puzzled.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled lewdly, his hand lightly exploring her smooth abdomen, eliciting a series of soft moans from Ning''er. He whispered something into her ear, and her face instantly flushed. "You naughty man, so that''s what you mean by ''the best part.'' In that case, I''ll give you a son first. She''ll never catch up with me then!"


    "Is that how it works?" Lord Lin was sweating bullets. Ning''er chuckled softly and gave him a teasing nce, "I told you to be moderate in your affections, but look at you, a bee buzzing among the flowers. Are you finding it difficult now?"


    ¡®Governing a nation is easier than managing a household. It''s really bing a struggle,¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed. ¡®What will it be like if one day both Fairy Ning and Sister An join in? Will my house be a marketce?¡¯


    "Big Brother, I''m just teasing you." Seeing his troubled expression, Miss Luo whispered into his ear, "Let me tell you a secret. Although it appears that I fight and argue with Miss Xiao, deep down, she is the person I respect the most. She''s strong and resilient, holding up the Xiao family in a way many men could not. The more I fight with her, the more I like her!"


    "The more you fight, the more you like? What kind of logic is that? Ning''er, are you just saying this to console me?" Lord Lin was growing increasingly bewildered.


    "Don''t be silly, I''m not consoling you," Miss Luo responded with a yful huff, her eyes brimming with a blend of coyness and charm. She lowered her voice to a whisper, "Big Brother, when you and Miss Xiao have your wedding night, may I hide in your room and watch?"


    "You can''t be serious¡ª" Lord Lin was so shocked he almost leaped from the bed. "Ning''er, do you actually have such a fetish? This is quite the surprise!"


    "What fetish? That sounds terrible!" Ning''er pouted, her face flushed, yet she couldn''t help but chuckle. "I just want to see what a strong, dominant woman like her is like during her moments of intimacy. Whether she would be yful¡ª" Her voice grew softer and softer, almost inaudible at the end, "¡ªor whether she could outperform me."


    Ning''er was relentless, leaving Lord Lin utterly speechless.


    "Big Brother, what''s the matter?" Ning''er gently nudged him.


    "It''s nothing," Lin Wanrong sighed faintly. "Ning''er, it''s only now that I realize how old-fashioned and conservative I am. I should strive to be more like you."


    "You''re teasing me again. No matter what you say, I''m just going to watch. I''m bad like that, what are you going to do about it?" Ning''er was about to resume their yful banter when she noticed the soft look in her Big Brother''s eyes. It was as deep and fathomless as the sea. He pulled her close, squeezing the air from her lungs.


    "Ning''er, thank you. Thank you for spoiling me like this," Lin Wanrong''s voice trembled slightly.


    "Big Brother¡ª" Luo Ning''s eyes filled with tears, "You, you know?"


    "How could I not know?" Wiping away the tears from Ning''er''s eyes, Lin Wanrong''s own eyes misted over, "You sacrificed your dignity to console me, to help me forget my worries. I could never find a better, more pure-hearted girl than you in this world. Ning''er, you''re going to spoil me rotten."


    Luo Ning''s eyes widened, blinking as she stared at him. "Big Brother¡ª" Unable to contain the joy of being understood, she flung herself into his arms and burst into tears. With that one sentence, she felt all her hardships, all her grievances, were worth it. There was no moment more blissful in life than the moment when two people truly understood each other.


    "Ning''er, thank you!" Lin Wanrong was overwhelmed with emotion. Meeting such a good girl was a blessing from heaven.


    "I want to spoil you like this," Miss Luo sobbed, "So that no one can surpass me, and so you will always remember me."


    She buried her head in Lin Wanrong''s chest, tears soaking through his clothes. "Big Brother, do you remember when you were in Shandong? You told me that you wanted me to be your most beautiful vase, that you would take care of me for all your lifetimes, that you would always make me happy. At that moment, I felt like the happiest woman in the world, a woman spoiled by her Big Brother! I don''t care for money; it''s useless to me. I just like the feeling of being spoiled by you. I want to spoil you just like how you spoil me, make you as happy as I am. Do you know, Big Brother? Do you?"


    She choked on her words, gasping for breath. Her tears fell like broken strings of pearls, her tear-streaked cheeks were as clear as hawthorn in the morning dew, vibrant and gorgeous.


    The impact on Lin Wanrong''s heart was immeasurable. There were not that many forms of heartlessness in the world, but each form of deep affection was unique. Ning''er was foolish, foolish to the point it made one''s heart ache!


    "Big Brother, do you like me?" Luo Ning suddenly lifted her head from his embrace, her face wet with tears, and gave him a soft smile. Her tear-stained cheeks blossomed like spring flowers, indescribably beautiful.


    "Ning''er, I love you," he solemnly nodded, without a trace of jest.


    "You naughty, making me cry again. Big Brother, I will spoil you forever¡ª¡± Before Miss Luo could finish her sentence, she felt a passionate kiss sealing her tender lips, the fire burning in Lin Wanrong¡¯s body instantly melting her.


    ¡ª---


    "What happened to you?!" Xiao Qingxuan carefully unwound the bandage on his body, looking at the newly formed scar. The wound seemed like it was about to tear open again, making her incredibly worried.


    "It¡¯s nothing. I just moved too much in my sleep," Lin Wanrong grinned sheepishly, "Don''t worry, my love, it will be fine in a few days."


    "What kind of movement was so intense?" Xiao Qingxuan tucked him in, mildly scolding, "You even neglected your own health! Ning''er, you''ve been taking care of him. Tell me, what happened to make him like this?"


    Luo Ning stood by the bedside, blushing crimson as her sister questioned her. "I, I... Big Brother, he, he¡ª"


    Xiao Qingxuan frowned at her, "Ning''er, what''s with you? Why is your face so red? Are you feeling unwell?"


    "Ah, she must be sleepy," seeing Ning''er almost embarrassingly looking down, Lin Wanrong quickly came to her rescue. "Actually, I was bored sleeping alone. Luckily, Ning''er was also tired, so we took a little nap. Somehow, in my dream, I moved up and down for a bit. When I woke up, I was like this. It has nothing to do with Ning''er."


    "What moving up and down? What exactly were you doing?" Seeing his yful demeanor, Xiao Qingxuan was both angry and amused. "He''s not being honest. Ning''er, you tell me."


    "Sister¡ª" Luo Ning didn''t dare to speak her mind openly. Xiao Qingxuan had a stern expression and an intangible aura of authority. Luo Ning respected her and couldn''t bear not to answer. Her cheeks flushed as she leaned in and whispered a few words into her sister''s ear. Before she could finish, she was already too embarrassed to look up, casting her eyes down.


    "What¡ª" Xiao Qingxuan was so angered that tears swirled in her eyes. She pointed at Lin Wanrong and eximed, "My Dear, are you trying to infuriate me to death?"


    "No, not at all." Seeing that Miss Xiao was genuinely upset, Lord Lin became anxious. "Qingxuan, this was merely an idental event. In the heat of the moment, Luo Ning and I¡ªDon''t worry, the position we adopted was such that she wouldn''t get hurt."


    "You brute¡ª" Xiao Qingxuan''s tears streamed down her face. "Look at yourself! You can''t even take care of your own body, and yet you still want to involve my sisters?!"


    "Sister¡ª" Seeing that Miss Xiao was truly angry, Luo Ning fell to her knees in fright and quickly hugged her sister''s arm. "It wasn''t Big Brother''s fault; I seduced him!"


    "No, it''s not Luo Ning''s fault. I was the one who lost my senses, promising to give her a son," Master Lin hurriedly defended her.


    Upon seeing Luo Ning secretly gazing at Master Lin with eyes full of softness, as if they could melt steel, Xiao Qingxuan realized that these two must have truly fallen for each other. She felt both annoyed and amused. She hurriedly helped Luo Ning up and softly said, "Luo Ning, you mustn''t spoil him like this. With his recklessness and neglect of his health, what would we do if something were to go wrong?"


    Luo Ning felt both embarrassed and guilty. She lowered her head, unable to speak, but her hands subconsciously caressed her abdomen, her face lighting up with joy at the thought of having a son.


    "From today on, I will be the one taking care of My Dear." Seeing her husband chastised a bit, like a scolded child, Miss Xiao felt a sudden surge of tenderness but didn''t dare to let it show. She sternly said.


    "How could that be?" Lin Wanrong hurriedly cried out. "Qingxuan, you''re carrying our son; you can''t tire yourself out like this. Why not let Qiaoqiao and Luo Ning take care of me?"


    "Do you think they''re a match for you?" Xiao Qingxuan gave him a sidelong nce and slowly sat beside him. "If you truly care for our child, stop acting so recklessly and focus on your health. All the meat in this pot will eventually be yours; it''s not going to fly away."


    "Yes, yes." Lin Wanrong felt guilty. He hastily grabbed Qingxuan''s hand. "Wife, I know you''re doing this for my good. There is no better woman in this world than you. I was wrong; please scold me more. Please don''t spoil me; I''m afraid I won''t be able to handle it."


    "Stubborn man!" His words melted her heart instantly. Raising a man was like raising a child; you had to tolerate their mistakes. A strong wave of maternal love surged within Miss Xiao. Her cheeks flushed, and she couldn''t bring herself to scold him any further.


    ¡®So, Sister also likes this approach; Big Brother is really amazing.¡¯ Luo Ning covered her lips with her hand to hide a smile. She stole a nce at her Big Brother, and a flood of warmth enveloped her heart.


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 Chapter 486

    Chapter 486 The Campaign against the Viin Lin San


    The royal mansion of Prince Cheng had been raided, and both the Prince and his heir fled under the cover of night! This explosive news spread like wildfire. Within just an hour, the entire capital was abuzz with the news, and with inconceivable speed, the information flew to all corners of the Great Hua Empire.


    Themoners living near the royal mansion, though terrifiedst night, had sufficient fodder this morning to vividly describe the raid¡ªallegedly, the court had dispatched tens of thousands of soldiers, setting fires andunching a fierce assault that eventually captured the royal mansion. However, upon entry, they found the ce empty; Prince Cheng and his young heir had vanished into thin air. The man sent to capture the Prince was none other than Lin San, a figure of great prominence these days. Rumor had it that Lin San had recently survived an assassination attempt and had returned from the brink of death specifically to seek vengeance on the Prince. When he entered the estate, he was apanied by the ck and white death gods¡ª


    The storyteller recounted these details as if he had seen it all with his own eyes, describing how the city¡¯s defense forces set fires, how the royal mansion resisted, how both sides shed fiercely, and how many were killed or injured. It was so detailed that one couldn''t help but believe it.


    As the news spread farther and became increasingly fantastical, even the clothing of Lin San and the hats worn by the two death gods were meticulously described. It was rumored that Prince Cheng, during the government forces'' invasion of his mansion, soared away on a crane, heading southwest. Word had it he was raising an army there and would soon be marching north. Northern nomads were also reportedly rallying more than 200,000 troops, storming the border with an unstoppable force that was advancing toward the heart of Great Hua. With threats from both the north and the south, the fall of the capital and the demise of Great Hua seemed imminent!


    Various rumors took flight like winged creatures, spreading throughout every street and alleyway in just a few hours. People in the city were panicking; many timid folks had already packed their essentials, prepared to evacuate the city at a moment¡¯s notice.


    When the news reached his estate, Lin San had just finished lunch and was sunbathing in the garden, apanied by Qiaoqiao. The warm spring sun made him drowsy. Having been "tormented" by Ning¡¯er in the morning, Lin San sat in his wheelchair, humming a tune, yawning, and feeling quite content.


    "Big Brother, are you sleepy?" Qiaoqiao snipped thest thread in her hand andid the newly sewn clothes on his chest, scrutinizing him from head to toe.


    "With my darling Qiaoqiao by my side, how could I be sleepy? Darling, do you want a son? This morning, I had a passionate discussion about this with your sister Ning¡¯er. She joyfully agreed, eyes brimming with tears¡ªif you want, sneak into my room tonight," Lin San said, his voice dripping with sweetness.Qiaoqiao chuckled, her cheeks flushing red, "Big Brother, stop being naughty. Sister Ning¡¯er has already informed all the sisters about your shenanigans this morning. She said anyone who lets herself be lured into your room would be harming you and destabilizing our Lin family¡¯s unity. She would be denounced by all the sisters!"


    ¡®Could it really be that serious?¡¯ Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly. "The message from Qingxuan must be meant for you and Ning''er. Yushuang and the others might not be aware of it! It seems there are some loopholes¡ªso, Qiaoqiao, tell Yushuang to wait for me in my room. I''ll personally convey Qingxuan''s wishes to her. I''ll need at least an hour to make sure she fully understands and learns the lesson."


    Qiaoqiao giggled in response. "Big Brother, you''re a littlete with that idea. Not to mention the Eldest Miss and Second Miss, even Sister Xian¡¯er and the Madam are aware. Sister herself wrote a note exining the whole matter, warning them not to indulge your temperament."


    ¡®The Madam knows too?!¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt an urge to vomit blood. Wasn''t it just some harmless flirting with Ning''er? Why was he being treated like ascivious wolf, damaging the respectable image he''d worked so hard to build?


    His face flushed unusually red. "Ah, the Madam knows? What did Qingxuan say actually? Why would she go around talking about it?"


    Qiaoqiao draped a piece of clothing over his shoulders and gently massaged his arms. "Big Brother, where is your mind wandering off to? Do you think Sister is so indiscreet? She was worried Madam would feel guilty if your injuries worsened, so she took the time to exin it to her. She even took all the responsibility upon herself. You should realize how tough it is for Sister, having to manage the emotions of so many sisters. You need to treat her well and not make her angry anymore."


    Truly, Qingxuan possessed the demeanor of a mature wife. Lin Wanrong was touched beyond words and felt some regret for his impulsive behavior.


    "Brother San. Brother San," Si De rushed into the yard, panting. "Quick, quick, something, something big¡ª"


    "What big thing?" Lin Wanrong twisted his torso, stretched a bit, andughed. "You''ve been with me for some time; howe you haven''t learned myposure? Stand straight, legs together, deep breath, exhale¡ªnow, what''s the matter?"


    "Brother-Brother San, something terrible has happened. We, we are surrounded!" Si De stammered, finally getting the words out.


    "What?!" Lin Wanrong, who had just been lecturing Si De about keeping calm, almost fell off his wheelchair in shock. Thankfully, Qiaoqiao acted quickly to steady him.


    "What do you mean, ''surrounded''? Where are we surrounded? Speak clearly!" Lin Wanrong said urgently, taking a few deep breaths.


    Si De wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. His face was pale. "Brother San, it''s our residence, your mansion¡ªit''s been surrounded!"


    "My mansion? You mean here?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. "You''re saying we''re surrounded here?"


    Seeing Si De nod, Lin Wanrongughed. "My home surrounded? Don''t joke with me. Do you not know who the Brother San is? I''m usually the one doing the surrounding. No one dares to surround me! You must be seeing things."


    "Brother San, I dare not deceive you. Our mansion is surrounded threeyers deep, inside and out. Listen¡ª"


    "Overthrow the tyrant Lin San¡ª"


    "Capture the criminal Lin San¡ª"


    The din of voices from outside the courtyard walls was deafening. The sharp slogans prated Lin Wanrong''s eardrums. He could even faintly hear the thumping of battering rams against doors. It was unsettling. R


    "No way! We''re actually surrounded? And this isn''t a small-scale operation!" Lin Wanrong''s face changed drastically. He grabbed Si De urgently, "Why didn''t you say so earlier? Whose troops are they? How many havee? Who''s leading them?"


    "I don''t know," Si De''s face paled as the noise from outside escted. "I was sent by the Madam to fetch medicine for you, Brother San. When I returned, I saw crowds forming around our mansion. Within a short time, thousands had gathered, surrounding uspletely. The walls around us are stered with various banners. Look, I''ve brought some back for you."


    Si De pulled crumpled sheets of paper from his robe and handed them to Lin Wanrong. He unfolded the sheets hurriedly, finding them in various colors¡ªyellow, green, purple¡ªand full of slogans like a wall of posters:


    "Overthrow the tyrant Lin San¡ªOverthrow the chatan Lin San¡ª"


    "Punish Lin San, Restore the Dignity of Schrs¡ª"


    "An Open Letter to All Schrs¡ªA Call to Arms Against the Evil Lin San¡ª"


    The posters listed a multitude of his so-called crimes: running unscrupulous tabloids, humiliating respected families, oppressing themoners, defrauding bars beside Xuanwu Lake, consorting with the nefarious Hung Hing Society, breakingws, manipting innocent girls, taking Madam Xiao as his concubine through coercion, harboring malice against the esteemed schr Mei Yanqiu, and many more. The announcements were grandiloquent and inmmatory, attracting attention particrly to allegations made by the two Miss Xiaos, the sorrowful tale of the number one talented woman of Jinling, and the agony of Miss Dong.


    Lin Wanrong was sweating profusely as he read, "What is all this? Even if I were executed ten times for these so-called crimes, it wouldn''t be enough. Am I really that bad?"


    Qiaoqiao flushed with anger as she read, "What nonsense about the agony of Miss Dong and the sorrowful tale of the number one talented woman of Jinling? Don''t listen to them, Big Brother!"


    "I really want to ignore this too!" Lin Wanrong gave a wry smile. "This can''t have been written by the government soldiers. If they wanted to arrest me, why would they waste so much time talking? Si De, have you seen clearly who those people outside are?"


    Si De hummed in acknowledgment, carefully recalling the events. Suddenly, as if he understood something, he said, "Brother San, I remember now. These people are all wearing robes, hats, holding fans, and walking with a certain grace. They are refined and don''t use any vulgarnguage, even more cultured than you¡ª"


    "Dammit, more cultured than me?" Lin Wanrong smacked Si De on the forehead angrily. "Just say they''re schrs! It''s your fault for not reading books¡ª"


    "Yes, yes, you''re right. They must be schrs. Brother San, you are really clever. We''re surrounded by thousands of schrs," Si De quickly ttered him.


    Hearing that schrs were involved, Lin Wanrong sighed in relief. As long as there were no weapons involved, everything could be dealt with. ¡®The world has truly changed. My Lin family estate is actually surrounded by a bunch of schrs. I might as well kill myself by running into a block of tofu.¡¯


    "Big Brother, why would schrs surround our estate? Don''t they know that two Princesses are residing here? Aren''t they afraid the Emperor will have them beheaded? These people are really daring," Qiaoqiao asked, bewildered.


    Listening to the ever-increasing shouts from outside the wall, Lin Wanrong shook his head wryly. "That''s a question I''d like to know the answer to as well. The old saying goes, ''When schrs revolt, it takes them ten years to aplish anything.'' Why is it that when theye to me, that rule doesn''t seem to apply? Qiaoqiao, let''s go outside and take a look."


    Qiaoqiao acknowledged and hurriedly pushed him towards the front courtyard. They passed through the alley, descended the stairs, and saw that the main door of the Lin residence was tightly sealed with two wooden pirs. Qin Xian''er stood with her hands on her hips, directing servants to ce stones at the base of the door. From outside came loud banging sounds, along with several voices shouting, "Overthrow the tyrant Lin San! Restore the innocence of schrs¡ª"


    "Eliminate Lin San, rescue Miss Xiao''s family¡ª"


    Upon hearing this, Si De snorted, "That person certainly has a loud voice. He must eat a lot of white rice daily. Brother San, mark my words, he must have been hired to shout these slogans."


    "Why so?" asked Qiaoqiao.


    "Madam Qiaoqiao, think about it. Those schrly young masters spend their entire days buried in their books. They can''t even eat a few steamed buns and are as weak as chickens¡ªhave you ever seen a young master with such a loud voice?" Si De reasoned.


    Qiaoqiao nodded. Lin Wanrongughed and said, "Not bad, at least you have some insights."


    "It''s all thanks to Brother San''s guidance!" Si De quickly brown-nosed.


    "My husband, what brings you here?" Qin Xian''er skipped over andughingly grasped his hand. Miss Xiao also walked to his side, giving him a gentle smile.


    "I came to see how you and Qingxuan are working together against the enemy¡ªXian''er, you looked so heroic just now!" Lin Wanrong praised.


    "Who''s working with her¡ª" Qin Xian''er''s face flushed, but then she looked pleased. "Really? Was I that heroic? My husband, do you like me like that?"


    "I like it! You look quite unique, especially when you and your sister stand together!" Lin Wanrong responded with a smile.


    "I don''t consider her my sister!" Qin Xian''er''s brows furrowed slightly, her words carrying a hint of insincerity.


    ¡®This is promising!¡¯ Lin Wanrong was overjoyed. Miss Xiao felt relieved in her heart, shooting her husband a grateful look before softly saying, "My dear, let my sister and I handle this. You should go rest."


    "Handle it? How will you handle it?" Captivated by Xiao Qingxuan''s radiant glow, as if she were some saintly goddess, Lin Wanrong took her hand and caressed it gently.


    "Kill them. Leave no one alive!" Qin Xian''er interrupted, her pretty face filled with murderous intent. She raised the short sword in her hand, glinting menacingly.


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 Chapter 487

    Chapter 487 The Allure of Uniform


    Xiao Qingxuan was taken aback, urging, "Sister, this is out of the question. The men outside are mostly schrs with no real strength, numbering in the thousands. They''re just misled individuals who joined the siege. How can we possibly kill them all? Wouldn''t that make My Dear unjust and subject to public scorn?"


    Qin Xian''er''s eyebrows slightly raised as she retorted, "Schrs with no real strength? Such nonsense is only believable to you. They brazenly attacked the Lin residence and insulted my husband. Where is the demeanor of a schr in that? Even the bandits in the mountains are better than them. If we don''t make an example out of a couple of them, people will think our Lin family is weak and easily bullied. Husband, wait here. I''ll go with Gao Qiu to capture some of them. I intend to personally cut down a couple to set an example."


    Qin Xian''er had always been a fearless woman within the White Lotus Sect, treating killing as if she were merely chopping vegetables. After being with Lin Wanrong, however, her temperament had softened considerably, and she hadmitted far fewer violent acts. But her fiery and straightforward personality was not so easily changed. Now that people were oppressing her husband, how could she bear it? After speaking, she turned to leave in search of Gao Qiu.


    "Sister, this matter can''t be rushed. Let''s discuss it properly¡ª" Xiao Qingxuan hurriedly grabbed her sleeve and shot a desperate nce at Lin Wanrong.


    Xian''er might be rash, but her words were not without reason. ¡®These people dare to cause trouble, so why shouldn''t I dare to kill? This sort of situation calls for making an example to deter others. Capture two, deal with them, and the rest will naturally behave,¡¯ Lin Wanrong mused,rgely agreeing with Xian''er''s view. However, given Qingxuan''s temperament and background, he knew she''d prefer to avoid unnecessary bloodshed.


    "My Dear, say something quickly!" Seeing that Lin Wanrong was appearing rather nonchnt and not acting urgently, and realizing she might not be able to restrain Xian''er much longer, Miss Xiao became irritated.


    Qingxuan, visibly pregnant and increasingly anxious, caught Lin Wanrong''s attention. Hurriedly, he spoke up, "Well, actually, there''s some truth to what Xian''er is saying."


    "Husband, you''re wonderful!" Delighted that Lin Wanrong agreed with her in front of Xiao Qingxuan, Miss Qin broke into a joyful smile. She cast a nce at Xiao Qingxuan''s abdomen and lightly huffed, "Let go of me. I don''t fight with pregnant women."Qiaoqiao couldn''t help but chuckle at the scene. Embarrassed, Qin Xian''er lowered her head.


    "You still find this funny?" Seeing her husband snickering off to the side, Xiao Qingxuan rolled her eyes at him, reproaching, "The schrs outside have been manipted by malicious rumors to attack our home. They''re not inherently bad people¡ª"


    "Not inherently bad? Ha!" Lin Wanrong wrapped his arms around Miss Xiao''s waist and shook his head, sighing, "Qingxuan, you''re too kind-hearted, almost to the point of indulgence. There''s no smoke without fire, as they say. Even the Buddha in the temple speaks of cause and effect. I won''t deny that they''ve been misled, but they''re all adults capable of judgment. Everyone must take responsibility for their actions; one can''t just excuse them as being manipted. They came and destroyed my home, and they must face the consequences. There''s no arguing about that."


    Miss Xiao fell silent at his words, pondering their meaning and finding they weren''t without reason. It''s the simplest of truths: every individual is their own person and must take responsibility for their actions.


    "Husband, you are correct," said Qin Xian''er, gazing at him with eyes full of admiration. "When I was young, my master taught me that human nature is fundamentally evil. So-called ''good people'' are simply those whomit fewer bad deeds. Once provoked by external factors, they reveal their true selves. Look at those schrs outside. Seemingly refined, but one nudge and their evil side are exposed. Killing them would be an act of justice. Husband, you truly are exceptional. No wonder my master likes you¡ª"


    "Ah, Xian''er. Don''t speak nonsense. My rtionship with Sister An ispletely tonic," Lord Lin interrupted hurriedly, casting a surreptitious nce at Miss Xiao. Seeing her expression remain unchanged, he rxed slightly. He hadn''t expected Sister An to have taught Xian''er such profound theories. Shaking his head in admiration, he was deeply impressed.


    Looking at her husband''s impassioned countenance, Miss Xiao felt a sense of nostalgia for when they first met in Jinling. She softly smiled, "You always have a way with words, and I can''t argue against that. But if you n to kill, wouldn''t you be falling into the enemy''s trap? We need to think this through."


    "Of course we must consider carefully," said Lord Lin. "Do you think I would be foolish enough to kill openly? Wait, let me go outside and have a look first¡ª"


    "No!" Qin Xian''er and Xiao Qingxuan eximed in unison.


    "¡ªMy Dear, the viins outside are waiting for you toe out. How can you risk yourself? Don''t worry; my father has already sent help. If they don''t repent, why not kill a few as my sister suggests?" Seeing her husband intending to go out, Miss Xiao also grew anxious, her face turning stern, aligning her with the equally fierce Qin Xian''er. The two of them did indeed appear like true sisters.


    Lord Lin grinned, "Wife, don''t you trust me? Just stay here and wait; I will handle it. Si De, fetch my battle robe¡ª"


    "Battle robe?!" Si De paused, then realized what he meant and dashed off. In a short while, he returned with a set of garments, including the heaven-silk armor gifted by the Emperor and a neatly folded green shirt and cap.


    Lord Lin nodded in satisfaction, "You do know how to get things done, young man. I haven''t worn this battle robe for quite some time. Ah, it''s so clean¡ª"


    After Si De helped him put on the green shirt and cap, he ced a bronze mirror before him. Lord Lin scrutinized his reflection carefully, a young man in a green cloth robe and tilted cap. Quite a dashing figure indeed.


    After a long moment, he sighed, pointing at his reflection, "As the saying goes, ''Clothes make the man, and the saddle makes the horse.'' If you want to look good, look at Lin San here¡ªWhat can I say, young man? Why are you so handsome? Is there no justice left in the world?!"


    The youngdies chuckled softly, their inner turmoil dissipating noticeably. Miss Xiao looked at him with tender eyes filled with a myriad of emotions.


    Qiaoqiao smoothed out the wrinkles in his clothes, sizing him up and down before giving a yful nod andugh. "Big Brother, for some reason, you look the best in these clothes¡ª"


    "Exactly, exactly. Brother San, it seems this outfit was made just for you," Si De interjected with ttery, a fawning smile on his face.


    Without hesitation, Brother San lifted his rtively unscathed leg and gave Si De a kick on his rear. "Nonsense! Do you think I''m meant to serve people all my life?"


    Miss Xiao grinned, chiding him, "You''re about to be a father; watch yournguage. Actually, I agree with Qiaoqiao. You look better in these clothes than any others. Otherwise, why would both of the beautiful youngdies of the Xiao family be so smitten with you?"


    While Miss Xiao''s words were yful, they weren''t without reason. Given his temperament, even wearing imperial robes wouldn''t make him look like an Emperor. This outfit of simple clothes and hat suited him best. As the old saying goes, character determines destiny.


    Hearing his wives praise his style, Master Lin nced around mysteriously and whispered, "Since everyone likes this outfit, I''ll wear it. Actually, do you know why I look good in these clothes? There''s a very serious science to it¡ªa very serious one!"


    "What science?" Seeing his smug expression, Miss Qin asked in amusement.


    Master Lin puffed out his chest and chuckled lecherously, "If I tell you, it will shock you. It''s called¡ªthe allure of a uniform! Eldest Miss and Second Miss will surely be over the moon!"


    "What allure of a uniform?!" Thedies spat out in unison, their faces turning red. They understood their husband''sscivious nature all too well.


    "Lin San,e out¡ªSave Miss Xiao¡ª"


    "Down with the tyrant Lin San¡ª"


    "When a country is about to fall, Lin San will surely arise¡ª"


    People were standing at the front door. The shouting and cursing from outside came wave after wave, each cry hitting their ears. At this moment, it seemed to reach a climax, as shouts came from all directions, threatening to burst their eardrums. Qin Xian''er frowned slightly; if not for being firmly held by Miss Xiao, she would have probably rushed out to kill.


    Master Lin, engrossed in his own world, paid no mind to the shouts outside, which paradoxically seemed to cheer him on. After getting dressed in his ''uniform,'' he proudly moved around the garden. He then called for Xian''er to also change into men''s clothing and, apanied by Si De, they sneaked towards the back door of the Lin residence.


    Upon reaching the back door, Xian''er pushed his wheelchair up to it, ready to unlock it. Just then, a voice of surprise came from the garden next to them. "Lin San, is that you?"


    "It''s me, it''s me!" Lin Wanrong quickly turned his head to look towards the garden. Eldest Miss stood there in a light pink dress, holding several vibrant roses. Her lovely face was as red as the petals. Xiao Yuruo was looking at him, her face a mixture of surprise and delight, an expression of indescribable joy.


    "What on Earth are you wearing?!" The Eldest Miss walked up to him, her voice tinged with a gentle curiosity. Yet her eyes betrayed a delight she couldn''t quite hide.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Just felt like dressing this way. Do you like it, Eldest Miss?"


    Xiao Yuruo stealthily nced at Qin Xian''er standing nearby. A delicate blush seemed to touch her cheeks. She softly nodded, her voice trembling with coyness. "It''s been a while since I''ve seen you dressed like this. You looked just like this the first time I met you."


    He looked like this the first time she met him? ted, Lin Wanrong thought to himself: ¡®Ah, the allure of a uniform! She must love it.¡¯ His spirits rising, and forgetting the jealous Qin Xian''er beside him, he took Xiao Yuruo''s hand, gently caressing it. "Since you find this uniform so memorable," he smirked mysteriously, "I''ll make sure to wear it often, especially when there''s serious business to attend to¡ªAh, what brings you here?" Catching Qin Xian''er''s fiery re, he hastily swallowed the rest of his words, giving Xiao Yuruo''s palm a soft squeeze.


    Naughty fellow! Xiao Yuruo felt her body warm with a mix of embarrassment and joy. Fearing that Qin Xian''er might notice, she lowered her head and spoke softly. "Fubo brought some flowering branches from Jinling. Mother wants me to nt them here, to make this ce resemble our home in Jinling. I thought you might like it too."


    "Ouch¡ªah, I mean, yes, I like it, I like it!" Lin Wanrong grimaced as Qin Xian''er pinched his waist. "Eldest Miss, there''s been some disturbance outside today. You, Yushuand, and Madam should stay inside and rest. Do not go out. I''ll be wearing this battle robe and attending to some official matters."


    Rolling her eyes yfully, Xiao Yuruo retorted, "I''m not a fool, you know. You don''t need to tell me that when you wear that uniform, you''re hardly up to any good."


    ¡®Ah, she knows me well!¡¯ Delighted, Lin Wanrongughed heartily. Xiao Yuruo lightly scratched the palm of his hand, sending a warm, tingling sensation through him. They exchanged knowing smiles, a moment when silence spoke louder than words.


    "Brother San, what should we do? Should I open the door now?" Si De stood behind the door, gripping thetch, his legs trembling as the noise outside grew increasingly chaotic.


    "No!" Lin Wanrong gestured dismissively, winked at Qin Xian''er, and nodded at Si De. Qin Xian''er picked up a small stone and threw it over the wall. Si De yelled, "Look, Lin San hase out¡ª"


    "Attack, Lin San is out, kill Lin San!" Before the shout could even subside, a cacophony of yells erupted from outside. Countless bricks, stones, and old shoes hurtled through the air like shooting stars, mming against the wall and gate. The impact was so great that the walls seemed to hum with the vibration. Themotion outside was so intense it felt as though the ceiling would copse.


    Good heavens! Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat from his forehead. These aren''t schrs, they''re practically bandits. Qin Xian''er was about to reach for hermand arrow, the sound of which would summon city defenses and pce guards, and result in many lost lives.


    "Hold on, now''s not the time," Lin Wanrong grasped her hand, his smile dark and chilling. "We''ll sneak out, no need for shooting yet. Whoever tries to surprise me will get an even bigger surprise in return."


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 Chapter 488

    Chapter 488 Coercion


    "Brother San," Si De looked at him with an expression of unparalleled reverence, "your words are too profound for me to understand."


    "If you don''t understand, then don''t listen," Lord Lin said with a smile, patting him on the head. "You just focus on leading the way for me, and your rewards will not becking. Take this¡ª" With that, he casually handed Si De a chopping axe. The de was sharp, shimmering with a dark glow. Lord Lin thenmanded solemnly, "Now, on my order¡ªopen the door."


    Open the door?! Si De felt like his soul was about to flee. The schrs outside were out for blood; wasn''t opening the door akin to seeking his own death?


    "Brother San, could we perhaps wait a bit?" Si De spoke cautiously, "The situation outside is perilous¡ª"


    "Time waits for no one," Brother San said, pping him reassuringly on the shoulder. "As the old saying goes: the soft fear the hard, the hard fear the reckless, and the reckless fear the fearless. Don''t worry, brother, with me here, what could go wrong? When have I ever let down my own brothers?"


    Hearing Brother San say he wouldn''t be let down, Si De felt a touch offort in his apprehensive heart. He knew that Brother San''s promises were never empty.


    "Fine," Si De gritted his teeth and grumbled as the mor from outside seemed to escte. Fear dissipating, he quietly unlocked the door. No sooner had he peeked his head out than a rotten egg flew from an oblique angle, sttering squarely on his face.


    "Damn it, who threw this at me!" Si De roared, charging outside, his forehead shining in the light. The stinking egg yolk dripped down his nose, a horrifying mix of yellow and white.Taking advantage of this brief moment, Lin Wanrong surreptitiously nced outside. He was shocked to see a sea of people surrounding his mansion. Schrs in long robes, holding folding fans, each looked irate. They were chanting slogans, encircling his house so tightly that not a drop of water could seep through. Some of the more radical ones had already rolled up their sleeves, moring to storm into the Lin residence and rescue the trappeddies.


    The gate of the Lin mansion suddenly burst open, and out charged a fierce-looking servant covered in foul egg yolk. In his hands was a shimmering, deadly axe, revealing his ferocious disposition.


    "What the hell are you doing? Are you revolting?" Si De sprinted into the crowd, swinging his axe wildly, generating whooshing sounds. Within moments, he had forced the crowd back several steps. Those who retreated slowly almost got hit by his axe, and they screamed as they scrambled backward, creating chaos on the scene.


    When the crowd saw the servant rushing out of the Lin residence, though unremarkable in appearance, his gleaming axe and fearless demeanor made him quite intimidating. Once the crowd regained their footing, a burly schr seemed toe to his senses and shouted, "You, what are you doing?!"


    "What am I doing? You''re asking me?" Si De wiped the egg yolk from his face, licked his lips as if relishing the taste, and said, "I''d like to ask what you''re doing!" He swung his axe forcefully near the schr''s face and yelled, "Speak, what are you up to?!"


    That schr took two hurried steps backward, his voice instantly lowered. "We... we came to get rid of the scoundrel Lin San. Step aside!"


    Si De spat vehemently, his voice seething with rage. "You''re here to confront someone else, but why throw eggs at me?! Who threw it? Stand up now! I¡¯ll chop you into pieces¡ªtell me, was it you?"


    "It wasn''t me, it wasn''t me!" said the closest schr, waving his hands in denial.


    "What about you? And you?" Si De pointed the de of his axe at each nose in the crowd, questioning each one individually. The sharp de glistened menacingly, causing the crowd to take a few more steps back in fear, each one shaking their head in denial.


    "Dammit, if it wasn''t any of you, then did a flying swan in the skyy that egg?!" Si De was utterly furious. Just as he was about tosh out, the leading schr hurriedly grabbed his sleeve. "My friend, it was a misunderstanding. We came to confront the viin Lin San, and it has nothing to do with you. Please, don¡¯t take it to heart. Oh, the embroidery on your clothes reads ''Xiao.'' Could you be from the Xiao family, whose two youngdies are said to be monopolized by Lin San?"


    "I am from the Xiao family. So what?" Si De snorted.


    "That¡¯s excellent." The leading schr''s face lit up with excitement. "We are here to rescue the Xiao family''s youngdies. Look at our group; these are all well-known schrs from the capital¡ª" ????


    Si De nced over and saw that about seventy or eighty percent of those surrounding the Lin residence were schrs, many of them even apanied by their servants, dressed no differently than he was.


    "My friend, are the two youngdies alright? Have they been subjected to all sorts of humiliations by that scoundrel Lin San?" The lead schr asked urgently.


    Si De rolled his eyes. "What nonsense are you spouting? Lin San and the two youngdies are in a consensual rtionship. Lin San has gone through great lengths to win their affections¡ª"


    Someone nearby couldn''t bear to hear this any longer. "My friend, one should speak the truth."


    The leading schr looked over and noticed that the one interrupting was also a servant. He had a small mustache and an ageless face, wearing a simple robe and cap, and his smile seemed very innocent. However, one of his legs was heavily bandaged and he was being pushed in a wheelchair by another young servant who was handsome and delicate. "Do you know the details?" he eagerly asked.


    "Yes," said the servant with the bandaged leg, nodding gravely. "A distant cousin of my distant cousin once served in the Xiao family. He has already told me everything in detail."


    "Really?!" The leader was overjoyed. "Tell us, how did Lin Sanmit his wrongdoings?"


    The servant with the bandaged leg solemnly said, "To say that Lin San went to great lengths to pursue the two youngdies is utterly absurd. In fact, it¡¯s theplete opposite¡ªthe two youngdies went to great lengths to pursue Lin San¡ª"


    "What are you saying?! How could you betray your own conscience?" Si De raged. "It was Lin San who pursued the youngdies, and they were moved by his sincerity! If I''m lying, may Lin San cut off my tongue."


    "Nonsense. It was clearly the youngdies who ardently pursued Lin San. Brother Lin was modest and reserved, eventually moved by their sincerity, and thus they became a loving pair. Lin San is handsome, graceful, and a role model for all men. If you speak nonsense again, be careful or Brother Lin might cut off your tongue," the man with the broken leg retorted sharply.


    "Lin San pursued the youngdies¡ª"


    "The youngdies pursued Lin San¡ª"


    The two men loudly argued, neither willing to give ground, their faces flushed and necks thickening. The leading schr shouted in indignation, "Heavens! Lin San has taken it too far, not only monopolizing the two youngdies but also hiding the truth. He even threatens to cut off the tongues of those who speak out. Such malevolence must not be tolerated. We must eradicate Lin San in the name of justice!"


    "¡ªIn the name of justice! To save the youngdies of the Xiao family, brothers, charge with me!" The man with the broken leg raised his right fist, his voice filled with impassioned anguish.


    Seeing even a crippled servant so enthusiastically engaged, the crowd was uplifted and roared as they rushed toward the Xiao family''s residence.


    Noticing the crowd surging toward the back door, and finding himself left alone with Si De, the man with the broken leg wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and spoke to the handsome young servant beside him, "Xian''er, did you secure our back door? I have a lot of flowers growing in my garden. I don¡¯t want these people to break in and ruin them."


    "Rest assured, husband." Seeing his skillful performance alongside Si De, Miss Qin couldn''t help but giggle, "The residence bestowed upon us by the Emperor has high walls and heavy doors. No one can break in. The delicate flowers you''ve nted in the Xiao family''s garden will be safe."


    Noting a tinge of jealousy from the youngdy, Lin Wanrongughed twice, pretending not to hear.


    Miss Qin hummed and quickly moved her steps, her figure shing as she reached the corner of the alley. With two muffled grunts, she caught two burly men, tossing them on the ground as if they were little chicks, giggling, "Husband, look¡ª"


    Both men were dressed like schrs, but their builds were robust, their skin tanned, and their palms calloused. Rendered immobile by Miss Qin, they screamed and iled about.


    "What are you up to?" Lin Wanrong''s face darkened, his old face ck as coal.


    "We are schrs from the east side of the city, here to punish Lin San. Release us immediately, or we will deal with you as well!" one of them said hastily.


    "Ha! Schrs, you say?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, picking up a small stone and throwing it at the man''s face. "You dare toe and punish me? Who sent you?"


    The man¡¯s eyes darted around defiantly, "Who sent me? The viinous Lin San bullies the weak and seizes innocent women; he must be punished by everyone¡ª"


    "Enough!" Si De, exasperated, kicked the man in the face, "Brother, I hate these types the most. Look at his crooked face and rough palms; does he think he''s a schr? Disgusting!"


    He spat out a glob of saliva, hitting the man square in the face. That man had been captured by him; his life literallyy in his hands. Anger seethed within him, but he dared not voice it. Another man lying on the ground averted his gaze, a flicker of fear in his eyes. He didn''t dare meet Lin Wanrong''s eyes.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled darkly and tenderly grasped Miss Qin''s delicate hand. "Xian''er, could you find arger forest for us? I''d like to show you a very interesting game."


    Miss Qin giggled in reply, "A forest? They''re everywhere. What kind of game is it, Husband? I don''t like games that don¡¯t involve killing."


    Si De shivered as he listened. This Lady was truly a perfect match for his Brother San.


    "Killing? Too gruesome. I''m not that kind of person," Lin Wanrong shook his head. "This game is quite simple. You find a sizable forest and choose some live people to bury in the ground. Leave only their heads exposed and shave all their hair. Then, smear their heads with a thickyer of flower nectar and cover them with a sealed cage. Inside the cage, release some wild bees¡ªremember, not too many, a few tens of thousands should suffice."


    "My goodness!" Miss Qin eximed, her petite hand gesturing excitedly. Her innocent face glowed as she asked, "What would happen with all those bees and the nectar-covered heads in such a confined space?"


    Lin Wanrongughed heartily, "Tens of thousands of worker bees would sting their heads, which would then start itching and swelling, gettingrger andrger until¡ª"


    "It explodes!" Si De screamed, his face awash with fear.


    Miss Qin''s eyes twinkled mischievously, "Oh, Husband, what a wicked idea you''vee up with¡ªsounds like great fun. Shall we go try it out now? We already have two perfect candidates; which one shall we choose first?"


    Her beautiful eyes nced back and forth between the two men on the ground. Seeing the beautiful but utterly terrifying Princess, both men hastily retreated their heads in fear.


    "Husband, let''s choose him," Miss Qin finally decided, pointing at a trembling, burly man who had been too scared to speak. "His head is bigger; it will be more entertaining when it explodes, with flesh flying everywhere."


    Si De''s heart raced with dread. This Princess was certainly beautiful but her ideas were devilishly twisted. Only Brother San could possibly rein her in.


    The man Miss Qin had chosen nearly fainted from terror and began screaming, "Mercy, Princess, mercy! Sir, I''ll confess, I''ll confess!"


    "Brother San, he''s confessing," Si De eximed in immense relief.


    Miss Qin snorted in disdain, "How could Great Hua produce such cowards? Now my game can''t even proceed. Husband, let''s choose this other man. He seemed more resilient when he spoke earlier; it''ll be more fun when he explodes."


    Before she could finish speaking, the man deemed ''more resilient'' cried out in terror, "Mercy, Princess, mercy, Sir, I confess too!"


    "Confessed? Already?" Lin Wanrong frowned, his face filled with disappointment. "Well, speak up then. But let me rify one thing first. I am truly a kind person. I''ve never resorted to violent interrogations. The two of you better not tarnish my reputation in the future¡ªs, when will I ever get to try out my bee-sting cranial explosion technique?"


    "My Lord," seeing Lin Wanrong''s methods, the two men dared not be stubborn anymore and quickly knelt down. "We dare not hide it; both of us are from the Gu family!"


    "Gu what Gu?" Lin Wanrong snorted. "Just saying your surname is Gu is enough? How would I know if you''re Gu Three or Gu Four?"


    Noticing her husband hadn''t caught on, Miss Qin urgently tugged at his sleeve, "Husband, these two men are likely sent by the Gu family father and son."


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 Chapter 489

    Chapter 489 A Surprising Discovery


    Qin Xian''er nodded, "Who else could possibly have the influence to gather so many schrs overnight? Husband, do not forget that Master Gu Shunzhang is a renowned imperial tutor. Even my father, the Emperor, has to show him respect when they meet."


    "Imperial tutor?" Lin Wanrong shook his head in resignation. How could Master Gu, who served as the Emperor''s teacher, not assess the situation properly and choose to be confrontational with his own students? He snorted, then turned to the man who had just spoken, "What is your role in the Gu family? Did Master Gu Shunzhang send you here?"


    "I and mypanion are caretakers at the Gu residence. The old master has gone on a journey and hasn''t yet returned. The mistress heard that the young master was in trouble and sent us to investigate," the man hastily replied.


    "Mistress? That exins it." Lin Wanrong nodded and chuckled, "Your mistress is quite scheming, isn''t she? Toe up with such a brilliant idea to besiege the Lin Manor overnight is truly impressive. Does she have a brilliant advisor helping her make these decisions?"


    "I wouldn''t know," the man, sensing Lin Wanrong''s sarcastic tone and intimidating demeanor, hastily bowed in submission. "We are merely lowly servants of the house; we truly do not know the details of what you''re asking."


    "Both of you are simply hired help and know so little." Lin Wanrong lost interest in questioning further. He gestured to Si De to call over two hidden guards and had the pair escorted away.


    "Husband, what shall we do now? Should we go directly to the Gu residence to settle scores with this mistress?" Miss Qin Xian''er was rather impatient. Upon hearing that the Gu family had instigated themotion, she wanted to charge over immediately.


    "Settle what scores?" Lin Wanrongughed, shaking his head. "Do you think that merely based on the words of these two, we could have your father''s esteemed teacher''s property confiscated? Isn''t that a joke?"Qin Xian''er pondered and realized her impulsiveness. After all, Master Gu Shunzhang was a renowned imperial tutor; even her father, the Emperor, dared not act recklessly in his presence. Who would dare seize his property?


    "Then what should we do?" Qin Xian''er huffed, frustrated. "We can''t fight them, nor can we kill them. Are we supposed to let them besiege our home indefinitely?"


    "Don''t worry," Lin Wanrong took her hand and smiled reassuringly, "These people are a disorganized rabble; they won''t cause any real trouble. What''s truly important is the person pulling the strings from behind."


    "Are you talking about Prince Cheng?" Miss Qin Xian''er''s eyes lit up at Lin Wanrong''s sly smile. "Husband, can you really capture him?"


    Lin Wanrong fondly touched her hand and chuckledsciviously. He neither confirmed nor denied her query. Qin Xian''er knew her husband well; he would not voice anything unless he was certain. Thus, she felt assured and asked no further questions.


    Qin Xian''er found a pnquin, and they both climbed in. After traveling for a while, they had sessfully left the mob of schrs far behind. She noticed Lin Wanrong continuously peering out, looking in all directions as the pnquin zigzagged through the alleys. Confused, she asked, "Husband, what are you looking at? Where are we going?"


    Lin Wanrong smiled mysteriously but offered no reply. Just as Qin Xian''er was growing more puzzled, the pnquin suddenly stopped. The carrier turned and said in a hushed, respectful tone, "Sir, we have arrived."


    Had they arrived? Qin Xian''er gracefully descended from her pnquin, taking a slow, curious look around. What she saw left her stunned. She and herpanion stood in a narrow, dimly lit alleyway, despite it being broad daylight. Across the alley was a vast estate, seemingly covering hundreds of acres. At its entrance, a pair of stone lions stood imposingly. Itsrge red door hung ajar, wobbling as if ready to fall off. Beyond, one could barely see the opulent pavilions and halls that filled the estate; their wooden beams were charred ck, and several towering structures were reduced to mere skeletons. The air was thick with the acrid smell of sulfur smoke, assaulting one''s senses. The entire ce was a sight of devastation, yet the glimpses of gold bricks and jade rooftops hinted at past grandeur.


    "Husband, why have you returned to the Royal Mansion?" Qin Xian''er looked puzzled. Their shaky pnquin had, inexplicably, brought them back to the very alley facing the once-glorious Royal Mansion. The sight of its overnight downfall filled her with a sense of loss, and naturally, some curiosity.


    "I''m not sure myself." Lin Wanrong helplessly spread his hands and pointed toward a man approaching from a distance. "This young fellow summoned me."


    The man who was rapidly approaching was burly and hurried. Upon setting eyes on them, he immediately knelt in reverence. "I am Gao Qiu, at your service, Princess Nishang and Master Lin."


    Gao Qiu looked disheveled, his stubble unkempt, and his eyes bloodshot as though he hadn''t slept all night. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Spare us the pleasanities, Brother Gao. You must be exhausted." ???


    Qin Xian''er recalled something her husband had mentioned before leaving the house. "Husband, what task did you send Gao Qiu on that made us return to the Royal Mansion?"


    "Well, for that, we should ask Brother Gao. I''m as in the dark as you are," Lin Wanrong shrugged, a puzzled expression on his face.


    "Commander Gao, what exactly is going on?" Qin Xian''er''s gaze shifted to Gao Qiu, her tone inadvertently imbued with a touch of authority.


    Visibly intimidated, Gao Qiu hurriedly exined, "Princess, this startedst night. I entered the Royal Mansion on Master Lin''s orders to search for evidence and investigate. However, the estate was so vast that I lost my way. Somehow, a fire broke out in the courtyard¡ªOh, Princess, you must believe me, I did not start the fire. Master Lin can vouch for me¡ª"


    "Yes, I can vouch for him," Lin Wanrong confirmed, his face solemn. "Given Brother Gao''s character, he could engage in all sorts of misconduct, but arson is beneath him. Someone else who despised the corrupt ways of Prince Cheng must have set the fire. It had nothing to do with Brother Gao."


    Aware of the ruse between her husband and Gao Qiu, Qin Xian''er couldn''t help but chuckle. "Commander Gao, in such dry weather, an idental fire is entirely usible. I''m not concerned with such trivialities. Speak of the more critical matters."


    Indeed, it was no surprise that husband and wife would resemble each other; even her manner of speech bore an eighty percent resemnce to Brother Lin. Gao Qiu chuckled and said, "I''m grateful for your understanding, Princess Nishang. Last night, a fire broke out in the mansion. I was roaming all over the mansion, doing my best to extinguish the mes. I then personally witnessed you and Master Lin disy your extraordinary abilities. Within moments, you subdued over a hundred guards. Your benevolence was evident when you released these offenders one by one. Such magnanimity is awe-inspiring, it shakes the heavens and stirs the earth, moving even ghosts and gods. My men and I hold you in the highest regard."


    "Brother Gao, please get to the point. I''m sitting here with a broken leg, and I don''t have time for your ttery," interrupted Master Lin, clearly irritated by the sycophantic speech.


    "Yes, yes," Gao Qiu¡¯s face flushed, and he hurriedly continued, his tone bing more serious, "After the Princess released those several dozen guards, my men and I, under Master Lin''s secret orders, secretly tailed them¡ª"


    Qin Xian''er paused, then remembered the situationst night when her husband had asked her to release those people. She pped her palm to her forehead in exasperation. "Oh, why didn''t I think of that? I wondered why my husband suddenly became so generous, but it turns out he wasying a trap."


    "What are you saying? Am I not usually generous?" Master Lin felt helpless. Qin Xian''er gave him an appreciative nce and then turned to Gao Qiu, "Go on, what else did my husband instruct you to do? He has many tricks up his sleeve."


    "Yes. My men and I divided into several groups and followed those guards dismissed by the Princess to investigate their whereabouts. Most of them heeded the Princess¡¯s advice, repented, and dispersed¡ª"


    "So, there were exceptions?" Qin Xian''er nodded, smiling.


    "Exactly, Princess, you are truly clever and quick-witted. I admire you immensely!" Gao Qiu bowed, heaping more ttery.


    "Look, Husband," Qin Xian''erughed, "Your men may not have picked up many of your skills, but they''ve certainly mastered the art of ttery."


    "I''m humbled, Princess, you''re too kind," Gao Qiu responded earnestly, "How can my meager talentspare to Master Lin? I owe it all to his excellent guidance¡ª"


    "Enough with the ttery," Master Lin finally lost his patience, "Get to the point. What were the exceptions? Tell us clearly."


    "Yes, yes," Gao Qiu said, his smile ingratiating, "After much hardship and sleepless hours, having only eaten ten steamed buns, we stayed close on the heels of these two individuals. Finally, our diligence paid off, and we made a discovery."


    This old man might have stopped with the ttery, but now he was singing his own praises, leaving Master Linpletely speechless. Qin Xian''er chimed in, "Gao Qiu, as long as you''ve done your job well, I will certainly rmend you to my father for a grand reward. Now, what did you discover?"


    "In my humble position, I seek neither merit nor reward, but only to forever guard by His Majesty''s side. Long live His Majesty, long live, long live forever!" Gao Qiu knelt on the ground, knocking his head against the floor three times before standing up. He nced around cautiously, lowering his voice to say mysteriously, "I have been discreetly tailing two of the individuals. These young men are highly vignt, frequently stopping and looping around in an attempt to detect any followers. Fortunately, my skills and courage, along with my agility and wit, ensured that they did not notice me. It wasn''t until today that I made a shocking discovery¡ªthey''ve circled back to the royal mansion."


    ¡®Damn, after all that boasting from old Gao, it''s thisst sentence that''s the most crucial,¡¯ Lin Wanrong hurriedly asked, "They returned to the royal mansion? Where are they now?"


    "The strange part is exactly that," Gao Qiu frowned, his face full of bewilderment. "As soon as they returned, I immediately sent someone to fetch you. What''s puzzling is that once those two entered the royal mansion, they vanished without a trace. We couldn''t find them again."


    "Vanished?!" Lin Wanrong eximed, "Could they have escaped through some other routes?"


    Gao Qiu shook his head solemnly, "All the surrounding areas are under our surveince. Even if they had grown wings, escaping under our watch would be impossible."


    Gao Qiu sounded so certain, and considering he hadn¡¯t been detected while tailing them, there was no reason for those men to run. But why did they disappear upon entering the royal mansion? Lin Wanrong took a deep breath, his brows furrowed, and sank into contemtion as he leaned against his wheelchair.


    Qin Xian''er knew this was a critical moment and dared not disturb Lin Wanrong''s thoughts. She quietly extended her small hand and began massaging his shoulders.


    Satisfied, Lin Wanrong hummed softly, patted Qin Xian''er''s hand, and slowly opened his eyes. It seemed as though a divine light emanated from them, "Brother Gao, have you thoroughly searched the royal mansion? Are there any secret tunnels or chambers?"


    Gao Qiu hurriedly shook his head, "That was my initial thought too. Therefore, I paid special attention. We have searched the entire residence three times¡ªcourtyards, chambers, gardens, even the kitchen stove. Every nook and cranny where someone might hide, we have looked. But the residence is eerily clean, not a single hidden chamber or a single w. It''s truly puzzling."


    "Not a single w? That¡¯s quite odd indeed!" Lin Wanrong smirked coldly, "If there is not a single w, then that itself is the biggest w! Brother Gao, immediately organizes another search. Dig up the earth three feet down if you have to, but find those two men for me."


    Gao Qiu acknowledged, still puzzled, "Brother Lin, are these two guards really that important, warranting such a massive operation?"


    "It''s not that they are important¡ª" Lin Wanrong closed his eyes and mused before chuckling coldly, "¡ªit''s the person hiding behind them that is. Brother Gao, you must see this task through. If my suspicions are correct, the big fish we are looking for is definitely hiding within the royal mansion."


    "What?!" Both Qin Xian''er and Gao Qiu eximed in unison.


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 Chapter 490

    Chapter 490 Cunning Arguments in the Royal Court


    "Brother Lin, is what you''re saying true?" Gao Qiu''s expression tightened instantly. He hurriedly said, "If this is indeed the case, it bodes ill. After raiding the royal mansion yesterday, Master Xu''s troops have already withdrawn. Only my men remain here as guards, and our vignce has naturally ckened. I should request additional troops from Master Xu immediately¡ª"


    "I''m about seventy percent certain," Lin Wanrong''s face was more serious than ever as he stopped Gao Qiu. "Brother Gao, let me ask you a question. That night, Prince Cheng escaped from the Grand Prime Minister Temple. Master Xu traced him to the entrance of a tunnel but discovered another secret passage leading out of the city. What do you think, did he manage to escape from the city or not?"


    After pondering for a moment, Gao Qiu gave a wry smile, "Prince Cheng is sly and cunning; I can''t be certain."


    Qin Xian''er interjected, "Husband, I think your analysis that night was spot-on. With the army rigorously positioned outside the city, how could he dare to leave easily? Therefore, that secret passage to the outside must be a decoy, meant to mislead us into thinking he had fled in haste. He would only seize the opportunity to escape when the formation outside the city is disrupted by troops searching for him."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, giving her an approving nce, "Xian''er, so you think Prince Cheng is still in the city?"


    Gao Qiu seemed to have a revtion, his face lighting up with excitement, "The Princess is right. Knowing there''s a cast outside, he wouldn''t dare to leave without making a hole. He must still be in the city."


    "Brother Gao, you have keen insights. I admire you," Lin Wanrong jested with a smile. "If Prince Cheng is indeed still in the city, where do you think he might be hiding?"


    "He must be hiding in an extremely safe ce where outsiders can''t find him," Gao Qiu answered solemnly.Lin Wanrong gave a thumbs-up, praising him and then teasingly asked, "ording to your wisdom, Brother Gao, where would that safest ce be?"


    Gao Qiu hesitated, unable to find the words. It was Miss Qin who pped her hands in excitement, "Husband, I''ve figured it out¡ª"


    "What have you figured out?" Seeing the joyous smile on Xian''er''s charming face, Lin Wanrong held her hand and asked with a smile.


    "The most dangerous ce is the safest. Prince Cheng, being a wily old fox, would certainly understand this principle. After our raid on the royal mansionst night yielded nothing, we naturally let our guard down here. That creates his perfect opportunity. If he were to double back and hide right here in this royal mansion, who would suspect?"


    Gao Qiu had an epiphany, "Ah, how could I not have thought of this? The Princess is indeed as intelligent as Brother Lin. You two truly are a match made in heaven; I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and the blessing of children."


    This Gao Qiu was bing more and more shameless, seizing every opportunity to tter. Yet, these were the very words that Miss Qin loved to hear. Xian''er giggled and said, "I can''t hold a candle to Husband. Even the craftiest like Prince Cheng can''t escape from the palm of his hand."


    "Ashamed, truly ashamed," Master Lin shook his head. "Had it not been for the indiscretion of those two guards, I would never have thought toe here. When ites to schemes and plots, Prince Cheng is the most cunning of all. Brother Gao, enough chit-chat. Deploy your men and turn this royal mansion upside down for me."


    "Understood!" Gao Qiu confidently departed. Master Lin sat in his wheelchair, pondering for a moment before sighing. "Xian''er, your royal uncle truly possesses some skills. Had I not been extra cautious, he almost fooled me."


    Miss Qin yfully pped his arm and giggled, "I told you long ago, if he rebels, I won¡¯t acknowledge him as my royal uncle."


    The two shared a brief moment ofughter before a guard came to report. "Your Highness, Master Lin, Eunuch Gao has arrived."


    ¡®Gao Ping? What is he doing here?¡¯ Lin Wanrong wondered. Eunuch Gao hurriedly entered the room and knelt before Qin Xian''er, "Old servant Gao Ping pays his respects to Princess Nishang, and to Master Lin."


    Miss Qin gave a nod, "Eunuch Gao, please rise."


    Gao Ping stood up, made a fist salute to Lin Wanrong, and anxiously said, "Ah, Master Lin, I''ve finally found you."


    "Found me?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, "I''m a man grievously injured, even receiving white mourning cloth from His Majesty. What do you need me for?"


    Gao Ping hesitated but thenughed, "Master Lin, you underestimate His Majesty¡¯s care for you. You survived this ordeal; surely good fortune will follow." ??


    Lin Wanrong foundfort in the old eunuch''s words and nodded, "Eunuch Gao, did His Majesty send you? What does he need from me?"


    Gao Ping anxiously spoke, "Master Lin, are you truly unaware? You led troopsst night to raid the royal mansion, used the prince of treason, and captured the son of Master Gu Shunzhang. This has caused an uproar! This morning, hundreds of officials from the Inspectorate and the Schrs of Hall of Literary Brilliance have jointly submitted petitions against you. The Golden Hall is in chaos, and the morning court has yet to disperse."


    "So let them petition," Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively. "This isn¡¯t the first time. Once I finish this matter, I''ll write a memorial to His Majesty to rify the situation. Misunderstandings will be cleared up, and all will be well."


    Seeing hisck of concern, Gao Ping hastily urged, "Master Lin, this matter affects the fate of the Empire; it cannot be taken lightly. Master Gu Shunzhang was already traveling in Shandong and is rushing back upon hearing the news. His Majesty has ordered you to appear before the court immediately to exin yourself."


    ¡®Exin? What''s there to exin?¡¯ Lin Wanrong shook his head in resignation. Since His Majesty had ordered it, he had no choice but to oblige. It was, after all, a most stressful time for the Emperor.


    Gao Qiu had already prepared the pnquin. The bearers rushed him into the pce, heading straight for the Hall of Literary Brilliance.


    Before they even reached the door, the cacophony from the Golden Hall could be heard. Several ministers standing at the entrance caught sight of the speeding pnquin and began to shout, "He''s here, he''s here¡ªLin San has arrived!"


    The pnquin came to a halt at the entrance of the grand hall. Dressed in simple blue attire and a modest hat, Lord Lin was lifted out of it, seated in a wheelchair. The stark white bandages on his thighs were ringly conspicuous.


    The royal court that day was anything but ordinary; around fifty or sixty courtiers stood on either side of the grand hall. The moment Lord Lin was wheeled in, all eyes immediately turned to him, as if pulled by a ma.


    The aged Emperor sat majestically on his dragon throne, his heavy brows furrowed, eyes slightly closed, appearing as if he hadn''t noticed Lord Lin''s arrival.


    "Commoner Lin San greets Your Majesty. I''m injured and unable to kneel and perform the ritual bows. I seek Your Majesty¡¯s forgiveness," Lord Lin said, bowing his head and lowering his eyes in a disy of utmost respect.


    "Dispense with the formalities," the Emperor said with a nod. "You''ve already faced death once, and you''re severely injured. The ritual bows are not necessary."


    "Thank you for Your Majesty''s graciousness!" Lin Wanrong sped his fists in gratitude.


    The old Emperor scrutinized him from head to toe. "Lin San, a few days ago your family reported that you were severely injured and beyond recovery, even presumed dead. How is it that you''re alive today?"


    "In response to Your Majesty," Lin Wanrong began earnestly, "I was the victim of an ambush and indeed was dead. However, when I reached the underworld, King of Hell noticed the injustice done to me. He let me return to the realm of the living and even granted me an additional hundred years of life¡ª"


    "Nonsense," interrupted a voice from the first row of courtiers on the Emperor''s left. A man stood up, "Lin San, stop this deceit. There''s no underworld or King of Hell in this world. How dare you concoct such absurd tales in front of His Majesty? Your Majesty, I am Chen Biqing, the imperial censor. I request that Lin San be charged with misleading the public and deceiving the Emperor."


    The man was around fifty years old, wearing a bright red official''s robe and a winged hat. He had a noble air about him, stern and upright. His standing position was once upied by thete Prince Cheng, indicating his high status. Lin Wanrong understood somewhat¡ªthe imperial censors were officials responsible for monitoring the conduct of the bureaucracy, and they could submit memorials directly to the Emperor.


    "Little brother, you must be cautious," whispered Xu Wei, standing in the first row of courtiers on the right, pulling on Lin Wanrong''s sleeve. "This Chen Biqing is the chief imperial censor and the nephew of Master Gu Shunzhang. He has immense influence among the schrs and censors of the imperial library. You haven''t met him before because he was away on inspections. Just look at his standing position, and you''ll know his importance."


    ¡®So, he''s the cousin of Gu Bingyan. No wonder!¡¯ Lin Wanrong grinned and saluted, "So you are Imperial Censor Chen Biqing. I''ve long heard of your reputation. Tell me, have you ever died?"


    "What are you saying?" Chen Biqing was taken aback for a moment, then his face flushed with anger. "How dare you curse me, Lin San?"


    "Curse? No," Lord Lin spread his hands, appearing innocent. "Everyone heard clearly; I asked if you have ever died. You only need to say yes or no¡ªit¡¯s that simple. Where does a curse enter the conversation? Lord Chen, have you ever died?"


    Chen Biqing snorted, "I''ve always been upright and incorruptible; why would I die? It''s people like you, whomit numerous misdeeds, who should expect retribution!"


    "Is that to say you''ve never died?" Lin Wanrong nodded with a smile and said, "Exactly. Since Lord Chen has never tasted death, how can you be certain that there''s no Underworld with its King of Hell? If you don''t trust my word, the solution is simple: die once, and everything will be clear."


    Lord Lin truly had exceptional eloquence; he managed to insult others without using vulgarnguage. The crowd struggled to hold back theirughter, and Xu Wei almost burst outughing himself. However, who dared tough at Chen Biqing, the Imperial Censor, a man responsible for overseeing officials?


    "What a sharp tongue you have," Chen Biqing finally said,posing himself. He turned to the Emperor and spoke, "Your Majesty, since Lin San has arrived, it is my duty as an Imperial Censor to investigate. I wish to coborate with several colleagues and submit a report against Lin San for hiswlessness and audacity."


    The Emperor slightly nodded, "Lord Chen, please proceed. If you have credible evidence, I will not be partial."


    "Your Majesty, I use Lin San of abuse of power, false confessions through torture, and framing loyal subjects. I present this petition signed by hundreds of my colleagues in the court," Chen Biqing said, his face a mask of righteous indignation, as he respectfully handed over the document.


    Gao Ping took the petition and passed it to the Emperor. The Emperor read through a few pages and became furious, mming his palm on the table, "How could this happen? Seize Lin San at once!"


    Xu Wei was startled and quickly stepped forward, "Your Majesty, what grave offense has Lord Linmitted to warrant such wrath?"


    "See for yourself," the Emperor coldly huffed, tossing the petition to him.


    Xu Wei picked up the document and nced over it, then slowly shook his head, "Your Majesty, if the allegations in this petition are true, Lord Lin is indeed a great sinner deserving of punishment. However, should we condemn him based solely on Lord Chen''s word? How do we know he isn''t being falsely used? Both Lord Lin and Lord Chen are present; why not let them confront each other here and now for Your Majesty to judge? It would be fair for both."


    The Emperor pondered for a moment and then looked at Chen Biqing, "Lord Chen, what do you think of Xu Wei''s proposal?"


    "Lord Xu is wise and prudent. I agree with his suggestion. However, I wonder if Lord Lin has the courage to debate with me openly in this court," Chen Biqing replied, bowing to the Emperor, and then turned to look at Lin Wanrong with disdain.


    "Well," Lord Lin hesitated, "As everyone knows, I am reserved and not well-spoken. Debating Lord Chen here would be quite a challenge for me."


    Lin San, not well-spoken? The crowd couldn''t help butugh.


    "However," Lord Lin quickly added, bing serious, "Since this concerns my honor and integrity, even if I am not eloquent, I cannot ignore it. I ask for Your Majesty and the other lords to indulge me, and I ask Lord Chen to be merciful with his words."


    The Emperor nodded, "Lin San, rest assured. If you are indeed innocent, I will certainly do you justice."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty," Lin Wanrong said, visibly moved.


    Upon witnessing the two men prepared to engage in a public confrontation, tension began to fill the imperial court. At first nce, it appeared to be merely a dispute between Chen Biqing, the Imperial Censor, and Lin San, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. However, the implications ran deep. Each man represented different factions. Chen Biqing was the nephew of the Emperor''s esteemed tutor, Gu Shunzhang¡ªa paragon respected by all, whose reputation was unparalleled, even the Emperor was his pupil. Chen Biqing was also the Chief Inspector of the Censorate, overseeing hundreds of officials, his position and power second only to a few, such as Prince Cheng.


    On the other side was Lin San, a rising star within the Great Hua. He had the support of not only Xu Wei, the Empire''s foremost statesman, and Li Tai, its leading military general, but also, it was rumored, the affection of the Emperor''s two princesses. He was a true representative of the younger faction.


    When these two men verbally shed in court, it was nothing short of a battle between dragons and tigers.


    "Lord Lin, have you prepared your arguments?" Chen Biqing, embodying the demeanor of an Imperial Censor, sought toy a small trap before initiating his inquiry.


    Lin San was unyielding: "I appreciate the concern, Lord Chen, but I am innocent. Why should I need to prepare? On the other hand, I assume you¡¯ve prepared various statements to list my alleged crimes. You must have done plenty of homeworkst night, even losing a few strands of hair in the process. My apologies for the inconvenience."


    Xu Wei, overhearing this, almost burst intoughter. Lord Lin was naturally good at turning the tables; he had already pushed Lord Chen onto the defensive.


    "As the Chief Inspector, overseeing provinces and purging corruption is my duty. What harm is there in doing some extra homework?" Chen Biqing replied with a cold smile, effortlessly parrying Lin San''s attack. "I, Chen Biqing, use Vice Minister Lin San of two crimes. First, abuse of power and forcing confessions¡ª"


    "I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t understand, would you please borate, Lord Chen?" Lin San interrupted with a smile.


    "You don''t understand?" Chen Biqing red at him, "Lord Lin, are you saying you don''t even remember what you didst night?"


    "Last night?" Lin San pondered. "I had dinner, followed by eating fruit. After that, I drank ginseng tea and received a massage¡ª"


    The courtiers exchanged puzzled nces, suppressing theirughter. Lin San was notoriously smooth-tongued, and it seemed he hadn''t changed even in the presence of the Emperor.


    "How audacious!" Chen Biqing became furious. "Lin San, you dare to use such cunningnguage even before His Majesty?"


    "Lord Chen," Lin San responded, his smile not quite reaching his eyes, "you''re quite daring yourself. His Majesty has already stated that this is a public confrontation between equals. You''re not interrogating me. Yelling as if I''m your criminal¡ªwhere do you ce His Majesty in all this?"


    Upon mentioning the Emperor, Chen Biqing found himself at a loss for words. The Emperor interrupted, "Focus on the important matters. I have no time for your petty squabbles."


    "Yes." Wiping the cold sweat from his brow, Chen Biqingposed himself, "Lord Lin, you don¡¯t remember? Allow me to jog your memory. Last night, you led soldiers from the city guard to illegally raid the Royal Residence, capturing Master Gu Shunzhang¡¯s son, Gu Bingyan. As Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, attacking a royal mansion is an abuse of power. Furthermore, you subjected Gu Bingyan to torture to extract a confession. Do you admit to these charges or not?"


    The tension in the court hall was palpable as the ministers listened intently. Finally, they were getting to the crux of the matter¡ªassaulting a royal mansion, a grave charge indeed.


    "Ah, so that''s what this is about," Lin Wanrong said, nodding with a smile. "Indeed, I visited the royal mansionst night¡ª"


    "So you admit it?" Chen Biqing roared.


    "Admit what?" Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Lord Chen, I went to pay a courtesy visit to His Highness Prince Cheng. What''s wrong with that?"


    "A courtesy visit? With troops?" Chen Biqing sneered dismissively.


    Lin Wanrong''s expression darkened in an instant, bing stern. "Lord Chen, you can joke about food but not words. I indeed paid a visit to the Prince, but when did I ever bring troops?"


    "Xu Zhen, the city''s chief of defense, was under yourmand in the past. He attacked the royal mansionst night at your summons, without official approval. Is this false?" Chen Biqing pressed him sharply.


    Lin Wanrong sneered, "Lord Chen, you speak well. Xu Zhen was indeed under mymand in the past. But as you said, that''s the past. How could I, a mere deputy minister,mand the chief of city defense? As for your im that I summoned troops to assault the royal mansion¡ªwhat nonsense. The royal mansion caught firest night, as everyone saw. General Xu, as the chief of city defense, entered to put out the fire. Where''s the fault in that? If he hadn''t gone, I''d have charged him with negligence. Don''t you agree, Lord Chen?"


    "What a story¡ªgoing into the royal mansion to put out the fire," Chen Biqing snorted. "City defense was fully prepared¡ªwith hoses and wooden logs. As soon as the fire broke out, they rushed over. Could it be any more convenient?"


    "Shouldn''t the city defense be prepared to safeguard the entire city? This only reflects theirmitment and thorough service to the public. As for their quick response, is that also a fault? Should they have waited for the royal mansion to burn down? What a joke. My view is the exact opposite of yours, Lord Chen. They acted promptly and deservemendation."


    Chen Biqing was so furious that he turned pale, and growled, "What about the wrongful detention of Gu Bingyan?"


    "That detention was correct," Lin Wanrong retorted sharply. "During the emergency of the fire, Gu Bingyan, in his arrogance, resisted arrest and obstructed the city defense troops from saving the royal mansion. This is what everyone saw. As the saying goes, when the prince breaks thew, he is treated like any other citizen. If not him, who should be arrested? Lord Chen, are you defending a guilty person because you have some unspeakable secret?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned maliciously.


    ¡®Despicable!¡¯ Chen Biqing cursed inwardly, unable to find words to retort.


    "Enough. I am aware of the matter," said the Emperor, barely opening his dragon-like eyes, and speaking in a nonchnt manner. "There might have been some misunderstandings and friction between the city defense and my worthy younger brother Gu duringst night''s chaos. It''s not a big deal. Mutual understanding and bettermunication will resolve this in the future."


    "His Majesty is wise!" Lin Wanrong grinned, visibly relieved. Chen Biqing, on the other hand, was both furious and frustrated, left without any options.


    "Your Majesty, may the first charge against Mister Lin by Mister Chen be considered as not established?" Xu Wei, ever cunning and opportunistic, struck while the iron was hot.


    The Emperor pondered for a moment, then nodded and chuckled. "Just as Minister Xu has said, neither Minister Chen nor Minister Lin have done anything wrong; it''s merely ack ofmunication."


    ¡®What a cunning old fox! You promised me justice, didn''t you?¡¯ Lin Wanrong cursed inwardly. However, it seemed as though the Emperor had seen through him, his eyes sharp as lightning, shooting him a brief, piercing nce.


    Chen Biqing also appeared disheartened. Lord Lin was even more challenging than the rumors suggested. Unwilling to ept defeat, he huffed, "Even if there was no abuse of power, Minister Lin, you''ve disregarded thew and falsely used Prince Cheng of rebellion. How would you deny this?"


    "What, what?" Lord Lin''s face turned pale, almost falling out of his wheelchair. "Minister Chen, rify what you mean. Who, who is plotting a rebellion?"


    "It''s you who falsely used the prince of rebellion," Chen Biqing nearly slipped, almost falling into Lord Lin''s trap. Cold sweat poured down his back. Lin San, that shameless, cunning man, he cursed inwardly.


    Lord Lin was furious. "Minister Chen, one should have a conscience. When did I ever say such a thing? Who heard it? I am close friends with the prince and have been his guest. Who said I used him of plotting a rebellion? Bring that person here; let''s rify this matter before His Majesty."


    Looking at Lord Lin''s righteous indignation, not only the observing ministers but even Chen Biqing himself began to doubt. "You, you never said that?"


    "By heaven and earth, I, Lin San, am a man of integrity. Why would I make such false usations?" Lin Wanrong raised his right hand high, vowing vehemently.


    "Then what about the evidence found in Prince''s residencest night?" Chen Biqing asked.


    "What evidence? Bring it and let''s have a look," Lin Wanrong spread his hands, looking innocent.


    Xu Wei blinked, "Indeed. Minister Chen, I heard some evidence was discovered in the prince''s residencest night. Why not present it to the court for all to see?"


    ¡®Ah, I''ve been tricked.¡¯ Seeing Lord Lin''s eerie smile, Chen Biqing felt a chill run down his spine. The young man was so unpredictable, impossible to defend against. But since the words had been spoken, regret was useless. Waving his hand, he ordered the items found in the prince''s residence to be presented.


    As the guards brought forward a brocade-wrapped dragon robe, a golden crown, and a jade seal, the court instantly erupted in whispers. Each of these items was unique and for the emperor''s personal use. If they really were found in Prince Cheng''s residence, what else could this be but treason? Especially the ancient, grand jade seal, said to have been stolen twenty years ago, was now revealed to have been in the prince''s possession. The court officials, who had initially agreed with Chen Biqing in defending the prince, now deeply regretted it.


    The old Emperor''s face alternated between shades of red and white. He looked at the items in front of him but remained silent. Those keen of mind noticed his grip tightening on the armrest of his dragon throne, veins popping on his hand, a fury too great for words.


    "Minister Chen, were these items truly found in my brother''s residence?" The Emperor''s voice was eerily calm, a disturbing shadow seemed to rise, making everyone in the hall break out in sweat.


    One miscalction led to a chain of defeats. When the evidence was presented, Chen Biqing knew he was in trouble. Even if Prince Cheng was innocent and had been framed, the Emperor''s suspicion towards him would never be fully dispelled. Such is the nature of human hearts. Lin San was truly ruthless!


    Chen Biqing clenched his teeth in frustration, butposed himself to reply, "Your Majesty, these items were found in the royal mansion by Minister Lin. However, I suspect there is more to this story. Knowing the character of the prince, he would nevermit such an act of treason. He must have been framed. Minister Lin, since you discovered these items, you may also be implicated."


    "Indeed, I found these items," Minister Lin patted his chest, "but I never said that the prince was plotting a rebellion." Everyone in the room sighed in relief, but then Minister Lin continued, "These items could be for a performance, or they could have sprouted from the ground in the garden. In any case, the prince would have been unaware. He is, after all, the Emperor''s own brother."


    Confusion erupted among the onlookers. Was Minister Lin defending the prince? Hisments seemed to be sowing chaos. Better he had said nothing at all!


    Seeing the Emperor''s face turn pale, Chen Biqing wished he could tear Lin San to pieces. Hurriedly, he added, "Your Majesty, the only witnesses on that day were Lin San''s trusted associates. It¡¯s possible someone framed the prince."


    "I agree with Minister Chen''s point," Lin San interjected, supporting Chen Biqing for once. He shrugged, "I only discovered the evidence. Whether the prince is guilty of treason or has been framed, we can''t be certain. However, I haven''t seen the prince at court recently. I wonder where he''s vacationing. Ah, how carefree he must be¡ª"


    "You despicable¡ª" Chen Biqing was so angry he couldn''tplete his sentence.


    "Name-calling won''t do, Minister Chen," Lin San smirked. "I believe the prince is innocent, and I hope we can clear his name soon. Then everyone will be happy. Ah, I truly despise my own kindness¡ª"


    "Enough!" The Emperor finally lost his patience, mming his hand on the table. His eyes swept across the room like bolts of lightning, daring anyone to meet his gaze. "My brother and I share the same mother. I refuse to believe he would betray me like this."


    Everyone fell silent, even Lin San dared not respond.


    Pacing back and forth, the Emperor''s light footsteps seemed to weigh heavily on everyone''s hearts. After a long pause, he finally spoke, "We are on the verge of deploying hundreds of thousand-strong army, and now we have this internal chaos. It is heart-wrenching. Lin San, hear mymand¡ª"


    "I am here!"


    "Humph," the Emperor coldlymanded, "since you unearthed this evidence, you are involved. I order you to thoroughly investigate this matter. You have two days to exin."


    Two days? Cold sweat appeared on Lin San''s forehead. He understood this was an ultimatum.


    "To ensure Lin San doesn''t manipte the investigation and to prevent further rumors," the Emperor turned towards Chen Biqing, "Minister Chen, you will oversee Lin San. Both of you are responsible for solving this matter within two days. If you two fail, consider it your retirement."


    The gravity of the Emperor''s words hung heavily in the air, making the ultimatum all the more dire.


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 Chapter 491

    Chapter 491 Returning to the Royal Mansion


    ¡®Retire? Has the old man gone senile? I''m only in my twenties; how could I retire so soon? Even if someone had to take the fall, it wouldn''t be me.¡¯ Lord Lin thought indignantly.


    The Emperor slowly walked up to Lin San and Chen Biqing, scrutinizing both men carefully. After a lengthy pause, he let out a long sigh. "My loyal subjects, this matter greatly affects the prosperity of our great empire. The responsibility is immense. You both must investigate it thoroughly¡ªI am kin to the prince, and I refuse to believe that he wouldmit such an act."


    Chen Biqing''s face flushed with emotion as he knelt on the ground, respectfully saying, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will devote myself entirely to resolving this issue and will not disappoint your trust."


    The Emperor nodded slightly and turned his gaze towards Lin San. "And you? Can you handle this task?"


    Lin San frowned and said, "Your Majesty, I''m not a learned man, and my insights are shallowpared to Lord Chen here, who excels in rhetoric. What if, while I focus too much on the task, someone takes issue with me and wants to file aint? That would certainly disgrace you. Therefore, it might be better if this case is assigned to someone else¡ª"


    Lin San''s sarcastic tone did not escape Chen Biqing, but the Emperor was present, so he dared not speak out of turn.


    The Emperor chuckled, "If you seed, the credit is yours; if you fail, then it''s my fault for misjudging character. How cunning of you to absolve yourself of all responsibility in advance."


    Lin San put on a humble smile. "Your Majesty, isn''t it because I don''t want to tarnish your reputation? My sincere intentions are as clear as day!"Despite his casual demeanor, the thick bandages wrapped around his leg bore testament to his capabilities. This young man had always delivered and had never disappointed anyone. The Emperor smiled faintly. "Rest assured, as long as you serve our great empire with all your heart and soul, even if there are minor mistakes, I will not hold them against you. Minister Chen, my loyal subject¡ª"


    "I am here," Chen Biqing hurriedly said.


    The Emperor smiled, "Lin San is a bit straightforward. If you encounter any difficulties while working together, do not be too harsh on him."


    Straightforward? Lin San''s cunning would put even abyrinthine mountain path to shame. Lord Chen felt helpless. It was clear the Emperor was favoring Lin San, and who knew what problems would arise when they teamed up.


    Lin San had the gift of the gab, speaking so eloquently that he could probably convince the stars to fall from the sky. The issue of his toppling was set aside, and the Emperor even assigned him to investigate the case concerning the Prince. It wasn''t exactly a favor, but it might as well have been one. Everyone clearly understood this, and their respect for the usually jovial Lin San grew even greater.


    "How''s your injury, Little brother Lin?" Xu Wei asked, as they left the imperial audience.


    ¡®Do you really need to ask? Can''t you see I''m still in a wheelchair?¡¯ Lord Lin red at Old Xu, "I''m fine, not going to die."


    Xu Wei looked around and saw Chen Biqing waiting in the distance, presumably to discuss coborating on the case. Lowering his voice, he said, "Little brother, are you confident that you can close this case within two days? General Li was really anxious when he heard you were in trouble. If it weren''t for urgent military drills yesterday, he would''ve personally visited you. Among those in our great empire who can hold their heads high in front of the nomads, besides Li Tai, it''s just you. You can''t afford to mess this up!"


    Old Xu indeed had some skills; he knew how to tter in a way that felt genuinely pleasant. With a warm smile on his face, Lord Lin said, "Mr. Xu, you give me too much credit. I can only deal with the likes of Lu Dongzan, nothing that would put me on a grand stage. As for this case..." He sighed, "Whether we can solve it or not, we have to. We don''t have the luxury of time. It''s a real headache."


    Indeed, two days was a tight timeframe, but under these critical circumstances, even the Emperor had no other options. Xu Wei nodded in agreement, "Little brother, Gao Qiu has already briefed me on the matter. I also believe your analysis is quite sound. Given the crafty nature of our opponent, there''s nothing we can''t imagine that he wouldn''t dare to do. After operating for so many years, we easily breached his stronghold. It raises suspicions; there must be something big going on in the royal mansion."


    ¡®Great minds think alike,¡¯ Lord Lin patted Master Xu''s shoulder with satisfaction, even though there was a slight whiff of too-little-toote in his so-called heroism. Still, it was better than being obstinately wrong.


    To look after Lin Wanrong, the Emperor had sent Gao Ping to escort him personally. When the pnquin left the pce gates, it was alreadyte. The head inspector, Imperial Censor Chen Biqing, had been waiting there for some time.


    "Master Lin, where are you going now?" Gao Ping asked softly from outside the pnquin.


    Where else could he go? The old man had only given him two days. If he didn''t hurry, he would really have to retire and go home. Seeing Chen Biqing anxiously looking his way, Lord Lin let out a casual ''oh'' and said, "I''m a bit tired today, I think I''ll go back to my mansion to rest. Eunuch Gao, you know the way to my ce, right?"


    Before his words could settle, Chen Biqing hurriedly approached, lifting his official robe, "Lord Lin, there''s no time for rest, no time at all!"


    "Oh? Isn''t that Minister Chen?" Lin Wanrong responded in a leisurely manner, "What are you doing here, watching the sunset? You seem to be in a good mood."


    The young man''s tone was full of irony, entirely disregarding the authority of the Imperial Censor, a position feared by many officials. Lord Chen had never been treated like this before and couldn''t vent his frustration. Suppressing his anger, he said seriously, "Lord Lin, you make it sound so easy. The Emperor has only given us two days, we cannot afford to dy. I''ve been waiting here specifically to discuss this with you."


    ¡®Discuss what? This Chen is clearly trying to make life difficult for me. Does he think I''m an easy target?¡¯ Lord Lin yawned and repliedzily, "I don''t have much to contribute, given my limited abilities and knowledge. I''m better off going home to sleep. You handle it, Minister Chen. You''ve submitted so many reports to the Emperor; just send another one asking for an extension. Or, just shift the me onto me. I''ve been reported on so many times; the Emperor knows I often get wronged. So, it doesn''t bother me much."


    Gao Ping, an old servant in the pce ustomed to the internal struggles, quietly listened to their conversation. A subtle smile crossed his lips. Lord Lin was indeed someone who knew how not to be taken advantage of. Anyone who tried to trip him up would get it right back.


    Chen Biching was grinding his teeth in fury. ¡®How did this scoundrel manage to get this far, to utter such outrageous words?¡¯ he thought. Suppressing his anger, he said, "Lord Lin, you and I both serve the Emperor. Our duty is to be loyal to the court and the nation. If everyone were as unambitious and evasive as you¡ª"


    ¡®To hell with you. I hate sanctimonious people like you who say one thing and mean another,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong, dismissing Minister Chen. Calmly, he said, "Eunuch Gao, wasn''t the Emperor''s instruction for you to escort me? Why have we stopped?"


    "Yes, yes," replied Eunuch Gao, ever so astute. Sensing Minister Chen''s disapproval of Lord Lin, he knew better than to stick around. With a wave of his hand, the pnquin bearers lifted Lin Wanrong and proceeded on their way.


    Chen Biching stood there, bbergasted. Seldom had he encountered someone like Lin Wanrong in the bureaucratic circles¡ªsomeone so forthright that they didn''t give a damn about saving face.


    Two ministers on a joint case, yet not even a few words were exchanged before negotiations copsed¡ªa rarity indeed. Lin Wanrong, however, was unfazed. While Minster Chen may have appeared grandiose to others, Lord Lin knew he must be more anxious about the case than himself. After all, Minister Chen sought promotions through his work, whereas Lord Lin was neither hungry for rank nor wealth and acted merely out of goodwill. Who could outdo him?


    Sure enough, Minister Chen''s pnquin hurriedly caught up with them. His face was ashen, teeth clenched. "Lord Lin, my earlier words were ill-considered. I hope you''ll overlook them. Please understand my difficulties and discuss the case with me."


    "My, my, Lord Chen, you''re too modest," Lin Wanrong said, chuckling under his breath at the man''s change in demeanor. "I, too, wish to resolve this case properly. Otherwise, I wouldn''t be doing justice to your concerns."


    Minister Chen gritted his teeth and remained silent. Lowering his voice, Lin Wanrong grinned, "Lord Chen, there is something I''d like to confirm with you."


    "Speak," Minister Chen replied.


    Lin Wanrong nodded and sighed, "Rumors have it that Gu Bingyan is your cousin. Is that true?"


    ¡®Everyone in the court knows that, don''t they?¡¯ thought Minister Chen, infuriated by Lord Lin''s sly appearance. He snorted, "What you said is true. Bingyan is indeed my cousin. But what does this have to do with the case?"


    "Oh, nothing much," Lord Lin said, his smile skin-deep. "Today, my residence was besieged by a few ignorant schrs who even engaged in looting. I couldn''t help myself, so I detained a couple of them and casually interrogated them¡ª"


    "What did you find out?" Minster Chen asked, rmed.


    Lin Wanrong waved his hand dismissively, "Oh, just some random things. You know me, I''m usually easy-going. But unfortunately, I have two princesses at home, and they are rather... militant in their views. Of course, this should have nothing to do with Brother Bingyan. It''s just that I''ve heard he''s quite influential among the schrs. So, Lord Chen, if you happen to meet your cousin, please ask him to mediate. Ah, if the Emperor decides to investigate this¡ªwell, I really wouldn''t want to see that daye."


    Chen Biqing''s face turned pale; he fell silent.


    After that, Lin Wanrong pondered about the royal mansion, wondering if Gao Qiu had made any progress. He dared not actually go home to sleep. He instructed his pnquin bearers to head straight for the royal mansion, with Chen Biqing closely following behind.


    Before they even approached the royal mansion, they saw troops patrolling in formation, a security perimeter established within a two-mile radius¡ªno entry, no exit, the level of security was tight. Once inside the royal mansion, they were even more taken aback: thousands of soldiers maintained their formation as they thoroughly searched every corner of the premises.


    "Brother Lin, you''re back?" Gao Qiu rushed over upon receiving word, his face visibly worn. Seeing his expression, Lin Wanrong knew that the search had not yielded anything promising.


    Chen Biqing surveyed the scene, his brows tightly furrowed, "Lord Lin, what are you doing? This is a royal mansion; how could you let soldiers rampage through it so recklessly?"


    Lord Lin spread his hands, "Unless Lord Chen has a better idea? If so, I''ll happily go home and sleep."


    The audacity! Faced with Lord Lin''s unscrupulous tactics, Chen Biqing felt helpless. "Lord Lin, even the Emperor has not yet pronounced judgment on the Prince''s actions. Acting so rashly might give people grounds for criticism."


    Gao Qiu sneered disdainfully at these supposed words of wisdom. Lin Wanrong shrugged and smiled, "Lord Chen, are you implying that I''ve convicted the Prince? These soldiers are here to search for him. If you have a better n, I won''t stop you."


    Chen Biqing huffed, "If Lord Lin is so confident, who am I to interfere? I''ll take a look around the premises and await your good news."


    With a few attendants in tow, Chen Biqing headed deeper into the royal mansion. Watching his retreating figure, Gao Qiu muttered menacingly, "Brother Lin, what kind of trouble-making official did this guy turn out to be? Should I have my men tie him up?"


    ¡®Dammit, Brother Gao''s more of a bandit than I am,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong,ughing heartily. "Why tie him up? The old man is still waiting for him to uncover the ''actual truth.'' So, Brother Gao, did you find anything?"


    Gao Qiu spat softly and dejectedly said, "Brother Lin, you see the scene. Over a thousand brothers have turned this royal mansion upside down, and we didn''t even find a yellow pair of underpants. It''s truly bizarre!"


    Lin Wanrong responded gravely, "Brother Gao, are you certain those two guards entered the royal mansion and never left?"


    "My life''s at stake on it!" Gao Qiu dered confidently, "We have sealed off two miles around this area so tightly that not even a fly could get out. Dammit, did they fly away or vanish into thin air?"


    "Don''t panic," Lin Wanrong patted Gao Qiu on the shoulder. His own anxiety was far greater than Gao Qiu''s, but he couldn''t show it. "As long as they''re hiding here, we will find a way to flush them out. Brother Gao, take me inside to have a look."


    Gao Qiu nodded, pushing Lin Wanrong''s wheelchair as they entered.


    A great fire had long ago altered the appearance of the royal mansion. The air was filled with a choking smog, the gardens were deste, and the flowers were withered. All the past grandeur was gone. The enormous waterwheel, brought from Yunnan by Prince Cheng, was still turning slowly. The golden dragon root carving¡ªemzoned with "Dragon Trapped in Shallow Waters"¡ªstill stood in the distance. Yet the circumstances within these gardens had already changed beyond recognition.


    In stark contrast to the grandeur of the past, with its goldennterns, zed cups, wine, and numerous attendants, the present-day decline and disrepair were all too ring.


    "What are you looking at, Brother Lin?" Seeing Lin Wanrong lost in thought as he stared at a clean side room, Gao Qiu quickly tugged on his sleeve.


    "Nothing, just reminiscing about the past," Lin Wanrong replied, a hint of nostalgia shing in his eyes. He gently pushed open the door to the room. It was as neat as ever, with a fine table standing quietly in a corner. The silk quilt on the bed was soft, a faint fragrance still lingering in the air, unchanged from that night so long ago.


    "Make haste, you can''t mess this up. Think about Xian''er¡ª"


    "Don''t call me Master Sister¡ª"


    "My Lord, go slow, you''re tearing me apart¡ª"


    Whispers of moans and groans seemed to float back to him, as if he had returned to that exact scene. An Biru''s seductive face subtly floated into his view.


    "Sister An, don''t go¡ª" Lord Lin''s eyes brimmed with tears as he grabbed An Biru''s small hand.


    "Let go of me¡ª" Sister An cried out urgently.


    Lord Lin tightened his grip, "Even if it kills me, I won''t let go. Sister,e back, I miss you so much¡ª"


    "Brother Lin, I beg you, let go of me¡ª" Gao Qiu, full of goosebumps, pleaded, "I have someone else now¡ª"


    Startled by the raspy voice, Lord Lin looked closely and found no Sister An but was instead tightly grasping Gao Qiu''s bark-like hand, nearly tearing off his skin.


    "Brother Gao, what are you doing hiding here? Trying to take advantage of me?" Lord Lin quickly let go of Gao Qiu''s sleeve, his body breaking out in a cold sweat.


    "Brother Lin, are you delusional? What Sister An? This is the royal mansion!"


    "Never mind, never mind," Lord Lin wiped the sweat from his forehead, sighing deeply, and sternly said, "Brother Gao, nobody touches anything in this room. Anybody who does will lose their head!"


    "Yes, yes," Gao Qiu nodded. Noticing the redness around Brother Lin''s eyes, he whispered, "Don''t worry, Brother Lin. Your affairs outside the home will die with me. Your wives will never know."


    That scoundrel Gao! Lord Lin cursed silently and hurriedly left the room. As soon as he stepped out, he arrived at the mansion''s backyard, and the scene before him took him aback.


    The backyard was immensely vast, surrounded by walls that enclosed a clearke stretching across several acres. There were pavilions and towers on theke, willows surrounding wooden boats. A gentle breeze made the green waves ripple; it was incredibly charming.


    Lin Wanrong had never been to the royal mansion''s backyard before. The green hills and clear waters caught his eye. Indeed, the prince knew how to enjoy life. His expression suddenly tightened, "Brother Gao, have you searched theke?!"


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 Chapter 492

    Chapter 492 The Master of Artillery


    Gao Qiu nodded, "Do I even need you to tell me? I''ve searched every nook and cranny of this ce¡ªthe small bridges, flowing streams, pavilions, and towers. I''ve even sent dozens of skilled men to explore beneath theke. Unfortunately, despite the vast waters, we found nothing. As for other areas within the estate, there''s not much left to do except dig up the ground three feet deep."


    Upon hearing this, Lin Wanrong let out a sigh and felt a great sense of disappointment. Had he guessed wrong? Was Prince Cheng not hiding here at all? But what about the two royal guards who had mysteriously vanished?


    Before him, theke shimmered in the sunlight, and a few agile water birds skimmed the surface as they flew swiftly. It was a picturesque scene, but Lin Wanrong couldn''t shake off his gloom. They walked along the pavilion and soon arrived at a tower not far from theke''s edge. Standing in shallow water, the tower was exquisitely designed, with carved railings, flying eaves, and golden bricks and tiles. The walls were adorned with various engravings of golden dragons, creating a spectacle of opulence.


    "A mountain is not high if it houses a fairy; a body of water is not deep if it contains a dragon¡ªwhat arrogance," Gao Qiu grumbled, halting his wheelchair in the middle of the pavilion. He looked around discontentedly.


    "What were you just saying?" Lin Wanrong asked, intrigued.


    "Look, Brother Lin, over there." Gao Qiu pointed at the pirs on either side, whererge golden characters were engraved in a majestic, mboyant style¡ªexactly the lines of the poem Gao Qiu had just muttered.


    "Who wrote this poem, Brother Gao?" Lin Wanrong was curious. "It seems like beautiful things transcend worlds. When I was in Hangzhou, I encountered a verse from Su Dongpo, and today I see this timeless line. Could it be true that beauty is universal?" He felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity.


    Gao Qiu chuckled, "Some guy with thest name Liu from a few dynasties ago wrote it. Something about praising a lousy house. Poetry is not my forte, Brother Lin. If you want to know more, I can find a schr to exin it to you.""What lousy house? It''s called ''Inscription of My Humble Home''!" Lin Wanrong found this amusing, yet it was already quite an achievement for Gao Qiu to remember those lines.


    Gao Qiu grinned, "Look at these characters; they''re probably penned by the Prince himself. Given the arrogance, you can''t tell me he doesn''t have ulterior motives."


    "A mountain is not high if it houses a fairy; a body of water is not deep if it contains a dragon¡ª" Lin Wanrong seemed not to hear him. He stared at the golden characters and muttered, "Water is not deep if it contains a dragon, if it contains a dragon¡ªAh, my brilliant Brother Gao!"


    Lin Wanrong was ecstatic, pping Gao Qiu on the back, startling him, "What''s gotten into you, Brother Lin?"


    "What a line¡ª''A body of water is not deep if it contains a dragon''! Brother Gao, you are the smartest man in the world; I admire you!" Lin Wanrong was beside himself, his face glowing and his demeanor exhrated.


    Gao Qiu was bewildered, "Brother Lin, don''t tter me. I''m hardly the smartest in front of you¡ªsecond ce, maybe. Did you figure something out?"


    Lin Wanrong snorted and said, "Brother Gao, based on your experience, was thiske in the royal mansion naturally formed, or was it dug out by human effortter?"


    "I''d have to consult the mansion''s records for that," Gao Qiu replied with an air of seriousness. He waved his hand to summon a guard and gave him a few instructions. In a short while, the guard returned with a small book. Gao Qiu flipped through a few pages and said, "ording to the records, this site was personally chosen by thete emperor. Theke already existed when the mansion was built¡ª"


    "So, it''s natural?" Lord Lin frowned slightly. "Did I guess wrong again?"


    "However," Gao Qiu continued reading, "the records state that the royal mansion underwent significant renovations about a decade ago. Theke''s area was nearly doubled¡ª"


    "Really?" Lin Wanrong''s face lit up. He snatched the book from Gao Qiu''s hands. "Let me see, let me see."


    The dense, traditional characters made his head ache, but Lord Lin persevered and read each one. Just as Gao Qiu had said, the mansion had been renovated a decade ago, and theke had been expanded by more than double. This matched almost perfectly with what he had expected. Lin Wanrongughed heartily and tossed the book back to Gao Qiu. "Brother Gao, say no more. If this case is solved, the greatest credit goes to you. Now, do me a favor¡ªdrain thiske within a day, and leave not a single drop."


    Gao Qiu drew a sharp breath and said with a worried face, "Brother Lin, how can I possibly drain so much water in just one day? Where would it go?"


    Indeed, where could it go? Lord Lin pondered, even if he were to mobilize all his troops to dig canals, a day wouldn''t be enough.


    "It''s difficult, so difficult," Lord Lin sighed twice. As the sun set and a cold breeze began to blow over theke, he shivered involuntarily, unable to think of a solution. §²?


    "My Dear¡ª" Just when he was lost in thought, a soft call broke the silence. He looked up to see Xiao Qingxuan, dressed in a simple gown, her eyes like a painting, standing quietly beside him. Her slightly protruding belly was elegantly concealed under her white dress, exuding an indescribable harmony and beauty.


    "Qingxuan, what brings you here?" Seeing Miss Xiao enveloped in the dim glow of twilight, her face tinged with a light blush and her delicate body frail as a willow, Lin Wanrong grew anxious and grabbed her hand tightly. "The wind is strong here; don''t catch a cold, especially for the sake of our son!"


    "I''m not as fragile as you make it sound," she replied as a guard brought over a cushioned stool for her to sit beside him. She then took out a white porcin jar from her small basket and chided, "Don''t forget, I beat you soundly back in Jinling."


    "Yes, yes, soundly indeed," Lin Wanrong chuckled at the memory, and Xiao Qingxuan''s face flushed charmingly.


    "This is freshly cooked pear and fritiry soup. It contains premium thousand-year-old ginseng, good for invigorating the blood and clearing heat. Have some," she said, handing him the porcin bowl. The handle was still warm. It turned out that she had a small stove in her basket, keeping the bowl warm all the way here.


    Lin Wanrong gulped down several mouthfuls of the pear and ginseng soup, so overwhelmed with gratitude that he hardly noticed the scalding heat.


    Xiao Qingxuan quickly took out a pristine white silk handkerchief and delicately wiped away the soup from the corners of his mouth. "You fool, no one''speting with you for it. Why are you in such a rush?"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly, draining thest of the soup from the bowl and smacking his lips in contentment. Xiao Qingxuan found it amusing and lightly tapped him on the nose, saying, "You really are a bull devouring peonies. This soup took a lot of effort to make. Madam Xiao spent two hours teaching Qiaoqiao how to perfect it, and it simmered for a whole day to attain this vor. You''ve squandered it."


    "But isn''t the point of cooking it for me to eat?" Lin Wanrong replied with augh. "Madam Xiao is very thoughtful to have taught all these culinary skills to Qiaoqiao."


    Xiao Qingxuan sighed softly, shaking her head. "She did this because she''s going back to Jinling. She''s concerned about your recovery, so she taught all her culinary skills to Qiaoqiao. She even instructed her in many finer points of taking care of people, details I wouldn''t even have thought of. Madam Xiao''s sense of gratitude is quite profound."


    "Of course, of course, after all, it was a life I risked to save her," Lin Wanrong said with a heartyugh, not showing the least bit of shame. "By the way, when is Madam Xiao leaving?"


    "The departure is set for the morning after next. We couldn''t persuade her otherwise. Madam Xiao is truly a woman of indomitable spirit! The Eldest Miss definitely inherits her disposition," Xiao Qingxuan said, a hint of regret in her voice.


    ¡®So she¡¯s leaving the day after tomorrow, and Madam Xiao didn¡¯t even notify me! Did I save the wrong person?¡¯ Lin Wanrong grunted and fell silent, feeling slightly irked.


    Seeing his lowered spirits, Xiao Qingxuan tightened her grip on his hand and softly said, "All feasts must end, and if Madam Xiao wishes to return to Jinling, we can''t hold her back. How about we go to Jinling to visit once you return from the northern campaign? Would you like that?"


    "Of course, I''d love to," Lin Wanrong quickly nodded, boasting, "Jinling is where I started to make my name, and it''s also where I conquered you¡ª"


    "Conquered? What nonsense! You brat!" Xiao Qingxuan yfully scolded, her face turning pink. She was both annoyed and amused.


    "My Dear, I heard from Commander Gao that you intend to drain thiske?" Their sweet moment over, Xiao Qingxuan shifted to a more serious tone.


    Lin Wanrong hummed in agreement, letting out a sigh of frustration. "It''s easier to shake the heavens than to drain a dike. How could draining such arge body of water be simple?"


    Xiao Qingxuan was silent for a moment before breaking into a mysterious smile. "Why would you want to drain such a beautifulke? I find it quite pleasing to look at."


    "Ah, so Qingxuan likes it too," Lin Wanrong responded earnestly, nodding his head. "That settles it. Tomorrow, we''ll have arge swimming pool built in our backyard. You and your sisters can swim whenever you like¡ªwear less clothing to reduce water resistance and increase my motivation¡ª"


    "Ugh, you!" Xiao Qingxuan''s face flushed crimson. "What do you think about all day? Your mind wanders so much, no wonder you''re bing increasingly foolish!"


    "Foolish? How am I foolish?" Master Lin protested.


    "Still denying it?" Qingxuan said with a smile, "Only you would think of such a clumsy way to drain the water. Haven''t you ever heard of the idiom ''a bird startled by the mere twang of a bow''?"


    "A bird startled by the mere twang of a bow?" A sh of insight crossed Master Lin''s mind. With a swift peck on Miss Xiao''s rosy cheek, he eximed, "Ah, how could I overlook such a method? People say that beauty and brains don''t go hand in hand, but you, Qingxuan, you''re different. Your wit is as remarkable as your beauty; I''m absolutely smitten!"


    "What nonsense are you talking about?!" Flustered by her husband''s cheekypliments, Qingxuan covered her cheeks with both hands. Luckily, they were alone; if anyone had heard such intimate dialogue, she would have wanted to crawl into a hole.


    "It''s been a while since we''ve, you know," Master Lin snuggled into her embrace, pressing against her soft bosom, "Let me feel you¡ªoh, even bigger than Ning''er''s¡ª"


    Before she knew it, a few pinches from him left her weak, her face flushed like fire. Seeing her husband act like a child, ying around in her arms, Xiao Qingxuan felt her heart soften. Being with him always brought new joys and made her irresistibly happy.


    "What are you trying to do? Haven''t you had enough fun with Ning''er today?" She struggled as he started unbuttoning her top. Although she indulged him, she knew his nature. If she allowed his mischief, he''d never recover from his injuries.


    Master Lin was a man with many wives, but none he respected more than Xiao Qingxuan. Withdrawing his hand, he chuckled, "I wasn''t being mischievous. It''s just natural attraction, the highest level of mutual love. Every moment with you is the happiest time in the world¡ª"


    Xiao Qingxuan felt overwhelmed. She had been tempted by his sweet talk more than once or twice and always found it delightful. If things continued this way, she feared she would follow in Ning''er''s footsteps.


    "Stop it, you tterer," her voice softened against her will, "Hurry and get your work done, thene home. Your wives are waiting for you."


    "Yes, yes." Master Lin found her as enchanting as a fairy. Her stunning beauty turned him weak, and he nodded his agreement, wishing he could fall into her soft bosom and never wake up.


    "Master Lin, Master Lin, the princess has left!" Noticing Master Lin gazing lustfully at the direction in which Xiao Qingxuan had disappeared, saliva dribbling down his chin, Commander Gao couldn''t bear it and rushed over to shake him.


    "Oh, really?" Master Lin wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth, his face a bit embarrassed. ¡®I must be getting worse with age, drooling over my own wife. But then again, Qingxuan does have a devilish figure; she could hold her own against Sister An and Fairy Ning.¡¯


    Seeing Master Lin drifting off again, Commander Gao urgently added, "Master Lin, wake up, have you thought of a solution?!"


    "A solution? Ah," Lord Lin''s expression turned serious. "Brother GAo, go issue a notice for me."


    "A notice? What kind of notice?"


    Lord Lin chuckled. "Say thatst night, there was a great fire. In the pond behind the royal pce, arge stash of hidden jewels was found. Following the principle of ''acquired from the people, used for the people,'' and with the Emperor''s grace, we are openly seeking skilled divers to excavate the jewels. Three-tenths of the find will be given as a reward to those who contribute."


    "Huh?" Gao Qiu was dumbfounded. "Brother Lin, once this notice is issued, won''t the secret of thiske bemon knowledge?"


    "So be it. Let everyone get rich together," Lord Lin said, grinning sinisterly. "Also, make it clear that the digging is to take ce only tomorrow. Any attempts after that will be invalid."


    "And what if someone actually finds something but decides to embezzle it?" Gao Qiu was very thorough in his considerations.


    "Embezzle?" Lord Lin chuckled. "I hope they do! I''d like them to turn over every inch of thekebed for me. The more gold and silver found, the better."


    "I get it! This is driven by self-interest!" Gao Qiu''s eyes lit up, and he gave a sincere thumbs-up. "Lord Lin, among all the people in the world, you are the most cunning¡ª I''ll go take care of it right away!"


    "Hold on, hold on¡ª" As Gao Qiu was about to leave, Lin Wanrongughed. "Don''t rush. I haven''t finished yet. Gather our brothers and have them divert some water. If they find silver in theke, it will be theirs. We can''t show favoritism, can we? Also, bring a few cannons¡ª"


    "Cannons? What for?" Gao Qiu was shocked.


    "Nothing much," Lord Lin said with a faint smile. "In our free time, we can fire a few shots at theke, perhaps to hunt some waterfowl."


    "Hunting waterfowl with cannons?" Gao Qiu waspletely convinced. With many men under hismand and a knack for efficiency, it didn''t take long before hundreds of notices were posted and new cannons were brought in.


    Imperial Censor Chen Biqing arrived upon hearing the news and was taken aback by the four cannons lined up, their dark barrels shimmering ominously.


    "Lord Lin, what are you doing?" Although Chen Biqing held a high position, he had never seen such a spectacle.


    "Are you asking me?" Lin Wanrong replied with a smile. "Oh, I noticed that our brothers have been working hard, so I thought I''d shoot some waterfowl to add to their meals. Lord Chen, do you prefer them grilled or roasted?"


    "Lord Lin, this is the royal mansion!" Chen Biqing was so furious that his beard trembled. "How can you act so recklessly? Is there now left?"


    Lord Lin remainedposed, cranked the cannon a few times, and shook his head. "You''re overthinking it, Lord Chen. Does shooting a couple of wild birds at the royal mansion really break thew?"


    Lord Lin personally took aim to shoot the birds, making Gao Qiu break out in a cold sweat. If something were to happen to Lord Lin, Gao Qiu knew he would be irrevocably doomed. "Be careful, Lord Lin," he advised nervously.


    "Don''t worry; I''m an expert cannoneer!" [It has a modern double meaning, master of sex] Just as Lord Lin''s words left his lips, a loud boom resounded, and a massive wave surged in the distant water.


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!

 Chapter 493

    Chapter 493 Treasure Hunting


    Lord Lin fired a cannon without warning, the thunderous explosion nearly rupturing everyone''s eardrums. Lord Chen let out a frightened scream, quickly covering his ears, his legs trembling. "Lord Lin, how dare you fire a cannon within the royal mansion! You''re audacious¡ª"


    Far away, the surface of the water surged with gigantic waves. Beautiful sshes slowly meandered in all directions before disappearing. Lin Wanrong appearedpletely unfazed, as if he hadn''t heard Lord Chen''s words. He chuckled smugly, "Brother Gao, how did I do with that shot?"


    "Excellent, truly excellent¡ª" Gao Qiu gave a thumbs-up: "I''ve lived for many years and never have I seen anyone shoot as well as you. This shot was powerful and shook the heavens. Brother Lin, you are indeed brilliant and unparalleled in valor¡ª"


    "What valor?" Seeing Gao Qiu excessively ttering him, Lin Wanrong patted the dark cannon barrel andughed, "The waterfowl flew too fast; I intended to shoot its behind, but I miscalcted and didn''t even hit a feather. Ah, skills do rust without practice; seems like I''ll have to find time to practice my cannon shooting more."


    The two menughed and talked,pletely ignoring Chen Biqing. Gao Qiu was the chief of the pce guards and a man close to the Emperor. Why would he be afraid of a mere Imperial Censor?


    Lord Lin randomly fired several more shots into theke. Waterfowl scattered, waves roared, and dozens of white fish belly-up floated to the surface.


    Gao Qiu sighed in admiration, "Lord Lin, you care for your soldiers like a father, personally firing cannons to catch fish for them. If this story gets out, it will surely be another splendid tale."


    Having seen shameless people before, Chen Biqing couldn''t bear it anymore: "Lord Lin, this royal mansion was personally chosen by thete Emperor as an auspicious ce. You disregard thete Emperor''s kindness by firing cannons within the mansion. How could you be so disrespectful? I will certainly report you to His Majesty¡ª""Would you give it a rest, Lord Chen?" Lin Wanrong made a sour face, "Every day you talk about reporting this and that; I''m worried for you. Can''t you do something else? Go home, hug your wife, y with your concubines; anything''s better than this!"


    Vulgar! Despicable! Chen Biqing was about to speak when Gao Qiu interjected with a strange tone, "Brother Lin, you don''t understand. Lord Chen is specialized in writing petitions. Moreover, ying with one''s own concubines never brings any novelty. Tormenting others is far more satisfying. Right, Lord Chen? Ha ha¡ª"


    Feeling ridiculed by the two, Chen Biqing was about to explode, but he remembered what the Emperor had told him before leaving. Reporting Lord Lin would likely be fruitless. Moreover, he was relying on Lord Lin for the investigation of Prince Cheng''s case, so Lord Chen swallowed his anger with a grunt.


    As soon as the announcement was posted, news of the royal mansion''s treasure hunt spread like wildfire throughout the city.


    The Emperor was recruiting people for a treasure hunt and promised a generous reward of thirty percent. This was an unheard-of good fortune, leaving the public both intrigued and skeptical. Later, soldiers "identally" leaked insider information that the person in charge of this treasure hunt was the highly regardedmoner-hero, Lord Lin. His deeds had long beenpiled into books and widely disseminated; naturally, there wouldn''t be any questions about his character.


    With the allure of the gold-lettered sign, everyone was reassured. Within a short span of time, hundreds had already gathered at Gao Qiu''s ce to register, with the number of arrivals continuing to grow unabated.


    Lin Wanrong, aware that time was of the essence, chose to stay at the royal mansion. Gao Qiu, perceptive as always, personally escorted Mr. Lin to the chamber once upied by Sister An. "Brother Lin, I see you have taken quite a liking to this room. How about this? I''ll send word to thedies at your residence that you''ll be tending to official matters here tonight. Does that sound alright to you?"


    ¡®Gao Qiu truly knows how to get things done,¡¯ thought Lin Wanrong. He chuckled, waving his hand to send Gao Qiu off to make the arrangements.


    Lying on the soft bed, he was enveloped by a faint, pleasant aroma, as if Sister An''s warmth lingered in the room. Memories of their intimate night came flooding back¡ªevery smile, every frown of hers vividly ying out before his eyes. He wondered if she, now living a luxurious life in Miao Vige, even remembered him. Torn between joy and sorrow, Lin Wanrong grabbed the soft nket, imagining it was Sister An''s silky skin, and roughly kneaded it. "I pinch, I touch, I pinch and touch..."


    Finally tiring of fantasizing about Sister An, he fell into a restless sleep. He didn''t know how much time had passed when he suddenly felt a gentle breath near his ear. "Husband, Husband¡ª"


    Startled awake, he saw Miss Qin smiling at the bedside, blinking at him.


    Lin Wanrong grabbed her hand. "Xian''er, where have you been? I didn''t see you when I came back this afternoon!"


    "I''m not telling you." Xian''er giggled, tapping him on the nose. "Husband, it''s time to change the dressing."


    "Oh!" Lin Wanrong sighed resignedly. These bone injuries were indeed troublesome; the externally applied salve couldn''t be neglected and had to be changed every few hours.


    Qin Xian''er took out a small bottle from her chest and slowly removed the cork, releasing a unique, mild fragrance. It was neither the scent of herbs nor flowers, yet it was incredibly soothing. She opened his clothes and applied some of the medicine onto his leg. Lin Wanrong felt a wave of coolness prating deep into his bones, making him sigh in relief. "Xian''er, where did you get this miraculous potion? It looks and smells so different from what Qingxuan uses."


    Qin Xian''er smiled proudly. "Well, of course. This potion is incredibly magical, it''s from the Miao¡ª"


    "Miao? Miao what?" Lin Wanrong looked at her, intrigued.


    Qin Xian¡¯er hurriedly corrected herself. "This medicine is made from herbs collected from the Great Snow Mountain behind the temple, so naturally, it''s different. ording to my Mast¡ªuh, ording to those who''ve tried it, you''ll be able to walk in less than ten days. Husband, what do you think?"


    "What temple has a Great Snow Mountain behind it?" Seeing Xian''er stammer, Lin Wanrong chuckled dismissively. "No need tofort me about being able to walk in ten days. Qingxuan said the same thing when she applied her salve. In my view, when you sisters say I''ll be able to walk in ten days, you probably mean I''ll have to crawl!"


    "How annoying," Xian''er giggled, giving him a yful re. "If you don''t believe me, don''t you even trust my Mast¡ªtrust others?"


    "Fine, fine, I believe you," Lin Wanrong said with augh as he pulled her beside him andy down. "Xian''er, your timing is perfect. Come, lie with me for a while."


    Xian''er hummed in agreement and slowly nestled into his arms. Suddenly, as if recalling something, she hastily raised her head and asked, "Husband, did you favor that little demon Luo Ning earlier?"


    "Ah, that... I don''t remember," Lord Lin hastily tried to brush it off.


    Qin Xian¡¯er''s expression turned stern: "Husband, you are gravely injured and weak. If you recklessly expend your vitality, you risk further harm. This is no trifling matter."


    Lord Lin broke into a cold sweat. "Yes, yes, Qingxuan has already admonished me. I will be careful from now on. Xian''er, I didn''t know you understood these things!"


    "Of course!" Qin Xian''er giggled, hugging his neck and burrowing further into his arms.


    As Lin Wanrong took in the faint fragrance wafting off Xian''er, he was reminded of a passionate night he had spent there with Sister An. Despite trying, he couldn''t fall asleep. He gently caressed Xian''er''s smooth arm, sighing, "Xian''er, there''s something I must tell you. Otherwise, I won''t be able to ease my conscience. The truth is, Sister An and I have a little secret¡ªXian''er, Xian''er¡ª"


    He nudged Qin Xian''er lightly, only to find her breathing even, with a sweet smile on her lips, already lost in her dreams.


    The next morning, Gao Qiu was shirtless, sshing about in theke when he heard someone p andugh. "Brother Gao, good morning! So you''re swimming this early?"


    Gao Qiu looked up and saw Lin Wanrong seated in a wheelchair, his eyes bloodshot and looking drained, clearly having had a restless night. Behind him, Princess Nishang looked radiant and full of life, like a celestial nymph.


    Gao Qiu wondered if Lord Lin had been subjected to the princess''s ''wiles''st night. ¡®Poor man, down to four limbs from five,¡¯ he thought sympathetically. Treading carefully, he asked, "Brother Lin, are you alright?"


    "What could be wrong with me?" Lord Lin, oblivious to Gao Qiu''s thoughts, chuckled at the sight of Gao Qiu''sical doggy-paddle. "Brother Gao, your swimming style is indeed unique."


    Gao Qiuughed heartily. "Don''t mock me, brother. I was born in Cangzhou, andlocked area. Today is my first time swimming. Look, these skilled swimmers are all here because of you. I''m just learning from them."


    He gestured towards the shoreline, where hundreds had already gathered, their skin tanned and shirtless. When Lin Wanrong''s gaze swept over them, they all saluted in unison, "Greetings, Lord Lin!"


    "Ah, good, good," Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled. "Thank you for your hard work, brothers. I didn''t expect so many of you toe. But rest assured, if I''ve promised you a share of the treasure, you will have it."


    Seeing Lord Lin''s magnanimity, the faces of the hundreds present lit up with joy. Lin Wanrong smiled and continued, "The specific requirements and rewards have already been made clear in the announcement, so I won''t repeat them. All I ask is that you search thoroughly once underwater. Report anything unusual immediately. If we let even a single silver coin slip through our fingers¡ªwell, that would be a real shame."


    Upon hearing Master Lin''s alluring words, each and every one of the underwater experts had their eyes sparkling with anticipation, as if they couldn''t wait to dig up every single underwater grass and mud in theke.


    Theke itself wasn''t veryrge, but there were a good five to six hundred people assembled to seek treasures. With this many people diving in, overturning theke wouldn''t be a challenge at all.


    "Alright, time is of the essence. Enough chit-chat," Lord Lin said, waving his hand and chuckling heartily. "Brother Gao, please arrange for a few strong men to take a preliminary feel and test the waters, just to see if I, Lord Lin, have been lying."


    A preliminary feel? What did that mean? The crowd was puzzled, and even Qin Xian''er couldn''t grasp his intentions. "Husband, what do you mean by ''a preliminary feel''? What scheme are you concocting now?"


    "Just like this¡ª" Seizing a moment when no one was looking, Lord Lin sneakily pinched Qin Xian''er''s bottom and lewdly chuckled, "This is what I call a ''preliminary feel.''"


    "You!" Qin Xian''er blushed and scolded him softly.


    Meanwhile, Gao Qiu had already taken action. He demarcated various areas in theke with colorful ropes, forming grids of simr sizes. Then he divided the treasure seekers into teams, each responsible for excavating within their designated grid. The arrangement was fair, and everyone was satisfied.


    Gao Qiu picked a few random teams and selected one person from each, gathering around seven or eight people. He instructed them to stand in their allocated grids and then, clearing his throat, announced loudly, "What do we mean by a ''preliminary feel''? Master Lin has already mentioned that thiske hides treasures. Once found, thirty percent will belong to everyone. Now, I know some of you may doubt this, thinking that ''man does not live by pie in the sky.'' But today, Master Lin is going to prove just that. These brave souls have been randomly selected¡ªso let''s find out if there''s any pie after all!"


    The crowd buzzed with anticipation. Gao Qiu grinned, "The auspicious time hase¡ªMaster Lin, please light the fuse!"


    Master Lin, his expression serious, lit the fuse with a torch. A loud boom resonated, and theke water erupted into a ssh.


    "Begin the ''preliminary feel!''" Master Lin eximed, and the selected divers plunged into the water, eager andpetitive.


    A momentary calm settled over theke, disturbed only by startled water birds that pped their wings. Those who remained above water held their breath, waiting for news from the underwater divers.


    "Husband, what are you up to?" Qin Xian''er twisted Master Lin''s arm, visibly annoyed.


    Master Lin shed a mysterious smile. "Patience, you''ll find out soon."


    Just as he finished speaking, a ssh broke the stillness as one of the divers emerged. Everyone''s anxious gaze immediately focused on him.


    The man lifted a small wooden box out of the water and announced, "Master, I found a silver box in the underwater silt."


    "Ah?" Master Lin was overjoyed, "Quickly check its contents!"


    Gao Qiu rowed a small boat over and took a quick nce before excitedly reporting, "Master Lin, this man has found a hundred taels of silver!"


    "Excellent!" Master Lin pped his thigh and burst intoughter. "ording to the rules, thirty taels of that silver will belong to this brave man."


    "Sir," another man emerged from the water, brimming with joy, "I''ve found twenty taels of gold¡ª"


    "I''ve found three pieces of agate¡ª"


    "I''ve found sixty taels of silver¡ª"


    One after another, good news poured in. Every man who had gone underwater came up with something, with the least finding a piece of silk fabric. It seemed that Master Lin''s promises had indeede true: thekebed was full of treasure. Those who remained on the surface grew impatient, their eyes pleading for Master Lin to give the signal.


    Master Lin straightened his expression and sternly dered, "Before you all dive, let me make one thing clear. You''ll get thirty percent of whatever you find. I''ve been generous, and I expect no less from you. Should anyone attempt to pocket any of these treasures illicitly, they will be considered as robbing the state treasury! And report immediately if you find anything unusual underwater. Understood?"


    "Understood!" With the motivation of personal gain, the men responded loudly.


    "Very well, the treasure hunt officially begins!" Master Lin waved his hand grandly, and the remaining hundreds of men plunged into the water like dumplings tossed into a pot, sending ripples across theke.


    "Brother Gao, how much silver did you send down?" Master Lin hastily inquired as Gao Qiu approached him.


    Gao Qiu replied, "Wasn''t it you who instructed to spread as much as possible? Considering the size of thiske, at least a thousand taels of silver would be needed. I also scattered some gold leaves, pearls that glow in the dark, and silk. In some spots, I even hid boxes of top-grade Bi Luo Chun tea and Longjing tea¡ª"


    Master Lin felt dizzy listening to Gao Qiu; the man had taken it too seriously, as if organizing a treasure appraisal event. "Brother Gao, just tell me, how much did we spend in total?"


    Gao Qiu counted on his fingers, "Around two thousand taels! Don''t worry, I had the Xiao family handle all the purchases. The old Zhao family in the east of the city also wanted the contract and promised me a ten percent kickback, but I sternly refused. We let the Xiao family make all the money and didn''t favor anyone else¡ª"


    Damn it, my two thousand taels are gone! Master Lin felt as if his flesh had been cut off. He grunted a few times without speaking.


    Qin Xian¡¯er suddenly realized, "Ah, I understand now. Husband, you were the one who threw the silver into theke¡ª"


    "Shh¡ª" Master Lin hurriedly nced around to see if anyone was watching, then grimaced, "Me, throw silver? Am I insane?! Xian''er, your husband is losing money on this venture, all for my future father-inw! Speaking of which, Brother Gao, how much budget did the Emperor give for this?"


    "Budget? It seems the Emperor never mentioned it!" Gao Qiu pondered, then added, "However, from my many years of experience serving in the pce, when you''re working for the Emperor, it''s always about picking the expensive over the economical. As for expenses¡ª it''s all reimbursement!"


    What a wonderful word, reimbursement, Master Lin thought cheerfully. He slowly raised three fingers, "Brother Gao, what did you say we''ve spent so far?!"


    "Two thousand, oh, no, three thousand¡ª"


    "Look again!" Master Lin waved his three fingers before Gao Qiu.


    "¡ªOh, no, that''s wrong, it''s thirty thousand! My, my memory! I clearly threw thirty thousand taels into theke!" Gao Qiu pped his palm and feigned a sudden realization.


    ¡®This old Gao is too crafty,¡¯ Master Lin thought, wishing he could give the man a good kick in the rear. "Brother Gao, one should be honest. How could you speak so carelessly? I clearly only used three times the two thousand taels¡ªjust six thousand taels!"


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 Chapter 494

    Chapter 494 The Discovery at the Bottom of the Lake


    "So it was actually 6,000 taels," Gao Qiu patted his own head, his face flushed with shame. "Look at my memory, how could I have mistakenly calcted an excess of more than 20,000 taels? Truly disgraceful. Brother Lin, you are a paragon of nobility and integrity, a role model for us all."


    Qin Xian''er couldn''t take it anymore. She red at Gao Qiu and snapped, "Commander Gao, are you pretending I don''t exist? We clearly spent only 2,000 taels, so why did you report 6,000 taels to my father? Do you not value your life?"


    Cold sweat streamed down Gao Qiu''s face. Not daring to talk back to the princess, he looked to Lord Lin for support.


    Unexpectedly, Lin Wanrongughed heartily. "Xian''er, how can you call this embezzlement? Commander Gao is not that kind of person! The truth is, we did throw 2,000 taels into theke, but that''s just the visible expense. There are other hidden costs, like transportation and overtime pay for Commander Gao¡¯s men¡ªthose things also cost money."


    Hearing his ridiculous exnation, Qin Xian''er burst intoughter. "Don''t lie to me. All those transportation andbor costs are already covered by the military provisions, which my father has already provided. They have nothing to do with the 6,000 taels."


    "Brilliant!" Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs-up. "But consider this, Xian''er. What''s a mere 6,000 taelspared to eliminating treasonous scum? This is a case of spending a little to achieve a lot. If it ensures the peace and security of the empire, not to mention 6,000 taels¡ªeven 60,000 or 600,000 taels would be eptable. And look at me¡ª" He waved his arms theatrically, pointing to the heavy bandages on his leg. "Your husband here is a disabled man who selflesslybors for the Emperor day and night. This smallbor fee doesn''t even cover my medical expenses!"


    Moved by his words, Qin Xian''er lowered her head in shame and gripped his hand tightly. "You''re right, my husband. You''re somitted that you don''t even take care of yourself. Taking a bit more money is justified. After all, my father¡¯s money will eventually be yours anyway. Commander Gao, as you said, report 30,000 taels. After deducting expenses, the rest will serve as my husband¡¯s hardship fee."


    Gao Qiu quickly agreed, utterly impressed by Brother Lin¡¯s ability to manage his wife."That''s uneptable," Lin Wanrong said, his tone turning serious. "Xian''er, as the saying goes, the world has its own righteous ways, and one should act with conscience. What belongs to me, I won''t be shortchanged a single cent; what doesn''t, I won¡¯t take. Commander Gao, only report 6,000 taels, not a cent more. After deducting expenses, distribute another 2,000 taels among your men. The remaining 2,000 may be insufficient, but it should barely cover my medical costs. Ah, is kindness a fault? If so, I am willing to err again and again!"


    He shook his head in sorrow. Touched, Qin Xian''er held his hand tightly. "My husband, you truly are the best person in the world. Don''t worry, my father''s money will all be yours someday."


    Lord Lin hummed twice, and Gao Qiu leaned into his ear, whispering, "Are you really only reporting six thousand taels? Brother Lin, this isn''t like you. How about I arrange for someone to renovate the garden at your residence, add that to the bill, and round it up to ten thousand taels?"


    "Are you a fool?!" Lord Lin shot Gao Qiu an annoyed nce while Qin Xian''er wasn''t paying attention. "One must be savvy. Considering the nature of what we''re doing, do you really think the Emperor will believe us if we report ten thousand taels? Wait for a big asion. The next time we fight the nomads, you can report a small fortune of a hundred thousand taels and recoup everything!"


    Gao Qiu felt a cold sweat running down his back. He was utterly convinced by Lord Lin, thinking to himself, ¡®No wonder Brother Lin has the princess tightly wrapped around his finger.¡¯


    The mist gradually dispersed, revealing a radiant sun that cast a faint golden glow over the water''s surface. The warm morning sun made everyone feelfortable and rxed. Divers, filled with vigor, surfaced from time to time, reporting they had found treasures of gold and silver. Of course, there were those less fortunate who searched underwater without finding anything. Watching others collect silver and jade made their frustration grow, driving them to work even harder. Spurred by this, the atmosphere at the site was incredibly heated.


    After finishing breakfast, a fair amount of silver was indeed brought up, but the item they were supposed to find still remained elusive.


    "I can''t stand this anymore!" Gao Qiu shoved thest bun into his mouth, ripped off his coat, and was about to dive in. "What if they''re so focused on the silver that they forget what they''re really supposed to be doing? I''ll go down and see."


    Enjoying a gentle shoulder massage from Xian''er, Lord Lin sighed contentedly. Shaking his head, he chuckled, "Brother Gao, you better stay put. With your dog-paddling skills, I''m afraid you''ll achieve nothing, and I''ll end up holding a memorial service for you." ?


    "What should we do then?" Gao Qiumented. "How long are we supposed to wait like this? The Emperor only gave us two days. We need to report back to him tomorrow morning."


    "Don''t worry, someone is even more anxious than us," Lord Lin gave a mysterious smile, then suddenly eximed, "Where''s Lord Chen? Why isn''t he here?"


    "No idea! Probably went back to write a memorial to the Emperor."


    "Writing a memorial, huh? Well, let him go ahead then," Lord Lin said, unconcerned.


    As the two men were conversing, a diver surfaced in the middle of theke, holding something in his hand and excitedly waving his arm, "My Lord, I''ve found it! I''ve found the treasure!"


    In the morning light, the object glittered with a dazzling gold. It was arge golden ring, of excellent quality and considerable weight, asrge as two adult palms.


    Gao Qiu lowered his voice and said to Lord Lin, "This team worked all morning and didn''t even touch a mud egg. Now, it seems their luck has turned. Damn it, I remember throwing a gold needle into this area myself. Howe they haven''t found it yet?"


    ¡®You old rascal!¡¯ Lord Lin shook his head disapprovingly and chuckled, "Brother Gao, these fellows are really serving you well. You throw in a gold needle, and they pick up a golden ring for you."


    "A gold ring? I''ve never thrown a gold ring into the water. How could they have found one?" Gao Qiu eximed in astonishment.


    Lin Wanrong looked puzzled for a moment, but then his face suddenly brightened. "My good man, bring it over quickly!" he waved frantically at the man who had found the ring.


    Once the man swam over and handed the gold ring to Lin Wanrong, he examined it closely. The ring was dazzlingly brilliant and of fine quality; traces of friction were visible on its band.


    "Where did you find this?" Lin Wanrong hastily inquired.


    The man respectfully replied, "Sir, I spotted it in a crevice between some chaotic rocks underwater. The ring was pinned down by severalrge stones. I''ve passed that area dozens of times, and had it not been for a glint of gold, I would havepletely missed it. The ring was embedded in arge stone, which was quite heavy. I had a hard time extracting it, so I brought it directly to you, sir."


    Embedded in a stone? Lin Wanrong and Gao Qiu exchanged nces, both eyes filled with excitement. "Can you find that ce again? Take me there immediately," Gao Qiumanded.


    The location was in the middle of theke, requiring a small boat to get there. Qin Xian''er carefully helped Lin Wanrong onto the boat, and they rowed towards the center of theke. Once there, Lin Wanrong took a bamboo pole and slowly lowered it into the water. The pole didn''t hit the bottom, indicating the great depth of theke.


    "Brother Gao, get some of the men who are good swimmers to go down with you," Lin Wanrong murmured. "Let''s see what exactly is beneath that stone!"


    "Understood," Gao Qiu signaled, and a group of well-prepared soldiers, all skilled in swimming, plunged into the water. In an instant, they were gone, leaving only ripples behind. Gao Qiu, despite hisck of swimming skills, called for assistance and followed suit.


    When the surface of theke finally calmed, Lin Wanrong stared intently at the gently rippling green water, his fists clenched.


    Seeing his serious expression, Qin Xian''er suddenly giggled, "Husband, do you remember the time you apanied the Eldest Miss boating on West Lake in Hangzhou?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "You mean the time you cut the red thread? Hehe, how could I forget? But let''s be clear, Xian''er, it wasn''t me apanying her; it was Xu Wei who wanted to meet his old lover and invited us onto the boat under the guise of having floral wine. Don''t mix up the story."


    Xian''erughed teasingly, "What about that time on Weishan Lake? Did you enjoy apanying me or my Master?"


    "W-what do you mean? Sis-Sister An and I, we didn''t¡ª¡± Lord Lin found himself stuttering as Qin Xian''er seemed to imply something.


    "Husband, why are you sweating so much?" Qin Xian''er cooed, seductively wiping the sweat from his face with her sleeve. "I know you were just fooling around with my Master. There are no little secrets between you two, right?"


    "Ah, well, little secrets¡ª" Lord Lin was lost for words, especially given the difference in the atmosphere from the night before.


    Qin Xian''er sighed softly, "Husband, are you thinking of my Master?"


    "I want to¡ªAh, no, that''s not what I mean¡ªI do miss her, just a little!" Lord Lin felt a chill run through him under Miss Qin''s prating gaze, and he had no choice but to lower his head.


    Miss Qin''s voice seemed to float from far away, ethereal and elusive. "What exactly do you miss about her? The times she hit you, teased you, mocked you?"


    The question was profound, and Lin Wanrong didn''t know how to answer. Seeing his silence, Miss Qin, both shy and annoyed, lightly tapped his forehead with her delicate finger. "You always go mute when you''re supposed to speak. No wonder my Master scolds you¡ª"


    "Sister An scolded me? What did she say?" Lord Lin immediately perked up at the mention.


    Miss Qin looked amused and rolled her eyes at him. "I won''t tell you. All desire, no courage. Look at you!"


    "All desire, no courage?" Lin Wanrong sighed, "Xian''er, once all the chaos surrounding me has settled, I will take you and Sister An to visit Weishan Lake again and relive those warm moments."


    Miss Qin nodded and smiled. "Wherever you go, I will follow. But persuading Master is another matter altogether. You know her temperament."


    "Yes, yes," Lin Wanrong wiped the sweat from his forehead, finding hidden meanings in Xian''er''s words that he wanted to ponder further.


    As he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard sshing noises. Several heads emerged from the water, belonging to the soldiers who had gone underwater for the investigation. Gao Qiu appearedst, his face flushed fromck of air. "Damn it, I almost suffocated!"


    ¡®You can barely swim; I''d be surprised if you didn''t,¡¯ Lin Wanrongughed. "Brother Gao, what did you find down there?"


    Gao Qiu wiped water from his cheeks and spat out some mud. "The stone with the gold ring weighs around 800 pounds; we couldn''t move it. However, we made another discovery¡ªthere are two characters carved on the stone!"


    "Stop beating around the bush, Brother Gao! What are the characters?" Lord Lin was so anxious he felt like jumping.


    "Dragon¡ªPce," Gao Qiu enunciated slowly, grinding his teeth.


    "Dragon Pce? Are you sure you didn¡¯t misread it?" Lin Wanrong asked nervously.


    "With my swimming skills, how could I see clearly?" Gao Qiu chuckled self-deprecatingly. "But these gentlemen here are like dragons in water; they saw it with their own eyes, it can''t be fake."


    Lord Lin''s eyes sharpened as he looked at the men, who quickly nodded in agreement.


    This is it! Lin Wanrong pped his palm with delight. "A Dragon Pce indeed! Brother Gao, send the news immediately. Tell everyone that we''ve found a Dragon Pce in theke behind the royal mansion. Spread the word as far and as quickly as possible¡ªlet everyone know, even the deaf should hear of it."


    Gao Qiu nodded; he was no stranger to the art of rumor-mongering under Lord Lin''s tutge.


    "Additionally," Lord Lin said with a sinister smile, "prepare a hundred pounds of explosives and ce them right at the entrance of this Dragon Pce. Damn it, I''ll set this Dragon Pce on fire. Let''s see how long this fake Dragon King can remain untroubled."


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 Chapter 495

    Chapter 495 The Big Fish Appears


    "nting explosives? Excellent, that will surely liven things up." Gao Qiu pped his hands in delight and quickly dispatched a few nimble underlings to spread rumors and prepare the explosives.


    Lin Wanrong nodded, then abruptly asked, "Brother Gao, how is the perimeter defense outside the city?"


    "Don''t you worry," Gao Qiu grinned. "Lord Xu is personally overseeing it. Following your instructions, we''ve scattered our formation. We''re just waiting for the big fish to take the bait."


    "Good!" Lord Lin chuckled and patted Gao Qiu on the shoulder. "Brother Gao, the glorious task of blowing up the Dragon Pce is entirely yours. Please give it your full attention."


    "You''re entrusting it to me?" Gao Qiu looked at him in confusion. "Brother Lin, are you saying you won''t be staying here? That won''t do. What if that Lord Chen tries to stop me? I wouldn''t be able to outwit him. I''d feel more secure if you stayed."


    Gao Qiu''s concerns were not unfounded. Although Lord Lin didn''t take Lord Chen seriously, Chen Biqing was not someone easily dealt with. Even if Gao Qiu wasn''t afraid of him, he was certainly no match for him in a battle of wits.


    After pondering for a moment, Lin Wanrong called for Xian''er to bring paper and brush. With mboyant strokes, he quickly wrote down a fewrge characters and handed them to Gao Qiu.


    Gao Qiu nced at the document. Lord Lin''s calligraphy was awkward but the message was strikingly clear: "All affairs of the mansion shall be handled by Gao Qiu. Anyone who dares to obstruct or disobey shall be arrested first and questionedter. Lin San, effective immediately.""Brother Gao, you don''t have to worry anymore. If anyone dares to obstruct you, proceed as I''ve instructed. I will take full responsibility for any consequences. Damn it, I refuse to believe there''s anyone bolder than me in this world," Lord Lin confidently dered.


    Gao Qiu thought about it and realized it was true. Better to offend the King of Hell than to cross Lin San. Those who had opposed Lord Lin never met good ends. Reassured, he tucked the document into his robe.


    As they left the mansion, Lin Wanrong appeared lost in thought. Noticing his silence, Qin Xian''er stopped the pnquin and softly asked, "Husband, where are we going now?"


    After contemting for a moment, Lin Wanrong grinned, "Xian''er, take a guess. What do you think your uncle Prince Cheng is doing right now?"


    Xian''er gave him a look. "How would I know? If you ask me, meeting you was his downfall. You''ve destroyed his base; what else can he do? His only option is to leave the city."


    "Smart, truly worthy of being my wife," Lin Wanrong gave her a thumbs-up and chuckled. "Now let me ask you, he has two choices. One is to flee north and join the nomads; the other is to go south to Fujian and collude with the Dongyin. If you were Prince Cheng, which would you choose?"


    Qin Xian''er furrowed her beautiful brows, deep in thought. As Lin Wanrong had said, Prince Cheng had lost his troops and was now utterly alone. If he fled, his only chance of survival would be to rely on a powerful faction. The nomads and the Dongyin were indeed hisst options in desperation.


    After contemting for a long time, Miss Qin finally spoke, "In my opinion, he will choose the nomads!"


    "Oh? And why is that?" Lin Wanrong asked, intrigued.


    "The reasons can be summed up in two points," Miss Qin began, her mind as sharp as a de. "Firstly, the nomads possess a strong military and sturdy horses, making them formidable in battle. They''ve long coveted our Great Hua, and now as both sides are in a standoff at the border, war is imminent. Should Prince Cheng flee to the nomad camp, he could potentially employ their military might to conquer the Central ins¡ªa path to fulfill his dreams most swiftly. On the other hand, thend of the Dongyin is narrow and their military strength is a hundred times weaker than that of the nomads. There''s no reason for him to abandon strength for weakness."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, his face wearing a smile. "Well reasoned. And the second point?"


    "The second point is that he has already revealed his intentions," Miss Qin continued. "Husband, do you remember what Xu Wei told you? The sudden attack on the southern camp the other night involving hundreds of his devoted followers? If Prince Cheng truly intended to join the Dongyin, given his cunning nature, he wouldn''t have rashly exposed his intentions. If we consider this sudden attack as a test of the defenses to the south, isn''t he telling us that he intends to go south? This is inconsistent with his character. Therefore, I boldly specte that this is a diversionary tactic¡ªhis real target must be the nomads in the north. Our focus should probably be on fortifying the northern part of the city."


    "North? So your view aligns with Xu Wei''s?" Lin Wanrong murmured, as if asking her and also pondering to himself.


    Xu Wei was personally overseeing the defense of the north to cut off Prince Cheng''s path that way. It seemed that his thoughts were closely aligned with those of Miss Qin.


    Lin Wanrong paused to think, then slowly shook his head. "Xian''er, if we go by your reasoning¡ªthat he''ll join whoever is strongest and sacrifice hundreds of followers as a diversion¡ªthen Prince Cheng''s thinking seems a bit too simplistic."


    "Then where do you think he''s headed?" Hearing her husband question her judgment, Qin Xian''er pouted and pinched his arm in annoyance.


    "My thinking is actually the opposite of yours," Lin Wanrong chuckled, a glint of enlightenment shing in his eyes. "If I''m not mistaken, I believe your royal uncle intends to flee southeast."


    "Southeast?" Miss Qin blinked, grasping his arm, her lips forming a pout. "Husband, you can''t just bluff me. Give me a reason! If you can''t convince me, I''ll pinch you ten times!"


    "Pinch my bottom? Oh my, what a severe punishment¡ªI''m really looking forward to it," Lin Wanrong said, his tone facetious. This prompted a flurry of bashful annoyance from Qin Xian''er. The couple exchanged jests in the carriage for a moment before Lin Wanrong finally stoppedughing. "The reason is actually simple, Xian''er. You only see the nomads as strong and the Dongyin as weak, but in reality, who is strong or weak is irrelevant to Prince Cheng. No matter where he is, he''s just a guest. Even if the nomads or the Dongyin were to seize thend of our Great Hua, they would never bestow it upon Prince Cheng. Don''t you agree?"


    Miss Qin considered his words and slightly nodded, conceding that he had a point.


    "Therefore, for Prince Cheng, once he fled, his primary concern was not how to return to Great Hua, but rather how to secure his footing in the enemy camp. This was the crux of the matter. Just as you said, the nomads are confident in their military and consider themselves strong; they have a powerful nation and have never taken Great Hua seriously. A fleeing Prince Cheng would be of little use to them, merely a gilding on the lily. The Dongyin, however, see things differently. They have long coveted the vast territories and abundant resources of our Great Hua but have been unable to act due to their weaker national power. Now that war between Great Hua and the nomad is imminent, this is a golden opportunity for the Dongyin. Their risky military campaign in Goryeo reflects their ambitions toward Great Hua. Prince Cheng defecting to their side would greatly boost their morale and public sentiment. It''s like sending charcoal in snowy weather, exactly to their taste."


    "Moreover, the nomads look very different from us, making it hard to feel a sense of belonging. The Dongyin, however, resemble us in appearance, and psychologically speaking, it may give one the illusion that controlling them would be easier than controlling the nomads. On one side, you feel like an outsider, on the other, you''re treated as an honored guest¡ªeven capable of wielding control. If it were you, Xian''er, what would you do?"


    Hearing these words, Miss Qin felt that there was some truth to it, but her pride prevented her from admitting that she had been shortsighted. She snorted, "If he truly ns to seek refuge with the Dongyin in the southeast, then why send people to attack the southern gate? Isn''t that intentionally exposing his target? How do you exin that?"


    "Do I even need to exin?" Lin Wanrongughed with open palms. "That old fox is doing it precisely to trick the clever ones. As the art of war states: when we are weak, we must make the enemy believe we are strong; when we are strong, make them believe we are weak. Misdirection and deception are separated by a paper-thin margin, easily pierced by a little finger."


    Lin Wanrong spoke as if he were reading Prince Cheng''s mind. The more he talked, the more convincing he sounded. Miss Qin began to doubt her own thoughts. However, having finally arrived at her own conclusions, she couldn''t easily abandon them. She grabbed the sleeve of Lin Wanrong''s robe and pouted, "Husband, you''re just guessing, too! I don''t believe you can always guess right!"


    "Why don''t we make a bet then?" Lin Wanrong winked, smiling. "Old Xu is guarding the northern city, so we can go to the south gate. Ah, what should we wager, let me think..."


    Miss Qin giggled flirtatiously, looking enchantingly at him. Warmth filled Lin Wanrong''s heart, and he grinned, "How about this¡ªkeep it simple. Xian''er, if I win, I get to kiss you ten times, alright?"


    "Um," Miss Qin blushed and lowered her gaze. "What if I win?"


    "You winning? That''s basically impossible¡ª" Seeing Miss Qin raise her hand as if to strike him, he quickly changed his tone, "¡ªIf you win, I''ll take the loss and let you kiss me a hundred times. Ah, I''m not an easy man, you know!"


    "You''re asking for it!" With rosy cheeks, Miss Qin pinched his arm and pouted, "You''re too self-serving¡ªwin or lose, you stille out ahead!"


    "A grave injustice throughout the ages!" Lord Lin raised his fists high, seething with indignation. "When a man kisses a woman, he''s used of taking advantage! When a woman kisses a man, the man still gets med. Is there no justice? Where are human rights?"


    Qin Xian''er''s face softened as she leaned gently into his embrace. Blushing, she whispered, "You''re always so dramatic¡ªhusband, win or lose, Xian''er is happy."


    "My sweetheart," Lord Lin said with a roguish grin, his hands wandering over her soft, fragrant chest.


    Xian''er let out a soft moan, her body warm as burning coals. "Husband, if I lose, I''ll bear you a child¡ª"


    His heart melting at her words, Lord Lin lightly touched her delicate, translucent skin. "My sweetheart, and what if I lose?"


    "Then we''ll have ten¡ª"


    Now that posed a dilemma for Lord Lin. Win or lose?


    As their pnquin left the south gate of the city, Miss Qin was limp as mud, leaning weakly against him. Her half-exposed chest faintly revealed her voluptuous form. With each sway of the pnquin, her delicate features seemed to captivate one''s soul. Now she understood why the talenteddy Luo had so easily given in; married to such a libertine, sainthood was impossible. Fortunately, Lord Lin heeded the advice of Qingxuan and took only minor liberties; the line had not yet been crossed. The couple continued their affectionate interactions in the pnquin, savoring the endless tender moments.


    They traveled another dozen or so miles to the south, encountering soldiers grouped in threes and fives, sporadically searching the area. Their formation was notably disorganized. Lin Wanrong recognized it as General Xu''s trap, but paid it no mind.


    Further south, they came upon a makeshiftrge camp situated next to the main road. Several miles ahead was a lush, dense forest that, even in daylight, seemed dark and imprable.


    In the camp were only about a thousand soldiers. Xu Zhen had been waiting. Seeing Lin Wanrong''s bandaged leg, Xu Zhen was both ted and concerned. "General Lin, why have youe personally?"


    "To catch a big fish, how could I miss it?" Lin Wanrong gave a slight smile and continued, "Xu Zhen, where are the men in your camp? Why are there so few left?"


    Xu Zhen looked around slyly, chuckling. "Lord Xu has taken some of our men, iming to give ''that person'' some room to operate¡ªthere are five or six thousand scattered around. Don''t underestimate them; these are the elite of our army. General Lin, where do you think ''that person'' will flee?"


    "It doesn''t matter where he flees. Just keep a tight guard." Lin Wanrong nodded, ncing toward the distant forest. Suddenly, he grinned, "You''re crafty. Tell me, how many men are ambushed up ahead?"


    Astonished, Xu Zhen''s mouth fell open. "General, how did you know?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head andughed, "The sun hasn''t even set, yet the forest is this quiet¡ªIf you haven''t hidden men there, have ghosts upied it?"


    Xu Zhen shook his head and gave a wry smile. What he had initially considered a masterstroke was effortlessly seen through by General Lin with just a single nce.


    As the sun dipped below the western horizon and twilight began to envelop the sky, there was still no movement from Gao Qiu within the city. Qin Xian''er grew anxious. Just as she was about to speak with her husband, a loud explosion suddenly echoed from within the city walls. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "Old Gao, that youngster, has finally set off the explosion for me."


    Before his words had even settled, a series of additional explosions followed, each more intense than the first. Lin Wanrong leaned forward for a closer look and saw multiple columns of thick smoke rising from the northern part of the city. Faint sounds of battle cries could also be heard.


    Suddenly, in the dim light, two signal arrows shot up into the sky, slicing through the clouds. "General, look, to the north of the city¡ªa big fish has appeared!" Xu Zhen pointed at the signal arrows, shouting excitedly.


    "Bad news!" General Lin was so startled that he almost leaped out of his wheelchair. "Xu Zhen, quick, tell our brothers hiding in the woods to pull out! Withdraw immediately!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 496

    Chapter 496 Fulfilling Your Wish


    Understanding the urgency in Lord Lin''s words, Xu Zhen hastily shot a signal arrow into the distance. The distant woods immediately rustled with noise as numerous soldiers hidden in the shadows swiftly emerged and retreated.


    "Husband, why are we pulling back our troops?" Qin Xian''er inquired, echoing Xu Zhen''s own thoughts.


    Lin Wanrong wore a solemn expression as he pointed to the billowing smoke in the north, slowly saying, "Xu Zhen, what do you think that is?"


    "It should be smoke from gunpowder explosions¡ª" Xu Zhen''s face suddenly changed, and he eximed, "General Lin, are you suspecting that we also have hidden gunpowder on our side?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded without speaking. Cold sweat trickled down Xu Zhen''s face. If the enemy hadid gunpowder to the north, there was no reason to ignore the south. The woods, deep and dense, were filled with blind spots hard to search. Should gunpowder really be hidden there, a single spark could spell doom for thousands of their men.


    The more he thought, the more fearful he became. His expression grew incredibly grave. Lin Wanrong patted him on the shoulder andforted, "Xu Zhen, don''t be too hard on yourself. We are humans, not gods. Mistakes are inevitable. Learn from them. I only thought of this possibility after seeing the smoke in the north."


    Xu Zhen nodded gratefully, his expression quickly returning to normal. A horseman sped into the camp from afar; a messenger dismounted, hastily saluting, "Generals, by orders of Lord Xu, I am to report that arge force of enemy troops has suddenly appeared to the north of the city. They number in the thousands and are extremely fierce."


    "Thousands?" Lin Wanrong was also taken aback. "Who are they? Did theye from inside the city?"The messenger quickly responded, "These individuals are dressed in ck and carry no banners. They did note from within the city butunched an attack from the outskirts of our army. They are fast and ferocious. Over two hundred fearless soldiers strapped with explosives have charged into our ranks. The situation is dire. Lord Xu believes they are most likely enemy suicide troops. They are making a desperate attempt, perhaps aiming to rescue their key figure. Please prepare yourselves, Generals."


    Lin Wanrong nodded in silence. A momentter, even more intense explosions erupted from the north, mes shooting sky-high, far surpassing the earlier intensity. Despite the distance, the fierce sounds of battle could still be heard.


    "Report!" Another horseman rushed in. The second messenger dismounted, panting, "Generals, there has been a sudden change outside the North Gate!"


    "Speak!" Lin Wanrongmanded.


    The soldier saluted, "Suddenly, explosives ignited outside the North Gate. By the time we arrived, three to four hundred individuals dressed in ck emerged from underground andunched a violent attack on our troops."


    "Underground?" Xu Zhen asked, puzzled.


    "Yes," the messenger replied, "ording to Lord Xu''s estimation, these individuals had dug tunnels beneath the city, where they hid gunpowder, lying in wait for several days. Currently, enemy forces inside and outside are desperately trying to converge, likely aiming to facilitate the escape of their key figure."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "When our brothers charged into battle, did anyone see that big fish?"


    The messenger hastily shook his head. Lin Wanrong let out a soft "huh" but said nothing more.


    From the north, the explosions came wave after wave. The cries of soldiers faintly reached their ears. Judging by the sounds, it seemed the enemy was in a desperate situation. Xu Zhen looked concerned, "General, the situation over there doesn''t seem like a feint. Should I send someone to check¡ª" ??


    "No need," Lin Wanrong waved him off with a smile. "The north gate is securely held by Master Xu; nothing will go awry there. It''s our side that is a little out of the ordinary."


    "Our side?" Xu Zhen asked, puzzled, "General, what do you mean?"


    Lin Wanrong sighed, "Xu Zhen, the north is filled with the sounds of gunpowder and cannons, the battle there is fierce. But what about here on our side?"


    Xu Zhen furrowed his brows for a moment and nodded, "Our side is somewhat quiet¡ª"


    "It''s not just quiet¡ªit''s eerily quiet!" Lin Wanrong huffed, "As the old saying goes, the dog that bites doesn''t bark, and the dog that barks doesn''t bite. The louder the noise from that side, the more worried I be! Xu Zhen, pass down the order for our brothers to be highly vignt and hold their positions. If anything stirs, strike immediately!"


    "Yes!" Xu Zhen acknowledged and immediately ryed General Lin''s orders.


    Qin Xian''er gently massaged his shoulders and softly asked, "Husband, if Prince Cheng really ns to escape from our side, where do you think he will start?"


    "As for that, I can''t be certain," Lin Wanrong leaned back into his wheelchair, took a deep breath, and smiled bitterly, "The most effective way may just start with me."


    The night grew darker, torches zed throughout the camp, and thousands of soldiers were at their posts, awaiting any unforeseen circumstances. Unfortunately, the situation did not match their expectations. The fighting in the north grew more intense, and emergency reports from Xu Wei came one after another. Yet, the southern gate remained eerily quiet, even the buzzing of mosquitoes could be clearly heard.


    Not just Xu Zhen, even Lord Lin''s own patience was running thin. Looking at the thick dust swirling beyond the northern gate, his brows lightly furrowed: ¡®Could it be that I''ve guessed wrong?¡¯


    Suddenly, a crisp sound of galloping hooves came from afar, breaking Lin Wanrong''s deep thoughts. He quickly lifted his head and saw a contingent of around two hundred soldiers dressed as government troops approaching. Leading them was a man in red eunuch robes. The eunuch looked frantic, galloping forward with a yellow silk banner held high and shouted, "Imperial decree arrives, Lin San, receive the decree¡ª"


    Imperial decree? Lin Wanrong was stunned. At a time like this, what sort of decree could possibly be issued?


    The eunuch galloped skillfully, followed by the two hundred government troops like a whirlwind. Lord Lin waved his hand grandly andmanded, "Hold¡ª"


    The soldiers in the camp had long been on standby. Upon hearing General Lin''smand to halt the approaching troops, over three hundred archers stepped forward. Their repeating crossbows glinted ominously, aimed straight at the iing cavalry.


    "Whoa¡ª" The eunuch shouted, reining in his horse and turning around. His apanying troops also came to a sudden halt, stopping just thirty or forty paces away from Lin Wanrong''s encampment.


    Lin Wanrong studied the group of two hundred people closely. Each was d in armor, their robes noticeably loose, and their waists bulging with some unknown items.


    Seeing Xu Zhen''s soldiers at the ready, their bows aimed, the red-robed eunuch''s face twisted in irritation. "Lord Lin, what is the meaning of this? Do you intend to disobey the imperial decree?"


    "What are you talking about? How could an honest man like me dare to disobey an imperial order?" Lin Wanrong chuckled. "By the way, which pce''s servant are you? I don''t recall having met you before. May I ask your surname?"


    Fuming, the eunuch replied, "I serve under Chief Eunuch Gao of the Pce of Heavenly Purity. My name is Duan Qin. I met you when youst visited the pce. Lord Lin, could it be that you doubt my identity?" With that, he shook the golden imperial edict in his hand, his demeanor overtly arrogant.


    "It seems authentic," said Xu Zhen, who had keen eyesight. He could clearly read the words "Imperial Edict" written on the silk cloth.


    "Authentic?" Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Eunuch Duan, what brings you here with such an entourage to deliver an imperial decree?"


    Eunuch Duan snorted, "The city gates are locked and the situation outside is not peaceful. His Majesty instructed me to bring some troops¡ªso Lord Lin, are you epting this imperial decree or not? If you resist, I will go back and report to His Majesty."


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "Of course, I''ll ept it. But, Eunuch Duan, let me tell you a secret."


    "What secret?" Eunuch Duan tugged on his horse''s reins, inching closer to the camp. Xu Zhen raised his hand, and the archers lifted their crossbows slightly higher. The killing intent was palpable, forcing the advancing party to stop.


    Lin Wanrong chuckled, "The secret is simple. Eunuch Duan, the servant''s uniform you''re wearing appears to best year''s model. In the pce, all the servants and maids switched to new clothes this spring, custom-made by our Xiao family. Even the floor sweepers have changed their clothes. Didn''t you know?"


    "Ah, yes, of course, I knew," Duan answered awkwardly. "Today, His Majesty had me rush to deliver the decree, and I didn¡¯t have time to change. I will be sure to do so next time. Lord Lin, may I proceed with delivering the imperial edict now?"


    "Certainly," Lin Wanrong nodded, bringing a smile to Duan''s face. Just as the eunuch was about to move closer, Lin Wanrong waved his hand and said, "However, there''s a condition."


    "What condition?" Duan asked, anxious.


    "The condition is simple," Lin Wanrong suppressed augh, "Please strip off your clothes ande alone to deliver the decree."


    Realizing his identity had been exposed, Eunuch Duan''s face twisted grotesquely. With a sudden swoosh, he ripped open his robe, roaring, "For the Prince! Take Lin San''s head, charge¡ª"


    He tossed the imperial decree aside, grabbed the reins with his left hand, and held a torch in his right. His steed galloped forward. The two hundred people behind him followed suit. They tore off their robes to reveal thick cloth belts around their waists filled with ck powder, and fuses tied to torches, ready to be ignited at any moment.


    "Charge!" Over two hundred men seemed to have gone mad. Their eyes were bloodshot as they reversed their swords to stab into the haunches of their own mounts. Pained by the de, the warhorses surged forward like shooting stars, charging at high speed toward the main camp.


    "Gunpowder!" Qin Xian''er shouted in rm. Xu Zhen heard it and was horrified, immediately yelling, "Fire!"


    Over three hundred archers released their crossbows, sending bolts like swarms of locusts, rapidly shooting toward the enemy horsemen.


    "Ah¡ª" Several horsemen on the opposing side were hit by the arrows. However, they seemed to feel no pain, gripping their reins tightly to keep from falling off.


    "Cunning bastards!" Xu Zhen understood. These horsemen had tied their legs to their horses'' bellies. Even if they were shot dead, their bodies would still be carried along by the galloping horses. The gunpowder strapped to them was quickly ignited by theirpanions.


    "For the prince, kill Lin San!" Within a distance of several dozen yards, which could be covered by fast horses in an instant, over two hundred men roared in unison. They ignited the gunpowder strapped to them and charged into Lin San''s camp. A deafening explosion resounded, making everyone''s eardrums tremble.


    Chain crossbows fired continuously. Over half of the two hundred-plus men were dead or wounded in the blink of an eye, but their steeds continued to charge toward the main camp. Boom after boom, the sound of the gunpowder exploding vibrated through the ground. Shooting them now was useless. General Lin, remaining calm in the face of danger, bellowed, "Brothers, aim for the horses'' legs!"


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than crossbows were fired with a fierce whistle, aimed directly at the legs of the horses. This tactic was indeed effective. The foremost horses tripped and fell, and the horsemen behind were mercilessly trampled over them. Explosions from the gunpowder continued one after another, amidst towering mes, countless pieces of armor scattered, flesh and blood flew. Over two hundred men and horses were engulfed in a sea of fire, bursting one after another like ignited fireworks.


    Eventually, six or seven horses managed to cross the fiery battlefield and enter the camp. Amidst the intense explosions, dozens of archers lost their lives.


    "Charge!" The battle here had not yet ended when, several miles from the main camp, a piercing horn sounded, followed by the rhythmic beating of hooves, thumping in everyone''s ears.


    A scout rushed into the camp to report, "General, ten miles from our army, arge number of troops have suddenly appeared, numbering over two thousand!"


    "Really?" Xu Zhen was visibly shaken. He looked at Lin Wanrong with admiration. "General, as you expected, the big fish is moving south! Over two thousand troops, that''s not a small number. This must be hisst card."


    Lin Wanrong nodded and sighed, "Perhaps the fiercest is yet toe. Xu Zhen, instruct our men to be extra vignt. Prince Cheng is not so easily dealt with."


    "Understood!" Xu Zhen clenched his fist and turned to the scout, "Quickly pass on the orders: set up the formation, with the Divine Machine Unit archers at the front, cavalry and infantry to follow the formation. The entire army is allowed to advance, but retreating is forbidden. Offenders will be dealt with ording to militaryw!"


    "As youmand!" The scouts hurried away. Xu Zhen''s face flushed with excitement. Qin Xian''er suddenly spoke, "Husband, how did you recognize that the eunuch earlier was an imposter?"


    Lin Wanrong shook his head and chuckled, "The absurdity lies in this young eunuch''s arrogance. For someone who seldom steps out of his own gates, his horse-riding skill surprisingly surpasses mine. Can you believe it? Is there any justice in the world?"


    Xu Zhen burst into heartyughter. "I never thought of it that way. A mere eunuch should count himself lucky to ride a donkey, let alone a horse."


    Qin Xian''er was full of admiration. Her husband might seem jovial on the surface, but in reality, he was knowledgeable, quick-witted, and deeply insightful. His real brilliancey in noticing the minute details that others overlooked. It was an umtion of life''s experiences, his genuine skill. As the saying goes, understanding a person''s heart through the smallest details ensured he would never fail.


    "My husband, you are the most brilliant person in the world. I am utterly smitten with you," Miss Qin said, embracing him tightly and looking deeply into his eyes.


    "General, should we advance to the front?" The sound of distant artillery rolled in, making the ground quiver beneath them. Realizing they were now within the enemy''s artillery range, Xu Zhen grew restless and eagerly asked Lin Wanrong for instructions.


    "Don''t panic," Lin Wanrong calmly gestured, "All that noise outside is a diversion, meant to draw our attention. If the big fish doesn''t show itself, then all our efforts would be in vain."


    Xu Zhen was half-enlightened, "General, there''s something I still don''t understand. If all the city gates are closed tightly, how can the big fish escape?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded with a smile, "At first, I was puzzled too, but Prince Cheng''s escape route from Grand Prime Minister Temple gave me a clue. If I''m not mistaken, after years of operating in the capital, he must have prepared an escape route. There''s argeke in his royal mansion, beneath which lies the so-called Dragon Pce. That must be his base, and it certainly connects to a tunnel leading out of the city. This is his final escape route."


    Xian''erughed, "I see, you asked Gao Qiu to spread rumors that a Dragon Pce was discovered in the royal mansion and had him blow open its entrance. You want to force the tiger from the mountain, make it imperative for him to flee."


    "Smart!" Lin Wanrong praised with a smile.


    "But General, there''s still something I don''t understand," Xu Zhen furrowed his brows, "Why not just st open the bottom of theke and seize him directly?"


    Lin Wanrong turned serious, "There are two reasons. Firstly, we''re unfamiliar with the terrain in his Dragon Pce, and if he''s nted explosives, we might all be blown to pieces, causing a huge disaster. Secondly, Prince Cheng has been operating for many years and has a solid foundation in the capital. Forcing him to flee will expose his true supporters and we''ll know clearly who is loyal and who is not. Only by cutting off the roots can we eliminate future troubles."


    Qin Xian''er had an epiphany. All her previous doubts had been cleared up. She took Lin Wanrong''s hand and said, "My husband, it''s only now that I understand why Li Tai was so desperate to have you apany him northward. No one in the Great Hua can match your intellect and bravery."


    "My dear, don''t tter me too much. I might be shy," Lin Wanrong joked,cking any sense of seriousness.


    "You''re incorrigible," Miss Qin giggled, tapping him lightly on the forehead. Her eyes twinkled as she said, "My husband, when you return from the North, I''ll fulfill one of your wishes. Do you agree?"


    Hi, if you like the story, please rate and review this novel on novelupdates. Thanks!


    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 497

    Chapter 497


    Chapter 497 Who is the Most Ruthless?


    "What, what wish?" Lord Lin''s heart thumped wildly, a cascade of fear overtaking him.


    Qin Xian''er was about to speak when she suddenly felt the ground tremble. Not far from the camp, thickets of lush trees suddenly burst into intense mes. Fanned by the wind, the fire rapidly spread toward the camp from both sides of the official road.


    Remembering the prior arrangements, Xu Zhen broke into a cold sweat. ¡®Had General Lin not awakened me with his words, we might have suffered untold casualties today,¡¯ he thought.


    The fire zed intensely. Tents on the camp''s periphery caught fire within moments. Over a hundred soldiers hurriedly pulled out water hoses to douse the mes.


    "What should we do now, General?" Xu Zhen asked.


    "Wait¡ª" Lin Wanrong clenched his teeth. "The more dangerous the moment, the more crucial it is. Given their activities, I dare say this ce must be a key route for Prince Cheng''s escape. Xu Zhen, have our brothers form up. If enemies appear, attack immediately. Also, send a signal arrow to Mr. Xu; there are enemy movements to the south."


    In the distance, the Divine Machine Unit''s cannons roared, and countless crossbowsunched a volley, blocking the more than two thousand ck-clothed men attempting to infiltrate. The fire on both sides of the road intensified, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky and enveloping Lin Wanrong''s camp. Within the glow of the fire, soldiers either fought the mes or rescuedrades, showing no signs of panic.


    "General, look!" Xu Zhen cried out.A clear trumpet call sounded. From one side of the road, amid the roaring mes, over a hundred men d in ck emerged. Their faces were covered with ck cloth, and they held curved des in their hands. Like agile wolves, they charged toward the camp.


    Lin Wanrong hummed and emotionlessly waved his hand. A rain of arrows hissed through the air, directed at the ck-d figures. Amidst the piercing screams, dozens fell and rolled on the ground. Those following stepped over the fallen bodies to advance. As both sides came closer, another shrill whistle sounded from among the ck-clothed men, and dozens of archers suddenly appeared from behind them. Without even aiming, they fired burning arrows indiscriminately.


    "Husband, be careful!" Qin Xian''er shouted, waving her hand to deflect an iing arrow, positioning herself in front of Lin Wanrong.


    "It''s fine; they''re still far from me," Lin Wanrong smiled, nodding at Xu Zhen.


    Xu Zhen bellowed, "Rocketeers!" As he shouted, the frontline crossbowmen stepped back, and the rear fire archers, who had been prepared for some time, unleashed a salvo of fire arrows. These fire arrows overpowered the few that the enemy hadunched. Numerous ck-clothed men were either struck by arrows or caught fire. Explosions and blood-curdling screams filled the air.


    These ck-d men were incredibly tough. Despite being pierced by multiple arrows, they still managed to light the explosives strapped to their bodies and charged forward. They didn''t get far before the fuses burned out, exploding them into chunks of flesh and bone. The heat from the explosions scorched the faces of the soldiers.


    Qin Xian''er, known as a witch who had killed countless people, was also taken aback by the scene before her. Shaking her head, she sighed, "How did he train so many suicide soldiers?"


    Lin Wanrong spread his hands and gave a wry smile, "I don''t know, all I know is that I''m very afraid of dying."


    Miss Qin looked at him, her eyes twinkling with admiration. "Husband, fortunately you thought of drawing the snake out of its hole. If we had let these suicide soldiers stay hidden within the city, who knows what cmity they would have unleashed."


    These death-bound soldiers hadunched three waves of attacks in the blink of an eye, leaving more than a hundred corpses behind without any sign of stopping. Xu Zhen, puzzled, stared at the swarming heads and asked, "What are they doing? Why are they rushing forward even when they know they''re marching to their deaths?"


    Lin Wanrong had also noticed this peculiar behavior. The two thousand men in the outer ring, along with several hundred suicide soldiers inside, surged forward like a tide. It didn''t look like the government troops were suppressing bandits; instead, it seemed like the bandits were besieging the government forces.


    "Forget it," Lin Wanrong said, raising his arm high. Seeing that their opponents were visibly fatigued and their morale waning, hemanded, "Xu Zhen, charge!"


    "At yourmand!" Xu Zhen mounted his horse, brandishing his long saber, "Brothers, it''s time to capture the enemy and earn merits. Follow me¡ªcharge!"


    The troops, like a flood unleashed, roared out of their positions and dashed toward the enemy lines, each eager to outdo the others. Xu Zhen took the lead, his saber swinging and decapitating two ck-d men in an instant. Government troops, previously concealed in the surroundings, followed Xu Zhen''s signal and swarmed out. Thendscape was filled with soldiers, surrounding the remaining ck-d men, leaving them with no way to escape.


    As Xu Zhen gave the order to charge, government troops alsounched an all-out attack on the outer ring. The battlefield was filled with battle cries that shook the heavens, and soldiers were everywhere.


    "Husband, why hasn''t their leader appeared yet?" Qin Xian''er asked, anxious amid the chaos of the battlefield filled with gunpowder smoke.


    Lin Wanrong didn''t answer. His eyes were as sharp as lightning, scanning the enemy camp. Unfortunately, these suicide soldiers had their faces covered with ck veils, making it impossible to discern their features. However, given Prince Cheng''s status, he would never be among these troops. What was he aiming to achieve by surrounding them with such arge force?


    The government troops, gathering like a tidal wave, had already left the remaining ck-d men in disarray. A little more time and they would bepletely annihted. Just as Xu Zhen was enjoying the ughter, he heard Lin Wanrong yell, "Sound the retreat!"


    "Retreat?" Qin Xian''er looked puzzled. "Husband, why are we not continuing the fight?"


    Lin Wanrong grinned, "If we don''t fight now, we can fightter. Have you ever gone fishing, Xian''er? Let me catch a big fish for you. Xu Zhen, listen to mymand!"


    "Your subordinate is here!" Xu Zhen, who had already rushed back on horseback, listened attentively.


    Lin Wanrong''s expression turned solemn, "Order all troops to cease their attacks immediately. Everyone must stay at a distance, and no one is allowed to act without orders. Vitors will be executed!"


    "Yes!" Xu Zhen quickly ryed the order. All the attacking troops, whether standing, lying down, or running, immediately tightened their formation and stayed put at a distance. The sounds of burning fire and exploding gunpowder continued to reverberate, but not a single person from either side dared to move. Weapons were held tightly, war horses remained silent, and the once noisy battlefield seemed to freeze in an instant. Faces looked at each other in bewilderment, as everyone wondered what Lin Wanrong was nning to do next.


    Summoning Xu Zhen, Lin Wanrong lowered his voice and said, "Little Xu, do you know all the officers under yourmand?"


    Xu Zhen quickly nodded. "Of course. What are your orders, General?"


    Lin Wanrong''s expression grew serious. "Send out a message to all the officers. Have them immediately tally the number of troops and pay close attention to any unfamiliar faces and squads in their vicinity. Report back at once if they find anything."


    Xu Zhen hesitated for a moment before eximing in surprise, "General, are you suspecting that someone has infiltrated our ranks to seize an opportunity?"


    "To seize an opportunity? I doubt they have the guts for that," Lin Wanrong snorted. "Your question was a good one, little Xu. These men knew they couldn¡¯t win, so why would they throw their lives away?"


    Xu Zhen shook his head. Lin Wanrong chuckled, "It¡¯s simple. They want to divert our attention and create an opportunity for their master. Think about it, with so many soldiers mobilized, if someone dons our uniform and slips away during the chaos, would you notice?"


    It made sense. Xu Zhen¡¯s eyes sparkled as he responded, "So, General Lin, you mean that the big fish is hiding among us right now?"


    "Most likely," Lin Wanrong said calmly. "Otherwise, wouldn¡¯t the sacrifices of his elite troops be in vain?"


    ted, Xu Zhen eximed, "Excellent, I will see to it immediately!" He summoned several messengers and gave them precise instructions. They dispersed swiftly.


    The army on the field remained stationary. Neither attacking nor retreating, no one knew what Lin Wanrong was nning. The officers under Xu Zhen, who had received the message, secretly began inspecting their troops, while also watching their surroundings. Some briefmotion was heard, but it soon quieted down.


    After waiting for a bit, the messengers began to return one by one. Thest one came back to report that nothing unusual was found.


    ¡®How strange. Could I have guessed wrong?¡¯ Lin Wanrong pondered silently in his wheelchair, with Qin Xian''er and Xu Zhen not daring to disturb him.


    "Xu Zhen, are you sure all the squads have been checked?" Lin Wanrong suddenly looked up, his expression resolute.


    Just as Xu Zhen was about to nod, his face changed. "Damn, we haven''t checked the main camp¡ª"


    ¡®The main camp? That''s right where I am,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, his hair standing on end. "Quickly, search the camp! Hurry¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a resoundingughter echoed from a distance. "Ah, Lin San, what a splendid tactic of ''controlling motion with stillness''! I must say, I''ve fallen into your trap!"


    Prince Cheng? Everyone was shocked and quickly turned to look. Standing at the entrance of the main camp was a man wearing a golden helmet, dressed in a white armor robe, and sporting cloud-patterned battle boots. His eyebrows were elongated, his face square, and he looked dignified. Who else could it be but Prince Cheng? Behind him stood two to three hundred soldiers, all disguised as their troops, closely surrounding him.


    A throng of officers and soldiers surged forward, encircling these few hundred men along with Prince Cheng. They only waited for the general¡¯smand to seize him.


    Upon seeing Zhao Mingcheng''s calm demeanor, Lin Wanrong was filled with emotions. Regardless of how cunning Prince Cheng was, when it came to strategy, he was truly versatile and unpredictable. Had Lin San not been extra cautious, he would have been caught off guard today.


    "Your Highness, I must say I am quite impressed by your courage," Lin Wanrong respectfully clenched his fists, his admiration genuine. "Had I not discovered something amiss while relieving myself just now, you would have certainly seeded today."


    Prince Cheng burst into heartyughter, giving Lin San a thumbs-up. "Lin San, you remain as witty as ever. I appreciate clever people like you. s, fate has decreed that we cannot be friends, which is truly a pity."


    Indeed, Prince Cheng was a formidable figure; even when he realized that his scheme had been exposed and he was surrounded, he boldly revealed his identity. Few could match such boldness.


    Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled. "Your Highness, since we are both clever people, let''s not waste words. I won''t make things difficult for you; I merely ask that you return to the pce and exin everything to the Emperor. All will be well then. I will be happy to treat you to a meat and wine feast at that time."


    "Return to the pce?" Prince Cheng smiled. "The most difficult ce to enter in this world is the imperial pce, yet countless people yearn for it. If I were to go back with you, would the brothers behind me agree?"


    "Sworn to live and die with Your Highness!" Over three hundred men behind Prince Cheng shouted in unison. They tore open their clothes, revealing a mncholic demeanor. Strapped to their waists were explosives, wrappedyer uponyer. A mere spark could set them aze, a scenario one could easily imagine. Those who remained by Prince Cheng''s side at this moment were unquestionably loyal to the death.


    Lin Wanrong''s expression grew solemn, and he sighed in resignation. "Your Highness, why has ite to this? Even ants cherish life; how much more should human beings? You and the Emperor are brothers; can''t these issues be resolved through dialogue?"


    As he spoke, Xu Zhen had already secretly directed his men to connect a water hose, aiming at Prince Cheng, ready for any sudden changes.


    Prince Cheng gave a gant smile. "Matters of royalty are not for outsiders to understand. Lin San, if one day you find yourself in my position, you will understand my feelings."


    "Tsk, tsk," Qin Xian''er hurriedly scoffed. "How can my husband bepared to a treacherous minister like you? His injuries are all thanks to you."


    Prince Cheng nced at her and sighed. "The Emperor indeed has his ways, hiding his own daughter within the White Lotus Sect, all while keeping his patience. Myte father once told me that those in power must forsake emotions and desires. Unfortunately, I understood this toote, failing to emte your father and ending up in this situation. It is both sad andmentable."


    His expression was one of immense sorrow, his long sigh full of regret. Lin Wanrong chuckled. "Your Highness, these words should be directed to the Emperor, not us. They serve no purpose here. Xu Zhen, hurry and assist His Highness into the sedan."


    "Understood!" At Xu Zhen''s signal, the soldiers behind him moved to close in. But the hundreds of loyal followers behind Prince Cheng raised their torches high, their eyes aze as they shouted in unison, "Who dares toy a hand on our lord?"


    The torches in their hands could easily ignite the fuses at any moment. Thebined force of so many human bombs was not to be taken lightly.


    Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, saying reluctantly, "Why go to such lengths, Your Highness? Such arge amount of exploding gunpowder would be excruciating! If it were me, I wouldn''t be able to bear it. You should reconsider."


    Prince Cheng''s eyes narrowed slightly. "This is the will of my brothers; I cannot stop them."


    "In that case, there''s nothing more I can do." Lin Wanrong spread his hands, his face full of regret. "I''ve said all that can be said, and done all that can be done. If Your Highness insists on acting against all advice, what more can I do? Xu Zhen, call our men to retreat and give His Highness some privacy."


    The imperial troops slowly pulled back, leaving a vast buffer zone between the two sides. Prince Cheng and his 300 warriors seemed like an isted ind in the middle of a vast sea.


    Seeing that the imperial troops had no intention of capturing him alive, Prince Cheng''s expression became gloomy and changeable.


    Xu Zhen sidled up to Lin Wanrong, watching Prince Cheng intently, and whispered, "General, what happened to Zhao Kangning?"


    Lin Wanrong had already noticed this and nodded. "Don''t put all your eggs in one basket. Prince Cheng is cunning; I underestimated him. Zhao Kangning is probably heading north."


    "You mean they split their forces? Oh no¡ª" Xu Zhen pped his hand in frustration. "What if Zhao Kangning disguises himself in imperial army clothing and mingles with the crowd? Lord Xu won''t see iting. I''ll alert him immediately¡ª"


    "It''s toote!" Lin Wanrong grimaced. "Zhao Kangning has already escaped!"


    Qin Xian''er grew anxious. "How can you be so sure, Husband?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded. "To be empty when you seem full, and full when you seem empty¡ªthat''s Prince Cheng''s brilliance. Think about it, Xian''er. After a long battle in the north, the men find out that the person they''re looking for is in the south. If you were them, what would you do?"


    "I would becent," Qin Xian''er admitted.


    "This psychologicalcency is something even Master Xu cannot control. Zhao Kangning is not like Prince Cheng; he''s young and fit. He doesn''t need any followers¡ªjust a sturdy horse to blend into the crowd and make his getaway. Who would notice?"


    Upon hearing his analysis, Qin Xian''er was rendered speechless. After a long pause, she sighed softly, "It''s a pity he got away. Prince Cheng truly is cunning."


    While it was unfortunate that Zhao Kangning had escaped, capturing Prince Cheng was already a significant aplishment. Lin Wanrong smiled and patted Xian''er''s shoulder. "Nothing is perfect in this world. Don''t worry; this Zhao Kangning is far inferior to his father. Capturing him won''t be difficult."


    Reassured by her lover''s words, Qin Xian''er smiled sweetly and said no more.


    A crescent moon slowly climbed into the night sky, casting its gentle light over the roads, the forests, and the camp. Trees continued to burn fiercely, their mes dancing in the cold moonlight¡ªa breathtaking sight. A few dim stars flickered on the horizon, rendering the battlefield even more chillingly beautiful.


    At the moment when all cards wereid on the table, thebat between both sides had long ceased. On the battlefield filled with the scent of gunpowder, a strange calm suddenly settled. Faced with this peculiar scene, every soldier and officer felt an indescribable awe. Across from them was a royal noble of the Great Hua Dynasty, Prince Cheng, who once held great prestige. Now he found himself surrounded by a massive army, on the brink of self-destruction. Who could have imagined such an oue in days past? Yet, here it was, unfolding before their eyes.


    Prince Cheng remained silent, not uttering a word for a long time. Behind him, a general with tears in his eyes and a flushed face spoke loudly, "Your Highness, please give yourmand. I, Zhao Wu, swear to die serving you."


    Prince Cheng''s beard quivered slightly; he was at a loss for words. After a long pause, he nodded, "Although I am trapped today, to receive such loyalty from all of you is enough for me to die without regret. However¡ª" His eyes flickered as he nced at the troops across the field. "Judging from Lin San''s actions today, my hasty death may be exactly what the Emperor desires¡ªit would let him off too easily."


    Upon hearing this, several people felt he had a point. The Emperor had orchestrated this situation, aiming for this very oue. At this critical juncture, it required greater courage to live than to die.


    Prince Cheng snorted, "He once swore in front of myte father that he would never harm me. My death would only please him."


    "You speak the truth, Your Highness," said a strategist who looked like a learned advisor. "In my humble opinion, if the Emperor truly wishes to harm you, he would risk divine punishment and public resentment. It would not be an easy task. As the saying goes, ''while there are green hills, there will be wood to burn.'' Our army will head north soon, and neither the nomads to the north nor the invaders from the south are to be underestimated. Who knows who will win in the end? Even if the Emperor suffers a defeat, you can still rally support easily. Besides, we have the young prince outside to coordinate. Your Highness, it would not be wise to act impulsively at this moment. Why not endure for a few more days? As long as we live, there will be a chance for aeback."


    Prince Cheng closed his eyes in deep thought. The soldiers on both sides dared not even cough; the silence was unbearable.


    The endless waiting made everyone anxious. Among those in the standoff, Xu Zhen also grew impatient. "General, do you think he will really choose death? That would make things much easier for us."


    Indeed, it would simplify many things. From the perspective of his superiors, there couldn''t be a better oue. However, afterward, as the scapegoat, he would inevitably face criticisms from hundreds of censors. Lin Wanrong sighed deeply, "I don''t know what he will do. The reason why great men are great is that their thoughts are beyond the grasp of ordinary people. Let''s just wait."


    Although they were pitted against Prince Cheng in a battle of wits and courage, it was merely internal strife within the Great Hua. There was nothing to be proud of. Even if they could capture Prince Cheng, would the nomads retreat? Would the invaders retract their ws? They would onlyugh at them. Lin Wanrong shook his head, a bitter smile crossing his lips.


    Qin Xian''er, standing beside him, sensed her husband''s heavy heart. She quickly tightened her grip on his hand, "Don''t worry, Husband. I''m here with you."


    "I''m not afraid," Lin Wanrong said softly, gripping his wife''s delicate hand. "After this battle, we''ll be heading north. What kind of era of blood and fire will that be? How many such moments does one have in a lifetime? Xian''er, it feels like I''m dreaming."


    His deep sentiment left Qin Xian''er speechless. She remembered theirst boat trip on Weishan Lake, where his emotional words hadpletely captivated her. Miss Qin nestled beside him, softly calling him "Husband," her eyes filling with tears, unable to speak any further.


    "My brothers," Prince Cheng finally spoke, "you''ve been with me through life and death for over twenty years. In these difficult times, you have stayed by my side, and for that, I am grateful."


    He bowed deeply, his eyes frighteningly cold. "I have considered carefully. You all have families and responsibilities. I cannot let my actions lead to the annihtion of your ns. Enduring humiliation now is the only way to hope for a better future¡ª"


    "My Lord¡ª" Zhao Wu, who was right behind Prince Cheng, began to sob loudly.


    Prince Cheng gave a bitter smile. "If you truly care for me, then don''t cry. Know that for me to live at this moment requires even more courage than to die." He waved his hand dismissively, "Disperse, all of you, disperse¡ª"


    "My Lord¡ª" His followers behind him all knelt down, bursting into tears.


    Meanwhile, Xu Zhen looked overjoyed. "General Lin, look, they''ve surrendered, they''ve surrendered!"


    Prince Cheng stood alone at the forefront, his face devoid of color. The soldiers behind him were kneeling, wailing loudly, and began untying the gunpowder bound to their bodies, throwing it aside.


    "Great cunning usuallyes with great wisdom," seeing Prince Cheng choosing the most difficult path, Lin Wanrong felt some respect for him, while also growing concerned for his father-inw. The ball was now in the old man''s court; given his past vows, this Prince could neither be killed nor kept. A misstep could lead to asting stigma of fratricide¡ªwhat a dilemma!


    Prince Cheng''s warriors behind him threw down their weapons and unfastened their gunpowder, embracing each other and sobbing uncontrobly. Old Prince Cheng sighed, his eyes brimming with tears, but his face was resolute.


    "Go!" Lin Wanrong waved his hand, and Xu Zhen''s soldiers surged forward, eager to capture Prince Cheng.


    Just then, an unexpected turn of events urred. Zhao Wu, who had been following behind Prince Cheng, suddenly leapt forward, tightly hugging him. A torch in his hand was dangerously close to the gunpowder fuse on his body. He wailed, "My Lord, we can''t! A soldier may be killed, but not humiliated! With your noble lineage, how could you kneel and surrender? Though I, Zhao Wu, am unworthy, I am willing to face cmity with you!"


    The crowd behind Prince Cheng erupted in shock, ring furiously at each other. The first to charge forward was Qi Yue, the strategist from earlier. "Zhao Wu, what are you doing? Let go of the Prince at once!"


    "Don''t anyonee closer," Zhao Wu''s expression was filled with tragic fury, his gunpowder fuse at any moment could be ignited. He pointed at the crowd and yelled, "You curs, all of you always imed you would go through fire and water for the Prince. Why are you encouraging him to surrender at this critical moment? Qi Yue, you scum, why are you entrapping our King in this injustice? My Lord, everyone else may surrender, but you, you must not!"


    A sudden turn of events left not just Xu Zhen in a daze, but also Lin Wanrong. The Prince Cheng was actually being held hostage by his own guard? Strange things happen every year, but this year is especially odd!


    Xu Zhen retreated to Lin Wanrong''s side and whispered, "General, what should we do?"


    "There''s likely more drama to unfold. Tell the men to take a breather for now," Lin Wanrong said calmly.


    Prince Cheng shouted in anger, "Zhao Wu, have you gone mad? Release me at once! How dare you interfere with my affairs!"


    Zhao Wu let out a mournful howl, "Your Highness, don''t let others deceive you! Once you surrender, you''ll be shamed for a thousand years. Please reconsider!" His grip on the torch tightened, ready to ignite the explosives on his body at any moment.


    Prince Cheng stopped struggling, looked deeply into Zhao Wu''s eyes, and suddenly burst intoughter. Tears flowed like rain as he said, "I understand now, I understand. Zhao Wu, you are truly cunning¡ª"


    Confusion reigned, but Lin Wanrong seemed to have sensed something. He couldn''t help but nce toward the pce, feeling a chill run down his spine.


    Zhao Wu looked panicked and quickly avoided Prince Cheng''s gaze. "Your Highness, what are you talking about? I''ve been loyal to you, as heaven is my witness."


    "Such loyalty, such witness! For twenty years! So I''ve been in a trap for twenty years. Your Majesty, I''m not your match, I''m not!" Prince Chengughed and cried hysterically. "Zhao Wu, you traitor¡ª"


    "Your Highness, you forced me to this!" Zhao Wu interrupted Prince Cheng, his eyes red with fury. He lit the fuse and tightly hugged Prince Cheng.


    "You dare, viin!" Qi Yue, the strategist, who had been truly loyal, miraculously summoned the strength to tackle Zhao Wu. All three men fell to the ground, and with a loud explosion, Zhao Wu and Qi Yue were torn to shreds. Prince Cheng was protected by Qi Yue''s body, bloodied but still alive.


    "Attack!" Seizing this golden opportunity, Xu Zhenmanded his troops to charge. Caught off guard by the sudden twist, Prince Cheng''s men hardly had the strength to resist. Two who dared to draw their swords were quickly pierced by the soldiers.


    Never had Lin Wanrong expected events to unfold in such a way. Zhao Wu and Qi Yue had fully embodied the meaning of loyalty and brotherhood.


    Who truly was the most ruthless? Prince Cheng just didn''t measure up. Lin Wanrong deeply sighed, realizing that his little tricks were meaningless in the grand scheme of things.


    "General, look¡ª" Xu Zhen called out. Following his gaze, they saw Prince Cheng lying in the grass, covered in blood. Both of his legs were blown off below the knees. His eyes were wide open, filled with deep-rooted hatred; sweat poured down his forehead, but he gritted his teeth, not uttering a sound.


    ¡®I might have faked a limp, but he''s genuinely crippled now,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, feeling a tinge of pity and forcing himself to look away.


    "First, get him medical attention," Lin Wanrong waved his hand, visibly drained. "Then, hand him over to His Majesty."


    Prince Cheng had be a cripple, perhaps precisely the oue the old mastermind had intended. All the difficult problems, in front of him, turned out to be no problems at all!


    Seeing that Lord Lin''s face was pale, Qin Xian''er asked anxiously, "Husband, what''s wrong? Are you not feeling well?"


    Looking at Miss Qin''s charming cheeks, Lin Wanrong couldn''t quite describe his feelings. He mumbled, "Xian''er, will you be like your father one day?"


    "What about my father?" Confused by his cryptic remark, Miss Qin couldn''t make heads or tails of it.


    "Never mind. I''m just a bit tired. Xian''er, could you hold me¡ª"


    Qin Xian''er hurriedly embraced him. When she looked down, she saw that Lin Wanrong''s breath was gentle and steady. He had actually fallen asleep.


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 498

    Chapter 498


    Chapter 498 A Message from Goryeo


    The defeat was as crushing as a mountain copsing. Upon seeing Prince Cheng captured, the morale of the two thousand peripheral troops who had been fighting fiercely plummeted. They turned to retreat, only to be decimated by the unified cannon fire of the Divine Machine Unit. The morale of the government troops soared as they vigorously pursued the retreating forces for ten miles, scattering andrgely annihting them.


    "General, Prince Cheng has been taken to the pce," Lin Wanrong sat in a wheelchair on an elevated vantage point, staring nkly at the smoke in the distance. Xu Zhen observed his somber mood and lowered her voice considerably as he reported.


    Taken to the pce, a ce where words would be as sharp as swords and tongues as piercing as daggers. Lin Wanrong merely hummed in response. The exhaustion visible on his face even took Xu Zhen aback.


    "Have all the remaining forces been eradicated?" he asked.


    Xu Zhen answered cautiously, "Sixty percent have been killed, and the other forty percent have been captured alive. Among the sixty percent who were killed, there were two hundred Dongyin people. They offered the fiercest resistance our army encountered."


    Lin Wanrong had already anticipated Dongyin''s involvement. Prince Cheng''s elite soldiers often betrayed the influence of Dongyin warriors. He was not surprised, and simply nodded.


    With the battle over and nothing urgent in the southern part of the city, he instructed Xu Zhen to clean up the battlefield meticulously before being carried back to the city in a pnquin.


    "Husband, what''s the matter?" Qin Xian''er sensed that something was off. Lin Wanrong had been silent the whole way, his palm cold to the touch. Ever since Prince Cheng had been captured, Lin Wanrong''s expression had been grave and he had been speaking much less. This was unlike his usually cheerful demeanor.Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh, his expression solemn. "Xian''er, if therees a day when you must choose between your father and me, who would you choose?"


    Shocked by his question, Qin Xian''er broke down in tears. "Why would you ask such a thing? Don''t you know my feelings for you? Has my father wronged you? I''ll confront him¡ª"


    She was about to jump out of the pnquin, but Lin Wanrong, touched, quickly stopped her. He chuckled, "Silly girl, I know you care for me. But the world isplicated; matters often can''t be easily judged as right or wrong."


    He spoke with a smile, but the fatigue and destion in his eyes were clear. It was even more intense than when he had been injured at Weishan Lake.


    "Husband," Qin Xian''er muttered through her tears, "I don''t understand what you''re saying, but I love hearing you speak."


    "Right," Lin Wanrong wiped away her tears and burst into heartyughter. "Do you remember our time in Hangzhou? You took me to your mother''s former residence. I promised you that one day we''d build a grand house by West Lake and listen to wind chimes every day. You remember, don''t you?"


    Qin Xian''er nodded joyfully. "You still remember?"


    "Of course, it''s also my dream," Lin Wanrong smiled and nodded. "Once I return from the north, I''ll take you all back to Weishan Lake and Jinling. We''ll build that house by West Lake. We''ll go boating, swimming, singing, and dancing, living like joyful immortals. Let all the schemes and bloodshed go to hell!"


    Qin Xian''er let out a joyful hum, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Husband, I know you want to leave the capital. You''re tired, aren''t you? Then let''s go back to Jinling, back to West Lake. Xian''er will be by your side forever and always."


    Lin Wanrong burst into heartyughter. Miss Qin tightly clutched his hand and gently nestled into his arms.


    By the time their pnquin arrived at Prince Cheng''s mansion, Gao Qiu was already there, eagerly waiting, a broad grin on his face. Standing next to him was the pale-faced Lord Chen.


    "Congrattions, Master Lin! I''ve heard that the rebels have been captured and their remaining forces have been eradicated. You''ve performed a great service for our nation," Gao Qiu said, beaming from ear to ear.


    Gao Qiu was a straightforward man, concerned only with rewards and recognition. He couldn''t possibly understand Lin Wanrong''s current state of mind. But simplicity had its blessings, and Lin Wanrong found himself envying Gao Qiu''s carefree attitude. Smiling, he nced at Lord Chen. "Lord Chen, what''s the matter?"


    "Lord Lin¡ª" Chen Biqing bowed deeply, his lips quivering as if he couldn''t find the words.


    Lin Wanrong nced at Gao Qiu, who proudly said, "Brother Lin, you''ve made great aplishments today. Thanks to your efforts, I''ve also gained some minor merits. Come with me; I have something to show you."


    Seeing Gao Qiu''s excitement, Lin Wanrong didn''t have the heart to dampen his spirits. He followed him through the front courtyard, all the way to the back of the mansion. What he saw astonished him: thekeside had copsed, revealing a gaping, dark pit. The hole was about fifty to sixty feet deep, with numerous soldiers digging through the soil with pickaxes and shovels.


    Carefully lowering Lin Wanrong into the pit, Gao Qiu stood in front of him, torch in hand, and excitedly gestured, "Brother Lin, look¡ª"


    Before them was a copsed section of earth. Upon excavation, they found a pathway paved with gold bricks, shimmering in the torchlight. Lin Wanrong sighed, "So it really is an underground dragon pce!"


    "Brother Lin, you are truly unparalleled in wisdom," Gao Qiu admired, giving him a thumbs-up. They continued down the golden pathway, growing more astounded with each step. The undergroundbyrinth was intricate and unfathomable. Floors were paved with gold bricks, walls were made of jade. Every few steps, there was a jademp; every five steps, a dazzling pearl. The extravagance was breathtaking.


    "This is the Pce of Heavenly Purity, this is the Pavilion of the Source of Literature, this is the Hall of Extended Years, this is the Imperial Study. Oh, and the Pce of Benevolent Peace¡ª" Gao Qiu identified each section for him. The underground fortress was a miniature replica of the imperial pce.


    "This is the Golden Hall¡ªlook," Gao Qiu halted and whispered.


    A throne, about a yard wide, stood in the center, made entirely of gold and radiating brilliant light. The throne was intricately carved with various lifelike golden dragons, their bodies majestic, enveloped in clouds and mist. Behind the throne was an exquisitely carved jade screen, adorned with countless golden pearls, the epitome of opulence. Below the throne were three golden steps; to the sides were ces where ministers would kneel. The hall contained eighteen pearls the size of hen''s eggs, illuminating the area and casting a radiant glow on Xian''er''s pretty face.


    It seemed that his tactic of framing Prince Cheng was not unfounded. Lin Wanrong bitterly chuckled. The splendor of this underground pce before him had undoubtedly cost a fortune. The sum would be equivalent to a decade of war expenses between Great Hua and the nomads.


    What was the point of all this? Could sleeping in a golden pce each night truly add flesh to one''s bones? The image of Prince Cheng''s bloody legs came to mind, and Lin Wanrong sighed deeply.


    Although Gao Qiu had been here several times, he couldn''t help but exim, "Brother Lin, I''ve lived my entire life and only today have my eyes been truly opened." He red at Chen Biqing who trailed behind them, "Imperial Censor Chen, Lord Chen, you''ve seen this too. Can we say that we''ve wronged Prince Cheng?"


    Chen Biqing was pale, his former authoritative air as an imperial censor entirely gone. He sneakily nced at Lin San but dared not speak.


    Lin Wanrong let out a long sigh, "Throughout history, many legends have been lost to time and elements. Compared to history, humans are but grains of sand in a river, ultimately swallowed by the waves. The prince still can''t let go, huh?"


    Gao Qiu was a simple man but even he could understand the sentiment behind Lin Wanrong''s words. He quickly nodded, showing his agreement.


    Though the undergroundbyrinth wasrge, Lin Wanrong had lost interest in exploring further. The group retreated, and someone approached them with antern.


    "Master Lin," Gao Ping, dressed in a crimson robe and bearing a solemn expression, spoke, "The Emperor invites you to the pce."


    ¡®Seems like no matter where I go, the Emperor can find me quite quickly.¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed in resignation. Qin Xian''er quickly stepped in front of her husband, "The culprit has been caught. Can''t Father Emperor give my husband some rest? It''s alreadyte. Eunuch Gao, go back and tell Father that my husband will rest tonight and see him tomorrow."


    Only Princess Nishang would dare to speak to the Emperor like that, Gao Ping thought ruefully. "Princess, do you wish for my demise? How could I bear the crime of deceiving the Emperor? Many nobles and officials are in the Hall of Literary Brilliance, waiting to discuss this urgent matter. The Emperor has especially sent me to invite Master Lin."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Has the Emperor seen Prince Cheng yet?"


    "Not yet," Gao Qiu lowered his voice, "The news spread like wildfire. The man was just put in the Heavenly Prison, and already numerous petitions for mercy have flooded in. Even old Master Gu hase in person."


    ¡®Asking for mercy now is useless; Prince Cheng is already a spent force.¡¯ Lin Wanrong sighed, once more admiring the Emperor''s cunning and tactics.


    "Xian''er," Lin Wanrong held his wife''s hand, "It''s sufficient that Brother Gao apanies me to the pce. You go back and assure everyone that I''m fine. Once the discussion is over, I''ll return. Have Qiaoqiao prepare somete-night snacks for me. I''m hungry."


    Knowing he was trying tofort her, Qin Xian''er softly nodded. She took a few steps, then abruptly turned back, gripping his hand tightly with tearful eyes, "My husband, when you enter the pce, don''t argue with Father Emperor. Once you return from the north, everything will be alright."


    No one could understand the unspoken words between the couple. Lin Wanrong pinched her tender fingers and smiled warmly.


    The night was tranquil as ever in the capital. Little lights twinkled on the main streets, and the asional bark of a dog echoed in the dark corners of the alleys. People were mostly asleep, blissfully unaware that their world had been turned upside down just miles away from them.


    Lin Wanrong, nursing injuries and having exerted himself physically and mentally for two days straight, was too worn out to copse just yet. With the army set to march the next day, and with border fires and camel bells at the frontier intertwining with conflict and bloodshed, where else could he find such a peaceful night?


    He lowered the sedan curtain and had barely closed his eyes when he heard Gao Qiu whisper from outside, "Brother Lin, we''ve arrived."


    He''d been to the Hall of Literary Brilliance many times before, but each time seemed to involve something less than fortunate. As Gao Qiu wheeled him down from the sedan, Lin Wanrong looked up at the glittering golden characters on the hall and couldn¡¯t help but shake his head, finding it somewhat amusing.


    "Announcing the arrival of Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Personnel and Commander of the Loyal and Brave Army of Great Hua, Lin San," Gao Qiu announced loudly, immediately silencing the chatter in the hall.


    "Let him in," the Emperor coughed faintly, his voice indifferent.


    Gao Qiu wheeled him into the golden hall. As he entered, the assembled ministers, who had previously been whispering among themselves, all turned their eyes to him. Unlike his previous appearances in court, where he was scrutinized and criticized, this time everyone looked at this "fake cripple" with nothing less than admiration and even a hint of fear. After all, Lin San had toppled and captured Prince Cheng, earning himself a reputation that no one dared to trivialize.


    "Greetings, Your Majesty," Lin Wanrong gave a fist-and-palm salute and nced at the Emperor. The old Emperor sat solemnly on his throne, his face full of concern and not a trace of a smile.


    "Never mind that," the old man waved his hand dismissively. "Lin San,e and meet Master Gu."


    To the left of the Emperor''s throne sat an old schr in his seventies, with white hair and a white beard, wearing a faded gray robe. Simple and unassuming.


    ¡®Is this Master Gu Shunzhang, the Emperor''s teacher?¡¯ Lin Wanrong took a surreptitious nce. The old man had delicate eyebrows, a soft expression, and eyes that were squinted, giving off an ethereal elegance. This was nothing like his son, Gu Bingyan; truly, the teacher of an Emperor was no ordinary person.


    Lin Wanrong quickly bowed, "Young Lin San pays his respects to Master Gu."


    "So you''re Lin San?" Master Gu looked him up and down, his eyes flickering in a way that Lin Wanrong couldn¡¯t read.


    ¡®Why is he scrutinizing me as if I were his prospective son-inw?¡¯ Lin Wanrong felt ufortable under Master Gu''s gaze. Was he seeking revenge for his son?


    "Lin San, have you ever been to Goryeo?" Master Gu finally spoke, but his question had nothing to do with the matters at hand.


    "Been¡ªah, no, never been there," Lin Wanrong was puzzled. What was the old man getting at?


    Master Gu smiled gently and said, "Lin San, do you know why I havee here today?"


    "I''ve heard, Master Gu, that you''ve returned from Shandong," Lin Wanrong said softly, testing the waters. He couldn''t help but marvel at the influence of the imperial tutor. Even in the solemnity of the imperial court, discussing unrted matters, not even the Emperor dared to interrupt him.


    Gu Shunzhang nodded with a smile, "It''s true that I''vee back from Shandong, but before that, I was traveling in Goryeo."


    "Traveling in Goryeo?" Lin Wanrong was taken aback. Why was the old man bringing this up out of the blue?


    "Yes, traveling in Goryeo," Gu Shunzhang said with a slight smile. "There, I met a youngdy who asked me to deliver a letter to a certain Mr. Lin of the Great Hua Dynasty."


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 Chapter 499

    Chapter 499


    Chapter 499 The Marriage Alliance


    Gu Shunzhang spoke, his hand reaching into his robe to retrieve an envelope sealed with crimson wax, still carrying a faint scent of ink. He handed it to Lin Wanrong.


    "A letter from Goryeo? And it''s from a woman? An international friend?" Lin Wanrong was somewhat baffled. He hastily opened the letter and read a few lines. His expression changed dramatically, aplicated mixture of joy and sorrow appearing on his face.


    "Lin San, have I made a mistake? This letter is for you, isn''t it?" Gu Shunzhang stroked his beard and chuckled.


    "You''ve made no mistake; the letter is indeed for me." Lin Wanrong sighed, carefully folding the letter and tucking it into his robe. "Mr. Gu, may I be so bold as to ask, when you met this woman, was she faring well?"


    Gu Shunzhang shook his head, "The armies of Dongyin are pressing the borders; Goryeo is on the brink of disaster. In times like these, who can save themselves?"


    ¡®Indeed. War rages in Goryeo; no one could be livingfortably. And here I was, foolishly hoping that Goryeo could hold out a little longer.¡¯ Lin Wanrong awkwardly chuckled, then lowered his voice and asked, "Mr. Gu, based on your observations, is she mobile? Does she have¡ª?" He gestured at his waist and puffed out his belly, looking rather ridiculous.


    "What are you trying to indicate?" Gu Shunzhang chuckled, stroking his beard. "I didn''t notice anything amiss. The youngdy seemed quite agile."


    Lin Wanrong nodded, counting days on his fingers. He couldn''t help but chuckle; it was too soon for any symptoms to show."Thank you, Mr. Gu, for bringing me this news. Lin San is eternally grateful." Lin Wanrong bowed deeply to Gu Shunzhang. Despite the awkwardness¡ªjustst night he had captured Gu Shunzhang''s only son¡ªthe Emperor¡¯s tutor had returned from Shandong bearing important news. How could he ever repay this kindness?


    "It was a trivial matter, no need for thanks," Gu Shunzhang dismissed, turning to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, my apologies for discussing personal matters with Lin San during the court meeting. Please forgive us."


    Facing his mentor, even the Emperor, the sovereign of the nation, was humble. He hurriedly replied, "Master Gu, you speak too harshly. Who in this world is not aware of your character? Even if we discuss personal matters in this golden pce, they are matters concerning the state. I am only afraid that my ipetence may fail to meet your teachings."


    Even the Emperor was so respectful before Gu Shunzhang, repeatedly referring to him as his teacher. Lin Wanrong marveled at what kind of man couldmand such respect. Could Gu Shunzhang truly be an extraordinary individual?


    Gu Shunzhang nodded with a smile, "Your Majesty is wise and discerning, truly a great ruler. The matter concerning Goryeo that Lin San and I were discussing is not only of personal interest but also closely rted to our great Empire."


    The Emperor''s face lit up, "Master Gu, please share your insights. Your pupil is all ears."


    Gu Shunzhang nodded slightly, rose to his feet, and paced a few steps before saying seriously, "Therge-scale invasion of Goryeo by Dongyin is an overt act of aggression that everyone knows about. Only our Emperor has the foresight and wit to respond brilliantly. By allying Goryeo with our Great Hua, we have integrated as one entity. By raising armies locally and providing immediate support, we not only leave Dongyin in a state of dilemma, but we also expand our own territories, achieving unparalleled feats. It''s truly turning crisis into opportunity, benefiting in every way."


    Hearing such high praise from his imperial tutor, the old Emperor couldn''t help but be overjoyed. "Master Gu, you tter me. This idea came from Lin San; I merely acted ording to the circumstances."


    How could Gu Shunzhang not know that it was Lin San''s idea? He chuckled with his fist cupped in his other hand, "Your Majesty, the strategy of one country two systems is unprecedented and extraordinary. Even an old man like me, who ims to have read thousands of volumes, could not have thought of such an idea. The young Lin San possesses such insight and boldness; it''s truly awe-inspiring."


    The imperial tutor began byvishly praising Lin San, yet he made no mention of capturing the prince. Not only were the others puzzled, even Lin Wanrong found it confusing.


    "Lin San, Master Gu holds you in high regard; you should quickly express your gratitude," the Emperormanded sternly, though the smile in his eyes was evident to all.


    Seeing Gu Shunzhang smiling at him, Lin Wanrong had no choice but to muster the courage to cup his fist in his other hand. "Master Gu, you''re too kind. I merely stumbled upon this strategy; it''s nothing about having any particr insight or boldness. I''m ashamed."


    Gu Shunzhang chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. "Young man, it''s good to be ambitious and willing to take responsibility. Being too modest would only appear disingenuous. Besides, I''m not praising you entirely¡ªyour strategy of one country two systems is good, but it does have its ws. It needs further refinement to be considered perfect."


    Lin Wanrong blinked, finally catching on. So, after all the talk, thisst statement was the most important! Gu Shunzhang had artfully offered praise to please everyone first, before subtly pointing out areas for improvement, ensuring the mood wasn''t spoiled. This was truly an art of speech, and Master Gu was deeply proficient in it.


    The Emperor quickly asked, "How can this n be improved? Please, Master Gu, enlighten us."


    Gu Shunzhang smiled and nodded. "The ultimate goal of this strategy is to integrate Goryeo into the territory of Great Hua; this is beyond question. However, Your Majesty, do you wish for Goryeo to willingly submit, or to keep up appearances while maintaining distance?"


    The Emperor responded, "Master Gu jests. My intention for expanding Great Hua is to genuinely have Goryeo submit."


    "In that case, there''s no question," Gu Shunzhang paced a few steps in the golden hall before speaking seriously. "This strategy is well-nned, stationing Great Hua¡¯s troops, reducing Goryeo''s military, relocating the popce, and establishing schools; each step aims at the heart of the matter. However, have you considered that in the eyes of the people of Goryeo, these moves are oppressive? The people of Goryeo, though considered barbarians, are not so easily subdued. To quickly win their hearts will likely be very difficult."


    Truly deserving of the title ''imperial tutor,'' his analysis was sharp and incisive, prompting everyone to nod silently in agreement. The Emperor joyously said, "Master Gu has hit the nail on the head. Using force is not asting solution, but does Master Gu have any better suggestions?"


    Gu Shunzhang cast a nce at Lin Wanrong and smiled. "Lin San, what do you think?"


    "I understand what you mean, Mr. Gu," Lin Wanrong replied, nodding slightly. "Suppressing the opposition is only a temporary solution; reconciliation is the true path. However, I''m not particrly skilled in the art of pacification."


    "This art of pacification," Gu Shunzhang picked up the conversation, "our ancestors have taught us many methods." He smiled mysteriously and continued, "Besides granting rewards and incentives, there''s something even more effective¡ª"


    "Something more effective?" Lin Wanrong felt uneasy under Gu''s scrutinizing gaze and couldn''t help but ask.


    With a solemn face, Gu Shunzhang enunciated each word: "A¡ªMarriage¡ªAlliance!"


    "I object!" As soon as the words left the imperial tutor''s mouth, Lin Wanrong''s face turned pale, and he shouted in disagreement.


    Gu Shunzhang looked at him in astonishment. "Lin San, a marriage alliance is the best means of pacification and reconciliation. What are you objecting to?"


    ¡®This old man must be pretending to be clueless,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought. ¡®Everyone knows that my father-inw has only two princesses, and both are now part of the Lin family. Do you expect one of my wives to marry into another family? Dream on!¡¯


    He merely grunted a few times without saying anything. The Emperor understood his thoughts and frowned. "Master Gu, I''m afraid the marriage alliance is not feasible. Some time ago, the Prince of Goryeo personally came to ask for the princess''s hand in marriage but was defeated in the trials. This is public knowledge; how can I possibly marry off the princess again?"


    "Exactly," Lin Wanrong quickly agreed. "That Prince of Goryeo iscking in character and knowledge. I''ve seen it with my own eyes; he is not worthy of our Great Hua''s princess."


    Everyone knew what was on his mind, but no one chose to point it out. Gu Shunzhangughed heartily, "Your Majesty, you misunderstand me. To have our princess marry into a foreign nation in exchange for national stability is a sign of weakness. Why should Great Hua resort to such a feeble strategy?"


    Hearing that the n didn''t involve marrying off either of the princesses, Lin Wanrong breathed a sigh of relief. ¡®As long as it''s not Xian''er or Qingxuan, I don''t care what you do.¡¯


    The Emperor, puzzled, asked, "Master Gu, if it''s not our princess getting married off, then how does this marriage alliance work?"


    The imperial tutor smiled and bowed slightly, "It''s not our princess who will marry into Goryeo, but rather a princess from Goryeo who will marry into Great Hua! Your Majesty, during my recent trip, I learned that Goryeo has experienced a change. The King of Goryeo personally promised to send his most cherished princess to marry a young talent of our empire. If this marriage alliance seeds, Great Hua and Goryeo will be as one family. Advancing our alliance strategy will then be twice as effective!"


    So, it¡¯s a princess from Goryeo who would be married into Great Hua. What a good idea; we certainly won''t be at a disadvantage. Overjoyed, the Emperor stepped down from his throne and looked around beforeughing out loud. "Goryeo wishes to send a princess for a marriage alliance. What do you all think? Should our Empire ept?"


    ¡®The old man has really pulled a fast one. The princess can¡¯t be married to you anyway.¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, suppressing augh.


    Seeing that the proposal came from their trusted adviser and would bring only benefits to Great Hua, everyone naturally nodded in agreement, following the line of Master Gu''s thinking.


    Seeing no objections, the old Emperor nodded solemnly. "Since the King of Goryeo is so sincere, we should not mistreat their princess. Following Master Gu''s advice, let us choose the most outstanding young man from our Great Hua Dynasty to marry the Goryeo princess. This will demonstrate the care and love of our dynasty, uniting our two nations as one family for generations toe. My ministers, do help me think where we could find such a young man."


    It''s just a Goryeo princess; any strong man from their Great Hua would suffice. Watching the ministers begin to brainstorm earnestly, Lin Wanrong found it amusing.


    Today''s agenda was supposed to discuss matters regarding Prince Cheng. Who knew that Gu Shunzhang would divert the topic to selecting a suitable groom for the Goryeo princess? The ministers were taking the matter so seriously that the atmosphere in the golden hall became indescribably strange. Only Gu Shunzhang, who initiated this situation, looked calm and smiling, as if it had nothing to do with him.


    "My ministers, do we have a suitable candidate?" After a moment passed like the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the Emperor''s gaze swept over the assembled officials.


    After brief consideration, a schr from the Hall of Literary Brilliance stepped forward and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, our Great Hua has a long history and under your wise rule, our Empire is full of capable people. Finding a young man fit for the Goryeo princess will not be difficult. Given a few hours, if not ten thousand, we could at least find eight thousand suitable candidates."


    Hearing this, the Emperor burst intoughter, and Lin Wanrong shuddered at the thought of the young man''s bright future. "When did our Empire produce such a sycophantic talent? How have I not noticed?"


    "However," the schr continued, "given Your Majesty''s kindness and generosity toward foreign countries, the chosen candidate should be the most outstanding young man in our Empire. After discussion, we find that the most fitting young man in terms of appearance, achievement, and reputation is¡ª"


    He paused and discreetly nced at Lin Wanrong.


    All eyes in the hall turned towards Lin Wanrong, and the atmosphere grew peculiarly quiet.


    "Uh, sir, you''re not talking about me, are you?" Lin Wanrong pointed to his own nose,ughing in surprise.


    The Hall of Literary Brilliance schr nodded solemnly, "Throughout the history of our dynasty, no one has surpassed you, Lord Lin! You should take it upon yourself. Your Majesty, we believe Lord Lin is the most suitable for this marriage!"


    As if prearranged, all the officials bowed and chorused, "We believe Lord Lin is the most suitable!"


    It was too unexpected; the age-old practice of diplomatic marriage had actually fallen upon him. Lin Wanrong''s mouth gaped open, wide enough to stuff two eggs.


    "Lin San, what are your thoughts?" The Emperor grunted through his nose.


    Cold sweat trickled down Lin Wanrong''s back, and he raised his right hand hastily. "Your Majesty, I swear, my intentions toward the princess are serious¡ªmore genuine than gold and silver!"


    "The princess? Do you mean the Goryeo princess?" The Hall of Literary Brilliance schr eagerly bowed, "Your Majesty, you heard it yourself. Lord Lin''s solemn oath is a deep expression of love towards the Goryeo princess. Given his character and integrity, I believe this marriage is assured."


    ¡®Have your ears grown on your buttocks? My confession was intended for Princess of Great Hua, not the Goryeo princess!¡¯ Lin Wanrong''s irritation was beyond words.


    The Emperor''s face turned exceedingly grim, and he snorted angrily, "Lin San, you''ve changed rather quickly!"


    "This is aplete misunderstanding," Lin Wanrong said with a wry smile. "Your Majesty, please do not readily believe in rumors. My vows were made to Qingxuan and Xian''er. As for sending me for a marriage alliance and having me marry a Goryeo woman¡ªYour Majesty, you might as well send me to the battlefield!"


    The old Emperor''s expression lightened slightly. He turned to Gu Shunzhang and asked, "Master Gu, do you have any suitable candidates?"


    Gu Shunzhang''s gaze fixated on Lin Wanrong, his face full of mysterious smiles. Lin Wanrong felt his hairs stand on end and prayed silently, ¡®Master Gu, please don''t harm me. The Emperor is known for his partiality, and I have a house full of jealous women already.¡¯


    The imperial tutor pondered for a moment before quietly asking, "Lin San, do you already have a wife at home?"


    "Yes, yes, quite a few, in fact," Lin Wanrong hastily nodded.


    Gu Shunzhang let out an "Oh" and smiled, "Well then, one more wouldn''t make much difference. Lin San, would you mind taking another wife?"


    The old man gave him a cold smirk, and Lin Wanrong, terrified out of his wits, quickly waved his hands, "I do mind, I very much mind! I have little money and even less space at home; I can''t afford to support another."


    "Rest assured," Gu Shunzhang grinned. "The dowry from the Goryeo King would suffice to support your entire family for a lifetime. What harm would one more do? Even if you run out of money, all of Great Hua would support you with a single call from you! Oh, I forgot to mention, this Goryeo princess is beautiful, dignified, and schrly. She is a perfect match for you; you should consider it!"


    ¡®Stop kidding, my perfect match is Qingxuan. When did it be the Goryeo princess?¡¯ Lin Wanrong shook his head firmly, his face solemn. "Master Gu, I deeply love my wives and cannot amodate¡ª" He counted on his fingers and then resolutely said, "Cannot amodate a ninth woman! Please tell the Goryeo princess that I am a man alreadymitted. Thank you!"


    Who would have thought, Lin Wanrong is such a faithful man. Those present couldn''t help but admire him.


    Gu Shunzhang looked at him earnestly, "Lin San, won''t you reconsider? You were the one who proposed this alliance strategy. The enduring peace between the twonds hinges on this decision. To be honest, across the entire Great Hua, there isn''t a second person more suited for this youngdy than you."


    The imperial tutor was truly persuasive, but Lin Wanrong shook his head like a rattle drum, refusing to yield.


    Master Gu sighed deeply and resignedly said, "In that case, it seems you and her are not meant to be. Lin San, this is a choice you''re making. Should you regret itter, don''te seeking me!"


    "Regret?" Lin Wanrong chuckled, brimming with confidence. "Master Gu, rest assured. It''s better to rely on oneself than to rely on others; I learned this truth twenty years ago."


    The old man Emperor seemed quite pleased with his attitude. However, the matter of this marriage alliance was of great national significance. If it truly required sacrificing Lin San''s fidelity, then it wasn''t entirely off the table. It would just mean Qingxuan and Xian''er would have to suffer some grievances.


    "Master Gu, is Lin San truly the only option?" The Emperor pondered for a long time before speaking.


    "I''ve said all that needs to be said. He has given up a good marriage prospect of his own ord. There will be a day when he will regret it!" Gu Shunzhang shook his head, "Your Majesty, let us find another suitable match for the Goryeo princess, then!"


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 Chapter 500

    Chapter 500 The Disposal


    "Indeed, there is no other way." The Emperor nodded solemnly. "We shall select ten young men of good moral character within our great Hua Empire and present them to the Goryeo princess. She may choose among them, and I shall grant titles and rewards ordingly. What does Master Gu think of this?"


    The n was sensible, and Gu Shunzhang had no objections. He nodded with a smile, and thus the matter of the marriage alliance was settled. Many in the pce felt regret for Lin San, especially those who knew of his rtionship with the princess. However, they also admired his wisdom. When it came to weighing the significance of the Goryeo princess against the Great Hua princess, Lin San had clearly made the right choice.


    Though he had refused a woman for seemingly no reason, Lin Wanrong''s feelings of regret were lessened when he thought of the sincere affection he shared with Qingxuan and Xian''er.


    Once everyone hadposed themselves, the old Emperor scanned the room with piercing eyes, his voice suddenly grave. "The reason I have convened all of you for this royal council meeting is that something of great importance has urred within our court¡ª"


    The room fell silent at his words, like a p of thunder reverberating in their ears. In this sensitive and uneasy moment, the expressions of the officials were solemn, and no one dared even to cough.


    The Emperor sighed, his eyes sharp as he locked onto Chen Biqing. "Minister Chen, you are the imperial censor, and you have been investigating this case with Lin San. What exactly has happened? Speak quickly."


    Chen Biqing''s face turned pale, and he had an inkling of why the Emperor had chosen him and Lin San to conduct the investigation.


    "Your Majesty, honored officials, under the Emperor''s orders, Lin San and I have been investigating the arson at the royal mansion and the disappearance of Prince Cheng," he reported, his voice quivering, his forehead slick with sweat. "Lin San, with his keen intellect, discovered a secret underground chamber in theke behind the royal mansion during our investigation¡ª"Though it was early spring, sweat soaked Chen Biqing''s back. The matter was extremely sensitive, and one false move could cost many their lives. He chose his words carefully, not daring to misspeak.


    "A secret chamber? What kind of chamber?" The Emperor''s eyes shed dangerously, his face turning ashen. "Minister Chen, what''s inside? Speak!"


    Under the intense gaze of everyone present, the pressure on Chen Biqing was palpable. He hurriedly knelt and eximed in terror, "I dare not say, Your Majesty."


    The Emperor sneered. "You are the imperial censor, what could you possibly be afraid to say? Speak the truth, and you shall be pardoned."


    "Thank you, Your Majesty!" With cold sweat trickling down his forehead, Chen Biqing remained kneeling. "This secret chamber, buried deep under theke, has an inscription at its entrance that reads ''Dragon Pce.'' It closely resembles theyout of our own imperial pce, even sharing many of the same names for its halls. It is decorated with gold bricks, colored ze, jade, and emeralds. Within the pce is a counterfeit Golden Hall, a throne made entirely of gold, a jade screen, a sham imperial study, and several side halls. Additionally, ording to an iplete tally conducted before today''s council meeting, we found more than 1,200 eastern pearls, over 2,000 pounds of gold leaf, 500,000 taels of silver, and more than 200 crates of jade, pottery, calligraphy, and paintings¡ª"


    "How dare you!" The old Emperor''s face darkened. In his rage, he swept aside the inkstone and brushes on the table in front of him. With a crash, the jade stand that had been on the table fell to the floor and shattered into pieces, scattering in all directions.


    "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!" Chen Biqing kowtowed as if crushing garlic, his face devoid of color.


    The ministers quickly fell to their knees, shouting in unison, "Your Majesty, please quell your anger! Consider the well-being of the nation and protect your royal health!"


    Lin Wanrong, being disabled, naturally didn''t need to kneel. The old man''s face was as dark as the clouds on the horizon. Even Lin Wanrong couldn''t tell if he was truly angry or just putting on an act.


    The Emperor snorted and didn''t instruct everyone to rise. He spoke solemnly, "Minister Chen, are you speaking the truth? Were these things truly discovered in my brother''s residence?"


    Chen Biqing hastily kowtowed again, "How dare your humble servant deceive you? The unearthed Dragon Pce still lies in the backyard of the prince''s mansion, and Lord Lin can bear witness."


    "So it''s all true then?" The Emperor shook his head in anguish and slumped back into his throne.


    If this information hade from Lin San, everyone would have had some reservations. But this time, it was personally witnessed by Chen Biqing, the Imperial Censor. Lin San hadn''t said a word. Given these circumstances, the matter was irrefutably true. As they watched the Emperor''s face fluctuate between flushed and pale, no one dared to speak out of turn.


    "You may all rise," said the Emperor after a long silence, waving his hand wearily.


    "Thank you, Your Majesty!" The ministers cautiously got to their feet, moving so gently that not a whisper of wind stirred their robes, lest they disturb the furious Emperor.


    The old Emperor looked utterly dejected, as if he had aged a decade in an instant. A tear gleamed in the corner of his eye. "Since my father passed the throne to me, over two decades have gone by. I have governed the nation well, waged wars in the north, pacified barbarians in the south. I''ve exhausted myself physically and mentally, and never had a peaceful night. Even if I am not the wisest of rulers, I certainly am not a tyrant. Why then do some, even my own brothers, make life difficult for me?" He wiped away the tear and sighed, "My esteemed ministers, tell me, why is this happening?"


    The Emperor''s tear-filled eyes scanned the assembly. The ministers quickly recoiled their necks; none dared to pick up his line of thought.


    Imperial Tutor Gu Shunzhang slowly rose and said, "For the sake of the nation, Your Majesty must take care of your health and not be overly distressed. Prince Cheng has rebelled; what''s done is done. Further discussion is fruitless. We must act quickly to reassure the court and allow our soldiers on the frontlines to fight without worry against the Turks, thereby demonstrating the might of our great empire."


    "Thank you, Master Gu, for the reminder. I shall keep it in mind," said the old Emperor, hurriedly wiping away his tears. His expression slowly settled into calmness. He sighed and turned to Lin Wanrong, "Lin San, where is Prince Cheng now?"


    Lin Wanrong began, "Your Majesty, I received intelligence tonight about a disturbance nned in the southern part of the city. At first, I thought it was just a handful of petty criminals and didn''t pay it much attention. However, as time passed, the number of these criminals began to swell, reaching a force of nearly five thousand, all well-armed and trained. They attacked our soldiers inrge groups and were extremely aggressive." Lin Wanrong spoke as if every word was true, "In such a situation, to maintain the peace in the capital, our brothers in the city defense department counterattacked. Not only did they defeat the attackers, but they also stumbled upon something unexpected¡ª"


    "What unexpected discovery?" interjected the Emperor.


    "It was truly unexpected¡ªI actually saw Prince Cheng among those people. Suspecting that His Highness might have been kidnapped by bandits, I ordered the city''s defensive forces to rescue him at all costs. We sacrificed five hundred of our brothers, and just as we were about to seed, something unexpected happened¡ª"


    This young man was naturally a smooth talker. What should have been a matter treated with gravity and caution, he made it sound like a story full of ups and downs. And at the most crucial moment, he swallowed half his words, leaving the gathered officials perplexed and annoyed. Gu Shunzhang frowned and said, "Lin San, His Majesty has a multitude of affairs to deal with. Focus on what is important and stop speaking in riddles."


    "Yes, yes, I understand my mistake." Lin Wanrong knew better than to underestimate the enigmatic old man, Gu Shunzhang. He hastily continued, "Just when we were about to rescue Prince Cheng, a man suddenly appeared from behind him. He was five feet tall, with a waist of one yard, bushy ck beard and thick eyebrows¡ªquite a menacing figure. Later, we learned that this man was a warrior serving Prince Cheng, surnamed Zhao, first name Wu. He was strapped with explosives and was holding Prince Cheng hostage. He was saying things we couldn''t understand¡ª" At this point, Lin Wanrong paused and looked at the Emperor.


    The Emperor, with his eyelids lowered, coldly said, "What couldn''t you understand? If you continue to speak in riddles, you might end up not even being able to sit in a wheelchair!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled nervously, "Zhao Wu said¡ª''Your Highness, you cannot surrender. A soldier may be killed, but not humiliated. With your noble lineage, how can you kneel and submit? I, Zhao Wu, am willing to face great danger with you! Qi Yue, you scoundrel, why are you leading His Highness to infamy? Your Highness, everyone else can surrender, but you cannot!''¡ªAh, I really can''t understand what these words mean!"


    The assembly exchanged nces. Clearly, Zhao Wu was urging Prince Cheng not to surrender to the official army. How could Lin Wanrong possibly not understand? Everyone knew what he meant and knew he was lying, but who would dare to expose him at this moment?


    "And what happened next?" Gu Shunzhang asked. In this golden hall, beside the Emperor, he was the only one who had the right to speak.


    "Because His Highness was taken hostage, we dared not act rashly. But then, Zhao Wu, as if possessed, lit the explosives strapped to him. At the crucial moment, a strategist named Qi Yue under Prince Cheng saved him. However, both of His Highness''s legs¡ª"


    "What happened to my brother''s legs?!" The Emperor stood up abruptly, anxiety etched clearly on his face.


    Lin Wanrong sighed and shook his head, "Water and fire are merciless. When the explosives went off, both of His Highness''s legs were blown off below the knees¡ª"


    "Brother!" The Emperor let out a sorrowful cry, his body quivering as if about to fall. Fortunately, Gao Ping, standing beside him, steadied him in time. "Your Majesty, you must restrain your grief. Your health is of utmost importance!"


    Despite Prince Cheng''s great crimes, the Emperor still cared for him so deeply, a kindness that moved many of the officials in the hall. Lin Wanrong, keen-eyed, noticed a fleeting glint of cruelty and satisfaction in the Emperor''s tear-brimmed eyes. It was momentary but didn''t escape his vignt gaze.


    "Brother! My dear brother!" The Emperor''s old eyes filled with tears as he struggled to his feet, gripping Gao Ping''s hand. "Lin San, where is my brother now? I must go see him! Summon the imperial physician, we must heal his leg¡ª"


    The Emperor had been extraordinarily kind and just toward Prince Cheng. Everyone was moved by his affection, but none understood it as clearly as Lin Wanrong. "Your Majesty," Lin Wanrong said, his tone neutral, "the imperial physician is already treating the Prince."


    "Good. I shall go to him at once¡ª" Not caring that they were in the middle of a discussion, the Emperor started to leave, not even bothering to adjourn the court. However, he was stopped by the imperial tutor, Gu Shunzhang, who stepped forward with a bow. "Your Majesty," Gu Shunzhang said, his expression calm, "ording to what was just described, it would not be appropriate for you to see Prince Cheng right now."


    "Master Gu, why is that? Can''t I even see my own brother?" Although the Emperor had lost hisposure, he dared not be disrespectful to his advisor.


    Gu Shunzhang nodded slightly. "Your Majesty is a wise and enlightened ruler. You must surely understand the principle of ''ruler before brother.''"


    "''Ruler before brother?''" The Emperor murmured. "Master Gu, are you suggesting that I must first punish my brother for his wrongdoings before expressing fraternal love?"


    With a solemn expression, Gu Shunzhang replied: "Your Majesty, this is not my opinion, but thew of our great empire. As the saying goes, if a princemits a crime, he is subject to the samews as amoner. If Prince Cheng is truly guilty of treason, and if he goes unpunished, what bes of thew? What bes of justice? How will you face your subjects?"


    Lin Wanrong found this strange. Gu Shunzhang was an ally of Prince Cheng; why was he urging the Emperor to punish the Prince? Was he not afraid that his own son would be implicated?


    Heeding his tutor''s caution, the Emperor finally regained hisposure. Closing his eyes and folding his hands behind his back, he stood in silence for a long while. Who would dare continue this topic? The other officials nervously withdrew, afraid they might be singled out by the Emperor.


    "Xu Wei, you speak!" Frustrated that no one dared offer advice, the Emperor pointed to Xu Wei, who was in the first row to his right.


    Xu Wei had been silent for most of the night, particrly since Gu Shunzhang was present. Stepping forward with a bow, he said: "Your Majesty, if a princemits a crime, he is no different from amoner. What Master Gu said just now forms the basis of good governance. I concur."


    The crime of treason could only be punished by death. Xu Wei''s words were sinct, but their weight was immense. Given his long-standing enmity with Prince Cheng, nobody was surprised by his stance.


    The Emperor snorted angrily. "My brother is like my own hands and feet. How can one willingly sever one''s own limbs? Yu Wenzheng, what do you have to say?"


    The man called Yu Wenzheng was the schr who had earlier rmended Lin San for a marital alliance. His ability to tter was so great that even Lin Wanrong had to admire him. Standing behind Chen Biqing, it was clear his rank was not low.


    "In my humble opinion, Your Majesty''s wisdom is beyond ourprehension," Yu Wenzheng said, his voice ringing out so loudly it made Lin Wanrong''s eardrums buzz. "Whatever Your Majesty decides will undoubtedly be brilliant. All we must do is understand deeply, observe carefully; even if we studied it for a lifetime, we would hardly grasp even a fraction of it."


    The Emperor nodded and smiled, "Minister Yu, please feel free to express your opinions. I will not take offense."


    "Certainly. In my humble opinion, if Your Majesty imposes severe punishment on the prince, it would demonstrate the sacrifice of personal rtions for the greater good. It would serve as an example to themon people, further increasing their respect for you. On the other hand, if leniency is granted, it would show Your Majesty''s benevolence and kindness, and would serve as an ideal for the people, earning their gratitude. Either way, it is a win-win situation."


    Minister Yu spoke at length, heaping praises, yet effectively saying nothing. Lin Wanrong, listening to this, felt he had much to learn.


    The Emperor then called upon Chen Biqing. The imperial censor carefully considered his response. "Considering the crimesmitted by Prince Cheng, even execution would not be excessive. However, I recognize Your Majesty''spassion and reluctance for fratricide. I suggest we strip him of his title and send him to live in exile under military surveince, banning him from ever returning to the capital. This would both punish his transgressions and highlight Your Majesty''s kindness."


    "I object!" Xu Wei interjected immediately. "Minister Chen, this is too lenient! If Prince Cheng is not severely punished, how can we answer to the people?"


    "Minister Xu, punishment doesn''t always have to be death. Exile and stripping of titles are also severe penalties. Being lenient toward a disabled man would disy the Emperor''s wisdom and kindness," Chen argued.


    The two ministers shed verbally, on the brink of a heated argument. The Emperor, growing frustrated, mmed his palm onto the armrest of his throne. "Enough! Both of you, be silent."


    Xu Wei and Chen Biqing hastily quieted down, daring not to speak further. The Emperor hummed and continued, "I understand your concerns for the Empire. Prince Cheng is my blood brother, and there are only the two of us left. How can I be ruthless toward him? I vowed to my father that I would never harm my brother in my lifetime. You may forget, but I cannot. I will nevermit fratricide! Let¡¯s follow Minister Chen¡¯s advice: strip him of his title and send him to exile in the far north, under military surveince, never to return to the capital."


    Before Xu Wei could object further, a furious re from the Emperor silenced him.


    ''Sending him to exile? Is this not the same as setting a tiger free?'' thought Lin Wanrong, barely containing his urge to jump up.


    "Master Gu, what do you think of my decision?" The Emperor looked earnestly toward Gu Shunzhang, clearly seeking his approval.


    "Excellent, excellent," Gu Shunzhang nodded approvingly, a mysterious smile on his face. "Your Majesty''s skillful management and appropriate measures truly exhibit the demeanor of a great Emperor!"


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    <strong>Check out thest chapter 691 in /al_squad</strong>

 Chapter 501

    Chapter 501 Hidden Secrets


    "Thank you, Master Gu, for your enlightening words," the Emperor nodded, putting an end to Xu Wei''s continued argument. He spoke firmly, "We are all connected by blood. If others can be heartless, how could I be unjust? My ministers, say no more. My decision is final, and it shall not change! Gao Ping, draft the imperial decree immediately and announce it to the entire realm."


    Once the Emperor had made up his mind, who else would dare to speak further? Chen Biqing stood up and shouted, "Your Majesty is broad-minded, full of loyalty,passion, and virtue. Your love for the people is evident for all under Heaven to witness. This act will surely win the admiration of the realm and the allegiance of all nations. Long live the Emperor, long live, long live!"


    "All nations will admire and pledge allegiance; long live the Emperor, long live, long live," the assembled ministers intoned in unison as they bowed deeply.


    The Emperor sighed, his expression tinged with fatigue, "Then let the discussion end here. I shall visit my royal brotherter. I hope he doesn''t hold any grudges against me."


    Treating Prince Cheng so generously¡ªif the prince still bore anyints¡ªit would indeed defy all reason. The ministers sighed in awe and reverence, bowing as they watched the Emperor''s silhouette gradually disappear behind the curtain.


    So such a monumental issue was decided just like that? Lin Wanrong and Xu Wei exchanged nces. There were no beheadings, no rivers of blood; not even a word of me had been uttered. Was the old man treating Prince Cheng this kindly?


    As they stepped out of the hall, Xu Wei looked around to make sure no one was in the vicinity, then lowered his voice and said, "Little brother, what do you think hase over His Majesty? Why is he so indecisive at such a critical moment? Even without his legs, Prince Cheng is still a fearsome tiger, and his enmity runs even deeper. If we let him roam free in the north of the river, isn''t that like letting a tiger return to the mountain?"


    Lin Wanrong spread his hands in a wry smile, "What good does it do for you and me to discuss this? The old man has already made up his mind, and he hasn''t given anyone else a chance to get a word in. In Sichuan, where the imperial influence is weak, the local women are all extremely beautiful. Prince Cheng would find life there quitefortable. This is what''s called turning a misfortune into a blessing. Ah, why don''t I have such luck?"This equivocalment only made Xu Wei more anxious. He paused, ensured they were alone, then suddenly grabbed Lin Wanrong''s sleeve and whispered, "Little brother Lin, do you remember Tong Cheng, the man who bombarded you during the suppression of the White Lotus Cult?"


    ¡®Of course, I remember. If it weren''t for him, how could I have met Sister An?¡¯ Lin Wanrong nodded and smiled, "Mr. Xu, why do you suddenly bring him up?"


    "What do I care about him?" Xu Wei shook his head, a cold smile on his face, "I''m talking about his fate¡ªcan''t we enforce the same here?"


    "Mr. Xu, are you suggesting that we take action on the way?" Lin Wanrong was a bit shocked; when it came to struggles, Old Xu was really no pushover.


    Xu Wei nodded slightly, "Brother Lin, we''ve already offended Prince Cheng deeply. Every day he stays is a potential disaster. Since the Emperor is unwilling to act, it falls on us, his subjects, to take action. What do you think?"


    Before Lin Wanrong could reply, Gao Ping hurriedly approached, "Lord Lin, His Majesty summons you!"


    ¡®The Emperor wants to see me?¡¯ Lin Wanrong was slightly taken aback. At this point, everything had already been decided; what could he possibly want to talk to him about?


    "Since His Majesty has summoned you, you should go quickly. Also, please consider carefully what this old man has told you," Xu Wei signaled to him, before hurriedly turning away.


    ¡®I''ve never been involved in behind-the-scenes killings,¡¯ Lin Wanrong thought, feeling somewhat conflicted. He wasn''t sure if he should heed Old Xu''s advice.


    As he entered the Hall of Extended Years, the elderly Emperor sat with his eyes slightly closed, his face as calm as still water. He appeared to be meditating, seemingly oblivious to Lin Wanrong''s arrival. Gao Ping wheeled Lin Wanrong into ce and then silently withdrew, leaving the spacious Hall of Extended Years empty except for the two of them.


    The Emperor continued to meditate, his face pale but with a hint of flush, revealing an indisguisable sign of illness. Seeing that the old master remained silent, Lin Wanrong decided to close his eyes as well. He had been exceedingly tired these past few days, and even the presence of the Emperor, the revered ruler of the realm, couldn''t fend off his drowsiness.


    "You certainly have the gall¡ª" the Emperor hummed disdainfully, "¡ªdaring to doze off in my Hall of Extended Years! If it were anyone else, they would lose their heads, all ten of them."


    Lin Wanrong chuckled and replied at a leisurely pace, "Your Majesty''s kindness and love are well noted, and I keep them in my heart. But why has Your Majesty summoned me sote at night? What guidance do you have for me?"


    The Emperor''s eyes narrowed sharply, fixing on him. "Are you mocking me?"


    "Not at all," Lin Wanrong responded calmly. "Your Majesty''s reach extends everywhere, like rain and sunshine, who would dare to mock you? I''m not eager to meet with gunpowder¡ªI''d like to live a few more years!"


    "You already know?!" The Emperor''s expression remained unchanged as he turned and burst intoughter. "Lin San, when did you be such a fool? A smart man should do smart things. Some words are better left unsaid."


    Lin Wanrong shook his head slightly, his face suddenly turning gloomy. "I''m not the one who''s be a fool. There are certain things that I would never say to anyone else. I only wish that, in the eyes of Xian''er and Qingxuan, their father remains forever kind and amiable, without a shadow of darkness¡ª"


    "How dare you!" The Emperor erupted in anger, abruptly rising from his seat and pointing at Lin Wanrong. "Lin San, are you lecturing me?"


    "Lecturing?" Lin Wanrong chuckled and gestured to his crippled leg. "Could someone with a nearly severed leg like me possibly lecture the current Emperor? Your Majesty, you''re overestimating me."


    The Emperor nced at Lin Wanrong''s injured leg and, recalling all that he had done, his expression gradually eased. He suddenly broke intoughter. "Let''s just say I''m overestimating you then. I understand, you''re afraid that the methods I used on my brother might be applied to you one day. You''re a bit apprehensive, aren''t you?"


    Lin Wanrong merely chuckled, neither admitting nor denying the usation.


    The Emperor slowly stepped in front of him, lightly patting Lin Wanrong''s shoulder and sighing with resignation, "You''re not me, how could you understand my feelings? As a ruler of a nation, if you don''t have strict measures, how can you establish authority andmand the respect of the people? True, Zhao Wu was my nted spy beside Prince Cheng, and even the explosives tied to him were carefully crafted by my order. Unfortunately, their potency was less than I had hoped. Still, being able to make him a cripple and taste some suffering pleases me greatly. Lin San, you''ve done well. In these twenty years, I have never been so satisfied." The old Emperorughed heartily, his face flushed. Amid hisughter, a bout of severe coughing broke out, causing tears to appear at the corners of his eyes.


    Lin Wanrong was still shocked, despite having had his suspicions. If Prince Cheng was indeed guilty of treason, why not just kill him swiftly? Why did the old man take pleasure in tormenting his own brother?


    "You may condemn me as ruthless, cold-hearted, and unfeeling," the Emperor''s face was pale as he waved his hand dismissively, "But what''s cause without effect? Compared to the immense pain he brought me, what does breaking his legs count for?" He paused, "After Xian''er, I have no more descendants. Lin San, do you know why?"


    A light shed in Lin Wanrong''s mind, "Could it be because of Prince Cheng¡ª"


    "Who else could it be?" The Emperor howled, his voice hoarse and piercing. "Twenty years ago, on the eve of my father''s death, he incited a rebellion, stormed into the Great Prime Minister Temple, and killed my young son. During the chaos, I was hit by a stray arrow, leaving me incapable of producing heirs. The royal lineage ends with me! And now, when Miss Guo reappears by my side, I am left broken, both in body and spirit, without the vigor of my youth. Have you ever experienced this kind of humiliation? Do you understand what I''ve been through for the past twenty years? Lin San, tell me, who''s the ruthless one, him or me?"


    The Emperor''s eyes were bloodshot, his teeth clenched tightly against his lips, appearing almost insane. Lin Wanrong was also stunned. He hadn''t expected this plot against the throne to be rooted in such deep-seated grudges and vendettas. The old man had been rendered impotent in his prime, incapable of leaving an heir¡ªwhat could be more devastating than that? No wonder he resorted to such measures.


    Lin Wanrong shook his head, speechless. The grievances between these brothers were trulyplicated and difficult to untangle.


    The atmosphere inside the Hall of Extended Years grew eerily silent, neither of them speaking. The only sound was the flickering candlelight, its soft noise echoing in their ears.


    "What do you think?" The Emperor, always an Emperor, was unsurpassable in his cunning and guile. After his burst of rage, he had returned to calm in a mere moment, his face as impassive as if nothing had urred, "Did I wrong him by breaking his legs?"


    "Perhaps not," Lin Wanrong shook his head and sighed softly, feeling weary inside. The power struggles within the royal family had always been ruthless, with intricate schemes and relentless plotting, even among true brothers and fathers and sons. The case between Prince Cheng and the Emperor was just one ring example, and it was no wonder the old man had developed such a suspicious and ruthless character.


    "Rest assured," the Emperor patted Lin Wanrong on the shoulder, his voice filled with gravitas. "I will never use that method against you, not only because you are the husband of Qingxuan and Xian''er, but there''s a more important reason: you are a man without ambition. Even the things that everyone in the world dreams of, you can easily let go of! This is the very reason that particrly irritates me. You have intelligence, cunning, a grasp of human nature, and your talent for scheming is no less than mine. Why, then, do youck ambition? You should know that the Empire I''ve built through painstaking efforts will eventually have to rely on you¡ª"


    "Hold on, hold on!" Hearing the Emperor going around in circles, bringing the topic back to the familiar road, Lin Wanrong felt his head swell and hurriedly interrupted. "Your Majesty, did you summon me here just to say these things?"


    "Is that what I want to say?" The Emperor''s eyes narrowed. "In my heart, Qingxuan and Xian''er are as important to me as my Empire. If you dare to threaten me with them again, I will surely behead you. Have you got that?"


    "Understood, understood!" Lin Wanrong nodded hastily.


    The Emperor snorted coldly. "I called you here tonight to entrust you with something. As for the matter concerning Prince Cheng, I have made up my mind. Don''t y any tricks behind my back."


    Could this old man predict the future? How did he find out about the matter that he had just discussed with Old Xu? Cold sweat trickled down Lin Wanrong''s back. Lowering his voice, he said, "Your Majesty, since this is a matter you''ve decided, how would I dare to y tricks? I am someone who values my reputation!"


    "Good that you value your reputation!" The Emperor sighed, once again emphasizing his words. "Though you''ve earned some merit, your foundation is still shallow. Don''t be greedy for credit in this matter and know when to pull out. Be aware that the eyes of both the civil and military officials are on you. Present yourself in a lofty manner so that everyone knows that the credit is yours, but you are not a treacherous viin who would kick someone when they are down. Then public opinion will naturally be on your side. Once you return from the north, holding military power, then you can¡ª"


    "Your Majesty, let''s talk about something else!" Lin Wanrong felt a chill run down his spine and quickly interrupted him. Lowering his voice, he added, "Aren''t you afraid that Prince Cheng will rebel again if you exile him to the north?"


    The Emperor''s expression remained indifferent. "I''ve already told you, my mind is made up. This is none of your concern. Just focus on your tasks; no one will hold you back."


    For a moment, both were silent. Seeing that it was gettingte, Lin Wanrong was about to bow and take his leave when the Emperor grunted, "So, you''re leaving?"


    Seeing that the old man looked displeased, Lin Wanrong felt a tightening in his heart. "Your Majesty, do you have more instructions?"


    The old Emperor spoke unhurriedly, "The confidential matters I just discussed with you are known to only three people in the world, including myself. Do you think anyone can hear them?"


    "Really? Your Majesty, are you nning to kill the messenger?" Lin Wanrong cautiously inquired.


    "I''d actually like to," the Emperor smiled, seeing his wary look. "But I''m afraid my two princesses wouldn''t forgive me. Well then, you may be spared the death penalty, but you can''t escape a lesser punishment!"


    Lin Wanrong chuckled awkwardly, "What''s this about death penalties and lesser punishments, Your Majesty? I don''t quite understand!"


    The old Emperor sighed, his voice suddenly growing solemn. "In one more day, the hundreds of thousands strong army of my Great Hua will march northward. You should remember that, right?"


    Lin Wanrong nodded, "Of course I remember. Even a cripple like me is going with the army!"


    "Very well!" The Emperor abruptly stood up. "Lin San, I will pardon your death penalty as a cripple, but you must promise me one thing!"


    "What is it?"


    The Emperor''s thick brows furrowed, an aura of killing intent subtly emanating from him. "¡ªCapture the Khan of the Turks!"


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